Language: English

Book: Jonah

Jonah

Chapter 1

¹ Now the word of Yahweh came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, ² "Get up and go to Nineveh, that great city, and speak out against it, because their wickedness has risen up before me." ³ But Jonah got up to run away from the presence of Yahweh and go to Tarshish. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and boarded the ship to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of Yahweh.

⁴ But Yahweh sent out a great wind on the sea and it became a mighty storm on the sea. Soon it appeared that the ship was going to be broken up. ⁵ Then the sailors became very afraid and each man cried out to his own god. They threw the ship's cargo into the sea to lighten it. But Jonah had gone down into the innermost parts of the ship, and he was lying there deeply asleep.

⁶ So the captain came to him and said to him, "What are you doing sleeping? Get up! Call upon your god! Maybe your god will notice us and we will not perish."

⁷ Each man said to his neighbor, "Come, let us cast lots, so that we may know who is the cause of this evil that is happening to us." So they threw lots, and the lot fell to Jonah.

⁸ Then they said to Jonah, "Please tell us who is the cause of this evil that is happening to us. What is your occupation, and where did you come from? What is your country, and from which people are you?" ⁹ Jonah said to them, "I am a Hebrew; and I fear Yahweh, the God of heaven, who has made the sea and the dry land." ¹⁰ Then the men were even more afraid and said to Jonah, "What is this that you have done?" For the men knew that he was running away from the presence of Yahweh, because he had told them.

¹¹ Then they said to Jonah, "What should we do to you so that the sea will calm down for us?" For the sea became more and more stormy. ¹² Jonah said to them, "Pick me up and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will be calm for you, for I know that it is because of me that this great storm is happening to you."

¹³ Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get themselves back to the land, but they could not do it because the sea was becoming more and more violent against them.

¹⁴ Therefore they cried out to Yahweh and said, "We beg you, Yahweh, we beg you, do not let us perish on account of this man's life, and do not put innocent blood on us, because you, Yahweh, have done just as it pleased you." ¹⁵ So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped raging. ¹⁶ Then the men feared Yahweh very much. They offered a sacrifice to Yahweh and made vows.

¹⁷ Now Yahweh had appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.

Jonah 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The narrative of this chapter starts abruptly. This could cause difficulty for the translator. The translator should not attempt to smooth this introduction unless absolutely necessary.

Special concepts in this chapter

Miracle

In verse Jonah 17, there is the mention of "a great fish." It may be difficult to imagine a sea creature big enough to swallow a man whole and who then survives for three days and nights inside. Translators should not try to explain miraculous events in an attempt to make it easier to understand. (See: miracle)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Situational irony

There is an ironic situation in this chapter. Jonah is a prophet of God and should endeavor to do God's will. Instead, he is running away from God. Although the Gentile sailors are not Israelites, they act out of faith and fear of Yahweh when sending Jonah to a "certain death" by throwing him overboard. (See:, prophet and willofgod and faith)

Sea

People in the ancient Near East also saw the sea as chaotic and did not trust it. Some of the gods they worshiped were gods of the sea. Jonah's people, the Hebrews, feared the sea greatly. However, Jonah's fear of Yahweh was not enough to keep him from going into a ship and sailing to get away from Yahweh. His actions are contrasted by the actions of the Gentiles. (See: and fear)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Implicit information

Even though no one knows for sure where Tarshish was, the writer assumes that the reader knows that Jonah had to face away from Nineveh to go there.

Chapter 2

     "I called out to Yahweh about my distress

         and he answered me;

     from the belly of Sheol I cried out for help!

         You heard my voice.

    ³ You had thrown me into the depths,

         into the heart of the seas,

         and the currents surrounded me;

     all your waves and billows

         passed over me.

    ⁴ I said, 'I am driven out

         from before your eyes;

     yet I will again look

         toward your holy temple.'

    ⁵ The waters closed around me up to my neck;

         the deep was all around me;

         seaweed wrapped around my head.

    ⁶ I went down to the bases of the mountains;

         the earth with its bars closed upon me forever.

     Yet you brought up my life from the pit,

         Yahweh, my God!

    ⁷ When my soul fainted within me,

         I called Yahweh to mind;

     then my prayer came to you

         to your holy temple.

    ⁸ They give attention to meaningless gods

         while they abandon covenant faithfulness.

    ⁹ But as for me, I will sacrifice to you

         with a voice of thanksgiving;

     I will fulfill that which I have vowed.

         Salvation comes from Yahweh!"

¹⁰ Then Yahweh spoke to the fish, and it vomited up Jonah upon the dry land.

Jonah 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins with a prayer by Jonah, and many translators have chosen to set it apart by setting its lines farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. Translators can follow this practice, but they are not obligated to.

Special concepts in this chapter

Sea

This chapter contains many terms from the sea.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Poetry

Prayers in Scripture often contain a poetic form. Poetry frequently uses metaphors to communicate something with a special meaning. For example, since Jonah was in a fish in the sea, being trapped is compared to a prison. Jonah is overwhelmed by the depth of the sea and expresses this by speaking about the at the "base of the mountains" and in the "belly of Sheol."

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Repentance

Scholars are divided over whether Jonah's repentance was genuine or whether he was trying to save his life. In light of his attitude in chapter 4, it is uncertain if he was genuinely repentant. If possible, it is best for translators to avoid making a definitive stance on whether Jonah's repentance was genuine. (See: repent and save)

Chapter 3

¹ The word of Yahweh came to Jonah a second time, saying, ² "Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I command you to give." ³ So Jonah got up and went to Nineveh, according to the word of Yahweh. Now Nineveh was a very large city, one of three days' journey. ⁴ Jonah began to enter the city and after a day's journey he called out and said, "In forty days Nineveh will be overthrown." ⁵ The people of Nineveh believed God and they proclaimed a fast. They all put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them down to the least of them. ⁶ Soon the news reached the king of Nineveh. He rose up from his throne, took off his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. ⁷ He sent out a proclamation that said, "In Nineveh, by the authority of the king and his nobles: 'Do not let any man or animal, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not eat, nor drink water. ⁸ But let both man and animal be covered with sackcloth and let them cry out loudly to God. Let each one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. ⁹ Who knows? God may relent and change his mind and turn away from his fierce anger so that we do not perish.'"

¹⁰ God saw their deeds, that they turned from their evil ways. So then God changed his mind about the punishment that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.

Jonah 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter returns to a narrative of Jonah's life.

Special concepts in this chapter

Animals

According to the king's proclamation, the animals had to participate in the fast he ordered. This most likely reflects their pagan mindset. There was nothing in the law of Moses that instructed the people to have the animals participate in any religious acts. (See: lawofmoses)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Size of Nineveh

When the author talks about the size of Nineveh, the measurements he gives are confusing. The phrase "three days' journey" is ambiguous in Hebrew, as many scholars have remarked. In Jonah's day, cities were not as big as they are today. So although Nineveh was a big city, it was not as big as most modern cities.

God repenting or relenting

The last verse of this chapter says, "So then God changed his mind about the punishment that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it." This concept of God changing his mind may be troubling for some translators and people may struggle to understand it. God's character is consistent. This whole book is written from a human viewpoint and so it is hard to understand the mind of God.

Yahweh is just and merciful so even though God did not follow through with a judgment in this instance, God's plan is always to punish evil. Later in history this nation did fall and was destroyed. (See: justice, mercy and judge and evil)

Chapter 4

¹ But this displeased Jonah and he became very angry. ² So Jonah prayed to Yahweh and said, "Ah, Yahweh, is this not just what I said when I was back in my own country? That is why I acted first and tried to flee to Tarshish—because I knew that you are a gracious God, compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and you hold back from sending disaster. ³ Therefore now, Yahweh, I beg you, take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." ⁴ Yahweh said, "Is it good that you are so angry?" ⁵ Then Jonah went out of the city and sat on the east side of the city. There he made a shelter and sat under it in the shade so that he could see what might become of the city.

⁶ Yahweh God appointed a plant and made it grow up over Jonah so that it might be a shade over his head to relieve him of his distress. Jonah was very glad because of the plant. ⁷ But God appointed a worm at sunrise the next morning. It attacked the plant and the plant withered. ⁸ It came about that when the sun rose the next morning, God appointed a hot east wind. Also, the sun beat down on Jonah's head and he became faint. Then Jonah wished that he might die. He said to himself, "It is better for me to die than to live." ⁹ Then God said to Jonah, "Is it good that you are so angry about the plant?" Then Jonah said, "It is good that I am angry, even to death." ¹⁰ Yahweh said, "You have had compassion for the plant, for which you have not labored, nor did you make it grow. It grew up in a night and died in a night. ¹¹ So as for me, should I not have compassion for Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 people who do not know the difference between their right hand and their left hand, and also many animals?"

Jonah 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Jonah continues the narrative while bringing the book to what seems like an unusual end. This emphasizes that the book is not really about Jonah. It is about God's desire to be merciful on anyone, whether Jew or pagan. (See: mercy)

Special concepts in this chapter

Jonah's anger

It is important to see the relationship between a prophet and Yahweh. Aprophet was to prophesy for Yahweh, and his words must come true. According to the law of Moses, if that did not happen, the penalty was death. When Jonah told the city of Nineveh that it was going to be destroyed in forty days, he was certain it was going to happen. When it did not happen, Jonah was angry with God because he hated the people of Nineveh. (See: prophet and lawofmoses)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

As in other places, Jonah asks rhetorical questions to show how angry he was at Yahweh.

Parallel to Mount Sinai

In verse 2, Jonah attributes a series of characteristics to God. A Jewish reader of this book would recognize this as a formula Moses used in speaking about God when he was meeting God on Mount Sinai.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

God's grace

When Jonah went outside the city, he got very hot and God graciously provided some relief through the plant. God was trying to teach Jonah through an object lesson. It is important for the reader to see this clearly. (See: grace)

ULB Translation Words

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

Hebrew

Facts:

The "Hebrews" were people who were descended from Abraham through the line of Isaac and Jacob. Abraham is the first person in the Bible to be called a "Hebrew."

• The term "Hebrew" also refers to the language that the Hebrew people spoke. The vast majority of the Old Testament was written in the Hebrew language.
• In different places in the Bible, the Hebrews were also called "Jewish people" or "Israelites." It is best to keep all three terms distinct in the text, as long as it is clear that these terms refer to the same people group.

(See also: Israel, Jew, Jewish authorities)

Bible References:

• Acts 26:12-14
• Genesis 39:13-15
• Genesis 40:15
• Genesis 41:12-13
• John 05:1-4
• John 19:13
• Jonah 01:8-10
• Philippians 03:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5680, G1445, G1446, G1447

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hebrew, Hebrews, Hebrews'

Jonah

Facts:

Jonah was a Hebrew prophet in the Old Testament.

• The book of Jonah tells the story of what happened when God sent Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh.
• Jonah refused to go to Nineveh and instead got on a ship headed for a Tarshish.
• God caused a huge storm to overwhelm that ship.
• He told the men sailing the ship that he wasrunning away from God, and he suggested that they throw him into the sea. When they did the storm stopped.
• Jonah was swallowed by a huge fish, and he was inside the belly of that fish for three days and nights.
• After that, Jonah went to Nineveh and preached to the people there, and they turned from their sins.

(See also: disobey, Nineveh, turn)

Bible References:

• Jonah 01:03
• Luke 11:30
• Matthew 12:39
• Matthew 16:04

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3124, G2495

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jonah, Jonah's

Joppa

Facts:

In Bible times, the city of Joppa was an important commercial seaport located on the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Plain of Sharon.

• The ancient site of Joppa is the location of the present-day city of Jaffa, which is now part of the city of Tel Aviv.
• In the Old Testament, Joppa was the city where Jonah got on a boat that was going to Tarshish.
• In the New Testament, a Christian woman named Tabitha died in Joppa, and Peter brought her back to life.

(See also: the sea, Jerusalem, Sharon, Tarshish)

Bible References:

• Acts 09:37
• Acts 10:08
• Acts 11:4-6
• Acts 11:11
• Jonah 01:03

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3305, G2445

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joppa

Nineveh

Facts:

Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria. A "Ninevite" was a person who lived in Nineveh.

• God sent the prophet Jonah to warn the Ninevites to turn from their wicked ways. The people repented and God did not destroy them.
• The Assyrians later stopped serving God. They conquered the kingdom of Israel and carried the people away to Nineveh.

(See also: Assyria, Jonah, repent, turn)

Bible References:

• Genesis 10:11-14
• Jonah 01:03
• Jonah 03:03
• Luke 11:32
• Matthew 12:41

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5210, G3535, G3536

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nineveh, Ninevite, Ninevites

Tarshish

Facts:

Tarshish was the name of two men in the Old Testament. It was also the name of a city.

• One of Japheth's grandsons was named Tarshish.
• Tarshish was also the name of one of the wise men of King Ahashuerus.
• The city of Tarshish was a very prosperous port city, whose ships carried valuable products to buy, sell, or trade.
• This city was associated with Tyre and is thought to have been a Phoenician city that was somewhat distant from Israel, perhaps on the southern coast of Spain.
• The phrase "ship of Tarshish" refers to a ship capable of sailing long distances across the sea. To "go to Tarshish" was to go anywhere far across the sea.

• The Old Testament prophet Jonah boarded a ship bound for the city of Tarshish instead of obeying God's command to go preach to Nineveh.

• The phrase "ship of Tarshish" can be translated "seaworthy ship" or "oceangoing ship." The phrase "go to Tarshish" can be translated "go across the sea" or "go far away."

(See also: Esther, Japheth, Jonah, Nineveh, Phoenicia, wise men)

Bible References:

• Genesis 10:2-5
• Isaiah 02:16
• Jeremiah 10:09
• Jonah 01:03
• Psalms 048:07

Word Data:

• Strong's: H8659

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Tarshish

Yahweh

Related Ideas:

Yah

Facts:

The term "Yahweh" is God's personal name that he revealed when he spoke to Moses at the burning bush.

• The name "Yahweh" comes from the word that means to "be" or to "exist."
• The name "Yah" is short for "Yahweh."
• Possible meanings of "Yahweh" include, "he is" or "I am" or "the one who causes to be."
• This name reveals that God has always lived and will continue to live forever. It also means that he is always present.
• Following tradition, many Bible versions use the term "LORD" or "the LORD" to represent "Yahweh." This tradition resulted from the fact that historically, the Jewish people became afraid of mispronouncing Yahweh's name and started saying "Lord" every time the term "Yahweh" appeared in the text. Modern Bibles write "LORD" with all capital letters to show respect for God's personal name and to distinguish it from "Lord" which is a different Hebrew word.
• The ULB and UDB texts always translate this term as, "Yahweh," as it literally occurs in the Hebrew text of the Old Testament.
• The term "Yahweh" does not ever occur in the original text of the New Testament; only the Greek term for "Lord" is used, even in quotes from the Old Testament.
• In the Old Testament, God sometimes referred to himself as "I, Yahweh" and sometimes he referred to himself simply as "Yahweh." When he referred to himself simply as "Yahweh," the ULB and UDB add the pronoun "I" or "me" to show the reader that God was speaking about himself.

Translation Suggestions:

• "Yahweh" could be translated by a word or phrase that means "I am" or "living one" or "the one who is" or "he who is alive."
• This term could also be written in a way that is similar to how "Yahweh" is spelled.
• Some church denominations prefer not to use the term "Yahweh" and instead use the traditional rendering, "LORD." An important consideration is that this may be confusing when read aloud because it will sound the same as the title "Lord." Some languages may have an affix or other grammatical marker that could be added to distinguish "LORD" as a name (Yahweh) from "Lord" as a title.
• It is best if possible to keep the name Yahweh where it literally occurs in the text, but some translations may decide to use only a pronoun in some places, to make the text more natural and clear.
• When Yahweh referred to himself as Yahweh, you can make it clear that Yahweh was speaking by introducing the quote with something like, "This is what Yahweh says."

(See also: God, lord, lord, Moses, reveal)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 21:20
• 1 Samuel 16:07
• Daniel 09:03
• Ezekiel 17:24
• Genesis 02:04
• Genesis 04:3-5
• Genesis 28:13
• Hosea 11:12
• Isaiah 10:04
• Isaiah 38:08
• Job 12:10
• Joshua 01:09
• Lamentations 01:05
• Leviticus 25:35
• Malachi 03:04
• Micah 02:05
• Micah 06:05
• Numbers 08:11
• Psalm 124:03
• Ruth 01:21
• Zechariah 14:5

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3050, H3068, H3069

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Yah, Yahweh, Yahweh's

age

Related Ideas:

aged, from ancient times, old age

Definition:

The term "age" refers to the length of time a person has lived. The term "aged" describes a person who is very old. The term "age" is also used to refer generally to a time period.

• Jesus refers to "this age" as the present time when evil, sin, and disobedience fill the earth.
• There will be a future age when righteousness will reign over a new heaven and a new earth.
• Other words used to express an extended period of time include "era" and "season."
• The phrase "ancient times" refers to times long ago.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, the term "age" could also be translated as "era" or "number of years old" or "time period" or "time."
• The phrase "at a very old age" could be translated as "when he was very old" or "when he had lived a very long time."
• The phrase "this present evil age" means "during this time right now when people are very evil."

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 29:28
• 1 Corinthians 02:07
• Hebrews 06:05
• Job 05:26

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5769, H7872, G165, G166, G1074

Forms Found in the English ULB:

age, aged, ages, from ancient times, old age

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

appoint

Related Ideas:

appointment, direct, predetermine, put in place, reserve, select, set in place, set over, set up, set under

Definition:

The terms "appoint" and "appointed" refer to choosing someone to fulfill a specific task or role.

• To "be appointed" can also refer to being "chosen" to receive something, as in "appointed to eternal life." That people were "appointed to eternal life" means they were chosen to receive eternal life.
• The phrase "appointed time" refers to God's "chosen time" or "planned time" for something to happen.
• The word "appoint" may also mean to "command" or "assign" someone to do something.
• To "predetermine" something is to decide beforehand that it will happen and make sure that it happens.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, ways to translate "appoint" could include "choose" or "assign" or "formally choose" or "designate."
• The term "appointed" could be translated as "assigned" or "planned" or "specifically chose."
• The phrase "be appointed" could also be translated as "be chosen."

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 08:11
• Acts 03:20
• Acts 06:02
• Acts 13:48
• Genesis 41:33-34
• Numbers 03:9-10

Word Data:

• Strong's: H561, H977, H2163, H2706, H2708, H3198, H3245, H3259, H4150, H4152, H4483, H4487, H4662, H5258, H5414, H5975, H6485, H6680, H6942, H6966, H7760, H7761, H7896, G322, G606, G2525, G2749, G2820, G3724, G4296, G4384, G4400, G4929, G5021, G5083, G5087

Forms Found in the English ULB:

appoint, appointed, appointed by lot, appointment, appoints, area ... reserved, directed, predetermined, put ... in place, reserved, selected, selects, set ... in place, set ... over, set ... up, set under

ash

Related Ideas:

powder

Definitions:

The term "ash" or "ashes" refers to the grey powdery substance that is left behind after wood is burned. It is sometimes used figuratively to refer to something that is worthless or useless.

• In the Bible sometimes the word "dust" is used when speaking about ashes. It can also refer to the fine, loose dirt that can form on dry ground.
• An "ash heap" is a pile of ashes.
• In ancient times, sitting in ashes was a sign of mourning or grieving.
• When grieving, it was the custom to wear rough, scratchy sackcloth and sit in ashes or sprinkle the ashes on the head.
• Putting ashes on the head was also a sign of humiliation or embarrassment.
• Striving for something worthless, is said to be like "feeding on ashes."
• When translating "ashes," use the word in the project language that refers to the burned-up remains after wood has burned.
• Note that an "ash tree" is a completely different term.

(See also: fire, sackcloth)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 20:10
• Jeremiah 06:26
• Psalms 102:09
• Psalms 113:07

Word Data:

• Strong's: H80, H665, H6083, H6368, H7834, G2868, G4700, G5077, G5522

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ash, ashes, powder

asleep

Related Ideas:

sleep, sleeper

Definition:

These terms can have figurative meanings relating to death.

• To "sleep" or "be asleep" can be a metaphor meaning to "be dead."
• The expression "fall asleep" means start sleeping, or, figuratively, die.
• To "sleep with one’s fathers" means to die, as one’s ancestors have, or to be dead, as one's ancestors are.
• To "lie down" with others who have died means to die, as they have died, or to be dead, as they are dead.
• The word "lie" often appears in connection with the idea of sleep. This "lie" refers to lying down on a bed or other sleeping place, not to saying things that are untrue.

The phrases "lie with" and "sleep with," when referring to what a man and a woman do together, is a euphemism for them having sexual relations.

Translation Suggestions:

• To "fall asleep" could be translated as to "suddenly become asleep" or to "start sleeping" or to "die," depending on its meaning.
• Note: It is especially important to keep the figurative expression in contexts where the audience did not understand the meaning. For example, when Jesus told his disciples that Lazarus had "fallen asleep" they thought he meant that Lazarus was just sleeping naturally. In this context, it would not make sense to translate this as "he died."
• Some project languages may have a different expression for death or dying which could be used if the expressions "sleep" and "asleep" do not make sense.

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 18:27-29
• 1 Thessalonians 04:14
• Acts 07:60
• Daniel 12:02
• Psalms 044:23
• Romans 13:11

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1957, H3462, H3463, H7290, H7901, H8139, H8142, H8153, H8639, G879, G1852, G1853, G2518, G2837, G5258

Forms Found in the English ULB:

asleep, fallen asleep, fell asleep, sleep, lay down, lies down, sleeper, sleeping, sleeps, slept

authority

Related Ideas:

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

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

awe

Related Ideas:

awesome

Definition:

The term "awe" refers to the sense of amazement and deep respect that comes from seeing something great, powerful, and magnificent.

• The term "awesome" describes someone or something that inspires a feeling of awe.
• The visions of the glory of God seen by the prophet Ezekiel were "awesome" or "awe-inspiring."
• Typical human responses showing awe of God's presence include: fear, bowing or kneeling down, covering the face, and trembling.

(See also: fear, glory)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 17:21
• Genesis 28:16-17
• Hebrews 12:28
• Psalm 022:23
• Psalms 147:4-5

Word Data:

• Strong's: H366, H1481, H2865, H3372, H6206, H6342, H7227, G2124

Forms Found in the English ULB:

awe, awesome, awesome deeds

beg

Related Ideas:

ask, beggar, needy

Definition:

The term "beg" means to urgently ask someone for something. It often refers to asking for money, but it is also commonly used to refer to pleading for something.

• Often people beg or plead when they strongly need something, but don't know if the other person will give them what they ask for.
• A "beggar" is someone who regularly sits or stands in a public place to ask people for money.
• Depending on the context, this term could be translated as, "plead" or "urgently ask" or "demand money" or "regularly ask for money."

(See also: plead)

Bible References:

• Luke 16:20
• Mark 06:56
• Matthew 14:36
• Psalm 045:12-13

Word Data:

• Strong's: H34, H577, H1245, H6035, H7592, G154, G1189, G1871, G2065, G3726, G3870, G4319, G4434

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ask, asking, asks, beg, beggar, begged, begging, needy

believe

Related Ideas:

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

Definition:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

blood

Related Ideas:

bleeding

Definition:

The term "blood" refers to the red liquid that comes out of a person's skin when there is an injury or wound. Blood brings life-giving nutrients to a person's entire body.

• Blood symbolizes life and when it is shed or poured out, it symbolizes the loss of life, or death.
• When people made sacrifices to God, they killed an animal and poured its blood on the altar. This symbolized the sacrifice of the animal's life to pay for people's sins.
• Through his death on the cross, Jesus' blood symbolically cleanses people from their sins and pays for the punishment they deserve for those sins.
• The expression "flesh and blood" refers to human beings.
• The expression "own flesh and blood" refers to people who are biologically related.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term should be translated with the term that is used for blood in the target language.
• The expression "flesh and blood" could be translated as "people" or "human beings."
• Depending on the context, the expression "my own flesh and blood" could be translated as "my own family" or "my own relatives" or "my own people."
• If there is an expression in the target language that is used with this meaning, that expression could be used to translate "flesh and blood."

(See also: flesh)

Bible References:

• 1 John 01:07
• 1 Samuel 14:32
• Acts 02:20
• Acts 05:28
• Colossians 01:20
• Galatians 01:16
• Genesis 04:11
• Psalms 016:4
• Psalms 105:28-30

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1818, H5332, G129, G130, G131

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bleeding, blood

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

command

Related Ideas:

commandment, forbid, order, requirement, solemn command

Definition:

The term to "command" means to order someone to do something. A "command" or "commandment" is what the person was ordered to do.

• Although these terms have basically the same meaning, "commandment" often refers to certain commands of God which are more formal and permanent, such as the "Ten Commandments."
• A command can be positive ("Honor your parents") or negative ("Do not steal").
• To "take command" means to "take control" or "take charge" of something or someone.
• To "forbid" is to command that someone not do something.

Translation Suggestions

• It is best to translate this term differently from the term "law." Also compare with the definitions of "decree" and "statute."
• Some translators may prefer to translate "command" and "commandment" with the same word in their language.
• Others may prefer to use a special word for commandment that refers to lasting, formal commands that God has made.

(See decree, statute, law, Ten Commandments)

Bible References:

• Luke 01:06
• Matthew 01:24
• Matthew 22:38
• Matthew 28:20
• Numbers 01:17-19
• Romans 07:7-8

Word Data:

• Strong's: H560, H565, H1696, H1697, H1881, H2706, H2708, H2710, H2942, H2951, H3027, H3245, H3982, H3983, H4406, H4687, H4931, H5713, H5749, H6346, H6490, H6673, H6680, H7101, H7218, H7227, H7262, H7970, H8269, G1263, G1291, G1296, G1297, G1299, G1690, G1778, G1781, G1785, G2003, G2004, G2008, G2036, G2753, G3056, G3143, G3726, G3852, G3853, G4367, G4487, G5506

Forms Found in the English ULB:

command, commanded, commanding, commandment, commandments, commands, forbid, forbidden, forbidding, give ... solemn command, given ... solemn commands, given an order, given orders, order, ordered, orders, requirement, solemn commands

compassion

Related Ideas:

compassionate, deal gently with, pity, sympathy

Definition:

The term "compassion" refers to a feeling of concern for people, especially for those who are suffering. A "compassionate" person cares about other people and helps them.

• The word "compassion" usually includes caring about people in need, as well as taking action to help them.
• The Bible says that God is compassionate, that is, he is full of love and mercy.
• In Paul's letter to the Colossians, he tells them to "clothe themselves with compassion." He is instructing them to care about people and to actively help others who are in need.
• To have "sympathy" for someone is to understand how that person feels and to want to help him.

Translation Suggestions:

• The literal meaning of "compassion" is "bowels of mercy." This is an expression that means "mercy" or "pity." Other languages may have their own expression that means this.
• Ways of translating "compassion" could include, "a deep caring for" or "helpful mercy."
• The term "compassionate" could also be translated as, "caring and helpful" or "deeply loving and merciful."

Bible References:

• Daniel 01:8-10
• Hosea 13:14
• James 05:9-11
• Jonah 04:1-3
• Mark 01:41
• Romans 09:14-16

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2550, H2580, H2603, H5150, H5162, H5164, H7349, H7355, H7356, G1653, G3356, G3627, G4697, G4834, G4835

Forms Found in the English ULB:

compassion, compassionate, compassions, deal gently with, pitied, pity, sympathy

covenant

Related Ideas:

agreed, contract, new covenant, will

Definition:

A covenant is a formal, binding agreement between two parties that one or both parties must fulfill.

• This agreement can be between individuals, between groups of people, or between God and people.
• When people make a covenant with each other, they promise that they will do something, and they must do it.
• Examples of human covenants include marriage covenants, business agreements or contracts, and treaties between countries.
• Throughout the Bible, God made several different covenants with his people.
• In some of the covenants, God promised to fulfill his part without conditions. For example, when God established his covenant with mankind promising to never destroy the earth again with a worldwide flood, this promise had no conditions for people to fulfill.
• In other covenants, God promised to fulfill his part only if the people obeyed him and fulfilled their part of the covenant.

The term "new covenant" refers to the commitment or agreement God made with his people through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus.

• God's "new covenant" was explained in the part of the Bible called the "New Testament."
• This new covenant is in contrast to the "old" or "former" covenant that God had made with the Israelites in Old Testament times.
• The new covenant is better than the old one because it is based on the sacrifice of Jesus, which completely atoned for people's sins forever. The sacrifices made under the old covenant did not do this.
• God writes the new covenant on the hearts of those who become believers in Jesus. This causes them to want to obey God and to begin to live holy lives.
• The new covenant will be completely fulfilled in the end times when God establishes his reign on earth. Everything will once again be very good, as it was when God first created the world.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, ways to translate this term could include, "binding agreement" or "formal commitment" or "pledge" or "contract."
• Some languages may have different words for covenant depending on whether one party or both parties have made a promise they must keep. If the covenant is one-sided, it could be translated as "promise" or "pledge."

• Make sure the translation of this term does not sound like people proposed the covenant. In all cases of covenants between God and people, it was God who initiated the covenant.

• The term "new covenant" could be translated as "new formal agreement" or "new pact" or "new contract."

• The word "new" in these expressions has the meaning of "fresh" or "new kind of" or "another."

(See also: covenant, promise)

Bible References:

• Genesis 09:12
• Genesis 17:07
• Genesis 31:44
• Exodus 34:10-11
• Joshua 24:24-26
• 2 Samuel 23:5
• 2 Kings 18:11-12
• Mark 14:24
• Luke 01:73
• Luke 22:20
• Acts 07:08
• 1 Corinthians 11:25-26
• 2 Corinthians 03:06
• Galatians 03:17-18
• Hebrews 12:24

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1285, H1697, H2319, H2374, G1242, G4934

Forms Found in the English ULB:

agreed, contract, covenant, covenants, new covenant, will

covenant faithfulness

Related Ideas:

covenant loyalty, loving kindness, steadfast love, unfailing love

Definition:

This term is used to describe God's commitment to fulfill the promises that he made to his people.

• God made promises to the Israelites in formal agreements called "covenants."
• The "covenant faithfulness" or "covenant loyalty" of Yahweh refers to the fact that he keeps his promises to his people.
• God's faithfulness to keep his covenant promises is an expression of his grace toward his people.
• The term "loyalty" is another word that refers to being committed and dependable, to do and say what has been promised, and what will benefit someone else.

Translation Suggestions:

• The way this term is translated will also depend on how the terms "covenant" and "faithfulness" are translated.
• Other ways to translate this term could include, "faithful love" or "loyal, committed love" or "loving dependability."

(See also: covenant, faithful, grace, Israel, people of God, promise)

Bible References:

• Ezra 03:11
• Numbers 14:18

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2617

Forms Found in the English ULB:

covenant faithfulness, covenant loyalty, loving kindness, steadfast love, unfailing love

cry

Related Ideas:

outcry, raised his voice, scream, shout, speak out, speak loudly

Definition:

The terms "cry" or "cry out" often mean to say something loudly and urgently. Someone can "cry out" in pain or in distress or in anger.

• The phrase "cry out" also means to shout or call out, often with the intent to ask for help.
• This term could also be translated as "exclaim loudly" or "urgently ask for help," depending on the context.
• An expression such as, "I cry out to you" could be translated as, "I call to you for help" or "I urgently ask you for help."

(See also: call, plead)

Bible References:

• Job 27:09
• Mark 05:5-6
• Mark 06:48-50
• Psalm 022:1-2

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1058, H2199, H2201, H6030, H6463, H6670, H6682, H6817, H6818, H6873, H6963, H7121, H7123, H7321, H7440, H7442, H7723, H7737, H7768, H7771, H7775, H8643, H8663, G310, G349, G400, G863, G994, G995, G1916, G2019, G2799, G2805, G2896, G2905, G2906, G2929, G4377, G5455

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cried, cried for help, cried out, cries, cries of distress, cries out, cry, cry ... for help, cry aloud, cry of distress, cry out, crying, crying out, outcries, outcry, raised ... voice, scream, screams, shout, shout out loud, shouted, shouting, shouting out, shouts, speak out, spoke loudly

day

Related Ideas:

daily, daytime, morning, today

Definition:

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

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

(See also: judgment day, last day)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

death

Related Ideas:

breathed their last, dead, deadly, deadness, deathly, die, lethal, mortal, stop breathing

Definition:

This term is used to refer to both physical and spiritual death. Physically, it refers to when the physical body of a person stops living. Spiritually, it refers to sinners being separated from a holy God because of their sin.

1. Physical death

• To "die" means to stop living. Death is the end of physical life.
• A person's spirit leaves his body when he dies.
• When Adam and Eve sinned, physical death came into the world.
• The expression "put to death" refers to killing or murdering someone, especially when a king or other ruler gives an order for someone to be killed.
• The words "deadly" and "lethal" describe something that causes someone to die.
• Something that is "mortal" can die; it does not live forever.

2. Spiritual death

• Spiritual death is the separation of a person from God.
• Adam died spiritually when he disobeyed God. His relationship with God was broken. He became ashamed and tried to hide from God.
• Every descendant of Adam is a sinner, and is spiritually dead. God makes us spiritually alive again when we have faith in Jesus Christ.

Translation Suggestions:

• To translate the words "die," death," and dead," it is usually best to use the everyday, natural word or expression in the target language that refers to death. This is true both when “death” refers to physical death and when it refers to spiritual death.
• In some languages, to "die" may be expressed as to "not live." The term "dead" may be translated as "not alive" or "not having any life" or "not living."
• The expression "the dead" is a nominal adjective that refers to people who have died. Some languages will translate this as "dead people" or "people who have died."
• The expression "put to death" could also be translated as "kill" or "murder" or "execute."

(See also: believe, faith, life, spirit)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 15:21
• 1 Thessalonians 4:17
• Acts 10:42
• Acts 14:19
• Colossians 2:15
• Colossians 2:20
• Genesis 2:15-17
• Genesis 34:27
• Matthew 16:28
• Romans 5:10
• Romans 5:12
• Romans 6:10

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6, H1478, H1826, H1934, H2491, H4191, H4192, H4193, H4194, H4463, H5038, H5315, H6297, H6757, H7496, H7523, H7819, H8045, H8546, H8552, G336, G337, G520, G599, G615, G622, G1634, G2079, G2253, G2286, G2287, G2288, G2289, G2348, G2837, G2966, G3498, G3499, G3500, G4430, G4880, G4881, G5053, G5054

Forms Found in the English ULB:

about to die, breathed ... last, causes ... death, dead, deadly, deadness, death, deathly, deaths, die, die with, died, dies, dying, fatal, lethal, mortal, stop breathing, stops breathing

earth

Related Ideas:

clay, dust, earthen, earthly, ground, land, soil

Definition:

The term "earth" refers to the world that human beings live on, along with all other forms of life.

• "Earth" can also refer to the ground or soil that covers the land.
• This term is often used figuratively to refer to the people who live on the earth.
• The expressions "let the earth be glad" and "he will judge the earth" are examples of figurative uses of this term.
• The term "earthly" usually refers to physical things in contrast to spiritual things.
• The term "earthen" describes something that is made of clay

Translation Suggestions:

• This term can be translated by the word or phrase that the local language or nearby national languages use to refer to the planet earth on which we live.
• Depending on the context, "earth" could also be translated as "world" or "land" or "dirt" or "soil" or "clay."
• When used figuratively, "earth" could be translated as "people on the earth" or "people living on earth" or "everything on earth."
• Ways to translate "earthly" could include "physical" or "things of this earth" or "visible."

(See also: spirit, world)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 01:38-40
• 2 Chronicles 02:11-12
• Daniel 04:35
• Luke 12:51
• Matthew 06:10
• Matthew 11:25
• Zechariah 06:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H80, H127, H772, H776, H778, H2789, H3007, H3335, H6083, H7494, G1093, G1919, G2709, G2868, G2886, G3625, G5517, G5522

Forms Found in the English ULB:

clay, dust, earth, earth's, earthen, earthly, ground, land, lands, soil

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

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

fast

Definition:

The term to "fast" means to stop eating food for a period of time, such as for a day or more. Sometimes it also includes not drinking.

• Fasting can help people to focus on God and pray without being distracted by preparing food and eating.
• Jesus condemned the Jewish religious leaders for fasting for the wrong reasons. They fasted so that others would think they were righteous.
• Sometimes people fast because they are very sad or grieved about something.
• The verb to "fast" can also be translated as to "refrain from eating" or to "not eat."
• The noun "fast" could be translated as "time of not eating" or "time of abstaining from food."

(See also: Jewish authorities)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 21:8-10
• 2 Chronicles 20:03
• Acts 13:1-3
• Jonah 03:4-5
• Luke 05:34
• Mark 02:19
• Matthew 06:18
• Matthew 09:15

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2908, H5144, H6684, H6685, G3521, G3522

Forms Found in the English ULB:

fast, fasted, fasting, fastings, fasts

fear

Related Ideas:

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

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: amazed, awe, lord, power, Yahweh)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

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

flock

Related Ideas:

herd

Definition:

In the Bible, "flock" refers to a group of sheep or goats and "herd" refers to a group of cattle, oxen, or pigs.

• Different languages may have different ways of naming groups of animals or birds.
• For example, in English the term "herd" can also be used for sheep or goats, but in the Bible text it is not used this way.
• The term "flock" in English is also used for a group of birds, but it can not be used for pigs, oxen, or cattle.
• Consider what terms are used in your language to refer to different groups of animals.
• For verses that refer to "flocks and herds" it may be better to add "of sheep" or "of cattle" for example, if the language does not have different words to refer to different kinds of animal groups.

(See also: goat, cow, pig, sheep, )

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 10:28-29
• 2 Chronicles 17:11
• Deuteronomy 14:22-23
• Luke 02:8-9
• Matthew 08:30
• Matthew 26:31

Word Data:

• Strong's: H504, H951, H1241, H2835, H4029, H4735, H4830, H5349, H5739, H6251, H6629, H7473, H7716, H7462, H7794, G34, G4167, G4168

Forms Found in the English ULB:

flock, flocking, flocks, herd, herds

found

Related Ideas:

establish, foundation, founder

Definition:

The verb "found" means build, create, or lay a base for. The phrase "founded on" means supported by or based on. A "foundation" is the base of support on which something is built or created.

• The foundation of a house or building must be strong and dependable in order to support the entire structure.
• The term "foundation" can also refer to the beginning of something or to the time when something was first created.
• In a figurative sense, believers in Christ are compared to a building that is founded on the teachings of the apostles and prophets, with Christ himself being the cornerstone of the building.
• A "foundation stone" was a stone that was laid as part of the foundation. These stones were tested to make sure they were strong enough to support an entire building.
• To "establish" something is for a person to start or make or create something that he wants to endure for a long time.

Translation Suggestions:

• The phrase "before the foundation of the world" could be translated as "before the creation of the world" or "before the time when the world first existed" or "before everything was first created."
• The term "founded on" could be translated as "securely built on" or "firmly based on."
• Depending on the context, "foundation" could be translated as "strong base" or "solid support" or "beginning" or "creation."

(See also: cornerstone, create)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 06:37-38
• 2 Chronicles 03:1-3
• Ezekiel 13:13-14
• Luke 14:29
• Matthew 13:35
• Matthew 25:34

Word Data:

• Strong's: H134, H553, H787, H2713, H3245, H3247, H3248, H3559, H3772, H4143, H4144, H4146, H4328, H4349, H4527, H5975, H7760, H8356, G747, G950, G1457, G2310, G2311, G2602

Forms Found in the English ULB:

established, establishes, found, foundation, foundations, founded, founder, founds, lay ... foundation, lay ... foundations

fulfill

Related Ideas:

carry out, fill to the limit, finish, fulfillment, in full, make something full

Definition:

The term "fulfill" means to complete or accomplish something that was expected.

• When a prophecy is fulfilled, it means that God causes to happen what was predicted in the prophecy.
• If a person fulfills a promise or a vow, it means that he does what he has promised to do.
• To fulfill a responsibility means to do the task that was assigned or required.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, "fulfill" could be translated as "accomplish" or "complete" or "cause to happen" or "obey" or "perform."
• The phrase "has been fulfilled" could also be translated as "has come true" or "has happened" or "has taken place."
• Ways to translate "fulfill," as in "fulfill your ministry," could include "complete" or "perform" or "practice" or "serve other people as God has called you to do."

(See also: prophet, Christ, minister, call)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 02:27
• Acts 03:17-18
• Leviticus 22:17-19
• Luke 04:21
• Matthew 01:22-23
• Matthew 05:17
• Psalms 116:12-15

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1214, H4390, H5487, H7999, G378, G4135, G4137, G4138, G5048, G5055

Forms Found in the English ULB:

carried out, fill up ... to the limit, finishing, fulfill, fulfilled, fulfillment, fulfills, in full, make ... full

god

Related Ideas:

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

Definition:

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

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

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

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

hand

Related Ideas:

handbreadth, handful, lay a hand on

Definition:

There are several figurative ways that "hand" is used in the Bible:

• To "hand" something to someone means to put something into that person's hands.
• The term "hand" is often used in reference to God's power and action, such as when God says "Has not my hand made all these things?"
• Expressions such as "hand over to" or "deliver into the hands of" refer to causing someone to be under the control or power of someone else.

• Some other figurative uses of "hand" include:

• To "lay a hand on" means to "harm."

• To "save from the hand of" means to stop someone from harming someone else.
• The position of being "on the right hand" means "on the right side" or "to the right."

• The expression "by the hand of" someone means "by" or "through" the action of that person. For example, "by the hand of the Lord" means that the Lord is the one who caused something to happen.

• Placing hands on someone is often done while speaking a blessing over that person.

• The term "laying on of hands" refers to placing a hand on a person in order to dedicate that person to God's service or to pray for healing.
• When Paul says "written by my hand," it means that this part of the letter was physically written down by him, rather than spoken to someone else to write down.

Translation Suggestions

• These expressions and other figures of speech could be translated using other figurative expressions that have the same meaning. Or the meaning could be translated using direct, literal language (see examples above).
• The expression "handed him the scroll" could also be translated as "gave him the scroll" or "put the scroll in his hand." It was not given to him permanently, but just for the purpose of using it at that time.
• When "hand" refers to the person, such as in "the hand of God did this," it could be translated as "God did this."
• An expression such as "delivered them into the hands of their enemies" or "handed them over to their enemies," could be translated as, "allowed their enemies to conquer them" or "caused them to be captured by their enemies" or "empowered their enemies to gain control over them."
• To "die by the hand of" could be translated as "be killed by."
• The expression "on the right hand of" could be translated as "on the right side of."
• In regard to Jesus being "seated at the right hand of God," if this does not communicate in the language that it refers to a position of high honor and equal authority, a different expression with that meaning could be used. Or a short explanation could be added: "on the right side of God, in the position of highest authority."

(See also: adversary, bless, captive, honor, power)

Bible References:

• Acts 07:25
• Acts 08:17
• Acts 11:21
• Genesis 09:05
• Genesis 14:20
• John 03:35
• Mark 07:32
• Matthew 06:03

Word Data:

• Strong's: G710, G1188, G2176, G2902, G4084, G5495, G5496, G5497, H2026, H2651, H2947, H2948, H3027, H3028, H3231, H3233, H3709, H7126, H7138, H8042, H8168

Forms Found in the English ULB:

by the hand of, fist, from the hand of, hand, handbreadth, handed, handful, handfuls, handing, hands, lay a hand on, lays his hand on

hang

Definition:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2614, H3363, H8518, G519

Forms Found in the English ULB:

hang, hanged, hanging, hangings, hangs, hung

hard

Related Ideas:

hardly, hardness, hardship

Definition:

The term "hard" has several different meanings, depending on the context. It usually describes something that is difficult, persistent, or unyielding.

• An object that is "hard" is solid and firm. It is not easily broken, bent, dented, or pierced.
• Work that is "hard" is difficult to do.
• When a person works "hard", he does that work diligently and with a lot of effort to do it well.
• A person who "hardly" does something either does not do it completely or does it rarely.
• A person who goes through "hardship" is suffering or does not have what he needs.

The term "hard" can be used figuratively * A person who has a "hard heart" is stubborn. He continues to disobey God and will not repent. * A person whose heart is hardened has become stubbornly disobedient.

Translation Suggestions

• The terms "hardness" or "hardness of heart" or "hard heart" could be translated as "stubbornness" or "persistent rebellion" or "rebellious attitude" or "stubborn disobedience" or "stubbornly not repenting."
• The term "hardened" could also be translated as "stubbornly unrepentant" or "refusing to obey."
• "Do not harden your heart" could be translated as "do not refuse to repent" or "do not stubbornly keep disobeying."
• Other ways to translate "hard-hearted" could include "stubbornly disobedient" or "continuing to disobey" or "refusing to repent" or "always rebelling."
• In expressions such as "work hard" or "try hard," the term "hard" could be translated as "with perseverance" or "diligently."
• The expression "press hard against" could also be translated as "shove with force" or "push strongly against."
• To "oppress people with hard labor" could be translated as "force people to work so hard that they suffer" or "cause people to suffer by forcing them to do very difficult work."
• A different kind of "hard labor" is experienced by a woman who is about to deliver a baby.

(See also: disobey, evil, heart, labor pains, stiff-necked)

Bible References:

• 2 Corinthians 11:23
• Deuteronomy 15:07
• Exodus 14:04
• Hebrews 04:07
• John 12:40
• Matthew 19:08

Word Data:

• Strong's: H553, H1692, H2388, H2389, H2420, H2864, H3021, H3332, H3513, H3515, H3966, H4164, H4165, H4522, H4751, H4784, H4843, H5450, H5647, H5797, H5810, H5980, H5999, H6089, H6381, H7185, H7188, H7280, H8068, H8307, H8513, H8631, G917, G1421, G1422, G1423, G2205, G2478, G2553, G2872, G2873, G3425, G3433, G4053, G4183, G4456, G4457, G4641, G4642, G4643, G4645, G4912

Forms Found in the English ULB:

hard, harden, hardened, hardening, hardens, harder, hardest, hardly, hardness, hardship, hardships

head

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions

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

(See also: grain)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

head, heads

heart

Related Ideas:

kidneys

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "heart" is often used figuratively to refer to a person's thoughts, emotions, desires, or will.

• To have a "hard heart" is a common expression that means a person stubbornly refuses to obey God.
• The expressions "with all my heart" or "with my whole heart" mean to do something with no holding back, with complete commitment and willingness.
• The expression "take it to heart" means to treat something seriously and apply it to one's life.
• The term "brokenhearted" describes a person who is very sad. That person has been deeply hurt emotionally.
• The kidneys are also used as a synecdoche for the physical inner organs and as a metonym for a person's innermost thoughts and emotions.

Translation Suggestions

• Some languages use a different body part such as "stomach" or "liver" to refer to these ideas.
• Other languages may use one word to express some of these concepts and another word to express others.
• If "heart" or other body part does not have this meaning, some languages may need to express this literally with terms such as "thoughts" or "emotions" or "desires" or "inner self".
• Depending on the context, "with all my heart" or "with my whole heart" could be translated as "with all my energy" or "with complete dedication" or "completely" or "with total commitment."
• The expression "take it to heart" could be translated as "treat it seriously" or "carefully think about it."
• The expression "hard-hearted" could also be translated as "stubbornly rebellious" or "refusing to obey" or "continually disobeying God."
• Ways to translate "brokenhearted" could include "very sad" or "feeling deeply hurt."

(See also: hard)

Bible References:

• 1 John 03:17
• 1 Thessalonians 02:04
• 2 Thessalonians 03:13-15
• Acts 08:22
• Acts 15:09
• Luke 08:15
• Mark 02:06
• Matthew 05:08
• Matthew 22:37

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2436, H2504, H2910, H3519, H3629, H3820, H3821, H3823, H3824, H3825, H3826, H4578, H5315, H7307, H7356, G1282, G1271, G2133, G2588, G2589, G4641, G4698, G5590

Forms Found in the English ULB:

heart, hearts, kidneys

heaven

Related Ideas:

heavenly, in midair, overhead, sky

Definition:

The term that is translated as "heaven" usually refers to where God lives. The same word can also mean "sky," depending on the context.

• The term "heavens" refers to everything we see above the earth, including the sun, moon, and stars. It also includes the heavenly bodies, such as far-off planets, that we can't directly see from the earth.
• The term "sky" refers to the blue expanse above the earth that has clouds and the air we breathe. Often the sun and moon are also said to be "up in the sky."
• In some contexts in the Bible, the word "heaven" could refer to either the sky or the place where God lives.
• When "heaven" is used figuratively, it is a way of referring to God. For example, when Matthew writes about the "kingdom of heaven" he is referring to the kingdom of God.

Translation Suggestions:

• When "heaven" is used figuratively, it could be translated as "God."
• For "kingdom of heaven" in the book of Matthew, it is best to keep the word "heaven" since this is distinctive to Matthew's gospel.
• The terms "heavens" or "heavenly bodies" could also be translated as, "sun, moon, and stars" or "all the stars in the universe."
• The phrase, "stars of heaven" could be translated as "stars in the sky" or "stars in the galaxy" or "stars in the universe."

(See also: kingdom of God)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 08:22-24
• 1 Thessalonians 01:8-10
• 1 Thessalonians 04:17
• Deuteronomy 09:01
• Ephesians 06:9
• Genesis 01:01
• Genesis 07:11
• John 03:12
• John 03:27
• Matthew 05:18
• Matthew 05:46-48

Word Data:

• Strong's: H7834, H8064, H8065, G932, G2032, G3321, G3770, G3771, G3772

Forms Found in the English ULB:

heaven, heavenly, heavens, in midair, overhead, skies, sky

heir

Definition:

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

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

(See also: firstborn, inherit)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

heir, heirs

holy

Related Ideas:

holiness, sacred, unholy

Definition:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

• Ways to translate "holy" might include "set apart for God" or "belonging to God" or "completely pure" or "perfectly sinless" or "separated from sin."

• To "make holy" is often translated as "sanctify" in English. It could also be translated as "set apart (someone) for God's glory."

• Ways to translate "unholy" could include "not holy" or "not belonging to God" or "not honoring to God" or "not godly."

• In some contexts, "unholy" could be translated as "unclean."

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

innocent

Related Ideas:

guiltless, innocence

Definition:

The term "innocent" means to not be guilty of a crime or other wrongdoing. It can also refer more generally to people who are not involved in evil things.

• A person accused of doing something wrong is innocent if he has not committed that wrong.
• Sometimes the term "innocent" is used to refer to people who have done nothing wrong to deserve the bad treatment they are receiving, as in an enemy army attacking "innocent people."

Translation Suggestions:

• In most contexts, the term "innocent" can be translated as "not guilty" or "not responsible" or "not to blame" for something.
• When referring in general to innocent people, this term could be translated as "who have done nothing wrong" or "who are not involved in evil."
• The frequently occurring expression "innocent blood" could be translated as "people who did nothing wrong to deserve being killed."
• The expression "shed innocent blood" could be translated as "kill innocent people" or "kill people who did nothing wrong to deserve it."
• In the context of someone being killed, "innocent of the blood of" could be translated as "not guilty for the death of."
• When talking about people not hearing the good news about Jesus but not accepting it, "innocent of the blood of" could be translated as "not responsible for whether they remain spiritually dead or not" or "not responsible for whether they accept this message."
• When Judas said "I have betrayed innocent blood," he was saying "I have betrayed a man who did nothing wrong" or "I have caused the death of a man who was sinless."
• When Pilate said about Jesus "I am innocent of the blood of this innocent man," this could be translated as "I am not responsible for the killing of this man who has done nothing wrong to deserve it."

(See also: guilt)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 04:04
• 1 Samuel 19:05
• Acts 20:26
• Exodus 23:07
• Jeremiah 22:17
• Job 09:23
• Romans 16:18

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2600, H2643, H5352, H5355, H5356, H6662, H6663, H8535, G53, G121, G172, G185, G338, G1342, G2513

Forms Found in the English ULB:

declared innocent, guiltless, innocence, innocent

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

life

Related Ideas:

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

Definition:

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

1. Physical life

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

2. Spiritual life

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: death, eternity)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

light

Related Ideas:

bright, brightness, enlighten, shine

Definition:

There are several figurative uses of the term "light" in the Bible. It is often used as a metaphor for righteousness, holiness, and truth.

• Jesus said, "I am the light of the world" to express that he brings God's true message to the world and rescues people from the darkness of their sin.
• Christians are commanded to "walk in the light," which means they should be living the way God wants them to and avoiding evil.
• The apostle John stated that "God is light" and in him there is no darkness at all.
• Light and darkness are complete opposites. Darkness is the absence of all light.
• Jesus said that he was "the light of the world" and that his followers should shine like lights in the world by living in a way that clearly shows how great God is.
• "Walking in the light" represents living in a way that pleases God, doing what is good and right. Walking in darkness represents living in rebellion against God, doing evil things.

Translation Suggestions:

• When translating, it is important to keep the literal terms "light" and "darkness" even when they are used figuratively.
• It may be necessary to explain the comparison in the text. For example, "walk as children of light" could be translated as, "live openly righteous lives, like someone who walks in bright sunlight."
• Make sure that the translation of "light" does not refer to an object that gives light, such as a lamp. The translation of this term should refer to the light itself.

(See also: darkness, holy, righteous, true)

Bible References:

• 1 John 01:07
• 1 John 02:08
• 2 Corinthians 04:06
• Acts 26:18
• Isaiah 02:05
• John 01:05
• Matthew 05:16
• Matthew 06:23
• Nehemiah 09:12-13
• Revelation 18:23-24

Word Data:

• Strong's: H216, H217, H3313, H3974, H5051, H5094, H5105, H5216, G681, G796, G1391, G1645, G2985, G2986, G3088, G5338, G5457, G5458, G5460, G5462

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bright, brightness, enlighten, enlightened, light, lighting, lights, shining

lots

Related Ideas:

allotted, allotted portion, cast lots, chosen by lot, divide up by lot

Definition:

A "lot" is a marked object that is chosen from among other similar objects as a way of deciding something. "Casting lots" referred to tossing marked objects onto the ground or other surface.

• Often the lots were small marked stones or pieces of broken pottery.
• Some cultures "draw" or "pull out" lots using a bunch of straws. Someone holds the straws so that no one can see how long they are. Each person pulls out a straw and the one who picks the longest (or shortest) straw is the one who is chosen.
• The practice of casting lots was used by the Israelites to find out what God wanted them to do.
• As in the time of Zechariah and Elizabeth, it was also used to choose which priest would perform a specific duty in the temple at a specific time.
• The soldiers who crucified Jesus cast lots to decide who would get to keep Jesus' robe.
• The phrase "casting lots" can be translated as "tossing lots" or "drawing lots" or "rolling lots." Make sure the translation of "cast" does not sound like the lots were being thrown a long distance.
• Depending on the context, the term "lot" could also be translated as "marked stone" or "pottery piece" or "stick" or "piece of straw."
• If a decision is made "by lot" this could be translated as, "by drawing (or throwing) lots."
• To allot things to people can mean to divide those things and to toss lots to decide who gets each portion.
• To allot something to someone can mean to assign it to him or give it to him. (See also: Elizabeth, priest, Zechariah (OT), Zechariah (NT))

Bible References:

• Jonah 01:07
• Luke 01:8-10
• Luke 23:34
• Mark 15:22
• Matthew 27:35-37
• Psalms 022:18-19

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1486, G2819, G2975

Forms Found in the English ULB:

allotted, allotted portion, cast lots, chosen by lot, divide up ... by lot, lot, lots

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

mighty

Related Ideas:

Mighty One, mightily, mighty host, mighty men, mighty work

Definition:

The terms "mighty" and "might" refer to having great strength or power.

• Often the word "might" is another word for "strength." When talking about God, it can mean "power."
• The phrase "mighty men" often refers to men who are courageous and victorious in battle. David's band of faithful men who helped protect and defend him were often called "mighty men."
• The phrase "the Might One" refers to God.
• The phrase "a mighty one" can refer to God or to a man.
• The phrase "mighty works" usually refers to the amazing things God does, especially miracles.
• This term is related to the term "almighty," which is a common description for God, meaning that he has complete power.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, the term "mighty" could be translated as "powerful" or "amazing" or "very strong."
• The phrase "his might" could be translated as "his strength" or "his power."
• In Acts 7, Moses is described as a man who was "mighty in word and deed." This could be translated as "Moses spoke powerful words from God and did miraculous things" or "Moses spoke God's word powerfully and did many amazing things."
• Depending on the context, "mighty works" could be translated as "amazing things that God does" or "miracles" or "God doing things with power."
• The term "might" could also be translated as "power" or "great strength."
• Do not confuse this term with the English word that is used to express a possibility, as in "It might rain."

(See also: Almighty, miracle, power, strength)

Bible References:

• Acts 07:22
• Genesis 06:4
• Mark 09:38-39
• Matthew 11:23

Word Data:

• Strong's: H46, H47, H117, H202, H352, H386, H410, H533, H650, H1219, H1368, H1369, H1396, H1397, H1419, H2220, H2389, H2428, H3201, H3524, H3581, H3966, H4101, H5794, H5797, H5808, H6099, H6105, H6108, H6184, H7227, H7580, H8623, H8624, G1411, G1415, G1498, G2478, G2479, G2900, G2904, G3167, G3173

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mighty One, might, mightier, mightily, mighty, mighty host, mighty men, mighty one, mighty ones, mighty work, mighty works

mind

Related Ideas:

expect, intention, likeminded, mindful, sober, think

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions

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

(See also: believe, heart, soul)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

neighbor

Related Ideas:

neighborhood, neighboring

Definition:

The term "neighbor" usually refers to a person who lives nearby. It can also refer more generally to someone who lives in the same community or people group.

• A "neighbor" is someone who would be protected and treated kindly because he is part of the same community.
• In the New Testament parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus used the term "neighbor" figuratively, expanding its meaning to include all human beings, even someone who is considered an enemy.
• If possible, it is best to translate this term literally with a word or phrase that means "person who lives nearby."
• A "neighborhood" is a community of people in a town or city who live near each other.
• "Neighboring" countries and regions are countries and regions that are nearby.

(See also: adversary, parable, people group, Samaria)

Bible References:

• Acts 07:26-28
• Ephesians 04:25-27
• Galatians 05:14
• James 02:08
• John 09:8-9
• Luke 01:58
• Matthew 05:43
• Matthew 19:19
• Matthew 22:39

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5997, H7138, H7453, H7468, H7934, G1069, G2087, G4040, G4139

Forms Found in the English ULB:

neighbor, neighborhood, neighboring, neighbors

noble

Related Ideas:

nobility, nobleman

Definition:

The term "noble" describes someone or something that is excellent or of high quality.

• A "nobleman" or a "noble" is a person who belongs to a high political or social class. A nobleman was often an officer of the state, a close servant to the king.
• The "nobility" refers to the people who belong to a high political or social class.
• A man "of noble birth" is one who was born a nobleman.

Translation Suggestion

• The term "nobleman" could also be translated by, "king's official" or "government officer."

Bible References:

• 2 Chronicles 23:20-21
• Daniel 04:36
• Ecclesiastes 10:17
• Luke 19:12
• Psalm 016:1-3

Word Data:

• Strong's: H117, H193, H1419, H2715, H3358, H3513, H5081, H6440, H6579, H7261, H8282, H8269, G937, G2104

Forms Found in the English ULB:

nobility, noble, nobleman, noblemen, nobles

perish

Related Ideas:

imperishable, perishable

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: death, eternity)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

imperishable, perish, perishable, perished, perishes, perishing

pit

Related Ideas:

pitfall, quarry

Definition:

A "pit" is a deep hole that has been dug in the ground. A "pitfall" is a trap made of a pit that is hidden with a cover. A "quarry" is a pit from which people take valuable stones.

• People dig pits for the purpose of trapping animals or finding water.
• A pit can also be used as a temporary place to hold a prisoner.
• Sometimes the phrase "the pit" refers to the grave or to hell. Other times it may refer to "the abyss."
• The term "pit" is also used figuratively in phrases such as, "pit of destruction" which describes being trapped in a disastrous situation or being deeply involved in sinful, destructive practices.

(See also: abyss, hell, prison)

Bible References:

• Genesis 37:21-22
• Job 33:18
• Luke 06:39
• Proverbs 01:12

Word Data:

• Strong's: H875, H953, H1356, H1475, H2352, H4087, H4113, H4379, H6354, H7585, H7745, H7816, H7825, H7845, H7882, G12, G999, G5421

Forms Found in the English ULB:

pit, pitfall, pits, quarry

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

punish

Related Ideas:

bring down judgment, deal with, inflict punishment, judgment, punishment, unpunished

Definition:

The term "punish" means to cause someone to suffer a negative consequence for doing something wrong. The term "punishment" refers to the negative consequence that is given as a result of that wrong behavior.

• Often punishment is intended to motivate a person to stop sinning.
• God punished the Israelites when they disobeyed him, especially when they worshiped false gods. Because of their sin, God allowed their enemies to attack and capture them.
• God is righteous and just, so he has to punish sin. Every human being has sinned against God and deserves punishment.
• Jesus was punished for all the evil things that every person has ever done. He received each person's punishment on himself even though he did nothing wrong and did not deserve that punishment.
• The expression "leave someone unpunished" means to decide not to punish someone for their wrongdoing.
• The expression "go unpunished" means to sin and not be punished for it. God often allows people to go unpunished as he waits for them to repent.
• To "bring down judgment" on someone is to punish him after declaring him guilty of wrongful behavior.
• Sometimes "judgment" refers to punishment.
• Sometimes "deal with" means punish.

(See also: justice, repent, righteous, sin)

Bible References:

• 1 John 04:18
• 2 Thessalonians 01:09
• Acts 04:21
• Acts 07:59-60
• Genesis 04:15
• Luke 23:16
• Matthew 25:46

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2403, H3027, H3256, H4148, H4941, H5221, H5352, H5414, H5771, H6031, H6213, H6485, H6486, H7451, H7561, H7999, H8011, H8199, G1349, G1556, G1557, G2849, G2851, G2917, G2920, G3811, G5097

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bring down judgment, go ... unpunished, inflicted punishment, inflicting punishment, judgment, leave ... unpunished, punish, punished, punishes, punishing, punishment, unpunished

right hand

Related Ideas:

righthand side

Definition:

The figurative expression "right hand" refers to the place of honor or strength on the right side of a ruler or other important individual.

• The right hand is also used as a symbol of power, authority, or strength.
• The Bible describes Jesus as sitting "at the right hand of" God the Father as the head of the body of believers (the Church) and in control as ruler of all creation.
• A person's right hand was used to show special honor when placed on the head of someone being given a blessing (as when the patriarch Jacob blessed Joseph's son Ephraim).
• To "serve at the right hand" of someone means to be the one whose service is especially helpful and important to that person.

Translation Suggestions:

• Sometimes the term "right hand" literally refers to a person's right hand, as when Roman soldiers put a staff into Jesus' right hand to mock him. This should be translated using the term that the language uses to refer to this hand.
• Regarding figurative uses, if an expression that includes the term "right hand" does not have the same meaning in the project language, then consider whether that language has a different expression with the same meaning.
• The expression "at the right hand of" could be translated as "on the right side of" or "in the place of honor beside" or "in the position of strength" or "ready to help."
• Ways to translate "with his right hand" could include "with authority" or "using power" or "with his amazing strength."
• The figurative expression "his right hand and his mighty arm" uses two ways of emphasizing God's power and great strength. One way to translate this expression could be "his amazing strength and mighty power."
• The expression "their right hand is falsehood" could be translated as, "even the most honorable thing about them is corrupted by lies" or "their place of honor is corrupted by deception" or "they use lies to make themselves powerful."

(See also: accuse, evil, honor, mighty, punish, rebel)

Bible References:

• Acts 02:33
• Colossians 03:01
• Galatians 02:09
• Genesis 48:14
• Hebrews 10:12
• Lamentations 02:03
• Matthew 25:33
• Matthew 26:64
• Psalms 044:03
• Revelation 02:1-2

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3225, H3231, G1188

Forms Found in the English ULB:

right hand, right hands, righthand side

robe

Related Ideas:

cloak, coat, skirt, wings

Definition:

A robe is an outer garment with long sleeves that can be worn by a man or a woman. It is similar to a coat.

• Robes are open in the front and are tied shut with a sash or belt.
• Robes can be long or short.
• Purple robes were worn by kings as a sign of royalty, wealth, and prestige.
• The edges of a robe are called its "wings." When one person covers another person with his "wings," he covers him with that part of his robe.
• A "cloak" is a long outer garment that hangs loosely from the shoulders. It covers the back and hangs loosely in the front.
• A "skirt" is a woman's garment that hangs loosely from the waist and covers the legs.

(See also: royal, tunic)

Bible References:

• Exodus 28:4-5
• Genesis 49:11-12
• Luke 15:22
• Luke 20:46
• Matthew 27:27-29

Word Data:

• Strong's: H145, H155, H899, H1545, H2436, H2684, H3671, H3801, H3830, H3847, H4060, H4254, H4598, H5497, H5622, H6614, H7640, H7897, H8008, H8071, G1746, G2067, G2440, G4749, G4016, G5511

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cloak, cloaks, coat, fancy robes, robe, robed, robes, skirt, skirts, wings

run

Related Ideas:

flee, flow, move swiftly, runner

Definition:

Literally the term "run" means "move very quickly on foot," usually at a greater speed than can be accomplished by walking. To "run after" or "pursue" someone or something is to move as quickly as possible to try to catch that person or thing. To run away from someone or something is to "flee."

This main meaning of "run" is also used in figurative expressions such as the following:

• To "run in such a way as to win the prize" refers to persevering in doing God's will with the same perseverance as running a race in order to win.
• To "run in the path of your commands" means to gladly and quickly obey God's commands.
• To "run after other gods" means to persist in worshiping other gods.
• "I run to you to hide me" means to quickly turn to God for refuge and safety when faced with difficult things.

The following figurative uses are about non-living things that are said to run.

• Water and other liquids such as tears, blood, sweat, and rivers are said to "run." This could also be translated as, "flow."
• The border or boundary of a country or region is said to "run along" a river or the border of a different country. This could be translated by saying that the country’s border "is next to" the river or other country or by saying that the country "borders" the river or other country."
• Rivers and streams can "run dry," which means that they no longer have water in them. This could be translated as "have dried up" or "have become dry."
• The days of a feast can "run their course," which means they "have passed by" or "are finished" or "are over."

(See also: god, persevere, refuge, turn)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 06:18
• Galatians 02:02
• Galatians 05:07
• Philippians 02:16
• Proverbs 01:16

Word Data:

• Strong's: H213, H386, H1065, H1272, H1556, H1980, H2100, H2416, H2648, H3001, H3212, H3332, H3381, H3920, H3988, H4422, H4754, H4794, H4944, H5074, H5127, H5140, H5472, H5756, H6437, H6440, H6544, H6805, H7272, H7291, H7310, H7325, H7519, H7751, H8264, H8308, H8444, G413, G1377, G1601, G1530, G1532, G1998, G2701, G3729, G4063, G4370, G4390, G4710, G4890, G4936, G5143, G5240, G5343

Forms Found in the English ULB:

caused ... to flee, fled, flee, fleeing, flees, flow, flows, moving swiftly, ran, run, runner, runners, running, runs

sackcloth

Definition:

Sackcloth was a coarse, scratchy type of cloth that was made from goat hair or camel hair.

• A person who wore clothing made from it would be uncomfortable. Sackcloth was worn to show mourning, grief, or humble repentance.
• The phrase "sackcloth and ashes" was a common term referring to a traditional expression of grief and repentance.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could also be translated as "coarse cloth from animal hair" or "clothes made of goat hair" or "rough, scratchy clothing."
• Another way to translate this term could be "rough, scratchy mourning clothes."
• The phrase "sit in sackcloth and ashes" could be translated as "show mourning and humility by wearing scratchy cloth and sitting in ashes."

(See also: ash, camel, goat, humble, mourn, repent, sign)

Bible References:

• 2 Samuel 03:31
• Genesis 37:34
• Joel 01:8-10
• Jonah 03:05
• Luke 10:13
• Matthew 11:21

Word Data:

• Strong's: H8242, G4526

Forms Found in the English ULB:

sackcloth

sacrifice

Related Ideas:

offering

Definition:

In the Bible, the terms "sacrifice" and "offering" refer to special gifts given to God as an act of worshiping him. People also offered sacrifices to false gods.

• The word "offering" generally refers to anything that is offered or given. The term "sacrifice" refers to something that is given or done at great cost to the giver.
• Offerings to God were specific things that he commanded the Israelites to give in order to express devotion and obedience to him.
• The names of the different offerings, such as "burnt offering" and "peace offering," indicated what kind of offering was being given.
• Sacrifices to God often involved the killing of an animal.
• Only the sacrifice of Jesus, God's perfect, sinless Son, can completely cleanse people from sin animal sacrifices could never do that.
• The figurative expression "offer yourselves as a living sacrifice" means, "live your life in complete obedience to God, giving up everything in order to serve him."

Translation Suggestions

• The term "offering" could also be translated as "a gift to God" or "something given to God" or "something valuable that is presented to God."
• Depending on the context, the term "sacrifice" could also be translated as "something valuable given in worship" or "a special animal killed and presented to God."
• The action to "sacrifice" could be translated as to "give up something valuable" or to "kill an animal and give it to God."
• Another way to translate "present yourself as a living sacrifice" could be "as you live your life, offer yourself to God as completely as an animal is offered on an altar."

(See also: altar, burnt offering, drink offering, god, fellowship offering, freewill offering peace offering, priest, sin offering, worship)

Bible References:

• 2 Timothy 04:06
• Acts 07:42
• Acts 21:25
• Genesis 04:3-5
• James 02:21-24
• Mark 01:43-44
• Mark 14:12
• Matthew 05:23

Word Data:

• Strong's: H801, H817, H819, H1685, H1890, H1974, H2076, H2077, H2281, H2282, H2398, H2401, H2402, H2403, H2409, H3632, H4394, H4503, H4504, H4635, H5066, H5068, H5071, H5257, H5258, H5261, H5262, H5927, H5928, H5930, H6453, H6944, H6999, H7133, H7311, H8002, H8426, H8573, H8641, G266, G334, G1049, G1435, G1494, G2378, G2380, G3646, G4376, G5485

Forms Found in the English ULB:

burn ... sacrifices, offer, offered, offering, offerings, sacrifice, sacrificed, sacrifices, sacrificing

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

son

Definition:

The male offspring of a man and a woman is called their "son" for his entire life. He is also called a son of that man and a son of that woman. An "adopted son" is a male who has been legally placed into the position of being a son.

• "Son" was often used figuratively in the Bible to refer to any male descendant, such as a grandson or great-grandson.
• The term "son" can also be used as a polite form of address to a boy or man who is younger than the speaker.
• Sometimes "sons of God" was used in the New Testament to refer to believers in Christ.
• God called Israel his "firstborn son." This refers to God's choosing of the nation of Israel to be his special people. It is through them that God's message of redemption and salvation came, with the result that many other people have become his spiritual children.
• The phrase "son of" often has the figurative meaning "person having the characteristics of." Examples of this include "sons of the light," "sons of disobedience," "a son of peace," and "sons of thunder."
• The phrase "son of" is also used to tell who a person's father is. This phrase is used in genealogies and many other places.
• Using "son of" to give the name of the father frequently helps distinguish people who have the same name. For example, "Azariah son of Zadok" and "Azariah son of Nathan" in 1 Kings 4, and "Azariah son of Amaziah" in 2 Kings 15 are three different men.

Translation Suggestions:

• In most occurrences of this term, it is best to translate "son" by the literal term in the language that is used to refer to a son.
• When translating the term "Son of God," the project language's common term for "son" should be used.
• When used to refer to a descendant rather than a direct son, the term "descendant" could be used, as in referring to Jesus as the "descendant of David" or in genealogies where sometimes "son" referred to a male descendant who was not an actual son.
• Sometimes "sons" can be translated as "children," when both males and females are being referred to. For example, "sons of God" could be translated as "children of God" since this expression also includes girls and women.
• The figurative expression "son of" could also be translated as "someone who has the characteristics of" or "someone who is like" or "someone who has" or "someone who acts like."

(See also: Azariah, descendant, father, firstborn, Son of God, sons of God)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 18:15
• 1 Kings 13:02
• 1 Thessalonians 05:05
• Galatians 04:07
• Hosea 11:01
• Isaiah 09:06
• Matthew 03:17
• Matthew 05:09
• Matthew 08:12
• Nehemiah 10:28

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1060, H1121, H1123, H1247, H1248, H3173, H3206, H3211, H5209, H5220, G3816, G5043, G5207

Forms Found in the English ULB:

son, son's, sons

soul

Related Ideas:

person

Definition:

The soul is the inner, invisible part of a person. It refers to the non-physical part of a person. It is the part of a person that continues living after the body dies.

• The terms "soul" and "spirit" may be two different concepts, or they may be two terms that refer to the same concept.
• When a person dies, his soul leaves his body.
• The word "soul" is sometimes used figuratively to refer to the whole person. For example, "the soul who sins" means "the person who sins" and "my soul is tired" means,"I am tired."

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "soul" could also be translated as "inner self" or "inner person."
• In some contexts, "my soul" could be translated as "I" or "me."
• Usually the phrase "the soul" can be translated as "the person" or "he" or "him," depending on the context.
• Some languages might only have one word for the concepts "soul" and "spirit."
• In Hebrews 4:12, the figurative phrase "dividing soul and spirit" could mean "deeply discerning or exposing the inner person."

(See also: spirit)

Bible References:

• 2 Peter 02:08
• Acts 02:27-28
• Acts 02:41
• Genesis 49:06
• Isaiah 53:10-11
• James 01:21
• Jeremiah 06:16-19
• Jonah 02:7-8
• Luke 01:47
• Matthew 22:37
• Psalms 019:07
• Revelation 20:4

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5315, G5590

Forms Found in the English ULB:

person, persons, soul, souls

temple

Related Ideas:

shrine

Definitions:

A temple is a special building in which people worship their god or gods. The most important temple in the Bible was where the Israelites worshiped the true God with prayers and sacrifices. It was located on Mount Moriah in the city of Jerusalem.

• Often the term "temple" referred to the whole temple complex, including the courtyards that surrounded the main building. Sometimes it referred only to the building.
• The temple building had two rooms, the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place.
• God referred to the temple as his dwelling place.
• King Solomon built the Temple during his reign. It was supposed to be the permanent place of worship in Jerusalem.
• In the New Testament, the term "temple of the Holy Spirit" is used to refer to believers in Jesus as a group, because the Holy Spirit lives in them.
• A "shrine" is a small place where people worship or an object of worship.

Translation Suggestions:

• Usually when the text says that people were "in the temple," it is referring to the courtyards outside the building. This could be translated as "in the temple courtyards" or "in the temple complex."
• Where it refers specifically to the building itself, some translations translate "temple" as "temple building," to make it the reference clear.
• Ways to translate "temple" could include, "God's holy house" or "sacred worship place."
• Often in the Bible, the temple is referred to as "the house of Yahweh" or "the house of God."

(See also: sacrifice, Solomon, Babylon, Holy Spirit, tabernacle, court, Zion, house)

Bible References:

• Acts 03:02
• Acts 03:08
• Ezekiel 45:18-20
• Luke 19:46
• Nehemiah 10:28
• Psalm 079:1-3

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1002, H1004, H1964, H1965, G1493, G2411, G3624, G3485

Forms Found in the English ULB:

shrine, shrines, temple, temples

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

the sea

Facts:

In the Bible, the "Great Sea" or "western sea" refers to what is now called the "Mediterranean Sea," which was the largest body of water known to the people of Bible times.

• The Mediterranean Sea is bordered by : Israel (east), Europe (north and west), and Africa (south).
• This sea was very important in ancient times for trade and travel since it bordered so many countries. Cities and people groups located on the coast of this sea were very prosperous because of how easy it was to access goods from other countries by boat.
• Since the Great Sea was located to the west of Israel, it was sometimes referred to as the "western sea."

(See also: Israel, people group, prosper)

Bible References:

• Ezekiel 47:15-17
• Ezekiel 47:18-20
• Joshua 15:3-4
• Numbers 13:27-29

Word Data:

• Strong's: H314, H1419, H3220

Forms Found in the English ULB:

the sea, the Great Sea, the western sea, Mediterranean Sea

throne

Related Ideas:

enthroned, seat of authority

Definition:

A throne is a specially-designed chair where a ruler sits when he decides important matters and listens to requests from his people.

• A throne is also a symbol of the authority and power that a ruler has.
• The word "throne" is often used figuratively to refer to the ruler, his reign, or his power.
• In the Bible, God was often portrayed as a king who sits on his throne. Jesus was described as sitting on a throne at the right hand of God the Father.
• Jesus said that heaven is God's throne. One way to translate this could be, "where God reigns as king."
• "Seat of authority" is another way to refer to a throne.
• "Enthroned" means "sitting on a throne." In the Bible, this talks about Yahweh ruling from heaven or his presence being between the cherubim on the ark of the covenant.

(See also: authority, power, king, reign)

Bible References:

• Colossians 01:15-17
• Genesis 41:40
• Luke 01:32
• Luke 22:30
• Matthew 05:34
• Matthew 19:28
• Revelation 01:4-6

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3676, H3678, H3764, H7675, G968, G2362

Forms Found in the English ULB:

enthroned, seat of authority, throne, thrones

time

Definitions:

In the Bible the term "time" was often used to refer to a specific season or period of time when certain events took place. It has a meaning similar to "age" or "epoch" or "season."

• In both Daniel and Revelation speak of a "time" of great trouble or tribulation that will come upon the earth.
• In the phrase "time, times, and half a time" the term "time" means "year." This phrase refers to a three-and-a-half-year period of time during the great tribulation at the end of this present age.
• "Time" can mean "occasion" in a phrase like "third time." The phrase "many times" can mean "on many occasions."
• To be "on time" means to do something when expected or needed, not late.
• Depending on the context, the term "time" could be translated as, "season" or "time period" or "moment" or "event" or "occurrence."

(See also: age, tribulation)

Bible References:

• Acts 01:07
• Daniel 12:1-2
• Mark 11:11
• Matthew 08:29
• Psalms 068:28-29
• Revelation 14:15

Word Data:

• Strong's: H116, H227, H1697, H1755, H2165, H2166, H2233, H2465, H3027, H3117, H3118, H3119, H3259, H3427, H4150, H4279, H4489, H4557, H4592, H5331, H5703, H5732, H5750, H5769, H6235, H6256, H6440, H6471, H6924, H7105, H7138, H7223, H7272, H7637, H7651, H7655, H7659, H7674, H8027, H8032, H8138, H8145, H8160, H8462, H8543, G744, G530, G1074, G1208, G1441, G1597, G1626, G2034, G2119, G2121, G2250, G2540, G3461, G3568, G3764, G3819, G3999, G4181, G4183, G4218, G4287, G4340, G4455, G5151, G5305, G5550, G5551, G5610

Forms Found in the English ULB:

time, times

turn

Related Ideas:

apostasy, apostate

Definition:

To "turn" means to physically change direction or to cause something else to change direction.

• The term "turn" can also mean "turn around" to look behind or to face a different direction.
• To "turn back" or "turn away" means to "go back" or "go away" or "cause to go away."
• To "turn away from" something can mean either to stop doing it or to not start doing it.
• To "turn away from" someone means either to refuse to have anything to do with him or to reject him.
• To "turn toward" someone means to look directly at that person.
• To "turn and leave" or "turn his back to leave" means to "go away."
• To "turn back to" means to "start doing something again."
• To "turn away from" means to "stop doing something."
• To "avoid" something is to stay away from it.
• "Apostasy" is the act of turning away from God.
• An "act of apostasy" is an action that someone does to show that he no longer wants to obey God or because he no longer obeys God.
• The term "apostate" describes people who have turned away from God.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, "turn" can be translated as "change direction" or "go" or "move."
• In some contexts, "turn" could be translated as "cause" (someone) to do something. To "turn (someone) away from" could be translated as "cause (someone) to go away" or "cause (someone) to stop."
• The phrase "turn away from God" could be translated as "stop worshiping God."
• The phrase "turn back to God" could be translated as "start worshiping God again."
• When enemies "turn back," it means they "retreat." To "turn back the enemy" means to "cause the enemy to retreat."
• Used figuratively, when Israel "turned to" false gods, they "started to worship" them. When they "turned away" from idols, they "stopped worshiping" them.
• When God "turned away from" his rebellious people, he "stopped protecting" or "stopped helping" them.
• The phrase "turn the hearts of the fathers to their children" could be translated as "cause fathers to care for their children again."
• The expression "turn my honor into shame" could be translated as "cause my honor to become shame" or "dishonor me so that I am shamed" or "shame me (by doing what is evil) so that people no longer honor me."
• "I will turn your cities into ruin" could be translated as "I will cause your cities to be destroyed" or "I will cause enemies to destroy your cities."
• The phrase "turn into" could be translated as "become." When Moses' rod "turned into" a snake, it "became" a snake." It could also be translated as "changed into."

(See also: god, leper, worship)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 11:02
• Acts 07:42
• Acts 11:21
• Jeremiah 36:1-3
• Luke 01:17
• Malachi 04:06
• Revelation 11:06

Word Data:

• Strong's: H541, H2015, H2017, H2186, H2559, H3363, H3943, H4672, H4740, H4878, H5186, H5253, H5414, H5437, H5472, H5493, H5528, H5627, H5753, H6437, H7227, H7725, H7734, H7750, H7760, H7847, H8159, H8447, G344, G387, G654, G665, G868, G1294, G1578, G1612, G1624, G1994, G3179, G3313, G3329, G3344, G3346, G4762, G5157, G5290

Forms Found in the English ULB:

acts of apostasy, apostasy, apostate, turn, turn ... away, turned, turned ... away, turned ... away ... in disgust, turned ... back, turning, turning ... away, turns, turns ... away, turns ... away from

voice

Related Ideas:

rumbling, sound

Definition:

The term “voice” refers to sound that a person makes when speaking or singing. The term "voice" is often used figuratively to refer to speaking or communicating something.

• God is said to use his voice, even though he doesn't have a voice in the same way a human being does.
• This term can be used to refer to the whole person, as in the statement "A voice is heard in the desert saying, 'Prepare the way of the Lord.'" This could be translated as "A person is heard calling out in the desert…."
• To "hear someone's voice" could also be translated as "hear someone speaking."
• Sometimes the word "voice" isused for objects that cannot literally speak, such as when David exclaims in the psalms that the "voice" of the heavens proclaims God's mighty works. This could also be translated as "their splendor shows clearly how great God is."

(See also: call, preach, splendor)

Bible References:

• John 05:36-38
• Luke 01:42
• Luke 09:35
• Matthew 03:17
• Matthew 12:19

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6963, H7032, H7445, H8193, G2906, G5456

Forms Found in the English ULB:

rumblings, sound, sounds, voice, voices

vow

Definition:

A vow is a promise that a person makes to God. The person promises to do a certain thing in order to specially honor God or to show devotion to him.

• After a person makes a vow, he is obligated to fulfill that vow.
• The Bible teaches that a person may be judged by God if he doesn't keep his vow.
• Sometimes a person may ask God to protect him or provide for him in exchange for making the vow.
• But God is not required to fulfill a request that a person asks for in his vow.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, "vow" could be translated as "solemn promise" or "promise made to God."
• A vow is a special kind of oath that is made to God.

(See also: promise, oath)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 07:27-28
• Acts 21:23
• Genesis 28:21
• Genesis 31:12-13
• Jonah 01:14-16
• Jonah 02:9-10
• Proverbs 07:14

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5087, H5088, G2171

Forms Found in the English ULB:

vow, vowed, vows

water

Definition:

In addition to its primary meaning, "water" also often refers to a body of water, such as an ocean, sea, lake, or river.

• The term "waters" refers to bodies of water or many sources of water.
• The term "waters" can also be a general reference to a large amount of water.
• To "water" livestock and other animals means to provide water for them. In Bible times, this usually involved drawing water from a well with a bucket and pouring the water into a trough or other container for the animals to drink from.
• The phrase "draw water" means "pull water up from a well with a bucket."

Translation Suggestions:

• "Streams of living water will flow from them" could be translated as "the power and blessings from the Holy Spirit will flow out of them them like streams of water." Instead of "blessings" the term "gifts" or "fruits" or "godly character" could be used.
• When Jesus is talking to the Samaritan woman at the well, the phrase "living water" could be translated as "water that gives life" or "lifegiving water." In this context, the imagery of water must be kept in the translation.
• Depending on the context, the term "waters" or "many waters" could be translated as "great suffering (that surrounds you like water)" or "overwhelming difficulties (like a flood of water)" or "large amounts of water."

(See also: life, spirit, Holy Spirit, power)

Bible References:

• Acts 08:36-38
• Exodus 14:21
• John 04:10
• John 04:14
• John 04:15
• Matthew 14:28-30

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2222, H3384, H4325, H4857, H7301, H7783, H8248, G504, G4215, G4222, G5202, G5204

Forms Found in the English ULB:

water, watered, watering, waters

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