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."

(See also: create, god, God the Father, Holy Spirit, god, Son of God, Yahweh)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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."

(See also: authority, Herod Antipas, kingdom, kingdom of God)

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 of Moses, 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

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. In the ULB, the word "love" refers to this kind of sacrificial love, unless a Translation Note indicates a different meaning.

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

6. This term refers to natural human love between friends or relatives.

7. 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.

8. The word "love" can also refer to romantic love between a man and a woman.

9. 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

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

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

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: 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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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