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English: Bible Commentary, Translation Notes, Translation Words, Unlocked Literal Bible for 3 John, Jude

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©2017 Wycliffe Associates
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Introduction to 3 John

Overview

There are three letters John wrote that are in Scripture. Some scholars think that each letter was written to the same church over a period of time. They think John heard about the church, then wrote a letter. After a while, he heard about the church again and wrote a letter. Then, he heard about the church and wrote this letter. In his first letter, John told the Christians to reject the things that the false teachers taught. Some people did not obey the things that John taught. Therefore, John told the Christians not to welcome or be friends with the false teachers. In this letter, John wanted Gaius to welcome Demetrius. This is because another church leader refused to welcome Demetrius and other people who were visiting the church.

In his first letter, John wanted Christians to welcome other people who visited their church. However, the Christians welcomed false teachers. Therefore, John told them not to be friends with the false teachers in the same way they were friends with other Christians.

Then in his second letter, John told the Christians to reject the false teachers. They were also to separate themselves from these false teachers. However, these Christians stopped being friends with anyone they did not know. In his third letter, John wanted the Christians to welcome other Christians they did not know.

Fewer scholars think that John wrote each letter to a different church. However, they still think that John wrote this letter to tell some Christians to welcome other Christians who they did not know.

Who wrote this letter?

The “elder (πρεσβύτερος/g4245)” wrote this letter. This means that the author was old or was a leader within the church. However, the name of the author is not in this letter. In the Ancient Near East, a person could be considered “old” after they were 40 years of age. Most scholars think the apostle John wrote this book. Scholars think that the apostle John lived to be very old, perhaps 90 years of age. Also, John wrote many of the same things in this letter and the gospel of John.

See: Ancient Near East

Who did John write to?

This letter was written to Gaius. Scholars do not know much about this man. He is not written about anywhere else in Scripture. John loved him. John could have also written to Diotrephes and Demetrius. This is because John also wrote about them. Like 2 John, John also wrote this letter to help a certain church.

What did John write about in his letter?

Helping people who are away from their home

In the Ancient Near East, it was important for a person to be friends with anyone who was away from their home. A person was to help these people if they needed to be helped. However, John did not want Christians to help false teachers.

See: Ancient Near East

Why did John write this letter?

John wanted to tell Gaius what to do. This is why he wrote this letter. Scholars also think that a certain false teacher was about to lead Gaius’ church. They think that John wanted to stop this because Diotrephes did not honor God and he did not help the church. Because of this, they were not able to help certain Christian teachers who visited them.

Outline of 3 John

Introduction (1:1)
Helping people (1:2-8)
Diotrephes and Demetrius (1:9-12)
Conclusion (1:13-14)

3 John

Chapter 1

¹ The elder to beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:

² Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be healthy, just as it is well with your soul. ³ For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and bore witness to your truth, just as you walk in truth. ⁴ I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children walk in the truth.

⁵ Beloved, you practice faithfulness whenever you labor for the brothers and for strangers ⁶ who have borne witness of your love in the presence of the church. You do well to send them off on their journey in a manner worthy of God, ⁷ because it was for the sake of the name that they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. ⁸ We therefore should welcome such as these so that we will be fellow workers for the truth.

⁹ I wrote something to the congregation, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not receive us. ¹⁰ So if I come, I will call attention to the deeds he is doing, falsely accusing us with wicked words. Not satisfied with that, he not only refuses to welcome the brothers himself, but he also stops those who want to welcome them and drives them out of the church.

¹¹ Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the evildoer has not seen God. ¹² Demetrius received a good testimony from everyone and by the truth itself. We also testify about him, and you know that our testimony is true.

¹³ I had many things to write to you, but I do not wish to write them to you with pen and ink. ¹⁴ But I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face. ¹⁵ May peace be with you. The friends greet you. Greet our friends there by name.

3 John 1 Commentary

1:1-4

How did John begin this letter?

[1:1]

The first verse is a type of greeting. Many letters in the Ancient Near East began in the same way. John the Elder said that he wrote this letter John also said that he wrote it to his friend Gaius.

See: Ancient Near East

When John wrote, “whom I love in truth,” what did he want to say?

[1:1]

John wrote that Christians are to love in “truth (αληθεια /g0225).” Perhaps John wanted to say that he loved Gaius truly, that is, he was not lying when he wrote this. This is what some scholars think. However, other scholars think John loved Gaius because John knew the truth, that is, because Jesus is truly God’s Son. What God says in the Bible is true; it is why John loved Gaius. It is also why John obeyed God.

Advice to translators: If your context is familiar with the concept of the prosperity gospel, then this can be substituted for the phrase “about wealth.”

Who is Gaius?

[1:1]

Gaius was a man who honored God. In Verse 2, John talked about Gaius’ “health.” Perhaps Gaius was sick or perhaps this was the way people greeted other people. Also, Many scholars believe there was more than one man in scripture with the name of Gaius.

Some Christians also think that John wanted to talk to Gaius about money. These Christians believe God wants Christians to be rich or successful in everything they do. They also believe God promised Christians that they will have everything they want if they obey him. Most scholars do not believe these things.

See: Acts 19:29, 20:4; Romans 16:23; 1 Corinthians 1:14

How did John use the word “truth”?

[1:1, 1:3, 1:4]

John used the word “truth (αληθεια/g0255)” many times and in many different ways in this letter.

In verse 1, John talked about someone loving someone else “in truth.” The truly, greatly, or really love someone, that is, they love someone as much as they can.
In verse 2, John talked about some who “truly” loves God, that is, they obey God. They “walk in truth.” They live in the way that Jesus wanted them to live.
John also said that Jesus was the “truth” (see: John 14:6). He may speak about Jesus in the same way in this letter.

1:5-8

What is hospitality?

[1:5]

Hospitality is showing kindness to visitors, strangers, or those in need. Hospitality was very important to the Jewish people and others living in the Ancient Near East (see: 2 John 1:10-11). John asks his readers to show hospitality to Christians, but not to false teachers.

See: Ancient Near East; Hospitable (Hospitality)

How should Christians support a ministry?

[1:6]

This passage explained to a church how a travelling teacher or missionary should be supported. It also explains how people should be given money to certain leaders in the church. During this time, there were few Christian leaders so they had to travel long distances to visit different churches. They needed some money from the churches to help them travel so they could continue to serve God in this way.

Some scholars think that these church leaders should not to accept money from Gentiles, that is, from people who were not Christians. Other scholars think John talked about church leaders not taking money from the non-Christians who they were trying to get to believe in Jesus. They think that John reject this because many other religious teachers did this in the Ancient Near East.

See: Ancient Near East

1:9-10

What did John previously write to the church?

[1:9]

John wrote three letters or more. It is not clear which letter John talked about in #v9. John may have been writing about Second John or another letter that is lost.

What was Diotrephes doing?

[1:9]

These verses could be a metaphor showing that Diotrephes did not have humility. He was a leader in Gaius’ church, but Diotrephes was not a good leader. Diotrephes may have wanted to be seen as the greatest person and tried to force others to do what he wanted done in the church. This was not a not a way to honor God. John wrote that Diotrephes needed to be corrected. He did not accept what John and the apostles taught. Diotrephes have spoken against them. Perhaps he taught that God did not give the apostles permission to teach others. Because of this, Diotrephes rejected God.

See: Apostle

1:11-12

Who was with John?

It is not clear who was with John when he wrote this letter. Some scholars think John was with the other apostles. Other scholars think John was with other people when he wrote the letter. Fewer scholars think that John was alone when he wrote this letter.

Advice to translators: Different cultures may have different ways to describe removing someone removing people from the church. Some now call this “excommunication.”

Does everyone who does good things belong to God?

[1:11]

John often talked about belonging to God. Some scholars think that verse 11 is about those who do good things and the things that God wants them to do. When someone does the wrong thing or something that God does not want them to do, John said that they are “of the world” and “of the devil.” Those who do not want to do evil things do not belong to God. However, John taught that if Christians decide to do what God wants, they belonged to God.

While John tried to help Christians, he may have also been insulting Diotrephes. Perhaps this verse may be talking about Diotrephes and what he did. If this is true, then John said Diotrephes was evil and he did not think that Diotrephes was a Christian. This is because Christians do good things because they love God and do the things that God wants them to do. People who are not Christians do things for the wrong reasons.

1:13-15

What is the last verse about?

[1:15]

Verse 15 is end of John’s letter. This was a common way of ending a letter in the ancient Near East. It was a personal greeting and closing. John wanted to visit the church soon so the letter was not long.

Why does John use the word “friend”?

[1:15]

Some scholars think John spoke about Christians when he said “friends.” They think that Christians called each other friends. Perhaps this was because Jesus died for his friends (see: John 15:13). Other scholars think John was speaking about the friends of Gaius. Perhaps he greeted Gaius’ friends.

See: John 15:14-15

The Meaning of Greek Words

g1544 (ἐκβάλλω) To remove, toG throw out, to force someone to leave a group of people When someone is ἐκβάλλω from a group of people, they are removed from the group of people and they are not allowed to return. This word is used when speaking about the church.

g4245 (πρεσβύτερος) An elder, that is, someone who is old. Often, a πρεσβύτερος was an old man. A title given to a leader in the church, a πρεσβύτερος was a mature Christian, that is, a Christian who honored God.

This word is often used as a technical term for a position in the church. Some scholars think that this is the same position as G4245 (πρεσβύτερος). Other scholars think that these are different positions, that is, these leaders serve the church in different ways.

3 John 1:1

General Information:

This is a personal letter from John to Gaius. All instances of "you" and "your" refer to Gaius and are singular.

The elder

This refers to John, the apostle and disciple of Jesus. He refers to himself as "elder" either because of his old age or because he is a leader in the church. The name of the author can be made explicit: "I, John the elder, am writing."

Gaius

This is a fellow believer to whom John is writing this letter.

whom I love in truth

"whom I truly love"

3 John 1:2

all may go well with you and that you may be healthy

"you may do well in all things and be healthy"

just as it is well with your soul

"just as you are doing well spiritually"

3 John 1:3

brothers came

"fellow believers came." These people were probably all male.

you walk in truth

Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate translation: "you are living your life according to God's truth"

3 John 1:4

my children

John speaks of those he taught to believe in Jesus as though they were his children. This emphasizes his love and concern for them. It could also be that he himself led them to the Lord. Alternate translation: "my spiritual children"

3 John 1:5

Connecting Statement:

John's purpose in writing this letter is to compliment Gaius in the way he took care of traveling Bible teachers; then he talks about two people, one evil and one good.

Beloved

Here this is used as a term of endearment for a fellow believer.

you practice faithfulness

"you are doing what is faithful to God" or "you are being loyal to God"

labor for the brothers and for strangers

"help fellow believers and those you do not know"

3 John 1:6

You do well to send them

John is thanking Gaius for his normal practice of helping these believers.

3 John 1:7

because it was for the sake of the name that they went out

Here "the name" refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "for they have gone out to tell people about Jesus"

taking nothing

receiving no gifts or help

the Gentiles

Here "Gentiles" means non-Jews who do not believe in Christ.

3 John 1:8

General Information:

Here the word "we" refers to John and those with him, and possibly includes all believers.

so that we will be fellow workers for the truth

"so that we will cooperate with them in announcing God's truth to people"

3 John 1:9

General Information:

The word "us" refers to John and those with him and does not include Gaius.

congregation

This refers to Gaius and the group of believers who met together to worship God.

Diotrephes

He was a member of the congregation.

who loves to be first among them

"who loves to be the most important one among them" or "who loves to act as though he's their leader"

3 John 1:10

falsely accusing us with wicked words

"and how he says evil things about us that certainly are not true"

refuses to welcome the brothers

"does not welcome the fellow believers"

stops those who want to welcome them

"stops those who want to welcome the believers"

drives them out of the church

"he forces them to leave the congregation"

3 John 1:11

Beloved

Here this is used as a term of endearment for a fellow believer. See how you translated this in 3 John 1:5.

do not imitate what is evil

"do not copy the evil things that people do"

but what is good

There are words left out but they are understood. Alternate translation: "but imitate what is good" or "but imitate the good things that people do"

is of God

"belongs to God"

has not seen God

"does not belong to God" or "does not believe in God"

3 John 1:12

General Information:

Here "we" refers to John and those with him and does not include Gaius.

Demetrius received a good testimony from everyone

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "All who know Demetrius testify that he is a good man" or "Every believer who knows Demetrius speaks well of him"

Demetrius

This is probably a man whom John wants Gaius and the congregation to welcome when he comes to visit.

by the truth itself

"the truth itself speaks well of him." Here "truth" is described as a person speaking. Alternate translation: "everyone who knows the truth knows he is a good person"

We also testify about him

What John is confirming is implied and can be made specific here. Alternate translation: "We also testify about Demetrius" or "We also speak well of Demetrius"

3 John 1:13

General Information:

This is the end of John's letter to Gaius. He gives some final remarks and closes with a greeting.

I do not wish to write them to you with pen and ink

John does not wish to write these other things at all. He is not saying that he would write them with something other than pen and ink.

3 John 1:14

I hope to see you soon

John wants to visit him, but he does not know with certainty that he would be able to visit him. Alternate translation: "I plan to come to you" or "I want to come to you"

face to face

"Face to face" here is an idiom, meaning "in person." Alternate translation: "in person"

3 John 1:15

May peace be with you

"May God give you peace"

The friends greet you

"The friends here greet you"

Greet our friends there by name

"Greet each of the believers there for me"

Introduction to Jude

Overview

Jude wrote a letter to a certain church. However, nobody today knows where the church was located.

There were false teachers in this church. Jude warned these false teachers that God would punish them for their sins. He will judge them at the end of the world. He will declare them guilty, and he will punish them forever.

Jude also wrote metaphors in order to make the readers think in the right way about what he was telling them. Prophets often did this, and men who wrote about the end of the world also did this. In sum, Jude commanded his readers to reject the false teachers and to live in a way that honors God.

See: Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Last Days

Who wrote this letter?

Many men in ancient Israel had the name “Jude.” Jude’s name is also translated as “Judah” and “Judas.” The author was the brother of James (see: Jude 1:1). However, many men in ancient Israel had this name, and there were, in fact, four different people named James in Scripture. Two of these men were apostles.

Some scholars think that the man who wrote this letter was Jude the apostle, who was also called Thaddeus. However, Jude did not say that he was an apostle. Because of this, more scholars do not think that the author of this letter was an apostle. They think that the author of this letter was a son of Mary and Joseph. These scholars think that Mary and Joseph had children after Mary had Jesus. Therefore, Jude was a half-brother of Jesus.

See: Family of Jesus

Who did Jude write to?

Jude wrote to Christians (see: Jude 1:1). Jude also talked about many things that happened to the people of Israel in the past. Because of this, some scholars think that he wrote it to Jewish Christians. However, he also wrote about some trouble in the church. That is why scholars think that Jude wrote to one certain church or to a group of churches. This church had false teachers. These false teachers had come among the believers, but no one tried to stop them.

What did Jude write about in his letter?

False teachers

Jude spoke against certain false teachers. They did not teach the right things about Jesus. These false teachers also lived in a way that did not honor God. Jude declared that these false teachers were not honoring God and that God would judge them. Some scholars think that perhaps these false teachers were the same false teachers that Peter talked about in the letter called 2 Peter.

Some scholars think that the false teachers taught that Jesus was completely God but that he was not really a human being. These false teachers did not believe that Jesus had a real human body while he was on the earth. They thought that the world you can see and touch is evil. Other scholars think that these false teachers taught that a person could worship God without having to obey him. They taught that a person could live forever, even if he acted any way he wanted to. They said that if a person honors God by saying right things, he did not have to honor God by living in the right way.

Some scholars think these false teachers were Christians who were sinning a lot. However, more scholars think that these false teachers were not Christians at all. This is because Jude said that they God would punish them forever in hell.

See: Hell

Deliverance and punishment

Jude wrote that Christians have many difficulties, but that God will protect them and will rescue them from this evil world. However, God will punish anyone who rejects Jesus. Jude also said that Christians must remember the great things that God has done in the past. He rescued the people of Israel when they had difficulties.

Ancient Jewish Writings

Jude wrote about things that happened that the Old Testament did not talk about. These were things that were in other Jewish books. There were many of these books during Jude’s time. Many of the metaphors that Jude wrote, and many things he said, came from these other books.

In these other old Jewish writings, they said many things about angels that the Old Testament did not say. Jude apparently knew these things because he had read these other books. Because of this, Jude wrote more about the angels than the Old Testament says. Also, Jude frequently talked about angels and wrote that they do many things around human beings, even though people cannot usually see those things.

See: Ancient Writings

Why did Jude write this letter?

Jude warned churches, Christians, and false teachers. Jude did not want the Christians to stop believing the things that Scripture taught. In order to do this, they must be able to tell why what they believe about God is true. They must also live in a way that honors God, even though God will forgive them if they sin.

Outline of Jude

Introduction (1:1-2)
Warning against false teachers (1:3-4)
Things that the Old Testament taught (1:5-16)
How to obey the things that Jude wrote to do (1:17-23)
Praises to God (1:24-25)

Jude

Chapter 1

¹ Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, to those who are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:

² May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.

³ Beloved, while I was making every effort to write to you about our common salvation, I had to write to you to exhort you to struggle earnestly for the faith that was entrusted once for all to God's holy people. ⁴ For certain men have slipped in secretly among you. These men were marked out for condemnation. They are ungodly men who have changed the grace of our God into sensuality, and who deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

⁵ Now I wish to remind you—although once you fully knew it—that the Lord saved a people out of the land of Egypt, but that afterward he destroyed those who did not believe. ⁶ Also, angels who did not keep to their own position of authority, but who left their proper dwelling place—God has kept them in everlasting chains, in utter darkness, for the judgment on the great day.

⁷ So also Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them gave themselves over to sexual immorality and perverse sexual acts. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. ⁸ Yet in the same way, these dreamers also defile their bodies. They reject authority and they slander the glorious ones.

⁹ But even Michael the archangel, when he was arguing with the devil and disputing with him about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous judgment against him, but he said, "May the Lord rebuke you!" ¹⁰ But these people insult whatever they do not understand; and what they do understand naturally, like unreasoning animals, these are the very things that destroy them. ¹¹ Woe to them! For they have walked in the way of Cain and have plunged into Balaam's error for profit. They have perished in Korah's rebellion.

¹² These people are dangerous reefs at your love feasts, feasting with you fearlessly—shepherds who only feed themselves. They are clouds without rain, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit—twice dead, uprooted. ¹³ They are violent waves in the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of complete darkness has been reserved forever.

¹⁴ Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them, saying, "Look! The Lord is coming with thousands and thousands of his holy ones. ¹⁵ He is coming to execute judgment on everyone. He is coming to convict all the ungodly of all the works they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the bitter words that ungodly sinners have spoken against him." ¹⁶ These are grumblers, complainers, following their evil desires. Their mouths speak loud boasts, flattering others for profit.

¹⁷ But you, beloved, remember the words that were spoken in the past by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ They said to you, "In the last time there will be mockers who will follow their own ungodly desires." ¹⁹ It is these who cause divisions; they are worldly, and they do not have the Spirit.

²⁰ But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith, and pray in the Holy Spirit. ²¹ Keep yourselves in God's love, and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that brings you eternal life.

²² Be merciful to those who doubt. ²³ Save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

²⁴ Now to the one who is able to keep you from stumbling and to cause you to stand before his glorious presence without blemish and with great joy, ²⁵ to the only God our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time, now, and forever. Amen.

Jude 1 Commentary

1: 1-2

What did Jude call himself?

[1:1]

Jude called himself a servant (δοῦλος/g1401) of Jesus, even though he was not owned or in debt to anyone.

See: Serve (Servant, Slave)

Why did Jude speak about Jesus in this passage?

[1:1]

Scholars do not agree about what Jude wanted to say in this verse. Perhaps Jude wanted to say that God keeps believers united to Jesus. Or perhaps Jude wanted to say that God watches over believers by means of Jesus. Or perhaps Jude wanted to say that God watches over believers so that Jesus will benefit.

Also, perhaps Jude was saying that it is God the Father who watches over the believers, or perhaps that it is Jesus who does that.

See: Jesus' Return to Earth; Call (Calling)

1:3-11

Why should Christians try very hard to do?

[1:3]

Jude wrote to Christians and told them to fight for, that is, do everything they could to work very hard to continue to believe what the apostles had taught them about Jesus. False teachers were trying to make them believe things that were different than what they had been taught. In fact, they were the opposite of what they had been taught. Therefore, Jude told the Christians that they needed to “fight” or “work very hard” to keep believing in the things they had been taught about Jesus and how to live as a Christian.

How did these false teachers try to change what the Christians believed the apostles taught about the grace of God?

[1:4]

These false teachers tried to change what the Christians believed the apostles taught about the grace of God. The false teachers believed that they could sin, and that God would not punish them. They believed that they could continue to sin because God would continue to forgive them for doing so. Jude taught that they could not live in the way they wanted to live. God has mercy on Christians, but they should not then say that they could sin all they want. Anyone who thinks like this does not understand why God has mercy on people.

See: Grace; Mercy; Gospel

Who is the only master?

[1:4]

When people were making copies of the New Testament in Greek very long ago, some of them said that the master or ruler (δεσπότης/#g1203) was Jesus. But some others said that the master was God.

See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible)

When did anyone write about the actions of the false teachers?

[1:4]

It is not known when someone wrote about the actions of the false teachers. Some scholars believe that God wrote in heaven about their wrong actions. Perhaps God did this before he made the world. Other scholars believe that Jude or another Christian leader wrote about these false teachers in another letter. Still other scholars believe that a Jewish prophet wrote about these false teachers long ago.

See: Prophecy (Prophesy)

In what way did these false teachers deny Jesus?

[1:4]

Jude said that these false teachers “denied (ἀρνέομαι/g0720)” or rejected Jesus. They may have denied that Jesus was God, or they may have denied something else about Jesus that is true. However, they may have also denied Jesus by living in a way that did not honor God. The scriptures speak about living in a way that does not honor God, so they reject God. However, God deserves for people obey him.

When did God announce that the false teachers were guilty?

[1:4]

No one knows when God announced that these false teachers were guilty. This word, “identified (προγράφω/g4270)” or “set aside,” is usually about something that someone wrote long ago. This did not happen in the recent past. Perhaps it happened in the Old Testament, or perhaps another Christian wrote it before Jude wrote his book. However, “set aside” does not have to say that someone wrote the names of these teachers in a book on earth. Perhaps someone wrote them in a book in heaven (see: Revelation 20:12). If this is so, this book is a metaphor for believers living with God forever.

Some scholars think that the false teachers had been teaching the Christians for a long time. When they began teaching the Christians, some found out that they were guilty. Other scholars believe that “set aside” shows that everyone will learn in the future that these false teachers were guilty. A few scholars believe that these false teachers were not Christians, and that God announced that they were guilty before they were born.

See: Metaphor; Condemn (Condemnation)

Did Jesus bring the Israelites out from Egypt?

[1:5]

Some very old Greek copies of the book of Jude said that it was Jesus who brought the Israelites out of Egypt. Other old copies have the word lord (κύριος/g2962). This word can mean either Jesus or God. More old copies have the word “Jesus,” but Jude probably did not write “Jesus.” This is because the Bible does not say that Jesus brought the Israelites out of Egypt. Neither does the Bible say that Jesus punished the Israelites in the wilderness for not trusting God.

See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible)

Did many angels sin?

[1:6] At some time in the past, some of the angels sinned. They rebelled against God and what he commanded them to do. The very first time that they disobeyed God, they became guilty forever. So God punished them for having sinned. They became the demons. They stopped working for God. He threw them out of heaven and put them into chains. Some scholars think that Jude wanted to say that these are chains from which the demons cannot escape. Others think that they are chains in which the demons will stay forever. In Jude’s time, many other people believed the same things Jude believed about what the angels did in Genesis 6.

See: Genesis 6:1-4 See: Angel; Demon; Ancient Writings

What did Jude want to say when he wrote “keep” in verse 6?

[1:6]

Jude wrote the same word twice in verse 6. The angels should have protected or guarded (τηρέω/g5083) the thing that God gave them to guard. However, they rebelled and did not do this. God is guarding them now because they did not guard the things that God gave them to guard. This is a type of irony. Because of this, God will punish them later for having sinned.

See: Irony

God has punished many people at many different times. What three times did Jude talk about?

[1:5, 1:6, 1:7]

Jude reminded his readers that God punished the Israelites who refused to trust in him, even after God brought them out of Egypt. Then, Jude reminded them that God will punish the angels who rebelled against him. Finally, he reminded them that God punished the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.

See: Genesis 18 and 19

What is the “great” day?

[1:6]

Jude wrote about a “great” or significant day. This is the time when God will judge and punish all people. This is probably what scripture calls the Day of the Lord.

See: Day of the Lord

What was the strange flesh?

[1:7]

Jude said that the people in Sodom and Gomorrah wanted strange or other flesh or bodies (σάρξ/g4561). Some scholars believe that this means that the people were having sex with people of the same gender. Fewer scholars believe that the people were trying to have sex with angels.

See: Genesis 19

What is hell?

[1:7]

Hell is a place where God will punish people forever. Scripture often says that hell has a fire that never stops. Jude wrote about a fire that never stops as a type of punishment.

See: Hell

Who were the people who dreamed?

[1:8]

John said that the false teachers were people who “dreamed.” He said this, because people thought that it was God who made people dream. They thought that God showed people things through their dreams. However, these false teachers dreams and the things they taught did not come from God.

False teachers and false prophets often said that God gave them dreams or visions. When they said this, they wanted to say that God allowed them to tell people what they were supposed to do.

See: Vision

Who did the false teachers reject?

[1:8]

The false teachers rejected a group who was given permission to rule over something. Some scholars believe that it was God or Jesus whom they reject. Fewer scholars believe that it was angels who the false teachers rejected.

Who did the false teachers insult?

[1:8]

The false teachers insulted people or beings who deserved honor. Scholars believe that the false teachers insulted the angels who obeyed God. The Jews thought that the angels had brought Scripture to the people. When the false teachers insulted these angels, they also rejected the word of God.

Who is Michael?

[1:9]

Michael is an archangel or leader of the angels. He is an angel and is also a leader of angels or perhaps the most important angel. Michael is the only archangel that the Scriptures spoke about.

The books of Daniel and Revelation talk about Michael (see: Daniel 10:13, 20; 12:1, 7). Daniel called Michael a “great prince.” Some ancient Jews also believed that Michael took care of the place where Moses was buried. These ancient Jews often wrote about Michael.

See: 1 Thessalonians 4:16

See: Ancient Writings

When Michael talked with the devil, what did he show believers?

[1:9]

When Moses died, the devil wanted to take his body. But Michael did not dare to insult the devil, even though the devil was the leader of the angels who had sinned. Michael refused to insult him, because it was God who would judge the devil.

The devil, and the angels that serve him, did not respect God. Despite this, Michael showed that he respected the devil, because he refused to insult the devil. However, the false teachers insulted the angels who still serve God.

The story that Jude mentioned did not come from the Old Testament. Instead, it was from another ancient Jewish book.

See: Deuteronomy 34:6; Zechariah 3:2

See: Satan (The Devil); Ancient Writings

Why did Jude talk about Cain, Balaam, and Korah?

[1:11]

Cain was the first person in the world to murder anyone. He did not love his brother. Instead, he killed his brother because he envied him. Cain also worshiped God in a false way. Balaam worked with enemies of God because Balaam was greedy for money. In Numbers, Moses showed that Balaam also encouraged the Israelites to sin against God (see: Numbers 31). As for Korah, he rebelled against the man whom God had chosen to lead the Israelites. In each of these cases, the people rejected God and rebelled against him. This is what the false teachers also did.

See: Genesis 4; Numbers 16; Numbers 22-24

Why did Jude write five metaphors in 1:12-14?

[1:12, 1:13, 1:14]

Jude wrote five metaphors to show his readers the errors that the false teachers made.

Jude said that the false teachers were like rocks hidden below the surface of the sea. Such rocks are dangerous to ships because they cannot be seen. The false teachers were dangerous, too, but many people did not know that these teachers could harm them.

Jude also said that the false teachers were like clouds that had no water to give to the earth. The wind quickly drives these clouds away in different directions. As for the false teachers, they are always thinking different things, and they are always teaching the people these different things.

These false teachers were also like trees that something has uprooted. So they have no fruit to give. The false teachers could not teach anyone how to live forever with God. God will announce that they are guilty, and he will punish them forever.

The false teachers were like the bubbles on the top of strong waves in the sea. These bubbles have no value. They are like false teachers, who can teach people things that will cause them nothing but shame.

These false teachers are like certain stars in the heavens that wander about, whose path no one can tell in advance. Because of that, no one can find their way at night by looking at those stars.

See: Metaphor; Lord's Supper

Who was Enoch?

[1:14]

There are two men named Enoch in the Old Testament. One Enoch was the son of Cain. However, verse 14 is about Enoch, the son of Jared (see: Genesis 5). This Enoch honored God and did not die. Instead, God took him to heaven without dying. There is also an ancient writing about this Enoch. Jude was thinking about that writing when he wrote his own letter.

See: Ancient Writings

Who were the holy ones?

[1:14]

In verse 14, Jude talked about “people” who honored God. This was about the angels who honored God. Jude copied this verse and the next verse from an ancient book called “The Assumption of Moses.”

See: Angel;Ancient Writings

What type of judgment did Jude talk about?

[1:15]

The judgment that Jude talked about was the final judgment. In this judgment, God will announce who is guilty. He will do this in the last days. Then he will punish those people forever.

See: Last Days

When is the last time or last day?

[1:18]

Jude spoke about the “last time” or “last day.” Jude probably talked about the time near to when Jesus would return to the earth. It is the time when God will judge everyone. Some scholars believe that there will be many people at this time who do not honor God. Perhaps this is what Jude talked about in verses 18-19.

See: Last Days

What people do not have the Spirit?

[1:19]

In verse 19, Jude talked about people who do not have the Spirit. This is the Holy Spirit. It means they are not Christians.

See: Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

1:20-25

How does a Christian pray in the Holy Spirit?

[1:20]

Some scholars believe that Jude wants Christians to pray for the things that the Holy Spirit wishes them to pray for. However, fewer scholars think that Jude wants Christians to pray in a special language that the Holy Spirit gives them.

What is the Greek text of verse 22?

[1:22]

In verse 22, some early Greek copies have “to have mercy on a person.” Other early copies have “to convince or to correct.” The Greek words are very similar (ἐλεέω and ἐλέγχω).

See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible)

How many groups are listed in verses 22-23?

[1:22, 1:23]

Some scholars believe that there were three groups of people in verses 22-23.

There were those who did not yet decide whether or not to believe the false teachers. Perhaps they could not know whether those teachers were false or not. They did not know what they should believe.

There were also those who followed the false teachers. Because of this, God will judge them. Here Jude might be talking about both Christians and non-Christians. Jude wanted these people to repent and to believe that Jesus will return to earth. Some scholars believe this group is the same group described later in the verse. Others scholars believe that they were a different group.

Some scholars believe that a third group of people who began to follow the false teachers. These people were in danger of following these false teachers completely. Therefore, the Christian must avoid following this third group. Some scholars believe that the people in this group could not repent and believe in Jesus. Believers should have mercy on them because they ought to pity them.

Other scholars believe that these are three ways of describing the same group of people.

See: Zechariah 3:2-4

See: Repent (Repentance; Jesus' Return to Earth

Do Christians save other people?

[1:23]

Christians cannot save or free (σῴζω/g4982) other people from the guilt of their sins. However, God often works through other people so that they become friends with him. Only God can free people from their guilt. Jude said that this was like taking people out of the fire. This is a metaphor meaning that they God will not punish these people in hell (see: Amos 4:11)

1:24-25

What did Jude mean when he wrote about stumbling?

[1:24]

In verse 24, Jude told people not to follow false teachers. Some scholars believe that if Christians followed the false teachers, they could stumble or fall (ἄπταιστος/g0679), that it, become separated from God forever. This is because in this verse, Jude also spoke about Christians standing before God’s throne and God welcoming them. Other scholars believe that they might lose some reward in heaven when Jesus judges them.

See: Judge (Judgment); Walk

How does this letter end?

[1:24, 1:25]

In ancient times, most people ended their letters by greeting again the people to whom they were writing. However, Jude ended his letter by praising Jesus.

Jude 1:1

General Information:

Jude identifies himself as the writer of this letter and greets his readers. He was probably the half-brother of Jesus. There are two other Judes mentioned in the New Testament. The word "you" in this letter refers to the Christians to whom Jude was writing and is always plural.

Jude, a servant of

Jude is the brother of James. Alternate translation: "I am Jude, a servant of"

brother of James

James and Jude were half brothers of Jesus.

Jude 1:2

May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you

"may mercy, peace, and love be increased many times for you." These ideas are spoken of as if they were objects that could grow in size or number. This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "mercy," "peace," and "love." Alternate translation: "May God continue to be merciful to you so that you live peacefully and love one another more and more

Jude 1:3

General Information:

The word "our" in this letter includes both Jude and believers.

Connecting Statement:

Jude tells the believers his reason for writing this letter.

our common salvation

"the salvation we share"

I had to write

"I felt a great need to write" or "I felt an urgent need to write"

to exhort you to struggle earnestly for the faith

"to encourage you to defend the true teaching"

once for all

"finally and completely"

Jude 1:4

For certain men have slipped in secretly among you

"For some men have come in among the believers without drawing attention to themselves"

These men were marked out for condemnation

This can also be put into the active voice. Alternate translation: "These were men whom God chose to condemn"

who have changed the grace of our God into sensuality

God's grace is spoken of as if it were a thing that could be changed into something horrible. Alternate translation: "who teach that God's grace permits one to continue to live in sexual sin"

deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ

Possible meanings are 1) they teach that he is not God or 2) these men do not obey Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:5

Connecting Statement:

Jude gives examples from the past of those who did not follow the Lord.

the Lord saved a people out of the land of Egypt

"the Lord rescued the Israelites long ago from Egypt"

the Lord

Some texts read "Jesus."

Jude 1:6

their own position of authority

"the responsibilities God entrusted to them"

their proper dwelling place

The proper dwelling place of angels is heaven.

God has kept them in everlasting chains, in utter darkness

"God has put these angels in a dark prison from which they will never escape"

utter darkness

Here "darkness" is a metonym which represents the place of the dead or hell. Alternate translation: "in utter darkness in hell"

the great day

the final day when God will judge everyone

Jude 1:7

Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them

Here "Sodom," "Gomorrah," and "cities" represent the people who lived in them. Alternate translation: "the people of Sodom and Gomorrah and the people in the cities around them"

gave themselves over to sexual immorality and perverse sexual acts

"engaged in every kind of sexual immorality and all of the perverse sexual acts they desired." The sexual sins of Sodom and Gomorrah were the result of the same kind of rebellion as the angels' evil ways.

as an example of those who suffer the punishment

The destruction of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah became an example of the fate of all who reject God.

Jude 1:8

these dreamers

These are the people who disobey God, probably because they claim to have seen visions that gave them authority to do so.

defile their bodies

The people sinning is spoken of as if they were making their bodies unclean. Alternate translation: "sin and defile themselves"

they slander

"they speak insults about"

glorious ones

This refers to spiritual beings, such as angels.

Jude 1:9

General Information:

Balaam was a prophet who refused to curse Israel for an enemy but then taught that enemy to get the people to marry unbelievers and become idol worshipers. Korah was a man of Israel who rebelled against Moses's leadership and Aaron's priesthood.

did not dare to bring a slanderous judgment against him

"did not dare to speak anything evil against him" or "did not dare to insult or condemn him"

Jude 1:10

these people

the ungodly people

whatever they do not understand

"anything of which they do not know the meaning." Possible meanings are 1) "everything good that they do not understand" or 2) "the glorious ones, which they do not understand" (Jude 1:8).

Jude 1:11

walked in the way of Cain

"Walked in the way" here is a metaphor for "lived in the same way as." Alternate translation: "lived the same way Cain lived"

Jude 1:12

Connecting Statement:

Jude uses a series of metaphors to describe the ungodly men. He tells the believers how to recognize these men when they are among them.

These people

The word "These" refers to the "ungodly men" of Jude 1:4.

dangerous reefs

Reefs are large rocks that are very close to the surface of water in the sea. Because sailors cannot see them, they are very dangerous. Ships can easily be destroyed if they hit these rocks.

autumn trees without fruit—twice dead, uprooted

These words contain two metaphors for dead people and apply them both to "these people."

autumn trees without fruit

This is the first metaphor for dead people. Trees in autumn look dead because their leaves have all fallen off, as has the fruit of fruit trees.

twice dead, uprooted

This is the second metaphor for dead people. After these "autumn trees" have lost their leaves and fruit, they die their first metaphorical death. Then people uproot them, and they die their second metaphorical death.

uprooted

completely pulled out of the ground so their roots dry out

Jude 1:13

violent waves in the sea

As the sea's waves are blown by a strong wind, so the ungodly people are easily moved in many directions.

foaming up their shame

As wind causes wild waves to stir up dirty foam—so these men, through their false teaching and actions, shame themselves. Alternate translation: "and just as waves bring up foam and dirt, these men pollute others with their shame"

wandering stars

Those who studied the stars in ancient times noticed that some "stars,"—what we call planets—do not move the way that stars do, so they called them "wandering stars." Alternate translation: "They are like moving stars"

for whom the gloom of complete darkness has been reserved forever

Here "darkness" is a metonym that represents the place of the dead or hell, and "the gloom of complete darkness" is an idiom that means "a totally dark place." The phrase "has been reserved" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and God will put them in the gloom and complete darkness of hell forever"

Jude 1:14

the seventh from Adam

If Adam is counted as the first generation of mankind, Enoch is the seventh. If Adam's son is counted as the first, Enoch is sixth in line.

Look

"Listen" or "Pay attention to this important thing I am going to say"

holy ones

Possible meanings are 1) "angels" or 2) "saints" or 3) "angels and saints"

Jude 1:15

to execute judgment on

"to make judgment on" or "to judge"

Jude 1:16

grumblers, complainers

People who do not want to obey and speak against godly authority. "Grumblers" tend to speak quietly, while "complainers" speak openly.

Their mouths speak loud boasts

They praise themselves so that others can hear.

flattering others

"giving false praise to others"

Jude 1:17

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Jude 1:18

mockers who will follow their own ungodly desires

Ungodly desires are spoken of as if they were a path that a person will follow. Alternate translation: "mockers who will continue to dishonor God by doing the evil things they wish to do"

Jude 1:19

It is these

"It is these mockers" or "These mockers are the ones"

they are worldly

Here "worldly" describes someone who is concerned with things of the world rather than things of God. Often in the Bible "world" represents all things opposed to God. Alternate translation: "they are only concerned with doing what is evil"

they do not have the Spirit

The Holy Spirit is spoken of as if he were something that people can possess. Alternate translation: "the Spirit is not within them"

Jude 1:20

Connecting Statement:

Jude tells the believers how they should live and how they should treat others.

But you, beloved

"Do not be like them, beloved. Instead"

build yourselves up

Becoming increasingly able to trust in God and obey him is spoken of as if it were the process of constructing a building.

Jude 1:21

Keep yourselves in God's love

Remaining able to receive God's love is spoken of as if one were keeping oneself in a certain place.

wait for

"eagerly look forward to"

the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that brings you eternal life

Here "mercy" stands for Jesus Christ himself, who will show his mercy to the believers by making them live forever with him.

Jude 1:22

those who doubt

"those who do not yet believe that Jesus is God"

Jude 1:23

snatching them out of the fire

The picture is that of pulling people from a fire before they start to burn. Alternate translation: "doing for them whatever needs to be done to keep them from dying without Christ. This is like pulling them from the fire"

to others show mercy with fear

"be kind to others, but be afraid of sinning the way they do"

hating even the garment defiled by the flesh

Jude exaggerates to warn his readers that they can become like those sinners. Alternate translation: "treating them as though you could become guilty of sin just by touching their clothes"

Jude 1:24

Connecting Statement:

Jude closes with a blessing.

to cause you to stand before his glorious presence

His glory is brilliant light that represents his greatness. Alternate translation: "and to allow you to enjoy and worship his glory"

glorious presence without blemish and with

Here sin is spoken of as if it were dirt on one's body or a flaw on one's body. Alternate translation: "glorious presence, where you will be without sin and have"

Jude 1:25

to the only God our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord

"to the only God, who saved us because of what Jesus Christ did." This emphasizes that God the Father as well as the Son is the Savior.

be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time, now, and forever

God has always had, now has, and always will have glory, absolute leadership, and complete control of all things.

Translation Words

Adam

Facts:

Adam was the first person whom God created. He and his wife Eve were made in the image of God.

God formed Adam from dirt and breathed life into him.
Adam's name sounds similar to the Hebrew word for "red dirt" or "ground."
The name "Adam" is the same as the Old Testament word for "mankind" or "human being."
All people are descendants of Adam and Eve.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God. This separated them from God and caused sin and death to come into the world.

(See also: death, descendant, Eve, image of God, life)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 02:14
Genesis 03:17
Genesis 05:01
Genesis 11:05
Luke 03:38
Romans 05:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H120, G76

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Adam, Adam's, the man, mankind

Balaam

Facts:

Balaam was a pagan prophet whom King Balek hired to curse Israel while they were camped at the Jordan River in northern Moab, preparing to enter the land of Canaan.

Balaam was from the city of Pethor, which was located in the region around the Euphrates River, about 400 miles away from the land of Moab.
The Midianite king, Balek, was afraid of the strength and numbers of the Israelites, so he hired Balaam to curse them.
As Balaam was traveling toward Israel, an angel of God stood in his path so that Balaam's donkey stopped. God also gave the donkey the ability to speak to Balaam.
God did not allow Balaam to curse the Israelites and commanded him to bless them instead.
Later however, Balaam still brought evil on the Israelites when he influenced them to worship the false god Baal-peor.

(See also: bless, Canaan, curse, donkey, Euphrates River, Jordan River, Midian, Moab, Peor)

Bible References:

2 Peter 02:16
Deuteronomy 23:3-4
Joshua 13:22-23
Numbers 22:05
Revelation 02:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H1109, G903

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Balaam, Balaam's

Cain

Facts:

Cain and his younger brother Abel were the first sons of Adam and Eve mentioned in the Bible.

Cain was a farmer who produced food crops while Abel was a sheep herder.
Cain killed his brother Abel in a fit of jealousy because God had accepted Abel's sacrifice but had not accepted Cain's sacrifice.
As punishment, God sent him away from Eden and told him that the land would no longer yield crops for him.
God put a mark on Cain's forehead as a sign that God would protect him from being killed by other people as he wandered.

(See also: Adam, sacrifice)

Bible References:

1 John 03:12
Genesis 04:02
Genesis 04:09
Genesis 04:15
Hebrews 11:4
Jude 01:11

Word Data:

Strong's: H7014, G2535

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cain, Cain's

Christ

Related Ideas:

Christ Jesus, Jesus Christ, Messiah

Facts:

The terms "Messiah" and "Christ" mean "Anointed One" and refer to Jesus, God's Son.

Both "Messiah" and "Christ" are used in the New Testament to refer to God's Son, whom God the Father appointed to rule as king over his people, and to save them from sin and death.
In the Old Testament, the prophets wrote prophecies about the Messiah hundreds of years before he came to earth.
Often a word meaning "anointed (one)" is used in the Old Testament to refer to the Messiah who would come.
Jesus fulfilled many of these prophecies and did many miraculous works that proves he is the Messiah; the rest of these prophecies will be fulfilled when he returns.
The word "Christ" is often used as a title, as in "the Christ" and "Christ Jesus." "Christ" also came to be used as part of his name, as in "Jesus Christ." These names emphasize that God's Son is the Messiah, who will reign forever.
Jesus the Messiah is the one who was chosen and anointed as a Prophet, High Priest, and King.

Translation Suggestions:

In many languages "Jesus" and "Christ" are spelled in a way that keeps the sounds or spelling as close to the original as possible. For example, "Jesucristo," "Jezus Christus," "Yesus Kristus", and "Hesukristo" are some of the ways that these names are translated into different languages.
For the term "Christ," some translators may prefer to use only some form of the term "Messiah" throughout.
This term could be translated using its meaning, "the Anointed One" or "God's Anointed Savior."
Many languages use a transliterated word that looks or sounds like "Christ" or "Messiah."
The transliterated word could be followed by the definition of the term, as in "Christ, the Anointed One."
Be consistent in how this is translated throughout the Bible so that it is clear that the same term is being referred to.
Make sure the translations of "Messiah" and "Christ" work well in contexts where both terms occur in the same verse (such as John 1:41).

(See also: Son of God, David, Jesus, anoint)

Bible References:

1 John 05:1-3
Acts 02:35
Acts 05:40-42
John 01:40-42
John 03:27-28
John 04:25
Luke 02:10-12
Matthew 01:16

Word Data:

Strong's: H4899, G3323, G5547

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Christ, Christ Jesus, Jesus Christ, Messiah

Egypt

Related Words:

Egyptian

Facts:

Egypt is a country in the northeast part of Africa, to the southwest of the land of Canaan. An Egyptian is a person who is from the country of Egypt.

In ancient times, Egypt was a powerful and wealthy country.
Ancient Egypt was divided into two parts, Lower Egypt (northern part where the Nile River flowed downward into the sea) and Upper Egypt (southern part). In the Old Testament, these parts are referred to as "Egypt" and "Pathros" in the original language text.
Several times when there was little food in Canaan, Israel's patriarchs traveled to Egypt to buy food for their families.
For several hundred years, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt.
Joseph and Mary went down to Egypt with the young child Jesus, to escape from Herod the Great.

Bible References:

1 Samuel 04:7-9
Acts 07:10
Exodus 03:07
Genesis 41:29
Genesis 41:57
Matthew 02:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H4692, H4693, H4713, H4714, G124, G125

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Egypt, Egypt's, Egyptian, Egyptians, Egyptians'

Enoch

Facts:

Enoch was the name of two men in the Old Testament.

One man named Enoch was descended from Seth. He was the great grandfather of Noah.
This Enoch had a close relationship with God and when he was 365 years old, God took him to heaven while he was still alive.
A different man named Enoch was a son of Cain.

(See also: Cain, Seth)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:03
Genesis 05:18-20
Genesis 05:24
Jude 01:14
Luke 03:36-38

Word Data:

Strong's: H2585, G1802

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Enoch, Enoch's

Gentile

Facts:

The term "Gentile" refers to anyone who is not a Jew. Gentiles are people who are not descendants of Jacob.

In the Bible, the term "uncircumcised" is also used figuratively to refer to Gentiles because many of them did not circumcise their male children as the Israelites did.
Because God chose the Jews to be his special people, they thought of the Gentiles as outsiders who could never be God's people.
The Jews were also called "Israelites" or "Hebrews" at different times in history. They referred to anyone else as a "Gentile."
Gentile could also be translated as "not a Jew" or "non-Jewish" or "not an Israelite" (Old Testament) or "non-Jew.".
Traditionally, Jews would neither eat with nor associate with Gentiles, which at first caused problems within the early church.

(See also: Israel, Jacob, Jew)

Bible References:

Acts 09:13-16
Acts 14:5-7
Galatians 02:16
Luke 02:32
Matthew 05:47
Matthew 06:5-7
Romans 11:25

Word Data:

Strong's: H1471, G1482, G1484

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gentile, Gentiles

God

Related Ideas:

the living God

Facts:

In the Bible, the term "God" refers to the eternal being who created the universe out of nothing. God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God's personal name is "Yahweh."

God has always existed; he existed before anything else existed, and he will continue to exist forever.
He is the only true God and has authority over everything in the universe.
God is perfectly righteous, infinitely wise, holy, sinless, just, merciful, and loving.
He is a covenant-keeping God, who always fulfills his promises.
People were created to worship God and he is the only one they should worship.
God revealed his name as "Yahweh," which means "he is" or "I am" or "the One who (always) exists."
The Bible also teaches about false "gods," which are nonliving idols that people wrongly worship.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "God" could include "Deity" or "Creator" or "Supreme Being."
Other ways to translate "God" could be "Supreme Creator" or "Infinite Sovereign Lord" or "Eternal Supreme Being."
Consider how God is referred to in a local or national language. There may also already be a word for "God" in the language being translated. If so, it is important to make sure that this word fits the characteristics of the one true God as described above.
Many languages capitalize the first letter of the word for the one true God, to distinguish it from the word for a false god.
Another way to make this distinction would be to use different terms for "God" and "god."
The phrase "I will be their God and they will be my people" could also be translated as "I, God, will rule over these people and they will worship me."

Bible References:

1 John 01:07
1 Samuel 10:7-8
1 Timothy 04:10
Colossians 01:16
Deuteronomy 29:14-16
Ezra 03:1-2
Genesis 01:02
Hosea 04:11-12
Isaiah 36:6-7
James 02:20
Jeremiah 05:05
John 01:03
Joshua 03:9-11
Lamentations 03:43
Micah 04:05
Philippians 02:06
Proverbs 24:12
Psalms 047:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H136, H410, H426, H430, H433, H2623, H3069, H4136, H6697, G112, G516, G932, G935, G2098, G2124, G2128, G2152, G2153, G2299, G2304, G2312, G2314, G2315, G2316, G2317, G2318, G2319, G2320, G4151, G5207, G5377, G5463, G5537, G5538

Forms Found in the English ULB:

God, God's, the living God

God

Related Ideas:

the living God

Facts:

In the Bible, the term "God" refers to the eternal being who created the universe out of nothing. God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God's personal name is "Yahweh."

God has always existed; he existed before anything else existed, and he will continue to exist forever.
He is the only true God and has authority over everything in the universe.
God is perfectly righteous, infinitely wise, holy, sinless, just, merciful, and loving.
He is a covenant-keeping God, who always fulfills his promises.
People were created to worship God and he is the only one they should worship.
God revealed his name as "Yahweh," which means "he is" or "I am" or "the One who (always) exists."
The Bible also teaches about false "gods," which are nonliving idols that people wrongly worship.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "God" could include "Deity" or "Creator" or "Supreme Being."
Other ways to translate "God" could be "Supreme Creator" or "Infinite Sovereign Lord" or "Eternal Supreme Being."
Consider how God is referred to in a local or national language. There may also already be a word for "God" in the language being translated. If so, it is important to make sure that this word fits the characteristics of the one true God as described above.
Many languages capitalize the first letter of the word for the one true God, to distinguish it from the word for a false god.
Another way to make this distinction would be to use different terms for "God" and "god."
The phrase "I will be their God and they will be my people" could also be translated as "I, God, will rule over these people and they will worship me."

Bible References:

1 John 01:07
1 Samuel 10:7-8
1 Timothy 04:10
Colossians 01:16
Deuteronomy 29:14-16
Ezra 03:1-2
Genesis 01:02
Hosea 04:11-12
Isaiah 36:6-7
James 02:20
Jeremiah 05:05
John 01:03
Joshua 03:9-11
Lamentations 03:43
Micah 04:05
Philippians 02:06
Proverbs 24:12
Psalms 047:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H136, H410, H426, H430, H433, H2623, H3069, H4136, H6697, G112, G516, G932, G935, G2098, G2124, G2128, G2152, G2153, G2299, G2304, G2312, G2314, G2315, G2316, G2317, G2318, G2319, G2320, G4151, G5207, G5377, G5463, G5537, G5538

Forms Found in the English ULB:

God, God's, the living God

God the Father

Related Ideas:

Father, heavenly Father, my Father

Facts:

The terms "God the Father" and "heavenly Father" refer to Yahweh, the one true God. Another term with the same meaning is "Father," used most often when Jesus was referring to him.

God exists as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each one is fully God, and yet they are only one God. This is a mystery that mere humans cannot fully understand.
God the Father sent God the Son (Jesus) into the world, and he sends the Holy Spirit to his people.
Anyone who believes in God the Son becomes a child of God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit comes to live in that person. This is another mystery that human beings cannot fully understand.

Translation Suggestions:

In translating the phrase "God the Father," it is best to translate "Father" with the same word that the language naturally uses to refer to a human father.
The term "heavenly Father" could be translated by "Father who lives in heaven" or "Father God who lives in heaven" or "God our Father from heaven."
Usually "Father" is capitalized when it refers to God.

(See also: ancestor, God, heaven, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Son of God)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 08:4-6
1 John 02:01
1 John 02:23
1 John 03:01
Colossians 01:1-3
Ephesians 05:18-21
Luke 10:22
Matthew 05:16
Matthew 23:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H1, H2, G3962

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Father, God the Father, heavenly Father, my Father

Gomorrah

Facts:

Gomorrah was a city located in a fertile valley near Sodom, where Abraham's nephew Lot chose to live.

The exact location of Gomorrah and Sodom is unknown, but there are indications that they may have been located directly south of the Salt Sea, near the Valley of Siddim.
There were many kings at war in the region where Sodom and Gomorrah were located.
When Lot's family was captured in a conflict between Sodom and other cities, Abraham and his men rescued them.
Not long after that, Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God because of the wickedness of the people who lived there.

(See also: Abraham , Babylon, Lot, Salt Sea, Sodom)

Bible References:

2 Peter 02:06
Genesis 10:19
Genesis 14:1-2
Genesis 18:21
Isaiah 01:9
Matthew 10:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H6017

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gomorrah

Holy Spirit

Related Ideas:

Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of the Lord Yahweh

Facts:

These terms all refer to the Holy Spirit, who is God. The one true God exists eternally as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is also referred to as "the Spirit" and "Spirit of Yahweh" and "Spirit of truth."
Because the Holy Spirit is God, he is absolutely holy, infinitely pure, and morally perfect in all his nature and in everything he does.
Along with the Father and the Son, the Holy Spirit was active in creating the world.
When God's Son, Jesus, returned to heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit to his people to lead them, teach them, comfort them, and enable them to do God's will.
The Holy Spirit guided Jesus and he guides those who believe in Jesus.

Translation Suggestions:

This term could simply be translated with the words used to translate "holy" and "spirit."
Ways to translate this term could also include "Pure Spirit" or "Spirit who is Holy" or "God the Spirit."

(See also: holy, spirit, God, Lord, God the Father, Son of God, gift)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 10:10
1 Thessalonians 04:7-8
Acts 08:17
Galatians 05:25
Genesis 01:1-2
Isaiah 63:10
Job 33:04
Matthew 12:31
Matthew 28:18-19
Psalms 051:10-11

Word Data:

Strong's: H3068, H6944, H7307, G40, G4151

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Holy Spirit, Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of the Lord Yahweh

Jesus

Related Ideas:

the Lord Jesus

Facts:

Jesus is God's Son. The name "Jesus" means "Yahweh saves."

In a miraculous way, the Holy Spirit caused the eternal Son of God to be born as a human being. His mother was told by an angel to call him "Jesus" because he was destined to save people from their sins.
Jesus did many miracles that revealed that he is God and that he is the Christ, or the Messiah.

Translation Suggestions:

In many languages "Jesus" is spelled in a way that keeps the sounds or spelling as close to the original as possible. For example, "Jesu," "Jezus," "Yesus", and "Hesu" are some of the ways that this name is translated into different languages.
Also consider how this names are spelled in a nearby local or national language.

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 06:11
1 John 02:02
1 John 04:15
1 Timothy 01:02
2 Peter 01:02
2 Thessalonians 02:15
2 Timothy 01:10
Acts 02:23
Acts 05:30
Acts 10:36
Hebrews 09:14
Hebrews 10:22
Luke 24:20
Matthew 01:21
Matthew 04:03
Philippians 02:05
Philippians 02:10
Philippians 04:21-23
Revelation 01:06

Word Data:

Strong's: G2424

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jesus, the Lord Jesus

Korah

Facts:

Korah was the name of three men in the Old Testament.

One of the sons of Esau was named Korah. He became a leader in his community.
Korah was also a descendant of Levi and so served in the tabernacle as a priest. He became jealous of Moses and Aaron and led a group of men to rebel against them.
A third man named Korah is listed as a descendant of Judah.

(See also: Aaron, authority, Caleb, descendant, Esau, Judah, priest)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:34-37
Numbers 16:1-3
Numbers 16:25-27
Psalm 042:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H7141

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Korah, Korahite, Korahites

Michael

Facts:

Michael is the chief of all God's holy, obedient angels. He is the only angel who is specifically referred to as the "archangel" of God.

The term "archangel" literally means "chief angel" or "ruling angel."
Michael is a warrior who fights against God's enemies and protects God's people.
He led the Israelites in fighting against the Persian army. In the end times he will lead the armies of Israel in the final battle against the forces of evil, as foretold in Daniel.
There are also several men in the Bible with the name Michael. Several men are identified as being the "son of Michael"

(See also: angel, Daniel, messenger, Persia)

Bible References:

Daniel 10:13
Daniel 10:21
Ezra 08:08
Revelation 12:7-9

Word Data:

Strong's: H4317, G3413

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Michael, Michael's

Moses

Facts:

Moses was a prophet and leader of the Israelite people for over 40 years.

When Moses was a baby, Moses' parents put him in a basket in the reeds of the Nile River to hide him from the Egyptian Pharaoh. Moses' sister Miriam watched over him there. Moses' life was spared when the pharaoh's daughter found him and took him to the palace to raise him as her son.
God chose Moses to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and to lead them to the Promised Land.
After the Israelites' escape from Egypt and while they were wandering in the desert, God gave Moses two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them.
Near the end of his life, Moses saw the Promised Land, but didn't get to live in it because he disobeyed God.

(See also: Miriam, Promised Land, Ten Commandments)

Bible References:

Acts 07:21
Acts 07:30
Exodus 02:10
Exodus 09:01
Matthew 17:04
Romans 05:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H4872, H4873, G3475

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Moses, Moses'

Savior

Definitions:

The term "savior" refers to a person who saves or rescues others from danger. It can also refer to someone who gives strength to others or provides for them.

In the Old Testament, God is referred to as Israel's Savior because he often rescued them from their enemies, gave them strength, and provided them with what they needed to live.
In the New Testament, "Savior" is used as a description or title for Jesus Christ because he saves people from being eternally punished for their sin. He also saves them from being controlled by their sin.

Translation Suggestions:

If possible, "Savior" should be translated with a word that is related to the words "save" and "salvation."
Ways to translate this term could include "the One who saves" or "God, who saves" or "who delivers from danger" or "who rescues from enemies" or "Jesus, the one who rescues (people) from sin."

(See also: deliver, Jesus, save, save)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 04:10
2 Peter 02:20
Acts 05:29-32
Isaiah 60:15-16
Luke 01:47
Psalms 106:19-21

Word Data:

Strong's: H3467, G4990

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Savior, savior

Sodom

Facts:

Sodom was a city in the southern part of Canaan where Abraham's nephew Lot lived with his wife and children.

The land of the region surrounding Sodom was very well watered and fertile, so Lot chose to live there when he first settled in Canaan.
The exact location of this city is not known because Sodom and the nearby city of Gomorrah were completely destroyed by God as punishment for the evil things the people there were doing.
The most significant sin that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah were practicing was homosexuality.

(See also: Canaan, Gomorrah)

Bible References:

Genesis 10:19
Genesis 13:12
Matthew 10:15
Matthew 11:24

Word Data:

Strong's: H5467, G4670

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Sodom

angel

Related Ideas:

archangel

Definition:

An angel is a powerful spirit being whom God created. Angels exist to serve God by doing whatever he tells them to do. The term "archangel" refers to the angel who rules or leads all the other angels.

The word "angel" literally means "messenger."
The term "archangel" literally means "chief messenger." The only angel referred to in the Bible as an "archangel" is Michael.
In the Bible, angels gave messages to people from God. These messages included instructions about what God wanted the people to do.
Angels also told people about events that were going to happen in the future or events that had already happened.
Angels have God's authority as his representatives and sometimes in the Bible they spoke as if God himself was speaking.
Other ways that angels serve God are by protecting and strengthening people.
A special phrase, "angel of Yahweh," has more than one possible meaning: 1) It may mean "angel who represents Yahweh" or "messenger who serves Yahweh." 2) It may refer to Yahweh himself, who looked like an angel as he talked to a person. Either one of these meanings would explain the angel's use of "I" as if Yahweh himself was talking.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "angel" could include "messenger from God" or "God's heavenly servant" or "God's spirit messenger."
The term "archangel" could be translated as "chief angel" or "head ruling angel" or "leader of the angels."
Also consider how these terms are translated in a national language or another local language.
The phrase "angel of Yahweh" should be translated using the words for "angel" and "Yahweh." This will allow for different interpretations of that phrase. Possible translations could include "angel from Yahweh" or "angel sent by Yahweh" or "Yahweh, who looked like an angel."

(See also: chief, head, messenger, Michael, ruler, servant)

Bible References:

2 Samuel 24:16
Acts 10:3-6
Acts 12:23
Colossians 02:18-19
Genesis 48:16
Luke 02:13
Mark 08:38
Matthew 13:50
Revelation 01:20
Zechariah 01:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H47, H4397, G32, G743, G2465

Forms Found in the English ULB:

angel, angels, archangel

anger

Related Ideas:

angry, indignant, indignation, quick-tempered

Definition:

To "be angry" or to "have anger" means to be very displeased, irritated, and upset about something or against someone.

When people get angry, they are often sinful and selfish, but sometimes they have righteous anger against injustice or oppression.
God's anger (also called "wrath") expresses his strong displeasure regarding sin.
The phrase "provoke to anger" means "cause to be angry."
A "quick-tempered" person becomes angry quickly and easily.
To be "indignant" is to grieve to the point of anger or to be angry because someone has been arrogant.

(See also: wrath)

Bible References:

Ephesians 04:26
Exodus 32:11
Isaiah 57:16-17
John 06:52-53
Mark 10:14
Matthew 26:08
Psalms 018:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H599, H639, H1149, H1984, H2152, H2194, H2195, H2198, H2534, H2734, H2740, H2787, H3179, H3707, H3708, H3824, H4751, H4843, H5674, H5678, H6225, H7107, H7110, H7266, H7307, H7852, G23, G1758, G2371, G2372, G3164, G3709, G3710, G3711, G3947, G3949, G3950, G4360, G5520

Forms Found in the English ULB:

anger, anger burned, angered, angry, burning anger, indignant, indignation, quick-tempered

anger

Related Ideas:

angry, indignant, indignation, quick-tempered

Definition:

To "be angry" or to "have anger" means to be very displeased, irritated, and upset about something or against someone.

When people get angry, they are often sinful and selfish, but sometimes they have righteous anger against injustice or oppression.
God's anger (also called "wrath") expresses his strong displeasure regarding sin.
The phrase "provoke to anger" means "cause to be angry."
A "quick-tempered" person becomes angry quickly and easily.
To be "indignant" is to grieve to the point of anger or to be angry because someone has been arrogant.

(See also: wrath)

Bible References:

Ephesians 04:26
Exodus 32:11
Isaiah 57:16-17
John 06:52-53
Mark 10:14
Matthew 26:08
Psalms 018:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H599, H639, H1149, H1984, H2152, H2194, H2195, H2198, H2534, H2734, H2740, H2787, H3179, H3707, H3708, H3824, H4751, H4843, H5674, H5678, H6225, H7107, H7110, H7266, H7307, H7852, G23, G1758, G2371, G2372, G3164, G3709, G3710, G3711, G3947, G3949, G3950, G4360, G5520

Forms Found in the English ULB:

anger, anger burned, angered, angry, burning anger, indignant, indignation, quick-tempered

apostle

Related Ideas:

apostleship

Definition:

The "apostles" were men sent by Jesus to preach about God and his kingdom. The term "apostleship" refers to the position and authority of those who were chosen as apostles.

The word "apostle" means "someone who is sent out for a special purpose." The apostle has the same authority as the one who sent him.
Jesus' twelve closest disciples became the first apostles. Other men, such as Paul and James, also became apostles.
By God's power, the apostles were able to boldly preach the gospel and heal people, and were able to force demons to come out of people.

Translation Suggestions:

The word "apostle" can also be translated with a word or phrase that means "someone who is sent out" or "sent-out one" or "person who is called to go out and preach God's message to people."
It is important to translate the terms "apostle" and "disciple" in different ways.
Also consider how this term was translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language.

Bible References:

Jude 01:17-19
Luke 09:12-14

Word Data:

Strong's: G651, G652, G2491, G5376, G5570

Forms Found in the English ULB:

apostle, apostles, apostles', apostleship

ark

Related Ideas:

chest

Definition:

The term "ark" literally refers to a rectangular wooden box that is made to hold or protect something. An ark can be large or small, depending on what it is being used for.

In the English Bible, the word "ark" is first used to refer to the very large, rectangular, wooden boat that Noah built to escape the worldwide flood. The ark had a flat bottom, a roof, and walls.
Ways to translate this term could include "very large boat" or "barge" or "cargo ship" or "large, box-shaped boat."
The Hebrew word that is used to refer to this huge boat is the same word used for the basket or box that held baby Moses when his mother put him in the Nile River to hide him. In that case it is usually translated as "basket."
In the phrase "ark of the covenant," a different Hebrew word is used for "ark." This could be translated as "box" or "chest" or "container."
When choosing a term to translate "ark," it is important in each context to consider what size it is and what it is being used for.

(See also: ark of the covenant, basket)

Bible References:

1 Peter 03:20
Exodus 16:33-36
Exodus 30:06
Genesis 08:4-5
Luke 17:27
Matthew 24:37-39

Word Data:

Strong's: H727, H8392, G2787

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ark, chest

ark

Related Ideas:

chest

Definition:

The term "ark" literally refers to a rectangular wooden box that is made to hold or protect something. An ark can be large or small, depending on what it is being used for.

In the English Bible, the word "ark" is first used to refer to the very large, rectangular, wooden boat that Noah built to escape the worldwide flood. The ark had a flat bottom, a roof, and walls.
Ways to translate this term could include "very large boat" or "barge" or "cargo ship" or "large, box-shaped boat."
The Hebrew word that is used to refer to this huge boat is the same word used for the basket or box that held baby Moses when his mother put him in the Nile River to hide him. In that case it is usually translated as "basket."
In the phrase "ark of the covenant," a different Hebrew word is used for "ark." This could be translated as "box" or "chest" or "container."
When choosing a term to translate "ark," it is important in each context to consider what size it is and what it is being used for.

(See also: ark of the covenant, basket)

Bible References:

1 Peter 03:20
Exodus 16:33-36
Exodus 30:06
Genesis 08:4-5
Luke 17:27
Matthew 24:37-39

Word Data:

Strong's: H727, H8392, G2787

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ark, chest

authority

Related Ideas:

authority to judge, place in charge, put in charge, right

Definition:

The term "authority" refers to the power of influence and control that someone has over someone else.

Kings and other governing rulers have authority over the people they are ruling.
The word "authorities" can refer to people, governments, or organizations that have authority over others.
The word "authorities" can also refer to spirit beings who have power over people who have not submitted themselves to God’s authority.
Masters have authority over their servants or slaves. Parents have authority over their children.
Governments have the authority or right to make laws that govern their citizens.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "authority" can also be translated as "control" or "right" or "qualifications."
Sometimes "authority" is used with the meaning of "power."
When "authorities" is used to refer to people or organizations who rule people, it could also be translated as "leaders" or "rulers" or "powers."
The phrase "by his own authority" could also be translated as, "with his own right to lead" or "based on his own qualifications."
The expression, "under authority" could be translated as, "responsible to obey" or "having to obey others' commands."

(See also: citizen, command, obey, power, ruler)

Bible References:

Colossians 02:10
Esther 09:29
Genesis 41:35
Jonah 03:6-7
Luke 12:05
Luke 20:1-2
Mark 01:22
Matthew 08:09
Matthew 28:19
Titus 03:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H2940, H4475, H4910, H4915, H6486, H6666, H6680, H7980, H7990, H8633, G831, G1413, G1849, G1850, G2003, G2525, G2715, G2917, G2963, G5247

Forms Found in the English ULB:

authorities, authority, authority to judge, places ... in charge, put ... in charge, puts ... in charge, right, was ... in charge, were ... in charge

believe

Related Ideas:

be persuaded, belief, believer, have faith, persuade, persuasive

Definition:

The terms "believe" and "believe in" are closely related, but have slightly different meanings:

believe
- To believe something is to accept or trust that it is true.
- To believe someone is to acknowledge that what that person has said is true.
- To persuade someone is to get that person to believe that something is true.
believe in
- To "believe in" someone means to "trust in" that person. It means to trust that the person is who he says he is, that he always speaks the truth, and that he will do what he has promised to do.
- When a person truly believes in something, he will act in such a way that shows that belief.
- The phrase "have faith in" usually has the same meaning as "believe in."
- To "believe in Jesus" means to believe that he is the Son of God, that he is God himself who also became human and who died as a sacrifice to pay for our sins. It means to trust him as Savior and live in a way that honors him.

In the Bible, the term "believer" refers to someone who believes in and relies on Jesus Christ as Savior.

The term "believer" literally means "person who believes."
The term "Christian" eventually came to be the main title for believers because it indicates that they believe in Christ and obey his teachings.

The term "unbelief" refers to not believing something or someone.

In the Bible, "unbelief" refers to not believing in or not trusting in Jesus as one's Savior.
A person who does not believe in Jesus is called an "unbeliever."

Translation Suggestions:

Translating "believe" and "believe in":

To "believe" could be translated as to "know to be true" or "know to be right."
To "believe in" could be translated as "trust completely" or "trust and obey" or "completely rely on and follow."

Translating "believer":

Some translations may prefer to say "believer in Jesus" or "believer in Christ."
This term could also be translated by a word or phrase that means "person who trusts in Jesus" or "someone who knows Jesus and lives for him."
Other ways to translate "believer" could be "follower of Jesus" or "person who knows and obeys Jesus."
The term "believer" is a general term for any believer in Christ, while "disciple" and "apostle" were used more specifically for people who knew Jesus while he was alive. It is best to translate these terms in different ways, in order to keep them distinct.

Translating "unbelief" and "unbeliever":

Other ways to translate "unbelief" could include "lack of faith" or "not believing."
The term "unbeliever" could be translated as "person who does not believe in Jesus" or "someone who does not trust in Jesus as Savior."

(See also: believe, apostle, Christian, disciple, faith, trust)

Bible References:

Genesis 15:06
Genesis 45:26
Job 09:16-18
Habakkuk 01:5-7
Mark 06:4-6
Mark 01:14-15
Luke 09:41
John 01:12
Acts 06:05
Acts 09:42
Acts 28:23-24
Romans 03:03
1 Corinthians 06:01
1 Corinthians 09:05
2 Corinthians 06:15
Hebrews 03:12
1 John 03:23

Word Data:

Strong's: H539, H3948, H6601, G544, G569, G3982, G4100, G4102, G4103

Forms Found in the English ULB:

am persuaded, belief, believe, believed, believer, believers, believes, believing, has faith, persuade, persuaded, persuading, persuasiveness, were persuaded

beloved

Related Ideas:

dear, lovely, treasured

Definition:

The term "beloved" is an expression of affection that describes someone who is loved and dear to someone else.

The term "beloved" literally means "loved (one)" or "(who is) loved."
God refers to Jesus as his "beloved Son."
In their letters to Christian churches, the apostles frequently address their fellow believers as "beloved."
Something or someone who is "lovely" attracts the love and good desires of others.

Translation Suggestions:

This term could also be translated as "loved" or "loved one" or "well-loved," or "very dear."
In the context of talking about a close friend, this could be translated as "my dear friend" or "my close friend." In English it is natural to say "my dear friend, Paul" or "Paul, who is my dear friend." Other languages may find it more natural to order this in a different way.
Note that the word "beloved" comes from the word for God's love, which is unconditional, unselfish, and sacrificial.

(See also: love)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 04:14
1 John 03:02
1 John 04:07
Mark 01:11
Mark 12:06
Revelation 20:09
Romans 16:08
Song of Solomon 01:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H157, H1730, H2532, H3033, H3039, H4261, G25, G26, G27, G5207

Forms Found in the English ULB:

beloved, dear, lovely, treasured

beloved

Related Ideas:

dear, lovely, treasured

Definition:

The term "beloved" is an expression of affection that describes someone who is loved and dear to someone else.

The term "beloved" literally means "loved (one)" or "(who is) loved."
God refers to Jesus as his "beloved Son."
In their letters to Christian churches, the apostles frequently address their fellow believers as "beloved."
Something or someone who is "lovely" attracts the love and good desires of others.

Translation Suggestions:

This term could also be translated as "loved" or "loved one" or "well-loved," or "very dear."
In the context of talking about a close friend, this could be translated as "my dear friend" or "my close friend." In English it is natural to say "my dear friend, Paul" or "Paul, who is my dear friend." Other languages may find it more natural to order this in a different way.
Note that the word "beloved" comes from the word for God's love, which is unconditional, unselfish, and sacrificial.

(See also: love)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 04:14
1 John 03:02
1 John 04:07
Mark 01:11
Mark 12:06
Revelation 20:09
Romans 16:08
Song of Solomon 01:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H157, H1730, H2532, H3033, H3039, H4261, G25, G26, G27, G5207

Forms Found in the English ULB:

beloved, dear, lovely, treasured

blemish

Related Ideas:

defect, unblemished

Definitions:

The term "blemish" refers to a physical defect or imperfection on an animal or person. It can also refer to spiritual imperfections and faults in people.

For certain sacrifices, God instructed the Israelites to offer an animal with no blemishes or defects.
This is a picture of how Jesus Christ was the perfect sacrifice, without any sin.
Believers in Christ have been cleansed from their sin by his blood and are considered to be without blemish.
Ways to translate this term could include "defect" or "imperfection" or "sin," depending on the context.
Something that is "unblemished" does not have any blemishes or defects.

(See also: believe, clean, sacrifice, sin)

Bible References:

1 Peter 01:19
2 Peter 02:13
Deuteronomy 15:19-21
Numbers 06:13-15
Song of Solomon 04:07

Word Data:

Strong's: H3971, H8400, H8549, G299, G3470

Forms Found in the English ULB:

blemish, blemishes, defect, unblemished

boast

Related Ideas:

boastful

Definition:

The term "boast" means to talk proudly about something or someone. Often it means to brag about oneself.

Someone who is "boastful" talks about himself in a proud way.
God rebuked the Israelites for "boasting in" their idols. They arrogantly worshiped false gods instead of the true God.
The Bible also talks about people boasting in such things as their wealth, their strength, their fruitful fields, and their laws. This means that they were proud about these things and did not acknowledge that God is the one who provided these things.
God urged the Israelites to instead "boast" or be proud about the fact that they know him.
The apostle Paul also talks about boasting in the Lord, which means being glad and thankful to God for all he has done for them.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate "boast" could include "brag" or "talk proudly" or "be proud."
The term "boastful" could be translated by a word or phrase that means "full of prideful talk" or "prideful" or "talking proudly about oneself."
In the context of boasting in or about knowing God, this could be translated as "take pride in" or "exalt in" or "be very glad about" or "give thanks to God about."
Some languages have two words for "pride": one that is negative, with the meaning of being arrogant, and the other that is positive, with the meaning of taking pride in one's work, family, or country.

Translation Suggestions:

(See also: proud)

Bible References:

1 Kings 20:11
2 Timothy 03:1-4
James 03:14
James 04:15-17
Psalms 044:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H1984, H3235, H6286, G212, G213, G1461, G2620, G2744, G2745, G2746, G3166

Forms Found in the English ULB:

boast, boasted, boastful, boasting, boasts, reason for boasting

body

Related Ideas:

bodily, body of Christ, carcass, corpse

Definition:

The term "body" literally refers to the physical body of a person or animal. This term is also used figuratively to refer to an object or whole group that has individual members.

Often the term "body" refers to a dead person. Sometimes this is referred to as a "dead body" or a "corpse." The dead body of an animal is called a "carcass."
When Jesus said to the disciples at his last Passover meal, "This (bread) is my body," he was referring to his physical body that would be "broken" (killed) to pay for their sins.
In the Bible, Christians as a group are referred to as the "body of Christ." Just as a physical body has many parts, the "body of Christ" has many individual members. Each individual believer has a special function in the body of Christ to help the whole group work together to serve God and bring him glory.
- Jesus is also referred to as the "head" (leader) of the "body" of his believers. Just as a person's head tells his body what to do, so Jesus is the one who guides and directs Christians as members of his "body."

Translation Suggestions:

The best way to translate this term would be with the word that is most commonly used to refer to a physical body in the project language. Make sure that the word used is not an offensive term.
When referring collectively to believers, for some languages it may be more natural and accurate to say "spiritual body of Christ."
When Jesus says, "This is my body," it is best to translate this literally, with a note to explain it if needed.
Some languages may have a separate word when referring to a dead body, such as "corpse" for a person or "carcass" for an animal. Make sure the word used to translate this makes sense in the context and is acceptable.

(See also: head, spirit)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 10:12
1 Corinthians 05:05
Ephesians 04:04
Judges 14:08
Numbers 06:6-8
Psalm 031:09
Romans 12:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H990, H1320, H1472, H1480, H1655, H3409, H4191, H5038, H5315, H6297, H7607, G4430, G4561, G4954, G4983

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bodies, bodily, body, carcass, carcasses, corpse, corpses

brother

Related Ideas:

brotherhood

Definition:

The term "brother" usually refers to a male person who shares at least one biological parent with another person.

In the Old Testament, the term "brothers" is also used as a general reference to relatives, such as members of the same tribe, clan, or people group.
In the New Testament, the apostles often used "brothers" to refer to fellow Christians, including both men and women, since all believers in Christ are members of one spiritual family, with God as their heavenly Father.
A few times in the New Testament, the apostles used the term "sister" when referring specifically to a fellow Christian who was a woman, or to emphasize that both men and women are being included. For example, James emphasizes that he is talking about all believers when he refers to "a brother or sister who is in need of food or clothing."

Translation Suggestions:

It is best to translate this term with the literal word that is used in the target language to refer to a natural or biological brother, unless this would give wrong meaning.
In the Old Testament especially, when "brothers" is used very generally to refer to members of the same family, clan, or people group, possible translations could include "relatives" or "clan members" or "fellow Israelites."
In the context of referring to a fellow believer in Christ, this term could be translated as "brother in Christ" or "spiritual brother."
If both males and females are being referred to and "brother" would give a wrong meaning, then a more general kinship term could be used that would include both males and females.
Other ways to translate this term so that it refers to both male and female believers could be "fellow believers" or "Christian brothers and sisters."
Make sure to check the context to determine whether only men are being referred to, or whether both men and women are included.

(See also: apostle, God the Father, sister, spirit)

Bible References:

Acts 07:26
Genesis 29:10
Leviticus 19:17
Nehemiah 03:01
Philippians 04:21
Revelation 01:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H251, H252, H264, H1730, H2993, H7453, G80, G81, G2385, G2500, G4613, G5360, G5569

Forms Found in the English ULB:

brother, brother's, brotherhood, brothers, brothers'

brother

Related Ideas:

brotherhood

Definition:

The term "brother" usually refers to a male person who shares at least one biological parent with another person.

In the Old Testament, the term "brothers" is also used as a general reference to relatives, such as members of the same tribe, clan, or people group.
In the New Testament, the apostles often used "brothers" to refer to fellow Christians, including both men and women, since all believers in Christ are members of one spiritual family, with God as their heavenly Father.
A few times in the New Testament, the apostles used the term "sister" when referring specifically to a fellow Christian who was a woman, or to emphasize that both men and women are being included. For example, James emphasizes that he is talking about all believers when he refers to "a brother or sister who is in need of food or clothing."

Translation Suggestions:

It is best to translate this term with the literal word that is used in the target language to refer to a natural or biological brother, unless this would give wrong meaning.
In the Old Testament especially, when "brothers" is used very generally to refer to members of the same family, clan, or people group, possible translations could include "relatives" or "clan members" or "fellow Israelites."
In the context of referring to a fellow believer in Christ, this term could be translated as "brother in Christ" or "spiritual brother."
If both males and females are being referred to and "brother" would give a wrong meaning, then a more general kinship term could be used that would include both males and females.
Other ways to translate this term so that it refers to both male and female believers could be "fellow believers" or "Christian brothers and sisters."
Make sure to check the context to determine whether only men are being referred to, or whether both men and women are included.

(See also: apostle, God the Father, sister, spirit)

Bible References:

Acts 07:26
Genesis 29:10
Leviticus 19:17
Nehemiah 03:01
Philippians 04:21
Revelation 01:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H251, H252, H264, H1730, H2993, H7453, G80, G81, G2385, G2500, G4613, G5360, G5569

Forms Found in the English ULB:

brother, brother's, brotherhood, brothers, brothers'

call

Related Ideas:

appeal to, invite, summon

Definition:

The terms "call to" and "call out" mean to say something loudly to someone who is not nearby. To "call" someone means to summon that person. There are also some other meanings.

To "call out" to someone means to shout or speak loudly to someone far away. It can also mean to ask someone for help, especially God.
Often in the Bible, "call" has a meaning of "summon" or "command to come" or "request to come."
God calls people to come to him and be his people. This is their "calling."
When God "calls" people, it means that God has appointed or chosen people to be his children, to be his servants and proclaimers of his message of salvation through Jesus.
This term is also used in the context of naming someone. For example, "His name is called John," means, "He is named John" or "His name is John."
To be "called by the name of" means that someone is given the name of someone else. God says that he has called his people by his name.
A different expression, "I have called you by name" means that God has specifically chosen that person.
To appeal to someone is to ask someone to do something.
To invite someone is to ask them to do something that they might like to do.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "call" could be translated by a word that means "summon," which includes the idea of being intentional or purposeful in calling.
The expression "call out to you" could be translated as "ask you for help" or "pray to you urgently."
When the Bible says that God has "called" us to be his servants, this could be translated as, "specially chose us" or "appointed us" to be his servants.
"You must call his name" can also be translated as, "you must name him."
"His name is called" could also be translated as, "his name is" or "he is named."
To "call out" could be translated as, "say loudly" or "shout" or "say with a loud voice." Make sure the translation of this does not sound like the person is angry.
The expression "your calling" could be translated as "your purpose" or "God's purpose for you" or "God's special work for you."
To "call on the name of the Lord" could be translated as "seek the Lord and depend on him" or "trust in the Lord and obey him."
To "call on" an official is to tell him to do what he is supposed to do as part of his job.
To "call for" something could be translated by "demand" or "ask for" or "command."
The expression "you are called by my name" could be translated as, "I have given you my name, showing that you belong to me."
When God says, "I have called you by name," this could be translated as, "I know you and have chosen you."

(See also: pray)

Bible References:

1 Kings 18:24
1 Thessalonians 04:07
2 Timothy 01:09
Ephesians 04:01
Galatians 01:15
Matthew 02:15
Philippians 03:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H2199, H3259, H4744, H6817, H7121, H7123, H7769, H7773, G154, G1528, G1793, G1941, G1951, G2028, G2046, G2564, G2821, G2822, G2840, G2919, G3004, G3106, G3333, G3343, G3603, G3686, G3687, G3870, G4341, G4377, G4779, G4867, G5455, G5537, G5581

Forms Found in the English ULB:

appeal to, appealed to, appealing to, call, called, called on, called out, calling, calling out, calls, calls out, invite, invited, summon, summoned, summoning

call

Related Ideas:

appeal to, invite, summon

Definition:

The terms "call to" and "call out" mean to say something loudly to someone who is not nearby. To "call" someone means to summon that person. There are also some other meanings.

To "call out" to someone means to shout or speak loudly to someone far away. It can also mean to ask someone for help, especially God.
Often in the Bible, "call" has a meaning of "summon" or "command to come" or "request to come."
God calls people to come to him and be his people. This is their "calling."
When God "calls" people, it means that God has appointed or chosen people to be his children, to be his servants and proclaimers of his message of salvation through Jesus.
This term is also used in the context of naming someone. For example, "His name is called John," means, "He is named John" or "His name is John."
To be "called by the name of" means that someone is given the name of someone else. God says that he has called his people by his name.
A different expression, "I have called you by name" means that God has specifically chosen that person.
To appeal to someone is to ask someone to do something.
To invite someone is to ask them to do something that they might like to do.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "call" could be translated by a word that means "summon," which includes the idea of being intentional or purposeful in calling.
The expression "call out to you" could be translated as "ask you for help" or "pray to you urgently."
When the Bible says that God has "called" us to be his servants, this could be translated as, "specially chose us" or "appointed us" to be his servants.
"You must call his name" can also be translated as, "you must name him."
"His name is called" could also be translated as, "his name is" or "he is named."
To "call out" could be translated as, "say loudly" or "shout" or "say with a loud voice." Make sure the translation of this does not sound like the person is angry.
The expression "your calling" could be translated as "your purpose" or "God's purpose for you" or "God's special work for you."
To "call on the name of the Lord" could be translated as "seek the Lord and depend on him" or "trust in the Lord and obey him."
To "call on" an official is to tell him to do what he is supposed to do as part of his job.
To "call for" something could be translated by "demand" or "ask for" or "command."
The expression "you are called by my name" could be translated as, "I have given you my name, showing that you belong to me."
When God says, "I have called you by name," this could be translated as, "I know you and have chosen you."

(See also: pray)

Bible References:

1 Kings 18:24
1 Thessalonians 04:07
2 Timothy 01:09
Ephesians 04:01
Galatians 01:15
Matthew 02:15
Philippians 03:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H2199, H3259, H4744, H6817, H7121, H7123, H7769, H7773, G154, G1528, G1793, G1941, G1951, G2028, G2046, G2564, G2821, G2822, G2840, G2919, G3004, G3106, G3333, G3343, G3603, G3686, G3687, G3870, G4341, G4377, G4779, G4867, G5455, G5537, G5581

Forms Found in the English ULB:

appeal to, appealed to, appealing to, call, called, called on, called out, calling, calling out, calls, calls out, invite, invited, summon, summoned, summoning

children

Related Ideas:

child, childhood, childless

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "child" is often used to generally refer to someone who is young in age, including an infant.

The word "childhood" refers to the time that a person is a child.
The word "childless" describes a person who has no children.
The word "children" is the plural form of "child."

The words "child" and "children" also have several figurative uses.

In the Bible, disciples or followers are sometimes called "children."
Often the term "children" is used to refer to a person's descendants.
The phrase "children of" can refer to being characterized by something. Some examples of this would be:
- children of the light
- children of obedience
- children of the devil
This term can also refer to people who are like spiritual children. For example, "children of God" refers to people who belong to God through faith in Jesus.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "children" could be translated as "descendants" when it is referring to a person's great-grandchildren or great-great-grandchildren, etc.
Depending on the context, "children of" could be translated as, "people who have the characteristics of" or "people who behave like."
If possible, the phrase, "children of God" should be translated literally since an important biblical theme is that God is our heavenly Father. A possible translation alternate would be, "people who belong to God" or "God's spiritual children."
When Jesus calls his disciples "children," this could also be translated as, "dear friends" or "my beloved disciples."
When Paul and John refer to believers in Jesus as "children," this could also be translated as "dear fellow believers."
The phrase, "children of the promise" could be translated as, "people who have received what God promised them."

(See also: descendant, promise, son, spirit, believe, beloved)

Bible References:

1 John 02:28
3 John 01:04
Galatians 04:19
Genesis 45:11
Joshua 08:34-35
Nehemiah 05:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H1069, H1121, H1123, H1129, H1397, H1580, H2029, H2030, H2056, H2145, H2233, H2945, H3173, H3205, H3206, H3243, H3490, H4392, H5288, H5290, H5759, H5953, H6185, H7908, H7909, H7921, G730, G815, G1025, G1064, G3439, G3515, G3516, G3808, G3812, G3813, G3816, G4690, G5040, G5041, G5042, G5043, G5044, G5207, G5388

Forms Found in the English ULB:

child, childhood, childless, children

church

Definition:

In the New Testament, the term "church" refers to a local group of believers in Jesus who regularly met together to pray and hear God's word preached. The term "the Church" often refers to all Christians.

This term literally refers to a "called out" assembly or congregation of people who meet together for a special purpose.
When this term is used to refer to all believers everywhere in the whole body of Christ, some Bible translations capitalize the first letter ("Church") to distinguish it from the local church.
Often the believers in a particular city would meet together in someone's home. These local churches were given the name of the city such as the "church at Ephesus."
In the Bible, "church" does not refer to a building.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "church" could be translated as a "gathering together" or "assembly" or "congregation" or "ones who meet together."
The word or phrase that is used to translate this term should also be able to refer to all believers, not just one small group.
Make sure that the translation of "church" does not just refer to a building.
The term used to translate "assembly" in the Old Testament could also be used to translate this term.
Also consider how it is translated in a local or national Bible translation.

(See also: assembly, believe, Christian)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 05:12
1 Thessalonians 02:14
1 Timothy 03:05
Acts 09:31
Acts 14:23
Acts 15:41
Colossians 04:15
Ephesians 05:23
Matthew 16:18
Philippians 04:15

Word Data:

Strong's: G1577

Forms Found in the English ULB:

church, churches

condemn

Related Ideas:

condemnation, denounce, sentence, sentence of condemnation, sentenced to death

Definition:

The terms "condemn" and "condemnation" refer to judging someone for doing something wrong.

Often the word "condemn" includes punishing that person for what they did wrong.
Sometimes "condemn" means to falsely accuse someone or to judge someone harshly.
To "denounce" someone is to say that he is guilty of great evil.
The term "condemnation" refers to the act of condemning or accusing someone. The word "judgment" means the same as "condemnation."

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, this term could be translated as "harshly judge" or "criticize falsely."
The phrase "condemn him" could be translated as,"judge that he is guilty" or "state that he must be punished for his sin."
The term "condemnation" could be translated as, "harsh judging" or "declaring to be guilty" or "punishment of guilt."

(See also: judge, punish)

Bible References:

1 John 03:20
Job 09:29
John 05:24
Luke 06:37
Matthew 12:07
Proverbs 17:15-16
Psalms 034:22
Romans 05:16

Word Data:

Strong's: H816, H6600, H7561, H8199, H8381, G843, G1349, H1882, G1935, G2607, G2613, G2631, G2632, G2633, G2917, G2919, G2920

Forms Found in the English ULB:

condemn, condemnation, condemned, condemning, condemns, denounce, sentence, sentence of condemnation, sentenced to death

darkness

Related Ideas:

dark, darken, gloom

Definition:

The terms "darkness" and "gloom" literally means an absence of light. There are also several figurative meanings of these terms:

As a metaphor, "darkness" means "impurity" or "evil" or "spiritual blindness."
It also refers to anything related to sin and moral corruption.
The expression "dominion of darkness" refers to all that is evil and ruled by Satan.
The term "darkness" can also be used as a metaphor for death.
People who do not know God are said to be "living in darkness," which means they do not understand or practice righteousness.
God is light (righteousness) and the darkness (evil) cannot overcome that light.
The place of punishment for those who reject God is sometimes referred to as "outer darkness."
The term "gloom" can be used as a metaphor for sadness.

Translation Suggestions:

It is best to translate this term literally, with a word in the project language that refers to the absence of light. This could also be a term that refers to the darkness of a room with no light or to the time of day when there is no light.
For the figurative uses, it is also important to keep the image of darkness in contrast to light, as a way to describe evil and deception in contrast to goodness and truth.
Depending on the context, other ways to translate this could be, "darkness of night" (as opposed to "light of day") or "not seeing anything, like at night" or "evil, like a dark place".

(See also: corrupt, dominion, kingdom, light, redeem, righteous)

Bible References:

1 John 01:06
1 John 02:08
1 Thessalonians 05:05
2 Samuel 22:12
Colossians 01:13
Isaiah 05:30
Jeremiah 13:16
Joshua 24:7
Matthew 08:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H652, H653, H2816, H2821, H2822, H2825, H3990, H3991, H4285, H5890, H6205, H6751, H6937, G2217, G4652, G4653, G4654, G4655, G4656

Forms Found in the English ULB:

dark, darken, darkened, darker, darkness, gloom, thick darkness, turned dark

day

Related Ideas:

daily, daytime, morning, today

Definition:

The term "day" literally refers to a period of time lasting 24 hours beginning at sundown. It is also used figuratively.

For the Israelites and the Jews, a day began at sunset of one day and ended at sunset of the next day.
Sometimes the term "day" is used figuratively to refer to a longer period of time, such as the "day of Yahweh" or "last days."
Some languages will use a different expression to translate these figurative uses or will translate "day" nonfiguratively.
Other translations of "day" could include, "time" or "season" or "occasion" or "event," depending on the context.

(See also: judgment day, last day)

Bible References:

Acts 20:06
Daniel 10:04
Ezra 06:15
Ezra 06:19
Matthew 09:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H3117, H3118, H3119, H6242, G2250, G4594

Forms Found in the English ULB:

daily, day, day's, days, days', daytime, morning, today

defile

Related Ideas:

pollute, pollution, stain

Definition:

The terms "defile" and "be defiled" refer to becoming polluted or dirty. Something can be defiled in a physical, moral, or ritual sense.

God warned the Israelites to not defile themselves by eating or touching things that he had declared as "unclean" and "unholy."
Certain things such as dead bodies and contagious diseases were declared by God to be unclean and would defile a person if they touched them.
God commanded the Israelites to avoid sexual sins. These would defile them and make them unacceptable to God.
There were also certain kinds of bodily processes that defiled a person temporarily until he could become ritually pure again.
A "stain" is a dirty mark that is hard to clean.
In the New Testament, Jesus taught that sinful thoughts and actions are what truly defile a person.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "defile" can also be translated as "cause to be unclean" or "cause to be unrighteous" or "cause to be ritually unacceptable."
To "be defiled" could be translated as "become unclean" or "be caused to be morally unacceptable (to God)" or "become ritually unacceptable."

(See also: clean, clean)

Bible References:

2 Kings 23:08
Exodus 20:24-26
Genesis 34:27
Genesis 49:04
Isaiah 43:27-28
Leviticus 11:43-45
Mark 07:14-16
Matthew 15:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H1351, H1352, H1602, H2490, H2491, H2610, H2930, H2931, G2839, G2840, G3392, G3435, G4695

Forms Found in the English ULB:

are defiled, be defiled, defile, defiled, defiles, defiling, polluted, pollutes, pollution, stain, stained, was defiled, were defiled

destroy

Related Ideas:

break down, bring ... to nothing, destruction, remove, cut to pieces, demolish, destroyer, destructive, downfall, overthrow, pass away, put an end to, shatter, spoil, throw down, waste away

Definition:

To destroy something is to completely make an end to it, so that it no longer exists.

The term "destroyer" literally means "person who destroys."
This term is often used in the Old Testament as a general reference to anyone who destroys other people, such as an invading army.
When God sent the angel to kill all the firstborn males in Egypt, that angel was referred to as "the destroyer of the firstborn." This could be translated as "the one (or angel) who killed the firstborn males."
In the book of Revelation about the end times, Satan or some other evil spirit is called "the Destroyer." He is the "one who destroys" because his purpose is to destroy and ruin everything God created.
The word "overthrown" is a metaphor that speaks of a ruler or a great city as if it were a person sitting or standing on a high place whom another person has pushed off of the high place and who is now lying helpless.

(See also: angel, Egypt, firstborn, Passover)

Bible References:

Exodus 12:23
Hebrews 11:28
Jeremiah 06:26
Judges 16:24

Word Data:

Strong's: H6, H7, H8, H622, H398, H1104, H1197, H1760, H1820, H1826, H1942, H2015, H2026, H2040, H2254, H2255, H2717, H2718, H2763, H2764, H2865, H3238, H3341, H3381, H3423, H3582, H3615, H3617, H3772, H3807, H3832, H4191, H4229, H4288, H4591, H4658, H4889, H5218, H5221, H5307, H5362, H5420, H5422, H5428, H5486, H5487, H5493, H5595, H5642, H5674, H6365, H6789, H6979, H7665, H7112, H7701, H7703, H7722, H7760, H7843, H7921, H8045, H8074, H8077, H8213, H8552, G355, G396, G622, G853, G684, G1311, G1842, G2049, G2506, G2507, G2647, G2704, G3089, G3639, G3645, G4199, G5351, G5356

Forms Found in the English ULB:

an end is put to, be destroyed, break ... down, breaking ... down, breaks ... down, bring ... to nothing, broke to pieces, broken, broken to pieces, brought ... down, brought ... to nothing, complete destruction, completely destroy, completely destroyed, crashing sound, cut ... to pieces, cut into pieces, cuts ... into pieces, demolish, destroy, destroy ... completely, destroyed, destroyer, destroyers, destroying, destroys, destruction, destructive, downfall, overthrew, overthrown, pass away, put an end to, shatter, shattered, shattering, spoil, throw down, throws ... down, thrown down, wasting away

dominion

Related Ideas:

control, dominate, subjugate

Definition:

The term "dominion" refers to power, control, or authority over people, animals, or land.

Jesus Christ is said to have dominion over all the earth, as prophet, priest, and king.
Satan's dominion has been defeated forever by Jesus Christ's death on the cross.
At creation, God said that man is to have dominion over fish, birds, and all creatures on the earth.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, other ways to translate this term could include "authority" or "power" or "control."
The phrase "have dominion over" could be translated as "rule over" or "manage."

(See also: authority, power)

Bible References:

1 Peter 05:10-11
Colossians 01:13
Jude 01:25

Word Data:

Strong's: H4474, H4475, H4910, G4912, H4915, H7287, H7985, G1849, G2634, G2904, G2963

Forms Found in the English ULB:

control, controls, dominate, dominion, dominions, subjugate

dream

Related Ideas:

dreamer

Definition:

A dream is something that people see or experience in their minds while they are sleeping.

Dreams often seem like they are really happening, but they are not.
Sometimes God causes people to dream about something so they can learn from it. He may also speak directly to people in their dreams.
In the Bible, God gave special dreams to certain people to give them a message, often about something that would happen in the future.
A dream is different from a vision. Dreams happen while a person is asleep, but visions usually happen when a person is awake.

(See also: vision)

Bible References:

Acts 02:16-17
Daniel 01:17-18
Daniel 02:01
Genesis 37:06
Genesis 40:4-5
Matthew 02:13
Matthew 02:19-21

Word Data:

Strong's: H1957, H2472, H2492, H2493, G1797, G1798, G3677

Forms Found in the English ULB:

dream, dreamed, dreamer, dreamers, dreaming, dreams

elder

Definition:

Elders are spiritually mature men who have responsibilities of spiritual and practical leadership among God's people.

The term "elder" came from the fact that elders were originally older men who, because of their age and experience, had greater wisdom.
In the Old Testament, the elders helped lead the Israelites in matters of social justice and the Law of Moses.
In the New Testament, Jewish elders continued to be leaders in their communities and also were judges for the people.
In the early Christian churches, Christian elders gave spiritual leadership to the local assemblies of believers.
Elders in these churches included young men who were spiritually mature.
This term could be translated as "older men" or "spiritually mature men leading the church."

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 11:1-3
1 Timothy 03:1-3
1 Timothy 04:14
Acts 05:19-21
Acts 14:23
Mark 11:28
Matthew 21:23-24

Word Data:

Strong's: H1419, H2205, H7868, G1087, G3187, G4244, G4245, G4850

Forms Found in the English ULB:

elder, elders

evil

Related Ideas:

deal violently, displeasing, evil actions, evil deeds, evil plans, fraudulent, harm, harmful, violate, violence, violent, wicked, wicked deeds, wickedly, wickedness, wretched, wretchedly

Definition:

The terms "evil" and "wicked" both refer to anything that is opposed to God's holy character and will.

While "evil" may describe a person's character, "wicked" may refer more to a person's behavior. However, both terms are very similar in meaning.
The term "wickedness" refers to the state of being that exists when people do wicked things.
The results of evil are clearly shown in how people mistreat others by killing, stealing, slandering and being cruel and unkind.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, the terms "evil" and "wicked" can be translated as "bad" or "sinful" or "immoral."
Other ways to translate these could include "not good" or "not righteous" or "not moral."
Make sure the words or phrases that are used to translate these terms fit the context that is natural in the target language.

(See also: disobey, sin, good, righteous, demon)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 24:11
1 Timothy 06:10
3 John 01:10
Genesis 02:17
Genesis 06:5-6
Job 01:01
Job 08:20
Judges 09:57
Luke 06:22-23
Matthew 07:11-12
Proverbs 03:07
Psalms 022:16-17

Word Data:

Strong's: H205, H1100, H1431, H1681, H1942, H2154, H2554, H2555, H5765, H2162, H2248, H2254, H3238, H3399, H3415, H4849, H5753, H5766, H5767, H5771, H5807, H5999, H6090, H6184, H6293, H7451, H7455, H7489, H7561, H7562, H7563, H7564, H7701, H8133, G92, G93, G94, G932, G983, G984, G987, G988, G2549, G2551, G2554, G2555, G2556, G2559, G2560, G2635, G2636, G4151, G4189, G4190, G4191, G4550, G5337

Forms Found in the English ULB:

deal violently, deal worse, displeasing, do ... evil, do ... violence, done ... violence, evil, evil actions, evil deeds, evil plans, evils, fraudulent, harm, harmful, violate, violated, violates, violence, violent, wicked, wicked deeds, wickedly, wickedness, wretched, wretchedly, wretches

evil

Related Ideas:

deal violently, displeasing, evil actions, evil deeds, evil plans, fraudulent, harm, harmful, violate, violence, violent, wicked, wicked deeds, wickedly, wickedness, wretched, wretchedly

Definition:

The terms "evil" and "wicked" both refer to anything that is opposed to God's holy character and will.

While "evil" may describe a person's character, "wicked" may refer more to a person's behavior. However, both terms are very similar in meaning.
The term "wickedness" refers to the state of being that exists when people do wicked things.
The results of evil are clearly shown in how people mistreat others by killing, stealing, slandering and being cruel and unkind.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, the terms "evil" and "wicked" can be translated as "bad" or "sinful" or "immoral."
Other ways to translate these could include "not good" or "not righteous" or "not moral."
Make sure the words or phrases that are used to translate these terms fit the context that is natural in the target language.

(See also: disobey, sin, good, righteous, demon)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 24:11
1 Timothy 06:10
3 John 01:10
Genesis 02:17
Genesis 06:5-6
Job 01:01
Job 08:20
Judges 09:57
Luke 06:22-23
Matthew 07:11-12
Proverbs 03:07
Psalms 022:16-17

Word Data:

Strong's: H205, H1100, H1431, H1681, H1942, H2154, H2554, H2555, H5765, H2162, H2248, H2254, H3238, H3399, H3415, H4849, H5753, H5766, H5767, H5771, H5807, H5999, H6090, H6184, H6293, H7451, H7455, H7489, H7561, H7562, H7563, H7564, H7701, H8133, G92, G93, G94, G932, G983, G984, G987, G988, G2549, G2551, G2554, G2555, G2556, G2559, G2560, G2635, G2636, G4151, G4189, G4190, G4191, G4550, G5337

Forms Found in the English ULB:

evildoer

Related Ideas:

do harm, do evil, harmed, work out evil

Definition:

The term "evildoer" is a general reference to people who do sinful and wicked things.

It can also be a general word for people who do not obey God.
This term could be translated using the word for "evil" or "wicked," with the word for "doing" or "making" or "causing" something.

(See also: evil)

Bible References:

1 Peter 02:13-17
Isaiah 09:16-17
Luke 13:25-27
Malachi 03:13-15
Matthew 07:21-23

Word Data:

Strong's: H205, H3637, H6213, H6466, H7451, H7489, G93, G458, G2038, G2040, G2554, G2555

Forms Found in the English ULB:

did ... harm, do ... harm, doing evil, doing harm, evildoer, evildoers, harmed, work out evil

exhort

Related Ideas:

exhortation, urge

Definition:

The term "exhort" means to strongly encourage and urge someone to do what is right. Such encouragement is called "exhortation."

The purpose of exhortation is to persuade other people to avoid sin and follow God's will.
The New Testament teaches Christians to exhort each other in love, not harshly or abruptly.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "exhort" could also be translated as "strongly urge" or "persuade" or "advise."
Make sure the translation of this term does not imply that the exhorter is angry. The term should convey strength and seriousness, but should not refer to angry speech.
In most contexts, the term "exhort" should be translated differently than "encourage," which means to inspire, reassure, or comfort someone.
Usually this term will also be translated differently from "admonish," which means to warn or correct someone for his wrong behavior.

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 02:3-4
1 Thessalonians 02:12
1 Timothy 05:02
Luke 03:18

Word Data:

Strong's: H5927, H6484, G3867, G3870, G3874

Forms Found in the English ULB:

exhort, exhortation, exhortations, exhorted, exhorting, urge, urged

face

Related Ideas:

before, facedown, facial, presence, surface

Definition:

The word "face" literally refers to the front part of a person's head. This term also has several figurative meanings.

The expression "your face" is often a figurative way of saying "you." Similarly, the expression "my face" often means "I" or "me."
In a physical sense, to "face" someone or something means to look in the direction of that person or thing.
To "face each other" means to "look directly at each other."
Being "face to face" means that two people are seeing each other in person, at a close distance.
When Jesus "steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem," it means that he very firmly decided to go.
To "set one's face against" people or a city means to firmly decide to no longer support, or to reject that city or person.
The expression "face of the land" refers to the surface of the earth and often is a general reference to the whole earth. For example, a "famine covering the face of the earth" refers to a widespread famine affecting many people living on earth.
The figurative expression "do not hide your face from your people" means "do not reject your people" or "do not desert your people" or "do not stop taking care of your people."

Translation Suggestions:

If possible, it is best to keep the expression or use an expression in the project language that has a similar meaning.
The term to "face" could be translated as to "turn toward" or to "look at directly" or to "look at the face of."
The expression "face to face" could be translated as "up close" or "right in front of" or "in the presence of."
Depending on the context, the expression "before his face" could be translated as "ahead of him" or "in front of him" or "before him" or "in his presence."
The expression "set his face toward" could be translated as "began traveling toward" or "firmly made up his mind to go to."
The expression "hide his face from" could be translated as "turn away from" or "stop helping or protecting" or "reject."
To "set his face against" a city or people could be translated as "look at with anger and condemn" or "refuse to accept" or "decide to reject" or "condemn and reject" or "pass judgment on."
The expression "say it to their face" could be translated as "say it to them directly" or "say it to them in their presence" or "say it to them in person."
The expression "on the face of the land" could also be translated as "throughout the land" or "over the whole earth" or "living throughout the earth."

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 05:04
Genesis 33:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H600, H639, H2122, H6440, H8389, G3799, G4383, G4750

Forms Found in the English ULB:

before, face, faced, facedown, faces, facial, facing, presence, surface

faith

Definition:

In general, the term "faith" refers to a belief, trust or confidence in someone or something.

To "have faith" in someone is to believe that what he says and does is true and trustworthy.
To "have faith in Jesus" means to believe all of God's teachings about Jesus. It especially means that people trust in Jesus and his sacrifice to cleanse them from their sin and to rescue them from the punishment they deserve because of their sin.
True faith or belief in Jesus will cause a person to produce good spiritual fruits or behaviors because the Holy Spirit is living in him.
Sometimes "faith" refers generally to all the teachings about Jesus, as in the expression "the truths of the faith."
In contexts such as "keep the faith" or "abandon the faith," the term "faith" refers to the state or condition of believing all the teachings about Jesus.

Translation Suggestions:

In some contexts, "faith" can be translated as "belief" or "conviction" or "confidence" or "trust."
For some languages these terms will be translated using forms of the verb "believe."
The expression "keep the faith" could be translated by "keep believing in Jesus" or "continue to believe in Jesus."
The sentence "they must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith" could be translated by "they must keep believing all the true things about Jesus that they have been taught."
The expression "my true son in the faith" could be translated by something like "who is like a son to me because I taught him to believe in Jesus" or "my true spiritual son, who believes in Jesus."

(See also: believe, faithful)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 04:07
Acts 06:7
Galatians 02:20-21
James 02:20

Word Data:

Strong's: H529, H530, G1680, G3640, G4102, G4103

Forms Found in the English ULB:

faith

Definition:

In general, the term "faith" refers to a belief, trust or confidence in someone or something.

To "have faith" in someone is to believe that what he says and does is true and trustworthy.
To "have faith in Jesus" means to believe all of God's teachings about Jesus. It especially means that people trust in Jesus and his sacrifice to cleanse them from their sin and to rescue them from the punishment they deserve because of their sin.
True faith or belief in Jesus will cause a person to produce good spiritual fruits or behaviors because the Holy Spirit is living in him.
Sometimes "faith" refers generally to all the teachings about Jesus, as in the expression "the truths of the faith."
In contexts such as "keep the faith" or "abandon the faith," the term "faith" refers to the state or condition of believing all the teachings about Jesus.

Translation Suggestions:

In some contexts, "faith" can be translated as "belief" or "conviction" or "confidence" or "trust."
For some languages these terms will be translated using forms of the verb "believe."
The expression "keep the faith" could be translated by "keep believing in Jesus" or "continue to believe in Jesus."
The sentence "they must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith" could be translated by "they must keep believing all the true things about Jesus that they have been taught."
The expression "my true son in the faith" could be translated by something like "who is like a son to me because I taught him to believe in Jesus" or "my true spiritual son, who believes in Jesus."

(See also: believe, faithful)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 04:07
Acts 06:7
Galatians 02:20-21
James 02:20

Word Data:

Strong's: H529, H530, G1680, G3640, G4102, G4103

Forms Found in the English ULB:

faith

faithful

Related Ideas:

faithfully, faithfulness, reliable

Definition:

To be "faithful" to God means to consistently live according to God's teachings. It means to be loyal to him by obeying him.The state or condition of being faithful is "faithfulness."

A person who is faithful can be trusted to always keep his promises and to always fulfill his responsibilities to other people.
A faithful person perseveres in doing a task, even when it is long and difficult.
Faithfulness to God is the consistent practice of doing what God wants us to do.

The term "unfaithful" describes people who do not do what God has commanded them to do. The condition or practice of being unfaithful is "unfaithfulness."

The people of Israel were called "unfaithful" when they began to worship idols and when they disobeyed God in other ways.
In marriage, someone who commits adultery is "unfaithful" to his or her spouse.
God used the term "unfaithfulness" to describe Israel's disobedient behavior. They were not obeying God or honoring him.

Translation Suggestions:

Translating "faithful" and "faithfulness"

In many contexts, "faithful" can be translated as "loyal" or "dedicated" or "dependable."
In other contexts, "faithful" can be translated by a word or phrase that means "continuing to believe" or "persevering in believing and obeying God."
Ways that "faithfulness" could be translated could include "persevering in believing" or "loyalty" or "trustworthiness" or "believing and obeying God."

Translating "unfaithful" and "unfaithfulness"

Depending on the context, "unfaithful" could be translated as "not faithful" or "unbelieving" or "not obedient" or "not loyal."
The phrase "the unfaithful" could be translated as "people who are not faithful (to God)" or "unfaithful people" or "those who disobey God" or "people who rebel against God."
The term "unfaithfulness" could be translated as "disobedience" or "disloyalty" or "not believing or obeying."
In some languages, the term "unfaithful" is related to the word for "unbelief."

(See also: adultery, believe, disobey, faith, believe)

Bible References:

Genesis 24:49
Leviticus 26:40
Numbers 12:07
Joshua 02:14
Judges 02:16-17
1 Samuel 02:9
Psalm 012:1
Proverbs 11:12-13
Isaiah 01:26
Jeremiah 09:7-9
Hosea 05:07
Luke 12:46
Luke 16:10
Colossians 01:07
1 Thessalonians 05:24
3 John 01:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H529, H530, H539, H540, H571, H2181, H2616, H2623, H4603, H4820, G569, G4102, G4103

Forms Found in the English ULB:

faithful, faithful one, faithful people, faithfully, faithfulness, reliable, show ... self ... faithful

fear

Related Ideas:

afraid, alarmed, anxiety, coward, dismay, dread, fainthearted, fearful, fearlessly, fearsome, frighten, timid, unafraid

Definition:

The terms "fear" and "afraid" refer to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to himself or others.

The term "fear" can also refer to a deep respect and awe for a person in authority.
The phrase "fear of Yahweh," as well as related terms "fear of God" and "fear of the Lord," refer to a deep respect of God and the showing of that respect by obeying him. This fear is motivated by knowing that God is holy and hates sin.
The Bible teaches that a person who fears Yahweh will become wise.
"Anxiety" is fear about the future, what is going to happen.
To be "alarmed" is to be surprised and afraid because something bad has suddenly happened.
"Dread" is great fear.
Someone who is "timid" is afraid to act because something bad might happen as a result.
Someone who is "unafraid" is not afraid.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, to "fear" can be translated as to "be afraid" or to "deeply respect" or to "revere" or to "be in awe of."
The term "afraid" could be translated as "terrified" or "scared" or "fearful."
The sentence "The fear of God fell on all of them" could be translated as "Suddenly they all felt a deep awe and respect for God" or "Immediately, they all felt very amazed and revered God deeply" or "Right then, they all felt very afraid of God (because of his great power)."
The phrase "fear not" could also be translated as "do not be afraid" or "stop being afraid."
Note that the phrase "fear of Yahweh" does not occur in the New Testament. The phrase "fear of the Lord" or "fear of the Lord God" is used instead.

(See also: marvel, awe, Lord, power, Yahweh)

Bible References:

1 John 04:18
Acts 02:43
Acts 19:15-17
Genesis 50:21
Isaiah 11:3-5
Job 06:14
Jonah 01:09
Luke 12:05
Matthew 10:28
Proverbs 10:24-25

Word Data:

Strong's: H367, H926, H928, H1204, H1481, H1672, H1674, H1763, H2119, H2729, H2730, H2731, H2844, H2849, H2865, H3016, H3025, H3372, H3373, H3374, H4032, H4034, H4035, H4116, H4172, H6206, H6342, H6343, H6345, H6427, H7264, H7267, H7297, H7390, H7461, H7493, H8175, G870, G1167, G1168, G1169, G1568, G1630, G1719, G2125, G5398, G5399, G5401

Forms Found in the English ULB:

afraid, alarmed, anxiety, cowards, dismay, dismayed, dread, dreaded, fainthearted, fear, feared, fearful, fearful thing, fearlessly, fears, fearsome, frighten, frightened, timid, unafraid

feast

Related Ideas:

dinner

Definition:

The term "feast" refers to an event where a group of people eat a very large meal together, often for the purpose of celebrating something. The action to "feast" means to eat a large amount of food or to participate in eating a feast together.

Often there are special kinds of food that are eaten at a certain feast.
The religious festivals that God commanded the Jews to celebrate usually included having a feast together. For this reason the festivals are often called "feasts."
In Bible times, kings and other rich and powerful people often gave feasts to entertain their family or friends.
In the story about the lost son, the father had a special feast prepared to celebrate the return of his son.
A feast sometimes lasted for several days or more.
The term to "feast" could also be translated as to "eat lavishly" or to "celebrate by eating lots of food" or to "eat a special, large meal."
Depending on the context, "feast" could be translated as "celebrating together with a large meal" or "a meal with a lot of food" or "a celebration meal."

(See also: festival)

Bible References:

2 Peter 02:12-14
Genesis 26:30
Genesis 29:22
Genesis 40:20
Jude 01:12-13
Luke 02:43
Luke 14:7-9
Matthew 22:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H398, H2077, H2282, H3899, H3900, H4150, H4797, H4960, H7646, H8057, H8354, G26, G1173, G1859, G2165, G4910

Forms Found in the English ULB:

dinner, feast, feasting, feasts

fir

Definition:

A fir tree is a kind of tree that stays green all year and has cones that contain seeds.

Fir trees are also referred to as "evergreen" trees.
In ancient times, the wood of fir trees was used for making musical instruments and for building structures such as boats, houses, and the temple.
Some examples of fir trees mentioned in the Bible are pine, cedar, cypress, and juniper.

(See also: cedar, cypress)

Bible References:

Ezekiel 27:4-5
Isaiah 37:24-25
Isaiah 41:19-20
Isaiah 44:14
Isaiah 60:12-13
Psalms 104:16-18

Word Data:

Strong's: H766, H1265, H1266

Forms Found in the English ULB:

fir, firs

fir

Definition:

A fir tree is a kind of tree that stays green all year and has cones that contain seeds.

Fir trees are also referred to as "evergreen" trees.
In ancient times, the wood of fir trees was used for making musical instruments and for building structures such as boats, houses, and the temple.
Some examples of fir trees mentioned in the Bible are pine, cedar, cypress, and juniper.

(See also: cedar, cypress)

Bible References:

Ezekiel 27:4-5
Isaiah 37:24-25
Isaiah 41:19-20
Isaiah 44:14
Isaiah 60:12-13
Psalms 104:16-18

Word Data:

Strong's: H766, H1265, H1266

Forms Found in the English ULB:

fir, firs

fire

Related Ideas:

blazing, fiery, firebrands, inflame, kindle

Definition:

Fire is the heat, light, and flames that are produced when something is burned.

A fire that is "blazing" is very hot and has large flames.
A "fire brand" is a piece of burning wood.
To "set on fire" or "set fire to" something is to make it start burning with fire.
To "inflame" something is to make it start burning.
To "kindle" a fire is to start that fire burning.
The final judgment of unbelievers is in the fire of hell.

The word "fire" and ideas related to fire are also used figuratively.

The term "fire" can refer to judgment or purification.
The phrase "baptize with fire" could also be translated as "cause to experience suffering in order to be purified."
Fire is used to refine gold and other metals. In the Bible, this process is used to explain how God refines people through difficult things that happen in their lives.

(See also: pure)

Bible References:

1 Kings 16:18-20
2 Kings 01:10
2 Thessalonians 01:08
Acts 07:29-30
John 15:06
Luke 03:16
Matthew 03:12
Nehemiah 01:3

Word Data:

Strong's: H217, H398, H784, H800, H801, H1197, H1200, H1513, H1814, H2734, H2740, H3341, H3857, H4168, H5135, H6315, G439, G440, G1067, G2741, G2618, G4442, G4443, G4447, G4448, G4451, G5394, G5457

Forms Found in the English ULB:

blazing, fiery, fire, firebrands, fires, flaming, kindle, kindled, kindles, set fire to, set ... on fire, sets ... on fire

flesh

Related Ideas:

fleshly, human, living creatures, meat, physical

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "flesh" literally refers to the soft tissue of the physical body of a human being or animal.

The Bible also uses the term "flesh" in a figurative way to refer to all human beings or all living creatures.
In the New Testament, the term "flesh" can be used to talk about something that is associated with being human. For example, to decide something according to the flesh means to decide something according to human standards.
In the New Testament, the term "flesh" can be used to refer to the sinful nature of human beings. This is often used in contrast to their spiritual nature.
The expression "own flesh and blood" refers to someone who is biologically related to another person, such as a parent, sibling, child, or grandchild.
The expression "flesh and blood" can also refer to a person's ancestors or descendants.
The expression "one flesh" refers to the physical uniting of a man and woman in marriage.

Translation Suggestions:

In the context of an animal's body, "flesh" could be translated as "body" or "skin" or "meat."
When it is used to refer generally to all living creatures, this term could be translated as "living beings" or "everything that is alive."
When referring in general to all people, this term could be translated as "people" or "human beings" or "everyone who lives."
The expression "flesh and blood" could also be translated as "relatives" or "family" or "kinfolk" or "family clan." There may be contexts where it could be translated as "ancestors" or "descendants."
Some languages may have an expression that is similar in meaning to "flesh and blood."
The expression "become one flesh" could be translated as "unite sexually" or "become as one body" or "become like one person in body and spirit." The translation of this expression should be checked to make sure it is acceptable in the project language and culture. . It should also be understood that this is figurative, and does not mean that a man and a woman who "become one flesh" literally become one person.

Bible References:

1 John 02:16
2 John 01:07
Ephesians 06:12
Galatians 01:16
Genesis 02:24
John 01:14
Matthew 16:17
Romans 08:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H120, H829, H1320, H1321, H2878, H7607, H7683, G2907, G4559, G4561

Forms Found in the English ULB:

flesh, fleshly, human, humans, living creatures, meat, physical

fruit

Related Ideas:

bear fruit, crop, fruitful, produce, productive land, unfruitful

Definition:

The term "fruit" literally refers to the part of a plant that can be eaten.

A "fruitful" plant is one that has a lot of good fruit.
The expression "fruit of the land" refers generally to everything that the land produces for people to eat. This includes not only fruits such as grapes or dates, but also vegetables, nuts, and grains.
The term "crop" can refer to what people have planted for for food.
The term "crop" can refer to the food that is harvested at one time.

Sometimes the term "fruit" and ideas related to it are used figuratively.

In general, the expression "fruit of" refers to anything that comes from or that is produced by something else. For example, the "fruit of wisdom" refers to the good things that come from being wise.
The expression "fruit of the womb" refers to "what the womb produces"—that is, children.
The Bible often uses "fruit" to refer to a person's actions. Just as fruit on a tree shows what kind of tree it is, in the same way a person's words and actions reveal what his character is like.
The expression "fruit of the Spirit" refers to godly qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in the lives of people who obey him.
The term "fruitful" can be used figuratively to mean "prosperous." This often refers to having many children and descendants, as well as having plenty of food and other wealth.

Translation Suggestions:

It is best to translate this term using the general word for "fruit" that is commonly used in the project language to refer to the edible fruit of a fruit tree. In many languages it may be more natural to use the plural "fruits" whenever it refers to more than one fruit.
Depending on the context, the term "fruitful" could be translated as "producing much spiritual fruit" or "having many children" or "prosperous."
The expression "fruit of the land" could also be translated as "food that the land produces" or "food crops that are growing in that region."
When God created animals and people, he commanded them to "be fruitful and multiply," which refers to having many offspring. This could also be translated as "have many offspring" or "have many children and descendants" or "have many children so that you will have many descendants."
The expression "fruit of the womb" could be translated as "what the womb produces" or "children a women gives birth to" or just "children." When Elizabeth says to Mary "blessed is the fruit of your womb," she means "blessed is the child you will give birth to." The project language may also have a different expression for this.
Another expression "fruit of the vine," could be translated as "vine fruit" or "grapes."
Depending on the context, the expression "will be more fruitful" could also be translated as "will produce more fruit" or "will have more children" or "will be prosperous."
The apostle Paul's expression "fruitful labor" could be translated as "work that brings very good results" or "efforts that result in many people believing in Jesus."
The "fruit of the Spirit" could also be translated as "works that the Holy Spirit produces" or "words and actions that show that the Holy Spirit is working in someone."

(See also: descendant, grain, grape, Holy Spirit, vine, womb)

Bible References:

Galatians 05:23
Genesis 01:11
Luke 08:15
Matthew 03:08
Matthew 07:17

Word Data:

Strong's: H4, H1061, H1063, H1069, H2233, H2981, H3018, H3581, H3759, H3899, H3978, H4022, H5108, H6499, H6509, H6529, H6631, H7019, H8393, H8570, G1081, G2590, G2592, G2593, G3703, G5052, G5352

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bear fruit, crop, crops, fruit, fruitful, fruits, produce, productive land, unfruitful

glory

Related Ideas:

beautiful, beauty, glorify, glorious, take pride

Definition:

In general, the term "glory" means honor, splendor, and extreme greatness. Anything that has glory is said to be "glorious."

Sometimes "glory" refers to something of great value and importance. In other contexts it communicates splendor, brightness, or judgment.
For example, the expression "glory of the shepherds" refers to the lush pastures where their sheep had plenty of grass to eat.
Glory is especially used to describe God, who is more glorious than anyone or anything in the universe. Everything in his character reveals his glory and his splendor.
The expression to "glory in" means to boast about or take pride in something.

The term "glorify" means to show or tell how great and important something or someone is. It literally means to "give glory to."

People can glorify God by telling about the wonderful things he has done.
They can also glorify God by living in a way that honors him and shows how great and magnificent he is.
When the Bible says that God glorifies himself, it means that he reveals to people his amazing greatness, often through miracles.
God the Father will glorify God the Son by revealing to people the Son's perfection, splendor, and greatness.
Everyone who believes in Christ will be glorified with him. When they are raised to life, they will be changed to reflect his glory and to display his grace to all creation.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, different ways to translate "glory" could include "splendor" or "brightness" or "majesty" or "awesome greatness" or "extreme value."
The term "glorious" could be translated as "full of glory" or "extremely valuable" or "brightly shining" or "awesomely majestic."
The expression "give glory to God" could be translated as "honor God's greatness" or "praise God because of his splendor" or "tell others how great God is."
The expression "glory in" could also be translated as "praise" or "take pride in" or "boast about" or "take pleasure in."
"Glorify" could also be translated as "give glory to" or "bring glory to" or "cause to appear great."
The phrase "glorify God" could also be translated as "praise God" or "talk about God's greatness" or "show how great God is" or "honor God (by obeying him)."
The term "be glorified" could also be translated as, "be shown to be very great" or "be praised" or "be exalted."

(See also: exalt, obey, praise)

Bible References:

Exodus 24:17
Numbers 14:9-10
Isaiah 35:02
Luke 18:43
Luke 02:09
John 12:28
Acts 03:13-14
Acts 07:1-3
Romans 08:17
1 Corinthians 06:19-20
Philippians 02:14-16
Philippians 04:19
Colossians 03:1-4
1 Thessalonians 02:05
James 02:1-4
1 Peter 04:15-16
Revelation 15:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H117, H142, H155, H1342, H1926, H1927, H1935, H1984, H2896, H3367, H3513, H3519, H3520, H5278, H6286, H6643, H7623, H8231, H8597, G1391, G1392, G1740, G1741, G2570, G2744, G4888

Forms Found in the English ULB:

beautiful, beauty, glories, glorified, glorifies, glorify, glorifying, glorious, glory, take pride

god

Related Ideas:

disgusting figure, false god, goat idols, goddess, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry

Definition:

A false god is something that people worship instead of the one true God. The term "goddess" refers specifically to a female false god.

These false gods or goddesses do not exist. Yahweh is the only God.
People sometimes make objects into idols to worship as symbols of their false gods.
In the Bible, God's people frequently turned away from obeying him in order to worship false gods.
Demons often deceive people into believing that the false gods and idols they worship have power.
Baal, Dagon, and Molech were three of the many false gods that were worshiped by people in Bible times.
Asherah and Artemis (Diana) were two of the goddesses that ancient peoples worshiped.

An idol is an object that people make so they can worship it. Something is described as "idolatrous" if it involves giving honor to something other than the one true God.

People make idols to represent the false gods that they worship.
These false gods do not exist; there is no God besides Yahweh.
Sometimes demons work through an idol to make it seem like it has power, even though it does not.
Idols are often made of valuable materials like gold, silver, bronze, or expensive wood.
An "idolatrous kingdom" means a "kingdom of people who worship idols" or a "kingdom of people who worship earthly things."
The term "idolatrous figure" is another word for a "carved image" or an "idol."

Translation Suggestions:

There may already be a word for "god" or "false god" in the language or in a nearby language.
The term "idol" could be used to refer to false gods.
In English, a lower case "g" is used to refer to false gods, and upper case "G" is used to refer to the one true God. Other languages also do that.
Another option would be to use a completely different word to refer to the false gods.
Some languages may add a word to specify whether the false god is described as male or female.

(See also: God, Asherah, Baal, Molech, demon, image, kingdom, worship)

Bible References:

Genesis 35:02
Exodus 32:01
Psalms 031:06
Psalms 081:8-10
Isaiah 44:20
Acts 07:41
Acts 07:43
Acts 15:20
Acts 19:27
Romans 02:22
Galatians 04:8-9
Galatians 05:19-21
Colossians 03:05
1 Thessalonians 01:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H205, H367, H410, H426, H430, H457, H1322, H1544, H1892, H3649, H4656, H4906, H5236, H5566, H6090, H6091, H6456, H6459, H6673, H6736, H6754, H7723, H8163, H8251, H8267, H8441, H8655, G1140, G1493, G1494, G1495, G1496, G1497, G2299, G2712

Forms Found in the English ULB:

disgusting figure, disgusting figures, false god, goat idols, god, goddess, gods, idol, idol's, idolater, idolaters, idolatrous, idolatry, idols, idols'

godly

Related Ideas:

godless, godless actions, godlessness, godliness, ungodliness, ungodly

Definition:

The term "godly" is used to describe a person who acts in a way that honors God and shows what God is like. "Godliness" is the character quality of honoring God by doing his will.

A person who has godly character will show the fruits of the Holy Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self control.
The quality of godliness shows that a person has the Holy Spirit and is obeying him.

The terms "ungodly" and "godless" describe people who are in rebellion against God. Living in an evil way, without thought of God, is called "ungodliness" or "godlessness."

The meanings of these words are very similar. However, "godless" and "godlessness" may describe a more extreme condition in which people or nations do not even acknowledge God or his right to rule them.
God pronounces judgment and wrath on ungodly people, on everyone who rejects him and his ways.

Translation Suggestions:

The phrase "the godly" could be translated as "godly people" or "people who obey God."
The adjective "godly" could be translated as "obedient to God" or "righteous" or "pleasing to God."
The phrase "in a godly manner" could be translated as "in a way that obeys God" or "with actions and words that please God."
Ways to translate "godliness" could include "acting in a way that pleases God" or "obeying God" or "living in a righteous manner."
Depending on the context, the term "ungodly" could be translated as "displeasing to God" or "immoral" or "disobeying God."
The terms "godless" and "godlessness" literally mean that the people are "without God" or "having no thought of God" or "acting in a way that does not acknowledge God."
Other ways to translate "ungodliness" or "godlessness" could be "wickedness" or "evil" or "rebellion against God".

(See also evil, honor, obey, righteous, righteous)

Bible References:

Job 27:10
Proverbs 11:09
Acts 03:12
1 Timothy 01:9-11
1 Timothy 04:07
2 Timothy 03:12
Hebrews 12:14-17
Hebrews 11:7
1 Peter 04:18
Jude 01:16

Word Data:

Strong's: H120, H2611, H2612, H5760, H7563, G763, G764, G765, G2124, G2150, G2152, G2153, G2317

Forms Found in the English ULB:

godless, godless actions, godlessness, godliness, godly, godly life, ungodliness, ungodly

good

Related Ideas:

best, better, fair, good things, goodness, improved, prefer, proper, well

Definition:

The word "good" has different meanings depending on the context. Many languages will use different words to translate these different meanings.

In general, something is good if it fits with God's character, purposes, and will.
Something that is "good" could be pleasing, excellent, helpful, suitable, profitable, or morally right.
Land that is "good" could be called "fertile" or "productive."
A "good" crop could be a "plentiful" crop.
A person can be "good" at what they do if they are skillful at their task or profession, as in, the expression, "a good farmer."
In the Bible, the general meaning of "good" is often contrasted with "evil."
The term "goodness" usually refers to being morally good or righteous in thoughts and actions.
The goodness of God refers to how he blesses people by giving them good and beneficial things. It also can refer to his moral perfection.
Actions that are "proper" are those that are good and right for the situation in which they are done.
"Goods" are good things, valuable possessions.
To "prefer" something is to think it is better than other things.

Translation Suggestions:

The general term for "good" in the target language should be used wherever this general meaning is accurate and natural, especially in contexts where it is contrasted to evil.
Depending on the context, other ways to translate this term could include "kind" or "excellent" or "pleasing to God" or "righteous" or "morally upright" or "profitable."
"Good land" could be translated as "fertile land" or "productive land"; a "good crop" could be translated as a "plentiful harvest" or "large amount of crops."
The phrase "do good to" means to do something that benefits others and could be translated as "be kind to" or "help" or "benefit" someone.
To "do good on the Sabbath" means to "do things that help others on the Sabbath."
Depending on the context, ways to translate the term "goodness" could include "blessing" or "kindness" or "moral perfection" or "righteousness" or "purity."

(See also: evil, holy, profit, righteous)

Bible References:

Galatians 05:22-24
Genesis 01:12
Genesis 02:09
Genesis 02:17
James 03:13
Romans 02:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H155, H410, H1580, H1926, H2532, H2617, H2623, H2895, H2896, H2898, H3190, H3191, H3276, H3787, H3966, H4399, H5232, H6743, H7225, H7368, H7399, H7999, H8231, H8232, G14, G15, G18, G19, G515, G744, G865, G979, G1342, G1380, G1832, G2095, G2097, G2106, G2107, G2108, G2109, G2140, G2163, G2293, G2565, G2567, G2570, G2573, G2986, G3140, G4147, G4632, G4851, G5224, G5358, G5543, G5544, G5623

Forms Found in the English ULB:

best, better, do ... good, fair, good, good things, goodness, goods, improved, made ... better, prefer, proper, seemed good, well

grace

Related Ideas:

generous, gracious, graciously

Definition:

The word "grace" refers to help or blessing that is given to someone who has not earned it. The term "gracious" describes someone who shows grace to others.

God's grace toward sinful human beings is a gift that is freely given.
The concept of grace also refers to being kind and forgiving to someone who has done wrong or hurtful things.
The expression to "find grace" is an expression that means to receive help and mercy from God. Often it includes the meaning that God is pleased with someone and helps him.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways that "grace" could be translated include "divine kindness" or "God's favor" or "God's kindness and forgiveness for sinners" or "merciful kindness."
The term "gracious" could be translated as "full of grace" or "kind" or "merciful" or "mercifully kind."
The expression "he found grace in the eyes of God" could be translated as "he received mercy from God" or "God mercifully helped him" or "God showed his favor to him" or "God was pleased with him and helped him."

Bible References:

Acts 04:33
Acts 06:08
Acts 14:04
Colossians 04:06
Colossians 04:18
Genesis 43:28-29
James 04:07
John 01:16
Philippians 04:21-23
Revelation 22:20-21

Word Data:

Strong's: H2580, H2587, H2589, H2603, G5485, G5543

Forms Found in the English ULB:

act of grace, generous, grace, gracious, graciously, graciously given

hang

Definition:

The term "hang" means to suspend something or someone above the ground.

Death by hanging typically is done by tying a rope that is tied around a person's neck and sustending him from an elevated object, like a tree limb. Judas killed himself by hanging.
Although Jesus died while hanging on a wooden cross, there was nothing around his neck: the soldiers suspended him by nailing his hands (or wrists) and his feet to the cross.
To hang someone always refers to the way of killing someone by hanging them with a rope around their neck.

Bible References:

2 Samuel 17:23
Acts 10:39
Galatians 03:13
Genesis 40:22
Matthew 27:3-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H2614, H3363, H8518, G519

Forms Found in the English ULB:

hang, hanged, hanging, hangings, hangs, hung

head

Definition:

In the Bible, the word "head" is used with several figurative meanings.

Often this term is used to refer to a ruler or to someone who has authority over people, as in "you have made me the head over nations."
Jesus is called the "head of the church." Just as a person's head guides and directs the members of its body, so Jesus guides and directs the members of his "body," the Church.
The New Testament teaches that a husband is the "head" or authority of his wife. He is given the responsibility of leading and guiding his wife and family.
The term "head" can also represent the whole person, as in "this gray head," referring to an elderly person, or as in "the head of Joseph," which refers to Joseph.
The expression "no razor will ever touch his head" means" he will never cut or shave his hair."
The expression "let their blood be on his own head" means that the man is responsible for their deaths and will receive the punishment for that.
The expression "heads of grain" refers to the top parts of a wheat or barley plant that contains the seeds.
The term "head" can also refer to the beginning or source of something, as in the "head of the street."

Translation Suggestions

Depending on the context, the term "head" could be translated as "ruler" or "the one who leads and directs" or "the one who is responsible for."
The expression "head of" can refer to the whole person and so this expression could be translated using just the person's name. For example, "the head of Joseph" could simply be translated as "Joseph."
The expression "will be on his own head" could be translated as "will be on him" or "he will be punished for" or "he will be held responsible for" or "he will be considered guilty for."
Depending on the context, other ways to translate this term could include "beginning" or "source" or "ruler" or "leader" or "top."

(See also: grain)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:51-54
1 Kings 08:1-2
1 Samuel 09:22
Colossians 02:10
Colossians 02:19
Numbers 01:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H441, H1538, H4425, H4761, H4763, H5110, H5324, H6285, H6915, H6936, H7139, H7144, H7146, H7217, H7226, H7218, H7541, H7636, H7641, H7872, G346, G755, G2775, G2776, G4719

Forms Found in the English ULB:

head, heads

head

Definition:

In the Bible, the word "head" is used with several figurative meanings.

Often this term is used to refer to a ruler or to someone who has authority over people, as in "you have made me the head over nations."
Jesus is called the "head of the church." Just as a person's head guides and directs the members of its body, so Jesus guides and directs the members of his "body," the Church.
The New Testament teaches that a husband is the "head" or authority of his wife. He is given the responsibility of leading and guiding his wife and family.
The term "head" can also represent the whole person, as in "this gray head," referring to an elderly person, or as in "the head of Joseph," which refers to Joseph.
The expression "no razor will ever touch his head" means" he will never cut or shave his hair."
The expression "let their blood be on his own head" means that the man is responsible for their deaths and will receive the punishment for that.
The expression "heads of grain" refers to the top parts of a wheat or barley plant that contains the seeds.
The term "head" can also refer to the beginning or source of something, as in the "head of the street."

Translation Suggestions

Depending on the context, the term "head" could be translated as "ruler" or "the one who leads and directs" or "the one who is responsible for."
The expression "head of" can refer to the whole person and so this expression could be translated using just the person's name. For example, "the head of Joseph" could simply be translated as "Joseph."
The expression "will be on his own head" could be translated as "will be on him" or "he will be punished for" or "he will be held responsible for" or "he will be considered guilty for."
Depending on the context, other ways to translate this term could include "beginning" or "source" or "ruler" or "leader" or "top."

(See also: grain)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:51-54
1 Kings 08:1-2
1 Samuel 09:22
Colossians 02:10
Colossians 02:19
Numbers 01:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H441, H1538, H4425, H4761, H4763, H5110, H5324, H6285, H6915, H6936, H7139, H7144, H7146, H7217, H7226, H7218, H7541, H7636, H7641, H7872, G346, G755, G2775, G2776, G4719

Forms Found in the English ULB:

head, heads

heal

Related Ideas:

cure, healer, health, healthy, make fresh, make well, recover, unhealthy

Definition:

The terms "heal" and "cure" both mean to cause a sick, wounded, or disabled person to be healthy again.

A person who is "healed" or "cured" has been "made well" or "made healthy."
Healing can happen naturally since God gave our bodies the ability to recover from many kinds of wounds and diseases. This kind of healing usually happens slowly.
However, certain conditions, such as being blind or paralyzed, and certain serious diseases, such as leprosy, however do not heal on their own. When people are healed of these things, it is a miracle that usually happens suddenly.
For example, Jesus healed many people who were blind or lame or diseased, and they became well right away.
The apostles also healed people miraculously, such as when Peter caused a crippled man to immediately be able to walk.
A person who is "healthy" has no disease. It may be that he has been healed or that he has simply not been ill for a long time.
Health can be a metaphor for anything that is good or trustworthy. "Healthy teaching" is teaching that people can depend on to be true and helpful and morally good.

(See also: miracle)

Bible References:

Acts 05:16
Acts 08:06
Luke 05:13
Luke 06:19
Luke 08:43
Matthew 04:23-25
Matthew 09:35
Matthew 13:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H724, H1369, H1455, H2280, H2421, H2492, H2896, H3545, H4832, H4974, H7495, H7499, H7500, H7725, H7965, H8549, H8585, H8644, H622, G1295, G1743, G2322, G2323, G2386, G2390, G2392, G3647, G4982, G5198, G5199

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cure, cured, heal, healed, healer, healers, healing, healings, heals, health, healthy, made ... fresh, made ... well, make ... fresh, recovered, unhealthy

heir

Definition:

An "heir" is a person who legally receives property or money that belonged to a person who has died.

In Bible times, the main heir was the firstborn son, who received most of the property and money of his father.
The Bible also uses "heir" in a figurative sense to refer to person who as a Christian receives spiritual benefits from God, his spiritual father.
As God's children, Christians are said to be "joint heirs" with Jesus Christ. This could also be translated as "co-heirs" or "fellow heirs" or "heirs together with."
The term "heir" could be translated as "person receiving benefits" or whatever expression is used in the language to communicate the meaning of someone who receives property and other things when a parent or other relative dies.

(See also: firstborn, inherit)

Bible References:

Galatians 04:1-2
Galatians 04:07
Genesis 15:01
Genesis 21:10-11
Luke 20:14
Mark 12:07
Matthew 21:38-39

Word Data:

Strong's: H1121, H3423, G2816, G2818, G2820, G4789

Forms Found in the English ULB:

heir, heirs

heir

Definition:

An "heir" is a person who legally receives property or money that belonged to a person who has died.

In Bible times, the main heir was the firstborn son, who received most of the property and money of his father.
The Bible also uses "heir" in a figurative sense to refer to person who as a Christian receives spiritual benefits from God, his spiritual father.
As God's children, Christians are said to be "joint heirs" with Jesus Christ. This could also be translated as "co-heirs" or "fellow heirs" or "heirs together with."
The term "heir" could be translated as "person receiving benefits" or whatever expression is used in the language to communicate the meaning of someone who receives property and other things when a parent or other relative dies.

(See also: firstborn, inherit)

Bible References:

Galatians 04:1-2
Galatians 04:07
Genesis 15:01
Genesis 21:10-11
Luke 20:14
Mark 12:07
Matthew 21:38-39

Word Data:

Strong's: H1121, H3423, G2816, G2818, G2820, G4789

Forms Found in the English ULB:

heir, heirs

holy

Related Ideas:

holiness, sacred, unholy

Definition:

The terms "holy" and "holiness" refer to the character of God that is totally set apart and separated from everything that is sinful and imperfect.

Only God is absolutely holy. He makes people and things holy.
A person who is holy belongs to God and has been set apart for the purpose of serving God and bringing him glory.
An object that God has declared to be holy is one that he has set apart for his glory and use, such as an altar that is for the purpose of offering sacrifices to him.
People cannot approach him unless he allows them to, because he is holy and they are merely human beings, sinful and imperfect.
In the Old Testament, God set apart the priests as holy for special service to him. They had to be ceremonially cleansed from sin in order to approach God.
God also set apart as holy certain places and things that belonged to him or in which he revealed himself, such as his temple.
Believers in Jesus are holy people, not because of what they have done, but rather because of their faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who makes them holy.
When people of any religion, true or false, consider something "sacred," they consider it holy according to their religion.

Literally, the term "unholy" means "not holy." It describes someone or something that does not honor God.

This word is used to describe someone who dishonors God by rebelling against him.
A thing that is called "unholy" could be described as being common, profane or unclean. It does not belong to God.

The term "sacred" describes something that relates to worshiping God or to the pagan worship of false gods.

In the Old Testament, the term "sacred" was often used to describe the stone pillars and other objects used in the worship of false gods. This could also be translated as "religious."
"Sacred songs" and "sacred music" refer to music that was sung or played for God's glory. This could be translated as "music for worshiping Yahweh" or "songs that praise God."
The phrase "sacred duties" referred to the "religious duties" or "rituals" that a priest performed to lead people in worshiping God. It could also refer to the rituals performed by a pagan priest to worship a false god.
The phrase "sacred gifts" refers to things that someone has set apart for God and then given to God at the temple.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "holy" might include "set apart for God" or "belonging to God" or "completely pure" or "perfectly sinless" or "separated from sin."
To "make holy" is often translated as "sanctify" in English. It could also be translated as "set apart (someone) for God's glory."
Ways to translate "unholy" could include "not holy" or "not belonging to God" or "not honoring to God" or "not godly."
In some contexts, "unholy" could be translated as "unclean."

(See also: Holy Spirit, consecrate, sanctify, set apart)

Bible References:

Genesis 28:22
2 Kings 03:02
Lamentations 04:01
Ezekiel 20:18-20
Matthew 07:6
Mark 08:38
Acts 07:33
Acts 11:08
Romans 01:02
2 Corinthians 12:3-5
Colossians 01:22
1 Thessalonians 03:13
1 Thessalonians 04:07
2 Timothy 03:15
1 Timothy 05:10
2 Corinthians 09:12-15
Revelation 16:06
Revelation 20:9-10

Word Data:

Strong's: H2455, H2623, H4676, H4720, H6918, H6922, H6942, H6944, H6948, G37, G38, G39, G40, G41, G42, G462, G2150, G2413, G2839, G3741, G3742

Forms Found in the English ULB:

holier, holiest, holiness, holy, holy duties, honored as holy, makes ... holy, sacred, sacred gifts, sacred places, unholy

hope

Definition:

Hope is strongly desiring something to happen. Hope can imply either certainty or uncertainty regarding a future event.

In the Bible, the term "hope" also has the meaning of "trust," as in "my hope is in the Lord." It refers to a sure expectation of receiving what God has promised his people.
To have "no hope" means to have no expectation of something good happening. It means that it is actually very certain that it will not happen.

Translation Suggestions:

In some contexts, the term to "hope" could also be translated as to "wish" or to "desire" or to "expect."
The expression "nothing to hope for" could be translated as "nothing to trust in" or "no expectation of anything good"
To "have no hope" could be translated as "have no expectation of anything good" or "have no security" or "be sure that nothing good will happen."
The expression "have set your hopes on" could also be translated as "have put your confidence in" or "have been trusting in."
The phrase "I find hope in your Word" could also be translated as "I am confident that your Word is true" or "Your Word helps me trust in you" or "When I obey your Word, I am certain to be blessed."
Phrases such as "hope in" God could also be translated a, "trust in God" or "know for sure that God will do what he has promised" or "be certain that God is faithful."

(See also: bless, confidence, good, obey, trust, word of God)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 29:14-15
1 Thessalonians 02:19
Acts 24:14-16
Acts 26:06
Acts 27:20
Colossians 01:05
Job 11:20

Word Data:

Strong's: H982, H983, H986, H1891, H2976, H3176, H3689, H4009, H4723, H7663, H7664, H8431, H8615, G1679, G1680, G2070, G4276

Forms Found in the English ULB:

hope, hoped, hopes, look to ... in hope, uselessly hope

imitate

Related Ideas:

imitator

Definition:

The terms "imitate" and "imitator" refers to copying someone else by acting exactly like that person does.

Christians are taught to imitate Jesus Christ by obeying God and loving others, just as Jesus did.
The apostle Paul told the early church to imitate him, just as he imitated Christ.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "imitate" could be translated as "do the same things as" or "follow his example."
The expression "be imitators of God" could be translated as "be people who act like God does" or "be people who do the kinds of things God does."
"You became imitators of us" could be translated as "You followed our example" or "You are doing the same kinds of godly things that you saw us do."

Bible References:

3 John 01:11
Matthew 23:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H6213, G3401, G3402

Forms Found in the English ULB:

imitate, imitator, imitators

joy

Related Ideas:

enjoy, enjoyment, glad, gladness, greet, joyful, joyfulness, jubilant, merry-hearted, rejoice, source of gladness

Definition:

Joy is a feeling of delight or deep satisfaction that comes from God. The related term "joyful" describes a person who feels very glad and is full of deep happiness.

A person feels joy when he has a deep sense that what he is experiencing is very good.
God is the one who gives true joy to people.
Having joy does not depend on pleasant circumstances. God can give people joy even when very difficult things are happening in their lives.
Sometimes places are described as joyful, such as houses or cities. This means that the people who live there are joyful.
To "salute" is to greet a high-ranking government or military official.
"Jubilant" is another word for "joyful."

The term "rejoice" means to be full of joy and gladness.

This term often refers to being very happy about the good things that God has done.
It could be translated as "be very happy" or "be very glad" or "be full of joy."
When Mary said "my soul rejoices in God my Savior," she meant "God my Savior has made me very happy" or "I feel so joyful because of what God my Savior has done for me."

Translation Suggestions:

The term "joy" could also be translated as "gladness" or "delight" or "great happiness."
The phrase, "be joyful" could be translated as "rejoice" or "be very glad" or it could be translated "be very happy in God's goodness."
A person who is joyful could be described as "very happy" or "delighted" or "deeply glad."
A phrase such as "make a joyful shout" could be translated as "shout in a way that shows you are very happy."
A "joyful city" or "joyful house" could be translated as "city where joyful people live" or "house full of joyful people" or "city whose people are very happy."

Bible References:

Nehemiah 08:10
Psalm 048:02
Isaiah 56:6-7
Jeremiah 15:15-16
Matthew 02:9-10
Luke 15:07
Luke 19:37-38
John 03:29
Acts 16:32-34
Romans 05:1-2
Romans 15:30-32
Galatians 05:23
Philippians 04:10-13
1 Thessalonians 01:6-7
1 Thessalonians 05:16
Philemon 01:4-7
James 01:02
3 John 01:1-4

Word Data:

Strong's: H1288, H1523, H1524, H1525, H2287, H2302, H2304, H2305, H2654, H2896, H2898, H3190, H4885, H5727, H5937, H5947, H5965, H5970, H6342, H6670, H7440, H7442, H7444, H7445, H7797, H7832, H7965, H8055, H8056, H8057, H8342, H8643, G20, G21, G782, G2165, G2167, G2744, G4640, G4796, G4913, G5463, G5479

Forms Found in the English ULB:

be glad, be merry, enjoy, enjoyed, enjoying, enjoyment, enjoys, glad, gladness, greet, greeted, greeting, greetings, greets, joy, joyful, joyful shouting, joyfully, joyfulness, jubilant, make ... glad, makes ... glad, merry-hearted, rejoice, rejoiced, rejoiced greatly, rejoices, rejoices greatly, rejoicing, shout for joy, shout joyfully, shout of joy, shouts of joy, source of gladness, was merry

joy

Related Ideas:

enjoy, enjoyment, glad, gladness, greet, joyful, joyfulness, jubilant, merry-hearted, rejoice, source of gladness

Definition:

Joy is a feeling of delight or deep satisfaction that comes from God. The related term "joyful" describes a person who feels very glad and is full of deep happiness.

A person feels joy when he has a deep sense that what he is experiencing is very good.
God is the one who gives true joy to people.
Having joy does not depend on pleasant circumstances. God can give people joy even when very difficult things are happening in their lives.
Sometimes places are described as joyful, such as houses or cities. This means that the people who live there are joyful.
To "salute" is to greet a high-ranking government or military official.
"Jubilant" is another word for "joyful."

The term "rejoice" means to be full of joy and gladness.

This term often refers to being very happy about the good things that God has done.
It could be translated as "be very happy" or "be very glad" or "be full of joy."
When Mary said "my soul rejoices in God my Savior," she meant "God my Savior has made me very happy" or "I feel so joyful because of what God my Savior has done for me."

Translation Suggestions:

The term "joy" could also be translated as "gladness" or "delight" or "great happiness."
The phrase, "be joyful" could be translated as "rejoice" or "be very glad" or it could be translated "be very happy in God's goodness."
A person who is joyful could be described as "very happy" or "delighted" or "deeply glad."
A phrase such as "make a joyful shout" could be translated as "shout in a way that shows you are very happy."
A "joyful city" or "joyful house" could be translated as "city where joyful people live" or "house full of joyful people" or "city whose people are very happy."

Bible References:

Nehemiah 08:10
Psalm 048:02
Isaiah 56:6-7
Jeremiah 15:15-16
Matthew 02:9-10
Luke 15:07
Luke 19:37-38
John 03:29
Acts 16:32-34
Romans 05:1-2
Romans 15:30-32
Galatians 05:23
Philippians 04:10-13
1 Thessalonians 01:6-7
1 Thessalonians 05:16
Philemon 01:4-7
James 01:02
3 John 01:1-4

Word Data:

Strong's: H1288, H1523, H1524, H1525, H2287, H2302, H2304, H2305, H2654, H2896, H2898, H3190, H4885, H5727, H5937, H5947, H5965, H5970, H6342, H6670, H7440, H7442, H7444, H7445, H7797, H7832, H7965, H8055, H8056, H8057, H8342, H8643, G20, G21, G782, G2165, G2167, G2744, G4640, G4796, G4913, G5463, G5479

Forms Found in the English ULB:

kin

Related Ideas:

kindred, kinfolk, kinsman, relative

Definition:

The term "kin" refers to a person's blood relatives, considered as a group. The word "kinsman" refers specifically to a male relative.

"Kin" can only refer to a person's close relatives, such as parents and siblings, or it can also include more distant relatives, such as an aunts, uncles, or cousins.
In ancient Israel, if a man died, his nearest male relative was expected to marry his widow, manage his property, and help carry on his family name. This relative was called a "kinsman-redeemer."
This term "kin" could also be translated as, "relative" or "family member."

Bible References:

Romans 16:9-11
Ruth 02:20
Ruth 03:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H251, H1350, H1353, H1730, H4129, H4130, H4138, H4940, H7138, H7607, G1085, G4773

Forms Found in the English ULB:

kin, kindred, kinfolk, kinsfolk, kinsman, kinsmen, relative, relatives

kin

Related Ideas:

kindred, kinfolk, kinsman, relative

Definition:

The term "kin" refers to a person's blood relatives, considered as a group. The word "kinsman" refers specifically to a male relative.

"Kin" can only refer to a person's close relatives, such as parents and siblings, or it can also include more distant relatives, such as an aunts, uncles, or cousins.
In ancient Israel, if a man died, his nearest male relative was expected to marry his widow, manage his property, and help carry on his family name. This relative was called a "kinsman-redeemer."
This term "kin" could also be translated as, "relative" or "family member."

Bible References:

Romans 16:9-11
Ruth 02:20
Ruth 03:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H251, H1350, H1353, H1730, H4129, H4130, H4138, H4940, H7138, H7607, G1085, G4773

Forms Found in the English ULB:

kin, kindred, kinfolk, kinsfolk, kinsman, kinsmen, relative, relatives

king

Related Ideas:

kingly, kingship

Definition:

The term "king" refers to a man who is the supreme ruler of a city, state, or country.

A king was usually chosen to rule because of his family relation to previous kings.
When a king died, it was usually his oldest son who became the next king.
In ancient times, the king had absolute authority over the people in his kingdom.
Rarely the term "king" was used to refer to someone who was not a true king, such as "King Herod" in the New Testament.
In the Bible, God is often referred to as a king who rules over his people.
The "kingdom of God" refers to God's rule over his people.
Jesus was called "king of the Jews," "king of Israel," and "king of kings."
When Jesus comes back, he will rule as king over the world.
This term could also be translated as "supreme chief" or "absolute leader" or "sovereign ruler."
The phrase "king of kings" could be translated as "king who rules over all other kings" or "supreme ruler who has authority over all other rulers."

Bible References:

1 Timothy 06:15-16
2 Kings 05:18
2 Samuel 05:03
Acts 07:9-10
Acts 13:22
John 01:49-51
Luke 01:05
Luke 22:24-25
Matthew 05:35
Matthew 14:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H4427, H4428, H4430, G935, G936, G937

Forms Found in the English ULB:

king, king's, kingly, kings, kingship, made ... king, set up ... king, set up kings

king

Related Ideas:

kingly, kingship

Definition:

The term "king" refers to a man who is the supreme ruler of a city, state, or country.

A king was usually chosen to rule because of his family relation to previous kings.
When a king died, it was usually his oldest son who became the next king.
In ancient times, the king had absolute authority over the people in his kingdom.
Rarely the term "king" was used to refer to someone who was not a true king, such as "King Herod" in the New Testament.
In the Bible, God is often referred to as a king who rules over his people.
The "kingdom of God" refers to God's rule over his people.
Jesus was called "king of the Jews," "king of Israel," and "king of kings."
When Jesus comes back, he will rule as king over the world.
This term could also be translated as "supreme chief" or "absolute leader" or "sovereign ruler."
The phrase "king of kings" could be translated as "king who rules over all other kings" or "supreme ruler who has authority over all other rulers."

Bible References:

1 Timothy 06:15-16
2 Kings 05:18
2 Samuel 05:03
Acts 07:9-10
Acts 13:22
John 01:49-51
Luke 01:05
Luke 22:24-25
Matthew 05:35
Matthew 14:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H4427, H4428, H4430, G935, G936, G937

Forms Found in the English ULB:

king, king's, kingly, kings, kingship, made ... king, set up ... king, set up kings

know

Related Ideas:

knowledge, make known, unknowingly, unknown

Definition:

To "know" means to understand something or to be aware of a fact. The expression "make known" is an expression that means to tell information.

The term "knowledge" refers to information that people know. It can apply to knowing things in both the physical and spiritual worlds.
To "know about" God means to understand facts about him because of what he has revealed to us.
To "know" God means to have a relationship with him. This also applies to knowing people.
To know God's will means to be aware of what he has commanded, or to understand what he wants a person to do.
To "know the Law" means to be aware of what God has commanded or to understand what God has instructed in the laws he gave to Moses.
Sometimes "knowledge" is used as a synonym for "wisdom," which includes living in a way that is pleasing to God.
The "knowledge of God" is sometimes used as a synonym for the "fear of Yahweh."
If a person does something "unknowingly," he does it without knowing that he is doing it.

Translation Suggestions

Depending on the context, ways to translate "know" could include "understand" or "be familiar with" or "be aware of" or "be acquainted with" or "be in relationship with."
Some languages have two different words for "know," one for knowing facts and one for knowing a person and having a relationship with him.
The term "make known" could be translated as "cause people to know" or "reveal" or "tell about" or "explain."
To "know about" something could be translated as "be aware of" or "be familiar with."
The expression "know how to" means to understand the process or method of getting something done. It could also be translated as "be able to" or "have the skill to."
The term "knowledge" could also be translated as "what is known" or "wisdom" or "understanding," depending on the context.
To "train for" an activity is to learn now to do it well. To train for war is to learn by practice how to be a good fighter.

(See also: law, reveal, understand, wise)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 02:12-13
1 Samuel 17:46
2 Corinthians 02:15
2 Peter 01:3-4
Deuteronomy 04:39-40
Genesis 19:05
Luke 01:77

Word Data:

Strong's: H502, H1843, H1844, H1847, H1875, H2713, H2372, H3045, H3046, H3925, H4093, H4486, H5046, H5234, H5475, H5869, G50, G56, G1097, G1107, G1108, G1492, G1834, G1921, G1922, G1987, G2467, G5319, G2589, G2657, G4267, G4894, G5318

Forms Found in the English ULB:

knew, know, know ... beforehand, knowing, knowledge, known, knows, made ... known, made known, make ... known, makes known, unknowingly, unknown

labor

Related Ideas:

fellow laborers, forced labor, hard labor, hard-working, laborer, occupation, strive, struggle, toil

Definition:

The term "labor" refers to doing physical work of any kind.

In general, labor is any task which uses energy. It is often implied that the task is difficult.
A laborer is a person who does any type of labor.
In English, the word "labor" is also used for part of the process of giving birth. Other languages may have a completely different word for this.
Ways to translate "labor" could include "work" or "hard work" or "difficult work" or to "work hard."
"Toil" is hard, unpleasant work, and to "toil" is to do hard, unpleasant work.
An "occupation" is the work or labor that a person does to obtain food, clothing, shelter, and the other things he needs to live.
Sometimes "strive" and "struggle" mean to work very hard to do something.

(See also: hard, labor pains)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 02:09
1 Thessalonians 03:05
Galatians 04:10-11
James 05:04
John 04:38
Luke 10:02
Matthew 10:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H3018, H3021, H3022, H3205, H4522, H4639, H5447, H5450, H5647, H5656, H5998, H5999, H6001, H6089, H6468, H8104, G75, G2038, G2040, G2041, G2716, G2872, G2873, G3449, G4866, G4904

Forms Found in the English ULB:

fellow laborers, forced labor, hard labor, hard-working, labor, labored, laborer, laborer's, laborers, laboring, labors, occupation, product of ... labor, products of ... labor, strive, strives, striving together, struggle, toil, toiled, toiling, toils

life

Related Ideas:

alive, come to life, conduct, exist, fresh, life-giving, lifetime, live, revive, survive, survivor

Definition:

All these terms refer to being physically alive, not dead. They are also used figuratively to refer to being alive spiritually. The following discusses what is meant by "physical life" and "spiritual life."

1. Physical life

Physical life is the presence of the spirit in the body. God breathed life into Adam's body, and he became a living being.
A "life" can also refer to an individual person as in "a life was saved".
Sometimes the word "life" refers to the experience of living as in, "his life was enjoyable."
It can also refer to a person's lifespan, as in the expression, "the end of his life."
The term "living" may refer to being physically alive, as in "my mother is still living." It may also refer to dwelling somewhere as in, "they were living in the city."
In the Bible, the concept of "life" is often contrasted with the concept of "death."
To "revive" is for someone who is dead or almost dead to live again, or to take something or someone who is dead or almost dead and make him live again.
A person who "survives" has almost died for some reason but is still alive.
The same Hebrew words can be translated "fresh" water or "living" water.
Things that are "lifeless" either have never been alive or were once alive but are now dead.
The way a person "conducts" himself or his life is the way he lives his life, most importantly the morally good or bad things he does.

2. Spiritual life

A person has spiritual life when he believes in Jesus. God gives that person a transformed life with the Holy Spirit living in him.
This life is also called "eternal life" to indicate that it does not end.
The opposite of spiritual life is spiritual death, which means being separated from God and experiencing eternal punishment.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "life" can be translated as "existence" or "person" or "soul" or "being" or "experience."
Depending on the context, the term "live" could be translated by "dwell" or "reside" or "exist."
The expression "end of his life" could be translated as "when he stopped living."
The expression "spared their lives' could be translated as "allowed them to live" or "did not kill them."
The expression "they risked their lives" could be translated as "they put themselves in danger" or "they did something that could have killed them."
Depending on the context, the expression "give life" could also be translated as "cause to live" or "give eternal life" or "cause to live eternally." The word "life-giving" can be translated as "something that causes to live" or "something that gives life."

(See also: death, everlasting)

Bible References:

2 Peter 01:03
Acts 10:42
Genesis 02:07
Genesis 07:22
Hebrews 10:20
Jeremiah 44:02
John 01:04
Judges 02:18
Luke 12:23
Matthew 07:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H2416, H2417, H2418, H2421, H2425, H2465, H2673, H3351, H3824, H3885, H4241, H5315, H5397, H5564, H6106, H7611, H8141, H8300, G326, G386, G390, G895, G979, G980, G981, G982, G1127, G1236, G1514, G2198, G2222, G2225, G2227, G2450, G3118, G4176, G4684, G4748, G4763, G4800, G4806, G5171, G5225, G5590

Forms Found in the English ULB:

alive, come to life, conduct, conducted, existed, fresh, keep ... alive, life, life-giving, lifeless, lifetime, live, lived, lives, living, revive, revived, survive, survived, survivor, survivors

like

Related Ideas:

according to, alike, as, as if, compare, in the same way, just as, liken, likeness, likewise, resemble, similar, similarly, unlike

Definition:

The terms "like" and "likeness" refer to something being the same as, or similar to, something else.

To "compare" two things is to look at how they are the same or how they are different.
The word "like" is also often used in a figurative expressions called a "simile" in which something is compared to something else, usually highlighting a shared characteristic. For example, "his clothes shined like the sun" and "the voice boomed like thunder."
To "be like" or "sound like" or "look like" something or someone means to have qualities that are similar to the thing or person being compared to.
People were created in God's "likeness," that is, in his "image." It means that they have qualities or characteristics that are "like" or "similar to" qualities that God has, such as the ability to think, feel, and communicate.
To have "the likeness of" something or someone means to have characteristics that look like that thing or person.
The word "likewise" means "in the same way," referring to something that the speaker has just said.
The word "unlike" means "not like."

Translation Suggestions

In some contexts, the expression "the likeness of" could be translated as "what looked like" or "what appeared to be."
The expression "in the likeness of his death" could be translated as "sharing in the experience of his death" or "as if experiencing his death with him."
The expression "in the likeness of sinful flesh" could be translated as "being like a sinful human being" or to "be a human being." Make sure the translation of this expression does not sound like Jesus was sinful.
"In his own likeness" could also be translated as to "be like him" or "having many of the same qualities that he has."
The expression "the likeness of an image of perishable man, of birds, of four-footed beasts and of creeping things" could be translated as "idols made to look like perishable humans, or animals, such as birds, beasts, and small, crawling things."

(See also: beast, flesh, image of God, image, perish)

Bible References:

Ezekiel 01:05
Mark 08:24
Matthew 17:02
Matthew 18:03
Psalms 073:05
Revelation 01:12-13

Word Data:

Strong's: H1819, H1823, H3644, H4915, H7737, H8403, H8544, G1503, G1504, G2509, G2531, G3664, G3665, G3666, G3667, G3668, G3669, G3697, G4793, G4833, G5108, G5615, G5616, G5618, G5619

Forms Found in the English ULB:

according to, alike, as, as if, be ... like, become ... like, compare, in the same way, is ... like, just as, like, liken, likeness, likenesses, likewise, resemble, resembled, similar to, similarly, the same, the same way, unlike

lion

Related Ideas:

lioness

Definition:

A lion is a large, cat-like, that has animal, with powerful teeth and claws for killing and tearing apart its prey.

Lions have powerful bodies and great speed to catch their prey. Their fur is short and golden-brown.
Male lions have a mane of hair that encircles their heads.
Lions kill other animals to eat them and can be dangerous to human beings.
When King David was a boy, he killed lions that tried to attack the sheep he was caring for.
Samson also killed a lion, with his bare hands.
A "lioness" is a female lion.

(See also: David, leopard, Samson, sheep)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 11:22-23
1 Kings 07:29
Proverbs 19:12
Psalms 017:12
Revelation 05:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H738, H739, H744, H3715, H3833, H3918, H7826, H7830, G3023

Forms Found in the English ULB:

lion, lion's, lioness, lionesses, lions, lions'

love

Related Ideas:

brotherly love

Definition:

To love another person is to care for that person and do things that will benefit him. There are different meanings for "love" some languages may express using different words:

The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do. God himself is love and is the source of true love.

Jesus showed this kind of love by sacrificing his life in order to rescue us from sin and death. He also taught his followers to love others sacrificially.
When people love others with this kind of love, they act in ways that show they are thinking of what will cause the others to thrive. This kind of love especially includes forgiving others.
In the ULB, the word "love" refers to this kind of sacrificial love, unless a Translation Note indicates a different meaning.

Another word in the New Testament refers to brotherly love, or love for a friend or family member.

This term refers to natural human love between friends or relatives.
The term can also be used in such contexts as, "They love to sit in the most important seats at a banquet." This means that they "like very much" or "greatly desire" to do that.

The word "love" can also refer to romantic love between a man and a woman.
In the figurative expression "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated," the term "loved" refers to God's choosing of Jacob to be in a covenant relationship with him. This could also be translated as "chosen." Although Esau was also blessed by God, he wasn't given the privilege of being in the covenant. The term "hated" is used figuratively here to mean "rejected" or "not chosen."

Translation Suggestions:

Unless indicated otherwise in a Translation Note, the word "love" in the ULB refers to the kind of sacrificial love that comes from God.
Some languages may have a special word for the kind of unselfish, sacrificial love that God has. Ways to translate this might include, "devoted, faithful caring" or "care for unselfishly" or "love from God." Make sure that the word used to translate God's love can include giving up one's own interests to benefit others and loving others no matter what they do.
Sometimes the English word "love" describes the deep caring that people have for friends and family members. Some languages might translate this with a word or phrase that means, "like very much" or "care for" or "have strong affection for."
In contexts where the word "love" is used to express a strong preference for something, this could be translated by "strongly prefer" or "like very much" or "greatly desire."
Some languages may also have a separate word that refers to romantic or sexual love between a husband and wife.
Many languages must express "love" as an action. So for example, they might translate "love is patient, love is kind" as, "when a person loves someone, he is patient with him and kind to him."

(See also: covenant, death, sacrifice, save, sin)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 13:07
1 John 03:02
1 Thessalonians 04:10
Galatians 05:23
Genesis 29:18
Isaiah 56:06
Jeremiah 02:02
John 03:16
Matthew 10:37
Nehemiah 09:32-34
Philippians 01:09
Song of Solomon 01:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H157, H158, H159, H160, H1730, H2245, H2532, H2617, H2836, H3039, H4261, H5689, H5690, H7355, H7356, H7453, H7474, G25, G26, G5360, G5361, G5362, G5363, G5365, G5367, G5368, G5369, G5377, G5383, G5388

Forms Found in the English ULB:

brotherly love, love, loved, loves, loving

love

Related Ideas:

brotherly love

Definition:

To love another person is to care for that person and do things that will benefit him. There are different meanings for "love" some languages may express using different words:

The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do. God himself is love and is the source of true love.

Jesus showed this kind of love by sacrificing his life in order to rescue us from sin and death. He also taught his followers to love others sacrificially.
When people love others with this kind of love, they act in ways that show they are thinking of what will cause the others to thrive. This kind of love especially includes forgiving others.
In the ULB, the word "love" refers to this kind of sacrificial love, unless a Translation Note indicates a different meaning.

Another word in the New Testament refers to brotherly love, or love for a friend or family member.

This term refers to natural human love between friends or relatives.
The term can also be used in such contexts as, "They love to sit in the most important seats at a banquet." This means that they "like very much" or "greatly desire" to do that.

The word "love" can also refer to romantic love between a man and a woman.
In the figurative expression "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated," the term "loved" refers to God's choosing of Jacob to be in a covenant relationship with him. This could also be translated as "chosen." Although Esau was also blessed by God, he wasn't given the privilege of being in the covenant. The term "hated" is used figuratively here to mean "rejected" or "not chosen."

Translation Suggestions:

Unless indicated otherwise in a Translation Note, the word "love" in the ULB refers to the kind of sacrificial love that comes from God.
Some languages may have a special word for the kind of unselfish, sacrificial love that God has. Ways to translate this might include, "devoted, faithful caring" or "care for unselfishly" or "love from God." Make sure that the word used to translate God's love can include giving up one's own interests to benefit others and loving others no matter what they do.
Sometimes the English word "love" describes the deep caring that people have for friends and family members. Some languages might translate this with a word or phrase that means, "like very much" or "care for" or "have strong affection for."
In contexts where the word "love" is used to express a strong preference for something, this could be translated by "strongly prefer" or "like very much" or "greatly desire."
Some languages may also have a separate word that refers to romantic or sexual love between a husband and wife.
Many languages must express "love" as an action. So for example, they might translate "love is patient, love is kind" as, "when a person loves someone, he is patient with him and kind to him."

(See also: covenant, death, sacrifice, save, sin)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 13:07
1 John 03:02
1 Thessalonians 04:10
Galatians 05:23
Genesis 29:18
Isaiah 56:06
Jeremiah 02:02
John 03:16
Matthew 10:37
Nehemiah 09:32-34
Philippians 01:09
Song of Solomon 01:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H157, H158, H159, H160, H1730, H2245, H2532, H2617, H2836, H3039, H4261, H5689, H5690, H7355, H7356, H7453, H7474, G25, G26, G5360, G5361, G5362, G5363, G5365, G5367, G5368, G5369, G5377, G5383, G5388

Forms Found in the English ULB:

brotherly love, love, loved, loves, loving

majesty

Related Ideas:

great, greatness, magnificent, majestic

Definition:

The term "majesty" refers to greatness and splendor, often in relation to the qualities of a king.

In the Bible, "majesty" frequently refers to the greatness of God, who is the supreme King over the universe.
"Your Majesty" is a way of addressing a king.

Translation Suggestions:

This term could be translated as "kingly greatness" or "royal splendor."
"Your Majesty" could be translated as something like "your Highness" or "your Excellency" or using a natural way of addressing a ruler in the target language.
To be "great" is to be more famous or powerful or good than most people. Great kings are more powerful than most other kings. Great people are good or famous or powerful, but they do not have to be kings.
"Magnificent" deeds are deeds worthy of a king or a great person or divine being.

(See also: king)

Bible References:

2 Peter 01:16-18
Daniel 04:36
Isaiah 02:10
Jude 01:25
Micah 05:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H117, H1347, H1348, H1419, H1420, H1431, H1923, H1926, H1935, H4768, H7227, H7229, H7238, H7613, H7690, G3168, G3169, G3172, G3173

Forms Found in the English ULB:

great, greater, greatest, greatness, magnificent, majestic, majesty

member

Definition:

The term "member" refers to one part of a complex body or group.

The New Testament describes Christians as "members" of the body of Christ. Believers in Christ belong to a group that is made up of many members.
Jesus Christ is the "head" of the body and individual believers function as the members of the body. The Holy Spirit gives each member of the body a special role to help the entire body to function well.
Individuals who participate in groups such as the Jewish Council and the Pharisees are also called "members" of these groups.

(See also: body, Pharisee, council)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 06:15
1 Corinthians 12:14-17
Numbers 16:02
Romans 12:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H1004, H1121, H3338, H5315, G1010, G3196, G3609

Forms Found in the English ULB:

member, members

mercy

Related Ideas:

kindness, merciful, spare

Definition:

The terms "mercy" and "merciful" refer to helping people who are in need, especially when they are in a lowly or humbled condition.

The term "mercy" can also include the meaning of not punishing people for something they have done wrong.
A powerful person such as a king is described as "merciful" when he treats people kindly instead of harming them.
To "be merciful" or "spare" someone who has done wrong to another means to forgive that person.
An evil person who "spares" those who have done nothing wrong does not do the same wrong to them that he has done to others.
We show mercy when we help people who are in great need.
God is merciful to us, and he wants us to be merciful to others.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "mercy" could be translated as "kindness" or "compassion" or "pity."
The term "merciful" could be translated as "showing pity" or "being kind to" or "forgiving."
To "show mercy to" or "have mercy on" could be translated as "treat kindly" or "be compassionate toward."

(See also: compassion, forgive)

Bible References:

1 Peter 01:3-5
1 Timothy 01:13
Daniel 09:17
Exodus 34:06
Genesis 19:16
Hebrews 10:28-29
James 02:13
Luke 06:35-36
Matthew 09:27
Philippians 02:25-27
Psalms 041:4-6
Romans 12:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H2550, H2551, H2603, H2604, H2617, H3722, H7349, H7355, H7356, H7359, H8467, G1653, G1655, G1656, G2433, G2436, G3628, G3629, G4698, G5363, G5544

Forms Found in the English ULB:

kindness, mercies, merciful, mercy, spare, spared, spares, tender mercy

mind

Related Ideas:

expect, intention, likeminded, mindful, sober, think

Definition:

The term "mind" refers to the part of a person that thinks and makes decisions.

The mind of each person is the total of his or her thoughts and reasoning.
To "have the mind of Christ" means to think and act as Jesus Christ would think and act. It means being obedient to God the Father, obeying the teachings of Christ, being enabled to do this through the power of the Holy Spirit.
To "change his mind" means someone made a different decision or had a different opinion than he had previously.
To "expect" something is to think that it will happen.
To "think" can mean to use one's mind to form ideas.
To "think" can also mean to have a belief or opinion about something.
To "intend" or "have an intention" to do something is to decide or to plan to do that thing. That thing may be good or evil, and the person may or may not want to do it, but he plans to do it.
A person who is "sober" is able to think clearly, especially in contrast to a person who has harmed his mind by drinking to much wine.

Translation Suggestions

The term "mind" could also be translated as "thoughts" or "reasoning" or "thinking" or "understanding."
The expression "keep in mind" could be translated as "remember" or "pay attention to this" or "be sure to know this."
The expression "heart, soul, and mind" could also be translated as "what you feel, what you believe, and what you think about."
The expression "call to mind" could be translated as "remember" or "think about."
The expression "double-minded" could also be translated as "doubting" or "unable to decide" or "with conflicting thoughts."

(See also: believe, heart, soul)

Bible References:

Luke 10:27
Mark 06:51-52
Matthew 21:29
Matthew 22:37
James 04:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H226, H1079, G1380, H1843, H3629, H3820, H3824, H3825, H4093, H4150, H5162, H6419, H6725, H6734, H7217, H7725, G364, G1271, G1374, G1839, G2233, G2657, G3328, G3525, G3539, G3540, G3563, G4102, G4993, G5280, G5426, G5427, G5590

Forms Found in the English ULB:

expect, expected, intention, likeminded, mind, minded, mindful, minds, sober, think, think carefully about, thinks, thought, thoughts

mock

Related Ideas:

defy, laughingstock, mocker, mockery, ridicule, scoff at, taunt

Definition:

The terms "mock," ridicule," "scoff at," and "taunt" all refer to making fun of someone, especially in a cruel way.

Mocking often involves imitating people's words or actions with the intent to embarrass them or show contempt for them.
The Roman soldiers mocked or ridiculed Jesus when they put a robe on him and pretended to honor him as king.
A group of young people ridiculed or scoffed at Elisha when they called him a name, making fun of his bald head.
The term "scoff at" can also refer to ridiculing an idea that is not considered believable or important.
A "mocker" is someone who mocks and ridicules consistently.
A person who "defies" another mockingly challenges that other person to do something the mocker believes the other person cannot do.

Bible References:

2 Peter 03:04
Acts 02:12-13
Galatians 06:6-8
Genesis 39:13-15
Luke 22:63-65
Mark 10:34
Matthew 09:23-24
Matthew 20:19
Matthew 27:29

Word Data:

Strong's: H1422, H2048, H2049, H2778, H2781, H3213, H3887, H3931, H3932, H3933, H3934, H3944, H3945, H4167, H4426, H4485, H4912, H5058, H5607, H6026, H6711, H7046, H7048, H7814, H7832, H8103, H8437, H8591, H8595, G1592, G1701, G1702, G1703, G2301, G2606, G3456, G5512

Forms Found in the English ULB:

defied, defy, laugh in mockery, laughingstock, mock, mocked, mocker, mockers, mockery, mocking, mocks, ridicule, ridiculed, scoff at, scoffed at, scoffing, taunted, taunting song, taunts

name

Related Ideas:

fame, nameless, notorious, reputation

Definition:

In the Bible, the word "name" was used in several figurative ways.

In some contexts, "name" could refer to a person's reputation, as in "let us make a name for ourselves."
The term "name" could also refer to the memory of something. For example, "cut off the names of the idols" means to destroy those idols so that they are no longer remembered or worshiped.
Speaking "in the name of God" meant speaking with his power and authority, or as his representative.
The "name" of someone could refer to the entire person, as in "there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved."
People who are "nameless" are unimportant, so few people know about them or care about them.
A person who is "notorious" is one who has a reputation for evil or foolishness.

Translation Suggestions:

An expression like "his good name" could be translated as "his good reputation."
Doing something "in the name of" could be translated as "with the authority of" or "with the permission of" or "as the representative of" that person.
The expression "make a name for ourselves" could be translated "cause many people to know about us" or "make people think we are very important."
The expression "call his name" could be translated as "name him" or "give him the name."
The expression "those who love your name" could be translated as "those who love you."
The expression "cut off the names of idols" could be translated as "get rid of pagan idols so that they are not even remembered" or "cause people to stop worshiping false gods" or "completely destroy all idols so that people no longer even think about them."

(See also: call)

Bible References:

1 John 02:12
2 Timothy 02:19
Acts 04:07
Acts 04:12
Acts 09:27
Genesis 12:02
Genesis 35:10
Matthew 18:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H5344, H7761, H8034, H8036, G2028, G2564, G3140, G3141, G3686, G3687, G5122

Forms Found in the English ULB:

fame, name, name's, named, nameless, names, notorious, reputation

nation

Definition:

A nation is a large group of people ruled by some form of government. The people of a nation often have the same ancestors and share a common ethnicity.

A "nation" usually has a well-defined culture and territorial boundaries.
In the Bible, a "nation" could be a country (like Egypt or Ethiopia), but often it is more general and refers to a people group, especially when used in the plural. It is important to check the context.
Nations in the Bible included the Israelites, the Philistines, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Canaanites, the Romans, and the Greeks, among many others.
Sometimes the word "nation" was used figuratively to refer to the ancestor of a certain people group, as when Rebekah was told by God that her unborn sons were "nations" that would fight against each other. This could be translated as "the founders of two nations" or the "ancestors of two people groups."
The word translated as "nation" was also sometimes used to refer to "Gentiles" or to people who do not worship Yahweh. The context usually makes the meaning clear.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, the word "nation" could also be translated as "people group" or "people" or "country."
If a language has a term for "nation" that is distinct from these other terms, then that term can be used wherever it occurs in the Bible text, as long as it is natural and accurate in each context.
The plural term "nations" can often be translated as "people groups."
In certain contexts, this term could also be translated as "Gentiles" or "nonJews."

(See also: Assyria, Babylon, Canaan, Gentile, Greek, people group, Philistines, Rome)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 14:15-17
2 Chronicles 15:06
2 Kings 17:11-12
Acts 02:05
Acts 13:19
Acts 17:26
Acts 26:04
Daniel 03:04
Genesis 10:2-5
Genesis 27:29
Genesis 35:11
Genesis 49:10
Luke 07:05
Mark 13:7-8
Matthew 21:43
Romans 04:16-17

Word Data:

Strong's: H523, H524, H1471, H3816, H4940, H5971, G246, G1074, G1085, G1484

Forms Found in the English ULB:

nation, nations

peace

Related Ideas:

peaceable, peaceful, peacemaker, quiet

Definition:

The term "peace" refers to a state of being or a feeling of having no conflict, anxiety, or fearfulness. A person who is "peaceful" feels calm and assured of being safe and secure.

"Peace" can also refer to a time when people groups or countries are not at war with each other. These people are said to have "peaceful relations."
To "make peace" with a person or a group of people means to take actions to cause fighting to stop.
A "peacemaker" is someone who does and says things to influence people to live at peace with each other.
To be "at peace" with other people means being in a state of not fighting against those people.
A good or right relationship between God and people happens when God saves people from their sin. This is called having "peace with God."
The greeting "grace and peace" was used by the apostles in their letters to their fellow believers as a blessing.
The term "peace" can also refer to being in a good relationship with other people or with God.
A person who is "peaceable" acts in a way that enables him to live in peace with other people. He acts "peaceably."
To "quiet" someone is to get them to be at peace. To quiet a quarrel is to get the people to stop quarreling and be at peace with each other.

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 05:1-3
Acts 07:26
Colossians 01:18-20
Colossians 03:15
Galatians 05:23
Luke 07:50
Luke 12:51
Mark 04:39
Matthew 05:09
Matthew 10:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H5117, H7961, H7962, H7965, H7999, H8001, H8002, H8003, H8252, H8535, G269, G1514, G1515, G1516, G1517, G1518, G2272

Forms Found in the English ULB:

peace, peaceable, peaceably, peaceful, peacefully, peacemakers, quiet, quiets

peace

Related Ideas:

peaceable, peaceful, peacemaker, quiet

Definition:

The term "peace" refers to a state of being or a feeling of having no conflict, anxiety, or fearfulness. A person who is "peaceful" feels calm and assured of being safe and secure.

"Peace" can also refer to a time when people groups or countries are not at war with each other. These people are said to have "peaceful relations."
To "make peace" with a person or a group of people means to take actions to cause fighting to stop.
A "peacemaker" is someone who does and says things to influence people to live at peace with each other.
To be "at peace" with other people means being in a state of not fighting against those people.
A good or right relationship between God and people happens when God saves people from their sin. This is called having "peace with God."
The greeting "grace and peace" was used by the apostles in their letters to their fellow believers as a blessing.
The term "peace" can also refer to being in a good relationship with other people or with God.
A person who is "peaceable" acts in a way that enables him to live in peace with other people. He acts "peaceably."
To "quiet" someone is to get them to be at peace. To quiet a quarrel is to get the people to stop quarreling and be at peace with each other.

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 05:1-3
Acts 07:26
Colossians 01:18-20
Colossians 03:15
Galatians 05:23
Luke 07:50
Luke 12:51
Mark 04:39
Matthew 05:09
Matthew 10:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H5117, H7961, H7962, H7965, H7999, H8001, H8002, H8003, H8252, H8535, G269, G1514, G1515, G1516, G1517, G1518, G2272

Forms Found in the English ULB:

peace, peaceable, peaceably, peaceful, peacefully, peacemakers, quiet, quiets

perish

Related Ideas:

imperishable, perishable

Definition:

The term "perish" means to die or be destroyed, usually as the result of violence or other disaster.

The word "perish" can also be a metaphor for being punished in hell either presently or in the future.
Something that is "imperishable" will never perish.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, ways to translate this term could include "die" or "be destroyed" or "be punished in hell" or "will be punished in hell."
When perish is a metaphor, make sure that the translation of "perish" does not only mean "cease to exist."

(See also: death, everlasting)

Bible References:

1 Peter 01:23
2 Corinthians 02:16-17
2 Thessalonians 02:10
Jeremiah 18:18
Psalms 049:18-20
Zechariah 09:5-7
Zechariah 13:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H6, H7, H622, H1197, H1478, H1820, H1826, H5486, H5595, H7921, H8045, G599, G622, G684, G853, G5356

Forms Found in the English ULB:

imperishable, perish, perishable, perished, perishes, perishing

perverse

Related Ideas:

crooked, perversion, perversity, pervert, twisted

Definition:

The terms "perverse," "crooked," and "twisted" are used to describe a person or action that is morally bad. The term "perversely" means "in a perverse manner." To "pervert" something means to twist it or turn it away from what is right or good. "Perversity" is perverse thoughts, words, and actions.

Someone or something that is perverse has deviated from what is good and right.
In the Bible, the Israelites acted perversely when they disobeyed God. They often did this by worshiping false gods.
Any action which is against God's standards or behavior is considered perverse.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "perverse" could include "morally twisted" or "immoral" or "turning away from God's straight path," depending on the context.
"Perverse speech" could be translated as "speaking in an evil way" or "deceitful talk" or "immoral way of talking."
"Perverse people" could be described as "immoral people" or "people who are morally deviant" or "people who continually disobey God."
The phrase "acting perversely" could be translated as "behaving in an evil way" or "doing things against God's commands" or "living in a way that rejects God's teachings."
The term "pervert" could also be translated as "cause to be corrupt" or "turn into something evil."

(See also: corrupt, deceive, disobey, evil, turn)

Bible References:

1 Kings 08:47
1 Samuel 20:30
Job 33:27-28
Luke 23:02
Psalms 101:4-6

Word Data:

Strong's: H1942, H2015, H2555, H3868, H4297, H5186, H5557, H5558, H5753, H5766, H5773, H5791, H6140, H6141, H8138, H8397, H8419, G1294, G1612, G3344, G4646

Forms Found in the English ULB:

crooked, crooked ways, perverse, perverse words, perversely, perversion, perversions, perversities, perversity, pervert, perverted, perverting, perverts, twisted

pray

Related Ideas:

prayer

Definition:

The terms "pray" and "prayer" refer to talking with God. These terms are used to refer to people trying to talk to a false god.

People can pray silently, talking to God with their thoughts, or they can pray aloud, speaking to God with their voice. Sometimes prayers are written down, such as when David wrote his prayers in the Book of Psalms.
Prayer can include asking God for mercy, for help with a problem, and for wisdom in making decisions.
Often people ask God to heal people who are sick or who need his help in other ways.
People also thank and praise God when they are praying to him.
Praying includes confessing our sins to God and asking him to forgive us.
Talking to God is sometimes called "communing" with him as our spirit communicates with his spirit, sharing our emotions and enjoying his presence.
This term could be translated as "talking to God" or "communicating with God." The translation of this term should be able to include praying that is silent.

(See also: false god, forgive, praise)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 03:09
Acts 08:24
Acts 14:26
Colossians 04:04
John 17:09
Luke 11:1
Matthew 05:43-45
Matthew 14:22-24

Word Data:

Strong's: H577, H1156, H2470, H3908, H6279, H6293, H6419, H6739, H7592, H7879, H8034, H8605, G154, G1162, G1189, G1783, G2065, G2171, G2172, G3870, G4335, G4336

Forms Found in the English ULB:

heard ... prayer, pray, prayed, prayer, prayers, praying, prays, urgently pray

pray

Related Ideas:

prayer

Definition:

The terms "pray" and "prayer" refer to talking with God. These terms are used to refer to people trying to talk to a false god.

People can pray silently, talking to God with their thoughts, or they can pray aloud, speaking to God with their voice. Sometimes prayers are written down, such as when David wrote his prayers in the Book of Psalms.
Prayer can include asking God for mercy, for help with a problem, and for wisdom in making decisions.
Often people ask God to heal people who are sick or who need his help in other ways.
People also thank and praise God when they are praying to him.
Praying includes confessing our sins to God and asking him to forgive us.
Talking to God is sometimes called "communing" with him as our spirit communicates with his spirit, sharing our emotions and enjoying his presence.
This term could be translated as "talking to God" or "communicating with God." The translation of this term should be able to include praying that is silent.

(See also: false god, forgive, praise)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 03:09
Acts 08:24
Acts 14:26
Colossians 04:04
John 17:09
Luke 11:1
Matthew 05:43-45
Matthew 14:22-24

Word Data:

Strong's: H577, H1156, H2470, H3908, H6279, H6293, H6419, H6739, H7592, H7879, H8034, H8605, G154, G1162, G1189, G1783, G2065, G2171, G2172, G3870, G4335, G4336

Forms Found in the English ULB:

heard ... prayer, pray, prayed, prayer, prayers, praying, prays, urgently pray

profit

Related Ideas:

profitable, unprofitable

Definition:

In general, the terms "profit" and "profitable" refer to gaining something good through doing certain actions or behaviors.

Something is "profitable" to someone if it brings them good things or if it helps them bring about good things for other people.

More specifically, the term "profit" often refers to money that is gained from doing business. A business is "profitable" if it gains more money than it spends.
Actions are profitable if they bring about good things for people.
2 Timothy 3:16 says that all Scripture is "profitable" for correcting and training people in righteousness. This means that the Bible's teachings are helpful and useful for teaching people to live according to God's will.

The term "unprofitable" means to not be useful.

It literally means to not profit anything or to not help someone gain anything.
Something that is unprofitable is not worth doing because it does not give any benefit.
This could be translated as "useless" or "worthless" or "not useful" or "unworthy" or "not beneficial" or "giving no benefit."

To "take advantage of" someone is to make extra profit from him because he is weak and unable to demand greater return.

(See also: worthy)

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, the term "profit" could also be translated as "benefit" or "help" or "gain."
The term "profitable" could be translated as "useful" or "beneficial" or "helpful."
To "profit from" something could be translated as "benefit from" or "gain money from" or "receive help from."
In the context of a business, "profit" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "money gained" or "surplus of money" or "extra money."

Bible References:

Job 15:03
Proverbs 10:16
Jeremiah 02:08
Ezekiel 18:12-13
John 06:63
Mark 08:36
Matthew 16:26
2 Peter 02:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H1214, H3148, H3276, H3504, H4195, H4768, H5532, H7939, H7965, G147, G512, G890, G1281, G2108, G2585, G2770, G2771, G3408, G3685, G4122, G4297, G4851, G5622, G5623

Forms Found in the English ULB:

profit, profitable, profits, treated ... violently for profit, unprofitable

punish

Related Ideas:

bring down judgment, deal with, inflict punishment, judgment, punishment, unpunished

Definition:

The term "punish" means to cause someone to suffer a negative consequence for doing something wrong. The term "punishment" refers to the negative consequence that is given as a result of that wrong behavior.

Often punishment is intended to motivate a person to stop sinning.
God punished the Israelites when they disobeyed him, especially when they worshiped false gods. Because of their sin, God allowed their enemies to attack and capture them.
God is righteous and just, so he has to punish sin. Every human being has sinned against God and deserves punishment.
Jesus was punished for all the evil things that every person has ever done. He received each person's punishment on himself even though he did nothing wrong and did not deserve that punishment.
The expression "leave someone unpunished" means to decide not to punish someone for their wrongdoing.
The expression "go unpunished" means to sin and not be punished for it. God often allows people to go unpunished as he waits for them to repent.
To "bring down judgment" on someone is to punish him after declaring him guilty of wrongful behavior.
Sometimes "judgment" refers to punishment.
Sometimes "deal with" means punish.

(See also: just, repent, righteous, sin)

Bible References:

1 John 04:18
2 Thessalonians 01:09
Acts 04:21
Acts 07:59-60
Genesis 04:15
Luke 23:16
Matthew 25:46

Word Data:

Strong's: H2403, H3027, H3256, H4148, H4941, H5221, H5352, H5414, H5771, H6031, H6213, H6485, H6486, H7451, H7561, H7999, H8011, H8199, G1349, G1556, G1557, G2849, G2851, G2917, G2920, G3811, G5097

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bring down judgment, go ... unpunished, inflicted punishment, inflicting punishment, judgment, leave ... unpunished, punish, punished, punishes, punishing, punishment, unpunished

rebel

Related Ideas:

rebellion, rebellious, rebelliousness

Definition:

The term "rebel" means to refuse to submit to someone's authority. A "rebellious" person often disobeys and does evil things. This kind of person is called "a rebel."

A person is rebelling when he does something the authorities over him have told him not to do.
A person can also rebel by refusing to do what the authorities have commanded him to do.
Sometimes people rebel against their government or leader who is ruling over them.
The term to "rebel" could also be translated as to "disobey" or to "revolt," depending on the context.
"Rebellious" could also be translated as "continually disobedient" or "refusing to obey."
The term "rebellion" means "refusal to obey" or "disobedience" or "law-breaking."
The phrase "the rebellion" or "a rebellion" can also refer to an organized group of people who publicly rebel against ruling authorities by breaking the law and attacking leaders and other people. Often they try to get other people to join them in rebelling.

(See also: authority, governor)

Bible References:

1 Kings 12:18-19
1 Samuel 12:14
1 Timothy 01:9-11
2 Chronicles 10:17-19
Acts 21:38
Luke 23:19

Word Data:

Strong's: H4754, H4775, H4776, H4777, H4779, H4780, H4784, H4805, H5327, H5627, H5637, H6586, H6588, H7300, H7846, G436, G485, G498, G506, G3893, G4955

Forms Found in the English ULB:

rebel, rebelled, rebelling, rebellion, rebellious, rebelliousness, rebels, revolt

rebuke

Related Ideas:

correct, correction

Definition:

To rebuke is to give someone a stern verbal correction, often in order to help that person turn away from sin. Such a correction is a rebuke.

A rebuke is typically given to prevent those who committed a wrong from further involving themselves in sin.
The book of Proverbs instructs parents to rebuke their children when they are disobedient.
The New Testament commands Christians to rebuke other believers when they are clearly disobeying God.

Translation Suggestions:

This could be translated by "sternly correct" or "admonish."
The phrase "a rebuke" could be translated by "a stern correction" or "a strong criticism."
"Without rebuke" could be translated as "without admonishing" or "without criticism."

(See also admonish, disobey)

Bible References:

Mark 01:23-26
Mark 16:14
Matthew 08:26-27
Matthew 17:17-18

Word Data:

Strong's: H1605, H1606, H2778, H2781, H3198, H3256, H4045, H4148, H7626, H8156, H8433, G1649, G1651, G1969, G2008, G3679

Forms Found in the English ULB:

correct, corrected, correction, corrections, corrects, give correction, rebuke, rebuked, rebukes

receive

Related Ideas:

abstain, receiver

Definition:

The term "receive" generally means to get or accept something that is given, offered, or presented.

To "receive" can also mean to suffer or experience something, as in "he received punishment for what he did."
There is also a special sense in which we can "receive" a person. For example, to "receive" guests or visitors means to welcome them and treat them with honor in order to build a relationship with them.
To "receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" means we are given the Holy Spirit and welcome him to work in and through our lives.
To "receive Jesus" means to accept God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.
When a blind person "receives his sight" means that God has healed him and enabled him to see.
The word "abstain" means to refuse to take or receive or have something.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "receive" could be translated as "accept" or "welcome" or "experience" or "be given."
The expression "you will receive power" could be translated as "you will be given power" or "God will give you power" or "power will be given to you (by God)" or "God will cause the Holy Spirit to work powerfully in you."
The phrase "received his sight" could be translated as "was able to see" or "became able to see again."

(See also: Holy Spirit, Jesus, lord, save)

Bible References:

1 John 05:09
1 Thessalonians 01:06
1 Thessalonians 04:01
Acts 08:15
Jeremiah 32:33
Luke 09:05
Malachi 03:10-12
Psalms 049:14-15

Word Data:

Strong's: H3557, H3925, H3947, H5144, H6901, H6902, H8254, G308, G324, G353, G354, G568, G588, G618, G1183, G1184, G1209, G1523, G1653, G1926, G2865, G2983, G3028, G3335, G3336, G3549, G3858, G3880, G4047, G4327, G4355, G4356, G4687, G5264, G5562

Forms Found in the English ULB:

abstain, receive, receive back, received, received ... in full, receiver, receives, receiving

reject

Related Ideas:

deny, despise, refuse, rejection, scorn, set aside, stay away from, throw away

Definition:

To "reject" someone or something means to refuse to accept that person or thing. The term "reject" can also mean to "refuse to believe in" something. To reject God or his laws means to refuse to obey him.

To "deny" what someone says is to say that it is not true.
To "deny" someone is to say that one does not associate with that person.
To "despise" or "scorn" people or things is to have no respect for them.
An "object of scorn" is someone or something that people have no respect for.

Translation Suggestions

Depending on the context, the term "reject" could also be translated by "not accept" or "stop helping" or "refuse to obey" or "stop obeying."
In some languages the idea of "reject" is expressed as "push away" or "set aside" or "stay away from."
In the expression "stone that the builders rejected," the term "rejected" could be translated as "refused to use" or "did not accept" or "threw away" or "got rid of as worthless."
In the context of people who rejected God's commandments, rejected could be translated as "refused to obey" his commands or "stubbornly chose to not accept" God's laws.

(See also: command, disobey, obey, stiff-necked)

Bible References:

Galatians 04:12-14
Hosea 04:6-7
Isaiah 41:09
John 12:48-50
Mark 07:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H936, H937, H947, H959, H2151, H2186, H2778, H2781, H3988, H5006, H5034, H5186, H5203, H5307, H5541, H5800, G114, G483, G550, G579, G580, G581, G593, G683, G720, G1609, G1848, G3868

Forms Found in the English ULB:

denied, denies, deny, despise, despised, despises, refuse, refused, reject, rejected, rejecting, rejection, rejects, scorn, scorns, set ... aside, sets ... aside, stay away from, throw away, tossed aside

save

Related Ideas:

make well, preserve, safe, salvation

Definition:

The term "save" refers to keeping someone from experiencing something bad or harmful. To "be safe" means to be protected from harm or danger.

In a physical sense, people can be saved or rescued from harm, danger, or death.
In a spiritual sense, if a person has been "saved," then God, through Jesus' death on the cross, has forgiven him and rescued him from being punished in hell for his sin.
People can save or rescue people from danger, but only God can save people from being punished eternally for their sins.

The term "salvation" refers to being saved or rescued from evil and danger.

In the Bible, "salvation" usually refers to the spiritual and eternal deliverance granted by God to those who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus.
The Bible also talks about God saving or delivering his people from their physical enemies.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "save" could include "deliver" or "keep from harm" or "take out of harm's way" or "keep from dying."
In the expression "whoever would save his life," the term "save" could also be translated as "preserve" or "protect."
The term "safe" could be translated as "protected from danger" or "in a place where nothing can harm."
The term "salvation" could also be translated using words related to "save" or "rescue," as in "God’s saving people (from being punished for their sins)" or "God’s rescuing his people (from their enemies)."
"God is my salvation" could be translated as "God is the one who saves me."
"You will draw water from the wells of salvation" could be translated as "You will be refreshed as with water because God is rescuing you."

(See also: cross, deliver, punish, sin, Savior)

Bible References:

Genesis 49:18
Genesis 47:25-26
Psalms 080:03
Jeremiah 16:19-21
Micah 06:3-5
Luke 02:30
Luke 08:36-37
Acts 04:12
Acts 28:28
Acts 02:21
Romans 01:16
Romans 10:10
Ephesians 06:17
Philippians 01:28
1 Timothy 01:15-17
Revelation 19:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H983, H2421, H2502, H3444, H3467, H3468, H4190, H4422, H4581, H4931, H5337, H5338, H5756, H6308, H6403, H7682, H7965, H8104, H8199, H8668, G803, G804, G1295, G1508, G1515, G4982, G4991, G4992, G5198

Forms Found in the English ULB:

be made well, brought safely, brought safely through, place of safety, preserve, safe, safely, safety, salvation, save, saved, saves, saving

send

Definition:

To "send" is to cause someone or something to go somewhere. To "send out" someone is to tell that person to go on an errand or a mission.

Often a person who is "sent out" has been appointed to do a specific task.
Phrases like "send rain" or "send disaster" mean to "cause rain to come" or "cause a disaster to come." This type of expression is usually used in reference to God causing these things to happen.
The term "send" is also used in expressions such as "send word" or "send a message," which means to give someone a message to tell someone else.
To "send" someone "with" something can mean to "give" that thing "to" someone else, usually moving it some distance in order for the person to receive it.
To "send someone on his way" or "help someone on his way" is to give him what he needs for his journey.
Jesus frequently used the phrase "the one who sent me" to refer to God the Father, who "sent" him to earth to redeem and save people. This could also be translated as "the one who commissioned me."

(See also: appoint, redeem)

Bible References:

Acts 07:33-34
Acts 08:14-17
John 20:21-23
Matthew 09:37-38
Matthew 10:05
Matthew 10:40
Matthew 21:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H1540, H1980, H2199, H2904, H3318, H3474, H4916, H4917, H5130, H5375, H5414, H5674, H6963, H7368, H7964, H7971, H7972, H7993, H8421, H8446, G782, G375, G630, G649, G652, G1026, G1544, G1599, G1821, G3333, G3343, G3936, G3992, G4311, G4341, G4369, G4842, G4882

Forms Found in the English ULB:

send, send ... away, send ... on ... way, send out, sending, sending out, sends, sends out, sent, sent ... away, sent out

servant

Related Ideas:

assistant, attendant, hired worker, maidservant, office, serve, service

Definition:

The word "servant" refers to a person who works for another person, either by choice or by force. Some servants were slaves, and the surrounding text usually makes it clear whether or not a particular servant was a slave. In Bible times, there was less of a difference between a servant and a slave than there is today. Both servants and slaves were an important part of their master's household and many were treated almost like members of the family. Sometimes a servant would choose to become a lifetime servant to his master.

A slave was a kind of servant who was the property of the person he worked for. The person who bought a slave was called his "owner" or "master." Some masters treated their slaves very cruelly, while other masters treated their slaves very well, as a servant who was a valued member of the household.
In ancient times, some people became slaves to a person they owed money to in order to pay off their debt to that person.
In the Bible, the phrase "I am your servant" was used as a sign of respect and service to a person of higher rank, such as a king. It did not mean that the person speaking was an actual servant.
In the Old Testament, God's prophets and other people who worshiped God were often referred to as his "servants."
In the New Testament, people who obeyed God through faith in Christ were often called his "servants."
Christians are also called "slaves to righteousness," which is a metaphor that compares the commitment to obey God to a slave's commitment to obey his master.

The word "serve" means to do things to help other people. It can also mean to "worship."

In the context of a person serving guests, this term means "care for" or "serve food to" or "provide food for." When Jesus told the disciples to "serve" the fish to the people, this could be translated as, "distribute" or "hand out" or "give."
To "serve God" can be translated as to "worship and obey God" or to "do the work that God has commanded."
People who teach others about God are said to serve both God and the ones they are teaching.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians about how they used to "serve" the old covenant. This refers to obeying the laws of Moses. Now they "serve" the new covenant. That is, because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, believers in Jesus are enabled by the Holy Spirit to please God and live holy lives.

The word "service" refers to the work that a servant does. It may also refer to worship.

The word "office" refers to the position or job that a servant has.

(See also: commit, enslave, household, lord, obey, righteous, covenant, law)

Bible References

Acts 04:29-31
Acts 10:7-8
Colossians 01:7-8
Colossians 03:22-25
Genesis 21:10-11
Luke 12:47-48
Mark 09:33-35
Matthew 10:24-25
Matthew 13:27-28
2 Timothy 02:3-5
Acts 06:2-4
Genesis 25:23
Luke 04:8
Luke 12:37-38
Luke 22:26-27
Mark 08:7-10
Matthew 04:10-11
Matthew 06:24

Word Data:

Strong's: H327, H519, H519, H4931, H5288, H5647, H5649, H5650, H5656, H5657, H5659, H5673, H6402, H6635, H7916, H8120, H8198, H8278, H8334, H8335, G1199, G1247, G1248, G1249, G1397, G1398, G1401, G1402, G2038, G2322, G2324, G2615, G2999, G3000, G3008, G3009, G3010, G3011, G3407, G3411, G3610, G3814, G3816, G4342, G5256, G5257

Forms Found in the English ULB:

female servant, female servants, hired servant, hired servants, hired worker, maidservants, male servant, male servants, office, offices, one who serves, servant, servant girl, servant girls, servant's, servants, servants', serve, served, serves, service, services, serving

sexual immorality

Related Ideas:

fornicate, fornication, immoral

Definition:

The term "sexual immorality" refers to sexual activity that takes place outside the marriage relationship of a man and a woman. This is against God's plan. Older English Bible versions call this "fornication."

This term can refer to any kind of sexual activity that is against God's will, including homosexual acts and pornography.
One type of sexual immorality is adultery, which is sexual activity specifically between a married person and someone who is not that person's spouse.
Another type of sexual immorality is "prostitution," which involves being paid to have sex with someone.
This term is also used figuratively to refer to Israel's unfaithfulness to God when they worshiped false gods.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "sexual immorality" could be translated as "immorality" as long as the correct meaning of the term is understood.
Other ways to translate this term could include "wrong sexual acts" or "sex outside of marriage."
This term should be translated in a different way from the term "adultery."
The translation of this term's figurative uses should retain the literal term if possible since there is a common comparison in the Bible between unfaithfulness to God and unfaithfulness in the sexual relationship.

(See also: adultery, false god, prostitute, faithful)

Bible References:

Acts 15:20
Acts 21:25-26
Colossians 03:5-8
Ephesians 05:03
Genesis 38:24-26
Hosea 04:13-14
Matthew 05:31-32
Matthew 19:7-9

Word Data:

Strong's: H2181, H8457, G1608, G4202, G4203

Forms Found in the English ULB:

fornicate, fornicates, fornication, fornications, immoral, immorality, sexual immorality

shame

Related Ideas:

ashamed, shameful, shameless, unashamed

Definition:

The term "shame" refers to a painful feeling of being disgraced a person has because of something dishonorable or improper that he or someone else has done.

Something that is "shameful" is "improper" or "dishonorable."
The term "ashamed" describes how a person feels when he has done something shameful.
The phrase "put to shame" means to cause someone to feel ashamed. It might be expose their sin or by defeating them.
The prophet Isaiah said that those who make and worship idols will be put to shame.
God can bring shame to a person who does not repent by exposing that person's sin and causing him to be humiliated.
A person that is "unashamed" does not feel shame.
A person is "shameless" if he does something shameful but does not feel ashamed.
A "shameless act" is something a person should feel ashamed about doing, but he does not feel ashamed.

Sometimes the word "shame" is used figuratively to refer to a person's nakedness or private parts.

(See also: false god, humble, humiliate, Isaiah, repent, sin, worship)

Bible References:

1 Peter 03:15-17
2 Kings 02:17
2 Samuel 13:13
Luke 20:11
Mark 08:38
Mark 12:4-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H937, H954, H955, H1317, H1322, H5949, H2616, H2659, H2781, H3001, H3637, H3639, H3640, H7022, H7036, H8103, G149, G152, G153, G422, G808, G818, G819, G821, G1788, G1791, G1870, G2617, G3681, G3856, G5195

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ashamed, make ... ashamed, put ... to shame, shame, shamed, shameful, shamefully, shameless, shamelessly, shames, unashamed

shepherd

Definition:

A shepherd is a person who takes care of sheep. The verb to "shepherd" means to protect the sheep and provide them with food and water.
Shepherds watch over the sheep, leading them to places with good food and water. Shepherds also keep the sheep from getting lost and protect them from wild animals.
This term is often used metaphorically in the Bible to refer to taking care of people's spiritual needs. This includes teaching them what God has told them in the Bible and guiding them in the way they should live.
In the Old Testament, God was called the "shepherd" of his people because he took care of all their needs and protected them. He also led and guided them.
David was a shepherd who looked after sheep. God made David king over Israel to take care of the people of Israel in some ways like a shepherd takes care of sheep.
In the New Testament, Jesus called himself the "good shepherd." The apostle Peter also referred to Jesus as "the Chief Shepherd" over the Church.
Also, in the New Testament, the term "shepherd" was used to refer to a person who was a spiritual leader over other believers. The word translated as "pastor" is the same word that is translated as "shepherd." The elders and overseers were also called shepherds.

Translation Suggestions

When used literally, the action "shepherd" could be translated as "take care of sheep" or "watch over sheep."
The person "shepherd" could be translated as "person who takes care of sheep" or "sheep tender" or "sheep caregiver."
When used as a metaphor, different ways to translate this term could include "spiritual shepherd" or "spiritual leader" or "one who is like a shepherd" or "one who cares for his people like a shepherd cares for his sheep" or "one who leads his people like a shepherd guides his sheep" or "one who takes care of God's sheep."
In some contexts, "shepherd" could be translated as "leader" or "guide" or "caregiver."
The spiritual expression to "shepherd" could be translated as to "take care of" or to "spiritually nourish" or to "guide and teach" or to "lead and take care of (like a shepherd cares for sheep)."
In figurative uses, it is best to use or include the literal word for "shepherd" in the translation of this term.

(See also: believe, Canaan, church, Moses, pastor, sheep, spirit)

Bible References:

Genesis 49:24
Luke 02:09
Mark 06:34
Mark 14:26-27
Matthew 02:06
Matthew 09:36
Matthew 25:32
Matthew 26:31

Word Data:

Strong's: H6629, H7462, H7469, H7473, G750, G4165, G4166

Forms Found in the English ULB:

chief shepherd, herdsman, herdsmen, keeper, shepherd, shepherd's, shepherded, shepherding, shepherds

sin

Related Ideas:

sinful, sinner

Definition:

The term "sin" refers to actions, thoughts, and words that are against God's will and laws. Sin can also refer to not doing something that God wants us to do.

Sin includes anything we do that does not obey or please God, even things that other people don't know about.
Thoughts and actions that disobey God's will are called "sinful."
Because Adam sinned, all human beings are born with a "sinful nature," a nature that that controls them and causes them to sin.
A "sinner" is someone who sins, so every human being is a sinner.
Sometimes the word "sinners" was used by religious people like the Pharisees to refer to people who didn't keep the law as well as the Pharisees thought they should.
The term "sinner" was also used for people who were considered to be worse sinners than other people. For example, this label was given to tax collectors and prostitutes.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "sin" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "disobedience to God" or "going against God's will" or "evil behavior and thoughts" or "wrongdoing."
To "sin" could also be translated as to "disobey God" or to "do wrong."
Depending on the context "sinful" could be translated as "full of wrongdoing" or "wicked" or "immoral" or "evil" or "rebelling against God."
Depending on the context the term "sinner" could be translated with a word or phrase that means, "person who sins" or "person who does wrong things" or "person who disobeys God" or "person who disobeys the law."
The term "sinners" could be translated by a word or phrase that means "very sinful people" or "people considered to be very sinful" or "immoral people."
Ways to translate "tax collectors and sinners" could include "people who collect money for the government, and other very sinful people" or "very sinful people, including (even) tax collectors."
In expressions like "slaves to sin" or "ruled by sin," the term "sin" could be translated as "disobedience" or "evil desires and actions."
Make sure the translation of this term can include sinful behavior and thoughts, even those that other people don't see or know about.
The term "sin" should be general, and different from the terms for "wickedness" and "evil."

(See also: disobey, evil, flesh, tax collector)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 09:1-3
1 John 01:10
1 John 02:02
2 Samuel 07:12-14
Acts 03:19
Daniel 09:24
Genesis 04:07
Hebrews 12:02
Isaiah 53:11
Jeremiah 18:23
Leviticus 04:14
Luke 15:18
Matthew 12:31
Romans 06:23
Romans 08:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H817, H819, H2398, H2399, H2400, H2401, H2402, H2403, H2408, H2409, H6588, H7683, H7686, G93, G264, G265, G266, G268, G361, G3781, G3900, G4258

Forms Found in the English ULB:

sin, sinful, sinned, sinner, sinners, sinning, sins

sin

Related Ideas:

sinful, sinner

Definition:

The term "sin" refers to actions, thoughts, and words that are against God's will and laws. Sin can also refer to not doing something that God wants us to do.

Sin includes anything we do that does not obey or please God, even things that other people don't know about.
Thoughts and actions that disobey God's will are called "sinful."
Because Adam sinned, all human beings are born with a "sinful nature," a nature that that controls them and causes them to sin.
A "sinner" is someone who sins, so every human being is a sinner.
Sometimes the word "sinners" was used by religious people like the Pharisees to refer to people who didn't keep the law as well as the Pharisees thought they should.
The term "sinner" was also used for people who were considered to be worse sinners than other people. For example, this label was given to tax collectors and prostitutes.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "sin" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "disobedience to God" or "going against God's will" or "evil behavior and thoughts" or "wrongdoing."
To "sin" could also be translated as to "disobey God" or to "do wrong."
Depending on the context "sinful" could be translated as "full of wrongdoing" or "wicked" or "immoral" or "evil" or "rebelling against God."
Depending on the context the term "sinner" could be translated with a word or phrase that means, "person who sins" or "person who does wrong things" or "person who disobeys God" or "person who disobeys the law."
The term "sinners" could be translated by a word or phrase that means "very sinful people" or "people considered to be very sinful" or "immoral people."
Ways to translate "tax collectors and sinners" could include "people who collect money for the government, and other very sinful people" or "very sinful people, including (even) tax collectors."
In expressions like "slaves to sin" or "ruled by sin," the term "sin" could be translated as "disobedience" or "evil desires and actions."
Make sure the translation of this term can include sinful behavior and thoughts, even those that other people don't see or know about.
The term "sin" should be general, and different from the terms for "wickedness" and "evil."

(See also: disobey, evil, flesh, tax collector)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 09:1-3
1 John 01:10
1 John 02:02
2 Samuel 07:12-14
Acts 03:19
Daniel 09:24
Genesis 04:07
Hebrews 12:02
Isaiah 53:11
Jeremiah 18:23
Leviticus 04:14
Luke 15:18
Matthew 12:31
Romans 06:23
Romans 08:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H817, H819, H2398, H2399, H2400, H2401, H2402, H2403, H2408, H2409, H6588, H7683, H7686, G93, G264, G265, G266, G268, G361, G3781, G3900, G4258

Forms Found in the English ULB:

sin, sinful, sinned, sinner, sinners, sinning, sins

slander

Related Ideas:

slanderer, slanderous, speak evil about

Definition:

Slander consists of negative, defaming things spoken (not written) about another person. To say such things (not to write them) about someone is to slander that person. The person saying such things is a slanderer.

Slander may be a true report or a false accusation, but its effect is to cause others to think negatively of the person being slandered.
To "slander" could be translated as to "speak against" or to "spread an evil report" or to "defame."
The word "slanderer" could also be translated as "tale-bearer."

(See also: blasphemy)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 04:13
1 Timothy 03:11
2 Corinthians 06:8-10
Mark 07:20-23

Word Data:

Strong's: H1681, H1696, H1848, H3960, H5791, H7270, H7400, H8267, G987, G988, G1228, G1426, G2635, G2636, G2637, G3059, G3060

Forms Found in the English ULB:

slander, slandered, slanderer, slanderers, slandering, slanderous, slanders, speak evil about, spoken of as evil

son

Definition:

The male offspring of a man and a woman is called their "son" for his entire life. He is also called a son of that man and a son of that woman. An "adopted son" is a male who has been legally placed into the position of being a son.

"Son" was often used figuratively in the Bible to refer to any male descendant, such as a grandson or great-grandson.
The term "son" can also be used as a polite form of address to a boy or man who is younger than the speaker.
Sometimes "sons of God" was used in the New Testament to refer to believers in Christ.
God called Israel his "firstborn son." This refers to God's choosing of the nation of Israel to be his special people. It is through them that God's message of redemption and salvation came, with the result that many other people have become his spiritual children.
The phrase "son of" often has the figurative meaning "person having the characteristics of." Examples of this include "sons of the light," "sons of disobedience," "a son of peace," and "sons of thunder."
The phrase "son of" is also used to tell who a person's father is. This phrase is used in genealogies and many other places.
Using "son of" to give the name of the father frequently helps distinguish people who have the same name. For example, "Azariah son of Zadok" and "Azariah son of Nathan" in 1 Kings 4, and "Azariah son of Amaziah" in 2 Kings 15 are three different men.

Translation Suggestions:

In most occurrences of this term, it is best to translate "son" by the literal term in the language that is used to refer to a son.
When translating the term "Son of God," the project language's common term for "son" should be used.
When used to refer to a descendant rather than a direct son, the term "descendant" could be used, as in referring to Jesus as the "descendant of David" or in genealogies where sometimes "son" referred to a male descendant who was not an actual son.
Sometimes "sons" can be translated as "children," when both males and females are being referred to. For example, "sons of God" could be translated as "children of God" since this expression also includes girls and women.
The figurative expression "son of" could also be translated as "someone who has the characteristics of" or "someone who is like" or "someone who has" or "someone who acts like."

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 18:15
1 Kings 13:02
1 Thessalonians 05:05
Galatians 04:07
Hosea 11:01
Isaiah 09:06
Matthew 03:17
Matthew 05:09
Matthew 08:12
Nehemiah 10:28

Word Data:

Strong's: H1060, H1121, H1123, H1247, H1248, H3173, H3206, H3211, H5209, H5220, G3816, G5043, G5207

Forms Found in the English ULB:

son, son's, sons

soul

Related Ideas:

person

Definition:

The soul is the inner, invisible part of a person. It refers to the non-physical part of a person. It is the part of a person that continues living after the body dies.

The terms "soul" and "spirit" may be two different concepts, or they may be two terms that refer to the same concept.
When a person dies, his soul leaves his body.
The word "soul" is sometimes used figuratively to refer to the whole person. For example, "the soul who sins" means "the person who sins" and "my soul is tired" means,"I am tired."

Translation Suggestions:

The term "soul" could also be translated as "inner self" or "inner person."
In some contexts, "my soul" could be translated as "I" or "me."
Usually the phrase "the soul" can be translated as "the person" or "he" or "him," depending on the context.
Some languages might only have one word for the concepts "soul" and "spirit."
In Hebrews 4:12, the figurative phrase "dividing soul and spirit" could mean "deeply discerning or exposing the inner person."

(See also: spirit)

Bible References:

2 Peter 02:08
Acts 02:27-28
Acts 02:41
Genesis 49:06
Isaiah 53:10-11
James 01:21
Jeremiah 06:16-19
Jonah 02:7-8
Luke 01:47
Matthew 22:37
Psalms 019:07
Revelation 20:4

Word Data:

Strong's: H5315, G5590

Forms Found in the English ULB:

person, persons, soul, souls

suffer

Related Ideas:

misery

Definition:

The terms "suffer" and "suffering" refer to experiencing something very unpleasant, such as illness, pain, or other hardships.

When people are persecuted or when they are sick, they suffer.
Sometimes people suffer because of wrong things they have done; other times they suffer because of sin and disease in the world.
Suffering can be physical, such as feeling pain or sickness. It can also be emotional, such as feeling fear, sadness, or loneliness.
'Misery' is what a person feels when they suffer.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "suffer" can be translated as "feel pain" or "endure difficulty" or "experience hardships" or "go through difficult and painful experiences."
Depending on the context, "suffering" could be translated as "extremely difficult circumstances" or "severe hardships" or "experiencing hardship" or "time of painful experiences."
The phrase "suffer thirst" could be translated as "experience thirst" or "suffer with thirst."
To "suffer violence" could also be translated as "undergo violence" or "be harmed by violent acts."

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 02:14-16
2 Thessalonians 01:3-5
2 Timothy 01:08
Acts 07:11-13
Isaiah 53:11
Jeremiah 06:6-8
Matthew 16:21
Psalms 022:24
Revelation 01:09
Romans 05:3-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H816, H943, H1741, H1934, H4531, G4912, H5142, H5375, H5999, H6001, H6031, H6040, H6041, H6090, H6770, H6869, H6887, H7489, H7661, G91, G941, G971, G2210, G2346, G2347, G2552, G2553, G2561, G3804, G3958, G4310, G4778, G4777, G4841, G5004

Forms Found in the English ULB:

miseries, suffer, suffered, suffering, sufferings, suffers

tent

Related Ideas:

camp, encamp, tentmaker

Definition:

A tent is a portable shelter made of sturdy fabric that is draped over a structure of poles and attached to them.

Tents can be small, with just enough space for a few people to sleep in, or they can be very large, with space for an entire family to sleep, cook, and live in.
For many people, tents are used as permanent dwelling places. For example, during most of the time that Abraham's family lived in the land of Canaan, they dwelled in large tents constucted from sturdy cloth made of goat hair.
The Israelites also lived in tents during their forty-year wanderings through the desert of Sinai.
The tabernacle building was a kind of very large tent, with thick walls made of cloth curtains.
When the apostle Paul traveled to different cities to share the gospel, he supported himself by making tents.
The term "tents" is sometimes used figuratively to refer generally to where people live. This could also be translated as "homes" or "dwellings" or "houses" or even "bodies."
To "camp" is to sleep in tents or other temporary shelters.
To "encamp" is for an army to set up camp near a place they will attack.

(See also: Abraham, Canaan, curtain, Paul, Sinai, tabernacle, tent of meeting)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 05:10
Daniel 11:45
Exodus 16:18
Genesis 12:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H167, H168, H2918, H3407, H4908, H6898, G3925, G4633, G4636

Forms Found in the English ULB:

camp, camped, camping, camps, encamp, encamped, encampments, encamps, tent, tentmakers, tents

test

Related Ideas:

put to the test

Definition:

The term "test" refers to a difficult or painful experience that reveals a person's strengths and weaknesses.

God tests people, but he does not tempt them to sin. Satan, however, tempts people to sin.
God sometimes uses tests to expose people's sin. A test helps a person to turn away from sin and to draw closer to God.
Gold and other metals are tested with fire to find out how pure and strong they are. This is a picture of how God uses painful circumstances to test his people.
To "put to the test" can mean, "challenge something or someone to prove its value."
In the context of putting God to the test, it means to try to make him do a miracle for us, taking advantage of his mercy.
Jesus told Satan that it is wrong to put God to the test. He is the almighty, holy God who is above everything and everyone.

Translation Suggestions:

The term to "test" could also be translated as, to "challenge" or to "cause to experience difficulties" or to "prove."
Ways to translate "a test" could be, "a challenge" or "a difficult experience."
To "put to the test" could be translated as to "test" or to "set up a challenge" or to "force to prove oneself."
In the context of testing God, this could be translated as, "trying to force God to prove his love."
In some contexts, when God is not the subject, the term "test" can mean "tempt."

(See also: tempt)

Bible References:

1 John 04:01
1 Thessalonians 05:21
Acts 15:10
Genesis 22:01
Isaiah 07:13
James 01:12
Lamentations 03:40-43
Malachi 03:10
Philippians 01:10
Psalm 026:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H1305, H2713, H5254, H5713, H5715, H5749, H6030, H8584, G350, G1252, G1263, G1381, G1382, G1598, G1957, G2983, G3140, G3141, G3142, G3143, G3984, G3985, G3986, G4451, G4828

Forms Found in the English ULB:

put ... to the test, test, tested, testing, tests

testimony

Related Ideas:

eyewitness, testify, witness

Definition:

When a person gives "testimony" he makes a statement about something he knows, claiming that the statement is true. To "testify" is to give "testimony."

Often a person "testifies" about something he has experienced directly.
A witness who gives "false testimony" does not tell the truth about what happened.
Sometimes the term "testimony" refers to a prophecy that a prophet has stated.
In the New Testament, this term was often used to refer to how Jesus' followers testified about the events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

The term "witness" refers to a person who has personally experienced something that happened. Usually a witness is also someone who testifies about what they know is true. The term "eyewitness" emphasizes that the person was actually there and saw what happened.

To "witness" something means to see it happen.
At a trial, a witness "gives witness" or "bears witness." This has the same meaning as "testify."
Witnesses are expected to tell the truth about what they have seen or heard.
A witness who does not tell the truth about what happened is called a "false witness." He is said to "give false witness" or to "bear false witness."
The expression "be a witness between" means that something or someone will be evidence that a contract has been made. The witness will make sure each person does what he has promised to do.

Translation Suggestions:

Translating "testify" and "testimony":

The term "testify" or "give testimony" could also be translated as, "tell the facts" or "tell what was seen or heard" or "tell from personal experience" or "tell what happened."
Ways to translate "testimony" could include, "report of what happened" or "statement of what is true" or "what has been said."
The phrase, "as a testimony to them" could be translated as, to "show them what is true" or to "prove to them what is true."
The phrase, "as a testimony against them" could be translated as, "which will show them their sin" or "exposing their hypocrisy" or "which will prove that they are wrong."
To "give false testimony" could be translated as "say false things about" or "state things that are not true."

Translating "witness" and "eyewitness":

The term "witness" or "eyewitness" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "person seeing it" or "the one who saw it happen" or "those who saw and heard (those things)."
Something that is "a witness" could be translated as "guarantee" or "sign of our promise" or "something that testifies that this is true."
The phrase "you will be my witnesses" could also be translated as "you will tell other people about me" or "you will teach people the truth that I taught you" or "you will tell people what you have seen me do and heard me teach."
To "witness to" could be translated as to "tell what was seen" or to "testify" or to "state what happened."
To "witness" something could be translated as to "see something that happens" or to "experience something that happens."

(See also: ark of the covenant, guilt, judge, prophet, true)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 31:28
Micah 06:03
Matthew 26:60
Mark 01:44
John 01:07
John 03:33
Acts 04:32-33
Acts 07:44
Acts 13:31
Romans 01:09
1 Thessalonians 02:10-12
1 Timothy 05:19-20
2 Timothy 01:08
2 Peter 01:16-18
1 John 05:6-8
3 John 01:12
Revelation 12:11

Word Data:

Strong's: H5707, H5713, H5715, H5749, H6030, H6315, H8584, G267, G1263, G1957, G2649, G3140, G3141, G3142, G3143, G3144, G4828, G4901, G5575, G5576, G5577

Forms Found in the English ULB:

eyewitness, eyewitnesses, testified, testifies, testify, testify against, testifying, testimony, witness, witnessed, witnesses

the sea

Facts:

In the Bible, the "Great Sea" or "western sea" refers to what is now called the "Mediterranean Sea," which was the largest body of water known to the people of Bible times.

The Mediterranean Sea is bordered by : Israel (east), Europe (north and west), and Africa (south).
This sea was very important in ancient times for trade and travel since it bordered so many countries. Cities and people groups located on the coast of this sea were very prosperous because of how easy it was to access goods from other countries by boat.
Since the Great Sea was located to the west of Israel, it was sometimes referred to as the "western sea."

(See also: Israel, people group, prosper)

Bible References:

Ezekiel 47:15-17
Ezekiel 47:18-20
Joshua 15:3-4
Numbers 13:27-29

Word Data:

Strong's: H314, H1419, H3220

Forms Found in the English ULB:

the sea, the Great Sea, the western sea, Mediterranean Sea

time

Definitions:

In the Bible the term "time" was often used to refer to a specific season or period of time when certain events took place. It has a meaning similar to "age" or "epoch" or "season."

In both Daniel and Revelation speak of a "time" of great trouble or tribulation that will come upon the earth.
In the phrase "time, times, and half a time" the term "time" means "year." This phrase refers to a three-and-a-half-year period of time during the great tribulation at the end of this present age.
"Time" can mean "occasion" in a phrase like "third time." The phrase "many times" can mean "on many occasions."
To be "on time" means to do something when expected or needed, not late.
Depending on the context, the term "time" could be translated as, "season" or "time period" or "moment" or "event" or "occurrence."

(See also: age, tribulation)

Bible References:

Acts 01:07
Daniel 12:1-2
Mark 11:11
Matthew 08:29
Psalms 068:28-29
Revelation 14:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H116, H227, H1697, H1755, H2165, H2166, H2233, H2465, H3027, H3117, H3118, H3119, H3259, H3427, H4150, H4279, H4489, H4557, H4592, H5331, H5703, H5732, H5750, H5769, H6235, H6256, H6440, H6471, H6924, H7105, H7138, H7223, H7272, H7637, H7651, H7655, H7659, H7674, H8027, H8032, H8138, H8145, H8160, H8462, H8543, G744, G530, G1074, G1208, G1441, G1597, G1626, G2034, G2119, G2121, G2250, G2540, G3461, G3568, G3764, G3819, G3999, G4181, G4183, G4218, G4287, G4340, G4455, G5151, G5305, G5550, G5551, G5610

Forms Found in the English ULB:

time, times

true

Related Ideas:

certain, certainly, certainty, indeed, real, sure, surely, truly, truth, truthful, truthfulness, truths

Definition:

The term "truth" refers to one or more concepts that are facts, events that actually happened, and statements that were actually said. Such concepts are said to be "true."

True things are real, genuine, actual, rightful, legitimate, and factual.
The truth is an understanding, belief, fact, or statement that is true.
To say that a prophecy "came true" or "will come true" mean that it actually happened as predicted or that it will happen that way.
The word "truly" is used to emphasize what the speaker is saying. "Truly" is sometimes translated as "surely" or "certainly."
Truth includes the concept of acting in a way that is reliable and faithful.
Jesus revealed God's truth in the words that he spoke.
God's word is truth. It tells about things that actually happened and teaches what is true about God and about everything he has made.
The word "certainty" refers to a truth about which one can be certain that it is true.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context and what is being described, the term "true" could also be translated by "real" or "factual" or "correct" or "right" or "certain" or "genuine."
Ways to translate the term "truth" could include "what is true" or "fact" or "certainty" or "principle."
The expression "come true" could also be translated as "actually happen" or "be fulfilled" or "happen as predicted."
The expression "tell the truth" or "speak the truth" could also be translated as "say what is true" or "tell what really happened" or "say things that are reliable."
To "accept the truth" could be translated as "believe what is true about God."

(See also: believe, faithful, fulfill, obey, prophet, understand)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 05:6-8
1 John 01:5-7
1 John 02:08
3 John 01:08
Acts 26:24-26
Colossians 01:06
Genesis 47:29-31
James 01:18
James 03:14
James 05:19
Jeremiah 04:02
John 01:9
John 01:16-18
John 01:51
John 03:31-33
Joshua 07:19-21
Lamentations 05:19-22
Matthew 08:10
Matthew 12:17
Psalm 026:1-3
Revelation 01:19-20
Revelation 15:3-4

Word Data:

Strong's: H530, H543, H551, H571, H3330, H5229, H6664, H6965, H7187, H7189, G225, G226, G227, G228, G230, G281, G803, G804, G1103, G3483, G4103, G4137, G5198, G5199

Forms Found in the English ULB:

certainly, certainty, for certain, indeed, real, sure, surely, true, truly, truth, truthful, truthfulness, truths

trust

Related Ideas:

entrust, trustworthiness, trustworthy

Definition:

To "trust" something or someone is to believe that the thing or person is true or dependable. That belief is also called "trust." A "trustworthy" person is one you can trust to do and say what is right and true, and therefore one who has the quality of "trustworthiness."

Trust is closely related to faith. If we trust someone, we have faith in that person to do what they promised to do.
Having trust in someone also means depending on that person.
To "trust in" Jesus means to believe that he is God, to believe that he died on the cross to pay for our sins, and to rely on him to save us.
A "trustworthy saying" refers to something that is said that can be counted on to be true.
For one person to "entrust" something to a second person is for the first person to give that thing to the second person and expect that the second person will do what the first person tells him to do.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "trust" could include "believe" or "have faith" or "have confidence" or "depend on."
The phrase "put your trust in" is very similar in meaning to "trust in."
The term "trustworthy" could be translated as "dependable" or "reliable" or "can always be trusted."

(See also: believe, confidence, faith, faithful, true)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 09:22-24
1 Timothy 04:09
Hosea 10:12-13
Isaiah 31:1-2
Nehemiah 13:13
Psalm 031:05
Titus 03:8

Word Data:

Strong's: H530, H539, H540, H571, H982, H1556, H2620, H3176, H4009, H4268, H7365, G1679, G3860, G3982, G4100, G4103

Forms Found in the English ULB:

entrust, entrusted, entrusting, trust, trusted, trusting, trusts, trustworthiness, trustworthy

understand

Related Ideas:

argument, craftiness, insight, intelligent, realize, unintentionally, without understanding

Definition:

The term "understand" means to hear or receive information and know what it means.

The term "understanding" can refer to "knowledge" or "wisdom" or realizing how to do something.
To understand someone can also mean to know how that person is feeling.
A person who is "without understanding" does not understand.
While walking on the road to Emmaus, Jesus caused the disciples to understand the meaning of the scriptures about the Messiah.
Depending on the context, the term "understand" could be translated by "know" or "believe" or "comprehend" or "know what (something) means."
Often the term "understanding" can be translated by "knowledge" or "wisdom" or "insight."
"Arguments" are statements that one person makes to share his understanding with another person and to convince that other person to understand something the same way.
"Craftiness" is understanding used for evil.
An "intelligent" person thinks clearly and learns quickly.
To do something "unintentionally" is to do it without knowing or by accident or without intending to do it.

(See also: believe, know, wise)

Bible References:

Job 34:16-17
Luke 02:47
Luke 08:10
Matthew 13:12
Matthew 13:14
Proverbs 03:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H995, H998, H999, H1847, H2940, H3045, H3820, H3823, H3824, H4486, H7200, H7919, H7922, H7924, H8085, H8394, G50, G144, G145, G191, G801, G1097, G1108, G1271, G1380, G1492, G1921, G1922, G1987, G1990, G2638, G2657, G3539, G3563, G4894, G4907, G4908, G4920, G5424, G5428, G5429

Forms Found in the English ULB:

arguments, craftiness, gain understanding, gives ... insight, insight, intelligent, realize, realized, understand, understanding, understands, understood, unintentionally, without understanding

vision

Definitions:

The term "vision" refers to something that a person sees. It especially refers to something unusual or supernatural that God shows people in order to give them a message.

Usually, visions are seen while the person is awake. However, sometimes a vision is something a person sees in a dream while asleep.
God sends visions to tell people something that is very important. For example, Peter was shown a vision to tell him that God wanted him to welcome Gentiles.

Translation Suggestion

The phrase "saw a vision" could be translated as "saw something unusual from God" or "God showed him something special."
Some languages may not have separate words for "vision" and "dream." So a sentence such as "Daniel had dreams and visions in his mind" could be translated as something like "Daniel was dreaming while asleep and God caused him to see unusual things."

(See also: dream)

Bible References:

Acts 09:10-12
Acts 10:3-6
Acts 10:11
Acts 12:9-10
Luke 01:22
Luke 24:23
Matthew 17:9-10

Word Data:

Strong's: H2372, H2376, H2377, H2378, H2380, H2384, H4236, H4758, H4759, H7203, H7723, H8602, G3701, G3705, G3706

Forms Found in the English ULB:

vision, visions

walk

Definition:

The term "walk" is often used in a figurative sense to mean "live."

"Enoch walked with God" means that Enoch lived in a close relationship with God.
To "walk by the Spirit" means to be guided by the Holy Spirit so that we do things that please and honor God.
To "walk in" God's commands or God's ways means to "live in obedience to" his commands, that is, to "obey his commands" or "do his will."
When God says he will "walk among" his people, it means that he is living among them or closely interacting with them.
To "walk contrary to" means to live or behave in a way that is against something or someone.
To "walk after" means to seek or pursue someone or something. It can also mean to act in the same way as someone else.

Translation Suggestions:

It is best to translate "walk" literally, as long as the correct meaning will be understood.
Otherwise, figurative uses of "walk" could also be translated by "live" or "act" or "behave."
The phrase "walk by the Spirit" could be translated by, "live in obedience to the Holy Spirit" or "behave in a way that is pleasing to the Holy Spirit" or "do things that are pleasing to God as the Holy Spirit guides you."
To "walk in God's commands" could be translated by "live by God's commands" or "obey God's commands."
The phrase "walked with God" could be translated as, "lived in close relationship with God by obeying and honoring him."

(See also: Holy Spirit, honor)

Bible References:

1 John 01:07
1 Kings 02:04
Colossians 02:07
Galatians 05:25
Genesis 17:01
Isaiah 02:05
Jeremiah 13:10
Micah 04:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H1869, H1980, H1981, H3212, H4108, G1704, G4043, G4748

Forms Found in the English ULB:

walk, walk around, walked, walking, walking around, walks

walk

Definition:

The term "walk" is often used in a figurative sense to mean "live."

"Enoch walked with God" means that Enoch lived in a close relationship with God.
To "walk by the Spirit" means to be guided by the Holy Spirit so that we do things that please and honor God.
To "walk in" God's commands or God's ways means to "live in obedience to" his commands, that is, to "obey his commands" or "do his will."
When God says he will "walk among" his people, it means that he is living among them or closely interacting with them.
To "walk contrary to" means to live or behave in a way that is against something or someone.
To "walk after" means to seek or pursue someone or something. It can also mean to act in the same way as someone else.

Translation Suggestions:

It is best to translate "walk" literally, as long as the correct meaning will be understood.
Otherwise, figurative uses of "walk" could also be translated by "live" or "act" or "behave."
The phrase "walk by the Spirit" could be translated by, "live in obedience to the Holy Spirit" or "behave in a way that is pleasing to the Holy Spirit" or "do things that are pleasing to God as the Holy Spirit guides you."
To "walk in God's commands" could be translated by "live by God's commands" or "obey God's commands."
The phrase "walked with God" could be translated as, "lived in close relationship with God by obeying and honoring him."

(See also: Holy Spirit, honor)

Bible References:

1 John 01:07
1 Kings 02:04
Colossians 02:07
Galatians 05:25
Genesis 17:01
Isaiah 02:05
Jeremiah 13:10
Micah 04:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H1869, H1980, H1981, H3212, H4108, G1704, G4043, G4748

Forms Found in the English ULB:

walk, walk around, walked, walking, walking around, walks

well

Related Ideas:

cistern

Definition:

The terms "well" and "cistern" refer to two different kinds of sources for water in Bible times.

A well is a deep hole dug into the ground so that underground water can flow into it.
A cistern is a deep hole dug into rock that was used as a holding tank for collecting rain water.
Cisterns were usually dug into rock and sealed with plaster to keep the water in. A "broken cistern" happened when the plaster became cracked so that the water leaked out.
Cisterns were often located in the courtyard area of people's homes to catch the rainwater that would run off the roof.
Wells were often located where they could be accessed by several families or a whole community.
Because water was very important for both people and livestock, the right to use a well was often a cause of strife and conflict.
Both wells and cisterns were usually covered with a large stone to prevent anything falling in it. Often there was a rope with a bucket or pot attached to it to bring the water up to the surface.
Sometimes a dry cistern was used as a place to imprison someone, such as happened to Joseph and Jeremiah.
These terms are similar in meaning. The main difference is that a well continually receives water from underground springs, whereas a cistern is a holding tank for water that usually comes from rain.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "well" could include "deep water hole" or "deep hole for spring water" or "deep hole for drawing water."
The term "cistern" could be translated as "stone water pit" or "deep and narrow pit for water" or "underground tank for holding water."

(See also: Jeremiah, prison, strife)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 11:17
2 Samuel 17:17-18
Genesis 16:14
Luke 14:4-6
Numbers 20:17

Word Data:

Strong's: H875, H953, H1360, H4002, H4599, H4726, H4841, G4077, G5421

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cistern, cisterns, well, wells

well

Related Ideas:

cistern

Definition:

The terms "well" and "cistern" refer to two different kinds of sources for water in Bible times.

A well is a deep hole dug into the ground so that underground water can flow into it.
A cistern is a deep hole dug into rock that was used as a holding tank for collecting rain water.
Cisterns were usually dug into rock and sealed with plaster to keep the water in. A "broken cistern" happened when the plaster became cracked so that the water leaked out.
Cisterns were often located in the courtyard area of people's homes to catch the rainwater that would run off the roof.
Wells were often located where they could be accessed by several families or a whole community.
Because water was very important for both people and livestock, the right to use a well was often a cause of strife and conflict.
Both wells and cisterns were usually covered with a large stone to prevent anything falling in it. Often there was a rope with a bucket or pot attached to it to bring the water up to the surface.
Sometimes a dry cistern was used as a place to imprison someone, such as happened to Joseph and Jeremiah.
These terms are similar in meaning. The main difference is that a well continually receives water from underground springs, whereas a cistern is a holding tank for water that usually comes from rain.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "well" could include "deep water hole" or "deep hole for spring water" or "deep hole for drawing water."
The term "cistern" could be translated as "stone water pit" or "deep and narrow pit for water" or "underground tank for holding water."

(See also: Jeremiah, prison, strife)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 11:17
2 Samuel 17:17-18
Genesis 16:14
Luke 14:4-6
Numbers 20:17

Word Data:

Strong's: H875, H953, H1360, H4002, H4599, H4726, H4841, G4077, G5421

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cistern, cisterns, well, wells

word

Definition:

A "word" refers to something that someone has said. In the Bible, it almost always refers to an entire message, not just one word.

An example of this is when the angel told Zechariah, "You did not believe my words," which means, "You did not believe what I said."
Sometimes "word" refers to speech in general, such as "powerful in word and deed" which means "powerful in speech and behavior."
Often in the Bible "the word" refers to everything God has said or commanded, as in "the word of God" or "the word of truth."
A very special use of this term is when Jesus is called "the Word." For these last two meanings, see word of God

Translation Suggestions:

Different ways of translating "word" or "words" include "teaching" or "message" or "news" or "a saying" or "what was said."

(See also: word of God)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 04:02
Acts 08:04
Colossians 04:03
James 01:18
Jeremiah 27:04
John 01:03
John 01:14
Luke 08:15
Matthew 02:08
Matthew 07:27

Word Data:

Strong's: H561, H562, H565, H1697, H1703, H2656, H2706, H4405, H4406, H7878, H8052, G518, G1024, G1310, G3054, G3055, G3056, G4086, G4487, G5023, G5537, G5542

Forms Found in the English ULB:

word, words, message, messages

word

Definition:

A "word" refers to something that someone has said. In the Bible, it almost always refers to an entire message, not just one word.

An example of this is when the angel told Zechariah, "You did not believe my words," which means, "You did not believe what I said."
Sometimes "word" refers to speech in general, such as "powerful in word and deed" which means "powerful in speech and behavior."
Often in the Bible "the word" refers to everything God has said or commanded, as in "the word of God" or "the word of truth."
A very special use of this term is when Jesus is called "the Word." For these last two meanings, see word of God

Translation Suggestions:

Different ways of translating "word" or "words" include "teaching" or "message" or "news" or "a saying" or "what was said."

(See also: word of God)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 04:02
Acts 08:04
Colossians 04:03
James 01:18
Jeremiah 27:04
John 01:03
John 01:14
Luke 08:15
Matthew 02:08
Matthew 07:27

Word Data:

Strong's: H561, H562, H565, H1697, H1703, H2656, H2706, H4405, H4406, H7878, H8052, G518, G1024, G1310, G3054, G3055, G3056, G4086, G4487, G5023, G5537, G5542

Forms Found in the English ULB:

word, words, message, messages

work

Related Ideas:

act, deed, fellow worker

Definition:

In the Bible, the terms "work," "deed," and "act" are used to refer generally to things that God or people do.

God's "works" and the "work of his hands" are expressions that refer to all the things he does or has done, including creating the world, saving sinners, providing for the needs of all creation and keeping the entire universe in place. The terms "deeds" and "acts" are also used to refer to God's miracles in expressions such as "mighty acts" or "marvelous deeds."
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to do good works, which are also called "good fruit."
The term "work" can also refer to "service" or "ministry."
People are not saved by their good works; they are saved through faith in Jesus.
The term "fellow worker" means someone who does a ministry along with someone else.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate "works" or "deeds" could be "actions" or "things that are done."
When referring to God's "works" or "deeds" and the "work of his hands," these expressions could also be translated as "miracles" or "mighty acts" or "amazing things he does."
The expression "the work of God" could be translated as "the things that God is doing" or "the miracles God does" or "the amazing things that God does" or "everything God has accomplished."
The expression "your work in the Lord" could also be translated as "what you do for the Lord."
The expression "examine your own work" could also be translated as "make sure what you are doing is God's will" or "make sure that what you are doing pleases God."
The expression "the work of the Holy Spirit" could be translated as "the empowering of the Holy Spirit" or "the ministry of the Holy Spirit" or "the things that the Holy Spirit does."

(See also: fruit, Holy Spirit, miracle)

Bible References:

1 John 03:12
Acts 02:8-11
Daniel 04:37
Exodus 34:10-11
Galatians 02:15-16
James 02:17
Matthew 16:27-28
Micah 02:07
Romans 03:28
Titus 03:4-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H1576, H4399, H4566, H4567, H4611, H4639, H4659, H5673, H5949, H5998, H6213, H6466, H6468, G1754, G2038, G2040, G2041, G2716, G3173

Forms Found in the English ULB:

act, action, actions, activities, acts, deed, deeds, fellow worker, fellow workers, work, works

work

Related Ideas:

act, deed, fellow worker

Definition:

In the Bible, the terms "work," "deed," and "act" are used to refer generally to things that God or people do.

God's "works" and the "work of his hands" are expressions that refer to all the things he does or has done, including creating the world, saving sinners, providing for the needs of all creation and keeping the entire universe in place. The terms "deeds" and "acts" are also used to refer to God's miracles in expressions such as "mighty acts" or "marvelous deeds."
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to do good works, which are also called "good fruit."
The term "work" can also refer to "service" or "ministry."
People are not saved by their good works; they are saved through faith in Jesus.
The term "fellow worker" means someone who does a ministry along with someone else.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate "works" or "deeds" could be "actions" or "things that are done."
When referring to God's "works" or "deeds" and the "work of his hands," these expressions could also be translated as "miracles" or "mighty acts" or "amazing things he does."
The expression "the work of God" could be translated as "the things that God is doing" or "the miracles God does" or "the amazing things that God does" or "everything God has accomplished."
The expression "your work in the Lord" could also be translated as "what you do for the Lord."
The expression "examine your own work" could also be translated as "make sure what you are doing is God's will" or "make sure that what you are doing pleases God."
The expression "the work of the Holy Spirit" could be translated as "the empowering of the Holy Spirit" or "the ministry of the Holy Spirit" or "the things that the Holy Spirit does."

(See also: fruit, Holy Spirit, miracle)

Bible References:

1 John 03:12
Acts 02:8-11
Daniel 04:37
Exodus 34:10-11
Galatians 02:15-16
James 02:17
Matthew 16:27-28
Micah 02:07
Romans 03:28
Titus 03:4-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H1576, H4399, H4566, H4567, H4611, H4639, H4659, H5673, H5949, H5998, H6213, H6466, H6468, G1754, G2038, G2040, G2041, G2716, G3173

Forms Found in the English ULB:

act, action, actions, activities, acts, deed, deeds, fellow worker, fellow workers, work, works

world

Related Ideas:

universe, worldly

Definition:

The term "world" usually refers to the part of the universe where people live: the earth. The term "worldly" describes the evil values and behaviors of people living in this world.

In its most general sense, the term "world" refers to the heavens and the earth, as well as everything in them.
In many contexts, "world" actually means "people in the world."
Sometimes it is implied that this refers to the evil people on earth or the people who do not obey God.
The apostles also used "world" to refer to the selfish behaviors and corrupt values of the people living in this world. This can include self-righteous religious practices which are based on human efforts.
People and things characterized by these values are said to be "worldly."

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "world" could also be translated as "universe" or "people of this world" or "corrupt things in the world" or "evil attitudes of people in the world."
The phrase "all the world" often means "many people" and refers to the people living in a certain region. For example, "all the world came to Egypt" could be translated as "many people from the surrounding countries came to Egypt" or "people from all the countries surrounding Egypt came there."
Another way to translate "all the world went to their hometown to be registered in the Roman census" would be "many of the people living in regions ruled by the Roman empire went..."
Depending on the context, the term "worldly" could be translated as, "evil" or "sinful" or "selfish" or "ungodly" or "corrupt" or "influenced by the corrupt values of people in this world."
The phrase "saying these things in the world" can be translated as "saying these things to the people of the world."
In other contexts, "in the world" could also be translated as "living among the people of the world" or "living among ungodly people."

(See also: corrupt, heaven, Rome, godly)

Bible References:

1 John 02:15
1 John 04:05
1 John 05:05
John 01:29
Matthew 13:36-39

Word Data:

Strong's: H776, H2309, H2465, H2717, H5769, H8398, G165, G1093, G2886, G2889, G3625

Forms Found in the English ULB:

universe, world, world's, worldly

worthy

Related Ideas:

deserve, nullify, unworthy, worth, worthily, worthless, worthlessness, worthy

Definition:

The term "worthy" describes someone or something that deserves respect or honor. To "have worth" means to be valuable or important.

Being "worthy" is related to being valuable or having importance.
To do something "worthily" means to do something in a worthy way.
To be "unworthy" means to not be deserving of any honor or recognition.
To be "worthless" means to not have any purpose or value.
To "nullify" something is to make it worth nothing.

Translation Suggestions:

"Worthy" could be translated as "deserving" or "important" or "valuable."
The word "worth" could be translated as "value" or "importance."
The phrase to "have worth" could also be translated as to "be valuable" or to "be important."
The phrase "is worth more than" could be translated as "is more valuable than."
Depending on the context, the term, "unworthy" could also be translated as "unimportant" or "dishonorable" or "undeserving."
The term "worthless" could be translated as "with no value" or "with no purpose" or "worth nothing."

(See also: honor)

Bible References:

2 Samuel 22:04
2 Thessalonians 01:11-12
Acts 13:25
Acts 25:25-27
Acts 26:31
Colossians 01:9-10
Jeremiah 08:19
Mark 01:07
Matthew 03:10-12
Philippians 01:25-27

Word Data:

Strong's: H457, H1100, H2428, H3276, H3644, H4242, H4373, H4392, H4592, H4941, H5541, H6994, H7385, H7386, H7723, H7939, H8602, G96, G514, G515, G516, G888, G1777, G2425, G2480, G2661, G3152, G4186, G5092

Forms Found in the English ULB:

deserve, deserved, deserves, deserving, nullify, unworthy, worth, worthily, worthless, worthlessness, worthy