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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
This refers to the start of the world and everything in it.
"the sky, the ground, and everything in them"
This refers here to the sky.
God had not yet put the world in order.
"the water" or "the deep water" or "the vast water"
"the surface of the water" or "the water"
This is a command. By commanding that light should exist, God made it exist.
"God considered the light and was pleased with it." "Good" here means "pleasing" or "suitable."
"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.
God did these things on the first day that the universe existed.
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.
These are commands. By commanding that the expanse should exist and that it divide the waters, God made it exist and divide the waters.
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.
"in the water"
"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 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.
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]
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.
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"
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"
This refers to land that is not covered with water. It does not refer to land that is too dry for farming.
"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.
"the part that was dry 'earth,' and"
Here "it" refers to the land and the sea. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:4.
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, 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.
These are kinds of vegetation that have soft stems, rather than woody stems.
"trees that bear fruit with seeds in them"
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 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.
Here "it" refers to the vegetation, plants, and trees. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:10.
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]
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.
This is a command. By commanding that lights should exist, God made them exist.
"things that shine in the sky" or "things that give light in the sky." This refers to the sun, moon, and stars.
"in the expanse of the sky" or "in the large space of the sky"
"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.
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"
Here this means something that reveals or points to something.
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.
times that are set aside for festivals and other things that people do
This is a command. By commanding that they should light the earth, God made them light 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 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.
"In this way God made the two great lights." This sentence explains what God did when he spoke.
"the two large lights" or "the two bright lights." The two great lights are the sun and the moon.
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"
This refers only to the daylight hours.
"the smaller light" or "the dimmer light"
"in the heavens" or "in the open space of the sky"
"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.
Here "it" refers to the sun, moon, and stars. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:4.
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]
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.
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"
This is a command. By commanding that birds should fly, God made them fly.
"animals that fly" or "flying things"
"the open space of the sky" or "the sky"
"In this way God created"
"large animals that live in the sea"
Living things of the same "kind" are like the ones they came from. See how you translated "kind" in Genesis 1:11,12.
"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.
Here "it" refers to the birds and the fish. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:4.
"blessed the animals that he had made"
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."
increase greatly in number
This is a command. By commanding that birds should multiply, God made birds multiply.
"animals that fly" or "flying things." See how you translated this in Genesis 1:20.
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]
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.
"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.
"so that each kind of animal will produce more of its own kind"
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.
These are animals that people look after.
"small animals"
These are animals that live in the wild. People do not take care of them.
"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.
"In this way God made the wild animals"
Here "it" refers to the living creatures on the earth. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:4.
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.
human beings
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"
"rule over" or "have authority over"
These two sentences mean the same thing and emphasize that God created people in his own image.
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.
The word "them" refers to the man and woman God had created.
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 with people.
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God continues speaking.
"all the birds that fly in the sky"
"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 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.
"This is true and important: it"
Now when God looked at everything he had made, it was "very good. "See how you translated "it was good" in Genesis 1:10.
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]
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.
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.
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 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.
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)
"the sky" or "the skies"
"and all the many living things that are in them" or "and all the crowds of living things in them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God had finished creating them"
God did not work at all on the seventh day.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "had finished"
"on that day he did not work"
Possible meanings are 1) God caused the seventh day to produce good result or 2) God said that the seventh day was good.
"made it holy" or "set it apart"
The rest of Genesis 2 tells about how God created people on the sixth day.
"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.
"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."
"when Yahweh God created." The word "day" refers to the whole time span of the creation, not to just one particular day.
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.
no shrubs growing in the wild that animals might eat
no leafy plants like vegetables or greens that both animals and humans can eat
to do everything he needed to do so that the plants would grow well
Possible meanings are 1) something like dew or morning fog o 2) springs from underground streams.
the entire earth
"molded man" or "shaped man" or "created man"
"a human being ... the human" or "a person ... the person" not specifically a male
"his nose"
"breath that makes things live." Here "life" refers to physical life.
This could have been an orchard of fruit trees or an area with all kinds of trees.
in the east
"the tree that gives people life"
Here this means "eternal life" or life that does not end.
"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"
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 middle of the garden." The two trees may not have been in the exact center of the garden.
The garden was in Eden. The river continued to flow outside of Eden. "A river flowed through Eden to water the garden"
This is the only time this river is referred to in the Bible.
"the whole land called Havilah." It was somewhere in the Arabian Desert.
This phrase gives information about Havilah. Some languages would translate it as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: "There is gold in Havilah"
The word "there" is placed first in the sentence for emphasis. Alternate translation: "This is also where people can find bdellium and onyx stones"
This resin comes from a tree and smells nice. A resin is sticky stuff that comes out of some trees and can burn.
"onyx stones." Onyx is a certain kind of beautiful stone.
This is the only mention of this river in the Bible.
The river did not cover the whole land, but wound through various parts of the land.
"the entire land called Cush"
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"
"the garden that was in Eden"
"to cultivate it." This means to do everything necessary so that the plants will grow well.
to guard against anything bad happening in it
"The fruit of every tree in the garden"
This pronoun is singular.
"may eat without restriction"
"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.
"I will make a helper who is just right for him"
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"
"all the animals that people look after"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "there was no companion that was right for him"
"caused the man to sleep intensely." A deep sleep is a time of sleeping in which a person is not easily disturbed or wakened.
This refers to the soft parts of the body like skin and muscle.
"From the rib ... he formed a woman." The rib was the material God made the woman from.
"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.
The translator may want to write a footnote saying "The Hebrew word for 'woman' sounds like the Hebrew word for 'man.'
What follows is written by the author. The man did not say these things.
"That is why a man"
"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.
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"
The word "they" refers to the man and the woman that God had created.
"not wearing clothing"
"they were not ashamed about being naked"
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)
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)
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. )
The writer is beginning a new part of the story.
"more cunning" or "smarter at getting what he wanted by telling lies"
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.'"
The word "you" is plural and refers to the man and the woman.
"We are allowed to eat" or "We have permission to eat"
The word "you" is plural and refers to the man and the woman.
"Do not eat it, and do not touch it" or "You must not eat it or touch it"
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"
These words refer to the man and the woman and so are dual or plural.
These words refer to the man and the woman and so are dual or plural.
"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"
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]
"the tree was delightful to look at" or "it was nice to look at" or "it was very beautiful"
"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"
"Then their eyes opened" or "They became aware" or "They understood." See how you translated "your eyes will be opened" in Genesis 3:5.
put together, probably using vines as thread
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."
They did this because they were ashamed. This implicit information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "clothed themselves with them because they were ashamed"
"at the time of day when a cool breeze blows"
"from Yahweh God's sight" or "so that Yahweh God would not see them" or "from Yahweh God"
"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.
In verses 9 and 11, God was speaking to the man. Languages that have a singular form of "you" would use that here.
"I heard the sound you were making"
God knew the answer to this question. He asked it in order to help Adam to confess that he had disobeyed God.
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."
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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."
"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 domestic animals and all wild animals"
"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.
"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.
This means that the serpent and the woman would become enemies.
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.
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.
"crush" or "strike" or "attack"
"I will make your pain increase much" or "I will make your pain to be very severe"
"in giving birth to children" or "when you give birth to children"
"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 be your master" or "he will control you"
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.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you have obeyed what your wife said"
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 must not eat from it" or "Do not eat its fruit"
The word "curse" comes first in the sentence to emphasize that the ground, which had been "good"
"by doing hard work"
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"
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."
"By doing hard work that makes your face sweat"
Here the word "bread" is a synecdoche for food in general. Alternate translation: "you will eat food"
"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.
"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.
Some translations say "Adam."
"gave his wife the name Eve" or "named his wife Eve"
Translators may write a footnote saying "The name Eve sounds like the Hebrew word that means 'living.'"
The word "living" refers to people. Alternate translation: "all people" or "all living people"
"clothing made out of animal skins"
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 us." The pronoun "us" is plural. See how you translated "Let us make" in Genesis 1:26.
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will not allow him"
"the tree that gives people life." See how you translated this in Genesis 2:9.
"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.
This means to what is needed so that plants grow well. See how you translated this in Genesis 2:5.
"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 stop people from going to the tree of life"
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.
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.
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).
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 human being" or "Adam"
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."
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."
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.
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.
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.
Possible meanings are 1) "after some time had passed" or 2) "at the right time"
This refers to the food that came from plants he had tended. Alternate translation: "crops" or "harvest"
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"
"looked favorably upon" or "was pleased with"
"did not look favorably upon" or "was not pleased with"
Some languages have an idiom for anger such as "He burned" or "His anger burned."
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.
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.
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"
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"
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"
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."
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"
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.'"
Abel was Cain's younger brother. Some languages may need to use the word for "younger brother."
Standing up to fight against a person is an idiom for attacking him. Alternate translation: "attacked"
God knew that Cain had killed Abel, but he asked Cain this question so that Cain would have to answer.
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!"
God uses a rhetorical question to rebuke Cain. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "What you have done is terrible!"
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"
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"
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"
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"
This means to do everything necessary to do so that the plants would grow well. See how "cultivate" is translated in Genesis 2:5.
The ground is personified as if it were a person who loses strength. Alternate translation: "the ground will not produce much food for you"
You can join these words together. Alternate translation: "A homeless wanderer"
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The term "your face" represents God's presence. Alternate translation: "I will not be able to speak to you"
See how you translated this in Genesis 4:12
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 kill Cain"
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"
Translators may add a footnote saying "The word Nod means 'wandering.'"
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]
"Cain built a city"
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"
This is a man's name.
women's names
See how you translated this woman's name in Genesis 4:19.
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."
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."
See how you translated this woman's name in Genesis 4:19.
the name of a man
"who made tools out of bronze and iron"
a very strong metal used to make tools and weapons.
See how you translated these women's names in Genesis 4:19.
Lamech said the same thing twice for emphasis. His voice is a synecdoche for his whole person. Alternate translation: "listen carefully to 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"
Lamech knows that God will avenge Cain seven times. Alternate translation: "Since God will punish anyone who kills Cain seven times, Lamech"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whoever kills me, God will punish seventy-seven times"
77
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]
This is the reason that she named him Seth. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "explained, 'God has given me another child"
Translators may add a footnote that says "This name sounds like the Hebrew word that means 'has given.'"
This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Seth's wife bore him a son"
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"
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.
This is the beginning of the list of Adam's descendants.
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]
This can be made active. Alternate translation: "when he created them"
Translators may write the words "one hundred thirty."
"he had a son"
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.
See how you translated this name in Genesis 4:25.
Translators may write the numerals "800."
"He had more sons and daughters"
This phrase will be repeated throughout the chapter. Use the ordinary word for "died."
"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"
"one hundred and five years"
Here "father" means his actual father, not his grandfather. Alternate translation: "he had his son Enosh"
This is the name of a person.
"eight hundred and seven years"
"and had more sons and daughters"
"Seth lived nine hundred and twelve years." Seth lived a total of 912 years.
This phrase is repeated throughout the chapter. Use the ordinary word for "died."
The records in Genesis 5:6-27 have the same format. Translate them according to the notes in [Genesis 5:6-8]
"90 years"
"eight hundred and fifteen years"
"nine hundred and give years"
The records in Genesis 5:6-27 have the same format. Translate them according to the notes in [Genesis 5:6-8]
"70 years"
"eight hundred and forty years"
"nine hundred and ten years"
The records in Genesis 5:6-27 have the same format. Translate them according to the notes in [Genesis 5:6-8]
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The records in Genesis 5:6-27 have the same format. Translate them according to the notes in [Genesis 5:6-8]
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"he had his son Methuselah"
This is the name of a man.
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 had more sons and daughters"
"Enoch lived three hundred and sixty-five years." Enoch lived a total of 365 years.
The word "he" refers to Enoch. He was no longer on earth.
This means that God took Enoch to be with himself (God).
The records in Genesis 5:6-27 have the same format. Translate them according to the notes in [Genesis 5:6-8]
This Lamech is different from the Lamech in Genesis 4:18.
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"one hundred and eighty-two years"
"had a son"
Translators may want to add a footnote that says: "This name sounds like the Hebrew word that means 'rest.'"
Lamech says the same thing twice to emphasize how hard the work was. Alternate translation: "from working so hard with our hands"
"five hundred and ninety-five years"
"Lamech lived seven hundred seventy-seven years." Lamech lived a total of 777 years"
"he had his sons." This does not tell us whether the sons were born on the same day or in different years.
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.
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.
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.
This can be active. Alternate translation: "the women bore daughters"
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.
Here Yahweh is talking about himself and his spirit, which is the Spirit of God.
This means that they have physical bodies that will one day die.
"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"
These seem to have been giants, very tall, large people.
"The Nephilim were born because"
See how you translated this in Genesis 6:2.
"These Nephilim were the mighty men who lived long ago" or "These children grew to become the powerful fighters who lived long ago"
men who are courageous and victorious in battle
"famous men"
"everything their hearts wanted to think about"
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"
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"
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"
Some languages would need to translate this as two sentences. Alternate translation: "I created mankind. I will wipe them away"
"completely destroy." Here "wipe away" is used in a negative sense, for God is talking about destroying the people because of their sin.
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"
This begins the story of Noah, which continues into chapter 9.
See how you translated this in Genesis 5:21.
"Noah had three sons" or "Noah's wife had three sons"
Translators may add the following footnote: "The sons are not listed in the order in which they were born."
Possible meanings are 1) the people who lived on the earth or 2) "The earth itself."
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"
Possible meanings are 1) "in God's sight" or 2) "in the presence of Yahweh" as in Genesis 4:16.
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"
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
Possible meanings for what "all flesh" represents are 1) all human beings or 2) all physical beings, including humans and animal.
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"
See how you translated these words in Genesis 6:12.
"people everywhere on earth are violent"
"I will destroy both them and the earth" or "I will destroy them when I destroy the earth"
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"
People do not know exactly what kind of tree this was. "wood used for building boats" or "good wood"
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"
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.
A cubit was a unit of measure, a little less than half a meter long.
"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."
"twenty-three meters"
"fourteen meters"
This was probably a peaked or slanted roof. Its purpose was to protect everything in the ark from the rain.
A cubit was a little less than half a meter long. See how you translated this in [Genesis 6:15]
"a lower deck, a middle deck, and an upper deck" or "three decks inside"
"floor" or "level"
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"
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"
Here "flesh" represents all physical beings, including humans and animals.
Here "breath" represents life. Alternate translation: "that lives"
"make a covenant between you and me"
with Noah
"You will enter the ark." Some translations say "You will go into the ark."
"You must bring into the ark two of every kind of living creature"
an animal God created
See how you translated these words in Genesis 6:12.
"of each different kind"
This refers to small animals that move on the ground .
This refers to two of every kind of bird and animal.
This refers to Noah and so is singular.
"so you can keep them alive"
These refer to Noah and are singular.
"food that people and animals eat"
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"
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.
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)
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)
The events in this chapter take place after Noah built the ark, gathered the food, and put it in the ark.
"Enter ... into the ark." Many translations read "Go ... into the ark."
The word "you" refers to Noah and is singular.
"your family"
This means that God saw Noah as righteous.
This refers to all the people who were living at that time. Alternate translation: "among all the people who are now living"
"take." Many translations read "you will take."
This was an animal that God allowed his people to eat and to sacrifice.
These were animals that God did not allow people to eat or to sacrifice.
"so that they will have offspring that will live" or "so that, after the flood, animals will continue to live"
This was a full forty days. It was not a total of eighty days. Alternate translation: "forty days and nights"
This refers to physical life.
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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.
"happened" or "came on the earth"
"because of the flood that would come" or "to escape the flood water"
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.
These were animals that God allowed people to eat and to give to him as sacrifices.
These were animals that God did not allow people to eat or to give to him as sacrifices.
The animals entered the boat in pairs of one male and one female.
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 seven days" or "seven days later"
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"
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.
"When Noah was 600 years old"
Since Moses wrote this book, it is possible he is referring to the second month of the Hebrew calendar. But this is uncertain.
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.
"water from under the earth rushed up to the earth's surface"
This refers to the sea that was thought to be under the earth.
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"
If your language has a word for a great amount of rain, it would be appropriate here.
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 exact day." This refers to the day that the rain started. Verses 13-16 tell what Noah did immediately before the rain began.
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.
This refers to animals that crawl on the ground, like rodents, insects, lizards, and snakes.
"so that each kind of animal will produce more of its own kind." See how you translated this in Genesis 1:24.
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.
Here "flesh" represents animals.
Here "breath" represents life. Alternate translation: "that lived"
The word "came" can be translated as "went."
Here "flesh" represents animals. Alternate translation: "of every kind of animal"
The full meaning can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "after they entered the ark"
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 became very deep." This happened during the forty days while the water kept coming.
"it caused the ark to float"
"causes the ark to rise up high over the ground" or "he ark floated on top of the deep water"
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"The water totally overwhelmed the earth"
"six meters." See how you translated this in Genesis 6:15.
"moved about" or "roamed"
This refers to all the animals that move around on the ground in large groups.
Here "noses" represent the whole animal or human. Alternate translation: "everyone that breathed"
The words "breath" and "life" represent the power that causes people and animals to be alive.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God destroyed them all"
"so they were no longer on the earth"
"the people and animals that were with him"
"remained" or "lived" or "remained alive"
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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.
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.
It is unclear where Ararat was located. Many people believe it is located in the modern country of Turkey.
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"
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"
"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"
"water from under the earth." See how this is translated in Genesis 7:11.
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"
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"landed" or "stopped on solid ground"
Because Moses wrote this book, it is possible he is referring to the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, but this is uncertain.
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 tenth month"
This can be made more explicit: "appeared above the surface of the water."
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"
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"
a black bird that eats mainly the flesh of dead animals
This means that the raven kept leaving the boat and returning.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until the wind dried up the waters" or "until the waters dried up"
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."
"to land" or "to perch." It means to land on something in order to rest from flying.
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.
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.
"He again waited for seven days"
"Pay attention" or "This is important"
"a leaf that she had just plucked from an olive tree"
"broken off"
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."
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 Noah was 601 years old"
Since Moses wrote this book it is possible he is referring to the first month of the Hebrew calendar, but this is uncertain.
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"
This refers to a cover that kept the rain water from going into the ark.
The word "behold" tells us to pay attention to the important information that comes next.
"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 ground was completely dry"
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"Leave." Some translations read "Come out."
"Take." Some translations read "Bring out."
"every kind of living creature." See how "all flesh" is translated in Genesis 6:12.
This is an idiom. See how this is translated in [Genesis 1:28]
Some translations read "Noah came out."
"in groups of their own kinds"
"built an altar dedicated to Yahweh" or "built an altar for worshiping Yahweh." He may have built it with stones.
Here "clean" means that God allowed these animals to be used in sacrifice. Some animals were not used for sacrifices and were called "unclean."
Noah killed the animals and then completely burned them up as an offering to God. Alternate translation: "burned the animals as offerings to Yahweh"
This refers to the good smell of the roasted meat.
Here the word "heart" refers to God's thoughts and emotions.
"do very serious harm to the earth"
This can be made more explicit: "because mankind is sinful."
"from their earliest years they tend to do evil things" or "when they are young, they want to do evil things"
Here the word "heart" refers to people's thoughts, emotions, desires, and will. Alternate translation: "their tendency" or "their habit"
This refers to an older child. Alternate translation: "from their youth"
"While the earth lasts" or "As long as the earth exists"
"the season for planting"
These expressions both refer to two major weather conditions in the year. Translators may use local expressions.
the hot, dry time of the year
the cool, wet or snowy time of the year
"will continue"
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.
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.
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)
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)
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.
This is a command that God gives. He expects Noah to obey him.
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]
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 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 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.
This is a general term for things that fly. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:21.
This includes all types of small animals. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:25.
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"
God continues speaking to Noah and his sons.
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."
God continues speaking to Noah and his sons.
This contrasts man's blood with the blood of animals (Genesis 9:4).
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"
This refers to physical life.
This payment refers to the death of the murderer, not to money. Alternate translation: "I will require anyone who kills you to pay"
Here the word "hand" refers to the one who is responsible for something happening.
"I will require any animal that takes your life to pay"
"I will require anyone who takes the life of another person to pay"
This phrase refers to the person in a very personal way. Alternate translation: "From that very man"
Here "brother" is used as a general reference to relatives, such as members of the same tribe, clan, or people group.
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.
"because God made people to be like him" or "because I made people in my own image"
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]
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"
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.
"make a covenant between you and me." See how you translated this in Genesis 6:18.
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God continues speaking to Noah and his sons.
"By saying this, I make my covenant with you." See how similar words are translated in Genesis 6:18.
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]
"There will never again be a flood that destroys the earth." There would be floods, but they would not destroy the whole earth.
This means a reminder of something that was promised.
The covenant applies to Noah and his family and also to all generations that follow.
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God continues speaking to Noah and his sons.
"Whenever." It is something that would happen many times.
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"
the colorful strip of light that appears in the rain when the sun shines from behind the viewer
This does not mean that God would first forget. Alternate translation: "I will think about my covenant"
The word "you" is plural. God was speaking to Noah and Noah's sons.
"every kind of living being"
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]
God continues speaking to Noah and his sons.
"so that I will remember" or "so that I will think about"
God is speaking here. Alternate translation: "between me and every living creature"
"every kind of living being." See how you translated this in Genesis 9:15.
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"
Verses 18-19 introduce the three sons of Noah, who will be an important part of the next story.
Ham was Canaan's true father.
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person who raises plants for food
"drank too much wine"
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.
This refers to Noah.
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He awoke after drinking wine and becoming drunk. He "became sober."
This refers to Ham. Alternate translation: "his youngest son, Ham"
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.
"I curse Canaan" or "May bad things happen to Canaan"
This was one of Ham's sons. Alternate translation: "Ham's son Canaan"
"the lowest servant of his brothers" or "the least important servant of his brothers"
This could refer either to Canaan's brothers or to his relatives in general.
If you can, format these verses as they are formatted here to show your readers that this is poetry.
"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"
"And let Canaan be Shem's servant." This includes Canaan's and Shem's descendants.
Possible meanings are 1) "May God make Japheth's territory larger" or 2) "May God cause Japheth to have many descendants."
"let him leave peacefully with Shem." This includes Japheth's and Shem's descendants.
"Let Canaan be Japheth's servant." This includes Canaan's and Japheth's descendants.
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This chapter begins a genealogical record. It also records the location of ancient people groups.
While these places may be located in the same area as the Assyria mentioned later in Scripture, they are not the same kingdom.
This is an unusual phrase meaning "were sons of."
"This is the account of Noah's sons." This sentence introduces the account of Noah's descendants in Genesis 10:1-11:9.
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"Javan's sons and descendants separated and moved to the coastlands and islands"
This refers to people who lived along the coast and on the islands.
"their homelands." These are the places that the people moved to and lived in.
"Each people group spoke its own language" or "The people groups divided themselves according to their languages"
Mizraim is the Hebrew name for "Egypt."
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Possible meanings are 1) "mighty warrior" or 2) "mighty man" or 3) "powerful ruler."
Possible meanings are 1) "in Yahweh's sight" or 2) "with Yahweh's help"
This introduces a proverb. Your language may introduce proverbs and sayings in a different way. Alternate translation: "This is the reason people say"
Possible meanings are 1) the first centers he developed or 2) the important cities.
"Nimrod went into Assyria"
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The list of Noah's descendants continues.
Mizraim was one of Ham's sons. His descendants became the people of Egypt. Mizraim is the Hebrew name for Egypt.
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These names refer to larger groups of people that descended from Canaan.
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line between one person's land and another person's land
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"
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"
The word "these" refers to the people and people groups who were listed in verses Genesis 6-19.
"broken up according to their different languages"
"in their homelands"
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Arphaxad was one of Shem's sons.
Translators may add a footnote note that says: "The name Peleg means 'division.'"
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"
Joktan was one of Eber's sons.
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"These" here refers to the sons of Joktan.
"The land they controlled" or "The land they lived in"
The word "these" refers to the descendants of Shem (Genesis 10:21-29).
This refers back to all the people listed in Genesis 10:1-31.
"listed by"
"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"
This can be stated clearly or more explicitly. Alternate translation: "after the flood destroyed the earth"
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.
After the flood, people began to live shorter lives. This chapter begins to record the shortening of the average lifespan.
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)
The people were very full of pride and rebelled against God in this action.
This word shows that the writer is beginning a new part of the story.
This represents all the people on the earth. Alternate translation: "all the people on the earth"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that all people spoke the same language.
"they moved around"
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.
stopped moving from one place to another and began to live at one location
If your language has a way of urging or commanding people to begin work, like the English "Come on!" you might use it here.
People make bricks out of clay and heat them in a very hot oven to make them hard and strong.
a thick, sticky, black liquid that comes up from the ground
This is a thick substance made of lime powder, clay, sand, and water used to make stones or bricks stick together.
"let us make our reputation great"
reputation
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we will separate from each other and live in different places"
"the people"
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 observe" or "to look more closely"
All the people were one big group and they all spoke the same language.
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.
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"
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.
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]
This means that Yahweh would cause the people all over the earth to stop speaking the same language. Alternate translation: "mix up their language"
This was the purpose of confusing their language. Alternate translation: "so that they will not be able to understand what each other is saying"
"from the city"
The name "Babel" sounds like the word that means "confused." Translators may want to add a footnote about this.
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"
The rest of this chapter lists the line of Shem's descendants down to Abram.
This sentence begins the list of Shem's descendants.
This is the flood from Noah's time when people had become so evil that God sent a worldwide flood to cover the earth.
"had his son Arphaxad" or "his son Arphaxad was born"
a man's name
Translators may write the words or the numerals "100" and "2."
Translators may write the words or the numeral "500."
"his son Shelah was born"
This is a man's name.
"four hundred and three years"
The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them in [Genesis 11:12-13]
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The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them [Genesis 11:12-13]
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The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them in [Genesis 11:12-13]
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The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them in [Genesis 11:12-13]
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The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them in [Genesis 11:12-13]
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The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them in [Genesis 11:12-13]
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We do not know the birth order of his sons.
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"
This means that Haran died while his father was still living. Alternate translation: "Haran died while his father, Terah, was with him"
"married wives"
This is a female name.
This word is used to introduce new information about Sarai that will become important in later chapters.
This term describes a woman who is physically unable to conceive or bear a child.
Here the word "his" refers to Terah.
"his daughter-in-law Sarai, who was the wife of his son Abram"
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.
"two hundred and five years"
When God said, "Go from your country, and from your relatives," he established several new people groups. These groups descended from 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)
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)
This word is used to mark a new part of the story.
"Go from your land, from your family"
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"
The word "name" represents the person's reputation. Alternate translation: "make you famous"
The words "to other people" are understood. Alternate translation: "you will be a blessing to other people"
"I will curse whoever treats you in a shameful way" or "if anyone treats you as worthless, I will curse him"
This can be made active. Alternate translation: "I will bless all the families of the earth through you"
"Because of you" or "Because I have blessed you"
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This includes animals and non-living property.
Possible meanings are 1) "slaves that they had accumulated" or 2) "the people whom they had gathered to be with them."
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 of Canaan"
Moreh was probably the name of a place.
"Yahweh, because he had appeared to him"
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"
"prayed in the name of Yahweh" or "worshiped Yahweh"
You may need to make explicit that he took his tent with him. "Then Abram took his tent and continued journeying."
"toward the Negev region" or "toward the south" or "south to the Negev desert"
The crops did not grow well that season. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "There was a shortage of food"
"in the area" or "in the land where Abram was living"
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.
The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: I"
The reason they would kill Abram can be made explicit: "they will kill me so that they can marry you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that, because of you, they will not kill me"
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" .
"Pharaoh's officials saw Sarai" or "the king's officials saw her"
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"
Sarai
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.
"for Sarai's sake" or "because of her"
This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: "because Pharaoh intended to take Sarai, Abram's wife, to be his own wife"
"Pharaoh called Abram" or "Pharaoh ordered Abram to come to him"
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!"
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"Then Pharaoh directed his officials concerning Abram"
"the officials sent Abram away from Pharoah, with his wife and all his possessions"
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 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)
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.
"left" or "departed from"
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"
"Abram had many livestock, much silver, and much gold"
Abram and his family traveled by stages, going from place to place. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "They continued on their journey"
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"
"prayed in the name of Yahweh" or "worshiped Yahweh." See how you translated this in Genesis 12:8.
This word is used to show what follows is background information to help the reader understand the events that follow.
There was not enough grazing land and water for all their animals.
This includes livestock, which need pasture and water.
"could not live together"
This is another reason that the land could not support them all.
"Let's not quarrel"
arguments or fights
"let's stop the men who take care of our animals from quarreling"
"because we are family"
"kinsmen" or "relatives." Lot was Abraham's nephew.
This rhetorical question can be translated as a positive statement. Alternate translation: "The whole land is available for you to use."
Abraham was speaking kindly to Lot and encouraging him to do something that would help them both. "Let's separate."
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.
This refers to the general region of the Jordan River.
"had much water"
"like the garden of Yahweh or like the land of Egypt." These were two different places.
This is another name for the garden of Eden.
Use the same word for "garden" as you used in Genesis 2:8.
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.
"the kinsmen" or "the families." This refers to Lot and Abram with their households.
"Abram made his home" or "Abram stayed"
"the land of the Canaanites"
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."
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"after Lot left Abraham"
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This is a simile. God is saying that he will give Abram very many descendants.
"walk around all over the whole land"
This was the name of the man who owned the oak trees.
This is the name of a place.
"an altar for worshiping Yahweh"
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.
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 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)
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)
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 time of"
These are names of men.
These are names of places. See how you translated "Shinar" in Genesis 10:10
"they went to war" or "they started a war" or "they prepared for war"
The information that their armies were with them can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "These latter five kings and their armies joined together"
The events in verses 4-7 happened before verse 3. Your language may have a way of showing this.
They probably had to pay him taxes and serve in his army. Alternate translation: "they had been under the control of Kedorlaomer"
"they refused to serve him" or "they stopped serving him"
They did this because the other kings rebelled.
These are the names of people groups.
These are the names of places.
This name in Hebrew is different from the name of Noah's son, which is spelled the same way in English.
This is the name of a people group.
These are the names of places.
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"
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.
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"
This phrase tells which Amorite people were defeated. There were other Amorite people who lived in other places.
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."
"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.
Since the five kings were listed first, some languages might prefer to translate this as "five kings against four."
This word introduces background information about the valley of Siddim. Your language may have another way of introducing background information.
"had many tar pits." These were holes in the ground that had tar in them.
a thick, sticky, black liquid that comes up from the ground. See how this is translated in Genesis 11:3.
Here the kings represent themselves and their armies. Alternate translation: the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and their armies"
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 did not die in battle and did not fall in the pits"
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 food and drink"
"they went away"
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"
"A man escaped from the battle and came"
"Abram was living." This introduces background information.
"were treaty-partners with Abram" or "had a peace agreement with Abram"
This is a reference to Abram's nephew Lot.
"three hundred and eighteen trained men"
"men who were trained to fight"
"men who were born in Abram's household." They were children of Abram's servants.
"chased them"
This is a city in the far north of Canaan, far from Abram's camp.
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"
"men of war." They served him by fighting for him.
This refers to the things that the enemies had stolen from the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
"Lot's property that the enemies had stolen from Lot"
"as well as the women and other people that the four kings had captured"
The implied information about where he was returning to can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "returned to where he was living"
This is the first time this king is mentioned.
People commonly ate bread and wine. See how you translated "bread" in Genesis 3:19 and "wine" in Genesis 9:21.
King Melchizedek blessed Abram.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May God Most High, the Creator of heaven and earth, bless Abram"
This refers to the place where God lives.
"God Most High, because he has given." The phrase starting with "who has given" tells us something more about God Most High.
This is a way of praising God. See how you translated "blessed be" in Genesis 9:26.
"into your control" or "into your power"
The phrase "the people" may refer to the people of Sodom that the enemies had captured. Abram rescued them when he rescued Lot.
This means "I have taken an oath" or "I have made a promise."
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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."
It seems that Abram's soldiers had eaten some of the supplies during the journey back to Sodom after the battle.
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"
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"
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)
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 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.
"These things" refers to when the kings fought and Abram rescued Lot.
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"
God used these two metaphors to tell Abram about his character and his relationship to Abram.
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"
Possible meanings are 1) "I myself will be all that you need" or 2) "I will give you all you need."
the result of a person's actions. This seems to be a metonym for the gracious blessing God would give Abram.
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"Abram continued speaking and said, 'Since you have given me'"
The word "behold" emphasizes the fact that the word of Yahweh came to Abraham again.
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 refers to Eliezer of Damascus.
"the one that you will father" or "your very own son." Abram's own son would become his heir.
"count the stars"
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.
This means he accepted and trusted what Yahweh said was true.
"Yahweh counted Abram's belief as righteousness" or "Yahweh considered Abram righteous because Abram believed him"
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 receive it" or "so that you will possess it"
Abram was asking for more proof that Yahweh would give him the land.
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"the dead bodies of the animals and birds"
"Abram chased the birds away." He made sure the birds did not eat the dead animals.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Abraham slept deeply"
"an extreme darkness that terrified him"
"surrounded him"
people who are at home in one place but have to live in another place
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the owners of that land will enslave your descendants and oppress them"
Yahweh continued to speak to Abram while Abram dreamed.
Here "judge" is a metonym for what will happen after God makes the judgment. Alternate translation: "I will punish"
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "that your descendants will serve"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "many possessions" or "great wealth"
This is a polite way of saying "you will die."
The word "fathers" is a synecdoche for all ancestors. Alternate translation: "ancestors" or "ancestral fathers"
"you will be very old when you die and your family buries your body"
Here one generation refers to a lifespan of 100 years. "After four hundred years"
"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.
"is not yet complete" or "will get much worse before I punish them"
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
God did this to show Abram that he was making a covenant with him.
"passed through between the two rows of animal pieces"
In this covenant God promises to bless Abram, and he will continue to bless him as long as Abram follows him.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This word is used in English to introduce a new part of the story and background information about Sarai.
"slave-girl." This type of slave would serve the woman of the household.
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 giving birth to children"
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 build my family through her"
"Abram did what Sarai said"
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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 despised her mistress" or "she thought that she was more valuable than her mistress"
Here this refers to Sarai. A mistress has authority over her slave. Alternate translation: "her owner" or "Sarai"
"This injustice against me"
"is your responsibility" or "is your fault"
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"
This can be active. Alternate translation: "she hated me" or "she began to hate me" or "she thought she was better than me"
"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.
"Listen to me" or "Pay attention"
"under your authority"
"Sarai treated Hagar very badly"
"Hagar fled from Sarai"
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."
The wilderness area she went to was a desert. Alternate translation: "desert"
This was the name of a place south of Canaan and east of Egypt.
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"
"The angel of Yahweh said to Hagar"
Sarai. See how "her mistress" is translated in Genesis 16:4.
See the note about this phrase in Genesis 16:7.
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 give you very many descendants"
"so many that no one will be able to count them"
See the note about this phrase in Genesis 16:7.
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention"
"give birth to a son"
"you will name him." The word "you" refers to Hagar.
Translators may add a footnote that says "The name 'Ishmael' means 'God has heard.'"
She has been afflicted by distress and suffering.
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 every man's enemy"
"everyone will be his enemy"
This can also mean "he will live in hostility with."
"his relatives" or "the other members of his family"
"Yahweh, because he spoke to her"
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."
Translators may add a footnote that says "Beer Lahai Roi means 'the well of the living one who sees me.'"
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"
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 by Hagar" or "named his and Hagar's son"
This introduces background information about Abram's age when these things happened. Your language may have a special way to mark background information.
This means "gave birth to Abram's son, Ishmael." The focus is on Abram having a son.
Abram came to have many descendants. He had so many descendants that many of his immediate descendants became large people groups and nations.
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 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)
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.
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 all-powerful God" or "the God who has all power"
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"
"If you do this, then I will confirm"
"I will give my covenant" or "I will make my covenant"
In this covenant God promises to bless Abram, but he also requires Abram to obey him.
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"
"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.
God used this phrase to introduce what he would do for Abram as part of his covenant with Abram.
The word "behold" here says that what comes next is certain: "my covenant is certainly with you."
"the father of a great number of nations" or "the one after whom many nations name themselves"
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"I will cause you to have very many descendants"
"I will cause your descendants to become nations"
"among your descendants there will be kings" or "some of your descendants will be kings"
God continues speaking to Abraham.
"for each generation"
"as a covenant that will last forever"
"to be your God and your descendants' God" or "covenant"
"Canaan, as an everlasting possession" or "Canaan, to possess forever"
God uses this phrase to introduce what Abram would have to do as part of God's covenant with him.
"observe my covenant" or "honor my covenant" or "obey 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.
This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "You must circumcise every male among you"
This refers to human males.
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 that shows that the covenant exists"
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.
God continues speaking to Abraham.
"Every human male"
"in every generation"
This refers to slaves. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "any male that you buy"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will mark my covenant in your flesh"
"as a permanent covenant." Because it was marked in flesh, no one could easily erase it.
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"
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."
Possible meanings are 1) "killed" or 2) "sent away from the community."
"He has not obeyed the rules of my covenant." This is the reason that he would be cut off from his people.
The words "As for" introduce the next person God talks about.
"I will make her bear a son for you"
"she will be the ancestor of many nations" or "her descendants will become nations"
"Kings of peoples will descend from her" or "Some of her descendants will be kings of peoples"
"thought to himself" or "said to himself silently"
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!"
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!"
"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.
God said this to correct Abraham's belief that Sarah could not have a son.
The word "you" refers to Abraham.
The words "As for" show that God is switching from talking about the baby that would be born to talking about Ishmael.
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
This is an idiom that means "will cause him to have many children."
"I will cause him to have many descendants"
"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.
God returns to talking about his covenant with Abraham and emphasizes that he would fulfill his promise with Isaac, not with Ishmael.
"When God had finished talking with Abraham"
"God left Abraham"
"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.
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"This includes those who were born in his household and those he had bought from foreigners"
This refers to servants or slaves.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom he had bought"
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.
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)
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."
This was the name of the man who owned the oak trees.
"at the opening of the tent" or "at the entrance of the tent"
"hottest time of day"
"He looked up and saw, and behold, three men were standing"
"he was surprised because he saw"
"nearby" or "there." They were near him, but far enough away for him to run to them.
This means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.
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.
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"
Abraham is speaking to one of the men.
"please do not keep on going past"
"me." Abraham refers to himself this way in order to show respect to his guest.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let me bring you some water" or "My servant will bring you some water"
"some water." Saying "little" was a polite way of showing generosity. Abraham would give them more than enough water.
This custom helped tired travelers to refresh themselves after walking long distances.
"some food." Saying "little" was a polite way of showing generosity. Abraham would give them more than enough food.
Abraham speaks to all three of the men, so "you" and "your" are plural.
about 22 liters
This bread was probably cooked quickly on a hot stone. It may have been flat or round like small loaves or rolls.
"the servant hurried"
"to cut it up and roast it"
This refers to the solid part of fermented milk. It may have been yogurt or cheese.
"the roasted calf"
"before the three visitors"
"Then they said to Abraham"
The word "He" refers to the man whom Abraham called "Lord" in Genesis 18:3.
"when this same season comes next year" or "about this time next year"
The word "see" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
"at the opening of the tent" or "at the entrance of the tent"
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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 too old to conceive a child"
This means "since my husband is also old."
This is a title of respect that Sarah gave to her husband Abraham.
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
"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 I have appointed, which is in the spring"
"The Sarah denied it by saying"
"Yahweh replied"
"Yes, you did laugh." This means "No, that is not true; you did in fact laugh."
"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.
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"
The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Should I hide" in verse 17 ends here.
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"
"This is because ... him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will bless all the nations of the earth through Abraham"
"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.
"that he will direct" or "so that he will command"
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 obey the commands of Yahweh"
"by doing righteousness and justice." This tells how to keep the way of Yahweh.
"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.
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"
"they have sinned so much"
"I will now go down to Sodom and Gomorrah"
"go down there to find out" or "go down there to decide"
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 they are not as wicked as the outcry suggests"
"went out from Abraham's camp"
"Abraham and Yahweh remained together"
"approached Yahweh and said" or "stepped closer to Yahweh and said"
Abraham speaks of destroying people as if it were sweeping dirt with a broom. Alternate translation: "destroy"
"the righteous people with the wicked people"
Abraham continues talking to Yahweh.
"Suppose there are"
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"
"destroy it." Abraham speaks of destroying people as if it were sweeping dirt with a broom. Alternate translation: "destroy the people who live there"
Abraham was hoping that God would say "I will spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people there."
"let the people live"
"because of"
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 as killing" or "such a thing, that is, killing"
This can be stated in active from. Alternate translation: "you should treat the righteous the same way you treat the wicked"
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!"
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.
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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.
"Pardon me for being so bold as to speak to you" or "Excuse me for daring to speak"
Abraham shows his respect to Yahweh by speaking to Yahweh as if he were speaking to someone else. Alternate translation: "to you, my Lord"
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"
"only forty-five righteous people"
"if there are five fewer righteous people"
"I will not destroy Sodom"
"Abraham spoke to Yahweh"
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 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"
"Yahweh answered"
"I will not destroy the cities if I find forty righteous people 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"
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.
"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.
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 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"
"Perhaps you will find ten righteous people there"
"Perhaps ten righteous people" or "ten good people"
"And Yahweh answered"
"if I find ten righteous people there"
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"
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, 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.
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)
The two men who have gone to Sodom (Genesis 18:22) are really angels.
"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.
He put his knees on the ground then touched his forehead and nose to the ground.
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.
This was a term of respect Lot used for the angels.
"Please come and stay in your servant's house"
Lot refers to himself as their servant in order to show them respect.
People liked to wash their feet after traveling.
"wake up early"
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.
This is a public, outdoor place in the town.
"they turned and went with him"
"before the people in Lot's house lay down to go to sleep"
"the men of the city, that is, the men of Sodom" or just "the men of the city of Sodom"
"Lot's house"
"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.
"that went into your house"
The phrase "know them" is a polite way of saying "have sexual relations with them." The men probably were not trying to be polite.
"behind him" or "after he went through"
"I plead with you, 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 do something so wicked" or "do not do such a wicked thing"
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.
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 you desire" or "whatever you think is right"
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"
"Step aside!" or "Get out of our way!"
"This one came here as an outsider" or "This foreigner came to live here"
"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.
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"
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"
"Because you are telling us that what we are doing is wrong, we"
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"
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.
This is two ways of referring to Lot.
"But Lot's two guests" or "But the two angels"
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"
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"
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"
This merism emphasizes that the visitors blinded all the men. Alternate translation: "men of all ages" or "men of every status"
"Then the two men said" or "Then the angels said"
"Are there any other members of your family in the city?" or "Do you have any other family members in this place?"
"any other members of your family living in this city"
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.
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]
"So Lot left the house"
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"
"Just before the sun came up"
"Go now"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so Yahweh does not also destroy you when he punishes the people of this city"
God destroying the people of the city is spoken of as if a person were sweeping away dust.
Here "city" stands for the people.
"But Lot hesitated" or "But Lot did not start to leave"
"So the two men grabbed" or "So the angels grabbed"
"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.
"When the two men had brought Lot's family out"
This is a way of telling them to run so that they do not die. Alternate translation: "Run away and save your lives!"
The phrase "at the city" is understood. Alternate translation: "Do not look back at the city" or "Do not look back at Sodom"
This means the plain of the Jordan River. This refers to the general region of the Jordan River.
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"
God destroying the people of the city is spoken of as if a person were sweeping away dust.
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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.
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"
Lot was showing respect by referring to himself as "your servant." Alternate translation: "I, your servant, have"
The abstract noun "kindness" can be stated as "kind." Alternate translation: "you have been very kind to me by saving my life"
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"
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"
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.
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"
Lot's full request can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "instead of destroying that city, let me escape there"
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"
"I will do what you have asked"
This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: "cannot destroy the other cities"
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."
"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.
It is implied that Lot's family is with him. Alternate translation: "when Lot and his family arrived at Zoar"
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"
These two words are used together to describe one object. Alternate translation: "burning sulfur" or "fiery rain"
This refers primarily to Sodom and Gomorrah, but also to three other towns.
"the people who lived in the cities"
"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.
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The word "behold" draws attention to the surprising information that follows.
This shows that it was a very large amount of smoke. Alternate translation: "like the smoke from a very large fire"
Verse 29 is a summary of this chapter.
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"
"away from the destruction" or "away from danger"
The phrase "went up from" is used because Lot went to a higher elevation in the mountains.
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"
These words are a euphemism for sexual relations.
Here "the world" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "as people everywhere do"
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"
To "lie with" someone is a euphemism for having sexual relations with that person. Alternate translation: "we will have sexual relations with him"
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"
This is probably a euphemism for sexual activity. Alternate translation:"had sexual relations with her father"
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"
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"
See how you translated these phrases in Genesis 19:32.
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"
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"
See how you translated similar phrases in Genesis 19:33.
This is probably a euphemism for sexual activity. Alternate translation:"had sexual relations with him"
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"
"became pregnant by their father" or "conceived children with their father"
"He is"
"the Moab people who are now living"
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.
This is a male name.
"the descendants of Ammon" or "the Ammon people"
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)
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)
This is a desert region on the eastern border of Egypt.
"made his men go get Sarah and bring her to him"
"God appeared to Abimelek"
"pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: "
This is a strong way of saying the king will die. Alternate translation: "you will certainly die soon" or "I will kill you"
"a married woman"
This word is used here to mark a change from the story to information about Abimelech.
This is a polite way of saying he did not have sex with her. Alternate translation: "Abimelek had not had sexual relations with Sarah"
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"
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."
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."
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.
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"
"God said to Abimelech"
Here "heart" stands for his thoughts or intentions. Alternate translation: "you did this with good intentions" or "you did this without evil intentions"
This is a euphemism for having sex with Sarah. Alternate translation: "to sleep with her"
"Abraham's wife"
"I will let you live"
"all of your people"
"He told them everything that God had told him"
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!"
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.
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."
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"
Here "kingdom" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "on the people of my kingdom"
"You should not have done this to me"
"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?"
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."
Here "place" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "no one here in Gerar fears God"
This means to deeply respect God and show that respect by obeying him.
"Also, it is true that Sarah is my sister" or "Also, Sarah really is my sister"
"we have the same father, but we have different mothers"
Verse 13 is a continuation of Abraham's answer to Abimelech.
Here "house" stands for Abraham's family. Alternate translation: "my father and the rest of my family" or "my father's household"
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"
"Abimelek brought some"
"Abimelek said to Abraham"
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"
This is a way of saying "I make all of my land available to you"
"Live wherever you want"
"1,000"
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"
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "in the opinion" or "in the judgement"
The passive phrase "made right" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everyone will know that you are innocent"
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"made all the women of Abimelek's household totally unable to have children"
The full meaning can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "because Abimelech had taken Abraham's wife Sarah"
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)
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.
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)
Here the phrase "paid attention to" refers to Yahweh helping Sarah have a baby. Alternate translation: "Yahweh helped Sarah"
"gave birth to Abraham's son"
"when Abraham was very old"
"at the exact time that God had told him it would happen"
"Abraham named his newborn son, the one Sarah gave birth to, Isaac" or "Abraham named their newborn son Isaac"
"When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him"
"8 days"
"had commanded Abraham to do"
"100"
Sarah was laughing because she was surprised and happy. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "God has caused me to laugh joyfully"
What people would hear can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "everyone who hears about what God has done for me"
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one would have ever said to Abraham that Sarah will nurse children"
This is a polite way of referring to breast-feeding babies. Alternate translation: "feed a baby her own milk"
"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"
The name of Hagar's son can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "Ishmael, the son of Hagar the Egyptian and Abraham"
It can be stated explicitly that he was jeering or laughing at Isaac. Alternate translation: "laughing at Isaac"
"Sarah said to Abraham"
"send away" or "get rid of"
This refers to Hagar and Ishmael. Sarah probably did not refer to them by name because she was angry with them.
"with my son Isaac"
"Abraham was very unhappy about what Sarah said"
"because it was about his son." It is implied that this means his son, Ishmael.
"Do not be upset about the boy and your handmaid"
"Do everything that Sarah says to you about them"
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"
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"
These words could refer to 1) food in general or 2) bread specifically.
"a bag of water." The water container was made out of animal skin.
"When the water bag was empty" or "When they had drank all of the water"
This refers to the distance that a person could shoot an arrow with a bow. This is about 100 meters.
The abstract noun "death" can be stated as "die." Alternate translation: "I do not want to watch the boy die"
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"
"the young man's voice." Here "voice" stands for the sound of the young man crying or speaking. Alternate translation: "the sound of Ishmael"
"a messenger from God" or "God's messenger"
Here "heaven" means the place where God lives.
"What is wrong" or "Why are you crying"
Here "voice" stands for the sound of the young man crying or speaking. Alternate translation: "the sound of the young man lying over there"
"help the young man stand up"
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"
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 container made of skin" or "the bag"
"the boy" or "Ishmael"
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 very skilled at using a bow and arrows"
"found a wife"
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.
This is the name of a man.
"commander of his army"
The word "his" refers to Abimelech.
Here the phrase "is with you" is an idiom that means God helps or blesses Abraham. Alternate translation: "God blesses everything you do"
The word "Now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows. Alternate translation: "Therefore"
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 lie to me"
"will deal honestly with me and my descendants"
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"
Here "land" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "to the people of the land"
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"
Possible meanings are 1) Abraham was complaining about what happened or 2) "Abraham also rebuked Abimelek"
"because Abimelek's servants had taken one of Abraham's wells"
"taken from Abraham" or "had taken control of"
"This is the first time I have heard about it"
This is a sign of friendship and that Abraham agrees to make covenant with Abimelek.
"Abraham separated seven female lambs from the flock"
"Why have you separated these seven lambs from the flock?"
"you will take"
Here "hand" stands for Abraham. Alternate translation: "from me"
The word "it" refers to the gift of seven lambs.
The abstract noun "witness" can be stated as "to prove." Alternate translation: "to prove to everyone"
"Abraham called that place"
Translators may add a footnote saying "Beersheba can mean either "well of the oath" or "well of seven."
"Abraham and Abimelech"
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in Genesis 21:22.
This is an evergreen tree that can grow in the desert. It can be stated more generally. Alternate translation: "a tree"
"the God who lives forever"
"for a long time"
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)
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)
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)
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.
This phrase refers to the events in chapter 21.
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"
"Yes, I am listening" or "Yes, what is it?"
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"
This emphasizes Abraham's love for his son, Isaac.
"the land called Moriah"
"loaded his donkey" or "put on his donkey what he needed for the journey"
"servants"
"started his journey" or "started traveling"
The word "third" is the ordinal number for three. Alternate translation: "After traveling for three days"
"saw far away the place that God had spoken of"
"servants"
The word "we" refers only to Abraham and Isaac, but not to the young men.
"return to you"
"had Isaac, his son, carry it"
Here "his own hand" emphasizes that Abraham himself carried these things. Alternate translation: "Abraham himself carried"
Here "fire" stands for a pan containing burning coals or a torch or lamp. Alternate translation: "something for starting a fire"
"they left together" or "the two of them went together"
This is a loving way for a son to speak to his father.
"Yes, I am listening" or "Yes, what is it?" See how you translated this in Genesis 22:1.
This is a loving way for a father to speak to his son.
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 that you will give as a burnt offering"
Here "himself" emphasizes that it is God who will provide the lamb.
"will give us"
"When Abraham and Isaac arrived at the place"
"he tied up"
"on top of the wood that was on the altar"
"picked up the knife"
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.
This refers to the place where God lives.
"Yes, I am listening" or "Yes, what is it?" See how you translated this in Genesis 22:1.
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"
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.
This refers to deeply respecting God and showing that respect by obeying him.
"because I see that"
"you have not held back your son ... from me." or "you were willing to offer your son ... to me"
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]
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
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"
"Abraham went over to the ram and took it"
Use the same word for "provide" as you used in Genesis 22:8.
"even now." This means even to the time that the author was writing this book.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he will provide"
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.
The word "second" is the ordinal number for two. Alternate translation: "again"
Here the word "heaven" refers to the place where God lives.
"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.
"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 obeyed me"
"have not kept back your son" or "were willing to offer your son to me"
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]
"certainly bless"
"I will cause your descendants to increase again and again" or "I will cause your descendants to be very many"
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"
Here the word "heavens" refers to everything we see above the earth, including the sun, moon, and stars.
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"
The angel of Yahweh continues speaking to Abraham.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I, the Lord, will bless all the people living everywhere"
Here "nations" stands for the people of the nations.
Here "voice" stands for what God said. Alternate translation: "you have obeyed what I said" or "you have obeyed me"
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"
"servants"
"they left that place"
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"
"After these events." The phrase "these things" refers to the events of Genesis 22:1-19.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone told Abraham"
"Milkah has also borne children"
This is the name of a woman.
"The name of his firstborn was Uz, and the names of the rest of his children were Buz his brother"
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.
These are all names of men. Translate this so that it is clear that all of these are the sons of Nahor and Milkah.
"Later Bethel became the father of Rebekah"
"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.
"Nahor's concubine"
This is the name of a woman.
"also gave birth to"
These are all names of men.
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 was a common practice when Abraham lived, but only the wealthy were able to bury their dead relatives in this way.
Some translations do not include this sentence.
This is the name of a city.
"Abraham was very sad and cried because Sarah died"
"got up and left his wife's body"
Here "sons" stands for those who descended from Heth. Alternate translation: "the descendants of Heth" or "the Hittites"
This idea may be expressed in terms of location. "in your country" or "here"
"Sell me some land" or "Allow me to buy a piece of land"
The nominal adjective "dead" can be stated as an adjective or a verb. Alternate translation: "my dead wife" or "my wife who has died"
Here "sons" stands for those who descended from Heth. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:3]
This phrase is used to show respect to Abraham.
This is an idiom. This probably means "a powerful man" or "a mighty leader."
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 best of our burial places"
"withhold his burial place from you" or "refuse to give to you his tomb"
This means to bend over or kneel down very low to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.
"to the sons of Heth who lived in the area"
Here "sons" stands for those who descended from Heth. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:3]
The nominal adjective "dead" can be stated as a verb or simply as "wife." Alternate translation: "my wife who has died" or "my wife"
These are names of men.
"his cave that is at the end of his field in 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.
This tells something about the cave. Ephron owned the cave.
This also tells something about the cave. The cave was at the end of Ephron's field.
"sell it to me in front of you all" or "sell it to me in your presence"
"as a piece of land that I may own and use"
Here "Now" is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Ephron.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:8]
Here "sons" stands for those who descended from Heth. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:3]
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"
This tells which sons of Heth were listening. Alternate translation: "all those who had gathered at the gate of his city"
The city gate was where the leaders of the city would meet to make important decisions.
"the city where he lived." This phrase shows that Ephron belonged to that city. It does not mean that he owned it.
This phrase is used to show respect to Abraham.
Here "presence" stands for the people serving as witnesses. Alternate translation: "with my fellow countrymen as my witnesses"
This means "my fellow countrymen" or "my fellow Hittites"
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. Bury 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"
This means to bend over or kneel down very low to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.
"people who lived in that area"
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"
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 give you money for the field"
The nominal adjective "dead" can be stated as a verb or simply as "wife." Alternate translation: "my wife who has died" or "my wife"
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:8]
"Hear me, my master" or "Listen to me, kind sir"
This phrase is used to show respect to Abraham.
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."
This is about 4.5 kilograms of silver.
"400"
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"
"Abraham weighed the silver and gave Ephron the amount" or "Abraham counted out to Ephron the amount of silver"
"the amount of silver that Ephron had said"
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"
Here "sons" stands for those who descended from Heth. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:3]
"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"
Machpela was the name of an area or region. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:9]
This was another name for the city of Hebron. It may have been named after Mamre, the friend of Abraham who lived there.
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.
"became property that belonged"
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"
Here "presence" stands for the people serving as witnesses. Alternate translation: "with the people of Heth watching as witnesses"
Here "sons" stands for those who descended from Heth. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:3]
This tells which sons of Heth saw Abraham buy the property. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:10]
The city gate was where the leaders of the city would meet to make important decisions.
"the city where he lived." This phrase shows that Ephron belonged to that city. It does not mean that he owned it.
"After he bought the field"
"the cave in the field"
"the field in Machpelah"
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.
"became Abraham's property for a burial ground when he bought it from the sons of Heth"
Here "sons" stands for those who descended from Heth. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:3]
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
This can be expressed as a command. Alternate translation: "swear"
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 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"
This refers to the place where God lives.
"from the Canaanite women" or "from the Canaanites." This refers to Canaanite females.
"among whom I live." Here, "I" stands for Abraham and all of his family and servants. Alternate translation: "among whom we live"
This can be stated as a command. Alternate translation: "Swear that you will go" or "But go"
"my family"
"What should I do if"
"will not follow me" or "refuses to come back with me"
"Should I take you son to live in the land from which you came"
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"
Here "house" stands for the people in his family. Alternate translation: "who took me from my father and the rest of my family"
"swore an oath to me"
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"
The words "he" and "his" refer to Yahweh.
Verse 8 is a continuation of the instructions Abraham gave his servant.
"But if the woman refuses to come with you." Abraham was answering the servant's question from Genesis 24:5.
"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"
This was to show that he would certainly do what he was swearing to do.
"made an oath to him"
"concerning Abraham's request" or "that he would do what Abraham said"
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.
This means he also took many good things that his master wanted to give to the woman's family.
"set out and went" or "he left and went"
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.
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"
"water well" or "well"
"get water"
"Then the servant said"
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"
"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"
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"
"You can see me standing here"
"the spring" or "the well"
"the young women of the city"
"Let it happen this way" or "Make this happen"
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"
The women carried the pitchers on their shoulder. She would have to lower it to give the man a drink.
a medium-size jar made of clay used for holding and pouring liquids
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"
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.
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
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's father was Bethuel. Bethuel's parents were Milkah and Nahor. Nahor was Abraham's brother"
Bethuel was Rebekah's father. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 22:22]
This is the name of a man. See how you translated his name in [Genesis 11:22]
Milkah was Nahor's wife and Bethuel's mother. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 11:29]
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.
The spring was somewhere lower in elevation than where the servant was standing.
"to meet the young woman"
"a little water"
This is a medium-size jar made of clay used for holding and pouring liquids. See how you translated this in Genesis 24:14.
"sir." Here the woman uses this term of respect to refer to the man, though she is not his slave.
"she quickly lowered her pitcher." She was carrying the pitcher on her shoulder. She had to lower it to get water for the servant.
"I will get water"
"So she quickly emptied her pitcher"
"the animals' water trough." A trough is a long open container for holding water for animals to drink.
"The servant"
"watched Rebekah" or "watched the young woman"
Learning something is often spoken of as if it were seeing. Alternate translation: "to know" or "to determine"
"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"
You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: "or not prospered his journey"
"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 that weighed 110 grams." The weight shows their size and value. Alternate translation: "two large gold bracelets for her arms"
"Who is your father"
"is there a place in your father's house"
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 stay tonight" or "to stay for the night"
"Rebekah said" or "the young woman said"
"to the servant"
"Bethuel is my father, and his parents are Milkah and Nahor"
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 stay tonight" or "where you can stay for the night"
Here "you" refers to the servant and those traveling with him.
"the servant"
This is a sign of humility before God.
"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"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "continues to show"
"my master's family" or "my master's clan"
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"
"everything that had just happened"
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.
These things happened before he ran out to the man. This tells why Laban ran out to the man.
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"
The word "behold" here adds emphasis to what follows. "it was just as she had said: he"
"Come in, you" or "Enter, you"
"you whom Yahweh has blessed"
Here the word "you" refers to Abraham's servant.
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."
The word "came" can be translated as "went."
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"
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"
"for Abraham's servant and the men who were with him to wash their feet"
Here, the word "they" refers to Laban's family members or to the household servants.
"gave food to the servant"
"spoken my words" or "told you why I am here"
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Here the word "he" refers to Abraham.
"become very wealthy"
The word "he" refers to Yahweh.
Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.
"gave birth to a son"
"my master has given ... to his son"
"My master made me swear that I would do what he told me to do. He said"
This refers to Canaanite females. Alternate translation: "from the Canaanite women" or "from the Canaanites"
"among whom I live." Here, "I" stands for Abraham and all of his family and servants. Alternate translation: "among whom we live"
"to my own clan"
Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.
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?"
Serving Yahweh is spoken of as if Abraham were walking in Yahweh's presence. Alternate translation: "whom I serve"
"he will make your journey successful"
"family"
"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"
Languages use the words come and go differently. Alternate translation: "if you arrive at my relatives' home" or "if you go to my relatives"
Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.
"the well"
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 get water"
This is a medium-size jar made of clay used for holding and pouring liquids. See how you translated this in Genesis 24:14.
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.
The servant finishes his request.
Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.
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"
"suddenly Rebekah came" or "I was surprised because I saw Rebekah coming"
This is a medium-size jar made of clay used for holding and pouring liquids. See how you translated this in Genesis 24:14.
The phrase "went down" is used because the spring was somewhere lower than where the servant was standing.
opening in the ground from which fresh water comes
"gave water to the camels"
Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.
"My father is Bethuel. His parents are Nahor and Milkah"
In this story, all of these items were made of gold. See how you translated these in Genesis 24:22.
This is a sign of humility before God.
"brought me here"
The connecting word "because" can be used to show this is why the servant worshiped God. Alternate translation: "because Yahweh led me"
This refers to Bethuel, the son of Abraham's brother Nahor.
Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.
"Now." Here "Now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
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"
The word "you" refers to Laban and Bethuel.
The understood information can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "But if you are not prepared to treat my master with steadfast love and faithfulness"
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"
This was the father of Laban and Rebekah.
"Yahweh has caused all of this to happen"
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"
"You can see Rebekah here"
"Here is Rebekah"
"what Laban and Bethuel said"
Bowing down before God is an expression of worship to him.
"silver and gold items" or "things made of silver and gold"
"expensive gifts" or "valuable gifts"
"Abraham's servant and his men"
"slept there that night"
"got up the next morning"
"Let me leave and return"
"at least ten more days"
"Then"
"Abraham's servant said"
"to Rebekah's brother and mother"
"Do not delay me" or "Do not make me wait"
Here "way" stands for a journey. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has caused me to succeed in the purpose my journey"
"Allow me to leave"
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"So the family sent Rebekah"
Rebekah was Laban's sister. Alternate translation: "their relative" or "Laban's sister"
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.
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"
Here "mother" stands for ancestor. Alternate translation: "may you be the ancestor of millions of people" or "may you have very many descendants"
This means a very large number or an uncountable number.
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"
"Then Rebekah and her servant girls went and got on the camels"
"In this way Abraham's servant took Rebekah with him and returned to where he had come from"
This word marks a change in the story. It was telling about the servant finding a wife, and now it will tell about Isaac.
This is the name of a water well in the Negev. See how you translated it in Genesis 16:14.
"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.
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"
"Rebekah looked up"
"she quickly got off the camel"
"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.
a piece of cloth used to cover a person's head, shoulders and face
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Both of these phrases mean that Isaac married Rebekah. Alternate translation: "married Rebekah" or "took her as his wife"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So Rebekah comforted Isaac"
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.
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)
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)
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.
See.
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This refers to the people named in verses 2-4.
"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.
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"These were ... he lived, one hundred and seventy-five years." Abraham lived 175 years.
"Abraham took his last breath and died." The phrases "breathed his last" and "died" mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "Abraham died"
This is a polite way of saying a person died.
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"
Living a long life is spoken of as if life were a container that becomes full.
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"
Ephron owned a field in Machpelah and the cave that was in that field. Abraham bought the field from Ephron.
Machpelah was the name of an area or region. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:9]
These are names of men. See how you translated these men's names in [Genesis 23:8]
Machpela was near 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]
"Abraham had bought this field"
"the descendants of Heth" or "the Hittites." See how you translated this in Genesis 23:5.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They buried Abraham"
This name means "the well of the living one who sees me." See how you translated this place name in [Genesis 16:14]
This word is used in English to introduce a new part of the story and information about Ishmael.
See.
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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"
"12"
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.
"These were ... Ishmael, one hundred and thirty-seven years." Ishmael lived 137 years.
The terms "breathed his last" and "died" mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "died"
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"
"His descendants settled"
"between Havilah and Ashhur"
Havilah was located somewhere in the Arabian Desert. See how you translated this in [Genesis 2:11]
"in the direction of"
Possible meanings are 1) "they did not live in peace together," or 2) "they lived away from their other relatives."
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"40 years old"
"when he married Rebekah"
Bethuel was Rebekah's father. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 22:22]
This was another name for the region of Mesopotamia, which about the same location as modern Iraq.
"she was unable to become pregnant"
It can be made explicit that Rebekah was pregnant with two babies at the same time: "Rebekah, his wife, became pregnant with twins"
"the babies inside her kept bumping against each other" or "The babies pushed against each other within her"
Rebekah was pregnant with twins.
"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.
"said to Rebekah"
This is poetic language. If your language has a way to indicate poetry, you could use it here.
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"
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"
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.
"she was surprised to learn that there"
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"
Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Esau sounds like the word 'hairy.'"
"holding the back part of Esau's foot"
Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Jacob means 'he grasps the heel.'"
"60 years old"
"became good at hunting and killing animals for food"
"a peaceful man" or "a less active man"
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"
This word is used to mark a change in focus, shifting from the story to background information about Isaac and Rebekah.
Here the word "loved" means "favored" or "preferred."
"because he ate the animals that Esau had hunted" or "because he enjoyed eating the wild animal meat that Esau caught"
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.
"boiled some food" or "cooked some soup." This stew was made of boiled lentils (Genesis 25:34).
"he was weak because he was very hungry" or "he was very hungry"
"I am weak from hunger" or "I am very hungry"
Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Edom means 'red.'"
right as firstborn to inherit most of the father's wealth
Esau was exaggerating to emphasize how hungry he was. Alternate translation: "I am so hungry I feel like I could die"
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!"
What Jacob wanted Esau to swear can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "First swear to me that you will sell me your birthright"
These are like beans, but their seeds are very small, round, and somewhat flat.
"Esau showed that he did not value his birthright"
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)
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.
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)
This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.
"there was a famine" or "there was another famine"
You can state explicitly the land to which this refers. Alternate translation: "in the land where Isaac and his family lived"
"that had happened during Abraham's life" or "that had happened while Abraham was alive"
Yahweh begins to speak to Isaac.
"appeared to Isaac"
It was common to speak of leaving the promised land as "going down" to another place.
"for I will give all these lands to you and your descendants"
"I will do what I promised Abraham your father I would do"
Yahweh continues speaking to Isaac.
"I will cause you to have very many descendants."
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]
This refers to everything we see above the earth, including the sun, moon, and stars.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will bless all the nations of the earth"
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"
Here "voice" stands for Yahweh. Alternate translation: "obeyed me"
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"
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"
"in order to take Rebekah"
The word "behold" shows that what Abimelech saw surprised him. Alternate translation: "And he was surprised to see that Isaac"
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.
Abimelek probably sent someone to tell Isaac that Abimelek wanted to see him. Alternate translation: "Abimelek sent someone to bring Isaac to him"
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?"
"so he could take her"
Abimelech used this question to scold Isaac. Alternate translation: "You should not have done this to us!"
The word "lain" here is a euphemism for "had sexual relations."
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"
Here "us" refers to Abimelech and his people.
Here "touches" means to touch in a harmful way. Alternate translation: "Whoever harms this man"
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"
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 Gerar"
This means "one hundred times as much as he planted." It can be translated more generally as "a very large crop."
"Isaac became rich" or "He became rich"
"he gained more and more until he became very wealthy"
This may also include goats.
Here "household" stands for workers or servants. Alternate translation: "many servants"
"The Philistines were jealous of him"
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]
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"
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 stronger than we are"
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"
Here "Isaac" stands for Isaac and his servants. Alternate translation: "Isaac and his servants dug out"
"which Abraham's servants had dug"
"during his father Abraham's lifetime" or "when Abraham, his father, was living"
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 filled them with earth"
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"
men who tended livestock
Here "ours" refers to the herdsmen of Gerar.
Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Esek means 'quarrel' or 'argue.'"
"Then Isaac's servants dug"
"the herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac's herdsmen"
"so Isaac gave it"
Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Sitnah means 'oppose' or 'accuse.'"
Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Rehoboth means 'make room for' or 'empty place.'"
Isaac was speaking about himself and his household.
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"
"will cause your descendants to increase greatly" or "will cause your descendants to be very many"
"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"
You can make explicit why Isaac built an altar. Alternate translation: "Isaac built an altar there to sacrifice to Yahweh"
To "call on" means to pray or to worship. Here "name" stands for Yahweh. Alternate translation: "prayed to Yahweh" or "worshiped Yahweh"
"went to Isaac"
This is the name of a man.
Possible meanings are 1) "Abimelech's friend" or 2) "Abimelech's advisor."
This is the name of a man. See how you translated his name in Genesis 21:22.
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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 know" or "We are certain"
"So we want to make a covenant"
This can also be translated as the beginning of a new sentence. "We have done only good to you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has blessed you"
Eating a meal together was a part of making a covenant with one another.
Here "them" refers to "Abimelech, Ahuzzath, and Phicol"
Here "they" refers to Isaac, Abimelech, Ahuzzath, and Phicol. Alternate translation: "they all ate"
"They awoke early"
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"So he called the well Shibah." Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Shibah sounds like the word that means 'oath.'"
Translators may add a footnote saying "Beersheba can mean either "well of the oath" or "well of seven." (See note on Genesis 21:32)
Most of Genesis 26 was about Isaac. These verses are about his older son Esau.
"40"
"he married." You can state explicitly that he married two women. Alternate translation: "he took two wives"
These are the names of Esau's wives.
These are names of men.
"the descendant of Heth" or "a descendant of Heth." The Hittite people were the descendants of Heth.
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"
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.
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)
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"
"I am here" or "I am listening." See how you translated this in Genesis 22:1.
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.
It is implied that Isaac knows he will die soon. Alternate translation: "I may die any day now"
This refers to physical death.
Isaac continues giving instructions to his older son Isaac.
"your hunting equipment"
A quiver is a case for holding arrows. Alternate translation: "your quiver of arrows"
"hunt a wild animal for me"
The word "delicious" refers to something that tastes very good. Alternate translation: "Cook for me the tasty meat that I love"
In Bible times, a father would often pronounce a formal blessing on his children.
This verse is background information for the description of the events that follow.
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 Isaac speaking to his son Esau"
Esau was the son of both Isaac and Rebekah. The author calls Esau "his son" to emphasize that Isaac preferred Esau over Isaac.
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.
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"
Jacob was the son of both Isaac and Rebekah. The author calls Jacob "her son" here to emphasize that Rebekah preferred Jacob over Esau.
The phrase "see here" adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: "Listen carefully"
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 a wild animal that you hunt and kill"
"cook for me the tasty meat that I love." See how this was translated in Genesis 27:4.
"bless you before Yahweh"
"before I die"
Rebekah continues to speak to her younger son Jacob.
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
Rebekah said "my voice" to refer to what she was saying. Alternate translation: "obey me and do what I tell you"
The word "delicious" refers to something that tastes very good. See how a similar sentence was translated in Genesis 27:4.
"Then take it to your father"
"and after he eats it, he will bless you"
The word "bless" refers to the formal blessing a father pronounces on his children.
"before he dies"
"I am a man with smooth skin" or "I am not hairy"
"he will think that I am a liar" or "he will know that I am deceiving him"
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"
"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"
Rebekah said "my voice" to refer to what she was saying. Alternate translation: "obey what I tell you" or "obey me"
"bring me the young goats"
The word "delicious" refers to something that tastes very good. See how a similar sentence was translated in Genesis 27:4.
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The goat skins still had the hair on them.
"She gave to her son Jacob the delicious food and bread which she had prepared"
"Yes, I am listening" or "Yes, what is it?" See how you translated this in Genesis 22:1.
"I have done what you told me to do"
The word "game" refers to wild animals that someone hunts and kills. See how "game" was translated in Genesis 27:3.
"Jacob replied"
This is an idiom meaning that God caused it to happen. Alternate translation: "helped me to succeed while hunting"
"if you are really my son Esau"
"Jacob approached Isaac his father"
Here Issac speaks of Jacob's voice as representing Jacob. Alternate translation: "You sound like Jacob"
Here Issac speaks of Esau's hands as representing Esau. Alternate translation: "but your hands feel like Esau's hands"
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Isaac asks this question before blessing his son. Alternate translation: "But first Isaac asked"
The word "game" refers to a wild animal that people hunt and kill. See how "game" was translated in Genesis 27:7.
"Isaac drank it"
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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"
"Isaac smelled"
"the scent"
"then he blessed him." This refers to the formal blessing a father pronounces on his children.
The word "see" is used as an emphatic figure of speech to mean "it is true." Alternate translation: "Truly, the smell of my son"
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"
This is Isaac's blessing. He thought he was speaking to Esau, but he was speaking to Jacob.
Here "you" is singular and refers to Jacob. But the blessing would also apply to Jacob's descendants.
"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"
Having fertile land is spoken of as if the earth were fat or rich. Alternate translation: "good soil for producing crops"
If "grain" and "wine" are unknown, this can be stated more generally. Alternate translation: "plenty of food and drink"
Here these pronouns are singular and refer to Jacob. But the blessing also applies to Jacob's descendants.
Here "nations" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "people from all nations bow down"
This means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.
"Become a master over your brothers"
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.
"your mother's sons will bow down to you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May God curse everyone who curses you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May God bless everyone who blesses you"
"had just left the tent of Isaac his father"
"tasty meat that I love." See how this was translated in Genesis 27:3.
Here "your son's" was a polite way of Esau referring to his own food he prepared.
The word "game" refers to wild animals that people hunt to eat. See how "game" was translated in Genesis 27:7.
This refers to the formal blessing a father pronounces on his children.
"said to Esau"
"Isaac began to shake"
Game refers to a wild animal that people hunt and kill. See how "game" was translated in Genesis 27:7.
Esau's anguish was similar to the taste of something bitter. Alternate translation: "he cried loudly"
This is a figure of speech meaning Jacob took what was Esau's. Alternate translation: "I have blessed him instead of you"
Esau uses a question to emphasize his anger at Jacob. Alternate translation: "Jacob is certainly the right name for my brother!"
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.'"
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"
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"
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.
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!"
This can be stated in positive form. "My father, do you have one more blessing for me"
"said to Esau"
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: the place"
This is a figure of speech referring to the earth's fertility. Alternate translation: "far from the fertile soil"
"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"
In 27:39-40 these pronouns are singular and refer to Esau, but what Isaac says also applies to Esau's descendants
Here "sword" stands for violence. Alternate translation: "You will rob and kill people in order to get what you need to live"
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"
Esau believed that Jacob had wronged him, and so Esau did not want to forgive Jacob.
Here "heart" stands for Esau himself. Alternate translation: "Esau said to himself"
This refers to a number of days a person grieves when a family member dies.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Rebekah about Esau's plan"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
"is making himself feel better"
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
"leave here quickly and go to Laban"
"for a period of time"
"until you brother calms down"
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"
Rebekah uses a question to emphasize her concern. Alternate translation: "I do not want to lose both of you in one day!"
It is implied that if Esau kills Jacob, then they will execute Esau as a murderer.
This is a polite way of referring to her sons dying.
Rebekah is exaggerating to emphasize how upset she is about the Hittite women that Esau married. Alternate translation: "I am terribly upset"
"these Hittite women" or "descendants of Heth"
The phrase "daughters of the land" means the local females. Alternate translation: "like these women who live in this land"
Rebekah uses a question to emphasize how upset she would be if Jacob marries a Hittite woman. Alternate translation: "My life will be awful!"
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)
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)
This was an important city for Abraham and his descendants. It is possible that there is some theological significance to the city of Bethel.
"Do not take"
"Go right away"
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]
This refers to a person's descendants or other relatives. Alternate translation: "family"
Bethuel was Rebekah's father. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 22:22]
"your grandfather"
"from the daughters"
"your uncle"
Isaac continues speaking to Jacob
The word "multiply" explains how God would make Jacob "fruitful." Alternate translation: "give you many children and descendants"
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"
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 staying"
"which God promised to Abraham"
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 was Rebekah's father. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 22:22]
The story changes from Jacob to Esau
This word is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Esau.
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 for himself"
"Esau also saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob"
"Do not take"
"daughters of Canaan" or "Canaanite women"
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This continues the background information about Esau.
"Esau realized"
"his father Isaac did not approve of the women of Canaan"
"daughters of Canaan" or "the Canaanite women"
"Because of that, he went"
"in addition to the wives that he already had"
This is the name of one of Ishmael's daughters.
This is the name of one of Ishmael's sons.
The story switches back to Jacob
"He came to a certain place and, because the sun had set, he decided to stay for the night"
"Jacob had a dream"
"with the bottom of it touching the ground"
This refers to the place where God lives.
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
Possible meanings are 1) "Yahweh was standing at the top of the stairway" or 2) "Yahweh was standing next to Jacob"
Here "father" means "ancestor." Alternate translation: "Abraham your ancestor" or "Abraham your forefather"
God continues to talk to Jacob in a dream.
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"
The word "you" is singular and refers to Jacob. Here Jacob represents his descendants. Alternate translation: "your descendants will spread out to the west"
This means the people will extend the borders of their land and occupy more territory.
This phrases are used together to mean "all directions." Alternate translation: "in all directions"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will bless all families on the earth through you and your descendants"
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: I am"
"for I will not leave you until I have done all"
"I will keep you safe" or "I will protect you"
"I will bring you back to this land"
"woke up from his sleep"
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 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.
This is a memorial pillar, that is, simply a large stone or boulder set up on its end.
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"
Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Bethel means 'house of God.'"
This is the name of a city.
Jacob begins to make a vow to Yahweh.
"made a vow" or "solemnly promised God"
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"
This stands for Jacob's journey to find a wife and to return home. Alternate translation: "on this journey"
Here "bread" stands for food in general.
The vow that began with the words "If God will ... clothes to wear" in verse 20 continues here.
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"
Here "house" stands for Jacob's family. Alternate translation: "to my father and the rest of my family"
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"
This chapter records the conflict between Jacob's wives, Rachel and Leah. This account continues into the next chapter.
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.
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.
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)
This means the people of Paddan Aram, which is a land east of the land of Canaan.
The word "behold" marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. Your language may have a way of doing this.
"For from that well." This phrase marks a change from the story to background information about how the shepherds watered the flocks.
"the shepherds would water" or "those taking care of the sheep would water"
Here "mouth" is a way of referring to an opening. Alternate translation: "the opening of the well"
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"Jacob said to the shepherds"
This is a polite way to greet a stranger.
Here "son" refers to a male descendant. Another possible meaning is "Laban the grandson of Nahor."
"Now look! Rachel his daughter is coming with the sheep"
"the sun is still high in the sky" or "the sun is still shining brightly"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for you to gather the flocks"
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 eat grass in the field"
"We have to wait to water them." This has to do with timing, not permission.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until the other shepherds gather their flocks"
Here "mouth" is way of referring to an opening. Alternate translation: "from the well" or "from the opening of the well"
"then we will water the sheep"
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"his uncle"
Here "mouth" is a way of referring to an opening. Alternate translation: "the well" or "the opening of the well"
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 weeps because he is so happy. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.
"related to her father"
"his nephew"
"hugged 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.
"then Jacob told Laban everything he told Rachel"
This phrase means they are directly related. Alternate translation: "my relative" or "a member of my family"
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."
The word "now" is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Laban and his daughters.
Possible meanings are 1) "Leah's eyes were pretty" or 2) "Leah's eyes were plain"
Here the word "loved" refers to a romantic attraction between a man and a woman.
"rather than give her to another man"
"but the time seemed to him to be only a few days"
"on account of the love he had for her" or "because of his love for her"
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"
This is a polite way of referring to having sexual relations with her. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 16:2]
"prepared a wedding feast." Most likely Laban had others prepare the feast. Alternate translation: "had others prepare a wedding feast"
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]
Here the author gives background information about Laban giving Zilpah to Leah. Most likely he gave Zilpah to Leah before the wedding.
This is the name of Leah's female servant.
"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.
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!"
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!"
"In our family we do not give"
"Finish celebrating Leah's bridal week"
The full meaning can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "next week we will give you Rachel also"
"And Jacob did what Laban asked, and finished celebrating Leah's bridal week"
This is the name of Rachel's female servant.
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]
This refers to the romantic love between a man and a woman.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jacob did not love Leah"
This is an exaggeration to emphasize that Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah. Alternate translation: "loved less than Rachel"
God causing Leah to be able to become pregnant is spoken of as if God is opening her womb.
"was not able to become pregnant"
"Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son"
Translators may also add a footnote that says: "The name Reuben means 'See, a son.'"
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"
"Then Leah became pregnant"
"gave birth to a son"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has heard that my husband does not love me"
Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Simeon means 'heard.'"
"my husband will embrace me"
"I have given birth to three sons for him"
Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Levi means 'attached.'"
"Leah became pregnant again"
"gave birth to a son"
Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Judah means 'praise.'"
This chapter continues the story of the conflict between Rachel and Leah.
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 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.
"When Rachel realized that she was unable to become preganant"
Rachel is exaggerating to show how upset she is about not having children. Alternate translation: "I will feel completely worthless"
"Cause me to become pregnant"
Jacob's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire. Alternate translation: "Jacob was very angry with Rachel"
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!"
"Rachel said"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
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.
This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in Genesis 29:29.
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]
This is a way of saying that the child that Bilhah gives birth to will belong to Rachel. Alternate translation: "for me"
"and in this way she will cause me to have children"
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]
This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in Genesis 29:29.
"gave birth to a son for Jacob"
"Rachel gave him the name"
Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Dan means 'he judged.'"
"Bilhah ... became pregnant again"
"gave birth to a second son for Jacob"
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"
"I have won" or "I have succeeded"
Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Naphtali means 'my struggle.'"
"When Leah became aware that"
"she gave Zilpah, her servant, to Jacob as a wife"
This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this in Genesis 29:24.
"gave birth to a son for Jacob"
"How fortunate!" or "What good luck!"
Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Gad means 'fortunate.'"
This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:24]
"gave birth to a second son for Jacob"
"How blessed I am!" or "How happy I am!"
"the women" or "the young women"
Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Asher means 'happy.'"
"Reuben went out"
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"
This is a fruit that was said to increase fertility and the desire to sleep with one's lover. Alternate translation: "love fruit"
"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."
This is a rhetorical question, used to scold Rachel. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Now you want ... too!"
Here "lie with" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "Then Jacob will have sexual relations with you"
Here "come to" is a euphemism for sexual relations. Alternate translation: "You must have sexual intercourse with me"
"for the price of my son's mandrakes." See how you translated "mandrake" in Genesis 30:14.
Here "lay with" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "Jacob had sexual relations with Leah"
"She became pregnant"
"gave birth to a fifth son for Jacob"
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"
Translators may also add a footnote that says: "The name Issachar means 'there is a reward.'"
"Leah became pregnant again"
"gave birth to a sixth son for Jacob"
Translators may also add a footnote that says: "The name Zebulun means 'honor.'"
This is the name of Leah's daughter.
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"
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"
Translators may also add a footnote that says: "The name Joseph means 'may he add.'"
Rachel's first sons were through her female servant Bilhah.
"After Rachel gave birth to Joseph"
"so I can go"
Jacob is reminding Laban of their contract
"Laban said to Jacob"
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"
This is an idiom that means that someone is approved of by someone else.
"please stay, because"
"I have discovered by my own spiritual and magical practices"
"because of you"
This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: "Tell me how much I have to pay to keep you here"
"Jacob said to Laban"
"how well your livestock have done since I started taking care of them"
"your herds were small before I worked for you"
"but now your wealth has greatly increased"
"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!"
"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"
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"
The phrase "this thing" refers to what Jacob will propose in verse 32.
"feed and take care of your flock"
"and remove every sheep with spots, every black sheep, and every goat with spots"
"This will be the cost of keeping me here"
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"
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"
"Let it be as you say" or "We will do what you have said"
"that had stripes and spots"
"that had spots"
"every goat that had some white in it"
"all the black sheep"
Here "hand" stands for control or care. Alternate translation: "had his sons take care of them"
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These are all trees with white wood.
"he peeled off pieces of bark so that the white wood underneath would show"
long open containers for holding water for animals to drink
"The animals of the flocks conceived" or "The animals mated"
"gave birth to babies with stripes and spots"
It can be made explicit that this happened over several years. Alternate translation: "During the several years following, Jacob separated"
"look toward"
"he set his flocks apart"
Here the flock's "eyes" represent the sheep and emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: "so that the flock could see them"
"in front of the sticks"
"the weaker animals"
"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"
"Jacob"
"greatly prospered" or "became very wealthy"
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)
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)
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.
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 that Laban's sons were saying"
Laban's sons were exaggerating because they were angry. Alternate translation: "Everything that Jacob has taken belonged to our father"
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"
"your father Isaac and your grandfather Abraham"
"Jacob sent for Rachel and Leah and told them to meet him out in the field with the flocks"
You can start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: "He said to them"
"I have noticed your father is no longer pleased with me"
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"
"has lied to me" or "has not treated me fairly"
"what he said he would pay me"
Possible meanings are 1) physical harm or 2) to cause Jacob to suffer in any way.
"The animals with spots"
"the flock gave birth to"
"The animals with stripes"
"This is how God gave your father's animals to me"
Jacob continues his story to his wives Leah and Rachel.
"During the breeding season"
Here "flock" represents only the female goats. Alternate translation: "mating with the female goats of the flock"
"had stripes, little spots, and big spots"
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."
"And I answered"
"Yes, I am listening" or "Yes, what is it?" See how you translated this in Genesis 22:1.
The angel of the Lord continues to talk to Jacob (Genesis 31:10).
This is a way of saying "Look up."
Here "flock" stands for only the female goats. Alternate translation: "that are breeding with the female goats of the flock"
"have stripes and spots"
Jacob poured oil on the pillar to dedicate it to God.
"the land where you were born"
This does not mean they talked at the same time. It emphasizes they agreed with each other.
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!"
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!"
This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: "He has sold us for his own gain"
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"
"belongs to us and to our children"
Here "Now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
"do all that God has told you"
Jacob took all of his children. It only mentions the sons because they are important as his heirs. Alternate translation: "his children"
"He drove all his cattle." Here "livestock" is referring to all his domesticate animals.
"and the other herd of cattle which he took ownership of when he was in Paddan Aram"
"He went to the land of Canaan, where his father Isaac lived"
"When Laban had left to cut the wool off of the sheep in his flock"
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This refers to the Euphrates River.
"traveled toward"
"the mountains of Gilead" or "Mount Gilead"
It was Jewish custom to count the day of departure as day one. Alternate translation: "Two days after they had left"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone told Laban"
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"
"So Laban took"
"chased after Jacob"
Laban spent seven days walking to catch up to Jacob.
"He caught up to him"
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"
The phrase "good nor bad" are used together to mean "anything." Alternate translation: "Do not say anything to try and stop Jacob from leaving"
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"
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.
"run away in secret"
"with joy"
These instruments stand for music. Alternate translation: "and with music"
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
Here "grandsons" would include all grandchildren whether male or female. Alternate translation: "to kiss my grandchildren"
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
The word "you" is plural and refers to everyone with Jacob. Alternate translation: "I have enough people with me to harm all of you"
The words "good nor bad" are used together to mean "anything." See how you translated this in [Genesis 31:24]
This "you" is singular and refers to Jacob.
Here "house" stands for family. Alternate translation: "to be home with your father and the rest of your family"
"my idols"
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This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "We will kill whoever has stolen your gods"
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.
"look for whatever we have that is yours and take it"
This changes from the story to background information about Jacob.
This refers to Zilpah and Bilhah.
"he did not find his idols"
The word "now" is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Rachel.
a seat placed on the back of an animal so a person can ride on it
Calling someone "my master" is a way of honoring them.
"because I am unable to stand up in your presence"
This refers to the time of the month when a woman bleeds from her womb.
"Jacob said to Laban"
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?"
Here the word "hotly" means Laban urgently chased Jacob intending to capture him.
"What have you found that belongs to you?"
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"
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"
Jacob continues to speak to Laban.
"20 years"
female sheep
This means they have not had a pregnancy end early and unexpectedly with the lamb or kid born dead.
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"
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"
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 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."
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"
Jacob continues to speak to Laban.
"These last 20 years"
"14 years"
"changed what he said he would pay me ten times." See how you translated "my wages" in Genesis 31:7.
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"
Here the word "father" refers to his parent, Isaac.
Here the word "fears" refers to the "fear of Yahweh," which means to deeply respect him and show that respect by obeying him.
This stands for having nothing. Alternate translation: "with absolutely nothing"
The abstract noun "affliction" can be stated as "afflicted." Alternate translation: "God has seen how hard I worked and how you afflicted me"
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."
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.
This means that a large stone was simply set up on its end to mark the place where this important event happened.
"stacked them on top of each other"
Eating a meal together was a part of making the covenant with one another. The full meaning of this may be made explicit.
Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Jegar Sahadutha means 'heap of witness' in Laban's language."
Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Galeed means 'heap of witness' in Jacob's language.
The stones do not actually bear witness as a person. Alternate translation: "This pile will be a reminder between me and you"
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]
Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Mizpah means 'watchtower.'"
Here "out of sight" stands for no longer being in each other's presence. Alternate translation: "when we are no longer with each other"
Here "us" refers to Laban and Jacob. Alternate translation: "even if no one else is there to see us"
"look" or "remember" or "pay attention to what i am about to tell you"
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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.
Abraham is Jacob's grandfather. Nahor is Laban's grandfather. The father of Abraham and Nahor is Terah. Not all of them worshipped Yahweh.
Here the word "Fear" refers to Yahweh, who Isaac deeply respected and showed that respect by obeying him.
Eating a meal together was part of making the covenant with one another. The full meaning of this may be made explicit.
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.
This means expressing a desire for positive and beneficial things to happen to someone.
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)
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.
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.
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Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Mahanaim means 'two camps.'"
This is a mountainous area in the region of Edom.
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.'"
Jacob is using polite language and refers to his brother as "my master."
Jacob is using polite language and refers to himself as "your servant."
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."
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"
"400 men"
This refers to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to himself or others.
distressed, troubled
Here "camp" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "to attack the people in one camp, then the people in the other camp will escape"
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"
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 family"
"I will do good for you" or "I will treat you well"
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"
This is a polite way of saying "me."
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"
"save me"
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 that he will"
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"
"do good to you" or "treat you well"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which no one can count because of their number"
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"200"
"20"
"30 ... 40 ... 10"
"their young"
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"
"let each herd travel at a distance from the other herds"
"He commanded"
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"
"Who is your master?"
"Who owns these animals that are in front of you?"
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"
Jacob is referring to himself in a polite way as Esau's servant.
Jacob is referring to Esau is a polite way as his master.
Here "us" refers to the servant speaking and the other servants bringing herds to Esau.
"commanded the second group"
Possible meanings are 1) "You will say also, 'Your servant Jacob'" or 2) "You will say, 'Also, Your servant Jacob.'"
"I will calm him down" or "I will make his anger go away"
"he will welcome me kindly"
Here "gifts" stands for the servants taking the gifts.
Here "himself" emphasizes that Jacob did not go with the servants.
"his two servant wives." This means Zilpah and Bilhah.
a shallow place in a river that is easy to cross
This is the name of a river.
"all that he had"
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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"
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.
"the sun will rise soon"
Here "bless" means to pronounce a formal blessing on someone and to cause good things to happen to that person.
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"
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Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Israel means 'He struggles with God.'"
Here "men" means "people" in general.
"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!"
Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Peniel means 'the face of God.'"
Being "face to face" means that two people are seeing each other in person, at a close distance.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "yet he spared my life"
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This marks a change from the story to background information about the descendants of Israel.
This means to the day that the author was writing this.
This refers to the muscle that connects the thigh bone to the thigh socket.
"thigh socket"
"while striking"
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)
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.
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to a surprising new part of the story.
"400 men"
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.
"servant wives." This refers to Bilhah and Zilpah.
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Here "himself" emphasizes that Jacob went alone in front of the others.
Here the word "bow" means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.
"meet Jacob"
This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "Esau put his arms around Jacob, hugged him, and kissed him"
This can be translated more explicitly. Alternate translation: "Then Esau and Jacob cried because they were happy to see each other again"
"he saw the women and children who were with Jacob"
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"
"servant wives." This refers to Bilhah and Zilpah.
This is a sign of humility and respect before another person.
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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?"
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"
The phrase "my master" is a polite way of referring to Esau.
The word "animals" or "property" is understood. Alternate translation: "I have enough animals" or "I have enough property"
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"
Here "hand" refers to Jacob. Alternate translation: "this gift that I am giving to you"
This can be translated as a new sentence: "my hand. For certainly"
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.
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that my servants brought to you"
"God has treated me very well" or "God has blessed me very much"
It was customary to refuse a gift first, but then to accept the gift before the giver was offended.
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This is a polite and formal way of referring to Esau. Alternate translation: "You, my master, know"
The meaning can be stated more explicitly. Alternate translation: "the children are too young to travel fast"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If we force them to go too fast even for one day"
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 speed the animals I am looking after can go"
This is a mountainous area in the region of Edom. See how you translated this in [Genesis 32:3]
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!"
This is a polite and formal way of referring to Esau. Alternate translation: "you, my lord"
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Translators may also add a footnote that says, "The name Sukkoth means 'shelters.'"
It is implied that the house is also for his family. Alternate translation: "built a house for himself and his family"
"for the animals he looked after"
This starts a new part of the story. The author describes what Jacob did after he rested in Sukkoth.
"After Jacob left Paddan Aram"
This only mentions Jacob because he is the leader of the family. It is implied that his family was with him.
"He set up his camp near"
"piece of land"
This is the name of a man.
Shechem is the name of a city and the name of a man.
"100"
Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name El Elohe Israel means 'God, the God of 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)
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.
Here this word is used to mark a new part of the story.
This is the name of Leah's daughter. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 30:21]
This is the name of a people group. See how you translated the similar word "Hivites" in [Genesis 10:17]
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.
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"
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"
"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"
He tried to convince her that he loved her and that he wanted her to love him also.
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"Now" is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Jacob.
The word "he" refers to Shechem.
This means that Shechem had greatly dishonored and disgraced Dinah by forcing her to sleep with him.
This is a way of saying that Jacob did not say or do anything about the matter.
"Hamor ... went to meet Jacob"
"The men were very insulted" or "They were shocked"
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"
Here "lying with" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "having sexual relations with Jacob's daughter"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for he should not have done such a terrible thing"
"Hamor spoke with Jacob and his sons"
Here the word "love" refers to romantic love between a man and a woman. Alternate translation: "loves her and wants to marry her"
In some cultures, the parents decide whom their children will marry.
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"
"the land will be available to you"
"Shechem said to Dinah's father Jacob"
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"
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.
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"
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.
"Jacob's sons said to Shechem and Hamor"
"We cannot agree to give Dinah in marriage"
"for that would cause us shame." Here "us" refers to Jacob's sons and all the people of Israel.
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This means they will allow a person from Jacob's family to marry a person who lives in Hamor's land.
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"Hamor and his son Shechem agreed with what Jacob's sons said"
"to become circumcised"
"Jacob's daughter Dinah"
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"
It was common for leaders to meet at the city gate to make official decisions.
"Jacob, his sons, and the people of Israel"
Here "us" includes Hamor, his son and all the people they spoke with at the city gate.
"let them live and trade in the land"
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"
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.
Hamor and Shechem his son continue to talk to the city elders.
"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"
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."
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.
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"
"third" is the ordinal number for three. It can be stated without the ordinal number. Alternate translation: "After two days"
"when the men of the city were still in pain"
"took their swords"
Here "city" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "they attacked the people of the city"
This can be translated as a new sentence. "security. Simeon and Levi killed all the men of the city"
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"the dead bodies of Hamor, Shechem, and their men"
"stole everything in the city that was valuable"
Shechem alone had defiled Dinah, but Jacob's sons considered Shechem's entire family and everyone in the city responsible for this act.
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.
"Jacob's sons took the people's flocks, herds, and donkeys, as well as everything"
"They took all their wealth, and they captured all their children and their wives"
The word "their" refers to the people of Shechem.
"all their possessions and money"
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"
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"
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"
"form an army and attack me" or "form an army and attack us"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they will destroy me" or "they will destroy us"
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!"
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.
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)
The phrase "go up" is used because Bethel is higher in elevation than Shechem.
"live there"
God speaks about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "Build an altar there to me, your God"
"said to his family"
"Throw away your idols" or "Get rid of your false gods"
This was the custom of cleansing oneself morally and physically before going to worship God.
Putting on a new clothes was a sign that they had made themselves clean before approaching God.
"in the time of my distress" or "when I was in trouble"
"so everyone in Jacob's household gave" or "so all of his family and servants gave"
Here "in their hand" stands for what they own. Alternate translation: "that were in their possession" or "that they had"
"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.
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"
Here "cities" stands for the people who live in the cities.
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]
This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in [Genesis 28:19]
Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name El Bethel means 'God of Bethel.'"
"there God made himself known to Jacob"
This is the name of a woman.
A nurse is a woman who takes care of another woman's child. The nurse was highly honored and important to the family.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They buried her down from Bethel"
The phrase "down from" is used because they buried her in a place that was lower in elevation than Bethel.
Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Allon Bakuth means 'Oak tree where there is weeping.'"
It can be made explicit that they were in Bethel. Alternate translation: "After Jacob left Paddan Aram, and while he was in Bethel"
Here "bless" means to pronounce a formal blessing on someone and to cause good things to happen to that person.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but your name will no longer be Jacob"
"God said to Jacob"
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]
Here "nation" and "nations" refer to Jacob's descendants who will establish these nations.
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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"
This is a memorial pillar which was simply a large stone or boulder set up on its end.
This is a sign that he is dedicating the pillar to God.
Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Bethel means 'house of God.'"
This is another name for the town of Bethlehem.
"She was having a very difficult time giving birth to the child"
"When the labor pain was at its worst"
a person who helps a woman when she is giving birth to a child
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"
Translator may add a footnote that says "The name Ben-Oni means 'son of my sorrow.'"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried her"
"alongside the road"
"It marks Rachel's grave still to this day"
"up to the present time." This means to the time that the author was writing this.
It is implied that Israel's family and servants are with him. The full meaning of this information can be made explicit.
Some English translations understand this phrase as a proper name, either "Migdal Eder" or "the tower of Eder."
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "had sexual relations with"
This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:29]
This sentence begins a new paragraph, which continues into the following verses.
"12 sons"
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This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:29]
This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:24]
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"
Here "came" can be stated as "went."
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]
This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:2]
"180 years"
"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]
This is a polite way of saying a person died. See how you translated this in [Genesis 25:8]
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"
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"
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)
"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"
These are names of Esau's wives.
"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.
These are names of men.
This refers to a larger group of people. See how you translated it in Genesis 10:17.
a man's name
This is the name of one of Esau's wives. See how you translated this in Genesis 26:34.
This is the name of one of Ishmael's sons. See how you translated this in Genesis 28:9.
These are names of Esau's wives. See how you translated these in [Genesis 36:2-3]
These are names of Esau's sons.
These are names of Esau's wives. See how you translated these in [Genesis 36:2]
These are names of Esau's sons.
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"
This means to moved to another place and live there. Alternate translation: "went to live in another land"
"Esau's and Jacob's possessions"
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"
The word "settled" means to move somewhere and live there. Alternate translation: "where they were living as foreigners"
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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"
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"
These are names of Esau's sons. See how you translated these names in [Genesis 36:4]
These are names of Esau's wives. See how you translated these names in [Genesis 36:2-3]
These are names of the sons of Eliphaz.
a son of Eliphaz
This is the name of Eliphaz's concubine.
This is the name of a son of Esau. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:4]
These are names of Reuel's sons.
This is the name of a wife of Esau. See how you translated this in Genesis 36:3.
This is the name of a wife of Esau. See how you translated these in [Genesis 36:2]
These are the names of men.
These are names of Esau's sons. See how you translated these names in Genesis 36:5.
This is the name of one of Esau's sons. See how you translated his name in [Genesis 36:4]
These are names of Eliphaz's sons.
These are names of Eliphaz's sons.
This is the name of one of Esau's wives. See how you translated her name in Genesis 36:2.
This is the name of a son of Esau. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:4]
These are the names of Reuel's sons. See how you translated these names in [Genesis 36:13]
This means that they lived in the land of Edom. Alternate translation: "who lived in the land of Edom"
This is the name of a wife of Esau. See how you translated these names in [Genesis 36:3]
This is the name of a wife of Esau. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:2]
These are the names of Esau's sons. See how you translated these names in [Genesis 36:5]
This the name of a man. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:2]
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The word "Seir" is the name of a man and of a country.
The word "Horite" refers to a people group. See how you translated it in Genesis 14:6.
"who lived in the land of Seir, which is also called Edom"
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
This is the name of man. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:20]
These are names of men.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:20]
These are names of men.
These are names of men. See how you translated "Anah" in Genesis 36:20.
This is the name of a woman.
These are names of men. See how you translated "Dishon" in [Genesis 36:21]
These are names of men. See how you translated "Ezer" in [Genesis 36:20-21]
These are names of men. See how you translated "Dishan" in [Genesis 36:21]
This is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in [Genesis 14:6]
These are the names of men. See how you translated these names in [Genesis 36:20]
These are the names of men. See how you translated these names in [Genesis 36:21]
This means that they lived in the land of Seir. Alternate translation: "of those who lived in the land of Seir"
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These are names of men.
This means that this was the city where he lived. Alternate translation: "the name of the city where he lived"
This is the name of a place.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a 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"
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:33]
This is the name of a man.
This means that Husham lived in the land of the Temanites. Alternate translation: "Husham who lived in the land of the Temanites"
descendants of a man named Teman
These are names of men.
This means that this was the city where he lived. Alternate translation: "The name of the city where he lived"
These are names of places.
These are names of men.
"Samlah from Masrekah"
These are names of places.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 36:36]
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"
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a place.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
This means that this was the city where he lived. Alternate translation: "The name of the city where he lived"
These are names of places.
This is the name of a woman.
"she was the daughter of Matred, and the granddaughter of Me-Zahab"
"the leaders of the clans"
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"
These are names of people groups.
These are names of people groups.
These are names of people groups.
These are names of people groups.
"their dwelling places" or "the places they lived"
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"
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.
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)
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)
"in the land of Canaan where his father had lived as a foreigner"
"17 years old"
This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:29]
This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:24]
These women were servants of Leah and Rachel whom they had given to Jacob to produce children.
"a bad report about his brothers"
This word is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Israel and Joseph.
This refers to brotherly love or love for a friend or family member. This is natural human love between friends or relatives.
This means that Joseph was born when Israel was an old man. Alternate translation: "who was born when Israel was an old man"
"Israel made Joseph"
"a beautiful robe"
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This is a summary of the events that will happen in 37:6-11.
"And Joseph's brothers hated him even more than they hated him before"
"Please listen to this dream that I had"
Joseph tells his brothers about his dream.
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
The word "we" refers to Joseph and includes all of his brothers.
When grain is reaped it is tied into bundles and stacked until it is time to separate the grain from the straw.
Here the word "behold" here shows that Joseph was surprised by what he saw.
Here the bundles of grain are standing and kneeling as if they were people. These bundle represent Joseph and his brothers.
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!"
The word "us" refers to Joseph's brothers but not Joseph.
"because of his dreams and what he said"
"Joseph had another dream"
"11 stars"
"Israel scolded him, saying"
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!"
This means being angry because someone else is successful or more popular.
The means that he kept thinking about the meaning of Joseph's dream. Alternate translation: "kept thinking about what the dream might mean"
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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."
Here it is implied that Israel is asking Joseph to prepare himself to leave and go see his brothers. Alternate translation: "Get ready"
He is ready to leave. "I am ready to go"
"Israel said to Joseph"
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"
"from the Valley"
"A certain man found Joseph wandering in a field"
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 are you looking for?"
"Please tell me where"
"shepherding their flock"
This is the name of a place that is about 22 kilometers from Shechem.
"Joseph's brothers saw him while he was far away"
"they made evil plans to kill him"
"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.
This wording shows that the brothers acted upon their plans. Alternate translation: "So now"
"dangerous animal" or "ferocious animal"
to eagerly have eaten
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"
"heard what they were saying"
The phrase "their hand" refers to the brothers' plan to kill him. Alternate translation: "from them" or "from their plans"
The phrase "take his life" is a euphemism for killing someone. Alternate translation: "Let us not kill Joseph"
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"
This can be translated as a new sentence: "Rueben said this so that he might rescue Joseph"
The phrase "their hand" refers to the brothers' plan to kill him. Alternate translation: "from them" or "from their plans"
"and return him"
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 tore his beautiful garment off of him"
"beautiful robe." See how you translated this in Genesis 37:3.
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"Bread" represents food in general. Alternate translation: "They sat down to eat food" or "Joseph's brothers sat down to eat"
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"
carrying
seasonings
an oily substance with a sweet smell used for healing and protecting skin. "medicine"
"bringing them down to Egypt." This can be made more explicit. Alternate translation: "bringing them down to Egypt to sell them"
This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "We do not gain a profit by killing our brother and covering up his blood"
This is a figure of speech referring to hiding Joseph's death. Alternate translation: "hide his murder"
"to these men who are descendants of Ishmael"
This means not to harm or injure him. Alternate translation: "not hurt him"
The word "flesh" is a metonym that stands for a relative. Alternate translation: "he is our blood relative"
"Judah's brothers listened to him" or "Judah's brothers agreed with him"
Both names refer to the same group of traders that Joseph's brothers meet.
"for the price of 20 pieces of silver"
"took Joseph to Egypt"
"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.
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"
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!"
This refers to the beautiful garment that his father made for him.
"the goat's blood"
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"has eaten him"
Jacob thinks that a wild animal has torn Joseph's body apart. Alternate translation: "It has certainly torn Joseph to pieces"
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"
Here "loins" refers to the middle part of the body or the waist. Alternate translation: "put on sackcloth"
Here the childrens' coming to their father is spoke of as "rising up." Alternate translation: "came to him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but he would not let them comfort him"
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"
"The Midianites sold Joseph"
"the leader of the soldiers who guarded the king"
This chapter focuses on Jacob's son Judah.
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)
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)
This introduces a new part of the story that focuses on Judah.
Hirah is the name of a man who lived in the village of Adullam.
Shua is a Canaanite woman who married Judah.
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]
"Judah's wife became pregnant"
This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "His father named him Er"
Judah's son
"named him"
Judah's son
Judah's son
This is the name of a place.
This is the name of one of Judah's sons. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 38:3]
The phrase "in the sight" refers to Yahweh seeing Er's wickedness. Alternate translation: "was wicked and Yahweh saw it"
Yahweh killed him because he was wicked. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "So Yahweh killed him"
This is the name of one of Judah's sons. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 38:4]
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]
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.
This is a polite way of referring to having sexual relations with her. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Genesis 16:2]
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"
This is probably a euphemism for any place that it should not have gone.
The phrase "in the sight" refers to Yahweh seeing Onan's wickedness. Alternate translation: "was evil and Yahweh saw it"
Yahweh killed him because what he did was evil. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "So Yahweh killed him also"
"his oldest son's wife"
This means her to live in here father's house. Alternate translation: "and live in your father's house"
Judah intends for Tamar to marry Shelah when he grows up. Alternate translation: "and when Shelah, my son, grows up, he can marry you"
This is the name of one of Judah's sons. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 38:5]
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"
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 38:2]
"When Judah was no longer grieving, he"
"Timnah, where his men were shearing sheep"
This is the name of a place.
"His friend Hiram, from Adullam, went with him"
"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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Tamar"
"Listen." Here the word "look" is used to get Tamar attention.
"your husband's father"
This is the name of a place.
"that widows wear"
a very thin material used to cover a woman's head and face
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"
"along the road" or "on the way"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Judah had not given her to Shelah as a wife"
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.
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"
Tamar was sitting by the road. Alternate translation: "He went to where she was sitting by the road"
"Come with me, please" or "Come now, please"
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"
"from my flock of goats"
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.
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he caused her to become pregnant"
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 that widows wear." See how you translated these in Genesis 38:14.
a person who lives in the village of Adullam. See how you translated this in [Genesis 38:1]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "take back the pledge"
Here "hand" emphasizes that they were in here possession. The woman's hand refers to the woman. Alternate translation: "from the woman"
a person who lives in the village of Adullam. See how you translated this in [Genesis 38:1]
"some of the men who lived there"
"prostitute who serves in the temple"
This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in [Genesis 38:14]
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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"
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone told Judah"
"Tamar, your oldest son's wife"
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 out"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we will burn her to death"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When they brought her out"
"her husband's father"
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.
This is the name of one of Judah's sons. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 38:5]
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.
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.
The word "behold" alerts us to the surprise that Tamar was carrying twins, which was previously unknown.
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 of the babies put out his hand"
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.
"bright red thread"
"around his wrist"
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
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!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "she named him"
This is the name of a boy. Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Perez means 'breaking out.'"
This is the name of a boy. Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Zerah means 'scarlet or bright red.'"
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)
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)
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"
This means that Yahweh helped Joseph and was always with him. Alternate translation: "Yahweh guided Joseph and helped him"
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"
Joseph was now Potiphar's slave.
This means that the master saw how Yahweh was helping Joseph. Alternate translation: "His master saw that Yahweh was helping him"
"Yahweh caused everything that Joseph did to prosper"
"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"
This means that he was Potiphar's personal servant.
"Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his household and everything that belonged to Potiphar"
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"
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"
This phrase is used here to tell the reader that these two verses are background information for the next event.
"Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his household and everything that belonged to him"
Here "blessed" means to cause good and beneficial things to happen to the person or thing that is being blessed.
Here the author speaks of the blessing that Yahweh gave as if it were a physical covering put over something. Alternate translation: "Yahweh blessed"
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"
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"
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"
The word "now" marks a stop in the story as the author gives background information about Joseph.
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"
"And so." This phrase is used here to mark a new event.
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "Have sexual relations with me"
"Listen." Joseph uses this word to get Potiphar's wife's attention.
"my master has no concern about his household with me in charge" or "my master trusts me with his household"
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"
Here the author speaks of authority as if it were greatness. Alternate translation: "I have more authority in this house than anyone else"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "He has given me everything except you"
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."
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"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "to have sexual relations with her"
"to be near her"
"And so." This phrase is used here to mark a new event in the story.
"None of the other men who worked in the house"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "Have sexual relations with me"
"and quickly ran outside" or "and quickly ran out of the house"
"Then" The phrase "it came about" is used here to mark the next event in the story.
"had quickly ran out of the house"
"the men who worked in her house"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you."
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"
"When he heard me scream, he." The phrase "it came about" is used here to mark the next event in the story.
"Joseph's master." This refers to Potiphar.
"She explained it like this"
The word "us" refers to Potiphar, his wife, and includes the rest of the household.
"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"
"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.
"ran quickly out of the house"
"And so." This phrase is used here to mark a new event in the story.
"Joseph's master." This refers to Potiphar. This information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Joseph's master, Potiphar"
"heard his wife explain to him." The word "his" and "him" here refer to Potiphar.
"Potiphar became very angry"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the place where the king put his prisoners"
"Joseph stayed there"
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"
The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithful" or "faithfully." Alternate translation: "was faithful to his covenant with him" or "faithfully loved him"
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 manager" or "the man in charge of the prison"
Here "hand" represents Joseph's power or trust. Alternate translation: "put Joseph in charge of"
"Joseph was in charge of everything they did there"
This refers to how Yahweh helped Joseph and guided him. Alternate translation: "because Yahweh guided Joseph"
"Yahweh caused everything that Joseph did to prosper"
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)
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)
This phrase is used here to mark a new event in the story.
This is the person who brought drinks to the king.
This is the person who made food for the king.
"upset their master"
"the leading cupbearer and the leading baker"
"He put them in the prison that was in the house that was overseen by the captain of the guard"
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"
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"
"They remained in prison for a long time"
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"Joseph came to the cupbearer and the baker"
The word "behold" here shows that Joseph was surprised by what he saw. Alternate translation: "He was surprised to see that they were upset"
This refers to the cupbearer and the baker.
"In prison in him master's house." "His master" refers to Joseph's master, the captain of the guard.
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!"
Joseph asks for them to tell him their dreams. Alternate translation: "Tell me the dreams, please"
The most important person who brings drinks to the king. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:2.
"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.
"its clusters ripened into grapes"
This means that he squeezed the juice out of them. Alternate translation: "squeezed the juice from them"
"Here is what the dream means"
"The three branches represent three days"
"In three more days"
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"
"will give you back your job"
"just as you did when"
"please be kind to me"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For indeed people took me" or "For indeed the Ishmaelites took me"
"the land where the Hebrew people live"
"and also while I have been here in Egypt, I have done nothing for which I deserved to be put in prison"
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 in my dream,"
"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.
"baked foods for Pharaoh"
"Here is what the dream means"
"The three baskets represent three days"
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"
Here "flesh" literally means the soft tissue on a person's body.
"Afterward, on the third day." The phrase "it came about" is used here to mark a new event in the story.
"He had a feast"
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"
This was the leading person who prepared and served drinks to the king. See how these were translated in Genesis 40:2.
This refers to the leading person who made food for the king. See how this was translated in Genesis 40:2.
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"
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"
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"
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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)
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 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)
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.
Two years passed after Joseph correctly interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, who had been in prison with Joseph.
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"
"Pharaoh was standing"
"healthy and fat"
"were eating the grass along the side of the river"
tall, thin grasses that grow in wet areas
The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was again surprised by what he saw.
"sick and thin"
"beside the river" or "riverside." This is the higher ground along the edge of a river.
"weak and skinny." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:3.
"healthy and well-fed." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:2.
"awakened"
The word "second" is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: "again"
The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was surprised by what he saw.
The heads are parts of the corn plant on which the seeds grow.
"grew up on one stem." The stalk is the thick or tall part of a plant.
"on one stock and they were healthy and beautiful"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that were thin and burned because of the hot wind from the east"
Wind from the east blew in from the desert. The heat of the east wind was often very destructive.
"grew up" or "developed"
The words "of grain" are understood. Alternate translation: "The thin heads of grain"
"ate." Pharaoh is dreaming that unhealthy corn could eat healthy corn just like a person eats food.
"healthy and good heads." See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:5.
"awakened"
The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was surprised by what he had seen.
"he had been dreaming"
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.
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"
It is understood that he sent servants. Alternate translation: "He sent his servants to call" or "He sent his servants to summon"
Ancient kings and rulers used magicians and wise men as advisers.
The most important person who brings drinks to the king. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:2.
"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.
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"
Here "his" refers to Pharaoh. Here "servants" refers to the cupbearer and the chief baker. Alternate translation: "with us, your servants"
"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 soldier in charge of the royal guards. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:3.
The most important person who made food for the king. See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 40:2.
"One night we both had dreams"
Here "We" refers to the chief cupbearer and the chief baker.
"Our dreams had different meanings"
The chief cupbearer continues to speak to Pharaoh.
"In prison there was with the chief baker and me"
The soldier in charge of the royal guards. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:3.
"We told him our dreams and he explained their meanings to us"
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"
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.
"what he explained about the dreams is what later happened"
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 chief baker"
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"
It is understood that Pharaoh sent servants. Alternate translation: "Pharaoh sent his servants to get Joseph"
"out of the jail" or "out of the prison"
It was common practice to shave both the facial and head hair when preparing to go before Pharaoh.
Here "came" can be stated as "went." Alternate translation: "went before Pharaoh"
"no one can explain the meaning"
"you can explain its meaning"
"I am not the one who can explain the meaning"
"God will answer Pharaoh favorably"
Pharaoh uses the word "behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.
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"
Pharaoh uses the word "Behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.
"well-fed and healthy." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:2.
"were eating the grass along the side of the river." See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:2.
Pharaoh uses the word "Behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.
"weak, and skinny." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:3.
The abstract noun "undesirableness" can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: "such ugly cows" or "such worthless looking cows"
"well-fed cows." See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 41:2.
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"
Pharaoh continues telling Joseph his dreams.
This begins Pharaoh's next dream after he woke up and went back to sleep. Alternate translation: "Then I dreamed again"
Pharaoh uses the word "Behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.
The words "of grain" are understood. Alternate translation: "seven heads of grain"
"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.
dead and dried
"grew up" or "developed"
The words "of grain" are understood. See how you translated this in [Genesis 41:7]
"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 not a single one that could" or "none of them could"
It is implied that the meanings are the same. Alternate translation: "Both dreams mean the same thing"
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"
The words "of grain" are understood. Alternate translation: "seven good heads of grain"
Joseph continues his interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams
"skinny and weak cows." See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 41:3.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "seven thin heads of grain scorched because of the hot wind from the east"
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 made known"
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: seven"
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"
Joseph continues interpreting Pharaoh's dreams.
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"
Joseph expresses an idea in two ways to emphasize its importance.
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"
Here "land" refers to the soil, the people, and the entire country.
Joseph expresses an idea in two ways to emphasize its importance.
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"
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"
Joseph continues to address Pharaoh
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
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"
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"
Here "land" stands for all the people and everything in 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"
"during the seven years in which there is plenty of food"
Joseph continues to counsel Pharaoh
"Allow the overseers to gather"
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"
The phrase "under the authority of Pharaoh" means Pharaoh gives them authority. Alternate translation: "use the authority of Pharaoh to store the grain"
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"
Here "land" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "This food will be for the people"
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"
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "Pharaoh and his servants thought this was a good plan"
This means Pharaoh's officials.
"a man like the one Joseph described"
"in whom the Spirit of God lives"
"no one else is as capable in making decisions." See how you translated "discerning" in Genesis 41:33.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will rule over my people and they will do what you command"
Here "throne" stands for Pharaoh's rule as king. Alternate translation: "Only in my role as king"
The word "See" adds emphasis to what Pharaoh says next. Alternate translation: "Look, I have put you"
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"
All of these actions symbolize that Pharaoh is giving Joseph the authority to do everything that Joseph planned.
This ring had Pharaoh's seal engraved on it. This gave Joseph the authority and money needed to carry out his plans.
"Linen" here is a smooth, strong cloth made from the blue-flowered flax plant.
This act makes clear to the people that Joseph is second only to Pharaoh.
"Bow down and honor Joseph." To bend the knee and bow down was a sign of honor and respect.
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]
Pharaoh is emphasizing his authority. Alternate translation: "As Pharaoh, I command that apart from you"
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"
Here "man" refers to any person in general, whether male or female.
Translators may add the following footnote: The name Zaphenath-Paneah means "a revealer of secrets."
Priests in Egypt were the highest and most privileged caste. This marriage signifies Joseph's place of honor and privilege.
"Asenath" is the name of the woman whom Pharaoh gave to Joseph as his wife.
"Potiphera" is the father of Asenath.
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 traveled over the land to supervise the preparations for the coming drought.
"30 years old"
Here "stood before" stands for Joseph starting to serve Pharaoh. Alternate translation: "when he started to serve Pharaoh"
Joseph is inspecting the country as he prepares to carry out his plans.
"During the seven good years"
"the land produced big harvests"
Here "He" stands for Joseph's servants. Alternate translation: "Joseph ordered his servants to gather ... They put"
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"
Here "Joseph" and "he" stand for Joseph's servants. Alternate translation: "Joseph had his servants store up ... they stopped"
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"
a woman's name. See how you translated this in [Genesis 41:45]
"Potiphera" is the father of Asenath. See how you translated this in [Genesis 41:45]
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]
Translators may also add a footnote that says, "The name 'Manasseh' means 'to cause to forget.'"
This refers to Joseph's father Jacob and his family.
Translators may also add a footnote that says, "The name 'Ephraim' means 'to be fruitful' or 'to have children.'"
Here "fruitful" means to prosper or to have children.
The abstract noun "affliction" can be stated as "I have suffered." Alternate translation: "in this land where I have suffered"
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In all the surrounding nations beyond Egypt, including the land of Canaan.
It is implied that there was food because of Joseph commanded his people to store food during the seven good years.
Here "land" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "When all the Egyptians were starving"
The word "face" refers to the surface of the land. Alternate translation: "The famine had spread throughout the land"
Here "Joseph" stands for Joseph's servants. Alternate translation: "Joseph had his servants open all the storehouses and sell grain to the Egyptians"
Here "earth" stands for the people from all regions. Alternate translation: "People were coming to Egypt from all the surrounding regions"
"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.
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 tests his brothers to see if they are good. They treat their brother Benjamin better than they treated Joseph and tried to protect him.
The word "Now" marks a new part of the story.
Jacob uses a question to scold his sons for not doing anything about the grain. Alternate translation: "Do not just sit here!"
It was common to speak of going from Canaan to Egypt as going "down."
It was common to speak of going from Canaan to Egypt as going "down."
Here "Egypt" refers to the people selling grain. Alternate translation: "from those selling grain in Egypt"
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.
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"
"Now" marks a change from the story to background information about Joseph.
Here "land" refers to Egypt. Alternate translation: "over Egypt"
Here "land" includes Egypt and other surrounding countries. Alternate translation: "all the people of all the nations that came to buy grain"
Here "came" can be translated as "went."
This is a way of showing respect.
"When Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them"
"he acted like he was not their brother" or "he did not let them know that he was their brother"
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.
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Spies are people who secretly try to get information about a country to help another country.
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"
This is a way to refer to someone to honor them.
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"
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"Joseph said to his brothers"
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"
"12 brothers"
"Listen to us, the youngest." The word "See" is used to emphasize what they say next.
"right now our youngest brother is with our father"
"like I already said, you are spies." See how you translated "spies" in Genesis 42:9.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This is how I will test you"
This phrase indicates a solemn oath. Alternate translation: "I swear by the life of Pharaoh"
"Choose one of you to go get your brother"
"The rest of you will remain in prison"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that I may find out if you are telling the truth"
"in prison"
The word "third" is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: "after the second day"
"If you will do what I say, I will let you live"
This refers to deeply respecting God and showing that respect by obeying him.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "leave one of your brothers here in prison"
Here "you" is plural and refers to all the brothers that will not stay in prison. Alternate translation: "but the rest of you go"
Here "houses" stands for families. Alternate translation: "carry grain home to help your family during this famine"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so I may know what you say is true"
This implies that Joseph would have his soldiers execute the brothers if he finds out they are spies.
The word "soul" stands for Joseph. Alternate translation: "because we saw how distressed Joseph was" or "because we saw that Joseph was suffering"
The abstract noun "distress" can be stated as the verb "suffering." Alternate translation: "That is why we are suffering like this now"
Reuben uses a question to scold his brothers. Alternate translation: "I told you not to hurt the boy, but you would not listen!"
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"
Here "Now" does not mean "at this moment," but both "Now" and "see" are used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
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"
This changes from the main story to background information that explains why the brothers thought Joseph could not understand them.
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.
It is implied that Joseph wept because he was emotional after hearing what his brothers said.
Joseph was still speaking a different language and using the interpreter to speak to his brothers.
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"
"to give them the supplies they needed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The servants did for them everything that Joseph commanded"
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"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!"
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone has put my money back"
"Look in my sack!"
To become afraid is spoken of as if their heart were sinking. Here "hearts" stands for courage. Alternate translation: "They became very afraid"
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"the lord of Egypt"
"spoke harshly"
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.
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."
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"
The word "brother" is understood. Alternate translation: "One brother is no longer alive"
The word "brother" is understood. Alternate translation: "the youngest brother is with our father right now"
"The lord of Egypt"
Here "houses" stands for "family." Alternate translation: "take grain to help your family during the famine"
"go home" or "leave"
"I will allow you to buy and sell in this land"
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 were surprised because every"
"you have deprived me of my children" or "you have caused me to lose two of my children"
"all these things hurt me"
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"
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"
Here "you" is plural and refers to Jacob's older sons.
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"
"while you a traveling to Egypt and back" or "while you are away." Here "road" stands for traveling.
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"
This stands for Jacob and emphasizes his old age. Alternate translation: "me, an old man"
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)
The word "Canaan" is understood. This information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "The famine was severe in the land of Canaan"
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 Jacob and his family had eaten"
"Jacob's older sons had brought"
Here "us" refers to Jacob, his sons, and the rest of the family.
"Judah told his father Jacob"
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.
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"
"was very serious when he warned us, saying"
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"
Judah is referring to Benjamin, Rachel's last born before she died.
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It was common to use the phrase "go down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.
"Why did you cause me so much trouble"
"The man asked many questions"
Here "us" is exclusive and refers to the brothers who went to Egypt and spoke with "the man."
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 the questions he asked us"
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!"
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."
It was common to use the word "down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.
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"
Here "We" refers to the brothers who will travel to Egypt.
Here "we" refers to the brothers, Israel, and the whole family.
Here "we" refers to the brothers.
Here "you" is singular and refers to Israel.
Here "our" refers to the brothers. This refers to the small children who were most likely to die during a famine.
The abstract noun "guarantee" can be stated as the verb "promise." Alternate translation: "I will promise to bring him back"
How Jacob will hold Judah responsible can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "You will make me answer to you about what happens to Benjamin"
This speaks about "blame" as if it were an object that a person has to carry. Alternate translation: "you may blame me"
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 could have gone and returned twice"
"If this is our only choice, then do it"
It was common to use the word "down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.
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"
seasonings. See how you translated these words in Genesis 37:25.
small, green tree nuts
tree nuts with a sweet flavor
Here "hand" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "Take double the money with you"
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"
"Take also Benjamin"
"return"
The abstract noun "mercy" can be stated as the adjective "kind." Alternate translation: "May God Almighty cause the man to be kind to you"
"Simeon"
"If I lose my children, then I lose my children." This means that Jacob knows he must accept whatever happens to his sons.
Here "hand" refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: "they took"
It was common to use the phrase "went down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.
"Benjamin with Joseph's older brothers"
The "steward" was responsible for managing Joseph's household activities.
Here "brought" can be translated as "took."
"into Joseph's house"
"Joseph's brothers were afraid"
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"
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"
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"
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It is common to use the phrase "came down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.
The brothers continue speaking to the steward of the house.
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 came to the place that we were going to stay for the night"
The word "behold" here shows that the brothers were surprised by what they saw.
"each one of us found the full amount of his money in his sack"
Here "hands" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "We have brought the money back with us"
Here "hand" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "We have also brought more money to buy food"
It common to use the word "down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.
The abstract noun "Peace" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Relax" or "Calm yourselves"
The stewards is not speaking about two different Gods. Alternate translation: "Your God, the God your father worships"
This custom helped tired travelers to refresh themselves after walking long distances. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit.
"Feed" is dry food that is set aside for animals
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Here "hand" stands for the entire person. Alternate translation: "the brothers brought the gifts they had with them"
This is a way of showing honor and respect.
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They refer to their father as "Your servant" to show respect. Alternate translation: "Our father who serves you"
They lay down in front of the man to show him respect.
This means "he looked up."
This can be translated with a new sentence. Alternate translation: "his mother's son. Joseph said"
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."
This is a friendly way one man speaks to another man of lower rank. Alternate translation: "young man"
"hurried out of the room"
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"
It can be made explicit to whom Joseph is speaking. Alternate translation: "and said to his servants"
This means to distribute the food so that people may eat.
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"
These are probably other Egyptian officials who ate with Joseph, but they still sat separately from him and the Hebrew brothers.
This can be translated as a new sentence: "They did this because the Egyptians thought it was shameful to eat with the Hebrews"
Here "bread" stands for food in general.
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" and the "youngest" are used together to mean all the brothers were sitting in order according to their age.
"The men were very surprised when they realized this"
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"
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)
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)
This begins a new event in the story. Most likely this is the next morning after the feast.
The "steward" was responsible for managing Joseph's household activities.
Their money was silver coins most likely in a small bag.
"in his sack"
"Put my silver cup"
The word "brother" is understood. Alternate translation: "in the youngest brother's sack"
"The morning light shown"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they sent the men away, along with their donkeys"
This question is used to scold the brothers. Alternate translation: "You have treated us badly, after we were good to you!"
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!"
This repeats "you have done" for emphasis. Alternate translation: "What you have done is very evil"
"spoke what Joseph told him to say"
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?"
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!"
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.
"Listen to what we are about to say and you will see that we are speaking the truth: the money"
"you know the money that we found in our sacks"
"we brought back to you from Canaan"
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!"
These words are used together to mean that they would not steal anything of any value.
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"
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"
"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.
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"
"lowered his sack"
The word "brother" is understood. Alternate translation: "the oldest brother ... the youngest brother"
This can be translated as a new sentence and in active form. Alternate translation: "youngest. The steward found the cup in Benjamin's sack"
The word "they" refers to the brothers. Tearing clothes was a sign of great distress and sorrow.
"donkey, and they returned"
"Joseph was still there"
"they fell before him." This is a sign of the brothers wanting the lord to be merciful to them.
Joseph uses a question to scold his brothers. Alternate translation: "Surely you know that a man like me can learn things by magic!"
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."
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"
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 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"
Here "hand" stands for the whole person. Also, "was found" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one who had your cup"
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"
Here "hand" stands for the whole person. Also, "was found" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The man who had my cup"
"approached"
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"
The word "ear" is a synecdoche that stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "speak to you, my master"
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"
Being angry is spoke of as if it were a burning fire. Alternate translation: "please do not be angry with me, your servant"
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"
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."
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"
Judah continues to speak before Joseph
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"
This refers to love for a friend or family member.
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"
Judah refers to himself and his brothers as "your servants." Alternate translation: "Then you said to us, your servants"
It was common to use the word "down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt. Alternate translation: "Bring him to me"
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"
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"
It is implied that their father would die from sorrow.
Judah continues his story to Joseph
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."
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"
It was common to use the word "down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.
Here "face" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "you will not see me again"
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.
It was common to use the phrase "went up" when speaking of traveling from Egypt to Canaan.
Judah refers to Joseph as "my master." Alternate translation: "we told him what you said, my master"
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."
It was common to use the word "down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.
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"
Here "face" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "to see the man"
Judah continues his story to Joseph.
This is the beginning of a three-level quote.
Here "us" does not include Joseph.
Here "You" is plural and refers to the brothers.
The three-level quote that began in verse 27 continues.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a wild animal has torn him to pieces"
The three-level quote that began in verse 27 ends here.
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."
Something bad happening to a person is spoken of as if "harm" were something that travels and comes to a person.
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"
This stands for Jacob and emphasizes his old age. Alternate translation: "me, an old man"
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
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."
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"
Judah finishes describing what he expects to happen to Jacob if he returns to Jacob without Benjamin.
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"
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"
Here "gray hair" stands for Jacob and emphasizes his old age. Alternate translation: "our old father"
The abstract noun "guarantee" can be stated with the verb "promised." Alternate translation: "For I promised my father concerning the boy"
Judah refers to himself as "your servant." Alternate translation: "For I, your servant" or "For I"
Being considered guilty is spoken of as if "guilt" were something that a person carries. Alternate translation: "then my father may blame me"
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
"let your servant remain as a slave to my master instead of the boy"
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"
Judah refers to Joseph as "my master." Alternate translation: "to you, my master" or "to you"
It was going to use the phrase "go up" when speaking about traveling from Egypt to Canaan.
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."
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"
Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers in this chapter. This chapter forms the conclusion of the story which began in chapter 43.
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 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)
This means he could not control his emotions. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "was about to start crying"
"near him"
Here "house" stands for the people in the Pharaoh's palace. Alternate translation: "everyone in Pharaoh's palace"
"terrified of him"
The meaning can be stated more explicitly. Alternate translation: "whom you sold as a slave to the trader who brought me to Egypt"
"do not be upset" or "do not be distressed"
The meaning can be stated more explicitly. Alternate translation: "that you sold me as a slave and sent me here to Egypt"
Here "life" stands for the people that Joseph saved from dying during the famine. Alternate translation: "so I could save many lives"
"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"
"so that you and your families would not completely perish from the earth" or "to make sure your descendants would survive"
The abstract noun "deliverance" can be stated as "rescuing." Alternate translation: "to keep you alive by rescuing you in a mighty way"
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"
Here "house" stands for the people who live in his palace. Alternate translation: "of all his household" or "of all his palace"
Here "land" stands for the people. Alternate translation: "ruler over all the people of Egypt"
Here Joseph means that he is ruler in second place to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. This understood information can be made clear.
This is the beginning of a three-level quotation.
It was common to use the phrase "go up" when speaking about going from Egypt to Canaan. Alternate translation: "go back to my father"
It was common to use the phrase "come down" when speaking about going from Canaan to Egypt. Alternate translation: "Come here to me"
The three-level quotation that began in verse 9 continues here.
The three-level quotation that began in verse 9 ends here.
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.'"
This speaks about "poverty" as if it were a destination. Alternate translation: "waste away" or "starve"
The word "eyes" stands for the entire person. Alternate translation: "All of you and Benjamin can see"
The word "mouth" stands for the entire person. Alternate translation: "that I, Joseph, am speaking to you"
"how the people in Egypt greatly honor me"
It was common to use the word "down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt. Alternate translation: "my father here to me"
"Joseph hugged his brother Benjamin, and they both wept"
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.
This means Joseph was crying while he kissed them.
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"
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."
This stands for Pharaoh's palace.
This is the beginning of a two-level quotation.
The two-level quotation that began in verse 17 ends here.
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 best land in Egypt"
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"
Pharaoh continues to tell Joseph what to tell his brothers.
This is the beginning of a two-level quotation.
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
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"
"Carts" are wagons with two or four wheels. Animals pull the carts.
The two-level quote that began in verse 19 ends here.
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."
"gave them what they needed for traveling"
Each man received a set of clothes except for Benjamin who received 5 sets of clothes.
"300 pieces"
The donkeys were included as part of the gift.
Possible meanings include 1) "do not argue" and 2) "do not become afraid"
It was common to use the word "up" when speaking of traveling from Egypt to Canaan.
Here "land of Egypt" stands for the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: "he rules all the people of Egypt"
Here "heart" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "and he was astonished" or "he was very surprised"
"he did not accept that what they said was true"
"They told Jacob"
"everything that Joseph had said to them"
The word "spirit" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "Jacob their father recovered" or "Jacob their father became very excited"
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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)
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.
"came to Beersheba"
"Yes, I am listening"
It was common to use the phrase "go down" when speaking of traveling from Canaan to Egypt.
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"
"to Egypt"
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"
It was common to use the word "up" when speaking about traveling from Egypt to Canaan.
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"
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.
"set out from"
"Carts" are wagons with two or four wheels. Animals pull the carts. See how you translated "carts" in Genesis 45:19.
"they had acquired" or "they had gained"
"Jacob brought with him"
"his grandsons"
"his granddaughters"
This refers to the names of the people that the author is about to list.
These are all names of men.
These are all names of men.
These are all names of men.
These were the sons of Judah by his wife, Shua. See how you translated these names in Genesis 38:3-5.
These were the sons of Judah by his daughter-in-law, Tamar. See how you translated these names in Genesis 38:29-30.
These are all names of men.
These are all names of men. . "Jashub" is spelled as "Lob" or "Iob" in some verions.
These are all names of men.
This is the name of Leah's daughter. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 30:21]
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"
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:24]
This refers to 16 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that were related to Zilpah.
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a woman's name. See how you translated this in [Genesis 41:45]
a man's name. See how you translated this in [Genesis 41:45]
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]
These are names of men.
This refers to the 14 sons and grandsons related to Rachel.
This is the name of a man.
These are the names of men.
This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in [Genesis 29:29]
This refers to the 7 children and grandchildren related to Bilhah.
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.
"66"
"70"
"to show them the way to Goshen"
Here "Joseph" stands for his servants. Alternate translation: "Joseph's servants prepared his chariot and Joseph went up"
The phrase "went up" is used because Joseph is traveling to a higher elevation to meet his father. Alternate translation: "went to meet Israel"
"put his arms around his father, and wept for a long time"
"Now I am ready to die" or "Now I will die happy"
Here "face" stands for the entire person. Jacob was expressing joy at seeing Joseph. Alternate translation: "since I have seen you alive again"
This is the beginning of a two-level quotation.
Here "house" stands for his family. Alternate translation: "his father's family" or "his father's household"
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"
The two-level quotation that began in verse 31 ends here.
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."
This is the beginning of a two-level quotation.
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.
The two-level quotation that began in verse 33 ends here.
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"
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"
The abstract noun "abomination" can be translated with the adjective "disgusting." Alternate translation: "Egyptians think shepherds are disgusting"
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)
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)
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.
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.
"Your servants shepherd flocks"
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"
"both we and our forefathers" or "both we and our ancestors"
"We have come to stay for a while in Egypt"
"There is no grass to eat"
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
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"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 land of Goshen, which is the best region"
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"
Here "blessed" means to express a desire for positive and beneficial things to happen to that person.
"How old are you?"
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"
Jacob means his life is short compared to the lives of Abraham and Isaac.
Jacob has experienced much pain and trouble during his life.
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"Then Joseph took care of his father and his brothers and helped them establish where they would live"
This is another name for the land of Goshen.
Here, the word "little ones" means the small children in the family. Alternate translation: "according to how many small children were in their families"
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.
This refers to the people living in these lands. Alternate translation: "The people of Egypt and the people of Canaan"
"became thin and weak"
"The people of Egypt and Canaan spent all of their money buying grain from Joseph"
Most likely Joseph ordered his servants to gather and bring the money.
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"
"from the land of Egypt and from the land of Canaan"
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!"
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Here "bread" stands for food in general. Alternate translation: "He gave them food" or "He provided them with food"
"the people came to Joseph"
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"
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"
Here "sight" stands for Joseph himself. Alternate translation: "We have nothing left to give you, our master"
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!"
The land becomes useless and ruined because there is no seed to plant; thus it is spoken of as if the land would die.
"So the land became Pharaoh's"
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"But he did not buy the land of the priests"
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 what Pharaoh gave them"
"that you might sow"
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"
You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: "for food for your households and for food for your little ones"
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"
"over the land of Egypt" or "throughout the land of Egypt"
This means to the time that the author was writing this.
See how you translated "a fifth" in Genesis 47:24.
The word "multiplied" explains how they were "fruitful." Alternate translation: "They had very many children"
Here "fruitful" means to prosper or to have children.
"17 years"
"so Jacob lived to be 147 years old"
This speaks about time as if it travels and comes to a place. Alternate translation: "When it was almost time for Israel to die"
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"
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
This means that someone is approved of by someone else.
This act is a sign of making a serious promise. See how you translated this in [Genesis 24:2]
The abstract nouns "faithfulness" and "trustworthiness" can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "treat me in a faithful and trustworthy manner"
The word "please" adds emphasis to this request.
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"
"Promise me" or "Make an oath to me"
"promised him" or "made an oath to him"
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.
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)
This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.
"someone said to Joseph"
"Listen, your father." Here the word "look" is used to get Joseph's attention.
"So Joseph took"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When someone told Jacob"
"your son Joseph has come to you"
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"
This is the name of a city. See how you translated the name of this city in [Genesis 28:19]
This can be translated with the new sentence starting in a different place. Alternate translation: "in the land of Canaan, and he blessed me"
This refers to God pronouncing a formal blessing on someone.
This can be translated with the new sentence starting in a different place. Alternate translation: "And he said to me"
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."
God used the word "behold" here to alert Jacob to pay attention to what he was about to tell him.
The phrase "multiply you" explains how God would make Jacob "fruitful." Alternate translation: "I will give you very many descendants"
Here "you" refers to Jacob, but it stands for Jacob's descendants. Alternate translation: "I will make your descendants into many nations"
"a permanent possession"
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
Ephraim and Manasseh each will receive a portion of land just like Joseph's brothers.
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"
This is another name for the town of Bethlehem. See how you translated the name of this city in Genesis 35:16.
"Whose sons are these?"
A father would often pronounce a formal blessing on his children or grandchildren.
The word "Now" is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Israel.
"Israel kissed them"
Here "face" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "to see you again"
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.
Joseph bowed down to show honor to his father.
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.
Placing the right hand on Ephraim's head was the sign that he would receive the greater blessing.
Here "Joseph" also stands for Ephraim and Manasseh. Since Joseph is the father, he is the only one mentioned here.
Serving God is spoken of as if it were walking before God. Alternate translation: "The God who my grandfather Abraham and father Isaac served"
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"
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.
"delivered me"
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"
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"
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The right hand was the sign of the greater blessing which the oldest son was supposed to receive.
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"
"that day, saying"
"The people of Israel will speak your names when they are blessing others"
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"
Israel saying Ephraim's name first is another way he indicates that Ephraim will be greater than 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.
Here "you" and "your" are plural and refer to all the people of Israel.
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"
Here "bring" can be translated as "take."
"land of your ancestors"
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"
Here "you" is singular and refers to Joseph.
Here "sword" and "bow" stands for fighting in battle. Alternate translation: "the portion of land I fought for and took from the Amorites"
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.
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)
This prophecy indicates Judah will be the ruling tribe of Israel. The future kings of Israel all come from the tribe of Judah.
Since Moses wrote the book of Genesis, this is an editorial comment he makes in the text as the narrator.
This begins Jacob's final blessings to his sons. This continues through Genesis 49:27. Jacob's blessings are written in poetic form.
Both sentences say the same thing for emphasis. Alternate translation: "Come and listen carefully to 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"
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"
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"
Jacob compares Reuben to water in a strong current to emphasize that he cannot control his anger and he is not stable.
"you shall not be first among your brothers"
Here "bed" and "couch" stand for Jacob's concubine, Bilhah. Jacob is referring to when Reuben slept with Bilhah
Both statements mean the same thing.
This does not just mean they are brothers by birth. Jacob is emphasizing that they worked together to kill the people of Shechem.
"They use their swords to hurt and to kill people"
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.
This refers to Simeon and Levi crippling oxen just for fun.
This refers to cutting the sinews of an animal's leg so that it cannot walk.
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"
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.
The words "I will curse" are understood. Alternate translation: "I will curse their fury, for it was cruel"
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"
These two statements mean the same thing.
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"
This is a way of saying "You will conquer your enemies."
This means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.
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"
"You, my son, have come back from eating your prey"
Jacob also compares Judah to a female lion. The lioness is the primary hunter and protector of her cubs.
Jacob uses a question to emphasize how terrifying Judah is to other people. Alternate translation: "No one wants to wake him up."
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"
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.
Here "nations" refer to the people. Alternate translation: "The people of the nations will obey him"
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.
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.
Both statements mean the same thing. It implies that there are so many grapes that they can wash their clothes in the juice.
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"
This speaks about the grape juice as if it were blood. This emphasizes how red the juice is.
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.
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.
This refers to the descendants of Zebulun. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Zebulun will live"
Here "He" stands for sea towns that the people of Zebulun will inhabit or build. These cities will provide shelter for ships.
a part of the sea that is next to land and is a safe place for ships
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"
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"
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.
These words refer to the descendants of Issachar
"a resting place that is good and that the land is pleasant"
The phrase "bend his shoulder to the burden" is a way of saying "work very hard to carry the load"
"will work for others as slaves"
Here "Dan" stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Dan will judge their people"
Possible meanings for "his people" are 1) "the people of Dan" or 2) "the people of Israel"
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"
The abstract noun "salvation" can be translated as "save." Alternate translation: "I wait for you, Yahweh, to save me"
The word "I" refers to Jacob.
Here "Gad" stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Gad ... attack them, but they"
Here "heels" stands for the raiders who are running away from the descendants of Gad.
Here "Asher" stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "Asher's descendants' food ... and they"
Here "rich" is a way of saying "delicious."
Here "Naphtali" stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Naphtali are ... they will"
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"
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"
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"
a main branch of a tree
Branches that grow and extend over a wall are spoken of as if they were climbing.
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Jacob continues to bless Joseph and his descendants.
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"
Here "his" refers to Joseph who stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "their bow ... their hands"
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" are expressing the power of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the power of the Mighty One"
Here "name" refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: "because of the Shepherd"
Jacob speak of Yahweh as if he were a "Shepherd." This emphasizes that Yahweh guides and protects his people.
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.
Jacob continues to bless Joseph and his descendants (Genesis 49:22-23).
Here "you" refers to Joseph who stands for his descendants. Alternate translation: "help your descendants ... bless them"
Here "sky" stands for the rain that helps the crops to grow.
Here "deep" stands for the water underneath the ground that supplies rivers and wells.
Here "breasts and womb" stand for the ability for a mother to have children and feed them milk.
Jacob continues to bless Joseph and his descendants.
The meaning of the original language is not certain. Some Bible translations have "my ancestors" instead of "ancient mountains."
Here "they" refers to the blessings of his father.
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"
"most important of his brothers"
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"
"These" refers to the sons Jacob mentioned in 49:1-27. Each son became the leader of his own tribe.
Here the word "blessed" refers to the speaking of formal blessings.
"He gave each son a fitting blessing"
"he commanded them"
This is a polite way of saying he is about to die. Alternate translation: "I am about to die"
Jacob is referring to where his inner man will go when he dies. He expects to join Abraham and Isaac in the afterlife.
This is the name of a man. "Hittite" means "descendent of Heth." See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:8]
Machpelah was the name of an area or region. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:9]
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]
Jacob continues speaking to his sons.
The purchase can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "in it were purchased by Abraham"
"from the Hittites"
"finished instructing his sons" or "finished commanding his sons"
Jacob was sitting on the bed. Now, Jacob turns and puts his feet in the bed so he can lie down.
This is a polite way of saying a person died.
After Jacob died, his inner man went to the same place as his relatives who died before him.
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 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)
The term "he collapsed" is an idiom for being overcome. Alternate translation: "that he fell on his father in grief"
"his servants who took care of dead bodies"
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"
"They took 40 days"
"70 days"
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 mourning him" or "days of weeping for him"
Here "house of Pharaoh" stands for the officials that make up Pharaoh's royal court. Alternate translation: "Joseph spoke to Pharaoh's officials"
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"
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.
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."
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 dying"
It was common to use the phrase "go up" when speaking of traveling from Egypt to Canaan.
It is implied that the members of the court spoke to Pharaoh, and now Pharaoh is replying to Joseph.
"as you swore to him"
It was common to use the phrase "went up" when speaking of traveling from Egypt to Canaan.
All of Pharaoh's most important leaders attended the burial procession.
These were probably government officials, not household servants.
Here "household" refers to Pharaoh's royal court.
This can be translated as a new sentence: "Joseph's household, his brothers, and his father's household also went with him"
Here this stands for the men riding in the chariots.
"It was a very large gathering"
The word "they" refers to the participants in the burial procession.
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 were extremely sad and they mourned very much"
"a 7-day"
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"
"The mourning of the Egyptians is very great"
The translator can add a footnote that says: "The name Abel Mizraim means "the mourning of Egypt.'"
"So Jacob's sons"
"just as he had directed them"
"His sons took his body"
Machpela was the name of an area or region. See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:9]
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]
This is the name of a man. "Hittite" means "descendent of Heth." See how you translated this in [Genesis 23:8]
"Joseph returned to Egypt"
"all who had come with him"
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"
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"
A three-level quotation begins with the words "Your father gave."
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"
The three-level quotation that begins with the words "Your father gave" in verse 16 ends here.
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."
"for the wicked things they did to you"
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
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 he heard this message"
They lay down with their faces toward the ground. This is a sign of humility and respect for Joseph.
Joseph uses a question to comfort his brothers. Alternate translation: "I am not in the place of God." or "I am not God."
"you intended to do evil against me"
"God intended it for good"
"So do not fear me"
"I will always make sure you and your children have enough to eat"
Here "hearts" refers to the brothers. Alternate translation: "He comforted them by speaking kindly to them"
"110 years"
"Ephraim's children and grandchildren"
This is the name of Joseph's grandson.
This expression means that Joseph adopted these children of Machir as his own children. This means they would have special inheritance rights from Joseph.
In [Genesis 50:24/26]
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"
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"one hundred and ten years"
To "embalm" is a special way of preserving a dead body before it is buried. See how you translated "embalmed" in Genesis 50:1.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they placed him"
"in a chest" or "in a case." This is a box a dead person is placed in.
This chapter is intended to form a smooth transition with the last chapter of the book of Genesis.
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)
This number included both Jacob's children and grandchildren. It may cause confusion, but it is important to remember Jacob only had 12 sons.
This refers to all the people who live in a house together, usually a large family with servants.
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"70 in number"
"Joseph lived in Egypt before his brothers"
This includes 10 older brothers and 1 younger brother.
The author here emphasizes how God was blessing the Israelites by saying five different ways that there very many of them.
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.
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"
They were mighty because there were so many of them.
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."
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"
The word "them" refers to the Israelites.
Here "Egypt" refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: "began to rule over the people of Egypt"
"The king said to his people"
These were the people who lived in Egypt, the Egyptians.
The word "us" is inclusive and refers to the king and his people, the Egyptians.
Here war is spoken of as a person that is able to act.
"leave Egypt"
Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work
"to force the Israelites to do hard work for the Egyptians"
These were places where the leaders put food and other important things to keep them safe.
"to abhor and fear"
"harshly forced the people of Israel to work"
The difficult lives of the Israelites are spoken of as if they were bitter food that was difficult to eat.
This was a wet glue or mud put between bricks or stones that held them together when it dried.
"The Egyptians made them work very hard" or "The Egyptians forced them to work very hard"
The king of Egypt is called Pharaoh.
These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby.
These are Hebrew women's names.
Women sat on this short stool as they gave birth. Therefore, it is associated with birth. Alternate translation: "as they give birth"
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These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:16.
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!"
The midwives answered wisely to appease Pharaoh's anger.
God kept Pharaoh from killing these midwives.
These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:16.
"The Israelites increased in numbers"
They were mighty because there were so many of them. See how you translated similar words in Exodus 1:7.
"revered God" or "had reverence for God"
"the enabled them to have children"
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"
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.
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.
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.
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This is a basket made from a tall grass that grows by the Nile River in Egypt.
You could explicitly state that this was to keep out water. Alternate translation: "spread tar on it to keep water from getting into it"
Here "sealed" means that she applied a waterproof coating.
This is a sticky black paste made from petroleum. It can be used to keep out water. Alternate translation: "tar"
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"
These "reeds" were a type of tall grass that grew in flat, wet areas.
This means she stood far enough away so that she would not be noticed, but close enough to see the basket.
the young women whose job was to be with her and make sure nothing bad happened to her
The word "behold" signals the surprising information that follows.
feed with milk from the breast
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"the Hebrew woman brought him"
"he became the adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter"
Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Moses sounds like the Hebrew word that means 'pull.'"
"pulled him"
"hitting a Hebrew" or "beating a Hebrew"
These two opposite directions have the combined meaning of "everywhere." Alternate translation: "He looked all around"
"Moses went out"
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.
This was a customary way of saying "the one who started the fight." Alternate translation: "the one who was guilty of starting the fight"
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!"
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!"
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.
The word "now" is used here to mark a break in the event. Here the author tells about new people in the narrative.
This means that they brought up water from a well.
a long, narrow, open container for animals to eat or drink out of
"chase them away"
"rescued them"
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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!"
"Moses agreed to live with Reuel"
This is Reuel's daughter.
This is Moses's son.
"stranger in a foreign land"
They did this because of their sorrow and misery. Alternate translation: "sighed deeply"
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"
This was a customary way of saying God thought about what He had promised. Alternate translation: "God remembered his covenant"
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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)
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.
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)
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This was Yahweh himself appearing as an angel, and not just an angel that Yahweh sent. "Yahweh appeared as an angel" .
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 word "behold" here shows that Moses saw something that was very different from what he expected.
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"made holy"
All of these men worshiped the same God. Alternate translation: "the God of your father, of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob"
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.
Here the "outcry" is of pain because of the hard work the Egyptians were forcing the Israelites to do.
Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11.
"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"
"full of" or "with an abundance of"
Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. Alternate translation: "food from livestock"
Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. Alternate translation: "food from crops"
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"
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.
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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!"
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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."'"
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.
Languages that do not have an equivalent to the verb "am" may need to render this as "I LIVE" or "I EXIST."
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God continues speaking to Moses.
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were three of Moses's ancestors. They all worshiped the same God.
The word "you" refers to the people of Israel.
"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]
"full of" or "with an abundance of"
Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. Alternate translation: "food from livestock"
Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. Alternate translation: "food from crops"
The word "you" refers to Moses. Alternate translation: "The elders will listen to you"
God continues speaking to Moses.
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."
Here "hand" refers to God's power. Alternate translation: "I will powerfully attack"
"will go with full hands" or "will go with many valuable things"
"any Egyptian woman staying in the houses of her Egyptian neighbors"
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)
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)
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.
"if the Israelites do not believe"
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"pick it up by the tail" or "grasp it by the tail"
"turned into a rod" or "changed into a staff"
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were three of their ancestors. They all worshiped the same God.
This word is used to create an exclamation, showing surprise.
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"
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"acknowledge" or "accept"
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"have never been an excellent speaker"
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.
Here "tongue" refers to Moses's ability to speak. Alternate translation: "unable to speak well"
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!"
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!"
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he alone makes these decisions. Alternate translation: "I, Yahweh, am the one who does this!"
Here "mouth" refers to Moses's ability to speak. Alternate translation: "I will give you the ability to speak"
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Here "heart" refers to inner thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: "he will be very happy"
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"
The word "mouth" here represents Moses choice of words. Alternate translation: "I will give you the right words to speak"
The word "mouth" here represents Aaron's choice of words. Alternate translation: "I will give him the right words to speak"
The word "mouth" here represents Aaron repeating what Moses told him. Alternate translation: "He will say what you tell him to say"
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"
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This refers to the father of Moses's wife.
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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"
The word "Israel" here represents all the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "The people of Israel are my own children"
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"
The word "him" refers to the people of Israel as God's son. Alternate translation: "you have refused to let my son go"
The word "son" here refers to the actual son of Pharaoh.
This may have been because Moses had not circumcised his son.
This is the name of Moses's wife.
This was a knife with a sharpened stone blade.
It is possible that the word "feet" here may have been a more respectful way to refer to the genital area of the body.
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"
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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."
This may have been the mountain at Sinai, but the text does not include that information.
The word "he" refers to Yahweh, and "him" refers to Moses.
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"before the people" or "in the presence of the people"
"saw the people of Israel" or "was concerned about the people of Israel"
Possible meanings are 1) "they bowed their heads in awe" or 2) "they bowed down low in reverence."
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.
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.
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.
It is unclear how long Moses and Aaron waited until they went to see Pharoah.
This is a celebration to worship Yahweh.
Pharaoh uses this question to show that he does not recognize Yahweh as a legitimate god. Alternate translation: "I do not know Yahweh"
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!"
The words "his voice" represent the words God spoke. Alternate translation: "listen to what he says"
This is a term also used for the Israelites' God or Yahweh.
Here "sword" represents war or an attack by enemies. Alternate translation: "or cause our enemies to attack us"
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!"
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Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11.
The word "you" in these verses is plural and refers to the taskmasters and foremen.
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Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11.
The word "you" is plural and refers to the Israelite people.
The word "you" is plural and refers to the Israelite people.
Here "yourselves" emphasizes that the Egyptians will no longer help them.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "you must continue to make the same number of bricks as before"
This is an generalization used to show the extra effort Israel made to meet Pharaoh's demands. Alternate translation: "to many places throughout Egypt"
the part of a plant that is left over after harvest
Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11.
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!"
"complained"
Here "they" refers to the Egyptian taskmasters.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when Pharaoh told them"
This is a very large house that a king lives in.
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"
Here "a sword" represents an opportunity to destroy enemies. Alternate translation: "have given them a reason to kill us"
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."
This question shows how disappointed Moses was that God had sent him to Egypt. Alternate translation: "I wish you had never sent me here!"
The word "name" here represents the message of God. Alternate translation: "to give him your message"
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)
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.
The word "hand" here represents God's actions or works. Alternate translation: "the power I show in my works"
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"I showed myself to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They did not know me"
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This means making sad sounds because of pain and suffering.
This is a command from Yahweh to Moses. "Yahweh told Moses to say to the people of Israel"
These "acts of judgment" will be acts with which Yahweh will punish the Egyptians.
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"I promised" or "I said I would"
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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!"
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Here "heads" refers to the original ancestors of the clan. Alternate translation: "the ancestors of the clans"
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
"one hundred and thirty-seven years old"
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These are the names of men.
"one hundred and thirty-three years old"
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"one hundred and thirty-seven years"
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
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This is the name of a man.
The word "heads" here represents family leaders. Alternate translation: "These were the leaders of the families"
"one tribe at a time" or "one family group after another"
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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!"
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 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.
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.
"I will cause Pharaoh to consider you as a god"
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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]
The words "signs" and "wonders" mean basically the same thing. God uses them to emphasize the greatness of what he will do in Egypt.
The words "my hand" represent God's great power. Alternate translation: "use my power against"
These "acts of judgment" will be acts with which Yahweh will punish the Egyptians. See how you translated this in Exodus 6:6.
The words "my hand" represent God's great power. Alternate translation: "show my powerful acts against"
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"Aaron was eighty-three years old"
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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"
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"ate up" or "devoured"
Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. Alternate translation: "Pharaoh became more defiant"
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]
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "when he goes down to the Nile River to bathe"
"Say to Pharaoh"
"hit the water"
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"in every part of"
The name of the river may be made explicit. Alternate translation: "in the Nile River"
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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]
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The word "all" here is a generalization that means "many." Alternate translation: "Many of the Egyptians"
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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.
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.
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"the Nile River"
These are bowls in which bread is made.
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"Then Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron"
"The honor is yours to tell me when to pray ... river."
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"Pharaoh hardened his heart." Here "hardened" means that he became stubborn.
"just as Yahweh had said Pharaoh would do"
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The words "finger of God" represent the power of God. Alternate translation: "This is the powerful work of God"
Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:13]
"present yourself to Pharaoh"
"set my people free"
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Yahweh continues to speak to Pharaoh through Moses.
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This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the swarms of flies devastated the land"
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This was a customary way of saying "in the presence of someone." Alternate translation: "in their presence"
Moses asks this question to show Pharaoh the Egyptians would allow the Israelites to worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: "they will certainly stone us!"
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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 deceive us" or "But you must not lie to us"
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Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:13]
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.
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.
Yahweh continues talking with Moses about dealing with Pharaoh and bringing the Hebrew people out of Egypt.
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"
The word "hand" here represents Yahweh's power to afflict their animals with disease. Alternate translation: "then the power of Yahweh will bring"
"will cause your livestock ... flocks—to die from a terrible plague"
The word "your" here refers to all the people of Egypt who owned livestock.
See how you translated this idea in Exodus 8:22.
Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the livestock belonging to the people of Israel"
Here "Egypt" refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: "the livestock belonging to the people of Egypt"
"set a time" or "appointed a time"
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."
Here "Egypt" refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: "the cattle belonging to the people of Egypt"
Pharaoh collected facts about the situation.
The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was surprised by what he saw.
Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. Alternate translation: "he refused to change his mind"
a furnace
very small
"to quickly appear on"
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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]
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This means that even Pharaoh will be hurt by the plagues.
The word "this" refers to the plagues that Moses had just told Pharaoh about.
Here "my hand" refers to God's power. Alternate translation: "used my power to strike you"
Here "my name" represents Yahweh's reputation. Alternate translation: "so that people everywhere will know I am great"
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.
"Pay attention to the important thing I am about to tell you"
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"to call"
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"Moses said to Pharaoh"
This symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. Alternate translation: "lift up my hands and pray to Yahweh"
Honoring God involves obeying him and living in a way that shows how great he is.
This is a plant that produces fibers that can be made into linen cloth.
This is a type of grain used for making bread; also used for cattle feed.
This is a kind of wheat.
This symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 9:29]
Here "heart" refers to Pharaoh. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was hard. Alternate translation: "became more defiant"
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]
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"
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.
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.
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]
"many different signs"
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This word adds emphasis to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
Hail is raindrops that freeze while falling from the clouds.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "nothing anyone has ever seen"
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!"
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"
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!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that these plagues have destroyed Egypt" or "that their God has destroyed Egypt"
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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.
This phrase is a synecdoche for everyone in the family except the man (the father and husband), including wives, children, and servants.
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"
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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"
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"once again"
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"
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"moved the locusts upwards"
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]
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"
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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.
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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"
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]
"Pharaoh would not let them go"
"Make sure of one thing" or "Be certain of one thing"
Here the word "face" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "you see me"
With these words, Moses emphasizes that Pharaoh has spoken the truth. Alternate translation: "What you have said is true"
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.
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.
Each occurrence of the word "you" in this verse is plural and refers to Moses and the rest of the Israelites.
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This is the time of 12 am (at night) or 2400 hours.
The "firstborn" always refers to the oldest male offspring.
This phrase refers to Pharaoh.
"who is grinding at the handmill" or "who is behind the handmill grinding grain"
Here the "outcry" is of pain and grief over the death of the children. See how you translated "outcry" in Exodus 3:7.
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.
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"
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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]
The events of this chapter are known as the Passover. They are remembered in the celebration of Passover. (See: passover)
The concept of unleavened bread is introduced in this chapter. Its significance stems from its connection to the events in this chapter. (See: unleavenedbread)
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)
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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 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.
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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"
Here "the man" refers to the man who is the leader of the household.
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This refers to the time of evening after the sun has set but while there is still some light.
"on the sides and top of the way into the house"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Eat it with bread which you have made without yeast"
These are small plants that have a strong and usually bad taste.
"Do not eat the lamb or goat uncooked"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not leave any of it until the morning"
This refers to a strip of leather or fabric for tying around the waist.
"eat it quickly"
Here the word "it" refers to eating the animal on the tenth day of the month. Alternate translation: "This observance is Yahweh's Passover"
"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.
This implies that Yahweh will see the blood which indicates an Israelite home. Alternate translation: "that I will see when I come to you"
The words "pass over" were a customary way of saying to not visit or enter. Alternate translation: "I will not enter your house"
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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."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "an assembly that you have set apart to me"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You will do no work on these days"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "That must be the only work that you do"
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"
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"
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.
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 first month." This is near the middle of April on Western calendars.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "there must not be any yeast in your houses"
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]
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Exodus 12:8]
officially called
a woody plant with small leaves that can be used for sprinkling liquids
"on the sides and top of the way into the house." See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 12:7.
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"
These words refer to the Passover or Festival of Unleavened Bread. Observing the Passover was an act of worshiping Yahweh.
These words refer to the Passover or Festival of Unleavened Bread. Observing the Passover was an act of worshiping Yahweh.
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This means that Yahweh spared the Israelites' firstborn sons. Alternate translation: "He did not kill the firstborn sons in our houses"
"everything that Yahweh told Moses and Aaron to do"
"in the middle of the night"
Here, "firstborn" always refers to the oldest male offspring. See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 11:5.
This refers to Pharaoh.
"to the firstborn of people in the dungeon." This refers to prisoners in general, not to a specific person in the dungeon.
This can be stated with a verbal form. Alternate translation: "All the Egyptians cried loudly"
Here the "outcry" is of pain and grief over the death of the children. See how you translated "outcry" in Exodus 3:7.
This double negative emphasizes the positive. Alternate translation: "because someone was dead in every house"
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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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They had already tied up their kneading bowls in their clothes and on their shoulders"
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Rameses was a major Egyptian city where grain was stored. See how you translated this in Exodus 1:11.
"They numbered about six hundred thousand men." The total number of men was about 600,000.
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.
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"
"bread with dough that did not contain yeast"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Egyptians had driven them out of Egypt"
"four hundred and thirty years"
"four hundred and thirty years"
This refers to the tribes 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 and the all the generations of their descendants"
The pronoun "it" refers to the Passover meal.
"any slave of an Israelite"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the Israelite has bought with money"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Each Israelite family must eat the food in one house"
"you must not break any of its bones." Here the word "it" refers to the lamb which the Israelite family will eat.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone must circumcise all his male relatives"
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"
This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: "only circumcised people may eat"
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"everything that Yahweh told Moses and Aaron to do"
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 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"
This chapter records the instructions for the celebration of Passover. (See: passover)
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)
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.
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God requires that every firstborn male child be set apart for him.
The words "Call ... to mind" were a customary way of telling someone to remember something. Alternate translation: "Remember and celebrate this day"
Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. Alternate translation: "the place where you were slaves"
Here the word "hand" refers to power. See how you translated "strong hand" in [Exodus 6:1]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must not eat bread with yeast"
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.
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.
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
"For 7 days"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must eat bread without yeast"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You may not have any bread with yeast among you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You may not have any yeast"
"inside any of the borders of your land"
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"
These are two different types of physical reminders so people will not forget something important.
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"when he gives the land of the Canaanites to you"
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Israel is given a choice to kill the firstborn donkey or buy it back with a lamb.
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"
The word "hand" here represents God's actions or works. See how you translated this in [Exodus 6:1]
Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. See how you translated this in [Exodus 13:3]
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This expresses two ways to remember the importance of the passover event. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 13:9]
"was close to where they were located"
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.
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Etham is located south of the route heading towards the Philistines, at the border of the wilderness.
"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.
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This is an important event in the history of Israel, known as the "parting of the Sea of Reeds."
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.
These chariots were a fighting force. Pharaoh took an army to kill the Hebrew people.
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)
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These are towns on Egypt's eastern border.
Here the word "You" is plural and refers to Moses and the Israelites.
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"
Pharaoh speaks of the wilderness as a person who has trapped the people of Israel.
Yahweh continues to instruct Moses on where to go and what Yahweh will do.
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]
"Pharaoh will pursue the Israelites"
"People will honor me"
"The Egyptians will understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So the Israelites camped as Yahweh had instructed them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When someone told the king of Egypt"
This refers to Pharaoh.
"had run away"
Here the word "minds" refers to their attitudes towards the Israelites. Alternate translation: "Pharaoh and his servants changed their attitudes about the people"
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!"
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"He took 600 of his best chariots"
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]
These are towns on Egypt's eastern border. See how you translated them in [Exodus 14:2]
The word "Pharaoh" here represents the entire Egyptian army. Alternate translation: "When Pharaoh and his army came close"
"the Israelites were terrified"
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!"
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!"
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."
This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "We told you to leave us alone, so we could work for the Egyptians."
Moses responds to the Israelites' fears.
The pronoun "you" refers to the Israelites.
Moses used a polite way of saying God was going to destroy the Egyptian army. Alternate translation: "For God will kill the Egyptians"
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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."
"divide the sea into two parts"
"Know"
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 that the Egyptians will go into the sea after the Israelites"
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"the Egyptian army and the Israelite people"
This means that the Egyptians and the Israelites could not approach one another.
An east wind originates in the east and blows towards the west.
where the sun rises
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh divided the waters"
"on each side of them" or "on both sides of them"
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The Egyptians were so afraid that they could not think normally.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Mud clogged their chariot wheels" or "Their chariot wheels were getting stuck in the mud"
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."
"fall on"
Since the sea was closing in on top of the Egyptians, instead of escaping, they were actually running right into the water.
"Yahweh pushed the Egyptians" or "Yahweh threw the Egyptians"
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Here the word "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "from the Egyptians' power"
"on the land along the edge of the sea"
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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.
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)
This is a song about the events that happened in Exodus 14:26-28.
It can be stated explicitly over whom Yahweh triumphed. Alternate translation: "he has achieved a glorious victory over the army of Egypt"
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"
This refers to all or many of the Egyptian horses and riders that were chasing the Israelites. Alternate translation: "the horses and their riders"
This is a person who sits on a horse or travels in a chariot that a horse is pulling.
Possible meanings are 1) "Yah is the one who gives me strength" or 2) "Yah is the strong one who protects me."
Moses calls Yahweh his song because Yahweh is the one he sings about. Alternate translation: "the one I sing about"
Moses calls God his salvation because God saved him. Alternate translation: "he has saved me" or "he is the one who saves me"
Moses calls God a warrior because God powerfully fought against the Egyptians and won. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is like a warrior"
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"
Rebelling against God is spoken of as rising up against him. Alternate translation: "those who rebelled against you" or "your enemies"
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"
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!"
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!"
The phrase "right hand" represents the strong power of God. Alternate translation: "with your strong power"
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"
Moses personifies the earth as if it could swallow or devour with it's mouth. Alternate translation: "the earth devoured them"
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This means to shake because you are afraid.
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"
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"
Moses continues to sing about how the people of other nations will feel when they see God's people.
These two words mean that fear will come upon them. Alternate translation: "Fear will come upon them"
Dread is extreme fear or anxiety about something that is going to happen or might happen.
God's arm represents his great strength. Alternate translation: "Because of your great strength"
Possible meanings are 1) "They will be silent like stone" or 2) "They will be motionless as stone"
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"
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"
This refers to Mount Zion in the land of Canaan.
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"
The phrase "your hands" refers to God's power. Alternate translation: "that you have built by your power"
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Miriam was the older sister of Moses and Aaron.
This is a musical instrument like a small drum that also has pieces of metal around the side that make a sound when shaken.
It can be stated explicitly over whom Yahweh triumphed. See how you translated this in [Exodus 15:1]
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]
The word "Israel" represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "Moses led the Israelite people"
We do not know the exact locations of this place.
We do not know the exact locations of this place.
"were unhappy and told Moses" or "angrily told Moses"
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Yahweh is speaking about his own voice. His voice represents what he says. Alternate translation: "my voice" or "what I say"
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "do what Yahweh considers to be right"
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"
This is an oasis in the desert, a place with water and shade trees.
"12"
"70"
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)
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)
This is the first recorded celebration of the Sabbath rest. (See: sabbath)
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)
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.
The word "Sin" here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness. It is not the English word "sin."
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"
"All the Israelites complained." This is a generalization. Moses and Aaron did not complain. Alternate translation: "The Israelites complained"
"were angry and spoke"
This is a way of saying that they wished that they had died. Alternate translation: "We wish that we had died"
The phrase "Yahweh's hand" represents Yahweh's action. Alternate translation: "by Yahweh's action"
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"
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"
God speaks of obeying his law as walking in it. Alternate translation: "obey my law" or "live according to my law"
"my command"
"It will happen on the sixth day that they" or "On the sixth day they"
"on day 6"
two times
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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."
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]
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."
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"
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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.
The word "behold" here shows that the people saw something interesting.
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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]
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.
These are small, plump birds.
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"
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]
Moses continues telling the people about the food that God was providing for them.
2 liters
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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 day 6"
two times
This refers to the bread that appeared as thin flakes on the ground each morning.
"a day to rest quietly and think seriously"
"did not smell rotten"
"today is a Sabbath and is to be used only for honoring Yahweh"
"but on day seven"
This was the name the Israelites gave to the bread that Yahweh caused to appear for them each morning.
"they did not find any manna"
Yahweh speaks to Moses, but the word "you" refers to the people of Israel in general.
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 obey my commandments and my laws"
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"
"day 6 ... 2 days ... day 7"
This refers to the bread that appeared as thin flakes on the ground each morning.
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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.
very thin biscuits or crackers
2 liters
This refers to the bread that appeared as thin flakes on the ground each morning.
"two liters"
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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"
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)
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.
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]
This means "the resting place," a place to rest on long journeys through the wilderness.
Moses uses these questions to scold the people. Alternate translation: "You should not quarrel with me! You should not test Yahweh!"
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!"
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a place in the desert whose name means "testing"
a place in the desert whose name means "complaining"
This was the name of a place in the desert.
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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 was a friend of Moses and Aaron.
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"
The author writes of Moses's arms becoming tired as if his hands became heavy. Alternate translation: "arms became tired"
This is a euphemism for "killed." Alternate translation: "killed" or "destroyed"
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"
The sword represents battle. Alternate translation: "in battle"
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"
This refers to the Amalekites. Alternate translation: Amalekites"
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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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh lifted up his hand" or "Yahweh made a solemn promise"
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)
This refers to the father of the wife of Moses.
Possible meanings are 1) Jethro took Zipporah to Moses, or 2) Jethro had earlier welcomed back Zipporah.
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"
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.
This is a son of Moses and Zipporah, whose name means "foreigner."
This is a son of Moses and Zipporah, whose name means "God is the one who helps me."
This represents being killed by Pharaoh or Pharaoh's army. Alternate translation: "being killed by Pharaoh" or "being killed by Pharaoh's army"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where he camped with the Israelites"
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These symbolic acts were the normal way that people showed great respect and devotion in that culture.
The word "Israel" represents the Israelite people. Alternate translation: "in order to help the Israelite people"
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"
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"
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"
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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!"
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!"
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"
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"you will surely make yourselves very tired"
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"
"you guidance" or "you instruction"
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"
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"
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"
Jethro continues speaking to Moses.
"In addition, you must choose" or "You must also choose"
Jethro speaks of giving them authority over people as putting them over people. Alternate translation: You must give them authority over people"
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"
"the simple cases"
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"
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"
What they will endure can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "endure the stress of the work"
They will be satisfied that the dispute has been settled justly.
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Moses writes of the leaders of people as if they were the head of a body. Alternate translation: "leaders of the people"
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"
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]
"judged the people most of the time" or "judged the people's easy cases"
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 easy cases"
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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)
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)
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 left"
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]
The word "house" here represents Jacob's family and descendants. Alternate translation: "the descendants of Jacob"
The phrase "the people of Israel" explains what "the house of Jacob" means.
The word "you" here refers to the Israelites. Yahweh is telling Moses what to tell the Israelites.
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"
Obediently can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "listen to my voice and obey me"
God's voice represents what he says. Alternate translation: "what I say" or "my words"
"do what my covenant requires you to do"
"treasure"
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"
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 that Yahweh had commanded him"
Where Moses went can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "Moses went back up the mountain to report"
The word "words" refers to what the people said. Alternate translation: "what the people said"
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This probably means "tell them to dedicate themselves to me" or "tell them to purify themselves for me."
"their clothes" or "what they are wearing"
This was a command to the people of Israel.
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
"make a boundary." This was probably some kind of mark, but it could have been a fence.
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"
"Any person who touches" or "Anyone who touches"
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 he is an animal or a man" or "Whether it is an animal or a man that touches the mountain"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must certainly stone him or shoot him"
This refers to being killed by someone who shoots arrows from a bow.
"a long, loud sound"
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This is a polite way of talking about sleeping with their wives. Alternate translation: "do not sleep with your wives"
"All the people ... shook with fear"
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"Yahweh came down"
This shows that it was a very large amount of smoke. Alternate translation: "like the smoke from a very large fire"
an oven that can be made extremely hot
"continued to become louder and louder"
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"
"he commanded Moses to come up"
God spoke about people walking past the boundary
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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]
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The instructions recorded in this chapter are commonly known as the "ten commandments."
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)
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"place where you were slaves"
"You must not worship any other gods but me"
"and you must not make the likeness"
The word "them" refers to carved figures or idols.
God wants his people to worship only him.
God will punish people for the sin of their parents.
"to generations 3 and 4." This refers to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alternate translation: "even on the grandchildren and great-grandchildren
The abstract noun "love" can be restated with the verb "love." Alternate translation: "I faithfully love 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"
"use the name of Yahweh your God"
"carelessly" or "without proper respect"
This double-negative can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: "I will certainly consider guilty" or "I will certainly punish"
"set it apart for a special purpose"
"do all your usual duties"
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"
"on day seven." Here "seventh" is the ordinal number for "7."
Possible meanings are that 1) God caused the Sabbath day to produce good results, or 2) God said that the Sabbath day was good.
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"You must not have sex with anyone other than your spouse"
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"must not speak a false report" or "must not tell lies about someone"
"must not strongly want to have" or "must not want to take"
"smoke coming from the mountain"
"they shook with fear"
"stood far away" or "stood at a distance"
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"so that you will honor him and not sin"
"Moses went closer to"
"Tell the people of Israel this"
"You have heard me speak to you from heaven"
"You must not make idols as other gods instead of me"
"gods made out of silver or gold" or "idols made out of silver or gold"
an altar made of materials from the ground, such as stone, soil, or clay
Here "name" is a metonym for God's being. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "choose for you to honor me"
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"Do not build steps up to the altar and go up to it on those steps"
"your private parts"
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)
This passage does not condone slavery as an acceptable practice. However, it does impose some restrictions on the practice.
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)
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
"you must give them" or "you must tell them"
Yahweh tells Moses his laws for the people of Israel.
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"
"alone" or "without a wife"
"if he was married when he became a slave" or "if he came as a married man"
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"clearly says"
"I do not want my master to set me free"
"put a hole in his ear"
a pointed tool used to make a hole
"until the end of his life" or "until he dies"
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"has chosen"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must allow her father to buy her back"
"has no authority to sell"
"he has deceived her"
"decides that she is the one who will be his son's wife"
"he must give the first wife the same food, clothing, and marital rights she had before"
"must not take away her food" or "must not give her less food"
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"
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"hits a man" or "attacks a man"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must certainly execute that person" or "you must certainly kill that person"
"did not plan to harm him" or "did not do it on purpose"
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"
"after thinking carefully about it"
The word "him" refers to the one who killed his neighbor.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that you can kill him"
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 certainly"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must kill that kidnapper"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must surely kill anyone who curses his father or his mother"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "cannot get out of bed" or "has to stay in bed"
"he gets better"
This is a stick that can be leaned on for support while walking.
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"
"pay his medical costs" or "pay for his costs for healing"
"because of the injury" or "because his master hit him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must certainly punish that man"
"no one is to punish the master"
Possible meanings are 1)
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"
"her baby dies in her womb" or "her baby is born too soon and dies"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must certainly fine the guilty man" or "the guilty man must pay a fine"
"what the judges decide"
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"
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"
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Here "man" refers to the owner of a slave.
"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.
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"an ox injures with its horns"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must stone the ox to death"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must not eat its flesh"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must acquit the ox's owner"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must also kill its owner"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the full amount that the judges say that he must pay"
"has injured with its horns"
"330 grams of silver." A shekel weighed eleven grams.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must kill the ox by stoning it"
"uncovers a hole in the ground" or "takes a cover off a hole in the ground"
The owner must be paid for the loss of his animal. Alternate translation: "pay the owner for the dead animal"
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"
"divide the money" or "divide the money they receive"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if people knew" or "if the owner knew"
"had gored other animals before"
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"
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"
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)
Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If anyone finds a thief"
"using force to come into a house"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if anyone strikes the thief so that he dies"
"no one will be guilty of murdering him"
"if it is light before he breaks in" or "if he breaks in and it is after sunrise"
"the person who kills him will be guilty of murder"
"pay for what he stole"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If they find that he still has the live animal that he stole"
pay two animals for every animal that he took
"If a man lets his animals eat plants"
"it eats plants"
"he must pay back the owner of that field"
"If someone starts a fire and it spreads in thorns"
"moves along the ground through dry plants"
This is grain that has been cut and tied in bundles. "bundled grain" or "harvested grain"
This is grain that has not been cut, but it is ready to be harvested.
"fire consumes a field" or "fire destroys a field"
"must certainly pay for the grain that the fire destroyed"
"to watch over it" or "to keep it safe"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if someone steals it"
someone who steals something
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if you find the thief"
"come before the judges so that they can find out if"
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"
The judges must listen to both people who claim that the item belongs to them and the judges will decide who is guilty.
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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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But if someone stole the animal from him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But if a wild beast tore the animal in pieces"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He will not have to pay for the animal that the wild beast destroyed"
"must certainly repay with another animal" or "must certainly pay the owner for the animal"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if someone rented the animal"
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"
"rental fee" or "money paid to rent the animal"
"a man persuades a virgin who is not betrothed that she wants to sleep with him"
"not promised to be married"
Lying with someone is a euphemism for having sex. Alternate translation: "if he has sexual relations with her"
"dowry" or "bride price"
These pronouns refer back to the man who seduced the virgin.
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This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "Whoever has sexual relations with an animal"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, you must completely destroy"
"mistreat a foreigner" or "cheat a foreigner"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "You must treat all widows and fatherless children fairly"
"woman whose husband has died"
"orphan" or "child with no parents"
Here the "outcry" is of people in pain because they are being oppressed. See how you translated "outcry" in Exodus 3:7.
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"
"one who lends money"
"charge him extra money for borrowing" or "charge him extra money for the loan"
"coat as collateral" or "coat as a guarantee to repay the loan"
"only coat" or "only garment to keep him warm"
This question adds emphasis. You can translate it as a strong statement. Alternate translation: "He will have nothing to wear while he sleeps!"
"Do not insult God" or "Do not speak evil about God"
"and do not ask God to do bad things to a ruler"
This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "You must bring all of your offerings"
"dedicate your firstborn sons to me"
"dedicate to me the firstborn of"
This can be written as a numeral. Alternate translation: "For 7 days after they are born"
This can be written as a numeral. Alternate translation: "day number 8"
"dedicate them to me"
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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)
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.
Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.
This is the same as a lying or false witness.
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"
do illegal or immoral actions that result in a unjust ruling
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Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.
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Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.
"Do not decide to treat a poor man unjustly in legal matters"
Here, this refers to any matter that a court decides.
"I will not find the wicked not guilty" or "I will not say of wicked people that they are innocent"
Here a "bribe" is described as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "bribe discredits ... undermines"
"the kind of life a stranger lives in a foreign land"
Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.
"the food its plants produce"
in its natural state, not used for to grow food
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.
"your work animals"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "any foreigner may rest and regain his strength"
"Do" or "Obey"
This represents praying to other gods. Alternate translation: "pray to other gods"
Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.
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]
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.
"You must honor" or "You must celebrate"
This festival celebrated the final harvesting of all the crops for the year.
Here to "appear" means to gather for worship. Alternate translation: "All the men must gather to worship the Lord Yahweh"
Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.
The fat was burned as an offering to Yahweh and was never eaten.
"the best and first produce of the harvest"
This was a magical fertility practice among the Canaanites, which the Israelites were not permitted to participate in.
Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.
"Listen to him"
"If you provoke him, he will not pardon"
Here "name" refers to God's authority. Alternate translation: "He has my authority"
Here "voice" represents what the angel says. Alternate translation: "If you carefully obey what he says"
These two phrases mean the same thing and are used for emphasis.
Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.
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"
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"
Yahweh switched between the first and third pronoun to refer to himself. Here both "he" and "I" refer to Yahweh.
Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.
"Every woman will be able to become pregnant and give birth to healthy babies"
to have a pregnancy end early and unexpectedly
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a flying insect that can sting people and cause pain
"because no one would be living in the land"
Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel.
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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.
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)
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)
These are men's names. See how you translated these names in [Exodus 6:23]
"70 of Israel's elders"
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This is an idiom that means the people were in complete agreement. Alternate translation: "together" or "in agreement"
"base of the mountain" or "bottom of the mountain"
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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.
Here the altar represents God. This would confirm God's participation in the covenant between God and the people of Israel.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We will obey everything"
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"
These are men's names. See how you translated these names in [Exodus 6:23]
This speaks of God as if he had human feet.
"a pavement made of blue stones called sapphires"
a hard surface for walking or riding
This is a gemstone that is blue in color.
This is a simile. Alternate translation: "as clear as the sky is when there are no clouds"
This means that God did not harm the leaders. Alternate translation: "God did not harm the leaders of the people of Israel"
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"
"with Joshua who assisted him" or "with Joshua who helped him"
"wait for Joshua and me"
Hur was a man who was a friend of Moses and Aaron. See how you translated this name in [Exodus 17:10]
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This was the brilliant light of God's presence. Alternate translation: "The brilliant light showing God's presence"
This means the glory of Yahweh was very large and seemed to burn brightly like a fire. Alternate translation: "like a big fire burning"
Their eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents their thoughts or judgment about they saw. Alternate translation: "to the people of Israel"
"40 days and 40 nights"
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)
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This is an idiom that indicates a person's desire to give an offering. Alternate translation: "who wants to give an offering"
The word "you" refers to Moses and the leaders.
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
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.
bright red
These are animal skins.
dried plants that people grind into a powder and put in oil or food to give it a nice smell or flavor
a valuable stone that has layers of white and black, red or brown.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "precious stones for someone to set"
"valuable gems" or "treasured gems"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
Here this word means the same thing as the word "sanctuary" in verse 8.
Here "you" is plural and refers to Moses and the people of Israel.
"show you in the design" or "show you in the pattern." Here "you" is singular and refers to Moses.
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.5 cubits ... 1.5 cubits" or "115 centimeters ... almost 69 centimeters"
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Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
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.
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"so that you can carry the ark"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
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This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made.
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.5 cubits ... 1.5 cubits" or "115 centimeters ... 69 centimeters"
"beaten gold"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must make them"
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Here "you" refers to Moses and the people of Israel.
Yahweh continues to speak to Moses.
"I will meet with you at the ark." In 25:22 the word "you" is singular and refers to Moses.
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.
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2 cubits ... 1 cubit ... 1.5 cubits" or "92 centimeters ... 46 centimeters ... 69 centimeters"
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Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
a measurement of 7 to 8 centimeters
"frame for the table"
"legs are"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must attach the rings"
"so you can carry"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that you may carry the table with them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that you may use them to pour out drink offerings"
This bread represented the presence of God.
"beaten gold." See how you translated this in Exodus 25:18.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Make the lampstand"
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"
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Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-32).
white or pink flowers that have five petals
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-32).
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-32).
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must make them as one piece with the lampstand"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-32).
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"so they shine light from it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Make the tongs and their trays of pure gold"
A talent weighs about thirty-three kilograms.
the tongs and the trays
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I am showing you on the mountain"
This chapter is a continuation of the material in the previous chapter.
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)
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do (Exodus 25:1).
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"
These were large, heavy sections of woven cloth that were used to form the covering and dividing walls of the tabernacle.
wool dyed a deep red color
a person who is skilled in making beautiful objects by hand
"28 cubits ... 4 cubits." A cubit is 46 centimeters.
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"
"one set of five curtains"
"the second set of five curtains"
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The clasps fit into the loops (verses 4 and 5) to hold the curtains together.
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"11"
"30 ... 4"
A cubit is 46 centimeters.
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Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
See how you translated these in Exodus 26:4.
The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:6.
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
A cubit is 46 centimeters.
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Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
This refers to frames or panels that they made by joining together smaller pieces of wood.
"10 cubits ... 1.5 cubits"
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Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
These were silver blocks that had a slot in them to keep the board in place.
The silver bases kept the wooden board off the ground.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Put two bases"
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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"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Separate these frames at the bottom, but join them at the top"
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.
"total"
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]
Yahweh continue to tell Moses how the tabernacle was to be built.
These are horizontal support beams that give stability to the structure.
The front was on the east side of the tabernacle.
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Yahweh continues to tell Moses how the tabernacle must be constructed.
"which will hold the crossbars" or "because they will hold the crossbars"
These are horizontal support beams that give stability to the structure. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:26.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have shown you here on this mountain"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses how the tabernacle is to be constructed.
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]
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The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in Exodus 26:6.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The curtain will separate the holy place"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
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 chest that contains the commandments"
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"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses how to construct the tabernacle.
This was a large curtain made of cloth.
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.
"finely twisted linen." This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread.
"a person who sews designs into cloth" or "a person who embroiders"
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This chapter is a continuation of the material in the previous chapter.
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)
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do (Exodus 25:1).
"2.2 meters long on each side"
"The altar must be square and 1.3 meters high"
A cubit is 46 centimeters.
"You must make projections that look like ox horns on its four corners"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must make the horns"
"must cover the altar and horns"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
bowls
These were pans that held hot coals from the altar.
These were any instrument, vessel, or tool that served a useful purpose.
"You must make a bronze grate for the altar"
a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people need to do.
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"
This is a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:4.
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"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people should do.
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"
a long, flat piece of wood that is thicker than a board
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have shown to you here on this mountain"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must place hangings ... courtyard"
A "hanging" was a large curtain made of cloth. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36
"finely twisted linen." This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "44 meters"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must also attach hooks ... posts"
a strong piece of wood set upright and used as a support
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 27:9.
This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: "you must make hangings"
See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 27:10.
This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: "you must make a curtain"
This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: "You must make ten posts"
This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: "Make the courtyard fifty cubits long"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
These were large curtains made of cloth. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.
These were strong pieces of wood set upright and used as supports. See how you translated these in Exodus 27:10.
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.
about seven meters
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This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: "You must make a screen twenty cubits long to be the courtyard gate"
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"
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.
a person who sews designs into cloth
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
"100 cubits." A cubit is 46 centimeters.
"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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "make all the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard out of bronze"
sharp pieces of wood or metal used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
This is another name for the tabernacle.
This is the chest that contains the sacred slabs of stone on which Yahweh had written his commandments.
"I require that the people do this as a lasting statute"
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)
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do (Exodus 25:1).
Here "yourself" refers to Moses.
Here "you" refers to the people.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "garments that you will set apart to me"
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Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"a coat with a design woven into it"
a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times
a piece of cloth that people wear around their waist or across their chest
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Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
"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.
a person who can make beautiful objects by hand
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they must make it in one piece"
These are valuable stones that have layers of white and black, red or brown. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:7]
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
"In the same way a person engraves on a seal"
a person who cuts designs into a hard material such as wood, stone, or metal
an engraved stone used to stamp a design into a wax seal
pieces of metal that hold the stone onto the ephod
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Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
These are pieces of metal that hold each stone onto the ephod. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:11.
"two chains of pure gold that are braided like cords"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"a skillful workman will make it like the ephod"
A span is 22 centimeters.
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.
"valuable gems" or "treasured gems." See how you translated these in [Exodus 25:7]
These are precious stones.
These are precious stones.
This is a gemstone that is blue in color. See how you translated this in Exodus 24:10.
These are precious stones
These are precious stones.
This is a valuable stone that has layers of white and black, red or brown. See how you translated these in Exodus 25:7.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must mount them in gold settings"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must arrange the stones"
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.
"chains that are made of pure gold and are braided like cords." See how you translated similar phrases in Exodus 28:14.
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Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
"chains braided like cords." See how you translated this in Exodus 28:14.
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"
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Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that they may attach it"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "the breastpiece might stay attached to the ephod"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
This refers to the names of the tribes engraved on the twelve stones the breastplate as described in Exodus 28:17-21.
"over Aaron's heart" or "on his chest"
The second phrase appears to refer to the Urim and Thummim and explain their purpose.
It not clear what these are. They were objects, possibly stones, that the priest used to determine somehow the will of God.
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
This can be stated as a command. Alternate translation: "A weaver must make this robe"
"a person who weaves" or "a person who creates cloth using thread"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people do.
A pomegranate is a round fruit with a red outer skin.
This phrase is repeated to show the pattern of the design on the robe.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Aaron must wear the robe when he serves"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that the bells make a sound"
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"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
"write on it in the same way a person engraves on a seal." See how you translated similar words in Exodus 28:11
This was a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Aaron must wear it on his forehead"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Aaron must always wear the turban on his forehead"
God continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
This was a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.
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.
An embroiderer is a person who sews designs into cloth. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.
God continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
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.
A headband is a narrow, decorative strip of cloth that is worn around the head above the eyes.
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"
God continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
These are underwear, clothing worn under the outer clothes, next to the skin.
This is a euphemism for sexual organs. Your language may have a different polite way to speak of these things.
This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.
"a law the will not end"
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)
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.
The word "now" marks a change in topic from garments for priests to consecrating priests.
Here "you" refers to Moses.
"to set apart Aaron and his sons"
Here "me" refers to Yahweh.
a male cow
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Also take wafers without yeast and rub them with oil"
These are different kinds of food made from flour.
Yahweh continues to speak to Moses
"You must put the bread, cake, and wafer"
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"
This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
This was a coat with a design woven into it. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.
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.
This was a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.
This crown is described in Exodus 29:6 as being engraved with the words "dedicated to Yahweh" and made of pure gold.
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Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
"bring Aaron's sons"
These were coats with a design woven into them. See how you translated this in Exodus 28:4.
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.
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 duty of being priests"
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"
"a law the will not end." See how you translated this in Exodus 28:43.
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.
The bull offering was to be killed by Moses, not the priests, at the doorway, not inside the tent of meeting.
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."
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
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 remaining blood"
"covers the organs"
These are organs in the body.
"But as for the remaining parts of the bull"
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For these consecration sacrifices for the priests, it was Moses, not Aaron or his sons, who had to kill the animals.
"the organs." See how you translated this in Exodus 29:13.
Unlike the bull offering that was burned outside of the tent, the ram was to be burned on the inner altar.
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
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"
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "By doing this, you will dedicate Aaron to me"
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
These refer to organs inside the body. See how you translated this in Exodus 29:13.
For 29:23 see how you translated similar words in Exodus 29:2.
"that you have placed before Yahweh"
God continues speaking to Moses.
Here "these" refers to the parts of the sacrifice mentioned in the previous verses.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "burn it as an offering to me"
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
"ram that you dedicated" or "ram that you killed"
"the ram that you used to dedicate Aaron"
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"This is what Aaron and his sons will always receive from the people"
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
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"
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"
This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
"the ram you killed when you installed the priests"
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"
This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you sacrificed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one must eat it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because you have set it apart to me"
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
"I have commanded you to treat Aaron and his sons this way"
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"Then the altar will be most holy"
"will also be very holy"
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
"You must daily offer on the altar"
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Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
"1/10 ... 1/4"
An ephah is 22 liters.
A hin is 3.7 liters.
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will be a burnt offering to me"
"through all the generations of your descendants." See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.
This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "My awesome presence will dedicate the tent to me"
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Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
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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)
Yahweh tells Moses how to build the worship equipment.
Here "you" refers to Moses and the people of Israel.
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]
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"an altar to burn incense"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which you will attach to the altar"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
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]
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.
Here "you" refers to Moses.
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"through all the generations of your descendants." See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.
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.
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
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.
"through all the generations of your descendants." See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.
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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.
The leaders only counted the males of Israel.
This can be stated in active form. They counted only the men. Alternate translation: "Everyone you count" or "Every man you count"
"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"
There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time. This specified which one was to be used.
"20 gerahs." A gerah is a unit that people used for measuring how much something very small weighed.
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"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
Only the men made this offering.
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]
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."
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Here "you" refers to Moses and the people of Israel.
"bronze bowl" or "bronze tub"
This is what the basin would be put on.
This phrase explains what the priests were to use the large bronze basin for.
the altar of sacrifice
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"water in the basin"
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"for Aaron and all the generations of his descendants." See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 12:14.
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
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]
"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"
These are sweet spices.
This is a sweet spice.
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]
Translators may use units that people know and round numbers: "3.7 liters" or "four liters"
"with these items"
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 person who is skilled in mixing spices and oils
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
Here "you" refers to Moses.
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]
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"the altar on which offering were burnt"
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
This refers to the items listed in Exodus 30:26-28.
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"all the generations of your descendants." See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.
Yahweh continues telling Moses what Moses must tell the people.
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 ingredients" or "with the same items"
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."
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.
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"
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.
"You will crush it." Here "you" refers to Moses.
Here "you" is plural and refers to Moses and all the people.
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
The word "you" here refers to the people of Israel.
"with the same ingredients" or "with the same items." See how you translated this in Exodus 30:32.
"You must consider it to be most holy"
This is a pleasant smelling liquid that a person puts on his or her body.
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]
This chapter is the end of Exodus' recording of the law of Moses. (See: lawofmoses)
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)
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God speaks of choosing specific people as calling them by name. Alternate translation: "I have chosen"
These are names of men.
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
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"
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"
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Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
These are names of men.
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"
This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:21.
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]
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.
"altar to burn incense." See how you translated this in Exodus 30:3.
"altar on which offering were burnt." See how you translated this in Exodus 30:28.
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
"These people who are skilled in making beautiful things"
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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"
"through all the generations of your descendants." See how you translated this in Exodus 12:14.
God speaks of choosing people to be his as setting them apart for himself. Alternate translation: "who has chosen you to be his people"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for you must treat it as holy"
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 killed." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must surely kill" or "you must surely execute"
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."
"but day 7"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what he must tell the people of Israel.
God speaks of obeying his instructions about the Sabbath as keeping the Sabbath. Alternate translation: "must obey Yahweh's instructions about the Sabbath"
"They and all the generations of their descendants must observe it." See how you translated "throughout their people's generations" in Exodus 12:42.
"a covenant that will always exist." See how you translated this in Exodus 28:43.
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This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "which Yahweh wrote on with his own hand"
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.
The making of the golden calf was considered a form of idolatry.
Here understanding something is spoken of as if it were being seen. Alternate translation: "the people realized"
The word "come" strengthens the force of the command following it. The people were demanding that Aaron make an idol for them.
"lead us" or "be our leader"
The word "them" refers to the golden rings.
This refers to all the people who rejected Moses as their leader and Moses's God as their God.
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.
You may need to make explicit what he saw. "When Aaron saw what the people did"
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.
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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"
Here Yahweh compares knowing the people to seeing them. Alternate translation: "I know this people"
Yahweh speaks of the people being stubborn as if they had stiff necks. Alternate translation: "a stubborn people"
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.
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"
The word "you" refers to Moses.
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."
These two phrases share similar meanings and are combined for emphasis.
Here the word "hand" refers to the things Yahweh did. Alternate translation: "and the powerful things you did"
Moses continues to reason with God not to destroy Israel.
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.'
"from the surface of the earth" or "from the earth"
"Stop your burning anger" or "Stop being so angry"
Moses speaks of God's anger as if it were a fire that was burning. Alternate translation: "your terrible anger"
"Remember Abraham" or "Think about Abraham"
"you made an oath" or "you solemnly promised"
God speaks about them possessing the land as if they would inherit it. Alternate translation: "They will possess it forever"
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These are the two stone slabs on which God had engraved his commandments.
These two phrases share similar meanings. The second explains how the tablets were "God's own work."
It is assumed that Joshua met Moses while Moses was going back to the camp.
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"
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.
"the two stone slabs that Yahweh had written on"
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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"
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"
Aaron spoke of Moses's anger as if it were a fire that could burn. "Do not be so angry"
Being determined to do evil is spoken of as being set on evil. Alternate translation: "they are determined to do what is evil"
People showed disrespect by putting the word "this" before his name, as if Moses were someone they did not know and could not trust.
This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "So I told them that whoever had any gold should take it off"
Instead of taking ownership for making the calf, Aaron claims the calf came out of the fire supernaturally.
"were behaving wildly" or "were not controlling themselves"
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"
Moses speaks of being loyal to Yahweh as being on Yahweh's side. Alternate translation: "Whoever is loyal to Yahweh" or "Whoever serves Yahweh"
"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"
"3000 of the people"
This probably means "You have been chosen to serve Yahweh" or "You have become Yahweh's servants."
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"
They worshiped an idol.
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"
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.
The word "me" here refers to the name of Moses. Alternate translation: "erase my name from the book"
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"
The phrase "that person" represents "that person's name." Alternate translation: "I will erase that person's name from my book"
This refers to the book of Yahweh that Moses spoke of in Exodus 32:32.
On the day that God decides to punish them, it will be clear that it is God who is judging them.
This plague may have been a serious illness. Alternate translation: "Yahweh made the people very sick"
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"
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)
Yahweh continues to tell Moses of his anger.
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The land was good for raising livestock and growing crops. See how you translated this in [Exodus 3:8]
"full of" or "with an abundance of"
Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. Alternate translation: "food from livestock"
Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. Alternate translation: "food from crops"
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"
beautiful clothing as well as chains and rings with jewels in them
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]
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The cloud had the shape of a pillar. See how you translated this in [Exodus 13:22]
Where it came down from can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "would come down from the sky"
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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"
Joshua was old enough to be a soldier, but he was much younger than Moses
"Look!" or "Listen!" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
To know someone by name is to know them well. Alternate translation: "I know you well"
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"
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"
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."
God's presence represents himself. Alternate translation: "I will go"
The word "you" here refers to Moses. It is singular.
"I will let you rest"
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"For if your presence does not go with us"
This can be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: how will people know"
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."
"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 known if"
When Yahweh uses the word "you" in this verse, it is singular and refers to Moses.
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]
To know someone by name is to know them well. See how you translated this in [Exodus 33:12]
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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"
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"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you."
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This is because Yahweh will be walking away from Moses.
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "but you will not see my face"
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)
"flat slabs of stone." See how you translated this in Exodus 31:18
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Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
Being seen doing something represents doing that. Alternate translation: "Do not let anyone else be anywhere on the mountain"
"Even flocks or herds are not allowed to come near the mountain to eat."
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"stood with Moses on the mountain"
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.
God is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "I, Yahweh, am God, and I am merciful and gracious"
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"
The abstract noun "love" can be restated with the verb "loving." See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 20:6]
"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"
Yahweh is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: "I 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"
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"
The word "children" refers to sons and daughters.
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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]
The words "iniquity" and "sin" mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: "all our sins"
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"
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.
Here "your" refers to Moses.
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"
Here "you" refers to Moses and the people of Israel.
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Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. Here he tells him what Moses and the people must do.
People who tempt others to sin are spoken of as if they were a trap. Alternate translation: "they will tempt you to sin"
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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"
The word "name" here represents God's character. Alternate translation: "I, Yahweh, who am always jealous" or "I, Yahweh, am always jealous"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses how his people are to behave towards outsiders.
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"
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"
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Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
"7 days"
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]
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
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.
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"Even when you are preparing the soil or gathering the crops"
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.
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
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Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
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"
The fact that any yeast would be in bread can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "with bread that has yeast in it"
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"Moses was on the mountain"
"40 days"
"for forty days, both day and night"
"Moses wrote"
"had started to shine"
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"approached him" or "went to him." They did not go up the mountain.
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"
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"Moses would remove"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh had commanded him"
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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)
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"day number seven" or "Saturday"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must kill anyone who does work on that day"
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In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.
In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.
"Take up a collection for Yahweh"
Here "heart" refers to the person bringing the offering. Alternate translation: "everyone who is willing"
In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.
In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.
See how you translated similar phrases in Exodus 25:5.
In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.
In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in Exodus 25:3-7.
Moses continues telling the people what God commanded them to do.
"Every man with a skill"
The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in Exodus 26:6.
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.
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.
"The people of Israel brought"
This bread represented the presence of God. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:30.
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This is a frame of crossed bronze bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated "grate" in Exodus 27:4.
These were large curtains made of cloth. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:36.
These were strong pieces of wood set upright and used as supports. See how you translated these in Exodus 27:10.
These were blocks that had a slot in them to keep the board in place. See how you translated this in Exodus 26:19.
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.
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.
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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"
Here "spirit" refers to the person. Alternate translation: "who was willing" or "who wanted to"
Here "heart" refers to the person. Alternate translation: "everyone who was willing"
These are different kinds of jewelry.
For 35:23 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:4-5.
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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.
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"
For 35:27 see how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:7.
For 35:28 see how you translated many similar words in Exodus 25:6
Here "heart" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "who was willing"
See how you translated this in Exodus 31:2
God's Spirit who gave Bezalel the ability to work is spoken of here as if he was something that filled up Bezalel.
See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 31:3
See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 31:4
See how you translated many similar words in Exodus 31:5
Moses continues speaking to the people.
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" and "Ahisamak" are names of men. See how you translated these names in [Exodus 31:6]
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"
a person who cuts designs into a hard material such as wood, stone, or metal
people who sew designs into cloth
people who are skilled in making beautiful objects by hand
a person who creates cloth using thread
a person who creates beauty with materials
The tent of meeting, or tabernacle, mentioned in previous chapters is constructed in this chapter. (See: tabernacle)
Moses continues speaking to the people.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2]
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:6]
Here skill and ability are spoken of as if they are something that Yahweh can place inside a person.
"just as Yahweh has commanded"
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2]
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:6]
Here "mind" refers to the person who was made skillful by Yahweh. Alternate translation: "to whom Yahweh had given skill"
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"
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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 men working on the sanctuary told Moses"
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See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:1.
These curtains are sheets of cloth woven and sewed together so that they can hang to form a wall or tent.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2]
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:2.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:3.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:4.
Here "he" refers to Bezalel, but it includes all the men working on the sanctuary.
loops of blue cloth
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.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:5.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:6.
"50 gold clasps"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:7.
"made 11"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:8.
"30 cubits"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:9.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:10.
"50 loops"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:11.
"50 bronze clasps"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:14.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:15.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:16.
"10 cubits ... 1.5 cubits"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:17.
A wooden peg is a small piece of wood sticking out beyond the end of the board so it can be secured.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:18.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:19.
"40 silver bases"
"20 frames"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:20.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:21.
There will be two bases under each and every frame.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:22.
on the side that is on the west
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:23.
for the corners at the rear of the tabernacle
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:24.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:25.
"16 bases in all"
There will be two bases under each and every frame.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:26.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:27.
on the west side
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:28.
from one side of the tabernacle to the other side
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:29.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:31.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:32.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:36.
Here "he" refers to Bezalel and those working for him. "Bezalel and his men made"
a curtain
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 26:37.
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)
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:10.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2]
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.5 cubits ... 1.5 cubits" or "115 centimeters ... 69 centimeters"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:11.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:12.
These four pieces of wood that supported the ark are spoken of as if they were human or animal feet.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:13.
Though "he" refers to Bezalel, "he" may include all of the workers who assisted him.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:14.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:17.
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.5 cubits ... 1.5 cubits" or "115 centimeters ... 69 centimeters"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:18.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:19.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He made them as one piece"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:20.
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 faces of the cherubim were towards each other, and they looked toward"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:23.
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2 cubits ... 1 cubit ... 1.5 cubits" or "92 centimeters ... 46 centimeters ... 69 centimeters"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:24.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:25.
This was the width of a man's hand with fingers spread out.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:26.
These four pieces of wood that supported the ark are spoken of as if they were human or animal feet.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:27.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Bezalel attached the rings"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:28.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:29.
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"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:31.
Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.
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"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:32.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:33.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he made the 3 cups look like almond blossoms"
An almond blossom is a white or pink flower with five petals that grows on an almond tree.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:34.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "there were 4 cups which Bezalel made to look like almond blossoms"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:35.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which he made as one piece with the lampstand"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:36.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:37-38.
Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.
This is a tool made from two sticks of wood or metal connected at one end and used for picking up objects.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 25:39.
"33 kilograms"
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See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:3.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:4.
Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which they attached to the altar"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:5.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 30:25.
See how you translated this in Exodus 25:6.
A perfumer is skilled in mixing spices and oils.
The altar is constructed in this chapter. There are other furnishings of the tabernacle that are also produced in this chapter. (See: tabernacle)
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.
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See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:2.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He made the horns as one piece"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:3.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:4 and Exodus 27:5.
Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which they placed under the ledge"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:4.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:6.
Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:7-8.
a long, flat piece of wood that is thicker than a board
Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.
The stand supported the bronze basin. See how you translated this in Exodus 30:18.
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"
A mirror is a piece of polished metal or glass that reflects an image.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:9.
Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.
"100"
A cubit is 46 centimeters.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:10.
"20"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:11.
"100 ... 20"
A cubit is 46 centimeters.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:12.
"50 ... 10"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:13.
"50"
A cubit is 46 centimeters.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:14.
"15 ... 3"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:15.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Bezalel and the workers made all the hangings around the courtyard with fine linen"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:17.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Bezalel and the workers made the bases for the posts out of bronze"
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"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:16.
"20 ... 5"
A cubit is 46 centimeters.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They made the screen of"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:17.
"4"
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"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 27:19.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They made all of the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard out of bronze"
Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which Moses instructed the Levites to write down"
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in [Exodus 6:23]
"Bezalel" and "uri" are the name of men. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2]
"everything that Yahweh told Moses to do"
"Oholiab" and "Ahisamak" are names of men. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:6]
"as a skilled engraver and embroiderer"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "All the gold that the people used for the project"
A talent is about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "29 talents" or "about 960 kilograms"
A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: "seven hundred and thirty shekels" or "about 8 kilograms."
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]
A talent is about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "100 talents" or "about 330 kilograms"
A shekel is 11 grams. "one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels" or "about 20 kilograms"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The silver which the community gave"
A beka is 1/2 a shekel.
A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: "1/2 a shekel" or "five and a half grams" or "5 1/2 grams"
Every man who was 20 years old or older was included in the census and was required to give half a shekel.
"20 years old"
A talent is about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "The workers cast 100 talents of silver" or "The workers cast 3,300 kilograms of silver"
"100 talents"
"one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels"
A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2]
"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"
Bezalel's work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture.
This is a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:4.
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.
The special, holy clothing mentioned in previous chapters is produced in this chapter to the correct specifications. (See: holy)
Bezalel's work crew shifts to making the priestly garments.
The word "they" refers to Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other workmen.
"just as Yahweh told Moses to do"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:6.
Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2]
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See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:7.
Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:8.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they made it as one piece with the ephod with fine twisted linen"
"just as Yahweh told Moses to do." See how you translated this phrase in Exodus 39:1.
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See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:12.
"just as Yahweh told Moses to do." See how you translated this phrase in Exodus 39:1.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:15.
Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.
"Bezalel made" or "Bezalel and the workers made"
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Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.
"The workers set in the breastpiece"
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]
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]
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]
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They mounted the stones in gold settings"
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:21.
Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:22.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:23-24.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:24.
Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.
"chains that are made of pure gold and are braided like cords." See how you translated this in Exodus 28:14.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:25.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:26.
Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:27.
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.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:28.
Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so they could attach it"
The double negative can be translated as a positive. Alternate translation: "the breastpiece might stay attached to the ephod"
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See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:32.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:33.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:34-35.
Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments as commanded in Exodus 28:34-35.
These were tiny bells.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:34-35.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:39.
Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments.
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.
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.
This is clothing worn under the outer clothes, next to the skin. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:42]
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
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:36.
Bezalel's work crew continues to make the priestly garments..
This was an engraved crown made of pure gold. See how you translated this in Exodus 29:6.
See how you translated many of these words in Exodus 28:37.
The Israelites finish making the things Yahweh commanded in Exodus 35:4-9 and Exodus 35:10-12.
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"
The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in Exodus 26:6.
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.
See how you translated similar phrases in this in Exodus 25:5.
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.
Bezalel's work crew continues to present all that they made to Moses.
This bread represented the presence of God. See how you translated this in Exodus 25:30.
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This is a frame of crossed bars that held wood while burning. See how you translated this in Exodus 27:4.
Bezalel's work crew continues to present all that they made to Moses.
"The people of Israel brought"
These refer to the same place.
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"And so the people"
The word "behold" here draws attention to the information that follows.
"They did it in the way that Yahweh had commanded them"
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.
This phrase indicates that Yahweh began to dwell within the tabernacle, among Israel, in a special way. (See: glory and tabernacle)
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The new year marks the time when God rescued his people from Egypt. This happens around the middle of March on Western calendars.
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
"in the sacred chest"
"put the ark behind the curtain"
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Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
This refers to the "sacred chest."
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Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
"all the things that are a part of it"
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Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
Moses will do these things himself.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you have set apart to me"
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
"through all the generations of their descendants." See how you translated a similar phrase in Exodus 12:14.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So the people set up the tabernacle"
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]
This is the second year after Yahweh brought his people out of Egypt.
Moses was the leader. The people helped him set up the tabernacle.
a strong piece of wood set upright and used as a support
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Moses was the leader. He had workers helping him.
"in front of"
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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"
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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"
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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"
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"And so"
"Yahweh's awesome presence filled"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "rose up from"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when it rose up"
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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.
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)
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.
"When any one of you" or "When any of you"
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do so that their sacrifices will be acceptable to Yahweh.
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that Yahweh will accept it"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "then Yahweh will accept it in his place and forgive his sins"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
Here "he" refers to the one making the offering. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "Then you must kill the bull"
"in the presence of Yahweh"
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.
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.
Here "he" refers to the one making the offering.
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do so their offerings will be acceptable to him.
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"
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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.
This is the stomach and intestines.
Here "he" refers to the one making the offering.
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.
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"in the presence of Yahweh"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
Here "he" refers to the person offering the sacrifice. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "Then you must cut it"
See how you translated these words in Leviticus 1:7-9.
See how you translated many of these words in Leviticus 1:9.
"Then the priest will burn everything on the altar"
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]
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"twist off its head"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then the priest must drain its blood"
"The priest must"
A crop is a pouch in the bird's throat where pre-digested food is stored.
Here "it" refers to the crop and its contents.
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]
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"
This chapter gives instructions about how to make a grain offering.
Yeast is connected to the events of the Passover. Any prohibition of yeast may be connected to the original Passover. (See: passover)
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"be the finest flour" or "be the best flour"
a powder made from wheat
"He must take"
"take out what he can hold in his hand"
The handful of the grain offering represents the whole grain offering. This means the whole offering belongs to 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]
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will be a burnt offering to him"
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Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people and priests must do so their offerings will be acceptable to him.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you baked in an 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.
It is understood that the soft bread contained no yeast.
Translate this phrase to indicate that the oil is to be spread onto the bread. Alternate translation: "with oil on the bread"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you bake your grain offering in 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.
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do so their offerings will be acceptable to him.
Here "it" refers to the grain offering cooked on a flat iron pan.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you cook your grain offering"
A pan is a metal plate with rounded edges. The dough was placed in the pan and cooked over a fire.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must make it"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do so their offerings will be acceptable to him.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you made from the flour and oil"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will present it"
See how you translated many of these words in Leviticus 2:2.
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 can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It will be a burnt offering"
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]
See how you translated this in Leviticus 2:3.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "from the burnt offerings to Yahweh"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do so that their offerings will be acceptable to him.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not use yeast in a grain offering that you offer to Yahweh"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as a burnt offering"
"You will offer the grain offerings made with leaven or honey"
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"
It is implied that the salt is a symbol that represents the covenant with God.
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do so their offerings will be acceptable to him.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you have cooked over a fire and then crushed"
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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 can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This is a burnt offering to Yahweh"
This chapter gives instructions about how to offer a fellowship offering.
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.
Moses continues telling the people what Yahweh wants them to do.
"in the presence of Yahweh" or "to Yahweh"
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]
It is implied that before they sprinkle the blood, they catch blood in a bowl as the it drains from the animal.
This is the stomach and intestines.
This is the part of the body on the sides of the backbone between the ribs and hipbone.
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"
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will be a burnt offering to Yahweh"
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"offer it in the presence of Yahweh" or "offer it to Yahweh"
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.
It is implied that before they sprinkle the blood, they catch the blood in a bowl as it drains from the animal.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as a burnt offering"
This is the stomach and intestines.
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"
A new sentence can start here. Alternate translation: "He must remove the kidneys"
This is the part of the body on the sides of the backbone between the ribs and hipbone.
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"
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"
"in the presence of Yahweh" or "to Yahweh"
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]
It is implied that before they sprinkle the blood, they catch the blood in a bowl as it drains from the animal.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will offer his sacrifice by fire" or "will burn his sacrifice"
Here "He" refers to the person offering the sacrifice.
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"
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]
This means that they and their descendants must obey this command forever.
"or consume blood"
This chapter gives instructions on how to offer a sacrifice for unintentional sins. This is known as a sin offering. (See: sin)
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.
"Yahweh said to Moses"
The words beginning with "Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh has commanded the people not to do"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "if he does something that Yahweh does not allow"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must do the following"
This phrase refers to the son of the high priest who will succeed the high priest when the high priest dies.
The abstract noun "guilt" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "so as to cause the people to be guilty"
Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do.
"The high priest must bring the bull"
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]
It is implied that the priest catches the blood in a bowl as it drains from the animal.
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.
"drip some of it" or "splatter some of it"
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"
"empty out the rest of the blood"
"at the bottom of the altar"
"The priest will cut away"
This is the stomach and intestines.
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"
This is the part of the body on the sides of the backbone between the ribs and hipbone.
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"
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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"
A place being ritually pure and suitable to use for serving God is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
Here "they" refers to the priests, and "me" refers to Yahweh.
"does not know"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "commanded them not to do"
"they are guilty" or "they deserve for God to punish them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when they realize that they have sinned"
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and they will kill the bull"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
It is implied that the priest caught the blood in a bowl as the blood drained from the bull.
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.
It is implied that this is the curtain before the most holy place.
"The priest will put"
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 the rest of the blood"
"all the fat from the bull and burn the fat"
"the priest must do"
The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "the priest will atone for the people's sins"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive them"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has commanded the people not to do"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "then he realizes that he has sinned"
"The ruler will lay"
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 the priests kill"
"in the presence of Yahweh" or "to Yahweh"
It is implied that the priest will catch the blood in a bowl as the blood drains from the goat.
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.
"The priest will burn"
The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "The priest will atone for the ruler"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive the ruler's sins"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he becomes aware of the sin he committed"
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]
It is implied that the priest will catch the blood in a bowl as the blood drains from the animal.
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 blood remaining in the bowl"
Here "He" refers to the person offering the sacrifice.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "just as a person cuts away the fat"
"will burn the fat"
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 abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "The priest will atone for the man's sins"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive the man's sins"
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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 the priests kill"
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 the rest of its blood"
Here "He" refers to the person offering the sacrifice.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "just as a person cuts away the fat of the lamb"
"the priest will burn the fat"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "burnt offerings for Yahweh"
The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "will atone for the sin the person committed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive the man's sins"
This chapter gives instructions about how to offer a specific type of sacrifice.
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)
This chapter explains that poor people were allowed to offer less expensive sacrifices if they could not afford more costly sacrifices.
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
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 "
Something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
"the dead body"
A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
The abstract noun "uncleanness" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "if he touches anything that makes a person unclean"
Something that Yahweh has declared unfit for a person to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
"he does not realize it" or "he does not know about it"
Here "lips" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "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.
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "the priest will atone for him"
"If he does not have enough money to buy a lamb"
"he will kill it by twisting its head and breaking its neck, but he will not remove the head"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh has instructed"
The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "the priest will atone for the sin that the person committed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive the person"
An ephah is 22 liters. A tenth of an ephah is about two liters.
This is one part out of ten equal parts.
"He must bring the fine flour"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "on top of the burnt offerings to Yahweh"
The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "will atone"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive that person's sins"
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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"
This means the person must pay an extra one-fifth of the value of what he owes to Yahweh.
This is one part out of five equal parts.
The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "the priest will atone for him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive that person"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "has commanded the people not to do"
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"
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive him"
"Yahweh certainly considers him guilty"
This chapter gives instructions on how to offer guilt offerings, burnt offerings, and grain offerings.
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.
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"disobeys one of Yahweh's commandments"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "lying to his neighbor about something the neighbor let him borrow"
Here "neighbor" means any Israelite, not just someone who lives nearby.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "not returning something he borrowed"
"fully" or "totally"
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]
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "to pay the person he owes"
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"
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]
The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "The priest will atone for him"
"in the presence of Yahweh"
This means Yahweh will forgive the person, not the priest. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will forgive him"
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The sentence that begins "Then Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying"
"must be on top of the altar"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must keep the fire of the altar burning"
Linen is a white cloth. Alternate translation: "his white clothes"
"He will gather the ashes"
The fire completely burning up the offering is spoken of as if it consumed or used up the burnt offering.
A place that is fit to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The priest will keep the fire on the altar burning"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "on it as Yahweh demands"
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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]
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 can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "They must eat it"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not bake it with yeast"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "burnt offerings"
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.
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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"
An ephah is 22 liters. One-tenth of an ephah is about 2 liters.
This is one part of ten equal parts.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You will make it"
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 the flour is completely wet with oil"
Here "you" refers to the person offering the sacrifice.
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]
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "As Yahweh has commanded you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must burn all of it"
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The sentence that begins "Yahweh spoke to Moses again, saying"
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.
It can be made explicit that this refers to the north side of the altar. See Leviticus 1:10-11.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must kill the sin offering"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where you kill the animal for the burnt offering"
"to Yahweh"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He must eat it"
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.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "if the blood sprinkles on"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must break the clay pot in which you boiled the meat"
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"
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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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "from which the priest takes the blood into the tent of meeting"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The priest must burn it"
If these words would cause confusion for the reader, you may omit them.
This chapter gives instructions on how to offer guilt offerings, peace offerings and freewill offerings.
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)
Yahweh continues telling Moses what he must tell Aaron and his sons.
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]
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The priest must offer all the fat in it"
This is the stomach and intestines.
See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:4.
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priest must remove all this"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as a burnt offering"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They must eat it"
"The law is the same for both of 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"
the coat or skin of a herd animal
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that someone bakes in an oven ... that someone cooks in a frying pan"
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]
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]
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]
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This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "of cakes he made without yeast but mixed with oil"
Here "cakes" refers to a thick bread.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "of thin cakes he made without yeast but spread with oil"
Here "cakes" refers to a thin bread.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "of cakes he made with fine flour mixed with oil"
Here "cakes" refers to a thick bread. It is similar to the first type of bread except it is made with the finest flour.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "cakes of bread he made with yeast"
This refers to a thick bread.
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"The person who offers"
The abstract noun "thanks" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "for the purpose of thanking Yahweh"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must eat the meat ... he may eat it"
Third is the ordinal number for three. Alternate translation: "after two days"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the person must burn it"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "If anyone eats the meat of his peace offering sacrifice on the third day"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will not accept it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "neither will Yahweh honor the sacrifice that the person offered"
A person being responsible for the sin he committed is spoken of as if he had to carry the guilt physically.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one may eat meat that touches something unclean"
Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must burn it"
If these words would cause confusion for the reader, you may omit them. See how you translated these words in Leviticus 6:19.
A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
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"
Here "man" means humans in general. Alternate translation: "of a person"
"or of some unclean thing that disgusts Yahweh"
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]
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The sentence that begins "Then Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying"
"died but was not a sacrifice"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the fat of an animal that wild animals killed"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you may use"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "burnt offering"
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]
"You must not consume blood"
"in any of your homes" or "wherever you live"
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The sentence that begins with the words "So Yahweh spoke to Moses and said"
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"
Here "hands" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "he must bring it himself"
the front part of the animal's body below the neck
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that the priest can present it to Yahweh as a wave offering"
Raising up the offering is a symbolic gesture that shows that the person is dedicating the sacrifice to Yahweh.
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the upper part of the leg above the knee
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Here "I" refers to Yahweh.
"that is given as an offering"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the burnt offerings for Yahweh"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh commanded the people of Israel to give to them"
"that Moses anointed the priests"
See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:17.
This is the end of a speech started in verse Leviticus 7:29.
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In this chapter, Moses set apart, or consecrated, the sons of Aaron to be priests. (See: consecrate and priest)
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.
"the priestly garments" or "the clothes that the priests wore"
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This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh commands us to do"
This is a symbolic action. It is a ritually cleaning that prepares them to become priests.
These are special garments that Yahweh commanded the people to make for the priests.
a long piece of cloth that is tied around the waist or chest
"tied it around him"
"Moses placed the breastpiece on Aaron"
This is a special garment that Yahweh commanded the people to make for the priests.
It is not clear what these are. They were objects that the priest somehow used to determine the will of God.
These are special garments that Yahweh commanded the people to make for the priests.
a man's head covering that is a long piece of cloth wrapped around the head
These two phrases refer to the same thing. It was a plate of pure gold attached to the turban.
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These are all the pots, pans, shovels, and forks used at the altar.
This is a bronze basin that was located between the altar and the tabernacle.
This is a bronze stand on which the washbasin was placed.
"Moses poured"
This is the plural form of "sash." See how you translated this in Leviticus 8:7.
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]
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 the altar apart for God"
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"
This is the stomach and intestines. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9.
See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:4.
the coat or skin of a herd animal
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]
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"Moses cut the ram"
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]
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "an offering he burned to Yahweh"
The word "consecration" is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: "the ram for setting Aaron and his sons apart for service to God"
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]
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.
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This is the stomach and intestines. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9.
See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:4.
The thigh is the upper part of the leg above the knee. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:32.
This does not refer to the location of the basket of bread. It means this is the bread that Moses had dedicated to Yahweh.
Here "hands" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "gave it all to Aaron and his sons"
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"
This is a symbolic action that dedicates the offering to Yahweh.
Here "them" refers to the fat, thigh, and all of the bread.
Here "hands" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "from Aaron and his sons"
"They were an offering for setting Aaron and his sons apart for service to Yahweh"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "a burnt offering to 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 a similar phrase in [Leviticus 1:9]
the front part of the animal's body below the neck
an official ceremony that makes someone a priest
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This means the basket contains offerings used while consecrating Aaron and his sons. Alternate translation: "the basket"
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"
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This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "until you fulfill the days of your ordination"
This is an official ceremony that makes someone a priest. See how you translated this in Leviticus 8:29.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "us to do"
The abstract noun "atonement" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "to atone for your sins"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "this is what he has commanded me"
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Aaron begins to function as the high priest in this chapter. (See: highpriest)
Great care is taken to show that Aaron perfectly followed Yahweh's instructions. Moses records every detail to show how Aaron correctly followed 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)
The word "eighth" is the ordinal number for eight.
"to Yahweh" or "in the presence of Yahweh"
Moses continues speaking to Aaron.
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"
"twelve months of age"
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 to Yahweh"
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Here "you" refers to the people of Israel.
Here "glory" represents the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "so that he may show you the glory of his presence"
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.
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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.
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 bottom of the altar"
"Aaron burned"
See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:4.
This is the coat or skin of a herd animal. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:8.
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.
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This is the stomach and intestines. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9.
The word "first" is the ordinal number for one. Alternate translation: "the goat for his own offering"
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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.
"Aaron killed"
It is implied that the blood was in a bowl. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit.
This is the stomach and intestines. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9.
See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:4.
"Aaron's sons took the parts"
The word "these" refers to the fat and inner parts listed previously.
This is front part of the animal's body below the neck. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:30.
This is the upper part of the leg above the knee. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:32.
"to Yahweh"
The phrase "came down" is used because the place of the altar was higher than where the people were standing.
Here "glory" represents Yahweh's presence. Alternate translation: "Yahweh showed all the people the glory of his presence"
"Yahweh sent a fire that consumed"
The fire completely burning up the offering is spoken of as if the fire consumed or used up the burnt offering.
"lay with their faces to the ground." This is a sign respect and honor.
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.
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.
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)
These are the names of Aaron's sons.
a shallow metal container which priests used to carry hot coals or incense
"put burning coals in it"
"But Yahweh did not approve of their offering because it was not according to what he commanded them to offer"
"unapproved fire to Yahweh"
"So Yahweh sent a fire"
"came out from Yahweh"
The fire completely burning the men up is spoken of as if the fire devoured or completely used them up.
"they died in the presence of Yahweh"
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."
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"
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"
These are names of men.
This does not mean they were literal brothers. Here "brothers" means relatives or cousins.
"So Mishael and Elzaphan came near"
carried the bodies of Nadab and Abihu, which still had on the priestly tunics
These are the names of Aaron's sons.
Yahweh is telling Aaron and his sons not to show any outward signs of grief or mourning.
"so that you will not die"
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"
Here "house" represents the people. Alternate translation: "all the people of Israel"
"for those whom Yahweh killed with his fire"
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Here "This" refers back to the command for the priests to not drink wine or strong drink when they enter the tent of meeting.
See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:17.
You can start a new sentence here. "You must do this so that you will be able to distinguish"
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"
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"
A person or thing that Yahweh has stated is unfit to touch is spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
A person or thing that Yahweh has stated is fit to touch is spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
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This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the burnt offerings to Yahweh"
"for the grain offering is most holy"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "this is what Yahweh commanded me to tell you"
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.
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.
A place that is fit to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh has assigned them to you as your portion"
Here "you" refers to Aaron.
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.
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.
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priests had burned it all"
See how you translated these names in Leviticus 10:6.
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 the sin offering is most holy"
Causing Yahweh to forgive the people of Israel is spoken of as if iniquity were an object that Yahweh takes from the people.
"in his presence"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you did not bring its blood"
Aaron is referring to the death of his two sons.
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."
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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.
Eating unclean foods made a person unclean. The process of consuming these types of foods spread the uncleanliness to a person. (See: clean)
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"out of all the animals"
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.
This means a hoof that is split into two parts instead of being one whole.
This means an animal that brings its food up from its stomach and chews it again.
That is, they have one or the other, but not both.
The camel being unfit for the people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.
a small animal that lives in rocky places
These animals which God declared to be unfit for the people to eat are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
a small animal with long ears that usually lives in holes in the ground
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"nor touch their dead bodies"
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.
the thin, flat part that the fish uses to move through the water
the small plates that cover the body of the fish
"all creatures that live in the ocean or rivers that do not have fins and scales"
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.
"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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must detest their dead bodies" or "you must not touch their dead bodies"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must detest" or "you must completely reject"
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.
These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on rodents and dead animals.
These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on rodents and dead animals.
These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on rodents and dead animals.
These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on rodents and dead animals.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.
These are birds that eat rodents and insects and are awake mainly at night.
"the large owl"
These are birds that eat rodents and insects and are awake mainly at night.
These are birds that feed on rodents and lizards.
These are birds that eat rodents and insects and are awake mainly at night.
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.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.
The word "detestable" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "You will detest all winged 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"
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These are small insects that eat plants and can jump.
"flying insects that have four legs"
Yahweh begins to tell Moses and Aaron which animals the people are to consider unclean.
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"
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.
This refers to the animals he is about to list in the following verses.
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Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron which animals the people are to consider unclean.
These animals that God declared to be unfit for the people to eat are spoken of as if they were physically dirty.
This means a hoof that is split into two parts instead of being one whole. See how you translated these in Leviticus 11:3.
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.
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.
animal feet with claws
"until sunset"
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Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron which animals the people are to consider unclean.
These animals that God declared to be unfit for people to touch or eat are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
a small animal with brown fur that eats birds and small animals
These are different kinds of reptiles with four legs.
These are different kinds of reptiles with four legs.
"sand lizard"
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron which animals the people are to consider unclean.
These animals that God declared to be unfit for people to touch or eat are spoken of as if they were physically 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 sunset"
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.
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.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "however you use it, you must put it into water"
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Food becomes unacceptable for the people to eat because unclean water has fallen on it is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
dead bodies
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must break it to pieces" or "You must shatter it"
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron which animals the people are to consider unclean.
Water that the people are permitted to drink from a spring or cistern is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
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.
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.
"seeds that you intend to plant"
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.
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.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "But if you put water on the seeds"
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 sunset"
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Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron which animals the people are to consider unclean.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must not eat it"
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Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron which animals the people are to consider unclean.
Yahweh repeats the same idea in three different ways to strengthen the command that they are not to eat any unclean animal.
A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
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"
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Yahweh finishes telling Moses and Aaron what he permits the people to eat and what he forbids them to eat.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "for which you must distinguish between"
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.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you may eat ... that you may not eat"
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)
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A woman whom other people must not touch because she is bleeding from her womb is spoken of as if she were physically unclean.
This refers to the time of the month when a woman bleeds from her womb.
Only the priest could perform this action. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "a priest must circumcise the baby boy"
This means that the mother will remain impure for thirty-three days.
"33 days"
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.
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 14 days"
This refers to the time of the month when a woman bleeds from her womb. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 12:2]
"it will take sixty-six days for her to be purified from her bleeding"
"66 days"
"When the days of the mother's purification are finished"
This refers to the different number of days for purification based on if she gave birth to a son or daughter.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "this will cleanse her from her bleeding occurring during childbirth"
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"
A woman whom other people may touch is spoken of as if she were physically clean.
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)
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "then someone must bring him" or "then he must go"
"to one of Aaron's sons"
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do.
Here "his" refers to the person with the skin disease.
Leprosy was a skin disease. There were different skin diseases called leprosy in the Bible.
"the priest must pronounce the man unclean." The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
"for 7 days"
Here "him" refers to the person with the skin disease.
This means if the skin disease has not increased in size or moved to other parts of the body.
"day 7"
"7 days"
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
This is an area of the skin that is irritated, but the rash will not spread to other people.
This refers to the person with the skin disease.
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
See how you translated this in Leviticus 13:3.
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"
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.
See how you translated this in Leviticus 13:3.
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.
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.
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.
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Here "him" refers to the person with the skin disease.
See how you translated these words in Leviticus 13:10.
See how you translated this in Leviticus 13:3.
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The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.
a painful area on the skin that is infected
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "then he must show it to the priest"
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.
Here "it" refers to the white swelling or bright spot on the skin.
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.
See how you translated this in Leviticus 13:3.
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.
Here "it" refers to the burn on the person's skin.
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
See how you translated this in Leviticus 13:3.
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease."
Here "the disease" refers to the disease on the person's head or chin.
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.
"a faded white"
See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:6.
Here "He" refers to both men and women in general. Alternate translation: "That person is clean"
The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.
The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
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Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.
See how you translated this in Leviticus 13:3.
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The person whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone has a skin disease.
The person whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
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.
"A garment that has leprosy on it" or "A garment that mildews"
Here this probably refers to mildew.
has become impure because something harmful has been added to it
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "or anything that someone has woven or knitted"
"if there is greenish or reddish mildew in the garment"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the owner must show it to a priest"
"7 days"
"Seventh" is the ordinal number for 7. Alternate translation: "day 7"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "anything in which a person uses leather"
Something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "anything on which he found the leprosy"
Here this probably refers to mildew. See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:47.
The leprosy could cause disease in a person who comes in contact with the item.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "He must burn the item completely"
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"then the priest will command the owners" Here the priest is telling the people what to do with household items that were possibly infected.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "in which they found the leprosy"
Here this probably refers to mildew. See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:47.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "after they washed the item where there was leprosy"
Here this probably refers to mildew. See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:47.
Something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Here "you" does not refer to the priest specifically. It just means someone must burn the object.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "after the owner washed it"
Here "you" does not refer to the priest specifically. It just means someone must burn the item.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "if the owner washes it"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "then the owner must wash it"
Something that God has declared to be fit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
See how you translated these words in Leviticus 13:47-48.
Here this probably refers to mildew. See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:47.
"so that a priest may declare it"
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.
This chapter is a continuation of the material in the previous chapter.
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)
Yahweh tells Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone is cleansed of a skin disease.
This refers to the day on which the priest declares the person to be ritually clean.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone must bring him to the priest" or "He must go to the priest"
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone is cleansed of a skin disease.
See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:3.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the person he is cleansing"
Birds that God allowed the people to eat and offer as sacrifices are spoken of as if they were physically clean.
"red yarn"
an herb with a pleasant smell that was used for medicine
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Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone is cleansed of a skin disease.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the bird that the person killed"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the person he is cleansing"
The person whom other people may touch and who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Yahweh tells Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone is cleansed of a skin disease.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The person whom the priest is cleansing"
The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
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Here "he" refers to the man who was cleansed.
One ephah is 22 liters.
One log is 0.31 liters.
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the person he is cleansing"
One log is 0.31 liters.
This phrase clarifies the previous phrase and further defines where the priest was to kill the lamb.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the person he is cleansing"
One log is 0.31 liters.
"sprinkle some of the oil ... in Yahweh's presence." There is no indication of what the priest sprinkled the oil on.
"the rest of the oil that is in his hand"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the person whom he is cleansing"
"in Yahweh's presence"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the person he is cleansing"
The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone is cleansed of a skin disease.
"does not have enough money to buy"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the priest will wave ... for him"
One-tenth of an ephah is 22 liters.
One log is 0.31 liters.
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One log is 0.31 liters.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one he is cleansing"
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone is cleansed of a skin disease.
"sprinkle ... some of the oil ... in Yahweh's presence." There is no indication of what the priest sprinkled the oil on.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one he is cleansing"
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"The priest must offer"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one he is cleansing"
See how you translated this in Leviticus 13:3.
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"
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Here "you" refers to the people of Israel.
Here this probably refers to mildew. See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:47.
The word "possession" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "in the land that you possess"
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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 that Yahweh has stated is unfit for people to touch or live in is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
This means the priest is to determine whether mildew has gone deeper that just the surface of the walls.
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This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "in which they found the leprosy"
Here this probably refers to mildew. See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:47.
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.
Here "He" refers to the priest.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the owner scrapes all the inside walls"
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"
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.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the stones that they removed"
"they must cover the stones with new clay"
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"
A house that is unfit for people to occupy is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "They must tear the house down"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "They must carry away the stones, timber, and all the plaster in the house"
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 sunset"
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This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the owner put new clay on the stones"
A place that is fit for people to occupy is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
See how you translated these words in Leviticus 14:4.
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This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the blood of the bird that he killed"
"The priest will make the house ritually clean"
A house that is fit for people to occupy is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:3.
Here this probably refers to mildew. See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:47.
See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:6.
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.
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)
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)
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This refers to the man's private parts.
The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
"his body is unclean" or "he is 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.
The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
"until sunset"
The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
"until sunset"
"who touches any part of the body"
The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
A saddle is a leather seat that a person puts on the back of a horse in order to ride it.
Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to touch is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Yahweh continues telling Moses and Aaron what the people must do to avoid infection.
This refers to the person with the infected fluid.
The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
"until sunset"
"Anyone the person with the infected flow touches"
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone must rinse every wooden container in water"
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"
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
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People and objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
"until sunset"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone must wash with water every garment or leather on which there is semen"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "man has sexual relations with a woman"
This word refers to the time when blood flows from a woman's womb.
"she will continue to be impure"
People and objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
These words refer to the time when blood flows from a woman's womb.
This refers to the woman who is menstruating.
The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
"until sunset"
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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 unclean flow" or "the blood from her womb"
People and objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
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.
People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
The word "she" refers to the woman who is menstruating.
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"
The woman whom other people may touch is spoken of as if she were physically clean.
"she will take for herself"
"her flow of blood that makes her unclean"
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"
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.
"These are the things that must be done"
People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
"who is menstruating" or "who is bleeding from her womb"
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"
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)
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)
This refers to Nadab and Abihu. They died because they brought fire to Yahweh that he did not approve (Leviticus 10:1-2).
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"This is how"
clothing worn next to the skin under the outer clothes
a piece of cloth that ties around the waist or chest
head covering made from wrapped strips of cloth
"from the congregation"
"the sin offering for himself"
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"the goat that is sent away." Aaron was to have someone set the goat free in the wilderness.
"which the lot designated"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But Aaron must bring the goat ... alive before Yahweh"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what Aaron must do on the Day of Atonement.
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.
a container for fire and incense, used by the priests
"sweet-smelling incense." This refers to the smell and not to the taste of the incense.
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This is the blood Aaron caught with a bowl in Leviticus 16:11.
He used his finger to splash the blood.
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.
Possible meanings are 1) "below the atonement lid onto the chest" or 2) "onto the ground in front of the atonement lid."
Yahweh continues telling Moses what Aaron must do on the Day of Atonement.
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.
The sins of the people of Israel made the holy place unclean.
These words mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that the people have committed all kinds of sins.
Sinful actions which make people unacceptable to Yahweh are spoken of as if they were physically 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"
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This is the altar of sacrifice just inside the courtyard of the tabernacle.
Like the holy place and tent of meeting, the altar is unclean because of the sins of the people.
"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.
The altar being fit to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
The altar being dedicated to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were physically separated from the sins of the people.
Sinful actions which make people unacceptable to Yahweh are spoken of as if they were physically unclean actions.
This goat is called the scapegoat in verse Leviticus 16:10.
"confess over 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.
These all mean basically the same thing. Aaron is confessing every kind of sin that the people committed.
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These were the special garments Aaron wore only when he entered the most 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.
These are the clothes that Aaron wore for his ordinary duties.
"Aaron must burn"
The man was unclean because of his contact with the scapegoat, which carried the sin of the people.
"the goat that is sent away." See how you translated this in Leviticus 16:8.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "whose blood Aaron brought"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone must carry"
"their skins." Here "their" refers to the bull and the goat.
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The word "you" is plural and refers to the people of Israel.
This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the end of September on the western calendar.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Aaron will make atonement for you"
People who are acceptable for God's purposes are spoken of as if they were physically clean.
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.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one they will anoint and ordain"
When the high priest died, one of his sons would replace him.
These are special clothes the high priest must wear when he enters the most holy place.
"for all the people of Israel"
Yahweh finishes telling Moses what the people must do on the Day of Atonement.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "And Moses did as Yahweh commanded" or "And Aaron did as Yahweh commanded Moses"
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)
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)
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"before Yahweh's tabernacle"
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]
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "to the priest, so he may sacrifice them"
The people had been offering their sacrifices in the open field. God wanted them to stop doing that.
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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"
See how you translated this phrase in Leviticus 3:17.
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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]
This idiom means he "firmly decided." Alternate translation: "I have made up my mind to oppose that person"
"will stare angrily at"
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"
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.
Here "I" refers to Yahweh.
"no one among you may eat meat with blood in it"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have said they may eat"
"cover the blood with dirt"
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"
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"
Yahweh continues speaking.
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 an Israelite"
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 sunset"
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"
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.
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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"
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"
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Here the idiom "uncover nakedness" means "have sexual relations"
Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" means "disgrace." Alternate translation: "Do not disgrace your father" or "Do not shame shame your father"
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"
Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]
Sometimes men had more than one wife. God did not allow a son to have sexual intercourse with any woman married to his father.
"you disgrace your father" or "you shame your father"
Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]
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.
Another possible meaning is, "whether she grew up at your home or far away from you."
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 will disgrace both them and yourself" or "you will shame both them and yourself"
Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]
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.
Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]
Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]
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 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"
Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]
Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]
"if you do that, you will shame your brother"
Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]
Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]
Here the idiom "uncover the nakedness" of someone means "have sexual relations" with someone. See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:6]
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.
"any man's wife"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must not do that would defile them.
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"
Here the word "profane" means to dishonor. The word "name" represents God himself. Alternate translation: "you must not dishonor your God"
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"
Here "detestable" refers to a violation of the natural order of things as Yahweh intended them to be.
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "to have sexual relations with it"
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"
"The people defiled the land"
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"
"any of these disgusting things"
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"Therefore be careful to obey me"
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]
Yahweh finishes telling Moses what the people must not do.
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "which the people did here before you came"
Here "them" refers to the detestable customs.
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)
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"observe my Sabbaths" or "respect my day of rest"
Worshiping idols is spoken of as if it were physically turning towards them. Alternate translation: "Do not begin to worship worthless idols"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must eat it"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must burn it"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you eat any of it"
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"
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"
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]
"When you gather your crops, do not gather all the way to the edges of your fields"
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"
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"Do not use my name to swear about something that is not true"
Here "neighbor" means "anyone." The meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Do not hurt or rob anyone"
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.
"and do not put something in front of a blind person to make him trip over it"
"Do not judge falsely" or "Do not just unjustly"
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 everyone according to what is right"
untrue, hurtful messages about other people
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 must correct a person who is sinning"
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Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "clothing that someone made from two kinds of material"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "who is engaged to marry another man"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "but whom her future husband has not ransomed or given her freedom"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must punish them"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must not kill them"
"A man must bring a ram as a guilt offering to Yahweh to the entrance of the tent of meeting"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive the sin which he has committed"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
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"
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I have forbidden the fruit to you"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must not eat it"
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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"
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"anyone who communicates with the world of the dead"
"Do not seek those people out. If you do, they will defile you"
Standing up in front of someone is a sign of respect.
This refers to a person whose hair has turned gray from age, or "an old person."
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This was a measurement for grain.
This was a measurement for liquids.
These phrases mean the same thing and emphasize the command for obedience.
This chapter compiles a list of serious sins. The most serious sins are punished by death. (See: sin and death)
For a man and a woman to see each other's nakedness means for them have sexual relations together.
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.
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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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people in the land must stone him to death"
This idiom means he "firmly decided." Alternate translation: "I have made up my mind to oppose that man"
"will stare angrily at"
"he has sacrificed his child"
"and by doing that, he has defiled my holy place and profaned my holy name"
God's name represents God and his reputation. Alternate translation: "dishonor my reputation" or "dishonor me"
The phrase "to close their eyes" implies they "cannot see." This speaks of ignoring something as not seeing. Alternate translation: "disregard" or "ignore"
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"
This phrase compares the unfaithful people to prostitutes. Alternate translation: "by doing that, they seek advice from the spirits rather than from me"
This idiom means he "firmly decided." Alternate translation: "I have made up my mind that I will oppose that person"
"will stare angrily at"
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Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
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.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must surely put to death"
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must certainly put both of them to death"
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"
Here the idiom "uncovers ... nakedness" means "disgraces." See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:7]
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]
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with"
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.
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]
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "had sexual relations with"
The way he treats the man is the same way he would treat a woman. Alternate translation: "just like he would with a woman"
"something detestable" or "something detestable"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must surely put them to death"
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]
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must burn to death both the man and the women"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must surely put him to death"
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"
Both clauses mean the same thing. They emphasize that the woman and animal must die.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must certainly put them to death"
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]
Possible meanings are 1) this is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with" or 2) it simply means "to marry."
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"
Here the idiom "sees nakedness" means "have sexual relations." Alternate translation: "they have sexual relations"
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"
This phrase means the man is responsibile for his sin. Alternate translation: "He is responsible for his sin" or "You must punish him"
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]
the time every month when a woman bleeds from her womb
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"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "a man has sexual relations with a woman"
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"
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 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"
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"
Here the idiom "uncovers ... nakedness" means "disgraces." See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:7]
Some interpret this to apply only when the brother is still alive or has become the father of male children by the woman.
Here the idiom "uncovered ... nakedness" means "disgraced." See how you translated this idiom in [Leviticus 18:7]
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]
Doing the actions of idol worshipers is spoken of as walking in their ways. Alternate translation: "you must not follow"
or "the customs"
"remove"
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"
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"I have distinguished you" or "I have set you apart"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they must certainly put to death"
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]
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)
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
"among the Israelites"
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This can also be translated as "young woman"
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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.
"They must be set apart"
This word "name" is used to represent Yahweh's character. Alternate translation: "not disgrace God's reputation" or "not disgrace 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.
"The priests must not"
The understood subject is any priest. Alternate translation: "they are holy" or "all priests are holy"
"You people must treat the priest as holy"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must regard him as holy"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must burn her to death"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the priests must do.
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "on whose head they poured anointing oil and consecrated him"
Loose hair and torn clothes were signs of mourning. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.
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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.
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"from among his own tribe, the tribe of Levi"
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"
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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"
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 whose body or face is deformed"
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Here "bread" represents food in general. Alternate translation: "to make burnt offering of food on God's altar"
Here "he" refers to the priest with the bodily defect.
"eat the food offering of his God." Parts of the sacrifices belonged to the priests and could be eaten.
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"
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"to Aaron's sons"
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)
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"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.
The word "profane" here means to dishonor. The word "name" represents Yahweh's character. Alternate translation: "dishonor my reputation" or "dishonor me"
"from now on"
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
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"
"a bodily discharge"
This is a polite way of referring to a man's private parts. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Leviticus 15:1]
A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
Something that Yahweh has said is unfit to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
"by touching a dead body"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the sacrifices that someone has offered to Yahweh"
This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "or whoever is unclean from touching a creeping animal or from touching another unclean person"
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
"until sunset"
"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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that someone found dead or that a wild animal has killed"
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Yahweh continues telling Moses what Aaron and his sons must do.
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The word "contribution" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "the holy offerings which people have contributed"
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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.
This is one part out of five equal parts.
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"
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"
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"a foreigner"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if Yahweh is to accept it" or "if I, Yahweh, am to accept it"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for me to accept it" or "for Yahweh to accept it"
These words refer to defects caused by accidents.
These refer to types of skin diseases.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will not accept" or "Yahweh will not accept"
These words refer to defects the animal has from birth.
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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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will not accept them from you"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you may accept it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for a burnt offering"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must eat it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you sacrificed it"
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The people of Israel must acknowledge me as holy"
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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)
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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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do on special days and times.
This is something the people must do habitually. After every six days in which they can work, they must rest on the seventh day.
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"
"at their proper times"
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 sunset"
The "same month" is the first month of the Hebrew calendar
"You must set apart the first day to gather together" or "You must treat the first day as different and gather together"
They would present it to Yahweh by burning it on the altar.
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"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh to accept it" or "and I will accept it"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
An ephah is 22 liters. Alternate translation: "four and a half liters"
A hin is 3.7 liters. Alternate translation: "one liter"
"nor cooked or uncooked grain"
This means that they and their descendants must obey this command forever. See how you translated this in Leviticus 3:17.
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"50 days"
This is the ordinal for number seven. See:
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
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"
This is approximately 4.5 liters. Alternate translation: "four and a half liters"
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
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Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"When you gather your crops, do not gather them all the way to the edges of your fields"
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This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of September on Western calendars.
a period of time that was only for worship and not for work
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"
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This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the end of September on Western calendars.
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do every year.
Being excluded is spoken of as being cut off. See how you translated this idea in [Leviticus 7:20]
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do every year.
"on the Day of Atonement"
This means that they and their descendants must obey this command forever. See how you translated a similar phrase in Leviticus 3:17.
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.
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"
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 sunset to sunset on the next day"
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This is near the beginning of October on Western calendars.
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.
Yahweh is giving instructions for the Festival of Shelters.
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Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do every year.
This refers to the festivals mentioned in 23:1-36.
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Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do every year.
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.
This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifteenth day is near the beginning of October on Western calendars.
The word "fruits" here represents various kinds of crops. Alternate translation: "after you have gathered the crops"
Yahweh continues his instructions for the Festival of Shelters.
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.
trees with long, narrow leaves, which grow near water
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Yahweh continues his instructions for the Festival of Shelters.
"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"
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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)
God gives Moses instructions about the things in the tent of meeting.
"pure olive oil"
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"
God continues giving Moses instructions about the things in the tent of meeting.
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"
This was a thick fabric hung as a wall. It was not like a light window curtain.
"from sunset to sunrise" or "all night"
This means that they and their descendants must obey this command forever. See how you translated a similar phrase in Leviticus 3:17.
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God continues giving Moses instructions about the things in the tent of meeting.
This is about 4.5 liters. Alternate translation: "four and a half liters"
This table is in the holy place, which is before the most holy place.
God continues giving Moses instructions about the things in the tent of meeting.
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"
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 can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You will burn this incense as an offering for Yahweh"
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"This bread that is offered"
"for they took it from the offerings"
"the burnt offerings to Yahweh" or "the offerings that you burn to Yahweh"
This phrase marks a new section of the book.
Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "blasphemed Yahweh by cursing him" or "said terrible things about Yahweh"
This is the name of a woman.
This is the name of a man.
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They were to put their hands on his head to show that he was the guilty one.
God continues telling Moses what they must do to the man who cursed God.
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
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people must surely put him to death" or "the people must surely kill him"
God continues telling Moses what the people must do when someone does something bad.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must certainly put to death anyone who kills another person"
How he would pay it back can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "must pay it back by giving him a live animal"
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"
God continues telling Moses what the people must do when someone does something bad.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must do to him"
These phrases emphasize that a person should receive the same harm he did to someone else.
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"
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they must put to death anyone who kills a person"
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"obeyed the command"
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.
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.
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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"
To prune a vineyard is to cut the branches and vines to help the fruit grow better.
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"
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.
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"
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 grows on 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"
"whatever grows on the land"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"they will be seven sets of seven years"
"49 years"
This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the end of September on Western calendars.
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.
This is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: "year 50"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must return property and slaves"
"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"
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.
"this year of restoration" or "this year to return land and free slaves"
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God continues telling Moses what the people must do.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you can harvest"
"the next year of restoration" or "the next year to return land"
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All of these phrases mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that the people must obey everything Yahweh says.
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"
Here "You" refers to the people of Israel.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "from the food you store"
Yahweh continues speaking.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must not sell your land permanently to another person"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must allow the family from whom you bought the land to buy it back"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he sold the land"
This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "repay to the purchaser who bought it the money the purchaser would have made"
"the year of restoration" or "the year to return land." See how you translated it in Leviticus 25:10.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one who had bought it will return the land"
"will go back to his land"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after he sold it"
The noun "redemption" can be expressed with the verbs "redeem" or "buy back." Alternate translation: "the right to redeem it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If he or his family does not redeem the house"
"the buyer and his descendants"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The man who bought that house will not have to return it"
"the year of restoration" or "the year to return land and free slaves"
Some villages did not have a wall around them.
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 restoration" or "the year to return land and free slaves"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the houses that the Levites own in their cities"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Levites may redeem them at any time"
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 restoration" or "the year to return land and free slaves"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But the Levites must not sell the fields around their cities"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
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"
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The owner was to treat the Israelite with more respect than he would treat a slave.
The owner was to treat the Israelite with more respect than he would treat a slave.
"the year of restoration" or "the year to return land and free slaves"
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God continues telling Moses what he must tell the people.
"your fellow countrymen are my servants"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must not sell them as slaves"
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"you may buy slaves from those nations"
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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"
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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 restoration" or "the year to return land and to free slaves"
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"
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 until the jubilee that the Israelite would have continued to work but will not"
"the Israelite slave must pay back"
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"rule over him in a way that harms him" or "treat him badly"
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"
"in this way"
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.
"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.
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)
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"obey the rules for my Sabbaths"
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"
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"
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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"
"I will cause there to be peace in the land"
Here the word "sword" represents enemy armies or enemy attacks. Alternate translation: "no armies will attack you"
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"
This means the Israelites will have victory against larger armies.
"5 ... 100 ... 10,000"
"I will show you favor" or "I will bless you"
These two phrases refer to God causing them to have many descendants so they become a large group.
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"
"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"
"I will put my dwelling place among you"
"I will accept you"
Walking among them represents living with them. Alternate translation: "I will live with you"
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"
Yahweh is telling Moses what will happen if the people do not obey his commands.
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The phrase "these things" refers to the things listed in Leviticus 26:14-15.
Here "terror" represents the things that will cause them to be terrified. Alternate translation: "I will send disasters that will terrify you"
"will slowly take away your life" or "will slowly make you die." It is the diseases and the fever that will do this.
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"
This idiom means he "firmly decided." Alternate translation: "I have made up my mind to oppose you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "your enemies will defeat you"
Here "seven times" is not literal. It means Yahweh will increase the severity of his punishment.
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"
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.
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"
Walking represents behavior. Walking against God represents opposing him or rebelling against him. Alternate translation: "rebel against me"
The abstract noun "blows" can be stated as the verb "hit." Alternate translation: "I will hit you seven times as much"
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"
Here "seven times" is not literal. It means Yahweh will increase the severity of his punishment.
The noun "sins" can be expressed with the verb "sin." Alternate translation: "according to how much you have sinned"
Stealing is a euphemism or metaphor for killing. Alternate translation: "which will kill your children"
"no one will travel on your roads"
"If when I punish you like this" or "If I discipline you like this and"
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"
Walking represents behavior. Walking in opposition to him means opposing him or fighting against him. Alternate translation: "oppose me" or "fight against me"
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"
The number 7 represents completeness. Alternate translation: "I will personally punish you many times" or "I myself will punish you most severely"
The noun "sins" can be expressed with the verb "sin." Alternate translation: "because you continue to sin against me"
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 punish you"
"for disobeying the covenant" or "because you disobey the covenant"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You will gather together" or "You will hide"
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"
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"
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.
This means there will be so little food that they will have to measure how much each person gets.
Listening represents obeying what he has said. Alternate translation: "If you do not obey me"
Walking represents behavior. Walking against someone represents opposing him or fighting against him. Alternate translation: "to oppose me" or "to fight against me"
Walking represents behavior. Walking against someone represents opposing him or fighting against him. Alternate translation: "I will oppose you"
Here "seven more times" is not literal. It means Yahweh will increase the severity of his punishment.
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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 dead bodies"
God speaks of idols not being alive as if they had been alive and then died. Alternate translation: "your lifeless idols"
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"
These were places where people worshiped idols instead of God.
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"
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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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Your enemies will devastate your land and destroy your cities"
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"
God speaks about the land not being farmed as if it were a person that would rest. Alternate translation: "it will not be farmed"
Sending fear into their hearts represents making them afraid. Alternate translation: "I will make you terribly afraid"
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"
Yahweh continues describing what will happen to the Israelites when they are forced to go to their enemies' countries.
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"
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"
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"
"Those of you who do not die"
Wasting away in their sins represents wasting away because of their sins.
Here "their fathers" represents their ancestors.
The word "fathers" represents their ancestors.
This represents opposing them. Alternate translation: "to oppose them"
Here the term "uncircumcised hearts" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "if they will be humble instead of stubbornly disobedient"
"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"
"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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The people of Israel will abandon their land"
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"
This concludes Yahweh's message to Moses at Mount Sinai regarding the blessings for obedience and the punishments for disobedience.
"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"
This represents the knowledge of the nations. Alternate translation: "in the knowledge of the nations" or "and the nations knew about it"
This represents the people of the nations. Alternate translation: "the people of the nations"
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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)
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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"
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"
"The amount to pay" or "You must pay"
"20 ... 60 ... 50"
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"
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"
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"
"30"
"3"
"the amount to pay" or "you must pay"
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"
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"
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"
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"
"5 ... 3"
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"
"sixty years old and older"
"60 ... 15 ... 10"
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must present to the priest the person he is giving"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"you must set apart to Yahweh any part of that animal that that person has given to Yahweh"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "both it and the one he exchanges it for" or "both animals"
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"
This is the value the animal is normally worth when someone buys or sells it.
"wishes to buy it back"
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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"
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"
A homer is 220 liters.
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"
This occurs every 50 years. See how you translated "Jubilee" in Leviticus 25:10.
"Stand" represents "remain" or "remain the same." Alternate translation: "its value will remain the same" or "its value will be the full amount"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must reduce the estimated value"
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The time for redeeming the field can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: If he does not redeem the field before the year of Jubilee"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he can no longer buy it back"
"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
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that someone has completely given to Yahweh"
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These two phases refer to the same person. Normally the land would be bought from its owner.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the man who sold it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The priests must determine the estimated values"
There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent.
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"
If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here is a way to do it. Alternate translation: "One shekel must weigh ten grams"
"No one may set apart to Yahweh"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must add a fifth to that value"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If the person does not buy back the animal"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priest must sell it at the set value"
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 anyone devotes to Yahweh is very holy to Yahweh"
This can be stated in active form. "No one may pay a ransom"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for any person whom Yahweh has devoted to 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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must put that person to death" or "you must kill that person"
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"If a man wants to buy back any of his tithe"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must set apart one-tenth to Yahweh"
"every tenth animal"
"then both animals"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He cannot redeem it" or "He cannot buy it back"
This is a summary statement. It refers to the commandments that were given in the past chapters.
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.
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.
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.
This is the second month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of April on Western calendars.
"year 2"
"males, one by one" or "males, head by head" or "males, each one"
"20 years old"
This refers to assigning the men to their military divisions.
"a leader of a clan"
"help you"
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
Yahweh continues to list the leaders of the tribes to Moses.
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Yahweh continues to list the leaders of the tribes to Moses.
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Yahweh continues to list the leaders of the tribes to Moses.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the men whom Yahweh appointed"
"gathered these men together"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whose names they had recorded"
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]
"one by one" or "head by head"
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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—men who were able to go to war—were"
"counted one by one" or "counted head by head"
"forty-six thousand five hundred men"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]
"men they had called to fight"
"counted one by one" or "counted head by head"
"fifty-nine thousand three hundred men"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]
"forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty men"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]
"seventy-four thousand six hundred men"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]
"fifty-four thousand four hundred men"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]
"older—men who were able to go to war—were." See how you translated this in Numbers 1:20.
"fifty-seven thousand four hundred men"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]
"forty thousand five hundred men"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]
"thirty-two thousand two hundred men"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]
"thirty-five thousand four hundred men"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]
"They counted sixty-two thousand seven hundred"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]
"older—men who were able to go to war—were." See how you translated this in Numbers 1:20.
"They counted forty-one thousand five hundred"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Numbers 1:20]
"They counted fifty-three thousand four hundred"
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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]
"six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty men"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses and Aaron did not count the Levites"
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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"
The tabernacle was also called by this longer name because the ark with the law of God was placed inside it.
Here "it" refers to the tabernacle.
It was their job to carry the tabernacle when they traveled. Alternate translation: "When you travel, the Levites must carry the tabernacle"
This means that they were to set up their tents around the tabernacle. Alternate translation: "set up their tents around it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When it is time to set up the tabernacle"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Any stranger ... must die" or "You must kill any stranger who comes near the tabernacle"
a large flag
"his military division"
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.
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"
"do all the work connected to the tabernacle" or "take care of everything connected to the tabernacle" or "keeping watch over the tabernacle"
Yahweh had commanded Moses everything that the Israelites were to do, and then Moses had commanded the Israelites.
Moses told each tribe where to camp. They were each given a specific area in which to stay.
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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.
Each extended family also had a banner under with the camp, which was within the area designated for their standard.
A banner is a large flag.
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.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:7.
"seventy-four thousand six hundred"
Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:8.
"division." This is a military term for a large group of soldiers.
"fifty-four thousand four hundred men"
Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:9.
"fifty-seven thousand four hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "57,400 men"
"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"
This refers to the three tribes that camp east of the tent of meeting: the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.
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.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:5.
"forty-six thousand five hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "46,500 men"
Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:6.
"Fifty-nine thousand three hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "59,300 men"
Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:14.
"forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "45,650 men"
"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"
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"
This means that the tent of meeting must be carried by the Levites in the middle of the tribes as they travel.
"They" refers to the twelve tribes.
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.
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.
"Forty thousand five hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "40,500 men"
Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.
This means that the tribe of Manasseh will set out next, after the tribe of Ephraim.
"Thirty-two thousand two hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "32,200 men"
Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:11.
"Thirty-five thousand four hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "35,400 men"
Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.
"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"
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.
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"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:12.
"Sixty-two thousand seven hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "62,700 men"
Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:13.
"forty-one thousand five hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "41,500 men"
Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:15.
"fifty-three thousand four hundred." This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: "53,400 men"
Yahweh continues telling Moses where each tribe and its army will camp around the tent of meeting.
"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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses and Aaron counted them all"
Here "their" refers to the people of Israel.
"are six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty"
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This refers to when they would travel to another place. Alternate translation: "When they traveled, they went out from the camp"
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)
Here the author uses the word "now" to shift to telling a new historical account.
"Nadab, who was the firstborn"
These are names of men.
This can be stated in active form Alternate translation: "the priests whom Moses anointed and ordained"
See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 3:2.
The phrase "fell dead" means to suddenly die. Alternate translation: "suddenly died before Yahweh"
This refers to Yahweh's presence, meaning that Yahweh saw everything that happened. Alternate translation: "in Yahweh's presence"
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"
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Here the word "tribe" refers to the men in the tribe. Alternate translation: "Bring the men of the tribe of Levi"
"for." This means to do something for someone else, as a representative for them.
Here the "tribes of Israel" refer to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "help the people of Israel"
The phrase "carry out" means to "serve." Alternate translation: "they must help the tribes of Israel by serving in the tabernacle"
"work of the tabernacle"
"You" refers to Moses.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I have given them entirely"
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"
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "but any foreigner who comes near the tabernacle"
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"Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
"I have chosen the Levites"
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"
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Yahweh was commanding Moses to only count the male descendants. Alternate translation: "Count the male descendants"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are used together to emphasize that he obeyed Yahweh.
This is a list of the descendants of Levi.
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Here the author speaks of "descending" as if it were "coming." Alternate translation: "descend from Gershon"
"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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses counted all the males from a month old and older"
"seventy-five hundred" or "seven thousand five hundred"
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These are the names of men.
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"the curtains in the courtyard"
"that is, the courtyard that surrounds the sanctuary and the altar"
This is a list of clans that descended from Kohath.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses counted 8,600 males"
"eight thousand six hundred males"
"from a month old and older"
"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.
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These verses give us information about the clans that descended from Kohath.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the holy things which the priests use for service"
"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.
This is a list of clans that descended from Merari.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses counted 6,200 males"
"six thousand two hundred males"
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This to the panels that they made by joining together smaller pieces of wood.
These are support beams that give stability to the structure.
A post is a strong piece of wood set upright and used as a support.
The bases held the posts in place.
This means everything used to join the crossbars, posts, and bases together.
Here "their" refers to the "pillars and posts."
These are all items used secure the pillars and posts into place.
Here "his" refers to Aaron
This is the east side of the tabernacle. Alternate translation: "on the east side, where the sun rises"
"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.
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"
"22,000 men" or "22,000 males"
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This refers to all the Levites' livestock. Alternate translation: "you must take all the Levites' livestock"
"all the firstborn sons"
"twenty-two thousand two hundred and seventy-three men"
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The noun "redemption" can be translated with the verb "redeem." Alternate translation: "to redeem"
"two hundred and seventy-three firstborn"
Only the firstborn males were counted.
This means that there are 273 more firstborn males among the other tribes of the Israelites than there are total number of Levite males.
A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 55 grams of silver"
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"
"20 gerahs." A gerah is a unit of weight equal to about .57 kilograms.
"the money that you collected for their redemption." This refers to the shekels that Moses collected.
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"one thousand three hundred and sixty-five shekels." A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 15 kilograms of silver"
This refers to the money that Moses collected.
Here "his" refers to Aaron
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
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"
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)
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See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.
"30 to 50 years old"
The word "company" refers to the rest of the people working in the tent of meeting.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have specially selected for myself"
Here "camp" refers to all of the people in the camp. Alternate translation: "When the people prepare"
This refers to the people moving to another location. Alternate translation: "to move to another location"
This refers to the curtain that kept people from being able to see into the most holy place.
The word "it" refers to the curtain that separated the most holy place from the holy place.
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"
This bread represents the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the bread of Yahweh's presence"
Here "it" refers to the blue cloth.
There must always be bread"
Here the word "them" refers to "the dishes, spoons, bowls, and jars" (verse 7).
"red cloth"
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"
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"They must cover ... with fine leather"
"they must place all of these things on a frame for carrying them"
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"
a wooden rectangle made with poles used to carry things
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"
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The word "work" is an abstract noun that can be expressed with the verb "serving." Alternate translation: "when serving at the altar"
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"
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"
Here the word "camp" refers to all of the people in the camp. Alternate translation: "when the people move forward"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.
"the holy equipment"
Here the word "light" is used to refer to the "lamps." Alternate translation: "the oil for the lamps"
Here the abstract noun "care" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "those who care for"
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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"
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.
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
This refers to the descendants of Kohath. See how you translated this in Numbers 3:27.
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This refers only to men. Alternate translation: "of the male descendants of Gershon"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.
"30 years old to 50 years old"
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.
This sentence is a description that tells us what the following verses are about.
This refers to the descendants of Gershon. See how you translated this in Numbers 3:21.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Whatever work that these things require"
"must tell the descendants of the Gershonites how they are to serve Yahweh in 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"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:2.
This refers only to men. Alternate translation: "the male descendants of Merari"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.
"list them"
"30 years old ... 50 years old"
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.
"This" refers to what Yahweh says next.
These are all parts of the framing of the tabernacle. See how you translated all of these parts in Numbers 3:36-37.
Here "their" refers to the posts of the court.
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 each man's name the articles he must carry"
The word "direction" is an abstract noun that is expressed by a verb. Alternate translation: "as Ithamar son of Aaron the priest directs them"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:2.
The refers to men. Alternate translation: "the male descendants of the Kohathites"
This refers to the descendants of Kohath. See how you translated this in Numbers 3:27.
"30 years old ... 50 years old"
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"
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.
"two thousand seven hundred and fifty men"
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This refers to the men. Alternate translation: "The male descendants of Gershon"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses and Aaron counted the descendants of Gershon"
"from 30 to 50 years old"
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"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Moses and Aaron counted by their clans"
"two thousand six hundred and thirty." This refers to 2,630 men.
The word "they" refers to Moses and Aaron.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses and Aaron counted the descendants of Merari"
"from 30 to 50 years old"
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"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Moses and Aaron counted by their clans"
"numbered three thousand two hundred"
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"
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This refers to men. Alternate translation: "men from thirty to fifty"
"from 30 to 50"
"eight thousand five hundred and eighty men"
"As Yahweh commanded"
These two phrase have similar meaning and are used together to emphasize how Moses counted all the men.
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 have"
Here "they" and "them" refer to Moses and Aaron.
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)
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)
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This refers to an open cut that has been leaking fluids for a long time.
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.
Here "you" is plural and refers to the people of Israel.
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"
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"any sin that people usually commit against one another"
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"
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"
This means the person must pay an extra one-fifth of the price that he owes.
This is one part out of five equal parts.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if the person whom the guilty person has wronged"
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.
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"
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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.
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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.
This means that she goes away from him and is unfaithful to him. Alternate translation: "a man's wife is unfaithful"
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"
Moses continues to describe the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12.
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "If a man has sexual relations with her"
the woman who turns away and sins against her husband (Numbers 5:12)
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"
These phrases can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his wife has defiled herself ... his wife has not defiled herself"
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"
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"
Moses begins to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.
This is one part out of ten equal parts.
This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "a tenth of an ephah
"a grain offering for jealousy"
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.
Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.
"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"
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Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.
"in the presence of Yahweh"
See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 5:15.
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "no other man has had sexual relations with you"
The words "gone astray" is an idiom that means "to be unfaithful." Alternate translation: "if you have not been unfaithful to your husband"
"by committing uncleanness." This phrase refers to committing adultery.
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"
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"
Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.
The words "gone astray" is an idiom that means "to be unfaithful." Alternate translation: "have been unfaithful to your husband"
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that he will show to your people as a curse"
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"
"Yes, let that happen if I am guilty" or "Yes, that is exactly what should happen if I am guilty"
Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.
This means that he is to wash the ink off of the scroll.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the curses he has written"
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.
Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.
"a grain offering for jealousy." See how you translated this in Numbers 5:15.
The handful of the grain offering represents the whole grain offering. This means the whole offering belongs to Yahweh.
Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.
This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "if she has defined herself by committing"
Here the "sin" refers specifically to committing adultery. The meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "committed adultery"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Her people will curse her"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "has not defiled herself"
Here "being innocent" is spoken of as "being clean."
Possible meanings are 1) "then she will not be cursed" or 2) "then she is free from guilt."
"become pregnant"
Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.
"the law for dealing with jealousy"
The words "goes astray from" is an idiom that means "is unfaithful to." Alternate translation: "who is unfaithful to her husband"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "defiles herself"
This phrase refers to the man's attitude and emotions of jealousy. See how you translated this in [Numbers 5:14]
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"
"in the presence of Yahweh"
Moses continues to describe what the people are to do if the situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.
"will not be guilty of doing something wrong by bringing his wife to the priest"
"must endure"
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)
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"he must not consume"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "vinegar that people make from wine"
a drink produced when wine and other strong drinks ferment too long and become sour
dried grapes
"the days in which he has consecrated himself to me"
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"
These two extremes are given to emphasize the entire grape may not be eaten. Alternate translation: "from any part of a grape"
"vow of dedication"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one is to use a razor on his head"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to Yahweh are complete"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He must set himself apart to Yahweh"
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"dedicated"
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he has consecrated himself"
The abstract noun "consecration" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "that he has consecration himself" )
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he has reserved himself for Yahweh" or "set apart for Yahweh"
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"
"day 7"
"day 8"
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"during the time he is being set apart again"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He must not count the days before he defiled himself"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he defiled himself" or "he made himself unacceptable"
The abstract noun "consecration" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "for which he has consecrated himself"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone must bring him" or "He must go"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "bread he made without yeast"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he mixed with oil"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "wafers without yeast which he rubbed with oil"
small pieces of flat bread
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"
"He" refers to the priest and "his" refers to the man who took a vow.
"as the fellowship offering"
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "The priest must present also ... the drink offering to Yahweh"
"his head, on which he had grown out his hair to show that he had consecrated himself to Yahweh"
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"
"the hair he grew out to show that he had consecrated himself to Yahweh"
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"
"as well as"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the priest waved"
Also, the abstract noun "consecration" may be written as a verb. Alternate translation: "for which he has consecrated himself to Yahweh"
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 still obey the requirements of the vow he has taken"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize that he must obey the obligations of his vow.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the promise that the law for his consecration indicates"
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"You" is plural.
Here "you" is singular.
This is an idiom. Here "keep" means to "protect."
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"
Here "you" is singular.
Here the phrase "look on" means to show a certain attitude towards that person. Alternate translation: "show you favor"
Here "you" is singular.
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"
When the tabernacle was completed, they consecrated the altar. Each tribe brought an offering to consecrate the altar. (See: tabernacle and consecrate)
"Moses finished setting up the tabernacle"
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"
Here the leaders of the families are referred to as "heads." Alternate translation: "the leaders of their ancestor's families"
The abstract noun "counting" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "had helped Aaron and Moses to count the men"
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"
"6 covered carts and 12 oxen"
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"to each man as he needs them for his work"
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See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.
"because it was what they needed to do their work"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.
"under the supervision of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest" or "Ithamar son of Aaron the priest oversaw their work"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:2.
The word "he" refers to Moses.
"because it was what they needed to do their work"
This refers to the carts and oxen.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.
"their work would be"
You can make explicit the implicit meaning of what belongs to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the things that Yahweh reserved for the tabernacle"
"offered gifts"
"Each day, one leader must offer his sacrifice"
"day 1" or "day number 1"
These are the names of men. See how you translated these names in Numbers 1:7
"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 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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"
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"
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"that were each one year old"
"This was what Nahshon son of Amminadab presented"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:7.
"day 2" or "day number 2"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:8.
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 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"
If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]
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"that were each one year old"
"This was what Nethanel son of Zuar presented"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:8.
"day 3" or "day number 3"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:9.
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 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"
If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]
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"that were each one year old"
"This was what Eliab son of Helon gave as a sacrifice"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:9.
"day 4" or "day number 4"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:5.
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 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"
If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]
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"that were each one year old"
"This was what Elizur son of Shedeur gave as a sacrifice"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:5.
"day 5" or "day number 5"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:6.
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 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"
If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]
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"that were each one year old"
"This was what Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai gave as a sacrifice." "Shelumiel" and "Zurishaddai" are names of men.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:6.
"day 6" or "day number 6"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:14.
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 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"
If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]
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"that were each one year old"
"This was what Eliasaph son of Deuel gave as a sacrifice"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:14.
"day 7" or "day number 7"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:10.
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 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"
If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]
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"that were each one year old"
"This was what Elishama son of Ammihud presented"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:10.
"day 8" or "day number 8"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:10.
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 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"
If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]
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"that were each one year old"
"This was what Gamaliel son of Pedahzur gave as a sacrifice"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:10.
"day 9" or "day number 9"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:11.
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 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"
If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]
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"that were each one year old"
"This was what Abidan son of Gideoni gave as a sacrifice"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:11.
"day 10" or "day number 10"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:12.
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 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"
If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]
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"that were each one year old"
"This was what Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai gave as a sacrifice"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:12.
"day 11" or "day number 11"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:13.
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 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"
If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]
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"that were each one year old"
"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]
"day 12" or "day number 12)
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:15.
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 70 shekels." If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:13]
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour that he had mixed with oil"
If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in [Numbers 7:14]
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"that were each one year old"
"This was what Ahira son of Enan gave as a sacrifice"
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:15.
The phrase "set apart" means to be dedicated to a specific purpose. In this case, the offerings were dedicated to Yahweh.
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" )
If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated this same weight in [Numbers 7:13]
"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]
"two thousand four hundred shekels" or "twenty-four hundred shekels"
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 together weighed"
This refers to all of the offerings that were made of silver, both the platters and the bowls.
"All the gold dishes together weighed"
"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]
"one hundred and twenty shekels"
"12." This number may be written with a numeral instead of with a word.
"24 ... 60." These numbers may be written with numerals instead of with words.
"that were one year old"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after Moses had anointed it"
Here "his voice" refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "he heard Yahweh speaking to him"
These two phrases describe the same location.
See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 4:5.
"Yahweh spoke to Moses"
The consecration of the tabernacle continues in this chapter. The people obeyed Yahweh's exact instructions. (See: consecrate and tabernacle)
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"must shine towards the front"
"to shine"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They had made the lampstand"
They were commanded to form the hammered cups so that they resembled flower blossoms. Alternate translation: "with hammered cups that resemble flower blossoms"
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Here "them" refers to the Levites.
Moses sprinkling water on them was symbolic of their atonement. Alternate translation: "Sprinkle on their the water that symbolizes atonement"
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."
When offering a young bull, a grain offering was usually required to accompany it.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "of fine flour that they have mingled with oil"
"gather the whole community"
Here Yahweh refers to himself by his own name.
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"
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"
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.
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"
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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"
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"
The phrase "first issue of the womb" is another way of saying "firstborn."
This is a polite way of referring to when a person kills someone. Alternate translation: "I killed"
Here "them" refers to "the firstborn from among the people of Israel."
"I have taken the Levites instead of all the firstborn from among the people of Israel"
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.
Here "them" refers to the Levites.
Here "they" refers to the people of Israel.
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"
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The word "service," an abstract noun, can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "to serve"
"in the presence of Aaron and his sons"
"What they did was"
"They did to the Levites what Yahweh commanded." The word "They" refers to the people of Israel.
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"All of these commandments are for the Levites"
"25 years old"
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.
"at 50 years old" or "when they become 50 years old"
"make sure the Levites do their duty"
==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)
This means that they had come out of Egypt a year earlier. They were beginning their second year in the wilderness.
This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It marks when God brought the people of Israel out 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"
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"
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"
"day 14"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize that they needed to obey the commands.
Here the phrase "keep it" is an idiom which means to observe it. Alternate translation: "You must observe it" or "You must celebrate it"
Here the word "keep" means to observe. Alternate translation: "observe the Festival of the Passover" or "celebrate the Festival of the Passover"
"on day 14 of the first month." This refers to time in the Jewish calendar.
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"
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Here the word "keep" means to observe. Alternate translation: "observe the Passover" or "celebrate the Passover"
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"
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."
set or predetermined
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A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
This refers to someone touching a dead body. Alternate translation: "because you have touched a dead body"
Here the word "keep" means to observe. Alternate translation: "observe the Passover" or "celebrate the Passover"
Here the word "eat" means to observe. Alternate translation: "observe the Passover" or "celebrate the Passover"
"day 14 of month 2." This refers to time in the Jewish calendar.
"at sunset"
"with bread that contains no yeast"
These are small plants that have a strong and usually bad taste.
"and they must not break any of its bones"
A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
Here the word "keep" means to observe. Alternate translation: "observe the Passover" or "celebrate the Passover"
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"
set or predetermined
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"
Here "you" is plural and refers to the people of Israel.
"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 of Israel"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Levites set up the tabernacle"
This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated the phrase "the tabernacle of the covenant decrees" in Numbers 1:50.
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"
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"
The cloud's appearance is compared to a huge fire. Alternate translation: "it looked like a huge fire at night"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "moved" or "Yahweh took up the cloud"
"the cloud stopped moving"
The word "command" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "When Yahweh commanded"
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"over the tabernacle"
Here the word "make" means to "set up." Alternate translation: "set up their camp"
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"
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. "If the cloud stayed over the tabernacle"
"then after the cloud moved they would travel"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the cloud rose up" or "Yahweh took up the cloud"
The word "command" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh commanded"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the command that Yahweh had given through Moses"
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.
Each tribe had its place in line as did the tabernacle. Their movements through the desert were very deliberate and ordered. (See: tabernacle)
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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"
Moses will not blow the trumpets himself, but he will command the priests to blow them.
"while you are present." This means that Moses was to be there with the priest when he blew the trumpets.
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"
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"
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"
"time number 2" or "again"
"They" refers to the priests and the word "their" refers to the people of Israel.
"To gather the community together"
"be a rule for you." Here "you" is plural and refers to the people of Israel.
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"
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"
This phrase "call to mind" means to remember. Alternate translation: "remember you"
The noun "celebration" can be expressed with the verb "celebrate." Alternate translation: "when you celebrate"
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" ,
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.
In these phrases the words "your" and "you" are plural and refer to the people of Israel.
"in honor of the sacrifices"
"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"
The word "these" refers to the trumpets and the sacrifices.
"In year 2." This refers to the second year after Yahweh brought the Israelites out of Egypt.
"on day 20 of month 2." This is the second month of the Hebrew calendar.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the cloud rose up" or "Yahweh lifted the cloud"
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.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the commands that Yahweh had given through Moses"
This camp includes the three tribes under the division of Judah: Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.
They packed up their camp and they left that place before all the others left.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:7.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:8.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:9.
See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 3:17.
This refers to the armies of the tribes under the division of Reuben: Reuben, Simeon, and Gad.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:5.
See how you translated this man's name Numbers 1:6.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:14.
This refers to the descendants of Kohath. See how you translated this in Numbers 3:27.
This refers to the armies of the tribes under the division of Ephraim: Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:10.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:10.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:11.
This refers to the armies of the tribes under the division of Dan: Dan, Asher, and Naphtali.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:12.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:13.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 1:15.
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This is the name of a man.
"that Yahweh described to us"
"we will treat you well"
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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"
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"They" refers to the people of Israel.
This refers to Mount Sinai. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Mount Sinai, the mountain of Yahweh"
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"
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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"
Here the phrase "rise up" is a request for Yahweh to act, in this case Moses is asking him to scatter their enemies.
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"
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"
This refers to people. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "many tens of thousands of people"
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)
"Yahweh sent fire that burned"
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This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: "They named that place"
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."
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"we do not want to eat" or "we cannot eat"
Coriander is also known as cilantro. This seed serves as a spice when dried.
This is a sticky substance with a pale yellow color.
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he eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "in Moses' opinion" or "in Moses' judgement"
Moses complains to Yahweh using several rhetorical questions.
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!"
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"
Moses used this question to remind God that Moses was not their father. Alternate translation: "I am not the father of all these people."
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'!"
To take care of the Israelites is spoken of as if it were to carry a helpless newborn baby.
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!"
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."
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "This responsibility is too difficult for me"
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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"
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"
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"
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
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."
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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"
The people had used this question to express regret and to complain. Alternate translation: "We never should have left Egypt."
"six hundred thousand footmen"
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!"
These two words mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize a great number of animals.
The word "all" is an exaggeration to show how impossible it was to provide food for all the people of Israel.
"to satisfy their hunger"
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."
"what Yahweh had said"
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]
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]
Having power from the Spirit is spoken of as if the Spirit rested on them. Alternate translation: "When they had power from the Spirit"
The Spirit giving them power is spoken of as if the Spirit rested on them. Alternate translation: "The Spirit also gave them power"
This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses had written their names on the list"
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"tell them to stop prophesying"
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."
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?"
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"
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a small bird
"in each direction for as far as a person could walk in one day"
A cubit is a unit of measurement equal to about 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 92 centimeters" or "about 1 meter"
"Everyone gathered at least ten homers of quail"
A homer is a unit of volume equal to about 220 liters. Alternate translation: "2,200 liters"
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They named that place Kibroth Hattaavah"
This is the name of a place in the desert.
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.
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)
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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."
The word "Now" hear draws attention to the important point that follows.
"Now" is used here to mark a pause in the story. The narrator tells background information about Moses's character.
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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"
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"I do not speak to Moses like that"
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"
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."
The phrase "against Moses" clarifies that he is the "servant" of whom Yahweh speaks. Alternate translation: "against my servant, Moses"
Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire. Alternate translation: "Yahweh became very angry with them"
Leprosy turned Miriam's skin white. Alternate translation: "became very white"
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.
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"
Here "please" is repeated for emphasis.
This describes a situation that could have happened but did not. Spitting in someone's face was a terrible insult.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses shut Miriam outside the camp" or "Moses sent Miriam outside the camp"
This is the name of a place in the desert. See how you translated it in Numbers 11:35.
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)
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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 whom you send must be a leader among his tribe"
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These are men's names.
These are men's names.
A man's name.
A man's name.
A man's name.
These are men's names.
These are men's names.
These are men's names.
The relationship between between Joseph and Manasseh can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "from the tribe of Joseph's son Manasseh"
These are men's names.
These are men's names.
These are men's names.
These are men's names.
See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 13:8.
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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."
Fortified cities had strong walls around them to protect them from enemy armies. Camps did not have these walls.
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These are names of places.
The word "Zin" here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness.
This is the name of a place.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Canaanites had built Hebron 7 years before the Egyptians built Zoan"
These are names of clans that were named after their ancestors.
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a place.
"between two men of their group"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They named that place"
"After 40 days"
Here "word" refers to a report. Alternate translation: "They brought back their report" or "They reported what they had seen"
"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"
Since milk comes from cows and goats, it represents livestock and the food produced from the livestock. Alternate translation: "food from livestock"
Since honey is produced from flowers, it represents crops and the food produced from the crops. Alternate translation: "food from crops"
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Here "they" refers to all of the men who examined the land except for Caleb and Joshua.
Here "they" refers to all of the men who examined the land including Caleb and Joshua.
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"
These seem to have been giants, very tall, large people.
This is the name of a man.
Here sight represents evaluation and judgement. Alternate translation: "In our own opinion ... in their opinion" or "In our own judgement ... in their judgement"
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"
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)
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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."
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
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."
This refers to the people of Israel.
"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"
These are names of men.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who were some of those whom Moses sent"
Tearing one's clothes was a gesture indicating the person is very troubled and is mourning.
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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]
Joshua and Caleb continue speaking to the people of Israel.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will remove their protection from them"
The abstract noun "protection" can be stated as "protect." Alternate translation: "Anyone that might protect them"
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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."
"reject them from being my people." This may imply that he would destroy them, and some versions translate it that way.
Here "your" is singular and refers to Moses.
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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"
Killing them all at the same time is spoken of as killing them as one person. Alternate translation: "all at one time"
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Some ancient manuscripts and modern translations read, "Yahweh."
The abstract noun "love" can be stated with the verb "love." Alternate translation: "always showing that he loves his people"
"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"
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"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "my glory will fill all the earth"
"they have continued to test me"
Here the number 10 represents too many times. Alternate translation: "too many times"
Here "listened" represents obedience, and God's voice represents what he said. Alternate translation: "have not obeyed what I have said"
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
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"
Following God is a metaphor for obeying God. Alternate translation: "and obeys me wholeheartedly"
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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."
The word "complaining," an abstract noun, can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "I have heard the people of Israel complain"
"as I have heard you say"
Their dead bodies falling represents them dying. Alternate translation: "You will die"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you whom Moses counted in the census"
"twenty years old and older"
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"
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Their dead bodies falling represents them dying. Alternate translation: "you will die"
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 have me punish them for your acts" or "They must suffer because of what you have done"
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"
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."
"have me punish you for your sins" or "suffer because of your sins"
The abstract noun "opposition" can be translated using the verb "oppose." Alternate translation: "what it is like when I oppose you"
This probably means that they will no longer exist. Alternate translation: "they will come to an end" or "they will all be destroyed"
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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"
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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.
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."
Helping them is spoken of as being with them. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will not help you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to prevent your enemies from defeating you" or "to give you victory over your enemies"
Here "the sword" refers to battle. Alternate translation: "you will die in battle" or "they will kill you when you fight against them"
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"
Helping them is spoken of as being with them. Alternate translation: "he will not help you"
"they dared to go up into the hill country even though God did not approve"
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.
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"
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)
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 15:1-32 tells what God told Moses to tell the people of Israel.
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"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"
This refers to the offerings spoken of in Numbers 15:3.
An ephah is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "about 2 liters" or "two liters"
A hin is a unit of volume equal to about 3.7 liters. Alternate translation: "about 1 liter" or "one liter"
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An ephah is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "4 liters" or "four and a half liters"
A hin is a unit of volume equal to about 3.7 liters. Alternate translation: "one liter"
"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"
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You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "six and one half liters"
You may convert this to a modern measure Alternate translation: "two liters"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you burn on the altar"
"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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must do it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must do as I have described"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that they burn on the altar"
"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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he must burn an offering on the altar"
"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"
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 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"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the food that the land produces" or "the food that you produce in the land"
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.
Calling it a loaf implies that they would cooked the dough first.
This idiom "lift it up" refers to offering it as a gift. Alternate translation: "to offer it as a gift"
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.
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The word "you" here refers to Israelite people.
God continues telling Moses what he must tell the people.
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"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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must make a grain offering and drink offering"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as the decree commands" or "as I commanded when I made the decree"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will forgive them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that they made by fire" or "that they burned on the altar"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will forgive all the community of the people of Israel"
"a 1-year-old female goat"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will forgive that person when the priest has made atonement"
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This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "defiantly" or "knowing it is a sin and not caring"
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."
Not obeying a commandment is spoken of as breaking it. Alternate translation: "has disobeyed my commandment" or "has not obeyed what I commanded"
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"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh had not declared what they should do with him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must surely put the man to death" or "The man must surely die"
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"the people of Israel"
"to obey them"
"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"
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"
God continues telling Moses what to tell the people of Israel. The word "you" refers to the people.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "remember"
This clause is repeated for emphasis.
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)
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:17.
Rebelling or criticizing someone in authority is spoken of as if they were standing up to fight. Alternate translation: "rebelled against Moses"
"famous members of the community" or "important men in the community"
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"
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."
Considering someone to be important is spoken of as lifting it up. Alternate translation: "consider yourselves more important than the rest"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Yahweh has set apart for himself"
Moses continues speaking to Korah and the men who were with Korah.
containers in which to burn incense
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "in Yahweh's presence"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will set apart that man for himself"
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"
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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!"
"not enough for you" or "unimportant to you"
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"
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!"
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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."
"not enough" or "unimportant"
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]
The people exaggerate because they will hold Moses responsible if any of them die. Alternate translation: "to have us die"
They spoke of what God would give them to be theirs forever as if it were an inheritance.
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."
Deceiving people is spoken of as making them blind. Alternate translation: "to deceive us"
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"
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"
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a container in which to burn incense
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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"
This shows that Moses and Aaron were humbling themselves before God.
Here "spirits" represents the ability to live. Alternate translation: "the God who gives life to all humanity"
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"
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Being destroyed is spoken of as if they would be eaten. Alternate translation: "you will be destroyed"
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"
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"
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Here "this" refers to what Moses will say next.
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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"
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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"
A similar phrase occurs in Numbers 16:30. See how you translated it there.
"They" refers to "All Israel."
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"
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"
"two hundred and fifty men"
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This refers to the flames that burned the 250 men.
Losing their lives represents dying. Alternate translation: "those who died"
Here "them" refers to the censers. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let Eleazar make them"
Here "they" and "They" refer to the censers.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the men whom the fire had burned up had used"
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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 to complain against Moses and Aaron"
"suddenly, the cloud." Here "behold" shows that the people were surprised by what they saw.
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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"
This indicates that Moses and Aaron are humbling themselves before God.
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"
Putting the incense in the censer here represents burning it. Alternate translation: "he burned the incense"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the plague stopped spreading"
"fourteen thousand seven hundred in number"
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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)
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"12"
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
The name Levi here refers to the tribe of Levi.
Here "his" refers to "each leader."
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"
"buds will start to grow on the staff of the man whom I choose"
Here "complaints" is an abstract noun that can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "make the people of Israel stop complaining against you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Moses selected from each of the ancestor's tribes"
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"
The word "behold" here shows that something especially important has happened. You might have a similar word in your language.
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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"
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"
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"
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These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
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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)
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all sins that anyone commits against the sanctuary"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all sins that anyone in the priesthood commits"
"any priest"
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Yahweh continues speaking to Aaron.
"They" refers to members of the tribe of Levi; the word "you" is singular and refers to Aaron.
"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.
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.
"They" refers to members of the tribe of Levi; the word "you" is singular and refers to Aaron.
"do all the work"
Here "you" is plural and refers to both Aaron and the rest of the Levites.
Here "you" is plural and refers to both Aaron and the rest of the Levites.
"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.
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"
Yahweh continues speaking to Aaron.
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"
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"
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.
"do the work of priests"
Being inside the curtain represents being inside the room behind the curtain. Alternate translation: "everything in the room behind the curtain"
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"
What they should not approach can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "who approaches the sacred things"
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"
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"
A share is a portion of something that someone receives. Alternate translation: "as the portion that you will continually receive"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you do not completely burn on the altar"
God continues speaking to Aaron.
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God continues speaking to Aaron.
This refers to the first of the best oil, wine, and grain that they harvest.
Being acceptable to God is spoken of as if they were clean. Alternate translation: "Everyone in your family who is acceptable to me"
God continues speaking to Aaron.
The word "firstborn" means the same thing and explains the phrase "first issue of the womb."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The people must buy them back when they become one month old"
Most likely this refers only to firstborn humans that must be redeemed and not to firstborn unclean animals.
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"
A shekel is a unit of weight. What was weighed can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "five shekels of silver"
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.
God continues speaking to Aaron.
That he must kill the animals first can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "You must kill them and sprinkle their blood"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you make by fire" or "that you burn with fire on the altar"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the breast and the right thigh that you lift up as a gift to me"
God continues speaking to Aaron.
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"
A share is a portion of something that someone receives. Alternate translation: "as the portion that you will continually receive"
The two phrases refer to the same thing. Together they emphasize that the covenant will endure forever. Alternate translation: "an agreement forever"
"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"
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"
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"
God continues speaking to Aaron.
The word "look" here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: "indeed, I have given"
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"
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God continues speaking to Aaron.
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"
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"
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The people of Israel would offer Yahweh a tenth of their crops and animals, and Yahweh would give that to the Levites.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must consider your contribution"
God continues tell Moses what he must tell the Levites.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the people of Israel give to you"
God continues speaking to Moses.
"the best of what you have received from the people of Israel"
The "gifts" are the offerings that the Israelites give to God and that the Levites receive from them.
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"
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)
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These two words share similar meanings. Alternate translation: "a statute of the law" or "a legal statute"
Yahweh calls himself by name to emphasize how great he is. Alternate translation: "I, Yahweh, am commanding" or "I am commanding"
Here "you" is singular and refers to Moses.
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that this animal is to have no imperfections.
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"in his view" or "so he could see it"
"The priest" refers to Eleazar.
"red wool"
Here "he" refers to Eleazar the priest.
Being unacceptable to God or unfit to do any sacred work is spoken of as not being clean.
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Being acceptable to God and fit to do sacred work is spoken of as being clean.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must keep these ashes"
Being acceptable to God is spoken of as being clean.
Being unacceptable to God or unfit to do any sacred work is spoken of as not being clean.
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 person"
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"
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"
Here the phrase "be cut off" means to be disowned and sent away. See how you translated this in [Numbers 9:13]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one sprinkled the water for impurity on him"
"the water that is sprinkled on impure things to make them pure" or "the water for making things pure"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
The idea of "unclean" represents not being acceptable to God or fit for use.
This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "Open containers will remain clean only if they have covers"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone whom someone else has killed with a sword"
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.
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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.
Here the phrase "be cut off" means to be disowned and sent away. See how you translated this in [Numbers 9:13]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one has sprinkled the water for impurity on him"
"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
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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)
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.
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)
The word "Zin" here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness.
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried her"
Here "they" refers to the community.
"came as a mob"
This represents being in front of Yahweh's tent.
The people of Israel continue to complain to Moses and Aaron.
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."
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."
This indicates that Moses and Aaron are humbling themselves before God.
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Here the people are represented by their "eyes" to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: "while they watch you"
This represents Yahweh's tent. Alternate translation: "from Yahweh's tent"
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."
Here "we" refers to Moses and Aaron and may include Yahweh, but does not include the people.
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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"
Here the people are represented by their "eyes" to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: "while the people of Israel were watching you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People called this place"
Moses uses this phrase to emphasize that the Israelites and the Edomites are related because their ancestors, Jacob and Esau, were brothers.
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"When we prayed to Yahweh begging him to help us"
Here "voice" represents their crying or what they said to him. Alternate translation: "he heard our cry" or "he heard what we asked for"
The word "look" here shows that they have stopped speaking about the past and are now speaking about their present situation.
The messengers continue speaking to the king of Edom.
Here "turn aside" represents leaving the road. Alternate translation: "We will not leave the road in any direction"
This is the main road that connects Damascus in the north to the Gulf of Aqabah in the south.
Here "you" is singular and refers to Moses, who represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "Your people may not pass ... to attack them"
Here the sword represents the king's army. Alternate translation: "I will send my army"
This phrase refers to the Israelite messengers.
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.
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"
Here "their" refers to the Edomites.
The phrase "the whole community" emphasizes that every person who was a part of "the people of Israel" was present, without exception.
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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"
"refused to do what I said"
God continues speaking to Moses.
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.
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"30 days"
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.
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)
Here "he fought" means that his army fought. Alternate translation: "his army fought against Israel"
This refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "The people of Israel vowed" or "The Israelites made a vow"
Here "listen" means that Yahweh did as they asked. Alternate translation: "did what Israel asked"
Here "voice" is a metonym that refers to their request. Alternate translation: "what Israel asked"
"The people of Israel completely destroyed the Canaanite army and their cities"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They named that place Hormah"
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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!"
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"we have said bad things about Yahweh and you"
The words "we" and "us" here refer to the people but not to Moses.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everyone whom a snake bites"
"a snake out of bronze"
Here "he" refers to "any person" who was bitten by a snake.
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Here "faces" is an idiom that means "is across from" or "is next to." Alternate translation: "that is next to Moab"
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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.
These are both names of places.
"the valleys that go downhill to the town of Ar and lie along the border of Moab"
This can be stated as two sentences. Alternate translation: "to Beer. There was a well there"
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"
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"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the role of the leaders in digging the well.
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"
These are the names of places.
This is the name of a mountain.
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"
Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel, and especially to their leaders. Alternate translation: "Then the Israelites"
"We will not go into any of your fields or vineyards"
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.
"to cross over his border" or "to cross over into his land"
This is the name of a place.
Here "he" refers to King Sihon who represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "they fought against the Israelites"
Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "The Israelites attacked"
"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"
"conquered the land of the Amorites." Here the word "their" refers to the Amorites.
"was strongly defended." The Israelites did not attack the Ammonites.
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"
Here "his" refers to the king of Moab.
These are two names that refer to the same city.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let someone rebuild and establish again the city of Sihon"
These two terms are very similar and emphasize that the city will be fully rebuilt. Alternate translation: "completely rebuilt"
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"
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"
These two phrases refer to the same people.
"Chemosh" was the name of the false god whom the Moabites worshiped. Alternate translation: "the people who worship Chemosh"
"He" and "his" refer to Chemosh.
Here "we" refers to the Israelites who defeated Sihon.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We have devastated Heshbon"
These are all places in Sihon's kingdom. This means the Israelites destroyed Sihon's entire nation.
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"chased away"
"attacked them"
The Israelites had completely destroyed Sihon. Alternate translation: "Destroy him like you destroyed Sihon king of the Amorites"
"So the army of Israel killed Og"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all of his people were dead"
"they took control of his land"
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)
The Israelites were camped on the east side of the Jordan River. Jericho was on the west side of the river.
Balak was king of Moab.
Zippor is the father of Balak.
These two phrases mean the same thing, and emphasize how afraid Moab was.
Here "Moab" refers to the people of Moab. Alternate translation: "All of the Moabites were very afraid"
"because there were many of them"
The Moabites and the Midianites were two different groups of people, but the Midianites were living in the land of Moab at that time.
The way the Israelites will destroy their enemies is spoken of as if they were an ox eating up the grass in a field.
This changes from the main story to background information about Balak.
"Balak sent messengers"
This is the name of Balaam's father.
This is the name of a city.
"of Balaam's nation and people"
"Balak called Balaam." Balak did not speak to Balaam directly, but did so through the messengers he sent.
This is an exaggeration to emphasize how many of them there were. Alternate translation: "They are extremely numerous"
This refers to the surface of the earth.
"chase them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I know you have the power to bless or to curse people"
The abstract noun "divination" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "money to pay Balaam to curse Israel"
You may prefer to say "They went to Balaam"
"told him the message from Balak"
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.
Balaam's report is spoken of as if it were something that he would carry to the messengers. Alternate translation: "I will tell you"
"God appeared to Balaam"
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."
These are the names of men. See how you translated these in Numbers 22:2.
Balaam restates the message that Balak sent to him. See how you translated these phrases in Numbers 22:5-6.
"chase them away"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because I have blessed them"
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.
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This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.
You may prefer to say "They went to Balaam"
The singular noun refers to the Israelites as a group. Alternate translation: "this group of people"
These were probably soldiers, not household servants.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.
Balaam is describing something that would never happen. He is emphasizing that there is nothing that could make him disobey Yahweh.
This means Balaam cannot disobey Yahweh in any way.
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A saddle is a seat put on the back of an animal in order to ride it.
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 an enemy to Balaam" or "in order to stop Balaam"
A sword is drawn from its sheath in order to be ready to use. Alternate translation: "with his sword ready to attack"
The donkey did this to avoid the angel of Yahweh.
Sometimes animals are referred to as "her" or "she." Alternate translation: "to turn it back"
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This was an attempt to escape from the angel of Yahweh in the road.
Sometimes animals are referred to as "her" or "she." Alternate translation: "It went"
"pushed Balaam's foot against it" or "hurt Balaam's foot against it"
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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]
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"
"The donkey said to Balaam"
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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."
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!"
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"
A sword is drawn from its sheath in order to be ready to use. See how you translated this in [Numbers 22:23]
This indicates that Balaam is humbling himself before the angel.
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 an enemy to you" or "to oppose you"
This statement indicates what could have happened but did not. The donkey's actions saved Balaam.
"So if you do not want me to continue going"
"with the leaders whom Balak had sent." See how you translated "Balak" in Numbers 22:2.
This is the name of a river. See how you translated it in Numbers 21:13.
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."
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!"
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."
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 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"
This is the name of a town.
"some of the meat from the sacrifices"
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.
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.
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)
This is the king of Moab. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.
"kill seven bulls and seven rams as a sacrifice"
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"Stay here with your burnt offering and I will go a distance away"
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"
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"
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This is probably a metonym for a prophecy. Alternate translation: "his prophecy"
These phrases mean the same thing.
To "denounce" here means to judge someone harshly, to consider Israel guilty of great evil.
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!"
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.
These two phrases mean the same thing. Balaam viewed Israel from the top of a hill.
Here "him" is a metonym that refers to the people of Israel.
"there is a group of people"
This negative statement is used to stress that the opposite is true. Alternate translation: "they consider themselves to be a special nation"
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."
It is understood that this will be a peaceful death. This can be stated. Alternate translation: "the peaceful death of a righteous person"
These are metonymies that refer to the people of Israel as a single person.
This is the king of Moab. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.
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!"
This emphasizes the shocking action that follows.
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."
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]
"There you will curse the Israelites for me"
Translators may add a footnote that says: "The word 'Zophim' means 'to watch' or 'to spy.'"
This is the name of a mountain. See how you translated this in Numbers 21:20.
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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]
"Then Yahweh said"
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These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated to emphasize how important it was for Balak to pay attention.
See how you translated these names in Numbers 22:2.
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."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has commanded me to bless the Israelites"
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.
"they shout with joy because Yahweh is their king"
This simile says that Yahweh's great strength is equal to an ox.
This can be stated in active form. "people must say"
It is implied that what God did for them was good. Alternate translation: "Look at the good things God has done for them!"
This verse is a long metaphor that speaks of Israel defeating her enemies as if Israel was a lion devouring its prey.
This is the king of Moab. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.
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."
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It is understood that this wilderness was where Israel was camped. Alternate translation: "which looks down on the wilderness where Israel was"
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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.
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)
"like he did the previous times"
Here "raised his eyes" is an idiom that means to look up. Alternate translation: "He looked up"
This mean's God's Spirit took control of him to prophesy.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God gave him this prophecy"
Beor was Balaam's father. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:5.
This idiom means he sees and understands clearly.
Balaam continues to prophesy under the control of the Spirit of God.
Here Balaam refers to himself as "He."
This is an act of humility.
Here "eyes open" is an idiom that means Balaam has received the ability to know what God wants to say.
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Balaam continues to prophesy under the control of the Spirit of God.
Balaam speaks of the Israelies as if they were numerous enough to cover entire valleys.
Balaam speaks of the Israelies as if they were well-watered gardens that produce an abundant harvest.
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"
Cedar trees were the largest trees in Israel. Balaam speaks of the Israelies as if they grew as large as well-watered cedar trees.
Balaam continues to prophesy under the control of the Spirit of God.
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"
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"
These two phrases have similar meaning, emphasizing how much God will bless them compared to other nations.
will have more honor and will be more powerful
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "other people will give honor to their kingdom"
Balaam continues to prophesy under the control of the Spirit of God.
"God will bring the Israelites"
This simile emphasizes that the Israelites have great strength. The ox was the strongest animal the Israelites owned.
Balaam speaks of the Israelites as if they are wild animals that eat their enemies. This means they will destroy their enemies.
Balaam finishes the prophecy under the control of the Spirit of God.
In this simile, Balaam compares the Israelites to both male and female lions. This means they are dangerous and always ready to attack.
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!"
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"
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"
This was a sign of great frustration and anger.
Balak is very angry and wants Balaam to leave quickly, as if Balak were going to kill him.
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Balaam is describing something that would never happen. This statement emphasizes that there is nothing that would make Balaam disobey God.
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."
"the Israelites"
Beor was Balaam's father. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:5.
This idiom means he sees and understands clearly. See how you translated this in [Numbers 24:3]
The abstract term "knowledge" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "who knows things that God Most High has revealed to him"
This is a sign of submission to God.
Balaam continues the first of his four prophecies.
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.
Here "star" refers to an Israelite king that will rise in power.
Here "Jacob" refers to the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: "from among the descendants of Jacob"
This means the same thing as the first part of the sentence. Here "scepter" refers to a powerful king.
Here "Israel" refers to future Israelites. Alternate translation: "from among the Israelites in the future"
Possible meanings are 1) he will break the heads of the leaders of Moab or 2) he will destroy the leaders of Moab.
This also refers to the Moabites, who were descendants of Seth.
Balaam finishes the first of his four prophecies.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Israelites will occupy Edom"
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"
Jacob was the ancestor of the Israelites. "Jacob" is a metonym that refers to the whole people group.
This refers to the city of Ar where Balak met Balaam.
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.
A singular pronoun is used because the Amalekites are spoken of as a single person.
This is the name of a people group who descended from Kain.
"The place were you live is well defended"
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"
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"
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one will survive when God does this!"
This is the name of an island in the Mediterranean Sea.
The abstract noun "destruction" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "God will destroy them also"
This is the king of Moab. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.
The story of Balaam concludes in this chapter.
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)
This is the name of a place in Moab.
This was an act of worship.
Peor was the name of a mountain. See how you translated this in Numbers 23:28.
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]
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"
This means that the leaders of Israel will kill these people and leave their dead bodies out where all the people can see them.
"to the judges of Israel who were not guilty of idolatry"
Peor was the name of a mountain. See how you translated this in Numbers 23:28.
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"
Here "in the sight of" is an idiom that means they heard about it, or found out about it.
This is the name of Aaron's son. See how you translated it in Numbers 3:2.
"Phinehas followed"
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Yahweh begins to speak to Moses.
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"
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"
This continues Yahweh's speech from verse 11.
This is the end of Yahweh's speech that begins in verse 11.
This is the end of Yahweh's speech from [Numbers 25:11]
The word "Now" is used here to mark a pause in the story, where the author tells background information about Zimri and Kozbi.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Phinehas killed"
These are names of men.
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a woman.
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The abstract noun "deceitfulness" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "by deceiving you"
"They persuaded you to do this evil thing"
Both of these phrases mean that these things happened at Mount Peor.
Peor was the name of a mountain. See how you translated this in Numbers 23:28.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Phinehas killed"
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)
None of the adults who came out of Egypt with Moses were still alive except the two faithful spies, Joshua and Caleb. (See: faithful)
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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"
"20 years old and older"
"spoke to the Israelite leaders"
A plain is a large flat area of land.
"20 years old and older"
The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.
Here "Israel" refers to the man also known as Jacob.
The word "his" refers to Rueben.
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"forty-three thousand seven hundred and thirty men"
The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 16:1.
See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 16:1.
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"
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"
"two hundred and fifty men"
"all of Korah's family"
"end"
The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.
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"twenty-two thousand two hundred men"
The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.
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"forty thousand five hundred men"
The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.
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"seventy-six thousand five hundred men"
The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.
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"sixty-four thousand three hundred men"
The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.
"sixty thousand five hundred men"
The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.
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The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.
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The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.
"fifty-two thousand seven hundred men"
The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.
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"thirty-two thousand five hundred men"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they counted them in each of their clans"
The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.
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"forty-five thousand six hundred men"
The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.
"sixty-four thousand four hundred men"
The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.
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"fifty-three thousand four hundred men"
The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families.
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"forty-five thousand four hundred men"
"the total number"
"six-hundred and one thousand, seven hundred and thirty"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must divide the land"
This refers to all of the men that were counted in their clans, beginning in Numbers 26:5.
"by the number of people in each clan"
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the leaders of Israel counted"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must divide the land"
"by casting lots"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and you must distribute the land to them"
This is a list of the Levite clans. Moses counts the Levites separately from the other tribes because they did not receive any land.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the leaders also counted clan by clan"
See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 3:17.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:19.
See how you translated this man's name in Numbers 3:19.
"She and Amram had children"
See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 3:2.
Here the word "fire" is used to refer to "burning incense." See how you translated a similar phrase in [Numbers 3:4]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the leaders counted"
"23,000"
"one month old and older"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but the leaders did not count 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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Moses and Eleazar the priest counted"
"there were no men"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Moses and Aaron the priest had counted"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when they counted the descendants of Israel"
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"
Jephunneh was Caleb's father. See how you translated this in Numbers 13:6.
Nun was Joshua's father. See how you translated this in Numbers 11:28.
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.
God told Moses to appoint Joshua as the new leader. Joshua became Yahweh's anointed leader. (See: appoint and anoint)
"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.
See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 26:33.
See how you translated these men's names in Numbers 26:29.
"The daughters of Zelophehad stood"
The words "the company of Korah" further identify the words "the company that gathered themselves together to oppose Yahweh."
"made a plan"
"because of his own sin"
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."
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"
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Yahweh is speaking of land. This meaning can be made clear. See how you translated this in Numbers 27:7.
Alternate translation: "land"
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"
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This continues God's law about who will receive land if a man does not have any sons.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "be a law that all the people of Israel must obey"
Here "me" refers to Moses.
"this mountain in the Abarim range" Abarim was a range or line of mountains in Moab.
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"
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"
You can make clear the understood information that Aaron died. Alternate translation: "and you must die like your older brother Aaron died"
This refers to Moses and Aaron.
See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 13:21.
"when the people of Israel were rebelling against me"
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 did not treat me as holy"
Here the people of the people are represented by their "eyes" to emphasize what they saw. Alternate translation: "in front of the whole community"
See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 20:13.
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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"
To be "over" a group of people means to have authority to lead them. Alternate translation: "a man to lead the community"
This is an idiom that means a person who will lead all the people and also lead the army into battle.
This is a simile that means without a leader the people will wander and be helpless.
Yahweh's Spirit is in Joshua, meaning that Joshua obeys Yahweh and follows his commands.
This is a sign of dedicating someone to God's service. Alternate translation: "lay your hand on him to appoint him"
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"
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses about Joshua.
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"
This was a sacred stone that the High Priest wore on his chest plate. He used it to determine God's will.
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 of these phrases mean the same thing, and they are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: "both he and the entire nation of Israel"
"told him to stand in front of"
Here "him" refers to Joshua.
The laying on of hands was a way of setting a person apart to do a special task for God.
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"
Here "him" refers to Moses.
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)
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"at the times that I haven chosen"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the food offerings that you will burn on the altar produce"
"a smell I enjoy"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
This can be stated in active form. "the burnt offering" or "the offering you have burned by fire on the altar"
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This can be stated in active form. "which you have mixed with"
"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" 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
"pressed oil" or "pure olive oil." This refers to oil that has been pressed out of olives.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh commanded at Mount Sinai"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you burned on the altar"
"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
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "like the one you offered"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"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
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which you have mixed with oil"
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"
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Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"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
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which you have mixed with oil"
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
"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
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you burned on the altar"
"Half" means one part out of two equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "two liters" or "half 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" 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
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must offer one male goat to Yahweh as a sin offering"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"During the first month, on day 14 of the month." This refers to the first month of the Hebrew calendar.
"you must celebrate Yahweh's Passover"
"On day 15 day of this month." This refers to the first month of the Hebrew calendar.
This can be stated in active form. "you must have a feast"
This can be stated in active form. "you must eat bread without yeast"
This refers to the first day of the feast. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "On day 1 of the feast"
"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.
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
The idea of "burnt" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must burn an offering on the altar"
"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
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which you have mixed with oil"
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
"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
The phrase "make atonement" can be expressed with the verb "atone." Alternate translation: "to atone"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which Yahweh requires each morning"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "As I, Yahweh, have described here"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must burn the food offering on the altar"
"as a sweet aroma for Yahweh"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must offer it"
"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.
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"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.
"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.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which you have mixed with oil"
"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" 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
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
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"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
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour which you mix with oil"
The word "atonement" can be expressed with the verb "atone." Alternate translation: "to atone"
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"
This chapter continues the material from the previous chapter about offerings on specific days.
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
This refers to the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. Alternate translation: "On day 1 of month 7"
"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.
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which you have mixed with oil"
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
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
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
The word "atonement" can be expressed with the verb "atone." Alternate translation: "to atone"
"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." This is the offering that is made on the first day of each month.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will obey Yahweh's decree" or "you will obey what Yahweh had decreed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "an offering you burnt on the altar to Yahweh"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"day 10 of month 7" The word "month" refers to those in the Hebrew calendar.
"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.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour which you have mixed with oil"
"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
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
"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
The word "atonement" can be expressed with the verb "atone." Alternate translation: "that atones for you"
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"day 15 of month 7." The word "month" refer to those in the Hebrew calendar.
"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 Yahweh"
This can be stated in active form. "you must burn it on the altar"
"13 young bulls, 2 rams, and 14 male lambs"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fine flour which you have mixed with oil"
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
"13 bulls"
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
"14 lambs"
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
The grain offering and drink offering accompany the regular burnt offering.
"On day 2 of the festival." Here the word "assembly" refers to the Festival of Weeks.
"12 young bulls, 2 rams, and 14 male lambs"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"
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"
"day 3 of the festival." Here the word "assembly" refers to the Festival of Weeks.
"11 bulls, 2 rams, and 14 male lambs"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"
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"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do during the festival in the seventh month.
"day 4 of the festival." Here the word "assembly" refers to the Festival of Weeks.
"14 male lambs"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"
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"
"day 5 of the festival." Here the word "assembly" refers to the Festival of Weeks.
"14 male lambs"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"
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"
"day 6 of the festival." Here the word "assembly" refers to the Festival of Weeks.
"14 male lambs"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"
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"
"day 7 of the festival." Here the word "assembly" refers to the Festival of Weeks.
"14 male lambs"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"
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"
Yahweh tells Moses what the people must do after the seven-day festival in the seventh month.
This "eighth" is the ordinal number for eight.
"gather together again to worship Yahweh." This is another assembly similar to the one on the first day of the festival.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must burn it on the altar"
These offerings were to be offered with the bull, the ram, and the lambs. Alternate translation: "the grain offerings and the drink offerings"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"
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"
"These offerings are what you must offer"
"planned festivals." These are festivals that occurred at regularly scheduled times. The word "fixed" means "set" or "predetermined."
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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)
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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"
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"
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.
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"
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"
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"
These two phrases have very similar meanings. They emphasize what she has promised to do. Alternate translation: "the vow"
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 does not cancel what she has said"
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"
These two phrases have very similar meanings. They emphasize what she has promised to do. Alternate translation: "her vows"
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]
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"
something done without thinking
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"
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"
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]
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]
"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 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"
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]
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]
Moses continues telling the leaders of the tribes what Yahweh has commanded.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a woman whom a man has divorced"
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]
This refers to a married woman. You can make the meaning of this statement clear. Alternate translation: "If a married woman makes a vow"
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]
Here what the woman said is referred to as something that came out of her lips. Alternate translation: "then whatever she said"
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]
The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. See how you translated this in [Numbers 30:5]
an oath by which the woman says that unless she fulfills the oath, God or other poeple have the right to afflict her
Moses describes a woman's promises as if they were something that she is physically bound by. Alternate translation: "obligations" or "promises"
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]
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "because he has said nothing to her about them"
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"
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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)
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Yahweh was punishing the Midianites for convincing the people of Israel to worship idols.
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.
"Give weapons to some of your men"
"go fight a war against the Midianites and punish them for what they did to us"
"1,000"
"12,000"
"the thousands of Israel's men"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "every tribe sent 1,000 men to war"
All 12 tribes sent men, including the tribe of Levi. Each tribe sent 1,000 men into battle.
The phrase "in his possession" means that he was in charge of the trumpets. Alternate Translation: "the trumpets that he was in charge of"
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These are names of kings of Midian.
Beor was Balaam's father. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:5.
"They took the Midianites' possessions as their own"
"Israel's army burned all the Midianites' cities where the Midianites lived and all the Midianites' camps"
"The army of Israel took"
This refers to the material goods they recovered from killing the Midianite men.
a large area of flat land
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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"
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.
This word is used here to draw the audience's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"
"has had sexual relations with a man"
Moses speaks to the commanders of the Israelite army about becoming clean before God.
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 had sexual relations with any man." This refers to girls who were virgins.
Moses is referring to anyone who fought in battle, not just the commanders.
They must become spiritually clean again before entering the camp.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everything that someone has made of animal hide, goats' hair, or wood"
Eleazar teaches the soldiers the customs of becoming ceremonially clean before Yahweh after going to war.
metals that were used during that time period
"that will not burn"
"put it into the fire"
This refers to water that someone has mixed with ashes from a sin offering. See: Numbers 19:17-19.
These are the customs of becoming ceremonially clean before Yahweh.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "count all of the possessions that the soldiers captured"
"the leaders of each clan in the community"
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Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. The word "me" refers to Yahweh.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Collect a tax from the soldiers' plunder and give it to me"
"every 500"
"from the soldiers' half"
Yahweh speaks of himself in third person. Alternate translation: "for a contribution to me" )
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
"Also from the people of Israel's half of the plunder"
"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.
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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.
"six hundred and seventy-five thousand sheep"
"72,000 cattle"
"61,000 donkeys"
"32,000 women"
"women who had no had sexual relations with a man." This refers to women who are virgins.
Moses is listing the plunder that goes to the soldiers and the tax that goes to Yahweh.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The soldiers' part of the sheep"
"three hundred and thirty-seven thousand sheep"
"the tax they were to give to Yahweh was 675 sheep"
"was six hundred and seventy-five"
36,000
72
Moses is listing the plunder that goes to the soldiers and the tax that goes to Yahweh.
"were thirty thousand five hundred"
61
16,000
32
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to be an contribution to Yahweh"
Moses is listing the plunder that goes to the people and the tax that goes to Yahweh.
"three hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep"
36,000 oxen
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"16,000 women." It has been stated earlier that all the males and the married women captives were put to death
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.
"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.
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]
The commanders refer to themselves as "your servants." This is a polite way to speak to someone with greater authority.
This can be stated in a positive statement. "we know for certain that every man is here"
The officers of the army continue speaking to Moses.
These are all types of jewelry that people wore.
"to thank God for saving our lives"
"all the articles of gold" or "all the golden jewelry"
"All the gold of the contribution that the commanders of thousands and the captains of hundreds gave to Yahweh weighed"
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]
"sixteen thousand, seven hundred and fifty"
A shekel is 11 grams.
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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.
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)
This word is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here Moses tells background information about the tribes of Reuben and Gad.
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These are names of cities.
The people from Reuben and Gad continue speaking to Moses, Eleazar, and the other leaders.
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"
The people of the tribes of Reuben and Gad refer to themselves in this way to show respect to a person of higher authority.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "give this land to us"
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"
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."
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."
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"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Reuben and Gad.
This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in [Numbers 13:23]
This refers to seeing what was in the land. Alternate translation: "They saw the strong people and cities in the land"
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]
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"
"none of the people." This phrase refers to both men and women.
"20 years old or older"
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"
These are names of men.
This is the name of a people group.
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.
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"
"40 years"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he destroyed all the generation ... sight" or "all the generation ... sight had died"
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"
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"
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"
"this entire people" or "all this generation of people"
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"will be ready with weapons" or "will be ready to fight a war"
"in the secured cities"
The leaders of Gad and Reuben continue speaking.
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"
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"if you take your weapons"
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"
"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"
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"
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"
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."
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"
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The people of Gad and Reuben refer to themselves as "your servants." This is a polite way of speaking to someone with greater authority.
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You can make it clear that they will cross over the Jordan. Alternate translation: "will cross over the Jordan River"
"every man prepared for war"
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"
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"every man who is ready with his weapon"
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"
"then the descendants of Gad and Reuben will receive land with you in Canaan"
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You can make it clear that they will cross the Jordan. Alternate translation: "We will cross over the Jordan ready to fight"
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"
This idiom refers to ownership. Alternate translation: "will be ours"
These are names of kings who ruled two separate kingdoms.
These are names of cities.
These are names of cities.
These are names of cities.
These are names of cities.
These are names of cities.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "people later changed the names of these cities"
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in Numbers 26:29.
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This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a city.
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a city.
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."
"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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"
"from one place to another place"
Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.
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 Israelites left in plain view of the Egyptians"
This refers to the firstborn sons. Alternate translation: "their firstborn sons"
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"
Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.
"departed from"
"on the border of the wilderness"
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Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.
This refers to when Yahweh divided the Red Sea so that the Israelites could escape from the Egyptian army.
"12 springs ... 70 palm trees"
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Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where the people could not find water to drink"
Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.
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Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.
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Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.
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Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.
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Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.
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Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.
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Here "fortieth" is the ordinal number for forty. Alternate translation: "40 years after"
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.
"one hundred and twenty-three years old"
"The Canaanite king of Arad"
This was the name of a Canaanite city.
"heard that the people of Israel were coming"
Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.
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Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.
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Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt.
a large area of flat land
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"destroy all of their high places"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
The Israelites claiming the land as their permanent possession is spoken of as if they were inheriting the land.
"Each clan will receive the land according to how the lot falls"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
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.
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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.
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)
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See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 33:12.
Yahweh continues telling Moses where the borders are for the land that he is giving to the Israelites.
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Yahweh continues telling Moses where the borders are for the land that he is giving to the Israelites.
Yahweh continues telling Moses where the borders are for the land that he is giving to the Israelites.
See how you translated this name in Numbers 20:22.
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Yahweh continues telling Moses where the borders are for the land that he is giving to the Israelites.
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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.
"according to how Yahweh assigned the property to their ancestor's tribe"
"The tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh"
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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.
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This is the list of men who will help divide the land among the tribes.
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This continues the list of men who will help divide the land among the tribes.
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This continues the list of men who will help divide the land among the tribes.
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This concludes the list of men who will help divide the land among the tribes.
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This chapter continues the material from the previous chapter.
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)
a large area of flat land
Yahweh did not give the Levites their own land, so they had to live in cities that belonged to other tribes.
an area of land where animals feed on grass
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"1,000 cubits." A cubit is about 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "460 meters"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"2,000 cubits." A cubit is about 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "920 meters"
This refers to people who have killed someone, but it had not yet been determined whether they killed the person intentionally or accidentally.
"42"
"48"
Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
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accidentally or without wanting to or trying to
This refers to a close relative that seeks vengeance by killing the accused man.
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.
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Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
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Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must certainly execute him"
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Here the word "blood" is a metonym for the murder. Alternate translation: "The one who avenges the murder" or "The relative seeking vengeance"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the relative must certainly execute the accused man" or "the accused man must die"
"without planning it out of hate ahead of time"
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"
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Here the word "blood" is a metonym for the murder. See how you translated this phrase in [Numbers 35:19]
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one you anointed with holy oil"
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Here the word "blood" is a metonym for the murder. See how you translated these words in [Numbers 35:19]
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Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.
"and all of your descendants who will live after you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone must execute the murderer"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "according to the testimony of witnesses" or "as witnesses testify to the murder"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must execute him"
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"
"by accepting a ransom"
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"
This means by disobeying the laws concerning a person who kills someone.
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"
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"
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Women who inherited land from their father must marry men from their tribe so the inheritance does not leave the tribe. (See: inherit)
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this man's name in [Numbers 26:29]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh commanded you"
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this man's name in [Numbers 26:33]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will no longer belong to our ancestor's share"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It will belong to"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will no longer be a part of our inheritance"
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.
This can be stated without the passive verb. Alternate translation: "their possession will belong"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they will take our tribe's share of the land"
"according to what Yahweh said"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let them marry whom they want"
"but they may only marry someone from their father's tribal clan"
The word "possession" represents the portion of land that each tribe received as an inheritance. Alternate translation: "No portion of the land"
"who owns a share of land in her tribe"
The land that each clan possesses is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received.
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"
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See how you translated these women's names in [Numbers 26:33]
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"
a large area of flat land
This chapter forms a continuation with the last chapter of the book of Numbers.
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)
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)
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"
These are the names of places.
"It takes eleven days to walk from Horeb ... to Kadesh Barnea"
This is a mountainous area south of the Dead Sea. The area is also called "Edom."
"11"
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"
40th
This is the eleventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of January on Western calendars.
11th
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 had enabled the Israelites to defeat"
These are names of kings.
These are names of cities.
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"
The word "us" refers to Moses and the other people of Israel.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "You do not need to stay near this mountain any longer"
Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said to them.
The word "turn" is an idiom for beginning action. Alternate translation: "Start again on your journey"
Yahweh is describing places in the land that he has promised to give to the Israelites.
This is an area in the hills near the place where the Amorites lived.
an area of land that is low and flat
"Pay attention to what I am about to say"
"I am now giving this land to you"
Yahweh is speaking as if he were another person. Alternate translation: "that I, Yahweh, swore"
The word "fathers" is a synecdoche for all ancestors. Alternate translation: "ancestors"
Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said to them.
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"
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"
This is an exaggeration that means God has greatly increased the number of Israelites. Alternate translation: "a great crowd of many people"
The phrase "a thousand" is a metaphor for "very many." Alternate translation: "very many times"
1000
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
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."
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 arguments" or "your disagreements"
"men from each tribe whom the people of Israel respect"
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Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
"men whom your people respected." See how this is translated in Deuteronomy 1:13.
"of groups of 1,000 ... of groups of 100 ... of groups of 50 ... and groups of 10"
These are titles for different leaders in Israel's government.
"from each of your tribes"
"make right and fair decisions about the disputes Israelites have with each other"
Moses continues speaking to the judges, so the commands are plural.
"Do not show partiality"
These two extremes "small" and "great" represent all people. Alternate translation: "you will treat all people alike"
The word "face" is a metonym for the whole person. "You will not" is a command. "Do not be afraid of anyone"
This means the time when they were at Horeb, at Mount Sinai.
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.
"large and dangerous desert that you crossed through"
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.
Moses is speaking to the Israelites as if he were speaking to one man, so these forms should be singular, not plural.
"is now giving this land to you." See how this is translated in Deuteronomy 1:8.
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.
"12 men"
Turning is an idiom for beginning to obey a command. Alternate translation: "They left that place and went"
This is a valley in the Hebron region, which is south of Jerusalem.
"looked for places they could attack"
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.
"The 12 men took"
"picked some of the produce of the land"
The speaker speaks as if a "word" were a physical object that someone could bring. Alternate translation: "told 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"
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.
God commanded the Israelites to attack and destroy the Amorites, but the Israelites were afraid and refused to fight them.
Here "into the hand" means to give the Amorites power over them. Alternate translation: "into the power of the Amorites"
Here this question emphasizes how afraid they were. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "We have nowhere to go."
This means that they became afraid. Alternate translation: "made us very afraid"
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"
These are descendants of the Anak people who were very large and fierce.
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.
"I said to your ancestors"
Here the people are represented by their "eyes" to emphasize what they saw. Alternate translation: "which you yourselves saw"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.
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 land that God promised to give you"
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.
"put up your tents"
Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said to them.
"heard what you were saying"
God made a vow not to allow those who rebelled against him to enter the land he promised to give them.
"will enter"
This is the name of Caleb's father.
Yahweh speaks as if he were someone else. Alternate translation: "he has completely obeyed me"
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.
This refers to when Moses disobeyed what Yahweh told him to do because Moses was angry with the people of Israel.
This is the name of Joshua's father.
Why Joshua stands before Moses can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "who stands before you as your servant" or "who helps you"
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.
"turn around and go back on the road you have come on"
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.
"we have rebelled against Yahweh by disobeying him"
"we will obey"
Here the metonym "hill country" represents the people that live there. Alternate translation: "to attack the people who live in the hill country"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "your enemies will defeat you because I will not be with you"
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
The metonym "hill country" stands for the people who live there. Alternate translation: "attacked the people who live in the hill country"
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.
This is the name of a piece of land.
This is the name of a city.
"killed many of your soldiers"
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.
"returned to Kadesh and wept"
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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)
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what the previous generation of Israelites did.
"Then we turned around and went"
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.
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]
Some languages translate this as "many nights."
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Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
"of your relatives, the descendants of Esau"
Yahweh is reminding the Israelites that he has given this territory to the descendants of Esau.
Moses continues to instruct Israel in how they are to treat the descendants of Esau.
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 Esau's descendants"
If these words are not needed or make the translation unclear, you may omit them.
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.
The "work of your hand" refers to all the work they had done. Alternate translation: "all of your work"
Here what happened to the people while they were walking is spoken of as their "walking."
"40 years"
This is a litotes for "you have had everything you needed."
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
"by our relatives"
These are names of cities.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "we kept going"
This is the end of a part of Moses's speech reminding the Israelites of how Yahweh guided them in the wilderness.
The word "Moab" represents the people of Moab. Alternate translation: "Do not trouble the people of Moab"
This is the name of a city in Moab.
The people of Israel were related to the descendants of Moab. Moab was the son of Lot. Lot was the nephew of Abraham.
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.
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.
This is the name of a people group that were considered giants.
These are descendants of the Anak people who were very large and fierce. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:28.
This continues the background information about the different people groups that had lived in the land. .
This is the name of a people group that were considered giants.
This continues the background information about the different people groups that had lived in the land. .
This is the name of a people group.
"killed all of them so none of them were left living with them" or "removed them from their presence by killing all of them"
Moses continues reminding the Israelites of what had happened to them in the wilderness.
"'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"
begin to do something
This stream flows into the Dead Sea from the southeast and creates the border between Edom and Moab.
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.
"38 years"
This is a polite way of saying "had died."
Here "the hand of Yahweh" refers to Yahweh's power. Alternate translation: "Yahweh used his power against" or "Yahweh punished"
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel of what happened in the past.
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Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" is singular.
This is the name of a city in Moab. See how you translated it in [Deuteronomy 2:9]
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the command and the word "you" are singular.
The people of Israel were related to the descendants of Ammon. Ammon was the son of Lot. Lot was the nephew of Abraham.
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People also consider that"
This is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 2:11]
This is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 1:28]
"allowed the Ammonites to defeat them" or "allowed the Ammonites to kill them all"
"the Ammonites took over everything the Rephaim had owned and have lived where the Rephaim had lived"
This is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 2:12]
"took over everything the Horites had owned and have lived where the Horites had lived"
The writer finishes describing how God enabled Esau to conquer the land Esau is now inhabiting.
These are names of people groups.
This is the name of a place. It may be another name for the island of Crete located in the Mediterranean Sea.
"destroyed the Avvim"
"lived where the Avvim had lived"
The writer has finished giving background information and is now again telling what Moses said to the Israelites.
Yahweh is telling Moses what the people should do. "Now get up" or "Now go."
"continue your journey"
This is the name of the valley of the Arnon River. It creates the border between Moab and the Amorites.
The metonym "into your hand" means "into your control or power." Alternate translation: "I have given you the power to defeat"
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.
This is the name of a king. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:4.
This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:4.
"fight against him and his army"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" are singular.
The words "fear" and "terror" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the fear is intense. Alternate translation: "put a terrible fear"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "peoples in every land"
This is hendiadys and emphasizes that the people will "tremble in anguish."
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
Here "I" refers to Moses.
This is the name of a place near the valley of Arnon.
These are the names of a man and a place. See how you translated them in Deuteronomy 1:4.
"with my offer of peace" or "with a message from me asking for peace"
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"
This continues Moses's message to King Sihon.
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"
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 us walk through your land"
This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 2:9]
Moses continues to remind the people of what happened in the past.
These are the names of a man and a place. See how you translated them in [Deuteronomy 1:4]
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of "your" are singular.
Both of these phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh "caused him to become very stubborn."
refusing to change opinion or behavior
"to give Sihon and his land over to you"
"take possession of his land, so that you may inherit it"
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 1:4]
This is the name of a city in Moab
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Moses continues reminding the people about what happened in the past.
"We captured all of King Sihon's cities"
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This is the name of a city on the north bank of the Arnon River.
"Arnon" is the name of a river. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:24.
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so "you" is singular.
This is the name of a river that created the border between Sihon's land and the land of the Ammonites.
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)
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel of what happened in the past.
This is the name of a king. See how you translated it in [Deuteronomy 1:4]
This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in [Deuteronomy 1:4]
This is the name of a king. See how you translated it in [Deuteronomy 1:4]
This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in [Deuteronomy 1:4]
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.
Here the words "him" and "his" refer to Og.
Yahweh speaks of what he will do as if he had already done it.
The word "him" is a metonym for "his people." Alternate translation: "You will destroy Og and his people as you did Sihon"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh put all of Og's people under our control"
"all of his people were dead." This emphasizes that the Israelites did not let anyone live.
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"
"60 cities"
This is the name of a region within Bashan.
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel of what happened in the past.
"These were all cities protected by"
"in addition to very many" or "not including very many"
This is the name of a king. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 1:4]
This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 1:4]
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Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
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"
"Amorite people." See how you translated the name of this people group in Deuteronomy 1:4.
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"
See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 2:24.
This is the name of a mountain at the northern border of Bashan.
These are all names of the same mountain which is at the northern border of Bashan.
See how you translated these in Deuteronomy 1:4.
This is high, flat land between the Arnon River and Mount Gilead.
This is the name of a city near Edrei.
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
This is background information about King Og.
See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:11.
"Pay attention to the important thing I am going to tell you."
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."
A cubit is 46 centimeters.
"according to the cubit most people use"
Moses continues reminding the people of what happened in the past.
See how you translated the name of this town in Deuteronomy 2:36.
See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 2:24.
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.
See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 3:4.
See how you translated this word in Deuteronomy 2:11.
This continues the background information about the land the people of Israel captured (Deuteronomy 3:13).
This is the name of a man.
These are people groups who lived west of Bashan.
Translators may make a footnote that says: "The name 'Havvoth Jair' means 'tent villages of Jair' or 'realm of Jair.'"
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
Here "I" refers to Moses.
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"
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]
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
"The western border of the Reubenite and Gadite territory is"
the Sea of Kinnereth, also called "the Sea of Galilee" or "the Lake of Gennesaret"
This is the name of a mountain in the northern part of the Abarim mountain range.
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
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 take your weapons and cross the Jordan River ahead of"
"your fellow Israelites"
Moses continues speaking to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh.
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"
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"
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."
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.
Here "eyes" refers to Joshua. Alternate translation: "You have seen"
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Moses continues reminding the people about what happened in the past.
Here "I" refers to Moses. This means he asked God in a very emotional way.
Here "your servant" is a polite way of speaking to someone with greater authority. Alternate translation: "to show me, your servant"
Here the metonym "hand" means control or power. Alternate translation: "your power"
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."
These two extremes together mean "anywhere."
"west of the Jordan River." When Moses spoke these words to Yahweh, he was east of the Jordan River in Moab.
Moses continues telling the people of Israel what happened in the past.
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]
See how you translated this is in Deuteronomy 3:17.
The words "lift up your eyes" are an idiom that means look. Alternate translation: "look"
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
This is the name of a town in Moab near Mount Pisgah.
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 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)
Moses uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. The purpose of these questions is to convince his readers to obey his instructions.
Moses is telling the people of Israel what God wants them to do.
"and obey them"
Yahweh does not want his people to create new laws, or to ignore those he has already given them.
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
Here "eyes" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "You saw"
The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "because of the sins you committed at Baal Peor"
See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:29.
Moses speaks to the people of Israel as though they were one person, so "your" and "you" are singular.
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"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"Pay attention"
"that you should obey them when you live in the land"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that they are to obey them. Alternate translation: "obey them carefully"
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"
The word "nation" is a metonym for the people of that nation. Alternate translation: "the people of this great nation are wise and understanding"
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "For there is no other great nation ... him."
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "There is no other great nation ... today."
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
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.
"Pay careful attention and be sure to remember these things always"
These phrases means the same thing and emphasize that the people of Israel must remember what they have seen.
Here "eyes" are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "you have seen"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they are one person, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.
"Bring the people together and bring them to me"
Moses continues to remind the Israelites of their history.
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"
Here "thick darkness" describes the cloud. Alternate translation: "with a thick, dark cloud"
Another possible meaning is "heavy cloud."
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Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
"Yahweh declared"
Here "you" refers to the Israelites who were at Mount Horeb.
"after you have crossed over the Jordan River and taken possession of the land"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"do not do what is wrong"
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"crawls on the ground"
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.
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 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"
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"
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"
This is an idiom that can be translated "people who belong only to him."
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
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]
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so "you" and "your" are singular.
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"Pay careful attention"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one person, so the words "you" and "your" are singular.
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one person, so the word "your" is singular.
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
The words "you" and "your" are singular here.
become the father of, or become the ancestor of
"if you do what is wrong." See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you make Yahweh your God angry by doing what he says is evil"
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.
Long days are a metaphor for a long life. Alternate translation: "you will not be able to live a long time"
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"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
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 send you" or "will cause your enemies to take you away"
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"
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 when you are in those other nations"
The word "you" here is plural.
"when you really try to find him" or "when you really try to know him"
Here "heart" and "soul" are metonyms for a person's inner being. These two phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly."
"have happened to"
"afterwards" or "then"
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"
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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.
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."
Here God is represented by his voice. Alternate translation: "hear God's voice as he spoke"
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
Here "a mighty hand" and "an outstretched arm" are metaphors for Yahweh's power. Alternate translation: "by showing his mighty power"
Here "eyes" refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: "in front of you"
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh showed you these things"
"he made sure you heard ... made sure you saw"
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"
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.
This refers to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob's sons.
"with the great power that comes from his presence" or "with his great power"
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Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "remember it"
The two phrases "in heaven" and "on the earth" show two extremes and mean "everywhere." Alternate translation: "over everything"
Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:26]
Moses's speech, which began in Deuteronomy 1:6, has finished, and the writer continues the narrative that ended in Deuteronomy 1:5.
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These are names of cities.
This refers to the laws Moses will give in the following chapters.
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This is the name of a town in Moab near Mount Pisgah. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 3:29]
"King Sihon ... Amorite people ... town of Heshbon." See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 1:4.
King Sihon's land
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"
This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:36.
This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 2:24.
These are different names for the same mountain.
The word "Siyon" is another spelling of "Sirion" (Deuteronomy 3:9).
See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:8.
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"
See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 3:17.
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.
This chapter repeats the material of Exodus 20. It is known as the Ten Commandments.
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.
Moses continues to speak to the people of 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.
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"
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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.
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
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 mountain"
Moses is referring to an event that happened about 40 years earlier.
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"
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 must not worship any other gods but me"
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"
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 worship the carved figures or do as they command"
"Never"
"I ... want you to worship only me"
The abstract noun "love" can be stated as the verb "love." Alternate translation: "faithfully loving thousands, 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"
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 use the name of Yahweh"
See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 5:9.
"carelessly" or "without proper respect" or "for wrong purposes"
This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will consider him guilty" or "Yahweh will punish him"
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 dedicate it to God"
"do all your usual duties"
"day 7." Here "seventh" is the ordinal number for seven.
"On that day never do"
Here "gates" is a reference to the city itself. Alternate translation: "within your community" or "inside your city" or "living with you"
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "You must remember"
Here "a mighty hand" and "an outstretched arm" are metaphors for Yahweh's power. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:34]
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.
See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 5:9.
"You will not sleep with anyone other than your spouse"
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"You will not tell lies about someone"
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.
See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 5:9.
Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what Yahweh said.
Moses continues to remind the people of Israel what happened in the past.
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"
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Moses continues to remind the Israelites what the Israelites had said to Moses.
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."
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "There are no other people besides us ... have done."
This represents all people or living things. Alternate translation: "all people" or "all living beings"
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Here "me" refers to Moses.
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"
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Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
"you will teach the people of Israel"
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
Moses is giving a command to the people of Israel.
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"
Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 4:40]
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)
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)
Moses continues the speech to the people of Israel he began in [Deuteronomy 5:1]
"might obey"
"going to the other side of the Jordan River"
"to obey"
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]
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
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"
"obey them"
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"
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
"Our God Yahweh is the one and only God"
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]
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
Moses is speaking God's commandments to the people of Israel.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you must always remember"
"I command you to diligently teach ... I command you to talk." The reader should understand these as commands.
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
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 something to make you remember my laws"
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"
ornaments a person wears on the forehead
This is a command.
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
All these cities will belong to the people of Israel when they conquer the people in Canaan.
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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"
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
"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.
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"
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"who lives among 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 so that there is nothing left of you anywhere on"
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
Here "test" means to challenge Yahweh and force him to prove himself.
This is the name of a place in the desert. The translator may add a footnote that says: "The name 'Massah' means 'testing.'"
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Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
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"
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Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
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"
This refers to the children of the adult people of Israel to whom Moses was speaking Yahweh's words.
Here "a mighty hand" refers to Yahweh's power. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 4:34]
Here the metonym "his house" refers to the people of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "on all of his people"
Here the word "eyes" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "where we could see them"
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "might bring us into Canaan"
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.
obey at all times and for a long time
"in the presence of Yahweh" or "where Yahweh can see us"
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"
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)
This chapter references parts of the covenant Yahweh made with Abraham. It also emphasizes Yahweh's faithfulness to this covenant. (See: covenant and faithful)
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
Moses speaks of victory as if it were a physical object one person could give to another. Alternate translation: "enables you to defeat them"
Here "them" refers to the seven nations from Deuteronomy 7:1.
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Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
"If you allow your children to marry the people from the other nations, the people from the other nations will"
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"
The word "you" refers to all the Israelites and so is plural.
Moses is speaking to all the Israelites here, so these words are all plural.
Moses tells the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
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 is an idiom. Alternate translation: "that live on the earth"
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words. All instances of "you" and "your" are plural.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "did not love you more than he loved others"
Here "a mighty hand" refers to Yahweh's power. These words also appear in [Deuteronomy 4:34]
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"
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"
Here "hand" means "the control of." Alternate translation: "control of Pharaoh"
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
"for 1,000 generations"
This idiom means "repays them quickly and openly so that they know God has punished them."
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"
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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.
"increase the number of your people"
This is an idiom for "your children."
This is an idiom for "your crops."
"your cattle so they will become many, as will"
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will bless you more than I bless any other people"
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"
The words "you" and "your" are plural here.
"make sure that you do not become ill" or "keep you completely healthy"
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"
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
"I command you to completely destroy all the people groups"
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"
"never worship"
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.
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "think"
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"
"take their land away from them"
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you must remember"
Here "eyes" represent the whole person. Alternate translation: "that you saw"
Here "a mighty hand" and "an outstretched arm" are metaphors for Yahweh's power. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 4:34]
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
"And also, Yahweh"
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.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "die so you do not see them anymore"
"Never"
"a great and awesome God" or "a great God who causes the people to fear"
"slowly"
Moses continues to tell the people of Israel Yahweh's words as if the Israelites are one person.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "enable you to defeat"
"victory over the armies from the other nations"
"he will make them so they cannot think clearly"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until you have destroyed them"
The Israelites will completely destroy all the people from those nations, and in the future no one will remember them.
"stand against you" or "defend themselves against you"
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.
This is a command.
These words add to the instruction to burn the idols.
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"
These words tell why Yahweh wants the people to burn the idols. "do this because Yahweh your God hates it very much"
The words "detest" and "abhor" mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of hatred. Alternate translation: "You will completely hate"
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"
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)
Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.
All instances of "you" and "your" and the verbs are plural.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "You must remember"
"40 years"
"he might show you how weak and sinful you are"
"to reveal" or "to show"
The heart is a symbol of a person's character. Alternate translation: "what kind of people you are" or "how you would behave"
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"
"Yahweh showed you how weak and sinful you are." See how "he might humble you" is translated in Deuteronomy 8:2.
"gave you manna to eat"
Here "bread" represents all food. Alternate translation: "food is not the only thing people need so they can 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"
Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.
This is the last item that they should "call to mind" (Deuteronomy 8:2).
"40 years"
This continues the list of commands that begins in Deuteronomy 8:1.
Here the metonym "heart" represents the thoughts and understanding of a person. Alternate translation: "You will understand"
This continues the list of commands that begins in Deuteronomy 8:1.
Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.
"a land with" or "a land that has"
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Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.
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"
This is a generalization: they will lack nothing important. Alternate translation: "and where you will have everything you need"
The stones are full of iron ore. Iron is a very hard metal useful for making swords and plows.
"mine copper." Copper is a soft metal useful for making household utensils.
"You will have enough food to eat until you are full"
"you will praise" or "you will give thanks to"
Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.
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 have enough food to eat"
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"
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."
Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.
"your herds of cattle and flocks of sheep and goats"
increase greatly in number
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you have many more things" or "you have many more possessions"
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."
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]
Moses begins to remind the Israelites of what they know about Yahweh.
This is a metaphor for the time they were slaves in Egypt. Alternate translation: "out from the place where you were slaves"
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."
Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.
Moses continues to remind the Israelites of what they know about Yahweh
"Yahweh, who led ... Yahweh, who brought"
"poisonous snakes"
This phrase describes the ground as being thirsty just like a person is thirsty when he needs water. Alternate translation: "dry ground"
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).
Moses continues to remind the Israelites of what they know about Yahweh (Deuteronomy 8:14). "Yahweh fed"
"to help you" or "because it would be good for you"
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).
This is the third thing the people might do when their hearts "become lifted up" and they "forget Yahweh"
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"
Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.
This idiom is a command. Alternate translation: "But remember"
Possible meanings are 1) "in this way he establishes" or 2) "in this way he is faithful to establish."
"so he can"
cause to stand or to remain
"as he is doing now" or "as he is establishing his covenant now"
Walking is a metaphor for obeying. Alternate translation: "serve other gods"
These instances of "you" are plural.
"I warn you" or "I tell you in front of witnesses"
"you will certainly die"
All these instances of "you" and "your" are plural.
"in front of you"
Here "the voice of Yahweh" means what Yahweh tells his people to do. Alternate translation: "would not obey Yahweh's commandments"
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)
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.
Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.
The word "Israel" is a metonym for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "Listen, people of Israel"
"to take the land from"
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]
Descendants of the Anak people who were very large and fierce. See how you translated similar words in [Deuteronomy 1:28]
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."
Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.
Moses is speaking of the days and weeks beginning on that day, not of the time since the sun had last set.
Yahweh is powerful and able to destroy the armies of the other nations.
"make them weak so you can control them"
Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.
Here "in your heart" means "in your thoughts." Alternate translation: "Do not think to yourselves"
"has driven the other peoples out"
Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.
This is an idiom. "because you always thought and desired the right things"
Here the metonym "the word" refers to what God has promised. Alternate translation: "so that he may fulfill the promise"
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the "ancestors" of whom Moses is speaking.
Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.
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"
Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.
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"
Here "you" refers to the Israelites that are present with Moses and also the Israelites of the previous generation.
These instances of "you" are plural.
This refers to the Jordan River Valley.
These instances of "you" are plural.
Moses is reminding the people of Israel what happened in the past.
Here the second phrase clarifies that "the tablets of stone" are the ones on which God wrote the Ten Commandments.
"40 days and 40 nights"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh wrote on them the same words he had said to you"
It was as if Yahweh were a person standing in the middle of a fire and speaking with a loud voice.
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"
"40 days and 40 nights"
The second phrase clarifies that "the two tablets of stone" are the ones on which God wrote the Ten Commandments.
"your people ... are doing what is wrong." See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.
Moses speaks as if obeying God's commands were walking along a path. Alternate translation: "They have already disobeyed my commands"
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"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.
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what happened in the past.
The word "behold" here shows that Moses was surprised by what he saw.
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.
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"
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.
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"
"lay with my face on the ground." This is a way of showing that Yahweh was great and Moses was not.
"40 days and 40 nights"
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel what happened in the past.
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"
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Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.
Moses probably commanded other men to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "I had people take ... burn ... beat ... grind ... throw"
Here the gold calf itself referred to as their "sin." Alternate translation: "the calf, which you sinfully made"
Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.
These are names of places that the people of Israel went through while they were in the wilderness.
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.
The word "commandment" is a metonym for Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "rebelled against Yahweh; you did not obey the commandment"
Here "his voice" means what God had said. Alternate translation: "obey what he said"
"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.
Moses continues reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.
"lay with my face on the ground." See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 9:18.
"40 days and 40 nights"
Moses speaks as if Yahweh had rescued the Israelites by paying money to free them from slavery. Alternate translation: "you have rescued"
The word "greatness" is a metonym for Yahweh's great power. Alternate translation: "through your great power"
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"
Moses continues praying to Yahweh so that he may not destroy the people of Israel.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Remember"
The words "the land" are a metonym for the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: "so that the people of Egypt"
"can say"
These phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the greatness of Yahweh's power that he used to rescue his people.
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.
Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.
"After I finished praying"
This refers to the first set of tablets that Moses had broken. Alternate translation: "the first two tablets"
This refers to Mount Sinai.
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Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.
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 Mount Sinai"
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.
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"
Moses continues to remind the people of Israel about what happened in the past.
Here "I" refers to Moses.
"came down from Mount Sinai"
"in the box" or "in the chest"
The writer continues the short account of where the Israelites had traveled.
These are names of different places the people of Israel went through while in the wilderness.
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.'"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that is where they buried him" or "the Israelites buried him there"
This is the name of Aaron's son.
This continues the background information about where the people of Israel traveled.
These are names of different places the people of Israel went through while in the wilderness.
The writer begins to explain why the tribe of Levi has no inheritance in the land.
This is an idiom. "to offer the sacrifices that Yahweh requires"
Here "name" refers to authority. Alternate translation: "as representatives of Yahweh"
"as they are doing today"
The writer finishes explaining why the tribe of Levi has no inheritance in the 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 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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "your" here is singular.
"spoke to the tribe of Levi"
Moses resumes reminding the people of Israel about what happened in the past.
"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"
"40 days and 40 nights"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" here is singular.
"take the land" or "take possession of the land"
This refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
"that I would give to you, their descendants"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they are one person.
Here the metonym "Israel" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "Now, people of Israel"
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."
Moses speaks as if obeying Yahweh were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "to obey all his commands"
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]
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."
Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they are one person.
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: to"
These words show two extremes, and are combined to mean that all things everywhere belong to Yahweh.
This refers to the highest places in the heavens. Everything in the heavens belong to God.
Here the word "you" refers to all the Israelites and is plural.
"Because of this"
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.
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"
"the supreme God" or "the only true God"
"the supreme Lord" or "the greatest Lord"
"the one who causes people to fear"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"Yahweh makes sure that people treat the fatherless justly"
These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.
A true widow is a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.
"Because of this"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.
"he is the one you must worship"
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"
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]
Here "eyes" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "which you yourselves have seen"
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"
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel as if they are one man, so "you" and "your" are singular.
"traveled south to Egypt" or "went to Egypt"
"70 persons"
This emphasizes the large number of Israelites that were with Moses. Alternate translation: "more than you can count"
This chapter begins with the word "therefore," which looks back to the instructions Moses gave in the previous two chapters.
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)
This chapter is included in the covenant God made with Moses, even though it is not explicitly said.
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"always obey"
"who have not experienced"
Here "mighty hand" and "outstretched arm" are metaphors for Yahweh's power. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:34]
"in Egypt"
Here "land" represents the people. Alternate translation: "to all his people"
Moses continues speaking to the adult Israelites who were old enough to see what God did in Egypt.
"Neither did your children see what Yahweh did"
"the Egyptian soldiers"
Here "you" means the Israelites who were alive about 40 years earlier.
This means the plain of the Jordan River Valley where Moses is speaking to them before they cross over into Canaan.
Moses continues to remind the adults to teach their children God's mighty deeds.
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.
These are names of men.
"descendant of Reuben"
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.
This refers to their servants and animals.
This means all the people of Israel witnessed what happened to Dathan, Abiram, their families, and their possessions.
Here "eyes" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "But you have seen"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"take the land"
The phrase "are going over" is used because the people of Israel will have to cross the Jordan River to enter into Canaan.
Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:26]
This is an idiom. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 6:3]
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.
"vegetable garden" or "garden of vegetables"
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"
Here "eyes" represents attention and care. Alternate translation: "Yahweh your God is always watching over it"
Here the two extremes "beginning" and "end" are used together to mean the entire year. Alternate translation: "continuously throughout the entire year"
This means that what Yahweh promises will happen if the Israelites obey his commands.
Here "I" refers to Moses.
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]
"I will cause it to rain on your land in the proper season"
Here "I" refers to Yahweh. This can be stated in the third person. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will give" or "He will give"
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"
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Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"Be careful" or "Beware"
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"
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"
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"
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"
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 commands that I have given you"
Here "heart" and "soul" represent a person's mind or thoughts.
"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 something to make you remember my laws"
"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]
ornaments a person wears on the forehead
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.
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 6:9.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh may cause you and your children to live a long time"
This refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
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"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"For if you are careful to do everything that I have commanded you"
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 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.
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"
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.
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
Here "the sole of your foot" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "Every place you go"
"from the Euphrates River"
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 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 words "fear" and "terror" mean the same thing and emphasize the intensity of fear. Alternate translation: "a terrible fear of you"
Here "the land" is a metonym for all the people in the land. Alternate translation: "upon all the people in every place you go"
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.
"Pay attention"
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"
The abstract noun "blessing" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "God will bless you if you obey"
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"
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.
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
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"
These are names of mountains on the west side of the Jordan River.
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."
"on the west side of the Jordan River"
"in the west"
"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.
These are sacred trees near Gilgal.
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
These are the statutes and decrees Moses will give in Deuteronomy 12-26.
This does not mean these are new. Moses is reviewing the same statutes and decrees that he gave 40 years earlier.
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"
This chapter is a continuation of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. The reasons for these food restrictions are not always known.
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)
Moses is still talking to the people of Israel.
"you must obey"
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"
"You must destroy"
Here "nations" represents the people groups that live in Canaan. Alternate translation: "the people groups whose land you will take"
Moses is still talking to the people of Israel.
"you must pull apart the altars of those nations" or "you must destroy the altars of those nations"
"break into pieces" or "shatter"
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"
This refers to each place where the nations worshiped their gods.
"You should not worship Yahweh your God like those nations worshiped their gods"
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"
They will go to worship where God decides.
Here "hand" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "the offerings that you present"
"your offerings to fulfill a vow, your voluntary offerings." These are types of offerings.
God requires that the people give him every firstborn male of their livestock.
This refers to the place that Yahweh will choose for the children of Israel to worship.
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"
"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.
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"
The abstract noun "the rest" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "to the land where you will rest"
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"
This refers to the land of Canaan.
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 peace from all your enemies around you"
Here "hand" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "the offerings that you present"
"all your voluntary offerings to fulfill vows"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"rejoice in the presence of Yahweh"
Here "gates" is a reference to the city itself. Alternate translation: "the Levites who live inside your city" or "the Levites living with 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.
Here "he" refers to Levi. Levi represents all of his descendants. Alternate translation: "they have no portion"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"Be careful"
"any place that pleases you" or "wherever you want"
The burnt offerings are to be made at the tabernacle. Yahweh himself would choose where the tabernacle would be located.
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.
Here "gates" represents the whole city. Alternate translation: "inside your city" or "at your homes"
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
These are wild animals with long thin legs that can run quickly. Alternate translation: "the antelope and the deer"
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.
Moses describes to the people all the special offerings and sacrifices that are to be made at the tabernacle.
Here "gates" represents the whole city. Alternate translation: "inside your city" or "at your homes"
Here "hand" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "nor that of any offering which you bring to Yahweh"
Yahweh continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"you will eat your offerings"
"in the presence of Yahweh
Here "gate" represents the whole city. Alternate translation: "any Levite who lives inside your city"
Here "put your hand to" represents the whole person and work that he has done. Alternate translation: "rejoice about all the work you do"
"Be careful"
"that you take good care of the Levite"
"enlarges your territory" or "gives you even more land"
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"
Here "soul" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "as you want" or "as you crave"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
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]
Here "gates" represents the whole city." Alternate translation: "inside your city" or "within your community"
Here "soul" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "as you desire"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Just like you eat the 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.
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
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"
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"
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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"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priest will pour out the blood of the sacrifice"
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"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"Carefully listen to and obey everything that I am commanding you"
Here "children" means all of their descendants. Alternate translation: "that you and your descendants may prosper"
The words "good" and "right" have similar meanings and emphasize the importance of right behavior. Alternate translation: "when you do what is right"
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"
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.
Here "nations" represents the people living in Canaan.
"when you take everything from them"
"be careful"
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"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after Yahweh destroys them before you"
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."
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They are not to create more laws nor are they to ignore laws that God has given them.
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)
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"If there appears among you" or "If someone among you claims to be"
This is someone who receives messages from God through dreams.
These two words have similar meanings and refer to various miracles.
"takes place" or "happens"
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,"
Worshiping other gods is spoken of as if they were going after or following other gods. Alternate translation: "Let us follow other gods"
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.
"do not listen to what that prophet say nor to what the dreamer of dreams says"
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]
Obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the people were walking after or following Yahweh. Alternate translation: "You will obey Yahweh"
Here "voice" represents what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "obey what he says"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must kill"
The abstract noun "rebellion" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "he has tried to make you rebel"
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"
Here "house of bondage" represents Egypt where the people of Yahweh had been slaves. Alternate translation: "Egypt where you were slaves"
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"
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"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
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"
chest, shoulders, and arms
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"
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"
"that are around you." These words describe the peoples.
Here the reference to the two extremes of the earth means "everywhere on earth." Alternate translation: "throughout the entire earth"
"Do not agree to what he wants"
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 show him mercy or hide from others what he has done"
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"
Here "hand" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "the other people will join you"
"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"
Here "house of bondage" represents Egypt where the people of Yahweh had been slaves. Alternate translation: "out from the place where you were slaves"
It is implied that when the people hear about the person who was executed, they will be afraid to act like he did.
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
The phrase "from among you" means that these wicked men were Israelites who lived in their communities.
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."
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.
All of these phrases mean basically the same thing. Moses is emphasizing that they must carefully find out what truly happened at the city.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the people of the city have done such a terrible thing"
Here "edge" represents the whole sword. Alternate translation: "with your swords"
"all the plunder." This refers to the possessions and treasures that an army collects after winning a battle.
"pile of ruins"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one must ever rebuild the city"
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"
This is a way of saying a person keeps something. Alternate translation: "must you keep"
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"
Here "fathers" means ancestors or forefathers.
Here "voice" represents what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "you are obeying what Yahweh says"
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"
This chapter is part of the law of Moses, which is part of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. (See: lawofmoses)
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)
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
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"
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 the front of your head"
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"
See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 7:6.
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"
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 treasured possession" or "his people"
"out of all the people groups in the world"
The people of Israel were not supposed to eat anything that God said was unfit for eating.
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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."
This is wild animal with long thin legs that can run quickly. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 12:15.
a type of deer
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."
a type of antelope
"that have split hooves." This is a hoof that is split into two parts instead of being one whole.
This means the animal brings its food up from its stomach and chews it again.
This is a small animal with long ears that usually lives in holes in the ground.
This is a small animal that lives in rocky places.
Something Yahweh says is unfit for his people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Something Yahweh says is unfit for his people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"You may eat these kinds of animals that live in the water"
the thin, flat part which the fish uses to move through the water
the small plates that cover the body of the fish
Something Yahweh says is unfit for his people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
An animal that God says is fit for his people to eat is spoken of as if the animal were physically clean.
These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on small animals and dead animals.
These are birds that are either awake at night or feed on small animals and dead animals.
A bird that either is awake at night or feeds on small animals and dead animals.
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A bird that is either awake at night or feeds on small animals and dead animals.
These are types of birds that eat small animals and lizards.
animal with wings and furry body which is awake mainly at night and eats insects and rodents
This means all flying insects that move in large groups.
Animals that God says are unfit for his people to eat are spoken of as if the animals are physically unclean.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must not eat them"
Animals that God says are fit for his people to eat are spoken of as if the animals are physically clean.
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
This means an animal that dies a natural death.
The word "gates" here is a metonym for the towns inside the gates. Alternate translation: "lives in your towns"
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"
This means they are to give one part out of every ten equal parts from their crops.
"every year"
"in the presence of Yahweh"
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"
Here "it" refers to the tithe of crops and livestock.
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]
"you will sell your offering for money"
"put the money in a bag and take it with you"
"for whatever you want"
"in the presence of Yahweh"
"make sure to take care of him"
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.
God not giving land to the Levites is spoken of as if he were not giving them an inheritance.
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.
Here "gates" represents the entire city or town. Alternate translation: "inside your city"
God not giving any land to the Levites is spoken of as if he were not giving them an inheritance.
These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.
This is a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.
Here "hand" represents the whole person. This refers to the work that someone does. Alternate translation: "in all the work you do"
This chapter gives instructions about the necessity to regularly forgive debt among their fellow countryman. This prevented people from being trapped by their poverty.
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)
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"7 years"
"forgive every thing which people still owe you"
"This is how to cancel the debts"
a person who lends money to other people
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because Yahweh has required that you cancel debts"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you must not demand it back" or "you must not require repayment"
The nominal adjective "poor" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "no poor people" or "no one who is poor"
This refers to the land of Canaan.
The land that Yahweh is giving to his people is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Yahweh is giving them.
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"
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"
Here "nations" represents the people. Alternate translation: "to the people of many nations ... over the people of many nations"
Here "rule over" means to be financially superior. This means basically the same thing as the previous part of the sentence.
Here "man" means a person in general. Alternate translation: "If there is a poor person"
"one of your fellow Israelites"
Here "gates" represents the entire city or town. Alternate translation: "within any of your towns"
Being stubborn is spoken of as if the person hardened their heart. Alternate translation: "you must not be stubborn"
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"
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"
Here "heart" represents a person's mind. Alternate translation: "not to think a wicked thought"
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 word "seventh" is the ordinal number for seven.
"the year to cancel debts"
Something that will happen soon is spoken of as if it were physically near. Alternate translation: "will happen soon"
"so that you are not stubborn and refuse to give anything to your fellow Israelite"
"shout to Yahweh for help"
"Yahweh will consider what you have done to be sinful"
Here "heart" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "you should not regret it" or "you should be happy"
Here "put your hand to" represents the whole person and work that he has done. Alternate translation: "in all that you do"
"For there will always be poor people in the land"
The nominal adjective "the poor" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "For poor people"
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"
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"
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"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
Here "brother" means an Israelite in general, whether a male or female. Alternate translation: "If a fellow Israelite" or "If a fellow Hebrew"
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"
"6 years"
"year 7." This "seventh" is the ordinal number for seven.
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"
"generously give to him"
Here "you" includes their ancestors that were slaves for many years. Alternate translation: "remember that your people were once slaves"
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.
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,"
Here "house" represents the person's family.
"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"
a sharp, pointed tool used to make a hole
"until the end of his life" or "until he dies"
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"
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.
This is a person who works for pay.
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
to cut off wool or hair
"in the presence of Yahweh"
"each year" or "every year"
crippled or physically disabled
Here "gates" represents the city or town. Alternate translation: "within your community" or "inside your city"
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
These are wild animals with long thin legs that can run quickly. See how you translated these in Deuteronomy 12:15.
"you must not consume its blood." Yahweh did not allow Israelites to consume blood because the blood represented life (Deuteronomy 12:23).
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)
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)
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
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.
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"
Here "Passover" represents the animal that is sacrificed for the Passover celebration. Alternate translation: For the Passover you will offer a sacrifice"
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"
Here "it" refers to the animal they will sacrifice and eat.
"7 days"
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"
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 as long as you live"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "remember"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You must not have any yeast among you"
"inside all your territory" or "in all your land"
This "first" is the ordinal number for one.
Here "Passover" represents the animal that will be sacrificed. Alternate translation: "For the Passover you must not sacrifice the animal"
Here "gates" represents the cities or towns. Alternate translation: "within any of your towns"
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 sunset"
"You must cook it"
"6 days"
"seventh" is the ordinal number for seven.
"special gathering"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"count 7 weeks"
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"
a tool with a curved blade used for cutting grass, grain, and vines
Here "hand" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "and you will give your free will offering"
"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.
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"
Here "gates" represents cities or towns. Alternate translation: "within your towns"
This refers to these types of people in general. Alternate translation: "all foreigners, orphans, and widows"
These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.
This means a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.
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]
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "remember"
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.
"7 days"
Here the word "gates" represents cities or towns. Alternate translation: "within your towns"
"the Festival of Shelters"
Here "hands" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "all the work you do"
Females were allowed, but Yahweh did not require that they come. The men could represent their whole families.
"must come and stand in the presence of Yahweh"
"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"
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Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"You must appoint judges" or "You must choose judges"
Here "gates" represents a city or town. Alternate translation: "within all your towns"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will choose them"
"judge the people fairly"
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"
Here "You" refers to those who will be appointed as judges and officers.
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 wise person who accepts a bribe so that he does not speak against something evil is spoken of as if he becomes blind.
The nominal adjective "the wise" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "a wise person" or "wise people"
The nominal adjective "righteous" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "causes a righteous person to lie"
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"
Receiving the land that God is giving to the people is spoken of as if the people are inheriting the land from God.
Here "You" refers to all the people of Israel.
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"
This refers to pillars that are idols used to worship false gods.
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)
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.
Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.
"that has a blemish" or "that has something wrong with it." The animal is to appear healthy without any deformity.
"that would be disgusting to Yahweh"
This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you find someone" or "If there is anyone"
Here "city gates" represents cities or towns. Alternate translation: "living in one of your cities"
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "something that Yahweh your God thinks is evil"
"disobeys his covenant"
"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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if someone tells you about this disobedient act"
The abstract noun "investigation" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "you must carefully investigate what happened"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone has done such a horrible thing in Israel"
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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"
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"
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"
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"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"If there is a matter" or "If there is a situation"
"murder or accidental killing"
"whether a lawsuit is just or unjust"
"whether harm was done intentionally or by accident"
The abstract noun "advice" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "you will ask them to advise you"
The abstract noun "verdict" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "they will decide on the matter"
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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"
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"
"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"
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"
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.
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
The word "come to" can be translated as "gone to" or "entered."
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,"
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"
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 surrounding nations"
Here "nations" represent the people who live in the nations.
"one of your fellow Israelites"
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"
"he must not get large numbers of horses for himself" or "he must not keep acquiring more horses for himself'
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."
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"
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"
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 copy of the law that the Levitical priests keep"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the king must obey all of God's law.
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"
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"
Long days is a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated a similar phrase "prolong your days" in [Deuteronomy 4:26]
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)
This chapter is one of the first prophecies about the promised, coming Messiah. (See: prophet and promise and christ)
Moses continues telling the people what Yahweh wants them to do.
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 part" or "no share"
"among the other tribes of Israel" or "among the other Israelites"
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]
This is the stomach and intestines.
"you must give to the priest"
Here "him" represents all the Levites.
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"
Here "him" represents all the Levites. Alternate translation: "the Levites and their descendants forever"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "strongly desires" or "really wants"
Here "name" represents Yahweh and his authority. Alternate translation: "then he must serve Yahweh his God as a priest"
"who serve in the sanctuary in the presence of Yahweh"
This is what the priest would inherit from his father.
Here "come" can be translated as "gone" or "entered."
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "There must not be anyone among you"
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"
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"
Here "them" refers to the people already living in Canaan.
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Here "nations" stands for the people groups that live in Canaan. Alternate translation: "For these people groups"
"these nations whose land you will take"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
Yahweh appointing a person to be a prophet is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift the person up.
"one of your fellow Israelites"
Here "you" refers to the Israelites at Mount Horeb about 40 years earlier.
"on the day you gathered together at Horeb"
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."
Here Yahweh is represented by his "voice" to emphasize what he says. Alternate translation: "Let us not hear Yahweh our God speak again"
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Yahweh appointing a person to be a prophet is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift the person up.
"from among their fellow Israelites"
Yahweh telling the prophet what to say is spoken of as if Yahweh would put words in the prophet's mouth.
"speak to the people of Israel"
Here "my name" represents Yahweh and his authority. Alternate translation: "does not listen to him when he speaks my message"
"I will hold him responsible" or "I will punish him." Here "him" refers to the person who does not listen to the prophet.
Yahweh continues speaking.
"who dares to speak a message" or "who is arrogant enough to speak a message"
Here "my name" refers to Yahweh himself and his authority. Alternate translation: "for me" or "with my authority"
"a message"
Here "name" represents the gods themselves or their authority. This means the prophet claims that false gods told him to speak a certain message.
Here "heart" represents the thoughts of a person. Alternate translation: "You ask yourself" or "You must say to yourself"
"How will we know if the message that the prophet speaks is from Yahweh?" Here "we" refers to the people of Israel.
Yahweh continues speaking.
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 this message without my authority"
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)
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)
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.
Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.
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.
This represents the people groups that live in Canaan.
"those nations who were living in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you"
"take the land from those nations" or "possess the land after those nations are gone"
"choose 3 cities"
They were to build roads so that it would be easy for people to travel to these cities.
It is implied that one of the cities they choose must be in each part of the land.
Yahweh giving the land to the people of Israel is spoken of as if the people are inheriting the land.
"These are the instructions" or "These are the directions"
The word "person" is understood. Alternate translation: "for a person who kills another person"
"and who escapes to one of these cities" or "who runs to one of these cities"
Here "neighbor" means any person in general. Alternate translation: "any person who kills another person by accident"
"but did not hate his neighbor before he killed him." This implies there was no cause for him to kill his neighbor purposely.
The author gives an example of how someone might accidentally kill his neighbor.
The iron part of the ax comes off the wooden handle.
This means the head of the ax hits and kills the neighbor.
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.
Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.
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.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "the one who killed the other person"
Someone being very angry is spoken of as if anger were something that could become hot. Alternate translation: "and being very angry"
"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 accidentally killed the other person and was not his enemy, and he had not planned to hurt the man"
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Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.
"gives you more land to possess"
"like he promised your ancestors that he would do"
"if you obey all these commandments"
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"
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"
"in addition to the three cities you already established"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do this so that family members do not kill an innocent person"
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 land" or "in the territory"
The land that Yahweh is giving the people of Israel is spoken of as if it were an inheritance.
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.
Here "blood" represents a life and "bloodguilt" refers to the guilt someone has for killing an innocent person.
This means that if a family member kills an innocent person, then all the people of Israel will be guilty for letting that happen.
Here "neighbor" means any person in general.
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "attacks him"
"hurts him so that he dies" or "and kills him"
"must send someone to get him and bring him back from the city that he escaped to"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "give him over"
Here "the hand" represents the authority of someone. Alternate translation: "to the power of the responsible relative" or "to the responsible relative"
This is the relative of the person who was killed. This relative is responsible for punishing the murderer.
"the murderer may die" or "the responsible relative may execute the murderer"
Here "your eye" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "Do not show him mercy" or "Do not feel sorry for him"
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"
Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel.
Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.
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"
"that your ancestors placed"
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.
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"
Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.
"A single witness" or "Only one witness"
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"
"anytime that a man does something bad"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will you confirm that the man is guilty"
"When" or "If"
"a witness who intends to harm someone else"
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"
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
"the ones who disagree with one another"
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.
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.
"The judges must work very hard to determine what happened"
"then you must punish the false witness in the same way as he wanted you to punish the other man"
The nominal adjective "the evil" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "you will remove the evil practice from among you"
"When you punish the false witness, the rest of the people"
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "will hear about the punishment and be afraid of getting punished"
"never again do something evil like that"
Here "eyes" refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: "You must not pity him" or "You must not show him mercy"
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"
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)
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)
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.
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.
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"When you go out to fight in a war against your enemies"
People considered an army with many horses and chariots to be very strong. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.
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"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"speak to the soldiers of Israel"
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.
Here "hearts" represents people's courage. For a heart to faint is an idiom that means "Do not be afraid."
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 give you victory"
Moses says what the army officers must say to the people of Israel before a battle.
One of the officers' jobs was to decide who could leave the army. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.
"If any soldier here has built a new house and has not dedicated it, he should go back to his house"
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"
Moses continues describing situations that allow a man to leave the military.
"If any soldier here has a new vineyard, but has not yet harvested its grapes, he should go back to his house"
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"
"If any soldier here has promised to marry a woman, but has not yet married her, he should go back to his house"
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"
Moses continues describing situations that allow a man to leave the military.
"If any soldier here is afraid and not brave, he should go back to his house"
Both of these words mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "afraid to fight in battle"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "another Israelite does not become afraid like he is afraid"
Here "heart" represents a person's courage.
"the officers must appoint people to be commanders of the army and to lead the people of Israel"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
Here "city" represents the people. Alternate translation: "When you go to attack the people of a city"
"give the people in the city a chance to surrender"
Possible meanings are 1) they answer in a peaceful manner or 2) they accept the offer of peace.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the people in the city"
"must become your slaves"
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"
"kill every man in the town with your sword"
"the children"
"all the valuable things"
These are the valuable things which people who win a battle take from the people they attacked.
Here "cities" represents the people. Alternate translation: "all the people who live in cities"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
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 not let any living thing stay alive." This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "you must kill every living thing"
"You must completely destroy these people groups"
"Destroy these nations so that they"
"to act in abominable ways like the people in these nations have done with their gods"
"If you act like these people, you will sin against Yahweh your God"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"fight in a war"
"by cutting down the trees with an ax"
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."
"you know are not trees that grow fruit to eat"
These are tools and structures, such as ladders and towers, that are needed to lay siege to a city.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "until the people of the city lose the war"
Here "it" refers to the city which represents the people of the city.
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)
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.
Moses continues to speak to the people of Israel.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If someone finds a person whom someone else has killed"
The dead person is lying in the field.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "nobody knows who attacked him"
"they must measure the distance to the cities"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "him whom someone has killed" or "the dead body"
"has not worn a yoke"
This is an idiom for water that is moving. Alternate translation: "a stream"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a valley where nobody has plowed the ground or planted seeds"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"must come to the valley"
"because the priests are the ones whom Yahweh your God has chosen to serve him"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if he were speaking to one man, so the word "your" is singular.
"bless the people of Israel"
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 they will be the ones who settle all disagreements and cases of violence"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the heifer whose neck the priests broke"
"they must testify to Yahweh about this case"
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"
Here "eyes" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "and we did not see anyone kill this person"
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.
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.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "do not treat your people Israel as if they are guilty of killing an innocent person"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then Yahweh will forgive his people Israel for the death of an innocent person"
"you will not be guilty any more of killing an innocent person"
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"
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 who are soldiers go out"
The word "delight in" here probably refers to tender feelings rather than sexual desire.
"want to marry her"
"she will shave the hair off of her head"
"cut her fingernails"
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 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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when you took her captive"
"an entire month" or "a whole month"
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"
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 wherever she wants to go"
"because you shamed her by sleeping with her and then sending her away"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if the firstborn son belongs to the wife whom the man hates"
"when the man"
"the man gives his possessions to his sons as an inheritance"
"he may not treat the son of the beloved wife as if he were the firstborn instead of the son of the hated wife"
"twice as much"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "that son is the one who shows that the man can become the father of sons"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
Here "voice" is a metonym for what a person says. Alternate translation: "who will not obey what his father or mother say"
"they punish him for his wrongdoing" or "they train and instruct him"
"must force him to come out"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" are singular.
"Our son"
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 person who eats and drinks too much
a person who drinks too much alcohol and gets drunk often
"throw stones at him until he dies"
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"
The word "Israel" is a metonym for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "All the people of Israel"
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"
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 done something so bad that you need to punish him by killing him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you execute him" or "you kill him"
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"
"bury him on the same day as when you execute him"
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."
Leaving the body on the tree would defile the land.
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)
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.
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"walk away from its owner"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "act as if you do not see them" or "go away without doing anything"
"If your fellow Israelite lives far away from you"
"or if you do not know who the owner of the animal is"
"you must keep the animal with you until its owner comes looking for it"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"You must return his donkey in the same way"
"you must return his clothing in the same way"
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"
"you must help your fellow Israelite lift the animal back up onto its feet"
Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.
"men's clothing"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
a home that birds make for themselves out of sticks, grass, plants, and mud
"with baby birds or eggs in the nest"
"the mother bird is sitting on the baby birds"
Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:26]
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
a low fence around the edge of the roof so people will not fall off the roof
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 the roof because you did not make a railing"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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 fruit that grows in the vineyard"
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soft, curly hair that grows on a sheep
thread made from the flax plant
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" here is singular.
threads that are bound together and hang from the end of each corner of the cloak
a long garment that a person wears over his other clothes
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
This is a polite way of referring to having sexual relations. Alternate translation: "he has sexual relations with her" or "he lies with her"
"then accuses her of having had sexual relations with someone else before she was married"
The abstract noun "reputation" can be translated as a verb phrase. Alternate translation: "makes other people think she is a bad person"
This is a polite way of referring to sexual relations. Alternate translation: "but when I had sexual relations with 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"
Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.
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"
Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.
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"
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"
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"
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"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"they must make him pay as a punishment"
"100 shekels"
"give the money to the father of the girl"
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"
"never allow him to divorce her"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "for his entire life"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"But if it is true" or "But if what the man said is true"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the man did not find proof that the girl was a virgin"
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"
"then the elders must bring out the girl"
"throw stones at her until she dies"
"because she has done a disgraceful thing in Israel"
"acting like a prostitute while living in her father's house"
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" is singular.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If someone finds a man"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "having sexual relations with"
"in this way you will remove"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" is singular.
"who is promised to marry a man"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with her"
These commands are addressed to Israel as a group and so are plural.
"then you must bring both the girl and the man who slept with her"
"because she did not call for help"
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"
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"
a girl whose parents have agreed to let her marry a certain man, but she has not married him yet
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with her"
"then you must only kill the man who lay with her"
"you are not to punish her by killing her for what she did"
"Because this situation is like the situation when somebody attacks another person and kills him"
"Because the man found the girl working in the field"
"but whose parents have not promised another man that she will marry him"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "has sexual relations with her"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if somebody finds out what happened"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "who had sexual relations with her"
A shekel weighs eleven grams. Alternate translation: "fifty pieces of silver" or "550 grams of silver"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "He must never divorce her during his entire life"
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"
This was probably the corporate worship of Yahweh, when the people would come together to worship him.
"man whose private body parts someone has crushed or cut off." Moses is referring to a man's male organs.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "may be a full member of the Israelite community"
Possible meanings are 1) a child born to parents who committed incest or adultery or 2) a child born to a prostitute.
This "tenth" is the ordinal number for ten. Alternate translation: "even after ten generations of the illegitimate child's descendants"
"none of these descendants"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "may not be a full member of the Israelite community"
This "tenth"is the ordinal number for ten. Alternate translation: "even after ten generations of his descendants"
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "they did not welcome you by bringing you food and drink"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" here is singular.
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "did not pay attention"
"had him bless you and not curse you"
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" .
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "as long as you are a nation"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"Do not hate an Edomite"
"because he is your relative"
"do not hate an Egyptian"
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"
Moses speaks here to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" are singular.
"to fight against your enemies"
"keep yourselves away from all bad things"
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"
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Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"you should have a tool that you can use to dig with"
This is a polite way of saying to defecate. Alternate translation: "when you squat down to defecate"
"you must dig a hole with the tool"
"cover up your excrement"
"so that Yahweh may not see any unclean thing among you"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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"
"Let the slave live among your people"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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.
"A woman who earns money as a prostitute must not bring that money ... into the house"
a man who allows men to have sex with him for money
"into the temple"
"to fulfill a vow"
the wages of a female prostitute and of a male prostitute.
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
to lend to somebody and force that person to pay back more than was lent
"you must not charge interest when you lend somebody money, food, or anything else"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "all that you do"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"you must not take a long time to fulfill the vow"
"because Yahweh your God will blame you and punish you if you do not fulfill your vow"
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "The words you have spoken"
"whatever you have vowed to Yahweh your God that you will do"
"anything that people have heard you promise to do because you wanted to do it"
"so that people heard you say it"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"then you may enjoy eating grapes until you are full"
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"
"When you walk through your neighbor's field where there is grain growing"
"then you may eat the kernels of grain with your hand"
"but do not cut down your neighbor's ripe grain and take it with you"
a sharp tool that farmers use to harvest wheat
This chapter continues the teaching about how to maintain justice in Israel. (See: justice)
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 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.
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
The phrases "takes a wife" and "marries her" mean the same thing. Alternate translation: "When a man marries a woman"
Here the "eyes" represent the whole person. Alternate translation: "if he decides that he does not like her"
The word translated "shameful" here implies sexual immorality.
"he must give his wife an official paper saying that they are not married anymore"
"she may go and marry another man"
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 decides that he hates the woman"
This is an official paper saying that the man and woman are not married anymore. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 24:1.
"gives it to the woman"
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"
The land is spoken of as if it could sin. Alternate translation: "You must not spread guilt around in the land"
Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.
"When a man is newly married to a woman"
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 live at home"
a tool for making flour by grinding grain in between two heavy discs of stone
the top disc of stone in a mill
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This is an idiom for "If a man kidnaps." It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If you find a man kidnapping"
using physical force to take an innocent person away from his home and imprison him
"any of his fellow Israelites"
"then other Israelites should kill that thief as a punishment for what he did"
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"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
Moses speaks to the Israelites here as if they were one man, so the word "you" and the command "be careful" are singular.
"Pay attention if you suffer from leprosy" or "Pay attention if you have leprosy"
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"
Moses here speaks to the Israelites as a group, so these instances of the word "you" are plural.
"you must make sure that you do exactly what I have commanded them"
The word "them" refers to the priests, who are Levites.
Moses speaks to the Israelites here as if they were one man, so the word "your" and the command "call to mind" are singular.
Moses here speaks to the Israelites as a group, so the word "you" is plural.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Remember"
"during the time when you were leaving Egypt"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"When you loan something to your neighbor"
"to take his pledge"
This refers to what he has promised that he would give you if he did not pay back the loan.
"You should wait outside his house"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"you must not keep his coat overnight" or "you must return his pledge before you lie down to sleep"
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.
"give him back what he has given you to show that he will pay back the loan"
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"
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.
"Yahweh your God will approve of the way you handled this matter"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"You must not treat a hired servant poorly"
a person who gets paid daily for his work
These two words have similar meanings and emphasize that this is a person who cannot help himself.
Here "city gates" mean towns or cities. Alternate translation: "in one of your cities"
"You should give the man the money he earns every single day"
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"
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 call out to Yahweh and ask him to punish you"
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"
This can be stated in active form, Alternate translation: "and you must not execute the children because of something bad that their parents did"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you should only execute a person because of something bad that he did himself"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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"
This refers to children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.
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"
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Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"When you cut down the grain in your field"
Some versions translate this as "a sheaf." Either translation refers to stalks of grain, enough to be easily carried, possibly tied in a bundle.
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"
Here "hands" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "in all the work that you do"
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"
"do not pick every single olive from the tree"
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"The grapes that you do not pick will be for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow to pick"
These refer to groups of people. Alternate translation: "for foreigners, for those who are fatherless, and for the widows"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "remember"
This chapter continues to teach about justice in Israel. (See: justice)
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.
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If the judge orders them to beat the guilty man"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he will watch them beat him"
"the number of times he has ordered because of the bad deed he did"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"The judge may say that they should beat the guilty person 40 times"
"but the judge may not order them to beat him more than 40 times"
"because if the judge orders them to beat him many more than 40 times"
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"
Here the people are represented by their "eyes" to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: "humiliated, and you would all see it"
"You must not put something over the mouth of an ox"
while he separates the grain from the chaff by walking on it or dragging heavy wood over it
Moses is still speaking to the people of Israel.
Possible meanings are: 1) "If brothers live on the same property" or 2) "If brothers live near each other."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "then the family of the dead man must not let the widow marry someone"
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 what the brother of a dead husband is supposed to do"
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"
The word "name" is a metonym for the person's family line. Alternate translation: "so that his family line will not disappear from Israel"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "must go up to the city gate where the elders judge cases"
Here "name" refers to the memory of someone through his descendants. Alternate translation: "refuses to give his brother a son"
"he will not do what a husband's brother is supposed to do and marry me"
"I do not wish to marry her"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
"must walk up close to him with the elders there watching"
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"
"People in Israel will know his family as"
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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"
Here "eye" means the whole person. Alternate translation: "you should not feel sorry for her" or "you must not show her mercy"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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 were stones used on a balance to determine how much something weighs
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"
A measure was a basket or other container for measuring how much there is of something.
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 correct and fair"
See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 25:13.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you may live for a long time"
"because everyone who cheats people by using different sized weights and measures"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so except where noted the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This is an idiom, and "Amalek" is a metonym for the Amelikite people. Alternate translation: "Remember what the Amalekites did to you"
The word "you" here is plural.
"how they met you along the way"
"attacked those of your people who were in the back of the line"
"all the people who were weak in the back of the line"
These words have similar meanings and emphasize how tired the people were. Alternate translation: "tired and exhausted"
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"
"you must kill all of the Amalekites so that nobody will remember them anymore"
This chapter recalls the great events of Israel's history when Yahweh brought them out of Egypt.
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"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.
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]
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This is the beginning of the statement that the Israelite male should make when bringing his basket.
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.
"lived the rest of his life there"
The word "he" is a metonym for "Jacob's descendants."
These words mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that Israel became a large and powerful nation. Alternate translation: "very great"
This continues what the Israelite must say when he brings his first crops to Yahweh.
These two phrases say basically the same thing. They emphasize that the Egyptians acted very harshly.
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.
Here "voice" refers to the whole person and his cries or prayers. Alternate translation: "he heard our cries" or "he heard our prayers"
"that the Egyptians were afflicting us, that we were doing very hard work, and that the Egyptians were oppressing us"
This continues what the Israelite must say when he brings his first crops to Yahweh.
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.
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 acts that terrified the people who saw them"
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"
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 fruits of the harvest" or "first crops of the harvest"
"You must set the basket down."
"you must rejoice and be grateful for all the good things that Yahweh your God has done for you"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This "third" is the ordinal number for three. Every three years the people of Israel gave a tenth of the harvest to the poor.
These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.
This means a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her now that she is old.
Here "gates" means towns or cities. Alternate translation: "so that those within your towns may have enough food to eat"
These are the first words of another statement that the Israelite was supposed to say.
This means that he has obeyed all of God's commandments.
This continues what the Israelite must say to Yahweh when he gives his tithe to the poor.
"I have not eaten any of the tithe while I was mourning"
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"
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.
These two phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: "from heaven, your holy dwelling place"
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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]
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"a people who belong to him"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "he will make you more important than" or "he will make you greater than"
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."
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"
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)
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so except where noted, the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so the word "you" is plural.
Here "I" refers to Moses. The elders are there in agreement with Moses, but he is the only one speaking.
Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so the word "you" is plural.
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"
This is an idiom. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 6:3]
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
Moses is addressing the Israelites as a group, so the instances of "you" and the command "set up" are plural.
"spread plaster on them" or "make them so you can write on them." See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 27:2.
This is a mountain near Shechem. See how you translated it in Deuteronomy 11:29.
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
stones in their natural shape that no one has shaped with metal tools
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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.
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
Here the metonym "voice of Yahweh" refers to what he says. Alternate translation: "obey what Yahweh your God says"
Moses is commanding. The Levites are there in agreement with Moses, but he is the only one speaking.
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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"
A small mountain north of Mount Ebal. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 11:29.
This combines the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, who were descendants of Joseph.
See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 11:29.
"say in a loud voice how Yahweh will curse Israel"
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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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "something a man has made"
a man who knows how to make things well
Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.
This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh curse the man"
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"
Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.
This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 27:16]
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]
These are children whose parents have both died and do not have relatives to care for them.
This means a woman whose husband has died and has no children to care for her in her old age.
Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 27:16]
Here "lies with" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "who has sexual relations with his father's wife"
This does not refer to the man's mother, but another wife of his father.
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"
Here "lies with" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "who has sexual relations with any anyimal"
Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.
This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 27:16]
Here "lies with" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "who has sexual relations with his sister"
This means a man cannot have sexual relations with his sister, even if she has a different mother or father.
Here "lies with" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "who has sexual relations with his mother-in-law"
Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.
This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 27:16]
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Moses continues telling the Levites and the people what they must say.
This may be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 27:16]
This chapter explains some of the blessings and warnings associated with Israel's obedience to the law of Moses. (See: bless and lawofmoses)
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
Here the metonym "voice of Yahweh" refers to what he says. Alternate translation: "to what Yahweh your God says"
"and obey"
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"
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will bless you"
This merism means that Yahweh will bless them everywhere.
These idioms for "your children, and your crops, and all your animals" form a merism for everything the Israelites valued.
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will bless"
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"
This merism refers to all of life's activities everywhere they go.
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "cause you to defeat the armies that attack you"
"but they will run away from you in seven directions"
This is an idiom. The actual number could be more or less than seven. Alternate translation: "in many different directions"
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "in everything you do"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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"
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This is an idiom. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 28:4]
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"
"when the crops need it"
The word "hand" is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "all the work that you do"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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.
The Israelites will rule over others but never have others rule them.
Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, so the word "you" is plural.
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
Here Moses starts describing the curses the people will receive if they disobey.
Here the metonym "voice of Yahweh" means what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh your God is saying"
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"
See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:2.
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will curse you"
This merism means that Yahweh will bless them everywhere. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 28:3]
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]
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will curse"
This is an idiom for "your children, your crops." See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 28:4]
"cattle ... sheep"
This merism refers to all of life's activities everywhere they go. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 28:6]
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"disasters, fear, and frustration"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "in everything you do"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until your enemies destroy you"
Here "me" refers to Yahweh.
"remain on you"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"diseases and burning fevers that will make you weak." These all refer to diseases that cause people to grow weak and die.
"with lack of rain"
mold that grows on crops and causes them to rot
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
Moses speaks of the skies being like bronze because there will be no rain. Alternate translation: "skies ... will give no rain"
Moses speaks of the earth being like iron because no crops will grow. Alternate translation: "nothing will grow from the ground"
"instead of rain, Yahweh will send sandstorms"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until it destroys you"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will cause your enemies to strike you down"
See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 28:7.
This means the Israelites will be afraid and panic and run away from their enemies. See similar wording in [Deuteronomy 28:7]
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "in many different directions"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The peoples of the other nations will drive you from one nation to another"
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Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"the same skin disease with which I cursed the Egyptians"
These are different types of skin diseases.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "from which no one will be able to heal you"
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"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.
"stronger people will always oppress and rob you"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You will watch as someone kills your ox"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone will take your donkey by force and will not give it back"
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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"
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"
Here the metonym "strength in your hand" refers to power. "Alternate translation: "You will be powerless to do anything about it"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
Here the metonym "a nation" means the people from a nation. Alternate translation: "people from a nation"
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"
"what you see will make you go crazy"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that no one will be able to cure"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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"
a word or phrase that people use to shame others
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"but will harvest very little food"
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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.
People would rub olive oil on themselves to make their skin healthy.
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"
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Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This does not mean a specific foreigner but refers to foreigners in general. Alternate translation: "The foreigners who are"
This idiom means foreigners will have more power, money, and honor than the Israelites.
This does not mean a specific foreigner
This means foreigners will have more power and authority than the Israelites. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Deuteronomy 28:13]
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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]
Here the words "voice of Yahweh" are a metonym for what Yahweh said. Alternate translation: "to what Yahweh your God said"
The words "commandments" and "regulations" are a doublet for "all that Yahweh has commanded you to do."
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Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
Here "joyfulness" and "gladness of heart" mean the same thing. They emphasize that the people should have been very glad to worship Yahweh.
This is a metaphor for Yahweh allowing the enemy to treat the Israelites cruelly and make them slaves.
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the enemy will come from a nation that is very far away from Israel.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "from places that you know nothing about"
This means the enemy will come suddenly and the Israelites will not be able to stop them.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until they destroy you" or "until they leave you with nothing"
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.
Here the phrase "city gates" represents a city. Alternate translation: "your cities"
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.
This speaks of children as if they were fruit that was produced by the bodies of their parents. Alternate translation: "your own children"
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—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.
Here "city gates" represents the cities themselves. Alternate translation: "all your cities"
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—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.
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.
The abstract nouns "delicateness" and "tenderness" can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "because she is so delicate and tender"
Here "city gates" represents the cities themselves. Alternate translation: "within your cities"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have written"
Here the metonym "name" refers to Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "Yahweh your God who is glorious and awesome"
"Yahweh will send terrible plagues on you and your descendants" or "Yahweh will make sure that you and your descendants suffer from terrible plagues"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "He will make sure that you again suffer from the diseases of Egypt"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "the diseases will not stop, and no one will be able to heal you of them"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until he has destroyed you"
Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so all instances of "you" are plural.
This means that in the past there were many Israelites.
Here the metonym "voice of Yahweh" refers to what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "to what Yahweh says"
Moses is speaking to the Israelites as a group, so all instances of "you" are plural.
"Yahweh once enjoyed doing you good and causing you to become many"
"he will enjoy making you die"
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" is singular.
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
These two extremes together mean everywhere on earth. Alternate translation: "throughout the earth" or "all over the earth"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will cause you to be afraid, without hope, and sad"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "You will not know whether you will live or die"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "because of the fear you are feeling"
Here "eyes" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "the terrifying things I will force you to see"
Here "I" refers to Yahweh.
This chapter is a retelling of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses, along with its blessings and cursing. (See: covenant and bless and curse)
This refers to words that Moses is about to speak.
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"
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.
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "your" here is singular.
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 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"
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.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "enabled you to understand"
Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel.
"40 years"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "your" here is singular.
These were alcoholic drinks made probably from fermented grains. They were not distilled liquors.
See how you translated these names in Deuteronomy 1:4.
Here "us" refers to Moses and the people of Israel.
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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"
Moses continues speaking to the people of Israel.
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"to agree to the covenant and to swear that you will obey all that Yahweh your God commands"
"a people group that belongs to him alone"
Here "I" refers to Yahweh. "Yahweh is making"
Here "us" refers to Moses and the people of Israel.
"our future descendants, who are not here"
"we were slaves"
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Here "heart" refers to the whole person, and "turning away" means to stop obeying. Alternate translation: "who no longer obeys Yahweh our God"
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"
The person described in verse 18.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "congratulate himself" or "encourage himself"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "even though I still refuse to obey Yahweh"
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"
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"
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"
Here the word "jealousy" describes "the anger of Yahweh." Alternate translation: Yahweh's jealous anger"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have written"
Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 28:15]
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.
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The words "your children ... after you" tell who "the generation to come" is.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where no one can sow seed and the crops do not bear fruit"
The abstract noun "overthrow" can be translated as a clause. Alternate translation: "as when Yahweh completely destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah"
These are names of cities that Yahweh destroyed along with Sodom and Gomorrah.
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."
"your descendants and the people of all the other nations will say"
The writer is communicating one idea through two words. Alternate translation: "What does this terrible anger mean?"
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"
"obeyed other gods and worshiped them"
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"
Here "land" is a metonym representing the people. Alternate translation: "the people of this land, so as to bring on them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have written"
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"
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"
"Some things Yahweh our God has not revealed, and only he knows them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that he has revealed"
"we may do everything that this law commands us to do"
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)
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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"
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "remember them"
"while you are living in the other nations"
"has forced you to go"
Here "voice" is referring to what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "obey what he says"
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]
"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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"Even those of your exiled people who are in the farthest places"
"under the sky" or "on the earth"
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Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This is not a literal removal of flesh. It means God will remove their sin and enable them to love and obey him.
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]
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"
Here "voice" means what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "obey what Yahweh says"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
Here "hand" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "in all the work you do"
These three phrases are idioms for "in children ... in calves ... in crops." See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 28:4]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that I have written"
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]
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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"
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."
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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."
This means that the people already know God's commands and can tell them to others.
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
Putting something where another person can see it is a metaphor for telling someone about something. Alternate translation: "I have told you about"
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"
increase greatly in number
Moses continues to speak to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as a group.
Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:26]
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so except where noted the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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 be willing to say that you have done evil things"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as a group.
Here "voice" refers to what Yahweh says. Alternate translation: "obey what he says"
"to rely on him"
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 that he would give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob"
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.
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"120 years old"
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"you will take their land"
"Joshua will lead you across the river, as Yahweh promised"
Moses continues speaking to the Israelites.
Here "Sihon" and "Og" refer to two Kings of the Amorites and their armies. See how you translated these names in [Deuteronomy 1:4]
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"Be strong and courageous"
"do not fear them at all"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This means that all of the people of Israel were present. Alternate translation: "in the presence of all the Israelites"
"Be strong and courageous." See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 31:5.
"you will help them take the land"
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"gave it out to the Levites, who are the priests"
"7 years"
"for canceling debts"
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.
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
"so that they can hear it"
Moses continues speaking to the priests and the elders.
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"
"carefully obey all the commands in this law"
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"Pay attention to what I am about to tell you. The"
This was a thick cloud of smoke in the shape of an upright column.
"Pay attention to what I am going to tell you. You"
This is a polite way to say "you will die." Alternate translation: "you will die and join your ancestors who have died before you"
Being a prostitute is a metaphor for worshiping gods other than Yahweh. Alternate translation: "will start to be unfaithful to me"
Yahweh continues speaking to Moses.
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "I will not help them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will devour them" or "I will allow their enemies to devour them"
This is a metaphor for "completely destroyed."
This describes the disasters and troubles as if they were human. Alternate translation: "They will experience many disasters and troubles"
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."
"God is no longer protecting us" or "God has left us alone"
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Yahweh continues speaking to Moses about the Israelites.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Make them memorize and sing it"
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.
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 speaks of the song as if it were a human witness testifying in court against Israel.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "their descendants will not forget to keep it in their mouths"
This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "their descendants will remember to keep it in their mouths"
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"
What people plan to do is spoken of as if it were a physical object. Alternate translation: "what they plan to do"
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"
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"Be strong and courageous." See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 31:5.
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Moses speaks to the Levites as if they were one man, so the word "you" is singular.
Moses continues speaking to the Levites about all the Israelite people.
Moses speaks to the Levites as if they were one man, so the word "your" is singular.
See how you translated "stubborn" in Deuteronomy 9:6.
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."
Here "in their ears" means the people themselves. Alternate translation: "so that I may speak the words of this song to 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]
"you will do what is completely wrong." See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.
"stop following the instructions I have given to you." See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 9:12.
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"
Here "your hands" means the people themselves. Alternate translation: "because of what you have made"
Here "ears" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "Moses recited to all the people of Israel"
Possible meanings are 1) "sang" or 2) "spoke."
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "the words of the song that Yahweh taught him"
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.
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)
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.
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.
This means Yahweh wants the people to eagerly accept his helpful teaching.
Use the word in your language for the process by which dew appears.
water that forms on leaves and grass on cool mornings
"new plants"
heavy rain
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.
This is an idiom. "tell how good Yahweh is"
"make sure people know that our God is great"
This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people.
"everything he does"
Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate translation: "he does everything in a just way"
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh is fair and does what is right.
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. Moses continues to use parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.
"opposed him by doing what is wrong." See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.
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"
Moses uses a question to scold the people. Alternate translation: "You should give Yahweh proper praise ... 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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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."
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Remember"
Moses wants the people of Israel to focus on their history as a nation.
"days of long ago." Moses refers to the time period when the ancestors of the people of Israel were alive.
"he will make it clear to you" or "he will enable you to understand it"
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]
God has arranged the nations according to the way they relate to 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.
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.
These two phrases means basically the same thing and and can be combined. Alternate translation: "The descendants of Jacob are Yahweh's inheritance"
"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"
Here "howling" refers to the sound the wind makes as it blows through the empty land.
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"
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.
This means Yahweh watched over and protected the Israelites while they were in the desert.
the outer edges of a bird's wings
Moses again speaks of the Israelites as "Jacob"
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.
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"
Moses continues to speak of the Israelites as "Jacob"
"he brought him to a land with plenty of crops he could eat"
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.
This is like a mother giving her breast to an infant. "allowed him to suck honey"
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.
Moses continues to speak of the Israelites as "Jacob"
The people of Israel had many healthy herd animals.
Moses continues speaking his poetic song to the people of Israel.
Moses speaks of the Israelites as if they were an animal whose owner named it Jeshurun.
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"
Kicking is a metaphor for rebelling against God. Alternate translation: "and kicked his master" or "and rebelled"
This means Yahweh is strong like a rock and able to protect his people.
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.
The Israelites made Yahweh jealous.
Moses continues to speak his song to the Israelites.
"The people of Israel sacrificed"
This means the Israelites recently learned about these gods.
Moses is speaking to the Israelites as many people, so the word "your" is plural.
Moses is speaking to the Israelites as if they were one man, so all instances of "you" and "your" are singular.
Here Yahweh is called the rock because he is strong and protective. Alternate translation: "You have left the protective care of Yahweh"
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.
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"
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.
This refers to the people of Israel whom Yahweh gave life to and made into a nation.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "I will turn away from them" or "I will stop helping them"
"I will see what happens to them"
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.
Here "me" refers to Yahweh.
"what are false gods"
You may need to make explicit what the "things" are. Alternate translation: "worthless idols"
"people who do not belong to one people group"
Translate "foolish" as in Deuteronomy 32:6.
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.
Yahweh compares his anger to a fire. This emphasizes his power to destroy what makes him angry.
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"
"even to the world of the dead"
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.
Here "sword" represents the army of the enemy. Alternate translation: "When the Israelites are outside, the enemy army will kill them"
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"
These terms describing people of different ages are combined to mean that all kinds of people will die.
This can be translated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "I said, 'I will ... away, and I will ... mankind.'"
"I would make all people forget about them"
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.
"I was afraid of 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"
Yahweh speaks of his enemies as if they are one man. Alternate translation: "my enemy" or "my enemies"
"misunderstand"
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"
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.
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.
The abstract noun "fate" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "what is going to happen to them"
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
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.
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"
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"
"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.
"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]
The enemies' idols and false gods are not powerful like Yahweh.
"Rock; not only do we say so, but our enemies say so also"
have made a judgment after looking at the facts
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.
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.
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 of grapes"
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel. He continues to quote Yahweh's words.
Moses continues comparing the enemies of the people of Israel to grapevines that produce poisonous fruit and wine. This means their enemies are wicked.
poisonous snakes
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."
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]
The words "vengeance" and "recompense" mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "I will have vengeance and punish Israel's enemies"
to punish or reward a person for what he has done
Something bad has happened to them. Alternate translation: "they are helpless"
"the time for me to destroy them"
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"
Moses continues to speak a poetic song to the people of Israel.
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 feel that he needs to help his servants"
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.
This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words "Where are their gods" in Deuteronomy 32:37.
This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words "Where are their gods" in [Deuteronomy 32:37]
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"
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.
"I, I myself" or "I, I alone." Yahweh repeats "I" to emphasize that only he is God.
"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 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.
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.
"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"
Here "hand" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "when I get ready to judge the wicked"
Moses speaks a poetic song to the people of Israel.
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.
A possible meaning is "from the long-haired heads of the enemy."
This is the end of Moses's song.
Moses addresses the peoples of all the nations as if they were there listening.
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"
Possible meanings are 1) "spoke" or 2) "sang."
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"
Possible meanings are 1) "speaking" or 2) "singing."
"Moses said to the people of Israel"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Pay attention to" or "Think about"
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 and descendants"
"this law is"
This litotes can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "something very important"
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"
Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:26]
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This is the name of a mountain range in Moab.
"Abarim and climb up Mount Nebo"
This is the highest place in the Abarim Mountains.
"on the other side of the river from Jericho"
Yahweh finishes speaking to Moses.
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"
This is the name of a mountain on the border of Edom.
This is the name of the place in the desert where Moses disobeyed God.
This is the name of a wilderness on the southern border of Judah.
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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.
Moses gives a series of prophecies or instructions for each of the tribes of Israel and Israel overall. (See: prophet)
Moses begins to bless the tribes of Israel. Moses speaks the blessing in the form of short poems.
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 the people of Israel"
"10,000 angels"
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."
These verses are difficult to understand. Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:2]
"the people of Israel"
The pronouns "his" and "your" refer to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "all Yahweh's holy peole are in his hand ... his feet ... his words"
The hand is a metonym for power and protection. Alternate translation: "you protect all his holy people"
"a possession" or "a precious possession"
Verse 5 is difficult to understand. Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:2]
"Yahweh became king"
This is another name for Israel. Translate it as in Deuteronomy 32:15.
This begins Moses's blessings to the individual tribes of Israel.
Other possible meanings are 1) "and may his men not be few" or 2) "even though his men are few."
Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:2]
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"
The abstract noun "help" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "help him to fight"
Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:2]
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.
Moses refers to the tribe of Levi as if it were one man.
"the one who seeks to please you."
See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 6:16. Translator may add a footnote that says: "The name 'Massah' means 'testing.'"
See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:51. Translator may add a footnote that says: "The name 'Meribah' means 'argue' or 'quarrel.'"
Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel, which he began to do in [Deuteronomy 33:2]
The word "who" refers to the Yahweh's "faithful one" of Deuteronomy 33:8. This is the tribe of Levi.
"your commands"
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.
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]
Moses is speaking to Yahweh, so all these words are singular.
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]
be pleased with
Here the word "hands" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "all the work that he does"
The loins were considered the center of strength, and are here represent strength. Alternate translation: "Take away the strength of" or "Utterly destroy"
This phrase is used twice as a metaphor. Alternate translation: "rise up to fight ... cause any more trouble"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "fight against"
Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems.
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"
The abstact noun "security" can be translated using a verb phrase. Alternate translation: "lives where no one can harm him"
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.
Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems.
This refers to the tribe of Ephraim and the tribe of Manasseh. Both tribes descended from Joseph.
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 dew from the sky" or "with the precious rain from the sky"
water that forms on leaves and grass on cool mornings. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:2.
This refers to the water under the ground.
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]
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 33:13]
"with the best crops that the sun causes to grow"
"with the best crops that grow month to month"
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"
"the mountains that existed long ago"
"the hills that will exist forever"
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]
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 33:13]
The abstract noun "abundance" can be translated as a verb phrase. Alternate translation: "what it produces in large amounts"
The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, who spoke to Moses from the burning bush"
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"
Here "head" and "top of the head" represent the whole person. Also, Joseph represents his descendants. Alternate translation: "be upon the descendants of Joseph"
Another possible meaning is "brow" or "forehead."
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 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"
The horn is a metaphor for strength. Alternate translation: "he is as strong as"
Pushing with his horns is a metaphor for strength. Alternate translation: "He is so strong that he will push"
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"
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.
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.
"It is there that they will offer"
"acceptable sacrifices" or "proper sacrifices"
Possible meanings are 1) they will trade with people across the sea or 2) they were beginning to use sand in making pottery.
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.
Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems.
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"
This means the people of Gad are strong and secure, and they will defeat their enemies in war.
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]
This means a larger piece of land that a leader normally took.
"They met with all the leaders of the Israelites"
"They obeyed all that Yahweh had commanded the Israelites"
Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems.
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.
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.
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"
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"
Moses speaks as if the tribe of Naphtali is one man, so these words are singular.
This refers to the land around Lake Galilee. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit.
Moses continues to bless the tribes of Israel; the blessings are short poems.
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"
Moses speaks to the tribe of Asher as if they are one man, so all instances of "your" are singular.
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"
This is another name for Israel. Translate it as in Deuteronomy 32:15.
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 help you." Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" here is singular.
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"
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"
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"
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the word "you" and the command "destroy" here are singular.
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!"
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."
Possible meanings are 1) Jacob's home or 2) Jacob's descendants.
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."
water that forms on leaves and grass on cool mornings. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 32:2.
Moses speaks to the Israelites as if they were one man, so the words "you" and "your" here are singular.
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."
This merism speaks of Yahweh defending the Israelites from their enemies and enabling them to attack their enemies.
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 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"
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.
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)
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.
See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:17.
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This is another name for Jericho.
"see it for yourself"
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This was a town in Moab. See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 3:29.
This refers to the time that this was written or edited, not to the present time in the twenty-first century.
"30 days"
This means his eyes and body were still strong and healthy.
"30 days"
See how you translated this in Deuteronomy 1:38.
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"
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"
This is an idiom. It means Yahweh and Moses had a very close relationship.
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"who did all the mighty"
This chapter appears to be a natural continuation of the book of Deuteronomy.
Joshua is often told, "Be strong and courageous." This repeated encouragement is on purpose and may indicate Joshua will need help in the future.
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.
Joshua's father
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"
The word "you" here refers to Joshua.
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"
The word "you" refers to both Joshua and the nation of Israel.
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"
Yahweh continues speaking to Joshua.
The word "your" refers to the tribes of Israel and not only Joshua.
In verse 5 the words "you" and "your" refer to Joshua.
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"
Yahweh gives Joshua a series of commands.
Yahweh commands Joshua to overcome his fears with courage.
This can be stated as a positive command. Alternate translation: "Follow it exactly" or "Follow them exactly"
"achieve your goal" or "reach your goal"
Yahweh continues speaking to Joshua.
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize great prosperity.
This refers to Yahweh commanding Joshua. Alternate translation: "I have commanded you!"
Yahweh is commanding Joshua.
This refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel"
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."
Here Joshua was counting his present day as day one. Alternate translation: "Two days from now" or "On the day after tomorrow"
"cross over" refers to going to the opposite side of the river. Alternate translation: "travel to the other side of the Jordan River"
The tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh chose to settle east of the Jordan River.
These were the descendants of Reuben.
These were the decendants of Gad.
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Joshua continues speaking to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh.
"your little children"
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"
This refers to Israel defeating all their enemies residing in Canaan that they were to conquer.
This refers to living out their life on the land in peace.
This refers to the east side of the Jordan river.
These Isrelites were specifically the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh that replied to Joshua.
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These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that any form of disobedience will be punished.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we will put to death"
Israel and God considered both traits important for Joshua to pursue as their leader.
This chapter begins the story of the conquest of the Promised Land. (See: promisedland)
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)
The Israelites were to completely destroy the evil Canaanites. They are compared to melting snow: "... melting away because of us." (See: and evil)
This is Joshua's father.
This is the name of a place on the east side of the Jordan River. It means "Acacia Trees."
These men were to visit the land to gain information on how Israel should conquer the land.
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Rahab the prostitute protects the two Israelite spies from harm.
This happened before the king's messenger spoke to her.
This refers to Rahab, the prostitute.
This is the time that day begins to change to the darkness of night.
This is background information and explains how she had hidden the men in [Joshua 2:4]
The roof was flat and strong, so people could walk around on it.
a plant that is grown for its fibers, which is used in making cloth
The men pursued the spies because of what Rahab had told them in Joshua 2:5.
places where a river or other body of water is shallow enough for people to get to the other side by walking through it
This refers to going to sleep for the night.
The word "you" refers to the all the Israelite people.
Becoming afraid is spoken of as if feat came and attacked them. Alternate translation: "we have become afraid of 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"
Rahab continues to talk to the Israelite spies.
This is another name for the Red Sea.
These are the names of the Amorite kings.
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.
Rahab continues to talk to the Israelite spies.
These are similar statements of Rahab seeking assurance from the spies.
The word "you" refers to the two spies.
a polite way of saying "do not to kill us"
The Israelite spies make the promise which Rahab asked for in Joshua 2:12
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"
The Israelite spies continue to talk to Rahab.
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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.
The Israelite spies continue talking to Rahab.
The Israelite spies clarify the condition they expressed in Joshua 2:15.
This can be translated as a condition. Alternate translation: "If anyone goes out of the doors of your house"
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 innocent"
Here "a hand is laid upon" is a polite way of referring to causing someone injury. Alternate translation: "if we cause injury to any"
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.
"You" refers to Rahab.
Rahab agreed to their terms of the oath to protect her family.
The two Israelites spies leave Jericho.
It may be helpful to say they returned to Jericho. Alternate translation: "their pursuers returned to the city of Jericho"
This refers to the men not finding the spies.
The two men returned back to the Israelite's camp.
These are similar expressions referring to returning to where the Israelite's are camped.
"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"
This is a male name; the father of Joshua.
"all that the men had experienced and seen."
This word, "us," refers to Israel.
The people of the land toward Israel are like a substance that melts in the presence of heat.
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)
The phrase, "got up," means to "awaken."
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.
These are people holding a position of command or authority.
This is the nation of Israel.
"2,000 cubits." The word "cubit" is a measurement equaling the distance from the elbow to the finger tips.
This refers to a special preparation of being religiously clean before Yahweh.
Yahweh will be doing miracles for all to see and experience.
This is referring to the levites picking up the ark for the purpose of carrying it from one location to another.
Yahweh tells Joshua what the priest are to do.
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 is to approach the bank or edge of the Jordan River.
Joshua tells Israel what Yahweh is about to do
Yahweh will force the other people living on the land to leave or be killed.
"cross over" means to go to the opposite bank of the river. Alternate translation: "will travel from this side to the opposite side"
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.
This refers to the bottom of their feet.
The water will stay in one spot or place. It will not flow around the priests.
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This can refer to the surface of the water as well as the bank where the water flows to dry land.
This is background information and it emphasizes the scale of what Yahweh is doing.
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The miraculous Jordan River crossing continues.
This refers to the Jordan River bed.
This phrase means to go to the opposite bank of the river. Alternate translation: "traveled from this side to the opposite side"
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)
Though Yahweh was speaking directly to Joshua, all occurrences of you include Israel.
The words "crossed over" refer to going to the opposite bank of the river. Alternate translation: "went across"
the Jordan River
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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 tells the twelve men what to do.
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 tells Israel what the pile of twelve stones mean.
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 Jordan River was"
The Jordan River was prevented by God from flowing up to the ark that was being carried by the priests.
The water flowing down the Jordan River stopped before the ark so everyone including the ark traveled on the dry river bed.
Joshua and Israel continue to do as Yahweh commanded.
This refers to the twelve men picking up stones from the middle of the Jordan River bed.
These were twelve additional stones, not the stones that the twelve men carried from the river bed.
This means the memorial was there to the day that the author was writing this book.
This refers to the Jordan River.
This refers to the nation of Israel.
This means to go to the opposite bank of the river. Alternate translation: "traveled from one side to the opposite side"
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.
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.
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The word "they" refers to the people of Israel.
Yahweh tells Joshua to have the priests exit the Jordan River.
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The Author was making it clear that parting the Jordan River was no different than parting the Red Sea for the previous generation.
The Jordan River was overflowing its banks and flooding the area before and after Israel passed through on dry land.
"4 days"
This refers to when Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground.
This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the end of March on Western calendars.
Each tribe was to take one stone from the Jordan River so Joshua could build a memorial of the crossing event.
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Joshua continues to remind the people the purpose of the pile of stones.
It was for Israel to teach their children of God's miracles so that they would honor Yahweh forever.
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This refers to the power of Yahweh being strong. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is mighty"
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)
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.
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of their fear.
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"
Here "spirit" refers to their will to fight. Alternate translation: "they no longer had any will to fight"
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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"
This is a place name which commemorates Israel rededicating themselves to Yahweh. It means "the hill of the foreskins."
The reason all the males of Israel had to be circumcised is explained.
the men who were old enough to be soldiers
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Here "voice" refers to the things that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: "obey the things that Yahweh commanded them"
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"
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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"
This is near the end of March on Western calendars. Alternate translation: "the fourteenth day of the first month"
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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"
The word "behold" alerts us to pay special attention to new information. Your language may have a way of doing this.
Here the words "he" and "his" refer to the man who was standing in front of Joshua.
The word "he" refers to the man Joshua saw.
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"
This was an act of worship.
This was an act of reverence.
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.
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.
Yahweh is telling Joshua that he will certainly do this by saying that he has already done it.
The word "hand" is a metonym for the control that the hand exercises. Alternate translation: "so that you can control it"
God continues telling Joshua what the people must do.
"You must do this once each day for six days"
The seven priests are to march in front of other priests who are carrying the ark and marching around the city.
God continues telling Joshua what the people must do.
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 outer wall of the city" or "the wall surrounding the city"
This is Joshua's father.
"Pick up the ark of the covenant"
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Possible meanings are 1) "in obedience to Yahweh" or 2) "in front of Yahweh's ark"
"they sounded the trumpets loudly" or "the priests blew into the ram's horn trumpets"
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"
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Sound leaving someone's mouth refers to that person's speaking or shouting. Alternate translation: "Do not yell or speak"
Joshua had commanded the people before they started walking around the city. Alternate translation: "Joshua had commanded the people"
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"7 priests ... 7 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"
the next day
Israel marched around Jericho once every day.
"6 days"
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This refers to the people of Israel.
"sounded the trumpets loudly" or "blew into the ram's horn trumpets"
Joshua is saying that Yahweh will definitely give them the city by saying that he has already given it to them.
The word "you" refers to the entire nation of Israel.
Joshua continues speaking to the people of Israel.
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"
Being careful is spoken of as if they are to guard themselves. "Be careful that you do not take the things"
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"
a collection of things set apart for the worship of Yahweh
The writer is briefly saying that the people did what Joshua had commanded them in Joshua 6:16.
"the people of Israel shouted"
"blew into the ram's horn trumpets"
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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.
The word "She" refers to Rahab and represents her descendants. Alternate translation: "Her descendants live in Israel"
"now" or "even today." Rahab's descendants are still living in Israel as the original writer writes this story.
Being cursed in Yahweh's sight represents being cursed by Yahweh. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh curse the man who rebuilds"
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"
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"
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"
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)
"the things that God had said they must set apart to him by destroying them"
These are names of men.
"anger" and "burned" indicates intensity, not that fire is present. Alternate translation: "Yahweh's anger burned like a fire" or "Yahweh was very angry"
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This refers to the army of Israel.
The word "they" refers to the people of Ai.
These men were part of the army. Alternate translation: "three thousand men belonging to the army went up"
"3,000 men"
"36 men"
These phrases "melted" and "became like water" share similar meanings and are combined to emphasize that the people were extremely afraid.
Here the people are represented by their "hearts" to emphasize their emotions. Alternate translation: "The people were very afraid"
The phrase "the people" refers to the Israelite soldiers.
They did these things to show God how sad and distressed they were.
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."
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?"
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?
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 expresses frustration to God.
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!"
Doing this represents running away from their enemies. Alternate translation: "Israel has run away from their enemies"
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"
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"
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."
Yahweh tells Joshua why Israel is cursed.
God used this question to rebuke Joshua for lying there on his face. Alternate translation: "Stop lying there with your face in the dirt!"
These are the things "marked for destruction" from Joshua 6:18-19. Alternate translation: "the cursed things" or "those things which God has cursed"
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"
Standing before their enemies represents fighting successfully against their enemies. Alternate translation: "cannot fight successfully against their enemies" or "cannot defeat their enemies"
Doing this represents running away from their enemies. Alternate translation: "They ran away from their enemies"
Being with Israel represents helping Israel. Alternate translation: "I will not help you any more"
Yahweh continues speaking to Joshua and tells him what to tell the people.
This refers to the people of Israel.
Standing before their enemies represents fighting successfully against them. Alternate translation: "You cannot fight successfully against your enemies" or "You cannot defeat your enemies"
Yahweh continues telling Joshua what he must tell the people.
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 was made up of multiple clans. Alternate translation: "From the tribe that Yahweh selects, each clan will come near"
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 was made up of multiple households. Alternate translation: "From the clan that Yahweh selects, each household must come near"
The household was made up of multiple people. Alternate translation: "From the household that Yahweh selects, each person must come near"
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "the one whom Yahweh selects"
Breaking the covenant represents disobeying it. Alternate translation: "he has disobeyed the covenant of Yahweh"
Joshua follows Yahweh's command to bring Israel before Yahweh.
The phrase "tribe by tribe" means each tribe. Alternate translation: "brought each tribe of Israel near"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh selected the tribe of Judah"
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 was named after the man named Zerah.
This is a man's name. Translate as you did in [Joshua 7:1]
These are men's names. Translate them as you did in [Joshua 7:1]
Achan has dishonored God by taking the items and causing the death of his fellow Israelites
Hiding information represents trying to keep someone from knowing it. Alternate translation: "Do not try to prevent me from knowing what you have done"
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This is over two kilograms.
This is over 500 grams.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I hid them in the ground"
"the men Joshua had sent looked"
Use the word in your language for pouring many small solid things out of a large bag onto the ground.
The name means "Valley of Trouble," but it is best to translate Achor the way it sounds.
Joshua uses this question to rebuke Achan. Alternate translation: "You have troubled us"
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.
Turning away his anger represents stopping being angry. Burning anger represents strong anger. Alternate translation: "Yahweh stopped being angry"
It was still called the valley of Achor at the time the author wrote this. Alternate translation: "even today" or "even now"
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)
Altars were commonly built in the Ancient Near East to commemorate important events. Several altars were built in the Book of Joshua.
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Yahweh combines them to emphasize that there is no reason to be afraid.
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"
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"
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"
"the army of Israel"
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Joshua continues to explain the battle plan to his soldiers.
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Here "hand" symbolizes the control and power the people have over their enemies.
Joshua finishes explaining the battle plan to his soldiers.
This phrase refers to Joshua sending the thirty thousand men who had been selected to ambush Ai to where they would set the ambush.
"where they would hide until it was time to attack"
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"5,000 men." This group seems to be a portion of the "thirty thousand men"
The Israelites prepare to fight the people of Ai.
This refers to the largest group of fighting men, those not in the ambush group.
those who were "set in ambush on the west side of the city" (Joshua 8:12)
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"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"
the army of Ai
The army of Israel fled.
These occurrences of "they" refer to the army of Ai.
to go after the army of Isreal
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The city leaders called all the people in the city together"
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"
"left the city gates open"
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"
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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.
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"
"12,000"
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a place where people once lived, but in which no one now lives
"today" or "even now"
a mountain in Canaan
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The double negative here emphasizes the positive. This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: "Joshua read every word of all that Moses commanded"
This refers to the nation of Israel.
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)
a shortened name for the Jordan River
Here "command" represents the one who commanded them. Being under him represents obeying his commands. Alternate translation: "obeying the commands of one leader"
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a crafty scheme intended to trick Joshua and the Israelites
"dry and filled with fungus" or "stale and ruined"
This refers to the entire nation of Israel.
This is another name for the Gibeonites.
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."
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This is the name of the defeated Amorite king.
This is the name of the royal city of the nation of Moab.
This is the name of the defeated king of Bashan.
This is the name of a city known for worshiping the goddess of the same name.
This phrase means "take with you." Here the word "hand" represents the possession by the Gibeonites of the provisions.
The word "them" refers to the people of Israel.
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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.
Here this refers to the people of Israel.
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This refers to number three in order.
This is one of the cities of the Gibeonites.
This is the name of a place.
This is the name of a place.
"All of the Israelites were grumbling"
Here this phrase refers to the nation of Israel.
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"the Gibeonites became woodcutters and water carriers"
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Here this phrase refers to the dwelling place of Yahweh, the Tabernacle.
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The words "good" and "right" mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "Whatever seems fair and just"
The word "them" here refers to the Gibeonites.
"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.
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.
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)
The people of Gibeon used an idiom when they called for help from Israel: "Do not withdraw your hands," meaning "do not stop protecting."
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.
This is the name of a man who is an important king.
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These are the names of cities.
These are the names of kings.
"Travel to where I am." Jerusalem was higher in elevation than other cities in Canaan.
"5 kings"
These are the names of cities.
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.
The word "They" here refers to Gibeonites.
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"
The word "hands" here refers to the people of Israel's strength. Alternate translation: "your strength"
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Here "hand" represents the people of Israel's strength and their ability to defeat their enemy. The word "them" refers to the attacking army.
Here the word "them" refers to the attacking armies.
The entire army of Israel is referred to here by the name of their commander, Joshua.
Here "Israel" refers to the entire army of Israel.
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of places.
"threw large hailstones from the sky"
Joshua is praying that Yahweh would make the progression of time stop on this day.
Joshua commands the sun and moon as if these were people.
This is the name of a place.
This refers to the people of Israel.
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."
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This is the name of a city.
Messengers came and told Joshua. Alternate translation: "Someone told Joshua"
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The phrase "your hand" here means "your control."
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Translate the same way as you did in [Joshua 10:10]
"No one dared to say anything against" or "No one dared to complain or protest against"
Here "mouth" is an idiom that means "entrance." Alternate translation: "Open the entrance of the cave"
These are the names of places.
Here the men of Israel represent only those who were soldiers.
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"until the author wrote this story"
This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in [Joshua 10:10]
The second sentence summarizes the first sentence to emphasize that Joshua left no person or animal alive.
This is the name of a city.
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These are the names of cities.
Here their "hand" represents their control. Alternate translation: "Yahweh gave Lachish into the control of the nation of Israel"
This is the name of a man who is an important king.
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
These two phrases have similar meanings. Together they show the completeness of the destruction of Eglon.
This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in [Joshua 10:3]
The sword represents the army of Israel and striking expresses the idea of slaughter and destruction. Alternate translation: "They captured and killed and destroyed"
This is the name of a city.
These are the names of cities.
The sword represents the army of Israel and striking expresses the idea of slaughter and destruction. Alternate translation: "They killed and destroyed them"
"He killed all the people and animals"
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This refers to the kings and lands that were listed beginning in Joshua 10:28.
Here Joshua represents his whole army. Alternate translation: "Joshua and his soldiers captured"
This does not mean in one day. It means during one military campaign, which may have lasted many days or weeks.
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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.
This phrase may present difficulties in translation. The translator should ensure that Yahweh receives credit for Israel's victory.
These are names of kings.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
This is the name of a mountain.
All the Canaanite kings attack Joshua and the nation of Israel.
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"
This is the name of a place.
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"
"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.
This is the name of a place.
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"
"attacked them ... attacked them"
This is the name of a place.
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 killed the king of Hazor with his sword"
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"
These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize complete destruction.
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"
"killed them"
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 small hills"
This phrase refers to the army of Israel.
These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize complete destruction.
This negative phrase emphasizes that Joshua did everything that Yahweh commanded. Alternate translation: "Joshua did everything that Yahweh commanded"
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These are the names of places.
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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"
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"
These are the descendants of Anak.
These are the names of places.
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 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 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"
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.
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.
This refers to the list of kings that continues through verse 24.
These are the names of a region of land.
This is the name of a city.
See how you translated these words in Joshua 9:10.
This is a place. See how you translated this in Joshua 11:2.
These are the names of places.
See how you translated this man's name in Joshua 9:10.
These are the names of people groups.
These are the names of places.
This is the name of a place.
This is the name of a people group.
These are the descendants of Reuben.
These are the descendants of Gad.
They are called a half tribe because the other half of the tribe received an inheritance in the land of Canaan.
These are the names of places.
This is the name of a region of land. Translate as in [Joshua 12:1]
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This is the name of a city.
These are the names of cities. Translate in the same way you did in [Joshua 10:3]
These are the names of cities. Translate "Eglon" in the same way you did in [Joshua 10:3]
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
This is the name of a city.
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
This is the name of a city.
"31 in all"
This chapter begins a section about dividing the land between the tribes of Israel.
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.
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)
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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"
This is the name of a place.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which the Canaanites now consider their property"
This is the name of a people group.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
this is the name of a place
The land that Israel will claim is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they will receive as a permanent possession.
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These are the names of places.
a place where the river is far below the land on the sides
flat land high above rivers
This is the name of a city.
These are the names of places.
"the land where the Geshurites and Maakathites lived"
This is the name of a people group.
These are the names of places.
This is the name of a people group.
Here "Moses" represents himself and the Israelite army that Moses led. Alternate translation: "Moses and the Israelites attacked them"
These are the names of people groups.
"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"
This refers to the period of time in which the author wrote this book.
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 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 that the people were to bring to Yahweh"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the priests burned with fire"
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These are the names of places.
See how you translated these words in Joshua 13:9.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
This is the name of a city.
These are the names of people.
"as he had defeated the leaders of Midian"
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The Jordan River was the western border of the land that the tribe of Reuben received.
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Moses gave to each of their clans"
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These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
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.
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.
Only half of the tribe received this land because the other half received land on the other side of the Jordan River.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses assigned it"
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses assigned these"
This is a man's name.
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"
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"
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)
The land that the people of Israel acquired is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Eleazar, Joshua, and the tribal leaders cast lots to determine the inheritance"
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"
The land that Moses gave to the tribes is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession.
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"
"part"
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"
fields of grass for the livestock to eat
physical things they needed so they could provide for their families
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This is a man's name.
This is the name of a people group.
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"
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"
Being loyal to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were completely following Yahweh. Alternate translation: "I remained loyal to Yahweh"
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.
Here "your foot" represents Caleb. Alternate translation: "the land on which you have walked"
"pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"
"while the people of Israel traveled in the wilderness"
"I am still as strong now as I was then"
This is an idiom that refers to daily activities. Alternate translation: "for the things I do every day"
Possible meanings are 1) many large hills or small mountains or 2) one mountain.
This is the name of a people group.
Hebron is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Caleb received as a permanent possession.
This refers to the period of time in which the author wrote this book.
Being loyal to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were completely following Yahweh. Alternate translation: "he remained loyal to Yahweh"
This is the name of a place.
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]
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.
This is the name of the wilderness area.
"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 extends to the south" or "from the southern bay"
smaller part of the sea that extends into the land
"The border of the land belonging to the tribe of Judah"
These are the names of places.
This is the name of a city.
a small river of water at the southwestern edge of the land, near Egypt
The point at which the river empties into the sea is spoken of as if it were the mouth of the river.
"border ... was"
These are the names of places.
This was likely a large stone that someone set up as a landmark and named after the man, Bohan.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
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These are the names of places.
These are the names of men.
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"
These are the names of men.
"He went up from there to fight against"
These are the names of places.
This is the name of a place.
This is a woman's name.
These are men's names.
This is an idiom that refers to Aksah becoming Othniel's wife. Alternate translation: "when Aksah became Othniel's wife"
This can be translated as direct speech. Alternate translation: "she urged him, saying, 'Ask my father to give me a field.'"
The words "upper" and "lower" likely refer to the geographical altitude of the water springs.
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"
The writer lists the southern cities of which Judah took possession. The list continues through Joshua 15:32.
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The list of cities continues.
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The list of cities continues.
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The writer lists the northern cities of which Judah took possession.
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The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.
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The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.
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The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.
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The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.
villages
a small river of water at the southwestern edge of the land near Egypt
The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.
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The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.
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The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.
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The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.
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The writer lists cities of which Judah took possession.
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This refers to the period of time in which the author wrote this book.
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)
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.
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"
These are the names of places.
This is the name of a people group.
This is the name of a people group.
These are the names of places.
"the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, the sons of Joseph"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The territory ... that Joshua assigned to their clans"
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which Joshua assigned to their clans"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the cities that Joshua had chosen"
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"
This refers to the period of time in which the author wrote this book.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Israelites forced these people to work as slaves"
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)
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.
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"
These are men's names.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Joshua assigned the land of Gilead and Bashan to Makir's descendants"
These are men's names.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Joshua assigned land ... and gave them to their clans"
These are men's names.
These are women's names.
This is the name of a man.
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"
Possible meanings are 1) "Joshua gave those women an inheritance" or 2) "Eleazar gave those women an inheritance."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Joshua assigned ten parcels of land"
"Ten portions"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Joshua assigned the land of Gilead"
toward the south
These are the names of places.
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"The border of Manasseh's land"
a very small river
name of a brook
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"
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"
These are the names of places.
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This refers to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.
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."
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"
part
"many people"
"Since you are a people great in number"
This is the name of a people group.
These are the names of places.
Here the word "house" refers to the descendants. Alternate translation: "the descendants of Joseph"
"you will clear the forest of trees" or "you will cut down its trees"
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.
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"
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 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."
The words "up and down" mean in every direction. Alternate translation: "the land in every direction" or "throughout the land"
This means that they will describe the portions of land that each tribe would like to receive for an inheritance.
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 is continuing his speech to the children of Israel.
"They will divide the land"
"The tribe of Judah will remain"
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"
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Joshua is continuing his speech to the children of Israel.
"no portion of land"
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"
"half of the tribe of Manasseh"
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 speaks to the twenty-one men who were to go look at the land.
The words "up and down" mean in every direction. See how you translated this in [Joshua 18:4]
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to each tribe Joshua gave their portion in the land"
"between the land that belonged to the descendants of Judah and the land that belonged to the descendants of Joseph"
This refers to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.
This is the name of a place.
These are the names of places.
This refers to the same thing as "the border" in verse 13.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
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.
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"
This is the name of a city.
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"
This is the name of a place.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Joshua gave it to each of their clans"
The writer lists the cities that the tribe of Benjamin received as an inheritance.
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"the villages around them"
The writer continues to list the cities that were in the land that the tribe of Benjamin received as an inheritance.
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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"
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.
"The second time Joshua cast lots, the lot indicated the tribe of Simeon"
number two in a list
"and Joshua assigned the land to each of their clans"
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"
The writer lists cities that were in the land that the tribe of Simeon received as an 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"
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The writer continues to list the cities that were in the land that the tribe of Simeon received as an inheritance.
See how you translated the name of this city in Joshua 15:31.
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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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which Joshua gave to their clans"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the portion of land which Joshua assigned to the tribe of Judah"
"the middle of Judah's portion of land"
See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 19:1.
number three in a list
This is the name of a city.
These are the names of places.
"across from Jokneam"
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
These are names of places.
These are names of places.
This is not the same "Bethlehem" that is south of Jerusalem in Judah.
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"
See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 19:1.
number four in a list
These are names of cities.
These are names of cities.
These are names of cities.
These are names of cities.
This is the name of a mountain.
This is the name of a city.
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"
See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 19:1.
number five in a list
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
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"
See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 19:1.
number six in a list
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
This is not the same location as "Hamath," but is located on the west shore of the Sea of Galilee.
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
These are names of cities.
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"
See how you translated this phrase in Joshua 19:1.
number seven in a list
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"
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
These are the names of cities.
"opposite Joppa" or "beside Joppa"
This is the name of a city.
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"
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"
This is the name of a city.
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"
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)
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Here "hand of Moses" refers to the scriptures that Moses wrote down. Alternate translation: "through the things that Moses wrote"
This happens when a person accidentally kills another person, without intending to do so.
This was a relative of the person who had been killed. His job was to kill the person who had killed his relative.
Blood is a metonym for the death of the person whose blood has been shed. Alternate translation: "death"
Here the word "he" refers to the person who unintentionally killed someone.
"convince the elders of that city that he had not intentionally killed the person.
The word "they" refers to the elders and "him" refers to the person who unintentionally killed someone.
This refers to the city as a whole, not to the elders only.
This was a relative of the person who had been killed. His job was to kill the person who had killed his relative.
Blood is a metonym for the death of the person whose blood has been shed. See how you translated this in [Joshua 20:3]
This is a phrase that describes standing to seek justice from a court of the assembly of his fellow citizens.
There are a lot of names in this section.
This is a short name for the Jordan River.
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"
This was a relative of the person who had been killed. His job was to kill the person who had killed his relative.
Blood is a metonym for the death of the person whose blood has been shed. See how you translated this in [Joshua 20:3]
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.
These are names of men.
"The Levites said to them"
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"
This refers to the cities to be listed in the next verses.
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.
This priests in this group were descendants of Levi's son Kohath. A portion of them were also descendants of Aaron, Kohath's grandson.
Half the tribe because the other half received their inheritance before crossing the Jordan River.
Gershon was one of the sons of Levi.
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.
Merari was one of the sons of Levi.
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"
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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]
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.
This is background information about the name of the man who founded the city of Kiriath Arba.
This is the name of a man.
An area of land with natural elevations, smaller than mountains.
An area covered with grass or plants suitable for the grazing of livestock or cattle.
Areas of open land, usually, planted with crops, belonging to and surrounding the city.
Small communities, usually smaller than a town.
This is the name of a city.
These are all names of cities.
These are all names of cities.
These are all names of cities.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The tribe of Benjamin gave Gibeon"
This is the name of a city.
These are names of cities.
"13 cities"
The priests in this group were descendants of Levi's son Kohath. A portion of them were also descendants of Aaron, Kohath's grandson.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they received cities"
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.
This is the name of a city.
names of cities
This refers to the list by the total number.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The tribe of Dan gave to the clan of Kohath Eltekeh"
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]
These are names of cities.
These are names of cities.
This refers to the number of cities.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The half tribe of Manasseh gave to the clan of Kohath Taanach"
These are names of cities.
The priests in this group were descendants of Levi's son Kohath. A portion of them were also descendants of Aaron, Kohath's grandson.
The priests in this group were descendants of Levi's son Kohath. A portion of them were also descendants of Aaron, Kohath's grandson.
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"
names of cities
This refers to a death resulting from an action not intended to harm a person.
number of cities
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The clans of Gershon also received Kishion"
names of cities
names of cities
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They received from the tribe of Asher Mishal"
names of cities
names of cities
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The clans of Gershon received from the tribe of Naphtali Kedesh"
This is the name of a person.
These are names of cities.
"13 cities in total"
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"
This is a man's name.
These are the names of cities.
names of cities
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The clans of Merari received from the tribe of Reuben Bezer"
names of cities
This refers to the total number of cities.
names of cities
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They received from the tribe of Gad Ramoth"
These are the names of cities.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The clans of Merari also received Heshbon"
These are names of cities.
"12 cities in total"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they received these twelve cities by the 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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Levites received their cities from the middle of the land"
"48 cities"
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"he gave an oath"
This is stated in a negative way to strengthen the statement. Alternate translation: "They defeated every one of their enemies"
Here "into their hand" means "into their power." Alternate translation: "gave them power to defeat all their enemies"
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"
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.
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.
people of the tribe of Reuben
people of the tribe of Gad
Here "my voice" refers to the things that Joshua had said. Alternate translation: "obeyed everything I said"
This can be stated in a positive way. Alternate translation: "You have remained with your brothers"
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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"
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"
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This was a short name for the Jordan River.
a strong, hard, magnetic metal
The winning army would take everything of value from the people they conquered.
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"
This was a short name for the Jordan River.
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"
This is the name of a city.
a state of armed conflict between two nations or people groups
name of man
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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"
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 we committed at Peor" or "the guilt of the sin that we committed at Peor"
"bad enough"
This is name of a place. Translate the same way as in [Joshua 13:20]
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "we are still dealing with the guilt of that sin"
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!"
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names of men
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!"
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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 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."
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."
The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh now tell why they built the altar.
This rhetorical question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have nothing to do with Yahweh, the God of Israel!"
The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh continue their answer.
This is the continuation of the accusation that the three tribes fear the children of the other tribes might make sometime in the future.
This is a short name for the Jordan River.
The three tribes were afraid that the others might make their children stop worshiping Yahweh.
The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh now give their answer.
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"
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 portion" or "no inheritance"
The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh now finish their answer.
The is what the descendants of the three tribes would say to the other tribes.
"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.
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"
To stop following Yahweh is spoken of as if they were turning away from him. Alternate translation: "stop following him"
"heard the message"
Here "in their eyes" means "in their opinion."
"broken your promise to him"
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"
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Here "good in the eyes" means "accepted." Alternate translation: "The people accepted the report of the leaders"
"destroy everything in the land"
This refers to the Reubenites and Gadites.
The altar is spoken of as if it were a witness that could testify for the three tribes.
"Do not marry with the heathen people but 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)
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This doublet can be translated as "very old."
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This is a short name for the Jordan River.
This indicates the direction of the setting sun.
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Disobeying the commands of the law of Moses is spoken of as turning to the right or to the left away from a path.
Possible meanings are 1) having close friendship with them or 2) intermarrying with them.
to speak of
This refers to the gods of the remaining nations.
"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"
"until the present time"
Here "stand" represents holding ground in a battle. The word "you" refers to the entire nation of Israel.
only one
"1,000"
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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"
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.
These phrases speak of the troubles these nations will cause Israel as if they were as painful as whips and thorns.
Joshua uses a polite term to refer to his death. Alternate translation: "I am going to die"
Here the words "hearts" and "souls" have similar meanings. Together they emphasize deep personal knowledge.
These words emphasize that Yahweh has fulfilled all his promises. "every word has come true"
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This refers to the punishment threatened in the previous verse.
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second describes how the people "worship other gods."
"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"
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'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"
"came and stood in front of" or "came before"
"many years ago"
Joshua begins to quote what Yahweh had said previously. The quotation continues until the end of verse 13.
These are the names of men.
Joshua continues quoting what Yahweh said about his dealings with his people.
This is the name of a place.
Egypt was lower in elevation that the land of Canaan. Alternate translation: "traveled"
Joshua continues quoting what Yahweh said about his dealings with his people.
The word "you" is plural and refers to the entire nation of Israel.
The word "your" is plural throughout this speech and refers to the entire nation of Israel.
Joshua continues quoting what Yahweh said about his dealings with his people.
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.
This refers to the Sea of Reeds.
an uninhabited area, a desert
Joshua continues quoting what Yahweh said about his dealings with his people.
The word "you" is plural throughout this speech and refers to the entire nation of Israel.
This is a short name for the Jordan River.
Here "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "enabled you to conquer them"
Joshua continues quoting what Yahweh said about his dealings with his people.
men's names
The word "you" is plural throughout this speech and refers to the entire nation of Israel.
Here "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "enabled you to overcome him"
Joshua continues quoting what Yahweh said about his dealings with his people.
The word "you" is plural throughout this speech and refers to the entire nation of Israel.
This is a short name for the Jordan River.
A small fast flying stinging insect that lives in colonies. Here, many "hornets" are spoken of as only one.
Joshua finishes quoting what Yahweh said about his dealings with his people.
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The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or desire. Alternate translation: "If you do not want"
This represents his family that lives in his house. Alternate translation: "my family"
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The people speak as if they were present with their ancestors, and interchange the words "us" and "we" with "our ancestors."
Here "house" is an idiom that refers to the location of their slavery. Alternate translation: "place where we were slaves"
"nations that we passed through"
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This refers to the Israelites.
God wants his people to worship only him.
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"
This refers to the Israelites.
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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"
This refers to the Israelites.
Here "listen" means to obey. Alternate translation: "We will obey everything he tells us to do"
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"
This appears to be a continuation of the writings of Moses.
"placed it there"
This refers to the Israelites.
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.
"if you ever"
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"one hundred and ten years old"
names of places
This is an idiom that refers to Joshua's entire life.
"lived longer than Joshua"
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"
"100 pieces"
This is a man's name.
This is the name of a place.
This statement creates a seamless transition from the book of Joshua.
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.
The book of Judges continues the story about Joshua and is also the beginning of a new part of the story.
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 word "us" refers to the people of Israel, but not to Yahweh.
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"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
This refers to the land where the Canaanites lived. Alternate translation: "the land of the Canaanites"
"their fellow Israelites" or "their relatives"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh assigned to us ... that Yahweh assigned to you"
"In the same way, we will go with you"
It is implied that the men of Simeon attacked with the men of Judah.
"They killed about 10,000" or "They killed a large number"
"soldiers of the Canaanites and Perizzites" or "enemies"
This is an area in the mountains of Canaan.
This man was the leader of the army of the Canaanites and the Perizzites.
Here "him" actually refers to Adoni-Bezek and his army. Alternate translation: "they fought against him and his army"
"chased him"
"70 kings"
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"
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"
Here "city" represents the people. Alternate translation: "the people who lived in Jerusalem and defeated them"
Here "it" refers to the city which represents the people of the city. Alternate translation: "They attacked the people of the city"
"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"
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 southern Judean wilderness"
hills at the base of a mountain or mountain range
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.
These are the names of three Canaanite leaders of Hebron. Each leader represents his army. Alternate translation: "Sheshai, Ahiman, Talmai, and their armies"
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 in times past" or "was at an earlier time"
Here "Kiriath Sepher" represents the people. Alternate translation: "Whoever attacks and defeats the people of Kiriath Sepher and takes their city"
This is the name of Caleb's daughter.
These are names of men.
"Aksah urged Othniel"
"Do a favor for me" or "Do this for me"
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"
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.
"of the father of Moses' wife"
"father-in-law, who was one of the Ken people, went up"
"left the City of Palms ... and went into the wilderness"
This is another name for the city of Jericho.
This is the name of a city in Canaan.
Here "brothers" means relatives who were in another tribe of Israel.
This is the name of a city in Canaan.
After the Israelites destroyed Zephath, they changed its name to "Hormah." The name "Hormah" means "complete destruction."
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Here "was with" means that Yahweh helped the people of Judah.
a very large area of level, treeless ground
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Moses had given Hebron to Caleb"
The leaders of the people groups are used to refer to the entire group. Alternate translation: "three sons of Anak and their people"
This is the name of a man. Anak and his descendants were famous for being very tall.
"until now." This refers to the time the book of Judges was written.
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"
Here "Bethel" represents the people who live in Bethel.
to get information secretly
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.
people who get information secretly
Here "city" represents the people. Alternate translation: "they attacked the people of the city"
"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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "escape"
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 still its name." Here "to this day" refers to the time when the book of Judges was written.
These are names of cities.
To "determine" is to firmly decide something. Alternate translation: "because the Canaanites firmly decided not to leave that land"
Here "Israel" represents the people. Alternate translation: "When the people of Israel became stronger"
"they forced the Canaanites to do hard work for them"
Here "Ephraim" the men or the soldiers of the tribe of Ephraim.
The name of one of the cities in the Ephraim area.
Here "Zebulun" represents the men or the soldiers of the tribe of Zebulun.
These are names of cities in the land of Canaan.
Here "Zebulun" represents the people of the tribe of Zebulun.
"difficult labor"
Here "Asher" represents the men or the soldiers of the tribe of Asher.
These are names of cities in the land of Canaan.
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These are names of cities.
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"
"stopping them from coming down"
a very large area of flat land without trees
This is the name of a large hill on which the city of Aijalon was built.
These are names of cities.
"the tribes of people who descended from Joseph were able to conquer them because of their powerful army"
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"
This was a pass southwest of the Dead Sea. It is also called the "Scorpion Pass."
This is the name of a city.
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)
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.
"left Gilgal and went to Bokim"
This is what the Israelites named this place in 2:5 after the angel rebukes the people. "Bokim" means "crying."
It is understood that the angel of Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "and said to the people of Israel"
"led you from Egypt"
"your ancestors" or "your forefathers"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "fail to do what I said I would do for you"
Here "voice" represents what Yahweh said. Alternate translation: "you have not obeyed my commands"
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."
The angel of Yahweh continues to speak to the people of Israel.
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.'"
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"
sharp pieces of wood up to 7 centimeters long that stick out from some plants
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.
"cried many tears"
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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.
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.
This statement can be made clearer. Alternate translation: "to the place Yahweh had given him"
The background information that begins with the words "Now when Joshua" in verse 6 continues.
This means the time that someone lived. Alternate translation: "during the life"
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.
This means to live longer than someone else. Alternate translation: "lived longer than he did"
The background information that begins with the words "Now when Joshua" in verse 6 continues.
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.
This is the name of a man.
"one hundred and ten years old"
This is the name of an area of land.
This is the name of a mountain.
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.
Here this means the ancestors of a certain person or people group.
"grew older" or "became older"
Here "did not know" means they had not experienced Yahweh or his power the way the previous generation had.
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"
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.
The Israelites no longer obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if they physically broke away from him and left him.
"their ancestors" or "their forefathers"
The Israelites starting to worship false gods is spoken of as if the Israelites walked and went after the false gods.
This is an act of worship and giving honor to someone.
"They caused Yahweh to become angry"
This is the plural of Ashtoroth, who was worshiped as a goddess in many different forms.
The anger of Yahweh is described as burning like a fire. Alternate translation: "Yahweh became very angry with the people of Israel"
"he let raiders steal their possessions"
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"
Here "hand" represents Yahweh's power. Alternate translation: "Yahweh helped their enemies defeat them"
"they were suffering terribly"
Yahweh appointing persons to be judges is spoken of as if he were raising or lifting the persons up.
Here "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "from the power of the enemies"
"they would not obey their judges"
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 ancestors" or "their forefathers"
Yahweh appointing persons to be judges is spoken of as if he raised or lifted up the persons.
The word "them" refers to the Israelites.
Here "hand" refers to power of the enemies to hurt Israel. Alternate translation: "the power of their enemies"
"as long as the judge lived"
to have compassion for someone or something
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"
The people no longer obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if they would physically turn away from Yahweh.
"their ancestors" or "their forefathers"
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 stop doing evil things and being stubborn." This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "They continued doing evil things and being stubborn"
The anger of Yahweh is described as burning like a fire. See how you translated this phrase in [Judges 2:14]
Here "nation" represents the people. Alternate translation: "these people have broken" or "the Israelites have broken"
Here "nations" represents the people groups that lived in Canaan before the Israelites.
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.
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"
Here "hand" is a metonym for power, and "Joshua" represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "into the power of Joshua and his army"
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)
When Ehud "blew a trumpet," he was calling all of the men to come help him fight.
Here "Now" begins a new section of the story.
This refers to the people groups that the narrator will list in 3:3.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who had not fought in any of the wars in Canaan"
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"
These five rulers represent themselves and their people. Alternate translation: "the five rulers and their people"
kings
This is the highest mountain in Israel.
This is the name of route between two mountains at the northern boundary of Canaan.
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 way"
The words "they" and "their" refer to the people of Israel.
"the commands Yahweh gave"
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The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [Judges 2:11]
Here "forgot" is an idiom that means "they stopped obeying."
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"
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"
Here "hand" is a metonym that represents power or control. Also, "Cushan-Rishathaim" is a synechdoche that represents himself and his army.
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a country.
Yahweh appointing someone to do a special work for him is spoken of as if Yahweh raised or lifted up the person.
See how you translated these men's names in Judges 1:13.
This phrase means that Yahweh helped Othniel to have and develop the qualities he needed to be a great leader.
Here "judged" means he led the people of Israel.
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"
Here "Cushan-Rishathaim" represents his army. Alternate translation: "Yahweh helped the Israelite army defeat the army of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram"
Here "hand" is a metonym for army. Alternate translation: "The army of Othniel"
"The land" is used to refer to the people who lived in the land. Alternate translation: "The people lived peacefully"
"40 years"
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [Judges 2:11]
The abstract noun "strength" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "Yahweh made Eglon king of Moab strong"
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"
This is the name of a king.
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"
This is another name for the city of Jericho. See how you translated this in Judges 1:16.
"18 years"
Here this means to shout or speak loudly to someone far away. It can also mean to ask someone for help, especially God.
Yahweh appointing a deliverer to do a special service for him is spoken of as if he raised or lifted up the person.
These are names of men.
Ehud was better able to hold a sword with his left hand.
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"
the part of the leg between the knee and the hip
Here "Now" is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the narrator tells background information about Eglon.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when he arrived at the place near Gilgal where people made carved images"
This is a room above the lower level that was used for rest and to remain cool during the hot part of the day.
Standing up was a sign of honoring God will listening to his message.
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"The sharp end of the sword came out of his back"
an outside room with low walls and a roof covering
This is a polite way to speak about a person having a bowel movement
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 the doors"
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"
This is the name of a city.
This could be made clearer. Alternate translation: "When he arrived in Seirah"
Ehud speaks to the people of Israel in Ephraim.
Yahweh helping the Israelites to defeat their enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh were a warrior who would fight and defeat their enemies.
"gained control of the fords"
the areas of a river where it is shallow and easy to walk across to the other side
"did not let anyone cross"
"10,000 men"
"able men" or "men able to fight well"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Israelite army defeated the Moabites"
Here "strength" represents the Israelite army.
Here "land" represents the people. Alternate translation: "the Israelites lived peacefully"
"80 years"
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.
The name of a man.
The name of a man.
"six hundred men"
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"
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"
Chapters 4 and 5 form one section about Barak and Deborah.
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.
See how you translated this man's name in Judges 3:15.
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [Judges 2:11]
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"
These are the names of men
These are the names of cities or places
"900 iron chariots"
"20 years"
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the narrator tells background information about Deborah.
This is the name of a woman
This is the name of a man
God appointed judges to lead the Israelites in times of trouble. Often the judges rescued them from their enemies.
This tree was named after Deborah.
The writer of Judges refers to men, a city, a mountain, and a river by their names.
These are the names of men.
This is the name of a mountain.
"10,000 men"
Here "I" refers to God.
Here "Sisera" represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "draw out Sisera and his army"
to cause people to come away from a safe location
See how you translated these men's names in Judges 4:2.
This is the name of a river.
Barak has a discussion with Deborah.
See how you translated this man's name in Judges 4:6.
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"
Here "hand" refers to her power to kill him. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh will cause a woman to defeat Sisera"
See how you translated this man's name in Judges 4:2.
See how you translated this woman's name in Judges 4:4.
"10,000 men"
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the narrator tells background information about Heber the Kenite.
These are the names of men.
See how you translated this in Judges 1:16
"the father of Moses' wife"
This is the name of a city.
Here "they" does not identify anyone specifically. Alternate translation: "When someone told Sisera"
See how you translated this man's name in Judges 4:2.
See how you translated these names in Judges 4:6.
Here "chariots" represents the soldiers who drove the chariots.
"900 iron chariots"
See how you translated the name of this city in Judges 4:2.
See how you translated this in Judges 4:7.
Because Deborah is certain of victory, she speaks as if Barak had already won the battle. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will give you victory"
Deborah asks this question to remind Barak that they fight on the side of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "Remember, Yahweh is leading you."
"with 10,000"
"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"
Here the word "chariots" is a metonym for the soldiers driving the chariots. Alternate translation: "all the men driving chariots"
Here "Barak" represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "Barak and his soldiers chased"
Translate this the same way you did in Judges 4:2.
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"
See how you translated these names in Judges 4:2.
This is an idiom that means he was walking rather than riding a horse or in a chariot.
This is the name of a woman.
See how you translated this man's name in Judges 4:11.
See how you translated this in Judges 1:16.
This means to change course during a journey in order to rest. Alternate translation: "Come here"
a large covering for the body to sleep under for warmth, made of wool or animal skins
"Sisera said to Jael"
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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
a heavy tool made of wood used to hit a tent peg into the ground
Like a person in a deep hole cannot easily climb out, a person in a deep sleep cannot easily wake up.
"Barak was chasing" or "Barak was following after"
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.
"The military power"
Here "him" refers to Jabin who represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "they destroyed Jabin and his army"
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.
God caused rain and flooding to bog down Jaban's chariots making them vulnerable to soldiers on foot, even though it is not said.
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "On the day the Israelites defeated the army of King Jabin"
See how you translated this name in Judges 4:4.
See how you translated these names in Judges 4:6.
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."
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"
This command is to the people of Israel and so is plural.
Deborah and Barak's song continues using poetry.
Deborah and Barak speak to the kings and rulers as if they were there listening to the song.
This refers to kings and rulers in general, not to specific kings or rulers.
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 is a mountain on the border of the land of Israel and Edom.
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.
Deborah and Barak's song continues using poetry.
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"
Here "face" refers Yahweh's presence. Alternate translation: "in the presence of Yahweh"
When Moses and Israel were at Mount Sinai, it quaked. Alternate translation: "long ago, even Mount Sinai quaked"
"During the lifetime of"
These are the names of people. See how you translated Shamgar and Anath in [Judges 3:31]
Shamgar's father is mentioned to help identify Shamgar and when he lived.
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"
This refers to smaller roads that fewer people traveled on.
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"
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel worshiped new gods"
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"
This statement is probably an exaggeration about how few weapons the Israelites had. Alternate translation: "few weapons for battle remained in Israel"
"40,000 in 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"
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"
These rugs were probably used as saddles on the donkey's back to make the rider more comfortable.
The song of Deborah and Barak continues.
Here "voices" represents the people singing. Alternate translation: "Listen to those"
Here "gates" represents the whole city. Alternate translation: "returned to their cities"
Deborah and Barak's song continues using poetry.
Possible speakers are 1) the people of Israel or 2) Deborah who is speaking to herself or 3) the poet who wrote the song.
See how you translated this name in Judges 4:4.
See how you translated these names in Judges 4:6.
The word "me" refers to Deborah.
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"
Here "you" refers to the people of Ephraim. It can be stated in third person. Alternate translation: "followed them"
This is the place where the descendants of Makir live. Makir was the son of Manasseh and the grandson of Joseph.
Military leaders are described by the staff, a symbol of their authority. Alternate translation: "military leaders from Zebulun"
Here "My" refers to Deborah. This whole statement can be translated in first person. Alternate translation: "My princes in Issachar were with me"
See how you translated this name in Judges 4:4.
Here "Issachar" refers to the tribe of Issachar. Alternate translation: "the tribe of Issachar was with Barak"
See how you translated this name in Judges 4:6.
"obeying his command and rushing after him into the valley"
"following after" or "hurrying after"
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"
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"
Some versions of the Bible have the translation "the sheepfolds" or "the sheep pens."
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]
Here "Gilead" the men from Gilead who should have gone to fight in battle. Alternate translation: "The men of Gilead stayed"
This refers to the east side of the Jordan.
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!"
Here "Dan" represents the men from Dan who should have gone to fight in battle. Alternate translation: "the men of Dan, why did they"
The tribe of Dan was located near the Mediterranean sea. They sailed on the sea to make money through trade and fishing.
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"
Here "Asher" represents the men who should have gone to fight in battle. Alternate translation: "The men of Asher remained"
places at the seacoast with deeper water where ships were kept
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "Naphtali was a tribe who would also risk their lives to the point of death"
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"
The word "us" is understood. Alternate translation: "they fought us ... fought us"
Translate the names of these places as you did in Judges 1:27.
Here "silver" represents any treasure in general. Alternate translation: "no silver or other treasures as plunder"
things taken by force, usually in battle or by thieves
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.
Here "Sisera" represents himself and his whole army. Alternate translation: "Sisera and his army"
See how you translated this name in Judges 4:2.
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"
See how you translated this in Judges 4:6.
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"
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"
runninb quickly
Here "Meroz" represents the people who lived there. Alternate translation: "Curse the people of Meroz"
This is the name of a city.
See how you translated this name in Judges 4:18.
See how you translated this name in Judges 4:11.
Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 1:16.
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"
This phrase means the dish was of the best quality because princes were given the best things.
"Jael grabbed the tent peg with her left hand"
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.
This can be stated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: "she grabbed a hammer with her right hand"
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.
See how you translated this man's name in Judges 4:2.
without strength or movement
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "she killed him" or "he died"
This is a frame in the window made of crossed wood.
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"
Both of these represent Sisera. Alternate translation: "taken Sisera ... Why has he"
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 said to herself the same thing"
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."
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."
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"
"colored cloth" or "colored clothes"
having designs made of colored threads
Here "necks" represents Sisera's soldiers. Alternate translation: "for the soldiers who plunder to wear"
The people of Israel wish to be like the sun that rises because no nation's army is powerful enough to stop the sunrise.
Here "the land" represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "and the people of Israel lived peacefully"
"for 40 years"
This chapter begins a section about Gideon. (Chapters 6-8)
In Judges, Israel's actions are connected to their obedience to Yahweh. When Israel does evil, they are oppressed. (See: evil and oppress)
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [Judges 2:11]
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"
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"
places in the rocky cliffs that would provide shelter
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"The army would set up their tents"
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"
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.
This is an exaggeration, a hyperbole, showing the number is very great.
Here "Midian" represents the people of Midian.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "prayed to Yahweh for help"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "prayed to Yahweh for help"
Here "Midian" represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: "because of the Midianites"
"I led you out of Egypt"
Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. Alternate translation: "the place where you were slaves"
In this phrase "hand" represents power or control.
Here "my voice" represents what Yahweh commanded. Alternate translation: "obeyed my command" or "obeyed me"
This word is used here to mark a stop in the story. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.
This is the name of a town.
This is a people group named after their ancestor Abiezer.
Gideon was beating the wheat against the floor to separate the wheat grain from the rest of the wheat plant.
"went to him"
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.
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."
The phrase "gave us into" means Yahweh allowed the Israelites to be defeated. Alternate translation: "allowed the Midianites to defeat us"
Here "hand" represents power or control.
Here "Midian" represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: "of the Midianites"
"Yahweh looked at Gideon"
Here "hand" represents power or control.
Here "Midian" represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: "of the Midianites"
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!"
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.
Gideon uses a question to emphasize that he does not think he can rescue the Israelites. Alternate translation: "I cannot possibly rescue the Israelites!"
"Look at my clan and me and you will see that it"
"in the tribe of Manasseh"
Here "house" represents a family. Alternate translation: "in my father's family" or "in my family"
Here "be with you" is an idiom that means Yahweh will help and bless Gideon.
You can state the full meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: "as easily as if you were fighting only one man"
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"place it in front of you"
If it is necessary to use a modern measurement; here is one way of doing it. Alternate translation: "with 22 liters of flour"
water that has had food, such as meat, cooked in it
"them to the 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"
In 6:11-24 Yahweh appears to Gideon in the form of an angel. See how you translated this in Judges 6:11.
"disappeared"
In 6:11-24 Yahweh appears to Gideon in the form of an angel. See how you translated this in Judges 6:11.
The word "Ah" here shows that Gideon was very frightened.
This phrase refers to two people being close to each other. Alternate translation: "really seen the angel of Yahweh"
Apparently Yahweh spoke to Gideon from heaven.
This means to the time when the book of Judges was written.
Translate the name of this town as you did in Judges 6:11.
Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 6:11.
The word "second" is the ordinal number for "two." Alternate translation: "another bull"
"that is beside the altar of Baal"
The city of Ophrah was on top of a hill. Israelites fled there for refuge from the Midianites.
"place the stones in an orderly manner" or "and build it properly"
This refers to Yahweh's command in Judges 6:25-26.
"got up out of bed" or "woke up"
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"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we may kill him as punishment"
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."
"make a defense" or "give an excuse"
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."
This is another name for Gideon. It means "let Baal defend himself."
"because Joash said"
This word is used here to mark a stop in the story. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "gathered together as an army"
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.
Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 6:11.
The words "to battle" are understood. Alternate translation: "so they might follow him to battle"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "calling them out to follow him"
These all represent the people of each tribe. Alternate translation: "to the tribes of Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali"
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the woolly coat of a sheep
water that forms on plants during the night
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"
"Gideon got out of bed"
twist and squeeze something to remove water
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The account of Gideon continues in this chapter.
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)
This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated his name in Judges 6:32.
"they set up their camp"
These are the names of places.
Here "Midian" represents the Midianite army. Alternate translation: "The Midianite army set up their camp to the north of the Israelite army"
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"
Here "power" represents the people themselves. Alternate translation: "We have saved ourselves without God's help"
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
Here "the ears" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "proclaim to the people"
Both of these phrases have the same meaning.
This word describes fear that causes a person to uncontrollably shake. Alternate translation: "shakes with fear"
You can make explicit where he will go. Alternate translation: "let him return to his home"
This is the name of a mountain in the region of Gilead.
"22,000"
The word "people" or "men" is understood. Alternate translation: "10,000 people remained" or "10,000 men remained"
"10,000"
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"
The word "brought" can be translated as "took" or "led."
to drink by licking with the tongue
"300 men"
"300 men"
Here "you" is plural and refers to Gideon and the Israelites.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So those whom Yahweh chose"
Here "their" refers to the Israelite soldiers who were leaving the army.
This word is used here to mark a stop in the story. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.
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"
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "afraid to go down to attack"
This is the name of a man.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what you hear will be encourage you"
places around the edge of an area where soldiers stand to watch for an enemy army
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.
The author uses a hyperbole, an exaggeration, to emphasize that there were very many camels.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Their camels were more than anyone could count"
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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"
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"
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"300 men"
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The words "we fight" are implied. Alternate translation: "We fight for Yahweh and for Gideon!"
"100 men"
The beginning of the middle watch would be around 10 o'clock at night.
Here "sword" refers to their fighting. Alternate translation: "We fight for Yahweh and for Gideon"
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"300 rams' horns"
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"
These are the names of towns and cities.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Gideon called out the Israelites from the tribes of Naphtali, Asher, and all Mannasseh"
This is the name of a town.
"took control of the area of the Jordan River as far south as Beth Barah"
The places were given these names after the Israelites killed Oreb and Zeeb there.
These are names of men.
The account of Gideon concludes in this chapter.
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 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)
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."
Here "Midian" represents the Midianite army.
they argued angrily with him" or "they rebuked him severely"
Gideon replies to the men from Ephraim.
Gideon uses this question to honor the people of Ephraim. Alternate translation: "I have done very little compared with what you have done!"
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!"
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."
This is the name of one of Gideon's ancestors. Gideon used his name to refer to Abiezer's descendants and their land.
See how you translated these names in Judges 7:25.
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."
"became less"
"the 300 men"
The word "pursuit," an abstract noun, can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "continued to chase their enemies"
These are the names of men.
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."
Here "hands" refer to the whole body.
Here "hand" represents power or control.
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."
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"
sharp, pointed pieces on vines or tree limbs that stick out and can cut people and animals
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"
The name of a place.
You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: "asked for food there in the same way" or "he also asked them for food"
This is a polite way of referring to the defeat of his enemies. Alternate translation: "After I have completely defeated the Midian army"
Here "I" refers to Gideon and represents himself and his men. Alternate translation: "My men and I will break down this tower"
This word is used here to mark a stop in the story. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.
See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.
This is the name of a city.
"15,000 men"
This is a polite way of referring to people who died in battle. Alternate translation: "had been killed" or "had died in battle"
"one hundred thousand men"
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"
Here "Gideon" represents himself and all of his soldiers. Alternate translation: "Gideon and his soldiers went up"
Here "He" refers to Gideon and represents himself and all of his soldiers. Alternate translation: "Gideon and his soldiers defeated"
These are names of towns.
See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.
extreme fear or worry that makes someone unable to think or act normally
This is the name of a road that passes between two mountains.
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"
"77 officials"
See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.
Gideon quotes the people of Sukkoth as using a question to mock him. Alternate translation: "You have not yet conquered Zebah and Zalmunna."
Here "Gideon" represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "Gideon and his soldiers took ... they punished"
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.
Gideon and his soldiers broke. Alternate translation: "Gideon and his soldiers broke"
Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 8:8.
See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.
Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 4:6.
"They were just like you"
This idiom is a religious oath used for emphasis that what he is about to say is true. Alternate translation: "I promise you that"
This is the name of Gideon's son.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "It is a job for a man to do"
This is a curved shape with two points. This shape occurs when the moon is mostly covered in shadow.
decorations
Here "hand" represents the power of Midian over Israel. Alternate translation: "from the power of Midian" or "from Midian"
Here "Midian" represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: "of the Midianites"
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"Gideon said to the men of Israel"
jewelry worn on the ear
things stolen by force or taken off of people killed in war
Here the narrator tells background information about the Midianites.
clothing made from a large piece of fabric and worn over the shoulders as a coat
"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"
See how you translated this in Judges 8:21.
pieces of jewelry that hang at the end of the chains or cords of necklaces
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the kings of Midian wore"
"Gideon used the gold from the earrings to make an ephod"
Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 6:11.
This speaks of worshiping a false god as if it were prostitution. Alternate translation: "the Israelites sinned against Yahweh by worshiping the ephod there"
Here "all" is an exaggeration to emphasize that very many worshiped the garment. Alternate translation: "very many people in Israel worshiped the garment"
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"
Here "his house" represents Gideon's family. Alternate translation: "for his family"
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "they did not attack Israel again"
Here "land" represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "So the Israelites lived peacefully"
"40 years"
"during the life of Gideon"
This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated his name in Judges 6:32.
"70 sons"
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This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "when he was very old"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried him"
Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 6:11.
Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 6:11.
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 people rejecting Yahweh is spoken of as if they physically turned away from him. Alternate translation: "they stopped worshiping Yahwheh"
This speaks of worshiping false gods as if it were prostitution. Alternate translation: "they sinned against Yahweh by worshiping the Baals"
This is the name of a false god.
Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "from the power of all their enemies" or "from all their enemies"
"who surrounded them"
Here "the house of" represents a person's family. Alternate translation: "the family of Jerub-Baal"
This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.
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)
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)
This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.
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."
"70"
Here "your bone and your flesh" represents being someone's relative. Alternate translation: "I am a member of your family"
This means that the relatives of the mother of Abimelek spoke to the leaders, suggesting that they make Abimelek their king.
"they agreed to let Abimelek be their leader"
Here "house" represents a temple.
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"
"70"
This is the name of a false god. See how you translated it in Judges 8:33.
"violent and foolish"
Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 6:11.
"1 stone"
"70"
This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.
This is the name of a place.
Jotham begins telling a parable in which the trees try to find someone to rule them. The trees represent the Israelites.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When Jotham heard that Abimelech had murdered his brothers"
This is a mountain.
In this parable Jotham describes the trees doing things that humans do.
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"
"Be our king"
Jotham continues telling the parable he begins in Judges 9:7, where the trees represent the Israelites.
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."
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "by which people honor both gods and other men"
It is possible to translate the same Hebrew word as "god," "God," or "gods," so possible meanings here are 1) "gods" or 2) "God."
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"
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Jotham continues describing the trees as doing things that humans do.
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."
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"
Jotham continues telling the parable he begins in Judges 9:7, where the trees represent the Israelites.
In this parable, Jotham describes the trees and the vine as doing things that humans do.
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."
Thorns are sharp spikes or spurs that hurt. This bush has many sharp spikes along its branches.
Jotham continues telling his parable, where trees represent various people groups, and makes the application.
In this parable, Jotham describes the thornbush and the trees as doing things that humans do.
To anoint someone with oil is a symbolic action that appoints a person to be king. Alternate translation: "to appoint me as your king"
This means to let the thornbush burn so that it will burn the cedars.
The thornbush refers to itself as "the thornbush." Alternate translation: "then may fire come out from me, the thornbush"
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.
Here "house" represents Gideon's family.
Jotham makes the application to the situation at that time and place.
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.
Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "from the power of the Midianites" or "from the Midianites"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you have opposed" or "you have rebelled against"
Here "house" represents family. Alternate translation: "my father's family"
"70"
"1 stone"
Here "his" refers to Gideon.
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"
This is another name for Gideon. It means "let Baal defend himself." See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.
Here "house" refers to family. Alternate translation: "his family"
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"
Jotham is speaking a curse. He speaks of Abimelek destroying the people of Shechem as if he would burn them with fire.
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.
This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in Judges 9:6.
This is the name of a city.
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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.
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"
"70"
This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.
"sent men to hide on the hilltops and wait to attack Abimelek"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Abimelek about the men waiting to attack him"
These are names of men.
The word "confidence" is an abstract noun that can be stated with the verb "trust." Alternate translation: "trusted him"
Here "They" refers to Gaal and his relatives and the men of Shechem.
They did this to squeeze out the grape juice to make wine with it.
"crushed" or "stomped"
Here "house" represents a temple.
See how you translated these names in Judges 9:26.
Gaal uses a question to emphasize that the people of Shechem should not serve Abimelek. Alternate translation: "We should not serve Abimelek!"
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!"
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."
Zebul oversaw Abimelek's slaves, servants, and laborers.
This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.
This is the name of a man.
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.
Gaal uses a question to emphasize that the people of Shechem should not serve Abimelek. Alternate translation: "We should not serve Abimelek!"
"I wish that I ruled the people of Shechem"
See how you translated this name in Judges 9:28.
"heard what Gaal son of Ebed said"
See how you translated these names in Judges 9:26.
Becoming angry is spoken of as if a fire were starting. Alternate translation: "he became very angry"
Here "city" represents the people of the city.
Zebul is deceiving Gaal and the people of Shechem. Alternate translation: "secretly"
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"
Zebul's messengers continue talking to Abimelech.
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
"to hide and attack them suddenly"
This means that they can do what they want to destroy the followers of Gaal.
"all the men accompanying Abimelech" or "all the men fighting for Abimelech"
"separating into 4 groups"
See how you translated these names in Judges 9:26.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:26.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:28.
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"
"1 group" or "1 troop"
See how you translated this name in Judges 9:28.
Zebul is scolding Gaal with this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: "You are not speaking proudly now, you" or "You are not proud now, you"
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."
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."
strongly disliked or hated
See how you translated this name in Judges 9:26.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "And many men died of wounds"
This is the name of a city.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:28.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:26.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone reported this to Abimelek"
"separated them into 3 groups"
"they hid in the fields to attack the people by surprise"
Here "he" refers to Abimelech who represents himself and all of his soldiers. Alternate translation: "they attacked"
"the groups of soldiers"
"other 2"
Here "Abimelek" represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "Abimelek and his soldiers fought ... They broke down"
Here "city" represents the people. Alternate translation: "against the people of Shechem"
"demolished"
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"
Here this represents a temple.
The word "El" means "god." This is the same false god as "Baal-Berith" in [Judges 8:33]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Abimelek"
This is the name of a mountain.
This means to stack the branches into a large heap.
"about 1,000"
This is the name of a city.
"camped outside the city of Thebez"
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"attacked it"
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.
This is the man who carried the weapons of Abimelech.
This means the young man put the sword right through the body of Abimelech.
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"70"
"Evil turn back on their heads" here is an idiom. Alternate translation: "punished the men of Shechem for all the evil they had done"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "the curse of Jotham son of Jerub-Baal happened to them"
This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this name in Judges 6:32.
This chapter begins the account of Jephthah (Judges 10-12).
In Judges, Israel's actions are connected to their obedience to Yahweh. When Israel does evil, they are oppressed. (See: evil and oppress)
These are names of men.
This is the name of a place.
"came to deliver Israel" or "became the leader to deliver Israel"
Here "Israel" represents the people of Israel.
Here "judged" means he led the people of Israel.
"23 years"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jair the Gileadite was leader after Tola"
This is the name of a man.
Jair was from the tribe of Gilead.
Here "judged" means he led the people of Israel.
Here "Israel" represents the people of Israel.
"22 years"
"30 sons"
This is the name of a region, which is named after a man.
This means to the time when the book of Judges was being written.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried him"
This is the name of a place.
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"
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "according to Yahweh"
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.
The author basically said the same thing twice for emphasis. These can be combined. Alternate translation: "They completely stopped worshiping Yahweh"
No longer obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the people left Yahweh and went somewhere else.
Yahweh becoming angry is spoken of as if anger were a burning fire. Alternate translation: "Yahweh was very angry at Israel"
Yahweh allowing the Philistines and the Ammonites to defeat the Israelites is spoken of as if he sold the Israelites to them.
Here "hand" represents power or control.
These two words basically mean the same and emphasize how much the Israelites suffered. Alternate translation: "terribly oppressed"
"18 years"
This means on the east side of the Jordan River.
"this region is also called Gilead"
"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"
The "house" refers to the people of the tribe of Ephraim. Alternate translation: "the people of the tribe of Ephraim"
"Israel" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "so that the people of Israel suffered much"
This means the people of Israel desperately asked Yahweh for help.
The people no longer obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if they left Yahweh and went somewhere else.
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"
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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."
These are the people from the clan or family of Maon.
Here "power" represents the Amalekites and the Maonites. Alternate translation: "from them"
The people no longer obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if they left Yahweh and went somewhere else.
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"
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You can make explicit the implicit meaning of this statement. Alternate translation: "foreign gods whose images they possessed"
Here Israel refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "And Yahweh did not want the people of Israel to suffer any longer"
Possible meanings are 1) "the leaders of the Ammonites called them to come to fight, so they set" or 2) "the Ammonites gathered together."
"Who will lead our army to fight against the Ammonites?"
The account of Jephthah continues in this chapter.
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.
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]
"When the sons of Gilead's wife became adults"
Tob is the name of a region.
"they followed him" or "they went everywhere together"
"Some time later"
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"
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"so that we can fight against"
Here "house" refers to people living in the house. Alternate translation: "my family"
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 against the people of Ammon"
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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"
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"
This refers to the promises he made to the leaders of Gilead about becoming their leader.
"Why is there conflict between us?" Jephthah is asking the king why they are angry with Israel.
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 to forcefully take"
These are the names of two rivers.
"on the other side of the Jordan River"
"peacefully" or "and do not try to defend them"
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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"
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"
Jephthah's messengers continue to speak.
The messengers were sent by the leaders of Israel. Alternate translation: "When the leaders of Israel sent messengers"
"go through" or "cross"
This phrase is an idiom that means to "refuse." Alternate translation: "refused" or "denied their request"
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"
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"
This is the name of a river. See how you translated this in Judges 11:13.
Jephthah's messengers continue to speak.
The messengers were sent by the leaders of Israel. Alternate translation: "When the leaders of Israel sent messengers"
This is the name of a person.
This is the name of a city.
This is the name of a city.
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"
The word "he" refers to Sihon and represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: "there they fought" or "there his army fought"
Jephthah's messengers continue to speak.
See how you translated this man's name in Judges 11:19.
Here "hand" refers to power to defeat in battle. Alternate translation: "gave Israel power over Sihon and all his people"
See how you translated the names of these rivers in Judges 11:13.
Jephthah's messengers continue to speak.
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."
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."
This is an idiom which means to take control of something. Alternate translation: "take control of" or "take possession of"
This is the name of a false god.
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."
These are the names of men.
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."
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."
Jephthah's messengers continue to speak.
"300 years"
Translate the name of this city the same way that you did in Judges 11:19.
This is the name of a city.
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."
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"
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"
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This is an idiom which means that the Spirit influenced Jephthah's decisions. Alternate translation: "the Spirit of Yahweh took control of Jephthah"
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"
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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"
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"
Since Jephthah was the leader of his army, he and his army are often spoken of as Jephthah himself
Translate the name of this city the same way you did in Judges 11:26.
These are the names of cities.
"including 20 cities"
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
This is an act that shows mourning or great sadness. Alternate translation: "he tore his clothes from grief"
Jephthah said basically the same thing twice to emphasize that he was very sad.
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"
Here Jephthah talks about his great distress and trouble as if it were pain. Alternate translation: "you have caused me great distress"
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"
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"
This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "Keep this promise for me" or "Keep this promise concerning me"
"weep because I am a virgin" or "cry because I will never be married"
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This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "had never had sexual relations with a man"
This refers to someone from Gilead. See how you translated this in Judges 10:3.
The account of Jephthah concludes in this chapter.
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.
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"
This is the name of a city.
or "traveled through ... travel" or "journeyed through ... journey"
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"
Here the word "you" is plural and refers to the people of Ephraim.
Jephthah uses the word "me" to refer to himself and all the people of Gilead. Alternate translation: "do not rescue us"
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"
The word "he" refers to Jephthah and all the fighting men of Gilead. Alternate translation: "they fought against Ephraim"
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"
people from Gilead
"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.
"to the land of Ephraim"
"The Gileadites controlled" or "The Gileadites occupied"
These are places where you can cross the river on foot because the water is shallow.
person from the tribe of Ephraim
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.
"make the sound of the word"
"42,000"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They killed forty-two thousand Ephraimites"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jephthah the Gileadite died and they buried him"
This is the name of a man from Bethlehem.
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried him in Bethlehem"
This is the name of a man.
someone from the tribe of Zebulun
Translate the name of this place the same way you did in Judges 1:35.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried him in Aijalon"
These are the names of men.
This is the name of a city.
These men owned seventy donkeys, which they did ride. Here the word "rode" is used instead of "owned." Alternate translation: "They owned seventy donkeys"
"40 sons ... 30 grandsons ... 70 donkeys
Pirathon is the name of a place, someone who is from that place is called a Pirathonite.
This chapter begins the account of Samson (Judges 13-16).
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)
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [Judges 2:11]
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"
"40 years"
This was the name of a town in Israel. It was in the region of Judah near the border of Dan.
people from the tribe of Dan
This is the name of a man.
The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is an exhortation for the hearer to pay attention. "Listen carefully: you"
This refers to childbirth. Alternate translation: "bear a son" or "have a baby boy"
Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
"Pay attention" or "Listen"
Here the word "head" refers to his hair. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one should ever cut his hair"
a sharp knife used to cut hair close to the skin
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"
Here the word "womb" refers to the time before the child is born. Alternate translation: "from before he is born"
Here the word "hand" means control. Alternate translation: "the control of the Philistines" or "being under the Philistine's control"
This means that the man was sent by God. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "A man that God sent"
Here "terrible" means "frightening." Alternate translation: "I was very afraid of him because he looked like an angel of God"
"Pay attention" or "Listen"
This refers to childbirth. Alternate translation: "bear a son" or "have a baby boy"
Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
This means that he will be devoted to God as a Nazirite. See how you translated this in [Judges 3:5]
This emphasizes that it would be for his entire life. Alternate translation: "all his life"
See how you translated this man's name in Judges 13:2.
You can make explicit the implicit meaning of the author's words. Alternate translation: "came to Manoah's wife"
"Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
This refers to the angel of God in [Judges 13:3]
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"what you have said"
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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"
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]
You can make explicit the implicit meaning of Manoah's statement. Alternate translation: "cook a young goat for you to eat"
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"what you have said comes true"
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 may be helpful to explain more explicitly why they should not ask his name. Alternate translation: "It is too wonderful for you to understand"
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 altar." The altar Manoah sacrificed the offering on was a rock.
"The angel did something"
"the angel of Yahweh went back up into heaven through the flames on the altar"
"lay with their faces to the ground." This is a sign of respect and honor, but it also shows their fear of Yahweh.
The word "he" refers to the man who Manoah and his wife had seen.
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"
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"
"Manoah's wife"
This refers to childbirth. Alternate translation: "bore a son" or "had a baby boy"
"became an adult" or "matured"
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 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.
Translate the name of this town the same way you did in Judges 13:2.
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.
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.
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.
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"
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"
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 word "daughter" is a polite way to refer to a young, unmarried woman. Alternate translation: "one of the unmarried women among your relatives"
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."
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"
This means that Samson thinks she is beautiful. "I am pleased by how beautiful she is" or "she is beautiful"
This refers to Samson's request to marry the Philistine woman.
The word "he" refers to Yahweh.
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]
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"
"threatened him." This is the kind of noise that a lion makes when it threatens to attack something.
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 into two pieces
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"
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"
This means that he left his path to do something. Alternate translation: "he left the path"
dead body
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"
large group of insects
"gathered up"
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"
It may be helpful to state that this was a marriage custom. Alternate translation: "the custom of young men who were getting married"
"30 of their friends"
a game in which the players must discover the answer to a difficult question
This means to figure out the meaning of the riddle. Alternate translation: "can figure out its meaning"
"30 linen robes and 30 sets of clothes"
a type of cloth
Here the word "you" is plural and refers to the guests at the feast.
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 came something to eat" or "Something to eat came out of something that eats"
The noun "eater" can be expressed as a verb phrase. Alternate translation: "the thing that eats"
"out of the strong came something sweet" or "Something that is sweet came out of something that is strong"
This refers to something that is strong. Alternate translation: "the strong thing"
"the men at his feast"
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"
"day 4"
mislead or fool someone into doing something they would not want to do
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"
The phrase "burn up" means to burn something completely. If a person is "burnt up," it means that person is burned to death.
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!"
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"
Samson's wife basically said the same thing twice for emphasis. Alternate translation: "You do not really love me at all"
a game in which the players must discover the answer to a difficult question
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"
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."
Possible meanings are 1) "during the seven days of their feast" or 2) "during the rest of the seven days of their feast."
"day 7"
Here the word "pressured" means "urged." Alternate translation: "she kept urging him to tell her"
This refers to Samson's wife's relatives. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the young men" or "her relatives"
"day 7"
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."
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"
To plow is to use an animal to pull a blade through soil to prepare the soil for seeds.
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 30 of their men"
"the men who lived there"
things taken by force, usually after a fight or battle
These were from the plunder he had taken from Ashkelon. Alternate translation: "the sets of clothing that he had taken"
"Very angry"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his wife's father gave her to his best friend"
"closest friend"
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.
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)
This refers to thinking. Alternate translation: "He thought to himself"
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"
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"
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"
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."
He is suggesting that Samson take her as his wife. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Take her to be your wife instead"
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"
"300 foxes"
Foxes are animals like dogs that have long tails and that eat nesting birds and other small animals.
a pair is two of anything, such as two foxes, or two tails
"by their tails"
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.
grain that is still growing on its stalk in the field
the stalks of grain collected in piles after it has been harvested
An orchard is a place where fruit trees are grown.
The husband of a man's daughter is a "son-in-law."
This is a person from Timnah.
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"
The phrase "burned up" means to burn something completely. If a person is "burned up," it means that person is burned to death.
"said to the Philistines"
"Because you have done this."
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"
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"
an opening in a hill or mountainside
a high, rocky hill or mountainside
This is the name of the rocky hill country near Jerusalem.
The phrase "came up" is used here because Judah is higher in elevation than Philistia.
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"
moved apart from each other so they could control as much land as possible
This is the name of a town in Judah.
Possible meanings are 1) "have you come up to attack" (see verse 9) or 2) "are you attacking."
Possible meanings are 1) "We have come up" (see verse 9) or 2) "We are attacking you."
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"
"3,000 men of Judah"
See how you translated this phrase in Judges 15:8.
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."
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"
Here "hands" refers to power. Alternate translation: "the Philistine's control"
This means to cause someone to be under someone else's control. Alternate translation: "give you to the Philistines"
This refers to the cave in the cliff of Etam where Samson had gone in [Judges 15:8]
Samson was not travelling alone, he was being led by the men who had tied him with ropes. Alternate translation: "When they came"
This is the name of a town in Judah. See how you translated this in Judges 15:9.
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"
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"
fibers from the flax plant used for making threads and cloth
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.
"1,000 men"
"a donkey's jawbone"
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"
This is the name of a place. It's name means "Jawbone Hill"
"needed water to drink"
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?"
This means to die because you have not drank enough and therefore, you do not have enough water in your body.
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"
"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.
See how you translated this in Judges 15:9
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"
This is the name of a spring of water. The name means "spring of him who prayed."
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"
This refers to the time period that the Philistines controlled the land of Israel. Alternate translation: "during the time the Philistines controlled Israel"
"for 20 years"
The account of Samson concludes in this chapter.
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.
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"
The word "Gazites" refers to people from Gaza. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told the people of Gaza"
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.
Possible meanings are 1) "They did not make any noise all night" or 2) "They made no attempt to attack him all night."
"until the middle of the night"
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.
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.
the part of the human body where the arms and the neck attach to the body
This is the name of a city.
This is the name of a valley near Samson's home.
to mislead or fool someone into doing something they would not want to do
This is an idiom that means to learn something. Alternate translation: "to understand" or "to learn"
This is an idiom that refers to where his strength comes from. Alternate translation: "what causes him to be very strong"
"how we might overpower him""
"one thousand one hundred pieces of silver."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "bind you to control you" or "bind you to restrain you"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that have not yet dried" or "that are not dry yet"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that had not yet dried" or "that were not dry yet"
"Delilah tied Samson up with the fresh bowstrings"
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 phrase "upon you" means that they are ready to capture him. Alternate translation: "The Philistines are here to capture you"
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"
Deceiving and lying mean the same thing and are stated to emphasize how angry Delilah felt. Alternate translation: "You have greatly deceived me!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people can overpower you"
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The phrase "upon you" means that they are there to capture him. Alternate translation: "The Philistines are here to capture you"
This means that they were hiding and waiting for the right moment to attack. Alternate translation: "waiting to attack him"
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"
Deceiving and lying mean the same thing and are stated to emphasize how angry Delilah felt. Alternate translation: "you have greatly deceived me"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people can overpower you"
crossing pieces of material together so they hold each other in place
small bunches of hair
cloth made from weaving material together
a machine used for combining many threads of material into a cloth
"then nail the fabric to the loom"
to hammer a nail in order to hold something in one place
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "I will be as weak as any other man"
The phrase "upon you" means that they are there to capture him. Alternate translation: "The Philistines are here to capture you"
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"
This is the wooden nail or peg used to fasten the fabric to the loom.
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."
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"
"by what she said to him"
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"
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"
a sharp blade used to cut hair close to a person's skin
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If someone shaves my head"
to have had the hair cut close to the skin with a razor
Samson speaks about his strength as if it were a person who could leave him. Alternate translation: "I will not be strong any more"
Here the word "saw" is a idiom that means to realize something. Alternate translation: "Delilah realized" or "Delilah learned"
Here the word "everything" refers to everything about why Samson was strong. Alternate translation: "the truth about why he is strong"
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.
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"
"She caused him to fall asleep"
This means that he slept with his head on her lap. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "with his head on her lap"
The lap is the level area of the upper legs when a person is sitting down.
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"
"control 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"
The phrase "upon you" means that they are ready to capture him. Alternate translation: "The Philistines are here to capture you"
"awakened"
"escape"
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"
This means that they removed his eyes from his head. Alternate translation: "removed his eyes"
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.
"chained him with bronze shackles" or "tied him up using bronze shackles"
locks on the end of chains that hold a prisoner at his feet or hands, or both
"pulled the millstone around in a circle"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after the Philistines had shaved it"
a major false god of the Philistines
"has defeated"
Here the word "hands" is a metaphor for the rulers' power. Alternate translation: "put him under our control"
This refers to Samson. The word "destroyer" can be expressed with the verb "destroy." Alternate translation: "the man who has destroyed our country"
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"
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"
"the young man" This was not a young child, but rather a youth.
"Allow me to touch the pillars which hold up the building"
This word is used here to mark a break in the main story while the writer tells background information.
"3,000 men and women"
"watching"
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.
"prayed to Yahweh"
This means to remember him and his situation. Alternate translation: "remember me"
"one more time"
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"
"which held up the building"
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"
This refers to people who are dead. Alternate translation: "the dead people"
"were a greater amount"
Here the word "house" refers to his family. Alternate translation: "all of his father's family"
The phrase "came down" is used here because the place that Samson's family traveled form was higher in elevation than Gaza.
See how you translated the names of these places in Judges 13:2 and Judges 13:25.
"where his father, Manoah, is buried"
See how you translated this man's name in [Judges 13:2]
This same sentence is also in [Judges 15:20]
"20 years"
This chapter begins a section explaining how Israel came to have a king.
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)
This is a way to introduce a new person to the story.
This is the name of a man. It is not the same man who wrote the book of Micah.
"one thousand one hundred pieces"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which someone stole from you"
"I was the one who took it"
"one thousand one hundred"
This means to dedicate something to a specific purpose. Alternate translation: "dedicate"
metal that has been melted and poured into a mold to form a special shape
"I give it back to you"
"200 pieces of silver"
The word "they" refers to the metal figures. This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Micah placed them in his house"
This refers to a house used specifically for worshiping idols. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "a house for worshiping idols"
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"
"from Bethlehem"
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 lived and worked there"
"find a different place to 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"
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 each year"
"a set of clothes"
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"
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"
Here "set apart" means that Micah "dedicated" or "ordained" him. Alternate translation: "Micah dedicated the Levite"
Here living in Micah's house is spoken of as "being" in his house. Alternate translation: "lived in Micah's house"
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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)
This phrase introduces the beginning of another event in the story.
This is background information about Israel and the people of the tribe of Dan.
This refers specifically to land inherited where they would live. Alternate translation: "not received a land inheritance from"
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 fighters"
See how you translated the name of this town in Judges 13:2.
See how you translated the name of this town in Judges 13:25.
The phrase "on foot" means to walk. Alternate translation: "to scout the land by walking through it"
See how you translated this man's name in Judges 17:1.
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"
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This is the name of a city.
"There were no enemies living in their land who had conquered them"
"had no contact with any outsiders." This means they lived far enough away from any other city that they lived secluded from other people.
Translate the name of this city the same as you did in Judges 13:2.
Translate the name of this city the same as you did in Judges 13:25.
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!"
"Hurry! Attack"
"a people who think they are secure" "people who are not afraid that anyone will attack them"
"the land is large." This is a description of the size of 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 has everything"
"600 men"
This is the name of a town.
Translate the name of this place the same as you did in Judges 13:25.
This means that something remains the same. It refers to the "present" time. Alternate translation: "and that is still its name"
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Translate the name of this town the same as you did in Judges 18:7.
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 one of these house there is" or "among these houses is"
"they turned"
The word "him" refers to the Levite.
"600 Danites"
"600 men"
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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."
Here the priest is referred to by his "heart" to emphasize his emotions. Alternate translation: "The priest was glad"
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"
"the Danites turned around"
"some distance." This refers a short distance but one that is long enough to be considered as measurable progress.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he called together the men who were in the houses near his house"
This implies that they ran after them. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "running after the Danites, they caught up with them"
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."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "called these men together"
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"
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."
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!'"
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "kill you and your family"
This means that they continued on their journey. Alternate translation: "continued on their journey" or "continued travelling"
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"
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"
See how you translated this in Judges 18:7.
"with their swords." Here "the sword" represents the swords and other weapons that the soldiers used in battle.
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.
This is a name of a town.
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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"
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"
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"
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)
This phrase introduces the beginning of another event in the story.
far from where most people live
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"
"He took with him his servant and two donkeys"
"His father-in-law, that is, the girl's father, persuaded" or "The girl's father persuaded"
"spoke to him so he decided to stay"
the Levite prepared
Here "bread" refers to "food." Alternate translation: "Eat some food so you will be strong enough to travel"
"Please stay another night"
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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"
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 almost over" or "it is almost evening"
"which was later called Jerusalem"
This is an idiom used to make a suggestion. Alternate translation: "I suggest that we"
This means to take a break from their journey and stop somewhere along the route. Alternate translation: "stop at"
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]
This is an idiom used to make a suggestion. Alternate translation: "I suggest that we"
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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 marketplace where people gathered during the day
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"
A Benjamite was a descendant of Benjamin. See how you translated the name of this people group in Judges 3:15.
Here the man looked up and paid attention to what was around him. Alternate translation: "He looked up"
the marketplace where people gathered during the day. See how you translated this in Judges 19:14.
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"
Here the Levite says "me," but he is actually referring to himself along with his servant and his concubine. Alternate translation: "will take us"
Change to active voice. Alternate translation: "we have plenty of bread and wine"
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"
This can be written as a positive statement. Alternate translation: "We have everything we need"
"Do not." The word "only" is used here to emphasize what he did not want the Levite to do.
This refers to the city square. See how you translated this Judges 19:17.
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"
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 stood on all sides of the house.
The phrase "know him" is a polite way of saying "have sexual relations with him." The men probably were not trying to be polite.
a senseless, disgraceful act
This word is used to get the peoples' attention. Alternate translation: "Listen"
a senseless, disgraceful act. See how you translated this in Judges 19:23
Here the author speaks of "agreeing" as if it were "listening." Alternate translation: "the men would not accept his offer"
there could be confusion as to the identity of the man. Alternate translation: "the Levite seized his concubine"
"when the sun was coming up" or "at first light" This refers to when the sun begins to rise.
This refers to morning when it is bright outside. Alternate translation: "the sun was fully risen"
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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"
"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.
"12 pieces"
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"
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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.
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"
This refers to the land as a whole. Alternate translation: "from all the eleven tribes"
"God, and also 400,000 regular soldiers came"
"capable of going to war." They were not going to fight each other.
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.
Mizpah was located high in the mountains.
"for the night" or "to stay for a night"
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The phrase "act of disgraceful folly" describes the "wickedness." Alternate translation: "outrageous wickedness"
a senseless, disgraceful act. See how you translated this in Judges 19:23
This word is used to introduce the conclusion of the speech of the Levite.
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"
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"
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"
These words introduce the main portion of what the people say after the initial exclamation.
This involved tossing or rolling small marked stones to determine what God wants.
"10 men out of 100 ... 100 out of 1,000 ... 1,000 out of 10,000"
food and other things the people need
a senseless, disgraceful act. See how you translated this in Judges 19:23
"came together to attack the city"
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This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "kill them" or "execute them"
Here "voice" refers to the message that they spoke. Alternate translation: "what their brother said"
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"26,000"
"700"
A left-handed person is someone who is more skilled with their left hand than with their right hand.
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"
"not including"
"four hundred thousand men"
"asked God what to do" or "asked God how to continue"
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.
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"22,000"
Here "strengthened" is an idiom that means they encouraged each other.
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"
The method they used is not stated. The priest may have cast lots to determine God's will.
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"18,000"
"in Yahweh's presence" or "to Yahweh"
This is background information that the author inserted to help the reader understand how the people asked Yahweh for an answer.
"was at Bethel in those days"
This is background information that the author inserted to help the reader understand how the people asked Yahweh for an answer.
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "was serving as priest before the ark"
The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Attack the army of Benjamin"
Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the Israelites"
"in ambush"
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The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "fought against the people of Israel"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel drew them away from the city"
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"
"just as before" or "just like the first two times"
This is the name of a city.
This is the name of a place. Other translations may read "fields of Gibeah" or "west of Gibeah" or "Maareh Geba."
"10,000"
This is an idiom that means these were particularly good soldiers. Alternate translation: "well-trained soldier"
Here immanent disaster is spoken of as if it was standing very close by them. Alternate translation: "they would soon be completely defeated"
"twenty-five thousand one hundred men"
"soldiers of Benjamin"
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.
This is an idiom that means they intentionally retreated. Alternate translation: "had allowed Benjamin to move forward"
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This verse continues to give background information that the writer inserted to explain to the readers how the ambush defeated the Benjamites.
"would retreat from the fight"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we have defeated them"
This verse continues to give background information that the writer inserted to explain to the readers how the ambush defeated the Benjamites.
great harm, trouble, misery
This idiom means it happened to them. Alternate translation: "happened to 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"
This is the name of a place.
The completed destruction of the Benjamites is spoken of as if the Israelites stomped on their bodies. Alternate translation: "they completely destroyed them"
"18,000"
"had fought bravely in the battle"
"The remaining Benjamites turned and fled"
"5,000 ... 2,000"
This is the name of a place.
"25,000"
"600"
These people of Benjamin are not the soldiers who fled to the rock of Rimmon, but the ones who were still in the city.
Here "the entire city" refers to all the people in that city. Alternate translation: "everyone who was in the city"
"along the way"
This chapter concludes the account of the previous chapter.
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)
This background information tells the reader about the promise that the Israelites made before the battle with the Benjamites.
This is the name of the descendants of Benjamin. See how you translated this in Judges 3:15.
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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."
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The people are referring back to the assembly of the Israelites at Mizpah before they attacked the Benjamites.
This is background information to explain to the reader the promise that the Israelites had made at Mizpah before they attacked the Benjamites.
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"
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"
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"
The Israelites wanted to provide wives for the few surviving Benjamites, but their promise at Mizpah prevented them from doing that.
This is the name of a city.
"people that were assembled at Mizpah were accounted for"
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"
"12,000"
The next verse will add an exception to this general instruction.
"kill ... with their swords"
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This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Judges 21:8.
"400 young virgins"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "who had not had sexual relations with a man"
The abstract noun "peace" can be translated with a verb phrase. Alternate translation: "they wanted to stop fighting with them"
This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Judges 21:8.
There were six hundred Benjamite men, and only four hundred women from Jabesh Gilead.
"had caused the tribes of Israel not to be unified"
This refers to the descendants of Benjamin. See how you translated this in Judges 3:15.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we killed all the Benjamite women"
The Israelites are exaggerating. They had already given wives to four hundred of the Benjamites, so the tribe would not be completely destroyed.
Here Benjamin refers to the male descendants of Benjamin. Alternate translation: "a wife to the men of Benjamin"
This is background information to explain to the reader where the city of Shiloh is located.
This is the name of a city.
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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"
The abstract noun "favor" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "Act kindly toward us"
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"
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.
This refers to one wife for each of the two hundred Benjamite men who did not receive wives from Jabesh Gilead (Judges 21:14).
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"Israel did not yet have a king"
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"
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.
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.
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)
"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."
"during the time when judges led and governed Israel"
This refers to the land of Israel. Alternate translation: "in the land of Israel"
"a man." This is a common way of introducing a character into a story.
They were people from the tribe of Ephraim who settled at Bethlehem in the region of Judea.
"Naomi had only her two sons with her"
"married women." This is an idiom for marrying women. They did not take women who were already married.
Naomi's sons married women who were from the tribe of Moab. The Moabites worshiped other gods.
"the name of one woman ... the name of the other woman"
Ten years after Elimelek and Naomi came to the country of Moab, their sons Mahlon and Kilion died.
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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"
"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"
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 saw their need and provided good harvests for them.
the women who married Naomi's sons
"they walked along the road." To walk down a road is an expression for walking away.
"sons' wives" or "sons' widows"
Naomi was talking to two people, so languages that have a dual form of "you" would use that throughout her talk.
"to the home of each of your mothers"
"demonstrated that you are loyal"
"kindness" includes the ideas of love, kindness, and faithfulness.
"to your husbands, who died." Naomi was referring to her two sons that died.
"give you" or "allow you to have"
"Rest" here includes security in marriage.
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.
To raise the voice is an idiom for speaking loudly. The daughters cried out loud or wept bitterly.
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.
Here "you" is the singular form referring to Naomi.
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."
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."
The reason a husband would be important can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "too old to marry again and bear more children"
"bear children" or "deliver baby boys"
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."
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 word "hand" refers to Yahweh's power or influence. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has caused terrible things to happen to me"
This means that they cried out loud or wept bitterly.
"Ruth clung to her." Alternate translation: "Ruth refused to leave her" or "Ruth would not leave her"
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important, your sister-in-law"
"the wife of your husband's brother" or "Orpah"
Before Orpah and Ruth married Naomi's sons, they worshiped the gods of Moab. During their marriage, they began to worship Naomi's God.
"where you live"
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"
This refers to Ruth's desire to spend the rest of her life living in the same place and town as Naomi.
This refers to Ruth asking God to punish her if she does not do what she said like the english idiom "God forbid, if."
"Naomi stopped arguing with Ruth"
"It came about." This is used here to mark a new part of the story with new people.
The "town" refer to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "everyone in the town"
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.
The name "Naomi" means "my delight." Since Naomi lost her husband and sons, she no longer feels her life matches her name.
This is a translation of the meaning of the name. It is also often translated according to its sound as "Mara."
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.
Another possible meaning is "judged me guilty."
"has brought calamity on me" or "has brought tragedy to me"
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.
The phrase "the barley harvest" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "when the farmers were just beginning to harvest barley"
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.
This phrase introduces new information before the story continues. Your language may have a way to introduce new information.
"a prominent, wealthy man." This means that Boaz was prosperous and well known in his community, with a good reputation.
Here the story resumes. You need to see how your language restarts a story after a break.
This is another way of saying the woman was from the country or tribe of Moab.
"Please." This word shows that Ruth was making a polite request.
"gather kernels of grain left behind by the harvesters" or "pick up kernels of grain left behind by the harvesters"
"the heads" or "the stalks." The "ears" are the parts of a grain plant that contain the grain.
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"
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 was not aware that the field she picked to glean in belonged to Naomi's relative 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.
The fields were an unspecified distance outside of Bethlehem.
"give you good things" or "make you happy"
Possible meanings are 1) Boaz was asking about Ruth's husband or 2) Boaz was asking about Ruth's parents or current guardians.
"was in charge of" or "was managing"
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You may need to make explicit that Ruth would be gathering grain. Alternate translation: "glean and gather grain"
"the hut" or "the shelter." This was a temporary shelter or garden hut in the field that provided shade from the sun.
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"
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.
The eyes represent watching something or paying attention to something. Alternate translation: "Watch only the field" or "Pay attention only to the field"
Boaz used this question to emphasize what he had already done to help Ruth. Alternate translation: "I have given the men strict instructions ... you."
"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.
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.
To draw water means to pull up water from a well or to take it out of a storage vessel.
You may need to make explicit that these were Boaz's servants, as do many versions. Alternate translation: "servants"
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])
Some modern translations read, "lay on the ground."
Ruth is asking a real question.
Ruth had pledged her loyalty to the God of Israel in private, but she was known publicly as "the Moabitess."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People have reported to me" or "People have told me"
Boaz is referring to Ruth coming to dwell with Naomi in a village and community, a country, and religion she did not know.
"repay you" or "pay you back"
This is an act of faith, choosing to live with Naomi in Bethlehem and trusting Naomi's God.
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"
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"
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"
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.
This refers to the noontime meal.
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.
a sauce that bread was dipped in. The Israelites further fermented some of their wine to make vinegar.
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 stood up"
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.
"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 cause her shame" or "do not dishonor her"
She separated the edible part of the grain from the hull and stalk, which is thrown away.
This refers to the eatable part of the grain.
An ephah is a unit of measurement equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "about 22 liters of barley"
It is implied that Ruth carried the grain home.
"Naomi saw"
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.
Naomi is asking God to reward Boaz for his kindness to Ruth and herself.
"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 people who are still living." Naomi and Ruth were the "living."
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"
The second phrase repeats and expands the first. This is a Hebrew style of emphasis.
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.
"He even said to me." This indicates that what follows is the most important part of Boaz's words to Ruth.
Boaz was referring to the physical protection his men can provide her.
"work with"
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 worked in Boaz's fields with his workers during the day, so she would be safe.
Ruth went to Naomi's home to sleep at night.
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.
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.
Naomi is the mother of Ruth's dead husband.
Ruth became Naomi's daughter by marrying her son and further by her actions in caring for Naomi after returning to Bethlehem.
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."
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.
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"
Naomi probably used this question to remind Ruth of something she had already told her. Alternate translation: "he is our relative."
This term indicates that the following statement is very important.
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.
This is probably a reference to rubbing sweet-smelling oil on oneself, much as women put on perfume today.
This refers to leaving the city and heading to the threshing area.
This means to remove the cloak or blanket covering his feet so that they would be exposed to the cold.
"lie down at his feet"
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.
"When he wakes up, he will"
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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 sneaked in" or "she came in quietly so no one would hear her"
"removed his blanket from his feet"
"lay down at his feet"
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.
"in the middle of the night"
It is not clear what startled Boaz. Perhaps he suddenly felt the cold air on his feet.
He looked to see what startled him.
The woman was Ruth, but Boaz could not recognize her in the darkness.
Ruth spoke with humility to Boaz.
This was a cultural idiom for marriage. Alternate translation: "Marry me"
a close relative with special responsibilities toward their extended family
"You have shown me even more kindness now than you did before"
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.
"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.
Boaz used this expression as a sign of respect toward Ruth as a younger woman.
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"
It was the duty of the closest male relative to help the widow.
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.
"as surely as Yahweh lives." This was a common Hebrew vow.
Ruth slept at Boaz' feet. They did not have sex.
This time of day can be spoken of in terms of darkness. Alternate translation: "while it was still dark"
a piece of cloth worn over the shoulders
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.
The amount of grain was so great that Ruth needed help picking it up to carry it.
Most ancient copies have "he went," but some have "she went." There are English versions with both. The better choice is "he went."
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 Boaz had done"
"Do not go empty-handed" or "Do not go with nothing" or "Be sure to take something"
This refers to the decision about who will buy Naomi's property and marry Ruth.
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)
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 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.
"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.
This was the closest living relative to Elimelek.
stopped going to where he had planned to go and went toward Boaz
"leaders of the city"
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.
"inform you"
This would make the transaction legal and binding.
This meant to buy the land to keep it within their family.
Boaz was the next kinsman in line to redeem the land.
Boaz uses this expression to inform his relative of the additional responsibility he will have if he buys the land.
Here the word "hand" represents Naomi, who owns the field. Alternate translation: "from Naomi"
"you must also marry Ruth"
"Ruth ... the widow of Elimelek's son"
"that she may have a son to inherit the property and carry on the name of her dead husband"
He would have to give some of his own wealth to the children that Ruth might bear.
"You redeem it yourself" or "You yourself redeem it instead of me"
The writer of the book explains of the custom of exchange during the time of Ruth.
"in earlier times." This implies that the customs had changed from when the story took place until the book was written.
This refers to the person with whom he was making the agreement. In this situation the near kinsman gave Boaz his shoe.
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This refers to all the people who were present at the meeting place, not to everyone in the town.
This refers to all the land and possessions of Naomi's dead husband and sons.
The hand of Naomi represents Naomi. She was responsible for the money exchange. Alternate translation: "from Naomi"
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"
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 the town is where important legal decisions were made, such as decisions about who owns a piece of land.
"people who were meeting together near the gate"
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.
These were the two wives of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel.
"bore many children who became the nation of Israel"
Ephrathah is the name of the clan to which Boaz belonged in Bethlehem.
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 was also a widow. Judah fathered a son with her, which continued the family name.
Yahweh would give Boaz children through Ruth.
"Boaz married Ruth" or "Boaz took Ruth as a wife"
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"
This phrase can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: "who has provided you today with a near kinsman"
This refers to the reputation and character of Naomi's grandson.
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"
"he will take care of you when you become old"
"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"
This refers to Naomi holding the child. Make sure it does not sound like she took him away from Ruth.
"held him close against her chest." This is a statement of love and affection for the child.
chest, shoulders, and arms
"The child is like a son to Naomi." It was understood that the child was Naomi's grandson, not her physical son.
"father of King David." Though "king" is not stated, it was clear to the original audience that David was King David.
"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.
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This chapter introduces Samuel. It is the beginning of the section 1 Samuel 1-7 which tells about Samuel, the religious leader of Israel.
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)
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)
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."
This is the name of a small village possibly located eight kilometers northwest of Jerusalem.
This is the name of a people group that descended from Zuph.
These are the names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
"This man" refers to Elkanah.
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.
These are the names of men.
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This is a woman's name. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 1:2]
"made her barren" or "prevented her from becoming pregnant"
The other wife would often grieve and shame Hannah.
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.
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."
Elkanah is exaggerating to emphasize how important Hannah is to him. Alternate translation: "than any son could be"
Hannah begins to pray to Yahweh, and Eli watches.
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" 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" was actually a tent, but it was where the people worshiped, so it is best to translate as "temple" here.
Hannah was deeply troubled or grieved because of not having any children and being ridiculed regularly by Peninnah, her husband's other wife.
Hannah's prayer to Yahweh continues.
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"
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.
This phrase says almost the same thing as "call me to mind."
Eli was the chief priest, so he was in the tabernacle of God and in charge of it.
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"I am a woman who is deeply sad"
This is an idiom that means "telling Yahweh my deepest emotions."
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"
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"
These words both mean that Hannah is sad and annoyed because her rival has been provoking her.
Peninnah irritates and annoys her.
Hannah is referring to the grief and shame she feels because Peninnah is being cruel to her.
Eli was the head priest residing over the tabernacle.
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"
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"
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"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "Elkanah had sexual relations with Hannah"
God knew what was happening to Hannah; he had not forgotten her. See how you translated similar words in 1 Samuel 1:11.
"Hannah became pregnant"
The word "house" is a metonym for the people who lived in the house. Alternate translation: "his family"
stops drinking milk and starts eating only solid food
Hannah had promised God that she would allow Samuel to live and work with Eli the priest in the temple (1 Samuel 1:11).
"gave her son milk"
An ephah is about 22 liters of dry material.
Wine was kept in animal skins, not glass bottles.
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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"
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I am loaning him to 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"
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 .
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, 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)
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.
"My heart" and "my mouth" are synecdoches referencing the speaker.
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.
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.
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?"
Hannah recites a song to Yahweh.
The word "heart" here is a metonym for the whole person. Alternate translation: "I rejoice"
"because of who Yahweh is" or "because Yahweh is so great"
A horn is a symbol of strength. Alternate translation: "I am now strong"
Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.
This is another way of saying that God is strong and faithful.
This is a rock large enough to hide behind or to stand on and so be high above one's enemies.
Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh. She speaks as if other people were listening to her.
"no arrogant words"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he weighs people's acts" or "he understands why people act as they do"
Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.
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"
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 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"
This means that they have put something around their waist to prepare for work.
Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.
"gives birth to seven children"
Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.
Yahweh is in control of everything.
Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.
Yahweh is in control of everything.
Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.
These are metaphors for the lowest position in society.
people who do not have the things that they need
Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.
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"
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 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"
"because he is strong"
Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will break those who oppose him"
This idiom means "defeated."
This is an idiom that means everywhere. Alternate translation: "the whole earth"
A horn is a symbol of strength. See how you translated similar words in [1 Samuel 2:1]
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"
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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 listen to Yahweh" or "did not obey Yahweh"
A custom is an action that people regularly do.
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"
a small metal container for boiling and cooking
a large, heavy metal container for boiling and cooking
a large, heavy metal container for boiling and cooking
a clay container for cooking
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.
"They even did something worse than that. Before"
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 me some meat so I can give it to the priest so he can roast it"
cook over a fire
cooked in water
not cooked
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The young men did not like and paid no attention to Yahweh's instructions regarding what people would offer to him.
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Hannah had asked Yahweh for a baby and promised him that she would give the baby to serve in the temple.
This means where Yahweh could see him and Samuel could learn about Yahweh.
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "they were having sexual relations with the women"
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is terrible that you do such things!"
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This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "there is certainly no one who can speak for him."
"ask Yahweh to have mercy on him"
Here the father's "voice" represents the father. Alternate translation: "their father" or "what their father said"
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This phrase usually means a prophet of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "a man who hears and tells words from God"
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should know that I revealed myself ... house of Pharaoh."
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"
Aaron
This refers to making an offering to Yahweh.
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"
The man of God continues to speak to Eli.
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 my people bring offerings to me"
The best part of the offering was to be burned up as an offering to Yahweh, but the priests were eating it.
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]
This is an idiom that means "live in obedience to me."
"I will certainly not allow your family to serve me forever"
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"
"Listen carefully to what I am about to say" or "What I am about to say is very important"
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 men" or "be any men who grow old"
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"cause you to lose your eyesight" or "cause you to go blind"
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 they are the strongest they can be
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This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "I will cause a man to become priest"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "to serve me"
"what I want him to do and what I tell him to do"
Here "house" is an idiom used for "descendants." Alternate translation: "I will ensure that he always has a descendant who serves as high priest"
the faithful priest whom God will raise up
Here "piece of bread" is used for "food. "Alternate translation: "so I can have something to eat"
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.
In order to show respect when talking to God, Samuel calls himself "your servant" when referring to himself.
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)
"Yahweh did not often speak to people"
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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" 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.
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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.
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"
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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"
Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh actually appeared and stood before Samuel or 2) Yahweh made his presence known to Samuel.
Samuel speaks to Yahweh as if Samuel were another person to show respect to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "I am"
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"
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.
This is a merism for completeness. Alternate translation: "absolutely everything"
"did those things which Yahweh had said he would punish those who did them"
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"
Here the word "house" is a metonym for the family living in the house. "the iniquity that the people in his family have committed"
The "house" was actually a tent, but it would be best to translate "house" here.
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]
"the message Yahweh gave"
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"
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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"
"All the people in Israel"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh had appointed"
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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.
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."
The Philistines expressed their fear using a rhetorical question: "Who will protect us from the strength of this mighty God?"
These are the names of places.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Philistines defeated the Israelites and killed"
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"
the soldiers who had been fighting the battle
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.
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"
This Phinehas is not the same as the grandson of Aaron in Exodus and Numbers.
were in Shiloh
"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"
"the people had carried the ark of Yahweh into the camp"
"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.
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."
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."
Because the word "god"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "be strong and fight"
This can be stated in active form. Also, "Israel" refers to the army of Israel. Alternate translation: "they defeated the army of Israel"
"his home." The Israelites were living in houses in those days.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Philistines also took the ark of God"
This is a way to express deep mourning in Israelite culture.
This is an idiom which means he was very fearful or terribly concerned about something.
This is a metonym for "all the people in the city."
"The man of Benjamin"
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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.
This is a general statement about what happened. The rest of the man's words give details.
"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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Philistines have taken the ark of God"
"When the man of Benjamin mentioned"
"spoke of"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "His neck broke because he fell" or "He broke his neck when he fell"
Eli's daughter-in-law
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Philistines had captured the ark of God"
"pay any attention to what they said" or "allow herself to feel better"
"she named"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for the Philistines had captured the ark of God"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because the Philistines have captured the ark of God"
The story of the Ark of the Covenant in Philistia continues.
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)
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."
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.
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.
This refers to the temple of Dagon, the god of the Philistines.
"they were very surprised to see that Dagon"
The reader should understand that Yahweh had caused the statue to fall on its face during the night.
The reader should understand that Yahweh had caused Dagon to fall.
It was as if Yahweh were a soldier who had defeated his enemy and cut off the enemy's head and hands.
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"
The writer is about to give some background information separate from the main story.
Here "today" means up to the day when the author was writing this book.
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"
This is an idiom. "Yahweh severely judged"
Possible meanings are 1) painful swelling under the skin or 2) hemorrhoids.
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"
"the men of Ashdod understood"
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.
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This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Yahweh punished"
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"
Possible meanings are 1) painful swelling under the skin or 2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6
Why they cried out can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "cried out in fear"
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.
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.
"people all over the city were afraid that they were going to die"
The hand is a metonym for God punishing the people. "Yahweh was punishing the people there very severely"
This implies that many men actually died.
Possible meanings are 1) painful swelling under the skin or 2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6.
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"
This chapter ends the story of the Ark of the Covenant among the Philistines.
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.
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These were pagan priests and diviners who worshiped Dagon.
The Philistines wanted to know how to get rid of the ark without angering Yahweh any further.
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.
The words "by all means" are a forceful way of saying something. Alternate translation: "you must send a guilt offering"
"you will no longer be ill"
The pronoun "you" is plural, referring to all of the Philistines.
Here "hand" is a metonym used to represent God's power to afflict or discipline. Alternate translation: "why he has not relieved your suffering"
Possible meanings are 1) painful swelling under the skin or 2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6.
more than one mouse
A model is something that looks like a real thing.
Possible meanings are 1) painful swelling under the skin or 2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6.
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.
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"
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!"
This is an idiom that means to be stubborn or unwilling to obey God. Alternate translation: "refuse to obey God"
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."
"two cows that have calves that are still drinking milk"
Normally the two cows would head back home to their calves.
It is unlikely that the cows would choose to wander to Beth Shemesh when their calves are back in the Philistine area.
"two cows that have calves that are still drinking milk" See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 6:7.
Translated this as in 1 Samuel 6:4.
"models of their tumors"
Possible meanings are 1) painful swelling under the skin or 2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6.
Nursing cows would normally return to their calves, but these cows went to Beth Shemesh.
Lowing is the noise cows make with their voices.
"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"
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.
These were Israelites.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "looked up"
The people used this stone as an altar when they offered the cows as sacrifices.
This actually happened before they chopped the cart into firewood to use in offering the cows to Yahweh.
According to the law of Moses, only the Levites were permitted to handle the ark.
"the box containing the gold models of the rats and the tumors"
"the five Philistine kings"
Possible meanings are 1) painful swelling under the skin or 2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6.
Translated this as in 1 Samuel 6:4.
These are cities with high walls around them to protect the people inside from attack by their enemies.
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"
This is a man's name.
This is what a person from Beth Shemesh is called. Alternate translation: "from Beth Shemesh"
to the time at which the writer wrote the book
The ark was so holy that no one was permitted to look inside it. Only the priests were allowed to even see the ark.
"fifty thousand and seventy men"
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?"
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?"
This was a town in Israel.
This chapter completes the section on Samuel leading Israel.
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.
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."
This is the name of a place.
These are the names of men.
"20 years"
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"
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"
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"all the people of Israel" or "all the Israelites"
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.
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"
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"
a lamb that is still drinking its mother's milk
"cried out for help"
"Yahweh did what Samuel asked him to do"
This begins to explain what the writer means by "Yahweh answered him" in (1 Samuel 7:9).
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"
This can be translated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "Yahweh routed them before Israel" or 2) "Israel routed them"
To rout people is to defeat them before they can cause any harm.
This finishes explaining what the writer means by "Yahweh answered him" in (1 Samuel 7:9).
This is the name of a place.
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.
These are the names of places.
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.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh subdued the Philistines" or "Yahweh kept the Philistines from causing harm"
The Philistines did not enter Israel's border to attack them.
The word "hand" is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: "Yahweh used his power against the Philistines"
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"
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traveled from place to place in a rough circle
Disputes are arguments or disagreements between two or more people.
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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.
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)
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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"
"judged in favor of those who did evil"
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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"
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"
The leaders wrongly believed that a king, and his sons after him, would rule justly.
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.
Here "the voice" is a metonym for the will or the desire of the people. Alternate translation: "Do what the people say"
Yahweh knew that the people were not just rejecting corrupt judges, but they were rejecting Yahweh as their king.
This refers to Yahweh freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt many years before.
"Now do what they are asking you to do"
"be very serious as you warn them"
"how the king who reigns over them will treat them" or "what the king who rules over them will require them to do"
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The practice of the king will be to take. This begins the list of things he will take.
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"
See how you translated this word in 1 Samuel 8:9.
"have them drive chariots in battle"
They will ride horses into battle.
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Samuel continues to tell what things the king will take.
"to make good-smelling oils to put on his body"
"fields of olive trees"
They will have to divide their grain into ten equal parts and give one of those parts to the king's officers and servants.
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.
These are the leaders of the king's army.
Samuel continues to tell what things the king will take.
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 feel as if you are his slaves"
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 .
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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"
Here the metonym "their voice" refers to the will of the people. Alternate translation: "Obey the people"
"make someone king over them." Use the common term in your language for making someone king.
"go home"
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.
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?"
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.
Possible other meanings are 1) he was a nobleman or 3) he was a mighty and brave man.
These are names of the men of Saul's family line.
A Benjamite is someone who belongs to the tribe of Benjamin.
someone who looks good
The other tall people in Israel did not even come up to his shoulders.
The writer has ended the background information that began in (1 Samuel 9:1) and starts a new main part of the story.
"stop what you are doing and go"
These are all areas in Israel.
The words "them" and "they" all refer to the donkeys.
This is an area in Israel just north of Jerusalem.
The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: there"
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 to find the donkeys"
Giving a gift is a sign of respect for the 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"
"1/4 of a shekel." A shekel is a type of money used in the Old Testament.
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.
"Seer is the old name for what we call a prophet today"
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These are likely the feast or first-fruit sacrifices, not the sin sacrifices, which must be held at the tabernacle.
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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.
The writer stops telling the story and gives background information so the reader can understand what happens next.
The term prince is used here instead of king. This is the man whom God has chosen to be king of Israel.
"the land where people from the tribe of Benjamin live"
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"
"My people are suffering and I want to help them"
"Yahweh told Samuel"
"the prophet of Yahweh"
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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."
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."
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.
This is the seat of honor.
"30 people"
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Possible meanings are 1) the other food that Saul was to eat along with the meat or 2) other parts of the bull.
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"
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.
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"
It is possible that Samuel speaks all of these words. Alternate translation: "ahead of us, and when he has gone ahead, you must stay"
"so that I can tell you God's message for you"
This is the first chapter about King Saul.
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)
This chapter uses rhetorical questions to express different ideas: to state a fact
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."
In Israelite culture, when a prophet poured oil on someone's head, that person received a blessing from Yahweh.
a small container made from baked clay
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."
This is the name of a place.
Saul's father is now concerned about Saul and wants to find him.
This is the name of a place.
The hands are a synecdoche for the person. "take from them" or "accept"
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.
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.
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"
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God enabled Samuel to think differently from the way he had thought before.
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]
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!"
"Saul, the son of Kish"
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."
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?'"
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"Then the brother of Saul's father said to Saul"
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"Saul did not tell his uncle that God had appointed him to be the king of Israel"
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The name "Israel" is a metonym for the people of Israel. "I brought the people of Israel out of Egypt"
The word "hand" is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: "the power of the Egyptians ... the power of all the kingdoms"
Samuel is speaking of the time since Israel had begun to reject God, not only the time since the sun had last set.
"Give us a king to rule us"
"gather together by tribes and clans and come to stand before Yahweh"
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"
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"
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The other tall people in Israel did not even come up to his shoulders. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 9:2.
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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"
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"
This is a rhetorical question that is used to express sarcasm. Alternate translation: "This man has no power to save us!"
strongly disliked or hated
This chapter continues the story of King Saul by telling of his first victory in war.
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.
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."
This is a man from Ammon, a descendent of Lot, Abraham's nephew.
This is the name of a place.
"I cut out" or "I pluck out"
"bring shame on" or "bring a bad reputation to"
"7 days"
This is the name of a place.
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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.
Saul was calling all the men of Israel to come fight against Nahash and the Ammonites.
Yahweh enabled people to fearfully respect Saul as their king. The result was that the men rallied together with Saul at Bezek.
This is the name of a town near Jabesh Gilead.
"the people of Israel were 300,000, and the men of Judah were 30,000"
"They" refers to Samuel and Saul.
"before the hottest part of the day" or "before noon"
These are the names of places. See how you translated them in 1 Samuel 11:1.
This is the name of a king. See how you translated this name in 1 Samuel 11:1.
This was before dawn when most people in the camp were still asleep.
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"made Saul king while Yahweh watched"
Part of Samuel's service to Yahweh is to offer sacrifices even though he is not from the line of Aaron or Levi.
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)
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)
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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"
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"
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."
Samuel uses another rhetorical question to say he has always been honest. Alternate translation: "I have never cheated or bribed any man."
"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"
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.
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.
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Samuel is calling their attention to the history of Yahweh's dealing with Israel, which has been filled with goodness and purpose.
These are names of men.
"into the power of Sisera ... Philistines ... king of Moab"
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a place.
This is an expression for God giving them over to their enemies to be their slaves.
"They" refers to the nation of Israel.
Serving here is referring to acting worshipful towards the false gods. Alternate translation: "have worshiped false gods and goddesses"
This statement is using "hand" to refer to power. Alternate translation: "the power or control of our enemies"
This is sometimes translated in other versions, as Jerubbaal. This is a name of godly honor and strength to fight the false god.
Samuel is telling the story of what God did after the people's confession of sin and plea for help.
These are the names of some judges that God raised up. Samuel included himself in this list.
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These two phrases have similar meanings and emphasize that this is the king whom the people wanted.
These similar words are used to emphasize how important this is.
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"
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"
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"
Samuel is asking Yahweh to punish Israel for asking for a king by sending a rainstorm during the harvest which will ruin the grain.
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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.
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"
"pursue worship of false gods"
Here "name" refers to the reputation of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "So that people will continue to honor and respect Yahweh"
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.
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This chapter is the beginning of a story about Jonathan's victory over the Philistines.
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.
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."
Samuel has renewed Saul's kingdom at Gilgal and Samuel has reminded the people to follow the Lord.
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.
"chose 3,000 men"
"2,000 men were with him"
This is the name of a city.
Gibeah is a town. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 10:26.
"He sent the rest of the soldiers home"
"military base of the Philistines" or "military camp of the Philistines"
This is the name of the town that the Philistine garrison was stationed in.
Possible meanings are that 1) Saul was taking responsibility for Jonathan's actions or 2) Saul was taking credit for Jonathan's actions.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Saul called the soldiers together to join him at Gilgal"
"3,000 ... 6,000"
This is an exaggeration that means a group of soldiers so large that it was difficult to count them.
This is the name of a place.
This is the name of a place.
The Philistines had gathered together to fight against Israel.
This phrase refers to the nation of Israel.
"the people worried greatly"
The people were greatly afraid.
"according to the time Samuel had told them he would come"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people had started to leave Saul"
Only the line of Aaron was permitted to perform the burnt offering sacrifice to God.
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Samuel was not really asking a question, but giving a rebuke to Saul. Saul sought to defend his actions even though they were wrong.
Michmash is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 13:2.
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This may sound better in your language: "the command of Yahweh your God that he gave you."
Saul was to wait for Samuel to come and sacrifice the burnt offering to God. He was not to perform the sacrifice himself.
"set up your rule" or "authorized your rule" or "appointed your rule"
This is a litotes that can be stated in the positive form. Alternate translation: "your rule will end soon"
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"
This is an idiom for "Samuel left and went up."
Gilgal is a city. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 7:15.
Gibeah is a town. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 10:26.
"600 men"
Geba is a town. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 13:3.
Michmash is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 13:2.
Raiders are normally military people who attack enemy villages for their food and other supplies.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
The narrative shifts to background information regarding blacksmiths in Israel.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one could find a blacksmith"
Here "blacksmith" refers to someone who made or sharpened metal tools and weapons.
The words "plow points" refer to the point of a metal tool used for digging up the ground for planting crops.
These are common garden tools.
A "mattock" is a broad-bladed axe, with a horizontal blade that is used for breaking up hard soil.
a curved blade for cutting grasses and grain stalks
The shekel is divided into 3 parts, 2 of 3 parts are given. "2/3 of a shekel"
"taking out the bend and making the ox goad straight again so it could be used"
The narrative continues.
This explains in part why Saul's army was afraid. They did not have any weapons to fight.
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This chapter completes the story of Jonathan's victory over 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.
The people of Israel often used the term "uncircumcised" to refer to Gentiles. Here it is used to mean the Philistines. (See: circumcise)
Jonathan begins his second raid on the Philistines' army.
a teenage boy who is responsible for caring for his master's weapons of war
This is an outpost staffed by the Philistine army.
This is the name of a hill north of Jerusalem.
a tree whose fruit is thick skinned, round, red and has many seeds to eat
"Migron" is the name of a place north of Jerusalem.
"600 men were with him"
"Ahitub" and "Ichabod" are names of men.
Phinehas was one of the priests. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 1:3.
A "cliff" is a rocky height with a steep drop. The cliff was well-known and given the name "Bozez."
This was the name of the other cliff.
towns north of Jerusalem
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.
a derogatory term used for non-Jewish men
"work for our support" or "help us"
"Yahweh can gain victory" or "Yahweh can win the battle"
These extremes also include everything in between. Alternate translation: "by any number of people"
Here "heart" refers to Jonathan's desires. Alternate translation: "everything that you desire to do"
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"will not go over to the other side of the valley where the Philistines are"
Here "hand" refers to the power to defeat them. Alternate translation: "will enable us to defeat them"
"This will confirm that the Lord will be with us"
"allowed the Philistine soldiers to see them"
the army camp
The Philistines implied that the Hebrews had been hiding in holes in the ground like animals.
This is an idiom that means "we will teach you a lesson."
Here "hand" refers to power to defeat the Philistines. Alternate translation: "will enable Israel to defeat them"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jonathan killed the Philistines"
"Jonathan's armor bearer followed him and also killed Philistine soldiers"
An acre of land was the area that a farmer could plow in a day with two oxen yoked together.
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 Philistines who were raiding Israelite cities
It may be helpful to state the cause. Alternate translation: "God caused the ground to shake"
This was the town where Saul was born. Translated "Gibeah" as in [1 Samuel 10:26]
These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that the soldiers were running away in every direction.
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A few versions have "ephod" here instead of "ark of God."
great noise and confusion
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"
the remnant of the Israelite army that remained with Saul
The swords are spoken of as if they were living people. Alternate translation: "The Philistine soldiers were striking each other with their swords"
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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"
This is a place in Israel. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 13:5]
It was understood by the troops that no refreshment was permitted under Saul's oath.
The Philistine soldiers fled through the forests and the Israelite soldiers followed them there.
This is an exaggeration to emphasize how much honey there was in the forest. Alternate translation: "there was a lot of honey everywhere"
Here putting one's "hand to his mouth" is a metonym that means to eat. Alternate translation: "no one ate any"
Jonathan learns of his father's 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"
Here "hand to his mouth" is a metonym that means to eat. Alternate translation: "He ate some honey"
This idiom means that he was strengthened. Alternate translation: "he regained his strength"
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This is a metonym that represents the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: "for Israel"
This idiom means that he was strengthened. Alternate translation: "I regained my strength"
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."
This word refers to the things the people had taken from the battle with their enemy.
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.
Jonathan's words lead the army to sin against God in their great hunger.
This is the name of a town. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 13:2.
a place in Zebulun in Israel
This refers to the Israelites.
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"
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"
Saul is accusing his whole army of acting unfaithfully though this is a generalization because not every soldier acted unfaithfully.
The stone would hold the animals up and make it easier to drain the blood from them.
This would allow Saul to observe if the blood was properly drained from the animals.
Saul had told the people to bring their animals to a big stone to kill and eat.
It is unclear if Saul built this altar with the large stone that the people brought to him in 1 Samuel 14:33.
Saul seeks to continue the fight against the Philistines.
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"
Saul had the support of his army to continue the fight.
Here "approaching God" is associated with asking him counsel. Alternate translation: "Let us ask God what we should do"
Here "hand" refers to the power to defeat them. Alternate translation: "enable us to defeat them"
This implies that God was not willing to help Saul.
This refers to the Israelites.
"find who sinned"
The word "it' refers to the guilt. Alternate translation: "Even if Jonathan my son is the guilty one, he will surely die"
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"
This was a generalization since only the Israelite soldiers were present. Alternate translation: "Then he said to the Israelite soldiers who were there"
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"
This is a borrowed word from the original language.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then the lot indicated that Jonathan was guilty"
The lots had just showed that Jonathan had sinned.
"Tell me how you have sinned" or "Tell me what you have done that was wrong"
Possible meanings are 1) "I am willing to die" or 2) "do I deserve to be executed because of doing that?"
Saul makes a second foolish oath in less than one day. Alternate translation: "May God kill me if I do not kill you, Jonathan"
The Army defends and protects Jonathan from Saul.
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."
This is a metonym for winning the victory that brought about the salvation. Alternate translation: "won this great victory"
The people were expressing their certainty that they would not let anything happen to Jonathan.
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"
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For a brief period Saul served with great courage in defeating Israel's enemies.
This is a metonym that represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the Israelites"
This refers to the people of Moab. Alternate translation: "the Moabites"
This refers to the people of Edom. Alternate translation: "the Edomites"
"Wherever he sent his army"
The word "hand" represents control. Alternate translation: "out of the control"
This is background information on Saul's family.
These are names of men.
These are names of women.
This is the name of a woman.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
"all of Saul's life"
"he forced him to join his army"
This is the end of the section on Saul and Samuel (8-15).
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.
"He has turned back from following me" is an idiom meaning "he has stopped obeying me."
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?"
"the message of Yahweh"
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These two phrases mean the same thing. The second phrase gives specific details about what they are to destroy completely.
"Do not allow any of them to live"
"the army"
"counted them"
"200,000 footmen, and 10,000 men of Judah"
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a nomad people group that had always been friendly to the nation of Israel
These are the names of places.
Yahweh had told Saul to destroy everything, but here Saul disobeys Yahweh's command.
Here Saul represents himself accompanied by his army. Alternate translation: "Saul and his army took Agag" or "Saul and his army captured Agag"
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"
Saul disobeyed God by letting Agag live.
Saul disobeyed God by keeping the best of the livestock.
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:"
"I am sorry"
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 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.
Possible meanings are 1) Samuel was angry with Saul for his disobedience or 2) Samuel was disturbed.
"Someone told Samuel"
Saul was full of pride.
Gilgal was lower in elevation than Carmel.
It is not clear if Saul understood that he had not fully obeyed God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites.
Samuel questions why Saul did not utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
These are the sounds that these animals make. Your language may have different terms for these.
These two phrases mean the same thing. Here "in my ears" refers to hearing.
The word "they" and the phrase "the people" here both represent Saul's army. Saul is blaming the people rather than himself.
Saul is arguing that animals for sacrifice were an exception to Yahweh's command to destroy everything.
Saul here does not describe Samuel's God as his own God.
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Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in your own opinion" or "in your judgment"
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!"
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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!"
Here "voice" refers to the commands that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: "the things that Yahweh commanded"
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!"
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"
This is an emphatic statement. It is unclear if Saul thought this was true, or if he was simply making excuses for his sin.
Here "voice" refers to the commands that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: "the things that Yahweh commanded"
This is the name of the king of the Amalekites.
This appears to be shifting the blame to the people.
"animals that Yahweh commanded them to destroy"
This is the name of a place.
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!"
Here "voice" refers to the commands that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: "the things that Yahweh commanded"
God wanted Saul's complete obedience in the destruction of the Amalekites. Nothing in the land was fit for sacrifice.
"better than to sacrifice the fat of rams as a burnt offering"
The abstract noun "rebellion" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "to rebel is as sinful as practicing divination"
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"
"Yahweh's message" or "Yahweh's command"
"decided that you will no longer be king"
This is an idiom that means he had disobeyed the commandment. Alternate translation: "I have disobeyed what Yahweh commanded"
This is the reason Saul gives for not obeying God. Alternate translation: "because I was afraid of the soldiers"
Here "voice" refers to what the soldiers asked Saul to do. Alternate translation: "did what they asked"
Saul and Samuel were apparently talking in private away from the other people.
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 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"
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 edge of his robe" or "the fringe of his robe"
This refers back to when Saul tore Samuel's robe in [1 Samuel 15:27]
God had already decided who would be the next king after Saul.
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"
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"
This refers to his thoughts and decisions. Alternate translation: "what he has decided to do"
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"
Saul may have been more interested in being honored by the people than in actually worshipping God.
Here "Israel" refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "before the people of Israel and the elders who lead them"
"Come back with me" or "Return with me"
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"
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.'"
"They brought Agag to him bound by chains and Agag said"
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"
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"
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"
These are the names of places.
Gibeah was higher in elevation than Gilgal where Saul and Samuel had been talking.
"Samuel did not see Saul again for as long as he lived"
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)
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)
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.
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."
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.
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."
You can state the understood information. Alternate translation: "Take a heifer with you to Bethlehem and say to the people there"
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."
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It seems the elders were trembling because they were worried that Samuel came to rebuke them.
This can be stated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: "Yes, I have come in peace"
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.
Here "they" refers to Jesse and his sons.
Here "he" refers to Samuel.
This is the name of Jesse's oldest son.
Here "him" refers to Yahweh.
Here "see" means to evaluate something.
Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "For I, Yahweh, do not see ... I, Yahweh, look"
Here "heart" represents a person's inner being.
This is the name of one of Jesse's sons.
"told him to go to Samuel"
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"
This is the name of one of Jesse's sons.
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"There is still my youngest son"
It is understood that they were waiting to sit down and eat. Alternate translation: "we will not sit down to eat"
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.
The word "ruddy" means David was healthy looking.
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.
It is implied that he rose up after they sat down to eat.
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.
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.
This may refer to either a "spirit that causes trouble" or an "evil 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"
See how you translated similar words in 1 Samuel 9:6.
The servants refer to Saul in the third person as "our master." Alternate translation: "We ask that you, our master, command"
The servants refer to themselves in the third person as "your servants." Alternate translation: "command us, your servants who attend to you, to search"
"troubles you"
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Possible meanings are 1) "a great warrior" or 2) "a very brave man."
"one wise in speech" or "one who speaks wisely"
Here "with him" means Yahweh helps and blesses David.
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Here "came" can be translated as "went."
The abstract noun "service" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "began to serve him"
"David became Saul's armor bearer"
Here "stand before me" is an idiom that means to continue in Saul's service. Alternate translation: "Let David stay in my service"
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"
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.
"troubled Saul"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the music would refresh Saul and make him well"
This chapter introduced David as a soldier, a skill that will be important for the rest of his life.
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)
The people of Israel often used the term "uncircumcised" to refer to Gentiles. Here it is used to describe the Philistines. (See: circumcise)
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?"
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This is the name of a place.
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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"
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"
A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 55 kilograms"
A "javelin" is a small spear that is meant to be thrown.
"the handle of his spear"
"rope rolled up into a circle"
"The point of his spear"
A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 7 kilograms"
"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!"
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."
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"I defy the army of Israel"
This refers to the Israelite soldiers who were there.
The words "discouraged" and "greatly afraid" mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of their fear.
"He" refers to Jesse.
The two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
"Abinadab the second born, and Shammah the third born." This phrase shows birth order.
The implied information is that these are the sons of Jesse. Alternate translation: "The three oldest sons of Jesse"
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"For 40 days"
"to show that he was ready to fight"
An ephah is a unit of measurement equal to about 22 liters.
"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"
"Check and find out how your brothers are doing"
"all the soldiers of Israel"
This is the name of a place. See how you translated it in [1 Samuel 17:2]
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"whose name was Goliath"
"stepped forward from the Philistines' battle line"
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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!"
This refers to the king of Israel. Alternate translation: "Our king"
This refers to the king's daughter.
The words "him" and "his" refer to the man who kills Goliath.
The word "house" refers to the household or family. Alternate translation: "will no longer require his family to pay taxes"
This can be expressed with the verb "disgrace." Alternate translation: "stops Israel from being disgraced" or "stops him from disgracing Israel"
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 phrase is an insult and indicates that Goliath does not belong to the living God.
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Here anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that could be kindled. Alternate translation: "Eliab became angry with David"
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"
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!"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
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!"
"He" refers to David and the word "him" refers to Eliab.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When the soldiers heard what David said"
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"
David spoke of himself as "your servant" to show respect to Saul. Alternate translation: "I, your servant, will go"
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David spoke of himself as "your servant" to show respect to Saul. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 17:32]
"used to take care of his father's sheep"
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.
Here "him" refers to the lion or bear. Some languages would use the word "it" instead of "him."
Here "it" refers to the lamb.
Here "rose up against" is an idiom that refers to attacking. Alternate translation: "it attacked me"
The "beard" refers to the lion's mane or the hair on the bear's face.
David continues speaking to King Saul.
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.
David is saying that he will be able to kill the Philistine just as he was able to kill the lion and 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 Philistine's hand represents his power in fighting. Alternate translation: "the power of this Philistine" or "the Philistine"
a flexible piece of body armor covered with protective scales or small plates
"Saul's sword on the armor"
Here "his" refers to David.
A sling is a weapon for throwing stones.
"and his shield bearer walked in front of him"
"he hated him"
"and healthy looking"
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!"
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 sky" or "birds"
Here "name" represents God's power or authority. Alternate translation: "with the power of Yahweh" or "with the authority of Yahweh"
"whom you have provoked" or "whom you have insulted"
David continues speaking to Goliath.
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"
The word "earth" refers to the people on earth. Alternate translation: "all the people of the earth may know"
"Yahweh can save his people without anyone's sword or spear"
These words are a synecdoche for any weapon used in battle. Alternate translation: "the weapons people use"
Winning the battle is spoken of as owning the battle. Alternate translation: "Yahweh always wins the battle" or "the victory belongs to Yahweh"
Giving the Philistines into Israel's hand represents helping Israel to defeat the Philistines in battle. Alternate translation: "he will help us defeat you"
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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.
David did this after Goliath fell to the ground in 1 Samuel 17:49.
"took the Philistine's sword." Here the word "his" refers to Goliath.
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"
"the Israelites plundered the Philistines' camp"
"he put Goliath's armor in his own tent"
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 to fight against the Philistine"
"who is this youth's father"
This was a way of swearing that what he was about to say was true.
"who the boy's father is"
Here "his" refers to David.
"Who is your father"
"My father is your servant Jesse, the Bethlehemite"
David referred to his father as "your servant" to show that his father was faithful to King Saul.
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.
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)
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.
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"
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"
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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]
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"he prospered"
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"
This is generalization that emphasizes the great number of women who came from many cities. Alternate translation: "from many of the cities throughout Israel"
"joyfully playing tambourines and other musical instruments"
A "tambourine" is a small handheld drum.
"thousands of enemy soldiers ... ten thousand enemy soldiers"
The verb may be supplied from the previous line. Alternate translation: "David has killed his ten thousands"
"They have credited"
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "The only thing left for him to have is the kingship."
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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.
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.
"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."
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"Yahweh was with David"
"So Saul removed David from his presence"
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]
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"
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Here "stood in awe" is an idiom that means to fear. Alternate translation: "he feared David"
Here "Israel and Judah" represent the people of all of the tribes. Alternate translation: "all the people in Israel and Judah loved David"
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]
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"
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."
"husband of the king's daughter"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when Saul should have given his daughter Merab to David"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Saul gave her to Adriel"
Here "loved" means she had romantic feelings for David.
Here "they" refers to people who found out about Michal's feelings, not to David and Michal.
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 the husband of my daughter"
"all of his servants admire you"
"For these reasons you should"
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."
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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"
100
The foreskin is a fold of skin on a man's private part that is removed during circumcision.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to get revenge on the king's enemies"
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"
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This can be rendered numerically. Alternate translation: "200 Philistines"
"David and his men gave all of them to the king"
Here the words "saw" and "knew" share similar meanings and emphasize that Saul knew with certainty. Alternate translation: "Saul recognized"
Here "loved" means she had romantic feelings for David.
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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."
Here "name" is a metonym for David. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that people greatly respected 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)
Here "his" refers to Saul.
Jonathan greatly enjoyed being with David.
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Jonathan speaks as if Saul is another person to show Saul that Jonathan respects Saul. Alternate translation: "Do not sin against your servant"
Here "life in his hand" is an idiom that refers to risking his life. Alternate translation: "he risked his life"
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"
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."
Here "blood" is a metonym for the life of an innocent person. Alternate translation: "commit the sin of murder"
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"
David was in Saul's presence.
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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.
throw his spear so it would go through David and into the wall
"Saul might kill David"
Michal told David
Here "save your life" is an idiom that refers to escape. Alternate translation: "If you do not escape"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone will kill you"
Michal helps David escape King Saul. She uses a household idol to make David's bed look like he is sleeping in it.
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.
Saul acts out his desire to kill David.
"take David back to Saul"
Here "she" refers to Michal.
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"
See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 19:13.
The word "behold" here shows that the messengers were surprised by what they saw.
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."
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."
David flees to Samuel.
This word is used here to show that the writer has started to tell a new part of the story.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Saul"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
Here "head" refers to a position of authority. Alternate translation: "acting as their leader"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When someone told Saul this"
These are place names.
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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]
Here "they" refers to people in general. The question became a proverb among the people.
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.
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."
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."
Here "take my life" is an idiom for "kill me."
Here "far from it" is an idiom that refers to that it is not true. Alternate translation: "This is certainly not true"
The words "great or small" include everything in between. Alternate translation: "nothing at all"
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 true"
Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "I have pleased you" or "you consider me favorably"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "this will grieve him" or "he will be very sad"
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"
David proposes a test against King Saul to Jonathan.
On the first of every month the people would celebrate and offer sacrifices to God.
"until the evening of the day after tomorrow"
David continues to describe the test he proposes.
"asked me if I would allow him to leave"
The word "he" refers to Saul.
David speaks of himself as if he were another person to show that he respects Jonathan. Alternate translation: "I, your servant, will have peace"
David continues speaking to Jonathan.
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"
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"
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"
This is an idiom that means it will never happen to you. Alternate translation: "This will never happen to you!"
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I would certainly tell you."
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"look" or "listen" or "pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
"if my father wants to do good things for 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"
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"
Jonathan asks David not to completely kill all his offspring so that a remnant will remain.
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"
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"
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The word "house" is a metonym for the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: "David's family"
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."
Here "his own soul" refers to himself. Alternate translation: "Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "My father will miss you"
"Ezel" was the name of the stone. Alternate translation: "the stone that people call Ezel"
Jonathan continues to speak to David.
Here the word "it" refers to the stone by which David was to hide.
These refer to the same person.
"Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
"then you, David, come"
Jonathan continues to speak to David.
Possible meanings are 1) "we know that Yahweh" or 2) "pay attention because this is important: Yahweh."
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"
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Some ancient copies have "Jonathan sat across from him."
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.
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"asked me to allow him to go"
Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 20:3]
Jonathan speaks of Saul as if he is another person to show that he respects Saul. Alternate translation: "your table"
Here "anger burned" is a metonym that refers to becoming very angry. Alternate translation: "Saul became very angry with Jonathan"
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"
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."
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will not become king and will not establish your kingdom"
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."
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This "second" is an ordinal number which refers to two. Alternate translation: "the second day of the new moon festival"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he was grieving over David"
Here "him" refers to David.
Here "him" refers to Jonathan.
"Jonathan shot an arrow beyond the young man"
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."
"called out to the young man, who was running away from him, 'Hurry"
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It seems that David had hidden behind a pile of earth or stones.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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?'"
This is the name of a place.
This is a man's name.
shaking in fear
"to do work for him"
"I have told the young men to go to another place, and I will meet them there later"
David is starting a new part of the conversation.
Here "on hand" is a metonym meaning "available." Alternate translation: "What food do you have that you can give me?"
This is a polite request.
bread that the priests have not used in worship
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "we have kept ourselves from women"
"3 days"
"when I begin a journey"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The young men have set what belongs to them 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"
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the bread that the priests had set apart"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "which the priests had removed from before Yahweh so that they could put"
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"
You may need to say clearly that Doeg saw what David did. Alternate translation: "Doeg ... herdsmen, and he saw what Ahimelech did"
This is the name of a man from the land of Edom.
Here "on hand" is a metonym meaning "available." See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 21:3]
a general name for such things as swords, knives, bows and arrows, and spears
This is the name of a place in Israel.
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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"
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.'"
Here "took ... to heart" is a metonym to think seriously about what was said. Alternate translation: "David thought seriously about what the servants said"
Here "hands" are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "in their presence"
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."
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."
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Do not allow this fellow to enter my house."
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)
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)
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)
a hollow space under the ground, generally opening into the side of a hill, large enough for people to enter
This is the name of a town near the city of Gath.
heard that David had gone to hide in the cave
This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "Many people who were distressed ... many people who were unhappy"
military officer who leads soldiers
"400"
"Then David went from the cave at Adullam"
This is the name of a city.
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.
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"go to your home land of Judah"
This is the name of a city.
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"
This is a type of tree. Alternate translation: "a large shade tree"
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."
The time when he will give can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "When the son of Jesse becomes king, will he give"
"David"
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"
You may need to make explicit when he will make them captains. Alternate translation: "When he becomes king, will he make you all captains"
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]
This continues what Saul said to his servants.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 21:7]
This is a place name and the name of a man. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 21:1]
This is the name of a man.
Ahitub prayed to Yahweh that Yahweh might help David, and Ahitub gave David
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"by giving"
"rebel" or "fight"
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "None of your servants is as faithful as David ... house."
a person or group of people who protect someone
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"
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."
This idiom means "Absolutely not!"
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"
to consider someone guilty
Here "house" represents "family." Alternate translation: "to all my father's family"
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"
"the soldiers standing nearby to protect him"
Here "Turn" means to turn around or turn away from the king. Alternate translation: "Go and kill" or "Kill"
The word "hand" is a metonym for the work done with the hand. Alternate translation: "they also help David"
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"
Here "Turn" means to turn around or turn away from the king. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 22:17]
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"
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 21:7]
"85 men" or "85 priests"
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"
"killed with the sword"
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"
This is a man's name.
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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)
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)
"Keilah" is the name of a town. Here "Keilah" represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: "fighting against the people of Keilah"
separating the grain or seeds, generally from a cereal plant or wheat by some mechanical means
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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."
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The writer pays the most attention to David, so these words are all singular, though David's men helped him do all these things.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 21:1]
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Saul" or "They told Saul"
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 soldiers"
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"David asked" or "David prayed"
David speaks as if he were someone else to show his respect for Yahweh. Alternate translation: "I have indeed heard"
make the city so no one could live in it and kill all the people who live there
David speaks as if he were someone else to show his respect for Yahweh. Alternate translation: "as I have heard ... tell me"
Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "give me over to Saul"
or "David asked" or "David prayed"
Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "give me and my men over to Saul"
"600"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Saul" or "They told Saul"
"had run away from"
This is the name of a deserted area near the city of Ziph.
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "try to kill him"
This is the name of city near Ziph.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "encouraged him to trust in God"
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"
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This is the name of the people group from Ziph.
This rhetorical question can be translated as an exclamation. Alternate translation: "David is hiding among us in ... Jeshimon!"
This is the name of a hill in the wilderness of Judah.
This is the name of a desert area near the Dead Sea. It can also be translated as "the Judean Wilderness" or "the wasteland."
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I hope that Yahweh blesses you"
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"
These two words mean almost the same thing and can be translated as one phrase. Alternate translation: "Know for sure"
"who saw him"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "People tell me" or "I have heard"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "even if I have to arrest every man in Judah" or "among all the clans of Judah"
They stopped what they had been doing. The reader should not believe that they were sitting or lying.
"Then the Ziphites"
This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 23:14.
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]
This is the name of the deserted area around the city of Maon in southern Judah.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told David that they were coming" or "David learned that they were coming"
a hill covered with many rocks or boulders
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The words "hurry" and "come" can be combined into one idea. Alternate translation: "Come quickly"
"chasing David, trying to catch him"
The name means "Rock of Escape." This was a memorial or marker of David's escape from Saul.
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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)
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone told him"
Engedi is a place in Israel west of the Dead Sea where there is water with dry land all around it.
3,000
men whom he had chosen because of their superior military abilities
"sheep corrals" or "sheep enclosures"
This is a euphemism for "relieve himself" or "defecate" or "empty his intestines."
generally a natural hole under the ground, often with an opening in the side of a hill or cliff
The word "arose" is an idiom for taking action. Alternate translation: "David took action; he quietly crept"
approached slowly, carefully or quietly
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "David was sad because he had done something wrong"
"the one whom Yahweh has chosen to lead his people" or "the one Yahweh has made king"
The hand is a metonym for the ability to cause harm. Alternate translation: "to harm him in any way"
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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."
Here "your eyes" represent King Saul. Alternate translation: "you have seen with your own eyes"
The word "hand" is a metonym for control. Alternate translation: "put you where I could kill you or allow you to live"
Saul was not David's real father. David calls him "father" to show that he respects Saul.
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"
The hand is a metonym for the ability to cause harm. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Samuel 24:6]
This nominal adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "people who lived long ago"
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."
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"
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"
Possible meanings are 1) "do what is right, and plead my cause" or 2) "see that my cause is right and fight for me."
The word "hand" is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: "so that you have no power over me"
Saul speaks as if David were his son to show David that he loves him.
The writer writes as if a voice were something a person could lift up with his hands. Alternate translation: "wept loudly"
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Saul acknowledges that David did show that he supported King Saul and was loyal to him by not killing him.
Saul acknowledges that David chose to show mercy and demonstrated his loyalty to King Saul as Yahweh's anointed.
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."
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.
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"
The word "hand" is a metonym that represents power or control.
"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.
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"
"David and his army"
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)
This is likely a generalization. A large number of the people of Israel were probably there, but some were probably unable to attend.
"met together"
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 and his men moved on and they went down"
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."
This is the name of a town.
This is the name of a town. This is different from Mount Carmel.
3,000
1,000
"shaving the wool off his sheep"
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."
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a woman.
Here "house" represents family. Alternate translation: "He was a descendant of the family of Caleb" or "He was a descendant of Caleb"
"shaving the wool off his sheep"
"greet him as I would greet him if I were there"
"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"
"I desire that peace may come to you, your household and your possessions"
"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.
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"
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"
David was expressing respect toward Nabal by calling his men Nabal's servants.
David spoke as if he were Nabal's son to show that he respected Nabal, who was an older man.
"David's army"
"told Nabal that this message had come from David"
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."
"running away from" or "rebelling against"
Here "bread" is an idiom for any kind of food.
"men when I do not know where they have come from" or "men whom I do not know"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Nabal had said"
"said to his army"
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"
400
200
They remained at their base camp to prevent other raiders from stealing their possessions.
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Nobody harmed us" or "We were safe"
"we did not lose anything when we were with them." David's men kept wild animals and other people from stealing Nabal's flocks.
David's men were like a wall around a city that protects the people in the city from their enemies.
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"
The speaker speaks of David as if David were another person to show that he respects David. Alternate translation: "you"
200
A loaf is like a cake. You may need to make explicit what the loaves consisted of. Alternate translation: "loaves of bread"
"that someone had already cooked" or "ready for someone to cook"
This is a generic term as none is given.
"grain that someone had cooked"
"cakes of raisins" or "masses of raisins"
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"David and his army"
Possible meanings are 1) into a low, narrow stream bed or 2) to where the men were hiding.
The writer gives background information before he continues with the story.
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.
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.
This can be stated positively and in active form. Alternate translation: "he still has everything that was his"
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.
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 the people who belong to him" or "those in his family"
The writer has finished giving background information, so he continues the story.
Abigail was being humble and showing that she would obey David because he was a powerful leader.
"hear"
"David ... me ... my words." Abigail speaks of herself and David as if they are two other people, to show that she respects David.
Abigail continues to advise David not to take revenge.
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"
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"
Abigail continues to advise David not to take revenge.
Abigail speaks of David as if he is another person to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: "David ... you"
murder
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"
Abigail speaks as if Yahweh has already punished Nabal. Alternate translation: "I hope that Yahweh will punish your enemies ... as he will punish Nabal"
Abigail continues to tell David not to be angry.
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"
"these gifts." The "present" was actually many different things.
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"
Abigail continues to reason with David.
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"
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 against Yahweh's enemies"
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"
Abigail continues to reason with David.
chase and try to catch
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"
Abigail speaks of herself and David as if they are two different people to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: "your life"
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 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
Abigail continues to reason with David.
Abigail speaks of David as if he is another person, to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: "you"
Abigail finishes reasoning with David.
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.”
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"
Pouring out blood is a metonym for killing people. Alternate translation: "that you have killed innocent people" or "that you have killed people needlessly"
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"
That is, when Yahweh actually makes him king after Saul's reign is over.
David accepts Abigail's counsel and gifts.
This can be translated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "I praise Yahweh ... who" or 2) "May all people praise Yahweh ... who."
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I thank Yahweh because he has blessed you by making you wise and because"
murder. The same word appears in 1 Samuel 25:26.
The word "hand" here is a metonym for the action taken by the hand. Alternate translation: "by my own actions"
David accepts Abigail's gifts and agrees to do as she has advised him.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I would not have left to Nabal even one male baby"
This is an idiom. Abigail did not unload all gifts from the donkeys herself. Alternate translation: "accepted all the gifts that she had brought"
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"
dawn
Nabal was very happy
Yahweh's judgment on Nabal
Nabal was no longer drunk and so was no longer feeling happy.
Nabal was unable to move because was so afraid that he was no longer physically healthy, probably because he had suffered a stroke.
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David offers to protect Abigail by marrying her.
This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 25:32]
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "has defended me after Nabal insulted me"
David speaks as if he were another person to show his respect for Yahweh. Alternate translation: "has kept me from doing evil deeds"
The abstract noun "action" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "has done to Nabal what Nabal planned to do to me"
The head is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "on him"
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"
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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]
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"
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"
Abigail was riding a donkey, but the servant girls were walking.
This event took place before David married Abigail.
This is the name of a woman.
This event took place before David married Abigail.
This is the name of a woman.
These are names of men.
This is a town north of Jerusalem.
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)
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?"
This rhetorical question can be translated as an exclamation. Alternate translation: "David is hiding ... Jeshimon!"
"from which we can see 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 word "arose" is an idiom for taking action. Alternate translation: "Then Saul took action and he went"
3,000
men whom he had chosen because of their superior military abilities
"from which they could see 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]
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"David took action and he went"
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
These are the names of women.
David and his men were probably on higher ground than Saul.
"I want to be the one who goes down"
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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"
This is a metonym that refers to "kill with a spear"
"I will kill him the first time I strike him" or "I will not need to strike him a second time"
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."
"as certainly as Yahweh lives" or "as surely as Yahweh lives"
"he will die a natural death"
The hand is a metonym for the harm a hand can do. Alternate translation: "do anything to harm"
David includes Abishai, so the word "us" here is inclusive.
Yahweh had caused them to sleep deeply.
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David uses a question to shame Abner into answering. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Answer me, Abner!"
"David spoke as loudly as he could" so Saul and his men could hear him
David uses a question to rebuke Abner for not guarding Saul. Alternate translation: "You are a very brave man."
David uses a question to rebuke Abner for not guarding Saul. Alternate translation: "You are the greatest soldier in Israel."
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!"
The word "destroy" here is hyperbole for "kill." Alternate translation: "to kill the king"
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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.
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."
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?"
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."
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!"
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"
"caused you to be angry with me"
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "may Yahweh decide to punish them"
"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.'"
"so that I will no longer trust that Yahweh will give me what he has promised me"
David speaks as if the king was another person to show respect to Saul. Alternate translation: "you have"
This is a polite way of saying "do not kill me."
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"
Saul is chasing David as if he were hunting a valuable wild bird.
Possible meanings are 1) "Return to serve me in my palace" or "Return to your home."
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.
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"
"been very foolish"
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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"
"give what is proper to each man"
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"
Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated similar words in [1 Samuel 26:21]
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh bless you"
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.
This begins a section about David living with the Philistines.
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)
Here "his heart" is a metonym that means to himself. Alternate translation: "David thought to himself"
The word "hand" is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "escape from him"
"David took action; he passed over"
"passed over the border between Israel and Philistia"
600
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 21:10]
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a woman. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 14:50]
This is the name of a woman. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 25:3]
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 25:3]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Saul" or "Saul heard"
Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 20:3]
Since Achish was the one who would "give," this is a metonym for "please give me a place."
"one of the outlying towns" or "one of the towns outside the city"
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."
David speaks as if he were another person to show that he respected Achish.
This is the name of a city in the southwest part of Judah.
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attacking and taking property many times
A people group who apparently lived somewhere between Philistia and Egypt.
Here "you" is being used as an indefinite pronoun that refers to anyone. Alternate translation: "on the way most people travel to Shur"
region on the northeast border of Egypt
the king of Gath
the king of Gath
a clan from the tribe of Judah
a people group who lived in the land of Midian
one of five Philistine city-states.
the king of Gath
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)
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?"
"to fight against Israel"
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"
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.
David speaks as if he is another person so that Achish will think David respects him. Alternate translation: "I"
The word "you" refers to David and so is singular.
a person who protects another person
The writer provides background information to prepare the reader for the events that follow.
He had officially removed them from the country or region, or prevented from entering. Alternate translation: "expelled ... from Israel"
"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.
after David and Achish spoke (1 Samuel 28:2)
"gathered all his armies in Israel together"
these are names of places
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"
The high priest carried the sacred lots called Urim and Thummin in his breastplate, in a marked pouch, next to his heart.
This is the name of a place.
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.
changed his usual appearance no one would know who he was
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.
"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.
The word "life" represents the person. Alternate translation: "me"
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Other possible meanings are 1) "one like God" or 2) "a judge" (1 Samuel 7:15).
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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"
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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"
This is a polite way to say that Saul will die. Alternate translation: "will be dead"
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"
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.
This is an idiom. "I could die because I listened" or "Someone could kill me because I listened"
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"
"Saul would not do what they asked"
"forced him"
a calf that has been grown and fed to be available for a special feast
She mixed flour and oil, working and rolling the mixture thoroughly with her hands to produce dough for baking.
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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.
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.
a small stream of water flowing naturally from the Earth
"divided their men into groups; some groups had one hundred soldiers and some groups had one thousand soldiers"
100s ... 1,000s
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.
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."
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 know of nothing that he has done wrong"
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"
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!"
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'!"
"1,000s ... 10,000s"
This is an idiom. "As certainly as Yahweh lives" or "This is a true statement"
"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"
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David speaks as if Achish were another person so that Achish will think David respects him. Alternate translation: "you, my master and king"
"even though that is true, this is more important: the princes" or "however, the princes"
The reader should understand that Achish is speaking of Saul.
"can see with the morning sun"
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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.
Ziklag is a city in the southern part of Judah. This was where David and his men kept their families.
the Amalekites
Possible meanings are 1) "both unimportant people and important people" or 2) "both physically small and physically large."
belonging to David and his men
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "they saw that someone had burned it and taken their wives ... captive"
These were mainly his army of men.
David finds strength in Yahweh after the raid.
"Ahinoam from Jezreel"
"Nabal the man from Carmel"
women's names
suffering
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"
Possible meanings are 1) "David took courage because he knew Yahweh his God would help him" or 2) "Yahweh his God made David strong."
David seeks Yahweh's direction in dealing with the raid on his people.
The abstract noun "direction" can be translated as a clause. Alternate translation: "David prayed that Yahweh would tell David what David should do"
chase and try to catch
600 men
small stream
"kept chasing them, trying to catch them"
400 men
200 men
They were tired from their own raids and now in pursuit of the Amalekites. They no longer had the strength to continue.
He was left there to die from the Amalekite raiding party.
"clusters of dried grapes"
David questioned the Egyptian slave.
"three days in the past"
3 days
an attack on a town to take property
a group of armed warriors who attack people or places unexpectedly
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"
the goods they had stolen in the raid
the time just after the sun goes down until the sky is dark
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"
400
"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.
"got his two wives back" or "saved his two wives from danger"
"None of the items the Amalekites had stolen were lost"
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.
goods that the Amelekites had stolen. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 30:16.
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200
a small stream or creek named Besor. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 30:9]
spoke to them in a friendly way
the goods they had taken from the enemy in battle. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 30:16.
"we have regained" or "we have gotten back"
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This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement: Alternate translation: "No one will listen to you in this matter."
The abstract noun "share" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "as what belongs to anyone who goes"
the warriors who actually fought the enemy in war
"will make sure that all receive the same amount"
the people who supported the warriors by managing and guarding their supplies
belongings that the soldiers left behind when they went into battle
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This is the name of a town.
goods that David had taken from the Amalekites after the battle. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 30:16.
"a gift"
The writer begins a list of towns whose elders received gifts from David.
These are names of towns.
The writer continues the list that began in 1 Samuel 30:27 of towns whose elders received gifts from David.
These are names of towns.
The writer continues the list that began in 1 Samuel 30:27 of towns whose elders received gifts from David.
This is the name of a town.
These are the names of people groups.
The writer continues the list that began in 1 Samuel 30:27 of towns whose elders received gifts from David.
These are names of towns.
The writer finishes the list that began in 1 Samuel 30:27 of towns whose elders received gifts from David.
This is the end of the section on Saul, but the book continues in 2 Samuel 1.
Saul receives his punishment from God: death for his disobedience and resisting the will of God. (See: willofgod)
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.
"Israel" refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "against the people of Israel"
This is the name of a mountain
"chased Saul and three of his sons"
These are names of men.
This is an idiom. "Saul's army began to lose the battle"
The armor bearer carried the large shield of his commanding officer and other weapons. He protected the commanding officer during a battle.
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"
The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: "would not do what Saul had told him to do"
"killed himself with his own sword"
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"on that one day"
lived in the cities the men of Israel had left
take the armor and weapons off the dead Israelites' bodies
a mountain range overlooking the Valley of Jezreel in northern Israel, south of Nazareth
"all areas of the land of the Philistines"
"to speak the news inside the temples and to the people"
the buildings where they worshiped their idols
ancient false goddesses and idols, also called "Asherah" or "Astarte"
attached, probably with a large spike or nail
the name of a city
This is the name of a town. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 11:1]
"how the Philistines had dishonored Saul"
"throughout the whole night"
This is a type of tree. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 22:6]
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.
David praised Saul and Jonathan as great warriors and Jonathan as his dearest friend.
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."
This is the name of a city in the southern part of Judah.
"After three days"
In this culture, tearing one's own clothes and putting dirt on one's head was an act of mourning.
This was an act of showing submission to David, who was now the king of Israel.
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Possible meanings are 1) "Many were wounded and many were killed" or 2) "Many were wounded and killed."
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This statement emphasizes that the man did not plan to meet Saul.
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.
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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"
These are the same people David just finished attacking in 2 Samuel 1:1.
Saul's suffering is spoken of as something terrible that has grabbed hold of him. Alternate translation: "I am suffering terribly"
This idiom means he is still alive. Alternate translation: "I am still alive"
"he would die anyway"
David and his men tore their clothes as a sign of mourning for the death of King Saul.
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"
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.
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"
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.
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!"
This refers to Saul.
This phrase refers to doing something yourself. Alternate translation: "yourself" or "personally"
This idiom means "killed him."
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"
Here "your own mouth" refers to the man himself. Alternate translation: "you have testified against yourself"
David sings a song of mourning for Saul and Jonathan.
This was the title of the song.
This is background information added to tell the reader what happened to the song in the future.
The word "Jashar" means "upright." Alternate translation: "the Book of the Upright"
"Your glory" refers to Saul.
The phrase "the mighty" refers to both Saul and Jonathan. This nominal adjective is plural, and can be stated as "the mighty ones."
The word "fallen" here means "died."
These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated as part of the poetry of the song.
Gath and Ashkelon are two of the Philistines' major cities. The Philistines killed Saul and Jonathan.
These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated as part of the poetry of the song.
This phrase refers to people who do not follow Yahweh, such as the Philistines.
David speaks directly to the "Mountains of Gilboa" as if they were listening to his song.
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 "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.
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"
Saul and Jonathan are shown here to have been fierce and valiant warriors.
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.
The phrase "were not separated" is used to emphasize that they were always together. Alternate translation: "even in death they were together"
Saul and Jonathan were spoken of as if they were faster than eagles and stronger than lions.
"who provided you nice clothes and jewelry." These two phrases share similar meanings that describe providing the women with expensive, attractive clothing.
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"
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"
This is a polite way to say "have died."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jonathan has died in battle" or "The enemy has killed Jonathan"
David continues to address this part of the song to the mountains of Gilboa as he started in [2 Samuel 1:21]
Here "brother" is used in the sense of a very close friend.
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.
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This chapter begins the story of the civil war between Saul's son and David.
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.
Abner finally stopped the battle with a rhetorical question to David's army. "Must the sword devour forever?"
"After David mourned the deaths of Saul and Jonathan in battle"
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"
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"
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In this symbolic act, they poured oil on David's head to show that he was selected to be the king.
Here "house" is used in the sense of "tribe." Alternate translation: "the tribe of Judah"
This is the name of a town in the region of Gilead.
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David speaks to the people of Jabesh Gilead.
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"
They buried Saul.
Here "hands" refers to the people of Jabesh Gilead. Alternate translation: "be strong"
In this symbolic act, they poured oil on David's head to show that he was selected to be the king.
These are the names of men.
This is the name of a place.
These are the names of places.
Obeying David's rule is spoken of as "following" him. Alternate translation: "the tribe of Judah obeyed David as their king"
Here "house" is used to mean "tribe."
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These are the names of men.
This is the name of a man.
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This is a polite way of saying they died. Alternate translation: "they both died"
This is a name given to remind people what happened there.
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"
These are the names of men.
Here Asahel is compared to a gazelle, an animal that runs very fast. Alternate translation: "Asahel could run very fast"
This small, four-legged animal, with two long horns on its head, runs very fast.
This is the name of a man.
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"
This is the name of a man.
"Stop chasing me ... stop chasing Abner"
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"
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"
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"
This means to "halt" or "stop chasing."
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.
This is the name of a man.
These are the names of places.
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"Abner shouted" or "Abner yelled"
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."
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!"
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!"
This is a very strong vow. Alternate translation: "With God as my witness" or "God will affirm that I mean what I say"
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.
Trumpets were used to signal orders to the armies across great distances.
Here "Israel" refers to the Israelite soldiers. Alternate translation: "did not continue to chase the Israelite soldiers"
These are the names of places.
"his men" or "his fighting men"
This is the name of a man.
"David's soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.
"360 men from Benjamin who followed Abner." Abner did not die.
"three hundred and sixty men"
This phrase means "from the tribe of Benjamin."
"carried Asahel's body with them"
"they arrived at Hebron by dawn the next morning"
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.
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.
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.
Here "house" is used to mean "supporters."
This metaphor means the number of people supporting David increased.
This metaphor means the number of people supporting Saul's family decreased.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "David's wives gave birth to six sons"
This is the name of a woman, a wife of David.
These two sons were born after the "firstborn"
These are women's names. They are the wives of David.
These are men's names.
This is the numerical order of David's sons.
These are the names of David's sons.
These are names of David's wives.
This is the numerical order of David's sons.
This is the name of one of David's sons.
This is the name of one of David's wives.
This introduces a new event in the story of the struggle between David's supporters and Saul's family.
This refers to Saul's family and supporters who assumed control of his estate after he died.
This refers to the supporters of David.
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"
These are names of women.
This is a male name, a son of Saul.
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!"
This is a euphemism for sexual relations. Alternate translation: "had sexual relations with"
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!"
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!"
Here "hand" represents the power to defeat. Alternate translation: "to be defeated by David"
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!"
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"
Here "house" refers to Saul's family and supporters who survived Saul's death. Alternate translation: "the family and supporters of Saul"
This phrase refers to the authority of David as king.
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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.
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!"
Here "hand" represents Abner's assistance that he is offering to David. Alternate translation: "I will assist you"
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"
This is the name of a daughter of Saul. She was David's first wife.
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.
Paltiel was Michal's second husband. Saul gave her to him after David fled from Saul.
These are the names of men.
This is the name of a village.
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"So now make David your king"
Here "hand" refers to David's power to defeat the Philistines. Alternate translation: "I will empower my servant David and"
Here "hand" refers to power over Israel. Alternate translation: "the power of the Philistines"
Here "hand" refers to power over Israel. Alternate translation: "the power of all of their enemies"
Both of these statements refer to the descendants of Benjamin, who were one of the tribes of Israel.
The number of men who came with Abner.
This phrase means "all of the nation of Israel."
They parted as friends. David was not angry with Abner.
"David's soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.
These are items taken from the enemy.
Abner had already left to return home.
"someone told Joab"
This is a man's name. He is the grandfather of Saul.
Joab asks this question to rebuke David for letting Abner go in peace. Alternate translation: "You should not have done this!"
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!"
Joab asks this question to convince David that Abner is plotting against David. Alternate translation: "Surely you know ... everything you are doing."
"Sirah" is the name of a place where the well was located.
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.
Here "blood" is associated with the death of Asahel. Alternate translation: "the death of Asahel"
This is the name of a male person.
Here "blood" refers to violent death. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Samuel 3:27]
This is the name of a man.
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"
Here "house" refers to descendants. Alternate translation: "all the descendants of Joab's father"
This double negative emphasizes that there will always be someone with the problems listed. Alternate translation: "May Joab's house always have someone" (See: )
Here "sword" refers to violent death. Alternate translation: "dies violently"
"is hungry"
These are the names of men.
These were symbolic actions to demonstrate their grief and sadness.
The words "wept" and "cried loudly" mean basically the same thing and emphasize how much David mourned for Abner.
This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that his death was not fair. Alternate translation: "Abner should not have died in disgrace!"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one had tied your hands"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one had attached your feet to chains"
This refers to people who are unjust or wicked. Alternate translation: "wicked men"
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"
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"
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This is the name of a man.
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!"
These two phrases both refer to Abner. Alternate translation: "a great prince"
This is the name of a man.
"are too much like animals" or "are too violent"
While the end of the civil war occurs in this chapter, David still only reigned over Judah (1-4).
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)
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)
This is the name of a man.
In this phrase "his hands" represents Ishbosheth himself. Alternate translation: "Ishbosheth became weak" or "Ishbosheth lost all strength"
These are names of men.
This introduces the men Baanah and Rechab into the story.
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.
This is the name of a place.
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.
This is the name of a place.
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.
This phrase means "unable to walk."
This was the age of Jonathan's son at the time of his father's death.
This refers to the news about their death.
This is a woman or girl who is hired to care for young children.
This explains how Mephibosheth was injured so he was unable to walk.
This is the name of Jonathan's young son, the grandson of Saul.
The story returns to the actions of Rechab and Baanah who were introduced in 2 Samuel 4:2.
the middle of the day, the part of the day when it is the hottest
"cleaning chaff from wheat"
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This idiom means "was trying to kill you."
This is one of the strongest oaths David could swear, as Yahweh is the witness. Alternate translation: "I swear on the life of Yahweh"
Here "life" refers to David himself. This means that Yahweh has kept David alive. Alternate translation: "who rescued me"
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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."
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]
These were symbolic actions to show contempt for the men.
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"
This records the beginning of the kingdom's expansion.
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 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.
This phrase means "a relative." Alternate translation: "we are related to you" or "we are of the same family"
This is historical information. Saul had been their king before David.
These two clauses mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh had chosen David to be king.
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"
To "anoint" is a symbolic act to show that they recognized that God had chosen David as king.
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David and the army of Israel attack Jerusalem.
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"
Here "the blind" and "the lame" are nominal adjectives. Alternate translation: "those people who cannot see and those who cannot walk"
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David was speaking to his soldiers. Alternate translation: "David said to his soldiers, 'Those who want to get rid of the Jebus people"
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.
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This is the name of a man.
those who work with wood
those who work with stone or brick
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he had more sons and daughters" or "they bore him more sons and daughters"
These are the names of David's sons.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that his wives bore for him" or "he had"
These are the names of David's sons.
These are the names of David's sons.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Israel had anointed David as king"
Here "all" is a generalization that means the Philistine army. Alternate translation: "the Philistine army went looking for him"
This is the name of a place.
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This is the name of a place.
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"
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They "came up" because the Philistines lived at a lower elevation than David's stronghold.
This is the name of a place.
"Balsam" here is a type of tree, and the "woods" describe many balsam trees growing together.
This is the continuation of Yahweh's instruction to David that began in [2 Samuel 5:23]
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"
These are the names of places.
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)
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)
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!"
This word marks a new part of the story.
This metonym represents the army of the nation of Israel.
"30,000"
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"
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.
The word "bring" can be translated as "take."
This is the name of a place.
Yahweh's name was written on the ark.
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"
to sit on a throne
David and the army of the nation of Israel move the ark of the covenant.
These are names of men.
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This metonym represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "all the other Israelites with him"
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.
musical instruments with many small, hard objects inside a hard shell, making rhythmic noise when shaken
two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound
This is the name of a man.
Here the "anger of Yahweh" is spoken of as if it were fire.
It was a sin for Uzzah to touch the ark because Yahweh had commanded that no one should touch the ark.
This is the name of a place. Translator may add a footnote that says, "The name 'Perez Uzzah' means 'the punishment of Uzzah.'"
This means to the time when this was being written, not to the present time in the twenty-first century.
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."
This is the name of a man.
Here "him" refers to Obed-Edom the Gittite.
This word starts a new part of the story.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people told King David"
Here "house" represents a family. Alternate translation: "Obed-Edom and his family"
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"
The word "brought" can be translated as "took."
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Dancing here is a form of joyfully worshiping Yahweh.
a cloth made from fibers of the flax plant
Here "house" represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "all the other Israelites with him"
The word "Now" marks a stop in the story. Here the narrator gives information about 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.
Here "heart" represents thoughts or emotions. Alternate translation: "she looked at him with disdain" or "she sneered at him"
"to Yahweh"
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To bless "in the name of Yahweh of hosts" means to bless with Yahweh's power and authority or as his representative.
a baked sweet bread made with dried grapes
Here "came" can be translated as "went."
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.
Here "eyes of the slave girls" represents the slave girls. Alternate translation: "in front of the slave girls"
Michal is comparing David to vulgar and foolish men.
Here "your" refers to Michal.
Here "the people of Yahweh" and "Israel" mean the same thing.
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.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But the slave girls of whom you have spoken will honor me"
"was never able to bear any children"
This is the finishing of a small interruption about the house of God. (See: houseofgod)
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)
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)
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 safety from all his surrounding enemies." Here "rest" is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: "caused the enemy people groups to stop attacking Israel"
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"
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"
Here "heart" represents the mind. Alternate translation: "do what you think you should"
Here "with you" means God is helping and blessing David.
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:"
This is the beginning of a quotation that contains quotations within it.
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"
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.
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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.'"
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.
Those who are leaders of the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were shepherds and the people were sheep.
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."
Yahweh describes his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
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"
Yahweh is still telling the prophet Nathan what he should tell David.
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"
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"
Here "with you" means that Yahweh has helped and blessed David.
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.
Here "name" represents a person's reputation.
The phrase "great ones" means famous persons.
Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.
"I will choose a place"
Yahweh causing the people to live in the land permanently and securely is spoken of as if he would plant them in the land.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will ever trouble them"
"from the time"
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 in authority is referred to as being over someone. Alternate translation: "to rule my people Israel"
If in [2 Samuel 7:8]
"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"
Here the metonym "house" refers to David's ancestors continuing on as the rulers of Israel. In [2 Samuel 7:4]
Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.
These two phrases have similar meanings and are combined for emphasis. They both are polite ways to refer to death and dying.
Yahweh appointing David's descendant is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift him up.
This is an idiom that means the person will be David's descendant.
Here "his kingdom" represents his power to rule. Alternate translation: "I will make him to be a very powerful king"
Here "name" refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "a permanent dwelling for me"
Here "throne" represents the person's power to rule as king. Alternate translation: "I will make his rule over Israel to last forever"
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.
Yahweh finishes describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.
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"
If in [2 Samuel 7:8]
If in [2 Samuel 7:8]
These two sentences have similar meanings and emphasize that David's dynasty will last forever.
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"
Here "throne" represents the power to rule as king. Alternate translation: "I will cause your descendants to rule over Israel forever"
"all these things." This refers to what Yahweh had said.
"he told him about everything Yahweh revealed to him"
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."
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in your judgment"
Here David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "my family"
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"
Here David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "me"
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."
"Because of what you promised to do"
"to accomplish what you planned to do"
David refers to himself as "your servant." It can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "to me"
The phrase "with our own ears" is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: "as we ourselves have heard"
Here "we" refers to David and the nation of Israel.
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."
Here "name" represents Yahweh's reputation. Alternate translation: "to make all people know who you are"
Here "land" represents the people. Alternate translation: "for your people"
Here "nations" represents the people groups that were living in Canaan.
David continues to talk to Yahweh.
Here "now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
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"
David is speaking about himself in the third person. This can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: "me and my family"
Here "name" represents Yahweh's reputation.
Here "house" represents family. Alternate translation: "my family"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "is secure because of you" or "continues because of you"
David refers to himself as "your servant." Alternate translation: "to me that you will build me a house"
Here the metonym "house" refers to David's ancestors continuing on as the rulers of Israel. In [2 Samuel 7:4]
Here "house" represents David's family.
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
"I trust what you say"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will continue to bless my family forever"
Here David refers to himself as "your servant." Alternate translation: "my house" or "my family"
This chapter returns to the theme of the expansion of David's kingdom.
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.
Here "David" represents his soldiers. Alternate translation: "David and his soldiers attacked"
Here "he" refers to David who represents his soldiers. Alternate translation: "Then they defeated"
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.
Here both "David" and "Hadadezer" represent their armies. Alternate translation: "David and his army then defeated the army of Hadadezer"
These are the names of men.
This is the name of a region in Aram.
"to regain control over a region" or "to recapture a region"
"one thousand seven hundred chariots"
"20,000 footmen"
This is a practice where the tendons in the backs of the legs are cut so that the horses cannot run.
"set aside enough" or "saved enough"
"100 chariots"
Here David represents his soldiers. Alternate translation: "David and his soldiers killed"
"22,000 Aramean men"
"ordered large groups of his soldiers to remain in Aram"
Here "David" is probably a metonym for his soldiers. Alternate translation: "David's soldiers took"
Here "David" is probably a metonym for his soldiers. Alternate translation: "King David's soldiers took"
These are the names of places.
These are the names of men.
This is the name of a place.
Here "David" is a metonym for his army. Alternate translation: "David's army had defeated"
These are the names of men.
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"and the Amalekites"
These are the valuable items that soldiers take from the people they defeated.
See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 8:3.
Here "name" refers to David's reputation. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "David was very famous"
This is the name of a place. Its exact location is unknown.
"18,000 men"
"He ordered groups of his soldiers to remain in areas throughout all of Edom"
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See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 2:13.
A recorder was a person who spoke to the people and told them the king's announcements. Alternate translation: "Ahilud was the herald"
This is the name of a man.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of people-groups. These people were David's bodyguards.
They were probably officials who advised David on matters to do with the kingdom and not involved in temple worship.
This chapter is another interruption to the story of David expanding his kingdom. David is concerned with fulfilling his oath to Jonathan's descendants.
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)
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."
"because of my love for Jonathan"
Jonathan was Saul's son and David's best friend.
This is the name of a man.
Ziba calls himself "your servant" to show great respect to David.
The abstract noun "kindness" can be stated as "kind." Alternate translation: "I may be kind as I promised God I would be"
"whose feet are damaged." The word "feet" here refers to the ability to walk. Alternate translation: "who is unable to walk"
These are names of men.
This is the name of a place.
It is understood that David sent messengers.
See how you translated this in 2 Samuel 4:4.
The word "came" can be translated as "went."
Mephibosheth refers to himself as "your servant" to show great honor to David.
"because I loved your father, Jonathan"
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"
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."
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"
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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"
Here "now" makes a stop in the main story. The narrator gives background information about Ziba.
"15 sons and 20 servants"
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"
This is the name of the son of Mephibosheth.
Here "house" represents Ziba's family. Alternate translation: "All of Ziba's family"
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"
"thouge both of his feet were damaged." Here "feet" represents the ability to walk. Alternate translation: "though he was unable to walk"
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.
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.
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.
This is the name of a man.
These are the names of men.
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 secretly learn information about someone else
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."
Here "it" refers to the city which represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: "in order to conquer us"
Here "the city" refers to Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites.
This act was meant as an insult to humiliate the men.
Here "deeply" is an idiom that means "very."
"sent someone to meet"
It is understood that they should return to Jerusalem.
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"
These are the names of places.
"20,000 ... 1,000 ... 12,000"
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Here "the city" refers to Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites.
The battle with the Arameans and Ammon continues.
"He put Abishai his brother in charge of the rest of the army"
Joab gets the army ready for battle.
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"
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Here Abishai represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "from Abishai and his soldiers"
Here "the city" refers to Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites.
"returned to Jerusalem"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the Arameans realized that the Israelites were defeating them"
These are the names of men.
This means the east side of the Euphrates River.
Here "came to" can be translated as "went to" or "gathered at"
This is the name of a place.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When David heard about this"
Here "Israel" represents the army of Israel. Alternate translation: "assembled all the army of Israel together"
See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 10:16.
Here David represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "against David and his soldiers and fought them"
Here "David" is a synecdoche for himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "David and his soldiers killed"
"700 ... 40,000"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Israelites wounded Shobak the commander of the Aramean army, and he died there"
See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 10:16.
See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 10:16.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "realized that the Israelites had defeated them"
This chapter begins a new section of David's life. God punished David by allowing his family to have many problems.
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)
"It happened in the springtime." This introduces a new event in the story.
"at the time of year"
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 Ammonite army"
This is the name of a city.
"So it happened" or "So it came to pass." The author uses this phrase to introduce the next event in the story.
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"
Here the word "sent" means that David sent a messenger. Alternate translation: "So David sent a messenger"
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"
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."
David actually sent messengers, and they took her and brought her to him. Alternate translation: "they brought her to him"
She came into his palace and into his bedroom. Alternate translation: "she came into the place where he was"
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.
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.
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"
Here the word "sent" means that David sent a messenger. Alternate translation: "Then David sent a messenger"
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"
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"
This phrase is a metonym for returning home to rest for the night after working all day. Alternate translation: "rest for the night"
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"
The word "his" refers to Uriah and the word "master" refers to David.
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."
This refers to their armies. Alternate translation: "the armies of Israel and Judah"
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."
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "to have sexual relations with my wife"
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"
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"Uriah ate and drank with David"
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]
The phrase "the hand of Uriah" refers to Uriah himself. Alternate translation: "sent Uriah himself to deliver it to him"
"very front of the battle line where the fighting is the worst"
"command the soldiers to back away from him"
"he may be wounded and die"
The word "siege" can be expressed with the verbs "surround" and "attack." Alternate translation: "his army surround and attack the city"
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"
"David's soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.
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"
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"
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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."
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"
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!"
This is the name of a man. His father is also know by the name Gideon.
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."
a heavy stone that would roll, used to crush grain for making bread
"from the top of the city wall"
This is the name of a city.
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!"
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"the city gate"
"their shooters shot arrows"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they killed some of the king's servants"
"king's soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they killed your servant Uriah the Hittite"
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"
"Fight even stronger"
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"
a deep feeling of sadness caused by suffering, disappointment or misfortune
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"
"saddened Yahweh" or "angered Yahweh"
This is the final expansion of David's kingdom and records the end of the war with Ammon.
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)
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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"
a female lamb
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"
a young, female sheep
It was for his visitor to eat. Alternate translation: "for his visitor to eat"
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"
This means that David spoke angrily to Nathan.
This expresses that David was swearing an oath or serious promise. Alternate translation: "I declare, as surely as Yahweh lives"
This means to be killed. Also, that can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to be killed" or "to die"
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"
to feel sadness and love for someone who is suffering or hurt or not loved
Here the word "hand" refers to control. Alternate translation: "out of Saul's control" or "from Saul's control"
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"
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 I had not given you enough"
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!"
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"
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"
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"
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"
Here David's "house" refers to his family. Alternate translation: "from among your own family"
Here David is referred to by his eyes to emphasize what he would see. Alternate translation: "While you are watching"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "he will have sexual relations with your wives"
"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"
"sinned"
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"
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"
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"
to strongly dislike or hate someone or something
The phrase "born to you" means that it is David's baby. Alternate translation: "your child who will be born"
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"
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"
to beg or pray with strong desire
David went into his room when he was alone. Alternate translation: "went inside his room"
"and urged him to get up from the floor"
"It happened"
The servants are referred to here by their voices to emphasize that they were speaking. Alternate translation: "he did not listen to us"
"day 7." This refers to the seventh day after the baby was born. Alternate translation: "the seventh day after he was born"
This is used to get people's attention. Alternate translation: "Listen"
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!"
"were speaking very quietly to each other"
"David understood"
"David got up"
These verses contain rhetorical questions that emphasize that David realizes that Yahweh has allowed this to happen.
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."
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."
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."
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"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "had sexual relations with her"
Here "word" refers to a message that Yahweh told Nathan to tell David. Alternate translation: "he sent Nathan to tell him"
This is another name for David's son Solomon, which Yahweh chose for him.
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"
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]
"So Joab sent messengers to David to say to him"
"Taking" a place or landmark means to take control of it. Alternate translation: "have taken control of the city's water supply"
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"
Here Joab speaks of himself when he is actually referring to himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "if my soldiers and I take"
This means to surround and attack. Alternate translation: "besiege" or "surround"
"Taking" a place or landmark means to take control of it. Alternate translation: "take control of it ... take control of the city"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will name it"
Here the author speaks of David when he is actually referring to David and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "David and his soldiers fought"
This may be written in modern weights. Alternate translation: "about 33 kilograms"
a rare gemstone such as a diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, or opal
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They placed the crown on David's own head"
Here the author speaks of David when he is actually referring to David's soldiers. Alternate translation: "they brought out"
valuable things taken from a defeated enemy
"large amounts"
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"
These are tools to cut wood or break up the ground.
ovens where bricks are dried and hardened
This refers to the people in the cities. Alternate translation: "all the people of the cites of Ammon"
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)
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.
This is the beginning of the account of the rebellion led by Absalom, David's son, which runs through 2 Samuel 19.
"It happened after this." This phrase is used to introduce a new event to the story.
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.
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.
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"
These are the names of men. Shimeah was David's brother.
crafty or deceptive
in an emotional state of extreme unhappiness
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."
See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 13:3.
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"
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"
This means he gave a false appearance of being ill.
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"
This means that he sent a messenger to speak to Tamar. Alternate translation: "David sent a messenger"
a thick mixture of flour and liquid used for baking
used her hands to mix the dough
This means that Tamar made the bread in front of him. Alternate translation: "in front of him" or "in his presence"
To "go out from someone" means to leave them. Alternate translation: "So everyone left him"
This is a request for Tamar to serve the food to him personally. Alternate translation: "and serve it to me"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "have sexual relations with 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"
Tamar continues to talk to Amnon.
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"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "he had sexual relations with 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"
You may need to make explicit that the words "love" and "loved" here refer only to sexual desire. Alternate translation: "had desired her"
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"
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"
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"
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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"
This is a polite way to ask is Amnon has had sexual relations with her. Alternate translation: "Has Amnon your brother slept with you?"
This means to not tell anyone about something. Alternate translation: "do not tell anyone about this"
The phrase "take something to heart" means "to worry about it." Alternate translation: "Do not worry about what has happened"
This means that she did not marry.
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"did not speak"
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.
These are people who cut the wool from sheep.
This is the name of a place.
The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: your servant"
Absalom is calling himself "your servant" to show respect.
It was customary for people in Israel to have a party after they had sheared their sheep.
Although he is talking to his father the king, he calls him "the king" instead of "you" to show respect for him.
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The oldest son could often represent his father in Israelite culture. Amnon was David's oldest son.
David knew that Amnon was not Absalom's friend.
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"
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"
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"
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."
What Absalom has commanded them to do may be stated in the question. Alternate translation: "not commanded you to kill him"
This refers to the king's sons who left the celebration.
"It happened that." This phrase is used here to introduce the next event in the story.
"travelling along the road"
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"
"Then the king stood up"
He did these things to show that he was extremely sad. Alternate translation: "tore his clothes, and threw himself on the floor grieving"
They did this to show their sadness and to mourn with their king. Alternate translation: "and tore their clothes, mourning with the king"
See how you translated these men's names in 2 Samuel 13:3.
"My master, do not believe"
Jonadab calls David "my master" to show respect.
This is a polite way of saying that Amnon raped his sister.
"my master the king, do not"
The phrase "take something to heart" means "to worry about it." Alternate translation: "worry about this report"
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"
Here the servant looking up at something is spoken of as if he lifted up his eyes. Alternate translation: "looked up"
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This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story.
Here the sons crying out is spoken of as if their voices were something they lifted into the sky. Alternate translation: "cried out"
These are the names of men.
"for his son Amnon"
"where he stayed for three years"
Here David is referred to by his mind to emphasize his thoughts. Alternate translation: "King David longed"
"because he was no longer grieving about Amnon being dead." This refers to three years after Absalom fled to Geshur.
David missed his son, Absalom, who was in exile. Joab summons a wise woman to reconcile David and Absalom. (See: reconcile)
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)
This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author tells about a new person in the story.
See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 2:13.
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"
This is the name of a place.
This refers to someone who has died, not dead people in general. Alternate translation: "someone who has died"
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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"
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"One of my sons hit the other son with something"
"my entire family"
To show respect for the king the woman refers to herself as "your servant."
This is an idiom which means to kill. Alternate translation: "kill him"
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"
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 not leave for my husband name or 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 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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will take care of this matter for you"
Translate the name of this place the same as you did in 2 Samuel 14:2.
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"
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 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"
Here speaking threats is spoken of as speaking in general. Alternate translation: "threatens you" or "speaks threats to you"
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"
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"
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"
"cause anyone else to die." This is in addition to the brother who already died.
"that they will not kill my son" or "that they will not execute my son"
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"
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"
To show respect for the king the woman refers to herself as "your servant."
"talk about something else to." The woman is requesting to speak to the king about another topic.
This is an idiom. The king was giving her permission to continue speaking. Alternate translation: "You may speak to me"
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 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 son whom he banished"
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"
"to be allowed to return"
The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: "I have come because the people have made me afraid"
To show respect for the king the woman refers to herself as "your servant"
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"
"the message of my master the king"
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"
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"
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 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.
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"
The expression gives two extremes and means "anywhere." Alternate translation: "anywhere at all" or "anywhere"
"My master the king is wise"
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"
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"
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 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"
Joab did this to honor the king and show his gratitude.
To show respect for the king Joab refers to himself as "your servant."
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"
"because the king"
"you have done what I asked you to do"
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Here the word "face" refers to the king himself. Alternate translation: "but he may not see me ... the king"
This word marks a stop in the main story. This new section gives background information for the part of the story that follows.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people praised Absalom for his handsomeness more than they praised anyone else"
good and pleasing appearance, especially of the face
This means the whole person was without blemish. Alternate translation: "There were no blemishes on any part of his body"
This can be written in modern units. Alternate translation: "two and a half kilograms"
The king had weights that determined the standard weight of the shekel and other weights and measurements.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Absalom had three sons and one daughter"
Here "the king's face" refers to the king himself. Alternate translation: "the king"
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"
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"
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"
Here this word is used to remind people of something. Alternate translation: "As you know"
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"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"
Here "word" is a metonym for "a message." This means that he sent a messenger. Alternate translation: "I sent a messenger"
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"
Here "king's face" refers to the king himself. Alternate translation: "the king"
Absalom is showing respect to the king. Alternate translation: "bowed low to the ground to honor the king"
This implies that the king forgave and restored Absalom. The full meaning of this can be made clear.
This chapter begins the story of Absalom's attempted revolt.
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.
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."
This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story.
These men would run in front of the chariot to honor Absalom. Alternate translation: "with fifty men to run before him to honor him"
When a man would respond to Absalom's question he would refer to himself as "your servant" to honor Absalom.
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"
"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"
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This action is a friendly greeting. Alternate translation: "greet him as a friend by embracing him and kissing him"
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"
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"
This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story.
This refers to four years after he returned to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "fours years after Absalom had returned to Jerusalem, he"
"to Hebron and there fulfill a vow that I have made to Yahweh"
Here Absalom refers to himself this way to honor the king.
"So Absalom left"
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"
"a ram's horn being blown"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who he had invited"
"went innocently"
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"
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a place.
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"
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"
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"
This means to cause disaster to happen.
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Here the word "keep" means to care for. Alternate translation: "to care for the palace"
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"
"his soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.
Translate the names of these people groups the same as you did in 2 Samuel 8:18.
Translate the name of this people group the same as you did in 2 Samuel 6:10.
"600 men"
This is the name of a man.
Translate the name of this people group the same as you did in 2 Samuel 6:10.
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."
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."
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"
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"
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"
Ittai refers to himself this way to honor the king.
"even if I get killed supporting you"
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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"
Here the many people who were weeping are spoken of as if they shared one loud voice. Alternate translation: "loudly"
This is the name of a place near Jerusalem.
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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 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"
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This is the name of a man.
See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 8:17.
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."
Here this word means for the listener to pay attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"
This refers to him sending a messenger to the king. Alternate translation: "until you send a messenger to 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"
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wearing no shoes or sandals
This is a sign of mourning and shame. Alternate translation: "his head covered in mourning"
See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:11.
people who join together against someone else
David is asking Yahweh to make Ahitohphel's advice foolish and useless. Alternate translation: "please let whatever advice Ahithophel gives be foolishness and unsuccessful"
"It happened." This phrase marks the next event in the story.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where people once worshiped God"
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a people group.
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"
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David is suggest to Hushai that he oppose whatever Ahithopel advises. Alternate translation: "you can serve me by opposing Ahithophel's advice"
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."
This is a generalization. It means all of the important and insightful things that he hears, not every single word he hears.
These are the names of men.
The phrase "their hand" refers to the sons and means that they were to serve as messengers. Alternate translation: "their sons to tell me"
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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.
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."
This is a man's name.
See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 4:4.
"200 loaves ... 100 clusters ... 100 bunches"
"cakes of bread"
These phrases refer to raisins or figs pressed together.
dried grapes
"a wineskin full of wine"
tired and weak
"Mephibosheth, your master's grandson"
the son of one's son or daughter
Here this word is used to draw someone's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"
This refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel"
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"
See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 4:4.
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"
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"
Translate the name of this city the same as you did in 2 Samuel 3:16.
These are the names of men.
You may need to make explicit that these were probably officials of some sort, not household servants. Alternate translation: "the king's officials"
"even though there were"
You may need to make explicit that these were probably soldiers and bodyguards, men who protect an important person. Alternate translation: "soldiers and bodyguards"
Here "blood" refers to all of men he was responsible for killing in battle. Alternate translation: "murderer"
Yahweh repays them by punishing them. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has punished"
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"
David reigned as king over the same people whom Saul had previously reigned. Alternate translation: "in whose place you have reigned as king"
Here "hand" refers to control. Alternate translation: "into the control of Absalom"
See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 2:18]
See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 2:13]
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."
Here the man is being described as worthless by being compared to a dead dog. Alternate translation: "this worthless man"
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!"
"He may be cursing me because"
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?'"
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"
This is a polite way to refer to killing someone. Alternate translation: "wants to kill me"
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!"
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"
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"
Here "looking" means "considering." Alternate translation: "will consider"
Here David speaks of misery as if it were a dangerous animal that the Benjamite unleashed on him.
Shimei was walking parallel to David and his men, though Shimei was up higher on the hillside.
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See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 15:12]
See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 15:32]
"It happened that." This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story.
See how you translated the name of this people group in [2 Samuel 15:32]
a strong feeling of support and love
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."
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"
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."
See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 15:12]
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"
The phrase "to keep" means to take care of. Alternate translation: "to take care of the palace"
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"
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"
"they set up"
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]
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"
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"
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "both David and Absalom viewed all of Ahithophel's advice"
"was thought of"
Ahithophel gives good advice to Absalom, but Hushai confuses Absalom. God is using the misleading advice to protect David, his king.
See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 15:12]
"12,000 men"
"begin to"
"come to"
These words mean basically the same thing and are used together to emphasize how weak David was. Alternate translation: "weak"
Here the word "fear" can be expressed with the adjective "afraid." Alternate translation: "will surprise him and make him afraid"
It is implied that he intends to kill the king. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "I will kill only the king"
This refers to all of the people who were with David. Alternate translation: "bring back all of the people who were with him"
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"
This means to have peace or to live peacefully. Alternate translation: "live peacefully"
This refers to being under the king's authority. Alternate translation: "under your authority"
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See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:32.
See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:12.
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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 large furry animal that walks on four legs and has sharp claws and teeth
This means that his has fought in many battles and knows well the ways of war. Alternate translation: "has fought in many battles"
Here this word is used to draw someone's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"
a deep hole in the ground
"or hidden in some other place"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when his soldiers kill some of your men"
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"
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"
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"
This phrase means from the northern border of Israel to the southern border. Alternate translation: "from the whole nation of Israel"
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"
The phrase "in person" means to go yourself and not send someone else instead. Alternate translation: "then lead them yourself into battle"
This means to purposefully go to where he is and then to attack.
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"
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
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"
Both these words refer to David. Alternate translation: "David himself"
This refers to Israel's soldiers, not to all of Israel. Alternate translation: "then all of our soldiers"
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"
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"
See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:32. Arkite is the name of a people group.
See how you translated this man's name in 2 Samuel 15:12.
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" something on someone means to cause it to happen to them. Alternate translation: "to cause a disaster to happen to Absalom"
See how you translated these men's names in [2 Samuel 15:24]
This phrase, meaning "like this," refers to what Ahithophel advised Absalom earlier beginning in [2 Samuel 17:1]
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.
This means to make sure that you do something. Alternate translation: "be sure to" or "make sure that you"
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"
See how you translated these men's names in [2 Samuel 15:27]
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"
This is the name of a place.
"one time"
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"
This is the name of a small town.
"they lowered themselves and hid"
See how you translated these men's names in [2 Samuel 15:27]
These were probably soldiers, not house servants.
"the man's wife"
See how you translated these men's names in [2 Samuel 15:27]
"It happened." This phrase marks the next event in the story.
Here "the water" refers to the Jordan River. Alternate translation: "cross quickly over the river"
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]
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"
"Ahithophel knew" or "Ahithophel realized"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Absalom had not followed his advice"
placed a blanket or small leather seat on the donkey so he could sit on it
He prepared for his death by telling his family what to do after he died. Alternate translation: "prepared for his death"
"And this is how"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried him"
Translate the name of this place the same as you did in [2 Samuel 2:8]
These are the names of men. See how you translated Joab and Zeruiah
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.
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"
These are the names of women.
Translate the name of this place the same as you did in [2 Samuel 2:9]
This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story.
These are the names of cities or places.
These are the names of men.
These are the names of people groups.
A mat is something soft to sleep on, and a blanket is a cloth covering for warmth.
crushed grain made into powder and used to make bread
cooked with dry heat
seeds that are cooked and eaten
a kind of seed that is cooked and eaten
milk that has soured and become solid
in need of water or some other drink
This chapter tells of the defeat and death of Absalom, ending this section on Absalom's rebellion.
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)
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"
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"
A captain is a person who is in authority over a group of soldiers.
"one-third of the army ... another third of the army." A "third" is one part out of three equal parts.
See how you translated these men's names in [2 Samuel 2:18]
See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 15:19]
This refers to a person from Gath, which is a Philistine city.
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"
The word "half" refers to one out of two equal parts.
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"
"10,000"
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"
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See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 2:18]
See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 15:19]
"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 well-being" or "my account"
This means that they went out and fought against them in battle. Alternate translation: "went out into the countryside and fought against Israel"
Here "Israel" refers to their soldiers, not all of the Israelites. Alternate translation: "against the Israelite soldiers"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "There the servants of David defeated the army of Israel"
"David's soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.
an event where many people are brutally killed
"20,000 men"
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"
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 soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.
Absalom had long hair that got caught in the tree branches. Alternate translation: "his hair was caught in the tree branches"
hanging or swinging loosely
"in the air"
Here this word is used to draw a person's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"
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!"
This can be written in modern units. Alternate translation: "ten silver coins" or "110 grams of silver"
This is a special belt that shows people that someone is a great soldier and should be honored.
"1,000 silver shekels." This can be stated in modern units. Alternate translation: "1,000 silver coins" or "11 kilograms of silver"
The phrase "reached out my hand" means to attack. Alternate translation: "would not have attacked the king's son"
Here "touching" refers to "harming." Alternate translation: "No none must harm" or "Do not harm"
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"
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"
Joab meant that he should not continue talking to the man. Alternate translation: "I will not waste anymore time talking to you"
Here Absalom's heart refers to his chest or upper body. Alternate translation: "chest"
This refers to both the armor he would wear to protect himself and to his weapons. Alternate translation: "armor and weapons"
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"
Here "Israel" refers to the Israelite army. Alternate translation: "returned from pursuing the Israelite army"
"They took Absalom's body and threw it"
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"
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 home." The Israelites were living in houses at this time.
This is the name of a place.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so people called it Absalom's Monument from that day on"
This refers to the present time when this book of the Bible was written.
See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 15:27]
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"
Here "hand" refers to control. Alternate translation: "the control of his enemies"
"the one who tells the news"
This refers to not bearing the news to the king. Alternate translation: "you will not tell the news to the king"
Joab is telling him to go and tell the king about the news of the battle.
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This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story and the beginning of a new part of the story.
Here the watchman looking to see something is spoken of as if he lifted up his eyes. Alternate translation: "looked out beyond the city"
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"
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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"
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"
"Praise Yahweh." Here "bless" means to praise.
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"
This means that people were acting as though things were not right.
"Move out of the way" or "Stand aside"
This means to oppose. Alternate translation: "opposed"
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"
"was very unhappy" or "was trembling with grief"
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.
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 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.
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?"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told Joab"
The word "Look" is used here to draw someone's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen, the king is weeping"
This means that the whole army mourned instead of celebrating. Alternate translation: "So instead of celebrating victory that day, the whole army mourned"
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"
move without being seen by others
This is a way to express grief and mourning. Alternate translation: "The king showed his grief by covering his face"
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 soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated similar words in 2 Samuel 3:22.
"military officers and the soldiers under them." The "servants" served David as soldiers. See how you translated similar words in 2 Samuel 3:22.
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"
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.
"your soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated similar words in 2 Samuel 3:22.
Joab is making a very strong oath. Alternate translation: "I swear, as surely as Yahweh is alive"
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"
This refers to them remaining loyal to him. Alternate translation: "not one man will remain loyal to you"
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"
The word "Look" is used here to draw someone's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen, the king is sitting"
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"
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 home." The Israelites were living in houses in those days. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 18:17.
Here "hand" means control. Alternate translation: "from under the control of our enemies" or "from our enemies' control"
Here "hand" means control. Alternate translation: "from under the control of the Philistines" or "from the Philistines' control"
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"
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."
This refers to David.
This means that David sent a messenger to Zadok and Abiathar. Alternate translation: "sent a messenger to Zadok and to Abiathar"
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."
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"
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"
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"
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."
See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 17:25]
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."
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]
This is an idiom that means for God to kill him. Alternate translation: "May God kill me"
Here the mens' loyalty is referred to as their "hearts." Alternate translation: "he won the loyalty"
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"
This means that they sent a messenger to the king. Alternate translation: "They sent a messenger to the king"
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This is the name of a man.
Translate the name of this place the same as you did in 2 Samuel 3:16.
This is the name of a man. Translate as you did in [2 Samuel 9:2]
"1,000 men ... 15 sons ... 20 servants"
This means that the king was there and was aware of what was happening. Alternate translation: "at the place where the king was"
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This means "to remember." Alternate translation: "remember"
Here Shimei refers to himself this way to humble himself before the king and honor the king.
"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"
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See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 2:18]
See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 2:13]
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."
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"
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."
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."
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"
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!"
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See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 4:4]
"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.
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?"
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See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 9:2]
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"
This means to do what you think is right. Alternate translation: "do what you believe to be the right thing to do"
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"
This refers to his father's relatives. Alternate translation: "my father's relatives"
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."
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."
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See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 17:27]
See how you translated the name of this people group in [2 Samuel 17:27]
See how you translated the name of this place in [2 Samuel 17:27]
the Jordan River
See how you translated the name of this place in [2 Samuel 17:27]
"80 years old"
"had provided what the king needed"
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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."
"80 years old"
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."
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."
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."
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."
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"
Barzillai asks that Kimham be allowed to take his place instead with David.
This is the name of a man.
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"
This refers to crossing the Jordan River. Alternate translation: "Let him cross over the Jordan"
This refers to crossing the Jordan River. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Kimham will cross the river with me"
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They crossed over the Jordan River. Alternate translation: "crossed over the river to Gilgal"
See how you translated this name in 2 Samuel 19:37.
"All the army of Judah and half the army of Israel brought the king over"
They crossed over the Jordan River with the king. Alternate translation: "escorted the king over the river"
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."
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 River
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."
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."
"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"
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!"
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 men of Judah spoke even more severely than the men of Israel did"
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.
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.
This refers to the town of Gilgal.
These are names of men.
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 home." The Israelites were living in houses in those days. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 18:17.
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Here the phrase "to keep" means to take care of. Alternate translation: "to take care of the palace"
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"
This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "he did not have sexual relations with them"
This means that they were not allowed to leave the house. Alternate translation: "they were shut inside the house"
These are women whose husbands have died.
This is the commander of David's army. See how you translated this man's name in [2 Samuel 17:25]
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This is another commander of David's army. See how you translated his name in [2 Samuel 2:18]
"hurt us more"
"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.
"chase after"
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"
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"
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]
"When Joab and the men of Judah were"
a strip of leather or other material used to hold clothing or weapons in place
This means the sword was in its protective covering.
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"
Amasa was the son of the sister of Joab's mother.
This was a common way for men to greet one another.
a short sword that is easy to hide and was often used for close-in fighting and assassinations
"intestines spilled"
To be "for" someone means to support them. Alternate translation: "he who supports David" or "he who is loyal to David"
"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"
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's body"
This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "After the man took Amasa off the road"
This abstract noun can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "pursuing"
Here "Sheba" refers to both him and his army. Alternate translation: "Sheba and his army" or "Sheba and his men"
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.
This is the name of a people group.
"also followed Sheba"
"Joab and the soldiers caught up with him"
"against the city 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."
The repetition of "Listen" strengthens the woman's plea.
The woman refers to herself as "your servant." This is a polite way to speak to someone with greater authority.
"that advice would solve the problem"
This describes the cities. Alternate translation: "most peaceful and faithful cities 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"
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!"
Here the woman speaks of the army destroying the city as if the city were food to be swallowed. Alternate translation: "destroy"
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"
He repeats this phrase to emphasize that this is something he would never do. Alternate translation: "Truly, truly, I would never"
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"
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"
This means to rebel and fight against someone. Alternate translation: "has opposed" or "is rebelling against"
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"
Here the "I" refers to both Joab and his soldiers. Alternate translation: "We will withdraw from the city"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We will throw his head"
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 home." The Israelites were living in houses in those days. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 18:17.
"Now" marks a stop in the main story. This new section gives background information about the men who served King David.
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"
Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [2 Samuel 8:18]
Translate the names of these people groups the same as you did in [2 Samuel 8:18]
The phrase "was over" refers to having authority over a group of people. Alternate translation: "Adoniram had authority over"
This is the name of a man.
"the slave workers"
Translate the names of these men the same as you did in 2 Samuel 8:16.
This is the name of a man.
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.
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a people group.
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.
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)
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)
Here "face" is a synecdoche for Yahweh's presence. This means David prayed to Yahweh for an answer about the famine.
Saul had killed many Gibeonites, and Saul's descendants are guilty because of this sin.
Here "Now" marks a stop in the main story. This gives background information about the Gibeonites.
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?"
"Money will not solve the problem"
"who made plans against us"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "allow your men to give seven of his descendants to us"
"we will execute them by hanging"
Saul was from the town of Gibeah.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one whom Yahweh chose"
Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan. See how you translated his name in 2 Samuel 4:4.
Rizpah was a woman and her father was Aiah. See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 3:7.
These are names of men. This is not the same Mephibosheth as the son of Jonathan.
This is the name of a woman. See how you translated it in 2 Samuel 3:13.
This is the name of a people group.
Here "the hands of the Gibeonites" represents the Gibeonite people's control. Alternate translation: "He gave them to the Gibeonites"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Gibeonites put them to death"
Rizpah was a woman and her father was Aiah. See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 3:7.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told David"
Jabesh is a town in the region of Gilead. See how you translated this in 2 Samuel 2:4.
This is an area near the city gate where people did various kinds of business.
This is the name of a place.
See how you translated the name of this place in 2 Samuel 1:6.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the Gibeonites executed by hanging"
This is the name of a town in Benjamin.
This is the name of a man.
"Saul's father"
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This is the name of a man.
"300 shekels." This is about 3.4 kilograms.
Abishai and Zeruiah are names of men. See how you translated these names in 2 Samuel 2:18.
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.
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.
This is the name of a town.
These are names of men.
These are names of people groups.
This people group was known for its giant warriors.
Some versions translate this as "Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite."
These are names of men.
These are names of people groups.
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.
"24 fingers and toes altogether"
This people group was known for its giant warriors.
These are names of men. Shimeah was David's brother.
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 soldiers." These men served David as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Samuel 3:22.
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.
God rescued David when he thought he would die. He protected David, fought against his enemies, and enabled him to defeat his enemies.
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)
David's song to Yahweh starts. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.
This is a progression from enemies in general to one specific enemy of David, King Saul.
This metonym means "out of the power of."
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.
David's song to Yahweh continues. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.
All of these metaphors are symbols of God's strength and power. They emphasize God's ability to protect and save his people.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who is worthy to receive praise"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he will save me from my enemies"
David's song to Yahweh continues. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.
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.
This is a picture of fast-flowing flood waters that destroy everything in their path.
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.
David's song to Yahweh continues. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.
"In my great trouble"
David is referring to the heavenly temple where Yahweh dwells. The earthly temple has not yet been built.
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"
David speaks of Yahweh as if he had ears.
David's song to Yahweh continues. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.
This is Yahweh's response to David's cry for help from his enemies
David speaks of the two extremes to include everything in creation.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because God's anger shook them"
David speaks of Yahweh as if he had these humans parts.
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"
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.
David's song to Yahweh continues. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.
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.
David speaks of God as having feet like humans.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "He appeared on the wings of the wind"
In the original language the word translated here as "seen" is uncertain. Some other translation have "He flew."
This expression speaks of the wind as if it were a bird.
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.
Here the darkness Yahweh creates is compared to a tent which hides him completely. Alternate translation: "He hid himself in the darkness"
David's song to Yahweh continues. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.
Possible meanings are 1) "Out of his bright light he sent burning coals" or 2) "From his brightness he sent lightning"
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.
David describes Yahweh doing these actions a person would do.
David describes Yahweh doing these actions a person would do.
David compares the lightning from Yahweh's storm to arrows that a soldier would use.
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.
This continues David's song to Yahweh. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.
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.
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 deepest part of the sea, from which the Hebrews believed was where the water in the sea came
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"
This continues David's song to Yahweh. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.
David compares his enemies to a flood that threatens to drown him.
David's enemies were overwhelming. He praises God for delivering him from all his enemies.
This continues David's song to Yahweh. He uses parallelism to emphasize what he is saying.
"My enemies fought against me when I was in great trouble"
"the time of my distress"
"but Yahweh supported me" or "but Yahweh helped me"
This refers to a place where there was no danger and his enemies could not trap him.
Here "cleanness of my hands" means the same as "righteousness." Alternate translation: "because I obey his commands"
David continues his song to Yahweh.
Here "the ways of Yahweh" refers to how Yahweh wants his people to act. This means David has done what Yahweh commands.
This means David constantly reads and thinks about God's decrees.
David continues his song to Yahweh.
This refers to choosing not to sin against Yahweh.
Here "my cleanness" means the same as "my righteousness." Alternate translation: "because he knows that I have done what he commands"
David continues his song to Yahweh.
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.
David continues his song to Yahweh.
Here the metonym "your eyes" refers to what Yahweh sees. This means Yahweh watches the proud person.
"you destroy their pride" or "you make them no longer proud"
This metaphor compares Yahweh to a lamp, which means he gives David light and helps him to see when things seem hopeless.
David continues his song to Yahweh.
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.
David is exaggerating to emphasize Yahweh's help. Alternate translation: "I can climb over the wall that surrounds their city"
"Everything Yahweh says is true"
The metaphor "a shield" emphasizes God's power to protect his people.
David continues his song to Yahweh.
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."
David compares Yahweh to a rock to emphasize his strength and ability to protect his people.
Yahweh keeps the blameless person safe and removes anything that may harm him.
David continues his song to Yahweh.
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.
Both of these refer to David.
Only a very strong man could use a bow made from metal.
David continues his song to Yahweh.
David compares Yahweh's power to save him to a shield that protects a soldier from his enemy.
God answered David's prayers and granted him blessings and success over his enemies.
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.
David continues his song to Yahweh.
"chased my enemies"
Here David compares himself to a wild animal. Alternate translation: "I completely destroyed them like a wild animal devouring its prey"
Here "feet" refers to the power and control of victory over his enemies.
David continues his song to Yahweh.
"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 helped me defeat those who fought against me"
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 completely destroyed"
David continues his song to Yahweh.
"My enemies cried"
The time for Yahweh's judgment had come upon them.
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.
David continues his song to Yahweh.
This refers to those among the Israelites who rebelled against King David.
"You placed me as ruler over the nations." Here "nations" refers to other nations besides Israel.
"A foreign people"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Foreigners bowed down to me"
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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"
David compares Yahweh to a rock to emphasize his power to protect his people.
"the one who puts the people of other nations under my rule"
"you saved me from my enemies and gave me honor"
"from those who want to harm me"
David concludes his song to Yahweh.
Here the metonym "name" refers to Yahweh's reputation.
Here David may be referring to the promises Yahweh made in 2 Samuel 7:8
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)
This is a reference to the covenant God previously made with David. (See: 2 Samuel 7, eternity and covenant).
This marks the beginning of a new section of the book.
This refers to what David will say in 2 Samuel 23:2-7.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the man whom the God of Jacob highly honored and anointed"
Anointing was done by pouring oil on a person's head. This was done to choose who would serve God as king or priest.
This is a person who writes psalms or songs.
by David
Here "on my tongue" is a metonym for David speaking. Alternate translation: "he gave me a message to speak"
This continues David's last words.
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.
These two sentences both say that the king will respect God and do what God wants him to do.
"respecting God"
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"
This continues David's last words.
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!"
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."
This means God's covenant is properly organized and will not change so David's family can trust it.
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."
This concludes David's last words.
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 no one can pick them up with his hands without the thorns hurting him"
"Where thorns are found, that is where they must be burned." This means God will destroy wicked people.
The Tahkemonites were a people group, probably descendants of a man named Tahkemon. Alternate translation: "Josheb-Basshebeth, a descendant of Tahkemon"
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
"800"
This continues the list of David's greatest soldiers.
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 take what they wanted from the dead bodies of the enemies"
This continues the list of David's greatest soldiers.
"a field where someone had planted lentils"
a flat seed, eaten like beans
"the Israelite army ran away"
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These are not the same three soldiers mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:8-12.
"the 30" or "the thirty bravest Israelite soldiers." The full meaning of this statement can be made clear.
"cave near the town of Adullam." Adullam is near Bethlehem.
This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 2 Samuel 5:18.
"in his protected place"
"some Philistines soldiers were controlling the village of Bethlehem"
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"fought their way through the enemy army"
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."
These are the names of men. Translate them as in 2 Samuel 2:18.
This means Abishai was the leader of the three who went and got water for David.
"300 men"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "He was almost as famous as the three bravest men"
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."
This refers to Josheb Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shimeah. Abishai was not as famous as these soldiers.
This is the name of a city.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in 2 Samuel 8:18.
This is the name of a man.
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"did these mighty deeds"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people praise him like they praised the three mighty men"
This refers to Josheb Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shimeah.
"He was more famous than the other 30 soldiers except for the three best soldiers"
a group of soldiers in charge of guarding David
This is a list of David's greatest soldiers.
"The 30 very famous soldiers"
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This continues the list of David's greatest soldiers.
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This continues the list of David's greatest soldiers.
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This concludes the list of David's greatest soldiers.
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"there were 37 total"
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)
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 caused David to oppose them"
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.
This phrase uses two place names Dan, in the far north, and Beersheba, in the far south, to represent the entire country.
This means to count all the men except those men who are either too young, too old, or physically unable to fight.
This means "produce 100 more people for every one person there is now."
Joab and the other commanders of King David's army were not able to convince David to not take a census.
This phrase represents the king's command to them. Alternate translation: "what the king had commanded"
"Joab and the commanders of the army crossed"
This was a city on the northern edge of the Arnon River.
This is a town in Gad.
This may refer to the town of Kadesh in the land of the Hittite people.
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"Joab and the commanders had gone"
"9 months and 20 days"
"Then Joab told the king the total number of men ready for battle"
This refers to the northern tribes of Israel.
"eight hundred thousand ... five hundred thousand"
This metonym refers to the men who were ready to fight in the army.
This refers to the southern tribe of Judah.
The "heart" here is a metonym for David's emotions and conscience. Alternate translation: "David felt guilty"
David refers to himself as "your servant." This is a polite way to speak to someone with greater authority.
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]
This means Gad was the official prophet in the royal palace.
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"I am in terrible trouble"
Here "hands" refer to power or control. Alternate translation: "Let Yahweh and not people punish us"
This is the time God decided he would stop the plague.
"70,000"
Here mentioning the city of Dan in the extreme north and the city Beersheba in the extreme south means the entire nation of Israel.
Here the metonym "hand" stands for the angel's power. Alternate translation: "the angel was about to destroy the people in Jerusalem"
This means that Yahweh stopped the evil that he was allowing the angel to do. Alternate translation: "Yahweh felt grieved about the harm"
The metonym "hand" stands for the angel's power. Alternate translation: "Do not harm them any longer"
This is the name of a man.
A threshing floor was a hard, flat surface where edible grain was separated from chaff.
These phrases mean the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: "I have sinned terribly"
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."
Here the metonym "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "Please punish me"
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He was showing deep respect and honor to the king.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that Yahweh will remove this plague from the people"
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "what you think is good" or "what is good in your judgement"
heavy boards used to separate grain from the rest of the wheat plant
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This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: "I will only offer ... something that I have paid for"
"50 shekels." A shekel is 11 grams.
Here the metonym "land" stands for the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "on behalf of the people of Israel"
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"
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.
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.
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."
They put many blankets on King David to try to keep him warm.
"very old." The two phrases are similar in meaning and are combined for emphasis. (See:.)
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"So the king's servants searched"
"all over the land of Israel"
This is a woman's name.
a person from the city of Shunem
"King David"
Here "know her" is a euphemism. Alternate translation: "the king did not have sexual relations with her"
Haggith was a wife of David.
"began to boast"
These are men who drive chariots pulled by horses.
These men would go ahead of the chariots to clear the way for them and protect them.
"had never troubled him. He had never even asked him" or "had never wanted to make him angry, so he never even asked him"
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."
David was the father or both Absalom and Adonijah, but they had different mothers. Absalom was born, then Adonijah.
"Adonijah discussed his plans with Joab"
These are names of men.
"supported and helped Adonijah" or "promised to support and help Adonijah"
These are names of men.
"calves that were given plenty of food so that they would be fat" or "young cows that were specially prepared for sacrifice"
This is a rocky area near Jerusalem.
This was the name of a spring where people got water.
This is a generalization.
These two phrases refer to the same people.
These two phrases refer to the same people.
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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 Haggith's son Adonijah is trying to become king"
Adonijah's mother and a wife of David.
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The prophet Nathan continues to speak to Bathsheba.
The purpose of this question was to remind David of what he had promised Bathsheba. Alternate translation: "you swore to your servant ... throne."
Bathsheba speaks to David as if she were someone else to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: "to me, your servant"
Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. Alternate translation: "he will be king just as I was"
Bathsheba was to use a question so David would pay attention. Alternate translation: "So then, Adonijah should not be reigning."
"tell him that what you have said is true"
"the room in which the king slept"
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.
"bowed close to the ground in front of the king"
"What can I do for you?"
The form of "you" here is emphatic. Alternate translation: "you yourself swore to"
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"
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.
Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 1:13]
Bathsheba continues speaking to King David.
"look" or "listen" or "pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
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Bathsheba continues to speak to King David.
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"
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"
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"
This is a polite way of saying "dies."
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the new king will regard my son Solomon and me as criminals"
Nathan the prophet speaks to King David.
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Nathan the prophet continues to speak to King David.
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?"
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"
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"
Nathan the prophet continues to speak to King David.
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?"
Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 1:13]
King David makes a promise to Bathsheba.
"came before the king" or "came back to the king"
"made a solemn promise"
Sitting on the throne is a metonym for being king. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 1:13]
Bathsheba knew David would not live forever; this is a way of saying that he is a good king.
King David anoints Solomon king.
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"
This is the name of a water spring.
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King David continues to speak on behalf of Solomon as the one who will become king.
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.
They agree and will do what King David said.
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"
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"
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"
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"
The people of Israel anoint Solomon as king over Israel.
These are names of people groups.
This is the name of a spring, where fresh water comes out of the ground.
This means the priest took the special animal horn filled with olive oil that was kept in Yahweh's special tent.
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"
This is a generalization.
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Adonijah hears the loud noise and waits for the news.
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Adonijah learns that Solomon is the new king.
These are names of people groups.
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Jonathan continues to speak to Adonijah about Solomon.
Possible meanings are 1) that these words are a metonym for being king. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 1:35]
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Possible meanings are 1) that these words are a metonym for being king. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 1:35]
Adonijah becomes terrified of King Solomon.
Another possible meaning is "They began to act quickly"
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.
Another possible meaning is "Adonijah ... quickly went"
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"
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"
Solomon spares the life of Adonijah.
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"
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"
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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)
Exalting oneself can lead to disaster as when Adonijah made himself king. (See: exalt)
David spoke of his impending death using a euphemism: "I am going the way of all the earth."
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.
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This is a polite way of saying "I am going to die."
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"
Walking on a path is a metonym for the way a person lives. Alternate translation: "live the way he commands"
"so you may succeed" or "so you may do well"
"do everything he promised he would do"
Yahweh is talking to David, so the words "you" and "your" refer to David.
Yahweh is talking to David, so the word "me" refers to Yahweh.
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"
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"
King David continues to tell Solomon how to lead Israel.
David is referring to the same thing twice. Alternate translation: "what Joab ... did to me—that is, what he did"
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"
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.
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"
the grave or the world of the dead
King David continues to tell Solomon how to lead Israel.
a man's name
The table is a metonym for the home where the table is. Alternate translation: "welcome them to eat at your home"
King David continues to tell Solomon how to lead Israel.
men's names
descendant of Benjamin
place names
"be sure to punish him"
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"
David dies and Solomon takes his place as the new king of Israel.
This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "died"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "David ... and they buried him"
"The time that David reigned over Israel was" or "David reigned over Israel for"
The throne represents the authority of the king. Alternate translation: "became king, as his father David had been"
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"
Adonijah comes to speak to Bathsheba.
with no desire to cause harm
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This is a generalization.
"what we expected to happen did not happen"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh gave the kingdom to my brother" or "my brother became king"
Adonijah shares his request with Bathsheba.
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"
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"
See 1 Kings 1:3.
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Bathsheba goes to King Solomon with Adonijah's request.
"The king stood up" from where he was sitting on his throne.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "told someone to bring a throne"
Bathsheba
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]
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"
King Solomon gives an answer to Adonijah's request.
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!"
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"
King Solomon executes Adonijah.
The word "throne" refers to Solomon's authority to rule that was given by Yahweh.
Here "house" refers to descendants that Yahweh gave to King Solomon, who would continue to reign after him.
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Solomon dismisses Abiathar from being priest.
Abiathar had suffered alongside King David before David became king.
The word "he" refers to King Solomon.
"the things that Yahweh had said"
The word "he" refers to Yahweh.
King Solomon orders Benaiah to execute Joab.
"Joab heard what Solomon did after he had become king"
The horns of the altar symbolized Yahweh's power and protection.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone told King Solomon that Joab had fled"
Benaiah goes to execute Joab.
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"
King Solomon explains why Joab should die.
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"
These words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Abner and Amasa were much better men than Joab.
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"
The words "house" and "throne" are metonyms for the family and the kingdom. Alternate translation: "to David's descendants and to David's kingdom"
Benaiah kills Joab and becomes the commander of King Solomon's army.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "They buried Joab 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"
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King Solomon tells Shimei to stay in Jerusalem or Shimei will die.
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"
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Shimei leaves Jerusalem.
men's names
a Philistine city
This is an idiom. "Shimei quickly"
King Solomon judges Shimei for leaving Jerusalem.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone told Solomon"
Solomon is reminding Shimei of what Shimei had promised. Alternate translation: "You know very well that I made you swear ... saying, 'Know ... die'!"
King Solomon pronounces judgment upon Shimei for leaving Jerusalem.
Possible meanings are 1) Solomon is asking for an answer or 2) Alternate translation: "You have done wrong by breaking your oath ... you."
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"
King Solomon orders Shimei to be put to death.
Here "throne of David" represents the authority and rule of David and all his descendants forever.
This use of "hand" represents Solomon's power and authority.
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)
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)
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)
Solomon marries an Egyptian.
Solomon became the son-in-law of Pharaoh king of Egypt so the two kings would work together and fight together against their enemies.
She was still in the city of David after he had finished building.
"the temple"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one had yet built a house"
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"
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"
God asks Solomon what he can do for Solomon.
"the most famous place for makings sacrifices" or "the most important altar"
"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."
Solomon responds to God's question.
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"
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"
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"
The "son" is Solomon.
Sitting on the throne represents ruling as king. Alternate translation: "to rule in his place"
Solomon is speaking of the years he had already been ruling, not of the time since the sun had last set.
Solomon asks for wisdom.
Solomon speaks as if he is another person to show respect to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "me"
Solomon is saying that he is like a child who does not know as much as a father.
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"
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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."
God gives Solomon wisdom and more.
The "life" is a metonym for the power to kill. Alternate translation: "the power to kill your enemies"
"I will do what you asked me to do when you spoke with me"
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"
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Living one's life is spoken of as walking on a path. Alternate translation: "live as I want you to live and obey"
"make you live a long time"
The word "behold" here shows that Solomon saw something interesting.
Two prostitutes ask Solomon to make a decision.
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The two prostitutes tell Solomon their story.
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"
The woman speaks as if she were speaking of someone else to show that she respects Solomon. Alternate translation: "I"
Two prostitutes continue to share their story with Solomon.
This means to feed her baby milk from her breast.
"before Solomon" or "while Solomon could see and hear them"
Solomon makes a decision for the two women.
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The real mother asks the king to spare the child's life.
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"
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This is a generalization.
This chapter names the important people in Solomon's government and shows the extent of his kingdom.
This is the beginning of a list of Solomon's officials. The list ends in 1 Kings 4:6.
These are names of men.
This continues the list of Solomon's officials.
These are names of men.
This continues the list of Solomon's officials.
These are names of men.
This continues the list of Solomon's officials.
These are names of men.
This ends the list of Solomon's officials.
These are names of men.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the men whom Solomon forced to work for him"
This begins a list of Solomon's 12 officers. The list ends in 1 Kings 4:19.
This is the name of a man. Note that "Ben" before a name means "son of" so "Ben-Hur" means "the son of Hur."
"who was the officer in charge of the hill country
This is the name of a place.
The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.
This is the name of a man. Note that "Ben" before a name means "son of" so "Ben-Deker" means "the son of Deker."
"who was the officer in charge of Makaz"
These are names of places.
The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.
This is the name of a man. Note that "Ben" before a name means "son of" so "Ben-Hesed" means "the son of Hesed."
"who was the officer in charge of Arubboth"
These are names of places.
The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.
This is the name of a man. Note that "Ben" before a name means "son of" so "Ben-Abinadab" means "the son of Abinadab."
"who was the officer in charge of all Naphoth Dor"
This is the name of a place.
This is the name of a woman.
The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.
These are names of men.
"who was the officer in charge of Taanach"
These are names of places.
The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.
These are names of men.
"who was the officer in charge of Ramoth Gilead"
These are names of places.
The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.
These are men's names.
"who was the officer in charge of Mahanaim"
This is the name of place.
The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.
This is the name of a man.
"who was the officer in charge of Naphtali"
This is a tribal land named after a son of Israel.
This is the name of a woman.
The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.
These are names of men.
"who was the officer in charge of Asher"
This is a tribal land named after a son of Israel.
This is the name of a piece of land.
The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.
These are names of men.
"who was the officer in charge of Issachar"
This is a tribal land named after a son of Israel.
The list of Solomon's 12 officers continues.
These are the names of men.
"who was the officer in charge of Benjamin"
This is a tribal land named for a son of Israel.
The list of Solomon's 12 officers ends.
These are men's names
"who was the officer in charge of the land of Gilead"
These are names of places.
"the land that in earlier years belonged to Sihon"
This is the name of a people group.
Here "the land" refers to the land of Judah; the previous officials presided over different parts of Israel.
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"
"the Euphrates River"
A cor is a unit of dry measure.
four-legged animals that run fast
more than one of these animals
"birds that people fed so they would become fat"
name of a piece of land
The words "Judah" and "Israel" are metonyms for the people of Judah and Israel.
"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.
This represents the whole land of Israel from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south.
A stall is a place where an animal such as a horse is kept and cared for.
"who ate with King Solomon" or "whom King Solomon invited to eat with him"
Solomon had assigned 12 officers in 1 Kings 4:7 to bring him food in different months.
This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: "They provided everything that Solomon needed"
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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"
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"
"Solomon was wiser than all the wise people"
This refers to people from countries east of Israel such as Arabia and Mesopotamia.
men's names
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These words form a merism that includes all plants. Alternate translation: "cedar tree ... hyssop bush" or "the greatest of trees ... least important of bushes"
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This is the beginning of the description of the building of the temple. (See: 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.
Solomon talks with King Hiram about building the Temple.
"Hiram had always been a close friend of King David"
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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"
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]
Another possible meaning is "because of the wars with which his enemies surrounded him" or "because he was fighting enemies on all sides"
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"
Solomon continues to talk with King Hiram about building the Temple.
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.
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"
enemy
event that causes harm to people and their property
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:"
The word "name" is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: "where Yahweh my God will live ... where I will live"
Here "throne" refers to ruling as king. Alternate translation: "make to be the king after you"
Solomon continues to talk with King Hiram about building the temple.
"your workers know how to cut timber better than my men"
people of the city of Sidon
King Hiram answers Solomon.
"what Solomon said"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I praise Yahweh today"
Cypress is another kind of valuable wood that would be used for building the temple.
King Hiram continues to answer Solomon.
"tie them together so they will float in groups"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "my workers untie the logs from each other"
"You can do what I want" or "You can pay me"
The word "fir" refers to many kinds of trees, including cypress trees.
"20,000 cors of wheat." A cor equals about 220 liters. Alternate translation: "4,400 cubic meters of wheat"
"20,000 baths of pure oil." A bath equals about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "440 cubic meters of pure oil"
"every year"
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Solomon forces men to build the Temple.
"forced men from all over Israel to work"
That is, there were three groups that took turns spending one month 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.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the men whom Solomon was forcing to work for him"
Solomon continues to force men to build the Temple.
"70,000"
heavy things that people have to work hard to carry
"80,000"
men who dig stones out of the ground and cut them to the proper shape
"three thousand three hundred chief officers"
Solomon continues to force men to build the temple.
"dug large, good stones out of the mountain and cut them to be the right shape"
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The building of the temple continues in this chapter. (See: 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.
The narrator describes the temple and its dimensions. This description continues through 1 Kings 6:38.
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "Solomon commanded his workers to begin building"
These are the ordinal forms of 480 and 4.
"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.
The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.
"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"
The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.
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.
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "9.2 meters ... 4.6 meters"
The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "they made windows"
The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "they built"
He built rooms on the outside of the outside wall around the main chamber.
The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "they made"
This refers to the rooms in each story of the building.
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 2.3 meters ... about 2.8 meters ... about 3.2 meters"
They made ledges all around the main building to support the beams of the small rooms.
A beam is a long heavy piece of wood used to support a building.
The narrator continues to describe the temple.
Here "house" refers to God's house, the temple.
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.
The narrator continues to describe the temple.
There were a total of three floors. Some languages call these "ground floor," "first floor," and "second floor."
The narrator continues to describe the temple.
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers built ... they covered"
A beam is a long heavy piece of wood used to support a building. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:6.
A plank is a flat wooden board used for floors and walls.
The narrator continues to describe the temple and its dimensions.
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "They built"
These are the same rooms that are referred to in 1 Kings 6:5.
This phrase is a metonym for the walls that enclosed the chambers. Alternate translation: "exterior walls that enclosed the inner chambers"
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.3 meters"
The word "timbers" is a general term that refers to wood used for building, such as beams and planks.
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:"
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "which you are having your workers build"
The word "walk" is a metaphor for "live" or "obey." Alternate translation: "continually obey all my statutes"
Possible meanings are 1) "carry out all of my laws" or 2) "treat the people whom you are ruling justly."
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 do everything I promised David your father that I would do for you"
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Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers"
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do the building. Alternate translation: "they built ... they covered them ... they covered the floor"
walls between the rooms on the inside
Cypress is a kind of wood that was used for building the temple.
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 a room twenty cubits long"
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "9.2 meters"
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "18.4 meters"
"main room"
a type of hard, round vegetable that grows on a vine on the ground
"blooming flowers" or "flowers that were open"
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They prepared"
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They overlaid"
"9.2 meters"
This altar would be used for burning incense.
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They overlaid ... they placed"
"covered"
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They overlaid ... They also overlaid"
"altar of incense at the entrance to the inner room"
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Solomon commanded them to make"
wood from an olive tree
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "4.6 meters"
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.3 meters"
the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other wing
"same size"
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Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They placed"
another name for the most holy place
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They overlaid"
"covered." See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:21.
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "He commanded them to carve"
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "He had them overlay"
covered
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They made"
beam across the top of a door frame
toothlike notches on each of five sections
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "they made ... they made ... They overlaid ... they spread"
"covered." See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:21.
"In the same way, Solomon also made doorposts of olive wood for the temple entrance, with four indented sections"
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "they also made"
tooth-like notches
This means each door had two sections connected by hinges so they could fold together.
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They carved ... they evenly overlaid"
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They built the inner courtyard"
A beam is a long heavy piece of wood used to support a building. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:6.
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"
"the temple"
"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]
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"
"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.
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 would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "It took Solomon's workers"
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)
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.
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)
The author is writing about Solomon's palace.
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "It took Solomon's workers thirteen years to build his palace"
If your language does not have a word for "palace," you may translate this as "house" or "big house."
Some details are given about the structure of the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "He commanded them to build"
"the house called the House of the Lebanon Forest"
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "46 meters ... 23 meters ... 13.8 meters"
A beam is a long piece of strong wood used to support walls and roofs.
Some details continue to be given about the structure of the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The carpenters built a roof from cedar planks and attached them to beams"
long pieces of strong wood usually used to support a roof
Some details continue to be given about the structure of the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.
Some details continue to be given about the structure of the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.
"had rectangular frames"
The author writes about the structure of the Hall of Pillars.
a series of columns, all the same distance apart
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "23 meters ... 13.8 meters"
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
The author writes about the hall of the throne.
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Solomon had them build"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The workers covered the floor with cedar wood"
The author continues to write about the palace area.
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"
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "He also commanded them to build"
The writer is writing about the stones used for the buildings.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The workers adorned the buildings with costly, hewn stones"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "hewn stones, that workers had precisely measured and cut with a saw and smoothed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The workers used these stones"
The author is emphasizing that the workers used expensive stones for the foundations and all the buildings.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The workers constructed the foundation"
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 3.7 meters and 4.6 meters"
A beam is a long piece of wood used for structural support.
See how you translated this in 1 Kings 6:36.
Huram accepted Solomon's invitation to come to Jerusalem.
A widow is a woman whose husband has died, so we know that the father is dead.
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"
A cubit is about 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 8.3 meters ... 5.5 meters"
Circumference is the distance or measurement around a circular object or area.
A cubit is about 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.3 meters"
decorations on top of each of the two pillars
They polished the bronze so that it would reflect sunlight. "gleaming bronze"
"Crossed metal strips woven together and metal chains twisted together"
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Huram commanded his workers to make"
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.
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"
Translate "portico" as in 1 Kings 7:6.
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 1.8 meters"
"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]
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They raised up"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The name of the pillar on the right side was Jakin"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The name of the pillar on the left side was Boaz"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Huram fashioned the pillars" or "Huram's men fashioned the pillars"
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Huram also commanded them to make"
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."
Huram melted the bronze and formed it in a mold.
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "4.6 meters ... 2.3 meters ... 13.8 meters"
"from one edge to the other"
Circumference is the distance or measurement around a circular object or area.
A gourd is a type of hard, round vegetable that grows on a vine on the ground.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when Huram cast that basin"
This refers to the bronze tank or basin that held water for sacrifices.
"was on top of"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Huram's workers set 'The Sea' on top of the bronze oxen"
This is the back quarter of the body of an animal with four feet.
This is about eight centimeters.
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"
"2,000 baths." A bath is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "44 cubic meters" or "44,000 liters" )
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Huram also commanded them to make" or "They also made"
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 1.8 meters ... about 1.4 meters"
This means the author will describe the stands in the words that follow.
There were decorative pieces in the shapes of lions, oxen, and cherubim fastened to the sides of the stands.
Here the word "wreaths" refers to spiral-shaped pieces of bronze.
There was one axle for each pair of wheels. Alternate translation: "four bronze wheels and two axles"
"the four corners of each stand"
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"
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 70 centimeters ... about 50 centimeters"
Here the word "crown" refers to the circular piece at the top of the stand's opening that held the basin.
"the panels of the stands were square." This phrase returns to the description of the panels that began in 1 Kings 7:28.
Here the word "their" refers to the axles. The word "housings" refers to the casings into which the axles were inserted.
A cubit was 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 70 centimeters"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Huram made the wheels like small chariot wheels"
Here the word "Their" refers to the wheels.
"There was a handle at each of the four corners of each stand"
A cubit was 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "twenty-three centimeters wide"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Huram attached the supports and panels to the top of each stand"
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "they engraved"
Here the word "they" refers to the cherubim, lions, and palm trees.
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"
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "He commanded them to make"
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"
"all of the stands were the same size and shape"
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Huram had them make ten"
A bath is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "about 880 liters"
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 1.8 meters"
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Human had them make five ... Huram commanded them to set"
"the south side ... the north side"
"near the southeast corner of the temple"
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Huram had them make ... they finished"
The capitals were shaped like bowls.
"crossed metal strips woven together"
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They made"
"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]
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Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They made"
Huram would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "They made"
"all the other tools"
bronze that was polished so that it would reflect light
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "The king had his workers cast them"
"flat land near the Jordan River"
These are names of cities.
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Solomon did not have them weigh"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one could measure the weight of the bronze"
Solomon would have commanded his workers to do this work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers had made"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "on which the priests were to place the bread of the presence"
The "flowers" and "lamps" were part of the lampstands.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "had his workers make all the cups ... out of pure gold"
Here "sockets" may refer to either 1) the sockets in which the door pegs turned, or 2) the hinges on which the doors hung.
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"
The ark is placed in the new temple. This is a very significant event in the history of the Israelites. (See: temple)
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.
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."
"called together the leaders 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.
This is a reference to the Feast of Sukkoth, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Shelters .
"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.
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This is a generalization.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "more sheep and cattle than anyone would ever be able to count"
"into the inner room of the house—that is, to the most holy place—under"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "poles by which the priests carried it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people could see their ends ... people could not see them"
This means the day on which the writer wrote.
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"
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.
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Solomon speaks to Yahweh as if he were speaking to someone else to show that he respects Yahweh.
beautiful building in which someone very important lives
"all the people of Israel who were gathered there"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Praise Yahweh, the God of Israel"
The hand is a metonym for the power in the hand. Alternate translation: "by his own power"
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]
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"
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]
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"
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]
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "one who will be your own offspring" or "one whom you yourself will father"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "has done exactly what he said he would do"
Height is a metaphor for power. Alternate translation: "I have gained the power that David my father had"
The throne is a metonym for the activity of the one who sits on the throne. Alternate translation: "I rule over Israel"
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"
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"
"all the people of Israel who were gathered there"
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"
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"
The hand is a metonym for the power of the hand. Alternate translation: "by your power fulfilled what you said"
The throne is a metonym for the activity of the one who sits on the throne. Alternate translation: "to rule over Israel"
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"
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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!"
Here Solomon speaks about God in the third person. It can be stated in the second person. Alternate translation: "But will you"
"What I am about to say is important" or "The truth is that"
"you, so this temple that I have built certainly cannot contain you"
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"
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"
The eye is a metonym for what the eye does. Alternate translation: "May you watch over"
This is a merism. Alternate translation: "all the time" or "continually"
These two words together emphasize that Yahweh will dwell in the temple.
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone requires him to swear"
Here "head" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "on him"
"to give him what he deserves because he is righteous"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "an enemy defeats your people Israel"
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."
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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"
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.
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "that they should live"
Solomon speaks about events that he thinks could happen in the future.
These are agricultural terms that refer to the death of crops from either too little or too much rain, respectively.
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.
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]
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"
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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"
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.
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]
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]
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.
Solomon speaks about events that he thinks could happen in the future.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where their enemies have taken them as exiles"
people who keep others as prisoners
These two sentences mean the same thing. Together they emphasize how bad the people's actions were.
The words mean basically the same thing and emphasize how badly the people sinned.
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.
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]
"while they are living in the land"
"toward the land in which they belong." This refers to Israel.
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]
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]
Solomon twice requests Yahweh to forgive the people. This emphasizes the earnestness of his request.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a furnace where people forge iron"
The eye is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "Please pay attention"
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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]
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Praise Yahweh"
This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has made every word of his good promises come true"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize Solomon's desire for Yahweh to be present with the people.
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"
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"
This merism refers to "all the time" or "continually."
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"be wholly devoted"
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "always obey his statutes"
This generalization may refer either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in [1 Kings 8:1]
This generalization may refer either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in [1 Kings 8:1]
"22,000 cattle"
"one hundred twenty thousand sheep"
"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.
This generalization may refer either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in [1 Kings 8:1]
"7 days ... 7 days ... 14 days"
The word "eighth" is the ordinal form of "8."
The two words mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
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)
Yahweh alone must be worshiped. It is necessary for people to stay faithful to God and not worship idols. (See: faithful)
'Walk" is a common image in Scripture. It is said, "if you walk before me as David your father walked." (See: walk)
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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]
The name is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: "to dwell there and to claim possession of it forever"
The eyes and heart are synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "I will protect and care for it"
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"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize how righteous David was.
Here "throne" refers to his reign. Alternate translation: "your dynasty" or "your reign"
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"
Here the words "commandments" and "statutes" mean basically the same thing and emphasize all that Yahweh has commanded.
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
Here the word "name" is a metonym for the person who possesses something. Alternate translation: "set apart for myself"
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"
"This temple will be destroyed and its remains will be piled into a high mound"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will express amazement and make a sound of disrespect"
These two phrases mean the same thing. The phrase "bowed down to them" describes the posture that people used in worship.
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.
"after 20 years"
It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this.
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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."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and people still call them that today"
"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"
"the account of Solomon requiring men to work"
Possible meanings are 1) "the terrace system" or 2) "the landfill."
The person is a metonym for the army he commands. Alternate translation: "The army of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, had gone up"
It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this.
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"Solomon did not force the people of Israel to labor"
"five hundred and fifty of them"
Possible meanings are 1) "built the terrace system" or 2) "built the landfill." See how you translated "the Millo" in 1 Kings 9:15.
See how you translated this phrase in 1 Kings 8:64.
Solomon is a metonym for the workers he hired to do the work. Alternate translation: "So his workers completed the temple"
It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Solomon do this.
"a large group of ships"
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"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"
There are two parts to this chapter: The fame of Solomon's wisdom and the wealth of his kingdom. (See: wise)
==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)
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"
This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "everything she wanted to know"
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Possible meanings are 1) "how his servants were seated around the table" or 2) "where his servants lived."
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "she was utterly amazed"
"I heard while I was in my own land"
Here the word "wisdom" can describe the word "words." Alternate translation: "your wise sayings"
The phrase "my eyes" emphasizes that she herself saw it. Alternate translation: "I have seen it for myself"
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "who are always in your presence waiting to serve you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May people praise Yahweh your God"
The throne is a metonym for the king who sits on it. Alternate translation: "who made you king of Israel"
"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"
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"
a type of wood, possibly one with a pleasant scent
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "nor has anyone ever seen such a great quantity again"
This means to the day that the author was writing this.
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
"because as king he had so much"
"each year." This refers to every year of Solomon's reign, and not to just one time.
"six hundred sixty-six." A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "almost 22,000 kilograms of gold"
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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"
"200 large shields"
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"
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.
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"
"300 shields"
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 house called the House of the Lebanon Forest." See how you translated this in 1 Kings 7:2.
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"
Ivory is the hard, white substance from the tusks or teeth of large animals.
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"the house called the House of the Lebanon Forest." See how you translated this in 1 Kings 7:2.
Ivory is the hard, white substance from the tusks or teeth of large animals. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 10:18]
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.
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This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "People from everywhere" or "People from many different places"
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"
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"
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"one thousand four hundred chariots and 12,000 horsemen"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that his merchants had bought from people in Egypt"
This is the name of a region. Some think that Kue was the same as Cilicia, in Asia Minor.
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"
A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 6.6 kilograms of silver ... about 1.7 kilograms"
"600 shekels of silver"
"one hundred and fifty shekels"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "His merchants then sold many of these"
This is the end of the story of Solomon. (Chapters 1-11)
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.
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.
These are names of people groups.
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"
"700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines"
"seven hundred royal wives"
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]
To "surrender" your heart refers to giving total allegiance and affection. Alternate translation: "he was not fully devoted ... as was David"
These are the names of false gods.
This is the name of a people group.
Some version render this as "Milcom."
The phrase, "in the sight of" refers to someone's opinion. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh considered to be evil"
These are the names of false gods.
Here the words "at them" refer to the shrines that Solomon built.
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]
"Yahweh had appeared to Solomon twice"
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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"
The word "hand" refers to control, authority and power. Alternate translation: "your son's control"
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This is the name of a man.
This begins three verses of background material that happened long before.
This continues background material that happened long before.
The words "all Israel" refer to the army of Israel. Alternate translation: "Joab and all of the Israelite army"
This concludes background material that happened long before.
This section continues the background information that began in 1 Kings 11:15.
Here the word "They" refers to Hadad and the other Edomites mentioned in 1 Kings 11:17.
These are the names of places.
This is the name of a woman.
This is the name of a woman.
These are names of men.
This is a polite way of saying David was dead. Alternate translation: "David had died"
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These are names of men.
This is the name of a location.
These are names of locations.
Here "David" refers to David and his army. Alternate translation: "when David's army killed"
This is the name of a location.
"during the time that Solomon was alive" or "all the days of Solomon's life"
"Rezon hated Israel very much"
These are names of men.
This is the name of a location.
Or "one of Solomon's officials." He was probably an official in the government, not one of Solomon's household servants.
This is the name of a woman.
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"
Translate "Millo" as in 1 Kings 9:15.
Other possible meanings are 1) "a wealthy and influential man" or 2) "a great warrior."
"he made him commander"
The word "labor" refers to the work that Solomon commanded the people to do for his government. This is a metonym.
This refers to the descendants of Joseph who were the people groups of Ephraim and Manasseh. This is a metonym.
This is the name of a man.
The Shilonites are a people group.
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Here the word "He" refers to Ahijah.
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]
Here "hand" is a metonym that refers to a person's authority, control and power. Alternate translation: "Solomon's control"
The name "Solomon" here is a metonym referring to his descendants. Alternate translation: "Solomon's sons will have" or "Solomon's descendants will have"
These are the names of false gods.
These are the names of locations and the people groups that live there.
"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"
Ahijah continues to tell Jeroboam what Yahweh has said.
Here the word "I" refers to Yahweh.
Here the word "hand" is a metonym that refers to a person's authority, control and power. Alternate translation: "out of Solomon's control"
Here the word "you" refers to Jeroboam.
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"
Ahijah continues to tell Jeroboam what Yahweh has said.
Here the word "I" refers to Yahweh and the word "you" refers to Jeroboam.
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]
The clause "build a house" is a metaphor for establishing descendants from that time on. Alternate translation: "establish for you a lasting kingdom"
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This is the name of a man.
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."
This book no longer exists.
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This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "He died and he was buried with his ancestors"
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "people buried him"
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."
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 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.
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)
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"
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.
These are the names of men.
Here the word "him" refers to Jeroboam.
A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and requirements. Alternate translation: "treated us cruelly" or "forced us to work very hard"
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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"
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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"
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"
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"
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.
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A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and requirements. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 12:4]
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]
This is an idiom and can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh caused things to happen like this"
The idiom "had spoken by" someone refers to giving someone a message to tell others.
These are the names of men.
This is the name of a people group from the town of Shiloh.
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"
"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."
"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"
"Tents" here is a metonym representing a person's place of residence. Alternate translation: "Go to your homes, people of Israel"
"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"
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This is the name of a man.
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"
Here "house" is a metonym that represents family or descendants. Alternate translation: "the kings descended from David"
"ever since that time." This refers to the time that the writer was actually writing this.
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.
"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"
"Israel" implicitly means the northern ten tribes that rebelled against Rehoboam. Alternate translation: "king over all of the 10 tribes of Israel"
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"
"David's descendants"
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"
"one hundred eighty thousand chosen men"
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"
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"
This is the name of a man.
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"
Here "house" is a metonym that represents a tribe or descendants. Alternate translation: "all the people from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because I have made this thing happen"
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"Heart" here is a metonym for a person's inner consciousness, thoughts, motivation, or feelings. Alternate translation: "thought to himself"
Here "house" is a metonym representing family or descendants. Alternate translation: "the kings descended from David"
The words "these people" refer to the people of the northern ten tribes of Israel.
"Heart" here is a metonym for the people's allegiance and affection. Alternate translation: "the allegiance of these people"
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.
"You" here is a metonym for the ancestors of the people. Alternate translation: "brought your ancestors up"
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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"
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"
"appointed men to be priests"
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" 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"
"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 that he had determined"
This chapter has two parts: The young prophet's warning to Jeroboam (1-10) and the old prophet's deception (11-34). (See: prophet)
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)
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"
This is another title for a prophet. Alternate translation: "A prophet"
"came from Judah"
"the message of Yahweh" or "Yahweh's message"
Here "He" refers to the man of God.
This means he prophesied toward the altar in a loud and condemning voice. Alternate translation: "prophesied loudly toward the altar"
The prophet spoke to the altar as if it were a person who could hear him. He said this twice for emphasis.
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"
Here "they" refers to Josiah and the people with him.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh dried up the hand with which he had reached out against the man"
"withered" or "became paralyzed"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh also split the altar apart"
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 message of Yahweh" or "Yahweh's message"
The abstract noun "favor" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "Plead that Yahweh your God may favor me"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh may restore my hand"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh restored the king's hand and made it as it was before"
The word "yourself" is a reflexive pronoun. Alternate translation: "Come home with me and eat some food"
"half of your house"
"Do not eat bread, drink water, or return by the way that you came"
"went a different way"
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The implied information is that the sons also told their father which way the man of God went.
This means to place a seat on the back of an animal so a person can ride on it.
This refers to the prophet who lived in Bethel.
"the old prophet said to the man of God"
"The man of God answered"
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"go into your house"
"in Bethel"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh commanded me by his word"
"the message of Yahweh" or "Yahweh's message"
"an angel delivered to me a message from Yahweh"
"the message of Yahweh" or "Yahweh's message"
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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 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]
Here the word "him" refers to the man of God.
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]
"the prophet spoke loudly to the man of God"
"Because you have not obeyed the word of Yahweh"
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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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "left his body on the road"
"his dead body"
Here "it" refers to what they had seen on the road. Alternate translation: "they came and told about what they had seen"
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"the dead body of the man of God"
"lying in the road"
"the dead body"
Here the word "they" refers to the prophet and his sons.
The word "Woe" here is an expression of great sorrow.
Here the word "he" refers to the old prophet and the word "him" refers to the man of God.
Here "my bones" represents his entire body. Alternate translation: "Lay my dead body beside his bones"
The implied information is that these were houses of worship. Alternate translation: "houses of worship on the high places"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jeroboam's family sinned by doing this thing"
This phrase refers to Jeroboam's setting up shrines and appointing priests.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because of this God destroyed and exterminated Jeroboam's family"
These mean nearly the same thing. Alternate translation: "to be completely destroyed"
This chapter has two stories. One is the death of Jeroboam's son (1-18). The other is the reign of Rehoboam (20-31) .
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)
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)
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"change how you appear to others"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will recognize you"
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Here the word "Look" means "pay attention."
The abstract noun "advice" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "coming to ask you to advise her"
The words "such and such" mean that Yahweh told Ahijah what to say. Alternate translation: "Speak in this way to her"
This question shows that Ahijah knew she was disguised. Alternate translation: "Stop pretending to be someone else; I know who you are."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh told me to give you severe news"
"very bad news"
"I exalted you"
God forcefully removed most of the kingdom like a person tears a piece of cloth.
"obeyed me"
Here the "heart" refers to a person's will and desire. Alternate translation: "with all his will" or "with complete commitment"
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"
Jeroboam has disrespected Yahweh like a person throws away something that is not wanted. Alternate translation: "completely rejected me"
"pay attention." This word is added to indicate that what follows is important.
The word house is a metonym for family. Alternate translation: "the family of Jeroboam" or "your family"
These two phrases are very similar in meaning and are repeated for emphasis.
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"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Dogs will eat anyone who belongs to Jeroboam and who dies in the city"
"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."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the birds of the heavens will eat anyone who dies in the field"
The word "feet" here is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "when you enter the city"
This is a generalization that means the people of the northern kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: "The Israelite people"
"be buried in a grave"
The word "house" here is a metonym for "family." Alternate translation: "in all of Jeroboam's family"
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"
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "like a river of water shakes a reed"
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"
"disperse them"
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This is the name of the city where king Jeroboam lived.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "just as Yahweh told them"
"by the message of Yahweh" or "in Yahweh's message"
"look" or "see for yourself"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you can find them written in" or "someone has written about them in"
This refers to a book that no longer exists.
"22 years"
This is a polite way of saying that he died. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 2:10]
"41 years old ... 17 years"
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"
Here the word "His" refers to Rehoboam.
This is a woman's name.
Here "Judah" represents the people of Judah. Alternate translation: "The people of Judah did"
The "sight" of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 11:6]
The abstract noun "jealousy" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "they made him jealous"
"their ancestors"
The word "they" here refers to the people of Judah.
The words "for themselves" are a metonym for what they will do with the high places. Alternate translation: "built for their own use"
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"
"religious prostitutes" or "male prostitutes." This probably refers to male prostitutes who were associated with idol worship.
Here the word "nations" represents the people in those nations. Alternate translation: "the same disgusting things that the people did whom"
This refers to the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign as king. Alternate translation: "in the fifth year that Rehoboam was king"
"in year 5"
"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"
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 11:40]
This is an idiom that means marched against or attacked. Alternate translation: "came to attack"
This is a generalization that indicates every valuable thing that could be found was taken away. Alternate translation: "He took away many valuable things"
The word "He" represents Shishak and the soldiers who were with him. Alternate translation: "Shishak and his army took"
Here "Solomon" refers to the craftsmen who worked for Solomon to make the shields. Alternate translation: "that Solomon had his workers make"
Here "King Rehoboam" represents the persons who worked for him to make the shields. Alternate translation: "King Rehoboam's workers made shields"
"in place of the shields of gold"
Here "hands" represents care or responsibility. Alternate translation: "made them the responsibility of the commanders"
Here "doors" represents the entrance. Alternate translation: "who guarded the entrance to the king's house"
"the guards would carry the shields of bronze"
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."
This refers to a book that no longer exists.
"There was continuing war" or "There were constant battles"
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"
This is a polite way of saying that he died. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 2:10]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people buried him"
This is the name of a woman. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 14:21]
"Abijah the son of Rehoboam"
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Rehoboam"
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.
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)
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 year 18"
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Walking represents living, and walking in sins represents committing those sins. Alternate translation: "Abijah continued to practice all the sins"
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"
This phrase represents the time that he was king. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "before Abijah was king"
The heart represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "Abijah was not devoted ... as David"
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 Abijah's son after him" or "by giving Abijah a son"
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"
"the whole time that David lived" or "throughout David's whole life"
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"
Turning away from a command represents disobeying it. Alternate translation: "David did not disobey anything that God commanded him"
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"
These kings represent themselves and their armies. Rehoboam was Abijah's father. Alternate translation: "between the armies of Rehoboam and Jeroboam"
"the whole time that Abijah lived"
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]
This can stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone has written about this in the book of the events of the kings of Judah."
The names "Abijah" and "Jeroboam" represent the kings and their armies. Alternate translation: "between the armies of Abijah and Jeroboam"
This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Abijah died as his ancestors had" or "Like his ancestors, Abaijah died"
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Abijah"
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 year 20"
"41 years"
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"
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But Asa did not command the people to take away the high places"
The heart represents the person. Alternate translation: "Asa was completely devoted"
"the whole time that he lived" or "throughout his whole life"
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This refers to the entire time they reigned as kings. Alternate translation: "the whole time that they reigned over Judah and Israel"
"attacked Judah"
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"
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"
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"
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"
"As proof that I want a treaty with you, I"
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"
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"
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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.
King Baasha did this by telling his workers to do this. Alternate translation: "he had his workers stop building up Ramah"
This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.
This can also be stated positively. Alternate translation: "Every one had to obey King Asa's proclamation"
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]
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."
This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Asa died as his ancestors had"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they buried him with his ancestors"
The word "father" here refers to an ancestor. Alternate translation: "King David, his ancestor"
The rest of chapter 15 and 16 is about the kings of Israel. These events happened while King Asa of Judah was still alive.
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"
"Nadab reigned over Israel two years"
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 here represents behaving. Alternate translation: "did the same things that his father had done"
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"
Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: "and by sinning, he influenced Israel to sin"
"secretly plotted to kill King Nadab"
This is the name of a city.
"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 surrounding Gibbethon, so that the people of Gibbethon would surrender to them"
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Nadab"
These two sentences mean the same thing and are combined to emphasize his descendents were all killed.
Jeroboam was King Nadab's father.
Breathing represents being alive. Alternate translation: "He left none of Jeroboam's descendants living"
"Jeroboam's royal line"
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, who was from Shiloh"
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"
Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do something. Alternate translation: "by which he influenced Israel to sin"
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]
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."
This refers to the whole period of time that they reign as kings. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 15:16]
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.
This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.
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 here represents behaving. Alternate translation: "did the same things that Jeroboam had done"
Possible meanings are that "his" and "he" refer to 1) Baasha or 2) Jeroboam.
Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: "and by sinning, he influenced Israel to sin"
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)
This idiom means God spoke. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 6:11]
This is God's message that Jehu was to give to Baasha. The word "you" refers to Baasha.
"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"
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"
Yahweh continues telling Baasha what he will do to him.
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"
Consuming represents destroying. Alternate translation: "I will completely destroy"
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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]
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."
This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Baasha died as his ancestors had" or "Like his ancestors, Baasha died"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people buried him"
This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Baasha"
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]
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"
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"
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"
This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.
"Elah's servant Zimri"
The word "chariots" here represents the soldiers who drove the chariots. Alternate translation: "captain of half his chariot drivers"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "drinking so much wine that he was getting drunk" or "getting drunk"
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"
"attacked and killed Elah"
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Elah"
This means that he killed all the men and boys. Alternate translation: "He did not leave even one male alive"
"the message of Yahweh" or "Yahweh's message"
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"
Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: "they had influenced Israel to sin"
Here the word "Israel" refers to the ten northern tribes of Israel. Baasha and Elah had been their king.
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"
Here the word "Israel" refers to all of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob.
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]
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."
This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.
The word "army" refers to the army of the kingdom of Israel.
This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 15:27.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The soldiers who camped there heard someone say"
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"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Omri and the army had taken the city"
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. Alternate translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
Here walking represents behaving. Alternate translation: "doing the same things that Jeroboam had done"
Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate translation: "so as to influence Israel to sin"
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"
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]
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."
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"
"overpowered the people who followed Tibni"
This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in 1 Kings 14:17.
This is the name of a man.
You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "about 66 kilograms of silver"
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"
This is an idiom that means "to honor Shemer" or "so that people would remember Shemer."
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 represents behaving. Alternate translation: "did all the same things that Jeroboam son of Nebat did"
Possible meanings are that "his" and "he" refer to 1) Baasha or 2) Jeroboam.
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"
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.
God became angry with the people because they worshiped idols. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Kings 16:13]
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"
Here the word "Israel" refers to all of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob.
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]
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."
This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Omri died as his ancestors had" or "Like his ancestors, Omri died"
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Omri"
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The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. Alternate translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
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"
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"
"an insignificant thing" or "not enough"
Walking in Jeroboam's sins represents sinning as Jeroboam had sinned. Alternate translation: "to sin as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned"
These two phrases mean the same thing. The phrase "bowed down to him" describes the posture that people used in worship.
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Here the word "Israel" refers to the nation of Israel, which consisted of twelve tribes.
Here the word "Israel" refers to the kingdom of Israel, which consisted of ten tribes.
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"
Dying is spoken of as if he lost his life. Alternate translation: "Segub, his youngest son, died"
"while Hiel was building the gates of the city"
"according to the word of Yahweh"
"the message of Yahweh" or "Yahweh's message"
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"
This is the beginning of the story of Elijah. (1 Kings 17 – 2 Kings 2)
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)
This is the name of a people group from Tishbe.
This is the name of a town in the region of Gilead.
This phrase is an oath to emphasize that what he will say is true.
This is an idiom that means "to serve." Alternate translation: "whom I serve"
drops of water that form on the plants during the night
This idiom means God spoke. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 6:11]
This is the name of a very small stream.
This phrase is used to introduce how Yahweh will take care of Elijah during the drought. Alternate translation: "There"
large, black birds
Here "the word" represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh commanded"
This is the name of a very small stream. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 17:2]
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"in that area" or "in that country"
This idiom means God spoke. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 6:11]
Here the word "him" refers to Elijah.
This is a town.
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: I"
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This phrase is an oath to emphasize that what she will say is true.
"only a little bit of meal"
"flour." This what is used to make bread.
"Let me tell you what I am doing: I"
This may refer to two sticks or to only a few sticks.
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"
It is implicit that there would be enough flour and oil to make more bread.
This is an idiom that means Yahweh causes it to rain. Alternate translation: "Yahweh causes rain to fall"
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.
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.
Here "word" represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "just as Yahweh had said"
"the son of the woman who owned the house"
This is a polite way of saying the boy died. Alternate translation: "he stopped breathing" or "he died"
The phrase "man of God" is another title for a prophet.
This means sins in general not a specific sin. Alternate translation: "of my sins"
Here "he" refers to Elijah.
Here "his" refers to Elijah.
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"
Causing the widow to suffer is spoken of as if "disaster" were an object that is placed on the widow.
Here "also" means in addition to the disaster that the drought has caused.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "lay on top of the child"
Here "voice" represents what Elijah prayed. Alternate translation: "Yahweh answered Elijah's prayer"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "the child came back to life" or "the child lived again"
Here "his" refers to Elijah.
The word "See" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
"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"
The story of Elijah continues in this chapter.
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)
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.
This idiom is used to introduce a special message from God. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 6:11]
"cause rain to fall on the land"
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.
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.
"100 prophets and hid them in groups of 50"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: "prevent the horses and mules from dying"
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"
Here the word "master" is used as a term of respect.
Here the word "master" refers to Ahab.
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: Elijah"
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."
"Hand" is metonymy for power and control. Alternate translation: "deliver your servant to Ahab"
Obadiah refers to himself as Elijah's servant in order to honor Elijah.
This is an oath used to emphasize that what he is saying is true.
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"
This phrase is used to emphasize the danger in what Elijah is telling Obadiah to do.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Surely you have been told about what I did ... with bread and water!"
Here the word "master" is a term of respect used to refer to Elijah.
"100 of Yahweh's prophets in groups of 50"
See how you translated these words in 1 Kings 18:11.
Here "master" refers to King Ahab.
This is an oath to emphasize that what he will say is true.
To "stand before" is an idiom for being in someone's presence and ready to serve him. Alternate translation: "whom I serve"
"Obadiah told Ahab what Elijah had told him to say"
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!"
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This is a generalization to refer to the leaders and people who represent the ten tribes of the northern kingdom.
"four hundred and fifty prophets"
"400 prophets"
"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"
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 say anything" or "were silent"
The word "I" is repeated for emphasis.
"four hundred and fifty men"
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"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 said, 'This is a good thing to do.'"
"make it ready to be sacrificed"
Here the word "you" is plural.
"The prophets of Baal took the bull"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the bull that someone gave them"
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"
"Maybe he is thinking" or "It could be that he is thinking"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must awaken him" or "you must wake him up"
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"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.
"to offer the evening sacrifice"
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"
See how you translated this in 1 Kings 18:26.
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"12 stones"
"Name" here is a metonym for honor and reputation. Possible meanings are 1) "to honor Yahweh" or 2) "with the authority of Yahweh."
a small waterway to hold water
A seah is a unit of volume equal to about 7.7 liters. Alternate translation: "about 15 liters of seeds"
"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"
"4 jars"
A jar is a container for water.
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See how you translated this in 1 Kings 18:30.
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.
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."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "make these people know today"
This phrase is repeated to emphasize the appeal of Elijah to Yahweh.
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"
"the fire of Yahweh came down"
The fire is compared to a thirsty person drinking water.
This phrase is repeated for emphasis.
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"it sounds like it is going to rain a lot"
This describes a posture used for praying.
The word "seven" can be rendered as the numeral "7." Alternate translation: "7 times"
From a long distance, the cloud could be covered from sight by a man's hand.
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.
Here the word "hand" is a metonym for strength. Alternate translation: "Yahweh gave his power to Elijah"
Elijah wrapped his long robe around his waist so that his legs would be free for running.
The story of Elijah continues 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)
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This is a comparison used as an emphatic oath. "May the gods kill me and do even more bad things"
"if I do not kill you like you killed those prophets"
"he stood up"
The word "himself" is used to emphasize that he was alone. Alternate translation: "he walked by himself for a day"
A "broom tree" is a plant that grows in the desert.
"He prayed that he would die"
"These troubles are too much for me, Yahweh"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "bread that someone had cooked on hot stones"
"a container of water"
"will be too difficult for you."
"that food gave him energy to travel for 40 days and 40 nights"
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 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]
Yahweh asks this question to rebuke Elijah and to remind him of his duty. Alternate translation: "This is not where you should be, Elijah."
Here the word "I" is repeated for emphasis.
"Before me" here is an idiom for standing in front of someone. Alternate translation: "on the mountain in my presence"
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"he covered his face with his cloak" A cloak is a long robe, a piece of clothing that covers the whole body.
"Then he heard a voice"
See how you translated this text in 1 Kings 19:9.
See how you translated this text in 1 Kings 19:10.
Here the word "I" is repeated for emphasis.
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"prophet instead of you"
This phrase is used to introduce what will happen when Elijah does what Yahweh has told him to do. "What will happen is"
"Sword" is metonymy for for killing as in battle. Alternate translation: "whomever Hazael does not kill with the sword"
Here the words "I" and "myself" refer to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "I will save from death"
"7,000 people"
"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"
This is the name of a man.
"12 yoke of oxen"
The word "himself" indicates that Elisha was plowing with the last yoke, while other men were plowing with the other eleven yokes.
The word "he" refers to Elisha.
Elisha gave the cooked meat to the people of his city.
This is a story of two battles between Aram and Israel.
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.
There were so few Israel soldiers that they were "like two little flocks of goats."
This is the name of a man.
"32 lesser kings"
"kings ruling smaller groups of people"
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This is an idiom to express agreement. Alternate translation: "I agree with you"
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"tomorrow at the same time of day that it is now"
Here the word "eyes" represents the whole person and emphasizes him looking at something and being pleased by it. Alternate translation: "whatever pleases you"
"The land" represents all the people living there. Alternate translation: "of the people of Israel"
"Take note" here is an idiom to observe carefully. Alternate translation: "pay close attention to"
"I have agreed to his demands"
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This is an oath with great emphasis. See how you translated this in 1 Kings 19:2.
Ben-Hadad is threatening that his army will totally destroy everything in Samaria.
"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.'"
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"
These men served him as soldiers. Alternate translation: "his soldiers"
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.
Yahweh asks this question to emphasize the size and strength of Ben Hadad's army. Alternate translation: "Look at this great army."
The word "Look" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
Here the word "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "give you victory over that army"
Ahab leaves out the words 'will you do this' Alternate translation: "By whom will you do this?"
"Ahab assembled the young officers"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
"7,000"
Here the word "They" refers to the Israelite army.
See how you translated this in 1 Kings 20:1.
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "Scouts that Ben-Hadad had sent out informed him"
A "scout" is a soldier sent to gather information about the enemy.
It is understood that Ben-Hadad is speaking to his soldiers. Alternate translation: "Ben-Hadad said to his soldiers"
Here "they" and "them" refer to the Israelite army.
"The young Israelite officers ... the Israelite army followed"
"Israel" is synecdoche for all the soldiers of the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: "the men of the army of Israel pursued them"
"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"
"Yourself" represents by metonymy the army of the king. Alternate translation: "strengthen your forces"
These two words mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: "determine"
Possible meanings are 1) "in the springtime of next year" or 2) "at this time next year."
The words "us" and "we" refer to the servants, the king, and the army all together.
"You must remove the thirty-two kings who are leading your troops"
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This is the name of a city.
"Israel" represents the army of Israel. Alternate translation: "to fight against the army of Israel"
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"
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"
This is another title for a prophet. Alternate translation: "a prophet"
Here the word "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "give you victory over this great army"
"7 days"
"one hundred thousand"
A "footman" is a soldier who marches on foot.
The expression "the rest" assumes the words "of the Aramean soldiers." Alternate translation: "The rest of the Aramean soldiers"
This is the name of a town.
"27,000"
The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: we"
This was a sign of surrender.
Ahab asks this question to express surprise. Alternate translation: "I am surprised that he is still alive!"
"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"
The word "Now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
"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"
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"a member of the group of prophets"
"the message of Yahweh" or "Yahweh's message"
"The voice" is metonymy for what Yahweh commanded. Alternate translation: "you have not obeyed Yahweh"
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The prophet refers to himself in the third person as a sign of respect to the king.
"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"
"you will die in his place"
A talent is a unit of weight equal to about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "33 kilograms of silver"
This is an idiom to represent being very busy and preoccupied. Alternate translation: "doing other things" or "doing this and that"
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Here the word "hand" is metonymy for power. Alternate translation: "released" or "spared the life of"
"you will die in his place, and your people will die in the place of his people"
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The story of Elijah continues 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)
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"
This is the name of a man from Jezreel.
"Samaria" was the capital city of the kingdom of Israel and here represents the entire nation. Alternate translation: "king of Israel"
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This phrase is an oath that emphasizes that what follows will not happen. Alternate translation: "Because Yahweh forbids it, I will never give"
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"
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Here "heart" refers to the entire person and his emotions. Alternate translation: "Why are you so sad"
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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!"
Here "heart" refers to the entire person and his emotions. Alternate translation: "be happy" or "cheer up"
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 word "nobles" refers to wealthy 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"
"have them accuse him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as she had written in the letters"
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]
"sat in front of Naboth"
Here the word "they" refers to the people of the city.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We have stoned Naboth and he is dead"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the people had stoned Naboth and he was dead"
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize Jezebel's statement. Alternate translation: "Naboth is dead!"
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This idiom means that Yahweh spoke or has sent a message. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 6:11]
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Yahweh asks this question to scold Ahab. Alternate translation: "You have killed Naboth and stolen his vineyard!"
This is repeated for emphasis.
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!"
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"
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"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
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"
Yahweh will destroy Ahab's family like he destroyed the families of Jeroboam and Baasha.
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"Anyone who belongs to Ahab's family"
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]
The phrase, "in the sight of" refers to someone's opinion. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 11:6]
Possible meanings are 1) following the idols was in itself abhorrent behavior or 2) because he followed idols he engaged in other abhorrent behavior.
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"
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This idiom means that Yahweh spoke or has sent a message. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 6:11]
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."
"during his lifetime ... during his son's lifetime"
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.
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)
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)
"3 years"
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.
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."
Here the word "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "to take it from the control of the king of Aram"
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"
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"400 men"
Here the word "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "for the Lord will allow the king to capture Ramoth Gilead"
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Jehoshaphat refers to Ahab in the third person to show respect for him. Alternate translation: "You should not say that"
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"made iron horns for himself"
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.
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"
Here the word "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "allowed the king to capture it"
The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is an exhortation for the hearer to pay attention. "Listen carefully: the words"
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"
Here the word "them" refers to "the words of the prophets." Alternate translation: "let what you say agree with what they have said"
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The word "we" refers to Ahab, Jehoshaphat, and their armies but not to Micaiah.
Here the word "hand" refers to power. Alternate translation: "will allow the king to capture it"
Ahab asks this question out of frustration to rebuke Micaiah. Alternate translation: "Many times I have required ... in the name of Yahweh."
Here the word "name" refers to authority. Alternate translation: "as the representative of Yahweh"
Here "all Israel" refers to the army of Israel. Alternate translation: "I saw the entire army of Israel"
The people of the army are compared to sheep that have no one to lead them because their shepherd, the king, has died.
"These people no longer have a leader"
Ahab asks this question to emphasize that he had spoken the truth about Micaiah. Alternate translation: "I told you ... but only disaster!"
"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"
Ahab dying in battle is spoken of as if he will fall. Alternate translation: "die at Ramoth Gilead"
"One ... and another" refers to two or more angels in the heavenly host who were responding to Yahweh's question in the previous verse.
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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"
"pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"
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"
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!"
"Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
"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"
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"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.
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"
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"
This means to change the usual appearance so as not to be identified.
"32 captains"
By mentioning both "unimportant" and "important soldiers," the king meant all soldiers. Alternate translation: "Do not attack any of the soldiers"
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.
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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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone held the king up in his chariot"
Here "a cry" represents the soldiers who were shouting. Alternate translation: "soldiers began to shout"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his soldiers brought his body to Samaria"
"people buried him"
Here "the word of Yahweh" represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "just as Yahweh had declared"
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]
This is a polite way of saying that he died. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 2:10]
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"35 years old"
"25 years"
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he did not take away the high places"
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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]
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the ships wrecked"
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This is a polite way of saying that he died. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 2:10]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people buried him"
"he reigned 2 years"
Yahweh's opinion regarding something is spoken of as if Yahweh were seeing that thing. Alternate translation: "what Yahweh considered to be evil"
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"
Here the word "Israel" refers to the ten northern tribes that made up the kingdom of Israel.
The words "served" and "worshiped" mean basically the same thing.
Here the word "Israel" refers to all of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob.
2 Kings is a continuation of 1 Kings.
The story of Elijah continues in this chapter.
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)
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?"
"The people who lived in Moab rebelled"
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"
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.
This refers to someone from the city of Tishbe.
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!"
The word "consult" means to get the opinion of someone about a question.
This is Yahweh's message to King Ahaziah. Alternate translation: "Therefore Yahweh says to King Ahaziah"
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"
After meeting with Elijah, the messengers returned to the king instead of going to 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]
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]
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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"
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"
"50 soldiers"
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 the sky"
"50 soldiers"
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"
This means that the fire came from God. Alternate translation: "fire from God"
"50 warriors" or "50 soldiers"
"begged him"
The captain says that his servants are Elijah's servants to show him honor. Alternate translation: "my fifty soldiers"
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"
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"
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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."
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]
"what Yahweh had told Elijah that Elijah had spoken"
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"
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."
This chapter ends the story of Elijah and begins the story of Elisha.
Elisha replaces Elijah as the chief prophet of God. (See: prophet)
"So it happened." This phrase is used to introduce the next event in the story.
a strong wind that spins around and around
"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"
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"
"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]
"When Elijah and Elisha came near Jericho, the sons of the prophets who were from there said to Elisha"
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]
"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]
"50 of the sons"
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]
This means that they were standing, facing them. Alternate translation: "stood facing them" or "stood watching them"
outer piece of clothing used as a covering
"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"
"to the right and the left." This refers to the right and the left of where Elijah struck the water.
"it happened"
This refers to crossing the Jordan River. Alternate translation: "crossed over the Jordan River"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "before Yahweh takes me from you"
Here Elijah's spirit refers to his spiritual power. Alternate translation: "twice as much of your spiritual power"
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The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
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"
"was carried into the sky by a whirlwind." Translate the word "whirlwind" the same as you did in 2 Kings 2:1.
Elisha is calling Elijah his respected leader.
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"
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.
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?"
The river separated and Elisha walked to the other side on dry ground, the same way he did previously when he was with Elijah.
"to the right and the left." This refers to the right and the left of where Elijah struck the water.
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]
They are showing him deep respect and acknowledging him as their new leader.
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"
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"
The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: among"
"50 strong men"
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"
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!"
"The leaders of the city"
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.
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"
The men refer to Elisha here as "my master" to honor him.
producing good crops
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This speaks of Yahweh making the bad water pure as if he healed it. Alternate translation: "made the waters pure"
This also can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: "everyone will live and all the land will be fruitful"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the waters have remained pure"
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"
The phrase "went up" is used her because Bethel is higher in elevation than Jericho.
The young boys wanted Elisha to go away from them and expressed this by saying "go up." Alternate translation: "Go away"
A bald person does not have any hair on their head. The young boys were mocking Elisha for having a bald head.
"42 of the boys"
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The story of Elisha continues in this chapter.
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)
They described Elisha with the idiom, "who poured water on the hands of Elijah," meaning "who served Elijah."
It is said that, "Anger came on Israel." It is not clear who was angry or why they were angry.
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"
"year 18"
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."
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"
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"
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"
This is an idiom. Here "holding on" to something means to continue doing it. Alternate translation: "he continued to commit the sins"
This is the name of a man.
"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"
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"
"one hundred thousand lambs ... one hundred thousand rams"
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"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"
King Joram continues speaking to King Jehoshaphat.
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?"
Jehoshaphat is saying that he and his entire army will fight with King Joram against Moab. Alternate translation: "We will go with you"
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"
"By going through the wilderness 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"
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).
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!"
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"
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."
This is the name of a man.
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"
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"
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"
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."
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"
"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"
Here serving Yahweh is spoken of as standing in his presence. Alternate translation: "whom I serve"
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"
Here Jehoshaphat is referred to by his presence. Alternate translation: "I honor Jehoshaphat"
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"
"And it happened that"
someone who plays the harp
Here Yahweh's "hand" refers to his "power." Alternate translation: "the power of Yahweh came upon Elisha"
A trench is a long ditch that workers dig in the ground to collect water.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will fill this river valley with water"
This refers to drinking the water that Yahweh provides. Alternate translation: "you will drink the water"
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"
A fortified city is well protected from enemies by such things as high walls or a easily defensible location.
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"
"and soon the country became filled with water"
land, ground
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.
Here "armor" represents ability to fight. Alternate translation: "all the men who were able to fight"
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"
This compares the red appearance of the water to the color of blood. Alternate translation: "it was red like blood"
The soldiers are referring to themselves here as "Moab." Alternate translation: "soldiers of Moab"
"steal their belongings." After an army defeated their enemies, they would often plunder their towns by stealing whatever was left of value.
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"
Here "Israel" refers only to the Israelite soldiers and not to the whole nation of Israel. Alternate translation: "the Israelite soldiers rose up"
began to act purposefully
"ran away from them"
This is the capital of Moab.
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"
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.
Translate the name of this king the same as you did in 2 Kings 3:4.
"that his army was being defeated"
"700 swordsmen"
soldiers who fight with swords
"force their way through." There were many soldiers fighting on the battlefield which made it difficult to move though the crowd.
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.
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"
The story of Elisha continues with a group of stories about the miracles Elisha did. (See: 2 Kings 4-6 and miracle)
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.
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]
"My husband, who was your servant"
person who lends other people money
The woman refers to herself as Elisha's servant to show him honor.
This is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: "nothing of value in the house except a pot of oil"
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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"
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"the jars"
This refers to Elisha. Alternate translation: "Elisha, the man of God"
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"
This is the name of a city.
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"
"traveled through Shunem"
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 travels by regularly"
The important woman continues talking to her husband about Elisha.
Here "us" refers to the important woman and her husband.
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This is the name of a man.
"Call the Shunammite woman." This refers to the woman from Shunem that Elisha was staying with.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "What can we do 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"
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"
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"Ask her to come to see me"
"When Gehazi had called her"
This refers to the doorway. Alternate translation: "the doorway"
"your son"
The woman uses both of these names to refer to Elisha.
The woman refers to herself as Elisha's servant to show him honor.
"during the same season the next year"
"When the child was older"
The child said this because his head hurt. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "My head hurts! My head hurts!"
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"
This was the bed in the room she had prepared for Elisha when he traveled through Shunem.
"Elisha, the man of God"
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"
"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"
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"
"So she traveled toward Mount Carmel where Elisha, the man of God, was"
"While she was still far off, and Elisha saw her coming"
"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.
"Mount Carmel"
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"
Elisha can see that the woman is upset but Yahweh has not revealed to him the cause of her problem.
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!"
"Get ready to travel"
Elisha wanted Gehazi to travel as quickly as possible, without even stopping to talk to anyone.
"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"
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"
Here being dead is spoken of as being asleep. Alternate translation: "is still dead"
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"So Elisha went by himself into the room where the child lay, closed the door, and"
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"lay on top of the boy again"
"the Shunammite woman"
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"
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]
This is a dish that is usually made of meat and vegetables cooked in a pot with liquid.
These vegetables were growing wild, meaning someone had not planted them.
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.
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"
"they poured the stew into bowls"
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"
"He added it to the stew in the pot"
"Serve it to the people"
This is the name of a city.
"20 loaves"
made from the firstfruits of his grain from the new harvest
"fresh heads of grain." This refers to grain from the new harvest.
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!"
"100 men"
Here Yahweh is referred to by what he said. This phrase is a metonym for Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "Yahweh"
The stories of Elisha's miracles continue in this chapter. (See: miracle)
"sight." The king's "view" represents what he thinks about something. Alternate translation: "in the king's opinion"
Here "Aram" refers to the Aramean army. Alternate translation: "because through Naaman, Yahweh had given victory to the Aramean army"
Here the "Arameans" refer to the Aramean soldiers.
"in small groups attacking." This means to go out attacking an enemy in small groups.
The girl from Israel, who had been captured by the Aramean soldiers, spoke to Naaman's wife.
Here "my master" refers to Naaman.
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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"
"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"
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"
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Often people would rip their clothes if they were in great distress. Alternate translation: "he ripped his clothes to show his distress"
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."
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"
Elisha talks to the King of Israel about Naaman.
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."
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This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "your flesh will be well"
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.
This word is used here to draw someone's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"
Here Yahweh is referred to by his name. Alternate translation: "Yahweh"
"over the diseased area of my skin" or "over my leprosy"
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!
These are the names of rivers.
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!"
"was very angry as he walked away"
The servants were showing respect to Naaman by addressing him as "my father" or "sir."
The servant uses this question to carefully rebuke Naaman. Alternate translation: "you surely would have done it!"
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"
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.'"
"Elisha, the man of God"
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 skin"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his leprosy was gone"
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.
"the only God in all the earth is in Israel"
"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"
Here serving Yahweh is spoken of as standing in his presence. Alternate translation: "whom I serve"
This means that he will not accept any gifts. Alternate translation: "I will not take any gifts"
The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: "If you will not take the gifts I have brought for you"
This can be stated in active from. Alternate translation: "let me have"
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"
Naaman refers to himself as Elisha's servant to honor him.
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"
This is referring to the king of Aram, the king that Namaan works for.
"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.
"Go home and do not worry" or "Leave without fear"
"Naaman had traveled"
See how you translated this man's name in [2 Kings 4:12]
This word is used here to draw someone's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"
"has let Naaman the Aramean leave too easily"
"by not accepting"
Here Naaman is referred to by his hands to emphasize the act of giving. Alternate translation: "from him"
"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"
"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.
"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.
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]
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"
This word is used here to draw someone's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"
This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "33 kilograms of silver"
This can be written in modern measurements. This talents are of silver. Alternate translation: "two talents of silver" or "66 kilograms of silver"
"gave them to"
Naaman urged him to take gifts. Alternate translation: "Naaman urged Gehazi to take the gifts"
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Gehazi refers to himself here as Elisha's servant.
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."
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."
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"
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"
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"
The stories of Elisha's miracles continue in this chapter. (See: miracle)
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.
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]
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.
This refers to the area by the Jordan River. Alternate translation: "let us go beside the Jordan River"
Here one of the prophet refers to the of the sons of the prophets as Elisha's servants to show him honor.
Elisha goes with the prophets to cut trees.
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"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I borrowed it"
"So Elisha, the man of God, asked"
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.
"caused the iron to float"
"the ax head." The ax head was made of iron.
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"When the king of Aram was at war with Israel,"
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 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"
"Elisha the man of God"
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.
This refers to the place that Elisha had warned the king about in 2 Kings 6:9.
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"
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!"
"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"
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"
This refers to the king of Aram.
"what you say in the privacy of your own bedroom"
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"
This word is used here to draw the king's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"
"Elisha is in Dothan"
This is the name of a city.
This refers to the king of Aram.
"Elisha" or "Elisha the man of God"
The word "behold" here shows that the servant was surprised by what he saw.
"got up early in the morning and went outside, and he saw"
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"
"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"
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 could see. What he saw was that"
The word "Behold" here shows that the servant was surprised by what he saw.
"the mountainside was covered with horses"
This refers to the city where Elisha is. Alternate translation: "around the city where Elisha was"
This refers to the Aramean soldiers.
"Cause these people to be blind!" This refers to Yahweh causing them to be unable to see clearly.
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"
"It happened that" or "Then,"
Elisha is asking Yahweh to cause the men to see clearly again. Alternate translation: "allow these men to see"
Yahweh allowed the men to see clearly again. Alternate translation: "Yahweh took away their blindness" or "Yahweh allowed them to see clearly"
The word "behold" here shows that the Arameans were surprised by what they saw.
"when he saw the Aramean soldiers"
The king is speaking to Elisha the prophet and calling him "father" to show respect.
Here the king of Israel is referring to his army as himself. Alternate translation: "Should I order my army to kill these enemy soldiers?"
Elisha was replying to the king of Israel's question.
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."
Here "bread" refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "Give them food to eat and water to drink"
This refers to the king of Aram.
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 groups"
This means that they did not attack Israel for a long time. Alternate translation: "stopped attacking the land of Israel for a long time"
The name of the king of Aram. His name, Ben-Hadad, means "son of Hadad."
The king and his army attacked Samaria. Alternate translation: "they attacked Samaria"
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a donkey's head cost"
"80 pieces of silver"
This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "a fourth part of a liter" or "a quarter of a liter"
This is one part out of four equal parts. Alternate translation: "one fourth" or "a quarter" or "1/4"
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"
"walking on top of the city wall"
The woman referred to the king by this name to show him respect.
"The king of Israel answered the woman,"
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."
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."
"The king said." This means that they continued talking.
"we cooked"
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"
The king ripped his outer garment to show his distress. Alternate translation: "he tore his clothes in grief"
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.
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"
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"
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"
"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"
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"
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!"
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"
It is understood that he sent a person. Alternate translation: "has sent someone to"
This means to behead him. Alternate translation: "to cut off my head" or "to behead me"
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"
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"
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."
The word "behold" alerts us to the arrival of the messenger.
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"
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"
"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.
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!"
The stories of Elisha's miracles continue in this chapter. (See: miracle)
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.
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)
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"
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 is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 11 grams of silver" or "one silver coin"
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"
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"
The officer asks this question to express his unbelief. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "this could never happen!"
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 the flour or barely"
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.
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"
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.
This refers to the early evening after the sun has set, but before it is dark.
"the edge"
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.
"the Aramean soldiers said to each other"
Here the word "kings" represents the kings and their armies. Alternate translation: "the armies of the Hittites and the Egyptians"
"to fight us" or "to attack us"
This is what happened after the Lord caused the Aramean soldiers to think they heard a large enemy army approaching their camp.
This refers to the early evening after the sun has set, but before it is dark.
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."
"until morning, when people can see"
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"
Here the word "household" represents the people who live in the king's palace. Alternate translation: "tell the king and his people"
The implicit information may be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "as they were when the soldiers were still there"
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"
"are planning to do to us" or "have done to deceive us"
This means that they would capture the people and not kill them.
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"
The implicit information about what he wanted to see may be expressed clearly. Alternate translation: "see if what these lepers have said is true"
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"
"They followed the path the Aramean army took all the way to the Jordan River"
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"
This refers to taking items from a defeated army.
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"
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 is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 11 grams of silver" or "one silver coin"
Here "word" represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: "just as Yahweh had said"
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]
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.
In this verse, the writer summarizes what happened by repeating the events that he described in [2 Kings 7:1]
"About this time tomorrow"
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 is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 11 grams of silver" or "one silver coin"
In this verse, the writer summarizes what happened by repeating the events that he described in [2 Kings 7:2]
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
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]
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]
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 the flour or barley"
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The stories of of Elisha's miracles continue in this chapter. (See: miracle)
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)
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 story of this woman and her son is found at 2 Kings 4:8.
"he had caused to become alive again"
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"
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.
"Elisha, the man of God"
This refers to the king of Israel.
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"
This refers to the land that she would farm for food.
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.
"had caused the child who was dead to become alive again"
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]
This refers to the land that she would farm for food. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 8:3.
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"
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"
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]
This is the name of a man.
Hazael was to take many gifts, not just one. Alternate translation: "take many gifts"
The phrase "in your hand" is an idiom meaning for him to take the gifts with him. Alternate translation: "with you"
"Elisha, the man of God"
"ask Elisha to ask Yahweh"
"Will I recover" or "Will I become well"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which forty camels carried"
"40 camels"
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 recover" or "Will I become well." See how you translated this in 2 Kings 8:8.
"You will surely recover" or "You will surely become well." See how you translated similar words in 2 Kings 8:8.
"until Hazael felt uncomfortable"
Hazael refers to Elisha this way to honor him.
God has shown Elisha what will take place in the future.
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"
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"
"crush their little children." This is a brutal description of the soldiers killing children.
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"
Specifically this refers to tear open their stomachs. Alternate translation: "rip open the stomachs of their pregnant women with swords"
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 terrible thing." Here the word "great" refers to something that has a large effect and is terrible.
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"
The phrase "his master" refers to Ben Hadad.
"you would certainly recover" or "you would certainly get better." See how you translated similar words in 2 Kings 8:8.
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"
Jehoram becomes king of Judah.
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"
"year 5"
Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, became the king of Judah.
"32 years old"
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"
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"
Jehoram had married king Ahab's daughter.
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"
Here "Judah" is a metonym for the people who live there. Alternate translation: "destroy the people of Judah"
"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"
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 appointed a king to rule over themselves"
What was "crossed over" can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Then Jehoram crossed the enemy lines"
"their homes." The Judahites were living in houses in those days.
King Jehoram of Judah dies and his son Ahaziah becomes king.
"So after that, Edom was no longer controlled by Judah, and it is still like that"
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 the time that this book was written
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"
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"
"To read more about the history of Jehoram and what he did,"
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."
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, Jehoram's son, became king after he died"
Ahaziah becomes king of Judah.
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"
"12th year"
"22 years"
Athaliah is the name of a woman. Omri is the name of a man.
Here "walking" refers his behavior or the way in which he lived. Alternate translation: "Ahaziah lived the same way as the others in"
Here the "house" of Ahab refers to his family. Alternate translation: "the family of Ahab"
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"
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to heal" or "to recover"
Here "Hazael" refers to himself and his army. Alternate translation: "the army of Hazael king of Aram"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Arameans had wounded Joram"
The life of Elisha continues in this chapter.
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)
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]
"Get ready to travel"
The phrase "in your hand" refers to him taking the bottle with him. Alternate translation: "with you"
Translate the name of this city the same as you did in [2 Kings 8:28]
This means that Jehoshaphat is Jehu's father and that Nimshi is Jehoshapat's father.
These are the people with whom Jehu was sitting.
"go along with him to" or "take him along to"
"a private room"
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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.
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"
The word "us" refers to Jehu and the other army captains.
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The young prophet continues to speak to Jehu, whom he had just anointed as king over Israel.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Jezebel commanded her servants to murder" or "whose deaths were commanded by Jezebel"
This means that Jezebel commanded the people to be killed. Alternate translation: "by an order from Jezebel" or "by Jezebel's command"
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"
This phrase is used to refer to every male, but it specifies "child" to emphasize that it includes children. Alternate translation: "every male"
The young prophet continues to speak the words of Yahweh to Jehu, whom he had just anointed as king over Israel.
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"
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"
These are the names of men. Translate the name "Nebat" the same as you did in [2 Kings 3:3]
This means that the dogs will eat her dead body. Alternate translation: "Dogs will eat the dead body of Jezebel"
This refers to the other officers who were serving King Ahab.
"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.
"crazy man"
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"
"Tell us what he said"
"He talked about some things"
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"
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"
Translate the name of this man the same as you did in [2 Kings 9:2]
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.
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"
Translate the name of this man the same as you did in [2 Kings 8:8]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to recover from"
This means that he was wounded in battle with the Arameans. Alternate translation: "wounds that Joram got during the battle with the Aramean army"
This refers to Hazael and his army. Alternate translation: "against Hazael king of Aram and his army"
This refers to the officers who were with Joram at Ramoth Gilead.
"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"
This refers to telling Joram and his army of Jehu's plans. Alternate translation: "to warn king Joram and his army in Jezreel"
The word "now" is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author tells background information about Ahaziah visiting Joram.
guard
"Jehu and his men as they were still far away"
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 watchman told King Joram that the man he sent out is not coming back with a reply to the king's question.
"Then king Joram sent a second messenger riding a horse, who went out to meet Jehu and his army"
Joram had already sent one man. This was the next. Alternate translation: "another man"
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]
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"
"each in his own chariot"
"When they reached Jehu, he was at"
This is the name of a man.
This refers to a person from Jezreel.
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."
"turned his chariot around to try to flee"
trickery or deception
"with all of his strength" or "with all of his power"
Joram died from being shot with arrow. Alternate translation: "Joram fell down dead in his chariot"
This is the name of a man.
"Pick up his dead body and throw it" or "Take his corpse and throw it"
"Remember"
This means that they rode in the chariot behind Ahab's chariot. Alternate translation: "behind his father Ahab's chariot"
"Yahweh spoke this prophecy against Ahab"
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"
"take Joram's dead body and throw it into the field of Naboth"
"to fulfill the prophecy spoken to us"
This is the account of what happened to Ahaziah, the king of Judah, after Jehu killed Joram.
"saw what happened to Joram"
These are the names of places.
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"
"his ancestors"
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"
"11th year"
"put on makeup, made her hair look nice"
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!"
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"
This is the name of a man.
To "be on someone's side" means to be loyal to them and supportive of them. Alternate translation: "Who is loyal to me"
Jehu was telling the eunuchs to throw Jezebel out of the window.
The eunuchs threw Jezebel out of the high window and she died when she hit the ground.
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"
The phrase "see now to" means to give your attention to whatever is specified. Alternate translation: "Now go to"
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"
"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 palm is the inner part of the hand.
This refers to someone from the city of Tishbe. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 1:3]
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"
manure, specifically dung used as a fertilizer
"so that no one will be able to recognize her body." or "so no one will be able to tell this was Jezebel."
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)
"70 descendants"
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"
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Here, sitting on the king's throne means to be appointed as king. Alternate translation: "make him king in his father's place"
"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"
"Then they were very afraid"
"two kings, Joram and Ahaziah"
Here "stand" means to be able to endure under trouble. Alternate translation: "could not endure against Jehu" or "could not resist Jehu"
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!"
"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"
This refers to the people who raised the king's children. Alternate translation: "they who raised the king's children"
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"
Joram had written one letter. This was the next. Alternate translation: "again wrote a letter to them" or "wrote another letter to them"
To "be on someone's side" means to be loyal to them and supportive of them. Alternate translation: "loyal to me"
to hear and obey
Here Jehu's "voice" refer to what he says. Alternate translation: "to what I say"
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"
This refers to killing them and removing their heads. Alternate translation: "kill your master's descendants and cut off their heads"
"70 in number"
This means that they were supervising them and teaching them. Alternate translation: "who were raising them" or "who were supervising them"
"70 persons"
This means that they sent people to deliver the baskets to Jehu. Alternate translation: "sent people to take them to Jehu"
"of Ahab's descendants"
"Jehu went to the city gate and stood before the people"
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"
Jehu uses this word here to draw the peoples' attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Listen" or "Hear my words"
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"
"understand" or "be aware of the fact that"
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"
This speaks of Yahweh causing Ahab's descendants to be killed as if he killed them himself. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has caused to happen"
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 were alive" or "all who were left"
This means that none of Ahab's family, friends, and loyal officials were alive. Alternate translation: "until all of his people were dead"
This was the name of a place where sheep were sheared.
"going to visit"
"the children of King Joram"
This means to capture them, but not to kill them. Alternate translation: "Seize them" or "Capture them"
"So they captured them"
"42 men"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "He killed all of them"
This is the name of a man.
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 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.
The word "zeal" may be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: "see how zealous I am"
"entire royal family"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to fulfill the prophecy that Elijah had spoken, which Yahweh gave to him"
"called all the people and had them come to where he was"
all the people of the city of Samaria
"serve him much more than Ahab did"
"Do not leave anyone out"
This means that if they do not come they will be executed. Alternate translation: "We will execute anyone who does not come"
"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.
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"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "so that every worshiper of Baal was there" or "so that every man came"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they filled it"
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"
"Jehu said to the people who were in the temple to worship Baal"
"but that only worshipers of Baal are here"
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"
"we will kill the man who let him escape"
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"
"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"
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"
The men used swords to kill the worshipers of Baal. This phrase refers to their swords. Alternate translation: "with their swords"
This means that threw the dead bodies of the people out of the temple. Alternate translation: "threw their dead bodies out of the temple"
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"made it a public toilet" A latrine is a bathroom, or a toilet area, usually for a camp or buildings used to house soldiers.
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"
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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"
See how you translated this man's name in [2 Kings 3:3]
"in carrying out" or "in accomplishing"
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"
Here Ahab's "house" refers to his "family." Alternate translation: "the family of Ahab"
Here the "heart" represents "desire." Alternate translation: "all that I desired for you to do" or "all that I wanted you to do"
Sitting on the throne represents ruling as king. Alternate translation: "be the kings"
This refers to his son, grandson, great-grandson, and great-great-grandson. Alternate translation: "to the 4th generation" or "for four more generations"
Here "walking" refers to "living." Alternate translation: "Jehu was not careful to live according to the law of Yahweh"
Here the "heart" refers to a person's will and desire. Alternate translation: "in everything that he did" or "with all of his will"
To "turn away" from something means to stop doing it. Alternate translation: "Jehu did not stop from sinning in the same ways as Jeroboam"
"began to cause the territory controlled by Israel to become smaller"
areas of land
Here "Hazael" refers to himself and his army. Alternate translation: "Hazael and his army" or "King Hazael's Aramean army"
See how you translated this king's name in [2 Kings 8:8]
"from the land east of the Jordan"
These are all names of places.
"the Arnon River" This is the name of a river.
This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 1:18]
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"
This is the name of a man.
"Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria for twenty-eight years"
"28 years"
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)
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)
This is the name of a woman.
"became aware that her son was dead"
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"
"took Ahaziah's very young son Joash and hid him and his nursemaid in a bedroom in the temple. So he was not killed"
This is the name of a woman.
This is the name of a man.
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"
This is a metonym for the people who live in the land. Alternate translation: "people of Judah"
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 of Athaliah's reign" or "In year 7 of Athaliah's reign"
the high priest
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"
This is the name of a particular group of the royal guards.
"had them come to meet with him." Jehoiada, the high priest, had these military men report to him at the temple.
Jehoiada revealed to them that Joash, King Azahiah's son, was still alive.
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Jehoiada continues giving directions to the soldiers who will protect King Joash.
They were to keep watch for the purpose of protecting the king from harm. Alternate translation: "in order to protect King Joash"
"Anyone who tries to go past you while you are protecting King Joash." A rank refers to a line of soldiers.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you must kill him"
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"
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 commander"
"were stored in 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."
Jehoiada, the high priest, brought king Ahaziah's son, Joash, out from the temple apartment where he had been raised in hiding.
"presented him with the book of the law"
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"
Clapping their hands was a sign of the happiness of the people at the anointing of the new king.
This refers to the noise made by all the soldiers.
"she came to where the people had gathered at the temple"
"When she arrived, she was surprised to see King Joash standing"
"by one of the pillars of the temple"
"which was the usual place for the king to stand"
"the people who played the trumpets"
She tore her clothes to express that she was very upset and angry.
"You are traitors! You have betrayed me!"
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]
"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.
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"
Some versions translate this as "the guards seized her and took her to the palace, to the place where horses enter the courtyard."
"where the horses enter the palace grounds"
"also made a covenant between the king and the people"
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 temple of Baal"
This is the name of a male priest.
They take the new king, Joash, from the temple to the palace.
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]
This is the name of a particular group of the royal guards.
"brought the king from the temple to the palace"
This is a generalization. It is possible that some did not rejoice. Alternate translation: "many people in the land rejoiced"
"the city was calm" or "the city was peaceful"
"Joash was 7 years old"
This chapter is the end of the story of the revival in Judah under Joash.
Joash repaired the temple. In many ways, the temple represents the relationship between the people and Yahweh. (See: temple)
"During year 7 of the reign of Jehu over Israel"
"Joash began to reign over Judah"
This was the name of a woman.
"Zibiah, from the city of Beersheba"
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"
"teaching him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But the people did not destroy 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"
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.
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"when Joash had been king for twenty three years"
Joash asks this question to rebuke the priests. Alternate translation: "You should have been repairing the temple!"
"pay workers who will do the repairs"
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"on the right side of the entrance to the temple"
"put into the chest" or "put in the box"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the money that people brought"
Many versions put this in a more logical order such as "count the money and put it in bags."
Possible meanings are 1) "put the money in bags" or 2) "tied up the money in bags" .
"the money that they found in the chest"
"counted"
Here "hands" refers to the men. Alternate translation: "to men"
"who repaired the temple"
people who build and repair things made of wood
people who build with stone
people who cut stones into the correct size and shape
"to buy wood and to cut stone"
"to pay for all of the needed repairs"
"was not spent to pay for any of the temple's"
These are items that would have been used by the priests for various temple tasks, such as sacrifices or festivals.
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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 keep a record of how much money was received and spent
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"
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"
This is the name of the king of the country of Syria.
"defeated and took control of it"
These men were previous kings of Judah.
"dedicated"
"the gold that was stored in the storerooms"
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"
This question is used to remind the reader that these things are recorded. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 8:23]
The location of this place is unknown.
These are names of men.
"in the place where his ancestors were buried"
"became the next king of Judah"
This is the last chapter about Elisha.
The king of Israel is upset when Elisha is dying. Elisha assures him that he will have three victories over Aram.
The king compares the protection that Elisha had given Israel to "The chariot of Israel and the horsemen."
"After Joash had been ruling Judah for almost 23 years"
"rule over the kingdom of Israel located in Samaria"
"Jehoahaz was king for 17 years"
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"
"did the same sins as Jeroboam"
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"
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"
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"
"prayed to Yahweh"
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"
"someone to rescue them"
Here "hand" refers to the power to control them. Alternate translation: "he enabled them to be free from Aram's power"
"their homes." The Israelites were living in houses at this time.
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"
"the family of Jeroboam"
"had defeated the army of Jehoahaz"
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"
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]
This is a polite way of saying that he died.
This is a man's name. Many translations read, "Joash."
"After Joash had ruled Judah for almost 37 years"
"Jehoash son of Jehoahaz began to rule over Israel in Samaria"
This was a king of Israel who was the son of Jehoahaz.
Here "sight" represents God's thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "He did things that Yahweh considers to be evil"
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 Jeroboam had caused Israel to sin"
To sin is spoken of as if he was walking along a sinful path. Alternate translation: "but Jehoash continued to do these same sins"
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"
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]
This a polite way to say that Jehoash died.
Here "sat on his throne" refers to ruling as king. Alternate translation: "Jeroboam became king after him" or "Jeroboam began to rule after him"
"wept because Elisha was sick"
Elisha was not the king's literal father. King Joash used this term as a sign of respect.
This is a reference to Elijah going to heaven in [2 Kings 2:11]
This refers to the men who drove the chariots. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "the drivers of the chariots"
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Elisha continues to talk to Joash, king of Israel.
"open the window that faces east" or "open that window towards the east"
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"
"Joash shot the arrow"
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"
This was a city in the land of Israel.
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"But Elisha was angry with King Joash"
"until you completely destroyed it" or "until they were completely wiped out"
This word marks a stop in the main story. This new section gives background information for the part of the story that follows.
"each year during spring"
"As some Israelites were burying a man's body"
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"
"the grave where Elisha was buried"
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"
"the dead man came back to life and stood up"
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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"
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"
Yahweh's rejection is spoken of as if he had physically driven Israel away from where he was. Alternate translation: "has not rejected them"
These are names of kings.
"became king after him"
These are names of kings.
Here "Jehoash" and "him" refer to the kings and their armies. Alternate translation: "Jehoash's army attacked Ben-Hadad's army three times"
"Jehoash took back control of the Israelite cities that Ben-Hadad had captured"
The text begins to alternate between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah again.
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.
"When Jehoash son of Jehoahaz had been king of Israel for almost two years"
"Amaziah son of Joash, became the king of Judah"
"He was 25 years old when he became king"
"he was the king in Jerusalem for 29 years"
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"
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"
The story of Amaziah's rule as king of Judah continues.
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"
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"
This is used to introduce a new event.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as soon as Amaziah securely established his royal rule and kingly authority"
Amaziah probably ordered other people to kill the officials. Alternate translation: "he made his servants execute the officials"
The narrator tells about what king Amaziah did after his father King Joash was murdered.
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. He obeyed what was written in the book of the law of Moses"
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"
Here "He" refers to his army. Alternate translation: "Amaziah's army killed" or "Amaziah's soldiers killed"
"10,000 soldiers"
This is the name of a place that is located south of the Dead Sea.
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"
They renamed the city of Sela. The new name was Joktheel.
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.'"
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.
type of bush with thorns
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"
This is the warning part of Jehoash's message to Amaziah. "Amaziah, you have definitely defeated Edom"
This is an idiom that refers to being proud. Alternate translation: "you are very proud of what you have done"
"Be content with your victory"
Jehoash uses this question to warn Amaziah not to attack him. Alternate translation: "for you should not cause trouble for yourself and suffer defeat"
Here "listen" refers to obeying the warning. Alternate translation: "However, Amaziah would not obey Jehoash's warning"
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"
This is a town in Judah near the border of Israel.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Israel defeated Judah"
"all the men in the army of Judah ran home." The people of Judah lived in houses at this time.
This is what happened after the army of Israel defeated the army of Judah at Beth Shemesh.
Here "He" refers to Jehoash and his army. Alternate translation: "Jehoash and his army came ... Jehoash's soldiers took"
There are the names of gates in the wall of Jerusalem.
"about 180 meters"
A cubit was about 46 centimeters.
Here "He" refers to Jehoash and his army. Alternate translation: "Jehoash and his army came ... Jehoash's soldiers took"
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"
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]
This is a polite way to say that he died. Alternate translation: "Then Jehoash died"
"became king after him"
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This question is used to remind the reader that these things are recorded. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 8:23]
A conspiracy is a secret plan to do harm to someone or something. Alternate translation: "Some people in Jerusalem plotted against Amaziah"
This is a city in southwestern Judah.
The men who made the conspiracy sent other men to follow Amaziah to Lachish.
This is what happened after the death of King Amaziah.
"They brought Amaziah's body back on horses"
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"
This king is better known today by the name "Uzziah."
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"
a city in Judah
"returned it to Judah"
This is a poetic way to say he died.
This describes what King Uzziah did after he became king.
"In year 15 of Amaziah"
"41 years"
Here "sight" is a metaphor for judging or considering. Alternate translation: "evil according to Yahweh" or "what Yahweh considered to be evil"
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"
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"
This city was also called Hamath.
"the Dead Sea"
Suffering that was difficult is spoken of as if it had a bitter taste. Alternate translation: "it was very difficult"
"there was no one who could rescue Israel"
To completely destroy Israel is spoken of as if Yahweh wiped them away with a cloth. Alternate translation: "completely destroy"
Here "the name of Israel" represents all of Israel and its inhabitants. Alternate translation: "the Israelite people"
"on earth"
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"
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]
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"
Israel assassinated one king after another. The Assyrians began attacking Israel. (See: evil)
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"
This king is better known today by the name "Uzziah."
This is the name of Azariah's mother.
"Azariah did what was right"
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"
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"
Being taken away represents being destroyed. Alternate translation: "were not destroyed"
The abstract noun "death" can be expressed with the verb "die." Alternate translation: "until the day he died"
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.
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"
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]
This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Azariah died as his ancestors had" or "like his ancestors, Azariah died"
"his family buried him where his ancestors had been buried"
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Azariah"
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"
This Jeroboam was the second king of Israel that had that name. He was the son of King Jehoash.
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"
"Zechariah did what was evil"
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]
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"
This Jeroboam was the first king of the ten northern tribes that made up the kingdom of Israel.
Here the word "Israel" represents the people of the kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: "who had caused the people of Israel to sin"
These are the names of two men.
"against King Zechariah"
This was the name of a city.
"Then Shallum became king in Zechariah's place"
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"
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"
Sitting on the throne represents being the king. Alternate translation: "Your descendants will be the kings of Israel for four generations"
These are the names of two men. See how you translated these names in [2 Kings 15:10]
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"
Some ancient manuscripts and modern translations read, "Azariah."
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"
These are the names of two men.
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Shallum"
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"
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"
This is the name of a city. Some versions have "Tappuah," which is the name of another city.
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"
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]
The abstract noun "life" can be translated with the verb "live." Alternate translation: "The whole time that he lived"
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"
Here the word "Israel" represents the people of the kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: "who had caused the people of Israel to sin"
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 is the name of a man who was king of Assyria. He was also named Tiglath-Pileser.
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"
"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"
The abstract noun "support" can be translated with the verb "support." Alternate translation: "so that Pul might support him"
Having the kingdom in his hand represents ruling the kingdom. Alternate translation: "to strengthen his rule over the kingdom of Israel"
"took this money from Israel"
These were important leaders, not strong soldiers.
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 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]
This is a polite way of saying that he died. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 10:35]
This a man's name.
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Menahem"
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"
This is a man's name.
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]
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"
Here the word "Israel" represents the people of the kingdom of Israel.
These are men's names.
"secretly planned to kill Pekahiah"
"50 men"
These are men's names.
"the fortified part of the king's palace" or "the safe place in the king's palace"
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Pekahiah"
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"
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"
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]
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"
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"
In [2 Kings 15:19]
These are the names of cities or regions.
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
It can be stated clearly which people these are. Alternate translation: "the people of those places" or "the people of Israel"
These are men's names.
A conspiracy is a secret plan by a group to do harm to someone or something.
"Hoshea attacked Pekah and killed him"
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Pekah"
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"
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"
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 became king of Judah"
Some ancient manuscripts and modern translations read, "Azariah."
"He was 25 years old ... 16 years"
This is a woman's name.
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"
Some ancient manuscripts and modern translations read, "Azariah."
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"
Being taken away represents being destroyed. Alternate translation: "were not destroyed"
"Jotham built" represents Jotham making his workers build it. Alternate translation: "Jotham had his workers build the upper gate"
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]
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"
This is a man's name.
These are men's names. Pekah was the king of Israel. See how you translated them in 2 Kings 15:37.
This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Jotham died as his ancestors had" or "Like his ancestors, Jotham died"
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Jotham"
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)
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"
These are men's names. Pekah was the king of Israel. See how you translated them in [2 Kings 15:25]
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"
David had done what is right.
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"
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"
Here "following" represents doing what others do. Alternate translation: "copying the disgusting things that the other nations did, 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"
"Driven out" means "forced out." Alternate translation: "whom Yahweh had forced to leave"
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"
These are places where the people of the other nations worshiped their false gods.
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"
These are men's names. See how you translated them in [2 Kings 15:37]
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"
Here "Aram" represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: "took back control of the city of Elath for the people of Aram"
This is the name of a city. See how you translated it in [2 Kings 14:22]
"forced the Jews to leave Elath"
This means to the time of the writing of this book.
In [2 Kings 15:19]
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"
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"
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"
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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"
Carrying off the people represents forcing them to go away. Alternate translation: "made the people his prisoners and forced them to go to 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.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the instructions that the workers needed in order to build it"
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This is what King Ahaz did after he returned from Damascus and visited the new altar which Uriah the priest had built for him.
"King Ahaz made his burnt offering"
This refers to the altar that King Ahaz told Uriah to build.
Both of these phrases tell where the bronze altar was. They refer to the same place.
This refers to the new altar that Ahaz told Uriah to build.
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"
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"the movable stands" or "the carts." These stands had wheels on them so they could be moved around.
"he also removed the large bowl." The "sea" was a huge basin or water bowl that was made of bronze.
Why they did this can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "to please the king of Assyria"
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]
This is a polite way of saying Ahaz died. Alternate translation: "Ahaz died as his ancestors had" or "like his ancestors, Ahaz died"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people buried him with his ancestors"
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Ahaz"
This chapter ends the story about the kingdom of Israel and continues with Judah alone.
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)
Hoshea became the king of the northern kingdom of Israel.
This is the name of a man.
Samaria was the capital city of Israel.
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"
This is the name of a man.
Hoshea did as the King of Assyria commanded and brought money to him so that the King would not destroy Israel.
This is the name of a man.
"every year"
"put Hoshea in prison"
put troops around the city in order to force it to surrender
The name "Israel" is metonymy for the people living there. Alternate translation: "took the Israelite people to Assyria"
These are the names of locations.
This is the name of a people group.
The narrative pauses to summarize Yahweh's judgment on Israel.
This refers to the capture of the Israelites by the Assyrians.
"Hand" is metonymy for control, authority or power. Alternate translation: "the control of"
"Walking" is metaphor for the ways or patterns of behavior people use in their lives. Alternate translation: "doing the activities"
The narrative continues to summarize Yahweh's judgment on Israel.
These are exaggerations to show that worship of false gods was widespread. Alternate translation: "on high hills and under green trees everywhere"
The narrative continues to summarize Yahweh's judgment on Israel.
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"
"about which Yahweh had warned them"
The narrative continues to summarize Yahweh's judgment on Israel.
Yahweh spoke through the prophets.
"Stop doing the evil things you have been doing"
The prophets were sent by Yahweh to remind the people of God's Laws and to obey them.
The summary of Yahweh's judgment on Israel continues.
The phrase "stiffened their necks" is a metaphor that means that they became very stubborn. Alternate translation: "they became very stubborn"
They refused to obey God's Laws.
They followed the practices of the people around them.
"not to copy"
The summary of Yahweh's judgment on Israel continues.
Cast metal figures are objects made by pouring melted metal into a form (or mold) to make a shape.
"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"
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"
"Sight" is metonymy for being within the attention of Yahweh so he no longer cared for them. Alternate translation: "removed them from his attention"
The summary of Yahweh's judgment on Israel includes how Judah also fell into idolatry.
The location "Judah" is metonymy for the people that live there. Alternate translation: "the people of Judah"
"Yahweh punished the Israelites"
"Hand" is metonymy for control, power or authority. Alternate translation: "handed them over to those who robbed them of their property"
"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"
The reason for Yahweh's judgment on Israel continues by relating the history behind it.
"He tore" here is a metaphor for violent removal. Alternate translation: "Yahweh removed the people of Israel"
"from the rule of David's descendants"
"turned the people of Israel away from following Yahweh"
"the Israelites did not stop committing these sins" or "they did not turn away from those sins"
"Sight" here is a metaphor for attention and care. Alternate translation: "so Yahweh removed the people of Israel from his attention and care"
Yahweh's judgment continues against the new Assyrian inhabitants who practice their pagan religions.
These are places in the Assyrian empire.
"When those people first lived there"
"The people you have moved from other lands and sent to live in the cities of Samaria"
"do not know how to worship the God that the Israelites worshiped in this land"
"Take a priest who came from Samaria back there"
"let the Samaritan priest teach the people who are living there now"
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These are the names of gods, both male and female.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of gods, both male and female.
These are the names of people groups.
"sacrificed their own children" or "burned their children in fire as an offering"
This refers to the pagan people that the king of Assyria moved into the cities of Samaria.
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"they continue in the same habits as before"
The people were only interested in appeasing Yahweh. They were either not interested or not aware Yahweh was interested in a relationship with them.
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The summary comes toward the end with an appeal to worship only Yahweh.
The phrase "raised arm" is metonymy for displaying power and means basically the same thing as "great power." Alternate translation: "with very great power"
"obey them"
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The summary now ends with an appeal to worship only Yahweh and a description of the sins of the people.
"Listen" here is a metaphor for paying attention and acting on the command. Alternate translation: "They did not obey"
These nations feared Yahweh only to the point of appeasing him the same way they treated their own gods.
"and have continued ever since." The phrase "this day" refers to the time period in which the writer lived.
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.
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)
Hezekiah becomes king over Judah in place of his father King Ahaz.
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
"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"
The story of King Hezekiah's reign continues.
"Hezekiah removed the high places of worship, smashed into pieces the memorial stones, and cut down the wooden poles of Asherah"
This name could be translated "Bronze Serpent Idol."
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The story of King Hezekiah's reign continues.
To "hold on" is metaphor for staying loyal and attached. Alternate translation: "Hezekiah stayed loyal to Yahweh" or "Hezekiah remained faithful to Yahweh"
"wherever Hezekiah went he was successful"
city with a wall all around it
These are the names of men.
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These are the names of places.
This is the name of a people group.
"So the king of Assyria commanded his army to take the Israelites away from their homes, and he made them live in Assyria"
"Voice" is metonymy for the message about the command of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the command of Yahweh"
This is the name of a man.
Cities with walls around them for protection. See how you translated "fortified city" in 2 Kings 18:8.
This is the name of a city.
This expression assumes that "me" represents the kingdom of Hezekiah. Alternate translation: "Take your army out of my territory"
"I will pay you whatever you demand of me"
This is the name of type of weight that was used for money. One talent weighted about 33 kilograms.
This was the place in the palace where money and valuable things were stored.
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Sennacherib sent a group of men from his army to Jerusalem to meet with King Hezekiah, including officials named Tartan and 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"
This is the name of a city.
the channel where the water stored in the "upper pool" flows into the city of Jerusalem
"and waited there for King Hezekiah to meet with them"
These are the names of men.
Rabshakeh continues telling the message from the king of Assyria to King Hezekiah's men.
The King of Assyria
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.
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."
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"
The speaker is extending the metaphor by describing what happens when a reed is used as a support.
Rabshakeh continues telling the message from the king of Assyria to King Hezekiah's men.
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'!"
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Rabshakeh continues telling the message from the king of Assyria to King Hezekiah's men.
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."
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!"
Translate the names of these men as in [2 Kings 18:18]
"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"
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."
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"my power" is metonymy for the ability of the king himself. Alternate translation: "from me" or "from the power of my army"
This can be expressed in an active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will never allow the king of Assyria's army to take this city"
"Hand" is metonymy for control, authority and power.
"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"
These sources of food and water are metaphors for security and plenty. This also was a common way of expressing this idea.
These are metaphors for having good things and plenty in daily life.
Rabshakeh continues telling the message from the king of Assyria to King Hezekiah's men.
He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate translation: "None the gods of the peoples have rescued them ... Assyria."
He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate translation: "I have destroyed the gods of ... Arpad!"
These are the names of places that represent the people living there.
"Hand" is metonymy for control, power, or authority. Alternate translation: "out from my control"
He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate translation: "No god has rescued his land from my power."
"My power" is metonymy for the person whose has the power. Alternate translation: "from me"
He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate translation: "There is no way Yahweh can save Jerusalem from my might!"
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These are the names of men.
"who managed the king's palace"
"the history keeper"
and is the translation of the Hebrew; some see this as a personal name, "Rabshakeh"
The story of Hezekiah continues in this chapter.
God is in control of everything. God caused the Assyrian king to fail in conquering Jerusalem because he mocked God.
"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."
This is another way of saying "temple of Yahweh."
These are all names of men.
"Hezekiah sent Eliakim"
"all wearing sackcloth"
"This is a time of distress"
This is a metaphor to describe how the people and their leaders have become so weak and unable to fight the enemy.
"everything that the chief commander has said"
This a common way
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"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 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.
You should translate this phrase using a word for a message that could be either true or false.
"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"
"the official from Assyria in charge under the king"
"discovered that the Assyrian army was fighting"
The names of cities in the kingdom of Judah.
These are the names of men.
"had prepared his army to fight against Assyria"
"so Sennacherib sent"
This message was written in a letter.
This is the message that King Sennacharib of Assyria sent to King Hezekiah.
"Do not believe your God in whom you trust. He is lying when he says"
"Hand" is metonymy for control, authority or power. Alternate translation: "the control of the government of Assyria"
"Notice, you have heard" or "You have certainly heard." Here "see" was used to draw attention to what he was about to say next.
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!"
King Sennacharib's message to King Hezekiah continues.
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!"
"the previous kings of Assyria" or "the armies of the previous kings of Assyria"
These are all place names.
These are all place names.
This refers to the letter that King Sennacherib of Assyria sent to Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:8).
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"
King Hezekiah continues praying to Yahweh after receiving the letter from King Sennacherib of Assyria.
Both of these sentences urge Yahweh to pay attention to the things that Sennacherib is saying.
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"
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"
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"
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"The Assyrian kings have burned up the gods of the other nations"
"Assyrians have destroyed both the nations and the nations' gods"
King Hezekiah continues praying to Yahweh after receiving the letter from King Sennacherib of Assyria.
"I beg of you"
"from the power of the King of Assyria" or "from the armies of the King of Assyria"
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The writer begins to quote a poem by the prophet Isaiah that contains a prophecy.
"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"
"Daughter" is metaphor for the people of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "The people of the city of Jerusalem"
This action is a metaphor to represent disdain at the pride of the Assyrians. Alternate translation: "scorns you"
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" is metonymy for a haughty or arrogant facial expression. Alternate translation: "looked at very proudly"
An expression for the God of Israel, Yahweh.
This continues the message from Yahweh given by Isaiah, the prophet, to King Hezekiah concerning King Sennacherib. It uses parallelism throughout.
To "defy" is to openly resist or mock.
These boasts made by Sennacherib could only be fulfilled by his army. The pronoun "I" represents him and his army.
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!"
This continues the message from Yahweh, given by Isaiah, the prophet, for King Hezekiah concerning King Sennecherib. It uses parallelism throughout.
To make the point strongly this question assumes the listener knows the answer. Alternate translation: "Surely you know how ... times."
"cities that cannot be captured" or "cities surrounded by high walls"
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"
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"
This continues the message from Yahweh, given by Isaiah, the prophet, for King Hezekiah concerning King Sennecherib. It uses parallelism throughout.
"angry shouting about me"
"Ears" are metonymy for listening or hearing. Alternate translation: "because I have heard your proud words"
A "hook" and a "bit"
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"
Here Isaiah is talking to King Hezekiah. He continues using parallelism throughout.
"grows without having been planted"
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"
"The strong action of Yahweh will make this happen"
This is the end of the message from Yahweh, spoken through the prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah. It uses parallelism throughout.
"Arrow" is metonymy representing all tools of warfare and destruction. Alternate translation: "nor do any fighting here"
"and they will not even build up high mounds of earth against the city wall to enable them to attack the city"
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"
"for the sake of my own reputation and because of what I promised to King David, who served me well"
"It happened"
"one hundred eighty-five thousand soldiers"
"When the men who were left alive got up"
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These are the names of men.
This chapter finishes the story of Hezekiah.
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)
"House" is metonymy for what was under Hezekiah's control. Alternate translation: "Give final instructions to your household and government"
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This is a common way of speaking, an idiom, urging Yahweh to remember. Alternate translation: "remember"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "lived my life"
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in your judgment"
"Word" represents the message Yahweh revealed to Isaiah. This is a common way of speaking, an idiom. Alternate translation: "Yahweh spoke his word"
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"
"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."
The message from Yahweh to King Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah continues.
15 years
"Hand" is metonymy for power, authority and control. Alternate translation: "from the control of the king of Assyria"
"paste made of boiled figs"
"Hezekiah's servants did this and put the paste on Hezekiah's sore"
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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?"
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.
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"
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"
These are the names of the king of Babylon and his son.
1) "carefully considered those letters" or 2) "heard the message from the king of Babylon"
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"
This refers to the men sent to King Hezekiah with a message and gifts from Marduk-Baladan.
Hezekiah repeats the same idea in two ways to emphasize his point.
"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"
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 message of Yahweh"
"Listen to me, someday there will come a time when"; "Look" is used to draw attention to what Isaiah is about to tell Hezekiah.
"Days" is synecdoche to refer to an undefined span of time.
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"Because Hezekiah thought"
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."
A small area of still water for storage
A tunnel for carrying the water
This question is used to remind the reader that these things are recorded. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 8:23]
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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)
"I will wipe Jerusalem clean, as a man wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down" means "God would completely destroy Jerusalem."
The mother of King Manasseh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]
Another possible meaning is "including the disgusting things."
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"
The story of King Manasseh's reign continues.
The name is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: "Jerusalem is where I will forever make known who I am"
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"
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"
"asked for information from"
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Kings 3:2]
The story of King Manasseh's reign continues.
Manasseh probably did not do the work. His servants would have done the work. Alternate translation: "that Manasseh had ordered his servants to make"
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"
The feet are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel" or "the Israelites"
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"
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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"
Samaria is the capital city and it represents all the people of the kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: "against the people of Israel"
a tool made of a heavy weight and a thin rope used to show if a wall is straight
Here "house" represents family. Alternate translation: "the family of Ahab"
"I will abandon" or "I will reject"
Here the "hand" of the enemies refers to their enemies' control. Alternate translation: "let their enemies defeat them and take over their land"
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"Also, Manasseh" or "In addition, Manasseh"
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"
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"
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]
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]
This is a polite way of saying he "died, as his ancestors had, and"
Possible meanings are 1) "the garden that had once belonged to a man named Uzza" or 2) "Uzza Garden."
This is a man's name
These are names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
This is the name of a city.
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]
"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"
"He went away from Yahweh" or "He paid no more attention to Yahweh"
"made plans and worked together to harm him"
This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "some of the people in Judah"
"made plans and worked together to harm." See how you translated this in 2 Kings 21:23.
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]
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]
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)
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)
"31 years"
This is the name of a woman.
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a town in Judah.
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 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"
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"
If your language has a way to mark the beginning of a new part of the story, consider using it here.
"Eighteenth" is the ordinal form of 18. Alternate translation: "year 18"
These are men's names.
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"
This is a man's name.
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"
This is another name for the "temple" (verse 3).
Here "house of Yahweh" and "temple" mean the same thing.
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"
The message from King Josiah to Hilkiah, the high priest, continues.
Here "them" refers to the workmen who are in charge of the house of Yahweh in 2 Kings 22:5.
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.
workers who build with wood
workers who build with stone
Here "them" and "they" refer to the workmen who are in charge of the house of Yahweh in 2 Kings 22:5.
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 used the money honestly"
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 18:18]
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.
Here "hand" represents the workmen as a whole. Alternate translation: "given it to the workmen"
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If your language has a way to mark the beginning of a new part of the story, consider using it here.
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"
This is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness.
These are names of men.
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.
to go to someone to ask for advice
Here "words" represents the laws. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the laws in this book that Hilkiah has found"
Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that was lit. Alternate translation: "For Yahweh is very angry with 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"
This is a woman's name.
These are men's names.
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.
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"
Here "the man" refers to King Josiah.
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 Jerusalem." This refers to the city of Jerusalem which represents the whole land of Judah. Alternate translation: "to Judah"
The message Yahweh sent to King Josiah through Huldah, the prophetess, continues.
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"
Here "place" represents the people who live in Jerusalem and Judah. Alternate translation: "these people"
Here "words" represents the message that Huldah just spoke. Alternate translation: "About the message that you heard"
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"
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"
This is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness.
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]
This is the end of the message from Yahweh to King Josiah through the prophetess Huldah.
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"
Here "will not see" represents not experiencing something. Alternate translation: "You will not experience"
Here "eyes" represents the whole person.
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"
The story of Josiah ends in this chapter.
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.
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This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "many other people"
This merism includes everyone in between. Alternate translation: "from the least important to the most important"
"Then the king read aloud so that they could hear"
In [2 Kings 22:8]
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"
These words all share similar meanings. Together they emphasize everything that Yahweh had commanded in the law.
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that this book contained"
This idiom means to "obey the terms of the covenant."
"the other priests who served him"
men who guarded the gates to the temple
"so people could use them to worship Baal ... so people could use them to worship all the stars"
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"
names of places
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"
"as a way to worship Baal, the sun and the moon, the planets, and all the stars"
This continues to tell what King Josiah did in response to the message from Yahweh.
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"
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"
Possible meanings are 1) the houses were in the temple or 2) the prostitutes were in the temple.
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"
"made clothes"
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"
names of places
"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.
Here "brothers" refers to their fellow priests who served at the temple.
place names
"put his son or his daughter in the fire and burn them as an offering to Molech"
It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people, perhaps Hilkiah and "the priests under him"
Possible meanings are 1) real horses or 2) statues of horses.
Here "given" represents being dedicated for worship. Alternate translation: "had used to worship the sun"
a man's name
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"
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"
place name. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 23:4]
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 would have commanded his workers to do these things. Alternate translation: "Solomon the king of Israel had had his workers build"
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"
"covered the ground with human bones so people could not use it as a shrine anymore"
It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people, perhaps Hilkiah and "the priests under him"
"had said that these things would happen"
marker or statue that honors a person. A tomb is one kind of monument.
"So they did not touch his bones or the bones of"
It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people, perhaps Hilkiah and "the priests under him"
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 he had done"
It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people, perhaps Hilkiah and "the priests under him"
You may need to make explicit why he burned the bones. "he burned human bones on them so no one would use them again"
"You must celebrate the Passover"
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"
The name "Israel" is a metonym for "the descendants of Israel."
"the time when the people of Israel had their own king and the people of Judah had their own king"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people of Judah celebrated this Passover of Yahweh"
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.
See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 21:6.
things that people wrongly believe have special power
"who gave himself completely to Yahweh"
"And since then there has never been a king who was like Josiah"
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.
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 cause him to be angry"
"from where I am" or "from being near me"
The name is a metonym for the honor that people should give to the person. Alternate translation: "People should worship me there"
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]
"During the time of Josiah, Pharaoh Necho, king of Egypt"
Necho is the name of a man. Megiddo is the name of a city.
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"23 years old"
This is a woman's name.
This is the name of a place.
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]
These are names of places.
Being put "in chains" represents being captured and imprisoned. Alternate translation: "put him in prison"
"punished the people of Judah by forcing them to give him"
A talent was about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "3,300 kilograms ... 33 kilograms"
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"Jehoikim collected taxes from the people who owned 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."
This is a woman's name.
This is a man's name.
This is the name of a place.
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]
These last two chapters are the final defeat of Judah and the beginning of their exile to Babylon.
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)
"During the time that Jehoiakim ruled Judah"
You may need to make explicit what happened after Nebuchadnezzar attacked Judah. Alternate translation: "attacked and defeated Judah"
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"
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.
Here "mouth" represents Yahweh's command. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh had commanded"
"get rid of them" or "destroy them"
Blood is a metonym for innocent life, and shedding blood is a metonym for killing innocent people. Alternate translation: "innocent people whom he killed"
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"
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]
This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "died and was buried along with his ancestors"
"The king of Egypt did not come out of his land any more to attack other people groups"
Nehushta is the name of a woman. Elnathan is the name of a man.
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]
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"
"the army." These men served Nebuchadnezzar as soldiers.
"his army." These men served Nebuchadnezzar as soldiers. See how you translated this phrase in 2 Kings 24:11.
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"
"After the king of Babylon had been king for more than seven years, he captured Jehoiachin"
You might want to translate this so the reader understands that Solomon might have had others help him do this.
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 men who knew how to make and repair things that are made from metal"
"Only the poorest people in the land were left"
"still lived there"
This probably refers to men who were wealthy or were leaders because people thought they were wise.
"7,000 ... 1,000"
This is a man's name.
"21 ... 11"
This is a woman's name.
This is a man's name.
This is the name of a place.
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2]
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This chapter is the final defeat of Judah and the beginning of their exile to Babylon.
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.
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.
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"
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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.
These are the inhabitants of Jerusalem, including refugees from the surrounding villages that fled to Jerusalem when the war started.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then the Babylonian army broke into the city"
"all the warriors"
"by using the gate"
Some translations use "Chaldeans" and others use "Babylonians." Both terms refer to the same people group.
"King Zedekiah also fled and he went toward"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "His whole army ran away from him" or "The Chaldeans chased away his whole army"
This is the name of a place.
"decided what they would do to punish him"
The eyes are synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "they forced king Zedekiah to watch them kill his sons"
"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.
This is the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar. The seventh day is near the end of July on Western calendars.
This is the ordinal form of the number 19.
This is the name of a man.
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"This is what happened to all the walls around Jerusalem: all"
"who were following the orders of"
"This is what happened to the rest of the people ... city: those"
"the people who remained in the city"
"left the city and gone to be with the king"
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"This is what happened to the bronze pillars ... Yahweh: the Chaldeans"
This refers to the large, moveable bronze stands with bronze wheels and axles. "the moveable bronze stands" or "the bronze stands with wheels"
"the large bronze basin"
"cut them into pieces" or "chopped them up into small pieces"
A shovel was a tool that was used to clean the altar, typically used to move big piles of dirt, sand, or ashes.
"which the priests had used in the temple service"
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"the large bronze basin." See how you translated this in 2 Kings 25:13.
See how you translated this in 2 Kings 25:13.
A cubit was 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "about 8.3 meters ... about 1.4 meters"
"an artistic, bronze design" or "a bronze piece with designs"
This was a design made of crossed strips that looked like a net.
"completely made of bronze"
See how you translated this in 2 Kings 25:8.
This is the name of a man.
These words refer to Zephaniah. Another possible meaning is "the priest under Seraiah."
See how you translated this in 2 Kings 7:10.
"captured and kept from escaping"
Other translations may read "a eunuch who was in charge of soldiers." A eunuch is a man whose private parts have been removed.
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.
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 25:8.
This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 2 Kings 25:6.
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.
"So Judah was taken into exile 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"
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
This refers to a person who is a descendant of a man named Netophah.
This refers to a person who comes from a place called Maakah.
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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.
This is the name of a man.
This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "many people"
This is a merism that means "everyone," which is a generalization. Alternate translation: "from the least important to the most important" or "everyone"
This is the twelfth month of the Hebrew calendar. The twenty-seventh day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars.
This is a man's name.
Giving a good place at the dining table is a metonym for honoring him. Alternate translation: "more honor than the other kings"
The act of removing Jehoiachins' prison clothes represents making him a free man.
"with the king and his officials"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The king made sure that he had a regular food allowance"
"Money to buy food"
This chapter gives the genealogies of Abraham, Esau and the early kings of Edom.
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.
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.
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.
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 was Lamech's son. Alternate translation: "Lamech's son Noah"
These are all names of men.
These are all names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of people groups.
This name is sometimes spelled "Dodanites."
All of the names here are names of men.
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Possible meanings are 1) "who became a mighty man" or 2) "who was the first mighty man."
or "warrior" or "conqueror"
These are names of people groups.
These are names of people groups.
"the ancestors of the Philistines"
These are names of men.
This is the name of a people group.
These are names of people groups.
These are names of people groups.
These are names of people groups.
All of the names here are names of men.
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All of the names here are names of men.
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All of the names here are names of men.
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All of the names here are names of men.
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All of the names here except for Keturah are names of men. Keturah is the name of a woman.
All of the names here except for Keturah are names of men. Keturah is the name of a woman.
All of the names here are names of men.
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All of the names in this verse are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men, execpt for Timna. Timna is the name of a woman.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
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These are the names of places.
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
This is the name of a 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"
These are names of men.
"Husham, from the land where Teman's descendants lived, reigned after him"
This is the name of a people group.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a place.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a place.
These are names of men.
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"
This is the name of a place.
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
This is the name of a place.
These are the names of women.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a place.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a place.
This chapter records the descendants of Judah, son of Jacob.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
These are the names of men.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "his sons whom Shua's daughter, a Canaanite woman, bore"
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 sight of Yahweh represents his judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh judged"
The reader should understand that Yahweh may have had a person kill Er.
This is the name of a woman.
This refers to the wife of his son.
These are the names of men.
"gave birth to his sons Perez and Zerah"
"5 sons"
These are names of men.
These are all names of men.
These are names of men.
what God had said he wanted the people to destroy
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
The word "son" is understood. Also, the numbers are in ordinal form. Alternate translation: "the second son ... the third son"
These are names of men.
The word "son" is understood. Also, the numbers are in ordinal form. Alternate translation: "the fourth son ... the fifth son"
These are names of men.
The word "son" is understood. Also, the numbers are in ordinal form. Alternate translation: "the sixth son ... the seventh son"
All names here except Zeruiah and Abigail are the names of men. Zeruiah and Abigail are the names of women.
These are names of men.
"Jether, a descendant of Ishmael"
These are names of men.
These are names of women.
These are names of men.
These are names of women.
These are names of men.
All names in this list are the names of men.
"gave birth to"
These are names of men.
People gave the land the name of the man.
These are names of people groups named after ancestors. Translate "Aram" as in 1 Chronicles 1:17.
These are the names of places.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
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"
This is the name of a woman.
"gave birth to his son"
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
"gave birth to his son"
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
Some modern translations read, "the founder of the clan of Hebron"
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
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."
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
"She also gave birth to"
These are names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
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"
These are names of men.
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"
See:
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]
This is the name of a clan.
These are the names of clans.
This is the name of a man.
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"
These are names of clans.
This is the name of a town.
These are names of clans.
"the Kenites who descended from Hamath"
These are names of men.
This chapter records the descendants of King David.
David was a son of Jesse, who was a descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:15).
These are the names of women who were David's wives.
This man has the same name as an Israelite prophet but is a different person.
These are the names of women who were David's wives.
This is the name of a man.
These are the names of women who were David's wives.
These are the names of men.
This can also be translated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: "David reigned there seven years and six months"
"33 years"
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
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 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"
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.
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.
This was another name for Uzziah, the better-known name for this king. Translators may decide to use "Uzziah" everywhere for this king.
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.
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.
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.
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.
These are names of men.
Some versions have "Jeconiah," which is a variation of "Jehoiachin."
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.
These are all names of men.
All of the names in this list except Shelomith are the names of men. Shelomith is a woman's name.
These are all names of men.
These are all names of men.
This man has the same name as the prophet Obadiah but is a different person.
Different versions put these people into different relationships with each other because the Hebrew is not very clear about them.
All of the names in this list are the names of men.
These are all names of men.
These are all names of men.
This chapter records the other descendants of Judah.
All of the names in this list are the names of men.
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.
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
These are names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
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.
These are the names of men.
The word "These" refers to Peniel and Ezer.
Hur was Ephrathah's first son.
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."
See how you translated these men's names in 1 Chronicles 2:24.
These are the names of women.
"gave birth to his sons"
These are names of men.
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.
These are names of men.
These are the names of men.
A new sentence can start here. "Koz also became the ancestor of Harum and the clans that descended from Harum's son Aharhel"
This is the name of a man.
"give me more land"
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"
The words "his prayer" are a metonym for what Jabez asked in the prayer. Alternate translation: "did what Jabez had asked him to do"
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
It apprears that Ir Nahash may have been a city. Alternate translation: "Tehinnah, the founder of the city of Nahash"
These are the names of places.
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.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
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"
people skilled at making or building things
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are the names of men.
The word "these" refers to Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah. They were the sons Bithiah bore for her husband Mered.
This is the name of a woman.
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.
These are the names of men.
These are names of men.
This is someone from the Gar people group.
This is someone from the region of Maakah.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of towns.
people who made clothing out of a fabric made from crushed reeds
These are names of men.
These are names of towns.
the people who make containers out of clay
These are names of towns.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
the son of Mishma's son
the son of Mishma's grandson
"16 sons and 6 daughters"
These are the names of towns.
The list of the cities where Simeon's descendants lived continues.
These are the names of towns.
These are names of towns.
These are names of towns.
The list of places where Simeon's descendants lived continues.
These are the names of villages.
the villages that were near but outside the main town
This is the name of a town.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
"These men were leaders"
The house is a metonym for the people in the house. Alternate translation: "the number of people in their families increased greatly"
This is the name of a town.
an area of land where their flocks could feed on the grass
"pastures with much good food for their animals"
a people group, descendants of Ham
Or "homes of the Hamites" or "places where the Hamites lived." The Hamites probably did not still live in tents.
a people. Alternate translation: "descendants of Meun"
"500 men"
These are names of men.
"the rest of the remaining Amalekites who had escaped"
"from then until now." This refers to the day when the author was writing this account.
This chapter records the descendants of Jacob's sons who lived east of the Jordan River: Reuben, Gad and Manasseh.
The word "now" is used here to mark the change from the lists of descendants to background information about Reuben.
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"
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.
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"
This verse finishes the background information about Reuben.
These are the names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
This can start a new sentence: "clans. Their genealogical records list them as"
a record that shows how people in a family are related to each other
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are the names of cities.
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This is a name of a people group.
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"
This is the name of a city.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
"The tribe of Gad lived"
the areas of land where animals feed on grass
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"
It is not clear how many of the preceding people this refers to.
This refers to the people from the tribe of Rueben.
This refers to the people from the tribe of Gad.
"forty-four thousand seven hundred and sixty soldiers"
The soldiers are described as skilled in warfare by the weapons they carried. Alternate translation: "who were all trained to fight well in battles"
These are the names of people groups.
"the Israelites cried to God for help"
"The Israelites captured the Hagrites' animals"
"50,000 camels"
"two hundred and fifty thousand sheep"
"2,000 donkeys"
"one hundred thousand men"
God's help in battle is described as if he were the one who caused the battle. Alternate translation: "God helped them"
"the families of the half tribe" or "the people of the half tribe"
These are the names of mountains.
These are the names of men.
extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UDB calls "clans"
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:
These are the names of men.
These are the names of people groups.
These are names of towns.
This is the name of a river.
See how you translated this phrase in 1 Chronicles 4:43
This chapter records the descendants of Levi.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
The reader should understand that Solomon probably hired workers to do the work.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a man.
These are names of men.
The power Nebuchadnezzar has through his army is described as the part of his body
Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 6:1.
These are names of men.
Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 6:2.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a man.
the second son
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
"where people met with Yahweh" This was a tent in David's time.
"the people of Israel placed the ark there"
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 did their work" or "They did their various kinds of work"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "according to the instructions that David gave them" or "according to the instructions they received"
"These were the musicians"
This is the name of a people group, the descendants of Kohath
This means the list is going in order from the most recent to the oldest.
This is the name of a man.
These are names of men.
See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 6:25.
These are names of men.
See how you translated these men's names in 1 Chronicles 6:25.
See how you translated these men's names in 1 Chronicles 6:25.
This is the name of a man.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
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.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
See:
"Standing on Heman's left side"
See how you translated these men's names in 1 Chronicles 2:6.
See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 6:1.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
See how you translated these men's names in 1 Chronicles 6:19.
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"
"They offered these things to make atonement for the sins of the people of Israel"
"These were the descendants of Aaron"
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a man.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "These are the places where God assigned Aaron's descendants to live"
"where the descendants of Aaron ... Kohathites were to live"
The Israelites drew lots to decide where people would live. Alternate translation: "Kohathites. The first lot that they drew was theirs"
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.
"They gave Hebron to the Kohathites"
the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.
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These are names of places.
the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.
These are names of places.
These are names of towns.
the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.
These are names of towns.
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"The clans of Gershon's descendants gained 13 cities"
See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 6:1.
the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.
The towns mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:55 and 1 Chronicles 6:60.
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These are names of towns.
the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.
These are names of towns.
These are names of towns.
These are names of towns.
the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.
See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 6:1.
These are names of towns.
the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.
These are names of towns.
These are names of towns.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The tribe of Asher gave Issachar"
These are names of towns.
the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.
These are names of towns.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The tribe of Naphtali gave them"
These are names of towns.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The tribe of Zebulun gave the rest ... descendants"
Translate "Merari" as in 1 Chronicles 6:1.
These are names of towns.
the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.
The information in 1 Chronicles 6:78-79 can be rearranged as in the UDB so its meaning can be more easily understood.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the tribe of Reuben, across ... Jericho, gave them"
These are names of towns.
The information in 1 Chronicles 6:78-79 can be rearranged as in the UDB so its meaning can be more easily understood.
These are names of towns.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The tribe of Gad gave the Levites"
These are names of towns.
the land with grass for animals to eat. See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 5:16.
These are names of towns.
This chapter records the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Ephraim, Asher, and Manasseh living west of the Jordan River.
These are names of men.
All of the names here are the names of men.
"They numbered twenty-two thousand six hundred" or "There were 22,600 men"
"during David's life" or "while David was alive"
All of the names here are the names of men.
Another possible meaning is "Among them ... were."
"36,000 soldiers who were ready for battle"
"87,000 mighty warriors"
These are names of men.
All of the names here are the names of men.
"twenty-two thousand and thirty-four of them"
All of the names here are names of men.
"twenty thousand two hundred clan leaders"
All of the names here are names of men.
This is the name of a man.
"The clan lists contained 17,200"
"seventeen thousand two hundred heads of houses"
These are names of men.
These are names of clans of people.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
This is the name of a man.
"descendant, to whom his Aramean concubine gave birth"
These are names of men. See how you translated "Makir, father of Gilead" in 1 Chronicles 2:21.
These are names of men.
See how you translated these names in 1 Chronicles 7:12.
This is the name of a woman.
This woman is different from Makir's sister Maakah 1 Chronicles 7:15.
These are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here except Hammoleketh are names of men. Hammoleketh is the name of a woman.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here except Gath are names of men. Gath is the name of a place.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Men of Gath, the natives in the land, killed Ezer and Elead"
"the brothers went to steal the livestock from the people of Gath"
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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 became pregnant and gave birth to a son"
These are names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
These are names of towns.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
This is the name of a man.
All of the names listed here are names of towns.
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"
These are names of towns.
"The descendants of Joseph, son of Israel, lived in these towns"
All of the names here except Serah are names of men. Serah is the name of a woman.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here except Shua are names of men. Shua is the name of a woman.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
This is the name of a man.
"important men"
"According to the clan records, there were 26,000 men who were able to serve in the military"
This chapter records the genealogy of Saul's family.
All of the names here are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a man.
extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UDB calls "clans"
These are names of towns.
"needed to move" or "had to move"
All of the names here are names of men.
This is the name of a man.
These are names of women.
These are names of men.
"Shaharaim and his wife Hodesh had the following sons:"
This is the name of a woman.
These are names of men.
extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UDB calls "clans"
These are names of men.
This is the name of a woman.
These are names of men.
These are names of places.
These are names of men.
extended families, people related to each other who usually lived in different houses, what the UDB calls "clans"
These are names of places.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
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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"
This is the name of a town.
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a woman.
"Jeiel's first son"
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
These are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
"Jeush, who was born after Ulam, and Eliphelet, who was born after Jeush"
This is the name of a man.
"a total of one hundred fifty sons and grandsons"
This chapter records the genealogy of the people who returned to Jerusalem after the exile and the family of Saul.
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"
family records that name ancestors and descendants
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "They wrote the names in the book ... Israel"
This refers to a book that no longer exists.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Babylonians carried them away in exile"
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All of the names here are names of men.
This is the name of a people group descended from Shelah.
This is the name of a man.
These are names of men.
"numbered six hundred ninety people"
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
"leaders of their extended families." Extended families are people related to each other who usually live in different houses, what the UDB calls "clans."
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
the second temple, which the people built after they returned from Babylon
All of the names here are names of men.
"These capable men worked"
the second temple, which the people built after they returned from Babylon
"numbered one thousand and sixty priests" or "numbered seventeen hundred and sixty priests"
All of the names here are names of men.
"one of the descendants"
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here except "Netophathites" are the names of men. The Netophathites were a people group.
"The guards were" or "The gatekeepers were"
These are names of men.
"Levi's descendants guarded the king's gate on the east side of their camp"
These are all the names of men.
descendants of Korah
These phrases both refer to the entrance of the tent of meeting, or the tabernacle.
This is a metonym for the second temple, which the people built after they returned from Babylon.
This is the name of a man.
"in charge of the Korahites" (1 Chronicles 9:19)
This is the name of a man.
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"
See:.
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 two hundred and twelve"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The records in peoples' villages included the names of these men"
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This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "men guarded the entrances"
The words "east, west, north, and south" explain the words "all four sides."
"The guards' brothers"
"would come to help for 7-day periods, taking turns"
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"
You may want to make explicit that they were entrusted to guard the rooms. Alternate translation: "entrusted to guard"
the second temple, which the people built after they returned from Babylon
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"Some of the guards"
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"
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"
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These are names of men.
This is the name of a people group.
This is the name of a people group.
See the translationWord page about "bread" for the specific definition of "bread of the presence."
"they did not have to do other work"
"complete the tasks they needed to do"
This means "at all times" and can be translated using a phrase or word from your language or culture that gives the same meaning.
"The family history lists included the names of these Levite family leaders"
"the man Gibeon ... the town of Gibeon"
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a woman.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
These are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
All of the names here are names of men.
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.
All of the names here are names of men.
Saul died because he disobeyed God.
It is implied that these men were Israelite soldiers. Alternate translation: "The whole army of Israel ran away from the Philistines"
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"
See how you translated these men's names in [1 Chronicles 8:33]
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The action of stabbing is a metonym for the result, death. Alternate translation: "kill me with it"
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"
Here "uncircumcised" represents people who do not belong to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "these people who do not belong to Yahweh" or "these heathen Philistines"
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"
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]
The word "died" is understood from the previous phrase. It can be repeated. Alternate translation: "and his 3 sons died"
This is probably a generalization. Alternate translation: "When the men of Israel"
"the Israelite soldiers had fled"
"the Philistines came and lived in the cities from which the Israelites had fled." This probably happened after the events in verses 8-12.
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 take everything of value off of the dead bodies"
Here "fallen" is a polite way to refer to someone who died in battle. Alternate translation: "Saul and his sons dead"
"The Philistines removed everything from Saul's body"
They told the people what had happened and praised their idols in prayer.
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"
"The Philistines put Saul's armor"
This is the name of a false god.
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"
This is the name of a town in the region of Gilead.
The bones are a synecdoche for the dead bodies. Alternate translation: "their bodies"
"7 days"
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.
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 ask Yahweh to guide him"
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"
The story of David begins here and continues throughout the remainder of this book.
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)
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"
This idiom means that they are relatives. Alternate translation: "we are your relatives" or "we have the same ancestors as you"
This is historical information. Saul had been their king before David.
These two clauses mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh had chosen David to be king.
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"
To "anoint" is a symbolic act to show that they recognized that God had chosen David as king.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the word of Yahweh that Samuel had declared"
Here the phrase "all Israel" represents the entire Israelite army. Alternate translation: "David and all the Israelite army"
The word "now" is used to mark a stop in the main story. Here the narrator tells background information about Jerusalem.
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"
Both of these names refer to Jerusalem.
This is the name of a man.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so David made Joab the chief"
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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.
This likely refers to a terraced structure that consisted of retaining walls with dirt filled in behind them.
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"These were the leaders of David's warriors"
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"
This is the name of a man.
This refers to a person from the clan descended from a man named Hakmon.
"in one battle"
"After Jashobeam"
These are the names of men.
The "Ahohites" is the name of a people group.
This is the name of a place.
"David and Eleazar stood in the middle of the field"
This means that they killed the Philistine soldiers with their swords. Alternate translation: "killed the Philistines"
"3 of the 30"
"the cave near the town of Adullam." Adullam is near Bethlehem.
This is the name of a place.
"in his safe place in a cave"
"the Philistines had stationed soldiers in Bethlehem"
These two phrases refer to the same well. The second specifies which well in Bethlehem.
"3 mighty men"
"fought their way through the army of the Philistines"
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]
This means that he poured out the water as an offering to Yahweh.
"May God never see me do something like this" or "This is something I, who fear God, should never do"
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."
See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 2:16.
This means Abishai was the leader of the three men who went and got water for David.
"300 men" or "300 warriors"
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"
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"
These are the names of men.
This is the name of a city.
A "cubit" is a unit of measurement equal to 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "2.3 meters"
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"
"Benaiah went down to the Egyptian." This idiom means that he met him in battle. Alternate translation: "he attacked him"
"did these mighty deeds"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people praised him like they praised 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"
the group of people responsible for protecting David
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.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
"30 men with him"
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This concludes the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This continues the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
This ends the list of David's thirty most important warriors.
These soldiers were very skilled. They were able to fight with either hand.
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "during the time when he could not be in the presence of"
"could use either their right hands or their left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows"
The sling was a strip of leather that a person would use to throw a stone long distances.
This begins a list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag.
This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag.
"the 30 soldiers"
This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag.
This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag.
This ends the list of the men from the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Ziklag.
This begins a list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David.
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"
This hyperbole compares how swiftly these men were able to run with how swiftly gazelles are able to run over rugged mountain terrain.
animals similar to deer that can run quickly over hills and rough ground
This begins a list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David, in order of their importance.
This continues a list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David, in order of their importance.
This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David, in order of their importance.
This continues the list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David, in order of their importance.
This ends the list of the men from the tribe of Gad who joined David, in order of their importance.
The least of the sons led groups of one hundred soldiers.
The greatest of the sons led groups of a thousand soldiers.
Possible meanings are "The youngest sons ... the oldest sons," "The weakest sons ... the strongest sons," or "The most important sons ... the least important sons"
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 the Jordan overflowed its banks"
"they chased away all those living in the valleys"
"men from the tribes of Benjamin and Judah"
What God will see may be supplied in translation. Alternate translation: "may the God of our ancestors see what you intend to do"
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.
This is the name of a man.
"the 30 soldiers"
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"
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"
"left their leaders to join"
"He will stop fighting with us and fight for his master Saul"
This is the name of a city.
These are the names of men.
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"
"the groups of robbers." This refers to groups of people who robbed people traveling through the countryside.
"Each day"
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"
This begins the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.
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"
"made Yahweh's word true" or "fulfilled Yahweh's word"
This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.
"six thousand eight hundred, armed for war"
This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.
"From Simeon" or "From the tribe of Simeon"
"seven thousand one hundred mighty warriors"
This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.
"four thousand six hundred fighting men"
This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.
This is the name of a man.
"with him were three thousand seven hundred"
This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.
"22 leaders"
This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.
"From Benjamin, the tribe to which Saul belonged"
"3,000"
This is a metaphor for being loyal to someone. Alternate translation: "been loyal to"
This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.
"twenty thousand eight hundred mighty warriors"
"From Ephraim" or "From the tribe of Ephraim"
This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.
"18,000"
This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.
"200"
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.
This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.
"50,000"
It is implicit that they would give loyalty to David. Alternate translation: "ready to give undivided loyalty to David"
This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.
"1,000 ... 37,000"
This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.
"From Dan" or "From the tribe of Dan"
"twenty-eight thousand six hundred men"
This continues the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.
"40,000"
This ends the list of the number of men who joined David from each tribe.
"Reuben, Gad" or "the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad"
"one hundred twenty thousand men"
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"
"These soldiers were there with David"
"3 days"
The people of Israel were very happy.
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)
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"
This refers to all of the Israelites who were assembled in this place. Alternate translation: "all of the Israelites who were assembled there"
This idiom means that this action is something that Yahweh approves. Alternate translation: "if this is something that Yahweh our God approves"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let messengers tell them to join us" or "Let them join us"
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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"
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"
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places. "Baalah" is another name for Kiriath Jearim.
"which is in Judah"
It is implied that they are taking the ark to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "to take to Jerusalem the ark of God"
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.
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"
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"
These are names of men.
Here the word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "David and all of the Israelites who were present"
"singing while playing harps and lutes"
hand drums with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instruments are shaken
two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound
These are names of men.
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"
"in the presence of God"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People call that place"
This is the name of a place. Translator may add a footnote that says, "The name 'Perez Uzzah' means 'the punishment of Uzzah.'"
See how you translated this phrase in 1 Chronicles 4:43
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."
This is the name of a man. A "Gittite" is a person from the city of Gath.
"with Obed-Edom's family in his house"
"3 months"
Here the word "house" is a metonym for his family. Alternate translation: "Yahweh blessed his family"
David asked for help from God and because of this, God enabled him to defeat the Philistines when they tried to capture him.
This is the name of a man.
people who make things with wood
people make things with stone or brick
"The carpenters and masons built a house for David"
"made him"
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"
Here the word "his" refers to Yahweh.
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"the children whom his wives bore for him"
These are names of men. See how you translated these in [1 Chronicles 3:5]
This continues the list of the children who were born to David in Jerusalem.
These are names of men. These names appear also in 1 Chronicles 3:6, although there "Elpelet" is spelled "Eliphelet."
This continues the list of the children who were born to David in Jerusalem.
These are names of men. These names appear also in 1 Chronicles 3:7.
This ends the list of the children who were born to David in Jerusalem.
These are names of men. These names appear also in 1 Chronicles 3:8, although there "Beeliada" is spelled "Eliada."
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the elders of Israel had anointed David as king"
It is implied that David led his army out to fight against them. Alternate translation: "led his army out to fight against them"
This is the name of a place.
This idiom means that Yahweh will enable David to have victory over them. Alternate translation: "give you victory over them"
This is the name of a place. You may add a footnote that says, "The name 'Baal Perazim' means 'Lord of breaking through.'"
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"
This refers to David's resources. Alternate translation: "using my army"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to burn their false gods"
"the Valley of Rephaim"
"attack from the front"
"go through the forest of balsam trees and attack them from behind"
"Balsam" here is a type of tree, and the "woods" describe many balsam trees growing together.
God continues his answer to David's question.
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"
This is the name of a town.
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"
Chapters 15 and 16 explain how David organized the priests and Levites. (See: priest)
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh had chosen them"
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"
This begins the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans.
"one hundred twenty men"
This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans.
"two hundred twenty men"
This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans.
This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans.
This continues the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans.
This ends the list of the number of men whom David assembled from each of the Levite clans.
These are names of men. See how you translated them in [1 Chronicles 15:5-6]
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"You did not carry the ark"
The idiom to "break out against" means to act violently toward someone. Alternate translation: "acted violently toward us" or "attacked us"
Here seeking Yahweh means to seek his counsel. Alternate translation: "we did not ask him for instructions"
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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"
two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 13:8]
This idiom means to sing and play the instruments loudly and joyfully. Alternate translation: "sing and play the instruments loudly and joyfully"
This begins the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.
This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.
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"
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"
This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Levites appointed the musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan"
two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 13:8]
This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.
The meaning of this word is not clear but may refer to a style of music.
This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.
The meaning of this word is not clear but may refer to a style of music.
"led the other musicians" or "led the processional"
This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.
This continues the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.
This ends the list of men whom the Levites appointed to sing and play music as the people brought the ark to Jerusalem.
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"
This is the name of a man.
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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"
a cloth made from fibers of the flax plant
This is the name of a man.
Here the word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "So a great crowd of Israelites brought up the ark"
two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 13:8]
"as the people brought the ark of the covenant of Yahweh to the city of David"
This is the name of David's wife.
Here "heart" represents thoughts or emotions. Alternate translation: "she despised him" or "she hated him"
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.
As David organized the priests in their work in the tent, he wrote a psalm of praise to Yahweh.
The word "they" in these verses refers to the priests and Levites.
"to God"
This is a metonym for David directing the priests, who performed the actual sacrifices.
To bless "in the name of Yahweh" means to bless with Yahweh's power and authority or as his representative.
David probably had those under his authority distribute the items.
a baked sweet bread made with dried grapes
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These are names of men.
This means next to him in authority and position.
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]
This is the name of a man.
Here "that day" refers to the day the ark of the covenant was moved from the house of Obed Edom to Jerusalem.
"song of giving thanks"
Here "his name" represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: "call on Yahweh"
This refers to the people in the nations. Alternate translation: "the people of the nations"
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Here "his holy name" represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: "Boast in who Yahweh is" or "Boast in Yahweh"
Here "the heart" represents the person who seeks Yahweh. Alternate translation: "let the people who seek Yahweh rejoice"
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 to be near him always"
"Remember the marvelous things"
The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: "done; recall his miracles and"
Here "mouth" refers to the things that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: "decrees that he has spoken"
These phrases share similar meanings and are used for emphasis.
Here "all the earth" refers to all the people of the earth. Alternate translation: "His laws are for all the people of the earth"
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"
This means to remember and think about his covenant. Alternate translation: "Remember his covenant"
"1,000 generations"
The phrase "calls to mind" means to remember something. Alternate translation: "He remembers"
Both "the covenant" and "the oath" refer to the same promise that Yahweh made to his people.
This refers to the oath that he had previously made to Issac. Alternate translation: "his oath that he made to Isaac"
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The words "you" and "your" in this verse refers to Israel.
"the part of your inheritance that God has assigned to you"
The word "they" in this verse refers to Israel.
It is implied that "the land" refers to Canaan. Alternate translation: "foreigners in the land of Canaan"
The word "they" in this verse refers to Israel.
These two phrases have similar meanings and are used together for emphasis.
The words "them" and "their" in this verse refers to Israel.
"for their own well-being"
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"
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
This refers to the people of the earth. Alternate translation: "all you people who live on the earth"
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"
"every day"
"Tell all the people in every nation about his great glory"
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "fear him above all other gods"
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The author speaks as if splendor and majesty are people who can stand before a king.
"all around him" or "where he is"
The author speaks as if strength and joy are people who can be in Yahweh's sanctuary.
"in his temple" or "in his sanctuary"
"Give praise to Yahweh" or "Praise Yahweh"
The abstract nouns "glory" and "strength" can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "praise Yahweh because he is glorious and strong"
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"
Here "his name" refers to the person of God. Alternate translation: "due to him" or "he deserves" or "he is worthy to receive"
The implied information is that the people were to bow down in worship. Alternate translation: "Bow down to worship Yahweh"
The abstract nouns "splendor" and "holiness" can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "because he is gloriously beautiful and holy"
shake because of fear
This is a metonym for all the people who live on the earth. Alternate translation: "all the people of the earth"
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"
The people of the nations would observe what is said. Alternate translation: "let them say to the nations"
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 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"
This speaks about the trees as if they were people who could shout for joy.
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"
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"
Here Yahweh is referred to by his "holy name." Alternate translation: "give thanks to you" or "give thanks to Yahweh"
This refers to two extremes and means for all time. Alternate translation: "for all eternity"
This is a generalization that refers to the group of people assembled to worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: "The people" or "Everyone who was there"
"his relatives"
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"
These were names of men.
"68 relatives"
"to serve at the tabernacle"
The word "They" in this verse refers to the priests.
"every day, morning"
The word "them" in this verse refers to the priests.
These were names of men.
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]
The implied information is that they were to guard the entrance to the tabernacle. Alternate translation: "guarded the tabernacle gate"
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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)
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.
comfortable and happy, without the desire to move or change
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"
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"
Here "heart" represents the mind. Alternate translation: "do what you think you should"
Here "with you" means God is helping and blessing David.
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:"
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"
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.
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"
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.
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?"
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"
Those who are leaders of the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were shepherds and the people were sheep.
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."
Yahweh describes his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
Yahweh is still telling the prophet Nathan what he should tell David.
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"
an area of land where animals feed on the grass. See how you translated this word in 1 Chronicles 4:39 and 4:40.
Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.
Here "with you" means that Yahweh has helped and blessed David.
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.
Here "name" represents a person's reputation. Alternate translation: "I will make your name to be great and well known"
The phrase "great ones" means famous persons.
Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.
"I will choose a place"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will ever trouble them"
The words "your" and "you" in this verse refers to David.
Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.
Here "days" represents a longer period of time. Alternate translation: "from the time"
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 in authority is referred to as being over someone. Alternate translation: "to rule my people Israel"
make a person or animal unable to attack
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.
Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.
"It will happen"
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.
God appointing David's descendant is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift him up.
Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.
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"
Yahweh continues describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.
The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as "faithfully." Alternate translation: "I will never stop faithfully loving him, as I stopped loving Saul"
Yahweh finishes describing his promises to King David through the prophet Nathan.
These two phrases have similar meanings and emphasize that David's dynasty will last forever.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will establish his throne forever"
A king's right to rule is referred to by the place a king sits. Alternate translation: "his right to rule"
"told him"
Here "words" represents what Yahweh said.
"David said"
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."
David continues to speak to Yahweh.
Something that is not important is described as being small.
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in your judgment"
Here David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "my family"
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"
Here David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "me"
David continues to speak to Yahweh.
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."
These two phrases have similar meanings and are repeated for emphasis.
The abstract noun "recognition" can be translated using the verb "recognize." Alternate translation: "You have recognized your servant in a special way"
David continues to speak to Yahweh.
Here David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: "my sake" or "my benefit"
"to accomplish what you planned to do"
David continues to speak to Yahweh.
These phrases have similar meaning and are repeated for emphasis.
Here "we" refers to David and the nation of Israel.
David continues to speak to Yahweh.
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."
The implied information is that they were rescued from slavery. Alternate translation: "you rescued from slavery in Egypt"
Here "name" represents Yahweh's reputation. Alternate translation: "to make all people know who you are"
Here "nations" represents the people groups that were living in Canaan.
David continues to speak to Yahweh.
David continues to speak to Yahweh.
Here "now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
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"
David is speaking about himself in the third person. This can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: "me and my family"
David continues to speak to Yahweh.
Here "name" represents Yahweh's reputation.
Here "house" represents family. Alternate translation: "my family"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "is secure because of you" or "continues because of you"
David continues to speak to Yahweh.
David refers to himself as "your servant." This can be expressed in the first person. Alternate translation: "me"
Here the metonym "house" refers to David's ancestors continuing on as the rulers of Israel. In [1 Chronicles 17:4]
The abstract noun "courage" can be expressed here as the verb "encouraged." Alternate translation: "I, your servant, am encouraged"
David continues to speak to Yahweh.
This does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
David continues to speak to Yahweh.
David speaks of himself in the third person. This can be expressed in the first person. Alternate translation: "my house" or "my family"
These two phrases have about the same meaning and are repeated here for emphasis.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will continue to bless it forever"
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)
"After God's promise to bless David"
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.
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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"
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a country.
"was going to the Euphrates river to conquer people in that area"
"1,000 chariots"
These are soldiers who rode on horses. "7,000 horsemen"
These are soldiers who walked. "20,000 footmen"
David had his soldiers cut the hamstring muscles on the backs of the horses' thighs so they would no longer be able to run.
to keep for a special use
"100 chariots"
"killed 22,000"
groups of soldiers assigned to particular areas
"Yahweh caused David to be victorious"
This was the king of Zobah. See how you translated his name in 1 Chronicles 18:3.
"that Hadadezar's servants carried"
These are the names of cities.
"a large quantity of bronze"
The writer adds this background information to explain what would happen to this bronze at a later time.
This a large bronze bowl, about 5 meters across, that was kept in the temple for ceremonial washing.
This is the name of a man.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of men.
"been at war with"
"decided that these objects would only be used to worship Yahweh"
"David took from all the nations that he defeated"
These are names of men.
"18,000 Edomites"
This is the name of a valley between Edom and Judah that was used as a battlefield.
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"over all the Israelites"
The abstract nouns "justice" and "righteousness" can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "he did what was just and right for all his people"
These are names of men.
the person who writes down details of special events
These are the names of men.
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.
These are the names of men.
These are the names of foreign people groups who became David's bodyguards.
This is the beginning of the story about the war against the Ammonites. This story continues in the first part of the next chapter.
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.
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.
This is the name of a man.
These are names of men.
The abstract noun "kindness" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "I will be kind ... was kind"
comfort
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."
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."
Hanun did not do this personally, but ordered his men to do it. Alternate translation: "So Hanun's men seized"
"David sent some messengers to encourage them"
In this idiom, shame is described as deep to show that it has greatly affected them. Alternate translation: "very ashamed"
This refers to David.
"then return to Jerusalem"
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"
"1,000 talents"
approximately 33 kilograms
These are names of cities.
"32,000 talents"
These are names of cities.
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.
"heard that the Ammonites were coming out for war"
You may need to make explicit the purpose of sending them "he sent ... mighty men to fight against them"
this refers to the gate of the Ammonite capital city
this refers to the Aramean kings that the Ammonites hired to help them fight Israel
in the field outside the city, separate from the Ammonites
"the enemy soldiers lined up for battle"
"arranged his soldiers in lines for battle"
This is the name of Joab's brother.
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"Be brave ... behave bravely"
"for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God" or "to protect our people and the cities of our God"
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "what he considers to be good"
"moved forward to the battle" or "approached the enemy soldiers in the battle"
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.
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.
What the Arameans understood is spoken of as what they saw. Alternate translation: "the Arameans understood"
"sent messengers to request more soldiers"
These are names of men.
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: When David's messengers told him that a larger Aramean army was coming"
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"
This is a generalization. Not every person in Israel came to fight. Alternate translation: "a very large number of Israelites"
"He organized"
Here "him" refers to David's soldiers, in addition to David. Alternate translation: "the Arameans fought David and his soldiers"
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 7,000 ... 40,000"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Israel had defeated them"
They made the peace agreement with David as the king, and served the Israelites.
This chapter ends the story of the war with Ammon and tells of giants being killed by David's soldiers.
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.
This is a phrase used to indicate the next event in a series. It can often be translated as "after," "then" or "next."
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.
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.
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"
"destroyed the land." This refers to when an army will ruin the land where their enemies grow food.
"He" refers to the soldiers as well as Joab. Alternate translation: "Joab and his soldiers surrounded Rabbah"
about 33 kilograms
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.
The word "he" refers to David, but also refers to David's soldiers who helped David do this.
valuable items taken in war
The word "He" refers to David, but also refers to David's soldiers who helped David do this.
These terms describe difficult manual labor that the defeated people were forced to do.
The people are referred to by their city. Alternate translation: "David required the people of all the Ammonite cities"
The phhrase "all the people" refers to David's army. Alternate translation: "David and his army returned to Jerusalem"
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 Israelites battled the Philistines at Gezer"
This is the name of a city.
These are names of men.
These are names of people groups.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they subdued the Philistines" or "they defeated the Philistines"
This is the name of a city.
These are names of men.
These are names of people groups.
a long and thin pole.
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.
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.
This is the name given to a race of people who were very tall and strong.
These are names of men.
Here "these" refer to Sippai in 1 Chronicles 20:4, Lahmi in 1 Chronicles 20:5, and the giant in verse 6.
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"
You may need to make explicit that these men served David as soldiers. Alternate translation: "soldiers"
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)
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.
"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.
It is apparent from 1 Chronicles 21:5 that David wanted to count only the men who were able to fight.
The Israelites considered these two cities their most southern and most northern cities. David uses these cities to refer to all of Israel.
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.
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."
The word "this" refers to David's plan to count all the men of Israel.
"the command of the king prevailed despite Joab's objections"
It is understood from David's command in [1 Chronicles 21:2]
"one million, one hundred thousand men"
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"
"four hundred seventy thousand soldiers"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Joab was offended by what David had commanded"
Here "this action" refers to David's plan to count all the men of Israel who are able to fight.
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.
This is an idiom. Forgiveness is here spoken of as having guilt taken away. Alternate translation: "forgive me"
David refers to himself as God's servant. Alternate translation: "my guilt"
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Here "their swords" represents death in battle. Alternate translation: "being killed by them in battle"
Here the plague is spoken of as Yahweh's sword because the "sword" is a metonym for death.
"killing people who live in every part of the land"
The one who sent him was Yahweh. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "I should take to Yahweh who sent me"
Here "hand" represents power to harm or punish Israel. Alternate translation: "Let me be punished by Yahweh, rather than be punished by people"
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.
Here "man" is used in the generic sense of "people."
"Yahweh is very merciful"
Here Israel is a metonym that represents the people of Israel.
"70,000 people died"
Here "mind" represents his decision. Alternate translation: "decided not to destroy Jerusalem"
This exclamation means "You have killed enough people!"
This is an idiom that means to stop doing something. Alternate translation: "do not kill attack the people of Jerusalem"
This is the name of a man.
This is symbolic language to indicate that the angel was sent from Yahweh in heaven to judge the people on the earth.
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"
These were symbols of repentance.
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."
David speaks of the people of Israel as if they were sheep, who are known for trusting and following their leader.
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."
Here "hand" represents Yahweh's power to punish. Alternate translation: "Punish me and my clan"
This is a reference to elevation. This threshing floor which became the future site of the temple was the highest point in Jerusalem.
See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 21:15.
This is a reference to elevation. This threshing floor which became the future site of the temple was the highest point in Jerusalem.
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"
They were afraid of the angel. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "hid themselves because they were afraid of the angel"
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"
"I will pay the full price for what this threshing floor is worth"
This implies that David should take the land without paying for it. Alternate translation: "Take it as a gift"
David's understanding is described as his sight. Alternate translation: "whatever you decide to do with it"
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.
See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 21:22.
"600 shekels of gold"
a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams
"to buy the threshing floor"
"He prayed for help to Yahweh"
"who answered him by sending fire from heaven to the alter where David would offer the burnt offerings"
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"
cover for a sword or knife
Translate his name as in 1 Chronicles 21:15.
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.
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 God to tell him what he should do"
Here "sword" represents being killed by the angel of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "afraid he would be killed by the angel of Yahweh"
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)
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.
"This threshing floor is where"
persons who gathered large stones and cut them to the correct size so builders could use the rocks in walls and buildings
items that connect two things together. "clamps" or "hinges"
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"
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"
This is background information to explain who provided so many logs.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the house that he will build for Yahweh"
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 to build it"
"David called"
The readers should understand that David intended for laborers to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "commanded him to oversee the building of"
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"
"I intended"
The reflexive "myself" means that David originally planned to build the temple. Alternate translation: "that I would be the one to build the temple"
Here "name" represents God's honor. Alternate translation: "in order to honor Yahweh my God"
Here the killing of people is spoken of as shedding their blood, where "blood" represents their lives. Alternate translation: "killed many people"
Here "name" represents God's honor. Alternate translation: "to honor me"
Here "sight" refers to what God has seen. Alternate translation: "I have seen that you have shed much blood on the earth"
David continues telling Solomon what Yahweh said to him.
"live at peace with everyone"
"cause there to be peace between him and all his enemies"
This means in every place surrounding Israel.
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"
"while he rules"
David finishes telling Solomon what Yahweh said to him.
Here "name" refers to honor. Alternate translation: "a temple to honor me"
God will treat Solomon as if he were God's own son.
Here "throne" refers to the authority to rule as king. Alternate translation: "I will make his descendants rule over Israel forever"
David continues speaking to Solomon.
David uses this word to introduce something important he is about to say.
Solomon would not personally do the building, but he would direct others to do it. Alternate translation: "May you direct people to build"
David continues speaking to Solomon.
"when he makes you king of Israel"
David continues speaking to Solomon.
These two sentences mean the same thing, stated in different ways in order to emphasize that Solomon should not be afraid.
David continues speaking to Solomon.
The words "Now, see" introduce something important David is about to say. Alternate translation: "Listen! With great"
"I have worked hard to prepare"
"one hundred thousand talents"
about 33 kilograms
"1,000,000"
"You will need to increase that amount"
David continues speaking to Solomon.
These are both workers who cut stone and prepare it for builders to use in walls and buildings.
persons who work with wood
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"
David finishes speaking to Solomon.
This is an idiom that implies that Yahweh will help Solomon be successful in the project.
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This is an idiom that implies that Yahweh will help Israel to prosper.
Here these pronouns are plural.
"has caused all the nations who live around Israel to live peacefully with you"
Here "hand" refers to power to defeat his enemies. Alternate translation: "He has given me power over everyone who lives around us"
This can be stated in active form. "The other nations no longer attack Yahweh and his people"
David continues speaking to all the leaders of Israel.
This word introduces something important that David is about to say.
Seeking Yahweh represents either 1) asking God for help or 2) thinking about God and obeying him.
Here these pronouns are plural.
Here "heart" and "soul" refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: "with your whole being"
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"
Here "name" refers to honor. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the temple you will build to honor Yahweh"
The preparation for the construction of the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple)
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)
David appoints Solomon as his successor and organizes Levitical priests and staff for temple service.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Some of David's men counted the Levites who were 30 years old and older"
"there were 38,000 of them"
"Of these Levities, 24,000"
"6,000 Levites"
These Levites listened to legal arguments and administered justice according to the law of Moses.
"4,000 Levites"
These Levites guarded the temple entrance so no person who was ceremonially unclean entered.
"based on" or "according to the descendants of"
These are names of Levi's sons.
This is the list of Levites according to their clans.
This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.
This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.
This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.
This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.
The word "son" is understood. Also, "second" is in ordinal form. Alternate translation: "the oldest son ... the second son"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so David considered them to be one clan"
This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.
"Kohath had 4 sons"
This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh chose Aaron to dedicate the most holy things"
Here "in his name" refers to the authority to speak as his representative. Alternate translation: "to bless the people as representatives of God forever"
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"
This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.
This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.
This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.
This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.
This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.
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"
This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.
The word "son" is understood. Also, "second" is in ordinal form. Alternate translation: "the oldest son ... the second son"
This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.
This continues the list of Levites according to their clans.
This ends the list of Levites according to their 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 20 years old and older"
Here "rest" refers to peace with surrounding nations. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Chronicles 22:9.
Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh will be present in Jerusalem forever or 2) Yahweh's temple will be present in Jerusalem forever.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the equipment they used in its service"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For David's last command was for his men to count the Levites"
"who were 20 years old and older." See how you translated this phrase in [1 Chronicles 23:24]
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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.
grain that is ground into a powder
"The Levites also stood at the temple"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whenever the priests offered burnt offerings to Yahweh"
These holidays marked the beginning of each new month.
"A specific number of the Levites were always assigned to be present at the temple to make offerings to Yahweh"
"The Levites were responsible for"
The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple)
David arranged for the order in which priests would be on duty. (See: priest)
This chapter describes how the Levites in the previous chapter were divided into work groups with different assignments.
Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 6:3.
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This is the name of a man.
"divided the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar into groups"
"David, Zadok, and Ahimelech divided"
"16 groups"
Here "heads" is a metaphor for the more important people—the leaders of the clans. Alternate translation: "leaders of the clans"
"There were 8 divisions based on the clans of Ithamar's descendants"
"They divided them by lot so that the divisions would be fair"
This is the name of a man.
See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 15:24.
See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 18:16.
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"
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.
"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.
See how you translated the names of these men in [1 Chronicles 9:10]
This refers to the second lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the second lot" or "lot number 2"
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.
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"
These are names of men.
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.
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"
These are names of men.
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.
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"
These are names of men.
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.
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"
These are names of men.
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.
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"
These are names of men.
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.
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"
These are names of men.
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.
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"
These are names of men.
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.
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"
These are names of men.
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.
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"
These are names of men.
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.
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"
These are names of men.
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.
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"
These are names of men.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "following the rules that Aaron their ancestor gave them"
This begins the list of names of the other sons of Levi. This list will end in [1 Chronicles 24:30]
See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 6:3.
See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 23:16.
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Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 23:19.
"the second son ... the third son ... the fourth son"
Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 23:20.
This is the name of a man.
Translate the name of this man as in 1 Chronicles 23:20.
This is the name of a man.
Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 23:21.
This is the name of a man.
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."
These are the names of men.
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."
Translate the names of these men as in 1 Chronicles 23:21.
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"
Translate the name of this man as in 1 Chronicles 23:21.
This is the name of a man.
Translate the name of this man as in 1 Chronicles 23:21.
These are names of men.
Translate the name of this man as in 1 Chronicles 18:16.
The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple)
The 24 groups who were chosen to play music in the temple cast lots to see in what order they would serve.
"the work done at the tabernacle"
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]
Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 16:41]
This begins a list of leaders of the tabernacle service.
These are names of men.
"these were the sons of Asaph, whom he supervised. Asaph prophesied under the king's supervision"
"under the supervision of"
This continues the list of leaders of the tabernacle service that was started in 1 Chronicles 25:2.
These are names of men.
This continues the list of leaders of the tabernacle service that was started in 1 Chronicles 25:2.
See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 16:41]
These are all names of men.
"14 sons and 3 daughters"
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"
"were supervised by their fathers"
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]
Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 16:41]
"were two hundred and eighty-eight men"
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"
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.
"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.
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"
This refers to the second lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the second lot" or "lot number 2"
See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 25:3]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the third lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the third lot" or "lot number 3"
See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:2]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the fourth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the fourth lot" or "lot number 4"
This name of this man is spelled Zeri in [1 Chronicles 25:3]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the fifth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the fifth lot" or "lot number 5"
See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:2]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the sixth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the sixth lot" or "lot number 6"
See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:4]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the seventh lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the seventh lot" or "lot number 7"
This is the name of a man.
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the eighth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the eighth lot" or "lot number 8"
See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 25:3]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the ninth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the ninth lot" or "lot number 9"
See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:4]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the tenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the tenth lot" or "lot number 10"
See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:3]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the eleventh lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the eleventh lot" or "lot number 11"
This is the name of a man.
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the twelfth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the twelfth lot" or "lot number 12"
See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:3]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the thirteenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the thirteenth lot" or "lot number 13"
See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 25:4]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the fourteenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the fourteenth lot" or "lot number 14"
See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 25:3]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the fifteenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the fifteenth lot" or "lot number 15"
See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:4]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the sixteenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the sixteenth lot" or "lot number 16"
See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:4]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the seventeenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the seventeenth lot" or "lot number 17"
See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 25:4]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the eighteenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the eighteenth lot" or "lot number 18"
Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the nineteenth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the nineteenth lot" or "lot number 19"
Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the twentieth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the twentieth lot" or "lot number 20"
Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the twenty-first lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the twenty-first lot" or "lot number 21"
Translate the name of this man as you did in 1 Chronicles 25:4.
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the twenty-second lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the twenty-second lot" or "lot number 2"
Translate the name of this man the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 25:4]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the twenty-third lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the twenty-third lot" or "lot number 23"
Translate the name of this man the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 25:4]
"12 people"
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.
This refers to the twenty-fourth lot. The word "lot" may be supplied here. Alternate translation: "the twenty-fourth lot" or "lot number 24"
Translate the name of this man the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 25:4]
"12 people"
The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple)
The gatekeepers cast lots to see which gate they would guard. Those who took care of the storage also cast lots.
This begins the list of the gatekeepers.
groups
See how you translated the name of this people group in [1 Chronicles 19:19]
See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 9:21]
See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 9:19]
This is an alternative spelling to "Ebiasaph" in [1 Chronicles 9:19]
This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.
See how you translated the names of these men in [1 Chronicles 9:21]
These are names of men.
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"
This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.
These are names of men.
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"
This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.
See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 16:38]
These are names of men.
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"
This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.
These are names of men.
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"
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This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.
Translate this name of this man the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 26:4]
These are the names of men.
"Shemaiah's relatives" or "Shemaiah's family members"
Translate the name of this man as you did in [1 Chronicles 26:4]
"62 men"
This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.
Translate the name of this man as you did in [1 Chronicles 26:1]
"18 total"
This continues the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.
These are names of men.
This ends the list of gatekeepers that started in 1 Chronicles 26:1.
These are names of men.
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"
"There were 13 of Hosah's sons and kinsmen."
groups
"cast lots"
This refers to all of the men by describing the extremes. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Chronicles 25:8]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When they cast the lot"
See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 26:2]
This is a person who shows good judgment in making decisions.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Obed-Edom was responsible for guarding the south gate, and his sons guarded the storehouses"
See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 26:4]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Shuppim and Hosah were responsible for guarding"
This is the name of a man.
See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 26:10.
This is the name of the gate.
"6 Levites"
These phrases refer to the gates. Alternate translation: "the east gate ... the north gate ... the south gate"
This refers to the number of men on guard duty. Alternate translation: "four men each day" or "four Levites each day"
"2 pairs of men" or "2 sets of 2 men each"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Four Levites guarded the pillar to the west"
The numbers "four" and "two" refer to guards. Alternate translation: "four Levites stationed at the road and two Levites stationed at the pillar"
"two Levites guarded the pillar"
See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 26:10]
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Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:7]
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"
A descendant of Gershon.
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."
Zetham and Joel were Jehieli's sons.
This is the name of a man. This is the same person as in [1 Chronicles 23:8]
Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:8]
The word "They" refers to Jehieli, Zetham, and Joel.
Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:12]
Translate the name of this man as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:16]
Translate the name of this man as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:15]
Translate the name of this man as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:15]
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"
Translate the name of this man as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:17]
These are names of men.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "were in charge of"
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"
things an army takes from its enemies after a victory
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everything that Samuel the prophet ... Joab son of Zeruiah set apart to Yahweh"
These are names of men.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Everything that the leaders set apart"
Translate the name of this man the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:12]
"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.
This is the name of a man.
Translate the name of this man the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 23:12]
This is the name of a man.
"one thousand seven hundred capable men"
"work done for Yahweh and the king."
See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 23:12]
See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 23:19]
"When David had been king for 40 years"
"capable men"
This is the name of a city.
"two thousand seven hundred family members"
The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple)
"These are the names"
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 different ways" or "in many ways"
This means that each division took turns serving periods of a month at a time.
"Each group"
"all year long"
"24,000 men"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "In charge of the division"
"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.
These are names of men.
"24,000 men"
This is the name of a man.
"In charge of the division"
"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.
These are names of men.
See how you translated this man's name in 1 Chronicles 8:4.
"In his group of soldiers"
"24,000 men"
"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.
See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 11:22]
"24,000 men"
This is the name of a man.
"the 30." This refers to "David's 30 mightiest soldiers."
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "in charge of the 30 men"
"Asahel, brother of Joab, was the commander for 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.
These are the names of men.
"his military group"
"24,000 men"
These are the names of men.
"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.
"24,000 men"
"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.
Translate the names of these men the same as you did in [1 Chronicles 11:28]
This is the name of a place.
"24,000 men"
"Helez, the Pelonite, from the people of Ephraim, was the commander for 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.
See how you translated the name of this man and the name of his clan in [1 Chronicles 11:27]
"24,000 men"
"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.
See how you translated the name of this man and the name of his clan in [1 Chronicles 11:29]
See how you translated this man's name in [1 Chronicles 2:4]
"24,000 men"
"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.
See how you translated the name of this man and the name of his clan [1 Chronicles 11:28]
"24,000 men"
"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.
See how you translated the name of this man in [1 Chronicles 11:30]
This is the name of a place.
See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 2:4.
"24,000 men"
"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.
This is the name of a place.
"24,000 men"
"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.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a place.
"24,000 men"
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
See how you translated the hame of this man in 1 Chronicles 6:8.
This is the name of a man.
See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 12:20.
See how you translated the name of this man in 1 Chronicles 7:3.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
"people 20 years old or younger"
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"
Here "Israel" represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: "increase the population of Israel"
See how you translated this woman's name in [1 Chronicles 2:16]
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 can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one wrote this number down"
These are names of men.
"responsible for guarding"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "was in charge of"
"strong towers"
These are names of men.
This means to dig into or break up the dirt before planting.
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a person from the city of Ramah.
This is the name of a person from the city of Shepham.
These are the parts of a building that are below the ground and used to store wine.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "In charge of the"
This is a type of tree.
This is the name of a man.
This is the name of a place.
This is the name of a place.
These are names of men.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that ate grass in the fields"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "In charge of the"
These are names of men.
Translate the name of this clan as you did in 1 Chronicles 2:17.
Translate the name of this people group as you did in 1 Chronicles 5:10.
This is the name of a place.
This is the name of a man.
Translate the name of this people group as you did in 1 Chronicles 5:10.
"All of these men"
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a tribe or clan.
These are names of men.
The preparation for the temple continues in this chapter. David lectured the people and Solomon on what they should do. (See: temple)
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.
called together
Work that needs to be repeated, for example every day or every month.
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 word "over" is used here as an idiom. Alternate translation: "the managers in charge of"
These two words share similar meanings and refer to all of the items and lands that the king owned.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "stood up"
These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that David and the people of Israel are family.
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.
David continues speaking to the Israelites.
Here God refers to himself by his "name." Alternate translation: "a temple for me"
"a man accustomed to war and have shed blood." Both descriptions emphasize the same thing, namely that David had killed people.
This refers to killing people. Alternate translation: "have killed people"
David continues speaking to the Israelites.
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.
"the whole land of Israel" or "all the Israelites"
David continues speaking to the Israelites.
Here "to sit on the throne" means to rule as king. Alternate translation: "to rule over" or "to be the king of"
"Israel, which is Yahweh's kingdom"
David continues speaking to the Israelites.
"God said to me"
The word "house" refers to the temple of Yahweh.
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"
David continues speaking to the Israelites.
These two words basically mean the same thing and refer to everything that Yahweh had commanded.
The word "you" here refers to David. Also, the understood word "committed" may be supplied. Alternate translation: "as you are committed this day"
David finishes speaking to the Israelites.
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"
This indicates that David starts a new phase in his speech.
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"
The phrase "in the sight of" means that they are all present and listening. Alternate translation: "in the hearing of"
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"
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"
David calls himself "your father" because this is a very formal occasion. Alternate translation: "my God"
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"
Here the "spirit" represents the whole person and emphasizes the person's will. Alternate translation: "willingly"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh knows the thoughts and motives of every person.
Here people's "hearts" represent their feelings and desires. Alternate translation: "searches everyone's emotions and desires"
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"
David continues speaking to Solomon.
"Be aware that" or "Be sure you remember that"
The word "strong" here refers to willpower and strength of character.
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 porch" or "temple entrance." This refers to the columns that supported the roof at the entrance of the temple.
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.
storerooms for valuable things
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.
These were specific rules about how the priests and Levites should work in the temple.
"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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: "the weight of the gold for every other table"
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.
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.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "I wrote all of this down"
This refers to the detail for the design of the temple. Alternate translation: "helped me to understand the details for his temple"
These two words basically mean the same thing and emphasize that Solomon must be courageous.
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "will help 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"
David finishes speaking to Solomon.
"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.
See how you translated this in 1 Chronicles 28:13.
The preparation for the temple is finished in this chapter. (See: temple)
David and the people made a free will offering and dedicated it all to God.
"the one whom God has chosen"
David continues talking to the people about his provisions for the building of the temple.
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"
Each of these phrases refer to different types of stones intended for different purposes.
These are stones with black and white lines that are used to make jewelry.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "stones for the craftsmen to set" or "stones for mounting"
This refers to the beautiful and decorative designs or patterns formed by the stones.
David continues talking to the people about his provisions for the building of the temple.
David continues talking to the people about his provisions for the building of the temple.
"3,000 talents." This can be stated in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "about 100,000 kilograms" or "about 100 metric tons"
This was the best quality and most valuable gold.
"7,000 talents." This can be stated in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "about 230,000 kilograms" or "230 metric tons"
David finishes talking to the people about his provisions for the building of the temple.
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 God"
See:.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then the leaders ... and the officials over the king's work made freewill offerings"
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]
Here the word "over" is used as an idiom. Alternate translation: "the officials in charge of the king's work"
"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"
"one hundred thousand talents"
This is a place where money and valuable objects are kept.
See how you translated these men's names in [1 Chronicles 23:8]
This was the firstborn son of Levi. See how you translated these men's names in [1 Chronicles 23:7]
willingly and without any doubt or hesitation
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May people praise you"
Here "Israel" refers to the man Jacob. Alternate translation: "Jacob our ancestor"
David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.
David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.
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"
The words "power" and "might" mean the same thing and emphasize the greatness of Yahweh's power.
David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.
Here Yahweh is represented by his name. Alternate translation: "you who are glorious" or "you because you are glorious"
David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.
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!"
David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.
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"
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"
David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.
David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.
Here the "heart" represents a person's thoughts and feelings. Alternate translation: "you examine people's thoughts"
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 am joyful as I see"
David continues his prayer of praise to Yahweh.
"keep this in the thoughts and minds of your people forever"
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"
David finishes his prayer of praise to Yahweh.
The word "heart" here is a metonym for a person's intentions or desires. See how you translated this in [1 Chronicles 13:8]
"Now praise Yahweh"
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"
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.
"1,000 bulls, 1,000 rams, and 1,000 lambs"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "in honor of Yahweh"
This means that they anointed him and declared him as king. The first time is described in 1 Chronicles 23:1.
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"
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"
"told King Solomon that they would be faithful to him"
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"40 years ... 33 years"
"as an old man"
These are written accounts that no longer exist.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "There men wrote down the deeds"
"the things that happened while David was king"
"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"
This chapter begins a section about King Solomon's reign (2 Chronicles 1-9).
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)
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "gained complete control over his kingdom" or "ruled powerfully over his kingdom"
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.
Here "was with him" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "God supported him" or "God helped him"
It may be helpful to reorder the events in these verses as in the UDB.
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"
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"
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"
Here "prince" means leaders in general. They are not necessarily the sons of the king. Alternate translation: "to every leader"
Here "heads" is a metaphor for the most important part. And "houses" represents families. Alternate translation: "the leaders of the families in Israel"
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A little town about 9 miles west of Jerusalem.
"set up a tent"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the bronze altar that Bezalel son of Uri son Hur made"
These are names of men.
"went up to the high place at Gibeon"
"1,000"
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Ask for whatever you want from me."
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"
Here the word "Now" is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "please do what you promised to David my father that you would do"
This simile emphasizes the great number of Israelites. Alternate translation: "countless people" or "very many people"
This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "wisdom" and "knowledge." Alternate translation: "cause me to be wise and to know many things"
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."
Here "heart" represents desire. Alternate translation: "Because this was your desire" or "Because this is what you wanted"
"nor to be able to defeat those who hate you" or "nor to be able to kill your enemies"
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"
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 the tent of meeting"
"one thousand four hundred chariots"
"12,000 horsemen"
This is a reference to cities which stored his chariots.
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"
This is a tree that grows fruit that looks like figs.
"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"
This is the name of a region. Some think that Kue was the same as Cilicia, in Asia Minor.
"at a set price" or "for money"
A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: "about 6.6 kilograms of silver ... about 1.7 kilograms"
"600"
to send something out of one country into another
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)
The temple is repeatedly referred to as the "house of God" because Yahweh will dwell in the temple. (See: houseofgod)
This marks a new part of the story.
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 royal palace for his kingdom" or "of a palace for himself"
"70,000 men ... 80,000 men"
It is understood that these are loads of materials for building Yahweh's house. Alternate translation: "to carry loads of materials"
"three thousand six hundred"
This is the name of a man.
Here "name" represents the person. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 2:1]
Solomon would command his people to build the house. Alternate translation: "I am about to command my people to build"
This is a reference to the 12 loaves of bread that were placed in front of the altar.
This was the time of a festival coinciding with the movement of the moon.
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"
This is a reference to God being more important and more powerful than other gods, not to being larger than other gods.
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.
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This continues Solomon's message to Hiram, the king of Tyre.
These are different types of tress.
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A cor is 220 liters. Twenty thousand cors equals 4,400 cubic meters.
"20,000"
"wheat flour"
A bath is 22 liters. Twenty thousand baths equals 440 cubic meters.
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This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "prudence" and "understanding." Alternate translation: "who is very intelligent and understands many things"
The abstract noun "understanding" can be stated as "understands" or "wise." Alternate translation: "who understand many things" or "who is very wise"
This is the name of a man.
Translate many of these words as you did in 2 Chronicles 2:7.
"high quality cloth" or "the best cloth"
"His mother is from the tribe of Dan" or "His mother is a descendant of Dan"
This continues the message from Hiram, king of Tyre, to Solomon.
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"
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"
The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon had his servants count"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "There were 153,600 foreigners"
"one hundred and fifty-three thousand six hundred"
"three thousand six hundred"
"70,000 of them ... 80,000 of them to be"
It is understood that these are loads of materials for building Yahweh's house. Alternate translation: "to carry loads of materials"
The story of King Solomon and the building of the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple)
The location of the temple was very significant. Many important events in history occurred at this location.
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"
This is the name of a mountain.
"Ornan" is the name of a man. "Jebusite" is the name of a people group.
The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "They began"
"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 year 4"
The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "that Solomon's workers laid"
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.
"60 cubits ... 20 cubits." A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "27.6 meters long ... 9.2 meters"
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.
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "9.2 meters"
The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers overlaid"
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"
This is a reference to a large room, not a hallway.
The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers decorated"
Stones that were beautiful, highly valued, and used for decorations.
This is probably the name of a region.
The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers also overlaid ... they carved"
A beam is a long heavy piece of wood used to support a building.
The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers built ... They overlaid"
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "9.2 meters"
"600 talents." A talent is 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: "about 20 metric tons"
"50 shekels." A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: ".55 kilograms" or "about a half a kilogram"
The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers made"
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "9.2 meters ... 2.3 meters"
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A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "9.2 meters"
The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers made ... they fashioned"
Translate these words as you did in 2 Chronicles 2:7.
"high quality cloth" or "the best cloth"
The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers also made"
"35 cubits ... 5 cubits." A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "16.1 meters ... 2.3 meters"
decorations on top of the pillars
The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "They made ... they also made"
"100 pomegranates"
The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "They set up"
"on the right side ... on the left side" or "on the south side ... on the north side"
"Solomon named"
Possibly a name to describe God as "The One who establishes."
This name means "in strength" and is possibly used here to describe God because it means, "In him is strength."
The story of King Solomon and the building of the temple continues in this chapter. (See: temple)
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.
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"
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "20 cubits ... 10 cubits" or "9.2 meters ... 4.6 meters"
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "4.6 meters ... 2.3 meters ... 13.8 meters"
This refers to a tank or basin that would hold water.
This is metal that was melted then formed in a mold.
"from one edge to the other"
Circumference is the distance or measurement around a circular object or area.
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "every 46 centimeters"
"ten per cubit"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the workers cast the sea itself"
This refers to the tank or basin that held water for sacrifices.
"was on top of twelve oxen"
These are images of oxen made of bronze. Alternate translation: "twelve large figures of bulls" or "twelve bronze oxen"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers set 'The Sea' on top of the oxen"
This is the back quarter of the body of an animal with four feet.
This is about 8 centimeters.
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"
"3,000 baths." A bath is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: "66 cubic meters"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people were to wash the items used in performing the burnt offering in them"
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"
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 side ... on the left side" or "on the south side ... on the north side"
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"
"100 basins"
shallow bowls used for washing
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 large court"
Here "he" refers to Solomon. The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "They placed"
"next to the southeast corner of the temple"
See how you translated this name in 2 Chronicles 2:13.
bowls that held blood that was used in the house of God for sprinkling the altar
Here Huram represents all who worked on the temple. Alternate translation: "Huram and the other workers finished the work that they did"
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"
This refers to the decorative carving or markings on the upper part of the pillars. Alternate translation: "carvings that resembled chains"
Here Huram represents all who worked on the temple. Alternate translation: "Huram and the other workers had made"
"the 400 pomegranates." Translate "pomegranates" as you did in [2 Chronicles 3:16]
Here Huram, who is also called Huram-Abi, represents all those who worked with him. Alternate translation: "They also made"
"the bowls"
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.
Here Huram, who is also called Huram-Abi, represents all those who worked with him. Alternate translation: "Huram-Abi and his craftsmen made"
"other tools" or "other objects used for the altar"
Bronze that the workmen polished so that it would reflect light.
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"
This is the name of a city.
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"
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"
The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. Alternate translation: "Solomon's workers made"
This refers to all of the bowls and tools that were used in the house of God.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the tables on which the priests were to place 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.
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The "flowers" and "lamps" were part of the lampstands.
This is a tool made from two sticks of wood or metal connected at one end and used for picking up objects.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The workers also made the lamp trimmers ... out of pure gold"
These would have been used to trim the wicks of the lamps.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the workers made its inner doors ... out of gold"
The story of King Solomon continues in this chapter.
Everything from the tent was moved into the new temple. This too was done in a special way. (See: temple)
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"
storerooms, rooms where things are kept or stored
"called together the leaders of Israel"
Here "heads" is a metaphor for the most important part of something. Alternate translation: "all the leaders of the tribes"
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.
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.
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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
Here "all" is a generalization meaning very many Israelites.
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"
"into the inner room of the house—that is, to the most holy place—under"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "poles by which the priests carried it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people could see their ends ... people could not see them"
This means the day on which the writer wrote.
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"
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.
These are names of men.
"sons and other relatives"
two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound
"one hundred and twenty priests"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "making one sound as they praised and thanked Yahweh"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "sang loudly"
The abstract noun "covenant loyalty" can be stated as "faithful." Alternate translation: "for he is faithful forever"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then a cloud filled the house of Yahweh"
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The story of King Solomon continues in this chapter.
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)
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"
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"
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 magnificent house, appropriate for someone who is very important
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Praise Yahweh, the God of Israel"
King Solomon actually was one of King David's sons.
"has caused it to happen." The word "it" refers to what God had promised. Alternate translation: "has ensured that he fulfilled his promises"
The hand is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: "by his own power"
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"
Being "prince over people" represents ruling them. Alternate translation: "to rule my people Israel"
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"
Being "over" people represents ruling them. Alternate translation: "to rule my people Israel"
King Solomon continues speaking to the people at the temple.
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"
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"
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"
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"
"Because it was in your heart" or "Because you wanted"
"one who will be your own offspring" or "one whom you yourself will father"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "has done exactly what he said he would do"
Height is a metaphor for power. Alternate translation: "I have gained the power that David my father had"
The throne is a metonym for the activity of the one who sits on the throne. Alternate translation: "I rule over Israel"
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"
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"
"in front of the people of Israel who had gathered there"
"raised his hands." This was to show that he was praying.
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"
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.
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"
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"
"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"
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"
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"
This refers to the day when Solomon was saying this prayer.
King Solomon continues praying.
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 always have a descendant"
The phrase "in my sight" here implies that God would choose the man and the man would want to obey God.
The throne is a metonym for the activity of the one who sits on the throne. Alternate translation: "to rule over Israel"
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"
"I want you to make come true the word that you have spoken to your servant David"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "confirm your word" or "make your word come true"
"your promise"
King Solomon continues praying.
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!"
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"
Here "Look" indicates that he is about to say something important.
"you, so this temple that I have built certainly cannot contain you"
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"
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"
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"
The eyes being open is a metonym for watching, and here watching represents protecting. "Please watch over this temple" or "Please protect this temple"
This is a merism. Alternate translation: "all the time" or "continually"
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"
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"
King Solomon continues praying.
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 hear our prayers, please forgive our sins"
King Solomon continues praying.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone requires him to swear an oath"
This refers to the temple.
To bring someone's conduct on him represents punishing him for his bad conduct. Alternate translation: "punishing him as he deserves"
Here the "head" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "on him"
"give him what he deserves because he is innocent"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When an enemy defeats your people Israel"
"because your people Israel have sinned against you"
Here "turn back to you" represents submitting again to God. Alternate translation: "if they submit to you again"
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 your favor" or "ask you to forgive them"
To "listen" is an idiom for responding to prayer. Alternate translation: "please honor their prayer" or "please answer their prayer"
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"
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"
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."
Here "turn from" is a metaphor for stopping doing it. Alternate translation: "stop committing their sins" or "stop acting sinfully"
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"
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"
These are agricultural terms that refer to the death of crops from either too little or too much rain, respectively.
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.
The words "prayers" and "pleas" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the person is sincere as he makes his pleas.
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"
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]
Here "his ways" represents the person's behavior. Alternate translation: "for what he has done"
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"
King Solomon continues praying.
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"
Here God's name represents his reputation. Alternate translation: "your great reputation" or "your greatness"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and refer to God's power.
Praying toward Yahweh's temple shows that one is praying to Yahweh.
Here God's name represents his reputation. Alternate translation: "may know your reputation" or "may know your greatness"
"as your own people Israel know your name and fear you"
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"
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]
King Solomon continues praying.
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.
Praying toward Jerusalem and the temple shows that they are praying to Yahweh.
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"
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"
The abstract nouns "prayer" and "request" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "to what they request when they pray to you"
This refers to helping them fight against their enemies.
King Solomon continues praying.
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.
Here "hand them over to the enemy" represents allowing the enemy to capture them.
Here "carries them away" represents forcing them to leave their own country. Alternate translation: "so that the enemy forces them to leave"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where their enemies have taken them as exiles"
"beg you to be merciful to them"
These two sentences mean the same thing. Together they emphasize how bad the people's actions were.
The words mean basically the same thing and emphasize how badly the people sinned.
Here "return to you" represents submitting to Yahweh again. Alternate translation: "they submit to you again"
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 their enemies took them as captives"
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"
This refers to Jerusalem.
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"
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"
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"
Here the word "now" is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
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"
The ears being attentive is a metonym for listening attentively. Alternate translation: "please listen to the prayer"
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"
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, which is a symbol of your power"
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"
Turning the face of someone away represents rejecting him. Alternate translation: "do not reject your anointed one"
"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"
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"
"Remember"
The story of King Solomon continues in this chapter.
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)
"Yahweh's house" or "the temple"
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This is a position of humility and worship. Alternate translation: "they lay down on the ground with their faces touching the stone pavement"
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"
This generalization refers either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in [2 Chronicles 5:2]
"22,000 head of cattle"
"one hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats"
"each standing in their appointed place"
The word "stood" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "the Levites also stood with instruments of music of Yahweh"
The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithfully" or "faithful." See how you translated "covenant faithfulness" in [2 Chronicles 7:3]
This generalization refers to those who were at the feast in Jerusalem, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel.
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"
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"
This generalization refers to those who were at the feast in Jerusalem, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel.
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"
The word "eighth" is the ordinal form of "8."
This was a special religious gathering.
Here "kept the dedication" is an idiom meaning "celebrated the dedication."
This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The twenty-third day is near the middle of October on Western calendars.
The word "tents" is a metonym for the people's homes, which were houses, not tents. Alternate translation: "to their homes"
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 Yahweh had shown wonderful goodness" or "because Yahweh had been so good"
"Israel, God's people." The phrase "his people" emphasizes God's faithfulness to Israel.
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 royal palace," where Solomon himself lived
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "he successfully finished" or "he caused to be done successfully
"at night" or "one night"
"the house where people will offer sacrifices to me"
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]
The word "land" represents the plants and crops on the land.
Here "send disease" represents causing diseases. Alternate translation: "if I cause my people to have diseases"
Here being called by God's name is an idiom meaning belonging to God. Alternate translation: "who belong to me"
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"
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"
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"
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"
The ears being attentive is a metonym for listening attentively. Alternate translation: "I will listen to the prayers"
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"
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"
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"
Here "you" refers to King Solomon.
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"
Solomon was one of David's sons.
"obeying my statutes and my decrees"
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"
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"
Here "turn away" from God is a metaphor meaning to stop worshiping him. Alternate translation: "But if you stop worshiping me"
Possible meanings are that the word "you" refers 1) to all the people of Israel, or 2) to Solomon and his descendants.
Here the words "commandments" and "statutes" mean basically the same thing and emphasize all that Yahweh has commanded.
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 refers to the temple.
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"
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 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"
"will be amazed"
This is how they would show that they are appalled by what happened to the temple
"they were unfaithful to Yahweh" or "they did not obey Yahweh"
This phrase tells why they should have worshiped God.
Here "laid hold of" represents choosing to be loyal to them. Alternate translation: "they chose to be loyal to other gods"
These two phrases mean the same thing. The phrase "bowed down to them" describes the posture that people used in worship.
The story of King Solomon continues in this chapter.
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.
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.
"after 20 years"
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"
Hiram was the king of Tyre. See how you translated his name in [2 Chronicles 2:11]
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"
Solomon represents his whole fighting army. Alternate translation: "Solomon's army attacked the town of Hamath Zolbah"
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 was a city north of Israel, in modern-day Syria.
Or "supply cities." These are cities where the government stored food or supplies.
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"
This was a city in Israel.
"all the lands that he ruled"
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"after those people died, their descendants who remained in the land"
"slaves"
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"
This refers to the time when the book of 2 Chronicles was written. See how you translated it in 2 Chronicles 5:9.
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"his wife, the daughter of Paharaoh"
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 was Solomon's father and had been king before Solomon.
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"
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"
"Yahweh's altar" or "the altar of Yahweh"
"the temple porch" or "the entrance to the temple." This was a covered porch supported by columns, attached to the front of the temple.
"as was required each day"
Here "following the directions" represents obeying them. Alternate translation: "obeying the directions"
"what Moses had commanded them"
"the three festivals that they were to celebrate every year"
"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.
"According to the decrees of his father David" or "As his father David had decreed"
"He also appointed groups of gatekeepers to each gate"
These were Levites who guarded the gates and only let inside those who had permission to go inside.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They completed all the work that Solomon had ordered"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until they finished building the temple"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The house of Yahweh was complete" or "They completed building the house of Yahweh"
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"
This is the name of a place. Its location is not known.
"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"
The story of King Solomon ends.
Solomon was famous outside of Israel because of his wisdom and tremendous wealth. (See: wise)
"a very large group of servants" or "a very long line of servants"
This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "everything she wanted to know"
This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "he answered every question"
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 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"
Possible meanings are 1) where his servants lived or 2) how his servants sat around the table.
"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.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "she was completely amazed"
"I heard while I was in my own land"
Here the word "wisdom" can describe the word "words." Alternate translation: "your wise words"
The phrase "my eyes" emphasizes that she herself saw it. Alternate translation: "now I have seen it for myself"
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"
This is an exclamation that shows her amazement. Alternate translation: "Your people are greatly blessed"
This is an exclamation that shows her amazement. Alternate translation: "your servants who constantly stand before you are greatly blessed"
Hear "wisdom" represents the wise things that he says. Alternate translation: "they hear the wise things that you say"
These phrases tell why people should praise Yahweh. Alternate translation: "because he has taken pleasure in you and placed you on his throne"
"who is pleased with you"
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"
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"
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"
"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"
Hiram was the king of Tyre. See how you translated his name in [2 Chronicles 2:11]
This is the name of a place. Its location is not known. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 8:18]
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.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one had seen wood like this before in the land of Judah"
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These words could refer to 1) each year or 2) a particular year.
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"
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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"
"200 large shields"
"gold that people had beaten into thin sheets"
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"
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"
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.
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"
"300 shields"
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"
A mina is about 600 grams. You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "One and three-quarters kilograms of gold"
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"
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.
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 decorated with ivory"
Ivory is the hard, white substance from the tusks or teeth of large animals, such as the elephant, walrus, or hippopotamus.
These were statues. Alternate translation: "two statues of lions"
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Solomon's palace was built of trees from Lebanon. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 9:16]
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"
Here "Solomon's days" refers to the time when Solomon ruled. Alternate translation: "when Solomon ruled"
"a group of ships that travel on the ocean"
"along with Hiram's fleet of ships"
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."
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The word "all" here is a generalization. Alternate translation: "Kings from around the world"
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"
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"
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "every year"
"4,000 stalls ... 12,000 horsemen"
This is a small enclosure where horses are kept.
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This is an exaggeration to emphasize that there was such a great amount of silver.
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"
The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "from many other places" or "from many other countries"
The phrase "first and last" represents the whole time of Solomon's reign. Alternate translation: "from the beginning to the end of his reign"
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 ...
These are the names of some writings that existed when 2 Chronicles was written, but they do not exist now.
This is a prophet from Shiloh who predicted that the nation of Israel would be divided into two kingdoms.
This is the name of a people group from the town of Shiloh.
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This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "He died"
This begins a section on King Rehoboam. (2 Chronicles 10-12)
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)
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."
Here "Israel" is a metonym for the men of Israel. The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "the men of Israel were coming"
These are the names of men. See how you translated these names in [2 Chronicles 9:29]
"the men of Israel sent for Jeroboam"
"Jeroboam and all Israel came to Rehoboam"
Here "Israel" is a metonym for the men of Israel. The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "the men of Israel came"
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"
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"
"after 3 days"
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 answer these people" or "to reply to these people"
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"Rehoboam did not follow the advice"
"who were his long-time friends, and who advised him"
To "lighten the yoke" is a metaphor that represents easing the burden. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 10:4]
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]
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"
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 make your yoke heavier." A yoke is a metaphor for labor. Alternate translation: "I will force you to work harder"
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"
"after three days"
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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"
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"
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"
This is an idiom and can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God caused things to happen like this"
"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"
The idiom "carry out his word" means to do what he had said he would do.
This refers to the message that God gave Ahijah to tell Jeroboam.
See how you translated these names in [2 Chronicles 9:29]
Here "Israel" is a metonym for the men of Israel. The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "the men of Israel"
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"
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"
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"
"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"
"Tent" here is a metonym representing people's homes. Alternate translation: "Go to your homes, people of Israel"
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"
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Adoniram is the name of a man. In the Hebrew text of this sentence, his name was written as Adoram.
Being over people represents having authority to tell them what to do. Alternate translation: "who was in charge of the forced laborers"
"killed Adoniram by stoning him"
Here "the house of David" represents the kings who were descendants of David. Alternate translation: "against the kings descended from David"
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"
The section on King Rehoboam continues in this chapter.
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.
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.
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"
"one hundred and eighty thousand chosen men"
"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"
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"
This is the name of a man.
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"
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"
This is a reference to the ten northern tribes. By calling them "brothers," Yahweh emphasizes the family relationship between all of the tribes.
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"
These are the names of cities.
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These are the names of cities.
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"
"made the cities very strong"
Rehoboam was in control of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.
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."
lands used for animals
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"
"do their proper work as the priests of Yahweh" or "do their duties as priests of Yahweh"
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"
"People ... followed the Levites" or "People ... came to Jerusalem after the Levites"
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"
Worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were seeking Yahweh. Alternate translation: "to worship Yahweh"
The people supporting Rehoboam as king is spoken of as if they made Rehoboam strong. Alternate translation: "supported Rehoboam son of Solomon as king"
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"
These are the names of women.
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
These are the names of women.
This idiom means that he married her. Alternate translation: "Rehoboam married Maakah"
These are the names of men.
"18 wives and 60 concubines ... 28 sons and 60 daughters"
"he had thought of making Abijah king"
"he sent all his sons throughout all the land to every fortified city of Judah and Benjamin"
This chapter ends the section on King Rehoboam.
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.
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.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "when Rehoboam had established his reign"
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"
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.
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" 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"
This is the name of a man.
This is an idiom that means marched against or attacked. Alternate translation: "came to attack"
"1,200 chariots and 60,000 horsemen"
This exaggeration means that there were more soldiers than a person could easily count. Alternate translation: "Many soldiers"
These are people from Libya, Sukki, and Ethiopia. The location of Sukki is uncertain, but it may be a region in Libya.
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This is the name of a man. See how you translated this word in [2 Chronicles 11:2]
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"
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"the princes of Israel and the king had humbled themselves"
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"
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.
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"
Here the word "hand" represents Shishak himself. Alternate translation: "by means of Shishak"
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"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]
This is an idiom that means marched against or attacked. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 12:2]
Here the word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"
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"
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 place of the shields of gold"
Here the word "hands" represents care or responsibility. Alternate translation: "made them the responsibility of the commanders"
Here the word "doors" represents the entrance. Alternate translation: "who guarded the entrance to the king's house"
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 the shields"
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"
"in addition, there was"
"41 years old ... 17 years"
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"
This is the name of a woman.
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"
Worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were seeking Yahweh. Alternate translation: "to worship Yahweh"
"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"
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."
These are the names of men.
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"
This is the name of a man.
This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Rehoboam died"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people buried him in the city of David"
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Rehoboam"
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)
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"
"Macaiah" is the name of a woman. "Uriel" is the name of a man.
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"
"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"
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."
The meaning of this phrase is not clear. It seems to mean "a permanent covenant."
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"wicked men" or "evil men"
"joined with Jeroboam"
This is a reference to a united Israel as it existed in the time of David and Solomon.
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"
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"
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."
"Anyone who comes to serve as a priest"
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"
The word "us" refers to the people of the southern kingdom of Judah.
The word "work" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "who are working"
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 take care of the lampstand"
"so that the lamps burn every evening" or "and light the lamps every evening"
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"
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.
"a surprise attack behind the army of Judah"
"the soldiers who were to attack them by surprise were behind them"
Here "Judah" represents the soldiers in the army of Judah. Alternate translation: "When the soldiers of Judah looked back"
The word "behold" here shows that the soldiers were surprised by what they saw.
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"
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"
Here the word "Israel" refers to the army. Alternate translation: "the entire army of Israel"
Here the word "Judah" represents the army of Judah. Alternate translation: "fled before the army 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"
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"
"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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the army of Judah subdued the people of Israel"
"Abijah chased after"
These are the names of cities.
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"
The idiom "took ... wives" means that he married. Alternate translation: "he married fourteen women"
"14 wives ... 22 sons and 16 daughters"
"his behavior, and his sayings" or "his behavior, and the things that he said"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "are in the history that the prophet Iddo wrote"
This chapter begins the section about King Asa. (2 Chronicles 14-16)
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)
This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Abijah died"
"people buried him"
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Abijah"
"During his reign"
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"
There being no war is spoken of as if the kingdom had rest. Alternate translation: "The kingdom had peace 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"
Since Asa was king, he may have told his officials to do these things. Alternate translation: "He had his workers build fortified cities"
There being no war is spoken of as if the land were quiet. Alternate translation: "there was peace in the land"
Here "Judah" refers to the people of Judah. Alternate translation: "Asa said to the people of Judah"
"peace all around." This means that Judah was at peace with all of the surrounding nations.
The ellipsis may be supplied from the context. Alternate translation: "So they built the cities"
"three hundred thousand men ... two hundred and eighty thousand men"
This is the name of a man.
"1,000,000 soldiers and 300 chariots"
This is the name of a place.
This is the name of a place.
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"
Here "name" represents Yahweh's authority. Alternate translation: "on your behalf" or "by your authority"
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"
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"
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."
Here to "fall" is a euphemism for dying in battle. Alternate translation: "So many Cushites died"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh's army completely destroyed them"
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"
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The section about King Asa continues in this chapter.
The people promise to serve the Lord. This is something they will ultimately fail to do. (See: promise)
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.
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"
This is the name of a man.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will find him" or "he will permit you to find him"
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 priest who taught them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they found him" or "he permitted them to find him"
This phrase is an idiom that refers to a person who travels anywhere away from home. Alternate translation: "for the person who traveled anywhere"
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 troubles"
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"
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"
Here the word "hands" represents the people who work. Alternate translation: "do not become weak as you work"
This can be stated in active form. Yahweh is the implied subject. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh will reward your work"
"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."
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.
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"
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 people from of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon came from Israel"
"They" here refers to the tribes of Judah and Israel that were with Asa.
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.
This refers to the plunder that they had taken from the villages around Gerar in 2 Chronicles 14:14.
"700 ... 7,000"
Together, these two phrases form an idiomatic expression that refers to a person's entire being. Alternate translation: "with all their beings" or "wholeheartedly"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "should die"
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"
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Here the word "all" is a generalization. The phrase means that people from all over Judah rejoiced. Alternate translation: "People all over Judah rejoiced"
The idiom "with all their heart" means "with complete devotion." Alternate translation: "with complete devotion" or "wholeheartedly"
This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 15:4]
This woman had been the wife of Rehoboam and the mother of Asa's father Abijah.
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.
This phrase refers to an idol.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But Asa did not command the people to take the high places out of Israel"
The heart represents the person. Alternate translation: "Asa was completely devoted"
This refers to the whole period of time that Asa lived. Alternate translation: "the whole time that he lived" or "throughout his whole life"
Here the word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of God"
"year 35"
The section about King Asa is completed in this chapter.
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)
"year 36"
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 no one could"
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"
This is the name of a man.
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"
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"
"As proof that I want a treaty with you, I have sent"
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"
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"
This is an idiom. Here Asa speaks of himself to represent himself along with his army. Alternate translation: "not attack me"
Here Asa's armies are represented by their commanders. Alternate translation: "sent his armies to attack the cities"
These are the names of cities in Israel.
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.
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"
"fortifying"
This refers to all the men who live in Judah. Alternate translation: "took all the men of Judah"
Timbers are large pieces of wood used to build houses or walls.
Here "Baasha" refers to his workers. Alternate translation: "Baasha's workers had been"
"fortifying ... to fortify"
Here "King Asa" represents his workers. Alternate translation: "Then King Asa had his workers use"
This is the name of a city.
This is the name of a man.
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"
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."
These are people from Libya.
This means that king Asa's army was able to defeat the opposing army. Alternate translation: "he gave your army victory"
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"
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"
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"
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This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "from the first thing that he did to the last thing that he did" or "everything he did"
This is a book that no longer exists.
"year 39"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Asa had a disease in his feet"
This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Asa died during"
"in year 41 of his reign" or "when he reigned almost 41 years"
Asa would have had his workers prepare his tomb for him. Alternate translation: "which his workers had dug out for him"
A bier is a table on which a dead body is placed at a funeral.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that skilled perfumers had prepared"
This chapter begins the story of King Jehoshaphat.
Jehoshaphat trusted and obeyed God. Because of this, God made him strong. (See: trust)
"after his father"
Jehoshaphat prepared the army for battle. Alternate translation: "prepared the army to be able to battle Israel"
"He places soldiers"
military encampments set up to protect the people
Here "was with" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "God supported him" or "God helped him"
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"
This means that he did not worship the Baal idols in order to seek help from them.
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."
The phrase "his hand" represents Jehoshaphat's control. Alternate translation: "Yahweh enabled him to completely control his kingdom"
The word "honor" may be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "was greatly honored" or "the people greatly honored him"
Here the king is represented by his "heart" to emphasize his will and desires. Alternate translation: "He"
"year 3"
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
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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"
Here Jehoshaphat represents his army. Alternate translation: "against Jehoshaphat's army"
The number can also be written as seven thousand seven hundred. This is a description of the flocks that the Arabians brought Jehoshaphat.
Jehoshaphat did not build these things himself; rather, he commanded his workers to build them. Alternate translation: "His workers built fortresses and storage cities"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The divisions by the name of their fathers' houses were as follows"
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"
"three hundred thousand"
"two hundred and eighty thousand"
"two hundred thousand"
These are the names of men.
"two hundred thousand men" or "200,000 men"
This is the name of a man.
"one hundred and eighty thousand men" or "180,000 men"
"in addition to"
The story of Jehoshaphat as king continues 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)
The word "now" is used here to mark background information. This happened before Ahab went down to Samaria.
"he aligned himself with Ahab" or "he made himself a friend of Ahab"
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"
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"
Jehoshaphat is stating his allegiance to Ahab. Alternate translation: "I offer myself and my soldiers to you to use in any way you want"
This refers to King Ahab.
"400 men"
Here about refers to himself accompanied by his army as himself. Alternate translation: "should we not"
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"
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This is the name of a man.
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This is the name of a man.
This is a reference to the horns of a bull but they made of metal.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until you consume them"
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"
Translate this man's name the same as in [2 Chronicles 17:7]
"Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
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"
"what you say"
"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"
The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: "or should we not go"
The word "we" refers to Ahab, Jehoshaphat, and their armies but not to Micaiah.
Ahab asks this question out of frustration to rebuke Micaiah. Alternate translation: "Many times I have required ... in the name of Yahweh."
Here the word "name" refers to authority. Alternate translation: "as the representative of Yahweh"
Here "all Israel" refers to the army of Israel. Alternate translation: "I saw the entire army of Israel"
The people of the army are compared to sheep that have no one to lead them because their shepherd, the king, has died.
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"
Ahab asks this question to emphasize that he had spoken the truth about Micaiah. Alternate translation: "I told you ... but only disaster!"
"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"
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"
This means to attract someone by offering something appealing.
Ahab dying in battle is spoken of as if he will fall. Alternate translation: "die at Ramoth Gilead"
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.
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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"
"Now pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: Yahweh"
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"
Translate this man's name the same as in [2 Chronicles 18:10]
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!"
"Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
"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"
This refers to Ahab.
This is the name of a man.
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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"
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"
"fought against"
Translate the name of this place as you did in [2 Chronicles 18:2]
This means to change the usual appearance so as not to be identified.
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"
Jehoshaphat was wrongly identified as the king of Israel because Ahab had insisted that he wear kingly robes.
"God caused them to stop pursuing him"
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.
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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.
This is a place where two pieces of armor meet and is susceptible to arrows and swords.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone held the king of Israel up in his chariot"
The story of Jehoshaphat as king continues in this chapter.
Jehoshaphat appointed many Levites to be judges and told them to be very fair. (See: appoint and judge)
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"Hanani" is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 16:7]
Here the word "him" refers to Jehoshaphat.
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!"
This refers to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: "wicked people"
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"
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"
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"
See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 14:3.
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"
Wanting to do what pleases God is spoken of as if Jehoshaphat were seeking him. Alternate translation: "do what pleases God"
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"
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 ancestors" or "their forefathers"
cities with walls around them for protection
"for every city"
"Jehoshaphat said to the judges"
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.
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "you should remember to fear Yahweh when you judge"
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"
Here "heads" is a metaphor for the most important part. Alternate translation: "leaders of the families"
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 settling disputes" or "for resolving arguments"
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"
Here "heart" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "with your whole being"
The words "you" and "your" in this verse refers to those persons Jehoshaphat appointed to be judges.
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Whenever your brothers who live in their cities bring you a dispute"
Here "brothers" is a general reference to fellow Israelites.
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"
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"
The words "you" and "your" in this verse refers to those persons Jehoshaphat appointed to be judges.
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.
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: Amariah"
These are the names of men.
"is in charge of you"
Here Jehoshaphat speaks of himself in the third person. This can be translated in the first person. Alternate translation: "of all my royal matters"
The story of King Jehoshaphat is completed in this chapter.
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)
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.
This was a people group from the region of Meun which was near Edom, east of the Jordan River.
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"
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"
This is the name of a place. It is another name for Engedi.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "determined himself to seek" or "devoted himself to seek"
This speaks of seeking Yahweh's advice as if he were looking for Yahweh. Alternate translation: "to seek Yahweh's advice"
The word "fast" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "He proclaimed that all the people should fast"
This refers to the people of Judah. Alternate translation: "The people of Judah gathered"
This refers to the people from these places. Alternate translation: "of the people from Judah and Jerusalem"
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."
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"
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."
Here Yahweh is represented by his "name." Alternate translation: "for you" or "to honor you"
The "sword" represents war. Alternate translation: "war" or "battle"
This refers to the temple.
Here Yahweh's presence is represented by his "name." Alternate translation: "your presence is here in this house"
This was a place where the Edomites lived.
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"
The word "see" here is used as an idiom to emphasize what is said next.
This rhetorical question is used as a request. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "please judge them."
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"
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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]
These are the names of men.
Here "Judah" refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "all you who live in Judah and Jerusalem"
This means that God is in control of the battle and of what happens.
This is an idiom that means to go and meet the enemy army for battle. Alternate translation: "march against" or "go to battle against"
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"
This is a narrow valley between two mountains southeast of Jerusalem.
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 word "rescue" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "Yahweh rescue you"
Here these places represent the people from them. Alternate translation: "people of Judah and Jerusalem"
These acts of worship that express humility and submission to God.
Here "Judah" refers to the people from Judah. Alternate translation: "All the people of Judah"
These are the names of people groups descending from Kohath and Korah.
This speaks of all the people praising Yahweh as if they together had one voice. Alternate translation: "with very loud voices"
Translate the name of this city the same as in [2 Chronicles 11:6]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he will support you" or "he will help you"
"If you trust in Yahweh's prophets, then you will succeed"
The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithfully" or "faithful." See how you translated "covenant faithfulness" in [2 Chronicles 7:3]
They were singing to Yahweh [2 Chronicles 20:21]
This means that Yahweh caused some of the enemy soldiers to ambush other enemy soldiers. Alternate translation: "Yahweh set some enemy soldiers"
a surprise attack
Translate the name of this place the same as in [2 Chronicles 20:10]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They defeated them" or "They defeated those they had ambushed"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second intensifies the first. Alternate translation: "to completely annihilate them"
This refers to after they had destroyed them. Alternate translation: "When they had finished killing"
The word "behold" is used here to mark a surprising event.
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"
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"day 4"
This is the name of a place.
This means the day on which the writer wrote. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 5:9.
This is a reference to every man in the army. Alternate translation: "every soldier of Judah and Jerusalem"
"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.
They rejoiced because their enemies had been defeated. Alternate translation: "rejoice over their enemies' defeat" or "rejoice because their enemies had been destroyed"
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The word "terror" can be expressed with the verb "feared." Alternate translation: "All the kingdoms of the nations greatly feared God"
"kingdoms in the nearby nations"
This speaks of the kingdom having peace as the kingdom being quiet. Alternate translation: "Jehoshaphat's kingdom was at peace"
"35 years old ... 25 years"
"Azubah" was the name of Jehoshaphat's mother. Shilhi was the name of Azubah's father.
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"
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he did not get rid of the high places"
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"
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they are in ... which is in"
Translate this man's name as you did in [2 Chronicles 16:7]
This is a historical account that was written by Jehu.
This is a book that no longer exists. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 16:11.
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These are ships capable of traveling on large bodies of water.
This is the name of a city.
Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah did not build the ships, rather, their workers built them. Alternate translation: "Their workers built the ships"
Translate the name of this place as you did in 2 Chronicles 8:17.
These are names of men.
Translate this man's name as you did in 2 Chronicles 11:8.
"the things you have made"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The ships became ruined and" or "The ships wrecked so that"
"no one was able to sail them"
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)
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)
This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "died"
This is the city of Jerusalem.
These are names of men.
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.
"gifts of large amounts"
The kingdom is spoken of as if it were a physical object that Jehoshaphat gave to Jehoram. Alternate translation: "he made Jehoram king"
To "rise up over" something is an idiom that means to control it. Alternate translation: "taken complete control over his father's kingdom"
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"
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This is an idiom that means he followed their example. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 20:32]
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 married a daughter of Ahab"
The sight of Yahweh represents his judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh judged"
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]
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"
"While Jehoram was king"
The word "set" is a metonym for choosing. Alternate translation: "chose a king to rule over them"
"crossed the border into Edom" or "went to Edom"
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"
This refers to the time when the book of 2 Chronicles was written. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 5:9.
This was a town in Judah.
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"
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"
Not following Yahweh is spoken of as not following the correct path. Alternate translation: "he caused Judah to no longer follow Yahweh"
"Jehoram received a letter from the prophet Elijah" or "The prophet Elijah sent a letter to Jehoram"
This is an idiom that means he followed their example. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 20:32]
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 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]
This tells Jehoram to pay attention to the message that follows.
"cause horrible things to happen to your people ... your possessions"
The use of the reflexive "yourself" emphasizes that this is a personal judgment on Jehoram.
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"
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"
Here Jehoram refers to Jehoram and the people of Judah that he ruled. Alternate translation: "against Jehoram and the people of Judah"
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"
"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"
This same son is called "Ahaziah" in 2 Chronicles 22:1.
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"
This phrase marks an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
This is an idiom that refers to a set or appointed time. Alternate translation: "in the proper time" or "when the time was right"
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"
"no one was sad that he died"
This chapter is the beginning of the story of Queen Athaliah.
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)
This is background information about the events of [2 Chronicles 21:16]
"all Jehoram's older sons"
"22 years old"
This is the name of Ahaziah's mother.
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 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]
The sight of Yahweh represents his judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "as Yahweh judged"
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]
"descendants of Ahab advised him"
"and this caused his destruction"
"He also followed their advice and went" or "He also followed their advice to go"
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"
This is a man's name.
"from the wounds that he received at the battle"
Jezreel was lower in elevation than Jerusalem.
The abstract noun "destruction" can be stated as an action. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God caused Ahaziah to die"
"Joram" and "Jehoram" are two names for the same person.
This is the name of a man.
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]
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.
This refers to killing the descendants of Ahab. Alternate translation: "killing all the descendants of Ahab as God had commanded"
Possible meanings are 1) Ahaziah's nephews or 2) the sons of Ahaziah's relatives .
"they caught Ahaziah ... killed Ahaziah"
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."
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.
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"
This refers only to the males, because they could become king. Verse 11 confirms that the sons were the ones who were killed.
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"
Here "the king" refers to Jehoram, the father of Ahaziah.
This refers to a person who cares for a child, not to a medical person.
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.
This is a man's name.
"Joash was with Jehosheba and Jehoiada"
The chapter ends the story of Queen Athaliah and begins the story of King Joash.
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)
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.
the chief priest who served in the temple and was faithful to God. He was an advisor to Joash.
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 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"
"made an agreement"
These five men were the commanders of hundreds of soldiers.
These are men's names.
Here "heads" is a metaphor for the most important part. Alternate translation: "leaders of the families"
Here, "king" refers to Joash's father. Alternate translation: "Joash, the son of the king"
"One-third"
"will be guards at the temple doors"
"Another one-third ... the other one-third"
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.
This is a generalization that refers to all the people who are present. Alternate translation: "All the other people who are present"
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"
"Do not allow anyone to come into the house 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"
"The Levites must surround the king on all sides in order to protect him"
"all sides, and every temple guard should have his weapons and be ready to fight"
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"
Possible meanings are 1) "at all times" or 2) "wherever he goes."
This is a generalization to refer to all the people of Judah who were present in the courtyard that day.
"did exactly what Jehoiada the priest commanded" or "obeyed everything that Jehoiada the priest commanded"
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 finishing their work on that Sabbath day"
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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.
This means they were ready to fight. See how you translated a similar phrase in 2 Chronicles 23:7.
Here "king" refers to Joash's father. Alternate translation: "Joash, the son of the king"
This is a symbolic act to show that they are making him king.
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"
This was a symbolic act to show that he was chosen by God to be the king.
"May the king live a long life"
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This alerts the reader that the following information is very important.
The relationship between the king and this particular pillar at the temple entrance is unclear.
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"
This was a symbolic action to show her great distress.
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!"
Translate this man's name as in [2 Chronicles 22:11]
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 leaders in the army"
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"
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 Jehoiada the priest had said"
Some versions have "and took her to the Horse Gate near the entrance of the kings' house"
"the royal palace"
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.
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"
This is the name of a man.
Here "hand" represents control. Alternate translation: "under the direction of the priests"
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"
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"
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]
This is a generalization that means he took very many people with him. Alternate translation: "a very large group of the people of Israel"
The temple was built on the highest hill in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "He brought the king down from the temple to the palace"
"the royal throne"
This is generalization to say that most of the people rejoiced.
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"
The story of King Joash is completed in this chapter.
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)
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)
"became king of Judah"
"40 years"
This is a woman's name.
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]
This idiom means "as long as Jehoiada, the priest, was alive."
"Jehoiada chose two wives for Joash"
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.
"immediately"
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"
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."
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."
This refers to the items used for worship in the temple.
"to people to use for the worship of idols of Baal"
a large wooden box
"they proclaimed" or "they announced"
This is a generalization. Some people probably did not respond this way.
This phrase introduces a new, recurring action. If your language has a way to note this, you may use it here.
"take the chest and carry it back to its place"
"men who built with stone and men who built with wood"
"men who made things from iron and bronze"
Here the word "forward" represents progress, and the word "hands" represents their control. Alternate translation: "made progress under their supervision"
This is money that was collected in the chest but not needed for repairs.
This refers to the "utensils" and "spoons" listed later in the verse.
This idiom refers to the lifespan of Jehoiada. Alternate translation: "for as long as Jehoiada lived" or "throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada"
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how long he lived. Alternate translation: "became very old"
This idiom means he lived a long time.
"one hundred and thirty years old"
"among the tombs of the kings" or "among the graves of the kings"
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"
"gave honor to King Joash" or "honored the king"
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"
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"
"because they were guilty of sin"
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.
The reflexive pronoun emphasizes that Yahweh was the one to whom they should turn.
"the people refused to obey"
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.
This was not the same man as Zechariah son of Berechiah who wrote the Book of Zechariah.
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."
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"did not pay attention to the way that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had been kind to him"
Here "him" refers to Joash.
"make you pay for the wrong you have done"
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 Judah and Jerusalem"
"victory over the much larger army of Judah"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they had severely wounded Joash"
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"
"The servants killed Joash in his bed"
These are the names of men.
"Shimeath, from the country of Ammon ... Shimrith, from the country of Moab." These are the names of two women.
"the record of what his sons did"
"the important things the prophets spoke about him"
Here "see" alerts the reader to pay special attention to the information that follows.
This is a book which no longer exists.
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)
"25 years ... 29 years"
This is a woman's name.
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]
Here the phrase "whole heart" is an idiom that means "completely." Alternate translation: "but not completely"
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.
This refers to the book of Deuteronomy, which Moses wrote.
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"
Here "Judah" refers to the people who lived in Judah. Alternate translation: "gathered the people of Judah together"
He had someone write their names on an official list.
Here the word "houses" is a metonym for the families that lived in them. Alternate translation: "by their ancestors' families"
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]
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"
Here numbers that were larger than twenty are spoken of as if they were higher. Alternate translation: "20 years old and older"
"learned that there were"
"three hundred thousand"
"capable soldiers" or "skilled warriors"
"one hundred thousand"
"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"
"a prophet of God"
These are two names for the same group people.
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"
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"
These words refer to "the army of Israel" (verse 9).
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"
"very angry"
"became brave"
This is an area near the Dead Sea.
"10,000 men"
"another 10,000 soldiers"
This is an exaggeration to emphasize the thoroughness of the slaughter. Alternate translation: "so that they were all completely destroyed"
"the men of the army of Israel which Amaziah sent back to Israel"
This was a village near Jerusalem in Ephraim.
Here "struck down" is an idiom that means they killed them. Alternate translation: "killed"
"3,000 people"
"took away a great amount of valuable things"
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.
"slaughtering the Edomites" or "killing the Edomites"
"the gods that the people of Seir worshiped"
These are symbolic acts of worship.
This expresses the popular opinion of the day that the gods determined who won battles.
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"
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."
This expresses the popular opinion of the day that the gods determined who won battles.
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.
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!"
This refers back to Amaziah worshiping the gods of the Edomites in 2 Chronicles 25:14.
These are names of men.
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"
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.
This is a small, worthless plant with small, sharp thorns.
a very large type of tree
Here "Judah" is a metonym for the people who lived in Judah. Alternate translation: "the people of Judah"
This is an idiom that means he had become proud. Alternate translation: "you have become proud"
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."
Here "fall" is a euphemism for "die."
"God wanted this event to happen"
Here "hand" refers to power to defeat. Alternate translation: "into the power of their enemies" or "so their enemies could defeat them"
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]
The city of Beth Shemesh was located in Judah.
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"
This is a generalization that refers to the soldiers of Judah who survived the battle. Alternate translation: "the surviving soldiers of Judah"
"to his home"
A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: "400 cubits in distance" or "a length of 180 meters"
Here "Obed-Edom" refers to this man's descendants. Alternate translation: "under the care of the descendants of Obed-Edom"
"the royal palace"
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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."
Here the phrase "first and last" refers to those extremes and everything in between. Alternate translation: "all the matters concerning Amaziah"
This alerts the reader to pay special attention to the truth of what follows.
This refers to a book that no longer exists.
Here "turn away" is an idiom that means he no longer obeyed Yahweh. Alternate translation: "stopped obeying Yahweh" or "started to disobey Yahweh"
The text does not state to whom "they" refers. Retain the generic "they" in your translation if possible.
The abstract noun "conspiracy" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "conspire against him" or "plot against him"
a city in Judah
The text does not state to whom the word "They" refers. Retain the generic "they" in your translation if possible.
"brought back his body"
This was another name for Jerusalem, which was also called the city of David.
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)
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"
"16"
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"
a city in Judah
"returned it to Judah." This means that his army captured the city so that now it belonged to Judah again.
This is a polite way to say he died.
"16 ... 52"
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:2]
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"
Here "the days of Zechariah" is a metonym referring to the time period during which Zechariah was priest. Alternate translation: "when Zechariah was priest"
"During the whole time that he sought Yahweh"
Seeking Yahweh represents choosing to know, worship, and obey him. Alternate translation: "chose to obey Yahweh"
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"
Here the pronouns "He" and "him" represent Uzziah and his army. Alternate translation: "Uzziah and his army broke down ... they built cities"
This was a town in northern Judah.
"the country surrounding Ashdod" or "near Ashdod"
Here the pronouns "He" and "him" represent Uzziah and his army. Alternate translation: "God helped them"
This was a town in Arabia.
This is likely people who moved to that area from the kingdom of Maon near Mount Seir.
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"
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"
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"
The word "he" refers to Uzziah.
This phrase is a metonym for the activity of farming the soil. Alternate translation: "farming"
These are the names of men.
"the family leaders who led the mighty warriors"
"two thousand six hundred"
"three hundred seven thousand five hundred"
Here "their hand" represents their authority. Alternate translation: "Under their authority was an army" or "They commanded an army"
A helmet is a protective head covering.
This is a covering for the body made of metal links or chains.
Here "he built machines" represents Uzziah commanding his workers to build them. Alternate translation: "his workers built machines that were designed by skillful men"
These were the corners of the city walls where soldiers could fight from.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God greatly helped him"
Here the heart being lifted up represents pride. Alternate translation: "he became proud"
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"
"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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom God has consecrated to burn incense" or "whom God has chosen to burn incense"
This is a special pan or bowl used for burning incense.
The word "behold" here shows that the priests were surprised by what they saw.
"They quickly forced him out of there" or "They quickly made him leave"
This speaks of Yahweh making him sick as if Yahweh had hit him. Alternate translation: "Yahweh had made him ill"
"until he died" or "the rest of his life"
This indicates that he lived away from other houses and other people.
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"
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"
This refers to the king's palace, which the king was no longer living in.
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"
This phrase represents the whole time of Uzziah's reign. Alternate translation: "from the beginning of his reign to the end of his reign"
This is the name of a man.
This is polite way to say that he died. Alternate translation: "So Uzziah died"
"the people buried him near his ancestors" or "they buried him where his ancestors were buried"
"Jotham, his son, became king after Uzziah"
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)
"25 years old ... 16 years"
This is the name of a woman.
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]
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"
This is a hill in Jerusalem.
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"
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 after he defeated them"
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"
Jotham's actions are spoken of as if they were a path upon which he walked. Alternate translation: "the things that he did"
"anyone can look in the book ... Judah and see that they are written there"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they are in the book" or "you can read of them in the book"
This is a book that no longer exists.
"25 years old ... 16 years"
This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Jotham died"
"people buried him"
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Jotham"
Judah was defeated by all of the neighboring countries because King Ahaz was worshiping all sorts of foreign gods. (See: falsegod)
"20 years old ... 16 years"
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]
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 even made cast metal figures for worshiping the Baals"
This is a valley in Jerusalem.
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"
These are places where the people of the other nations worshiped their false gods.
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"
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 Ahaz." Here "him" represents Ahaz's army. Alternate translation: "carried away from Ahaz's army"
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"
This was the king of Israel. Both "Pekah" and "Remaliah" are the names of men.
"one hundred twenty thousand soldiers"
These are the names of men.
This is an idiom that refers to a mighty warrior. Alternate translation: "a mighty warrior"
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"
"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.
"two hundred thousand wives, sons, and daughters"
This is the name of a man.
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"
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"
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."
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"
See how you translated this phrase in 2 Chronicles 28:11.
These are all names of men.
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"
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"
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"
See how you translated this phrase in 2 Chronicles 28:11.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The men whom the leaders assigned by name"
This is a type of shoe.
This probably means that they gave them oil to put on their wounds.
"put the weak ones who were too weak to walk on donkeys"
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Taking a city is an idiom that means to conquer or to capture the city. Alternate translation: "The Philistines captured Beth Shemesh"
These are the names of places.
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"
This is Tiglath-Pileser III, also known as Pul.
Helping Ahaz against his enemies is spoken of as if it were strengthening Ahaz. Alternate translation: "caused him trouble instead of helping him"
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"when he was suffering"
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"
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"
The word "ruin" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "those gods ruined him and all Israel"
Here "Israel" represents the southern kingdom of Judah.
Here the word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of God ... the temple of Yahweh"
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"
Since Ahaz was king, he may have had his workers make these high places. Alternate translation: "he had his workers make altars for him"
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"
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"
"anyone can look at the book ... Israel and see that they are written there"
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"
This is a book that no longer exists.
This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "Ahaz died"
"people buried him"
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Ahaz"
This chapter begins the story of King Hezekiah. (2 Chronicles 29-32)
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)
"25 years old ... 29 years"
This is a woman's name.
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]
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.
Here the word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"
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"
This refers to the east side of the temple. Alternate translation: "on the east side of the temple"
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"
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"
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"
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"
This refers to the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple where Yahweh lives"
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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"
This can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: "something that terrifies and horrifies people, and something that people scorn"
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"
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"
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"
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"
See how you translated this phrase in 2 Chronicles 28:11.
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"
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.
Here the word "arose" is an idiom that means that the Levites began to act. Alternate translation: "the Levites began to work"
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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"
A place that is fit to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
Here the word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"
Here the word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh ... the courtyard of the temple"
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"
A small body of water that flows on the east side of Jerusalem. At times it was used as a trash dump.
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.
This is near the end of March on Western calendars.
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"
This is near the beginning of April on Western calendars.
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.
"Look at them. You can see for yourself that they are"
The word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"
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"the priests killed the bulls and took the blood"
"the king and people in the assembly laid their hands on them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the priests should make a burnt offering and a sin offering for all Israel"
The word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"
two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 5:12]
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"
The word "command" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "for Yahweh had commanded this through his prophets"
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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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until the priests finished offering the burnt offering"
"When the priests had finished the offerings"
The object of worship may be supplied in translation. Alternate translation: "bowed and worshiped Yahweh"
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These were offerings of thanksgiving.
The word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"
Here the word "heart" represents the person who was willing. Alternate translation: "who were willing" or "who desired"
"70 bulls, 100 rams, and 200 male lambs"
"600 oxen and 3,000 sheep"
"to remove the skins from all the burn offerings"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until they had finished the work"
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"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the priests performed the burnt offerings with the fat of the fellowship offerings"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Hezekiah set the service of the house of Yahweh in order"
The word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people had done the work quickly"
The story of Hezekiah continues in this chapter.
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)
This represents the nation of Israel in general. Earlier the nation had been split into two kingdoms called by these names.
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"
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.
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.
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This refers to the proposal to celebrate the Passover in the second month instead of in the first month.
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"
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"
"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"
people who carry messages
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]
Here "turn back to Yahweh" represents submitting to him again. Alternate translation: "submit again to Yahweh"
Here "turn back to the remnant" represents protecting the remnant again. Alternate translation: "so that he may again protect the remnant of you"
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"
This is a continuation of King Hezekiah's message to the people of Israel.
Here "brothers" represents other people of Israel. Alternate translation: "your people"
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"
This phrase is a metaphor. God is telling them not to become stubborn. Alternate translation: "do not become stubborn"
This represents submitting to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "submit to Yahweh" or "dedicate yourselves to Yahweh"
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"
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"
See how you translated this phrase in 2 Chronicles 28:11.
Here "turn back to Yahweh" represents submitting to him again. Alternate translation: "if you submit again to Yahweh"
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"
Here "turn his face away from you" represents rejecting them and refusing to protect them. Alternate translation: "will not reject you"
Here "return to him" represents submitting to God again. Alternate translation: "if you submit again to him"
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]
Zebulun was one of the tribes farthest in the north of Israel, but there were three other tribes that reached farther north.
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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"
Having "one heart" represents being united and agreeing. Alternate translation: "causing them to agree"
Here "carry out the command" is an idiom meaning to do what was commanded. Alternate translation: "to obey the command"
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"
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.
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"
These two phrases refer to altars that people had built to false gods.
This was a small stream of water in the Kidron Valley.
This is near the beginning of May on Western calendars.
"They stood in their appointed places"
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"
"the lambs for the Passover"
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]
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 word "good" here is a reminder to the people that Yahweh is kind. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, who is good"
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"
This implies that Yahweh responded favorably to Hezekiah. Alternate translation: "So Yahweh responded favorably to Hezekiah" or "So Yahweh did what Hezekiah asked"
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"
Here "kept the festival" is a idiom meaning to participate in the festival or celebrate the festival. Alternate translation: "celebrate the festival"
"singing and playing loud musical instruments to 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"
The word "they" refers to the people of Israel.
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"
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Hezekiah gave the animals to the people as an offering to the Lord for the people to eat.
"1,000 bulls ... 7,000 sheep ... 1,000 bulls ... 10,000 sheep and goats"
Here "Judah" probably refers to the southern tribes of 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"
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"
"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 any Passover Festival in Jerusalem like this Passover Festival"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God heard their voice" or "God heard what they said to him"
Their prayer going up to heaven represents God in heaven paying attention to them praying on earth.
The story of King Hezekiah continues in this chapter.
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.
"who were in Jerusalem"
Here "possession" means possessions in general. Alternate translation: "to his own property" or "to his own home"
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"
Hezekiah took the meat and grain used for the burnt offerings out of his own possessions.
This was a festival coinciding with the movement of the moon.
This refers to festivals which occur on specific dates.
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"
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This can stated in active form. Alternate translation: "As soon as the people heard the command"
"a tenth of all their crops"
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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.
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.
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Here "house" represents a family or descendants. Alternate translation: "a descendant of Zadok"
The chief priest would have been pointing to the large heaps.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Hezekiah commanded the priests and Levites to prepare storerooms"
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
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"
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"
These are names of men.
"the gatekeeper at the east gate of the temple"
These are names of men.
Here "under" is an idiom that means to be under someone's authority. Alternate translation: "Eden ... assisted Kore in the cities of the priests"
"Their duty was to give" or "They faithfully gave"
Here "brothers" is a metaphor for "fellow priests." Alternate translation: "to their fellow priests"
"group by group"
Here "important" and "unimportant" are used together to mean "everyone." Alternate translation: "to everyone, including 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"
It is understood that they gave the freewill offerings. Alternate translation: "They also gave freewill offerings"
"three years old and older"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whose names were in the records"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to do the daily work that they were supposed to do"
It is understood they distributed the freewill offerings. Alternate translation: "They distributed freewill offerings"
"20 years old and older"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "there were men responsible for giving portions"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to all whose names were in the records"
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Seeking Yahweh represents choosing to know, worship, and obey him. Alternate translation: "to obey his God"
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"
The story of King Hezekiah is completed in this chapter.
Because Hezekiah trusted God, God rescued Jerusalem from the attacked of the Assyrian army and healed Hezekiah when he was very sick. (See: trust)
The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithfully." Alternate translation: "After Hezekiah faithfully did all the things Yahweh commanded him to do"
Here Sennacherib represents his army. Alternate translation: "Sennacherib, king of Assyria, and his army came ... They camped"
Here "came" can be stated as "went." Alternate translation: "went and entered Judah"
Here Sennacherib also represents his army. Alternate translation: "that Sennacherib and his army had come and that they intended"
Here "Jerusalem" represents the people there. Alternate translation: "to fight against the people of Jerusalem" or "to fight against the army of Jerusalem"
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.
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."
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"
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"
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"
This is a part of the wall on the north side of Jerusalem.
The idiom "place over" means to put in charge of. "He put military commanders in charge of the people"
"for our God is with us and is more powerful than those with the king of Assyria"
Here "arm" represents strength, and "flesh" represents humanity. Alternate translation: "are only those with human power"
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.
This was a city in Judah.
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."
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.'"
"so that you will die from lack of food and water"
Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "from the power of the king of Assyria" or "from the 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: "This is the same Hezekiah who has taken away ... sacrifices.'" or "Hezekiah has taken away ... sacrifices.'"
Here "Judah" and "Jerusalem" represent the people who live there. Alternate translation: "commanded the people of Judah and Jerusalem"
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!"
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!"
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!"
Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "from my power" or "from me"
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!"
Here the word "now" is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
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!"
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Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "from my power" or "from me"
"Sennacherib's servants shouted loudly"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of fear. Alternate translation: "to make them very afraid"
"the Assyrian army might capture"
"They mocked the God of Jerusalem as they had mocked the gods of the other peoples of the earth"
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"
Here "heaven" represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: "cried to Yahweh for help" or "pleaded to Yahweh"
"embarrassed" or "ashamed"
"the temple of his god"
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"
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that he would heal Hezekiah"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But Hezekiah did not act in a grateful way after Yahweh helped him"
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"
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"
"during Hezekiah's lifetime" or "during Hezekiah's reign as king"
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This is a small enclosure where horses are kept. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 9:25
a storage place for small animals
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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"
This is the name of a stream near Jerusalem.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the miracle that Yahweh had performed in the land"
Here "heart" represents a person's inner being. Alternate translation: "to reveal Hezekiah's true character"
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This is a polite way of saying that he died. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 9:31]
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)
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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]
Another possible meaning is "including the disgusting things."
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"
The name is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: "Jerusalem is where I will forever make known who I am"
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"
This is the name of a place near Jerusalem that is also known as Gehenna.
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"
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]
"Manasseh made Yahweh very angry"
Manasseh probably did not do the work. His servants would have done the work. Alternate translation: "Manasseh had ordered his servants to make"
Here God is represented by his "name." Alternate translation: "where I want people to worship me forever"
"that I gave to their ancestors"
Here "Jerusalem" is a part of "Judah." Alternate translation: "the people of Judah and Jerusalem"
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"
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Yahweh sent the army to attack Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "brought about an attack on them by"
The commanders were accompanied by their soldiers. Alternate translation: "the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria and their soldiers"
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"
to beg for help
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"
"to rule again as king"
See:
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"
This was the name of a spring and a stream. See how you translated the "waters of Gihon" in [2 Chronicles 32:30]
Translate the name of this hill as you did in [2 Chronicles 27:3]
"built the wall up"
This refers to cities with walls around them.
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 false gods from other countries"
Manasseh did not do the building and construction himself, rather, he commanded his workers to do it. Alternate translation: "He commanded them to rebuild"
Here "Judah" refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "he commanded the people of Judah"
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"anyone can look among the deeds ... Israel and see that they are written there"
These phrases can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "men have written them"
This in account of the history of Israel that no longer exists.
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"
This is a book that no longer exists.
These phrases can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "men have written about them"
This is a polite way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: "So Manasseh died"
"in his palace"
This is the name of a man.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "became the next king" or "became the king of Judah"
"22 years old"
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]
"Amon increased his guilt" or "Amon continued to sin"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "killed him"
"planned in secret to kill him"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "became the next king" or "became the king of Judah"
This chapter is the beginning of the story of King Josiah. (2 Chronicles 34-35)
Josiah worshiped Yahweh and cleaned out the idols and shrines from Judah. The people returned to worship Yahweh again. (See: clean)
"31 years"
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]
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"
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"
"year 8 ... year 12." See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 14:2]
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"
"in Josiah's presence"
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"
very small pieces that could be carried away by the wind
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"
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.
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"
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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 dust." This means to smash them until they have become powder.
"year 18"
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"
These are the names of men.
This is the name of a man.
"gave to him the responsibility of using the money"
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"
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"
This refers to some on the money that was entrusted to Hilkiah. Alternate translation: "some of the money"
workers who build with wood
pieces used to connect large beams
"had allowed to rot"
These are the names of men.
Translate this man's name as you did in 2 Chronicles 29:12.
Translate the name of the clan as you did in 2 Chronicles 20:19.
Translate these men's names the same as you did for other men by the same names in 2 Chronicles 17:7.
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"
See:
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Yahweh had given to the people through Moses"
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.
This is the name of a man.
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "They have gathered all"
The supervisors and workmen are represented by their "hand" to emphasize their possession. Alternate translation: "to the supervisors and the workmen"
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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.
This is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness. Alternate translation: "he tore his clothes because he was very upset"
These are the names of men.
The word "will" can be translated as a verb. Also, it is made clear in [2 Chronicles 34:22]
"concerning the words"
Here "words" represents the laws. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the laws in the book that Hilkiah has found"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all that is written in it" or "all that is in this book"
This is the name of a woman.
These are the names of men.
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.
This was a cerain part of Jerusalem. It may have been a newer part. Alternate translation: "The Second Part"
"they had the following conversation with her"
Here "the man" refers to King Josiah.
The word is used here as an idiom to draw the listener's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"
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"
"to Jerusalem" This refers to the city of Jerusalem which represents the whole land of Judah. Alternate translation: "on Judah"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the curses written" or "all the curses"
Here "this place" refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "on these people"
"they have made me angry"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will pour out my anger"
"About the message that you heard"
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"
This is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will gather you to your grave"
Here "eyes" represents the whole person. Also, the phrase "will not see" represents not experiencing something. Alternate translation: "you will not experience"
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"
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This is a generalization. Alternate translation: "many other people"
This merism includes everyone in between. Alternate translation: "from the most important to the least important"
"Then the king read aloud so that they could hear"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that Hilkiah had found" or "that they had found"
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"
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"
These words all share similar meanings. Together they emphasize everything that Yahweh had commanded in the law.
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that this book contained"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all who lived in Jerusalem and Benjamin"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "accept the terms of the covenant" or "promise to obey the covenant"
Josiah would have commanded his workers to do this. Alternate translation: "Josiah commanded his workers to take away all"
These are the idols that were repulsive to God. Alternate translation: "the disgusting idols"
Josiah's life is represented by his "days." Alternate translation: "For all of his life" or "As long as Josiah was alive"
This is the end of the story of King Josiah.
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)
Josiah commanded the people to celebrate the Passover that Yahweh had commanded their ancestors to celebrate.
Yahweh had commanded Moses that all the people of Israel were to go to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.
This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The fourteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars.
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"
The abstract noun "service" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "as they served in" or "to serve well in"
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"
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."
groups into which the people had divided the priests and Levites
"the instructions that David ... and Solomon, his son, wrote"
"Take your positions in the temple area"
This refers to the work group to which the people had assigned each Levite. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 35:4.
This probably refers to the priests and Levites washing themselves before they did work in the temple.
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"
See: and
"30,000 lambs"
baby goats
"3,000 head of cattle"
"all these lambs, kids, and bulls that he gave were ones that he himself owned"
"two thousand six hundred Passover offerings"
"300 head of cattle"
These are all the names of men.
These are all the names of men.
"5,000 Passover offerings"
"500 head of cattle"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "they prepared everything they needed so they could perform the Passover"
the groups into which the people had divided the priests and Levites. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 35:4.
Here the word "hand" refers to the Levites. Alternate translation: "the blood that the Levites gave them"
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All instances of "they" and "themselves" refer to the Levites (2 Chronicles 35:10).
"They cooked the Passover lambs over fires"
"they cooked them in water in containers of different sizes"
"They ... prepared the offerings that they would eat and the offerings that the priests would eat"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer had commanded them"
These are the names of men.
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "observed the Passover" or "celebrated the Passover"
This refers to celebrating the festival. Alternate translation: "then they kept the Festival of Unleavened Bread" or "then celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "There had never been such a Passover celebration 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 time"
Here "Israel" refers specifically to the northern kingdom of Israel.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They observed this Passover"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "was observed" or "was celebrated"
"year 18"
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"
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"
This is the name of a city. Here the city represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: "against the people of Carchemish"
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"
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."
Here the king Josiah represents his kingdom. Alternate translation: "I am not fighting your kingdom"
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"
Josiah disguised himself so that the other armies would not recognize him.
The word "him" refers to Necho who represents himself accompanied by his army. Alternate translation: "fight with the army of Egypt"
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"
The word "he" refers to Josiah who represents himself accompanied by his army. Alternate translation: "so he and his army went"
This is the name of a place.
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"Judah" and "Jerusalem" represent the people who live there. Alternate translation: "All the people of Judah and Jerusalem"
This means the day on which the writer wrote. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 5:9.
Possible meanings: 1) "this is where they are: they" or 2) "they still exist: they."
This was an ancient scroll of funeral songs.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the good deeds that he did"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the words"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "men have written of all his deeds ... in the book"
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"
This is a book that no longer exists.
This is the end of the story of Judah as an independent country.
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)
This is a man's name.
The phrase "in his ... place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "instead of his father"
"23 years old ... 3 months"
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"
Here the word "land" represents the people who lived there.
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"
These are the names of men.
"25 years old ... 11 years"
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"
The word "him" refers to Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim represents either Jerusalem or the nation of Judah. Alternate translation: "attacked Jerusalem" or "attacked Judah"
Since Nebuchadnezzar was king, he may have had his soldiers do this. Alternate translation: "Nebuchadnezzar also had his soldiers carry"
Here the word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"
This usually refers to worshiping false gods, which Yahweh hated.
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"
"anyone can look in the book ... Israel and see they are written there"
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"
This is a book that no longer exists. See how you translated this in 2 Chronicles 35:27.
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate translation: "became king instead of Jehoiakim"
"8 years old ... 3 months and 10 days"
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"
"brought Jehoiachin to Babylon"
Here "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of Yahweh"
"Jehoiachin's relative"
"21 years old ... 11 years"
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"
Here the word "mouth" represents the words that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: "who spoke the words that Yahweh spoke to him"
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"
The idiom "followed the ... practices" means to do those things. Alternate translation: "they did the disgusting things that the nations did"
This phrase refers to worshiping other gods.
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"
"many times"
This refers to the temple.
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"
This idiom means that nobody could do anything to prevent what happened. Alternate translation: "there was no way to avoid it"
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"
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"
Here "hand" is a metonym for the power to defeat them. Alternate translation: "God allowed the Chaldean army to defeat them"
The word "house" represents the temple. Alternate translation: "the temple of God ... the temple of Yahweh"
"They" refers to the Babylonian soldiers.
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 kingdom of Persia came to power"
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"
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"
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 70 years might pass while the land lay desolate"
This refers to the beginning of the reign of King Cyrus.
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"
Motivating the spirit is a synecdoche for making someone want to act. Alternate translation: "Yahweh made Cyrus, king of Persia, want to act"
This is an exaggeration, as there were kingdoms over which Cyrus did not rule.
Here the word "house" represents a temple. Alternate translation: "to build a temple for him"
"Yahweh's people"
"Let that person go up to the land of Judah"
The chapter records the story of the first Jews as they return from Persia to Judea.
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)
Upon return to Judea, the focus of the rest of the Old Testament is on the Jewish people.
This refers to the beginning of the reign of King Cyrus.
Here "mouth" represents speaking. Alternate translation: "Yahweh did what Jeremiah prophesied that Yahweh would do"
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.
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"
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"
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"
Here "all" is an exaggeration, as there were kingdoms over which Cyrus did not rule.
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"
the people who belong to Yahweh.
Those Israelites who choose to stay where they are should help those who choose to go to Jerusalem physically and financially.
Stirring the spirit is a metonym for making someone want to act. See how you translated these words in [Ezra 1:1]
This refers to the work of the people roused by God in the previous verse.
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These are men's names.
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"
official in charge of money
There was no king of Judah at this time, so the word "prince" means "leader," not "son of the king."
This is a list of numbered items.
"30 ... 1,000 ... 29"
objects used to hold water for washing
"30 ... 1,000 ... 29 ... four hundred and ten"
objects used to hold water for washing
"five thousand four hundred ... in all." This is the total number of items returned to Jerusalem from Babylon, which are listed above individually.
People had to prove they were priests, or that they were Jews, through their genealogies. (See: priest)
This begins a list of the names of people who returned from the exile.
This is an idiom that refers to traveling toward Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "returned" or "came back"
These are men's names.
This refers to the list of men in 2:3-35.
This continues the list of the names of people who returned from the exile along with the number in each group.
a man's name
a man's name
a man's name
a man's name
This continues the list of the names of people who returned from the exile along with the number in each group.
a man's name
a man's name
a man's name
This continues the list of the names of people who returned from the exile along with the number in each group.
a man's name
These are men's names.
a man's name
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:2.
This continues the list of the names of people who returned from the exile along with the number in each group.
a man's name
a man's name
"98"
a man's name
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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.
a man's name
These are men's names.
"95"
This begins to list the number of people whose ancestors had lived in towns in Judah.
"56"
This is the name of a town in Judah.
This continues the list people who returned from the exile along with the number in each group whose ancestors came from the places listed.
This is the name of a place.
This is the name of a place.
"42"
These are names of places.
This is the name of a place.
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.
This is the name of a place.
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This is the name of a place.
"52"
This is the name of a place.
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.
This is the name of a place.
These are names of places.
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.
This is the name of a place.
This section lists the names of priests whose descendants returned from the exile along with the number in each group.
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:6.
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The "Harim" in Ezra 2:32 is the name of a place, but here "Harim" is the name of a man.
This section lists the names of Levites whose descendants returned from the exile along with the number in each group.
These are men's names.
"74"
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These are men's names.
those in charge of who goes through the gates of the temple
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:16.
This section continues listing the names of Levites whose descendants returned from the exile.
These are men's names.
These are men's names.
These are men's names.
See how you translated this in Ezra 2:42.
These are men's names.
This section continues listing the names of Levites whose descendants returned from the exile. These are all names of men.
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This section continues listing the names of Levites whose descendants returned from the exile. These are all names of men.
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This section continues listing the names of Levites whose descendants returned from the exile.
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"three hundred and ninety-two total descendants." This is the number of all the people in this group who came back from the exile.
This is a list of people who had returned to Israel from various Babylonian cities but could not prove their heritage.
"six hundred and fifty-two descendants."
These are men's names.
These are men's names.
the records that told who their ancestors were
"could not find their names in the records of the priests"
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"
not fit to be priests
two items like dice that the priests used to decide what God wanted them to do
This means the whole group that returned back to the land of Judah from the exile.
"forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty"
"their female servants"
"these were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven"
"200"
This is a list of the animals along with the numbers of each kind that returned with the people from the exile.
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"61,000 ... 5,000 ... 100"
A "daric" was a small gold coin used by the Persian Empire.
A mina is a unit of weight. One mina equals 550 grams. Minas are normally linked with measuring silver.
garments worn next to the skin
Everyone went back to their home towns in Judea. Not everyone resettled in Jerusalem.
This chapter begins the story of the building of the temple and re-establishment of worship in the new temple. (See: 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.
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.
One man is in only one place and has only one purpose. Alternate translation: "for one purpose"
This is the name of a man. Translate the same as in Ezra 2:36.
This is the name of a man.
Standing up is a metaphor for beginning to act. Alternate translation: "began to act and built"
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"
"mounted the altar on its stand" or "placed the altar on its stand so it would stay there"
"they were terrified"
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"
One of the first things the people did was to begin offering sacrifices. This was before the temple was rebuilt.
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.
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This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of September on Western calendars.
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"
The letters sent by Cyrus gave the Jews permission to buy materials and build the temple.
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.
This is during the year after the one in which they returned.
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"
These are the names of men.
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"
"20 years old"
These are the names of men.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:40.
"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 special robes"
two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound
The hand of a king is a metonym for the power to give commands. Alternate translation: "as David ... had commanded"
A feeling and expression of appreciation and gratitude for the kindness of another.
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"
This refers to the first temple that Solomon built, the house of God.
The people are represented by their "eyes" to emphasize what they saw. Alternate translation: "in their sight" or "and they saw it"
This refers to emotional expression of sorrow involving tears and vocal sounds.
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The story of the building of the temple and re-establishment of the temple worship continues in this chapter. (See: 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.
The non-Jewish people offer to help build the temple.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the Babylonians had taken into exile"
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:2]
He ruled in Assyria before Cyrus ruled in Persia.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:6.
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.
"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
This speaks of the people of the land discouraging the Judeans as if they made their hands physically weak. Alternate translation: "discouraged the Judeans"
"to make it so the Judeans could not build the temple as they had planned"
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"
names of men
This is the letter spoken of in Ezra 4:6.
the language used in that area at the time for official business
into Persian
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:1.
names of cities
This is a name of a man.
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 includes in his writing the content of the letter sent to King Artaxerxes.
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]
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"
"fixed the foundations" or "mended the foundations"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "if they build the city and complete the wall"
This is probably a merism for "any kind of taxes."
This word probably refers specifically to taxes on goods that people bought or consumed.
taxes that people needed to pay to use roads
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.
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"
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"
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"
This can be translated in active form. See how you translated these words in [Ezra 4:13]
Here "nothing" is an exaggeration to make the king think that he will be losing much tax money if the Judeans rebel.
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]
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]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:2.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 4:8.
the Euphrates River
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I issued a decree"
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"
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people who live there have been rebelling and revolting"
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]
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"
This is probably a merism for "Every kind of taxes." See how you translated similar words in [Ezra 4:13]
This word probably refers specifically to taxes on goods that people bought or consumed.
taxes that people needed to pay to use roads
"make a law"
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"
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."
Danger is spoken of as if it were a plant that could increase in size. Alternate translation: "danger to become worse"
The words "the royal interests" are a metonym for the king himself. Alternate translation: "cause more bad things to happen to the kings"
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"
See how you translated this in Ezra 2:1.
See how you translated this in Ezra 4:7.
This delay lasted about 16 years.
The story of the building of the temple and re-establishment of the temple worship continues in this chapter. (See: 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)
This is a man's name.
These are the names of men.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 3:1.
This was the temple of God.
men's names
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.
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The eye represents the person watching over another person. Alternate translation: "God was watching over"
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 includes the contents of the letter to King Darius regarding their work on the temple.
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]
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The letter from Tattenai to the king that began in Ezra 5:7 continues.
wood for building
"Who gave you official permission"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that we could tell you who they are"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "we wrote down the names ... head"
The letter from Tattenai to the king that began in Ezra 5:7 continues.
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.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the great king of Israel had built and supplied all the equipment for"
"supplied all the equipment for it"
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.
"made the God of heaven become very angry with us"
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"
"tore down this house"
Cyrus ordered that the people rebuild God's temple.
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).
See how you translated this in Ezra 1:7.
King Cyrus returned the temple objects.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I want the Judeans to rebuild the house of God"
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).
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "people are now constructing it, but they have not done all the work yet"
built
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.
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "I would like you to have someone investigate this matter"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "if King Cyrus issued a decree"
The completion of the story of the building of the temple and re-establishment of the temple worship occurs in this chapter. (See: temple)
The king said the Jews were right and ordered money from his taxes to be used to help them with their sacrifices.
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.
This is a building where the king's officials kept the important government records.
This is the name of a city.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they found a scroll" or "they found a scroll that told about Darius and Jerusalem"
This begins the record of King Cyrus's command that the Jews rebuild God's temple in Jerusalem.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let the Jews rebuild the house" or "The Jews must rebuild the house"
"60 cubits." You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "twenty-seven meters"
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"
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"
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This continues the record of King Cyrus's command that the Jews rebuild God's temple in Jerusalem, which began in Ezra 6:3.
Darius writes directly to these men. Translate their names as in [Ezra 5:3]
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]
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This continues the record of King Cyrus's command that the Jews rebuild God's temple in Jerusalem, which began in Ezra 6:3.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Use funds from the king's tribute beyond the river to pay these men"
"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"
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This continues the record of King Cyrus's command that the Jews rebuild God's temple in Jerusalem, which began in Ezra 6:3.
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"
a long, sturdy piece of wood, supporting the roof of a house
pierced through
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"
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"
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.
Translate the names of these men as you did in [Ezra 5:3]
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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"
"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.
King Darius had been ruling for five years, so he was now in year number six of his reign.
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"
"100 bulls ... 400 lambs"
The abstract noun "work divisions" can be expressed with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "to work in groups"
"groups that work together"
This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The fourteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars.
"made themselves pure." Being pure represents being acceptable to God. Alternate translation: "made themselves acceptable to God"
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"
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"
Seeking Yahweh represents choosing to know, worship, and obey him. Alternate translation: "chose to obey Yahweh"
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"
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"
This refers to building the temple.
Ezra begins his religious reforms.
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's genealogy goes back to Aaron, the first high priest.
Where Ezra came up to can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Ezra came up to Jerusalem from Babylon"
See how you translated this man's name in [Ezra 2:2]
men's names
See how you translated this man's name in [Ezra 2:42]
men's names
This list is all men's names.
men's names
men's names
"The king gave Ezra anything he asked for"
The "hand" of Yahweh represents Yahweh's blessing or help. Alternate translation: "the blessing of Yahweh was with Ezra" or "Yahweh was blessing Ezra"
This refers to the seventh year of his reign. Alternate translation: "in the seventh year that Artaxerxes was king"
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 king had ruled for six full years and part of the seventh.
This is near the middle of March on Western calendars.
This is near the middle of July on Western calendars.
"Hand" represents the power or control that God uses for good results.
Establishing his heart represents firmly deciding or committing himself to do something. Alternate translation: "Ezra committed his life to study"
"obey"
These were the laws that God passed down to Israel through Moses.
The text following this statement was what King Artaxerxes had written in the letter.
"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"
In those days people needed permission from the king to resettle and rebuild in an area previously destroyed by the conquering nation.
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 word "you" refers to Ezra.
This continues the decree that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra.
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.
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"
Where they were to bring it can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "You are to bring to Jerusalem the silver and gold"
"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"
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This continues the decree that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra.
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"
The phrase "your brothers" refers to the people who were doing this work with Ezra. Alternate translation: "your co-workers" or "your companions"
This continues the decree that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra.
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "the objects that we have freely given to you"
The word "him" refers to 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"
a secure place where money is stored
This continues the decree that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra.
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.
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]
This can be expressed in active form. "Give Ezra ... in full anything he asks of you"
The phrase "in full" here represents whatever quantity necessary to do the work. Alternate translation: "should be given as much as he needs"
"100 talents of silver." You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "3,300 kilograms of silver"
You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "22,000 liters of grain" or "twenty thousand liters of grain"
You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: 2,200 liters of oil" or "two thousand liters of oil"
This refers to God's temple.
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."
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 king is emphasizing his own majesty by referring to himself in third person. Alternate translation: "my and my sons' kingdom"
This continues the decree that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra.
"We are telling them that they have no authority to impose any tribute or taxes"
people who play musical instruments
This is the end of the decree that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra.
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"
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 praises God because of what King Artaxerxes decreed.
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"
This refers to Yahweh's temple.
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"
Being strengthened represents being encouraged. Alternate translation: I am encouraged"
Here Yahweh's hand represents what he did to help Ezra. Alternate translation: "because Yahweh has helped me"
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)
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.
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"
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"
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"
This is a man's name.
See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:3.
"with Zechariah there were 150 males listed in his genealogy"
"one hundred and fifty males"
The list of men's names continues.
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 Eliehoenai were two hundred males"
See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 7:4.
"200"
"300"
See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:15.
"50"
"70"
The list of men's names continues.
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"
See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:2.
This is a man's name.
"with Zebadiah were listed eighty males"
"80"
"two hundred and eighteen males"
"one hundred and sixty males"
See how you translated this in Ezra 2:11.
"28"
This is the end of the list of men's names.
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 Johanan were listed 110 males"
"one hundred and ten males"
See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:12.
The word "those" refers to the leaders. Alternate translation: "The leaders of the descendants of Adonikam"
See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:13.
"60"
See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:2.
"70"
The word "I" in chapter 8 refers to Ezra. He is the author. Verse 16 contains a list of men's names.
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"
This is the name of a place
See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 8:13.
There were apparently three men with the same name.
This is a man's name.
The word "them" refers to the nine leaders and two teachers written about in [Ezra 8:16]
This is the name of a place.
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"
These are men's names.
God's "good hand" represents his kindness in providing for them. Alternate translation: "Because God was kind to us, they sent us a man"
This is a man of understanding and wisdom.
Here "Israel" is a man's name. It is the name God gave to Jacob.
"18"
These are men's names.
"20"
See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 8:7.
people with specific authority within a government system
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]
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"
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"
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"
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"
See how you translated these men's names in [Ezra 8:19]
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"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"
"100 talents of silver objects." You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "3,300 kilograms of silver objects"
"100 talents of gold." You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "3,300 kilograms of gold"
"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 is a mixture of copper and another metal. It is stronger than pure copper.
"Then I said to the twelve priestly officials"
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.
According to the law of Moses, the tribe of Levi had the work of caring for the temple, its possessions, and the offerings.
"We left the Ahava Canal" or "We started traveling from the 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]
This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The twelfth day is near the end of March on Western calendars.
The hand of God being on people is a metonym for God helping people. Alternate translation: "God was helping us"
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"
This refers to thieves and robbers who wanted to attack them for their treasures.
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This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the twelve priestly officials weighed out the silver, gold and objects"
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.
These are the names of men.
See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:6.
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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"
"12 ... 96 ... 77 ... 12"
These were the Babylonian officials managing the people west of the Euphrates River, which included the people living in Judea.
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]
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)
have married people from other lands and have adopted their religion
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When Ezra heard that many Israelites had married foreign women and were worshiping their gods
Ezra was showing everyone how unhappy he was that people were doing things that offended God.
a sacrifice that the priests would offer around the time the sun was going down
another way of saying he was "sitting ashamed" (Ezra 9:4). "where I was sitting on the ground to show how ashamed I was"
"got on my knees and stretched out my arms with my hands open toward the sky"
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"
"the time when our ancestors were alive"
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "you gave us ... into the hand of kings"
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"
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"
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"
"some survivors who have escaped captivity"
The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithful" or "loyal." See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezra 7:28]
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 temple
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"
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"until the end of the ages"
"some survivors who have escaped captivity." See how you translated this phrase in Ezra 9:8.
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "it is very wrong that some of us have broken your commandments and made ... people."
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am afraid that you will be angry ... 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."
"Pay attention to what I am about to say"
"some survivors who have escaped captivity. " See how you translated this phrase in Ezra 9:8.
"You can see that we are all guilty"
"you do not think that any person is innocent"
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 speaks of himself as if he were someone else.
quickly went from standing to lying facedown
in front of the temple
See how you translated this in Ezra 8:5.
See how you translated this in Ezra 8:9.
This was made as a public confession, not as a boastful claim.
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"we will help you"
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These are the names of men.
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"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"
3 days
"three days later"
This is the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. The twentieth day is near the middle of December on Western calendars.
a large open courtyard in front of the temple
The abstract noun "treason" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "helped the enemies of your people"
"and now God considers us guilty of worse sin than before"
move away from, be different from
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This litotes can be translated in positive form. Alternate translation: "we will need a long time to do all this work"
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men's names
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.
The people investigated who had married non-Jewish wives.
This is the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of December on Western calendars.
This is near the middle of March on Western calendars.
See how you translated this in Ezra 2:2.
See how you translated this in Ezra 3:2.
names of men
See how you translated this in Ezra 8:16.
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Ezra continues to list the men who married non-Jewish women.
a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:37.
a man's name
a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 8:8.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:32]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:18]
These are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Ezra 8:13]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:37.
These are the names of men.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 8:33.
Ezra continues to list the men who married non-Jewish women.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 8:33.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:6]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:42]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:3]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 7:5]
Ezra continues to list the men who married non-Jewish women.
See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 2:7.
See how you translated this man's name in Ezra 8:9.
See how you translated this man's name in [Ezra 2:8]
See how you translated this man's name in [Ezra 10:22]
See how you translated this man's name in [Ezra 10:6]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:11]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:6]
See how you translated this man's name in [Ezra 2:10]
See how you translated this man's name in [Ezra 8:16]
Ezra continues to list the men who married non-Jewish women.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 8:4.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:25.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:18.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:26.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 8:33.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:25]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:32]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 8:16]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:29]
Ezra continues to list the men who married non-Jewish women.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 2:19
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:27.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 8:13.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:30.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:23.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:10]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:23]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 8:33]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:6]
Ezra continues to list the men who married non-Jewish women.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:26.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:33.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 8:33]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:23]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:26]
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Ezra finishes to list the men who married non-Jewish women.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:39.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:32.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:42]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 7:3]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 2:29]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 8:13]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Ezra 10:27]
These are the names of men.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Ezra 10:25.
all the men in the list beginning in Ezra 10:20
This phrase serves as an introduction to this entire book.
This chapter is a single long record of Nehemiah's repentance on behalf of the people. (See: repent)
While the author of this book is probably Ezra, the word "I" always refers to Nehemiah.
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.
These are names of men.
"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.
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"
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.
This is the name of a man.
Hanani was Nehemiah's biological brother.
"Hanani, came from Judah with some other men"
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.
Here "They" refers to Hanani and the other people who had come from Judah.
Here "province" refers to Judah as an administrative district under the Persian Empire. Alternate translation: "the province of Judah" or "Judah"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "armies have broken open the wall of Jerusalem and have set its gates on fire"
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Nehemiah tells what he prayed. Alternate translation: "Then I said to Yahweh"
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.
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.
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"
This verse begins the prayer that Nehemiah begs Yahweh to listen to (Nehemiah 1:5).
"look at me." Here open eyes are a metaphor that represents paying attention to someone. Alternate translation: "pay attention to me"
The ear here is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "listen and pay attention"
"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.
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"
Here the word "house" represents family. Alternate translation: "Both I and my family"
The prayer that Nehemiah begs Yahweh to listen to (Nehemiah 1:5) continues.
The prayer that Nehemiah begs Yahweh to listen to (Nehemiah 1:5) continues.
To "call to mind" is an idiom that means to remember. Alternate translation: "Please remember"
The pronouns "you" and "your" refer to God and so are singular.
The pronouns "you" and "your" are plural and refer to the Israelite people.
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"
The prayer that Nehemiah begs Yahweh to listen to (Nehemiah 1:5) continues.
The pronouns "you" and "your" are plural and refer to the Israelite people.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "though I scattered your people"
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"
This phrase refers to Jerusalem, where the temple was located. Alternate translation: "to Jerusalem, where I have chosen ... remain"
Here the word "name" represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "where I have chosen to dwell"
The prayer that Nehemiah begs Yahweh to listen to (Nehemiah 1:5) continues.
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.
The word "they" refers to the Israelite people.
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"
The prayer that Nehemiah begs Yahweh to listen to (Nehemiah 1:5) ends here.
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.
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.
Here "name" represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: "who delight to honor you"
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.
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"
This is background information about Nehemiah's role in the king's court. Your language may have a special way to mark background information.
This chapter begins the account of the construction of the wall. Many scholars believe these chapters teach valuable lessons on leadership (Nehemiah 2-6).
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.
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 is seen as very powerful. He is able to provide for his people, even through a foreign king. (See: peopleofgod)
"Nisan" is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar.
"in the 20th year that Artaxerxes was king"
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.
"So the king"
Here Nehemiah is referred to by his face because the face shows one's emotions. Alternate translation: "Why are you so sad"
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"
As Nehemiah prepares to answer, he is afraid because he does not know how the king will respond.
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"
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 where my ancestors are buried"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "fire has destroyed its gates" or "our enemy has burned its gates"
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"Then I replied to the king"
Nehemiah refers to himself this way to show his submission to the king.
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in your judgment"
"the city where my ancestors are buried"
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"
"I told him when I wanted to go and how long I would be gone"
This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "may you give letters to me"
This is the name of the province that was west of the Euphrates River. It was across the river from the city of Susa.
This is the name of a man.
God's "good hand" represents his "favor." Alternate translation: "God's favor was upon me"
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Sanballat is the name of a man, and the Horonites were a people group.
This man was likely a freed slave now serving as an officer in Ammon.
"heard that I had arrived"
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Here Nehemiah's "heart" refers to his thoughts and will. Alternate translation: "had inspired me" or "had led me"
"There were no animals with me"
A few men accompanied Nehemiah on this inspection, but he speaks in the first person because he was the primary person.
"At night, I went out through the Valley Gate"
A jackal is a wild dog. Some modern translations read, "Dragon's Well."
Presumably, refuse was removed from the city through this gate.
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"
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The other men with Nehemiah also followed him. Alternate translation: "So we went up ... and we turned back"
"through the Valley Gate"
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"
Here "you" is plural, referring to all the people mentioned in [Nehemiah 2:16]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "how our enemies destroyed its gates by burning them"
"so we will no longer be ashamed"
God's "good hand" represents his "favor." Alternate translation: "my God's favor was upon me"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "begin building"
The phrase "strengthened their hands" means to prepare to do something. Alternate translation: "So they prepared do this good work"
These are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 2:10]
This is the name of a man.
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!"
This refers to Artaxerses, the king of Persia.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "will begin rebuilding"
"But you have no share, legal right, or religious claim to Jerusalem"
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.
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.
"Then Eliashib the high priest came forward with his brothers, the priests"
This is the name of a man.
"Tower of the 100"
This is the name of a tower. It is likely named after a man named "Hananel."
This is the name of a man.
This means that the men were from Jericho. Alternate translation: "men from Jericho"
This is the name of a man.
"installed its doors" or "put its doors in place"
"its locks and bars." These locked the gates securely.
These are names of men.
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"
These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "Tekoites repaired the wall"
These are people from the town of Tekoa.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that their supervisors had ordered them to do"
These are all names of men.
"installed its doors" or "put its doors in place"
"its locks and bars." These locked the gates securely.
Some modern translations read, "Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, who carried out the commands 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."
These are names of men.
Gibeonites and Meronothites are people groups.
These are names of places.
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.
These are names of men.
A goldsmith is a person who makes gold jewelry and other gold objects.
These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "goldsmiths, repaired the wall"
Hananiah repaired the wall as well. Alternate translation: "next to him Hananiah, a maker of perfumes, repaired the wall"
liquid substances that people put on their body in small amounts to smell pleasant
These are names of men.
Hur repaired the wall. Alternate translation: "Hur repaired the wall"
leader or chief administrator
"Half" means one part out of two equal parts.
These are names of men.
These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "Harumaph repaired the wall ... Hashabneiah repaired the wall"
These are all names of men.
These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "repaired another section of the wall"
These are names of men.
These phrase refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "repaired another section of the wall ... repaired the wall, along with his daughters"
Shallum was the ruler, not Hallohesh.
leader or chief administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:9.
"Half" means one part out of two equal parts.
This is the name of a man.
"the people from Zanoah"
This is the name of a place.
"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.
"installed its doors" or "put its doors in place"
"its locks and bars." These locked the gates securely.
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"
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"
"1,000 cubits." This may be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: "460 meters"
Presumably, refuse was removed from the city through this gate. Try to translate this expression as a name, not just as a description.
These are names of men.
Malkijah was the official, not Rekab.
leader or chief administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:9.
This is the name of a place.
"He installed its doors" or "He put its doors in place"
"its locks, and its bars." These locked the gates securely.
These are names of men.
Shallun was the official, not Kol-Hozeh.
This means that the wall was beside the Pool of Siloam. Alternate translation: "the wall that surrounded the Pool of Siloam"
This is the name of a man.
Nehemiah was the official, not Azbuk.
This is a different man named Nehemiah from the person who authored this book.
leader or chief administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:9.
"Half" means one part out of two equal parts.
These are names of places.
These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "repaired the wall up to the place"
"warriors"
These are names of men.
This is the name of a place.
These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "Levites repaired the wall"
"representing his district" or "on behalf of his district"
These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "Next to him their brothers repaired the wall"
"relatives" or "fellow Jews." These were probably not children of the same father and mother.
"Next to him"
These are names of men.
Binnui was the official, not Henadad.
leader or chief administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:9.
This is the name of a place.
These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "repaired another section of the wall"
These are names of men.
This is the name of a place.
Ezer was the official, not Jeshua.
leader or chief administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:9.
"in front of the steps that went up to the armory"
the place where weapons are kept
"Next to him"
These are the names of men.
This refers to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "repaired another section of the wall"
These are the names of men.
These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "around Jerusalem, repaired the wall"
These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "Benjamin and Hasshub repaired the wall ... Azariah ... repaired the wall"
These are the names of men.
"Next to them"
"in front of their own house"
These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "Binnui ... repaired the wall"
These are the names of men.
"Next to him"
These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "Palal ... repaired the wall ... Parosh repaired the wall"
These are the names of men.
"the tower that rises up"
"higher palace of the leader of Israel"
This is the place where the guards stayed.
"Next to him"
These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "servants ... repaired the wall"
This is the name of a place.
"in front of the Water Gate"
"the tall tower." The phrase "the projecting tower" means a tall tower that juts out from the wall.
These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "the Tekoites repaired another section of the wall"
These are people from the town of Tekoa. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:5]
"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.
These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "priests repaired the wall"
The word "above" is used here because the priests' houses were likely located at a higher elevation than the Horse Gate.
"in front of his own house"
These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "repaired the section of the wall ... east gate, repaired the wall"
"Next to them"
These are the names of men.
Shemaiah was the keeper of the east gate, not Shekaniah.
"the person who looked after the east gate" or "the person who opened and closed the east gate"
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"
"Next to him"
These are the names of men.
"son 6" or "son number 6"
"in front of the rooms where he stayed." The word "his" refers to Meshullam.
"Next to him"
This is the name of a man.
A goldsmith is a person who makes gold jewelry and other gold objects.
These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "repaired the wall to the house"
"sellers" or "traders"
the higher-level rooms where people stayed
These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: "merchants repaired the wall"
This is the name of an entranceway in the wall.
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)
Sanballat uses a series of rhetorical questions. These are intended to show his intense anger against the Israelites.
Here Nehemiah uses the word "now" to signal a new part of the story.
This is a man's name. See how you translated it in [Nehemiah 2:10]
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"
"In the presence of his kinsmen" or "In the presence of his clan"
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."
"weak Jews"
This speaks of not finishing something quickly by saying that it cannot be accomplished in a day. Alternate translation: "quickly"
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."
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "from piles of rubble that someone had burned"
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 2:10]
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 begins to pray to God.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let their enemies rob them"
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 where they are prisoners"
Nehemiah contines the prayer he began in verse 4.
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.'"
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"
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"
Nehemiah is expressing a desire. He is not asking God to forbid another person from blotting out the sin.
"they have made the builders become angry"
"So we rebuilt the wall"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we joined the wall together and it was half its total height"
"Half" means one part out of two equal parts.
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"
Here "Jerusalem" refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: "against the people of Jerusalem"
"put men around the wall to guard the city"
Rubble is "burned stone" or "broken rock" or "unusable stone."
"They will not see us coming until we are beside them"
This represents many directions. The word "all" is an exaggeration for represents "many." Alternate translation: "from many directions"
Here the number 10 is used to represent "many." Alternate translation: "spoke to us many times"
"in the vulnerable areas"
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"
the phrase "call to mind" means to remember. Alternate translation: "Remember the Lord"
"It happened that"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we knew about their plans"
"my young men worked"
"Half" means one part out of two equal parts.
"the leaders positioned themselves behind all the people"
These were people who carried supplies to those who were actually working on the wall.
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.
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Here "I" refers to Nehemiah.
These are the leaders referred to in Nehemiah 4:16.
Here the word "great" means "large-scale" or "huge."
This refers to someone blowing a ram's horn. Alternate translation: "someone blowing a ram's horn"
Here "Half" means one part out of two equal parts.
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"
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"
"within Jerusalem"
"took off our clothes"
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)
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.
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 word "people" refers to the men who were working on building the wall.
The word "outcry" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "cried out loudly"
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"We are having to pledge" or "We are having to give in pledge"
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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"
This is an idiom which refers to their family members. Alternate translation: "our family"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We have already sold some of our daughters into slavery"
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"
This is an idiom which means that they do not have the resources to do something. Alternate translation: "we are unable"
The word "outcry" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "when I heard them cry out"
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.
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"
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"
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.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who people had sold as slaves to the nations"
The pronoun "I" refers to Nehemiah.
"You" here refers to the Jewish nobles.
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."
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 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"
borrowing or giving something to someone expecting repayment
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.
A part of the value of the loan that the borrower was charged in interest.
"you charged them" or "you made them pay"
Here "they" refers to the Jewish leaders.
The Jewish leaders are saying they will return the money which the poorer Jews paid in interest charges.
Here the word "them" refers to the Jewish leaders.
"I" refers to Nehemiah.
"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.
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"
Here "I" refers to Nehemiah.
"from the 20th year until the 32 year"
"that Artaxerxes was king"
"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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "ate the food that the people provided for the governor"
"every day for their"
"previous governors" or "governors from the past." Nehemiah was not the first governor of Judah.
"40 shekels" or "40 silver coins"
"oppressed the people" or "forced the people to obey them absolutely"
"But because my fear of God I did not take the food" or "But I did not take the food because I feared God"
"I" refers to Nehemiah.
The word "we" refers to Nehemiah and his servants.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I gathered all of my servants there"
"to work on the wall"
"one hundred and fifty men"
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
This refers to the governor's table. It was a communal table for the community and for discussion of issues.
government leaders
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"
"6 choice ... 10 days"
"enough wine for everyone"
"yet I never asked for the governor's food allowance"
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"
This is an idiom. It is a request for God to think about him and remember him. Alternate translation: "Remember me"
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"
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.
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.
These are the names of men. See how you translated them in [Nehemiah 2:10]
This is the name of a man.
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"
This refers to sections of the wall. Alternate translation: "any sections of the wall" or "any gaps in the city wall"
This means that they sent a messenger with a message. Alternate translation: "sent a messenger to me"
This is the name of a place.
Nehemiah supervised the rebuilding of the wall. He did not build it by himself. Alternate translation: "We are doing a great work"
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"
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.
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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"
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.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The rumor in the region is"
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"
"King Artaxerxes will hear"
"Therefore come meet with us"
Here "I" refers to Nehemiah and "him" to Sanballat.
"None of the things you have written have occurred"
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"
Here "they" refers to Nehemiah's enemies, Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and their followers. The word "us" refers to the Jews.
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"
Here Nehemiah requests for God to strengthen him by asking him to strengthen his "hands." Alternate translation: "strengthen me" or "give me courage"
These are men's names.
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 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."
"but that he had prophesied in order to oppose me"
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"
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "Remember"
This is the name of a woman.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We finished the wall"
"day 25 of the month of Elul." Elul is the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar.
"52 days"
"they thought much less of themselves" or "they lost confidence in themselves"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it was our God who helped us complete this work"
The nobles sent messengers to bring these letters to Tobiah. Alternate translation: "sent many messengers with letters"
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"
See how you translated this man's name in [Nehemiah 2:10]
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"
This means that Tobiah was married to the daughter of Shekaniah. See how you translated "Shekaniah" in [Nehemiah 3:29]
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:4.
"The Jewish nobles told me about Tobiah's good deeds and then told him about my responses"
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"
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.
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When we had finished the wall"
This was done with help. Alternate translation: "I and others hung the doors"
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"
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
vocal musicians who led in worship, in processions, and ceremonies, producing music and chants that emphasized and enhanced the occasion
These are names of men.
"I gave the order for my brother Hanani to be the manager"
"official who was in charge of the fortress"
"feared God more than many other people"
The word "them" refers to Hanani and Hananiah.
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 high in the sky"
"Shut the doors and bar them while the gatekeepers are still on guard"
See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1
"close the gates and lock them"
"Assign guards from those people who live in Jerusalem"
"guard post" or "guard duty place"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people had not yet rebuilt the houses"
Here Nehemiah's "heart" refers to his thoughts and will. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 2:12]
"to list and register them"
This was a book that no longer exists.
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "found that someone had written the following in it"
"These are the descendants of this region"
"returned from" or "came back from"
This is an idiom that refers to traveling toward Jerusalem, which was on higher ground than the surrounding area.
"whom Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of Babylon, took away from their home country." The army of Babylon did this under the command of Nebuchadnezzar.
These are the names of 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 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.
These are the names of men.
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name.
Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.
These are the names of men.
"that is, the descendants of Jeshua and Joab"
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name.
Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name.
These are the names of men.
This is a man's name.
Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name.
The writer has shortened this sentence. Alternate translation: "the descendants of Ater, who is a descendant of Hezekiah"
This is a man's name.
Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name.
These are the names of places in Judah.
Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.
This is the name of a place.
This is the name of a place.
This is the name of a place.
These are the names of places.
Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.
This is the name of a place.
These are names of places.
This is the name of a place.
This is the name of a place.
Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.
This is the name of a place.
This is the name of a place.
This is the name of a place.
This is the name of a place.
Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.
These are names of men.
The word "house" is a metonym for family. Alternate translation: "from the family of Jeshua"
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name.
Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.
These are all names of men.
This is a man's name.
See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.
This is a man's name.
See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.
These verses continue the names of people whose descendants returned from the exile.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
This is the same man known by the name Siaha in Ezra 2:44.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These verses continue the names of people whose descendants returned from the exile.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These verses continue the names of people whose descendants returned from the exile.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.
These are names of men.
This is the name of a man who is called Hassophereth in Ezra 2:55.
This is the name of a man who is also called Peruda in Ezra 2:55.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
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Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.
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"
These are names of places.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
"They searched their written genealogical records"
"These" refers to the descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (Nehemiah 7:63).
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "but they could not find their records"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until a priest with Urim and Thummim approved"
These were sacred stones that the high priest carried on his breastplate and used at times to determine God's will.
Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile.
"The whole group together"
"was 42,360 people"
"male singers and female singers"
"seven hundred and thirty-six ... two hundred and forty-five." These are numbers of animals brought back.
"four hundred and thirty-five ... six thousand seven hundred and twenty." These are numbers of animals brought back.
"the chief patriarchs" or "the leaders of the clans"
"put into the treasury"
"1,000 darics"
A daric was a small gold coin that people in the Persian Empire used.
"fifty basins." These are large bowls.
"five hundred thirty priestly garments." These are items of clothing worn by the priests.
"20,000 darics"
"two thousand two hundred minas of silver." A mina is about one half of a kilogram in weight.
"2,000 minas"
"67 priestly garments"
See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.
See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.
The implied information is that this refers to some of the Israelites who were not priests or other temple workers.
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.
"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.
"lived in their own cities"
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)
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.
The word "all" is a generalization that indicates the people as a whole came together. Alternate translation: "The people gathered all together"
This was the name of a large opening or doorway in the wall.
This would have been all or part of the first five books of the Old Testament.
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 Book of the Law"
This would include children who were old enough to understand what was being read.
"He turned towards the open area"
Here "it" refers to the Book of the law of Moses.
These are all names of men.
The abstract noun "sight" can be expressed with the verb "see." Alternate translation: "Everyone saw Ezra open the book"
"The Book of the Law"
"he was standing higher than the people"
The people stood up out of respect for God's word.
Ezra thanked Yahweh or Ezra praised Yahweh or Ezra said that he desired that Yahweh be pleased with Ezra and Ezra's people.
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The word "They" here refers to the Levites.
The abstract nouns "interpretation" and "meaning" can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: "clearly interpreting and explaining it"
"what was read"
This is a generalization that indicates there was great weeping among the people. Alternate translation: "For the people wept greatly"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not grieve"
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"
"Be quiet!" or "Be silent!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not grieve"
The abstract noun "joy" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "rejoice greatly"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the words that he declared to them"
"On day 2" or "On the next day"
The abstract noun "insight" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "to understand"
These were temporary shelters that people made out of branches and leaves.
"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.
"They should announce"
a kind of small tree with colorful flowers
"leafy trees"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "as Moses wrote about it"
"each built their own shelters"
These are names of large openings or doorways in the wall.
"in the open place by the Gate of Ephraim"
"From the days of Joshua"
"Nun" here is a man's name.
The abstract noun "joy" can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: "the people were very joyful"
This idiom means "each day."
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 made a feast" or "They celebrated the festival"
"on day 8"
This was a special religious gathering.
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"
This chapter and the next one form a single section.
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)
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)
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)
"the twenty-fourth day of the seventh month" This is near the middle of October on Western calendars.
"the people of Israel came together"
This was in order to show how sorry they were for the wrong things they and their ancestors had done.
"The Israelites"
"no longer had anything to do with those who were not Israelites"
"They stood and admitted the wrong things that they had done and the wicked things their forefathers had done"
All the Israelites stood up
"they were admitting the wrong things they had done"
"worshiping" or "praising"
Some versions translate, "Jeshua, Bani ... stood on the stairs built for the Levites"
men's names
Here the Levites are speaking to the people of Israel.
"bless Yahweh"
These are the names of men. See how you translated them in [Nehemiah 9:4]
These are the names of men.
the Levites are speaking to Yahweh. "May the people of Judah bless your glorious name, Yahweh"
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"
The Levites continue their prayer before all the people.
"Ur, where the Chaldean people group lived"
The heart, the inner being of the person, represents the person. Alternate translation: "You saw that he was completely faithful to you"
people group names
In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
Yahweh saw
The implied information is that God was moved to action because of the Israelites' cries for help.
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 Egyptians"
"were arrogant toward the Israelites" or "mistreated God's chosen people"
Here "name" represents a reputation. Alternate translation: "you made yourself famous and even now people still remember"
In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
God divided
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.
In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
Yahweh led the Israelites.
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"
Both of these double phrases describe the same thing, the law of Moses.
In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
Each of these three words refers to the law of Moses.
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In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
the Israelites at the time of Moses and the people of Israel after the time of Moses
This is an metaphor that means that they were stubborn. Alternate translation: "they were very stubborn"
This is an metaphor that means that they were stubborn. See how you translated this phrase in [Nehemiah 9:16]
"the miracles that you had done among them"
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"
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"
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"
In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
melted metal and molded it in the shape of a calf
Yahweh did not abandon the Israelites.
See how you translated this in Nehemiah 9:12.
In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
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.
teach
This litotes can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: "you generously gave them manna"
The mouth is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "from them"
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In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
Yahweh gave the Israelites kingdoms.
"enabled them to conquer kingdoms and peoples"
"enabling them to possess every part of the land"
These are the names of kings.
These are names of places.
In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
Yahweh made the descendants of the Israelites at the time of Moses
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"
In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
The Israelites at the time of Moses captured
"a fertile land"
holes in the ground where people store water
This might be a metaphor for "stopped thinking about Yahweh" or "became complacent."
In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
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"
The Israelites threw Yahweh's law.
Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "you allowed their enemies to defeat them and cause them to suffer"
Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "you sent people to stop their enemies from harming them"
In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
Here "they" refers to the Israelites and "you" to Yahweh.
Here "hand" represents power or control. Alternate translation: "you abandoned them and allow their enemies to defeat them"
If your language has a word for "listen" that also means "obey," use it here.
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"
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"
In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
Here "hand" represents power or control. See how you translated these words in [Nehemiah 9:27]
Yahweh gave
"the neighboring peoples" or "the peoples of the lands near them"
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In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
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"
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"
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"
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In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
"while they enjoyed the good things you gave them"
"they were not obedient to your law or teaching"
In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
"all the good things in it" or "all the good things we can get from it"
"We pay tribute to kings for working our own land"
The kings rule.
In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
because the people had disobeyed and Yahweh had punished them
The reader should understand that the men wrote their names on the document before it was sealed.
This chapter concludes the passage beginning in chapter 9.
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)
Here begins a list of the people whose names were on the sealed document.
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"
The documents were sealed after the names had been signed on the documents.
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.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 1:1]
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents (verse 1) continues.
These are names of men.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:23.
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents (verse 1) continues.
These are names of men.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:11.
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
See how you translated this man's name in [Nehemiah 3:10]
See how you translated this man's name in [Nehemiah 9:4]
This is a man's name.
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:11]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:4]
This is a man's name.
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
These are the names of men.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:20.
This is a man's name. See how you translated it in [Nehemiah 9:4]
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:29.
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"
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.
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"
These are the names of men. See how you translated them in [Nehemiah 3:18-19]
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name. See how you translated it in Nehemiah 3:24.
This is a man's name. See how you translated it in Nehemiah 7:43.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 9:4]
These are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 8:7]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:49]
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 10:11.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:17.
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:2]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 8:7]
This is a man's name.
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
These are the names of men.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:17.
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"
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:25]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:11]
These are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:12]
In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the names of the people who signed the sealed document.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 9:4]
These are the names of men. See how you translated them in [Nehemiah 7:16-17]
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
These are the names of men.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:7.
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:20.
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 8:7]
These are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:20]
This is a man's name.
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:23.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:27.
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:4.
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
This is a man's name.
These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:4.
In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the names of the people who signed the sealed document.
This is a man's name.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:49.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 8:4.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:8.
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
These are the name of men.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:11.
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
These are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:11]
These are the name of men.
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:17]
These are the name of men.
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:23.
These are the name of men.
This is a man's name.
The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.
These are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 10:4]
This is a man's name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:6]
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.
You may need to make explicit that these are those who sang in the temple. Alternate translation: "temple singers"
"the neighboring peoples" or "the peoples who lived in the lands near them"
This phrase can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "all who were old enough to understand what promising to obey God meant"
"their fellow brothers the nobles" or "their brothers the leaders." These phrases refer to the same people.
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "to live by God's law" or "to obey God's law"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which Moses the servant of God had given to Israel"
"to follow"
In these verses, the people describe the content of the oath they were making in Nehemiah 10:29.
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"
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"
The pronoun "we" here includes Nehemiah and the Jewish people, but not the reader of this book.
The pronoun "we" here includes Nehemiah and the Jewish people, but not the reader of this book.
"year 7"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "we will not plow our fields" or "we will not grow anything in our fields"
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"
In these verses, the people continue describing the content of the oath they were making in Nehemiah 10:29.
"We promised to obey the command"
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
"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"
"to pay for the care of"
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.
These were celebrations held when the moon was just a small crescent in the sky.
In these verses, the people continue describing the content of the oath they were making in Nehemiah 10:29.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for the Levites to burn"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "as it states"
"in our soil" or "on our land"
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In these verses, the people continue describing the content of the oath they started making in Nehemiah 10:28 and 29.
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
Possible meanings are that this refers to 1) dough made from coarse flour, 2) coarse flour, or 3) ground grain.
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 best"
"the places where things are stored in the temple"
Here "our soil" refers to everything that is grown in the ground. Alternate translation: "the tithes of what we grow in the ground"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people give them the tithes"
This means one part out of ten equal parts.
"the storerooms in the temple"
In these verses, the people finish describing the content of the oath they were making in Nehemiah 10:29.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the rooms where the priests keep the things that are used in the temple"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "We will care for the temple"
The pronoun "we" here includes Nehemiah and all the people of Israel but does not include the reader of this book.
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.
"the people threw marked stones"
"to bring one family out of every ten families"
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"on his own property: Israelites"
"some of the people of Judah and some of the people of Benjamin"
"From the descendants of Judah:"
These are the names of men.
"from the descendants of Perez"
In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the provincial officers who lived in Jerusalem.
These are the names of men.
This is a man's name.
"All ... were four hundred and sixty-eight." Perez had 468 descendants who lived in Jerusalem.
"They were courageous men" or "They were valiant men"
In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the provincial officers who lived in Jerusalem.
"These are some of the descendants." Your language may need to specify that this is not a list of every descendant.
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
"nine hundred and twenty-eight men."
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
These are names of men.
"their brothers" or "their kinsmen"
"who worked in the temple." The "house" referred to here is the "house of God" mentioned in the previous verse.
"eight hundred and twenty-two men"
the brothers of Adaiah, the son of Jeroham (Nehemiah 11:12).
This word is a metaphor for 1) fellow Israelites or 2) people who did the same work. Alternate translation: "associates" or "fellow workers"
"two hundred and forty-two men"
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
"one hundred and twenty-eight courageous fighting men." These were "valiant warriors" or "courageous warriors."
These are the names of men.
These are the names of men.
"from the leaders of the Levites, were in charge"
These are the names of men.
That is, who directed the singers.
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."
Another possible meaning is "associates" or "fellow workers."
This expression refers to the city of Jerusalem.
"numbered two hundred and eighty-four." There were 284 Levites in Jerusalem.
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.
These are the names of men.
"one hundred and seventy-two men"
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These are the names of men.
This is the name of a place.
"The overseer of"
These are the names of men.
"The king had told them what to do"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the king had told them specifically what to do about the singers"
These are the names of men.
"at the Persian king's side as an adviser in all matters concerning the Jewish people"
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
Here "they" refers to the people of Judah, and encamped is probably a metaphor for "lived in houses" .
These are the names of places.
This is possibly another name for the town of Ai.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
These are the names of places.
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"
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"
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)
"who arrived from Babylonia"
"under the leadership of Zerubbabel"
These are names of men.
The original readers would have understood that Jeshua was the high priest. Alternate translation: "Jeshua the high priest"
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
The list that began in Nehemiah 12:1 continues.
These words have been added for this translation. If you continue the list that began in Nehemiah 12:1, you can omit these words.
These are all names of men.
These are all names of men.
These are all names of men.
These are all names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
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."
These are names of men.
This is the same Jeshua named in [Nehemiah 12:1]
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
These are names of families named after men.
These are names of men.
These are names of families named after men.
These are names of men.
These are names of families named after men.
The list that began in Nehemiah 12:12 continues.
These are all names of men.
These are all names of families that are named after men.
"was the leader of the family of" or "was the leader of the descendants of"
These are all names of men.
These are all names of families that are named after men.
Ginnethon may be another form of the name Ginnethoi.
These are names of men.
These are all names of families that are named after men.
These are all names of men.
These are all names of families that are named after men.
These are all names of men.
These are all names of families that are named after men.
These are all names of men.
These are all names of families that are named after men.
These are all names of men.
These are all names of families that are named after men.
names of men
Another possible meaning is "until the reign of Darius"
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.
The records in the temple recorded only up until Johanan.
These are names of men.
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.
King David had commanded the Levites how they were to organize and lead worship.
These are names of men.
These are names of men.
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"
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."
two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound
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These are the names of places.
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the leaders of the people who lived in the region of Judah
These are the names of males.
These are the names of males.
"behind them followed"
These are the names of males.
These are the names of males.
Some modern translations read, "from among the priests with trumpets, Zechariah"
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"
"Along with them were"
These are the names of males.
"Ezra the scribe was leading them"
These are the names of openings in the wall.
group of singers
Nehemiah followed them.
This is the name of a tall structure where people kept watch for danger.
This is a name for part of the wall.
These are the names of tall structures where people kept watch for danger.
These are the names of openings in the wall.
Nehemiah is speaking here. Alternate translation: "I, Nehemiah, also took my place"
These are the names of males who were the priests at that time.
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.
These are the names of males who were the priests at that time.
This is the name of a male who was the leader of the singers.
"sang loudly"
"rejoice greatly"
"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"
This can be stated in active form. It is not clear who appointed the men. Alternate translation: "they appointed men to be in charge"
things the people gave to the priests
It seems that the people appointed the men because the people of Judah were grateful for the priests and Levites who were serving.
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"
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.
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.
Zerubbabel was a descendant of King David and one of the governors in the region of Judah.
"All Israel set aside the consecrated portion"
the priests in Israel, who descended from Aaron, the brother of Moses
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)
"so that the people could hear it"
"should ever come into the assembly of God"
"They could not come into the assembly because"
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This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "they appointed Eliashib the priest" or "the leaders appointed Eliashib the priest"
"Eliashib and Tobiah worked closely together"
These are the names of men.
"Eliashib prepared a large storeroom for Tobiah to use"
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.
"During the time all this was happening, I was away from Jerusalem"
Here "I" refers to Nehemiah.
This was a room which had previously been purified to store offering supplies (Nehemiah 13:5).
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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"
"the Levites and the singers who did the work had left the temple, each one going to his own field"
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!"
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"
These are the names of men.
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"
"My God, remember me concerning this"
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"
walking on something to crush or press it
This is the name of a city.
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 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."
"When the sun went down ... and it was time for the Sabbath to begin"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the guards shut the doors and not open them until"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one could bring in things they wanted to sell"
"people who had brought many different things they wanted to sell"
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."
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!"
"My God, remember me concerning this also." See how you translated a similar phrase in Nehemiah 13:14.
These verses introduce the action that follows.
"Jews that had married foreign women." God had forbidden intermarriage. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear.
This is the name of a city.
These are the names of nations.
"As a result, half of their children"
"I spoke directly to them about what they had done"
Nehemiah hit some of them with his hands.
"I made them say a promise before God"
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 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."
These are the names of men.
This refers to a person from the city of Beth Horon.
"I chased him away" or "I made him leave Jerusalem"
"Think about them" or "Remember what they have done." See how you translated a similar phrase in Nehemiah 13:14.
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"
"In this way I purified them"
"told the priests and Levites what they were to do"
"I arranged for a supply of wood for the wood offerings"
"for the offering of firstfruits at harvest time"
"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.
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.
"In the time of Xerxes" or "When Xerxes was ruling as king"
This is background information to help the reader identify Xerxes.
A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government.
Here "royal throne" may refer to his rule over the kingdom. Alternate translation: "ruled the empire"
This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city.
This was a royal city of Persian kings.
"After he had ruled for 2 years"
This likely refers to the leaders of the army. Alternate translation: "The officers of the army"
These words have similar meaning and emphasize how great his kingdom was. Alternate translation: "the great wealth of his kingdom"
These words have similar meaning and emphasize how great he was. Alternate translation: "the splendor of his greatness"
"one hundred and eighty days"
"At the end of that feast"
This was a second feast that was only for the officials in Susa. Alternate translation: "another feast that lasted seven days"
This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city.See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.
See how you translated the name of this place in [Esther 1:2]
A "mosaic" consists of colored stones arranged in an attractive pattern.
This is a kind of red and purple rock that contained pieces of crystal.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The guests drank wine from gold cups"
"the king was very generous with the royal wine"
"great willingness to give"
"No one must be forced to drink"
This statement means that the king told his workers to give all the guests as much wine as they wanted.
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"After 6 days"
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"
These are names of men.
This is background information to explain who these men were.
"she was very beautiful"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the king's officials told her about his command"
"at the command"
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"
"who understood the things that happened in their lives"
This background information explains why the king called these men.
These are the names of men.
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 observance of the law" or "In obedience to the law"
Translate his name as in [Esther 1:14]
These are exaggerations to emphasize the damage that the queen's refusal caused.
a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.
This is an exaggeration to emphasize the damage that the queen's refusal caused.
"They will be angry with their husbands and treat them with contempt"
Meremoth continues to answer 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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which no one can change"
Meremoth speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: "your decree ... your vast kingdom"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When they hear the king's decree" or "When they hear what you have commanded"
very wide
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.
Translate his name as in [Esther 1:14]
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.
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.
"all men should have complete authority over their wives and their children"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They wrote this decree"
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.
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.
This introduces a new event that happened a while later.
"the king became less angry"
This is refers to the decree in Esther 1:19-20.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Tell your servants to search"
The men speak to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: "on your behalf"
The young servants continue to speak to the king.
The servants spoke to the king in third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: "You should ... your official"
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.
where the wives of a man with many wives live
This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city. See how you translated this in Esther 1:2.
See how you translated the name of this place in [Esther 1:2]
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"
This is a man's name.
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.
The servants spoke to the king in third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: "pleases you"
This introduces Mordecai as a new character in the story.
Translate the name of this city as in [Esther 1:2]
"Jair," "Shimei," and "Kish" are men from whom "Mordecai" is the male descendant.
"of the tribe of Benjamin"
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"
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.
This continues the background information about Mordecai and explains his relationship to Esther.
This is Esther's Hebrew name.
"his cousin"
"her father and mother had died"
"cared for her as if she was his own daughter"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "After the king commanded that they search for some beautiful women"
"announced"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they brought many young women"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Hegai began to take care of them"
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"
See how you translated this in Esther 1:5.
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how much she pleased him. Alternate translation: "The young girl greatly pleased him"
"Esther"
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"how Esther was doing" or "about Esther's well-being"
Verses 12-14 are background information about the customs for the women who became the king's concubines.
This is information that gives background information to the other background material in verses 12-14.
"acting in accordance with the requirements for the women"
"what the king had commanded that the women needed to do"
Things done to make the girls look more beautiful and smell good.
These words are repeated from the beginning of Esther 2:12 because so much background information is given there.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "she could take whatever she desired"
See how you translated this in Esther 1:5.
This continues the background information that began in [Esther 2:12]
It is implied that this is the following morning. This information can be made clear. Alternate translation: "the next morning"
"a different house"
"to where Shaashgaz, ... concubines would take care of her"
"supervision" or "protection"
This is a man's name.
This introduces a new part of the story.
This background information reminds the reader of Esther's relationship to Mordecai.
Esther's father and Mordecai's uncle
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "she asked only for what"
See how you translated this man's name in Esther 2:3.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "pleased all"
"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.
"year number 7"
This is the romantic use of the word "love."
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]
The king did this to show that he was making her his queen.
It may be helpful to state that this is the name of the feast. Alternate translation: "he called it, 'Esther's feast,'"
"he collected fewer taxes from the provinces than he had been collecting"
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.
"generosity that only a king can give"
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.
"one more time" or "an additional time"
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 gate to the king's palace"
Mordecai told her not to tell anyone about her family.
This introduces a new event in the story.
These are the names of men.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When Mordecai learned about what they were planning"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "on behalf of Mordecai"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The king investigated and confirmed the report, and ordered his servants to hang both men"
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 can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They recorded this account"
"the royal history" or "the royal chronicles"
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.
This introduces a new event in the story.
This is the name and description of Haman, one of the king's officials.
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"
These acts represent submission to the authority of Haman.
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"to find out what Haman would do about Mordecai's actions"
Mordecai showed disrespect for Haman's status in the government by not doing these actions.
Here Haman's rage is spoken of as something that could fill him up. Alternate translation: "Haman became very angry"
"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"
"was trying to exterminate" or "was looking for an opportunity to exterminate"
"get rid of all the Jews" or "kill all the Jews"
"In month one"
"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 year number 12 of King Xerxes" or "when King Xerxes had reigned for about twelve years"
"they cast the Pur—that is the lot—"
"month twelve"
"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.
"a group of people" This refers to the Jews as an ethnic group.
"who live in many different places"
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.
Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: "your ... you"
"the king should not let them remain." This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "the king should remove them"
"If the king would be pleased to do so" or "If doing so would please the king"
Haman speaks to the king in third person here to show respect. Alternate translation: "you, the king, give" or "you, give"
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"
"330 metric tons of silver"
a special ring that could be used to imprint the king's official seal on a proclamation
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."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the king summoned his scribes ... they wrote a decree containing all that Haman had commanded"
This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The thirteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars.
"governors of the provinces." Translate "province" as in Esther 1:1.
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"
Here "name" represents the authority of the king. Alternate translation: "in the authority of"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Couriers hand-delivered the letters" or "Courtiers gave the letters directly"
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.
These words mean the same thing and emphasize the completeness of the destruction. Alternate translation: "completely destroy"
"day thirteen of month twelve"
"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.
steal by force
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The officials in every province made a copy of the letter become the law"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They told all the people in every province"
"that day"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They also distributed the decree"
This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city. See how you translated this in Esther 1:2.
See how you translated the name of this place in [Esther 1:2]
Mordecai tells Esther she must beg the king for the Jews' lives, even if she risks her own death.
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."
"found out about those letters"
These acts are signs of severe sadness. Alternate translation: "tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes to show his grief"
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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 Jews mourned greatly"
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.
"female servants and male servants"
"for Mordecai to wear"
This is the name of a man.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "one of the officials whom the king had assigned to serve her"
See how you translated this man's name in [Esther 4:5]
"the city plaza"
See how you translated this man's name in [Esther 3:1]
"Mordecai also gave Hathak"
"to beg for the king's favor"
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or "instructed him"
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"
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "without the king summoning him" or "unless the king summons him"
"he must be killed" or "he must be executed"
"30 days"
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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"
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."
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See how you translated the name of this place in [Esther 1:2]
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"
"3 days"
or "instructed him"
This chapter begins a section about Haman's fall (Chapters 5-7).
Esther approached the king with the utmost of respect. By doing this, her character became respected by the king.
"across the room from the entrance of the house" or "looking toward the entrance to the house"
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 did this to show that he he was pleased with her.
She probably did this to to show that she respected his authority and was thankful for his kindness to her.
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"
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"
See how you translated this man's name in [Esther 3:1]
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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"
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"
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"
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"
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 shows respect to the king by using third person to speak to 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: "if you are pleased with me, O King, and if it pleases you"
"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"
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"
This can be translated with the word "you" along with other words that show respect. Alternate translation: "I will answer your question"
Rising was a sign of respect. Mordecai did not give Haman special respect.
Being "filled with rage" represents being very angry. Alternate translation: he was extremely angry"
This can be translated with a phrase. "Even though he was so angry"
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"
This is a woman's name.
"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"
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"
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"
This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: "only me"
"does not make me happy" or "does not satisfy me"
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]
"50 cubits high." You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "twenty-three meters high"
"he told people to construct the gallows"
"Haman liked this idea"
This chapter continues the story of Haman's fall.
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.
"the records of his reign" or "the royal record book"
These are the names of two men. See how your translated their names in [Esther 2:21]
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"
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "What did I do to give honor" or "What did we do to give honor"
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"
See how you translated this man's name in Esther 3:1
"the first courtyard from the outside"
It can be made clear what the purpose of hanging him was. Alternate translation: "killing Mordecai by hanging 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]
"built"
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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"
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"
The heart represents the thoughts and attitudes. Alternate translation: "thought" or "said to himself"
This can be expressed as a statement. "Surely there is no one whom the king would take pleasure in honoring more than me!"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let someone bring royal robes" or "tell your servants to bring royal robes"
The word "whose" refers to the horse. The royal crest is a special symbol that represents the king's family.
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"
"Tell them to clothe ... in honoring and to lead him."
If your language has a special word for putting someone into especially beautiful clothes, you might want to use it here.
"Tell the noble official and servants to proclaim"
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"
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People often covered their head to show that they were either extremely sad or ashamed.
See how you translated this woman's name in [Esther 6:13]
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 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"
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The story of Haman's fall concludes in this chapter.
When "the servants covered Haman's face," they were showing that he had been condemned to be executed. (See: and condemn)
See how you translated this man's name in [Esther 3:1]
"on this second day of feasting"
"as they were drinking wine" or "during the banquet." They were probably also eating food, not only drinking wine.
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"
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"
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"
"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"
The abstract noun "petition" can be expressed with the verb "ask for." Alternate translation: "this is what I ask for"
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"
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"
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"
"was extremely afraid"
Being in a rage is an idiom for being extremely angry. Alternate translation: "The king was extremely angry and got up"
"to beg Queen Esther to save his life"
Here seeing represents realizing or understanding. Alternate translation: "He realized that disaster was being decided"
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"
"where they had been drinking wine" or "where the banquet had been." They were probably also eating food, not only drinking wine.
a long piece of furniture where a person can sit or lie down
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!"
"attack the queen." This phrase is a polite way to refer to rape.
Speech coming out of the mouth is a metonym that represents speaking. Alternate translation: "As soon as the king said this"
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"
This is the name of a man.
You may convert "fifty cubits" to a modern measure. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Esther 5:14]
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"
Yahweh is at work in this chapter preventing the Jews from possible destruction. God used Esther and Mordecai to protect their people.
See how you translated this man's name in Esther 3:1.
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]
By giving his signet ring to Mordecai, the king gave Mordecai the authority to write important papers that people would have to obey.
This refers to the things that had belonged to Haman and that the king had given to Esther.
"begged"
"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"
See how you translated this in Esther 3:1
"the plot that he had invented" or "the plot that Haman invented"
He did this to show that he was pleased with her. See how you translated a similar phrase in Esther 5:2
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 what I ask for pleases the king"
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"
"Before the king" here is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: "if the king thinks that what I ask for is proper"
Here "his eyes" is a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: "he is pleased with me"
take back and make of no effect
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.
This is the name of a man.
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 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."
This represents all that Haman had owned. Alternate translation: "all that had belonged to Haman" or "all of Haman's property"
See how you translated this in Esther 6:4
Writing something in the king's name represents writing it with his authority, or writing it as his representative.
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"
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"
Writing something in the king's name represents writing it with his authority, or writing it as his representative.
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.
"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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They wrote a decree"
"one hundred and twenty-seven 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 script." There are different writing systems around the world.
Writing something in the king's name represents writing it with his authority, or writing it as his representative.
See how you translated this phrase in Esther 8:2
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.
people who carry messages
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"
"told the Jews ... that he was allowing them to gather"
This is a metaphor for fighting back and not running away. Alternate translation: "fight back"
See how you translated this in Esther 3:13
"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"
"Without delay" here is an idiom meaning that they did not delay or wait. Alternate translation: "They went immediately"
This is the city where the king's palace was. See how you translated it in [Esther 1:2]
The "city" represents the people living in it. Alternate translation: "the people of the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced"
The word "rejoiced" tells how they shouted. Alternate translation: "shouted joyfully"
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"
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"
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.
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"
day on which people celebrate special events
Fear falling on people represents people becoming very afraid. Alternate translation: "they had become very afraid of the Jews"
The events of this chapter were so significant, the Jews celebrated these events every year after this. It is known as "Purim."
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.
See how you translated a similar phrase in Esther 3:13.
"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"
Gaining power over people is an idiom for defeating them. Alternate translation: "to defeat the Jews"
"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"
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.
Laying hands on people is a metonym for fighting against them. Alternate translation: "to fight their enemies"
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"
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"
Fear falling on people represents people becoming very afraid. Alternate translation: "all the peoples had become very afraid of the Jews"
"governors of the provinces"
Fear falling on people represents people becoming afraid. Alternate translation: "they had become afraid of Mordecai"
"was very important in the king's palace"
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"
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This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city. See how you translated this in Esther 1:2.
This was a royal city of Persian kings. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:2]
"500 men"
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.
These are the names of men.
The list of men that the Jews killed continues here.
These are the names of men.
The list of men that the Jews killed ends here.
These are the names of men.
Verses 7-10 in Hebrew read, "Parshandatha ... Vaizatha, the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, they killed."
These words explain who were the ten men whom the Jews killed (Esther 9:7-9).
"10 sons"
This is the name and description of Haman, one of the king's officials. See how you translated this in [Esther 3:1]
See how you translated this man's name in [Esther 3:1]
This phrase tells us about Haman.
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"500 men"
"10 sons"
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!"
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?"
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"
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?"
"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"
"10 sons"
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]
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See how you translated a similar phrase in Esther 3:13.
Laying their hands on things represents taking them. Alternate translation: "took none of the plunder" or "did not take any of the plunder"
"75,000"
Laying their hands on things represents taking them. Alternate translation: "they did not take any of the valuables of the people they killed"
"valuable things" or "possessions"
See how you translated a similar phrase in Esther 3:13.
"On the fourteenth day of Adar the Jews who were in the provinces rested"
Why they assembled together can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the Jews who were in Susa assembled together to fight against their enemies"
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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.
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"
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"
This passage summarizes much of the story of Esther in order to explain the reason for the festival of Purim.
This is the name and description of Haman, one of the king's officials. See how you translated this in [Esther 3:1]
"Pur" was the Persian word for "lot." The phrase "he threw lots" explains what "he threw Pur" means.
Why he threw Pur, or lots, can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "he threw Pur
The Hebrew text can also be interpreted to mean, "But when Esther came before the king." Some modern versions choose this interpretation.
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.
"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"
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"
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.
It can be stated clearly what "Pur" means. Alternate translation: "the word Pur, which means 'lot.'"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The Jews were to remember and celebrate these days"
"The Jews should never fail to celebrate these days of Purim"
"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 was the daughter of Abihail. Esther and Mordecai wrote the letter.
Esther's father and Mordecai's uncle. See how you translated this in [Esther 2:15]
"additional letter"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "They sent letters to all the Jews"
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.
"one hundred and twenty-seven provinces"
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"
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.
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"
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"
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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.
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"
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 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 royal histories" or "the royal chronicles"
"the most important person after King Xerxes"
The word brothers represents people who were like him. Alternate translation: "fellow Jews"
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 represented his people so that they might have peace"
This chapter introduces a story about a man named Job who lives during a time long before the author.
Job is very rich. During his time, a man's wealth is measured by the number of animals he owns.
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)
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)
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.
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 honored God"
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"
"7 sons and 3 daughters"
"He had 7,000 sheep"
"3,000 camels"
"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 richest"
The refers to places that were east of Canaan. Alternate translation: "all the people who live in lands that were east of Canaan"
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 habitually gave ... They habitually sent and called for "
The word "them" refers to the seven sons and the three daughters but does not include Job.
"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 feast was over" or "After the feast"
"Job habitually sent someone to call them to come to him"
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.
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"
"At the time when" or "One day when." This is not a specific day but apparently the gathering happened often.
This refers to angels, heavenly beings.
"to stand together before Yahweh as he commanded them to do."
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 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"
"Have you thought about my servant Job?" Here God is beginning to talk with Satan about Job. Alternate translation: "Consider my servant Job"
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 honors God." See how you translated this in Job 1:1.
God is referring to himself in third person. Alternate translation: "me" or "me, God"
Satan's response to God's question in verse 8 runs through Job 8:11.
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?"
The word "reason" here implies some form of gain, whether physical goods or happiness.
"Job honors God." See how you translated similar words in Job 1:1.
God is referring to himself in third person. See how you translated this in [verse 8]
Satan states the facts to support his argument. Alternate translation: "You have protected him, his family and everything he owns"
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"
"everything that he does"
"he has more and more livestock in the land"
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"
Here "hand" refers to God's power to act. "But now use your power"
This word usually indicates a sincere, polite request, but Satan uses it here to taunt God.
Here "touch" represents the action of harming or destroying. Alternate translation: "attack all that he has" or "destroy all that he has"
"in your hearing." This refers to a time when God is paying attention.
"Look" or "Pay attention to all that I am about to tell you"
Here "hand" represents someone's power to control something. Alternate translation: "you have power over all that he has"
"against his life"
"departed from Yahweh" or "left Yahweh"
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"were eating." The word "feeding" here is the usual word for a person's animal eating in a pasture.
This refers to a people in a region in modern day Yemen. Here it represents a group of raiders or bandits.
Here "fell" represents the idea of attacking. Alternate translation: "attacked them"
Here striking represents killing.
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 am the only one who has escaped and can report it to you"
or "tell"
"he" refers to the first messenger
This refers to another messenger. Alternate translation: "another messenger also came"
See how you translated this in Job 1:15.
"quickly attacked"
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]
"the Chaldeans have struck the servants"
See how you translated this in Job 1:13.
"A tornado" or "A desert storm"
"the structural supports of the house"
"The house fell on your sons and daughters"
See how you translated this in Job 1:15.
These were ritual mourning actions, symbolizing deep grief.
"At my birth, I brought nothing into the world, and at my death I will return to the earth with nothing"
"Regarding all this that happened"
"say that God had done wrong"
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)
This verse is almost exactly the same as Job 1:6 and can probably be translated in the same way.
See how you translated this in Job 1:6.
This is not a specific day. The gathering happened often. Alternate translation: "at the time when" or "one day when"
See how you translated this in Job 1:6.
See how you translated this in Job 1:6.
This verse is exactly the same as Job 1:7 and can probably be translated in the same way.
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."
This rhetorical question actually makes a statement.See how you translated this in [Job 1:8]
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]
See how you translated this in Job 1:1.
"remains completely dedicated to doing what is good and right"
"persuaded me without cause to attack him"
Here "destroy" represents "make poor." Alternate translation: "to make him a poor man"
"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"
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"
Here "hand" refers to God's power to act. "But now use your power." See how you translated this in [Job 1:11]
Here "touch" represents the action of harming. Alternate translation: "attack"
This expression represents Job's body.
See how you translated this in Job 1:11.
This refers to a time when God is paying attention. Alternate translation: "in your hearing"
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See how you translated this in Job 1:12.
"He caused Job to suffer greatly with painful boils"
large, itching and painful skin infections
The scraping scratches the skin to lessen the itch.
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"
This rhetorical question represents a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not still be holding fast to your integrity."
"Reject God"
"You talk the way a stupid woman talks"
This rhetorical question represents a statement. Alternate translation: "We should certainly receive the bad from God as well as the good."
"benefit from all the good things"
This represents all the good things that God gives us.
"suffer all the bad things without complaining"
This represents all the bad things that God makes or allows us to experience.
Here "lips" represents the act of speaking. Alternate translation: "sin by speaking against God"
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.
"agreed on a time"
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"
This is an idiom that means "they looked intently" or "they looked carefully."
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"
Here "raised their voices" is an idiom that means they became loud. Alternate translation: "They wept out loud" or "They wept loudly"
This was a sign of mourning.
These were signs of mourning.
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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.
Job uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. The purpose of these rhetorical questions is to show Job's earnest desire.
This idiom means he began to speak.
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Job speaks of that day and night as if they were people. Alternate translation: "I wish that I had never been born"
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."
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"
This may be put into active form. Alternate translation: "his mother has conceived a male child"
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.
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"
This is a wish for that day to not exist any longer. Alternate translation: "May that day disappear"
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.
Here a shadow represents death itself. Alternate translation: "death like a shadow"
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"
This refers to things that block out the sun's light and create darkness. Here "black" represents darkness.
"terrify that day." The day is spoken of as if it were a person who could be terrified by the darkness.
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"
"deep darkness" or "complete darkness"
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"
That night is spoken of as if it were a person who could walk. Alternate translation: "may no one count it in the number"
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"
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"
Here the voice stands for a person who is happy. Alternate translation: "may no one be happy in it ever again"
Job continues to curse the day he was born.
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"
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"
The word "it" refers to the day on which Job was born.
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.
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"
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"
The dawn is spoken of as if it had eyelids as a person has. Alternate translation: "nor see the first light of the dawn"
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"
The day of Job's birth is spoken of here as if it were a person who could hide something.
Here "eyes" represents the person who sees with them. Alternate translation: "from me"
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 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"
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."
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."
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 begins talking about what would have been true if he had died at birth. He is sad that these things are not true.
"asleep, resting peacefully"
Here the word "rest" means to sleep peacefully in death, but also that Job would not be experiencing the pain that he does.
"with kings and their advisers"
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 be resting with princes." In this phrase, the words "lying down" and "resting" are a polite way of saying "no longer alive."
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 died in my mother's womb"
"like babies who have never been born"
"babies"
Job changes his talk from dying to life after death.
Job is talking about the place where people go after they stop living. Alternate translation: "In that place, evil people stop causing trouble"
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"
This refers to slave drivers in general, not one particular slave driver. Alternate translation: "slave drivers"
Some English versions read, "oppressor."
This is a figure of speech which means "all people, both poor people and rich people."
A servant is no longer obligated to serve his master.
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"
Here light represents life.
"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"
This is the end of the question that Job begins asking with the words "Why is life given ... bitter in soul" (verse 20).
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"
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"
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"
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"
This is a polite way of referring to dying. Alternate translation: "when he is dead and can be buried"
Here the grave represents death.
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."
Here light represents life. Alternate translation: "Why does God keep a man alive"
Here Job speaks of his future, which he does not know in advance, as if God had hidden it from him.
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.
"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 expresses his anguish in two ways.
"Instead of eating, I mourn"
Moral qualities and emotions such as grief are often spoken of as if they were water.
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"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"
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.
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.
Eliphaz is a man's name.
A Temanite belongs to the tribe of Teman.
Eliphaz asks this question in order to make a statement. Alternate translation: "you will surely be impatient."
"will that annoy you?"
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)."
This verse states a single idea in two different ways.
Here "weak hands" represents people who need help. Alternate translation: "you have helped others when they needed help"
Someone who has been encouraged is spoken of as if he were kept from falling down.
Here becoming discouraged is spoken of as if it were falling down.
Here discouragement is spoken of as if it were a person whose weak knees could not keep him upright.
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 discouraged"
"the fact that you honor God"
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."
Eliphaz means Job's fear of God. Alternate translation: "your fear of God"
Here "your ways" represents "your conduct," "how you behave."
Eliphaz uses this question to prompt Job to search his life for sin
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"
Here being cut off represents being destroyed.
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.
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.
This may represent the action of God giving a command.
This expression suggests the heavy breathing that a person sometimes does through his nose when he is very angry.
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."
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."
Here being consumed or eaten represents being killed.
Here a lion's roar, his voice, and his teeth being broken are used as pictures of the wicked being destroyed.
This may be put into active form. Alternate translation: "something breaks them"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "something scatters the cubs of the lioness"
These phrases express the same idea in two different way. They emphasize that Eliphaz heard a message whispered to him.
"dreams"
"when people sleep very deeply"
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"
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 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.
"Something was before my eyes" or "I saw something"
shape
"then I heard"
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."
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 Creator"
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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.
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."
This refers to the idea of something happening quickly.
This may also be put into active form. Alternate translation: "they die"
This may be put into active form. Alternate translation: "Have not their enemies plucked up their tent cords from among them?"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
This refers to supernatural beings of some kind, whether angels or other spirits.
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 one who lacks sound judgment" or "the one who cannot think well"
These phrases refer to any foolish person and any silly person.
any foolish person
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"
This refers to the person's family and all his property.
"His" refers to the foolish person or the foolish people in Job 5:2. Alternate translation: "Their children are never safe"
Here being crushed represents being oppressed, taken advantage of, at court. This idea may be put into active form. Alternate translation: "someone crushes them"
The city gate, functioning as a court, was the place where disputes were resolved and where judgments were given.
"There is no one to help the foolish people's children out of their hardship"
This perhaps refers to parts of a field where the worst crops grow, because of thorn plants present.
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.
Here difficulties and trouble are spoken of as if they were plants.
It is as natural for people, once they are born, to have trouble as it is for sparks to fly up from a fire.
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"great things that cannot be understood, wonders that cannot be counted"
This refers to things that mankind cannot understand.
Here the writer uses two independent words connected by "and" to emphasize the greatness of God's actions. Alternate translation: "greatly profound things"
"wonderful things" or "wonders"
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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"
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.
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.
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"
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"
feel around like a blind person
the middle of the day, when the sun is highest and brightest
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"
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"
God is pictured as a parent correcting or instructing a child.
"God really favors the man whom he corrects"
"do not reject" or "do not consider worthless"
"instruction" or "correction"
"For he causes pain but binds up; he crushes, but his hands heal"
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.
Here "his hands" represents God.
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"
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.
Here rescuing is spoken of as if it were ransoming, buying back. Alternate translation: "In famine God will rescue you from danger"
Here "hands" probably represents the people who attack with weapons, including swords. Alternate translation: "violent people" or "people who attack you"
Here "destruction" refers to the danger of being destroyed by enemies. Alternate translation: "that any enemy will destroy you"
Here "laugh" represents that the person is not afraid. Alternate translation: "You will not be afraid of any danger of destruction or famine"
This refers to wild animals. Alternate translation: "wild animals"
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"
This refers to dangerous wild animals.
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"
"when you visit where your flock stays at night, you will find all your sheep there"
Here "seed" represents a person's descendants. Alternate translation: "your descendants will be many"
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"
"You will die at a very old age"
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.
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"
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.
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)
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.
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.
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"on a scale"
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"
"I spoke recklessly" or "I spoke rashly"
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 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"
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"
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 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"
the sound a donkey makes
the sound an ox makes
animal food
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.
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."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Can you eat that which has no taste"
"Them" refers to bad tasting foods.
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This means for God to cause him to die. Alternate translation: "to crush me and let me die"
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"
"I would leap for joy in unending pain" or "I would endure pain that does not diminish"
"does not diminish"
"that I have not disowned God." This can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: "that I have always obeyed the Holy One"
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"
keep waiting for something good to happen
The writer uses parallel rhetorical questions in each of these verses to emphasize Job's lack of strength to endure suffering.
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 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."
"my success has been taken from me." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "my wisdom is gone"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "A friend should be faithful to the person who feels he 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 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 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"
"like streams of water that dry up." Job continues speaking of his friends being unfaithful as if they were streams that dry up.
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"
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"
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 is continuing his description of his friends being as unreliable as streams that dry up.
"The caravans turn aside from the routes to find water" or "The caravans change course looking for water"
A caravan is a large group of travelers riding camels across the desert.
These are the names of places. The people of these places used caravans to trade things with people from other lands.
"while caravans from Sheba"
"hoped for them" or "put their hope in them"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but they were disappointed" or "but they were not satisfied"
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.
Job uses this phrase to introduce the main part of what he is saying.
"you friends have not helped me at all"
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"
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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'."
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"
"Rescue me"
These verbs "teach" and "make" are second person plural and are spoken to his friends.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "I will be silent"
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?"
The word "upright" here is a metaphor for honesty or truthfulness. Alternate translation: "honest words" or "truthful words"
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 reasons" or "your claims"
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."
"You" is in second person plural form.
"you would even gamble to win an orphan"
Here "you" and "your" are in second person plural form.
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"
This word is used by Job to introduce new information.
The verb "to look" is in second person plural form.
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"
"Please be merciful to me" or "Stop speaking like this, I beg 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"
"Please relent."
"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."
Here Job's speech is represented by his "tongue." Alternate translation: "in my speech"
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."
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.
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)
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.
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 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."
This is a generalization that means for the time people are living on the earth. Alternate translation: "while he lives on the earth"
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 day laborer." This is a man who worked jobs one day at a time and was paid at the end of every day.
Job compares his misery and trouble to that of the slave and hired man.
"cool shade." The implied information is that the shadows of evening provide coolness and shade from the sun
"waits for his pay"
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"
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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has given me trouble-filled nights"
Possible meanings are 1) "nights in which bad things happen" or 2) "nights in which I greatly worry."
The implied information is that this is when Job would lie down to sleep at night. Alternate translation: "When I lie down to sleep"
Job poses a question to no one else in particular. Alternate translation: "I ask" or "I wonder"
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."
"turning back and forth." This indicates that Job has moved on his bed all night without any rest.
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"
This represents his whole body. Alternate translation: "My body"
Possible meanings are 1) lumps or crusts of dirt or 2) scabs on the skin.
"break out again"
Job compares his lifetime to the quickness of a weaver's shuttle. Alternate translation: "My life goes by very quickly"
a person who makes cloth by crossing threads or yarn
a moving part that carries thread or yarn back and forth quickly in a loom when making cloth
"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.
Job compares the shortness of his life to the shortness of a breath. Alternate translation: "my life is very short, like taking one breath"
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"
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.
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 is describing death as being like the clouds that disappear.
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "As a cloud fades"
"he who dies will not return"
The words "his place" represent those who live in his place. Alternate translation: "the people who live in his place" or "his family"
Here the mouth represents speech. Alternate translation: "I will not restrain my speech"
"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"
Here sorrow is spoken of as if it tasted bitter, and "soul" refers to the whole man. Alternate translation: "with anger and resentment"
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."
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"
These phrases refer to the same thing. Alternate translation: "My bed ... my bed"
"you" here refers to God
This is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "I"
killing a person by squeezing the throat and stopping the breathing
Here Job uses the word "bones" to refer to his body. Alternate translation: "This body of mine"
"to live forever"
"my days are pointless" or "the days of my life are empty"
Job asks a rhetorical question to say that he does not understand why God should pay attention to people.
Here the mind represents thoughts and attention. To "set your mind on" means to give attention to. Alternate translation: "direct your attention to him"
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."
"carefully examine him"
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!"
liquid produced in people's mouths that keeps the mouth moist and helps to swallow food
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."
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."
"remove"
The phrase "lie down in the dust" is a metonym that represents dying. Alternate translation: "now I will die"
"I will not be here" or "I will be gone"
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.
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.
Verses 2 and 3 each consist of two different questions that have the same meaning. Bildad uses these questions to rebuke Job.
In this chapter, Bildad begins to speak about Job's complaints.
"Bildad" is the name of a man who is a member of the tribe of Shuah.
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."
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."
"approve of and do what is not just? ... approve of and do what is not righteous?"
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"
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.
These two phrases both refer to Job asking God for help or pleading with God for mercy.
"earnestly asked God for help"
Bildad says that God would treat Job well if he was pure, but Bildad does not believe that Job is pure.
"If only you were pure and righteous" or "If only you would obey God and do what is right"
Here Yahweh is spoken of as if he would wake up to help Job. Alternate translation: "help you" or "do good things for you"
This refers to giving back to Job the things he lost, including his family, wealth, and honor.
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"
"study carefully what our ancestors discovered" or "consider the things our forefathers learned"
The shortness of life is spoken of as if it were a shadow which quickly disappears.
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."
Here the word "hearts" represents their inner beliefs. Alternate translation: "that they sincerely believe"
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.
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."
a tall reed-like plant that grows in shallow water
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.
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"
"dry up"
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.
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 things the godless person desires will not happen"
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]
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the godless person is trusting in something that cannot save him.
Here Bildad compares the trust of the godless person to a spider's web; the slightest force will break both.
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."
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"
This negative statement emphasizes the opposite. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "he will fall down"
This negative statement emphasizes the opposite. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "it will fall down"
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."
Here Bildad compares the godless person to a plant that is healthy.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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"
"the rocky ground" or "the garden"
The garden is spoken of as if it had human ability to speak. The garden immediately forgets that he existed.
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"
Bildad continues the metaphor from [Job 8:16-18]
"grow"
"the rocky ground" or "the garden"
"in the place of the godless man"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "God will accept an innocent man"
Here "take the hand" refers to help or support. Alternate translation: "God will not support people who do evil things"
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"
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"
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"
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"
Here "tent" refers to the homes of the wicked. Alternate translation: "the houses of the wicked will be destroyed"
"will not last" or "will be destroyed"
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.
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)
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.
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.
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"I know that what you say is true"
Here the word "this" refers to what Bildad said.
"how can anyone be innocent before God?"
dispute
"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"
"1,000 times"
Here the heart represents the inner being or thoughts. Alternate translation: "wise in what he decides"
The abstract noun "strength" can be expressed as the adjective "strong." Alternate translation: "mighty in how strong he is"
To harden oneself means to be stubborn. Alternate translation: "resisted him" or "defied him"
"God removes the mountains"
"God shakes the earth"
"who blocks the stars from view"
God is spoken of as creating the heavens without any help, as if the heavens were fabric that he stretches out.
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"
These are the names of constellations, which are groups of stars that seem like they form a particular shape in the sky.
a famous hunter in Greek mythology
several bright stars that look like they are close together in the sky
groups of stars that seem like they form a particular shape in the sky
"things that cannot be understood"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you."
"he passes by" or "he moves on"
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 someone away" or "If he wants to snatch something away"
Here "bow beneath him" symbolizes submission or defeat. Alternate translation: "he crushes the helpers of Rahab"
The word "Rahab" here refers to a monster of the sea.
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."
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Job compares his troubles from God to the effects of a tempest. Alternate translation: "He injures me as if with a tempest"
a powerful or violent storm
"gives me many wounds" or "wounds me again and again"
"even though I have not given him cause to do so" or "even though I am innocent"
This is an idiom that means "to be able to breathe again" or
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"
"If there is a contest of strength"
"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 the strong one"
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."
This verse expresses the same idea twice for emphasis.
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"
Here "mouth" represents Job's words. Alternate translation: "my own words would accuse me" or "what I say would condemn me"
"faultless"
Here "my words" are spoken of as if they could take action. Alternate translation: "God would use what I say to prove me guilty"
The word here has the meaning of "twisted" or "crooked."
"I am faultless"
"what happens to me"
"It is all the same" or "It does not matter"
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"
The word "whip" here is a metaphor for any kind of disaster. Alternate translation: "When a disaster suddenly happens and people die"
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"
This is a nominalized adjective. Alternate translation: "innocent people".
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God gives the earth"
Here "the earth" is used to represent the people on the earth. Alternate translation: "The people of the world are"
Here "hand" is a metonym for "control." Alternate translation: "into the control of"
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 God who does these things, then who does them?"
Job compares how quickly his days are passing by to a fast runner. Alternate translation: "My days pass swiftly"
"runner" or "running man"
This pictures the days of Job's life as being able to run away like a person.
This pictures the days of Job's life as being able to see like a person.
"no good thing"
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"
"boats made out of reeds." Papyrus reed is a hollow grass that grows along the banks of rivers.
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"
"rushes down"
The abstract noun "complaint" can be translated as the verb "complain." Alternate translation: "I would stop complaining" or "I would stop complaining against God"
It can be stated clearly whom Job was complaining against. Alternate translation: "my complaints against God"
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"
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"
The abstract noun "sorrows" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "of everything that hurts me"
"I will be accused and punished." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will condemn me"
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."
"If I bathed my body in pure, clean water"
the water that comes from melted snow
white flakes of frozen water that fall from clouds in places where the air temperature is cold
"made my hands exceedingly clean." Some other versions of the Bible translate this with the meaning of "cleaned my hands with very strong soap."
"throw me into a pit"
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 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 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"
This means there is no judge who is greater than God who could decide what is right between him and Job.
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"
These verses continue the previous argument that no one is greater than God who could act as a judge between God and Job.
Here "God's rod" is a metonym for God punishing or correcting Job. Alternate translation: "stop God from punishing me"
The abstract noun "terror" can be translated as the verb "terrify." Alternate translation: "keep him from terrifying and frightening me"
"Then I would speak"
"because this is how things are now"
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.
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)
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.
"I am tired of living"
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"
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"
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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."
Here God is represented by his "hands." Alternate translation: "what you have created"
Here the idiom "smiling on" represents God's approval. Alternate translation: "approve the plans of the wicked"
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 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.
These two phrases have nearly the same meaning.
"the number of your days"
"the number of your years"
Job continues the rhetorical question he began in verse 5.
"look to see if I have committed iniquity"
This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words "Are your days" in verse 5.
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."
Here "your hand" represents God's power. Alternate translation: "from your power"
Here "hands" represent God and his creative action. Alternate translation: "You"
Job is using a metaphor of a potter forming clay to describe how God carefully created him.
"shaped and formed me." The words "framed" and "fashioned" are similar in meaning.
"Remember"
"turn me back into dust again"
In these verses, Job uses the language of poetry to describe how God formed him in the womb.
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."
Here "you" refers to God.
Here "me" refers to Job.
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"
"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"
the parts of the body that connect muscles to bones or other body parts and are like tough, white bands or cords
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"
Here Job is represented by his "spirit." Alternate translation: "guarded me" or "watched carefully over me" or "kept me safe"
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"you would watch me"
"If I do evil things"
"how terrible will it be for me"
This idiom means to be sure or confident. Alternate translation: "hold my head up" or "be confident" or "be sure about myself"
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 totally ashamed" or "No one respects me anymore"
shame
The abstract noun "affliction" can be translated using the verb "afflict." Alternate translation: "see how God is afflicting me"
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"
This idiom means to become self-confident or proud. Alternate translation: "If I become proud"
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.
This phrase expresses irony in how God displays his marvelous power by acting to harm Job.
Job's troubles from God are spoken of as if they were people who were witnesses against him.
The abstract noun "anger" can be translated as the adjective "angry." Alternate translation: "are more and more angry with me"
God sending troubles against Job is spoken of as if God was constantly sending new armies against him.
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"
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"
"I had never lived"
"My body would have been carried"
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."
Here the place where the spirits of dead people go is spoken of as if it was a land. Alternate translation: "the place"
The phrase "shadow of death" intensifies the idea of "darkness." Both phrases describe where the spirits of dead people go.
See how you translated this in Job 3:5.
"totally dark"
This negative phrase can be expressed in positive form. Alternate translation: "full of confusion" or "where all is confused"
"where there is darkness even where there should be light" or "where there is no light at all"
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.
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.
See how you translated this man's name in [Job 2:11]
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!"
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!"
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."
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!"
"My understanding is correct"
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"
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.
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"
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.
"Acknowledge then" or "So admit"
Demanding from Job represents punishing Job. Alternate translation: "God is punishing you less than you deserve"
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!"
This refers to understanding God. Alternate translation: "To understand God"
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"
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."
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."
Possible meanings are that this refers to 1) God's greatness or 2) the greatness of God's wisdom.
God's greatness or wisdom is spoken of as if it could be measured in distance.
"If God ... shuts anyone up in prison"
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"
This question emphasizes that no one can stop God. Alternate translation: "no one can stop him!"
This emphasizes that God does notice sin. Alternate translation: "he surely notices it!"
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"
The abstract noun "understanding" can be expressed with the verb "understand." Alternate translation: "But foolish people will be able to understand"
Zophar asks Job to consider what will happen if he does this things in this verse.
The heart represents thoughts and attitudes. Setting it right represents correcting it. Alternate translation: "if you correct your attitude"
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"
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.
The hand represents what a person does. Alternate translation: "even if you have done some evil things"
Putting sin behind represents stopping sinning. Alternate translation: "but that you stop doing evil things"
Unrighteousness living represents people doing unrighteous things. Alternate translation: "and that you do not allow the members of your household to do unrighteous things"
In verses 15-19 Zophar tells Job the things that will happen if Job does what Zophar spoke about in verses 13-14.
"Lifting up your face" represents the attitude of a person who is confident and brave.
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"
Brightness represents being prosperous and happy. Alternate translation: "Your life will be prosperous and happy like the noonday"
Darkness represents troubles and sadness. Alternate translation: "Though there might be dark troubles and sadness"
The morning represents light, which represents prosperity and happiness. Alternate translation: "it would be prosperous and happy like the morning"
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.
"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"
The abstract noun "rest" can be expressed with the verb "rest." Alternate translation: "you would lie down and rest"
This means that people will respect Job and will hope that he will treat them well.
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"
"there will be no place to which they can escape"
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.
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)
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.
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.
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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"
"Surely"
This is plural in verses 2 and 3.
"you are the important people who know everything"
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."
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!"
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"
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"
Bringing misfortune represents causing it to happen. Alternate translation: "causes more bad things to happen"
The foot slipping represents being in danger or trouble. Alternate translation: "to those who are already in trouble"
Their tents prospering represents the robbers prospering in their tents. Alternate translation: "Robbers live in prosperity in their own tents"
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 is saying that the animals and the birds understand God better than Job's friends do.
All occurrences of "you" are plural.
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"
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 is saying that the beasts, the birds, the earth, and the fish understand God better than Job's friends do.
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 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"
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."
Yahweh's hand represents his power. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has done this by his power"
Yahweh's hand represents his control or power. Alternate translation: "God controls the life of every living thing and gives breath to all mankind"
Here "breath" represents life or the ability to live.
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."
"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"
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"
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.
The abstract nouns "wisdom" and "might" can be expressed with the adjectives "wise" and "mighty." Alternate translation: "God is wise and mighty"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one can rebuild them"
The abstract noun "release" can be expressed with the verb "free." Alternate translation: "if God shuts someone in, no one can free him"
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"
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"
The abstract nouns "strength" and "wisdom" can be expressed with the words "strong" and "wise." Alternate translation: "God is strong and wise"
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"
Leading counselors away barefoot represents taking away their wisdom and authority.
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 makes judges become foolish"
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"
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"
Leading priests away barefoot represents taking away their authority.
The abstract noun "sorrow" can be expressed with the words "sad" or "grieve" Alternate translation: "and they feel sad" or "and they grieve"
"defeats powerful people"
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"
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"
Possible meanings are 1) the older people or 2) the leaders.
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"
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"
This refers to any strong person. Alternate translation: "strong people"
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"
Bringing things out into the light is a metaphor for making them known. Alternate translation: "makes known things that no one can see"
"He makes nations larger" or "He makes nations have more land"
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"
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)
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)
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 continues to speak to his friends.
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
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"
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"
"What you know, I also know" or "I know as much as you"
Job continues to speak to his friends.
Job's friends are judging him, but they not speaking the truth. Job would rather argue with God alone about his complaint.
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"
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"
This expression means "be quiet" or "stop talking."
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 continues to speak to his friends.
Here "lips" represent the person who is speaking. Alternate translation: "listen to what I myself plead for"
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."
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"
"to defend God ... to defend him" or "as God's representative ... to represent him"
"lie" or "tell lies"
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 continues to speak to his friends.
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."
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."
"rebuke you"
"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 continues to speak to his friends.
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!"
Dread falling on people represents them becoming terribly afraid. Alternate translation: "and you not be terribly afraid" or "and you not be terrified"
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"
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"
Possible meanings are that this refers to 1) what they say to defend themselves or 2) what they say to defend God.
Job continues to speak to his friends.
This is an idiom meaning "Be quiet" or "Stop talking"
This is an idiom that means "stop bothering me" or "stop hindering 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"
"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"
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Job finishes speaking to his friends and begins to address God directly.
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 begins directing his speech directly to God.
These two lines mean basically the same thing and intensify Job's request for God to listen to him.
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 continues speaking to God.
The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is a polite request for the hearer to pay attention. "Please listen carefully: I"
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 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 argue against me"
"You" here means God himself.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if you were to prove me wrong"
If your language has a word for dying that refers to breathing for the last time, you may want to use it here.
Job continues speaking to God.
"Face" represents the person. Alternate translation: "from you"
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"
The phrase "your terrors" refers to what causes people to be terrified of God. Alternate translation: "do not terrify me"
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Job continues speaking to God.
Job asks this question to complain about how God is treating him. He probably hopes for an answer.
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 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"
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"
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"
You may need to make explicit that the purpose of pursuing Job is to persecute him. Alternate translation: "persecute"
Job finishes presenting his case to God.
"Bitter things" represents accusations. Alternate translation: "For you write down accusations against me"
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 abstract noun "youth" can be translated with the word "young." Alternate translation: "the sins I committed when I was young"
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"
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.
"Paths" represent the things Job does. Alternate translation: "everything I do"
The soles of his feet represent the person who walks. Alternate translation: "you examine the ground where I 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 compares his life to something that is decaying. He is slowly dying.
Job compares himself to clothes that are full of holes because the moths have eaten parts of it.
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)
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)
Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in his appeal to Yahweh.
This chapter continues Job's speech, which started in Job 12:1. Job is speaking to God.
This refers to all people, both men and women; all are born into this world.
This is an exaggeration to emphasize that people live only a short time. Alternate translation: "lives only a very short time"
Being "full of trouble" represents experiencing much trouble. Alternate translation: "has many troubles" or "suffers much"
Like the life of a flower, a person's life is short and is easily killed.
A person's short life is compared to a shadow that disappears quickly.
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."
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"
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 continues speaking to God.
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"
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 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"
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"
a man who is hired to do a job and goes home afterwards
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 start growing again"
Disappearing represents dying. Alternate translation: "so that its young shoot will not die"
"Even if"
the part of the tree that remains sticking out of the ground after someone has cut down most of the tree
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 start growing"
The tree sending out branches represents branches growing on the tree. Alternate translation: "branches will start growing on it like a plant"
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 begins to use word pictures to describe how it is that "man dies; he becomes weak" (verse 10).
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.
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 finishes comparing growing old and dying with water drying up (verse 11).
Lying down represents dying. Alternate translation: "so people die"
Rising again represents living again. Alternate translation: "do not live again"
Job continues speaking to God.
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 locked up" or "keep me hidden"
Call someone to mind is an idiom meaning to think about him. Alternate translation: "think about me" or "remember me"
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."
The implicit answer is "no." Alternate translation: "If a man dies, he will not live again."
any male person
"I will wait all the time I am serving there"
The abstract noun "release" can be expressed with the verb "release." Alternate translation: "until I should be released" or "until you release me"
Job continues speaking to God.
"I would do what you wanted me to do"
The noun "desire" can be expressed with the verbs "desire" or "want." Alternate translation: "You would desire" or "You would want"
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"
These two verbs together express a single action. Alternate translation: "attentively care for"
Footsteps represent his life or what he does. Alternate translation: "my life" or "the things I do"
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"
These three lines express the same thought and are used together to emphasize his confidence that God would forgive him.
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"
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 continues speaking to God.
"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"
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "rocks tumble down from their place"
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"
Destroying hope represents causing the things people hope for not to happen. Alternate translation: "You prevent the hope of man from happening"
The abstract noun "hopes" can be expressed with the verb "hope." Alternate translation: "the things that man hopes for"
Job continues speaking to God.
The word "him" refers to any person. Alternate translation: "You forever defeat man" or "You forever defeat people"
or "completely"
Passing away represents dying. Alternate translation: "he dies"
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.
This represents causing him to die.
Being brought low represents being shamed. Alternate translation: "if they are disgraced" or "if people shame them"
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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.
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.
This is the name of a man. People from Teman are known as Temanites. See how you translated this in [Job 2:11]
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."
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"
"hot air" or "the desert wind"
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."
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."
make smaller
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."
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"
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"
This refers to the way crafty people speak as their "tongue." Alternate translation: "to speak in the way of crafty people"
This nominal adjective refers to people who harm others by lying to them.
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"
This speaks of Job, but refers to his "lips" to place emphasis on what he says. Alternate translation: "your own words" or "you testify"
Each verse is a parallelism that contains two rhetorical questions.
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."
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."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Did God bring you"
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."
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."
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."
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."
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"
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"
"comforts" or "sympathies"
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?"
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"
Here the "spirit" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "turn yourself"
This describes him speaking. Alternate translation: "so you say harsh things against him"
These two questions are basically the same and are used together to emphasize that a man cannot be perfect.
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."
A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
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."
This word is used here to draw Job's attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: "Listen"
"his angels"
Something that God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in his judgment"
These two words basically mean the same thing and emphasize how wicked humans are.
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.
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "I will explain to you" or "I will make it clear to you"
"I will declare"
Eliphaz emphasizes that their ancestors purposefully taught them these things. Alternate translation: "their ancestors taught openly"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to whom alone God gave the land"
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"
"suffers a lot of pain." This is either physical or emotional pain.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the years that God has laid up"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "that are prepared" or "that are set aside"
"He constantly hears sounds that terrify him"
Eliphaz continues describing the wicked man he began to describe in Job 15:20.
Here "darkness" is a metaphor for trouble or misfortune. Alternate translation: "escape misfortune"
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"
Here "bread" refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "for food"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "the day of disaster" or "the moment of his death"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "is coming soon"
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.
"overpower" or "defeat"
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"
"he has shook his fist against God." This is a sign of aggression.
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 his strong shield"
"This" refers to the wicked man running at God from the previous verse.
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"
"which are abandoned"
piles of useless things
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"
Darkness here represents death. Alternate translation: "out of the darkness of death"
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"
Here God's "breath" represents his judgement. Alternate translation: "God's breath" or "God's judgment"
This refers to him dying. Alternate translation: "he will die"
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"
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"
These two lines give a similar image, which is repeated to emphasize that this will surely happen.
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"
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"
"the group of godless people"
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"
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"
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"
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.
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)
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)
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"instead of comforting me, you all cause me only trouble"
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!"
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 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"
This is an action that shows disapproval.
The word "mockery" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "to mock you"
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!"
Here Job's "mouth" represents what he says. Alternate translation: "with what I say"
This is a metonym for the words or message that he speaks. Alternate translation: "my comforting words"
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 has experienced great loss of family and health that is unexplained and therefore causes him "great sorrow and emotional pain."
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 now turns his complaining to God.
"destroyed all my family"
This means that Job's body has shriveled and become wrinkled. Alternate translation: "You have made my body shrivel up"
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"
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"
Here Job is referred to by his "face." Alternate translation: "against me"
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"
Job refers to God as his "enemy" as he describes how he has caused him great pain.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "glares at me"
To "gape" means to stare in amazement with open mouth.
These two lines mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize Job's feeling of having been betrayed by God.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "puts me under the control of"
Here a person's "hands" refer to his "control." Alternate translation: "delivers me to the control"
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"
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"
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 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"
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 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"
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 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"
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"
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"
"Hands" refers to a person's ability and activity. Alternate translation: "I have not acted violently"
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"
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"
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 uses this word to draw attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "listen"
"testifies that I am righteous"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "in heaven" or "in heaven on high"
"scorn" or "ridicule"
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"
"for me." Here Job refers to himself in the third person.
"as a man does for his neighbor." Job describes how he wants that one in heaven to plead for him.
Here Job is referring to himself dying. Alternate translation: "I will die and go to a place"
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.
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)
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 continues to speak.
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 time is over" or "I am going to die soon"
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"
"Those who are around me are mocking me"
"Certainly" or "There is no doubt that"
Job refers to himself by his "eyes" to emphasize what he sees. Alternate translation: "I must always see" or "I must always hear"
"their insults." The word "provocation" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "them provoking me" or "them, trying to make me angry"
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"
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 continues to speak.
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 allow them to triumph over me"
"Anyone who"
"falsely accuses his friends in order to get a profit" or "betrays his friends to receive a reward"
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 continues to speak.
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"
"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 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"
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"
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"
"will be shocked" or "will be horrified"
"by what has happened to me"
This is an idiom that means to awaken oneself or rouse oneself into activity. Alternate translation: "will begin to take action against"
Job continues to speak.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "will continue to live in a righteous way"
This speaks of a person being innocent as having clean hands. Alternate translation: "he who does what is right" or "he who is innocent"
This does not refer only to physical strength but also to the strength of a person's will and emotions.
Job is speaking to Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.
Job invites his friends to debate what he has said. Alternate translation: "come on now, argue with me again"
Job continues to speak.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "My time is past" or "My life is over"
Here Job's "heart" represents his inner being. Alternate translation: "my plans will never happen, nor will the things that I have desired most"
These two phrases refer to the same people, namely Job's friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. The second phrase emphasizes their unfriendly attitude.
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"
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 continues to speak.
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"
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 made my bed"
The word "if" here has the meaning of "since"; Job is speaking as if this were true. "since I have said"
These two lines are a variation to each other and are used together to emphasize how desperate Job is.
"the grave"
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 maggot." Worms are the small creatures that eat dead bodies.
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"
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."
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."
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."
Sheol does not really have gates, but it is a metaphor for Job entering Sheol. Alternate translation: "when I go into Sheol"
"when I and the things that I hope for" or "when I and my hopes." The word "we" refers to Job and his hope.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "die and are buried" or "go to the grave"
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.
Bildad the Shuhite is speaking to Job. (See: and
"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.
This rhetorical question means that Job has been talking for too long. This may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Stop talking!"
"Be reasonable, and" or "Think about these things, and"
Bildad continues speaking to Job.
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."
The word "we" probably refers to Bildad and Job's other friends and so is exclusive.
Regarding, looking, is a metonym here for thinking well or badly of someone.
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in your judgment" or "in your thinking"
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"
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"
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!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "should everyone leave the earth"
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"
Bildad continues speaking to Job.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "will go 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"
Bildad continues to describe the wicked person.
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 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"
"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"
cords or ropes that people weave together to create a mesh. People used nets to catch animals.
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
Bildad continues to speak and uses three parallel images to describe how suddenly the wicked person will experience disaster.
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"
People used this kind of trap to catch birds. The trap snapped shut and held on to the foot of the bird.
Here the "heel" refers to the whole foot. Alternate translation: "will take hold of his foot"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone has hidden a noose on the ground in order to catch him"
a rope with a loop that grabs hold of an animal's leg when the animal steps in the middle of the loop
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"
"Terrors all around will make him afraid"
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"
Bildad continues to describe the wicked person.
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"
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"
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"
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"
Bildad continues to describe the wicked person.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Disaster rips him out of his tent, where he is safe"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it marches him off" or "it forces him to go"
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"
"People who are not his family"
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"
Bildad continues to describe the wicked person.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his branches will wither"
These phrases have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize the fact that nobody will remember him after he dies.
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "no one walking along the street will even remember his name"
Bildad continues to describe the wicked person.
These phrases together emphasize the fact that the wicked person will be sent to Sheol, the place of the dead.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will drive the wicked person 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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will chase him"
Together these two phrases emphasize that he will have no family or descendants left.
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.
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.
"on the day God punishes him"
Bildad continues to describe the wicked person.
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"
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)
See: and
Job speaks to his three friends.
Job uses this question to complain about how his friends are treating him. Alternate translation: "Stop making me suffer and crushing 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 continues to speak to his three friends.
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"
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 despised me" or "have publicly ridiculed me"
"have sinned by accident" or "mistakenly sinned"
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 sin" or "my mistake"
Job continues to speak to his three friends.
"If you think you are better than I am" or "Since you act as though you are better than I am"
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"
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 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 continues to speak to his three friends.
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: I cry out"
This is a cry for help. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Violence! Help!" or "Help! I am being attacked!"
"I shout for help" or "I cry for help"
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 uses these images to describe how God has made him feel helpless and hopeless.
"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 uses these images to say that God has taken his good reputation, wealth, and dignity away from him.
Job speaks of his glory as if it were a robe that God has taken away. Alternate translation: "He has taken away my glory"
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 continues to speak to his three friends.
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"
The metaphor "being gone" represents being completely destroyed. Alternate translation: "I am completely destroyed"
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"
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 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 thinks of me as an enemy"
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"
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"
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 continues to speak to his three friends.
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "my acquaintances have alienated themselves from me" or "my friends treat me like a stranger"
"My relatives have left me without help"
"my intimate friends"
"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 continues to speak to his three friends.
"consider me"
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"
"but he does not respond to me" or "but he does not come to me." The answer is a response to Job's call.
The phrase "my mouth" is a metonym which refers to Job speaking. Alternate translation: "even though I speak to him and plead with him"
"plead with him"
Job continues to speak to his three friends.
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"
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"
"hate me" or "detest me"
"they ridicule me" or "they make fun of me"
"All my closest friends" or "All of my friends with whom I shared my secrets." This refers to his closest friends.
"think I am disgusting"
"have betrayed me"
Job continues to speak to his three friends.
"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.
This idiom means that he is barely surviving, that he almost does not survive. Alternate translation: "I am barely alive" or "I hardly survive"
"Have compassion on 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 uses this question to complain about how his friends are treating him. Alternate translation: "Do not persecute me ... God does!"
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!"
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 continues to speak to his three friends.
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"
"what I am saying"
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"
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 chisel." This was a tool used for writing. It was made of iron so that people could carve words in rock.
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 continues to speak to his three friends.
"My Defender." Here "Redeemer" refers to a person who will rescue Job by proving Job's innocence, restoring his honor, and giving him justice.
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"
Possible meanings are that this refers to 1) his body being destroyed by disease or 2) his body decaying after he has died.
His flesh represents his body, and "in my flesh" represents being alive. Alternate translation: "while I live in my body, I will see God"
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.
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"
Possible meanings are that 1) Job feels very hopeful, thankful, and happy or 2) Job feels exhausted waiting to see his Redeemer.
Job continues to speak to his three friends.
This is an exclamation. Possible meanings are 1) that they will certainly persecute Job or 2) that they will persecute him severely.
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"
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"
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"
"causes" or "results in"
The abstract noun "judgment" can be expressed with the verb "judge." Alternate translation: "God judges people"
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.
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.
Zophar replies to Job.
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.
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"
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"
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"
Here "spirit" probably refers to a thought or idea. Alternate translation: "a thought 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"
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"
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"
Zophar continues speaking with Job.
Zophar begins a rhetorical question to cause Job to think deeply about what he will now say.
Zophar finishes the rhetorical question he began in verse 4.
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 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 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"
Zophar continues speaking to Job.
"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"
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"
"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.
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"
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"
Zophar continues speaking to Job.
"The wicked person will"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will find him"
The eye represents a person. Alternate translation: "Anyone who saw him" or "The people who saw him"
The phrase "his place" represents those who live in his place. Alternate translation: "the people who live in his place" or "his family"
Zophar continues speaking to Job.
"The wicked person's children"
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.
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"
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"
Zophar continues speaking to Job.
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"
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.
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.
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"
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"
poisonous snakes
Zophar continues speaking to Job.
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"
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"
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.
throw
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"
poisonous snakes
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 represents the man's wickedness. Alternate translation: "his wickedness will kill him like a viper's bite"
Zophar continues speaking to Job.
"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"
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"
Here "to swallow" the fruit of his labor represents enjoying the things he had stolen. Alternate translation: "will not be able to enjoy them"
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The word "belly" here is a metonym for the person's desires. Alternate translation: "he has never been able to satisfy his desires"
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"
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"
"he will suddenly experience trouble"
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"
If your language has a separate word for suffering because of poverty, you may want to use it here.
Zophar continues speaking to Job.
Here "fill his stomach" is a metonym meaning eat a lot.
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 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"
The iron weapon represents the person carrying it. Alternate translation: "will flee from the person carrying an iron weapon"
The bow represents the person who shoots an arrow with it. Alternate translation: "someone with a bronze bow will shoot him"
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.
He will suddenly become very afraid. Alternate translation: "he is terrified"
"Complete darkness" here is a metaphor for destruction. Alternate translation: "Destruction is reserved for his treasures" or "His treasures will be destroyed"
Here "devour" is a metaphor meaning destroy. Alternate translation: "a fire that is not fanned will destroy 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"
Here "consume" is a metaphor meaning destroy. Alternate translation: "the fire will destroy"
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.
This concludes Zophar's speech to Job.
disappear
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 possessions"
Here "wrath" represents punishment. The abstract noun "wrath" can be expressed with the verb punish. Alternate translation: "the day when God punishes people"
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"
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"
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.
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.
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 begins to answer Zophar's accusations.
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"Allow me" or "Be patient with me"
"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 continues speaking to his friends.
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"
"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"
"fear causes my body to tremble" or "I shake with fear"
Job continues speaking to his friends.
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."
This two clauses mean the same thing and emphasize that this is true.
These phrases mean the same thing because "eyes" refers to sight. Wicked people get to watch their descendants grow strong and wealthy.
Here "houses" refers to the family members that lives in them. Alternate translation: "Their families"
This refers to God's punishment.
Job continues speaking to his friends.
"she does not miscarry" or "her calf is born healthy and strong"
Job compares these children to lambs to emphasize that they run, play, and are happy.
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 continues speaking with his friends.
"their lifetime"
This is a polite way of saying that they die. Alternate translation: "they die peacefully"
This refers to how God wants people to behave.
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 continues speaking to his friends.
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 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."
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"
Job compares the life of the wicked to a lamp that is burning.
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 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."
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 continues speaking to his friends.
These words are added by most versions in order to make it clear that the Job is quoting his friends in the next statement.
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"
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'"
Here "eyes" refers to the person. Alternate translation: "Let him see"
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 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!"
This is a polite way of saying that he dies.
This refers to the length of his life.
Job continues speaking to his friends.
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."
Possible meanings are 1) "those who are in heaven" or 2) "powerful people."
Job contrasts this man who dies in health and peace to the man who dies in sorrow and pain in [Job 21:25]
Both of these phrases mean that the person is very healthy.
The word for "milk" may mean "fat." Either rendering means he is well-fed. Alternate translation: "His body if full of fat"
This idiom means his body is youthful and healthy.
Job continues speaking to his friends.
Job contrasts this man to the man who dies in peace in Job 21:23.
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"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "has experienced only bad things"
This is a polite way to say that they died. Alternate translation: "They both die and people bury them"
Worms are associated with decay of dead bodies. Alternate translation: "the worms in the dirt eat their dead bodies"
Job continues speaking to his friends.
Job uses this phrase to call attention to the statement that follows. Alternate translation: "Listen"
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 continues speaking to his friends.
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 finishes asking a rhetorical question that begins with the words "Do you not know" in verse 29.
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."
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 continues speaking to his friends.
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."
This means no one will go directly to the wicked person and condemn him personally.
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."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will carry 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"
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"
This concludes Job's speech to his friends.
Job uses a question to scold his friends. Alternate translation: "You cannot comfort me with nonsense. All of your answers are false."
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.
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)
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.
See how you translated this man's name in [Job 2:11]
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."
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."
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
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!"
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!"
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
This refers to a lender taking something from the borrower to ensure that the borrower pays him back.
Eliphaz is accusing Job of taking clothes as security from poor people who borrowed from him.
Here "bread" refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "withheld food"
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.
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"
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
"You made widows go away with nothing"
women whose husbands have died
Here "arms" refer to power. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you even oppressed the fatherless"
These are metaphors for trouble and danger. Alternate translation: "you are always in danger ... you become afraid for no reason"
Each of these metaphors means troubles and dangers are all around Job because of his sin.
"a flood"
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
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."
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!"
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."
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"
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
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"
The death of wicked people is compared to buildings that had their foundations washed away by a flood.
Eliphaz quotes a question wicked people use to mock God. Alternate translation: "The Almighty cannot do anything to us!"
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
"Yet God filled"
The idiom "far from me" means Eliphaz rejects them. Alternate translation: "but I will not listen to their wicked plans"
"know what will happen to the wicked"
"The righteous say"
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"
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
Eliphaz uses this word to introduce something important he is about to say.
Here "from his mouth" represents what God has spoken. Alternate translation: "the instruction that God has spoken"
God's words are compared to treasures that Job could keep in a storeroom. Alternate translation: "treasure his commands"
Here "heart" refers to Job's thoughts. Alternate translation: "your mind"
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
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"
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"
To lay a treasure in the dust is to treat it as unimportant. Alternate translation: "Consider your riches as unimportant as dust"
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"
This is the name of a region famous for its gold.
This means God will be more valuable to Job than any treasure.
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
This means Job will no longer be ashamed but will trust in God. Alternate translation: "you will be able to approach God confidently"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will cause you to succeed"
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"
This concludes Eliphaz's speech to Job.
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"
"lowered eyes," eyes that look at the ground and not at the person with whom their owner is conversing
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"
Some versions of the Bible read, "He rescues the innocent person; so he will rescue you when your hands are clean"
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.
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.
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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"
That is, God continues to afflict Job, but Job will not stop claiming that he has done no wrong.
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 continues speaking.
These two lines mean the same thing and emphasize Job's desire to meet with God.
"I might find God"
These two lines mean the same thing and emphasize Job's desire to explain his situation to God.
Here "fill my mouth" refers to speaking. Alternate translation: "I would speak all of my arguments"
These two lines mean basically the same thing and emphasize Job's desire to hear God's answer.
"the answer that he would give me"
Job continues speaking.
"Would God"
This refers to the place where God is.
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 continues speaking. He begins using a merism to say that he has looked everywhere.
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.
Job speaks of God as if he is a person who hides.
Job continues speaking.
Job's actions are spoken of as if he is walking on a path. Alternate translation: "God knows what I do"
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"
Here "My foot" refers to Job. Alternate translation: "I have followed the path he has shown me"
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"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "followed it exactly"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I have always obeyed"
This phrase refers to the message that God spoke. Alternate translation: "that he spoke"
Here God is represented by his "mouth." Alternate translation: "what he said"
Job continues speaking.
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."
"He does whatever he wants to do"
"he is doing to me what he said he would do"
"he has many similar plans for me"
Job continues speaking.
These two lines mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Job is very afraid of God.
A person whose heart is weak is a person who is timid or fearful. Alternate translation: "made me afraid"
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."
Here Job refers to himself by his "face." Alternate translation: "my sadness"
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.
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 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 continues speaking.
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."
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 continues speaking.
These are stones or other objects to mark the boundary between the lands owned by different people.
land with grass for animals to eat
"They steal"
"orphans" or "children whose parents have died"
"they take widows' oxen to guarantee that the widows will pay back the money that they loaned to those widows"
a woman whose husband has died
A lender would take something from a borrower to ensure that the borrower pays him back.
"out of their way" or "off the road"
The word "all" is an exaggeration to show that many poor people are afraid of these wicked people.
Job continues speaking.
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"
"donkeys that no one owns or cares for"
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.
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.
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.
food for animals
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 continues speaking.
"They become wet when it rains in the mountains"
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"
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"
"Fatherless children are" or "The orphan is" or "Orphans are"
"walk around"
The words "without clothing" mean the same thing as "naked." Alternate translation: "completely naked" or "naked because they have no clothing"
This means their work will provide food for others but not for themselves.
Job continues speaking.
they squeezed olives in order to extract olive oil from them
Here "walls" refers to the whole house. Alternate translation: "in the houses of those evil men"
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 suffer from thirst" or "they are thirsty"
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Job continues speaking.
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"
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"
The words "poor" and "needy" refer to the same group of people and emphasize that these are people who are unable to help themselves.
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 continues speaking.
Here "eye" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "the adulterer"
"for the sunset"
Here "eye" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "No one will see me"
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 hide inside"
The thick darkness is as comfortable for the wicked as light of the morning is for normal people.
"the scary things that happen at night"
Job continues speaking.
Foam lasts only a short time. This emphasizes how quickly God will cause the wicked to disappear.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God curses the part of the land that they own"
Job says that sinners will disappear in Sheol in the same way as snow melts and disappears when it becomes warm.
These two words describe essentially the same weather and are used together to describe it fully.
Job continues speaking.
This refers to the mother. Alternate translation: "The mother"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will remember him anymore"
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"
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 people of that day considered that a woman who was barren was cursed by God. Therefore, this represents the most unfortunate women.
a woman whose husband has died
Job continues speaking.
"by using his power" or "because he is powerful"
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"
"mighty people" or, by implication, "the wicked" or "wicked people"
"gives to the mighty what the mighty needs ... he is supported" or "gives to mighty people what they need ... they are supported"
"he is safe" or "he has what he needs"
Here "eyes" are a synecdoche for God, whose eyes they are. Alternate translation: "but God is always watching what they do"
This concludes Job's speech.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will bring them low" or "God will destroy them"
Some translations are based on a different early text, which says "they wither and fade like weeds."
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"
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 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."
"prove what I say is wrong"
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.
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)
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.
See how you translated this man's name in Job 2:11.
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 peace in the high heaven"
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."
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."
Bildad continues speaking.
These two questions are used together to emphasize that it is impossible for a man to be good enough before God.
The implicit reaction is that he cannot. Alternate translation: "A man can never be righteous before God."
The implicit reaction is that he cannot. Alternate translation: "He who is born of a woman cannot be clean or acceptable to him."
This idiom includes everyone. Alternate translation: "any person"
The word "See" here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: "Indeed"
The abstract noun "brightness" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "the moon is not bright enough for God"
Here "pure" means "perfect." Alternate translation: "he does not think even the stars are perfect"
These two lines say the same thing and are used together to emphasize that man is not perfect.
Bildad states that human beings are as worthless as worms. Alternate translation: "who is as worthless as a worm"
This is another way of referring to a person. Alternate translation: "a person"
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.
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.
Job uses sarcasm in this chapter. This is the use of irony to insult Bildad.
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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 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"
"given him good advice"
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!"
This refers to dead people. Alternate translation: "Those who are dead" or "The spirits of the dead"
They tremble because they are afraid of God. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "tremble in fear" or "tremble in fear of God"
This refers to the dead people who tremble.
This refers to the dead people who dwell in the waters.
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"
This is another name for sheol. Alternate translation: "the place of destruction"
The northern skies represent heaven, the place where God dwells with the beings he created to dwell there.
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"
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"
This phrase tells how he covers the surface of the moon. Alternate translation: "by spreading his clouds in front of it"
This speaks of the horizon, where the earth appears to meet the sky, as if God has marked a boundary on the ocean.
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"
"he destroyed Rahab"
This is the name of a frightening monster that lived in the sea. See how you translated this in [Job 9:13]
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"
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 serpent as it was trying to escape from him." This refers to Rahab, the monster in the sea. See Job 26:12.
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"
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!"
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!"
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.
Despite being upset about his circumstances, Job does not curse God. Instead, he recognizes Yahweh's authority. (See: curse)
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.
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"
"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"
"nose"
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"
The abstract nouns "wickedness" and "deceit" can be expressed with "wickedly" and "deceitfully." Alternate translation: "speak wickedly ... speak deceitfully"
"I will never agree with you and say that you three are right"
The word "you" here is plural. It refers to Job's friends.
"I will never say that I am not innocent" or "I will always say that I am innocent"
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"
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"
Here the phrase "my conscience" represents Job. Alternate translation: "even in my thoughts, I will not accuse myself"
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.
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"
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"
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 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."
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"
This is a metaphor meaning "kills him" or "causes him to die"
This is a metaphor meaning "kills him" or "makes him stop living"
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."
Here "hear his cry" represents responding to the godless man's cry and helping him. Alternate translation: "Will God respond to his cry"
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."
Each occurrence of "you" in these verses is plural and refers to Job's three friends.
God's "hand" represents his power. Alternate translation: "the power of God"
The abstract noun "thoughts" can be expressed with the verb "think." Alternate translation: I will not hide from you what the Almighty thinks"
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!"
"This is what God has planned for the wicked man"
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"
Here "the sword" represents dying in battle. Alternate translation: "they will die in battle"
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"
Here "be buried" represents dying. Alternate translation: "will die by plague"
The words "their" and "them" refer to "Those who survive him," that is, the children of the wicked man.
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"
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"
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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"
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"
A hut is a temporary house that is also not very strong. Alternate translation: "like a temporary hut"
"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 lying down in bed rich" or "but he will not continue to be wealthy when he lies down in bed"
Opening his eyes represents waking up in the morning. Alternate translation: "he wakes up"
"all of his riches are gone" or "everything has vanished"
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"
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 violent wind blows him away"
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 home"
In verses 22-23 Job speaks of the wind as if it were a person attacking the wicked person.
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"
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"
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"
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"
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.
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)
This is a place where people dig rocks out of the earth. These rocks have metal in them.
This is the process of heating a metal to remove all of the impurities that are in it.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People take iron out of the earth"
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"
an important red-brown colored metal
This is a process of heating rocks to melt the metal in them in order to get the metal out of the rocks.
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 parts of the mine"
a deep narrow hole dug into the ground or rock. People go down into the hole to mine it.
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"
How and where he hangs can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Far away from people, he hangs from a rope in the shaft"
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"
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"
The word "it" refers to the earth.
The word "its" refers to the earth.
a rare and valuable blue gemstone
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"
a bird that eats other animals
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.
These clauses also express similar meaning.
This refers to very strong, wild animals.
This represents breaking up the rock. Alternate translation: "digs into the flinty rock"
"hard rock"
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"
Here "his eye" represents him. Alternate translation: "he sees"
Here "ties up the streams" means damming or blocking the streams. Alternate translation: "He blocks the streams so they do not flow"
This refers to things that people normally do not see because they are in the ground or underwater.
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.
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."
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"
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"
"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"
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"
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"
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"
This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than the gold of Ophir, precious onyx and sapphire.
This is the name of a land where there was fine gold.
a valuable black gemstone
a valuable blue gemstone
This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than gold and crystal.
a valuable gemstone that is clear or lightly colored
"and it cannot be exchanged for jewels of fine gold." This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than jewels of fine gold.
"traded"
"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"
This is a beautiful, hard substance that grows on ocean reefs.
These are valuable gemstones.
This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than the finest topaz.
This is a valuable gemstone.
"and wisdom cannot be valued in terms of pure gold." This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than pure gold.
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."
Wisdom is spoken of as if it were in a place and comes to people. Its coming represents people becoming wise.
Understanding is spoken of as if it were in a place.
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"
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"
Here "Destruction" and "Death" are spoken of as if they are living things who can speak.
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"
"the farthest places on the earth"
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"
"he decided how the thunder can be heard" or "he decided the path of the thunderstorm"
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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"
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"
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.
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Job uses this exclamation to express a wish. Alternate translation: "I wish that I were as I was in past months"
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"
Walking through darkness represents experiencing difficult situations.
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"
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"
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"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 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"
This is an open area in a village or city where two or more streets meet.
This is a symbol of respect. It can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "rose and stood respectfully for me"
This was a sign of respect.
They did this to show that they would not speak. This was a sign of their respect for Job.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The noblemen hushed their voices" or "The noblemen stopped speaking"
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"
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 witness approvingly of me"
Here "the one who was poor" refers to any poor person. Alternate translation: "I used to rescue poor people who cried out"
Someone's blessing coming on another represents that person blessing another. Alternate translation: "He who was about to perish would bless me"
This represents anyone who was about to die. Alternate translation: "those who were about to die"
Here "the widow's heart" represents any widow. Alternate translation: "I caused widows to sing joyfully"
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"
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"
a long cloth that men wrap around their heads and wear as a hat
This represents helping blind people. Alternate translation: "I was like eyes for blind people" or "I guided blind people"
This represents helping blind people. Alternate translation: "I was like feet for lame people" or "I supported lame people"
Here "I was a father" represents providing for people. Alternate translation: "I provided for needy people as a father provides for his children"
In verses 18-20 Job tells about the things he used to say before bad things happened to him.
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"
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"
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 used to speak of his strength as if he were strong like a well-watered tree.
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"
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"
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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"
People waited for Job patiently and expected to hear good things.
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 farmers wait eagerly for the latter rain"
This refers to the large amount of rain that falls just before the dry season.
It can be stated clearly that the purpose of smiling was to encourage them. Alternate translation: "I smiled on them to encourage them"
This represents the kindness they saw in Job's face.
Here "selected their way" represents deciding what they should do.
Here "sat" represents ruling or leading. Chiefs sat down when they made important decisions. Alternate translation: "led them as their chief"
Job was their chief. Alternate translation: "led them because I was their chief"
Job speaks of how he led the people and how they obeyed him as if he were a king and they were his army.
This phrase means that Job actually was one who comforted people. Alternate translation: "I comforted them when they mourned"
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)
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' relationship to the flock can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "the dogs that guarded my flock"
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."
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"
The word "They" refers to the fathers of the young mockers.
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"
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 continues to talk about the fathers of the mockers.
These are plants that people would eat only if they could find nothing better.
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.
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 at them as though they were thieves"
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Job continues to talk about the fathers of the mockers.
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"
"Nettles" are bushes with sharp thorns. This implies that they did not have a home.
Here "were the sons of fools" represents having the characteristics fools. Alternate translation: "They were like fools" or "they were fools"
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"
Here being "nameless" represents having no honor or respect. It means that they are worthless. Alternate translation: "worthless people"
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"
Here "the land" refers to the land where they lived before they were forced to go out to the wilderness.
Job speaks again about the people who were mocking him.
The abstract noun "song" can be expressed with the verb "sing." Alternate translation: "But now they sing songs about me to taunt me"
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"
This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "they even spit in my face"
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 mock me"
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 speaks about the mockers treating him cruelly as if they were a mob and an army attacking him.
Job continues to speak about the people who were mocking him.
"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 force me to run away"
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"
This represents keeping Job from escaping their attack. Alternate translation: "They prevent me from escaping from them"
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"
Here "hold them back" represents stopping them from doing something. Alternate translation: "men who have no one to stop them from attacking me"
Job speaks about the mockers treating him cruelly as if they were an army attacking him.
Job continues to speak about the people who were mocking him.
This represents attacking Job forcefully.
This represents many coming to attack him at once, like giant ocean waves rolling in on him.
Possible meanings are 1) Job has become terrified or 2) things are happening to Job that make him afraid.
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"
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 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"
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 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"
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 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"
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"
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 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"
This represents Job's feeling of being worthless. Alternate translation: "I have become as worthless as dust and ashes"
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This word means unkind.
The word "hand" represents God's power. Alternate translation: "you persecute me with your power"
Job continues speaking to God.
These expressions represent the extreme suffering that God made Job endure.
"cause the wind to push me along"
Here "bring me to death" represents causing Job to die. Alternate translation: "you will cause me to die"
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"
That is, all things now alive, but that will die one day.
Job continues speaking to God.
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!"
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 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!"
Here the word "day" is a synecdoche for the person's life, and "hard" here means "difficult." Alternate translation: "him whose life is difficult"
Looking for good represents hoping for good things, and evil coming represents evil things happening.
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 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 coming on Job represents Job experiencing affliction for many days. Alternate translation: "I experience affliction many days" or "I suffer every day"
Here "have gone about" represents living. Alternate translation: "I have lived" or "I live"
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"
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"
Here "bones" refers to the whole body, which suffers from fever.
Another possible meaning is "fever."
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"
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"
To wail is to cry very loudly because of terrible sadness or pain.
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 continues speaking.
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"
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"
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 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?"
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 continues speaking.
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."
Job may be implying that God should know that Job is righteous and does not deserve calamity and disaster.
Job continues speaking.
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.
Here "walked" and "hurried" are metaphors that represent how Job lived. Alternate translation: "have done anything false or purposely deceived anyone"
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 continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but Job is confident that they are not true.
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"
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"
This is a metaphor for being guilty. Alternate translation: "if I am guilty of any sin at all"
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let someone else come and take the harvest from my field"
Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.
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"
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"
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 continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.
The word "that" refers to Job sleeping with another woman.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it would be a crime for which judges should punish me"
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"
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.
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 continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.
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 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 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 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 kept poor people from getting what they desire"
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"
"my food"
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"
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"
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 continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he knows they are not true.
The phrase "his heart" represents the poor man who needs clothing. Alternate translation: "if he has not blessed me"
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"
Lifting up the hand against someone represents threatening to harm him. Alternate translation: "if I have threatened to harm the orphan"
This is a generic noun for any orphan or fatherless child. Alternate translation: "orphans" or "fatherless people"
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"
This is where the important men of the city would gather to make decisions.
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.
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"
This is the reason that Job did not do any of the wicked things he spoke of in verses 7 through 21.
Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.
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"
This line means the same as the previous line.
Here "my hand" represents Job's ability to do things. Alternate translation: "I have gained many possessions by my own ability"
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 continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.
Here "walking" represents moving slowly. Alternate translation: "the moon moving across the sky"
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"
Here "my mouth" represents Job. This is a sign of love and devotion. Alternate translation: "so that I have kissed my hand"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for which judges would be right to punish me"
"I would have been unfaithful to the God who is above"
Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.
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 he experienced disasters"
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.
Here "my mouth" represents Job speaking. Alternate translation: "Truly I did not let myself sin" or "Truly, I did not sin"
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 continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.
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"
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 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"
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"
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 continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he is confident that they are not true.
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"
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"
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.
The dash at the end of the line is used to show that Job did not finish this sentence.
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 "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"
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"
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"
These words could refer to 1) God or 2) someone else.
This represents putting it where everyone could read it.
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"
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"
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.
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"
This represents dying. Alternate translation: "to die"
The words "let" and "grow" are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "let weeds grow instead of barley"
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.
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "he considered himself righteous"
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"
These are names of men.
This is the name of a people-group.
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"
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"
This word is used here to mark a pause in the story. This tells background information about Elihu.
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"
This compares Elihu's anger to someone starting a fire. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he became very angry"
Here "you" is plural and refers to Job and his three friends.
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"
Elihu continues speaking to Job and his friends.
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"
Here the spirit is represented by "breath." Alternate translation: "the spirit of the Almighty"
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Elihu uses this word here to draw the mens' attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Listen"
"I waited to hear what you would say." The word "your" refers to Job's friends and so is plural.
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"
Here the word "respond" does not just mean to answer, but to answer with a helpful response.
Elihu continues speaking to Job's friends.
This means that they believe that they have figured out what is wise. Alternate translation: "We have discovered what is wise"
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"
"by saying what you have said"
Elihu continues speaking.
discouraged or distressed
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.
Elihu continues speaking using parallelisms.
"I will now take my turn to answer"
Elihu speaks of having a lot to say as being full of words. Alternate translation: "I have so much to say"
"my spirit forces me to say it"
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"
This represents Elihu, specifically his spirit. Alternate translation: "my spirit is" or "I am"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I may feel better"
Here the "lips" represent the mouth. Alternate translation: "open my mouth"
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"
This is a name referring to God. Alternate translation: "God who made me"
This means that he would destroy him. Alternate translation: "destroy me"
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.
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)
Elihu continues speaking.
These two phrases mean the same thing. Elihu is emphasizing that Job must listen carefully.
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.
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"
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"
Here Elihu refers to himself by his "lips" to emphasize his speech. Alternate translation: "I will speak sincerely to you the things I know"
Elihu continues speaking to Job.
These two lines mean the same thing. Elihu is emphasizing that God has made him and so gives authority to what he is saying.
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"
Elihu continues speaking to Job.
Elihu uses this word here to draw Job's attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Listen"
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has also made me" or "God has formed both of us"
"you do not need to be afraid of me"
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"
Elihu continues speaking to Job.
"where I could hear you"
"I have heard you say"
A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
"I have not sinned"
Elihu continues quoting what he heard Job say.
The speaker uses this word here to draw attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Listen"
"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"
These words refer to where he goes. Here where he goes represents what he does. Alternate translation: "everything that I do"
Elihu is speaking to Job, so the word "you" is singular.
Elihu continues speaking to Job.
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 have to explain to us anything he does"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "God speaks again and again in different ways"
These phrases have the same meaning.
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"
Elihu continues speaking to Job.
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"
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"
If your language has a word for human beings, male and female, you may want to use it here.
"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.
This is a male person as opposed to a female, a strong person as opposed to a weak person.
Both of these statements mean the same thing. Alternate translation: "God saves people from the grave and from death"
The place where people go when they die is referred to here as "the pit." Alternate translation: "the place where dead people are"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "man from dying and ... he keeps him"
Here "death" represents the place where people go when they die, that is, sheol. Alternate translation: "from going to sheol"
Elihu continues speaking to Job.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God also punishes a person"
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"
The word "strife," possibly referring to the man's reaction to God causing him to "turn away from his deed" [Job 33:17]
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"
"hates even very special food"
Elihu continues speaking to Job.
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"
Here a person is represented by his "soul." Alternate translation: "he is close to going into the grave"
The place where people go when they die is referred to here as "the pit." Alternate translation: "the place where dead people are"
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"
Elihu continues speaking to Job.
This does not refer to a specific person. Elihu continues speaking about any person in general.
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"
“to be gracious to the man and to say to God”
The place where people go when they die is referred to here as "the pit." Alternate translation: "the place where dead people are"
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"
Elihu continues speaking to Job.
This word is used here to introduce what will happen if God grants the angel's request by saving the man.
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"
In this comparison, the word "fresher" is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: "fresh like a youth's"
This refers to a youth's flesh. Alternate translation: "a youth's flesh"
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "he joyfully worships God"
Here God is represented by his "face." Alternate translation: "God"
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.
Elihu continues speaking to Job.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but God did not punish me for sinning"
Here the person is referred to by his "soul." Alternate translation: "rescued me from dying and going to 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"
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"
Elihu continues speaking to Job.
Elihu uses this word here to draw Job's attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: "Listen"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "again and again"
The person is represented by his "soul." Alternate translation: "him"
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 place where people go when they die is referred to here as "the pit." Alternate translation: "the place where dead people are"
This is an idiom and may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he may be happy to still be alive"
Elihu continues speaking to Job.
These phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: "Listen carefully to me, Job"
"show that you are in the right" or "show that you are innocent"
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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.
Elihu defends the justice of Yahweh after Job claimed that Yahweh was being unjust. (See: justice)
"Then, Elihu"
See how you translated this man's name in [Job 32:2]
"Listen to what I say"
Elihu is criticizing Job and his friends. He does not think they are actually wise.
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"
Elihu continues speaking.
Here "us" refers to Elihu, Job, and his three friends.
"refused to give me justice"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God considers me to be a liar"
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"
Elihu continues speaking.
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"
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"
Here "walk" is an idiom for how a person acts. Alternate translation: "who behaves like wicked men"
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Elihu continues speaking. Each of these verses contain parallel phrases.
Elihu is criticizing Job and his friends. He does not actually think they are wise.
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"
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"
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"
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Elihu continues speaking.
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."
The word "he" refers to God. Elihu is describing a situation that he does not believe would ever happen.
The "spirit" and "breath" of God are what makes all living things alive. Alternate translation: "his spirit and breath which give us life"
Here all living things are represented by their "flesh." Alternate translation: "all living things"
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"
Elihu continues speaking.
Elihu uses this word to bring attention to something important he is about to say.
Here "you" is singular and refers to Job.
"listen to what I say." This means the same as the previous part of the sentence.
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."
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."
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!"
Elihu continues speaking.
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.'"
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"
Here "hands" refer to power. Alternate translation: "for God made them all"
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"
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"
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"
Here people are represented by their "hands." Alternate translation: "not by humans" or "not by people"
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"
This means that he always knows where the person is and where he is going. Alternate translation: "he sees him wherever he goes"
The words "deep shadow" mean basically the same thing as, and intensify, the word "darkness."
"so he may judge him" or "to be judged"
Elihu continues speaking.
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"
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "the things they have done"
This means that he appoints other people to rule in their positions. Alternate translation: "and he chooses other people to rule in their places"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "when they are not expecting it"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and crushes them"
They are no longer able to cause trouble. Alternate translation: "destroyed"
Elihu continues speaking.
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "In a place where everyone can see"
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"
This refers to God's instructions for how people should behave.
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"
Elihu continues speaking.
These two questions speak of God not punishing wicked people as if he were being silent and hiding his face.
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"
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"
Here God is represented by his "face." Alternate translation: "himself"
This compares a godless ruler harming people as if he were a hunter trapping his prey. Alternate translation: "no one to harm the people"
Elihu continues speaking.
Here to "see" means to know. Alternate translation: "teach me what I have done wrong that I am not aware of"
Elihu is rebuking Job. Alternate translation: "God does not need to punish that person according to your desires."
Another possible meaning is "you reject God" or "you do not want God to punish you."
"what you are thinking about this"
Elihu continues speaking.
"who hears me speaking"
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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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "to listen to his case thoroughly" or "to hear all of the details of his case"
"of how he has spoken like a wicked man"
This refers to rebellion against God. Alternate translation: "he adds rebellion against God"
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"
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"
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.
Elihu uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job. These questions help to build Elihu's argument.
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)
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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 it is right for you to say"
Here "you" is singular and refers to Job.
This can be translated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "say that you are 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"
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.'"
Elihu continues speaking.
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Elihu continues speaking.
These two lines share similar meanings. The second line intensifies the meaning of the first line.
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."
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."
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."
Here the word "hand" represents Job. Alternate translation: "receive from you"
"another human-being" or "another person"
Elihu continues speaking.
The word "oppression" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "Because of the many things that people do to oppress others"
Here "arms" refers to power or strength. Alternate translation: "they call for someone to deliver them from the power of mighty men"
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.
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Elihu continues speaking.
"the oppressed people cry out"
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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!"
"you have presented your case to him"
"you are waiting for him to respond"
Elihu continues speaking.
Because Job is saying these things about God that are untrue, it is even less likely that God will answer Job's prayers.
Here "his anger" is a metonym for "him." Alternate translation: "he never punishes anyone because he is angry"
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"
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.
This chapter focuses on the justice of Yahweh. It is important to remember that justice won't always come in this life. (See: justice)
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"Allow me to speak"
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"
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"
Here the word "righteousness" can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: "that my Maker is righteous"
"what I say will not be false"
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"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
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"
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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"
Elihu speaks of God honoring the righteous people as if God were causing them to sit on thrones with kings.
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"
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"
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"
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "he reveals to them their transgressions and their pride"
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"
The noun "instruction" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "to what he is instructing them"
Elihu speaks of stopping an action as if it were turning back from it. Alternate translation: "to stop committing iniquity"
The words "days" and "years" both refer to the person's lifetime. Alternate translation: "they will spend their lives in prosperity and contentment"
Elihu speaks of a person dying violently as if someone had killed them with a sword. Alternate translation: "they will die a violent death"
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"
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"
Elihu speaks of God disciplining people as if God were tying them up with ropes. Alternate translation: "even when God punishes them"
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.
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]
Elihu speaks of living without trouble as if it were being in a wide-open space where there were no hardships.
Elihu speaks of living prosperously as if it were having one's table filled with the best foods.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "your servants would set your table"
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"
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."
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"
Some versions of the Bible translate this as "Beware that you are not enticed by wealth."
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 of your great strength" or "all of your mighty efforts"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God is testing you by making you suffer"
"You know this already: God"
Possible meanings are 1) "God is extremely powerful" or 2) "people exalt God because he is powerful"
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."
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."
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.'"
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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"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
This refers to how long God has existed. Alternate translation: "people cannot know how long he has lived" or "people cannot know his age"
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"
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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 phrase "the extensive spread" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "how the clouds spread across the sky"
Elihu speaks of the sky as if it were a "hut" in which God lives. Alternate translation: "from the sky, where God lives"
"Look carefully and see how he spreads"
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"
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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.
"The thunder caused by the lightning" or "The thunder"
"hear that the storm is coming"
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.
This chapter focuses on the justice of Yahweh. It is important to remember that justice won't always come in this life. (See: justice)
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of his fear.
The word "this" refers to the storm in Job 36:33.
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"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Elihu speaks of the thunder as if it is God's voice.
Elihu speaks of the farthest places on the earth as if they were the earth's borders. Alternate translation: "everywhere in the world"
Elihu continues to speak of the thunder as if it is God's voice.
"roars after the lightning"
"his majestic voice"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when people hear his voice"
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The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "and in the same way he says to the rain shower"
"Be a strong shower of rain"
Here the word "hand" represents the entire person. Alternate translation: "He stops every man"
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In Israel, strong wind storms blow in from the south and cold weather approaches from the north.
Elihu speaks of the storm blowing in from the south as if the storm has a place where it resides until it comes.
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"
Elihu compares the hardness of ice to the hardness of metal. Alternate translation: "frozen, as hard as metal"
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"
Possible meanings are 1) "the land on which people live" or 2) "the land on which it is possible to live."
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"
This means that the rain waters the ground and causes vegetation to grow. Alternate translation: "sometimes to water the land"
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"
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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."
"controls the clouds" or "makes the clouds obey him"
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."
"how the clouds float"
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "or do you understand the marvelous deeds of God"
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 you become hot in your clothes" or "how you sweat in your clothes"
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"
Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job cannot do this. Alternate translation: "You cannot spread out the sky ... 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.
This refers to metal that is melted, poured into a mold, and then hardens as it cools.
Here the words "us" and "we" refer to Elihu, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, but not to Job. Elihu uses this phrase sarcastically.
Elihu speaks of the inability to understand as if it were having darkness in one's mind. Alternate translation: "because we do not understand"
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."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Should I have someone tell him"
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."
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"
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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"
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"
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"
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.
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.
Yahweh uses a series of rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to defend his character.
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.
"answered Job" or "responded to Job"
"from a powerful storm"
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 are you to bring"
"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 speaking of things about which you do not know"
The abstract noun "knowledge" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "unknowing words" or "ignorant words"
"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"
Yahweh begins to challenge Job with a series of questions that emphasize he created the earth and Job did not.
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"
Yahweh describes creating the earth as though he was building a structure.
The abstract noun "understanding" can be translated as the verb "understand." Alternate translation: "if you understand so much"
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Tell me who determined its dimensions, if you know"
"size"
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Tell me who stretched the measuring line over it."
a rope or cord that people use to make something the right size and shape
The word "its" refers to the earth. Yahweh uses more questions to emphasize that Job could never understand how great God is.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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."
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Tell me who laid its cornerstone"
Job finishes the rhetorical question that begins with the words "Who laid its cornerstone" in verse 6.
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."
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 bright stars that shine in the morning"
This refers to angels, heavenly beings. See how you translated this in Job 1:6.
The abstract noun "joy" can be translated as the adverb "joyfully." Alternate translation: "shouted joyfully"
"because they were full of joy"
Yahweh uses another question to emphasize that he created the earth and Job did not.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
This can be translated as a command. Alternate translation: "Tell me who shut up the sea ... of the womb"
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"
Yahweh compares his creation of the sea to childbirth.
This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words "Who shut up" in verse 8.
This can be translated as a command. Alternate translation: "Tell me who shut up ... when I made clouds ... and thick darkness its swaddling bands."
"as clothes for the sea"
The abstract noun "darkness" can be translated as the adjective "dark." Alternate translation: "made dark clouds its swaddling bands"
long pieces of cloth that people use to wrap a baby in after it is born
"I made a boundary for the sea"
Yahweh set a limit beyond which the sea was not allowed to cross.
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"
long pieces of wood or metal that are used to keep a door shut
"when I said to the sea." Yahweh speaks to the sea as though it were a person.
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 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"
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he created the light of day and Job did not.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job. He begins to ask a rhetorical question.
This question expects a negative answer. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have never ... shaken the wicked out of it."
Yahweh describes the morning as being able to receive orders and know things like a person.
"caused the dawn to know where it belongs"
the daylight that appears in the morning sky before the sun rises
This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words "Have you given" in verse 12.
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."
The light of dawn is spoken of as if it seizes the horizons of the earth. Alternate translation: "grasp the ends of the earth"
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"
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.
Here "it" refers to the earth. This phrase has a similar meaning to the first phrase in this verse.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The morning takes away the 'light' of wicked people"
The wicked consider darkness to be their light, because they do their evil deeds in the darkness and they are familiar with the darkness.
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.
Yahweh uses five questions to emphasize that he understands the earth and seas and Job does not.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have not gone to the springs of the sea."
This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have not walked in the lowest parts of the deep."
"the sources of the sea"
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"
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"
See how you translated this in Job 3:5.
This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You do not understand the earth in its expanse."
"the great broad places of the earth"
"if you know all about these things"
Yahweh uses three questions to emphasize that he understands light and darkness and Job does not. Each of these verses have two parallel phrases.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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 dwelling of light." Light is spoken of as having a resting place from which it comes forth each day.
"daylight" or "sunlight"
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 territory." Light and darkness are spoken of as being led out and back each day to accomplish Yahweh's purposes.
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 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"
"you have lived so many years"
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he rules over the natural world and Job does not.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job. He bgins to ask a rhetorical question.
Snow and hail are pictured as being stored by Yahweh to do his will.
balls of ice (usually small) that sometimes fall down from the sky during a storm
The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Have you entered" in verse 22 ends here.
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."
The words "these things" refer to the snow and the hail (verse 22).
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 blown"
Yahweh questions Job to emphasize that he causes it to rain and thunder and Job does not.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job. He begins to ask a series of rhetorical questions.
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Only I have created the channels for the floods of rain"
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "and only I have made a path for the thunder"
"the torrents of rain"
"a way for the rumble of thunder to be heard."
These two phrases have nearly the same meaning.
"where there are no people"
The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Who has created" in verse 25 ends here.
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."
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"
"ruined and wasted." These two words have nearly the same meaning and emphasize the ruined and empty nature of these regions.
"the new grass" or "the fresh grass." This is grass that is just starting to grow.
"make the ground support new grass"
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.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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."
Becoming the father of the dew is a metaphor for creating it. Alternate translation: "causes the drops of dew to exist"
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."
"frozen water"
"gave birth to"
dew that freezes on the ground on cold, clear nights
The waters are spoken of as being able to hide. During the winter the ice hides the water underneath it.
The hardness of ice is spoken of as if it was stone. Alternate translation: "become hard like stone"
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"
Yahweh uses five questions to emphasize to Job that he rules the heavens and Job does not.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "You cannot fasten chains on the Pleiades, and you cannot undo the cords of Orion."
"bind chains onto" or "tie the bonds of"
These are the names of constellations. See how you translated them in Job 9:9.
"loosen the cords that hold Orion"
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "You cannot lead the constellations ... proper times. You cannot guide ... children."
groups of stars that seem like they form a particular shape in the sky
"so that they appear at the right time"
This is the name of a constellation. Translate as in Job 9:9.
"its cubs"
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."
Yahweh uses two questions to emphasize to Job that he rules the rain clouds and lightning and Job does not.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "You cannot raise ... may cover you."
The abstract noun "abundance" can be translated as the adjective "abundant." Alternate translation: "an abundant amount of rainwater" or "a flood of waters"
These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: "You cannot send out you, 'Here we are!'"
The lightning bolts are spoken of as servants saying they are ready to follow commands.
Yahweh uses three questions to emphasize to Job that he rules the clouds and rain and Job does not.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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 given wisdom to the clouds"
A rhetorical question begins here.
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am the one who can pour out the water skins of the sky."
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.
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."
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 lumps of soil stick together"
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he knows how to feed the lions and Job does not.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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"
"prey." This is an animal that a lion could eat.
This is a female lion.
hunger
"of young lions." These are young lions that are old enough to hunt for themselves.
The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Can you hunt" in verse 39 ends here.
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."
A "den" is a lair or shelter where lions live.
"hiding in a thicket." Lions hide in thick vegetation when hunting their prey.
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"
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he provides food for the ravens and Job does not.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Tell me who provides victims ... for lack of food."
"provides food." This refers to animals that ravens look for and can eat.
large birds with shiny black feathers that feed on dead animals
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"
This means to walk around in an unsteady way.
"because they have no food" or "because they have nothing to eat"
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.
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.
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)
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.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Surely you do not know when ... bear their young!"
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!"
"give birth to their fawns"
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You cannot count the months that they are pregnant."
"to complete their pregnancy"
The word "they" refers to the goats and the deer.
"are pregnant"
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Of course you do not know when they give birth to their young."
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
The word "They" refers to the wild mountain goats and the deer.
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"
"the countryside" or "the wild"
"do not come back to them" or "do not come back to their mothers"
Yahweh uses two questions to emphasize that he is greater than Job because Yahweh takes care of the wild donkeys and Job does not.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am the one who sent the wild donkey out free."
These are different names for the same kind of donkey.
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am the one who untied the bonds of the swift donkey"
ropes, chains, or straps that hold an animal and keep it from running away
The rhetorical question that begins with the words "Who has untied" in verse 5 ends here.
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."
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 land around the Salt Sea that has a lot of salt in it
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
The word "He" refers to the wild donkey.
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.
someone who forces an animal to work
places where animals can eat plants growing in the field
Here Yahweh uses four questions to emphasize that Job is not like Yahweh because Job cannot control the wild ox.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "The wild ox will not be happy to serve you."
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 willing"
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "He will not consent to stay by your manger."
"stay by your manger through the night"
something that holds food so that animals can eat it
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."
Farmers would tie ropes to animals' heads or necks in order to lead them.
These are long channels made in the dirt while plowing. See how you translated this in Job 31:38.
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "He will never harrow the valleys as he follows after you."
to smooth and break up the soil
Here Yahweh uses three questions to continue his argument that Job is not like Yahweh because Job cannot control the wild ox.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You cannot trust him because his strength is great."
The word "him" refers to the "wild ox."
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You will not be able to make him do your labor for you."
"have him do your hard work for you"
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."
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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."
a very large bird that can run very fast but cannot fly
"move with joy"
the very long feathers on the wings of birds
the smaller feathers that cover the body of a bird
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.
"on the ground"
The word "them" refers to the eggs.
"step on them"
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
The word "She" refers to the female ostrich.
the work that she does when she lays the eggs
If the chicks die, all of her work was useless. Alternate translation: "might have been useless if the chicks die"
"made her forget wisdom" or "not given her wisdom"
See how you translated this in Job 11:6.
This verse is in contrast to her weakness in caring for her chicks. Alternate translation: "However, when she runs"
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"
Yahweh uses three questions to emphasize that Job is not like Yahweh because Job cannot control the wild horse.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You have never given the horse his strength."
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You cannot 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"
the long hair on the top of the neck of a horse
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are not able to make him jump like a locust."
a large kind of grasshopper that can jump very far and very quickly
a very loud sound that horses make with their nose
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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"
"digs at the ground with his hooves"
Here "the weapons" represent the battle in which they are used. Alternate translation: "to join in the battle"
"He is not afraid at all"
"laughs at"
discouraged
"does not run away"
a container that holds arrows
shakes and makes noise
the side of a horse
a long stick with a sharp end that people throw at their enemies
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
The word "He" refers to the horse.
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"
The horse is very excited, so he moves quickly and strongly.
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 is too excited to stand still"
The word "Aha" is a sound people make when they discover something. The horse makes a sound because he has discovered the battle.
It is implied that the horse hears these things. Alternate translation: "he hears the thunderous shouts"
"the battle cries." People have special shouts that they use in war to show their great strength and bravery and to scare the enemy.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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."
Here the stretching out of his wings refers to flying. Alternate translation: "flies to the south"
In the biblical geography, birds fly south during the winter in order to live in warmer climates.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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."
The abstract noun "orders" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "because you tell it to do so"
This means he flies upward. Alternate translation: "flies up into the sky"
The high cliffs are strongholds for eagles because the animals that would want to eat them cannot reach them.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
Here the word "he" refers to the eagle.
"for animals that he can kill and eat"
Here "his eyes" refer to the eagle. Alternate translation: "he sees them"
"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 the blood of the animal that he killed"
"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.
It can be made explicit that he comes to eat the dead bodies. Alternate translation: "he is there to eat them"
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.
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.
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)
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.
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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."
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"
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"You are right when you say that I am" or "Look at me and you will see that I am"
"I am not important"
Job uses this question to apologize for questioning God. Alternate translation: "I cannot answer you."
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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]
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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."
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are condemning me so you can claim that you are innocent."
The arm is a metonym for the strength in the arm. Alternate translation: "strength like God's strength"
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."
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 voice"
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"
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"
"take away everything he is proud of"
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The "face" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "them"
a euphemism for the place where people's spirits go when they die
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The phrase "See now" indicates that what follows is an exhortation for the hearer to pay attention. "Listen carefully: the behemoth"
a large water animal, possibly the hippopotamus
the behemoth eats
Both the behemoth and the ox eat grass.
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.
These two phrases refer to the same part of the body.
Cedar is a very hard wood, and his tail becomes very hard.
Here, his bones are compared to tubes made of bronze to show how tough this animal is.
This last comparison describes the strength of this great animal.
"most important of the creatures" or "strongest of the creatures"
Yahweh speaks as if he were another person. Alternate translation: "of my creatures. Only I, God"
The hills are spoken of as if they were people capable of giving him food. Alternate translation: "food grows on the hills for him"
flowering plants that float on the water in swampy areas
tall grasses found in swamps or marshes
flowering plants that float on the water in swampy areas. See how you translated this in Job 40:19.
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.
sides of the river
"even if the flood of the Jordan should come up to his mouth"
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."
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.
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)
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.
God continues speaking. He is using many rhetorical questions to challenge Job.
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."
pull out of the water
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."
Leviathan's jaws
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."
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."
Leviathan
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."
Yahweh continues to rebuke Job. He uses rhetorical questions 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 a covenant with you, that you should take him for a servant forever."
The words "he" and "him" refer to Leviathan.
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."
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that you cannot tie him up for your servant girls."
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "You know that the groups of fishermen will not bargain for him."
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 the groups of fishermen divide"
Yahweh continues to rebuke Job. He uses rhetorical questions to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan.
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."
Leviathan's
large spears with barbed points that people use to hunt large sea creatures
Leviathan
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you."
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."
"by looking at him" or "by seeing him"
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.
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."
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."
This can be translated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I will certainly speak about ... and about ... and about"
These are three things about which God will not keep silent.
The word "his" refers to Leviathan.
Yahweh continues to rebuke Job by asking him rhetorical questions.
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can strip off his outer clothing."
Leviathan's
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."
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can pry his jaws apart ... terror."
The word "shields" is a metaphor for Leviathan's hide. Both shields and Leviathan's hide protect well and deflect arrows and other weapons.
This means the "shields" are very close to one another and nothing can get between them.
One row of shields is so near to another (Job 41:15).
between the rows of shields (Job 41:15)
the rows of shields (Job 41:15).
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one can pull them apart"
"when he snorts." A snort is a sound like a short snore. Another possible meaning is "from his sneezing" or "when he sneezes."
This means that his eyes are red as the morning dawn is red.
The word "his" refers to Leviathan.
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"
The word "his" refers to Leviathan.
the two openings of the nose
Both the smoke and a boiling pot are very hot.
"causes coals to catch fire"
The words "his" and "him" refer to Leviathan.
The abstract noun "terror" can be translated as the verb "be afraid." Alternate translation: "when people see him coming, they are very afraid"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one can move them"
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.
"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.
Leviathan
Possible meanings are 1) "mighty people" or 2) "very strong people" .
strikes Leviathan
"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.
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"
Chaff cannot hurt Leviathan, and sling stones are just as ineffective as chaff.
Leviathan
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"
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.
Leviathan laughs
These words refer to Leviathan.
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.
"As he passes through the water, he leaves a trail of bubbles behind him, like the bubbling of boiling water in a pot"
The word "he" refers to Leviathan.
The ointment in a pot is cloudy if someone shakes it, and the sea is muddy when Leviathan swims in it.
This is because the bubbles in his wake are white.
"no other creature is like Leviathan"
Leviathan
"He is very, very proud"
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"
Leviathan
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)
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)
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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"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one can stop any of your plans"
The ULB and most modern versions agree that Job is loosely quoting God's own words from [Job 38:2]
That is, hides or misrepresents God's plans.
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The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents understanding. Alternate translation: "but now I really understand you"
Job's self is a metonym for what he said. Alternate translation: "I despise the things I said"
intensely dislike
Sitting in dust and ashes is a symbolic act showing the person is sorry.
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.
See how you translated this man's name in Job 2:11
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"
"7 bulls"
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"
See how you translated this man's name in Job 2:11
See how you translated this man's name in Job 2:11
The person is a metonym for the prayer he prays. Alternate translation: "God accepted Job's prayer for his three friends"
This is an idiom that means that Yahweh restored Job's good life. Alternate translation: "Yahweh restored his riches" or "Yahweh restored his wealth"
"all the people he had known before"
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"
14,000 sheep
6,000 camels
1,000 yoke of oxen
7 sons and 3 daughters
women's names
"Job's daughters were more beautiful than all the other women"
"lived 140 years"
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"
Psalm 1 is usually considered to be a "wisdom psalm," which gives advice to those who hear it read or sung. (See: wise)
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)
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)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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"
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"
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"
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"
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.
This passage introduces an elaborate image in which a righteous person is thought of in terms of a flourishing tree.
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"
A tree that is planted by a stream can get enough water to be healthy.
Healthy trees produce good fruit at the right time.
If a tree gets enough water, its leaves do not dry out and die.
"He will be successful at whatever he does"
How they are not like that can be stated clearly. "The wicked are not prosperous" or "The wicked do not prosper"
How they are like chaff can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "but are worthless like the chaff"
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"
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"
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"
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"
These two clauses contrast what happens to righteous people with what happens to wicked people.
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"
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"
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)
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.
"Today I have begotten you" here is a metaphor meaning that God acknowledges the king as his special person.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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."
This probably means that the nations were making a noisy and angry commotion.
This represents either the leaders or the people of the nations.
These are probably plots against God and his people.
These two clauses have similar meanings.
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"
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"
These phrases refer to Yahweh. Yahweh is often called "the Lord" but the words for "Yahweh" and "the Lord" are different.
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 those people." Why he mocks them can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "The Lord mocks them for their foolish plans"
The abstract noun "rage" can be stated as "furious." Alternate translation: "he will be furious and terrify them"
greatly frighten
Yahweh is emphasizing that he, and not someone else, has set his king in place.
"appointed my king to rule"
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"
"Yahweh said to me"
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"
Yahweh continues speaking to the new king of Israel.
These phrases express very similar ideas.
"the lands that are very far away"
These phrases express very similar ideas.
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"
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 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"
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "listen to this correction" or "take this correction"
"powerful people who govern the nations on earth"
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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"
This may refer to dying right there, before the person has a chance to go away. Alternate translation: "you will die immediately"
The king's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that could burn. Alternate translation: "when he suddenly becomes very angry"
Asking the king for protection is spoken of as seeking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "ask the king to protect them"
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)
Although the psalmist has many enemies and is saying he is without help, God is protecting him and delivering him from danger.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
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.
This exclamation shows that David is afraid of his enemies. Alternate translation: "Oh Yahweh, I have so many enemies!"
Fighting against someone is spoken of as rising against him. Alternate translation: "come against me"
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A shield protects a soldier. David speaks as if God were a shield protecting him. Alternate translation: "you, Yahweh, protect me like a shield"
"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"
"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"
Using one's voice to cry out is spoken as as lifting up his voice. Alternate translation: "I cry out"
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"have surrounded me to destroy me"
David speaks of starting to do something as getting up. Alternate translation: "Take action" or "Do something"
These phrases say very similar things. The phrases "my enemies" and "the wicked" refer to the same group of people.
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"
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"
The abstract noun "salvation" can be expressed with the verb "save." Alternate translation: "Yahweh saves his people"
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)
God protects all those who truly trust in him for protection. (See: trust)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship"
"people should play stringed instruments with this song"
"Respond to me when I call" or "Help me when I call"
"God, who shows that I am righteous"
Being in danger is spoken of as being in a narrow space. Alternate translation: "rescue me when I am in danger"
David sings this part of the song as if he is speaking to his enemies.
David uses this question to rebuke his enemies. Alternate translation: "You people continually 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"
David uses this question to rebuke his enemies. Alternate translation: "You continue to love things that are worthless and seek after lies."
These two phrases are very similar in meaning. The lies are worthless. Alternate translation: "love worthless lies"
"Yahweh chooses godly people for himself"
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"
shake from fear
The heart represents a person's thoughts. Thinking carefully is spoken of as meditating in one's heart. Alternate translation: "Think carefully"
"Offer the right sacrifices"
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"
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!"
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?"
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"
The heart represents the person. Alternate translation: "You have given me more gladness"
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"
"New wine" may represent grapes. Alternate translation: "when they reap plentiful harvests of grain and grapes"
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"
The words "safe" and "secure" mean basically the same thing and emphasize complete safety. Alternate translation: "make me completely safe"
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)
God does not help people who do evil but he blesses those who are good and trust in him. (See: bless and trust)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship"
"This song should be accompanied by people who play wind instruments."
This is a call for help. Alternate translation: "Listen to me as I call to you for help"
low sounds that people make with the voice when they are suffering
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These two phrases are very similar in meaning.
"I will make my request" or "I will ask you for what I need"
"wait, expecting you to do what I ask you to do"
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Since David is speaking to God in this psalm, this sentence can be stated with the word "you." Alternate translation: "Yahweh, you abhor"
The phrase "the man" here refers to any person. Alternate translation: "anyone who kills or deceives others"
The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "because you are faithful to your covenant"
This refers to God's temple. Alternate translation: "your temple"
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"
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"
David talks about his enemies.
Truth being in the mouth represents speaking truthfully. Alternate translation: "For they never say what is true"
The inward being represents people's thoughts and desires. Alternate translation: "their thoughts and desires are wicked"
The throat represents people's speech. Alternate translation: "their speech" or "what they say"
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 say nice things about people without really meaning it"
The tongue represents what people say.
"may their schemes cause them to experience disasters" or "may they become less important because of their schemes"
plans to harm people
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.
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"
These two clauses express similar thoughts.
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to you for protection"
God's name represents him. Alternate translation: "those who love you"
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
Psalm 6 is a deliverance psalm: a call to God for help. (See: deliverer)
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.
This psalm is written using first person making its perspective very personal. There are many uses of the first person in this Psalm.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
"This is for the director of music to use in worship"
"people should play stringed instruments with this song"
This may refer to a style of music.
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"
"terrified" or "worried"
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!"
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"
The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "Save me because you are faithful to your covenant"
These two sentences express similar meanings.
The abstract noun "remembrance" represents praise. Alternate translation: "For when people die, they no longer praise you"
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!"
His groaning represents the pain or distress that he feels. Alternate translation: "I am very tired because of my pain"
This is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: "I make my bed wet with my tears" or "I cry in my bed"
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.
This is an exaggeration. "My couch is very wet because of my tears" or "I cry hard when I am on my couch"
The ability to see is spoken of in terms of the eyes. Alternate translation: "My vision is blurry" or "I cannot see clearly"
Grief here represents crying. Alternate translation: "from crying" or "because I cry so much"
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These two lines have very similar meanings.
Being willing to do what David has prayed for is spoken of as accepting his prayer. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will respond to my prayer"
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Psalm 7 is a deliverance psalm. (See: deliverer)
The author had not wronged anyone, yet his enemy was trying to attack him. But he knew that God would protect him.
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.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is a song that David wrote"
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to you for protection!"
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"
"and no one else will be able to save me"
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The life represents the person. Alternate translation: "me"
This represents capturing him. Alternate translation: "capture me"
Here "my life" represents the writer. Alternate translation: "allow him to destroy me"
This refers to lying dead and unburied in disgrace.
Arising represents doing something or taking action. Alternate translation: "Do something in your anger" or "Be angry at my enemies and take action:
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"
Their rage represents their attacks. Alternate translation: "the attacks of my enemies" or "my enemies who attack me"
Waking up represents starting to do something or take action. Alternate translation: "Take action" or "Do something"
"for me" or "to help me"
Here the word "peoples" represents all of the armies that have gathered to attack.
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"
"show them that I am not guilty"
"make the righteous people strong" or "make the righteous people prosper"
The hearts and minds represent people's desires and thoughts. Alternate translation: "you who know our inner thoughts"
The word "shield" represents God's protection.
Who God is angry with can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "a God who is angry with the wicked every day"
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"
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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"
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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"
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Psalm 8 is a psalm of worship and praise to God. This was to be sung by a choir.
God has made awesome things in the universe and has exalted humans to be rulers over this creation. (See: exalt)
Psalms Psalm 8:4-6](./003.md) is quoted in [Hebrews 2:6-8, where it is applied to Jesus. (See: heaven and glory)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship"
This may refer to a style of music.
God's "name" represents his whole being. Alternate translation: "people all over the world know that you are very great"
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"
God's fingers represent him. Alternate translation: "the heavens, which you have made"
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!"
Both of these phrases refer to people in general.
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"
These two clauses express similar meanings.
"you make them ... under their feet." The words "him" and "his" here refer to people.
The hands represent what God has done. Alternate translation: "the things that you made"
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"
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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"
God's "name" represents him or his reputation. Alternate translation: "your reputation"
excellent, great
Psalm 9 is a psalm of praise.
God is a protector. He is all-powerful and his enemies cannot withstand him.
This psalm along with Psalm 10 form an acrostic. Which means that each unit begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
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.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship"
This may refer to a style of music.
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"
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"
Here God's name represents God. Alternate translation: "I will sing praise to you"
"retreat" or "flee in fear"
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"
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"
"erased"
The enemy is spoken of as if it were a city full of broken down buildings. Alternate translation: "Our enemies were destroyed"
"when you destroyed their cities"
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"
The abstract noun "remembrance" can be expressed with the verb "remember." Alternate translation: "No one remembers them at all"
"Remain" probably represents sitting on the throne as king. Alternate translation: "Yahweh sits on his throne forever" or "Yahweh rules forever"
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"
These two clauses express the same meaning.
Here "the world" refers to all the people in the world. Alternate translation: "He will judge all the people of the world righteously"
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"
Here the words "your name" represent God. Alternate translation: "Those who know you"
"do not forsake" or "do not leave"
"who is king in Jerusalem"
Here "the nations" represents the people of the nations.
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 ignore the cry"
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"
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"
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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"
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"
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 trapped"
"rejected"
This refers to "the wicked."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will not always forget the needy" or "God will remember the needy"
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"
Getting up represents starting to do something. Alternate translation: "Do something" or "Take action"
people
Here judging represents punishing. Alternate translation: "be punished"
Here sight represents presence. Alternate translation: "in your presence"
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"
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Psalm 10 is a psalm of deliverance. (See: deliverer)
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)
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)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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"
evil plans
This refers to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: "wicked people"
The noun "desires" can be expressed with the verb "want. "Alternate translation: "the things that he wants very much to do"
"greedy people"
This refers here to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: "the wicked person"
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"
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"
"He is safe at all times." He is not really safe, but he thinks that he is.
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"
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"
This means that he blows air out noisily through his nose.
"The wicked man says"
This probably simply means "forever."
Experiencing adversity is spoken of as meeting it. Alternate translation: "I will not have any troubles"
What people say is spoken of as being in their mouth. Alternate translation: "He always curses people, tells lies, and threatens to harm people"
Here the tongue represents speaking. Alternate translation: or "what he says injures and destroys people" or "he speaks words that threaten and hurt people"
The word "he" refers to the wicked man.
The eyes represent him. Alternate translation: "he looks for some helpless victim"
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"
This means to hide or wait with intent to harm or kill.
"lies down waiting" or "he hides and waits"
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"
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"
The word "He" refers to the wicked person, and to wicked people in general.
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"
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 what I am doing" or "he does not care what I am doing" or "he will never punish me for what I am doing"
Starting to do something is spoken of as getting up. Alternate translation: "Do something"
Here lifting the hand to hit someone represents punishing him. Alternate translation: "Hit him hard" or "Punish the wicked person"
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 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"
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Here "arm" represents power. Alternate translation: "Destroy the power of the wicked and evil man" or "Make the wicked and evil man weak"
These words have the same meaning. You can use one word to express both concepts.
Making someone account for his evil deeds represents punishing him. Alternate translation: "Punish him for the evil things he has done"
This can be stated in active form. "Yahweh forces the people of other nations to leave his land"
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"
A strong heart represents courage, and making people's hearts strong represents encouraging them. Alternate translation: "you encourage them" or "you make them confident"
"no one ... will cause people to be afraid again"
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)
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)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship."
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to Yahweh for protection"
This question is asked to provide emphasis. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "So do not ask me to run away!"
"Look! the wicked are preparing to attack upright people"
Here "upright in heart" refers to godly or righteous people.
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!"
Here Yahweh is represented by his "eyes." Yahweh is aware of everything that happens. Alternate translation: "He examines all that humanity does"
"humanity"
"Yahweh watches carefully"
"hurt others"
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!"
burning sulphur
"be in his presence"
Psalm 12 is a judgment psalm, where the author asks God to judge and punish the wicked people. (See: judge and evil)
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)
This relatively short psalm focuses on the words people use.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship"
This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 6:1.
"Yahweh, come to my aid"
"faithful people have all vanished"
The two occurrences of "everyone" are exaggerations, used to emphasize that this is true of very many people.
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"
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"
Here "every tongue" represents every person who declares great things. Alternate translation: "every person who boasts"
Here the word "tongues" represents what people say. Alternate translation: "We will prevail because of what we say"
"we will succeed" or "we will win" or "we will be victorious"
Here the "lips" represents the people who speak. Alternate translation: "When we speak"
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!"
These are deep sounds that people make because of pain or some strong emotion.
This means Yahweh will do something to help the people.
Yahweh's words are compared to silver that has been purified. Alternate translation: "they are without any imperfection"
"You keep the righteous people safe"
"surround us"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when people everywhere are praising evil"
"human beings" or "people"
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)
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)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship."
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!"
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!"
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!"
"Give me your attention and listen to me"
This is a way of asking for strength. Alternate translation: "Make me strong again"
To "sleep in death" means to die.
"Do not let my enemy say about me ... so that my enemy may not say about me"
"when I fall" or "when they defeat me"
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"
Here "my heart" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "I will rejoice because you have rescued me"
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Psalm 14 is a deliverance psalm because he is trusting God to deliver the poor. (See: deliverer and trust)
Wicked people do not even consider God when they make their plans. (See: evil)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship."
This is an idiom that means to say to oneself or to think to oneself. Alternate translation: "A foolish person says to himself"
The word "they" refers to all foolish human beings who say there is no God.
This phrase refers to all humans.
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"
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"
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!"
This refers to those who do evil things and destroy God's people as if they were eating food.
The word "they" refers to those who do evil things.
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"
The word "you" here refers to the wicked people.
"to make the person who is poor feel ashamed"
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"
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!"
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!"
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"
Psalm 15 is a wisdom psalm telling how people who honor God should live. (See: wise and life)
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)
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)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
God's "holy hill" represents God's temple, which was on Mount Zion. Alternate translation: "Who may live in your holy place?"
"speaks honestly"
Here "tongue" represents what a person says. The word "he" refers to the "righeous person"
hurt
"Righteous people hate those who have rejected God, but they honor those who respect God"
This phrase refers to any person whom Yahweh abhors. Alternate translation: "The wicked person" or "The person who has rejected Yahweh"
Here "to be shaken" represents not living safely any longer. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "will live in safety"
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)
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)
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."
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to you for protection"
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Here "holy people" refers to God's own people who trust him. Alternate translation: "your people who live in this land"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The troubles of those who seek other gods will increase"
"pour out blood as a sacrifice to their gods"
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"
Here David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a portion of land that has been given to him.
Here David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a cup that contains many blessings. Alternate translation: "the one who blesses me"
"You determine my future" or "You control what will happen to me"
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"
These are ropes that people use to measure a plot of land and mark its boundaries.
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"
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"I always remember that Yahweh is with me"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "nothing will take me away from his side"
David continues to speak to God.
Here the "heart" represents the speaker's thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: "Therefore I am glad"
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"
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"great joy" or "a large amount of joy"
The writer speaks of "joy" as if it were a person.
The words "right hand" indicate being in God's special presence. Alternate translation: "when I am near you"
Psalm 17 is a prayer for deliverance from all his enemies. (See: deliverer)
The psalmist is innocent and needs God to rescue him from these enemies. (See: innocent)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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"
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"
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"
Here "test my heart" means to examine my thoughts and motives. Alternate translation: "If you examine my thoughts in the night"
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"
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"
Both of these clauses mean the same thing. The repetition adds emphasis.
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"
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"
The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "Show in a wonderful way that you are faithful to your covenant"
The "right hand" refers to God's power. Alternate translation: "your mighty power"
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to you for protection"
The "apple of your eye" refers to something that is valuable. Alternate translation: "Protect me as you would something most valuable and precious"
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"
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Here "their mouths speak" represents his enemies when they speak. Alternate translation: "they speak with pride" or "they are always boasting"
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"
These two phrases express very similar ideas. The repetition adds intensity.
The writer feels pursued the way a lion hunts its prey
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"
This clause adds intensity to the words "Rescue my life from the wicked by your sword"
These words represent the power of Yahweh and add intensity to the words "by your sword"
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"
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"
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"
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"
Psalm 18 is a psalm of praise to God for his strengthening David for war.
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.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship."
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 this song to Yahweh"
"after Yahweh had rescued him"
Here "hand" stands for the power of Saul. Alternate translation: "from Saul's power"
David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a rock. The word "rock" is a picture of a safe place.
Here the words "rock" and "fortress" share similar meanings and emphasize that Yahweh provides safety from enemies.
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to him for protection"
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.
"I will be rescued from my enemies"
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"
David is as helpless as if he were being carried away by a rushing flood of waters. Alternate translation: "I felt completely helpless"
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"
"In my great need" or "In my despair"
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"
Here David speaks of how Yahweh heard his cry for help. The idea is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: "he heard my appeal"
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 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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the foundations of the mountains also trembled and shook"
David speaks of Yahweh as if he were breathing fire. This is a picture of how angry God was.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "blazing fire came out of his mouth and kindled coals"
The word "He" refers to Yahweh.
Though Yahweh does not actually have feet, the Psalmist gives him human characteristics. Alternate translation: "thick darkness was beneath him"
Here the Psalmist speaks of the wind as if it had wings like an angel.
Here the words "He" and "him" refer to Yahweh.
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"
"clouds heavy with rain" or "thick, dark rainclouds"
stones made of ice
Yahweh's voice sounded like thunder.
"the Most High" refers to Yahweh.
Both of these clauses have similar meanings.
Here lighting strikes are being spoken of as if they were arrows
"sent them in different directions"
The writer continues to speak of Yaweh's great power.
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"
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.
The word "He" in these verses refers to Yahweh.
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.
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Here "They" refers to the strong enemies in verse 17.
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"
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Here having clean hands represents being innocent of wrongdoing. Alternate translation: "I was innocent" or "my actions were right"
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"
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"
Both of these clauses have similar meanings. The writer repeats these ideas for emphasis.
"have guided me" or "I have remembered"
"innocent according to him"
"I have not sinned"
To have "clean hands" means that one is innocent of wrongdoing. See how you translated this in [Psalms 18:20]
This refers to God's presence. Alternate translation: "before him" or "according to him"
The writer speaks to Yahweh. He praises Yahweh for relating to people in ways that are approprite for how the people live.
"To anyone who is faithful" or "To those who are faithful"
"you show that you are faithful" or "you are faithful"
"to anyone who is blameless" or "to those who are blameless"
"you show that you are blameless" or "you are blameless"
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 anyone who is pure" or "To those who are pure"
"you show that you are pure" or "you are pure"
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 anyone who is perverse" or "but to those who are perverse"
"you show yourself to be wise" or "you are cunning"
"you humiliate"
This idiom refers to those who are proud. Alternate translation: "who are proud"
The writer speaks of Yahweh's presence as if he were a light. These clauses have similar meanings.
"For with your help I can run past anything that is in my way"
A shield protects a soldier. David speaks as if God were a shield protecting him. See how you translated this in [Psalms 3:3]
The implied answer is no one. Alternate translation: "Only Yahweh is God! Only our God is 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]
God gives strength to David as if it were a piece of clothing.
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"
This refers to enabling a person to run fast. Alternate translation: "makes me run very fast"
The deer is especially quick and stable in the mountains.
Here "my hands" refers to the person. Alternate translation: "He trains me"
This refers to the person. Alternate translation: "me"
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"
Here God's right hand represents his power. Alternate translation: "Your power has supported me" or "You have supported me by your power"
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"
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"
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"
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"I crushed them" or "I broke them to pieces"
"unable to stand"
This idiom means the Psalmist has defeated his enemies. Alternate translation: "I have defeated all of them"
"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]
Here the Psalmist speaks of the defeat of his enemies as if he were standing on them. Alternate translation: "you defeat for me"
This refers to those who oppose the Psalmist. Alternate translation: "those who are my enemies"
This represents God giving David victory over his enemies. Alternate translation: "You gave me victory over my enemies"
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 defeated those who hated me" or "I destroyed completely those who hated me"
This means Yahweh did not provide any help. Alternate translation: "but he did not help them"
The psalmists enemies are compared to dust to show how defeated they are.
The psalmist's enemies are compared to mud in the streets to show how defeated they are.
disagreements, arguments
Here "head" represents the ruler. Alternate translation: "appointed me to be the ruler over many nations"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God forced foreigners to bow"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he is my rock and he should be praised" or "may people praise 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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May people exalt the God of my salvation"
The abstract nouns "salvation" can be stated as "saved" or "rescued." Alternate translation: "the God who rescued 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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has set me free"
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 attacked me" or "who rebelled against me"
"cruel men" or "savage men"
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"
Here "name" represents God himself. Alternate translation: "in honor of your name" or "to you"
By using the words "his king," David is referring to himself as king.
"he faithfully loves me as he promised in his covenant, and he will love my descendants forever"
Psalm 19 is a praise psalm, praising God for his creation and for his 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)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship."
The heavens are described as if they were a person. Alternate translation: "The heavens show" or "The heavens look like they declare"
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"
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"
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"
Other translations read "where their voice is not heard," emphasizing that creation's "speech" is available everywhere.
David has just said that creation shows God's glory.
This refers to the unspoken "words" of creation that show God's glory.
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"
The implied words can be included in the translation. Alternate translation: "their speech goes out to the end of the world"
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"
The word "them" probably refers to the heavens.
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"
This compares the sun to an athlete to emphasize the strength and brightness of the sun.
"a fast runner"
the line where the earth and the sky meet
Here "other" refers to the other horizon. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: "to the other horizon"
"everything feels its heat"
The words "the soul" refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: "making a person strong again"
"those who have no experience" or "those who have not learned"
These words refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: "a person"
"are true" or "are correct"
Possible meanings are 1) "bringing understanding to a person" or 2) "making a person healthy again"
"completely right"
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"
The word "valuable" is understood from the previous phrase and can be repeated. Alternate translation: "even more valuable than a lot of fine gold"
"pure gold" or "expensive gold"
This word marks that there is more to the truth than what has just been said. Alternate translation: "Moreover"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they warn your servant" or "they are a warning for your servant"
The word "them" refers to Yahweh's righteous decrees.
David calls himself "your servant" when speaking to God as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: "I am warned"
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 secret mistakes I have made"
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"
David calls himself "your servant" when speaking to God as a sign of respect. See how you translated this in [Psalms 19:11]
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 of rebelling against you" or "innocent of committing many sins"
These expressions taken together describe everything a person says and thinks. Alternate translation: "the things I say and the things I think about"
"receive approval in your sight" or "be pleasing to you"
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in your judgment"
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"
Psalm 20 is a royal psalm. It is probably a prayer for the king, perhaps when he first became king.
Trusting God is much better than trusting in military might. (See: trust)
This Psalm begins with a group of people speaking to the king of Israel. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship"
The word "you" in this Psalm is singular and refers to the king.
"in times of trouble" or "when you are in trouble"
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"
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"
Both of these refer to God's temple in Jerusalem.
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"
The word "he" refers to Yahweh.
"May he give"
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"
The abstract noun "plans" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "may he help you to accomplish everything that you plan to do"
Here "we" refers to the people. They will rejoice in the king's victory.
Here "name" represents honor or reputation. Alternate translation: "in honor of our God" or "for the reputation of our God"
"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.
"give you everything you request from him"
This word is used here to mark a break in the psalm. It transitions from the people speaking to the king speaking.
The word "I" probably refers to the king who is speaking in this section.
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"
God dwells in heaven as well as in the temple in Jerusalem (Psalms 20:2).
God's right hand represents his power. Alternate translation: "with his great strength he will rescue him"
Here "chariots" and "horses" represent a king's army.
Many modern translations read, "boast in chariots ... boast in the name."
The word "trust" is understood. Alternate translation: "others trust in horses"
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"
Here "we" refers to the writer and the readers.
Here "we" refers to the writer and the readers.
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"
Both these verbs mean basically the same thing. Both of these stand for losing in battle.
"we will get up and stand up straight." These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Both of these stand for victory in battle.
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.
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"
Psalm 21 is a royal psalm. The king is praying for victory. Victory in war comes from the power and help from God.
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.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship."
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"
"He rejoices greatly"
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"
"his heart's wish." Here "heart" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "his desire" or "what he wished for"
"have not refused him" or "you have given him"
Here "lips" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "his request" or "what he requested of you"
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"
To place a crown on a person's head is a symbol of making him a king.
Here "purest gold" represents the great honor given to the king.
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 idiom "the length of his days" refers to the duration of his life. Alternate translation: "a long life that lasts forever"
"The king's honor" or "The king's fame"
"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"
"you allow him to have" or "you agree to give him"
"a blessings that will last" or "a blessings that will stay"
"the joy of being in your presence" or "the joy that comes from you being near to you"
The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "because the Most High is faithful to his covenant"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will remove him as king"
Here "hand" represents power. Alternate translation: "Your power will seize" or "You will powerfully seize"
Possible meaning of all occurrences of "your" and "you" are 1) they refer to the king or 2) they refer to God.
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.
"When you are angry and begin to act"
The words "your" and "you" refers to either 1) God or 2) the king.
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.
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.
The word "you" refers to either 1) God or 2) the king.
Both phrases mean the same thing. They emphasize that absolutely none of their enemies will survive.
"they planned." The word "they" refers to the enemies of God and the king.
"to do evil things to you"
"they made a plan" or "they created a scheme"
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.
This is a way of saying that God and the king will defeat their enemies in battle.
This implies that he actually shoots his arrows at his enemies.
Possible meanings are 1) "Yahweh, show us that you are very strong" or 2) "Yahweh, because you are strong we will exalt you"
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"
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)
Christ was despised and taunted by his enemies; but finally people all over the earth will bow down to him.
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)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship"
This may refer to a style of music.
The writer repeats "My God" to emphasize that he is desperate for God to hear him.
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 left me all alone"
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!"
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"
The writer uses the words "daytime" and "night" to mean he prays to God all the time.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I still speak"
"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"
Here "Israel" represents the people of Israel.
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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"
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"
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"
These three phrases share similar meanings and emphasize how much people disrespect him.
This describes an action used to mock someone.
The people are saying this to mock the writer. They do not really believe Yahweh will rescue him.
"Let Yahweh rescue him"
Possible meanings are 1) "for Yahweh delights in him" or 2) "for he delights in Yahweh"
The writer uses the word "For" to begin explaining why he is confused and asking God why he is not coming to help.
This is a way of saying "you caused me to be born."
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"
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"
This implies that Yahweh has always taken care of the writer. Alternate translation: "you, God, have taken care of me"
"since before I was born"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Come close to me"
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 helper"
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"
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.
The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were lions. This emphasizes how powerful and dangerous his enemies are.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "It is like someone is pouring me 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 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.
The writer speaks about no longer having courage as if his heart melted like wax. Here "heart" represents "courage."
a soft substance that melts at a relatively low temperature
"inside of me"
The writer speaks about feeling weak as if his strength were like a dry piece of pottery that can easily break.
an object made of baked clay that can be used in the house
"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.
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"
The "you" is singular and refers to God.
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 group of evildoers" or "a gang of evildoers"
stood in a circle
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.
stabbed through something with a sharp object
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.
The words "look" and "stare" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that people look at him awkwardly and make fun of him.
"my clothes"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Be very close"
Here "strength" represents Yahweh who gives him strength. Alternate translation: "you who give me strength"
Here "soul" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "Rescue me"
The sword is a common way of referring to a violent enemy. Alternate translation: "those who want to kill me" or "my enemies"
"my precious life" or "the only life I have"
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.
The word "wild" here means that no one has captured and tamed the animal.
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.
The word "wild" here means that no one has captured and tamed the animal.
"I will make known your name." Here "name" stands for God's character or reputation. Alternate translation: "I will talk about your character"
Here "brothers" means "my fellow Israelites" or "my fellow worshipers of Yahweh"
"when my fellow Israelites and I gather together" or "when I am surrounded by my fellow worshipers of Yahweh"
Here "You" is plural.
Both of these refer to the same group of people.
"Be full of awe for him" or "Let God's power amaze you"
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
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that God has not forgotten the one who is afflicted and suffering.
strongly disliked or hated
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"
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"
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 listened." It is implied that he responded when he heard their cry. Alternate translation: "he answered" or "he helped"
Here "you" refers to Yahweh.
This refers to sacrifices the writer promised to offer to God.
Here "him" refers to Yahweh. It can be stated as "you." Alternate translation: "in the presence of those who fear you"
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 want to know Yahweh and please him are spoken of as if they are literally seeking to find Yahweh.
Here "hearts" represent the whole person. Alternate translation: "May you live forever"
Here "your" is plural and refers to the oppressed people.
Starting to obey Yahweh is spoken of as if the people physically turn toward Yahweh. Alternate translation: "will remember Yahweh and obey him"
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.
This is a sign of giving honor and respect to someone.
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"
"For the kingdom belongs to Yahweh." Here "kingdom" represents God's rule as king. Alternate translation: "For Yahweh is king"
Here "nations" represents the people of the nations. Alternate translation: "he rules the people of the nations"
The people will eat together at the feast. Alternate translation: "will eat together" or "will eat a festive meal together"
Both phrases refers to the same group. They both refer to all people because all people will die.
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 save their own lives" or "those who cannot keep themselves from dying"
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"
Here "generation" represents the people of that generation. Alternate translation: "the people of the next generation" or "their children"
"about the Lord" or "about what the Lord has done"
The abstract noun "righteousness" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "tell of the righteous things he has done"
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.
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.
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.
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 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"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I have everything that I need"
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"
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"
"calm water" or "water that flows gently." This water is safe to drink.
This psalm continues to tell about how God cares for us as a shepherd cares for his sheep.
This means God makes a person who is weak and tired to be strong and rested again.
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"
The phrase "his name" here refers to his reputation. Alternate translation: "for his reputation" or "so that people will honor him"
This psalm continues to tell about how God cares for us as a shepherd cares for his sheep.
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"
The abstract noun "harm" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "I will not be afraid of something harming me"
Here "you" refers to Yahweh.
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"
Now the writer tells how God is like someone who welcomes a guest into his home and protects him.
A table represents a feast because people would put all the food on a table.
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"
People sometimes put oil on their guests' heads in order to honor them.
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"
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"
The abstract noun "life" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "as long as I live"
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.
This idiom refers to the duration of his life. Alternate translation: "as long as I live" or "forever"
Psalm 24 is a psalm of praise to God as the almighty God. (See: almighty)
Only the righteous come to worship God. (See: righteous)
The psalmists uses several rhetorical questions. Each question forms a unit with a response.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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 abstract noun "fullness" can be stated with the verb "fills." Alternate translation: "everything that fills it"
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"
These phrases are used together to refer to the huge deep ocean below the earth.
"the water that is deep below"
Both of these questions mean basically the same thing. The speaker is asking about who is allowed to go and worship Yahweh.
"will go up" or "will climb"
This refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem.
This refers Yahweh's temple. His temple is on Mount Zion in Jerusalem.
Here "He" does not refer to a specific person. Alternate translation: "Those who have ... who have ... and have not"
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"
Here "heart" represents a person's thoughts or motives. Alternate translation: "thinks good thoughts" or "does not think about doing what is wrong"
Here "falsehood" represents a false idol. To "lift up" means to worship. Alternate translation: "who has not worshiped an idol"
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"
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"
Here "generation" represents people in general. Alternate translation: "The people who seek him are like this"
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"
Going to the temple to worship Yahweh is spoken of as if the person is literally seeking to find him.
Here "face" stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: "the God of Jacob"
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"
It is uncertain what specific part of the gate is the "head." But, it stands for the gate as a whole.
The writer speaks about Yahweh as if he were a mighty warrior who fights in battles.
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]
It is uncertain what specific part of the gate is the "head." But, it stands for the gate as a whole.
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Psalm 25 is a prayer for God's help.
God is very good to humble people who seek to obey him.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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 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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not let my enemies humiliate 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"
"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 trusts you"
"act deceitfully" or "act with trickery"
"without a reason"
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.
"I depend on you" or "I wait patiently for you"
Guide and teach mean the same thing, to give instruction. Alternate translation: "Instruct me to conduct my life by obeying your truth"
The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as "saves." Alternate translation: "the one who saves me"
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"
The abstract nouns "compassion" and "faithfulness" can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "how you have been compassionate and faithful to your covenant"
Here "they" personifies God's compassion and covenant faithfulness. Alternate translation: "for that is how you have always been"
The abstract noun "sins" can be stated as "sinned." Alternate translation: "Do not think about how I sinned against you when I was young"
The abstract noun "rebelliousness" can be stated as "rebelled." Alternate translation: or about how I have rebelled against you"
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"
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"
How God wants a person to behave is spoken of as if it were a way or path on which a person travels.
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "humble people" or "those who are humble"
How God wants a person to behave is spoken of as if it were a way or path on which a person travels.
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"
The phrase "your name" here refers to Yahweh's reputation. Alternate translation: "For your reputation" or "So that people will honor you"
The abstract noun "iniquity" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "please forgive me, for I have sinned much"
This question introduces "the man who fears Yahweh" as a new topic. Alternate translation: "I will tell you about the man who fears Yahweh."
These words refer to any person who fears Yahweh, not a specific person. Alternate translation: "are those who fear ... instruct them ... they should"
Yahweh teaching people how they should behave is spoken of as if Yahweh were teaching the people what way or path they should travel.
These words refer to any person who fears Yahweh, not a specific person. Alternate translation: "Their lives ... their descendants"
"God will cause him to prosper" or "God will cause them to prosper"
"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.
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"
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"
Yahweh paying attention to a person and considering him is spoken of as if Yahweh were physically turning towards the person.
Here "heart" represents a person's emotions. Alternate translation: "I feel more and more troubled"
"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"
The word "distress" is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: "the things that distress me" or "the things that cause me to be afraid"
"Notice my affliction"
The abstract noun "affliction" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "the things that afflict me" or "how afflicted I am"
The word "toils" is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: "the things that trouble me"
"they hate me and want to do violence to me"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not let my enemies humiliate me"
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to you for protection!"
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"
"keep me safe"
"Save Israel" or "Redeem Israel"
Here "Israel" represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: "the people of Israel ... our troubles"
Psalm 26 is a teaching psalm; showing people how they should live by the example of the psalmsist.
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)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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 word "walked" is a metaphor for behavior. Alternate translation: "I have behaved"
The third person use of "Yahweh" can be stated in the second person. Alternate translation: "in you"
Doubting is spoken of as if it were losing balance and waving back and forth. Alternate translation: "without doubting"
"Try me"
Here "inner parts" and "heart" mean motives. Alternate translation: "test whether my motives are good"
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"
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"
"I do not keep company with" or "I do not sit with"
"with those who deceive others"
This means the same as the first part of the sentence. Alternate translation: "and I do not join with dishonest people"
"hypocrites" or "those who lie to others"
"those who gather to do evil"
This is a nominal adjective. Alternate translation: "wicked people" or "those who are wicked"
This seems to refer to a ritual washing of hands in water to symbolize freedom from sin and guilt.
This was an action of worship that the Israelites were accustomed to doing.
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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.
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"
"Sweep away" here is a metaphor for destruction. Alternate translation: "Do not destroy me along with sinners"
The word "sweep" is understood. Alternate translation: "or sweep my life"
"people who are eager to shed others' blood" or "murderers"
"Hands" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "people in which"
"a wicked plan"
This phrase shows that the writer is changing from speaking about wicked people to talking about himself.
"Walk" here is a metaphor for behavior. Alternate translation: "I will behave with integrity"
Here "foot" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "I stand"
Possible meanings are that "level ground" represents 1) a safe place or 2) right behavior
"when I gather with the people of Israel I will praise you"
Psalm 27 is a psalm of praise to God because God keeps the psalmist safe from all his enemies.
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.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
Here "light" represents life. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is the source of my life"
This question emphasizes that there is no one that David should fear. Alternate translation: "I will not be afraid of anyone"
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"
This question emphasizes that there is no one that David should be afraid of. Alternate translation: "I will not dread anyone"
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"
These words mean the same thing. These are the evildoers who came near to him.
This represents the writer's enemies failing to fulfill their plans to harm the writer. Alternate translation: "did not succeed" or "failed"
"though an army surrounds me" or "though an army puts its tents around me"
Here "heart" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "I will not be afraid"
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 continue to trust God to help me"
"I have asked Yahweh to let me do"
A person really wanting something and continually asking God for it is spoken of as if he were seeking to find something.
The wonderful character of God is spoken of as if it were physical beauty. Alternate translation: "to see how wonderful Yahweh is"
Possible meanings are 1) "to ask God what he wants me to do" or 2) "to think carefully about God in his temple."
"in times of trouble" or "when I have troubles"
"he will protect me"
Both of these refer to the tabernacle where the writer is worshiping God.
The word "cover" represents something that hides and protects.
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.
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"
The "voice" often represents a person who speak or calls out. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, hear 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"
Here "heart" represents a person's mind or thoughts. Alternate translation: "In my heart I say" or "I say to myself"
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"
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"
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"
David said "your servant" to refer to himself in a humble way. Alternate translation: "do not be angry with me"
The words "abandon" and "reject" have similar meanings. The writer is emphasizing that he does not want God to leave him.
The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as "saves." Alternate translation: "God who saves me" or "because you are the God who saves 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 keep me" or "Yahweh will take care of me"
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"
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"
The abstract noun "desires" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Do not let my enemies do to me what they desire"
"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"
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"
This rhetorical question can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "Something bad would have happened to me"
The abstract noun "goodness" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "the good things that Yahweh does"
This refers to being alive. Alternate translation: "while I am alive"
This verse may be 1) the writer speaking to himself or 2) the writer speaking to others or 3) someone speaking to the writer.
Here "heart" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "be courageous"
This line is repeated at the end of the psalm as a way of ending the psalm.
Psalm 28 is a psalm of prayer to God that he is not be punished along with the wicked people. (See: evil)
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)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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 call out loudly"
This is a metaphor for strength. Alternate translation: "my strength"
"do not be silent to me" or "do not leave me alone"
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"
Here "sound" refers to the content of his request. Alternate translation: "Hear my strong request"
Lifting up hands is a symbol of worship. The writer is not worshiping the holy place, but Yahweh who lives in the 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.
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"
Here "neighbors" refers to people in general. Alternate translation: "who speak peacefully with other people"
Here "hearts" represents a person's mind or thoughts. Alternate translation: "but are thinking something evil about them"
These two phrases mean the same thing. They are used together to emphasize that they deserve for God to punish them.
Here "hands" represent what the person has done. Alternate translation: "the things they have done"
"give them what they deserve"
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.
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"
Here "hands" represents what Yahweh has done or created. Alternate translation: "what he has created"
The punishment of the wicked people is spoken of as if they were a building or a city that God would destroy.
Here "sound" represents what the writer said. Alternate translation: "has heard what I said when I pleaded to him"
The abstract noun "strength" can be stated as "strong." Alternate translation: "Yahweh makes me strong"
This represents Yahweh's protecting the writer. Alternate translation: "he protects me"
Here "heart" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "I trust"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he helps me"
Here "heart" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "I greatly rejoice"
The abstract noun "strength" can be stated as "strong." Alternate translation: "Yahweh makes his people strong"
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"
The words "anointed one" represent the king.
This speaks about the people of God as if they were something God inherited. Alternate translation: "your possession" or "those who belong to you"
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"
Psalm 29 is a worship psalm. It tells how Yahweh rules all nature.
God is powerful. All he has to do is to speak in order to control nature.
The voice of the Yahweh stands for Yahweh himself.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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 phrase "sons of" is a way of saying "having the characteristics of." Alternate translation: "you mighty men"
The abstract nouns "glory" and "strength" can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "praise Yahweh because he is glorious and strong"
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"
The phrase "his name" refers to Yahweh or his reputation. Alternate translation: "as is proper because of who he is"
The implied information is that the people were to bow down in worship. Alternate translation: "Bow down to worship Yahweh"
The abstract nouns "splendor" and "holiness" can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "because he is gloriously beautiful and holy"
The psalm shows Yahweh's power and glory.
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"
This refers to the seas or the oceans. These waters make a very loud noise as the waves rise and fall.
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"
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 the large bodies of water"
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The writer continues describing the power of God's voice.
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"
jump lightly back and forth
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"
This is a mountain in Lebanon. It is also called Mount Hermon.
All occurrences of "voice" here represent Yahweh speaking. Alternate translation: "When Yahweh speaks he causes lightning to flash in the sky"
This refers to lightning.
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Here "voice" represents Yahweh speaking. Alternate translation: "When Yahweh speaks, the sound causes"
"the large trees to shake"
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"
This means that Yahweh rules. Alternate translation: "Yahweh rules" or "Yahweh is king"
Here "flood" refers to waters that cover the earth.
The word "peace" is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: "Yahweh blesses his people by causing them to prosper and to live peacefully"
Psalm 30 is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving to God. The psalmist was near death but God rescued him.
If he had died, it would not have been a help to God. But since God rescued him he can praise God.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This song was sung when the temple was dedicated"
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"
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Since "Sheol" was the place where dead people go, it refers to death. Alternate translation: "kept me from dying"
Here "my soul" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "brought me up"
The "pit" represents death. Alternate translation: "from dying"
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"
"his anger lasts only a moment." The abstract noun "anger" can be stated as "angry." Alternate translation: "he is angry for only a moment"
Here "moment" represents a short amount of time. Alternate translation: "a short time"
The abstract noun "favor" can be stated as the adjective "good." Alternate translation: "but he is good to us all of our lives"
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"
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"
The word "shaken" is a metaphor for defeat. Alternate translation: "No one will defeat me"
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"
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"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "when you stopped helping me" or "when you rejected me"
"I was fearful" or "I was worried"
The phrase "sought favor" means to ask for help. Alternate translation: "I pleaded for you to help me"
The writer is referring to Yahweh in third person. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: "from you, my Lord"
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."
Here "blood" is a metonym for a violent death. Alternate translation: "if I die a violent death"
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."
This refers to the body of the writer which will decay and become dust when he is dead. Alternate translation: "my decayed body"
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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"
Sackcloth was associated with mourning and sorrow. Alternate translation: "You have caused me to no longer be sad"
The writer speaks of gladness as if it were a garment that he could put on. Alternate translation: "caused me to be glad"
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"
Psalm 31 is a psalm of deliverance. The psalmist's enemies thought they had defeated him, but God protected him. (See: deliverer)
Even though everyone deserted and despised the psalmist, God did not abandon him.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship"
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "I go to you, Yahweh, for protection"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "do not let others humiliate me"
The phrase "be my rock of refuge" is a request for protection. The second phrase emphasizes the first phrase.
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"
Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a strong fortress in which the writer would be protected from his enemies.
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"
Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a strong fortress in which the writer would be protected from his enemies.
In this phrase "name" represents Yahweh. Alternate translation: "so that your name may be honored" or "so that I may worship you"
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"
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.
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"
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"
Here "my spirit" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "I place myself"
"you are a God I can trust"
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"
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"
Both of these phrases express the idea that God knows about the writer's troubles.
Here "my soul" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "my distress"
Here "my feet" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "You have set me"
The Hebrews thought of wide open spaces as a metaphor for safety and freedom. Alternate translation: "a place where I am free"
"I am suffering greatly"
The terms "soul" and "body" are used to describe the complete person.
Here "my life" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "I have become very weak"
"because of my sorrow ... because of my groaning"
The phrase "is weary" is missing, but is implied. Alternate translation: "my years are weary with groaning"
Here "My strength" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "I have become weak"
Here "my bones" refers to the physical health of the writer. Alternate translation: "my health is failing"
The abstract noun "contemptible" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "people have contempt for me" or "people insult me"
"are shocked at my condition"
People do not think about dead people. The writer does not think people think about him.
The writer speaks of himself as if he was completely useless. "as useless as a broken pot"
It is implied that "many" refers to people. Alternate translation: "many people talking about me"
"scary reports from many sources"
This idiom means to kill someone. Alternate translation: "kill me"
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Here "your hand" refers to Yahweh's power. Alternate translation: "You have the power to decide my future"
"from people who try to capture me"
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"
The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "save me because you are faithful to your covenant"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Do not let others make me feel ashamed"
"I wish that God would disgrace wicked people!"
This refers to "wicked people.
Here "in Sheol" represents death. Alternate translation: "Let them die so they cannot speak"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "May someone make these lying lips silent"
These represent lying people. Alternate translation: "people who lie"
Here "the righteous" refers to people who are righteous. Alternate translation: "that say terrible things about righteous people"
These terms have similar meanings. Alternate translation: "with a complete lack of respect"
This can be expressed with a verb. Alternate translation: "are the good things you do"
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 respect you greatly"
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"
These phrases both mean that God protects them.
Yahweh's presence is spoken of as if it is a strong building where the writer would be safe.
Here a "shelter" represents a safe place. Alternate translation: "You provide a safe place for them"
Here "tongues" refer to the people who are speaking violent things against the writer. Alternate translation: "where their enemies cannot speak evil at them"
The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "he showed me that he is wonderfully faithful to his covenant"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "You have removed me from your presence"
Here Yahweh is represented by his "eyes." Alternate translation: "you"
Here "plea" can be expressed with a verb. Alternate translation: "you heard me plead for help"
This refers to the faithful people. Alternate translation: "the people who are faithful"
Here "pay back" is an idiom that refers to punishment. Alternate translation: "he gives the proud people all of the punishment that they deserve"
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Psalm 32 is a psalm of confession of sin. (See: confess and 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)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
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.
This may refer to a style of music.
These phrases have similar meanings. They can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who God forgives his transgression and covers his sin"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom Yahweh sees as innocent" or "who is not guilty according to Yahweh"
Here "spirit" refers to the person. Alternate translation: "in whom there is not deceit" or "who is completely honest"
Here "my bones" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "I was wasting away" or "I was getting weaker"
This idiom means "continually." Alternate translation: "all the time"
These extremes include everything in between. Alternate translation: "all the time"
Here "hand" refers to Yahweh. The entire phrase is an idiom that means "you afflicted me." Alternate translation: "you made me suffer greatly"
David's strength is compared to a small, green plant that turns brown and crumbles in the dry season.
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"when they are in great trouble."
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"
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"
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"
The words "instruct" and "teach" mean basically the same thing and emphasize careful instruction. Alternate translation: "I will teach you everything about the way"
Here the "I" is probably Yahweh who talks directly to David.
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"
Here "my eye" refers to Yahweh's attention. Alternate translation: "and direct my attention to you" or "and watch over you"
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.
Two tools that are used by people to guide horses and mules go where the rider wants them to go.
"where anyone wants them to go." The "you" here is singular and refers to no one in particular.
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"
Here "in Yahweh" refers to what Yahweh has done for them. "Be glad because of what Yahweh has done"
This refers to people. Alternate translation: "you righteous people"
"shout joyfully" or "shout because of joy"
Here "heart" refers to the person. Alternate translation: "people who are upright"
Psalm 33 is a worship song. It tells how great God is.
God is the creator and also the God of his people, Israel. Whatever he plans works out. He alone provides safety in battle.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
Here "in Yahweh" refers to what Yahweh has done for them. "Rejoice because of what Yahweh has done"
"to praise Yahweh is appropriate for upright people"
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Each verse consists of two lines that have very similar meanings.
Here "upright" is used as a metaphor for something that is true. Alternate translation: "Yahweh always does what he says that he will do"
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"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "By using his word, Yahweh made the heavens"
This refers to Yahweh's word. Alternate translation: "by his word"
Each verse consists of two lines that have very similar meanings.
"like behind a dam." The writer describes the creation of the sea as if God piles up all the waters together.
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"
This refers to the people on the earth. Alternate translation: "Let everyone on earth"
Here "stand in awe" is an idiom that means "be in awe." Alternate translation: "honor him"
Here "stood in place" is an idiom that means "was created." Alternate translation: "started to exist"
Each verse consists of two lines that have very similar meanings.
"Yahweh destroys" or "Yahweh breaks"
Here "nations" refers to the people of these nations. Alternate translation: "the alliances of the people of different nations"
An alliance is an agreement between two or more nations to support each other in a war against a common enemy.
"the intentions of the peoples" Alternate translation: "the evil plans of the peoples"
Here "stand" is an idiom that means "endure."
The missing term "stand" is implied. Alternate translation: "the plans of his heart stand for all generations"
Here "his heart" refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "his plans"
"for all future generations." This is an idiom that means "forever."
Here "the nation" refers to the people of the nation. Alternate translation: "Blessed are the people of the nation"
"who worship Yahweh as God"
The people Yahweh has chosen to worship him are described here as if they were an inheritance that he has received.
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The place where Yahweh lives is spoken of as if it is above the earth where people live.
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"
This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "A large army is not what saves a king"
Here "a horse" represents the strongest part of the army. Alternate translation: "Having an army with strong horses does not provide security"
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"
Here "eye" refers to Yahweh's attention. Alternate translation: "Yahweh's attention"
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"
Here "their lives" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "to keep them from dying"
Here "wait" is an idiom that refers to trust. Alternate translation: "We trust in Yahweh" or "We hope in Yahweh"
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"
Here "hearts" refer to the people. Alternate translation: "We rejoice"
Here "holy name" refers to Yahweh's holy character. Alternate translation: "in his holy character" or "in him because he is holy"
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 hope for your help"
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.
Good people can have problems, but God brings them through these. (See: good)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
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.
"acted like a crazy person"
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"
Here "in my mouth" refers to David speaking about Yahweh. Alternate translation: "I will always praise him out loud"
This refers to people who are oppressed. Alternate translation: "the oppressed people"
The verb "praise" is a command to a group. Alternate translation: "Everyone should praise Yahweh with me"
Here "lift up" is an idiom that refers to exalting Yahweh. Alternate translation: "tell people how great he is"
Here "his name" refers to Yahweh's character. Alternate translation: "his character"
Here "sought Yahweh" means David was asking Yahweh for help. Alternate translation: "I prayed to Yahweh" or "I asked Yahweh for help"
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"
This idiom refers to their appearance as being joyful. Alternate translation: "are joyful"
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"
David describes himself as an oppressed man. Alternate translation: "I was oppressed and"
Here "heard" means that Yahweh helped him. Alternate translation: "Yahweh heard me" or "Yahweh helped him"
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"
Yahweh's goodness is spoken of as something that can be tasted and seen. Alternate translation: "Try and experience that Yahweh is good"
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"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Those who fear him will always have what they need"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "will always have the good things they need"
Here this does not refer to literal sons of the writer, but to the people he is teaching about Yahweh. Alternate translation: "my students"
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"
These two phrases refer to the same thing and it is said in different ways to emphasize its importance.
Here "tongue" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "Therefore, do not speak evil"
Here "lips" refers to the person speaking. Alternate translation: "do not speak lies"
Here "Turn away" is a metaphor for avoiding evil. Alternate translation: "Refuse to do evil"
Here "seek" means to be concerned about peace. Alternate translation: "Try hard to live in peace with other people"
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"
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"
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"
Here "hears" means that Yahweh desires to respond to them. Alternate translation: "Yahweh pays attention to them"
Here "is close" means "ready to help." Alternate translation: "Yahweh is always ready to help"
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"
People who are deeply discouraged are spoken of as if their spirits are crushed. Alternate translation: "people who are deeply discouraged"
This refers to people who are righteous. Alternate translation: "the righteous people"
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"
Evil is described as if it were a man who can kill people. Alternate translation: "The evil deeds of wicked people will kill them"
This refers to wicked people.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will condemn those who hate the righteous"
This refers to righteous people.
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"
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "go to him for protection"
Psalm 35 is a prayer for deliverance. His enemies are coming against him. (See: deliverer)
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.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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 writer describes God as a warrior who is preparing himself for battle.
these are defensive weapons
The writer describes God as a warrior who is preparing himself for battle.
these are offensive weapons
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.
This refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "say to me"
This can be stated without the abstract noun. Alternate translation: "I am your savior" or "I will save you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh shame and dishonor those who seek my life"
"I desire that"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May Yahweh turn back and confound those who plan to harm me"
"be turned back" here is a metaphor for being unable to accomplish their goal. Alternate translation: "be unsuccessful"
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"
Here "their way" refers to their lives. Alternate translation: "their lives"
This refers to a way that is hidden and dangerous. Alternate translation: "hidden and full of dangers"
This refers to the angel of Yahweh being opposed to the writer's enemies. Alternate translation: "works against them" or "opposes them"
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"
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"
This refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "me"
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 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"
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"
Possible meanings are 1) fall into the pit of verse 7 or 2) fall into 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"
The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "because you save me"
Here "bones" refers to the deepest inner being of a person. Alternate translation: "My whole inner being"
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 words "poor" and "needy" mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Yahweh saves many who need his help.
This means they testify in a trial. Alternate translation: "volunteer to give a testimony"
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"
These abstract nouns can be stated in other forms. Alternate translation: "evil things ... good things"
"I am extremely sad"
The word "they" refers to the "unrighteous witnesses" (Psalms 35:11).
"I wore sackcloth" or "I showed that I was sad"
This was a symbol of prayer. Alternate translation: "them with my head bent down in prayer"
The writer was as sad as if his own brother had died. Alternate translation: "grieving as if my own brother was ill"
The writer mourned as if his own mother had died. Alternate translation: "I mourned as if my own mother had died"
This was a symbol of pain and suffering.
"assembled together" or "came together"
This means they came together for the purpose of attacking the writer. Alternate translation: "to make plans against me" or "to plan my destruction"
Here the treated the writer as if he were a piece of cloth that they could tear to pieces. Alternate translation: "They attacked me"
"With the worthless people they ridiculed me" or "Without respect they made fun of me"
This is a sign of anger and hate. "they made grinding noises with their teeth at me"
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?"
Here "soul" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "Rescue me"
The word "save" is implied. Alternate translation: "save my only life from the lions"
This refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "me—and I only have one life—from"
Here the writer speaks of his enemies as if they were vicious lions. Alternate translation: "from my enemies who attack me like wild animals"
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"Do not let my enemies, who tell lies about me,"
"their evil plans"
The abstract noun "peace" can be stated as "peacefully." Alternate translation: "they do not speak peacefully to people"
"look for ways to tell lies"
"those who live peacefully in our land"
The abstract noun "peace" can be stated in other forms. Alternate translation: "live peacefully with others" or "do no harm to anyone"
The reason they open their mouths is to accuse the writer. Alternate translation: "They shout at me in order to accuse me"
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.
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"
Here "it" refers to the false accusations of the writer's enemies. Alternate translation: "You have seen how they falsely accused me"
"do not ignore what they did" This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "judge them because of what they did"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "be very close to me"
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"
This abstract noun "defense" can be stated as "defend." Alternate translation: "to defend me"
This refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "me"
"do not let them be glad because I am suffering"
This is an idiom that means to say to oneself. Alternate translation: "say to themselves"
This is an exclamation that is used when something is suddenly seen or understood. It emphasizes what follows. Alternate translation: "Yes"
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"
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"
"May those who rejoice at my distress be put to shame and humiliated"
"May they feel shame"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "May you clothe with shame and dishonor those who exalt themselves over me"
"consider themselves better than I am" or "think they have the right to treat me badly"
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"
These terms mean about the same thing and are used to emphasize how degraded they will be.
Here "vindication" refers to Yahweh proclaiming or judging the psalmist innocent.
"may they always say"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Let us praise Yahweh"
"who is happy with" or "who is glad for"
well-being, happiness
The abstract noun "justice" can be stated as "right." Alternate translation: "proclaim that you act in the right way"
Psalm 36 is a psalm of praise. It speaks of how good God is to those who love him. (See: good and love)
Evil people do not think about God; but he is such a pleasure to all who honor him. (See: evil)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship."
This does not refer to a specific man, but to evil people in general. Alternate translation: "Evil people"
Here "heart" refers to the inner being of a person. Alternate translation: "from his inner being"
Here "eyes" refers to the wicked person. Alternate translation: "in him"
"he prefers to believe" or "he wants to think"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will not discover and hate his sin"
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 things that are good"
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"
Here "evil" can be stated in another form. Alternate translation: "he does not reject evil behavior"
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"
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"
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 help" or "you save"
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"
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"
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"
"source of life"
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"
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"
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"
Here "heart" refers to the people. Alternate translation: "the upright" or "people who act righteously"
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"
"send me away" or "make me leave my place"
All three phrases describe the evildoers as defeated.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you have pushed them down" or "you have destroyed them" or "you have defeated them"
"cannot get up" or "will never again harm anyone"
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)
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)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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 let wicked people upset you" or "Do not be bothered by what wicked people do"
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"
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"
Here "heart" represents the person's inner being and thoughts. Alternate translation: "your deepest, inner desires" or "the things that you desire the most"
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"
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.
Both of these phrases mean about the same thing.
This means "in full view of everyone." Alternate translation: "as clear to see as the light of day"
This means "as visible as the noon sun." Alternate translation: "as visible as the light at the brightest time of day"
"Be quiet"
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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 trust in Yahweh"
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"
This idiom refers to the death of the evil man. Alternate translation: "will die and you will no longer see him"
This refers to the people who are meek. Alternate translation: "the meek people"
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]
This does not refer to a specific man. It refers to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: "The wicked person"
This does not refer to specific people. This refers to people who are righteous. Alternate translation: "the righteous person"
The wicked man hates the righteous person so much that he grinds his teeth together to show his anger.
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"
This refers to the wicked people. Alternate translation: "The wicked people"
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"
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"
These terms both refer to people who are powerless to defend themselves. Alternate translation: "people who are not able to resist them"
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"
"It is better to be poor and righteous than to be wicked with great wealth"
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"
This refers to the wealth of the wicked people.
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"
To "watch over" means to protect someone. Here "the blameless" refers to the blameless people. Alternate translation: "protects the blameless people"
This is an idiom that means "continually." Alternate translation: "every day"
This phrase refers to disasters, such as famine. Alternate translation: "when calamities occur"
The writer compares Yahweh's enemies to the flowers blooming in the fields.
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"
These mean the same thing and emphasize the generosity of the righteous.
This is a contrastive form of Parallelism. Those who are blessed by God in contrast to those who are cursed by God.
This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: "Those whom God blesses"
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]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom Yahweh curses"
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]
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is the one who enables a man to be successful"
This does not refer to a specific man, but to people in general.
Steps represent the way a person lives. Alternate translation: "the way a man lives"
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"
Here "his hand" refers to Yahweh's power, and "holding him" refers to protecting him. Alternate translation: "protecting him with his power"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh forsake the righteous person"
This does not refer to a specific person. It is a general statement.
Here "bread" represents food in general. Alternate translation: begging for food"
This idiom means this action is a habit of his life. Alternate translation: "He is always
"his children grow up to bless others"
To stop doing something is spoken of as if the person turned away from it. Alternate translation: "Stop doing"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will protect them forever"
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]
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]
This refers to the people who are righteous. Alternate translation: "the righteous people"
Here "mouth" represents the whole person who speaks. Alternate translation: "The righteous person"
The abstract noun "wisdom" can be stated as "wise." Alternate translation: "gives wise advice to others"
The abstract noun "justice" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "encourages other people to live rightly"
Here "in his heart" refers to his deepest inner being. Alternate translation: "He treasures the commands of his God in his inner being"
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"
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"
The wicked person observes the righteous person in order to do him harm. Alternate translation: "waits in ambush for the righteous person"
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"
This refers to Yahweh judging the righteous man. Alternate translation: "When Yahweh judges him"
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"
This refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: "the wicked people"
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.
This does not refer to a specific person. It is a general statement.
Here the prosperity of the wicked man is spoken of as if he were a healthy tree growing in good soil.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I could not find him" or "Yahweh had taken him away"
This does not refer to a specific person. It is a general statement.
"note carefully the good people" or "notice the good people"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will end his family line" or "he will not have any descendants"
This refers to his descendants. Alternate translation: "his descendants"
This does not refer to a specific person. It is a general statement.
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]
The abstract noun "Salvation" can be expressed as an action. Alternate translation: "Yahweh rescues the righteous people"
This refers to the righteous people. Alternate translation: "the righteous people"
This same idea is repeated in several different ways to emphasize that Yahweh is dependable and able to give aid.
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate translation: "they have gone to him for protection"
Psalm 38 is a confession of sin and a prayer for deliverance. (See: confess and sin and deliverer)
The author was very sick and his enemies were seeking ways to destroy him.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
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.
These phrases mean basically the same thing and the idea is repeated for emphasis.
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"
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"
David continues describing what his guilt and shame does to his body. He uses hyperbole to emphasize the effects of this lesson.
Here "my bones" represents the body of the writer. Alternate translation: "my whole body is diseased because of my sin"
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"
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"
David continues describing what his guilt and shame does to his body. He uses hyperbole to emphasize the effects of this lesson.
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"
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"
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"
Here "my flesh" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "I am completely sick"
The writer's illness is so severe that it is as if a huge weight is pressing down on him.
Here "my heart" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "my anguish"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you are able to see all my moans of sorrow"
This idiom means his heart beats intensely. Alternate translation: "My heart beats loudly"
"I become very weak"
"I can no longer see well"
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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"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the hurtful nature of what these people say.
The writer does not listen to what his enemies are saying.
The writer does not speak evil words to or about his enemies.
a person who cannot speak
The writer does not listen to what his enemies are saying.
The writer does not speak evil words to or about his enemies.
Possible meanings are 1) "you will answer me" or 2) "you will answer my enemies."
"will not be glad because I am having trouble"
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"
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 always in pain"
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These two phrases mean basically the same thing.
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"
The way the writer's enemies accuse him is spoken of as if they were throwing accusations at him like rocks.
The writers desire for what is good is spoken of as if he were running after good things.
These two phrases have very similar meanings.
Because Yahweh has not yet answered the writer's request, he speaks of Yahweh as if Yahweh were standing far away from the writer.
God is spoken of as if he is running to the writer to help him.
The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "you are the one who saves me"
Psalm 39 is a psalm of deliverance from sickness. (See: deliverer)
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.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship,"
One of David's chief musicians had this same name. This may refer to him.
Here "watch" is an idiom that mean "pay attention to." Alternate translation: "I will pay attention to the things that I say"
Here "tongue" refers to the writer's speech. Alternate translation: "so that I do not speak an offense against Yahweh"
To "muzzle" means to keep a mouth shut. Here David means that he will not speak while he is with an evil person.
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the writer did not speak at all. Alternate translation: "I was completely silent"
"I did not speak"
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"
These phrases mean basically the same thing.
"Show me how brief my life is" or "Show me how soon I will die"
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"
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"
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"
The lives of people are spoken of as if they are as insignificant as shadows. Alternate translation: "Everyone disappears like shadows do"
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.
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."
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These phrases mean basically the same thing.
"because my punishment comes from you"
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 defeated completely"
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"
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"
The writer speaks of the frailty of people as if they were mist that disappears quickly. Alternate translation: "everyone is completely fragile"
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"
The reader should understand that the writer is extremely sad.
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"
Here "your gaze" represents Yahweh's punishment. Alternate translation: "Please stop punishing me"
Here "smile" is associated with being happy. Alternate translation: "so that I can be happy again"
Psalm 40 is a psalm of praise. Many also see it as a messianic psalm, a psalm about Christ. (See: christ)
God is not interested in sacrifices but wants people to obey him and fulfill his plans for them.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship."
This means the writer was waiting for Yahweh to help him.
These mean the same thing, and can be combined into one statement. Alternate translation: "he listened to me when I called out to him"
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"
Here "my feet" refers to the writer, and "a rock" refers a place of safety. Alternate translation: "he provided safety for me"
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."
Here "my mouth" refers to the writer. Alternate translation: "in me"
The noun "praise" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "a song to praise our God"
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"
"Blessed is the man who trusts in Yahweh" or "Those who trust in Yahweh are blessed"
This refers to the people who are proud. Alternate translation: "proud people"
The Hebrew word is unclear. Possible meanings are 1) "lies" or 2) "false gods."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one can count all the things you think about us"
These phrases mean essentially the same thing. The first is stated in negative form, and the second is stated in positive form.
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"
Here "ears" refers to the ability to hear. Alternate translation: "you have enabled me to hear your commands"
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"
This refers to a scroll on which was written the word of Yahweh. Alternate translation: "the written scroll"
Here "my heart" refers to the inner being of the writer. Alternate translation: "I am always thinking about your laws within my inner being"
"I have told a large assembly of people the 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"
Here "my lips" represents the writer, emphasizing his speech. Alternate translation: "I have not stopped myself from proclaiming these things"
"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"
Here this refers to the writer's inner being.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "I have told everyone in the great assembly about your covenant faithfulness or your trustworthiness"
The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be stated as "faithful." Alternate translation: "how faithful you are to your covenant"
This abstract noun "trustworthiness" can be stated as "trustworthy." Alternate translation: "how trustworthy you are"
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"
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"
This is stated in negative form to intensify the number.See how you translated this in [Psalms 40:5]
This refers to the consequences of his sin. Alternate translation: "the consequences of my iniquities"
The writer's iniquities are spoken of as if they were his enemies who were harming him.
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.
Here "heart" refers to the writer's inner confidence. Alternate translation: "I am very discouraged"
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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"
"Please make them ashamed and completely disappointed"
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"
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"
"unable to continue"
"Let those who say to me, 'Aha, aha!' be appalled because of their shame"
"I hope that they will be appalled when you cause them to be ashamed"
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]
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize the intensity of joy. Alternate translation: "be very joyful"
The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "love you because you saved them"
These words mean the same thing and emphasize how helpless the writer is. Alternate translation: "very needy"
"the Lord cares for me"
These phrases mean the same thing.
"You are the one who helps me"
"you come to save me"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "respond quickly"
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)
The author's best friend had become an enemy. His enemies were happy because they were sure his sickness would result in death.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship."
The words "he" and "him" refer to anyone who is concerned for the weak.
"weak people" or "poor people"
These words refer to anyone who is concerned for the weak.
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"
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"
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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"
The words "my enemy" refers to any enemy in general, and not to one specific enemy.
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 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"
Possible meanings are 1) "they hope that very bad things will happen to me" or 2) "they are planning to hurt me."
His enemies speak of "disease" as if it were a person who has captured him. Alternate translation: "He is sick with a fatal disease"
Possible meanings are 1) "A fatal disease" or 2) "Something evil"
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"
This is an idiom that means his friend betrayed him. Alternate translation: "has betrayed me" or "has turned against me"
This is a request. Alternate translation: "Please, Yahweh, have mercy on me and 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"
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"
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"
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"
"you support me because of my integrity"
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"
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.
This refers to two extremes and means for all time. Alternate translation: "for all eternity"
The word "Amen" is repeated to emphasize approval of what has been said. Alternate translation: "May it certainly be so"
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)
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.
Some scholars believe that these two psalms were originally written together as one psalm.
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.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship."
This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1.
The author compares his desire for God to the desire of a thirsty deer for water.
heavy breathing from an animal or person that is very tired or thirsty
The author speaks of his strong desire for God as if it were a strong thirst for water.
The author speaks of his strong desire for God as if it were a strong thirst for water.
The author does not ask this question to get an answer but to show his strong desire to be before God.
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"
This phrase refers to the entire day by referring to both its beginning and end. Alternate translation: "all day long"
This is an exaggeration. His enemies are not saying this constantly; they are saying it often.
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"
This is an idiom that means to remember or think about something. Alternate translation: "remember"
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 crowd of people"
This phrase uses two different words to express one idea. Alternate translation: "joyful praise"
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"
The writer speaks of depression or discouragement as if it were his soul being bent over. Alternate translation: "discouraged"
The writer continues to speak to his own soul and commands it to trust God.
The writer begins to speak to God about his soul.
This phrase means to remember or to think about something. Alternate translation: "I think of you"
This is probably a reference to northern Israel, where the Jordan river originates. Alternate translation: "the land where the Jordan river begins"
mountain tops
This is the name of a hill at the base of Mount Hermon.
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.
The author speaks of his great misfortune and sadness as if they are deep waters that drown him with one wave after another.
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"
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"
Possible meanings are 1) "the song that he gives me" or "the song about him"
"the God who gives me life"
The writer speaks of God as if he were a huge rock that would provide protection from enemy attack.
To "go mourning" is to perform customs related to being very sad.
The writer describes his adversaries' rebukes as his receiving a fatal wound.
This is an exaggeration; his enemies are not saying this constantly but are saying it often.
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"
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]
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]
The writer continues to speak to his own soul and commands it to trust God. See how you translated this in [Psalms 42:5]
Psalm 43 is a psalm of deliverance. It is a plea for rescue from the psalmist's enemies. (See: deliverer)
The author should not be discouraged because he trusts in God to deliver him. (See: trust)
Some scholars believe that these two psalms were originally written together as one psalm.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
Possible meanings are 1) "the God who protects me" or 2) "the God who gives me strength."
The writer asks these questions in order to complain to God and express his emotions, not to receive an answer.
To "go about in mourning" is to perform customs related to being very sad.
The word "oppression" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "because my enemy oppresses me"
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"
This refers to the hill in Jerusalem where the temple is located and thus to the temple itself.
"to the place where you live"
"God who is my very great joy" or "God who gives me very great joy"
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]
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]
The writer continues to speak to his own soul and commands it to trust God. See how you translated this in [Psalms 42:5]
The phrase "my salvation" refers to God. If necessary the two phrases can be combined. Alternate translation: "my God who saves me"
Psalm 44 is a deliverance psalm. It is a prayer for God's help against enemies. (See: deliverer)
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)
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.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship."
"This is a psalm that the sons of Korah wrote."
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"
Both of these phrases use the word "days" to refer to the time period when the ancestors of the people of Israel were alive.
"You forced the people from other nations to leave"
Here the word "hand" refers to God's power. Alternate translation: "by your power"
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"
The word "sword" refers to military power. Alternate translation: "by fighting with their own swords" or "by their own army's strength"
Here the word "arm" refers to power. Alternate translation: "their own power"
You may supply a verb for this phrase. Alternate translation: "the light of your face obtained the land for their possession"
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 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"
The people of Israel are referred to by the name of their ancestor "Jacob."
"By you ... by your"
The writer speaks of his enemies' defeat as if they are "down" and of their preparing to fight as if they are "up."
Here the word "name" refers to God's power and authority. Alternate translation: "by your power"
"tread them under our feet" or "walk on top of them"
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The word "boast" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "we have boasted"
Here the word "name" refers to God, himself. Alternate translation: "we will give thanks to you"
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resources and treasures that an army collects after winning a battle
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"
"caused us to live in many different nations"
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.
These two phrases are parallel emphasizing how the people among whom they live mock them.
The word "rebuke" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "You make us something that our neighbors rebuke"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those around us scoff at us and mock us"
These phrases are parallel emphasizing how intensely the nations around them mock them.
The word "insult" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "You make the nations around us insult us"
The phrase "a shaking of the head" can be translated in verbal form. Alternate translation: "something at which the peoples shake their heads"
This was a gesture that people used to show scorn to others.
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 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 that shows on my face." This refers to his facial expressions that his shame causes.
Here the words "the voice" represents the person insulting him. Alternate translation: "because of what the person says who rebukes and insults me"
These words have similar meanings and emphasize the harsh nature of what this person says.
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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.
Here the word "heart" refers to the emotions, and specifically to loyalty and devotion. Alternate translation: "We have not stopped being loyal to you"
The writer speaks of God's punishment as if it were breaking a fragile object. Alternate translation: "you have punished us severely"
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"
a type of wild dog
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"
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"
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"
The writer uses this question to express that God would know if they worshiped another god. Alternate translation: "God would certainly find out"
Here the word "heart" refers to the mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: "he knows what a person secretly thinks"
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"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people consider us to be 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.
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!"
The writer uses this question to complain that God appears to be ignoring them. Alternate translation: "Do not hide your face ... our oppression."
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"
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"
These parallel phrases share similar meanings. The writer describes his people as lying on the ground in a posture of defeat and humiliation.
The writer speaks of their humiliation as if their bodies were objects, such as ice, that melt and soak into the dirt.
The writer speaks of their humiliation as if their bodies were stuck to the ground and they could not raise themselves up.
This is a command to stand. This phrase refers to beginning to act on something. Alternate translation: "Take action"
The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "to show that you are faithful to your covenant"
Psalm 45 is a royal psalm written for the king's wedding day.
The king has a beautiful palace, and his bride is also beautiful.
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.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship"
This may refer to a style or the tune of the music. Sometimes it is translated as "set to the tune of 'Lilies.'"
"This is a psalm that the sons of Korah wrote."
This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1.
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 noble theme" or "a beautiful word." This refers to the song that he has written.
to have written or created a song
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"
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"
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"
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"
The writer tells the king to ride his horse or chariot to victory.
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"
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"
"awesome deeds." This refers to military victories that cause his enemies to fear him and his allies to revere him.
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 have pierced the hearts of your enemies." The writer speaks to the king while referring to the king in the third person.
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"
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."
The word "scepter" represents the king's authority to rule his kingdom. Alternate translation: "you rule your kingdom with justice"
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"
Here the writer begins to describe what appears to be the wedding ceremony of the king and his bride.
These are aromatic plant substances that people used to make perfumes.
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.
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"
These women are wives of the king who receive his approval.
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"
This is the name of a place that had a reputation for its fine gold. The location is unknown.
The writer begins to speak to the queen and refers to her as "daughter" because she is a young woman.
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"
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"
Here the word "house" refers to family. Alternate translation: "your relatives"
"and" or "so"
This is a polite way to say that the king will want to sleep with the queen as his wife.
The writer continues to speak to the queen.
The writer speaks of the people who live in Tyre as if they are Tyre's children. Alternate translation: "The people of Tyre"
This is a reference to the woman whom the king will marry. Alternate translation: "The king's bride"
"very beautiful." This refers to the woman's appearance.
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"
The author continues to speak about the queen but begins to address the king again.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People will lead her to the king as she wears an embroidered dress"
a design made by sewing colored threads into cloth
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"
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"
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of gladness. Alternate translation: "great gladness"
The writer continues to address the king.
This means that the king's sons will replace him as king, just as he replaced his ancestors as king.
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"
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"
Psalm 46 is a psalm of praise to God.
God is all-powerful, controls nature, and protects his people. (See: peopleofgod)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship."
"This is a psalm that the sons of Korah wrote"
This may refer to a style of music.
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"
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"
"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.
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"
The imagery of a running river symbolizes peace and prosperity for the city of God.
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"
This phrase describes "the city of God." Alternate translation: "the holy place where the Most High lives"
The words "her" and "she" refer to "the city of God."
Here, the word "moved" is the same word translated as "shaken" in [Psalms v. 2]
Here, the word "raged" is the same word that the writer used in [Psalms v. 3]
Here, the word "shaken" is the same word that the writer used in [Psalms v. 2]
"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 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"
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"
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."
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"He makes nations stop fighting wars"
This is an idiom that refers to everywhere in the word. Alternate translation: "everywhere in the world"
One way in which Yahweh will make all wars to cease is by destroying the weapons that the armies use to fight one another.
Some versions understand this Hebrew word as "chariots."
Here, God begins to speak.
In this context, these words are likely a command to the nations to stop their wars. Alternate translation: "Stop fighting"
Here the word "know" means to understand and to confess that Yahweh is the true God.
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"
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]
Psalm 47 is a psalm of praise to God.
God is powerful over all the nations in the world.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship"
Clapping your hands is associated with celebration. Alternate translation: "Clap your hands in celebration"
"shout to God with joyful voices." Here the word "celebration" refers to the joy associated with victory in battle.
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These two phrases are parallel and mean that God enabled Israel to conquer their enemies.
to conquer and place under the authority of another
The writer speaks of conquering other nations as if it were putting those nations underneath their feet.
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"
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"
The word "Jacob" refers to the nation of Israel.
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"
This phrase parallels the previous phrase. The verb may be supplied for clarity. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has gone up as people blew rams' horns"
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"
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"The rulers of all the nations"
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.
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"
Psalm 48 is a psalm of praise for 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.
This psalm is a song about Jerusalem being God's dwelling place. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
This can be stated in active from. Alternate translation: "people are to praise him greatly"
This is a reference to Jerusalem, which was built on Mount Zion.
Possible meanings are 1) "the city where our God lives" or 2) "the city that belongs to our God"
"Beautiful and high." The word "elevation" refers to how high mount Zion is.
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"
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.
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"
The word "see" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
Here the kings represent their armies. Alternate translation: "assembled their armies"
"together they passed by Jerusalem"
"They saw Jerusalem"
greatly troubled
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"
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"
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.
Possible meanings are 1) "a wind blowing from the east" or 2) "a strong wind."
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.
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"
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"
Both of these phrases refer to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "in the city of our God, Yahweh of hosts"
"make it secure." Here the word "establish means to preserve and make something secure.
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"
"as we are in your temple"
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"
This is an idiomatic expression that means everywhere in the word. See how you translated this in [Psalms 46:9]
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"
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"
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"
These two phrases are parallel. Alternate translation: "Walk all the way around Mount Zion"
"notice in detail"
The word "guide" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "he will guide us"
Possible meanings are 1) "until we die" or 2) "forever."
Psalm 49 is a wisdom psalm. (See: wise)
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)
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship"
These two phrases are parallel. Together they strengthen the command for all people to listen.
This idiomatic expression means to use one's ears to listen. Alternate translation: "listen"
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"
Together the words "rich" and "poor" refer to all people, regardless of wealth. Alternate translation: "all people"
Here the word "mouth" refers to the whole person who speaks. Alternate translation: "I will speak wise words"
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"
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"
"as I play the harp"
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."
"when evil things happen." Here the word "days" refers to general periods of time.
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"
These people trust their wealth will keep them from having to suffer.
a large amount of something
"There is no way that any of them can" or Alternate translation: "No one can"
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"
The word "redemption" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "it costs too much to redeem a person's life"
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.
The writer speaks of experiencing something as if it were seeing that thing. Alternate translation: "he will die and his body will decay"
The author refers to all people by referring to those who have the most and least wisdom.
This means a person who is stupid or unintelligent.
"Their belief"
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "the places where they live will continue to all generations"
"they name their lands after themselves." This phrase expresses ownership. Alternate translation: "they own their own lands"
"But man, even if he has wealth"
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 they die"
The author continues to describe people who believe their wealth will save them.
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.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has appointed them"
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"
Here the word "morning" is a metaphor that refers to a time when God will vindicate righteous people and save them from evil people.
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"
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.
Here the word "life" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "God will redeem me"
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."
"he will take nothing with him to the grave"
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"
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"
"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"
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"
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Psalm 50 is a wisdom psalm. It tells what pleases God. (See: wise)
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)
This psalm is a song that teaches people. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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 author uses three different names to speak of God.
Here the word "earth" refers to the people who live on the earth. Alternate translation: "called all people"
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"
Possible meanings are 1) "Zion, whose beauty is perfect" or 2) "Zion, the most beautiful city."
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"
The writer uses this negative statement to emphasize the positive. Alternate translation: "speaks so that everyone can hear him"
The writer speaks of a fire burning things as if it were eating them. Alternate translation: "a fire burns in front of him"
"there is a great storm around him"
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.
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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.
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"I will reprove you, but not for your sacrifices." God explains that their sacrifices are not the reason that he is reproving them.
tell someone he is guilty of doing wrong
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"
areas surrounded by walls in which sheep and goats are kept
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"
"1,000 hills"
Here the word "know" implies ownership. Alternate translation: "I own all the birds"
This describes something that could not happen, since God does not get hungry.
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."
Here God refers to himself. Alternate translation: "Offer to me"
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"
Here the word "day" refers to any period of time. Alternate translation: "whenever you have troubles"
Here God is still speaking and speaks of himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "But to the wicked I say"
The word "wicked" refers to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: "to wicked people"
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"
This is the end of the rhetorical question begun with the words "What have you to do"
God speaks of the wicked people rejecting what he says as if they were throwing away trash. Alternate translation: "reject what I say"
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"
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"
The word "tongue" represents the person who is speaking. Alternate translation: "you are always telling lies"
These two phrases have the same meaning but use different words. God accuses them of speaking falsely against members of their own family.
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"
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"
tell someone he is guilty of doing wrong
God speaks of listing all of the evil things that they have done. Alternate translation: "list ... all the things you have done"
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"
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"
God speaks of destroying the wicked as if he were a lion eating its prey. Alternate translation: "I will destroy you"
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"
The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated as "save." God refers to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "I will save him"
Psalm 51 is a psalm of repentance from sin. (See: repent and sin)
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)
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.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. In this psalm David asks God for forgiveness.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship."
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.
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"
The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "because you are faithful to your covenant"
"because you do so many merciful things"
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"
These two phrases mean the same thing.
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"
completely, totally
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"
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"
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"
Being a sinner is spoken of as being in iniquity. Alternate translation: "I was already a sinner when I was born"
Being a sinner is spoken of as being in sin. Alternate translation: "even when my mother conceived me, I was a sinner"
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"
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"
Being acceptable to God is spoken of as being clean or white. God makes people acceptable by forgiving their sins.
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"
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.
Not having sin is spoken of as being white. Alternate translation: "very, very white"
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize his desire to hear joyful things.
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"
"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"
"hold me up" or "assist me"
"the way you want people to live" or "what you want people to do"
These two words refer to the same people here.
This phrase refers to killing another person.
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"
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"
"The sacrifices that please God"
A broken spirit represents a humble attitude. Alternate translation: "humility" or "a person who becomes humble"
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"
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"
A bull is an adult male cow. Bulls were often used as sacrificial animals, according to God's instruction.
Psalm 52 is a wisdom psalm. It teaches that God will destroy evil people. (See: wise and evil)
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)
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.
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.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship."
This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1.
These are the names of men.
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."
David may have been using irony when he called Doeg this. Alternate translation: "you, who think you are so mighty"
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"
a sharp blade
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"
Here "your tongue" refers to the person David is speaking to. Alternate translation: "You"
David continues speaking to the "mighty man" of Psalms 5:1
"you love lying more than speaking what is right"
Here words that harm others are spoken of as if they were animals that devour people. Alternate translation: "words that harm others"
This refers to the person the author is speaking to. Alternate translation: "you speaker of deceit" or "you liar"
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.
All three of these phrases are different ways of saying "remove you"
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"
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.
"The righteous will also see God remove him and they will fear"
"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
Here "refuge" represents a protector. Alternate translation: "did not make God his protector" or "did not ask God to protect him"
Green olive trees are strong and secure. They do not fall over.
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"
This refers to God's temple.
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"
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"
Psalm 53 is a wisdom psalm. It warns people who do evil that God will judge them. (See: wise and evil and judge)
God looks down from heaven and sees that all humans are evil and corrupt. (See: heaven)
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.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship"
This may refer to a style of music.
This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1.
This refers to all people.
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"
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"
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!"
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"
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"
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 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 saves his captive people"
These two phrases have the same meaning.
Here "Jacob" refers to the descendants of Jacob, the Israelites.
Psalm 54 is a deliverance psalm. (See: deliverer)
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)
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.
This psalm is a prayer for help. Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship"
"people should play stringed instruments with this song"
This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1
people from the city of Ziph in the Judean mountains, southeast of Hebron.
Here God's name represents his character. It may represent specifically his power or his justice. Alternate translation: "Save me, God, by your power"
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"
Giving one's ear represents listening. Alternate translation: "listen to the words"
Here the speaker is represented by his mouth. Alternate translation: "my words" or "what I am saying to you"
Rising up against someone represents preparing to attack him or actually attacking him. Alternate translation: "have prepared to attack me" or "are attacking me"
"men who have no mercy"
Seeking after someone's life represents trying to kill him. Alternate translation: "have tried to kill me" or "want to kill me"
Setting God before them represents paying attention to God. Alternate translation: "they do not pay attention to God" or "they ignore God"
Defending David and keeping him safe is spoken of as upholding or supporting him. Alternate translation: "who defends me" or "who keeps me safe"
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"
Here David changes from talking about God to talking to God. Alternate translation: "God, destroy them because you are faithful to me"
Yahweh's name represents him. Alternate translation: "I will give thanks to you, Yahweh, for you are good"
The eye represents the person. Alternate translation: "I have looked"
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"
Psalm 55 is a deliverance psalm. The psalmist is praying that God will deliver him from his enemies. (See: deliverer)
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)
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.
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship"
"people should play stringed instruments with this song"
This may refer to a style of music. See how you translated this in Psalms 32:1
Giving one's ear represents listening. Alternate translation: "Listen to my prayer"
Refusing to pay attention to his plea is spoken of as hiding himself from it. Alternate translation: "do not ignore my plea"
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Here "voice" represents what they say. Alternate translation: "because of what my enemies say"
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"
This exclamation expresses something the writer wishes for very much. Alternate translation: "I wish very much that I had wings like a dove"
"If I did have wings, I would fly away"
"I would do that and more: I would wander"
The writer finishes telling about what he had said.
a strong storm
Possible meanings are "Destroy my enemies, Lord" or "Destroy my enemies."
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"
"violence and strife go about on her 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 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"
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 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"
This may refer to the marketplaces in the city.
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"
Being proud of oneself and insulting another is spoken of as raising oneself up against another. Alternate translation: "insulted me" or "despised me"
The psalmist speaks as though the person who had rebuked and taunted him were there listening to him.
This can be divided and a new sentence begun. Alternate translation: "myself. You were my companion and my close friend"
The word "we" refers to the psalmist and his friend.
Possible meanings are 1) "together" or 2) "with the crowd."
Death is spoken of as if it were a person who could deceive and kill others. Alternate translation: "Let my enemies die suddenly"
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 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"
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"
This phrase shows that the writer has stopped talking about one thing and is now about to talk about himself. Alternate translation: "But I"
the sound people and animals make when they are in pain
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"
Here "my life" represents the psalmist. Alternate translation: "me"
"for many people fought against me"
"will hear my enemies" or "will hear what my enemies say." Some versions say "will hear me."
How God will humiliate them can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "will defeat and humiliate them"
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"
Someone's "mouth" represents what he says. Alternate translation: "What my friend said"
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 mean" or "was hateful"
"what he said"
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"
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"
The word "drawn" here means that the swords were pulled out of their covers and ready to be used.
Here the psalmist is speaking to other godly people.
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"
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"
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"
The author speaks to God now.
This probably refers to the grave or hell.
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"
"people who lie and who want to kill others" or "deceitful murderers"
"even half as long as other people live"
Psalm 56 is a psalm of deliverance. (See: deliverer)
Although the psalmist's enemies are trying to harm him, he is not afraid because God is protecting him.
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."
Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry.
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.)
"This is for the director of music to use in worship;"
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"
This may mean "Dove on Distant Oak Trees." Translators may either write the meaning or copy the Hebrew words.
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.
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.
"come closer and closer in order to attack 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"
The word "you" refers to God.
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!"
"just humans" or "people." This implies that people are not powerful, but God is powerful.
"All the time"
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"
"they always have evil thoughts against me" or "they always think of evil things to do to me"
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"
Waiting to kill someone is spoken of as waiting for his life. Alternate translation: "as they wait to kill me"
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"
Defeating the enemies is spoken of as bringing them down. Alternate translation: "Defeat the peoples"
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"
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"
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!"
"will retreat" or "will turn and run away"
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"
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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!"
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"
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"
Living and being seen by God is spoken of as walking before God. Alternate translation: "so that I may live in God's presence"
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"
Psalm 57 is a psalm of deliverance. It praises God for