Genesis 1:1

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth

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

In the beginning

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

the heavens and the earth

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

heavens

This refers here to the sky.

Genesis 1:2

without form and empty

God had not yet put the world in order.

the deep

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

the surface of the waters

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

Genesis 1:3

Let there be light

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

Genesis 1:4

God saw the light, that it was good

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

divided the light from the darkness

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

Genesis 1:5

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

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

Genesis 1:6

Let there be an expanse ... let it divide

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

expanse

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

Genesis 1:7

God made the expanse and divided the waters

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

It was so

"It happened like that" or "That is what happened." What God commanded happened just as he said it should.

Genesis 1:8

the second day

This refers to the second day that the universe existed. See how you translated "the first day" in Genesis 1:5.

Genesis 1:9

Let the waters ... be gathered

"Let the waters ... gather" or "Let the waters ... come together"

let the dry land appear

"let dry land become visible" or "let the dry land become clear" or "let the land be uncovered"

Genesis 1:10

the dry land "earth," and

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

Genesis 1:11

Let the earth sprout vegetation

"Let vegetation sprout up on the earth" or "Let vegetation grow on the earth"

vegetation: plants yielding seed and fruit trees bearing fruit

"vegetation, each plant that bears seed and each tree that bears fruit" or "vegetation. Let them be plants that produce seeds and fruit trees that produce fruit."

each according to its own kind

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

Genesis 1:13

the third day

This refers to the third day that the universe existed.

Genesis 1:14

lights in the sky

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

in the sky

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

to divide the day from the night

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

let them be as signs

"Let them serve as signs" or "let them show"

signs

Here this means something that reveals or points to something.

seasons

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

Genesis 1:15

to give light upon the earth

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

Genesis 1:16

the two great lights

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

to rule the day

"to direct the daytime as a ruler directs a group of people" or "to mark the times of the day"

day

This refers only to the daylight hours.

the lesser light

"the smaller light" or "the dimmer light"

Genesis 1:18

to divide the light from the darkness

"to separate the light from the darkness" or "to make it light at one time and dark at another."

Genesis 1:19

the fourth day

This refers to the fourth day that the universe existed.

Genesis 1:20

Let the waters be filled with great numbers of living creatures

"Let the waters be full of many living things" or "Let many animals that swim live in the oceans"

let birds fly

By commanding that birds should fly, God made them fly.

the expanse of the sky

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

Genesis 1:21

great sea creatures

"large animals that live in the sea"

every winged bird

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

Genesis 1:22

blessed them

"blessed the animals that he had made"

Be fruitful and multiply

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

multiply

increase greatly in number

Genesis 1:23

the fifth day

This refers to the fifth day that the universe existed.

Genesis 1:24

livestock, creeping things, and wild animals

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

livestock

These are animals that people look after.

creeping things

"small animals"

wild animals

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

Genesis 1:26

Let us make

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

man

human beings

in our image, after our likeness

"to truly be like us"

have dominion over

"rule over" or "have authority over"

Genesis 1:27

God created man ... he created him

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

God created man

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

Genesis 1:28

Fill the earth

Fill the earth with people.

Genesis 1:30

every bird of the heavens

"all the birds that fly in the sky"

that has the breath of life

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

Genesis 1:31

Behold, it

"This is true and important: it"

it was very good

Now when God looked at everything he had made, it was "very good.

the sixth day

This refers to the sixth day that the universe existed.

Genesis 2:1

the heavens

"the sky" or "the skies"

and all the living things that filled them

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

were finished

"God had finished creating them"

Genesis 2:2

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

God did not work at all on the seventh day.

he rested on the seventh day from all his work

"on that day he did not work"

Genesis 2:3

God blessed the seventh day

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

sanctified it

"made it holy" or "set it apart"

Genesis 2:4

This is the account of the heavens and the earth

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

on the day that Yahweh God made

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

Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament.

Genesis 2:5

No bush of the field

no shrubs growing in the wild that animals might eat

no plant of the field

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

to cultivate

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

Genesis 2:6

mist

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

the whole surface of the ground

the entire earth

Genesis 2:7

formed man

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

man ... man

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

his nostrils

"his nose"

breath of life

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

Genesis 2:8

a garden

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

Genesis 2:9

the tree of life

"the tree that gives people life"

life

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

the tree of the knowledge of good and evil

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

good and evil

"everything, including both good and evil"

in the midst of the garden

"in the middle of the garden."

Genesis 2:10

A river went out of Eden to water the garden

"A river flowed through Eden to water the garden"

Genesis 2:11

Pishon

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

the whole land of Havilah

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

where there is gold

"There is gold in Havilah"

Genesis 2:12

There are also bdellium and the onyx stone

"This is also where people can find bdellium and onyx stones"

bdellium

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

the onyx stone

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

Genesis 2:13

Gihon

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

the whole land of Cush

"the entire land called Cush"

Genesis 2:14

it flows east of Ashur

"it flows in the land east of the city of Ashur"

Genesis 2:15

the garden of Eden

"the garden that was in Eden"

to work it

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

to maintain it

to guard against anything bad happening in it

Genesis 2:16

From every tree in the garden

"The fruit of every tree in the garden"

may freely eat

"may eat without restriction"

Genesis 2:18

I will make him a helper suitable for him

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

Genesis 2:20

all the livestock

"all the animals that people look after"

Genesis 2:21

flesh

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

Genesis 2:22

With the rib ... he made a woman

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

Genesis 2:23

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

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

Genesis 2:24

Therefore a man

"That is why a man"

a man will leave his father and his mother

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

they will become one flesh

"their two bodies will become one body"

Genesis 2:25

naked

"not wearing clothing"

but were not ashamed

"they were not ashamed about being naked"

Genesis 3:1

more shrewd

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

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

"I am surprised that God said, 'You ... garden.'"

You must not eat

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

Genesis 3:2

We may eat

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

Genesis 3:3

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

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

or you will die

"If you eat it or touch it, you will die"

Genesis 3:4

You will ... not die

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

Genesis 3:5

knowing good and evil

"knowing everything, including both good and evil"

Genesis 3:6

it was a delight to the eyes

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

that the tree was desirable to make one wise

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

Genesis 3:7

sewed

put together, probably using vines as thread

fig leaves

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

made coverings for their loins

"clothed themselves with them because they were ashamed"

Genesis 3:9

Where are you?

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

Genesis 3:11

Who told you

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

Genesis 3:13

What is this you have done?

"You have done a terrible thing."

Genesis 3:14

all the livestock and all the beasts of the field

"all domestic animals and all wild animals"

It is on your stomach that you will go

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

it is dust that you will eat

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

Genesis 3:15

hostility between you and the woman

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

seed

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

He will bruise ... his heel

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

bruise

"crush" or "strike" or "attack"

Genesis 3:16

I will greatly multiply your pain

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

in childbirth

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

Your desire will be for your husband

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

he will rule over you

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

Genesis 3:17

Adam

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

you have listened to the voice of your wife

"you have obeyed what your wife said"

have eaten from the tree

"have eaten the fruit of the tree" or "have eaten some of the fruit of the tree"

You may not eat from it

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

cursed is the ground

"I am cursing the ground"

through painful work

"by doing hard work"

Genesis 3:18

the plants of the field

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

Genesis 3:19

By the sweat of your face

"By doing hard work that makes your face sweat"

you will eat bread

"you will eat food"

until you return to the ground

"until you die and your body is put in the ground." Man's hard work does not end until the time of his death and burial.

For dust you are, and to dust you will return

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

Genesis 3:20

The man

Some translations say "Adam."

called his wife's name Eve

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

Eve

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

all the living

"all people" or "all living people"

Genesis 3:22

the man

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

like one of us

"like us." The pronoun "us" is plural.

knowing good and evil

"knowing everything, including both good and evil"

he must not be allowed

"I will not allow him"

tree of life

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

Genesis 3:23

the ground from which he had been taken

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

to cultivate

This means to what is needed so that plants grow well.

Genesis 3:24

So God drove the man out of the garden

"God forced the man to leave the garden."

in order to guard the way to the tree of life

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

flaming sword

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

Genesis 4:1

The man knew Eve

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

The man

"the human being" or "Adam"

Cain

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

Genesis 4:2

Then she gave birth

We do not know how much time passed between the births of Cain and Abel. If possible, use an expression that does not tell how much time passed.

Genesis 4:3

in the course of time

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

fruit of the ground

"crops" or "harvest"

Genesis 4:4

some of the fat

"some of their fat parts"

accepted

"looked favorably upon" or "was pleased with"

Genesis 4:5

did not accept

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

he scowled

This means that the expression on his face showed that he was angry or jealous.

Genesis 4:6

Why are you angry and why are you scowling?

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

Genesis 4:7

If you ... will you not be accepted?

"You know that if you do what is right, I will accept you"

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

"But if you do not do what is right, you will desire to sin even more, and then you will do sinful things. You must refuse to obey it"

sin crouches ... to control you

"you will become so angry that you will not be able to stop sin"

sin

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

you must rule over it

"you must control it so you do not sin"

Genesis 4:8

Cain spoke to Abel his brother.

"Cain said to Abel his brother, 'Let us go into the fields.'"

brother

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

rose up against

"attacked"

Genesis 4:9

Where is Abel your brother

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

Am I my brother's keeper?

"I am not my brother's keeper!" or "You know that taking care of my brother is not my job!"

Genesis 4:10

What have you done?

"What you have done is terrible!"

Your brother's blood is calling out to me

"Your brother's blood is like a person calling out to me to punish the person who killed him"

Genesis 4:11

Now cursed are you from the ground

"I am cursing you so that you will not be able to grow food from the ground"

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

"which is soaked with your brother's blood"

from your hand

"that spilled when you killed him" or "from you"

Genesis 4:12

it will not yield to you its strength

"the ground will not produce much food for you"

A fugitive and a wanderer

"A homeless wanderer"

Genesis 4:14

I will be hidden from your face

"I will not be able to speak to you"

Genesis 4:15

vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold

"I will take vengeance on him seven times" or "I will punish that person seven times as severely as I am punishing you"

would not attack him

"would not kill Cain"

Genesis 4:16

went out from the presence of Yahweh

"went away from where Yahweh spoke to him"

Nod

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

Genesis 4:17

Cain knew his wife

This is a polite way of saying that Cain had sexual relations with his wife. You may need to use another euphemism in your language.

He built a city

"Cain built a city"

Genesis 4:18

To Enoch was born Irad

"Enoch grew up and married and became the father of a son whom he named Irad"

Genesis 4:19

Adah ... Zillah

women's names

Genesis 4:20

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

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

Genesis 4:21

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

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

Genesis 4:22

Tubal-Cain

the name of a man

the forger of tools of bronze and iron

"who made tools out of bronze and iron"

iron

a very strong metal used to make tools and weapons.

Genesis 4:23

listen to my voice ... listen to my words

"listen carefully to me"

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

"a young man because he hurt me"

Genesis 4:24

If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech

"Since God will punish anyone who kills Cain seven times, Lamech"

then Lamech will be avenged seventy-seven times

"whoever kills me, God will punish seventy-seven times"

Genesis 4:25

said, "God has given me another son

"explained, 'God has given me another child"

Seth

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

Genesis 4:26

A son was born to Seth

"Seth's wife bore him a son"

to call on the name of Yahweh

"to worship God by using the name Yahweh"

Genesis 5:1

in his own likeness

"to truly be like us"

Genesis 5:2

when they were created

"when he created them"

Genesis 5:3

he became the father of a son

"he had a son"

Genesis 5:4

He became the father of more sons and daughters

"He had more sons and daughters"

Genesis 5:5

Adam lived 930 years

"Adam lived a total of 930 years"

then he died

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

Genesis 5:6

he became the father of Enosh

"he had his son Enosh"

Enosh

This is the name of a person.

Genesis 5:8

Seth lived 912 years

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

Genesis 5:21

he became the father of Methuselah

"he had his son Methuselah"

Methuselah

This is the name of a man.

Genesis 5:22

Enoch walked with God

"Enoch had a close relationship with God" or "Enoch lived in union with God"

He became the father of more sons and daughters

"He had more sons and daughters"

Genesis 5:23

Enoch lived 365 years

"Enoch lived three hundred and sixty-five years."

Genesis 5:24

then he was gone

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

for God took him

This means that God took Enoch to be with himself.

Genesis 5:25

Lamech

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

Genesis 5:28

became the father of a son

"had a son"

Genesis 5:29

Noah

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

from our work and from the painful labor of our hands

"from working so hard with our hands"

Genesis 5:31

Lamech lived 777 years

"Lamech lived seven hundred seventy-seven years."

Genesis 5:32

he became the father of

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

Shem, Ham, and Japheth

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

Genesis 6:1

It came about

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

daughters were born to them

"the women bore daughters"

Genesis 6:2

sons of God

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

Genesis 6:3

My spirit

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

flesh

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

Genesis 6:4

The Nephilim

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

This happened when

"The Nephilim were born because"

sons of God

See how you translated this in Genesis 6:2.

These were the mighty men of old

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

men of renown

"famous men"

Genesis 6:5

every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts

"everything their hearts wanted to think about"

the thoughts of their hearts

"their inner, secret thoughts"

Genesis 6:6

it grieved him to his heart

"he was very, very sad about it"

Genesis 6:7

I will wipe away mankind whom I have created

"I created mankind. I will destroy mankind ... so that there will not be any people on the earth"

wipe away

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

Genesis 6:8

Noah found favor in the eyes of Yahweh

"Yahweh looked favorably on Noah" or "Yahweh was pleased with Noah"

Genesis 6:9

walked with God

See how you translated this in Genesis 5:21.

Genesis 6:10

Noah became the father of three sons

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

Shem, Ham, and Japheth

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

Genesis 6:11

The earth

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

was corrupt

"was rotten" or "was completely evil"

before God

Possible meanings are 1) "in God's sight" or 2) "in the presence of Yahweh"

and it was filled with violence

"and there were very many violent people on the earth" or "because it was full of people who did evil things to each other"

Genesis 6:12

behold

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

all flesh

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

had corrupted their way

"had stopped living the way God wanted" or "had behaved in an evil way"

Genesis 6:13

all flesh

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

the earth is filled with violence through them

"people everywhere on earth are violent"

I will destroy them with the earth

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

Genesis 6:14

an ark

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

cypress wood

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

cover it with pitch

"spread pitch on it" or "paint tar on it" or "cover it with pitch to make it waterproof"

pitch

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

Genesis 6:15

cubits

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

three hundred cubits

"138 meters." or you may also write a footnote that says: "Three hundred cubits is about 138 meters."

fifty cubits

"twenty-three meters"

thirty cubits

"fourteen meters"

Genesis 6:16

a roof for the ark

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

a lower, a second, and a third deck

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

deck

"floor" or "level"

Genesis 6:17

Listen

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

I am about to bring the flood of waters

"I am about to send a flood of waters" or "I am about to cause a flood"

all flesh

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

that has in it the breath of life

"that lives"

Genesis 6:18

establish my covenant with you

"make a covenant between you and me"

with you

with Noah

You will come into the ark

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

Genesis 6:19

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

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

creature

an animal God created

Genesis 6:20

after their kind

"of each different kind"

creeping thing of the ground

This refers to small animals that move on the ground .

two of every sort

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

to you

This refers to Noah and so is singular.

to keep them alive

"so you can keep them alive"

Genesis 6:21

yourself ... you

These refer to Noah and are singular.

Genesis 6:22

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

"So Noah did everything that God commanded him to do"

Genesis 7:1

Come ... into the ark

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

your household

"your family"

righteous before me

This means that God saw Noah as righteous.

in this generation

"among all the people who are now living"

Genesis 7:2

clean animal

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

animals that are not clean

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

Genesis 7:3

to keep their offspring alive

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

Genesis 7:4

forty days and forty nights

"forty days and nights"

living

This refers to physical life.

Genesis 7:6

came upon the earth

"happened" or "came on the earth"

Genesis 7:7

because of the waters of the flood

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

Genesis 7:9

two by two

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

Genesis 7:10

It came about that

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

the waters of the flood came upon the earth

"it started to rain and the waters of the flood came upon the earth"

Genesis 7:11

In the six hundredth year of Noah's life

"When Noah was 600 years old"

on the same day

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

the fountains of the great deep burst open

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

the great deep

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

the windows of heaven were opened

"the sky opened" or "the doors in the sky opened"

Genesis 7:14

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

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

creeping thing

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

according to its kind

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

Genesis 7:15

Two of all flesh

Here, "flesh" represents animals.

in which was the breath of life

"that lived"

of all flesh

"of every kind of animal"

Genesis 7:16

after them

"after they entered the ark"

Genesis 7:17

the water increased

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

lifted the ark

"it caused the ark to float"

raised it above the earth

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

Genesis 7:19

The waters rose greatly on the earth

"The water totally overwhelmed the earth"

Genesis 7:20

fifteen cubits

"six meters."

Genesis 7:21

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

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

Genesis 7:22

who breathed the breath of life through their noses

"everyone that breathed"

the breath of life

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

Genesis 7:23

So every living thing ... was wiped out

"So every living thing ... perished" or "So the flood completely destroyed every living thing"

They were all destroyed

"God destroyed them all"

from the earth

"so they were no longer on the earth"

those with him

"the people and animals that were with him"

were left

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

Genesis 8:1

God remembered Noah

"God had not forgotten Noah" or "God thought of Noah" or "God decided to help Noah"

ark

"a large boat" or "a ship" or "a barge"

Genesis 8:2

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

"God closed the fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven"

the windows of heaven were closed

"the sky closed" or "the doors in the sky closed"

Genesis 8:4

came to rest

"landed" or "stopped on solid ground"

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

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

Genesis 8:5

On the first day of the month

"On the first day of the tenth month"

Genesis 8:6

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

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

Genesis 8:7

raven

a black bird that eats mainly the flesh of dead animals

it flew back and forth

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

until the waters were dried up

"until the wind dried up the waters" or "until the waters dried up"

Genesis 8:8

he sent out a dove

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

Genesis 8:9

to rest her foot

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

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

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

Genesis 8:11

Look

"Pay attention" or "This is important"

a freshly plucked olive leaf

"a leaf that she had just broken off from an olive tree"

Genesis 8:13

in the six hundred and first year

"when Noah was 601 years old"

the waters were dried up from off the earth

"the waters covering the earth dried up" or "the wind dried up the waters covering the earth"

the covering of the ark

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

behold

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

Genesis 8:14

the earth was dry

"the ground was completely dry"

Genesis 8:17

Take out

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

every living creature of all flesh

"every kind of living creature."

be fruitful and multiply

See how this is translated in Genesis. God wanted the humans and animals to reproduce, so there would be many of them.

Genesis 8:18

Noah went out

Some translations read "Noah came out."

Genesis 8:19

according to their families

"in groups of their own kinds"

Genesis 8:20

built an altar to Yahweh

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

offered burnt offerings

"burned the animals as offerings to Yahweh"

Genesis 8:21

pleasing aroma

This refers to the good smell of the roasted meat.

said in his heart

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

curse the ground

"do very serious harm to the earth"

because of mankind

"because mankind is sinful."

the intention of mankind's heart is evil from childhood

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

from childhood

"from their youth"

Genesis 8:22

While the earth remains

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

seed time

"the season for planting"

cold and heat, summer and winter

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

summer

the hot, dry time of the year

winter

the cool, wet or snowy time of the year

will not cease

"will continue"

Genesis 9:1

Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth

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

Genesis 9:2

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

"Every living thing ... and all the fish of the sea will be dreadfully afraid of you"

bird

This is a general term for things that fly.

upon everything that moves on the ground

This includes all types of small animals.

They are given into your hand

"They are given into your control" or "I have put them under your control"

Genesis 9:4

life ... blood

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

Genesis 9:5

for your blood, the life that is in your blood

"if anyone causes your blood to pour out" or "if anyone spills your blood" or "if anyone kills you"

life

This refers to physical life.

I will require payment

"I will require anyone who kills you to pay"

From the hand of every animal I will require it

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

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

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

From the hand of

"From that very man"

brother

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

Genesis 9:6

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

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

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

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

Genesis 9:8

Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him

"God continued speaking to Noah and his sons" or "Then God went on to say"

Genesis 9:9

As for me

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

confirm my covenant with you

"make a covenant between you and me."

Genesis 9:11

all flesh

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

Never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth

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

Genesis 9:12

sign

This means a reminder of something that was promised.

covenant ... for all future generations

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

Genesis 9:14

It will come about when

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

the rainbow is seen

"people and I see the rainbow"

rainbow

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

Genesis 9:15

I will call to mind my covenant

"I will think about my covenant"

me and you

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

every living creature of all flesh

"every kind of living being"

Genesis 9:16

between God and every living creature

"between me and every living creature"

every living creature of all flesh

"every kind of living being."

Genesis 9:17

Then God said to Noah

"God finished by saying to Noah" or "So God said to Noah"

Genesis 9:18

father

Ham was Canaan's true father.

Genesis 9:20

man of the soil

person who raises plants for food

Genesis 9:21

became drunk

"drank too much wine"

uncovered

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

Genesis 9:22

his father

This refers to Noah.

Genesis 9:24

awoke from his wine

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

his youngest son

"his youngest son, Ham"

Genesis 9:25

Cursed be Canaan

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

Canaan

"Ham's son Canaan"

a servant to his brothers' servants

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

his brothers

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

Genesis 9:26

May Yahweh, the God of Shem, be blessed

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

Genesis 9:27

May Canaan be his servant

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

May God extend the territory of Japheth

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

let him make his home in the tents of Shem

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

May Canaan be his servant

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

Genesis 10:1

These were the descendants of the sons of Noah

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

Genesis 10:5

From these the coastland peoples separated and went into their lands

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

their lands

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

every one with its own language

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

Genesis 10:6

Mizraim

Mizraim is the Hebrew name for "Egypt."

Genesis 10:8

mighty one

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

Genesis 10:9

before Yahweh

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

That is why it is said

"This is the reason people say"

Genesis 10:10

The first centers

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

Genesis 10:11

he went to Assyria

"Nimrod went into Assyria"

Genesis 10:13

Mizraim

Mizraim was one of Ham's sons. His descendants became the people of Egypt.

Genesis 10:16

Jebusites ... Amorites ... Girgashites

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

Genesis 10:19

border

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

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

"from Sidon city in the north as far south as Gaza town, which is near Gerar"

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

"then east toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboyim towns, as far as Lasha"

Genesis 10:20

These were the sons of Ham

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

by their languages

"broken up according to their different languages"

in their lands

"in their homelands"

Genesis 10:24

Arphaxad

Arphaxad was one of Shem's sons.

Genesis 10:25

Peleg

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

the earth was divided

"the people of the earth divided themselves" or "the people of the earth separated from one another" or "God divided the people of the earth"

Genesis 10:26

Joktan

Joktan was one of Eber's sons.

Genesis 10:29

All these

"These" here refers to the sons of Joktan.

Genesis 10:30

Their territory

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

Genesis 10:31

These were the sons of Shem

The word "these" refers to the descendants of Shem

Genesis 10:32

These were the clans

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

according to

"listed by"

From these the nations separated and went over the earth

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

after the flood

"after the flood destroyed the earth"

Genesis 11:1

Now

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

the whole earth

"all the people on the earth"

Genesis 11:2

they journeyed

"they moved around"

in the east

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

settled

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

Genesis 11:3

Come

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

bake them thoroughly

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

tar

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

mortar

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

Genesis 11:4

let us make a name for ourselves

"let us make our reputation great"

we will be scattered

"we will separate from each other and live in different places"

Genesis 11:5

the descendants of Adam

"the people"

came down

"came down from heaven." This does not tell how he came down. Use a general word meaning "came down."

to see

"to observe" or "to look more closely"

Genesis 11:6

one people with the same language

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

they are beginning to do this

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

nothing that they intend to do will be impossible for them

"anything they intend to do will be possible for them" or "they will be able to do anything they want to do"

Genesis 11:7

let us go down

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

confuse their language

"mix up their language"

so that they may not understand each other

"so that they will not be able to understand what each other is saying"

Genesis 11:8

from there

"from the city"

Genesis 11:9

its name was called Babel, because there Yahweh confused

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

Genesis 11:10

became the father of Arphaxad

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

flood

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

Genesis 11:12

he became the father of Shelah

"his son Shelah was born"

Shelah

This is a man's name.

Genesis 11:26

Abram, Nahor, and Haran

We do not know the birth order of his sons.

Genesis 11:27

Now these were the descendants of Terah

"This is the account of Terah's descendants"

Genesis 11:28

Haran died in the presence of his father Terah

"Haran died while his father, Terah, was with him"

Genesis 11:29

took wives

"married wives"

Iskah

This is a female name.

Genesis 11:30

Now

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

barren

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

Genesis 11:31

his

Here the word "his" refers to Terah.

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

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

Haran ... Haran

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

Genesis 12:1

Now

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

Go from your country, and from your relatives

"Go from your land, from your family"

Genesis 12:2

I will make of you a great nation

"I will start a great nation through you" or "I will make your descendants become a great nation"

make your name great

"make you famous"

you will be a blessing

"you will be a blessing to other people"

Genesis 12:3

whoever dishonors you I will curse

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

Through you will all the families of the earth be blessed

"I will bless all the families of the earth through you"

Through you

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

Genesis 12:5

possessions

This includes animals and non-living property.

the people that they had acquired

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

Genesis 12:6

Abram passed through the land

"So Abram and his family went through the land of Canaan"

the oak of Moreh

Moreh was probably the name of a place.

Genesis 12:8

he pitched his tent

"they set up their tents"

called on the name of Yahweh

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

Genesis 12:9

toward the Negev

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

Genesis 12:10

There was a famine

"There was a shortage of food"

in the land

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

went down into

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

Genesis 12:11

See now, I

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

Genesis 12:12

they will kill me ... you alive

"they will kill me so that they can marry you"

Genesis 12:13

so that my life will be spared because of you

"so that, because of you, they will not kill me"

Genesis 12:14

It came about that

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

Genesis 12:15

The princes of Pharaoh saw her

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

the woman was taken into Pharaoh's household

"Pharaoh took her into his household" or "Pharaoh had his soldiers take her into his household"

the woman

Sarai

Pharaoh's household

Possible meanings are 1) "Pharoah's family," that is, as a wife, or 2) "Pharaoah's house" or "Pharaoh's palace,"

Genesis 12:16

for her sake

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

Genesis 12:17

because of Sarai, Abram's wife

"because Pharaoh intended to take Sarai, Abram's wife, to be his own wife"

Genesis 12:18

Pharaoh summoned Abram

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

What is this that you have done to me?

"You have done a terrible thing to me!"

Genesis 12:20

Then Pharaoh gave orders to his men concerning him

"Then Pharaoh directed his officials concerning Abram"

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

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

Genesis 13:1

went into the Negev

"went back to the Negev desert"

Genesis 13:2

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

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

Genesis 13:3

He continued on his journey

"They continued on their journey"

to the place where his tent had been before

"to the place where he had set up his tent before he went to Egypt"

Genesis 13:4

called on the name of Yahweh

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

Genesis 13:5

Now

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

Genesis 13:6

The land was not able to support them

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

their possessions

This includes livestock, which need pasture and water.

could not stay together

"could not live together"

Genesis 13:8

Let there be no strife between you and me

"Let's not quarrel"

between your herdsmen and my herdsmen

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

after all, we are family

"because we are family"

Genesis 13:9

Is not the whole land before you?

"The whole land is available for you to use."

Go ahead and separate yourself from me

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

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

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

Genesis 13:10

the whole plain of the Jordan

This refers to the general region of the Jordan River.

was well watered

"had much water"

like the garden of Yahweh, like the land of Egypt

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

This was before Yahweh destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah

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

Genesis 13:11

the relatives

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

Genesis 13:12

He set up his tents as far away as Sodom

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

Genesis 13:16

I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth

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

Genesis 13:17

walk through the length and breadth of the land

"walk around all over the whole land"

Genesis 13:18

Mamre

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

Hebron

This is the name of a place.

an altar to Yahweh

"an altar for worshiping Yahweh"

Genesis 14:1

It came about

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

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

These are names of men.

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

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

Genesis 14:2

they made war

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

Genesis 14:3

These latter five kings joined together

"These latter five kings and their armies joined together"

Genesis 14:4

Twelve years they had served

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

they had served Kedorlaomer

"they had been under the control of Kedorlaomer"

they rebelled

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

Genesis 14:5

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

These are the names of people groups.

Ashteroth Karnaim ... Ham ... Shaveh Kiriathaim

These are the names of places.

Ham

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

Genesis 14:6

the Horites

This is the name of a people group.

Seir ... El Paran

These are the names of places.

El Paran, which is near the desert

"El Paran. El Paran is near the desert"

Genesis 14:7

the Amorites who lived in Hazezon Tamar

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

Genesis 14:8

the king of Bela (also called Zoar)

The city of Bela was also called Zoar. "the king of Bela went out and prepared for battle. Bela is also called Zoar."

prepared for battle

"joined battle" or "drew up battle lines."

Genesis 14:10

Now

This word introduces background information about the valley of Siddim.

was full of tar pits

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

tar

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

the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah

the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and their armies"

they fell in there

Possible meanings are 1) some of their soldiers fell in the tar pits or 2) the kings themselves fell in the tar pits.

Those who were left

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

Genesis 14:11

the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah

"the wealth of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah" or "the property of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah"

their provisions

"their food and drink"

Genesis 14:12

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

"they also took Lot, along with all his possessions. Lot was Abram's brother's son and was living in Sodom at that time"

Genesis 14:13

were all allies of Abram

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

Genesis 14:14

his relative

This is a reference to Abram's nephew Lot.

trained men

"men who were trained to fight"

men who had been born in his house

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

pursued them

"chased them"

Dan

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

Genesis 14:15

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

"At night Abram divided his men—he attacked them from one side and his servants attacked them from another—and"

servants

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

Genesis 14:16

all the possessions

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

his goods

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

as well as the women and the other people

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

Genesis 14:17

returned

"returned to where he was living"

Genesis 14:18

Melchizedek, king of Salem

This is the first time this king is mentioned.

Genesis 14:19

He blessed him

King Melchizedek blessed Abram.

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

"May God Most High, the Creator of heaven and earth, bless Abram"

Genesis 14:20

Blessed be God Most High

This is a way of praising God.

into your hand

"into your control" or "into your power"

Genesis 14:21

Give me the people

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

Genesis 14:22

I have lifted up my hand

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

Genesis 14:24

I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten

"I will take from you only what my young men have eaten."

the share of the men that went with me

"the share of the recovered property that belongs to the men who helped me get it back"

Aner, Eshkol, and Mamre

"my allies Aner, Eshkol, and Mamre"

Genesis 15:1

After these things

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

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

"Yahweh gave a message to Abram in a vision. He said, 'Fear" or "Yahweh spoke this message to Abram in a vision: 'Fear"

I am your shield

"I will protect you like shield" or "I am your shield to protect you"

I am ... your very great reward

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

reward

the result of a person's actions. This is the gracious blessing God would give Abram.

Genesis 15:4

Then, behold

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

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

"Yahweh gave him a message. He said, 'This" or "Yahweh spoke this message to him: 'This"

This man

This refers to Eliezer of Damascus.

the one who will come from your own body

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

Genesis 15:5

number the stars

"count the stars"

So will your descendants be

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

Genesis 15:6

He believed Yahweh

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

he counted it to him as righteousness

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

Genesis 15:7

I am Yahweh, who brought you out of Ur

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

to inherit it

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

Genesis 15:11

the carcasses

"the dead bodies of the animals and birds"

Abram drove them away

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

Genesis 15:12

a deep and terrifying darkness

"an extreme darkness that terrified him"

overwhelmed him

"surrounded him"

Genesis 15:13

strangers

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

will be enslaved and oppressed

"the owners of that land will enslave your descendants and oppress them"

Genesis 15:14

I will judge

"I will punish"

that they will serve

"that your descendants will serve"

abundant possessions

"many possessions" or "great wealth"

Genesis 15:15

you will go to your fathers

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

fathers

"ancestors" or "ancestral fathers"

you will be buried in a good old age

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

Genesis 15:16

In the fourth generation

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

they will come here again

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

has not yet reached its limit

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

Genesis 15:17

behold

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

a smoking firepot and a flaming torch passed between the pieces

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

passed between the pieces

"passed through between the two rows of animal pieces"

Genesis 15:18

covenant

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

I hereby give this land

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

Genesis 15:19

the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites

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

Genesis 15:20

the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaites

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

Genesis 15:21

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

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

Genesis 16:1

Now

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

female servant

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

Genesis 16:2

See now, Yahweh

"Please listen carefully: Yahweh"

Please go to my servant

"Please have sexual relations with my servant" or "Please lie with my servant"

I will have children by her

"I will build my family through her"

Genesis 16:4

she looked with contempt on her mistress

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

her mistress

"her owner" or "Sarai"

Genesis 16:5

This wrong on me

"This injustice against me"

is because of you

"is your responsibility" or "is your fault"

I gave my servant woman into your embrace

"I gave you my servant so that you would sleep with her"

I was despised in her eyes

"she hated me" or "she began to hate me" or "she thought she was better than me"

Let Yahweh judge between me and you

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

Genesis 16:6

See here

"Listen to me" or "Pay attention"

in your power

"under your authority"

Sarai dealt harshly with her

"Sarai treated Hagar very badly"

she fled from her

"Hagar fled from Sarai"

Genesis 16:7

The angel of Yahweh

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

wilderness

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

Shur

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

Genesis 16:8

my mistress

"my owner"

Genesis 16:10

the angel of Yahweh said to her, "I

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

I will greatly multiply your descendants

"I will give you very many descendants"

too numerous to count

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

Genesis 16:11

Behold

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

bear a son

"give birth to a son"

you will call his name

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

affliction

She has been afflicted by distress and suffering.

Genesis 16:12

He will be a wild donkey of a man

"He will be like a wild donkey among men"

He will be hostile against every man

"He will be every man's enemy"

every man will be hostile to him

"everyone will be his enemy"

his brothers

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

Genesis 16:13

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

"I am surprised that I am still alive, ... me."

Genesis 16:14

Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi

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

Genesis 16:15

named his son, whom Hagar bore

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

Genesis 16:16

bore Ishmael to Abram

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

Genesis 17:1

God Almighty

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

Walk before me

"Live the way I want you to" or "Obey me"

Genesis 17:2

Then I will confirm my covenant

"If you do this, then I will give my covenant" or "I will make my covenant"

covenant

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

multiply you exceedingly

"greatly increase the number of your descendants" or "give you very many descendants"

Genesis 17:3

Abram bowed low with his face to the ground

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

Genesis 17:4

behold, my covenant is with you

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

the father of a multitude of nations

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

Genesis 17:6

I will make you exceedingly fruitful

"I will cause you to have very many descendants"

I will make nations of you

"I will cause your descendants to become nations"

kings will descend from you

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

Genesis 17:7

throughout their generations

"for each generation"

for an everlasting covenant

"as a covenant that will last forever"

to be God to you and to your descendants after you

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

Genesis 17:8

Canaan, for an everlasting possession

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

Genesis 17:9

keep my covenant

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

Genesis 17:10

This is my covenant

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

Every male among you must be circumcised

"You must circumcise every male among you"

Genesis 17:11

You must be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin

"You must circumcise every male among you"

the sign of the covenant

"the sign that shows that the covenant exists"

Genesis 17:12

him who is bought with money

"any male that you buy"

Genesis 17:13

my covenant will be in your flesh

"you will mark my covenant in your flesh"

for an everlasting covenant

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

Genesis 17:14

uncircumcised male who is not circumcised

"male whom you have not circumcised"

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

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

cut off from his people

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

He has broken my covenant

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

Genesis 17:16

I will give you a son by her

"I will make her bear a son for you"

she will become the mother of nations

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

Kings of peoples will come from her

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

Genesis 17:17

said in his heart

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

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

"Sarah is ninety years old. Could she bear a son?" or "Sarah is ninety years old. Surely she could not bear a son!"

Genesis 17:18

Oh that Ishmael might live before you

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

Genesis 17:19

No, but Sarah your wife will bear

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

you must name him

The word "you" refers to Abraham.

Genesis 17:20

As for Ishmael

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

Behold

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

will multiply him abundantly

"I will cause him to have many descendants"

princes

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

Genesis 17:21

But my covenant I will establish with Isaac

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

Genesis 17:22

God went up from Abraham

"God left Abraham"

Genesis 17:27

those bought with money from a foreigner

This refers to servants or slaves.

Genesis 18:1

Mamre

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

in the tent doorway

"at the opening of the tent" or "at the entrance of the tent"

Genesis 18:2

behold, he saw

"he was surprised because he saw"

across from him

"nearby" or "there." They were near him, but far enough away for him to run to them.

Genesis 18:3

Lord

This is a title of respect. Possible meanings are 1) Abraham knew that one of these men was God or 2) Abraham knew that these men came on behalf of God.

if I have found favor in your sight

"if you have evaluated me and approve" or "if you are pleased with me"

in your sight

Abraham is speaking to one of the men.

do not pass by

"please do not keep on going past"

your servant

"me." Abraham refers to himself this way in order to show respect to his guest.

Genesis 18:4

Let a little water be brought

"Let me bring you some water" or "My servant will bring you some water"

wash your feet

This custom helped tired travelers to refresh themselves after walking long distances.

Genesis 18:5

your ... you

Abraham speaks to all three of the men, so "you" and "your" are plural.

Genesis 18:6

three seahs

about 22 liters

bread

This bread was probably cooked quickly on a hot stone. It may have been flat or round like small loaves or rolls.

Genesis 18:7

he hurried

"the servant hurried"

to prepare it

"to cut it up and roast it"

Genesis 18:8

curds

This refers to the solid part of fermented milk. It may have been yogurt or cheese.

the calf that had been prepared

"the roasted calf"

before them

"before the three visitors"

Genesis 18:9

They said to him

"Then they said to Abraham"

Genesis 18:10

He said, "I will certainly return to you

The word "He" refers to the man whom Abraham called "Lord" in Genesis 18:3.

in the springtime

"when this same season comes next year" or "about this time next year"

see

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

in the tent doorway

"at the opening of the tent" or "at the entrance of the tent"

Genesis 18:12

After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?

"I am worn out and my master is old, so I cannot believe that I will experience the joy of having a child.""

I am worn out

"I am too old to conceive a child"

my master is old

This means "since my husband, Abraham is also old."

Genesis 18:13

Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really bear a child, when I am old'?

"Sarah was wrong to laugh and say, 'I will not bear a child because I am too old!'"

Genesis 18:14

Is anything too hard for Yahweh?

"There is nothing that I, Yahweh, cannot do!"

Genesis 18:15

He replied

"Yahweh replied"

No, you did laugh

"Yes, you did laugh." This means "No, that is not true; you did in fact laugh."

Genesis 18:17

Should I hide from Abraham what I am about to do

"I should not and will not hide from Abraham what I am about to do" or "I should and will tell Abraham what I am about to do"

Genesis 18:18

since ... him?

"This is because ... him"

all the nations of the earth will be blessed in him

"I will bless all the nations of the earth through Abraham"

will be blessed in him

"will be blessed because of Abraham" or "will be blessed because I have blessed Abraham."

Genesis 18:19

that he may instruct

"that he will direct" or "so that he will command"

to keep the way of Yahweh ... Yahweh may bring ... he has said

"to obey what I, Yahweh, require ... I, Yahweh, may bring ... I have said"

to keep the way of Yahweh

"to obey the commands of Yahweh"

to do righteousness and justice

"by doing righteousness and justice." This tells how to keep the way of Yahweh.

so that Yahweh may bring upon Abraham what he has said to him

"so that Yahweh may bless Abraham just as he said he would." This refers to the covenant promise to bless Abraham and make him a great nation.

Genesis 18:20

the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great

"so many people have been accusing the people of Sodom and Gomorrah of doing evil things"

their sin is so serious

"they have sinned so much"

Genesis 18:21

go down there and see

"go down to Sodom and Gomorrah to find out" or "go down there to decide"

see the outcry ... that has come to me

"as wicked as those who are accusing them say that they are"

If not

"If they are not as wicked as the outcry suggests"

Genesis 18:22

turned from there

"went out from Abraham's camp"

Abraham remained standing before Yahweh

"Abraham and Yahweh remained together"

Genesis 18:23

approached and said

"approached Yahweh and said" or "stepped closer to Yahweh and said"

sweep away

"destroy"

the righteous with the wicked

"the righteous people with the wicked people"

Genesis 18:24

Perhaps there are

"Suppose there are"

Will you sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous that are there?

"I think you would not sweep it away. Instead, you would spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous that are there"

sweep it away

"destroy the people who live there"

not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous that are there?

Abraham was hoping that God would say "I will let the people live for the sake of the fifty righteous people there."

Genesis 18:25

Far be it from you to do such a thing

"I would never want you to do something like that" or "You should not want to do something like that"

such a thing, killing

"such a thing as killing" or "such a thing, that is, killing"

the righteous should be treated the same as the wicked

"you should treat the righteous the same way you treat the wicked"

Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?

"The Judge of all the earth will certainly do what is just!" or "Since you are the Judge of all the earth, you will surely do what is right!"

Judge

God is often referred to as a judge because he is the one perfect judge who makes the final decisions about what is right or wrong.

Genesis 18:27

See now, I

"Please listen carefully: I" See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 12:11.

I have undertaken to speak

"Pardon me for being so bold as to speak to you" or "Excuse me for daring to speak"

to my Lord

"to you, my Lord"

only dust and ashes

"only a mortal man" or "as unimportant as dust and ashes"

Genesis 18:28

five less than fifty righteous

"only forty-five righteous people"

for lack of five

"if there are five fewer righteous people"

I will not destroy it

"I will not destroy Sodom"

Genesis 18:29

He spoke to him

"Abraham spoke to Yahweh"

for the forty's sake

"for the sake of the forty righteous people" or "if I find forty righteous people there"

He replied

"Yahweh answered"

I will not do it for the forty's sake

"I will not destroy the cities if I find forty righteous people there"

Genesis 18:30

thirty will be found there

"you will find thirty righteous people there"

Genesis 18:31

twenty will be found there

"you will find twenty righteous people there"

for the twenty's sake

"for the sake of the twenty righteous people" or "if I find twenty righteous people there"

Genesis 18:32

Perhaps ten will be found there

"Perhaps you will find ten righteous people there"

Perhaps ten

"Perhaps ten righteous people" or "ten good people"

Then he said

"And Yahweh answered"

for the ten's sake

"if I find ten righteous people there"

Genesis 18:33

Yahweh went on his way

"Yahweh departed" or "Yahweh continued on his journey"

Genesis 19:1

The two angels

The two men who have gone to Sodom Genesis 18:22 are really angels.

the gate of Sodom

"the entrance to the city of Sodom." The city had a wall around it, and people had to go through a gate to get into it. This was a very important place in a city. Important people often spent time there.

bowed down with his face to the ground

He put his knees on the ground then touched his forehead and nose to the ground.

Genesis 19:2

my masters

This was a term of respect Lot used for the angels.

please turn aside into your servant's house

"Please come and stay in your servant's house"

wash your feet

People liked to wash their feet after traveling.

we will spend the night

When the two angels said this, they were referring only to themselves, not to Lot. The two of them planned to spend the night in the square. Some languages would use the exclusive form of "we" here.

town square

This is a public, outdoor place in the town.

Genesis 19:4

before they lay down

"before the people in Lot's house lay down to go to sleep"

the men of the city, the men of Sodom

"the men of the city, that is, the men of Sodom" or just "the men of the city of Sodom"

the house

"Lot's house"

both young and old

"from the youngest to the oldest." This means "men of all ages" and refers to the men of Sodom who were surrounding Lot's house.

Genesis 19:5

that came in to you

"that went into your house"

that we may know them

The phrase "know them" is a polite way of saying "have sexual relations with them."

Genesis 19:6

after himself

"behind him" or "after he went through"

Genesis 19:7

my brothers

"my friends"

Genesis 19:8

See now, I

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

who have not known any man

This is a polite way of saying that the daughters had not had sexual relations with any man.

whatever is good in your eyes

"whatever you desire" or "whatever you think is right"

under the shadow of my roof

"into my house, and God expects me to protect them"

Genesis 19:9

Stand back!

"Step aside!" or "Get out of our way!"

This one came here to live as a foreigner

"This one came here as an outsider" or "This foreigner came to live here"

and now

"but even though he has no good reason to"

he has become our judge

"he acts as if he has the authority to tell us what is right and what is wrong"

Now we

"Because you are telling us that what we are doing is wrong, we"

we will deal worse with you than with them

"we will act more wickedly with you than we will with them"

They pressed hard against the man, against Lot, and came near to break down the door

Possible meanings are 1) "They kept coming closer to the man, to Lot, until they were close enough to break down the door" or 2) they physically pushed Lot up against the wall or door of the house and were about to break the door down.

the man ... Lot

This is two ways of referring to Lot.

Genesis 19:10

But the men

"But Lot's two guests" or "But the two angels"

the men reached out their hands and brought ... them and shut

'the men opened the door far enough so they could reach out their hands and pull ... them, and then they shut"

Genesis 19:11

Lot's visitors struck with blindness the men

"Lot's visitors blinded the men" or "they took away their sight"

both small and great

"men of all ages" or "men of every status"

Genesis 19:12

Then the men said

"Then the two men said" or "Then the angels said"

Do you have anyone else here?

"Are there any other members of your family in the city?" or "Do you have any other family members in this place?"

Genesis 19:13

we are about to destroy

The word "we" here is exclusive. Only the two angels would destroy the city; Lot would not destroy it. If your language has an exclusive form of "we," use it here.

the accusations against it before Yahweh have become so loud

"so many people have been telling Yahweh that the people of this city are doing evil things"

Genesis 19:14

his sons-in-law, the men who had promised to marry his daughters

"the men who were going to marry his daughters"

Genesis 19:15

When dawn came

"Just before the sun came up"

you are not swept away in the punishment of the city

"so Yahweh does not also destroy you when he punishes the people of this city"

of the city

Here "city" stands for the people.

Genesis 19:16

But he lingered

"But Lot hesitated" or "But Lot did not start to leave"

So the men grabbed

"So the two men grabbed" or "So the angels grabbed"

was merciful to him

"had compassion on Lot." Yahweh is described as being "merciful" because he was sparing the lives of Lot and his family instead of destroying them when he destroyed the people of Sodom for the wrong they had done.

Genesis 19:17

When they had brought them out

"When the two men had brought Lot's family out"

Run for your lives!

"Run away and save your lives!"

on the plain

This means the plain of the Jordan River. This refers to the general region of the Jordan River.

so you are not swept away

"or else God will destroy you along with the people of the city"

Genesis 19:19

See now, your servant

"Please listen carefully: your servant"

you have shown me great kindness in saving my life

"you have been very kind to me by saving my life"

I cannot escape to the mountains, because the disaster will overtake me, and I will die

"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"

Genesis 19:20

See now, the city

"Please listen carefully: the city"

let me escape there—Is it not a little one?—and my life will be saved

"let me escape there. You can see how small it is. If you let us go there we will live"

let me escape there

"instead of destroying that city, let me escape there"

Genesis 19:21

I am granting this request also

"I will do what you have asked"

Genesis 19:22

cannot do anything

"cannot destroy the other cities"

Zoar

Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Zoar sounds like the Hebrew word that means 'little.' Lot called this town 'little' in Genesis 19:20."

Genesis 19:23

when Lot reached Zoar

"when Lot and his family arrived at Zoar"

Genesis 19:24

Yahweh rained down upon Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from Yahweh out of the sky

"Yahweh caused burning sulfur and fiery rain to fall from the sky onto Sodom and Gomorrah"

Genesis 19:25

those cities

This refers primarily to Sodom and Gomorrah, but also to three other towns.

the inhabitants of the cities

"the people who lived in the cities"

Genesis 19:26

she became a pillar of salt

"she became like a statue of salt" or "her body became like a tall stone of salt." Because she disobeyed the angel who told them not to look back at the city, God caused her to become something like a statue made out of rock salt.

Genesis 19:28

behold

The word "behold" draws attention to the surprising information that follows.

like the smoke of a furnace

"like the smoke from a very large fire"

Genesis 19:29

God called Abraham to mind

"God thought about Abraham and had mercy on him"

out of the midst of the destruction

"away from the destruction" or "away from danger"

Genesis 19:31

The firstborn ... the younger

"Lot's first daughter ... Lot's last daughter" or "The older daughter ... the younger daughter"

to lie with us

To have sexual relations with us

according to the way of all the world

"as people everywhere do"

Genesis 19:32

drink wine

"drink wine until he gets drunk" or "get drunk with wine"

we will lie with him

"we will have sexual relations with him"

so that we may keep our family line alive through our father

"so that we can bear children who will be our father's descendants"

Genesis 19:33

lay with her father

"had sexual relations with her father"

Genesis 19:34

I lay last night with my father ... lie with him

"I had sexual relations with my father ... have sexual relations with him"

drink wine

"drink wine until he gets drunk" or "get drunk with wine"

Genesis 19:35

lay with him

"had sexual relations with him"

Genesis 19:36

conceived by their father

"became pregnant by their father" or "conceived children with their father"

Genesis 19:37

He became

"He is"

the Moabites of today

"the Moab people who are now living"

of today

The word "today" refers to the time when the author of Genesis was living. The author was born and wrote this many years after Lot's family lived and died.

Genesis 19:38

Ben-Ammi

This is a male name.

the people of Ammon

"the descendants of Ammon" or "the Ammon people"

Genesis 20:1

Shur

This is a desert region on the eastern border of Egypt.

Genesis 20:2

sent for Sarah and took her

"made his men go get Sarah and bring her to him"

Genesis 20:3

God came to Abimelek

"God appeared to Abimelek"

Behold

"pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: "

you are a dead man

"you will certainly die soon" or "I will kill you"

a man's wife

"a married woman"

Genesis 20:4

Abimelek had not come near her

"Abimelek had not had sexual relations with Sarah"

even a righteous nation

"even a people who are innocent"

Genesis 20:5

Did he not himself say to me, 'She is my sister?' Even she herself said, 'He is my brother.'

"Did he himself not tell me that she is his sister? Even she herself told me that he is her brother."

I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands

"I have done this with good intentions and actions" or "I have done this with no evil thoughts or actions"

Genesis 20:6

God said to him

"God said to Abimelech"

in the integrity of your heart you did this

"you did this with good intentions" or "you did this without evil intentions"

to touch her

"to sleep with her"

Genesis 20:7

the man's wife

"Abraham's wife"

you will live

"I will let you live"

all who are yours

"all of your people"

Genesis 20:8

He told all these things to them

"He told them everything that God had told him"

Genesis 20:9

What have you done to us?

"You have done something bad to us!" or "Look what you have done to us!"

to us

The word "us" here is exclusive and does not include Abraham and Sarah. If your language uses an exclusive form of "we" or "us," use it here.

How have I sinned against you, that you have brought ... sin?

"I have done nothing against you to cause you to bring ... sin."

on my kingdom

"on the people of my kingdom"

You have done to me deeds that ought not to be done

"You should not have done this to me"

Genesis 20:10

What prompted you to do this thing?

"Why did you tell me that Sarah is your sister?"

Genesis 20:11

Because I thought, 'Surely there is no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.'

"Because I thought that since no one here fears God, someone may kill me so they can take my wife."

fear of God

This means to deeply respect God and show that respect by obeying him.

Genesis 20:12

Besides, she is indeed my sister

"Also, it is true that Sarah is my sister" or "Also, Sarah really is my sister"

the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother

"we have the same father, but we have different mothers"

Genesis 20:13

my father's house

"my father and the rest of my family" or "my father's household"

I said to her, 'You must show me this faithfulness as my wife: At every place where we go, say about me, "He is my brother."'

"I said to Sarah that I wanted her to be faithful to me by telling people everywhere we go that I am her brother"

Genesis 20:14

Abimelek took

"Abimelek brought some"

Genesis 20:15

Abimelek said

"Abimelek said to Abraham"

Look

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"

my land is before you

This is a way of saying "I make all of my land available to you"

Settle wherever it pleases you

"Live wherever you want"

Genesis 20:16

It is to cover any offense against you in the eyes of all who are with you

"I am giving this to him, so that those who are with you will know that you have done nothing wrong"

before everyone, you are completely made right

"everyone will know that you are innocent"

Genesis 20:18

closed all the wombs of the household of Abimelek

"made all the women of Abimelek's household totally unable to have children"

because of Sarah, Abraham's wife

"because Abimelech had taken Abraham's wife Sarah"

Genesis 21:1

Yahweh paid attention to Sarah

"Yahweh helped Sarah"

Genesis 21:2

bore a son to Abraham

"gave birth to Abraham's son"

in his old age

"when Abraham was very old"

at the set time of which God had spoken to him

"at the exact time that God had told him it would happen"

Genesis 21:3

Abraham named his son, the one who had been born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac

"Abraham named his newborn son, the one Sarah gave birth to, Isaac" or "Abraham named their newborn son Isaac"

Genesis 21:4

Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old

"When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him"

Genesis 21:6

God has made me laugh

"God has caused me to laugh joyfully"

every one who hears

"everyone who hears about what God has done for me"

Genesis 21:7

Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children

"No one would have ever said to Abraham that Sarah will nurse children"

nurse children

"feed a baby her own milk"

Genesis 21:8

The child grew and ... Isaac was weaned

"Isaac grew, and when he no longer needed his mother's milk, Abraham had a large feast"

Genesis 21:9

the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham

"Ishmael, the son of Hagar the Egyptian and Abraham"

mocking

"laughing at Isaac"

Genesis 21:10

she said to Abraham

"Sarah said to Abraham"

Drive out

"send away" or "get rid of"

this slave woman and her son

This refers to Hagar and Ishmael. Sarah probably did not refer to them by name because she was angry with them.

Genesis 21:11

This thing was very grievous to Abraham

"Abraham was very unhappy about what Sarah said"

because of his son

"because it was about his son." It is implied that this means his son, Ishmael.

Genesis 21:12

Listen to Sarah's words in all she says to you about this matter

"Do everything that Sarah says to you about them"

it is through Isaac that your descendants will be named

"Isaac is the one who will be the forefather of the descendants I promised to give you"

Genesis 21:14

took bread

These words could refer to 1) food in general or 2) bread specifically.

a skin of water

"a bag of water." The water container was made out of animal skin.

Genesis 21:16

about the distance of a bowshot away

This refers to the distance that a person could shoot an arrow with a bow. This is about 100 meters.

Let me not look upon the death of the child

"I do not want to watch the boy die"

she lifted up her voice and wept

"she cried out loudly and wept" or "she wept loudly"

Genesis 21:17

the voice of the young man

"the sound of Ishmael"

the angel of God

"a messenger from God" or "God's messenger"

out of heaven

Here "heaven" means the place where God lives.

What troubles you

"What is wrong" or "Why are you crying"

Genesis 21:18

raise up the young man

"help the young man stand up"

I will make him into a great nation

"I will make his descendants become a great nation" or "I will make him become the ancestor of a great nation"

Genesis 21:19

God opened her eyes, and she saw

"God caused Hagar to see" or "God showed her"

the skin

"the container made of skin" or "the bag"

the young man

"the boy" or "Ishmael"

Genesis 21:20

God was with the young man

"God guided the young man" or "God blessed the young man"

became an archer

"became very skilled at using a bow and arrows"

Genesis 21:22

It came about at that time

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

Phicol

This is the name of a man.

captain of his army

"commander of his army"

his army

The word "his" refers to Abimelech.

God is with you in all that you do

"God blesses everything you do"

Genesis 21:23

swear to me here by God

"promise me with God as your witness"

that you will not deal falsely with me

"that you will not lie to me"

will not deal falsely ... with my descendants

"will deal honestly with me and my descendants"

Show to me ... covenant faithfulness that I have shown to you

"Be as faithful to me and to the people of the land as I have been to you"

Genesis 21:24

I swear

"I swear to be as faithful to you and your people as you have been to me"

Genesis 21:25

Abraham also complained to Abimelek

Possible meanings are 1) Abraham was complaining about what happened or 2) "Abraham also rebuked Abimelek"

concerning a well of water that Abimelek's servants had seized from him

"because Abimelek's servants had taken one of Abraham's wells"

Genesis 21:26

I have not heard of it until today

"This is the first time I have heard about it"

Genesis 21:27

Abraham took sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelek

This is a sign of friendship and that Abraham agrees to make covenant with Abimelek

Genesis 21:30

you will receive

"you will take"

from my hand

"from me"

it may be a witness

The word "it" refers to the gift of seven lambs.

so that it may be a witness for me

"to prove to everyone"

Genesis 21:31

Beersheba

Translators may add a footnote saying "Beersheba can mean either "well of the oath" or "well of seven."

they both

"Abraham and Abimelech"

Genesis 21:33

a tamarisk tree

This is an evergreen tree that can grow in the desert. It can be stated more generally. Alternate translation: "a tree"

the eternal God

"the God who lives forever"

Genesis 21:34

many days

"for a long time"

Genesis 22:1

after these things

This phrase refers to the events in chapter 21.

God tested Abraham

God tested Abraham's faithfulness"

Here I am

"Yes, I am listening" or "Yes, what is it?"

Genesis 22:2

your only son

"your only son whom I have promised"

the land of Moriah

"the land called Moriah"

Genesis 22:3

saddled his donkey

"loaded his donkey" or "put on his donkey what he needed for the journey"

young men

"servants"

Genesis 22:4

On the third day

"After traveling for three days"

saw the place afar off

"saw far away the place that God had spoken of"

Genesis 22:5

We will worship

The word "we" refers only to Abraham and Isaac, but not to the young men.

come again to you

"return to you"

Genesis 22:6

put it on Isaac his son

"had Isaac, his son, carry it"

He took in his own hand

"Abraham himself carried"

the fire

"something for starting a fire"

they went both of them together

"they left together" or "the two of them went together"

Genesis 22:7

My father

This is a loving way for a son to speak to his father.

Here I am

"Yes, I am listening" or "Yes, what is it?"

my son

This is a loving way for a father to speak to his son.

Genesis 22:8

God himself

Here "himself" emphasizes that it is God who will provide the lamb.

will provide

"will give us"

Genesis 22:9

he bound

"he tied up"

on the altar, on top of the wood

"on top of the wood that was on the altar"

Genesis 22:11

the angel of Yahweh

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

from heaven

This refers to the place where God lives.

Genesis 22:12

Do not lay your hand upon the young man, nor do anything to harm him

"Do not hurt the boy in any way"

now I know ... from me

The words "I" and "me" refer to Yahweh. When translating what is in the quote, do it as the angel of Yahweh did and use the words "I" and "me" when referring to Yahweh.

you fear God

This refers to deeply respecting God and showing that respect by obeying him.

you have not withheld your son ... from me

"you have not held back your son ... from me." or "you were willing to offer your son ... to me"

Genesis 22:13

behold

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

was a ram caught in the bushes by his horns

"was a ram whose horns were stuck in the bushes" or "was a ram stuck in the bushes"

Genesis 22:14

to this day

"even now." This means even to the time that the author was writing this book.

it will be provided

"he will provide"

Genesis 22:15

a second time

"again"

Genesis 22:16

said—this is Yahweh's declaration

"spoke this message from Yahweh" or "declared these words of Yahweh." This is a formal way of saying that the words that follow come directly from Yahweh.

by myself I have sworn

"I have promised and I am my witness." To swear means to use the name of something or someone as the basis or power on which the oath is made. There is nothing more powerful for Yahweh to swear by than himself.

you have done this thing

"you obeyed me"

have not withheld your son

"have not kept back your son" or "were willing to offer your son to me"

Genesis 22:17

surely bless

"certainly bless"

I will greatly multiply your descendants

"I will cause your descendants to increase again and again" or "I will cause your descendants to be very many"

as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore

"beyond what you can count"

as the stars of the heavens

Here the word "heavens" refers to everything we see above the earth, including the sun, moon, and stars.

will possess the gate of their enemies

"will completely triumph over their enemies"

Genesis 22:18

all the nations of the earth will be blessed

"I, the Lord, will bless all the people living everywhere"

nations of the earth

Here "nations" stands for the people of the nations.

you have obeyed my voice

"you have obeyed what I said" or "you have obeyed me"

Genesis 22:19

Abraham returned

"Abraham and his son went back"

they departed

"they left that place"

he lived at Beersheba

"Abraham and his people stayed in Beersheba"

Genesis 22:20

Abraham was told

"someone told Abraham"

Milkah has borne children, as well

"Milkah has also borne children"

Milkah

This is the name of a woman.

Genesis 22:21

They were Uz his firstborn, Buz his brother

"The name of his firstborn was Uz, and the names of the rest of his children were Buz his brother"

Uz ... Buz ... Kemuel ... Aram

These are all names of men. Translate this so that it is clear that all of these except Aram are the sons of Nahor and Milkah.

Genesis 22:22

Kesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel

These are all names of men. Translate this so that it is clear that all of these are the sons of Nahor and Milkah.

Genesis 22:23

Bethuel became the father of Rebekah

"Later Bethel became the father of Rebekah"

These were the eight children that Milkah bore to Nahor, Abraham's brother

"These were the eight children of Milkah and Nahor, Abraham's brother." This refers to the children that were listed in Genesis 22:21-22.

Genesis 22:24

His concubine

"Nahor's concubine"

Reumah

This is the name of a woman.

also bore

"also gave birth to"

Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maakah

These are all names of men.

Genesis 23:2

Kiriath Arba

This is the name of a city.

Abraham mourned and wept for Sarah

"Abraham was very sad and cried because Sarah died"

Genesis 23:3

rose up and went from his dead wife

"got up and left his wife's body"

the sons of Heth

"the descendants of Heth" or "the Hittites"

Genesis 23:4

among you

This idea may be expressed in terms of location. "in your country" or "here"

Please grant me a property

"Sell me some land" or "Allow me to buy a piece of land"

my dead

"my dead wife" or "my wife who has died"

Genesis 23:6

my master

This phrase is used to show respect to Abraham.

a prince of God

"a powerful man" or "a mighty leader."

your dead

"your wife who has died" or "your wife"

the choicest of our tombs

"the best of our burial places"

refuse you his tomb

"withhold his burial place from you" or "refuse to give to you his tomb"

Genesis 23:7

bowed down

This means to bend over or kneel down very low to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.

Genesis 23:8

Ephron ... Zohar

These are names of men.

Genesis 23:9

the cave of Machpelah

"the cave in Machpela." Machpela was the name of an area or region. Ephron owned a field in Machpela and the cave that was in the field.

which is at the end of his field

This also tells something about the cave. The cave was at the end of Ephron's field.

sell it to me publicly

"sell it to me in front of you all" or "sell it to me in your presence"

as a property

"as a piece of land that I may own and use"

Genesis 23:10

Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth

Here "Now" is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Ephron.

in the hearing of the sons of Heth

"so that all the sons of Heth could hear him" or "while all the sons of Heth were listening"

gate of his city

The city gate was where the leaders of the city would meet to make important decisions.

Genesis 23:11

in the presence of the sons of my people

"with my fellow countrymen as my witnesses"

sons of my people

This means "my fellow countrymen" or "my fellow Hittites"

I give it to you to bury your dead

"I give it to you. Bury your dead"

Genesis 23:13

in the hearing of the people of the land

"so that the people who lived in the area could hear" or "while the people who lived in the area were listening"

But if you are willing

"No, but if you are willing" or "No, but if you agree with this"

I will pay for the field

"I will give you money for the field"

Genesis 23:15

Please, my master, listen to me

"Hear me, my master" or "Listen to me, kind sir"

A piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between me and you?

"The piece of land is worth only four hundred shekels of silver. For you and me, that is nothing."

four hundred shekels of silver

This is about 4.5 kilograms of silver.

Genesis 23:16

Abraham weighed out to Ephron the amount of silver

"Abraham weighed the silver and gave Ephron the amount" or "Abraham counted out to Ephron the amount of silver"

the sons of Heth

"the descendants of Heth"

according to the standard measurement of the merchants

"He weighed the silver the same way that the merchants used to weigh it"

Genesis 23:17

Mamre

This was another name for the city of Hebron. It may have been named after Mamre, the friend of Abraham who lived there.

that is, the field, the cave that was in it, and all the trees

This phrase explains what the author meant when he wrote "the field of Ephron." It was not only the field, but also the cave and trees in the field.

passed

"became property that belonged"

Genesis 23:18

to Abraham by purchase

These words complete the idea that begins with the word "passed" in verse 17. "became Abraham's possession when he purchased it" or "belonged to Abraham after he bought it"

in the presence of the sons of Heth

"with the people of Heth watching as witnesses"

Genesis 23:19

After this

"After he bought the field"

the cave of the field of Machpelah

"the cave in the field in Machpelah"

Genesis 23:20

passed to Abraham as a property for a burial place from the sons of Heth

"became Abraham's property for a burial ground when he bought it from the sons of Heth"

Genesis 24:1

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the story.

Genesis 24:2

Put your hand under my thigh

Abraham was about to ask the servant to swear to do something. Putting his hand under Abraham's thigh would show that he would certainly do what he would swear to do.

Genesis 24:3

swear by Yahweh

"promise me with Yahweh as your witness"

the God of heaven and the God of the earth

"the God of everything in heaven and earth"

from the daughters of the Canaanites

"from the Canaanite women" or "from the Canaanites." This refers to Canaanite females.

among whom I make my home

"among whom we live"

Genesis 24:4

But you will go

"Swear that you will go" or "But go"

my relatives

"my family"

Genesis 24:5

What if

"What should I do if"

will not be willing to follow me

"will not follow me" or "refuses to come back with me"

Must I take your son back to the land from which you came

"Should I take you son to live in the land from which you came"

Genesis 24:7

who took me from my father's house

"who took me from my father and the rest of my family"

saying, 'To your descendants I will give this land,'

"saying that he would give this land to my descendants"

he will send his angel

The words "he" and "his" refer to Yahweh.

Genesis 24:8

But if the woman is not willing to follow you

"But if the woman refuses to come with you."

you will be free from this oath of mine

"you will not have to do what you swore to me that you would do"

Genesis 24:9

swore to him

"made an oath to him"

concerning this matter

"concerning Abraham's request" or "that he would do what Abraham said"

Genesis 24:10

He also took with him all kinds of goods from his master

This means he also took many good things that his master wanted to give to the woman's family.

departed and went

"set out and went" or "he left and went"

the city of Nahor

Possible meanings are 1) the city where Nahor lived" or 2) "the city called Nahor."

Genesis 24:11

He made the camels kneel down

Camels are tall animals with long legs. He made them bend their legs and lower their bodies to the ground. "He made the camels lie down"

draw water

"get water"

Genesis 24:12

Then he said

"Then the servant said"

grant me success today and show covenant faithfulness to my master Abraham

"Show covenant faithfulness to my master Abraham by granting me success today"

grant me success

"help me to succeed" or "make me able to do what I have come here to do"

Genesis 24:13

Look, here I am standing

"You can see me standing here"

the spring of water

"the spring" or "the well"

the daughters of the men of the city

"the young women of the city"

Genesis 24:14

Let it happen like this

"Let it happen this way" or "Make this happen"

When I say to a young woman, 'Please lower your pitcher so that I may drink,'

"When I ask a young woman to let me have a drink of water from her jar"

pitcher

a medium-size jar made of clay used for holding and pouring liquids

that you have shown covenant faithfulness to my master

"that you have been faithful to the covenant you have with my master Abraham" or "you have been faithful to my master Abraham"

Genesis 24:15

behold

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

Rebekah was born to Bethuel son of Milkah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother

"Rebekah's father was Bethuel. Bethuel's parents were Milkah and Nahor. Nahor was Abraham's brother"

Genesis 24:16

No man had ever known her

This is a polite way of saying that the she had not had sexual relations with any man. You may need to use another euphemism in your language.

She went down to the spring ... and came up

The spring was somewhere lower in elevation than where the servant was standing.

Genesis 24:17

to meet her

"to meet the young woman"

Genesis 24:18

my master

"sir." Here the woman uses this term of respect to refer to the man, though she is not his slave.

Genesis 24:20

So she hurried and emptied her pitcher

"So she quickly emptied her pitcher"

the trough

"the animals' water trough." A trough is a long open container for holding water for animals to drink.

Genesis 24:21

The man

"The servant"

watched her

"watched Rebekah" or "watched the young woman"

to see

"to know" or "to determine"

had prospered his journey

"was showing him the woman who would become Isaac's wife"

or not

"or not prospered his journey"

Genesis 24:22

a gold nose ring weighing half a shekel

"an expensive gold nose ring"

two gold bracelets for her arms weighing ten shekels

"two large gold bracelets for her arms"

Genesis 24:23

Whose daughter are you

"Who is your father"

is there room in your father's house

"is there a place in your father's house"

for us

Apparently other men went on this journey with Abraham's servant. Here "us" refers to the servant and those traveling with him, but not to those to whom he was speaking.

to spend the night

"to stay tonight" or "to stay for the night"

Genesis 24:24

She said

"Rebekah said" or "the young woman said"

to him

"to the servant"

I am the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, whom she bore to Nahor

"Bethuel is my father, and his parents are Milkah and Nahor"

Genesis 24:25

We have plenty of both straw and feed

"We have plenty of straw and feed for the camels"

for you to spend the night

"for you to stay tonight" or "where you can stay for the night"

for you

Here "you" refers to the servant and those traveling with him.

Genesis 24:26

the man

"the servant"

Genesis 24:27

has not abandoned his covenant faithfulness and his trustworthiness toward my master

"has not stopped being faithful to his covenant and trustworthy toward my master" or "has not stopped being faithful and trustworthy to my master"

my master's relatives

"my master's family" or "my master's clan"

Genesis 24:28

ran and told her mother's household

"ran to the house and told her mother and everyone there"

all of these things

"everything that had just happened"

Genesis 24:29

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author tells background information about Rebekah. The author introduces her brother, Laban, to the story.

Genesis 24:30

When he had seen the nose ring ... and when he had heard the words of Rebekah his sister

These things happened before he ran out to the man. This tells why Laban ran out to the man.

when he had heard the words of Rebekah his sister, "This is what the man said to me,"

"when he had heard his sister Rebekah tell what the man had said to her"

behold, he

The word "behold" here adds emphasis to what follows. "it was just as she had said: he"

Genesis 24:31

you blessed of Yahweh

"you whom Yahweh has blessed"

you

Here the word "you" refers to Abraham's servant.

Why are you standing outside?

"You do not need to stay outside."

Genesis 24:32

he unloaded the camels

"Laban's servants unloaded the camels" or "the camels were unloaded"

The camels were given straw and feed, and water was provided

"Laban's servants gave straw and feed to the camels, and they provided water"

to wash his feet ... him

"for Abraham's servant and the men who were with him to wash their feet"

Genesis 24:33

They set

Here, the word "they" refers to Laban's family members or to the household servants.

set food before him

"gave food to the servant"

said what I have to say

"spoken my words" or "told you why I am here"

Genesis 24:35

he has become great

Here the word "he" refers to Abraham.

become great

"become very wealthy"

He has given

The word "he" refers to Yahweh.

Genesis 24:36

bore a son to my master

"gave birth to a son"

he has given ... to him

"my master has given ... to his son"

Genesis 24:37

My master made me swear, saying

"My master made me swear that I would do what he told me to do. He said"

from the daughters of the Canaanites

"from the Canaanite women" or "from the Canaanites"

in whose land I make my home

"among whom we live"

Genesis 24:38

to my relatives

"to my own clan"

Genesis 24:39

Perhaps the woman will not follow me.

"What if the woman will not come back with me?" or "What should I do if the woman will not come back with me?"

Genesis 24:40

before whom I walk

"whom I serve"

he will prosper your way

"he will make your journey successful"

Genesis 24:41

you will be free from my oath

"you will not have to do what you swore to me that you would do"

if you come to my relatives

"if you arrive at my relatives' home" or "if you go to my relatives"

Genesis 24:42

the spring

"the well"

Genesis 24:43

let the young woman who comes ... the woman to whom I say

The servant goes back to stating his request. These are the first two things he has to say about the woman whom he hopes will come.

Genesis 24:44

let her be the woman

The servant finishes his request.

Genesis 24:45

speaking in my heart

"praying" or "praying quietly"

behold, Rebekah came

"suddenly Rebekah came" or "I was surprised because I saw Rebekah coming"

Genesis 24:47

ring ... bracelets

In this story, all of these items were made of gold. See how you translated these in Genesis 24:22.

Genesis 24:48

led me by the way that is right

"brought me here"

who had led me

"because Yahweh led me"

my master's relative

This refers to Bethuel, the son of Abraham's brother Nahor.

Genesis 24:49

Now therefore

"Now." Here "Now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

if you are prepared to show steadfast love and faithfulness to my master, tell me

"tell me if you will love my master and be faithful to him by giving Rebekah to be his son's wife"

you

The word "you" refers to Laban and Bethuel.

But if not

"But if you are not prepared to treat my master with steadfast love and faithfulness"

so that I may turn to the right hand or to the left

"so that I may continue on my journey"

Genesis 24:50

The thing has come from Yahweh

"Yahweh has caused all of this to happen"

we cannot speak to you either bad or good

"we dare not judge what Yahweh is doing"

Genesis 24:51

Rebekah is before you

"Here is Rebekah"

Genesis 24:52

their words

"what Laban and Bethuel said"

he bowed down

Bowing down before God is an expression of worship to him.

Genesis 24:53

articles of silver and articles of gold

"silver and gold items" or "things made of silver and gold"

precious gifts

"expensive gifts" or "valuable gifts"

Genesis 24:54

he and the men who were with him

"Abraham's servant and his men"

stayed there overnight

"slept there that night"

arose in the morning

"got up the next morning"

Send me away

"Let me leave and return"

Genesis 24:55

a few more days, at least ten

"at least ten more days"

Genesis 24:56

he said

"Abraham's servant said"

to them

"to Rebekah's brother and mother"

Do not hinder me

"Do not delay me" or "Do not make me wait"

Yahweh has prospered my way

"Yahweh has caused me to succeed in the purpose my journey"

Send me on my way

"Allow me to leave"

Genesis 24:59

So they sent their sister Rebekah

"So the family sent Rebekah"

her female servant

This refers to the female servant who had fed Rebekah when she was a baby, cared for her when she was a child, and still served her.

Genesis 24:60

may you be the mother of thousands of ten thousands

"may you be the ancestor of millions of people" or "may you have very many descendants"

may your descendants possess the gate of those who hate them

"may your descendants completely defeat those who hate them"

Genesis 24:61

Then Rebekah arose, and she and her servant girls mounted the camels

"Then Rebekah and her servant girls went and got on the camels"

Thus the servant took Rebekah, and went his way

"In this way Abraham's servant took Rebekah with him and returned to where he had come from"

Genesis 24:62

Now

This word marks a change in the story. It was telling about the servant finding a wife, and now it will tell about Isaac.

Beer Lahai Roi

This is the name of a water well in the Negev. See how you translated it in Genesis 16:14.

Genesis 24:63

Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening

"One evening Isaac went out to the field to think." This must have been a long time after the servant and Rebekah left her home since they had to travel a long distance.

When he looked up and saw, behold, there were camels coming!

"When he looked up he was surprised to see camels coming"

Genesis 24:64

Rebekah looked

"Rebekah looked up"

she jumped down from the camel

"she quickly got off the camel"

Genesis 24:65

So she took her veil, and covered herself

"So she covered her face with her veil." This is a sign of respect and modesty towards the man she will marry. The full meaning of this can be made explicit.

veil

a piece of cloth used to cover a person's head, shoulders and face

Genesis 24:67

took Rebekah, and she became his wife

"married Rebekah" or "took her as his wife"

So Isaac was comforted

"So Rebekah comforted Isaac"

Genesis 25:4

All these

This refers to the people named in verses 2-4.

Genesis 25:5

Abraham gave all that he owned to Isaac

"Isaac inherited all that Abraham owned." It was normal for the father to divide his wealth when he was old and not leave that for others to do after he died.

Genesis 25:8

Abraham breathed his last and died

"Abraham died"

at a good old age, an old man with a full life

"when he had lived a very long time and was very old"

he was gathered to his people

"he joined his family members who had already died"

Genesis 25:9

the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron

Ephron owned a field in Machpelah and the cave that was in that field. Abraham bought the field from Ephron.

Machpelah

Machpelah was the name of an area or region. See how you translated this in Genesis 23:9

which is near Mamre

Machpela was near Mamre.

Mamre

This was another name for the city of Hebron. It may have been named after Mamre, the friend of Abraham who lived there.

Genesis 25:10

This field Abraham had bought

"Abraham had bought this field"

sons of Heth

"the descendants of Heth" or "the Hittites." See how you translated this in Genesis 23:5.

Genesis 25:12

Now

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

Genesis 25:16

princes

Here the word "princes" means that the men were leaders or rules of the tribes; it does not mean that they were the sons of a king.

Genesis 25:17

These were the years of the life of Ishmael, 137 years

Ishmael lived 137 years.

breathed his last and died

"died"

Genesis 25:18

They lived

"His descendants settled"

Havilah

Havilah was located somewhere in the Arabian Desert. See how you translated this in Genesis 2:11.

as one goes toward

"in the direction of"

They lived in hostility with each other

Possible meanings are 1) "they did not live in peace together," or 2) "they lived away from their other relatives."

Genesis 25:20

when he took as his wife Rebekah

"when he married Rebekah"

Bethuel

Bethuel was Rebekah's father. See how you translated this name in Genesis 22:22.

Paddan Aram

This was another name for the region of Mesopotamia, which about the same location as modern Iraq.

Genesis 25:21

she was barren

"she was unable to become pregnant"

Rebekah his wife conceived

"Rebekah, his wife, became pregnant with twins"

Genesis 25:22

The children struggled together within her

"the babies inside her kept bumping against each other" or "The babies pushed against each other within her

She went to ask Yahweh about this

"She went and asked Yahweh about this." It is not clear where she went. She may have gone somewhere private to pray, or she may have gone somewhere to offer a sacrifice.

Genesis 25:23

said to her

"said to Rebekah"

Two nations are in your womb

"Two nations will come from the twins within you"

two peoples will be separated from within you

"when you give birth to these two children they will be rivals"

the older will serve the younger

Possible meanings are 1) "the older son will serve the younger son" or 2) "the descendants of the older son will serve the descendants of the younger son." If possible, translate it so that people could understand either meaning.

Genesis 25:24

behold, there

"she was surprised to learn that there"

Genesis 25:25

red all over like a hairy garment

"red and hairy like a garment made of animal hair"

Esau

Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Esau sounds like the word 'hairy.'"

Genesis 25:26

grasping Esau's heel

"holding the back part of Esau's foot"

Jacob

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Jacob means 'he grasps the heel.'"

Genesis 25:27

became a skillful hunter

"became good at hunting and killing animals for food"

a quiet man

"a peaceful man" or "a less active man"

who spent his time in the tents

"who remained in the tents much of the time"

Genesis 25:28

Now

This word is used to mark a change in focus, shifting from the story to background information about Isaac and Rebekah.

Isaac loved

Here the word "loved" means "favored" or "preferred."

because he ate the animals that he had hunted

"because he ate the animals that Esau had hunted" or "because he enjoyed eating the wild animal meat that Esau caught"

Genesis 25:29

cooked some stew

"boiled some food" or "cooked some soup." This stew was made of boiled lentils

he was weak from hunger

"he was weak because he was very hungry" or "he was very hungry"

Genesis 25:30

I am exhausted

"I am weak from hunger" or "I am very hungry"

Edom

Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Edom means 'red.'"

Genesis 25:31

birthright

right as firstborn to inherit most of the father's wealth

Genesis 25:32

I am about to die

"I am so hungry I feel like I could die"

What good is the birthright to me?

"My inheritance is no good to me if I die of hunger!"

Genesis 25:33

First swear to me

"First swear to me that you will sell me your birthright"

Genesis 25:34

lentils

These are like beans, but their seeds are very small, round, and somewhat flat.

Esau despised his birthright

"Esau showed that he did not value his birthright"

Genesis 26:1

Now

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

a famine happened

"there was a famine" or "there was another famine"

in the land

"in the land where Isaac and his family lived"

that had been in the days of Abraham

"that had happened during Abraham's life" or "that had happened while Abraham was alive"

Genesis 26:2

appeared to him

"appeared to Isaac"

Genesis 26:3

for to you and to your descendants, I will give all these lands

"for I will give all these lands to you and your descendants"

I will fulfill the oath that I swore to Abraham your father

"I will do what I promised Abraham your father I would do"

Genesis 26:4

I will multiply your descendants

"I will cause you to have very many descendants."

like the stars of heaven

This speaks about the number of Isaac's descendants as if they were the same as the number of stars. See how you translated this in Genesis 22:17.

heaven

This refers to everything we see above the earth, including the sun, moon, and stars.

all the nations of the earth will be blessed

"I will bless all the nations of the earth"

Genesis 26:5

Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my instructions, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws

"Abraham obeyed me and did everything I commanded him to do"

Genesis 26:6

So Isaac settled in Gerar

"So Isaac and his family settled in Gerar"

Genesis 26:7

He feared to say

Here "fear" refers to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to himself or others. "He was afraid to say"

to get Rebekah

"in order to take Rebekah"

Genesis 26:8

He saw, behold, Isaac

"And he was surprised to see that Isaac"

was caressing Rebekah

Possible meanings are 1) he was touching her the way a husband touches his wife or 2) he was laughing and talking with her the way a husband talks with his wife.

Genesis 26:9

Abimelek called Isaac to him

"Abimelek sent someone to bring Isaac to him"

Why did you say, 'She is my sister'?

"Why did you say that she is your sister?"

to get her

"so he could take her"

Genesis 26:10

What is this you have done to us?

"You should not have done this to us!"

might easily have lain with your wife

The word "lain" here is a euphemism for "had sexual relations."

you would have brought guilt upon us

"you would have caused us to be guilty of taking a man's wife"

upon us

Here "us" refers to Abimelech and his people.

Genesis 26:11

Whoever touches this man

"Whoever harms this man"

will surely be put to death

"I will put him to death" or "I will order my men to kill him"

Genesis 26:12

in that land

"in Gerar"

a hundredfold

This means "one hundred times as much as he planted." It can be translated more generally as "a very large crop."

Genesis 26:13

The man became rich

"Isaac became rich" or "He became rich"

grew more and more until he became very great

"he gained more and more until he became very wealthy"

Genesis 26:14

sheep

This may also include goats.

a large household

"many servants"

The Philistines envied him

"The Philistines were jealous of him"

Genesis 26:15

in the days of Abraham his father

"when Abraham, his father, was living" or "during his father Abraham's lifetime"

Genesis 26:16

Abimelek said

"Therefore 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.

much mightier than we

"much stronger than we are"

Genesis 26:17

So Isaac departed

"So Isaac and his household left"

Genesis 26:18

Isaac dug out

"Isaac and his servants dug out"

The Philistines had filled them with earth

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, or 2) This sentence can start with "Isaac did this because the Philistines had stopped them up."

Genesis 26:19

flowing water

"fresh water"

Genesis 26:20

herdsmen

men who tended livestock

This water is ours

Here "ours" refers to the herdsmen of Gerar.

Esek

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Esek means 'quarrel' or 'argue.'"

Genesis 26:21

Then they dug

"Then Isaac's servants dug"

they quarreled

"the herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac's herdsmen"

so he gave it

"so Isaac gave it"

Sitnah

Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Sitnah means 'oppose' or 'accuse.'"

Genesis 26:22

Rehoboth

Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Rehoboth means 'make room for' or 'empty place.'"

us ... we

Isaac was speaking about himself and his household.

Genesis 26:24

multiply your descendants

"will cause your descendants to increase greatly" or "will cause your descendants to be very many"

for my servant Abraham's sake

"because I promised my servant Abraham that I would do this"

Genesis 26:25

Isaac built an altar there

"Isaac built an altar there to sacrifice to Yahweh"

called on the name of Yahweh

"prayed to Yahweh" or "worshiped Yahweh"

Genesis 26:26

went to him

"went to Isaac"

Ahuzzath

This is the name of a man.

his friend

Possible meanings are 1) "Abimelech's friend" or 2) "Abimelech's advisor."

Phicol

This is the name of a man. See how you translated his name in Genesis 21:22.

Genesis 26:28

they said

"one of them said"

We have clearly seen

"We know" or "We are certain"

So let us make a covenant

"So we want to make a covenant"

Genesis 26:29

and as we have treated you well

"We have done only good to you"

Genesis 26:30

Isaac made a feast for them, and they ate and drank

Eating a meal together was a part of making a covenant with one another.

for them

Here "them" refers to "Abimelech, Ahuzzath, and Phicol"

they ate

"they all ate"

Genesis 26:33

He called the well Shibah

"So he called the well Shibah." Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Shibah sounds like the word that means 'oath.'"

Beersheba

Translators may add a footnote saying "Beersheba can mean either "well of the oath" or "well of seven."

Genesis 26:34

he took a wife

"he took two wives"

Judith ... Basemath

These are the names of Esau's wives.

Beeri ... Elon

These are names of men.

the Hittite

"the descendant of Heth" or "a descendant of Heth." The Hittite people were the descendants of Heth.

Genesis 26:35

They brought sorrow to Isaac and Rebekah

"They made Isaac and Rebekah sorrowful" or "Isaac and Rebekah were miserable because of them"

Genesis 27:1

his eyes were dim

"he was nearly blind" or "he was almost blind"

Here I am

"I am here" or "I am listening." See how you translated this in Genesis 22:1.

Genesis 27:2

See now, I

"Please listen carefully: I" See how you translated this phrase in Genesis 12:11.

I do not know the day of my death

"I may die any day now"

Genesis 27:3

your weapons

"your hunting equipment"

your quiver

"your quiver of arrows"

hunt game for me

"hunt a wild animal for me"

Genesis 27:4

Make delicious food for me, the sort that I love

"Cook for me the tasty meat that I love"

bless you

In Bible times, a father would often pronounce a formal blessing on his children.

Genesis 27:5

Now

This verse is background information for the description of the events that follow. The word "now" shows that the author is going to begin to talk about Rebekah and Jacob.

to Esau his son

Esau was the son of both Isaac and Rebekah. The author calls Esau "his son" to emphasize that Isaac preferred Esau over Isaac.

Genesis 27:6

to Jacob her son

Jacob was the son of both Isaac and Rebekah. The author calls Jacob "her son" here to emphasize that Rebekah preferred Jacob over Esau.

Genesis 27:7

'Bring me game and make me delicious food, that I may eat it and bless you in the presence of Yahweh before my death.'

"He told Esau to hunt a wild animal, and to make the tasty meat that he loves. Then before he dies, your father will bless Esau in the presence of Yahweh."

Bring me game

"Bring me a wild animal that you hunt and kill"

Genesis 27:8

obey my voice as I command you

"obey me and do what I tell you"

Genesis 27:10

so that he may eat it, so that he may bless you

"and after he eats it, he will bless you"

Genesis 27:11

I am a smooth man

"I am a man with smooth skin" or "I am not hairy"

Genesis 27:12

I will seem to him as a deceiver

"he will think that I am a liar" or "he will know that I am deceiving him"

I will bring a curse upon me and not a blessing

"Then because of this, he will curse me and not bless me"

Genesis 27:13

My son, let any curse fall on me

"let your father curse me instead of you, my son"

bring them to me

"bring me the young goats"

Genesis 27:16

She put the skins of the kids on his hands

The goat skins still had the hair on them.

Genesis 27:17

She put the delicious food and the bread that she had prepared into the hand of her son Jacob

"She gave to her son Jacob the delicious food and bread which she had prepared"

Genesis 27:19

I have done as you said to me

"I have done what you told me to do"

some of my game

The word "game" refers to wild animals that someone hunts and kills.

Genesis 27:20

He said

"Jacob replied"

brought it to me

"helped me to succeed while hunting"

Genesis 27:21

whether you are my true son Esau or not

"if you are really my son Esau"

Genesis 27:22

Jacob went over to Isaac his father

"Jacob approached Isaac his father"

The voice is Jacob's voice

"You sound like Jacob"

but the hands are the hands of Esau

"but your hands feel like Esau's hands"

Genesis 27:24

He said

"But first Isaac asked"

Genesis 27:25

he drank

"Isaac drank it"

Genesis 27:27

he smelled the smell of his clothes and blessed him

"Isaac smelled his clothes and they smelled like Esau's clothes, so Isaac blessed him"

the smell

"the scent"

blessed him

"then he blessed him." This refers to the formal blessing a father pronounces on his children.

See, the smell of my son

"Truly, the smell of my son"

that Yahweh has blessed

"that Yahweh has caused to be very productive"

Genesis 27:28

give you

Here "you" is singular and refers to Jacob. But the blessing would also apply to Jacob's descendants.

dew of heaven

"night mist from heaven to water your crops"

fatness of the earth

"good soil for producing crops"

plenty of grain and new wine

"plenty of food and drink"

Genesis 27:29

nations bow down

"people from all nations bow down"

Be master over your brothers

"Become a master over your brothers"

your brothers ... your mother's sons

Isaac is speaking this blessing directly to Jacob. But, it also applies to Jacob's descendants who will rule over the descendants of Esau and the descendants of any other of Jacob's brothers that he may have.

May every one who curses you be cursed

"May God curse everyone who curses you"

may every one who blesses you be blessed

"May God bless everyone who blesses you"

Genesis 27:30

had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father

"had just left the tent of Isaac his father"

Genesis 27:31

some of your son's game

Here "your son's" was a polite way of Esau referring to his own food he prepared.

your son's game

The word "game" refers to wild animals that people hunt to eat.

Genesis 27:32

said to him

"said to Esau"

Genesis 27:33

Isaac trembled

"Isaac began to shake"

Genesis 27:34

he cried with a very great and bitter cry

"he cried loudly"

Genesis 27:35

has taken away your blessing

"I have blessed him instead of you"

Genesis 27:36

Is he not rightly named Jacob?

"Jacob is certainly the right name for my brother!"

Jacob

Translators may also add a footnote that says: "The name Jacob means 'he grasps the heel.' In the original language the name 'Jacob' also sounds like the word for 'he deceives.'"

He took away my birthright

"What was once my birthright is now his because he tricked me"

now he has taken away my blessing

"now he has tricked you into blessing him instead of me"

Have you not reserved a blessing for me

Esau knows that his father cannot bless him with the same things that he blessed Jacob. Esau is asking if there is anything left to say to him that Isaac did not say while blessing Jacob.

Genesis 27:37

What more can I do for you, my son?

"There is nothing else I can do for you!"

Genesis 27:39

said to him

"said to Esau"

Look, the place

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: the place"

far from the richness of the earth

"far from the fertile soil"

dew of the sky above

"the night mist from the sky to water your crops"

Genesis 27:40

your ... you

In 27:39-40 these pronouns are singular and refer to Esau, but what Isaac says also applies to Esau's descendants

By your sword you will live

"You will rob and kill people in order to get what you need to live"

you will break his yoke off of your neck

"you will free yourself from his control"

Genesis 27:41

Esau bore a grudge against Jacob

Esau believed that Jacob had wronged him, and so Esau did not want to forgive Jacob.

Esau said in his heart

"Esau said to himself"

days of mourning for my father are near

This refers to a number of days a person grieves when a family member dies.

Genesis 27:42

The words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah

"Someone told Rebekah about Esau's plan"

See

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

is consoling himself

"is making himself feel better"

Genesis 27:43

flee to Laban

"leave here quickly and go to Laban"

Genesis 27:44

for a while

"for a period of time"

until your brother's fury subsides

"until you brother calms down"

Genesis 27:45

until your brother's anger turns away from you

: "until he is no longer angry with you"

Why should I lose you both in one day?

"I do not want to lose both of you in one day!"

Genesis 27:46

I abhor life

"I am terribly upset"

the daughters of Heth

"these Hittite women" or "descendants of Heth"

like these women, some of the daughters of the land

"like these women who live in this land"

what good will my life be to me?

"My life will be awful!"

Genesis 28:2

Arise, go

"Go right away"

Paddan Aram

This was another name for the region of Mesopotamia, which about the same location as modern Iraq.

house of

"family"

Bethuel

Bethuel was Rebekah's father. See how you translated this name in Genesis 22:22.

your mother's father

"your grandfather"

your mother's brother

"your uncle"

Genesis 28:3

make you fruitful and multiply you

"give you many children and descendants"

Genesis 28:4

May he give you the blessing of Abraham, to you, and to your descendants after you

"May God bless you and your descendants as he blessed Abraham" or "May God give to you and your descendants what he promised to Abraham"

that you may inherit the land

God giving the land of Canaan to Jacob and his descendants is spoken of as if a child were inheriting money or possessions from his father.

the land where you have been sojourning

"the land where you have been staying"

Genesis 28:6

Now

This word is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Esau.

to take a wife

"to take a wife for himself"

He also saw that Isaac had blessed him

"Esau also saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob"

women of Canaan

"daughters of Canaan" or "Canaanite women"

Genesis 28:8

Esau saw

"Esau realized"

the women of Canaan did not please Isaac his father

"his father Isaac did not approve of the women of Canaan"

Genesis 28:9

So he went

"Because of that, he went"

besides the wives that he had

"in addition to the wives that he already had"

Mahalath

This is the name of one of Ishmael's daughters.

Nebaioth

This is the name of one of Ishmael's sons.

Genesis 28:12

He dreamed

"Jacob had a dream"

set up on the earth

"with the bottom of it touching the ground"

reached to heaven

This refers to the place where God lives.

Genesis 28:13

Behold

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

Yahweh stood above it

Possible meanings are 1) "Yahweh was standing at the top of the stairway" or 2) "Yahweh was standing next to Jacob"

Abraham your father

"Abraham your ancestor" or "Abraham your forefather"

Genesis 28:14

Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth

"You will have more descendants than you can count"

you will spread far out to the west

"your descendants will spread out to the west"

to the west, to the east, to the north, and to the south

"in all directions"

Through you and through your descendants will all the families of the earth be blessed

"I will bless all families on the earth through you and your descendants"

Genesis 28:15

Behold, I am

"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: I am"

for I will not leave you. I will do all

"for I will not leave you until I have done all"

I will keep you

"I will keep you safe" or "I will protect you"

I will bring you into this land again

"I will bring you back to this land"

Genesis 28:17

the house of God ... the gate of heaven

The phrase "the gate of heaven" explains that this place is the entrance to "the house of God" and "the entrance to where God lives."

Genesis 28:18

pillar

This is a memorial pillar, that is, simply a large stone or boulder set up on its end.

poured oil upon the top of it

"poured oil on the top of it in order to dedicate the pillar to God"

Genesis 28:19

Bethel

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Bethel means 'house of God.'"

Luz

This is the name of a city.

Genesis 28:20

vowed a vow

"made a vow" or "solemnly promised God"

on this road on which I am walking

"on this journey"

will give me bread to eat

Here "bread" stands for food in general

Genesis 28:21

so that I return safely ... then Yahweh will be my God

This can be stated in the second person. "If you will ... clothes to wear ... so that I return safely ... then you, Yahweh, will be the God that I will worship"

to my father's house

"to my father and the rest of my family"

Genesis 28:22

a sacred stone

"God's house" or "God's place"

Genesis 29:1

the people of the east

This means the people of Paddan Aram, which is a land east of the land of Canaan.

Genesis 29:2

and, behold, three flocks of sheep were lying there by it

The word "behold" marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

they would water

"the shepherds would water" or "those taking care of the sheep would water"

the well's mouth

"the opening of the well"

Genesis 29:4

Jacob said to them

"Jacob said to the shepherds"

Genesis 29:5

Laban son of Nahor

"Laban the grandson of Nahor."

Genesis 29:7

it is the middle of the day

"the sun is still high in the sky" or "the sun is still shining brightly"

for the flocks to be gathered together

"for you to gather the flocks"

let them graze

"let them eat grass in the field"

Genesis 29:8

until all the flocks are gathered together

"until the other shepherds gather their flocks"

from the well's mouth

"from the well" or "from the opening of the well"

and we will water the sheep

"then we will water the sheep"

Genesis 29:10

his mother's brother

"his uncle"

Genesis 29:11

Jacob kissed Rachel

In ancient Near East, it is common to greet a relative with a kiss. However, it is normally done between men. If your language has an affectionate greeting for a relative, use that. If not, use what is appropriate.

wept loudly

Jacob weeps because he is so happy. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.

Genesis 29:13

his sister's son

"his nephew"

embraced him

"hugged him"

Jacob told Laban all these things

"then Jacob told Laban everything he told Rachel"

Genesis 29:14

my bone and my flesh

"my relative" or "a member of my family"

Genesis 29:15

Should you serve me for nothing ... my relative?

"It is certainly right that I should pay you for working for me even though you are my relative."

Genesis 29:17

Leah's eyes were tender

Possible meanings are 1) "Leah's eyes were pretty" or 2) "Leah's eyes were plain"

Genesis 29:20

and they seemed to him only a few days

"but the time seemed to him to be only a few days"

for the love he had for her

"on account of the love he had for her" or "because of his love for her"

Genesis 29:21

for my days have been completed

"for my days of working for you have been completed" or "For I have completed the length of time that I was to work for you" )

so that I may go to her

This is a polite way of referring to having sexual relations with her.

Genesis 29:22

made a feast

"had others prepare a wedding feast"

Genesis 29:23

who went to her

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with her.

Genesis 29:24

Laban gave his female servant Zilpah ... her servant

Here the author gives background information about Laban giving Zilpah to Leah. Most likely he gave Zilpah to Leah before the wedding.

Zilpah

This is the name of Leah's female servant.

Genesis 29:25

behold, it was Leah

"Jacob was surprised to see it was Leah in bed with him." The word "behold" here shows that Jacob was surprised by what he saw.

What is this you have done to me?

"I cannot believe you did this to me!"

Did I not serve you for Rachel?

"I served you for seven years to marry Rachel!"

Genesis 29:26

It is not our custom to give

"In our family we do not give"

Genesis 29:27

Complete the bridal week of this daughter

"Finish celebrating Leah's bridal week"

we will give you the other also

"next week we will give you Rachel also"

Genesis 29:28

Jacob did so, and completed Leah's week

"And Jacob did what Laban asked, and finished celebrating Leah's bridal week"

Genesis 29:29

Bilhah

This is the name of Rachel's female servant.

Genesis 29:30

Jacob went to Rachel

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with her.

he loved Rachel

This refers to the romantic love between a man and a woman.

Genesis 29:31

not loved

"loved less than Rachel"

so he opened her womb

God causing Leah to be able to become pregnant is spoken of as if God is opening her womb.

was barren

"was not able to become pregnant"

Genesis 29:32

Leah conceived and bore a son

"Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son"

she called his name Reuben

Translators may also add a footnote that says: "The name Reuben means 'See, a son.'"

Yahweh has looked upon my affliction

"Yahweh saw that I was suffering"

Genesis 29:33

Then she conceived

"Then Leah became pregnant"

bore a son

"gave birth to a son"

Yahweh has heard that I am unloved

"Yahweh has heard that my husband does not love me"

she called his name Simeon

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Simeon means 'heard.'"

Genesis 29:34

will my husband be attached to me

"my husband will embrace me"

I have borne him three sons

"I have given birth to three sons for him"

his name was called Levi

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Levi means 'attached.'"

Genesis 29:35

She conceived again

"Leah became pregnant again"

bore a son

"gave birth to a son"

she called his name Judah

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Judah means 'praise.'"

Genesis 30:1

When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children

"When Rachel realized that she was unable to become preganant"

I will die

"I will feel completely worthless"

Give me children

"Cause me to become pregnant"

Genesis 30:2

Jacob's anger burned against Rachel

"Jacob was very angry with Rachel"

Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?

"I am not God! I am not the one who is preventing you from having children!"

Genesis 30:3

She said

"Rachel said"

See

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

there is my servant Bilhah ... I will have children by her

At that time, this was an acceptable way for a barren woman to have children that would legally belong to her. The full meaning of this may be made explicit.

Go to her

This is a polite way of asking him to have sexual relations with her servant.

on my knees

"for me"

I will have children by her

"and in this way she will cause me to have children"

Genesis 30:5

bore Jacob a son

"gave birth to a son for Jacob"

Genesis 30:6

she called his name

"Rachel gave him the name"

called his name Dan

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Dan means 'he judged.'"

Genesis 30:7

Bilhah ... conceived again

"Bilhah ... became pregnant again"

bore Jacob a second son

"gave birth to a second son for Jacob"

Genesis 30:8

With mighty wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister

"I have had a great struggle to have children like my older sister, Leah"

have prevailed

"I have won" or "I have succeeded"

called his name Naphtali

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Naphtali means 'my struggle.'"

Genesis 30:9

she took Zilpah, her servant, and gave her to Jacob as a wife

"she gave Zilpah, her servant, to Jacob as a wife"

Genesis 30:11

This is fortunate!

"How fortunate!" or "What good luck!"

called his name Gad

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Gad means 'fortunate.'"

Genesis 30:13

the daughters

"the women" or "the young women"

called his name Asher

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Asher means 'happy.'"

Genesis 30:14

Reuben went

"Reuben went out"

in the days of wheat harvest

"at the time of year of the wheat harvest" or "during the wheat harvest"

mandrakes

"love fruit"

Genesis 30:15

Is it a small matter to you ... my husband?

"It is bad enough ... my husband."

Do you now want ... too?

"Now you want ... too!"

Then he will lie with you

"Then Jacob will have sexual relations with you"

Genesis 30:16

You must come to me

"You must have sexual intercourse with me"

Jacob lay with Leah

"Jacob had sexual relations with Leah"

Genesis 30:18

God has given me my wages

"God has given my due" or "God has rewarded me"

She called his name Issachar

Translators may also add a footnote that says: "The name Issachar means 'there is a reward.'"

Genesis 30:20

She called his name Zebulun

Translators may also add a footnote that says: "The name Zebulun means 'honor.'"

Genesis 30:21

called her name Dinah

This is the name of Leah's daughter.

Genesis 30:22

God called Rachel to mind and listened to her

"God considered Rachel and granted to her what she wanted"

Genesis 30:23

God has taken away my shame

"God has caused me to no longer feel ashamed"

Genesis 30:24

She called his name Joseph

Translators may also add a footnote that says: "The name Joseph means 'may he add.'"

Genesis 30:26

and let me go

"so I can go"

you know the service I have given you

"you know that I have served you long enough"

Genesis 30:27

Laban said to him

"Laban said to Jacob"

If now I have found favor in your eyes

"If I have found favor with you" or "If you are pleased with me"

wait, because

"please stay, because"

I have learned by using divination

"I have discovered by my own spiritual and magical practices"

for your sake

"because of you"

Genesis 30:28

Name your wages

"Tell me how much I have to pay to keep you here"

Genesis 30:29

Jacob said to him

"Jacob said to Laban"

how your livestock have fared with me

"how well your livestock have done since I started taking care of them"

Genesis 30:30

and it has increased abundantly

"but now your wealth has greatly increased"

Now when will I provide for my own household also?

"Now I want to take care of my family!"

Genesis 30:31

If you will do this thing for me

"But if you will do this thing for me"

this thing

The phrase "this thing" refers to what Jacob will propose in verse 32.

Genesis 30:32

removing from it every speckled and spotted sheep, and every black one among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats

"and remove every sheep with spots, every black sheep, and every goat with spots"

These will be my wages

"This will be the cost of keeping me here"

Genesis 30:33

My integrity will testify for me later on

"And later you will know if I have been honest with you or not"

Genesis 30:35

gave them into the hand

"had his sons take care of them"

Genesis 30:37

poplar, almond, and plane trees

These are all trees with white wood.

Genesis 30:38

the watering troughs

long open containers for holding water for animals to drink

Genesis 30:39

The flocks bred

"The animals of the flocks conceived" or "The animals mated"

produced striped, speckled, and spotted young

"gave birth to babies with stripes and spots"

Genesis 30:40

Jacob separated

"During the several years following, Jacob separated"

face toward

"look toward"

Genesis 30:41

before the eyes of the flock

"so that the flock could see them"

among the sticks

"in front of the sticks"

Genesis 30:42

So the feebler animals were Laban's, and the stronger were Jacob's

"So the weaker offspring did not have stripes or spots and so belonged to Laban, while the stronger offspring did have stripes or spots and so belonged to Jacob"

Genesis 30:43

The man

"Jacob"

Genesis 31:1

Now

This word is used here to mark a stop in the main story. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the story.

Jacob has taken away all that was our father's

"Everything that Jacob has taken belonged to our father"

Genesis 31:2

Jacob saw the look on Laban's face. He saw that his attitude toward him had changed

"Jacob noticed that Laban was no longer pleased with him"

Genesis 31:3

your fathers

"your father Isaac and your grandfather Abraham"

Genesis 31:5

I see your father's attitude toward me has changed

"I have noticed your father is no longer pleased with me"

Genesis 31:6

You know that it is with all my strength that I have served your father

"You yourselves know that I have served your father with all my strength"

Genesis 31:7

has deceived me

"has lied to me" or "has not treated me fairly"

my wages

"what he said he would pay me"

to hurt me

Possible meanings are 1) physical harm or 2) to cause Jacob to suffer in any way.

Genesis 31:8

The speckled animals

"The animals with spots"

the flock bore

"the flock gave birth to"

The striped

"The animals with stripes"

Genesis 31:9

In this way God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me

"This is how God gave your father's animals to me"

Genesis 31:10

Once at the time of breeding season

"During the breeding season"

mating with the flock

"mating with the female goats of the flock"

Genesis 31:11

angel of God

Possible meanings are 1) God himself appeared as a man or 2) one of God's messengers appeared. Since the phrase is not well understood, it is best to simply translate it as "the angel of God," using the normal word that you use for "angel."

I said

"And I answered"

Genesis 31:12

Lift up your eyes

This is a way of saying "Look up."

that are breeding with the flock

"that are breeding with the female goats of the flock"

Genesis 31:13

where you anointed a pillar

Jacob poured oil on the pillar to dedicate it to God.

the land of your birth

"the land where you were born"

Genesis 31:14

Is there any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?

"There is absolutely nothing left for us to inherit from our father!"

Genesis 31:15

Are we not treated by him as foreigners?

"Our father treats us like a foreign women instead of daughters!"

For he has sold us

"He has sold us for his own gain"

has also completely devoured our money

"he completely used up our money"

Genesis 31:16

whatever God has said to you, do it

"do all that God has told you"

Genesis 31:17

his sons

"his children"

Genesis 31:18

He drove all his livestock

"He drove all his cattle." Here "livestock" is referring to all his domesticate animals.

including the livestock he had acquired in Paddan Aram

"and the other herd of cattle which he took ownership of when he was in Paddan Aram"

Genesis 31:21

the River

This refers to the Euphrates River.

Genesis 31:22

On the third day

"Two days after they had left"

that Jacob had fled

"that Jacob had fled with his wives and children"

Genesis 31:23

So he took

"So Laban took"

pursued him

"chased after Jacob"

He overtook him

"He caught up to him"

Genesis 31:24

Now God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream at night

"That night God came to Laban in a dream"

Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad

"Do not say anything to try and stop Jacob from leaving"

Genesis 31:25

Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country. Laban also camped with his relatives in the hill country of Gilead

"When Laban caught up with Jacob, Jacob had set up camp in the hill country. Then Laban and his relatives also camped in the hill country of Gilead"

Genesis 31:26

carried away my daughters like captives of the sword

Laban speaks about Jacob taking his family with him back to the land of Canaan as if Jacob took them as prisoners after a battle and is forcing them to go with him. Laban is exaggerating because he is angry and is trying to make Jacob feel guilty for what he did.

Genesis 31:27

with celebration

"with joy"

with tambourine and with harps

"and with music"

tambourine

a musical instrument with a head like a drum that can be hit and with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instrument is shaken

Genesis 31:28

to kiss my grandsons

"to kiss my grandchildren"

Genesis 31:29

It is in my power to do you harm

"I have enough people with me to harm all of you"

Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad

"Do not say anything to try and stop Jacob from leaving"

Genesis 31:30

you have gone away

This "you" is singular and refers to Jacob.

to your father's house

"to be home with your father and the rest of your family"

my gods

"my idols"

Genesis 31:32

Whoever has stolen your gods will not continue to live

"We will kill whoever has stolen your gods"

In the presence of our relatives

All the relatives will watch to make sure everything is fair and honest.

identify whatever with me is yours and take it

"look for whatever we have that is yours and take it"

Genesis 31:33

the two female servants

This refers to Zilpah and Bilhah.

he did not find them

"he did not find his idols"

Genesis 31:34

saddle

a seat placed on the back of an animal so a person can ride on it

Genesis 31:35

my master

Calling someone "my master" is a way of honoring them.

that I cannot stand up before you

"because I am unable to stand up in your presence"

for I am having my period

This refers to the time of the month when a woman bleeds from her womb.

Genesis 31:36

He said to him

"Jacob said to Laban"

What is my offense? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued me?

"What have I done wrong that you should pursue me like this?"

hotly pursued me

Here the word "hotly" means Laban urgently chased Jacob intending to capture him.

Genesis 31:37

What have you found of all your household goods?

"What have you found that belongs to you?"

Set them here before our relatives

"Lay anything you have found in front of our relatives"

they may judge between the two of us

"they may judge between the two of us"

Genesis 31:38

ewes

female sheep

have not miscarried

This means they have not had a pregnancy end early and unexpectedly with the lamb or kid born dead.

Genesis 31:39

What was torn by beasts I did not bring to you

"I did not bring to you any of your animals that a wild beast tore apart" or "When a wild animal killed any of your animals I did not bring it to you"

I bore the loss of it

"Instead of counting it a loss from your flock, I counted it as a loss from my flock"

You demanded payment from my hand

"You demanded that I pay you for any animal of yours that was missing"

whether stolen by day or stolen by night

Possble meanings are 1) "whether someone stole it during the day or at night" or 2) "whether an animal took it during the day or night."

Genesis 31:40

There I was; in the day the heat consumed me, and the frost by night

"I stayed with your flocks even during hottest part of the day and the coldest part of the night"

Genesis 31:41

changed my wages ten times

"changed what he said he would pay me ten times." See how you translated "my wages" in Genesis 31:7.

Genesis 31:42

Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the one Isaac fears, had been with me

"If the God of Abraham and Isaac, my father, had not been with me"

the one Isaac fears

Here the word "fears" refers to the "fear of Yahweh," which means to deeply respect him and show that respect by obeying him.

empty-handed

"with absolutely nothing"

God has seen my affliction and my toil

"God has seen how hard I worked and how you afflicted me"

Genesis 31:43

But what can I do today to these my daughters, or to their children whom they have borne?

"But, there is nothing I can do to bring my daughters and grandchildren back with me."

Genesis 31:44

let it be for a witness

Here the word "witness" does not refer to a person, but it is used figuratively and refers to the covenant that Jacob and Laban are making. The covenant is spoken of as if it were a person who is there when they agree to act peacefully to one another.

Genesis 31:45

pillar

This means that a large stone was simply set up on its end to mark the place where this important event happened.

Genesis 31:46

made a pile

"stacked them on top of each other"

Then they ate there by the pile

Eating a meal together was a part of making the covenant with one another. The full meaning of this may be made explicit.

Genesis 31:47

Jegar Sahadutha

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Jegar Sahadutha means 'heap of witness' in Laban's language."

Galeed

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Galeed means 'heap of witness' in Jacob's language.

Genesis 31:48

This pile is a witness between me and you

"This pile will be a reminder between me and you"

Genesis 31:49

Mizpah

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Mizpah means 'watchtower.'"

when we are out of sight one from another

"when we are no longer with each other"

Genesis 31:50

although no one else is with us

"even if no one else is there to see us"

see

"look" or "remember" or "pay attention to what i am about to tell you"

Genesis 31:52

This pile is a witness, and the pillar is a witness

These piles of stones were to act as a remembrance and a boundary marker for Jacob and Laban regarding their peace agreement. They are spoken of as if they are human witnesses.

Genesis 31:53

the Fear of his father Isaac

Here the word "Fear" refers to Yahweh, who Isaac deeply respected and showed that respect by obeying him.

Genesis 31:54

called his relatives to eat a meal

Eating a meal together was part of making the covenant with one another.

Genesis 31:55

blessed

This means expressing a desire for positive and beneficial things to happen to someone.

Genesis 32:2

Mahanaim

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Mahanaim means 'two camps.'"

Genesis 32:3

Seir

This is a mountainous area in the region of Edom.

Genesis 32:4

This is what you will say to my master Esau: This is what your servant Jacob says: 'I have been ... have delayed my return until now.

"'This is what I want you to tell my master Esau. Tell him that I have been ... have delayed my return until now.'"

Genesis 32:5

that I may find favor in your eyes

"that you may approve of me"

Genesis 32:9

God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, Yahweh

"Yahweh, who is God of my grandfather Abraham and my father Isaac"

to your kindred

"to your family"

I will prosper you

"I will do good for you" or "I will treat you well"

Genesis 32:10

I am not worthy of all your acts of covenant faithfulness and of all the trustworthiness that you have done for your servant

"I do not deserve for you to remain faithful to your covenant or for you to be loyal to me, your servant"

your servant

This is a polite way of saying "me."

now I have become two camps

"and now I have enough people, flocks, and possessions with me to make two camps"

Genesis 32:11

rescue me

"save me"

from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau

"from the power of my brother, Esau" or "from my brother, Esau"

Genesis 32:12

But you said, 'I will certainly make you prosper. I will make your descendants ... number.'

"But you said that you would certainly prosper me, and that you would make my descendants ... number"

I will make your descendants like the sand of the sea

This speaks about the very large number of Jacob's descendants as if their number will be like the grains of sand on the seashore.

which cannot be numbered for their number

"which no one can count because of their number"

Genesis 32:15

their colts

"their young"

Genesis 32:16

These he gave into the hand of his servants, every herd by itself

"He divided them into small herds, and gave each of his servants control over one herd"

Genesis 32:17

He instructed

"He commanded"

asks you ... that are in front of you?'

"asks you who your master is, where you are going, and who owns these animals that are ahead of you"

Genesis 32:18

Then you will say, 'They are your servant Jacob's. They are a gift sent to my master Esau. See, he is also coming after us.'

"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"

coming after us

Here "us" refers to the servant speaking and the other servants bringing herds to Esau.

Genesis 32:20

You must also say, 'Your servant Jacob

Possible meanings are 1) "You will say also, 'Your servant Jacob'" or 2) "You will say, 'Also, Your servant Jacob.'"

I will appease him

"I will calm him down" or "I will make his anger go away"

he will receive me

"he will welcome me kindly"

Genesis 32:21

So the gifts went on ahead of him

Here "gifts" stands for the servants taking the gifts.

He himself stayed

Here "himself" emphasizes that Jacob did not go with the servants.

Genesis 32:22

his two women servants

"his two servant wives." This means Zilpah and Bilhah.

ford

a shallow place in a river that is easy to cross

Jabbok

This is the name of a river.

Genesis 32:23

all his possessions

"all that he had"

Genesis 32:25

he struck Jacob's hip, so that his hip was dislocated

"he struck Jacob's hip and dislocated it" or "he struck Jacob's hip and injured it"

his hip was dislocated

Possible meanings are that 1) the top of Jacob's leg bone moved out of the hole in the hip where it normally is, or 2) a muscle or something that attaches the top of the leg to the hip was torn.

Genesis 32:26

for the dawn is breaking

"the sun will rise soon"

bless

Here "bless" means to pronounce a formal blessing on someone and to cause good things to happen to that person.

I will not let you go unless you bless me

"I will let you go only if you bless me" or "Absolutely not! You must bless me first, then I will let you go"

Genesis 32:28

Israel

"The name Israel means 'He struggles with God.'"

with men

Here "men" means "people" in general.

Genesis 32:29

He said, "Why is it that you ask my name?"

"Do not ask me for my name!"

Genesis 32:30

Peniel

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Peniel means 'the face of God.'"

face to face

Being "face to face" means that two people are seeing each other in person, at a close distance.

and my life is delivered

"yet he spared my life"

Genesis 32:32

to this day

This means to the day that the author was writing this.

ligaments of the hip

This refers to the muscle that connects the thigh bone to the thigh socket.

hip joint

"thigh socket"

while dislocating

"while striking"

Genesis 33:1

behold

The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to a surprising new part of the story.

Jacob divided the children ... female servants

This does not mean Jacob divided the children evenly so that each woman had the same amount of children with her. Jacob divided the children so that each one went with his or her mother.

Genesis 33:3

He himself went on ahead of them

Here "himself" emphasizes that Jacob went alone in front of the others.

He bowed

Here the word "bow" means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.

Genesis 33:4

meet him

"meet Jacob"

embraced him, hugged his neck, and kissed him

"Esau put his arms around Jacob, hugged him, and kissed him"

Then they wept

"Then Esau and Jacob cried because they were happy to see each other again"

Genesis 33:5

he saw the women and the children

"he saw the women and children who were with Jacob"

Genesis 33:8

What do you mean by all these groups that I met?

"Why did you send all of those different groups to meet me?"

To find favor in the sight of my master

"So that you, my master, would be pleased with me"

Genesis 33:9

I have enough

"I have enough animals" or "I have enough property"

Genesis 33:10

if I have found favor in your eyes

"if you are pleased with me"

my gift from my hand

"this gift that I am giving to you"

I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God

The meaning of this simile is unclear. Possible meanings are 1) Jacob is happy that Esau has forgiven him like God has forgiven him or 2) Jacob is amazed to see his brother again like he was amazed to see God or 3) Jacob is humbled to be in Esau's presence like he was humbled to be in God's presence.

Genesis 33:11

God has dealt graciously with me

"God has treated me very well" or "God has blessed me very much"

Thus Jacob urged him, and Esau accepted it

It was customary to refuse a gift first, but then to accept the gift before the giver was offended.

Genesis 33:13

the children are young

"the children are too young to travel fast"

If they are driven hard even one day

"If we force them to go too fast even for one day"

Genesis 33:14

Please let my master go on ahead of his servant

"My lord, I am your servant. Please go ahead of me"

at the pace of the livestock that are before me

"at the speed the animals I am looking after can go"

Genesis 33:15

Why do that?

"Do not do that!" or "You do not need to do that!"

Genesis 33:17

Sukkoth

Translators may also add a footnote that says, "The name Sukkoth means 'shelters.'"

built himself a house

"built a house for himself and his family"

for his livestock

"for the animals he looked after"

Genesis 33:18

When Jacob came from Paddan Aram

"After Jacob left Paddan Aram"

He camped near

"He set up his camp near"

Genesis 33:19

piece of ground

"piece of land"

Hamor

This is the name of a man.

Shechem's father

Shechem is the name of a city and the name of a man.

Genesis 33:20

El Elohe Israel

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name El Elohe Israel means 'God, the God of Israel.'"

Genesis 34:1

Now

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

Dinah

This is the name of Leah's daughter. See how you translated this name in Genesis 30:21.

Genesis 34:2

the prince of the land

This is referring to Hamor not Shechem. Also, "prince" here does not mean son of a king. It means Hamor was the leader of the people in that area.

He took her and lay with her

"he grabbed her and had sexual relations with her"

Genesis 34:3

He was drawn to Dinah

"He wanted very much to be with Dinah"

spoke tenderly to her

He tried to convince her that he loved her and that he wanted her to love him also.

Genesis 34:5

Jacob heard that he

The word "he" refers to Shechem.

he had defiled

This means that Shechem had greatly dishonored and disgraced Dinah by forcing her to sleep with him.

held his peace

This is a way of saying that Jacob did not say or do anything about the matter.

Genesis 34:7

he had disgraced Israel

"he had humiliated the family of Israel" or "he had brought shame on the people of Israel"

for such a thing should not have been done

"for he should not have done such a terrible thing"

Genesis 34:8

Hamor spoke with them

"Hamor spoke with Jacob and his sons"

Genesis 34:9

Intermarry with us

"Allow marriages between your people and ours"

Genesis 34:10

the land will be open to you

"the land will be available to you"

Genesis 34:11

Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you tell me I will give

"If you will approve of me, then I will give you whatever you ask"

Genesis 34:12

bride price

In some cultures, it is customary for a man to give money, property, cattle, and other gifts to the bride's family at the time of marriage.

Genesis 34:13

The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father with deceit

"But the sons of Jacob lied to Shechem and Hamor when they answered them"

Genesis 34:14

We cannot do this thing, to give our sister

"We cannot agree to give Dinah in marriage"

for that would be a disgrace to us

"for that would cause us shame." Here "us" refers to Jacob's sons and all the people of Israel.

Genesis 34:16

give our daughters to you ... take your daughters to ourselves

This means they will allow a person from Jacob's family to marry a person who lives in Hamor's land.

Genesis 34:18

Their words pleased Hamor and his son Shechem

"Hamor and his son Shechem agreed with what Jacob's sons said"

Genesis 34:19

to do what they said

"to become circumcised"

Jacob's daughter

"Jacob's daughter Dinah"

because he was the most honored person in all his father's household

"Shechem knew all the men in his father's household would agree with him because he was the most honored among them"

Genesis 34:20

the gate of their city

It was common for leaders to meet at the city gate to make official decisions.

Genesis 34:21

These men

"Jacob, his sons, and the people of Israel"

peace with us

Here "us" includes Hamor, his son and all the people they spoke with at the city gate.

let them live in the land and trade in it

"let them live and trade in the land"

Genesis 34:23

Will not their livestock and their property—all their animals be ours?

"All of their animals and property will be ours."

Genesis 34:24

All males were circumcised

"All adult males were circumcised" or "So Hamor and Shechem had someone circumcise all the adult men"

Genesis 34:25

On the third day

"After two days"

each took his sword

"took their swords"

they attacked the city

"they attacked the people of the city"

security, and they killed all the males

"security. Simeon and Levi killed all the men of the city"

Genesis 34:27

the dead bodies

"the dead bodies of Hamor, Shechem, and their men"

plundered the city

"stole everything in the city that was valuable"

because the people had defiled their sister

Shechem alone had defiled Dinah, but Jacob's sons considered Shechem's entire family and everyone in the city responsible for this act.

Genesis 34:28

They took their flocks, their herds, their donkeys, and everything

"Jacob's sons took the people's flocks, herds, and donkeys, as well as everything"

Genesis 34:29

They captured all their wealth, all their children, and their wives

"They took all their wealth, and they captured all their children and their wives"

Genesis 34:30

brought trouble on me

"caused great problems for me"

to make me stink to the inhabitants of the land

"You have made me repulsive to the people who live in the land"

I am few in number ... against me and attack me, then I will be destroyed, I and my household

"My household is small ... against us and attack us, then they will destroy all of us"

Genesis 35:1

go up to Bethel

The phrase "go up" is used because Bethel is higher in elevation than Shechem.

Build an altar there to God

"Build an altar there to me, your God"

Genesis 35:2

said to his household

"said to his family"

Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you

"Throw away your idols" or "Get rid of your false gods"

purify yourselves, and change your clothes

This was the custom of cleansing oneself morally and physically before going to worship God.

change your clothes

Putting on a new clothes was a sign that they had made themselves clean before approaching God.

Genesis 35:4

that were in their hand

"that were in their possession" or "that they had"

the rings that were in their ears

"their earrings." Possible meanings are 1) the gold in the earrings could have been used to make more idols or 2) they took these earrings from the city of Shechem after they attacked it and killed all the people. The earrings would have reminded them of their sin.

Genesis 35:5

God made panic to fall on the cities

"God made the people in the surrounding cities afraid of Jacob and those with him"

on the cities

Here "cities" stands for the people who live in the cities.

the sons of Jacob

"Jacob's family" or "Jacob's household"

Genesis 35:6

Luz

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Genesis 28:19.

Genesis 35:7

El Bethel

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name El Bethel means 'God of Bethel.'"

Genesis 35:8

Deborah

This is the name of a woman.

Rebekah's nurse

A nurse is a woman who takes care of another woman's child. The nurse was highly honored and important to the family.

Allon Bakuth

Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Allon Bakuth means 'Oak tree where there is weeping.'"

Genesis 35:9

When Jacob came from Paddan Aram

"After Jacob left Paddan Aram, and while he was in Bethel"

blessed

Here "bless" means to pronounce a formal blessing on someone and to cause good things to happen to that person.

Genesis 35:10

but your name will no longer be called Jacob

"but your name will no longer be Jacob"

Genesis 35:11

God said to him

"God said to Jacob"

Be fruitful and multiply

God told Jacob to produce children so that there would be many of them. The word "multiply" explains how he was to be "fruitful."

A nation and a company of nations will come from you

Here "nation" and "nations" refer to Jacob's descendants who will establish these nations.

Genesis 35:13

God went up from him

"God left him"

Genesis 35:14

pillar

This is a memorial pillar which was simply a large stone or boulder set up on its end.

He poured out a drink offering over it and poured oil on it

This is a sign that he is dedicating the pillar to God.

Genesis 35:15

Bethel

Translators may also add a footnote that says "The name Bethel means 'house of God.'"

Genesis 35:16

Ephrath

This is another name for the town of Bethlehem.

She had hard labor

"She was having a very difficult time giving birth to the child"

Genesis 35:17

While she was in hardest labor

"When the labor pain was at its worst"

midwife

a person who helps a woman when she is giving birth to a child

Genesis 35:18

As she was dying, with her dying breath

"Just before she died, as she was taking her last breath"

Ben-Oni

Translator may add a footnote that says "The name Ben-Oni means 'son of my sorrow.'"

Benjamin

Translator may add a footnote that says "The name Benjamin means 'son of the right hand.'" The phrase "right hand" indicates a place of special favor.

Genesis 35:19

was buried

"they buried her"

on the way

"alongside the road"

Genesis 35:20

It is the marker of Rachel's grave to this day

"It marks Rachel's grave to the time that the author was writing this"

Genesis 35:21

the watchtower of the flock

Some English translations understand this phrase as a proper name, either "Migdal Eder" or "the tower of Eder."

Genesis 35:22

lay with

"had sexual relations with"

Now Jacob had twelve sons

This sentence begins a new paragraph, which continues into the following verses.

Genesis 35:26

Zilpah

This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this name in Genesis 29:24.

who were born to him in Paddan Aram

"who were born to him in Paddan Aram, except Benjamin who was born in the land of Canaan"

Genesis 35:27

Jacob came to Isaac

Here "came" can be stated as "went."

Mamre

This was another name for the city of Hebron. It may have been named after Mamre, the friend of Abraham who lived there.

Kiriath Arba

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Genesis 23:2.

Genesis 35:29

was gathered to his ancestors

"he joined his family members who had already died"

an old man full of days

"after he had lived a very long time and was very old"

Genesis 36:1

These were the descendants of Esau (also called Edom)

"This is an account of the descendants of Esau, who is also called Edom"

Genesis 36:2

Adah ... Oholibamah

These are names of Esau's wives.

Elon the Hittite

"Elon the descendant of Heth" or "Elon a descendant of Heth." This is the name of a man. See how you translate this in Genesis 26:34.

Anah ... Zibeon

These are names of men.

Hivite

This refers to a larger group of people. See how you translated it in Genesis 10:17.

Genesis 36:3

Nebaioth

a man's name

Basemath

This is the name of one of Esau's wives. See how you translated this in Genesis 26:34.

Nebaioth

This is the name of one of Ishmael's sons. See how you translated this in Genesis 28:9.

Genesis 36:4

Eliphaz ... Reuel

These are names of Esau's sons.

Genesis 36:5

Jeush ... Jalam ... Korah

These are names of Esau's sons.

Genesis 36:6

which he had gathered in the land of Canaan

"which he had accumulated while living in the land of Canaan"

went into a land

"went to live in another land"

Genesis 36:7

their possessions

"Esau's and Jacob's possessions"

where they were sojourning

"where they were living as foreigners"

Genesis 36:9

in the hill country of Seir

"who lived in the hill country of Seir"

Genesis 36:11

Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz

These are names of the sons of Eliphaz.

Genesis 36:12

Amalek

a son of Eliphaz

Timna

This is the name of Eliphaz's concubine.

Genesis 36:13

Nahath ... Zerah ... Shammah ... Mizzah

These are names of Reuel's sons.

Genesis 36:14

Anah ... Zibeon

These are the names of men.

Genesis 36:18

Anah

This the name of a man.

Genesis 36:20

Seir

The word "Seir" is the name of a man and of a country.

the Horite

The word "Horite" refers to a people group.

Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah

These are names of men.

Genesis 36:21

Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan

These are names of men.

Genesis 36:22

Lotan ... Hori and Heman

These are names of men.

Timna

This is the name of a woman.

Genesis 36:23

Shobal

This is the name of man.

Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam

These are names of men.

Genesis 36:24

Zibeon

This is the name of a man.

Aiah and Anah

These are names of men.

Genesis 36:26

Dishon ... Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Keran

These are names of men.

Genesis 36:27

Ezer ... Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan

These are names of men.

Genesis 36:28

Dishan ... Uz and Aran

These are names of men.

Genesis 36:30

in the land of Seir

"of those who lived in the land of Seir"

Genesis 36:32

Bela ... Beor

These are names of men.

Dinhabah

This is the name of a place.

Genesis 36:33

Bela ... Jobab ... Zerah

These are names of men.

Bozrah

This is the name of a place.

reigned in his place

"succeeded Bela as king" or "became king after him"

Genesis 36:34

Husham

This is the name of a man.

Husham who was of the land of the Temanites

"Husham who lived in the land of the Temanites"

Temanites

descendants of a man named Teman

Genesis 36:35

Husham ... Hadad ... Bedad

These are names of men.

Avith

These are names of places.

Genesis 36:36

Hadad ... Samlah

These are names of men.

Samlah of Masrekah

"Samlah from Masrekah"

Masrekah

These are names of places.

Genesis 36:37

Samlah

This is the name of a man.

Genesis 36:38

Shaul ... Baal-Hanan ... Akbor

These are names of men.

Genesis 36:39

Baal-Hanan ... Akbor ... Hadar ... Matred ... Me-Zahab

These are names of men.

Pau

These are names of places.

Mehetabel

This is the name of a woman.

the daughter of Matred, the granddaughter of Me-Zahab

"she was the daughter of Matred, and the granddaughter of Me-Zahab"

Genesis 36:40

according to their clans and their regions, by their names

"the names of their clans and the regions where they lived were named after them. These are their names"

Timna, Alvah, Jetheth

These are names of people groups.

Genesis 36:41

Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon

These are names of people groups.

Genesis 36:42

Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar

These are names of people groups.

Genesis 36:43

Magdiel, and Iram

These are names of people groups.

their settlements

"their dwelling places" or "the places they lived"

This was Esau

"This is the list of the descendants of Esau"

Genesis 37:2

wives

These women were servants of Leah and Rachel whom they had given to Jacob to produce children.

an unfavorable report about them

"a bad report about his brothers"

Genesis 37:3

loved

This refers to brotherly love or love for a friend or family member. This is natural human love between friends or relatives.

of his old age

"who was born when Israel was an old man"

He made him

"Israel made Joseph"

a beautifully decorated garment

"a beautiful robe"

Genesis 37:5

Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told his brothers about it. They hated him even more

This is a summary of the events that will happen in 37:6-11.

They hated him even more

"And Joseph's brothers hated him even more than they hated him before"

Genesis 37:7

Behold

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

we were

The word "we" refers to Joseph and includes all of his brothers.

tying bundles of grain

When grain is reaped it is tied into bundles and stacked until it is time to separate the grain from the straw.

behold

Here the word "behold" here shows that Joseph was surprised by what he saw.

my bundle rose and stood upright ... your bundles came around and bowed down

Here the bundles of grain are standing and kneeling as if they were people. These bundle represent Joseph and his brothers.

Genesis 37:8

Will you really reign over us? Will you actually rule over us?

"You will never be our king, and we will never bow down to you!"

reign over us

The word "us" refers to Joseph's brothers but not Joseph.

for his dreams and for his words

"because of his dreams and what he said"

Genesis 37:10

his father rebuked him. He said to him

"Israel scolded him, saying"

What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will your mother ... to the ground to you?

"This dream you had is not real. Your mother, brothers, and I will not bow down before you!"

Genesis 37:11

jealous

This means being angry because someone else is successful or more popular.

kept the matter in mind

"kept thinking about what the dream might mean"

Genesis 37:13

Are not your brothers tending the flock in Shechem?

"You brothers are tending the flock in Shechem."

Come

"Get ready"

Genesis 37:14

He said to him

"Israel said to Joseph"

bring me word

"come tell me what you find out" or "give me a report"

out of the Valley

"from the Valley"

Genesis 37:15

Behold

This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of doing this.

What do you seek?

"What are you looking for?"

Genesis 37:17

Dothan

This is the name of a place that is about 22 kilometers from Shechem.

Genesis 37:18

They saw him from a distance

"Joseph's brothers saw him while he was far away"

Genesis 37:19

this master of dreams is approaching

"here comes the wonderful person who has great dreams." The phrase "this master of dreams" is sarcastic. If your language has a way of showing that the brothers used these words to show that they hated Joseph, you may want to use it here.

Genesis 37:20

Come now, therefore

"So now"

devoured

to eagerly have eaten

We will see what will become of his dreams

"That way we will make sure his dreams do not come true"

Genesis 37:21

heard it

"heard what they were saying"

from their hand

"from them" or "from their plans"

Let us not take his life

"Let us not kill Joseph"

Genesis 37:22

Shed no blood

"Do not spill any blood" or "Do not kill him"

that he might rescue him

"Rueben said this so that he might rescue Joseph"

out of their hand

"from them" or "from their plans"

to bring him back

"and return him"

Genesis 37:23

It came about that when

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

they stripped him of his beautifully decorated garment

"they tore his beautiful garment off of him"

Genesis 37:25

They sat down to eat bread

"They sat down to eat food" or "Joseph's brothers sat down to eat"

They lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a caravan

"They looked up and they suddenly saw a caravan"

bearing

carrying

spices

seasonings

balm

an oily substance with a sweet smell used for healing and protecting skin. "medicine"

traveling to carry them down to Egypt

"bringing them down to Egypt to sell them"

Genesis 37:26

What profit is it if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?

"We do not gain a profit by killing our brother and covering up his blood"

cover up his blood

"hide his murder"

Genesis 37:27

to the Ishmaelites

"to these men who are descendants of Ishmael"

not lay our hands upon him

"not hurt him"

he is our brother, our flesh

"he is our blood relative"

His brothers listened to him

"Judah's brothers listened to him" or "Judah's brothers agreed with him"

Genesis 37:28

Midianite ... Ishmaelites

Both names refer to the same group of traders that Joseph's brothers meet.

for twenty pieces of silver

"for the price of 20 pieces of silver"

carried Joseph into Egypt

"took Joseph to Egypt"

Genesis 37:29

Reuben returned to the pit, and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit

"Reuben returned to the pit, and was surprised to see that Joseph was not there." The word "behold" here shows that Reuben was surprised to find out Joseph was gone.

He tore his clothes

"He was so grieved that he tore his clothes"

Genesis 37:30

The boy is not there! And I, where can I go?

"The boy is gone! I cannot go back home now!"

Genesis 37:31

Joseph's garment

This refers to the beautiful garment that his father made for him.

the blood

"the goat's blood"

Genesis 37:33

has devoured him

"has eaten him"

Joseph has certainly been torn to pieces

"It has certainly torn Joseph to pieces"

Genesis 37:34

Jacob tore his garments

"Jacob was so grieved that he tore his garments"

put sackcloth upon his loins

"put on sackcloth"

Genesis 37:35

rose up

"came to him"

but he refused to be comforted

"but he would not let them comfort him"

Indeed I will go down to Sheol mourning

"Indeed when I die and go down to Sheol I will still be mourning"

Genesis 37:36

The Midianites sold him

"The Midianites sold Joseph"

the captain of the bodyguard

"the leader of the soldiers who guarded the king"

Genesis 38:1

It came about at that time that Judah

This introduces a new part of the story that focuses on Judah.

a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah

Hirah is the name of a man who lived in the village of Adullam.

Genesis 38:2

whose name was Shua

Shua is a Canaanite woman who married Judah.

he ... went to her

This is a polite way of saying that he had sexual relations with her.

Genesis 38:3

She conceived

"Judah's wife became pregnant"

He was named Er

"His father named him Er"

Genesis 38:4

called his name

"named him"

Onan

Judah's son

Genesis 38:5

Shelah

Judah's son

Kezib

This is the name of a place

Genesis 38:7

was wicked in the sight of Yahweh

"was wicked and Yahweh saw it"

Yahweh killed him

"So Yahweh killed him"

Genesis 38:8

Go to your brother's wife

This is a polite way of telling him to have sexual relations with his brother's wife

Do the duty of a brother-in-law to her

This refers to a custom that when the oldest brother dies before he and his wife have a son, the next oldest brother would marry and have sexual relations with the widow. When the widow gave birth to the first son, that son was considered the son of the oldest brother and he would receive the oldest brother's inheritance.

Genesis 38:9

he wasted it on the ground

"he destroyed his semen by having it flow on the ground" or "he did not send his semen into her"

Genesis 38:11

his daughter-in-law

"his oldest son's wife"

in your father's house

"and live in your father's house"

until Shelah, my son, grows up

"and when Shelah, my son, grows up, he can marry you"

For he feared, "He might also die, just like his brothers

"For he feared, 'If he marries her he may also die like his brothers did"

Genesis 38:12

Judah was comforted and

"When Judah was no longer grieving, he"

Timnah

This is the name of a place.

he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite

"His friend Hiram, from Adullam, went with him"

Genesis 38:13

Tamar was told

"Someone told Tamar"

your father-in-law

"your husband's father"

Genesis 38:14

Enaim

This is the name of a place.

of her widowhood

"that widows wear"

veil

a very thin material used to cover a woman's head and face

wrapped herself

"wrapped herself in her clothing so that people would not recognize her"

she had not been given to him as a wife

"Judah had not given her to Shelah as a wife"

Genesis 38:15

When Judah saw her

The word "her" here refers to Tamar, but your reader should understand that Judah did not know that the woman he was looking at was Tamar.

because she had covered her face

"because she had covered her head and sat where prostitutes often sat"

Genesis 38:16

He went to her by the road

"He went to where she was sitting by the road"

please let me come to you

"Please have sexual relations with me" or "Please lie with me"

Genesis 38:17

from the flock

"from my flock of goats"

Genesis 38:18

seal and cord ... staff

A "seal" is similar to a coin with a design engraved on it, used to imprint melted wax. The "cord" was put through the seal so the owner could wear it around his neck. A staff was long wooden stick that helped in walking over rough ground.

she conceived by him

"he caused her to become pregnant"

Genesis 38:19

clothing of her widowhood

"clothing that widows wear."

Genesis 38:20

receive the pledge

"take back the pledge"

from the woman's hand

"from the woman"

Genesis 38:21

the men of the place

"some of the men who lived there"

cultic prostitute

"prostitute who serves in the temple"

Genesis 38:23

that we not be put to shame

"or else people will laugh at us when they find out what happened"

Genesis 38:24

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.

it was told to Judah

"someone told Judah"

Tamar your daughter-in-law

"Tamar, your oldest son's wife"

she is pregnant by it

"it has made her pregnant" or "she is pregnant"

let her be burned

"we will burn her to death"

Genesis 38:25

her father-in-law

"her husband's father"

Genesis 38:26

He did not know her again

This is a polite way of saying that Judah did not have sexual relations with her again.

Genesis 38:27

It came about at the time

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story.

behold

The word "behold" alerts us to the surprise that Tamar was carrying twins, which was previously unknown.

Genesis 38:28

one put out a hand

"one of the babies put out his hand"

midwife

This is a person who helps a woman when she is giving birth to a child.

scarlet thread

"bright red thread"

on his hand

"around his wrist"

Genesis 38:29

behold

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

How you have broken out!

"So this is how you break your way out first!" or "You have burst out first!"

he was named

"she named him"

Perez

This is the name of a boy. Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Perez means 'breaking out.'"

Genesis 38:30

Zerah

This is the name of a boy. Translators may add a footnote that says: "The name Zerah means 'scarlet or bright red.'"

Genesis 39:1

Joseph was brought down to Egypt

"The Ishmaelites had taken Joseph to Egypt"

Genesis 39:2

Yahweh was with Joseph

"Yahweh guided Joseph and helped him"

He lived in the house

"he worked in the house"

his Egyptian master

Joseph was now Potiphar's slave.

Genesis 39:3

that Yahweh prospered everything that he did

"Yahweh caused everything that Joseph did to prosper"

Genesis 39:4

Joseph found favor in his sight

Possible meanings are 1) Alternate translation: "Potiphar was pleased with Joseph" or 2) Alternate translation: "Yahweh was pleased with Joseph"

Potiphar made Joseph manager over his house, and everything that he possessed

"Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his household and everything that belonged to Potiphar"

Genesis 39:5

It came about from the time that he made him manager over his house and over everything he possessed, that Yahweh blessed the Egyptian's house because of Joseph

"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"

The blessing of Yahweh was on

"Yahweh blessed"

everything that Potiphar had in the house and in the field

"Potiphar's household and all of his crops and livestock"

Genesis 39:6

Potiphar put everything that he had under Joseph's care

"So Potiphar put Joseph in charge of everything that he had"

He did not have to think about anything except the food that he ate

"The only thing he had to think about was the food that he ate"

Now

The word "now" marks a stop in the story as the author gives background information about Joseph.

handsome and attractive

"handsome and strong"

Genesis 39:7

It came about after this that

"And so." This phrase is used here to mark a new event.

Lie with me

"Have sexual relations with me"

Genesis 39:8

my master does not pay attention to what I do in the house

"my master has no concern about his household with me in charge" or "my master trusts me with his household"

he has put everything that he owns under my care

"he has put me in charge of everything that belongs to him"

Genesis 39:9

No one is greater in this house than I am

"I have more authority in this house than anyone else"

He has not kept back anything from me but you

"He has given me everything except you"

How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?

"I certainly cannot do such a wicked thing and sin against God."

Genesis 39:10

She spoke to Joseph day after day

"She kept on asking Joseph to sleep with her"

to be with her

"to be near her"

Genesis 39:11

None of the men of the house

"None of the other men who worked in the house"

Genesis 39:12

fled, and went outside

"and quickly ran outside" or "and quickly ran out of the house"

Genesis 39:14

the men of her house

"the men who worked in her house"

See

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

He came to me to lie with me

"He came into my room to have sexual relations with me"

Genesis 39:16

his master

"Joseph's master." This refers to Potiphar.

Genesis 39:17

She told him this explanation

"She explained it like this"

brought to us

The word "us" refers to Potiphar, his wife, and includes the rest of the household.

came in to mock me

"came into where I was and tried to force me to sleep with him"

Genesis 39:18

fled outside

"ran quickly out of the house"

Genesis 39:19

his master

"Joseph's master, Potiphar"

heard the explanation his wife told him

"heard his wife explain to him." The word "his" and "him" here refer to Potiphar.

he became very angry

"Potiphar became very angry"

Genesis 39:20

the place where the king's prisoners were confined

"the place where the king put his prisoners"

He was there

"Joseph stayed there"

Genesis 39:21

But Yahweh was with Joseph

"But Yahweh was kind to Joseph" or "But Yahweh took care of Joseph"

showed covenant faithfulness to him

"was faithful to his covenant with him" or "faithfully loved him"

He gave him favor in the sight of the prison warden

"Yahweh caused the prison warden to be pleased with Joseph"

the prison warden

"the prison manager" or "the man in charge of the prison"

Genesis 39:22

gave into Joseph's hand

"put Joseph in charge of"

Whatever they did there, Joseph was in charge of it

"Joseph was in charge of everything they did there"

Genesis 39:23

because Yahweh was with him

"because Yahweh guided Joseph"

Whatever he did, Yahweh prospered

"Yahweh caused everything that Joseph did to prosper"

Genesis 40:1

It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark a new event in the story.

the cupbearer

This is the person who brought drinks to the king.

king's baker

This is the person who made food for the king.

offended their master

"upset their master"

Genesis 40:2

the chief of the cupbearers and the chief of the bakers

"the leading cupbearer and the leading baker"

Genesis 40:3

He put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard

"He put them in the prison that was in the house that was overseen by the captain of the guard"

in the same prison where Joseph was confined

"This was the same prison that Joseph was in" or "This was the same prison Potiphar put Joseph in"

Genesis 40:4

They remained in custody for some time

"They remained in prison for a long time"

Genesis 40:6

Behold, they were upset

"He was surprised to see that they were upset"

Genesis 40:7

Pharaoh's officials who were with him

This refers to the cupbearer and the baker.

in custody in his master's house

"In prison in him master's house." "His master" refers to Joseph's master, the captain of the guard.

Genesis 40:8

Tell me, please

"Tell me the dreams, please"

Genesis 40:11

squeezed them

"squeezed the juice from them"

Genesis 40:12

This is the interpretation of it

"Here is what the dream means"

The three branches are three days

"The three branches represent three days"

Genesis 40:13

Within three days

"In three more days"

restore you to your office

"will give you back your job"

just as when

"just as you did when"

Genesis 40:14

please show kindness to me

"please be kind to me"

Mention me to Pharaoh and bring me out of this prison

"Help me get out of this prison by telling Pharaoh about me"

Genesis 40:15

For indeed I was abducted

"For indeed people took me" or "For indeed the Ishmaelites took me"

the land of the Hebrews

"the land where the Hebrew people live"

Here also have I done nothing that they should put me in this dungeon

"and also while I have been here in Egypt, I have done nothing for which I deserved to be put in prison"

Genesis 40:16

behold, three baskets of bread were on my head

"there were three baskets of bread on my head!" The baker uses word "behold" here to show that he was surprised by what he saw in his dream and to alert Joseph to pay attention.

Genesis 40:19

will lift up your head from you

"will lift up your head with a knife" or "will lift up your head with a noose"

flesh

Here "flesh" literally means the soft tissue on a person's body.

Genesis 40:20

It came about on the third day that

"Afterward, on the third day." The phrase "it came about" is used here to mark a new event in the story.

He lifted up the head of the chief of the cupbearers and the head of the chief of the bakers

"He lifted up the heads of the chief of the cupbearers and the chief of the bakers"

Genesis 40:21

He restored the chief of the cupbearers to his responsibility

"He gave the chief of the cupbearers his job back"

Genesis 40:22

But he hanged the chief of the bakers

"But he commanded for the chief of the bakers to be hanged" or "But he commanded his guards to hang the chief of the bakers"

just as Joseph had interpreted to them

"just as Joseph had said would happen when he interpreted the two men's dreams"

Genesis 41:1

at the end of two full years

Two years passed after Joseph correctly interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, who had been in prison with Joseph.

he stood

"Pharaoh was standing"

Genesis 41:2

desirable and fat

"healthy and fat"

grazed in the reeds

"were eating the grass along the side of the river"

reeds

tall, thin grasses that grow in wet areas

Genesis 41:3

Behold, seven other cows

The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was again surprised by what he saw.

undesirable and thin

"sick and thin"

bank of the river

"beside the river" or "riverside." This is the higher ground along the edge of a river.

Genesis 41:4

woke up

"awakened"

Genesis 41:5

a second time

"again"

Behold, seven heads

The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was surprised by what he saw.

heads of grain

The heads are parts of the corn plant on which the seeds grow.

came up on one stalk

"grew up on one stem." The stalk is the thick or tall part of a plant.

on one stalk, wholesome and good

"on one stock and they were healthy and beautiful"

Genesis 41:6

thin and scorched by the east wind

"that were thin and burned because of the hot wind from the east"

sprouted up

"grew up" or "developed"

Genesis 41:7

The thin heads

"The thin heads of grain"

it was a dream

"he had been dreaming"

Genesis 41:8

his spirit was troubled

"he was troubled in his inner being" or "he was troubled"

He sent and called

"He sent his servants to call" or "He sent his servants to summon"

all the magicians and wise men of Egypt

Ancient kings and rulers used magicians and wise men as advisers.

Genesis 41:9

I have remembered my sins today

"I realize now that I have sinned." The phrase "my sins" is used for emphasis. His "sins" are that he should have told Pharaoh something much earlier but he did not.

Genesis 41:10

Pharaoh was angry

"You, Pharaoh, were angry"

with his servants

"with us, your servants"

put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, the chief baker and me

"put the chief baker and me in the prison where the captain of the guard was in charge." Here "house" refers to the prison.

the chief baker

The most important person who made food for the king. See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 40:2.

Genesis 41:11

We dreamed a dream the same night, he and I

"One night we both had dreams"

We dreamed

Here "We" refers to the chief cupbearer and the chief baker.

We dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream

"Our dreams had different meanings"

Genesis 41:12

There was with us there

"In prison there was with the chief baker and me"

We told him and he interpreted for us our dreams

"We told him our dreams and he explained their meanings to us"

He interpreted for each of us according to his dream

"He explained what was going to happen to both of us"

Genesis 41:13

as he interpreted for us, so it happened

"what he explained about the dreams is what later happened"

Pharaoh restored me to my post

"You allowed me to return to my job"

the other one

"the chief baker"

he hanged

"you ordered your soldiers to hang"

Genesis 41:14

Pharaoh sent and called for

"Pharaoh sent his servants to get Joseph"

out of the dungeon

"out of the jail" or "out of the prison"

came in to Pharaoh

"went before Pharaoh"

Genesis 41:15

there is no interpreter for it

"no one can explain the meaning"

you can interpret it

"you can explain its meaning"

Genesis 41:16

It is not in me

"I am not the one who can explain the meaning"

God will answer Pharaoh with favor

"God will answer Pharaoh favorably"

Genesis 41:17

behold, I stood

Pharaoh uses the word "behold" to make Joseph pay attention to surprising information.

Genesis 41:19

undesirable, and thin

"weak, and skinny."

such undesirableness

"such ugly cows" or "such worthless looking cows"

Genesis 41:20

fat cows

"well-fed cows."

Genesis 41:21

it could not be known that they had eaten them

"no one would have been able to tell that the thin cows had eaten the fat cows"

Genesis 41:22

I looked in my dream

"Then I dreamed again"

seven heads

"seven heads of grain"

came up upon one stalk

"grew up on one stem." The stalk is the thick or tall part of a plant.

Genesis 41:23

withered

dead and dried

sprang up

"grew up" or "developed"

Genesis 41:24

there was none that could

"there was not a single one that could" or "none of them could"

Genesis 41:25

The dreams of Pharaoh are the same

"Both dreams mean the same thing"

What God is about to do, he has declared to Pharaoh

"God is showing you what he will soon do"

Genesis 41:26

seven good heads

"seven good heads of grain"

Genesis 41:27

thin and undesirable cows

"skinny and weak cows."

seven thin heads scorched by the east wind

"seven thin heads of grain scorched because of the hot wind from the east"

Genesis 41:28

That is the thing which I spoke to Pharaoh ... revealed to Pharaoh

"These events will happen just as I have told you ... revealed to you, Pharaoh"

he has revealed

"he has made known"

Genesis 41:29

seven years of great abundance will come throughout all the land of Egypt

"there will be seven years in which there will be plenty of food throughout the land of Egypt"

Genesis 41:30

Seven years of famine will come after them

"Then there will be seven years when there is very little food"

all the abundance will be forgotten in the land of Egypt

"the people of Egypt will forget about the years in which there was plenty of food"

will devastate the land

Here "land" refers to the soil, the people, and the entire country.

Genesis 41:31

The abundance will not be remembered ... because of the famine that will follow

Joseph expresses an idea in two ways to emphasize its importance.

Genesis 41:32

That the dream was repeated to Pharaoh is because the matter has been established by God

"God gave you two dreams to show you that he will certainly cause these things to happen"

Genesis 41:33

let Pharaoh look

"You, Pharaoh, should look"

put him over the land of Egypt

"give him authority over the kingdom of Egypt" or "put him in charge of the kingdom of Egypt"

land of Egypt

Here "land" stands for all the people and everything in Egypt.

Genesis 41:34

let them take a fifth of the crops of Egypt

"let them divide the crops of Egypt into five equal parts, then take one of those parts"

in the seven abundant years

"during the seven years in which there is plenty of food"

Genesis 41:35

Let them gather

"Allow the overseers to gather"

of these good years that are coming

"during the good years that will soon happen"

store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh

"use the authority of Pharaoh to store the grain"

They should preserve it

"The overseers should leave soldiers there to guard the grain"

Genesis 41:36

The food will be a supply for the land

"This food will be for the people"

In this way the land will not be devastated by the famine

"This way the people will not starve during the famine"

Genesis 41:37

This advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants

"Pharaoh and his servants thought this was a good plan"

Genesis 41:38

such a man as this

"a man like the one Joseph described"

in whom is the Spirit of God

"in whom the Spirit of God lives"

Genesis 41:39

there is none so discerning

"no one else is as capable in making decisions."

Genesis 41:40

You will be over my house

"You will be in charge of everyone in my palace"

according to your word will all my people be ruled

"you will rule over my people and they will do what you command"

Only in the throne

"Only in my role as king"

Genesis 41:42

signet ring

This ring had Pharaoh's seal engraved on it. This gave Joseph the authority and money needed to carry out his plans.

clothes of fine linen

"Linen" here is a smooth, strong cloth made from the blue-flowered flax plant.

Genesis 41:43

He had him ride in the second chariot which he possessed

This act makes clear to the people that Joseph is second only to Pharaoh.

Bend the knee

"Bow down and honor Joseph." To bend the knee and bow down was a sign of honor and respect.

Genesis 41:44

apart from you, no man will lift his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt

"no person in Egypt will do anything without your permission" or "every person in Egypt must ask your permission before they do anything"

Genesis 41:45

Zaphenath-Paneah

Translators may add the following footnote: The name Zaphenath-Paneah means "a revealer of secrets."

He gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, as a wife

Priests in Egypt were the highest and most privileged caste. This marriage signifies Joseph's place of honor and privilege.

priest of On

On is a city, also called Heliopolis, which was "the City of the Sun" and the center of worship of the sun god Ra.

Joseph went out over the land of Egypt

Joseph traveled over the land to supervise the preparations for the coming drought.

Genesis 41:46

when he stood before Pharaoh

"when he started to serve Pharaoh"

went throughout all the land of Egypt

Joseph is inspecting the country as he prepares to carry out his plans.

Genesis 41:47

In the seven bountiful years

"During the seven good years"

the land produced abundantly

"the land produced big harvests"

Genesis 41:48

He gathered up ... He put

"Joseph ordered his servants to gather ... They put"

Genesis 41:49

Joseph stored up grain like the sand of the sea

"The grain that Joseph stored was as plentiful as the sand on the seashore"

Joseph stored up ... he stopped

"Joseph had his servants store up ... they stopped"

Genesis 41:50

before the years of famine came

"before the seven years of the famine began"

Genesis 41:51

Manasseh

Translators may also add a footnote that says, "The name 'Manasseh' means 'to cause to forget.'"

father's household

This refers to Joseph's father Jacob and his family.

Genesis 41:52

Ephraim

Translators may also add a footnote that says, "The name 'Ephraim' means 'to be fruitful' or 'to have children.'"

made me fruitful

Here "fruitful" means to prosper or to have children.

in the land of my affliction

"in this land where I have suffered"

Genesis 41:54

in all lands

In all the surrounding nations beyond Egypt, including the land of Canaan.

but in all the land of Egypt there was food

It is implied that there was food because of Joseph commanded his people to store food during the seven good years.

Genesis 41:55

When all the land of Egypt was famished

"When all the Egyptians were starving"

Genesis 41:56

Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians

"Joseph had his servants open all the storehouses and sell grain to the Egyptians"

Genesis 41:57

All the earth was coming to Egypt

"People were coming to Egypt from all the surrounding regions"

Genesis 42:1

Why do you look at one another?

"Do not just sit here!"

Genesis 42:2

Go down there

It was common to speak of going from Canaan to Egypt as going "down."

Genesis 42:3

from Egypt

"from those selling grain in Egypt"

Genesis 42:4

Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph's brother, with his brothers

Benjamin and Joseph had the same father and mother; their mother was different from the mothers of the other brothers. Jacob did not want to risk sending Rachel's last son.

Genesis 42:5

The sons of Israel came to buy among those who came

"The sons of Israel went to by grain along with other people who went to Egypt"

Genesis 42:6

all the people of the land

"all the people of all the nations that came to buy grain"

bowed down to him with their faces to the ground

This is a way of showing respect.

Genesis 42:7

he disguised himself to them

"he acted like he was not their brother" or "he did not let them know that he was their brother"

Where have you come from?

This was not a rhetorical question even though Joseph knew the answer. It was part of his choice to keep his identity from his brothers.

Genesis 42:9

You are spies

Spies are people who secretly try to get information about a country to help another country.

You have come to see the undefended parts of the land

"You have come to find out where we are not guarding our land so that you can attack us"

Genesis 42:10

my master

This is a way to refer to someone to honor them.

Your servants have

"We, your servants, have" or "We have"

Genesis 42:12

He said to them

"Joseph said to his brothers"

Genesis 42:13

the youngest is this day with our father

"right now our youngest brother is with our father"

Genesis 42:14

It is what I said to you; you are spies

"like I already said, you are spies."

Genesis 42:15

By this you will be tested

"This is how I will test you"

By the life of Pharaoh

"I swear by the life of Pharaoh"

Genesis 42:16

Send one of yourselves and let him get your brother

"Choose one of you to go get your brother"

You will remain in prison

"The rest of you will remain in prison"

that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you

"so that I may find out if you are telling the truth"

Genesis 42:17

in custody

"in prison"

Genesis 42:18

Do this and live

"If you will do what I say, I will let you live"

fear God

This refers to deeply respecting God and showing that respect by obeying him.

Genesis 42:19

let one of your brothers be confined in this prison

"leave one of your brothers here in prison"

but you go

"but the rest of you go"

carry grain for the famine of your houses

"carry grain home to help your family during this famine"

Genesis 42:20

so your words will be verified

"so I may know what you say is true"

you will not die

This implies that Joseph would have his soldiers execute the brothers if he finds out they are spies.

Genesis 42:21

in that we saw the distress of his soul

"because we saw how distressed Joseph was" or "because we saw that Joseph was suffering"

Therefore this distress has come upon us

"That is why we are suffering like this now"

Genesis 42:22

Did I not tell you, 'Do not sin against the boy,' but

"Did I not tell you not to sin against the boy, but" or "I told you not to harm the boy, but"

his blood is required of us

"we are getting what we deserve for his death" or "we are suffering for having killed him"

Genesis 42:23

They did not know ... an interpreter between them

This changes from the main story to background information that explains why the brothers thought Joseph could not understand them.

an interpreter

An "interpreter" is someone who translates what one person says into another language. Joseph placed an interpreter between himself and his brothers to make it seem like he did not speak their language.

Genesis 42:24

He turned from them and wept

It is implied that Joseph wept because he was emotional after hearing what his brothers said.

spoke to them

Joseph was still speaking a different language and using the interpreter to speak to his brothers.

bound him before their eyes

"bound him in their sight" or "bound him as they watched"

Genesis 42:25

to give them provisions

"to give them the supplies they needed"

It was done for them

"The servants did for them everything that Joseph commanded"

Genesis 42:27

As one of them opened his sack to give his donkey feed in the lodging place, he saw his money. Behold, it was in the opening of his sack

"When they stopped at a place for the night, one of the brothers opened his sack to get food for his donkey. In the sack he saw his money!"

Genesis 42:28

My money has been put back

"Someone has put my money back"

Look at it

"Look in my sack!"

Their hearts sank

"They became very afraid"

Genesis 42:30

lord of the land

"the lord of Egypt"

spoke roughly

"spoke harshly"

Genesis 42:32

One is no longer alive

"One brother is no longer alive"

the youngest is this day with our father

"the youngest brother is with our father right now"

Genesis 42:33

take grain for the famine in your houses

"take grain to help your family during the famine"

go your way

"go home" or "leave"

Genesis 42:34

you will trade in the land

"I will allow you to buy and sell in this land"

Genesis 42:36

You have bereaved me of my children

"you have deprived me of my children" or "you have caused me to lose two of my children"

All these things are against me

"all these things hurt me"

Genesis 42:37

Put him in my hands

"Put me in charge of him" or "Let me take care of him"

Genesis 42:38

My son will not go down with you

"My son, Benjamin, will not go with you to Egypt"

with you

Here "you" is plural and refers to Jacob's older sons.

For his brother is dead and he alone is left

"For my wife, Rachel, only had two children. Joseph is dead and Benjamin is the only one left"

on the road in which you go

"while you a traveling to Egypt and back" or "while you are away." Here "road" stands for traveling.

then you will bring down my gray hair with sorrow to Sheol

"then you will cause me, an old man, to die of sorrow"

Genesis 43:1

The famine was severe in the land

"The famine was severe in the land of Canaan"

Genesis 43:2

when they had eaten

"when Jacob and his family had eaten"

they had brought

"Jacob's older sons had brought"

buy us

Here "us" refers to Jacob, his sons, and the rest of the family.

Genesis 43:3

Judah told him

"Judah told his father Jacob"

The man

This refers to Joseph, but the brothers did not know it was Joseph.

warned us, 'You will not see my face unless your brother is with you.'

"warned us that we would not see his face unless we brought our youngest brother with us"

solemnly warned us

"was very serious when he warned us, saying"

You will not see my face

"You will not see me"

your brother is with you

Judah is referring to Benjamin, Rachel's last born before she died.

Genesis 43:6

Why did you treat me so badly

"Why did you cause me so much trouble"

Genesis 43:7

The man asked details

"The man asked many questions"

about us

Here "us" is exclusive and refers to the brothers who went to Egypt and spoke with "the man."

He said, 'Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?'

"He asked us directly if our father was still alive and if we had another brother."

We answered him according to these questions

"We answered the questions he asked us"

Genesis 43:8

We will rise and go that we may live and not die, both we, you, and also our children

"We will go now to Egypt and get grain so our whole family will live"

both we

Here "we" refers to the brothers.

we, you

Here "you" is singular and refers to Israel.

also our children

Here "our" refers to the brothers. This refers to the small children who were most likely to die during a famine.

Genesis 43:9

I will be a guarantee for him

"I will promise to bring him back"

You will hold me responsible

"You will make me answer to you about what happens to Benjamin"

let me bear the blame

"you may blame me"

Genesis 43:10

we would have come back here a second time

"we could have gone and returned twice"

Genesis 43:11

If it be so, now do this

"If this is our only choice, then do it"

balm

an oily substance with a sweet smell used for healing and protecting skin. Alternate translation: "medicine"

spices

seasonings.

pistachio nuts

small, green tree nuts

almonds

tree nuts with a sweet flavor

Genesis 43:12

Take double money in your hand

"Take double the money with you"

The money that was returned in the opening of your sacks, carry again in your hand

"take back to Egypt the money someone put in your sacks"

Genesis 43:13

Take also your brother

"Take also Benjamin"

go again

"return"

Genesis 43:14

May God Almighty give you mercy before the man

"May God Almighty cause the man to be kind to you"

your other brother

"Simeon"

If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved

"If I lose my children, then I lose my children." This means that Jacob knows he must accept whatever happens to his sons.

Genesis 43:15

in their hand they took

"they took"

Genesis 43:16

Benjamin with them

"Benjamin with Joseph's older brothers"

the steward of his house

The "steward" was responsible for managing Joseph's household activities.

Genesis 43:18

The men were afraid

"Joseph's brothers were afraid"

It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time we were brought in

"The steward is bringing us into the house because of the money that someone put back in our sacks"

that he may seek an opportunity against us. He might arrest us

"He is waiting for the opportunity to accuse us, so that he might arrest us"

Genesis 43:21

when we reached the lodging place

"when we came to the place that we were going to stay for the night"

behold

The word "behold" here shows that the brothers were surprised by what they saw.

every man's money was in the opening of his sack, our money in full weight

"each one of us found the full amount of his money in his sack"

We have brought it back in our hands

"We have brought the money back with us"

Genesis 43:22

Other money we have also brought down in our hand to buy food

"We have also brought more money to buy food"

Genesis 43:23

Peace be to you

"Relax" or "Calm yourselves"

Your God and the God of your father

"Your God, the God your father worships"

Genesis 43:24

washed their feet

This custom helped tired travelers to refresh themselves after walking long distances.

feed to their donkeys

"Feed" is dry food that is set aside for animals

Genesis 43:28

Your servant our father

"Our father who serves you"

they bowed down and gave him honor

They lay down in front of the man to show him respect.

Genesis 43:29

he lifted up his eyes

This means "he looked up."

his mother's son, and he said

"his mother's son. Joseph said"

my son

"young man"

Genesis 43:30

for he was deeply moved about his brother

"for he had strong feelings of compassion for his brother" or "for he had strong feelings of affection for his brother"

Genesis 43:31

saying

"and said to his servants"

Serve the food

This means to distribute the food so that people may eat.

Genesis 43:32

The servants served Joseph by himself and the brothers by themselves. The Egyptians there ate with him by themselves

"The servants served Joseph by himself and the brothers by themselves and the Egyptians, who were eating with him, by themselves"

because the Egyptians could not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is detestable to the Egyptians

This can be translated as a new sentence: "They did this because the Egyptians thought it was shameful to eat with the Hebrews"

Genesis 43:33

The brothers sat before him

"The brothers sat across from the man, according to how he arranged their places"

the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth

The "firstborn" and the "youngest" are used together to mean all the brothers were sitting in order according to their age.

The men were astonished together

"The men were very surprised when they realized this"

Genesis 43:34

But Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of his brothers

"But Benjamin received a portion that was much bigger than what his brothers received"

Genesis 44:1

steward of his house

The "steward" was responsible for managing Joseph's household activities.

every man's money

Their money was silver coins most likely in a small bag.

in his sack's opening

"in his sack"

Genesis 44:2

Put my cup, the silver cup

"Put my silver cup"

in the sack's opening of the youngest

"in the youngest brother's sack"

Genesis 44:3

The morning dawned

"The morning light shown"

the men were sent away, they and their donkeys

"they sent the men away, along with their donkeys"

Genesis 44:4

Why have you returned evil for good?

"You have treated us badly, after we were good to you!"

Genesis 44:5

Is this not the cup from which my master drinks, and the cup that he uses for divination?

"You already know that this is the cup that my master uses for drinking and for fortune telling!"

You have done evil, this thing that you have done

"What you have done is very evil"

Genesis 44:6

spoke these words to them

"spoke what Joseph told him to say"

Genesis 44:7

Why does my master speak such words as these?

"Why are you saying this, my master?"

Far be it from your servants that they would do such a thing.

"We would never do such a thing!"

Genesis 44:8

Look, the money

"Listen to what we are about to say and you will see that we are speaking the truth: the money"

the money that we found in our sacks' openings

"you know the money that we found in our sacks"

we brought again to you out of the land of Canaan

"we brought back to you from Canaan"

How then could we steal out of your master's house silver or gold?

"So we would never take anything from your master's house!"

Genesis 44:9

If any of your servants is found with it

"If you find that one of us has stolen the cup"

we also will be my master's slaves

"you may take us as your slaves"

Genesis 44:10

He with whom the cup is found will be my slave

"If I find the cup in one of your sacks, that person will be my slave"

Genesis 44:11

brought his sack down

"lowered his sack"

Genesis 44:12

youngest, and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack

"youngest. The steward found the cup in Benjamin's sack"

Genesis 44:13

Then they tore their clothes

The word "they" refers to the brothers. Tearing clothes was a sign of great distress and sorrow.

Genesis 44:15

Do you not know that a man like me practices divination?

"Surely you know that a man like me can learn things by magic!"

Genesis 44:16

What can we say to my master? What can we speak? Or how can we justify ourselves?

"We have nothing to say, my master. We cannot speak anything of value. We cannot justify ourselves."

God has found out the iniquity of your servants

"God is punishing us for our past sins"

Genesis 44:17

Far be it from me that I should do so

"It is not like me to do something like that"

The man in whose hand the cup was found

"The man who had my cup"

Genesis 44:18

came near to

"approached"

let your servant

"let me, your servant"

speak a word in my master's ears

"speak to you, my master"

do not let your anger burn against your servant

"please do not be angry with me, your servant"

for you are just like Pharaoh

"for you are as powerful as Pharaoh and could have your soldiers kill me"

Genesis 44:19

My master asked his servants, saying, 'Do you have a father or a brother?'

"My master asked us if we have a father or a brother."

Genesis 44:21

Then you said to your servants, 'Bring him down to me that I may see him.'

"And you said to your servants that we should bring our youngest brother to you so that you may see him"

Genesis 44:22

After that, we said to my master, 'The boy cannot ... father would die.'

"In response, we said to my master that the boy cannot ... father would die from sorrow"

Genesis 44:23

Then you said to your servants, 'Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.'

"Then you said to your servants that unless our youngest brother comes with us, we would not see you again."

Genesis 44:24

we told him the words of my master

"we told him what you said, my master"

Genesis 44:26

Then we said, 'We cannot go down. If our youngest brother ... is with us.'

"Then we said to him that we cannot go down to Egypt. We told him that if our youngest brother is with us ... is with us"

to see the man's face

"to see the man"

Genesis 44:27

said to us

Here "us" does not include Joseph.

You know

Here "You" is plural and refers to the brothers.

Genesis 44:28

he is torn in pieces

"a wild animal has torn him to pieces"

Genesis 44:29

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

"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.'"

harm comes to him

Something bad happening to a person is spoken of as if "harm" were something that travels and comes to a person.

you will bring down my gray hair with sorrow to Sheol

"then you will cause me, an old man, to die of sorrow"

my gray hair

"me, an old man"

Genesis 44:30

since his life is bound up in the boy's life

"since he said he would die if the boy did not come back"

Genesis 44:31

Your servants will bring down the gray hair of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol

"And we your servants will have caused our old father to die of sorrow"

Genesis 44:32

For your servant became a guarantee for the boy to my father

"For I promised my father concerning the boy"

For your servant

"For I, your servant" or "For I"

then I will bear the guilt to my father

"then my father may blame me"

Genesis 44:33

let your servant stay instead of the boy as slave to my master

"let your servant remain as a slave to my master instead of the boy"

let the boy go up

It was going to use the phrase "go up" when speaking about traveling from Egypt to Canaan.

Genesis 44:34

For how can I go up to my father if the boy is not with me?

"I cannot return to my father if the boy is not with me."

I am afraid to see the evil that would come on my father

"I am afraid to see how much my father would suffer"

Genesis 45:1

could not control himself

"was about to start crying"

by him

"near him"

Genesis 45:2

house of Pharaoh

"everyone in Pharaoh's palace"

Genesis 45:3

shocked in his presence

"terrified of him"

Genesis 45:4

whom you sold into Egypt

"whom you sold as a slave to the trader who brought me to Egypt"

Genesis 45:5

Do not be grieved

"do not be upset" or "do not be distressed"

that you sold me here

"that you sold me as a slave and sent me here to Egypt"

to preserve life

"so I could save many lives"

Genesis 45:6

there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest

"and the famine will last five more years"

Genesis 45:7

to preserve you as a remnant in the earth

"so that you and your families would not completely perish from the earth" or "to make sure your descendants would survive"

to keep you alive by a great deliverance

"to keep you alive by rescuing you in a mighty way"

Genesis 45:8

he has made me a father to Pharaoh

"he has made me a guide to Pharaoh" or "he has made me the chief adviser to Pharaoh"

of all his house

"of all his household" or "of all his palace"

ruler of all the land of Egypt

"ruler over all the people of Egypt"

Genesis 45:9

go up to my father

"go back to my father"

Come down to me

"Come here to me"

Genesis 45:11

I will provide ... all that you have

"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."

Genesis 45:12

your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin

"All of you and Benjamin can see"

that it is my mouth that speaks to you

"that I, Joseph, am speaking to you"

Genesis 45:13

about all my honor in Egypt

"how the people in Egypt greatly honor me"

Genesis 45:14

He hugged his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck

"Joseph hugged his brother Benjamin, and they both wept"

Genesis 45:15

wept over them

This means Joseph was crying while he kissed them.

After that his brothers talked with him

"After that his brothers talked freely with him"

Genesis 45:16

The news of the matter was told in Pharaoh's house: "Joseph's brothers have come."

"Everyone in Pharaoh's palace heard that Joseph's brothers had come."

Genesis 45:19

you are commanded

"I also command you to tell them" or "also tell them"

take carts out

"Carts" are wagons with two or four wheels. Animals pull the carts.

Genesis 45:20

Do not be concerned about your possessions, for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.'

"Now you are commanded to tell them to take carts out of the land of Egypt for their children and for their wives, to get their father, and to come. They are not to be concerned about their possessions, for the good of all the land of Egypt will be theirs."

Genesis 45:21

gave them provisions for the journey

"gave them what they needed for traveling"

Genesis 45:22

he gave each man changes of clothing

Each man received a set of clothes except for Benjamin who received 5 sets of clothes.

Genesis 45:23

ten donkeys ... and ten female donkeys

The donkeys were included as part of the gift.

Genesis 45:24

do not quarrel

Possible meanings include 1) "do not argue" and 2) "do not become afraid"

Genesis 45:26

he is ruler over all the land of Egypt

"he rules all the people of Egypt"

His heart was astonished

"and he was astonished" or "he was very surprised"

he could not believe what they told him

"he did not accept that what they said was true"

Genesis 45:27

They told him

"They told Jacob"

all the words of Joseph that he had said to them

"everything that Joseph had said to them"

the spirit of Jacob their father revived

"Jacob their father recovered" or "Jacob their father became very excited"

Genesis 46:2

Here I am

"Yes, I am listening"

Genesis 46:3

I will make you a great nation

"I will give you many descendants, and they will become a great nation"

Genesis 46:4

I will surely bring you up again

"I will surely bring your descendants out of Egypt again"

Joseph will close your eyes with his own hand

"Joseph will even be present with you at the time of your death"

Genesis 46:5

rose up from

"set out from"

Genesis 46:6

they had accumulated

"they had acquired" or "they had gained"

Genesis 46:7

He brought with him

"Jacob brought with him"

his sons' sons

"his grandsons"

his sons' daughters

"his granddaughters"

Genesis 46:15

His sons and his daughters numbered thirty-three

"Altogether he had 33 sons, daughters, and grandchildren"

Genesis 46:26

direct descendants

A person's "direct descendants" are natural sons, daughters, and grandchildren, not those who have become part of the family by marrying a direct descendant.

Genesis 46:28

to show the way before him to Goshen

"to show them the way to Goshen"

Genesis 46:29

Joseph prepared his chariot and went up

"Joseph's servants prepared his chariot and Joseph went up"

went up to meet Israel

"went to meet Israel"

Genesis 46:30

Now let me die

"Now I am ready to die" or "Now I will die happy"

since I have seen your face, that you are still alive

"since I have seen you alive again"

Genesis 46:31

his father's house

"his father's family" or "his father's household"

I will go up and tell Pharaoh

"I will go tell Pharaoh"

Genesis 46:32

The men are shepherds ... all that they have

"I will go up and tell Pharaoh and say that my brothers and my father's house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. I will tell him that the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and that they have brought their flocks, their herds, and all that they have."

Genesis 46:34

you should say, 'Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth until now, both we, and our forefathers.'

"when Pharaoh ... asks what your occupation is, that you should say that you have been keepers of livestock from your youth until now, both you and your forefathers. Do this"

Your servants

"We, your servants"

every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians

"Egyptians think shepherds are disgusting"

Genesis 47:3

Your servants are shepherds

"Your servants shepherd flocks"

Your servants

"We, your servants" or "We"

as our ancestors

"both we and our forefathers" or "both we and our ancestors"

Genesis 47:4

We come as temporary residents in the land

"We have come to stay for a while in Egypt"

There is no pasture

"There is no grass to eat"

Genesis 47:6

The land of Egypt is before you

"The land of Egypt is open to you" or "All of the land of Egypt is available to you"

Settle your father and your brothers in the best region, the land of Goshen

"Settle your father and your brothers in the land of Goshen, which is the best region"

If you know any capable men among them

"If you know of any men among them who have great skill taking care of animals"

Genesis 47:7

Jacob blessed Pharaoh

Here "blessed" means to express a desire for positive and beneficial things to happen to that person.

Genesis 47:8

How long have you lived?

"How old are you?"

Genesis 47:9

The years of my sojourning are 130

"I have lived as a foreigner in many places on the earth for 130 years"

The years of my life have been few ... not been as long as the days of my ancestors' sojourning

Jacob means his life is short compared to the lives of Abraham and Isaac.

painful

Jacob has experienced much pain and trouble during his life.

Genesis 47:11

Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers

"Then Joseph took care of his father and his brothers and helped them establish where they would live"

the land of Rameses

This is another name for the land of Goshen.

Genesis 47:12

according to the number of their little ones

"according to how many small children were in their families"

Genesis 47:13

The land of Egypt and the land of Canaan

"The people of Egypt and the people of Canaan"

wasted away

"became thin and weak"

Genesis 47:14

Joseph gathered all the money that was in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, by selling grain to the inhabitants

"The people of Egypt and Canaan spent all of their money buying grain from Joseph"

Joseph gathered ... Joseph brought

Most likely Joseph ordered his servants to gather and bring the money.

Genesis 47:15

When all the money of the lands of Egypt and Canaan was spent

"When the people of Egypt and Canaan used up all their money"

Why should we die in your presence because our money is gone?

"Please, do not let us die because we have used up all of our money!"

Genesis 47:17

He fed them with bread

"He gave them food" or "He provided them with food"

Genesis 47:18

they came to him

"the people came to Joseph"

We will not hide from my master

"We will not hide from you, our master" or "We will not hide from you"

There is nothing left in the sight of my master, except our bodies and our land

"The only things we have left in the sight of my master is our bodies and our land"

There is nothing left in the sight of my master

"We have nothing left to give you, our master"

Genesis 47:19

Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land?

"Please do not just watch as we die and our land is ruined!"

Genesis 47:20

In this way, the land became Pharaoh's

"So the land became Pharaoh's"

Genesis 47:22

It was only the land of the priests that Joseph did not buy

"But he did not buy the land of the priests"

the priests were given an allowance

"Pharaoh gave the priests a certain amount of food each day"

They ate from the allotment which Pharaoh gave them

"They ate from what Pharaoh gave them"

Genesis 47:23

and you will plant

"that you might sow"

Genesis 47:24

At the harvest, you must give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts will be your own

"At harvest time you will divide the crops into five parts. You will give one part back to Pharaoh for payment and the four parts are for your own"

for food for your households and your little ones

"for food for your households and for food for your little ones"

Genesis 47:25

May we find favor in your eyes

"May you be pleased with us"

Genesis 47:26

to this day

This means to the time that the author was writing this.

Genesis 47:27

They were fruitful and multiplied greatly

"They had very many children"

Genesis 47:29

When the time approached for Israel to die

"When it was almost time for Israel to die"

If now I have found favor in your eyes

"If I have found favor with you" or "If I have pleased you"

put your hand under my thigh

This act is a sign of making a serious promise.

show me faithfulness and trustworthiness

"treat me in a faithful and trustworthy manner"

Please do not bury me in Egypt

The word "please" adds emphasis to this request.

Genesis 47:30

When I lie down with my fathers

"When I die and join my family members who died before me"

Genesis 47:31

Swear to me

"Promise me" or "Make an oath to me"

swore to him

"promised him" or "made an oath to him"

Genesis 48:1

one said to Joseph

"someone said to Joseph"

So he took

"So Joseph took"

Genesis 48:2

your son Joseph has arrived to see you

"your son Joseph has come to you"

Israel gathered strength and sat up in bed

"Israel made a great effort to sit up in bed" or "Israel struggled as he sat up in bed"

Genesis 48:3

Luz

This is the name of a city.

Genesis 48:4

said to me, 'Behold, I will make you fruitful, and multiply you. I will make of you an assembly of nations. I will give this land to your descendants as an everlasting possession.'

"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.

I will make you fruitful, and multiply you

"I will give you very many descendants"

I will make of you an assembly of nations

"I will make your descendants into many nations"

an everlasting possession

"a permanent possession"

Genesis 48:5

Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine

Ephraim and Manasseh each will receive a portion of land just like Joseph's brothers.

Genesis 48:6

they will be listed under the names of their brothers in their inheritance

"as for their inheritance, you will list them under the names of their brothers"

Genesis 48:7

Ephrath

This is another name for the town of Bethlehem.

Genesis 48:8

Whose are these?

"Whose sons are these?"

Genesis 48:9

bless

A father would often pronounce a formal blessing on his children or grandchildren.

Genesis 48:10

he kissed them

"Israel kissed them"

Genesis 48:11

to see your face again

"to see you again"

Genesis 48:12

between Israel's knees

When Joseph placed his sons on Israel's lap or knees it was a sign that Israel was adopting them. This gave the children special inheritance rights from Jacob.

then he bowed with his face to the earth

Joseph bowed down to show honor to his father.

Genesis 48:13

Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand

Joseph places the boys so that Israel will put his right hand on Manasseh. Manasseh was the oldest brother and the right hand was the sign he would receive the greater blessing.

Genesis 48:14

his right hand and laid it upon Ephraim's head

Placing the right hand on Ephraim's head was the sign that he would receive the greater blessing.

Genesis 48:15

Israel blessed Joseph

Here "Joseph" also stands for Ephraim and Manasseh. Since Joseph is the father, he is the only one mentioned here.

The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked

"The God who my grandfather Abraham and father Isaac served"

who has cared for me

"who has cared for me like a shepherd cares for his animals"

Genesis 48:16

the angel

These words could refer to 1) the angel that God sent to protect Jacob or 2) God, who appeared in angel form to protect Jacob.

protected me

"delivered me"

May my name be named in them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac

"May people remember Abraham, Isaac, and me because of Ephraim and Manasseh"

May they grow into a multitude on the earth

"May they have many descendants who will live all over the earth"

Genesis 48:19

He also will become a people, and he also will be great

"Your older son will have many descendants, and they will become a great people"

Genesis 48:20

that day with these words

"that day, saying"

The people of Israel will pronounce blessings by your names saying

"The people of Israel will speak your names when they are blessing others"

by your names saying, 'May God make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh'

"by your names. They will ask God to make others like Ephraim and like Manasseh"

Israel put Ephraim before Manasseh

Giving Ephraim the greater blessing and making him more important than Manasseh is spoken of as if Israel physically put Ephraim in front of Manasseh.

Genesis 48:21

will be with you ... bring you back ... your fathers

Here "you" and "your" are plural and refer to all the people of Israel.

will be with you

"God will help you" or "God will bless you"

land of your fathers

"land of your ancestors"

Genesis 48:22

To you, as one who is above your brothers, I give to you the mountain slope

"To you, I give one more ridge than I give your brothers. I give to you the mountain slope"

To you

Here "you" is singular and refers to Joseph.

the mountain slope that I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow

"the portion of land I fought for and took from the Amorites"

Genesis 49:3

my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength

"my first child after I became a man"

outstanding in dignity, and outstanding in power

"You are first in honor and power" or "You surpass everyone else in honor and power"

Genesis 49:4

you will not have the preeminence

"you shall not be first among your brothers"

because you went up to your father's bed. Then you defiled it; you went up to my couch

"because you went to my bed and slept with Bilhah my concubine. You have shamed me"

Genesis 49:5

Simeon and Levi are brothers

This does not just mean they are brothers by birth. Jacob is emphasizing that they worked together to kill the people of Shechem.

Weapons of violence are their swords

"They use their swords to hurt and to kill people"

Genesis 49:6

O my soul ... my glory

Jacob uses the words "soul" and "glory" to refer to himself and is saying that other people, and perhaps God also, honor him so much that he does not wish to join with those who make plans to do evil.

they hamstrung oxen

This refers to Simeon and Levi crippling oxen just for fun.

hamstrung

This refers to cutting the sinews of an animal's leg so that it cannot walk.

Genesis 49:7

May their anger be cursed, for it was fierce—and their fury, for it was severe

"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"

I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel

"I will divide their descendants and scatter them among all the people of Israel"

Genesis 49:8

will praise you. Your hand

"will praise you. For your hand" or "will praise you because your hand"

Your hand will be on the neck of your enemies

This is a way of saying "You will conquer your enemies."

bow down

This means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.

Genesis 49:9

Judah is a lion's cub

"Judah is like a young lion"

My son, you have gone up from your victims

"You, my son, have come back from eating your prey"

like a lioness

Jacob also compares Judah to a female lion. The lioness is the primary hunter and protector of her cubs.

Who would dare to awaken him?

"No one wants to wake him up."

Genesis 49:10

The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet

"The power to rule will always be with the descendants of Judah"

until Shiloh comes. The nations will obey him

Possible meanings are 1) "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.

Genesis 49:11

Binding his donkey ... to the choice vine

Both statements mean the same thing. It is implied that the vines are so full of grapes that the master does not mind that his donkey eats some of them.

his ... he

Possible meanings for all occurrences of "his" or "he" are 1) they refer to Judah's descendants or 2) they refer to the ruler in Genesis 49:10.

he has washed

"they will wash" or "he will wash"

the blood of grapes

This speaks about the grape juice as if it were blood. This emphasizes how red the juice is.

Genesis 49:13

Zebulun will live

"The descendants of Zebulun will live"

He will be a harbor

Here "He" stands for sea towns that the people of Zebulun will inhabit or build. These cities will provide shelter for ships.

Genesis 49:14

Issachar is a strong donkey

"The descendants of Issachar will be like a strong donkey"

lying down between the sheepfolds

Possible meanings are 1) "lying down between the packs they were carrying" or 2) "lying down between two sheep pens." Either way, Jacob speaks about Issachar's descendants as if they are donkeys that have worked hard and are lying down to rest.

Genesis 49:15

He sees ... He will

These words refer to the descendants of Issachar in 49:14).

He will bend his shoulder to the burden

The phrase "bend his shoulder to the burden" is a way of saying "work very hard to carry the load"

become a servant for forced labor

"will work for others as slaves"

Genesis 49:16

Dan will judge his people

"The descendants of Dan will judge their people"

his people

Possible meanings for "his people" are 1) "the people of Dan" or 2) "the people of Israel"

Genesis 49:18

I wait for your salvation, Yahweh

"I wait for you, Yahweh, to save me"

I wait

The word "I" refers to Jacob.

Genesis 49:19

Gad ... attack him, but he

"The descendants of Gad ... attack them, but they"

at their heels

Here "heels" stands for the raiders who are running away from the descendants of Gad.

Genesis 49:20

Asher's food ... and he

"Asher's descendants' food ... and they"

food will be rich

Here "rich" is a way of saying "delicious."

Genesis 49:21

Naphtali is ... he will

"The descendants of Naphtali are ... they will"

Naphtali is a doe let loose

"The descendants of Naphtali will be like deer set free"

have beautiful fawns

A "fawn" is a baby deer. The meaning of the Hebrew word is unclear. Some versions translate it as "have beautiful words" or "speak beautiful things"

Genesis 49:22

Joseph is a fruitful bough

"The descendants of Joseph are a fruitful bough"

bough

a main branch of a tree

whose branches climb over the wall

Branches that grow and extend over a wall are spoken of as if they were climbing.

Genesis 49:24

his bow will remain steady

"he will hold his bow steady as he aims at his enemy"

the hands of the Mighty One

"the power of the Mighty One"

because of the name of the Shepherd

"because of the Shepherd"

the Shepherd

Jacob speak of Yahweh as if he were a "Shepherd." This emphasizes that Yahweh guides and protects his people.

the Rock

Jacob speaks of Yahweh as if he were a "Rock" that people can climb upon to find safety from enemies. This emphasizes that Yahweh protects his people.

Genesis 49:25

help you ... bless you

"help your descendants ... bless them"

blessings of the sky

Here "sky" stands for the rain that helps the crops to grow.

blessings of the deep that lies beneath

Here "deep" stands for the water underneath the ground that supplies rivers and wells.

blessings of the breasts and womb

Here "breasts and womb" stand for the ability for a mother to have children and feed them milk.

Genesis 49:26

the ancient mountains

The meaning of the original language is not certain. Some Bible translations have "my ancestors" instead of "ancient mountains."

May they be on the head of Joseph

Here "they" refers to the blessings of his father.

upon the crown of the head of the prince of his brothers

"on the head of the most important of Joseph's descendants"

prince of his brothers

"most important of his brothers"

Genesis 49:27

Benjamin is a hungry wolf

"The descendants of Benjamin will be like hungry wolves"

Genesis 49:28

when he blessed them

Here the word "blessed" refers to the speaking of formal blessings.

Each one he blessed with an appropriate blessing

"He gave each son a fitting blessing"

Genesis 49:29

he instructed them

"he commanded them"

I am about to go to my people

"I am about to die"

go to my people

Jacob is referring to where his inner man will go when he dies. He expects to join Abraham and Isaac in the afterlife.

Genesis 49:32

in it were purchased

"in it were purchased by Abraham"

from the people of Heth

"from the Hittites"

Genesis 49:33

finished these instructions to his sons

"finished instructing his sons" or "finished commanding his sons"

he pulled his feet into the bed

Jacob was sitting on the bed. Now, Jacob turns and puts his feet in the bed so he can lie down.

breathed his last

This is a polite way of saying a person died.

went to his people

After Jacob died, his inner man went to the same place as his relatives who died before him.

Genesis 50:1

that he collapsed on the face of his father

"that he fell on his father in grief"

Genesis 50:2

his servants the physicians

"his servants who took care of dead bodies"

to embalm his father

"to prepare his father's body for burial"

Genesis 50:4

days of weeping

"days of mourning him" or "days of weeping for him"

Joseph spoke to the house of Pharaoh

"Joseph spoke to Pharaoh's officials"

If now I have found favor in your eyes

"If I have found favor with you" or "If you are pleased with me"

Genesis 50:5

My father made me swear, saying, "See, I am about to die. Bury me in my tomb that I dug for myself in the land of Canaan. There you will bury me." Now let me go up ... I will return.

"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."

let me go up

It was common to use the phrase "go up" when speaking of traveling from Egypt to Canaan.

Genesis 50:6

Pharaoh answered

It is implied that the members of the court spoke to Pharaoh, and now Pharaoh is replying to Joseph.

as he made you swear

"as you swore to him"

Genesis 50:7

All the servants ... the elders ... the senior officials

All of Pharaoh's most important leaders attended the burial procession.

servants of Pharaoh

These were probably government officials, not household servants.

the elders of his household

Here "household" refers to Pharaoh's royal court.

Genesis 50:8

with all Joseph's household and his brothers, and his father's household

"Joseph's household, his brothers, and his father's household also went with him"

Genesis 50:9

Chariots

Here this stands for the men riding in the chariots.

It was a very large group of people

"It was a very large gathering"

Genesis 50:10

When they came

The word "they" refers to the participants in the burial procession.

floor of Atad

Possible meanings are 1) the word "Atad" means "thorn" and it may refer to a place where large amounts of thorns grew, or 2) it may be the name of the person who owns the threshing floor.

they mourned with very great and grievous sorrow

"they were extremely sad and they mourned very much"

Genesis 50:11

This is a very sad occasion for the Egyptians

"The mourning of the Egyptians is very great"

Abel Mizraim

"The name Abel Mizraim means "the mourning of Egypt.'"

Genesis 50:12

So his sons

"So Jacob's sons"

just as he had instructed them

"just as he had directed them"

Genesis 50:13

His sons carried him

"His sons took his body"

Machpelah

Machpela was the name of an area or region.

Mamre

This was another name for the city of Hebron.

Ephron the Hittite

This is the name of a man. "Hittite" means "descendent of Heth."

Genesis 50:14

all who had accompanied him

"all who had come with him"

Genesis 50:15

wants to repay us in full for all the evil we did to him

"wants revenge for the evil thing we did to him"

Genesis 50:16

Your father gave instructions before he died, saying

"Before our father died he said"

Genesis 50:17

Tell Joseph this, "Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin when they did evil to you."

"Your father instructed us before he died to tell you to please forgive our transgression and our sin when we did evil to you."

and their sin when they did evil to you

"for the wicked things they did to you"

please forgive the servants of the God of your father

"please forgive us, the servants of the God of our father"

Joseph wept when they spoke to him

"Joseph wept when he heard this message"

Genesis 50:18

lay facedown before him

They lay down with their faces toward the ground. This is a sign of humility and respect for Joseph.

Genesis 50:19

Am I in the place of God?

"I am not in the place of God." or "I am not God."

Genesis 50:20

you meant to harm me

"you intended to do evil against me"

God meant it for good

"God intended it for good"

Genesis 50:21

So now do not be afraid

"So do not fear me"

I will provide for you and your little children

"I will always make sure you and your children have enough to eat"

He comforted them in this way and spoke kindly to their hearts

"He comforted them by speaking kindly to them"

Genesis 50:23

Ephraim's children to the third generation

"Ephraim's children and grandchildren"

Makir

This is the name of Joseph's grandson.

who were placed on the knees of Joseph

This expression means that Joseph adopted these children of Machir as his own children. This means they would have special inheritance rights from Joseph.

Genesis 50:24

surely come to you

The word "you" refers to Joseph's brothers, but it also stands for their descendants.

lead you up out of this land to the land

"bring you out of this land and take you to the land"

Genesis 50:26

To "embalm" is a special way of preserving a dead body before it is buried.

he was placed

"they placed him"

in a coffin

"in a chest" or "in a case." This is a box a dead person is placed in.

Exodus 1:1

household

This refers to all the people who live in a house together, usually a large family with servants.

Exodus 1:5

seventy in number

"70 in number". This number included both Jacob's children and grandchildren.

Joseph was already in Egypt

"Joseph lived in Egypt before his brothers"

Exodus 1:6

all his brothers

This includes 10 older brothers and 1 younger brother.

Exodus 1:7

were fruitful

"gave birth to many children". The author here emphasizes how God was blessing the Israelites by saying five different ways that there very many of them.

became very, very mighty

They were mighty because there were so many of them.

very, very mighty

The writer is saying that the people were more than just "mighty" and even more than just "very mighty." Your language may have another way of expressing an idea stronger than "very mighty."

the land was filled with them

"the land was full of them"

with them

The word "them" refers to the Israelites.

Exodus 1:8

arose over Egypt

"began to rule over the people of Egypt"

Exodus 1:9

He said to his people

"The king said to his people"

his people

These were the people who lived in Egypt, the Egyptians.

Exodus 1:10

let us

The word "us" is inclusive and refers to the king and his people, the Egyptians.

war breaks out

Here war is spoken of as a person that is able to act.

leave the land

"leave Egypt"

Exodus 1:11

taskmasters

Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work

to oppress them with hard labor

"to force the Israelites to do hard work for the Egyptians"

store cities

These were places where the leaders put food and other important things to keep them safe.

Exodus 1:12

to dread

"to abhor and fear"

Exodus 1:13

severely forced the people of Israel to serve

"harshly forced the people of Israel to work"

Exodus 1:14

made their lives bitter

The difficult lives of the Israelites are spoken of as if they were bitter food that was difficult to eat.

mortar

This was a wet glue or mud put between bricks or stones that held them together when it dried.

All their required work was severe

"The Egyptians forced them to work very hard"

Exodus 1:15

king of Egypt

The king of Egypt is called Pharaoh.

midwives

These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby.

Shiphrah ... Puah

These are Hebrew women's names.

Exodus 1:16

on the birthstool

"as they give birth". Women sat on this short stool as they gave birth.

Exodus 1:18

Why have you done this, and let the baby boys live?

"You have disobeyed my order by not killing the male babies!"

Exodus 1:19

The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women

The midwives answered wisely to appease Pharaoh's anger.

Exodus 1:20

God protected these midwives

God kept Pharaoh from killing these midwives.

The people increased in numbers

"The Israelites increased in numbers". This was in fulfillment of the covenant God made with Abraham and caused the Egyptians great concern that there would be more Israelites than Egyptians because they would be unable to defend themselves. Pharaoh also tried to kill all of the male babies so they would not become soldiers who would fight against him.

became very mighty

They were mighty because there were so many of them.

Exodus 1:21

feared God

"had reverence for God"

he gave them families

"the enabled them to have children"

Exodus 1:22

You must throw every son ... into the river

"You must ... into the river so they will drown"

Exodus 2:3

papyrus basket

This is a basket made from a tall grass that grows by the Nile River in Egypt.

sealed it with bitumen and pitch

"spread tar on it to keep water from getting into it"

sealed

Here "sealed" means that she applied a waterproof coating.

pitch

"tar" or "resin"

reeds

These "reeds" were a type of tall grass that grew in flat, wet areas.

Exodus 2:4

at a distance

This means she stood far enough away so that she would not be noticed, but close enough to see the basket.

Exodus 2:5

her attendants

the young women whose job was to be with her and make sure nothing bad happened to her

Exodus 2:6

Behold

The word "behold" signals the surprising information that follows. 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.

Exodus 2:7

nurse

feed with milk from the breast

Exodus 2:10

she brought him

"the Hebrew woman brought him"

he became her son

"he became the adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter"

Because I drew him from the water

Translators may add a footnote that says "The name Moses sounds like the Hebrew word that means 'pull.'"

drew him

"pulled him"

Exodus 2:11

striking a Hebrew

"beating a Hebrew"

Exodus 2:12

He looked this way and that way

"He looked all around"

Exodus 2:13

He went out

"Moses went out"

behold

The word "behold" here shows that Moses was surprised by what he saw.

the one who was in the wrong

"the one who was guilty of starting the fight"

Exodus 2:14

Who made you a leader and judge over us?

"You are not our leader and have no right to judge us!"

Are you planning to kill me as you killed that Egyptian?

"We know that you killed an Egyptian yesterday. You had better not kill me!"

Exodus 2:15

Now when Pharaoh heard about it

Here the author starts to tell a new part of the incident.

Exodus 2:16

Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters

Here the author tells about new people in the narrative.

drew water

This means that they brought up water from a well.

troughs

a long, narrow, open container for animals to eat or drink out of

Exodus 2:17

drive them away

"chase them away"

helped them

"rescued them"

Exodus 2:20

Why did you leave the man?

"You should not have left this man at the well!"

Exodus 2:21

Moses agreed to stay with the man

"Moses agreed to live with Reuel"

Exodus 2:22

resident in a foreign land

"stranger in a foreign land"

Exodus 2:23

groaned

"sighed deeply"

their pleas went up to God

"God heard their pleas"

Exodus 2:24

God called to mind his covenant

"God remembered his covenant"

Exodus 3:2

angel of Yahweh

"Yahweh appeared as an angel" .

Yahweh

The name Yahweh is sacred in the Hebrew religion. It is the personal name of God, which he revealed to Moses. It is by this name, he is known. Yahweh means "I am". Some translations use all capitals to set this apart, "I AM". Great care must be taken in translating the phrase "I am that I am". 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.

Exodus 3:5

set apart

"made holy"

Exodus 3:6

the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob

"the God of your father, of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob". God is so holy that people could not look upon him without dying. This is why Moses covered his eyes and also why he took off his shoes.

your father

Possible meanings are 1) "your ancestor" or 2) "your father." If it means "your ancestor," then the phrases following it clarify who "your father" refers to: it refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. If it means "your father," then it refers to Moses's own father.

Exodus 3:7

their outcry

Here the "outcry" is of pain because of the hard work the Egyptians were forcing the Israelites to do.

their taskmasters

Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work.

Exodus 3:8

a land flowing with milk and honey

"a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops"

flowing with

"full of"

milk

"food from livestock"

honey

"food from crops"

Exodus 3:9

the outcry of the people of Israel has come to me

"I have heard the outcry of the people of Israel"

Exodus 3:11

Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh ... Egypt?

"I am not important enough to go to Pharaoh ... Egypt!"

Exodus 3:14

God said to Moses, "I AM THAT I AM."

"God said to Moses, 'Tell them that God says his name is, "I AM THAT I AM."'"

I AM THAT I AM

This whole sentence is God's name. God is teaching that he is eternal; he has always lived and always will live. (see the next verse plus John 8:58, John 18:5 and Revelation 1:8)

Exodus 3:16

the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were three of Moses's ancestors. They all worshiped the same God.

I have indeed observed you

The word "you" refers to the people of Israel.

Exodus 3:17

a land flowing with milk and honey

"a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops"

flowing with

"full of"

Exodus 3:18

They will listen to you

"The elders will listen to you"

Exodus 3:19

except under a mighty hand

"only if someone stronger than he forces him to let you go" or "only if I force him to let you go,"

Exodus 3:20

I will reach out with my hand and attack

"I will powerfully attack"

Exodus 3:21

will not go empty-handed

"will go with many valuable things"

Exodus 3:22

any women staying in her neighbors' houses

"any Egyptian woman staying in the houses of her Egyptian neighbors"

Exodus 4:1

if they do not believe

"if the Israelites do not believe"

Exodus 4:4

take it by the tail

"pick it up by the tail"

became a staff

"turned into a rod" or "changed into a staff"

Exodus 4:5

the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were three of their ancestors. They all worshiped the same God.

Exodus 4:6

behold

This word is used to create an exclamation, showing surprise.

as white as snow

"as white as wool or as white as the sand on the beach". 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.

Exodus 4:8

pay attention

"acknowledge"

Exodus 4:10

have never been eloquent

"have never been an excellent speaker". Although Moses believes in Yahweh, he does not trust in him 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.

I am slow of speech and slow of tongue

Moses uses these phrases to emphasize that he is not a good speaker.

slow of tongue

"unable to speak well"

Exodus 4:11

Who is it who made man's mouth?

"I Yahweh am the one who created the human mouth and the ability to speak!"

Who makes a man mute or deaf or seeing or blind?

"I Yahweh make people able to speak, or hear, or to see, or to be blind!"

Is it not I, Yahweh?

"I, Yahweh, am the one who does this!"

Exodus 4:12

I will be with your mouth

"I will give you the ability to speak"

Exodus 4:14

he will be glad in his heart

"he will be very happy"

Exodus 4:15

put the words to say into his mouth

"give him the message that he is to repeat"

I will be with your mouth

"I will give you the right words to speak"

with his mouth

"I will give him the right words to speak"

Exodus 4:16

He will be like a mouth for you

"He will say what you tell him to say"

you will be like God for him

"you will speak to Aaron with the same authority with which I speak to you"

Exodus 4:18

father-in-law

This refers to the father of Moses's wife.

Exodus 4:21

will harden his heart

"will cause Pharaoh to be stubborn". Scholars debate over whether Pharaoh plays an active or passive role in the hardening of his own heart. (see Exodus 8:32 and Exodus 9:12, as well as Romans 9:18)

Exodus 4:22

Israel is my son

"The people of Israel are my own children". 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.

is my son, my firstborn

"is like my own firstborn son"

Exodus 4:23

you have refused to let him go

"you have refused to let my son go". The word "him" refers to the people of Israel as God's son.

I will certainly kill your son, your firstborn

The word "son" here refers to the actual son of Pharaoh.

Exodus 4:24

Yahweh met Moses and tried to kill him

This may have been because Moses had not circumcised his son.

Exodus 4:25

Zipporah

This is the name of Moses's wife.

flint knife

This was a knife with a sharpened stone blade.

you are a bridegroom to me by blood

"you are related to me by this blood" or "you are my husband because of blood"

Exodus 4:27

at the mountain of God

This may have been the mountain at Sinai, but the text does not include that information.

Exodus 4:28

he had sent him to say

The word "he" refers to Yahweh, and "him" refers to Moses.

Exodus 4:30

in the sight of the people

"in the presence of the people"

Exodus 4:31

had observed the people of Israel

"was concerned about the people of Israel"

they bowed down

"they bowed down low in reverence."

Exodus 5:1

After these things happened

It is unclear how long Moses and Aaron waited until they went to see Pharoah. "Let my people go". This is a very important statement because Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to "let go" of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

festival for me

This is a celebration to worship Yahweh.

Exodus 5:2

Who is Yahweh?

"I do not know Yahweh"

Why should I ... let Israel go?

"He is nothing to me and I will not let Israel go!"

listen to his voice

"listen to what he says"

Exodus 5:3

God of the Hebrews

This is a term also used for the Israelites' God or Yahweh.

or with the sword

"or cause our enemies to attack us"

Exodus 5:4

why are you taking the people from their work?

"stop distracting the people from doing their work!". The Egyptians were known for making their slaves do a lot of work. They were forced to make a specific number of bricks every day. In this chapter, they were required to not only make these bricks, but also to gather the straw in order to make these bricks.

Exodus 5:6

taskmasters

Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. The leaders are given different titles in this chapter. Many cultures will not have these types of titles, so expressions like "Egyptian leaders" and "Hebrew leaders" may be necessary.

Exodus 5:7

you must no longer give

The word "you" in these verses is plural and refers to the taskmasters and foremen.

Exodus 5:10

I will no longer give you

The word "you" is plural and refers to the Israelite people.

Exodus 5:11

you can find ... your workload

The word "you" is plural and refers to the Israelite people.

You yourselves must go

Here "yourselves" emphasizes that the Egyptians will no longer help them.

your workload will not be reduced

"you must continue to make the same number of bricks as before"

Exodus 5:12

throughout all the land of Egypt

"to many places throughout Egypt"

stubble

the part of a plant that is left over after harvest

Exodus 5:14

Why have you not produced all the bricks required of you ... in the past?

"You are not producing enough bricks, either yesterday or today, as you did in the past!"

Exodus 5:15

cried out

"complained"

Exodus 5:16

they are still telling us, 'Make bricks!'

Here "they" refers to the Egyptian taskmasters.

Exodus 5:19

when they were told

"when Pharaoh told them"

Exodus 5:20

palace

This is a very large house that a king lives in.

Exodus 5:21

you have made us offensive

"you have caused them to hate us"

have put a sword in their hand to kill us

"have given them a reason to kill us"

Exodus 5:22

Lord, why have you caused trouble for this people?

"Lord, I am sorry that you have caused this trouble for this people."

Why did you send me in the first place?

"I wish you had never sent me here!"

Exodus 5:23

to speak to him in your name

"to give him your message"

Exodus 6:1

my strong hand

"the power I show in my works"

Exodus 6:3

I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob

"I showed myself to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob". 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.

I was not known to them

"They did not know me"

Exodus 6:5

groaning

This means making sad sounds because of pain and suffering.

Exodus 6:6

say to the people of Israel

"Yahweh told Moses to say to the people of Israel"

mighty acts of judgment

These "acts of judgment" will be acts with which Yahweh will punish the Egyptians.

Exodus 6:8

I swore

"I promised"

Exodus 6:12

If the people of Israel have not listened to me, why will Pharaoh listen to me, since I am not good at speaking?

"The people of Israel did not listen to me, so I can be sure that Pharaoh will not listen to me either because I am not good at speaking!"

Exodus 6:14

the heads of their fathers' houses

"the ancestors of the clans"

Hanok, Pallu, Hezron, and Karmi

These are the names of men.

Exodus 6:15

Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar, and Shaul

These are the names of men.

Exodus 6:16

Gershon ... Merari

These are the names of men.

137 years old

"one hundred and thirty-seven years old"

Exodus 6:18

Amram ... Uzziel

These are the names of men.

133 years old

"one hundred and thirty-three years old"

Exodus 6:21

Izhar ... Korah ... Zikri

These are the names of men.

Exodus 6:22

Uzziel ... Mishael ... Sithri

These are the names of men.

Exodus 6:23

Nadab ... Ithamar

These are the names of men.

Exodus 6:25

Phinehas

This is the name of a man.

These were the heads of the fathers' houses

"These were the leaders of the families"

Exodus 6:26

by their hosts

"one tribe at a time"

Exodus 6:30

I am not good ... why will Pharaoh listen to me?

"I am not good ... Pharaoh will certainly not listen to me!"

Exodus 7:1

I have made you like a god

"I will cause Pharaoh to consider you as a god". Also in this chapter, "Let my people go" is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to "let go" of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

Exodus 7:3

harden Pharaoh's heart

"will cause Pharaoh to be stubborn". 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. (see Exodus 4:21)

many signs ... many wonders

God uses these words to emphasize the greatness of what he will do in Egypt.

Exodus 7:4

put my hand on

"use my power against"

great acts of judgment

These "acts of judgment" will be acts with which Yahweh will punish the Egyptians. (see Exodus 6:6)

Exodus 7:5

reach out with my hand on

"show my powerful acts against"

Exodus 7:9

When Pharaoh says to you, 'Do a miracle,' then you will say to Aaron, 'Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh, so that it may become a snake.'

"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". Also, in the following verses miracles are mentioned several times. 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.

Exodus 7:12

swallowed up

"devoured"

Exodus 7:13

Pharaoh's heart was hardened

"Pharaoh became more defiant"

Exodus 7:14

Pharaoh's heart is hard

"Pharaoh is stubborn"

Exodus 7:15

when he goes out to the water

"when he goes down to the Nile River to bathe"

Exodus 7:16

Say to him

"Say to Pharaoh"

Exodus 7:17

strike the water

"hit the water"

Exodus 7:19

throughout all

"in every part of"

Exodus 7:20

in the river

"in the Nile River"

Exodus 7:22

Pharaoh's heart was hardened

"Pharaoh became more defiant"

Exodus 7:24

All the Egyptians

"Many of the Egyptians"

Exodus 8:3

The river

"the Nile River"

kneading bowls

These are bowls in which bread is made.

Exodus 8:8

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron

"Then Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron"

Exodus 8:9

Honor yourself over me. When should I pray ... river?

"The honor is yours to tell me when to pray ... river."

Exodus 8:15

he hardened his heart

"Pharaoh hardened his heart." (see Exodus 4:21)

just as Yahweh had said that he would do

"just as Yahweh had said Pharaoh would do"

Exodus 8:19

This is the finger of God

"This is the powerful work of God"

Exodus 8:20

stand in front of Pharaoh

"present yourself to Pharaoh"

Let my people go

"set my people free". This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to "let go" of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

Exodus 8:24

the land was ruined because of the swarms of flies

"the swarms of flies devastated the land"

Exodus 8:26

right before their eyes

"in their presence"

will they not stone us?

"they will certainly stone us!"

Exodus 8:29

you must not deal deceitfully any more by not letting our people go

"you must begin to deal truthfully with us and let our people go"

But you must not deal deceitfully

"But you must not deceive us" or "But you must not lie to us"

Exodus 9:2

if you refuse to let them go, if you still keep them back

"if you continue refusing to let them go". Yahweh continues talking with Moses about dealing with Pharaoh and bringing the Hebrew people out of Egypt.

Exodus 9:3

then Yahweh's hand will bring

"then the power of Yahweh will bring"

will bring a terrible plague on your livestock ... flocks

"will cause your livestock ... flocks—to die from a terrible plague". The word "your" refers to those who owned livestock.

Exodus 9:4

set ... apart

See how you translated this idea in Exodus 8:22.

livestock of Israel

"the livestock belonging to the people of Israel"

livestock of Egypt

"the livestock belonging to the people of Egypt"

Exodus 9:5

fixed a time

"appointed a time"

Exodus 9:6

All the cattle of Egypt died

This is exaggerated to emphasize the seriousness of the event. There were still some animals alive that were afflicted by later plagues. However, it may be best to translate this with the word "All."

cattle of Egypt

"the cattle belonging to the people of Egypt"

Exodus 9:7

Pharaoh investigated

Pharaoh collected facts about the situation.

behold

The word "behold" here shows that Pharaoh was surprised by what he saw.

his heart was stubborn

"Pharaoh refused to change his mind"

Exodus 9:8

kiln

a furnace

Exodus 9:9

fine

very small

to break out on

"to quickly appear on"

Exodus 9:12

Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart

"Yahweh caused Pharaoh to became more defiant"

Exodus 9:14

on you yourself

This means that even Pharaoh will be hurt by the plagues.

I will do this so that you may know

The word "this" refers to the plagues that Moses had just told Pharaoh about.

Exodus 9:15

reached out with my hand and attacked you

"used my power to strike you". Here "my hand" refers to God's power.

Exodus 9:16

so that my name may be proclaimed throughout all the earth

"so that people everywhere will know I am great"

Exodus 9:17

lifting yourself up against my people

Pharaoh's opposition to letting Israel go is spoken of as if he was raising himself up as a barrier to them.

Exodus 9:18

Listen!

"Pay attention to the important thing I am about to tell you"

Exodus 9:27

to summon

"to call"

Exodus 9:29

Moses said to him

"Moses said to Pharaoh"

spread my hands out to Yahweh

"lift up my hands and pray to Yahweh"

Exodus 9:30

honor Yahweh God

Honoring God involves obeying him and living in a way that shows how great he is.

Exodus 9:31

flax

This is a plant that produces fibers that can be made into linen cloth.

barley

This is a type of grain used for making bread; also used for cattle feed.

Exodus 9:32

spelt

This is a kind of wheat.

Exodus 9:33

spread out his hands to Yahweh

"lifted up his hands toward Yahweh and prayed"

Exodus 9:34

hardened his heart

"became more defiant"

Exodus 9:35

just as Yahweh had spoken by the hand of Moses

"just as Yahweh had said through Moses"

Exodus 10:1

for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants

See how you translated "Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart" in Exodus 9:12. (also see Exodus 4:21)

Exodus 10:2

various signs

"many different signs"

Exodus 10:4

listen

"Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

Exodus 10:5

hail

Hail is raindrops that freeze while falling from the clouds.

Exodus 10:6

nothing ever seen

"nothing anyone has ever seen"

Exodus 10:7

How long will this man be a snare to us?

"We cannot allow this man to continue to cause us trouble"

Do you not yet realize that Egypt is destroyed?

"You should realize that Egypt is destroyed!"

that Egypt is destroyed

"that these plagues have destroyed Egypt" or "that their God has destroyed Egypt"

Exodus 10:10

May Yahweh indeed be with you, if I ever let you go and your little ones go

Pharaoh said this to emphasize that he would not let the Israelites take the women and children with them to worship Yahweh. When he said, "May Yahweh indeed be with you," he may have been warning Moses that the Israelites would need Yahweh to protect them from Pharaoh.

little ones

This phrase refers to everyone in the family except the man (the father and husband), including wives, children, and servants.

Exodus 10:11

Then Moses and Aaron were driven out from Pharaoh's presence

"Then Pharaoh drove Moses and Aaron out from his presence" or "Then Pharaoh had his servants drive Moses and Aaron out from his presence"

Exodus 10:15

so that it was darkened

"so that the locusts darkened the land"

Exodus 10:17

this time

"once again"

take this death away from me

"stop this destruction that will lead to our deaths". 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.

Exodus 10:19

picked up the locusts

"moved the locusts upwards"

Exodus 10:21

darkness that may be felt

"dense darkness that people can grasp with their hands"

Exodus 10:26

not a hoof of them may be left behind

"we cannot leave behind a single animal"

Exodus 10:27

he would not let them go

"Pharaoh would not let them go"

Exodus 10:28

Be careful about one thing

"Make sure of one thing" or "Be certain of one thing"

you see my face

"you see me"

Exodus 10:29

You yourself have spoken

"What you have said is true". Moses emphasizes that Pharaoh has spoken the truth.

Exodus 11:1

he will let you go from here

The word "you" in this verse is plural and refers to Moses and the rest of the Israelites.

Exodus 11:4

midnight

This is the time of 12 am (at night) or 2400 hours.

Exodus 11:5

All the firstborn ... the firstborn of Pharaoh ... the firstborn of the slave girl ... the firstborn of the livestock

The "firstborn" always refers to the oldest male offspring.

who is behind the handmill grinding it

"who is grinding at the handmill"

Exodus 11:6

great outcry

Here the "outcry" is of pain and grief over the death of the children. (see Exodus 3:7)

Exodus 11:7

making a distinction between

He is setting the Israelites apart from the Egyptians. The words "making a distinction" translate the same Hebrew word as "set ... apart" in Exodus 8:22; so if your language has a word or phrase for both ideas, you may want to use it there and here.

Exodus 11:8

After that I will go out

"After that I will go out from Egypt".

Exodus 11:10

Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart

"Yahweh caused Pharaoh to became more defiant". (see Exodus 4:21)

Exodus 12:2

For you, this month will be the start of months, the first month of the year to you

These two phrases emphasize that the month in which the events of this chapter take place will be the beginning of their calendar year.

the first month of the year

The first month of the Hebrew calendar includes the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. It marks when Yahweh rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians.

Exodus 12:4

If the household is too small for a lamb

"If there are not enough people in the household to eat an entire lamb"

the man and his next door neighbor

Here "the man" refers to the man who is the leader of the household.

Exodus 12:6

twilight

This refers to the time of evening after the sun has set but while there is still some light.

Exodus 12:7

on the two side doorposts and on the tops of the doorframes of the houses

"on the sides and top of the way into the house"

Exodus 12:8

Eat it with bread made without yeast

"Eat it with bread which you have made without yeast". The concept of unleavened bread is introduced in this chapter. Its significance stems from its connection to the events in this chapter.

bitter herbs

These are small plants that have a strong and usually bad taste.

Exodus 12:9

Do not eat it raw

"Do not eat the lamb or goat uncooked"

Exodus 12:10

You must not let any of it be left over until morning

"Do not leave any of it until the morning"

Exodus 12:11

belt

This refers to a strip of leather or fabric for tying around the waist.

eat it hurriedly

"eat it quickly"

It is Yahweh's Passover

"This observance is Yahweh's Passover". Here the word "it" refers to eating the animal on the tenth day of the month.

Exodus 12:12

I will do acts of judgment on all

"I will bring judgment on all". These will be acts with which Yahweh will punish the gods of Egypt. (see Exodus 6:6)

Exodus 12:13

for my coming to you

"that I will see when I come to you". This implies that Yahweh will see the blood which indicates an Israelite home.

I will pass over you

"I will not enter your house". The words "pass over" were a customary way of saying to not visit or enter.

Exodus 12:15

that person must be cut off from Israel

"the people of Israel must send him away" or "I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel"

Exodus 12:16

an assembly that is set apart to me

"an assembly that you have set apart to me"

No work will be done on these days, except the cooking for everyone to eat

"The only work that will be done on these days is the cooking for everyone to eat"

That must be the only work that may be done by you

"That must be the only work that you do"

Exodus 12:17

because it was on this day that I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt

"because it is on this day that I will have brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt" or "for it will remind you that it was on this day that I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt"

your hosts

"your armies" or "your tribes"

Exodus 12:18

the fourteenth day in the first month

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The fourteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars.

the twenty-first day of the month

"the twenty-first day of the first month." This is near the middle of April on Western calendars.

Exodus 12:19

no yeast must be found in your houses

"there must not be any yeast in your houses"

must be cut off from the community of Israel

"the people of Israel must send him away" or "I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel"

Exodus 12:20

bread made without yeast

"bread which you have made without yeast"

Exodus 12:21

summoned

officially called

Exodus 12:22

hyssop

a woody plant with small leaves that can be used for sprinkling liquids

the top of the doorframe and the two doorposts

"on the sides and top of the way into the house." (see Exodus 12:7)

Exodus 12:23

pass over your door

"pass over your house". This means that God will spare the Israelites in houses with blood on the doors.

Exodus 12:24

this event

These words refer to the Passover or Festival of Unleavened Bread. Observing the Passover was an act of worshiping Yahweh.

Exodus 12:27

He set our households free

"He did not kill the firstborn sons in our houses"

Exodus 12:28

as Yahweh had commanded Moses and Aaron

"everything that Yahweh told Moses and Aaron to do"

Exodus 12:29

at midnight

"in the middle of the night"

all the firstborn in the land of Egypt ... all the firstborn of the livestock

Here, "firstborn" always refers to the oldest male offspring. (see Exodus 11:5)

the firstborn of the person in the dungeon

"to the firstborn of people in the dungeon." This refers to prisoners in general, not to a specific person in the dungeon.

Exodus 12:30

There was a loud outcry in Egypt

"All the Egyptians cried loudly"

loud outcry

Here the "outcry" is of pain and grief over the death of the children. (see Exodus 3:7)

for there was not a house where there was not someone dead

"because someone was dead in every house"

Exodus 12:33

We will all die

"We will all die if you do not leave"

Exodus 12:34

Their kneading bowls were already tied up in their clothes and on their shoulders

"They had already tied up their kneading bowls in their clothes and on their shoulders"

Exodus 12:37

Rameses

Rameses was a major Egyptian city where grain was stored.

They numbered about 600,000 men

"They numbered about six hundred thousand men."

little ones

See how you translated this in Exodus 10:10.

Exodus 12:38

A mixed multitude also went

"A crowd of people from other ethnic groups also went"

Exodus 12:39

bread without yeast in the dough

"bread with dough that did not contain yeast"

they had been driven out of Egypt

"the Egyptians had driven them out of Egypt"

Exodus 12:41

430 years

"four hundred and thirty years"

Yahweh's armed groups

This refers to the tribes of Israel.

Exodus 12:42

to be observed by all the people of Israel

"that all the people of Israel were to observe"

all the people of Israel throughout their people's generations

"all the people of Israel and the all the generations of their descendants"

Exodus 12:43

No foreigner may share in eating it

The pronoun "it" refers to the Passover meal. 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.

Exodus 12:44

every Israelite's slave

"any slave of an Israelite"

bought with money

"whom the Israelite has bought with money"

Exodus 12:46

The food must be eaten in one house

"Each Israelite family must eat the food in one house"

you must not break any bone of it

"you must not break any of its bones." Here the word "it" refers to the lamb which the Israelite family will eat. (see John 19:36 and how this applies to Jesus)

Exodus 12:48

all his male relatives must be circumcised

"someone must circumcise all his male relatives"

the people who were born in the land

"those who are Israelites by birth". Here the word "land" refers to Canaan.

no uncircumcised person may eat

"only circumcised people may eat"

Exodus 12:50

as Yahweh had commanded Moses and Aaron

"everything that Yahweh told Moses and Aaron to do"

Exodus 12:51

It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story.

by their armed groups

"by their divisions" or "by their regiments". 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.

Exodus 13:2

Set apart to me ... every firstborn male

God requires that every firstborn male child be set apart for him. Also, this chapter records the instructions for the celebration of 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.”

Exodus 13:3

Call this day to mind

"Remember and celebrate this day"

the house of slavery

"the place where you were slaves"

Yahweh's strong hand

Here the word "hand" refers to power. See how you translated "strong hand" in Exodus 6:1.

No bread with yeast may be eaten

"You must not eat bread with yeast"

Exodus 13:4

the month of Aviv

This is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars.

Exodus 13:5

you must observe this act of worship

When the Israelites live in Canaan, they must celebrate the Passover on this day each year. See how you translated this phrase in Exodus 12:25.

Exodus 13:7

Bread without yeast must be eaten

"You must eat bread without yeast"

no bread with yeast may be seen among you

"You may not have any bread with yeast among you"

No yeast may be seen with you

"You may not have any yeast"

within any of your borders

"inside any of the borders of your land"

Exodus 13:8

On that day you are to say to your children, 'This is because of what Yahweh did for me when I came out of Egypt.'

"On that day you are to tell your children that this is because of what Yahweh did for you when you came out of Egypt"

Exodus 13:9

This will be a reminder for you on your hand, and a reminder on your forehead

These are two different types of physical reminders so people will not forget something important.

a reminder for you on your hand

"like something you tie around your hand as a reminder"

a reminder on your forehead

"like something you tie around your head as a reminder"

so the law of Yahweh may be in your mouth

"so you may always be speaking of the law of Yahweh"

strong hand

"the power I show in my works"

Exodus 13:11

when he gives the land to you

"when he gives the land of the Canaanites to you"

Exodus 13:13

Every firstborn of a donkey

Israel is given a choice to kill the firstborn donkey or buy it back with a lamb.

Exodus 13:14

When your son asks you later, 'What does this mean?' then you are to tell him

"When your son asks you later what this means, then you are to tell him"

the house of slavery

"the place where you were slaves". See how you translated this in Exodus 13:3.

Exodus 13:17

was nearby

"was close to where they were located"

the people will change their minds ... and ... return to Egypt

Since Israelites had lived in slavery all their lives, they were more accustomed to peace than to war and would rather return to slavery than fight.

Exodus 13:20

camped at Etham

Etham is located south of the route heading towards the Philistines, at the border of the wilderness.

Exodus 13:21

pillar of cloud ... pillar of fire

"a cloud in the shape of a column ... fire in the shape of a column." God is with them in a cloud by day and in a fire by night.

Exodus 14:1

General Information:

This is an important event in the history of Israel, known as the "parting of the Sea of Reeds". Pharaoh's 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.

Exodus 14:2

Pi Hahiroth ... Migdol ... Baal Zephon

These are towns on Egypt's eastern border.

You are to camp

Here the word "You" is plural and refers to Moses and the Israelites.

Exodus 14:3

Pharaoh will say about the people of Israel, 'They are wandering confused in the land. The wilderness has closed in on them.'

"Pharaoh will say that the people of Israel are wandering confused in the land and that the wilderness has closed in on them"

The wilderness has closed in on them

Pharaoh speaks of the wilderness as a person who has trapped the people of Israel.

Exodus 14:4

he will pursue them

"Pharaoh will pursue the Israelites"

I will get honor

"People will honor me"

The Egyptians will know that I am Yahweh

"The Egyptians will understand that I am Yahweh, the one true God"

So the Israelites camped as they were instructed

"So the Israelites camped as Yahweh had instructed them"

Exodus 14:5

When the king of Egypt was told

"When someone told the king of Egypt"

the king of Egypt

This refers to Pharaoh.

had fled

"had run away"

the minds of Pharaoh and his servants turned against the people

"Pharaoh and his servants changed their attitudes about the people"

What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.

"We have done a stupid thing by letting Israel go free from working for us!"

Exodus 14:7

He took six hundred chosen chariots

"He took 600 of his best chariots"

Exodus 14:9

Pi Hahiroth ... Baal Zephon

These are towns on Egypt's eastern border. See how you translated them in Exodus 14:2.

Exodus 14:10

When Pharaoh came close

"When Pharaoh and his army came close". The word "Pharaoh" here represents the entire Egyptian army.

they were terrified

"the Israelites were terrified"

Exodus 14:11

Is it because there were no graves in Egypt, that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?

"There were plenty of graveyards in Egypt for us to be buried in. You did not have to take us into the wilderness to die!"

Why have you treated us like this, bringing us out of Egypt?

"You should not have treated us like this by bringing us out of Egypt!"

Exodus 14:12

Is this not what we told you in Egypt?

"This is exactly what we told you while we were in Egypt."

We said to you, 'Leave us alone, so we can work for the Egyptians.'

"We told you to leave us alone, so we could work for the Egyptians."

Exodus 14:13

Moses said to the people

Moses responds to the Israelites' fears.

provide for you

The pronoun "you" refers to the Israelites.

For you will never see again the Egyptians

"For God will kill the Egyptians"

Exodus 14:15

Why are you, Moses, continuing to call out to me?

"Do not call out to me any longer, Moses." Moses apparently had been praying to God for help so God uses this question to compel Moses to act.

Exodus 14:16

divide it in two

"divide the sea into two parts"

Exodus 14:17

Be aware

"Know"

I will harden the Egyptians' hearts

"I will cause the Egyptians to became more defiant" Here "hearts" refers to the Egyptians themselves. Their stubborn attitude is spoken of as if their hearts were hard.

so they will go after them

"so that the Egyptians will go into the sea after the Israelites"

Exodus 14:20

the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel

"the Egyptian army and the Israelite people"

so one side did not come near the other

This means that the Egyptians and the Israelites could not approach one another.

Exodus 14:21

east wind

An east wind originates in the east and blows towards the west.

east

where the sun rises

the waters were divided

"Yahweh divided the waters"

Exodus 14:22

on their right hand and on their left

"on both sides of them"

Exodus 14:24

He threw the Egyptians into confusion

The Egyptians were so afraid that they could not think normally.

Exodus 14:25

Their chariot wheels were clogged

"Mud clogged their chariot wheels" or "Their chariot wheels were getting stuck in the mud"

Exodus 14:26

Yahweh said to Moses, "Reach out with your hand ... and their horsemen."

"Yahweh told Moses to reach out with his hand over the sea so that the waters would come back onto the Egyptians, their chariots, and their horsemen."

come back onto

"fall on"

Exodus 14:27

The Egyptians fled into the sea

Since the sea was closing in on top of the Egyptians, instead of escaping, they were actually running right into the water.

Yahweh drove the Egyptians

"Yahweh threw the Egyptians"

Exodus 14:30

out of the hand of the Egyptians

"from the Egyptians' power"

on the seashore

"on the land along the edge of the sea"

Exodus 15:1

General Information:

This is a song about the events that happened in Exodus 14:26-28. 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.

he has triumphed gloriously

"he has achieved a glorious victory over the army of Egypt"

the horse and its rider he has thrown into the sea

"he has made the horse and rider drown in the sea". (see Exodus 15:21)

rider

This is a person who sits on a horse or travels in a chariot that a horse is pulling.

Exodus 15:2

Yahweh is my strength

"Yahweh is the one who gives me strength" or "Yahweh is the strong one who protects me."

song

"the one I sing about". (see Exodus 14:13)

he has become my salvation

"he is the one who saves me"

Exodus 15:3

Yahweh is a warrior

"Yahweh is like a warrior". (see Exodus 14:14)

Exodus 15:4

He has thrown Pharaoh's chariots and army into the sea

"He has made Pharaoh's chariot riders and army drown in the sea". Moses sings about God causing the sea to cover Pharaohs chariots and army as if God had thrown them into the sea. (see Exodus 14:13-28)

Exodus 15:5

they went down into the depths like a stone

"they went down into the deep water like a stone sinking to the bottom of the sea". (see Nehemiah 9:11)

Exodus 15:6

Your right hand, Yahweh, is glorious in power

"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 or the things God does powerfully. (see Exodus 6:1)

your right hand, Yahweh, has shattered the enemy

"Yahweh, your power has completely destroyed the enemy"

Exodus 15:7

those who rose up against you

"those who rebelled against you"

You sent out your wrath

"You acted according to your wrath"

it consumed them like stubble

"it completely destroyed your enemies like a fire that burns up straw". (see Deuteronomy 4:24)

Exodus 15:8

By the blast of your nostrils

"You blew on the sea and". 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. (see 2 Samuel 22:16)

Exodus 15:9

my desire will be satisfied on them

"I will satisfy my desire on them"

my hand will destroy them

"I will destroy them with my hand". (ses 2 Samuel 22:38)

Exodus 15:10

But you blew with your wind

"But you made the wind blow"

sank like lead in the mighty waters

"sank as fast as lead in the deep turbulent waters". Lead is a heavy metal that is commonly used to make things sink in water.

Exodus 15:11

Who is like you, Yahweh, among the gods?

"O Yahweh, no one is like you among the gods!"

Who is like you, ... doing miracles?

"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!". (see Revelation 4:8)

Exodus 15:12

with your right hand

"with your strong power"

You reached out with your right hand

"With your strong power you made it happen". (see Psalm 138:7)

the earth swallowed them

"the earth devoured them"

Exodus 15:14

tremble

This means to shake because you are afraid.

terror will seize the inhabitants of Philistia

"the inhabitants of Philistia will be afraid"

Exodus 15:15

will melt away

"will be weak from fear"

Exodus 15:16

Terror and dread will fall on them

"Fear will come upon them"

dread

Dread is extreme fear or anxiety about something that is going to happen or might happen. (see Numbers 22:3)

Because of your arm's power

"Because of your great strength"

they will become as still as a stone

"They will be silent like stone" or "They will be motionless as stone"

Exodus 15:17

You will bring them

"You will take your people to Canaan"

plant them on the mountain

"settle them on the mountain"

the mountain of your inheritance

This refers to Mount Zion in the land of Canaan. (see 2 Samuel 7:10)

of your inheritance

"that you have given them as an inheritance"

that your hands have built

"that you have built by your power"

Exodus 15:20

Miriam ... Aaron

Miriam was the older sister of Moses and Aaron.

tambourine

This is a musical instrument like a small drum that also has pieces of metal around the side that make a sound when shaken.

Exodus 15:21

he has triumphed gloriously

"he has achieved a glorious victory over the army of Egypt"

The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea

"He has made the horse and rider drown in the sea". (see Exodus 15:1)

Exodus 15:22

Moses led Israel

"Moses led the Israelite people". The word "Israel" represents the people of Israel.

wilderness of Shur

We do not know the exact locations of this place.

Exodus 15:23

Marah

We do not know the exact location of this place.

Exodus 15:24

complained to Moses and said

"were unhappy and told Moses"

Exodus 15:26

the voice of Yahweh your God

"my voice" or "what I say". Yahweh is speaking about his own voice.

do what is right in his eyes

"do what Yahweh considers to be right"

I will put on you none of the diseases

"I will not cause any of you to have the diseases"

Exodus 15:27

Elim

This is an oasis in the desert, a place with water and shade trees.

twelve

"12"

seventy