Language: English

Book: 3 John

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

1. Introduction (1:1)
2. Helping people (1:2-8)
3. Diotrephes and Demetrius (1:9-12)
4. 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 refused 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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: Hospitable (Hospitality); 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.

ULB Translation Questions

Language: 中国语文 (Chinese)

Book: 3 John

3 John

Chapter 1

¹ 作长老的写信给亲爱的 该犹 ² 亲爱的 兄弟 啊，我愿你凡事兴盛，身体健壮，正如你的灵魂兴盛一样。 ³ 有弟兄来证明你心里存的真理，正如你按真理而行，我就甚喜乐。 ⁴ 我听见我的儿女们按真理而行，我的喜乐就没有比这个大的。

⁵ 亲爱的 兄弟 啊，凡你向作客旅之弟兄所行的都是忠心的。 ⁶ 他们在教会面前证明了你的爱；你若配得过　神，帮助他们往前行，这就好了。 ⁷ 因他们是为主的名 ^[1] - 出外，对于外邦人一无所取。 ⁸ 所以我们应该接待这样的人，叫我们与他们一同为真理做工。 ⁹ 我曾略略地写信给教会，但那在教会中好为首的 丢特腓 ¹⁰ 所以我若去，必要提说他所行的事，就是他用恶言妄论我们。还不以此为足，他自己不接待弟兄，有人愿意接待，他也禁止，并且将接待弟兄的人赶出教会。

¹¹ 亲爱的 兄弟 啊，不要效法恶，只要效法善。行善的属乎　神；行恶的未曾见过　神。 ¹² 低米丢 行善 ，有众人给他作见证，又有真理给他作见证，就是我们也给他作见证。你也知道我们的见证是真的。

¹³ 我原有许多事要写给你，却不愿意用笔墨写给你， ¹⁴ 但盼望快快地见你，我们就当面谈论。 ¹⁵ 愿你平安。众位朋友都问你安。请你替我按着姓名问众位朋友安。

Footnotes

Translation Questions

ULB Translation Words

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

Translation Words

主

术语的定义

指对他人有所有权或权柄的人。

• 旧约用此词指神，比如“主万军之耶和华”、“主耶和华”、“耶和华我们的主”。
• 新约中使徒用此词表示耶稣是神，比如“主耶稣”、“主耶稣基督”。

翻译建议

• 某些语言将此词译为“主人”、“首领”或其他能传达所有权或最高统治者含义的词汇。

但

事实

但是雅各的第五个儿子、以色列十二支派中的一支，也是此支派在迦南北部定居之地的名称。

• 在亚伯兰时期，耶路撒冷以西有座城叫但。以色列民进入应许之地时，这座城很可能不存在；耶路撒冷以北约六十英里处另有一座城叫但。

名

术语的定义

人和事物的称谓，或作某事用来做依据的称号，在圣经中有几个比喻用法。

• 在某些语境中指人的声誉，比如“我们要为自己立名”。
• 也可指对某事的记念。比如“除掉偶像的名”，意思是销毁偶像，使其不再被记念或敬拜。
• “以神的名”说话，意思是说话带着神的能力和权柄，或代表神说话。神的名叫“自有永有”。
• 某人的“名”可以指整个人，比如“在天下人间没有赐下别的名我们可以靠着得救”。（参见：metonymy)

翻译建议

• 可译为“他的好名声”。
• 可译为“带着……的权柄”、“在……的许可下”、“作为……的代表”。
• 可译为“使许多人知道我们”、“让人把我们看得很重要”。
• 可译为“叫他作……”、“给他……的名字”。

喜乐

术语的定义

指极大的欢喜快乐。

• 意思是“因……感到喜悦”、“为…而高兴”。
• 可形容令人愉快、讨人喜欢的事物。
• 以某物为喜乐，意思是十分享受某物。
• 我喜爱耶和华的律法“可译为，“耶和华的律法给我极大的喜乐”、“我喜爱遵守耶和华的律法”、“我乐意听耶和华的命令”。
• 可译为“不因……感到喜悦”、“不为…而高兴”。
• 意思是“他喜欢……”、“……让他非常开心”。
• 作名词讲指人喜欢的对象，可译为“令人高兴的事”、“给人喜乐的事”。
• 可译为“我喜欢服从你的意愿”、“我非常乐意顺服你”。

喜乐

术语的定义

一种被高兴欢喜充满的状态。

• 多指因神成就的美事而喜乐非常。
• 此词可译为“欢欣”、“欣喜”、“满心快乐”。

地

术语的定义

“地”具有多个含义。

• 指人类与所有其他生命体居住的世界。
• 还指覆盖大地的土地或土壤。

翻译建议

• 参考本地或本国语言中指代地球和世界的词。
• 可译为“世界”、“土地”或“尘土”。
• 有些情况下或译为“地上的人”。

外邦人

术语的定义

外邦人是除雅各或他十二个儿子的后裔以外的人，即非犹太人。

• 圣经中的外邦人有时被称为“未受割礼的人”，因为许多外邦人不像以色列人那样给男子行割礼。
• 犹太人是神拣选的特殊子民，他们认为外邦人是永远成不了神子民的外人。
• 在不同的历史时期，犹太人曾被称为以色列人或希伯来人，而其他人一概被称为外邦人。
• 外邦人亦可说是“非犹太人”或“非以色列人”（旧约）。
• 犹太人不与外邦人同席吃饭。这种传统作法在早期教会中引发问题。

平安

术语的定义

平安就是没有任何冲突、恐惧或威吓。

• 平安可以指人群与人群之间消弭战争。
• 平安也可指人与人或人与神的关系和平。
• 个人的平安指内心平静，无忧无惧。

弟兄

术语的定义

通常指与自己至少共有生物学父亲或母亲的男性。

• 在旧约中，“弟兄”泛指亲戚，比如同一支派、宗族或族群的成员。
• 在新约中，使徒常称呼其他基督徒为“弟兄”（不分性别），因为归于基督的信徒全都是一个属灵家族的成员，共有一个天父——神。
• 在新约中，使徒有时用“姐妹”称呼女信徒，或强调男女信徒均包含在“弟兄”这一称呼内。举例而言，雅各强调，当他提到“缺衣少食的弟兄”，他指的是所有信徒。

翻译建议

• 最好直译出血亲兄弟的含义，以免产生歧义。
• 特别在旧约时代，当泛指同一家族、宗族或族群的成员，“弟兄”可译为“亲属”、“族人”、“以色列老乡”。
• 倘指基督里的其他信徒，“弟兄”可译为“基督里的弟兄”、“属灵兄弟”。
• 倘所指包含男女两个性别，为避免直译造成的误解，可换用无性别色彩的通用表达。
• 将男女信徒包括在内的其他译法有“肢体伙伴”、“基督徒弟兄姐妹”。
• 务必通过上下文确定是单指男性还是泛指男女。

心

术语的定义

在圣经中多喻指人的思想、情感、渴望或意志。

• ”心硬“通常描述一个人固执地拒绝顺服神。
• ”全心“表示以完全的献身精神和意愿，不退缩地做某事。
• ”放在心上“意思是认真对待某事，并将其应用到自己的生活中。
• ”心碎“描述情感上受伤很深的人的悲伤状态。

翻译建议

• 有些语言用不同的身体部位（比如“肚子”或“肝”）代替“心”，以指涉上述概念。
• 还有的语言针对不同的概念使用不同的词。
• 在目标语言中，如果“心”或其他身体部位无法传达上述含义，则需直接使用非修辞表达，比如“思想”、“情感”、“渴望”。
• 可译为“全力”、“彻底投入”、“完完全全”（视上下文而定）。
• 可译为“严肃对待”、“仔细思索”。
• 可译为“固执而悖逆”、“拒绝顺服”、“持续不顺服神”。
• 可译为“非常悲伤”、“感到深深受伤”。

恶

术语的定义

指与神的圣洁品格和意志相对立的任何事物。

• 可形容一个人的品格或行为。
• 指人作恶时的状态。
• 杀人、偷窃、毁谤、残酷和冷酷——人对人的这些虐待行为清楚显明罪的结果。

翻译建议

• 可译为“坏”、“有罪”、“不道德”。
• 其他译法包括“不好”、“不义”、“不道德”。
• 确保这些词的译文符合目标语言中的自然语境。

教会

术语的定义

在新约中，“教会”指各地定期聚会、祷告、听道的耶稣信徒团体，通常指所有基督徒。

• 此词的字面意思是“被召”为特定目的聚集的群众或集会。
• 当此词也可用来指基督里各处的所有信徒时，以与地方教会区分。
• 某些城市的信徒通常在人的家中聚会，这样的地方教会也被冠以城市之名，比如“以弗所教会”。
• 圣经中的“教会”与具体的建筑无关。

翻译建议

• 可译为“聚集”、“集会”、“会众”、“集合的一群人”。
• 此词的翻译要能代表所有信徒，而不只是某个小团体。
• 确保“教会”的翻译不光指一栋建筑。
• 也可用旧约中翻译“聚会”的词翻译。
• 也可参考此词在本地或本国圣经译本中的译法。

爱

术语的定义

爱一个人就是关心他／她，做对他／她好的事。在一些语言中，涉及到的含义不同，对应的表达也不同。

1. 从神而来的爱专注于他人的益处，即使自己不能得到益处。有这种爱的人关心他人，不论对方做了什么。神自己就是爱，真正的爱从神而来。

2. 耶稣牺牲自己的性命，拯救我们脱离罪和死亡，就表明了这种爱。他也教导门徒牺牲自我去爱他人。

3. 以这种爱去爱别人，就会考虑怎样做才能有益于人。这种爱尤其包括饶恕别人。

4. 新约用另一个词指兄弟之爱或对朋友和家人的爱。这是朋友或亲属之间自然的人类之爱。

5. 这种爱也用在类似此等语境下：“他们喜爱坐在宴席的首座”。意思是，他们“偏好”或“非常喜欢”这样做。

6. “爱”也可指男女间的浪漫爱情。

翻译建议

• 有些语言采用特殊方式表达神对人无私的爱，以及人在神帮助下对别人的爱。译法有：“热忱由衷的关心”、“无私的关心”、“从神而来的爱”。确保译文体现不以自我为中心、牺牲自身利益造福他人、不因别人的行为影响对他的爱。
• 有时指人对朋友和家人的深切关心。有些语言可能译为“非常喜欢”、“关心”、“在乎”、“对……有强烈感情”。
• 倘表达对某个东西、食物或活动的强烈偏好，可译为“偏爱”、“非常喜爱”、“极其渴望”。
• 有的语言可能用不同的词指代夫妻间的情爱或性爱。
• 爱在许多语言中必须表达为一种行动。例如译为“爱是忍耐，爱是恩慈”，“一个人爱另一个人，就以忍耐和恩慈待他／她”。

神

术语的定义

圣经中的“神”指的是名为“耶和华”、从无到有创造宇宙的永恒存在。耶和华以圣父、圣子和圣灵三位一体的形式存在。

• 神一直都在——万物出现以先祂在，永恒之中祂也在。
• 祂是独一真神，对宇宙万物拥有权柄。
• 神完全公义、无限智慧、圣洁、无罪、公正、怜悯和慈爱。
• 祂是守约的神，总是成就祂的应许。
• 人受造是为敬拜神，祂是唯一当敬拜的对象。
• 神说祂名叫“耶和华”，即“祂是”或“我是”（自有）、“（永远）存在者”（永有）。
• 圣经还教导，假神是人们错拜的无生命的偶像。

翻译建议

• 可译为“造物主”、“至高存在者”。
• 还可译为“至高造物主”、“无限的主耶和华”、“永恒的至高存在者”。
• 考虑本地或本国语言中的译法。确保本土译语符合上述独一真神的特点。
• “我要作他们的神，他们要作我的子民”还可译为，“我是神，我要统治这些民，他们要敬拜我”。

长老

术语的定义

长老是神子民中肩负属灵和实务领导责任的灵命成熟之人。从字面上可见，长老通常是有领导智慧、较为年长的男性。

• 根据旧约记载，长老协助带领以色列人，参与社会司法和宗教事务（比如维护摩西律法）。
• 根据新约记载，犹太长老一贯是信徒团体的领袖，并充当百姓的审判官。
• 在早期基督教会里，长老把属灵领导职分赋予会众。
• 早期基督教会的长老中也有灵命成熟的年轻人。

面

术语的定义

字面上指人头部正前方的部位。此词也有数个比喻意义。

• 你的面“通常是“你”的比喻说法。同样，”我的面“通常也代表“我”。
• “面向某人或某物”意思是朝那人或那物的方向看。这里的”面“具有实质含义。
• “面对面”意思是两个人近距离见彼此的面。
• “定意向耶路撒冷去“是圣经对耶稣的描述，意思是耶稣去耶路撒冷的心意已决。
• ”坚决反对“一个人或一座城，意思是抵制或不再支持那城或那人。
• “地上”指大地的表面，通常泛指全地。举例而言，“覆盖地面的饥荒”指的是波及地上众人的大范围饥荒。
• “不要向你的百姓掩面”这个比喻表达的意思是，“不要拒绝你的百姓”、“不要抛弃你的百姓”、“不要不顾你的百姓”。

翻译建议

• 对习语的最佳译法是保留原样，或使用目标语言中含义相近的习语（如可行）。
• 可译为“转向”、“直视”、“看……的脸”。
• 可译为“近距离”、“正前方”、“在……面前”。
• 可译为“在他前面”、“在他面前”（视文意而定）。
• 可译为“开始向……行进”、“下定主意去……”。
• 可译为“转离”、“停止帮助或保护”、“拒绝”、“抵制”。
• 可译为“带着愤怒和谴责的眼光看”、“拒绝接受”、“决定抵制”、“谴责和抵制”、“对……进行审判”。
• 可译为“对他们直说”、“当他们的面说”、“亲自对他们说”。
• 可译为“遍地”、“全地之上”、“全地之上生活的……”。

魂

术语的定义

灵魂是人内在不可见且永恒的部分，指人的非实体性部分，与“灵”同义。

• “魂”和“灵”在有些情况下是两个不同的概念，有些情况下是概念相同的两个表述。
• 只有人拥有魂，圣经没有提到说动物也有魂。
• 人死后，他的魂会离开身体。
• 此词有时用来指全人。比如，”犯罪的魂“意思是“犯罪的人”，”我的魂疲乏“意思是“我疲乏”。

翻译建议

• 可译为“内在的自我”、“内在的人”。
• 通常译为“那人”、“他”（视上下文而定）。
• 有的语言可能用同一个词翻译魂和灵。
• 希伯来书4:12中的比喻性表述”剖开魂与灵“意思是“深刻地辨别或展露人的内在”。