Language: English

Book: Mark

Introduction to the Gospel of Mark

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Mark

Introduction (1:1–13)
The ministry of Jesus in Galilee
- Early ministry (1:14–3:6)
- Jesus becomes more popular among the people (3:7–5:43)
- Moving away from Galilee and then returning (6:1–8:26)
Progress toward Jerusalem, repeated times when Jesus predicts his own death, the disciples misunderstand, and Jesus teaches them how difficult it will be to follow him (8:27–10:52)
Last days of ministry and preparation for final conflict in Jerusalem (11:1–13:37)
The death of Christ and the empty tomb (14:1–16:8)

What is the Book of Mark about?

The Gospel of Mark is one of four books in the New Testament that describe some of the life of Jesus Christ. The authors of the gospels wrote about different aspects of who Jesus was and what he did. Mark wrote much about how Jesus suffered and died on the cross. He did this to encourage his readers who were being persecuted. Mark also explained Jewish customs and some Aramaic words. This may indicate that Mark expected most of his first readers to be Gentiles.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "The Gospel of Mark" or "The Gospel according to Mark." They may also choose a title that may be clearer, such as "The Good News about Jesus that Mark wrote."

Who wrote the Book of Mark?

The book does not give the name of the author. However, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that the author was Mark. Mark was also known as John Mark. He was a close friend of Peter. Mark may not have witnessed what Jesus said and did. But many scholars think that Mark wrote in his gospel what Peter told him about Jesus.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What were Jesus's teaching methods?

The people regarded Jesus as a rabbi. A rabbi is a teacher of God's law. Jesus taught in ways similar to those of other religious teachers in Israel. He had students who followed him wherever he went. These students were called disciples. He often told parables. Parables are stories that teach moral lessons. (See: law of Moses and disciple and parable)

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What are the Synoptic Gospels?

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they have many similar passages. The word "synoptic" means to "see together."

The texts are considered "parallel" when they are the same or almost the same among two or three gospels. When translating parallel passages, translators should use the same wording and make them as similar as possible.

Why does Jesus refer to himself as the "Son of Man"?

In the gospels, Jesus calls himself the "Son of Man." It is a reference to Daniel 7:13-14. In this passage there is a person described as a "son of man." That means the person was someone who looked like a human being. God gave authority to the son of man to rule over the nations forever. And all the people will worship him forever.

Jews of Jesus's time did not use "Son of Man" as a title for anyone. Therefore, Jesus used it for himself to help them understand who he truly was. (See: Son of Man)

Translating the title "Son of Man" can be difficult in many languages. Readers may misunderstand a literal translation. Translators can consider alternatives, such as "The Human One." It may also be helpful to include a footnote to explain the title.

Why does Mark frequently use terms indicating short periods of time?

The Gospel of Mark uses the word "immediately" forty-two times. Mark does this to make the events more exciting and vivid. It moves the reader quickly from one event to the next.

What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Mark?

The following verses are found in older versions of the Bible but are not included in most modern versions. Translators are advised not to include these verses. However, if in the translators' region there are older versions of the Bible that include one or more of these verses, the translators can include them. If they are included, they should be put inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that they were probably not original to Mark's Gospel.

"If any man has ears to hear, let him hear." (7:16)
"where their worm never dies and the fire is not put out" (9:44)
"where their worm never dies and the fire is not put out" (9:46)
"And the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'He was counted with the lawless ones'" (15:28)

The following passage in not found in the earliest manuscripts. Most Bibles include this passage, but modern Bibles put it in brackets ([]) or indicate in some way that this passage may not have been original to Mark's Gospel. Translators are advised to do something similar to what is done in the modern versions of the Bible.

"Early on the first day of the week, after he arose, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who were with him, while they were mourning and weeping. They heard that he was alive and that he had been seen by her, but they did not believe. After these things he appeared in a different form to two of them, as they were walking out into the country. They went and told the rest of the disciples, but they did not believe them. Jesus later appeared to the eleven as they were reclining at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw him after he rose from the dead. He said to them, 'Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to the entire creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved, and he who does not believe will be condemned. These signs will go with those who believe: In my name they will cast out demons. They will speak in new languages. They will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well.' After the Lord had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. The disciples left and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by the signs that went with them." (16:9-20)

Introduction to the Gospel of Mark

Overview

Mark wrote about what Jesus did during his last three years on earth. Mark called Jesus “God’s servant” (see: Mark 10:45). In this book, Jesus always served God and other people. According to Mark, Jesus travelled to different places, taught people, and did many miracles. Jesus did these miracles to prove that he taught true things from God. Mark wrote about the miracles of Jesus more than any other gospel writer.

Mark wrote that Jesus was both God and man. The things Jesus said and did allowed people to know how to do things and say things that honor God.

See: Miracle; Gospel; Jesus is God

Who wrote this letter?

In the gospel, the author does not write who the author was. Also, the author did not say that he saw everything that he wrote about.

Two of the first Christian leaders, wrote letters writing the author was Mark. These letters are not in the Bible.

In the Bible, Mark was also called John (see: Acts 12:12, 25; 15:37). His mother was a woman named Mary and she lived in Jerusalem (see: Acts 12:12). Mark’s cousin was Barnabas (see: Colossians 4:10).

Mark traveled with Barnabas and Paul on the first missionary trip (see: Acts 13:5).

Mark was a friend to the apostle Peter, (see: 1 Peter 5:13). Mark learned most of the things he wrote about from Peter.

See: Gospel; Paul's Missionary Journeys;Apostle

To whom did Mark write?

In the gospel, the author did not speak about the people to whom he wrote. Mark wrote in the Greek language. He explained Aramaic words. So it is thought the readers did not know Aramaic (see:Mar k3:17, 5:41, 7:11, 7:34, 10:46, 14:36, 15:22, and 15:34).

Mark did not explain the different names for Jesus such as Messiah, Son of God, Son of David, Lord, and the “Son of Man.” He also did not explain the words gospel, King Herod, Pilate, and many of the towns in his book. Because he did not explain these words, the audience probably knew these words and believed in Jesus.

Mark wrote fourteen Latin words that were spoken by the people in Rome. One example was when he explained the value of the two coins the widow gave (see: Mark 12:42). He wrote the Latin name for the coin. Because of these Latin words, scholars think Mark wrote to people in Rome.

See: Gospel;Languages in the New Testament; Messiah (Christ); Son of God;Son of Man

See Map: Rome

What did Mark write about in this letter?

Messianic secret

In the first part of Mark’s gospel Jesus did not tell people that he was the messiah. In the second part of Mark’s gospel, he told his disciples that he was the messiah. However, Jesus told them not to tell anybody.

See: Messiah (Christ); Gospel;Messianic Secret; Disciple

Suffering servant

The “suffering servant” was a certain person who serves God and suffers for doing it. Isaiah prophesied about this person (see: Isaiah 53). This person is Jesus. Mark said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (see: Mark 10:45)

Jesus not only came to serve God and man, he commanded Christians to do the same.

See: Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Son of Man

Son of Man

Jesus often called himself the “Son of Man.” He did this because he was a man who served God and would die.

However, the “Son of Man” had a different meaning in the book of Daniel (see: Daniel 7:13-14). In those verses, the Son of Man was a specific person who would have all power and judge all people. When Jesus called himself the Son of Man, he wanted to say that he was not just a man who served God. He would also rule the world and judge everyone.

See: Ezekiel 2:1

See: Son of Man

#### Son of God

Jesus is sometimes called the “Son of God.” In Mark, other people often call Jesus the “Son of God.”

See: Son of God

Kingdom of God

Mark often wrote about the kingdom of God.

See: Kingdom of God

Why did Mark write this letter?

Mark wanted to tell people about the gospel of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God (see: Mark 1:1). Jesus was both the “Son of God” and the “Son of Man.” He was a humble man who served other people. He rescued people and got them to worship God. Jesus tells everyone to trust him and to follow him.

See: Gospel; Messiah (Christ); Son of God; Son of Man

Outline of the Gospel of Mark

Jesus, the Son of God (1:1-13)
The baptism and teaching of John (1:1-8)
The baptism of Jesus (1:9-11)
The temptation of Jesus (1:12-13)
Jesus at work in Galilee (1:14-9:50)
He begins his work (1:14-45)
He teaches about his kingdom (2:1-5:43)
He meets people who want to stop him (6:1-8:26)
He prepares his disciples for the end (8:27-9:50)
Jesus prepares for death (10:1-14:31)
He goes to Jerusalem (10:1-11:11)
He stays in Jerusalem and vicinity (11:12-14:31)
Jesus suffers and dies at the hands of men (14:32-15:47)
His suffering in Gethsemane (14:32-42)
His arrest (14:43-52)
His trial before Jewish leaders and Peter denies knowing him (14:53-72)
His trial before Pilate (15:1-15)
His crucifixion (15:16-41)
His burial (15:42-47)
Jesus triumphs over death (16:1-20)
His resurrection (16:1-8)
His appearances on earth (16:9-18)
His ascension into heaven (16:19-20)

Mark

Chapter 1

¹ This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

² As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

"Look, I am sending my messenger before your face,

the one who will prepare your way.

³ The voice of one crying out in the wilderness,

'Make ready the way of the Lord;

make his paths straight.'"

⁴ John came, baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁵ The whole country of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. ⁶ John wore a coat of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

⁷ He was preaching, saying, "One will come after me who is more powerful than I; the strap of his sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. ⁸ I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

⁹ It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and he was baptized by John in the Jordan River. ¹⁰ As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens split open and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. ¹¹ A voice came out of the heavens, "You are my beloved Son. I am very pleased with you."

¹² Then the Spirit compelled him to go out into the wilderness. ¹³ He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels served him.

¹⁴ Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God. ¹⁵ He said, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the gospel."

¹⁶ When he was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea, for they were fishermen. ¹⁷ Jesus said to them, "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." ¹⁸ Then immediately they left the nets and followed him. ¹⁹ As Jesus was walking on a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and John his brother; they were in the boat mending the nets. ²⁰ He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and they followed him.

²¹ Then they came into Capernaum, and on the Sabbath, Jesus went into the synagogue and taught. ²² They were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as someone who has authority and not as the scribes. ²³ Just then a man in their synagogue who had an unclean spirit cried out, ²⁴ saying, "What do we have to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are. You are the Holy One of God!"

²⁵ Jesus rebuked the demon and said, "Be quiet and come out of him!" ²⁶ The unclean spirit threw him down and went out from him while crying out with a loud voice. ²⁷ All the people were amazed, so they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He even commands the unclean spirits and they obey him!" ²⁸ The news about him went out everywhere into the whole region of Galilee.

²⁹ After coming out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, along with James and John. ³⁰ Now Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. ³¹ So he came, took her by the hand, and raised her up; the fever left her, and she started serving them.

³² That evening after the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed by demons. ³³ The whole city gathered together at the door. ³⁴ He healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons, but he did not allow the demons to speak because they knew him.

³⁵ He got up very early, while it was still dark; he left and went out into a solitary place and there he prayed. ³⁶ Simon and those who were with him searched for him. ³⁷ They found him and they said to him, "Everyone is looking for you."

³⁸ He said, "Let us go elsewhere, out into the surrounding towns, so that I may preach there also. That is why I came out here." ³⁹ He went throughout all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

⁴⁰ A leper came to him. He was begging him; he knelt down and said to him, "If you are willing, you can make me clean."

⁴¹ Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him, saying to him, "I am willing. Be clean." ⁴² Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. ⁴³ Jesus strictly warned him and sent him away. ⁴⁴ He said to him, "Be sure to say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." ⁴⁵ But he went out and began to declare it freely and spread the word, so much so that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but he stayed out in remote places. Yet people were still coming to him from everywhere.

Mark 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 1:2-3, which is a quotation from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

"You can make me clean"

Leprosy was a disease of the skin that made a person unclean and unable to properly worship God. Jesus is capable of making people physically "clean" or healthy as well as spiritually "clean" or right with God. (See: clean)

Prophecy

Mark begins this book about Jesus Christ with the words that the prophet Isaiah wrote long before that time. Then he tells how John the Baptist and Jesus Christ fulfilled that prophecy.

Repentance

Repent means stop sinning. John the Baptist taught people to repent so that God would forgive their sins. Jesus taught people to repent and to believe the good news about the kingdom of God.

The work of Jesus

Jesus went around preaching the good news of God, casting demons out of people, and healing people who were sick.

Mark 1 Commentary

1:1-8

What is the gospel?

[1:1]

See: Gospel

How is Jesus the “son of God”?

[1:1]

See: Son of God

Who was John the Baptist?

[1:4]

Mark wrote about John the Baptist fulfilling a prophecy from the Old Testament. Three different prophets spoke about this prophecy (see: Exodus 23:20; Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1). Mark wanted people to know that God promised to do something, and it happened. God promised that a prophet would come before the messiah to tell people that the messiah was coming. John the Baptist was this promised prophet.

See: Fulfill (Fulfillment); Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Prophet; Messiah (Christ)

How did John the Baptist serve God?

[1:4, 1:5]

John the Baptist served God by telling people that they needed to repent. They needed to worship and obey God. They were unclean because they disobeyed God. They needed to be made clean. John also served God by baptizing people who believed in God and repented of their sins.

See: Repent (Repentance); Sin; Clean and Unclean; Baptize (Baptism); Gentile; Confess (Confession)

Why was John’s baptism different from all other baptisms?

[1:4, 1:5]

John’s baptism was not like other baptisms. John’s baptism helped people get ready for the messiah. People wanted to follow the messiah, so they confessed their sins. They were at peace with God for a time. This helped them to know the messiah when they heard him speak. In ancient Israel, other leaders might have baptized and preached repentance. However, only John prepared the people in Judea and in Jerusalem for Jesus.

See: Baptize (Baptism); Preach (Preacher); Repent (Repentance); Clean and Unclean

See Map: Jerusalem; Judea

Where is Judea and Jerusalem?

[1:5]

See Map: Judea; Jerusalem

Why did Mark write about the clothes John the Baptist wore and the things he ate?

[1:6]

The Jews thought the prophet Elijah would come back to earth before the messiah (see: Malachi 4:5). Elijah was a prophet who wore a coat made of hair and a leather belt around his waist (see:2 Kings 1:8). John dressed in the same way as Elijah.

Both Elijah and John lived in the wilderness. People who lived in the wilderness ate locusts and honey.

Mark wrote these things so everyone would know that John was the prophet who God promised to send before the messiah came. John told people that the messiah would be there soon.

See: Prophet; Messiah (Christ); Locust; Wilderness

Why did John not want to untie Jesus’ sandal?

[1:7]

In ancient Israel, people thought that feet were very dirty. Because of this, only servants or slaves would touch someone’s feet. It dishonored someone to touch dirty feet. However, John thought that even touching Jesus’ feet was a greater honor than John deserved.

Advice to translators: A sandal is a certain type of shoe. It does not cover the entire foot.

See: Clean and Unclean

How was Jesus’ baptism different from John’s baptism?

[1:8]

John’s baptism was a way for people to show other people that they wanted to obey and honor God. They wanted to stop sinning. Jesus baptizes people with the Holy Spirit. That is, he did not just wash their body with water. They were baptized because they believed in Jesus.

See: Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:3-16; John 1:19-34; Acts 2

See: Baptize (Baptism); Holy Spirit;Spirit (Spiritual)

1:9-11

How were the heavens split open?

[1:10]

Mark wrote that the heavens were “split open” or tore and opened when Jesus came out of the water. Mark wrote the same word to write about God tearing the curtain of the temple from top to bottom when Jesus died on the cross (see: Mark 15:38). This was at the beginning and the end of Mark’s gospel. Mark wanted people to know that Jesus is the Son of God. Mark wrote about the heavens opening because he wanted to say that God was allowing people to know more about God.

See: Temple; Cross; Gospel; Son of God; God;Heaven

Why did the voice say “You are my beloved Son. I am very pleased with you”?

[1:11]

The voice saying “You are my beloved Son” was saying that the messiah had come to earth. After this, Jesus began to do certain things to serve God and tell people that he was the messiah. God sent the Holy Spirit as a dove so people would know that God had anointed Jesus for ministry.

The words spoken by God the father made the readers think about Isaiah 42:1.

See: Psalms 2:7; Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-23

See: Son of God; God the Father; Holy Spirit; Messiah (Christ); Minister (Ministry); Anoint (Anointing)

1:12-13

Why did Jesus go to the wilderness after he was baptized?

[1:12]

Jesus went to the wilderness because the Holy Spirit wanted him to go there. Jesus completely obeyed the Holy Spirit and went to the wilderness.

See: Wilderness; Holy Spirit; Baptize (Baptism)

Why did God send Jesus into the wilderness?

[1:13]

God sent Jesus into the wilderness. This is because Satan was going to tempt him. Jesus was given choices to follow God or not. Jesus obeyed God because he trusted God. Jesus did not sin when he was tempted. He did not follow Satan. After the temptations, angels served Jesus because his body was weak.

See: Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13

See: Satan (The Devil); Tempt (Temptation); Angel

1:14-15

Why was John put into prison?

[1:14]

John was put in prison because he told Herod that he could not marry his brother’s wife, Herodias. John said that Herod broke the law by marrying Herodias.

Where is Galilee?

[1:14]

See Map: Galilee

Why did Jesus say that the “kingdom of God” is near?

[1:15]

Jesus said that the kingdom of God was near. Some scholars think Jesus’ kingdom was on the earth. He was the king of the earthly kingdom.

Other scholars think Jesus wanted to say the “kingdom of God” has started so that people did not have to sin any more. God rules the things someone thinks and the things they do when they believe in Jesus and do the things he said to do. Before, people could only do evil before Jesus came to earth. Now people can return to God and do the things that honor him.

Other scholars think Jesus was coming to offer to his kingdom to Israel. His kingdom was going to begin if they believed in him. Because they rejected him, his kingdom did not begin.

See: Matthew 4:12-17; Luke

See: Kingdom of God; Messiah (Christ); Proclaim (Proclamation)

1:16-20

Why did Jesus say they would be “fishers of men”?

[1:17]

Jesus used a metaphor when he said they would be “fishers of men.” Peter, Andrew, John and James were all fishermen. They fished to earn money. Jesus said this to say that they were no longer going to catch fish for money. Instead, they would bring men to God by telling them about the gospel. Jesus wanted to tell them they would serve God in a different way.

See: Metaphor; Gospel

Why did Peter and Andrew follow Jesus immediately?

[1:18]

Andrew heard what John the Baptist said about Jesus (see: John 1:40). Andrew was ready to follow Jesus because of John. Andrew found his brother Peter. Peter was also ready to follow Jesus (see: John 1:41-42).

Why did Mark write about the hired men?

[1:20]

The disciples left their family, their work, and their homes to follow Jesus. They left everything that they had. Mark wrote that they did not leave their father to fish without help. He had hired men who would help him. They honored their father by making sure he was not alone.

See: Matthew 4:18-22; John 1:40-42

See: Disciple

See Map: Sea of Galilee

1:21-28

Where was Capernaum?

[1:21]

See Map: Capernaum

What was the Sabbath?

[1:21]

See: Sabbath

What was a synagogue?

[1:21]

See: Synagogue

How were the things Jesus taught different from other teachers?

[1:22]

In ancient Israel, teachers said what other teachers that came before them said. Jesus’ teaching was different. He taught what God commanded. Jesus did not follow the things that other people taught because other people taught it. He only taught about what God said and the people were amazed.

Why did the unclean spirits cry out?

[1:23]

The unclean spirits cried out. That is, they were afraid. They knew that Jesus is God and will one day judge them and punish them.

See: Clean and Unclean;Demon

Where was Nazareth?

[1:24]

See Map: Nazareth

Who is the “holy one” of God?

[1:24]

Jesus is the holy one of God. That is, he is the messiah.

See: Messiah (Christ)

Why did Jesus tell the demon to be quiet?

[1:25]

Jesus made others know that he had power over the demons when he told them to be quiet. They needed Jesus’ permission to speak.

See: Demon

Why were the people amazed?

[1:27]

The people were amazed because even the demons did what Jesus told them to do. He had power that they had never seen before.

See: Luke 4:31-37

1:29-31

Why did Mark write that the woman served Jesus after she was healed?

[1:31]

Mark wrote that Peter’s mother-in-law served Jesus so everyone would know that Jesus had completely healed her.

See: Matthew 8:14-15; Luke 4:38-39

1:32-39

How was someone possessed by a demon?

See: Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)

Why did Mark write that the people came to Jesus after sunset?

[1:32]

Mark wrote that people came to Jesus after sunset. The people wanted to follow the Law of Moses and not do any work on the Sabbath. The Jewish leaders taught that carrying a person who could not walk was work. Therefore, it was against the Law of Moses. The people waited until after the Sabbath was over at sunset to come to Jesus for healing.

See: Law of Moses; Sabbath

### Why did Mark write Jesus woke up early and prayed in a quiet place alone?

[1:35]

Mark wrote about Jesus getting up early in the morning and praying. For Jesus, prayer was the most significant part of his day. He was able to talk and listen to God the father. God the father told Jesus what he needed to do while he prayed. This is the beginning of Jesus’ preaching and healing in Galilee.

See: God the Father; Preach (Preacher)

See Map: Galilee

1:40-45

What is leprosy?

[1:40]

See: Leprosy (Leper)

Why did Jesus touch the leper?

[1:41]

A person became unclean if they touched a leper. This is what is written in the Law of Moses. Mark wanted people to know that Jesus touched the leper. Jesus did not worry about being unclean because he leper was made clean and was healed of his leprosy when Jesus touched him.

See: Clean and Unclean; Law of Moses; Leprosy (Leper)

Why did Jesus warn the leper not to speak about being healed?

[1:44]

The Law of Moses required a leper to show himself to the priest. The priest would pronounce that he was clean. In this way, Jesus was following the Law of Moses. Mark wrote that Jesus healed three different people. He told each of them not to tell anyone (see: 1:44; 5:43; and 7:36). The leper who was cured did not obey Jesus. He told everyone. Crowds then came to be healed by Jesus instead of coming to hear Jesus teach. Because of the crowds, Jesus could no longer teach in the synagogues. He began to teach outside of the towns where no one lived.

See: Matthew 8:1-4; Luke 5:12-16

See: Law of Moses;Leprosy (Leper); Priest (Priesthood); Clean and Unclean;Synagogue

Mark 1:1

General Information:

The author of this book is Mark, also called John Mark. He was the son of one of the women named Mary mentioned in the four Gospels. He was also the nephew of Barnabas. This whole book is about Jesus Christ.

Son of God

This is an important title for Jesus.

Mark 1:2

General Information:

Mark begins this book with the words that the prophet Isaiah wrote long ago about a messenger who would come and tell the people to get ready for the Lord's coming. Verses 4-15 show how this prophecy was fulfilled by John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.

before your face

This is an idiom that means "ahead of you."

your face ... your way

Here the word "your" refers to the Lord and is singular.

the one

This refers to the messenger.

will prepare your way

Doing this represents preparing the people for the Lord's arrival. Alternate translation: "will prepare the people for your arrival"

Mark 1:3

Connecting Statement:

This verse tells how the messenger in verse 2 would prepare the Lord's way.

The voice of one crying out in the wilderness

This phrase can be expressed as a sentence. Alternate translation: "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness is heard" or "They hear the sound of someone crying out in the wilderness"

Make ready the way of the Lord ... make his paths straight

These two phrases mean the same thing.

Make ready the way of the Lord

"Get the road ready for the Lord." Doing this represents being prepared to hear the Lord's message when he comes. Alternate translation: "Prepare yourselves for the Lord to come" or "Be ready for the Lord when he comes"

Mark 1:4

General Information

The events in Mark 1:4-15 are a fulfillment of what Isaiah had prophesied. John was the "messenger" of verse 2 and "the one calling out in the wilderness" of verse 3.

John came

Translators can make it explicit that John's coming was a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Alternate translation: "So John came" or "In fulfillment of that prophecy, John came"

Mark 1:5

The whole country of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem

The words "The whole country" are a metonym for the people who live in the country and a generalization that refers to a great number of people, not to every single person. Alternate translation: "Many people from Judea and Jerusalem"

They were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins

They did these things at the same time. The people were baptized because they repented of their sins. Alternate translation: "When they repented of their sins, John baptized them in the Jordan River"

Mark 1:6

he ate locusts and wild honey

Locusts and wild honey were foods that John could find in the wilderness. Wild honey is honey that wild bees make.

Mark 1:7

He was preaching

"John was preaching"

the strap of his sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie

John was comparing himself to a servant to show how great the one to come would be. Alternate translation: "I am not even worthy to do the lowly task of removing his shoes"

the strap of his sandals

People often wore sandals that were made of leather and were tied to their feet with leather straps.

stoop down

"bend down"

Mark 1:8

but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit

John was contrasting how he was purifying people with water with how the one to come would purify people with the Holy Spirit. To baptize with the Holy Spirit is a metaphor meaning that that person would send the Holy Spirit to purify people. The Holy Spirit would then live in them and empower them to stop sinning and to obey God. If possible, use the same word for "baptize" here as you used for John's baptism.

Mark 1:9

It happened in those days

This marks the beginning of a new event in the story.

he was baptized by John

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "John baptized him"

Mark 1:10

the Spirit coming down on him like a dove

Possible meanings are 1) this is a simile, and the Spirit descended upon Jesus as a bird descends from the sky toward the ground or 2) the Spirit literally looked like a dove as he descended upon Jesus.

Mark 1:11

A voice came out of the heavens

This represents God speaking. Sometimes people avoid referring directly to God because they respect him. Alternate translation: "God spoke from the heavens"

beloved Son

This is an important title for Jesus. The Father calls Jesus his "beloved Son" because of his eternal love for him.

Mark 1:12

Connecting Statement:

After Jesus's baptism, he is in the wilderness for 40 days and then goes to Galilee to teach and call his disciples.

compelled him to go out

"forced Jesus to go out"

Mark 1:13

He was in the wilderness

"He stayed in the wilderness"

forty days

"40 days"

He was with

"He was among"

Mark 1:14

after John was arrested

"after John was placed in prison." Mark is referring to when King Herod had John arrested. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after King Herod had John arrested" or "after soldiers arrested John"

proclaiming the gospel

"telling many people about the good news"

Mark 1:15

The time is fulfilled

"It is now time"

the kingdom of God is near

Possible meanings are 1) God was beginning to rule. Alternate translation: "God is beginning to rule over all" or 2) God would soon rule over all. Alternate translation: "God is about to rule over all"

Mark 1:16

he saw Simon and Andrew

"Jesus saw Simon and Andrew"

casting a net in the sea

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "throwing a net into the water to catch fish"

Mark 1:17

Come, follow me

"Follow me" or "Come with me"

I will make you fishers of men

This metaphor means Simon and Andrew will teach people God's true message, so others will also follow Jesus. Alternate translation: "I will teach you to gather men to me like you gather fish"

men

human beings, persons, people, not specifically males

Mark 1:18

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 1:19

in the boat

This was probably James and John's boat.

mending the nets

"repairing the nets"

Mark 1:20

called them

It may be helpful to state clearly why Jesus called to James and John. Alternate translation: "called them to come with him"

hired servants

"servants who worked for them"

they followed him

James and John went with Jesus.

Mark 1:21

Connecting Statement:

Jesus teaches in the synagogue of the town of Capernaum on the Sabbath. By sending a demon out of a man he amazes the people in all the nearby area around Galilee.

came into Capernaum

"arrived at Capernaum"

Mark 1:22

for he was teaching them as someone who has authority and not as the scribes

The idea of "teach" can be stated clearly when talking about "someone who has authority" and "the scribes." Alternate translation: "for he was teaching them as someone who has authority teaches and not as the scribes teach"

Mark 1:23

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 1:24

What do we have to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth?

The demon asked this rhetorical question meaning that there was no reason for Jesus to interfere with him or any other demon. Alternate translation: "Jesus of Nazareth, leave us alone! There is no reason for you to interfere with us."

we ... us

These pronouns are exclusive. They refer to the demon inside the man and all other demons, but do not include the listener.

Have you come to destroy us?

The demon asked this rhetorical question to urge Jesus not to harm him or any other demon. Alternate translation: "Do not destroy us!"

Mark 1:25

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 1:26

threw him down

Here the word "him" refers to the demon-possessed man.

and went out from him while crying out with a loud voice

"and cried out with a loud voice as it went out from him"

Mark 1:27

so they asked each other, "What is this? ... they obey him!"

The people used a question to show how amazed they were. It can be expressed as an exclamation. Alternate translation: "so they said to each other, 'This is amazing! ... they obey him!'"

A new teaching with authority!

The people used this exclamation to express their amazement at Jesus' teaching. It can also be expressed as a full sentence. Alternate translation: "He gives a new teaching, and he speaks with authority!" or "He teaches something new, and he has authority!"

He even commands the unclean spirits and they obey him!

This was evidence of Jesus' authority.

Mark 1:28

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 1:29

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 1:30

Now Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever

The word "Now" marks a pause in the story. In this sentence, Mark introduces Simon's mother-in-law to the story and gives background information about her.

Mark 1:31

raised her up

"caused her to stand" or "made her able to get out of bed"

the fever left her

You may want to make explicit who healed her. Alternate translation: "Jesus healed her of the fever"

she started serving them

You may want to make explicit that she served food. Alternate translation: "she provided them with food and drinks"

Mark 1:32

they brought to him

"the people brought to Jesus"

all who were sick or possessed by demons

The word "all" is an exaggeration to emphasize the great number of people who came. Alternate translation: "many who were sick or possessed by demons"

Mark 1:33

The whole city gathered together at the door

The word "city" is a metonym for the people who lived in the city. Here the word "whole" is probably a generalization to emphasize that most people from the city gathered. Alternate translation: "Many people from that city gathered outside the door"

Mark 1:34

He healed

"Jesus healed"

Mark 1:35

Connecting Statement:

Jesus takes time to pray in the midst of his time of healing people. He then goes to towns throughout Galilee to preach, heal, and cast out demons.

He got up

"Jesus got up"

a solitary place

"a place where he could be alone"

Mark 1:36

Simon and those who were with him

Here "him" refers to Simon. Also, those with him include Andrew, James, John, and possibly other people.

Mark 1:37

Everyone is looking for you

The word "Everyone" is an exaggeration to emphasize that many people were looking for Jesus. Alternate translation: "Many people are looking for you"

Mark 1:38

General Information:

Here the words "he" and "I" refer to Jesus.

Let us go elsewhere

"We need to go to some other place." Here Jesus uses the word "us" to refer to himself, along with Simon, Andrew, James, and John.

Mark 1:39

He went throughout all of Galilee

The words "throughout all" are an exaggeration used to emphasize that Jesus went to many locations during his ministry. Alternate translation: "He went to many places in Galilee"

Mark 1:40

A leper came to him. He was begging him; he knelt down and said to him

"A leper came to Jesus. He knelt down and was begging Jesus and said"

If you are willing, you can make me clean

In the first phrase, the words "to make me clean" are understood because of the second phrase. Alternate translation: "If you are willing to make me clean, then you can make me clean"

are willing

"want" or "desire"

you can make me clean

In biblical times, a person who had any of certain skin diseases was considered unclean until his skin had healed enough that he was no longer contagious. Alternate translation: "you can heal me"

Mark 1:41

Moved with compassion, Jesus

Here the word "moved" is an idiom meaning to feel emotion about another's need. Alternate translation: "Having compassion for him, Jesus" or "Jesus felt compassion for the man, so he"

I am willing

It may be helpful to state what Jesus is willing to do. Alternate translation: "I am willing to make you clean"

Mark 1:42

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 1:43

General Information:

The word "him" used here refers to the leper whom Jesus healed.

Mark 1:44

Be sure to say nothing to anyone

"Be sure to not say anything to anyone"

show yourself to the priest

Jesus told the man to show himself to the priest so that the priest could look at his skin to see if his leprosy was really gone. The law of Moses required people to present themselves to the priest if they had been unclean but were no longer unclean.

show yourself

The word "yourself" here represents the skin of the leper. Alternate translation: "show your skin"

a testimony to them

It is best to use the pronoun "them," if possible, in your language. Possible meanings are 1) "a testimony to the priests" or 2) "a testimony to the people."

Mark 1:45

But he went out

The word "he" refers to the man Jesus healed.

began to declare it freely

Here "declare it freely" is a metaphor for telling people in many places about what had happened. Alternate translation: "began to tell people in many places about what Jesus had done"

so much so that

The man spread the news so much that

that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly

This was the result of the man spreading the news so much. Here "openly" is a metaphor for "publicly." Jesus could not enter the towns because many people would crowd around him. Alternate translation: "that Jesus could no longer enter a town publicly" or "that Jesus could no longer enter the towns in a way that many people would see him"

remote places

"lonely places" or "places where no one lived"

from everywhere

The word "everywhere" is a hyperbole used to emphasize how very many places the people came from. Alternate translation: "from all over the region"

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 1:2

What did the prophet Isaiah predict would happen before the Lord came?

Isaiah predicted that God would send a messenger, a voice of someone calling out in the wilderness, to prepare the way of the Lord.

Mark 1:3

What did the prophet Isaiah predict would happen before the Lord came?

Isaiah predicted that God would send a messenger, a voice of someone calling out in the wilderness, to prepare the way of the Lord.

Mark 1:4

What did John come preaching?

John came preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Mark 1:5

What did the people do as they were baptized by John?

The people confessed their sins as they were baptized by John.

Mark 1:6

What did John eat?

John ate locusts and wild honey.

Mark 1:8

With what did John say the one coming after him would baptize?

John said the one coming after him would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

Mark 1:10

What did Jesus see as he came up out of the water after being baptized by John?

After being baptized, Jesus saw the heavens split open and the Spirit descend on him as a dove.

Mark 1:11

What did the voice from heaven say after Jesus was baptized?

The voice from heaven said, "You are my beloved Son; I am very pleased with you".

Mark 1:12

Who drove Jesus out into the wilderness?

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness.

Mark 1:13

How long was Jesus in the wilderness, and what happened to him there?

Jesus was in the wilderness forty days, and he was tempted by Satan there.

Mark 1:15

What message did Jesus preach?

Jesus preached that the kingdom of God was near, and that people must repent and believe in the gospel.

Mark 1:16

What was the occupation of Simon and Andrew?

Simon and Andrew were fishermen.

Mark 1:17

What did Jesus say he would make Simon and Andrew?

Jesus said he would make Simon and Andrew fishers of men.

Mark 1:19

What was the occupation of James and John?

James and John were fishermen.

Mark 1:22

Why did Jesus' teaching astonish the people in the synagogue?

Jesus' teaching astonished the people because Jesus taught as one with authority.

Mark 1:24

What title did the unclean spirit in the synagogue give Jesus?

The unclean spirit in the synagogue gave Jesus the title of the Holy One of God.

Mark 1:28

What happened with the news about Jesus?

The news about Jesus went out everywhere.

Mark 1:30

When they went into Simon's house, who did Jesus heal?

When they went into Simon's house, Jesus healed Simon's mother-in-law.

Mark 1:32

What happened when it was evening?

When it was evening, the people brought all who were sick or possessed by demons, and Jesus healed them.

Mark 1:33

What happened when it was evening?

When it was evening, the people brought all who were sick or possessed by demons, and Jesus healed them.

Mark 1:34

What happened when it was evening?

When it was evening, the people brought all who were sick or possessed by demons, and Jesus healed them.

Mark 1:35

What did Jesus do before the sun rose?

Before the sun rose, Jesus went out to a solitary place and prayed there.

Mark 1:38

What did Jesus tell Simon he had come to do?

Jesus said that he had come to preach in the surrounding towns.

Mark 1:39

What did Jesus tell Simon he had come to do?

Jesus said that he had come to preach in the surrounding towns.

Mark 1:40

What attitude did Jesus have toward the leper who begged Jesus to be healed?

Jesus had pity on the leper and healed him.

Mark 1:41

What attitude did Jesus have toward the leper who begged Jesus to be healed?

Jesus had pity on the leper and healed him.

Mark 1:42

What attitude did Jesus have toward the leper who begged Jesus to be healed?

Jesus had pity on the leper and healed him.

Mark 1:44

What did Jesus tell the leper to do, and why?

Jesus told the leper to go offer the sacrifices according to what Moses commanded as a testimony.

Chapter 2

¹ When Jesus came back to Capernaum after a few days, it was heard that he was at home. ² So many gathered there that there was no more space, not even at the door, and he spoke the word to them. ³ Then some men came to him who were bringing a paralyzed man; four people were carrying him. ⁴ When they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof that was above Jesus, and after they made an opening, they lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. ⁵ Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

⁶ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, and they reasoned in their hearts, ⁷ "How can this man speak this way? He blasphemes! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

⁸ Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit what they were thinking within themselves. He said to them, "Why are you thinking this in your hearts? ⁹ Which is easier, to say to the paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take up your mat and walk'? ¹⁰ But in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," he said to the paralytic, ¹¹ "I say to you, get up, take up your mat, and go to your house."

¹² He got up and immediately took up the mat, and went out of the house in front of everyone, so that they were all amazed and they gave glory to God, and they said, "We never saw anything like this."

¹³ He went out again by the lake, and all the crowd came to him, and he taught them. ¹⁴ As he passed by, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's tent and he said to him, "Follow me." He got up and followed him.

¹⁵ Jesus was having a meal in Levi's house and many tax collectors and sinners were dining with him and his disciples, for there were many and they followed him. ¹⁶ When the scribes, who were Pharisees, saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

¹⁷ When Jesus heard this he said to them, "People who are strong in body do not need a physician; only people who are sick need one. I did not come to call righteous people, but sinners."

¹⁸ Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and said to him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"

¹⁹ Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding attendants fast while the bridegroom is still with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. ²⁰ But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and in those days, they will fast. ²¹ No one sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment. Otherwise the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and there is a worse tear. ²² No one puts new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the wine will burst the skins and both the wine and the wineskins are lost. Instead, new wine is put into fresh wineskins."

²³ On the Sabbath day Jesus went through some grainfields, and his disciples began picking heads of grain as they made their way. ²⁴ The Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing something that is not lawful on the Sabbath day?"

²⁵ He said to them, "Have you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry—he and the men who were with him— ²⁶ how he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the presence, which is unlawful for anyone to eat except the priests, and he even gave some to those who were with him?" ²⁷ Jesus said, "The Sabbath was made for mankind, not mankind for the Sabbath. ²⁸ Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord, even of the Sabbath."

Mark 2 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

"Sinners"

When the people of Jesus's time spoke of "sinners," they were talking about people who did not obey the law of Moses and instead committed sins like stealing or sexual sins. When Jesus said that he came to call "sinners," he meant that only people who believe that they are sinners can be his followers. This is true even if they are not what most people think of as "sinners." (See: sin)

Fasting and Feasting

People would fast, or not eat food for a long time, when they were sad or were showing God that they were sorry for their sins. When they were happy, like during weddings, they would have feasts, or meals where they would eat much food. (See: fast)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

The Jewish leaders used rhetorical questions to show that they were angry because of what Jesus said and did and that they did not believe that he was God's Son

Mark 2

2:1-12

Whose home did Jesus go to?

[2:1]

Mark wrote that Jesus was “at home.” He did not return to the place where his family lived. He went to Capernaum. Jesus left and returned there many times. Scholars think this was Simon and Andrew’s home (see: Mark 1:29).

See Map: Capernaum

How did Jesus speak the word?

[2:2]

Mark wrote that Jesus “spoke the word.” This was a metaphor. He wanted to write that Jesus taught things about God. People needed to do the things he taught because they were the things God wanted them to do.

See: Metaphor

What did Mark want to write about the people who opened the roof?

[2:4]

Mark wanted people to know that these people were going to get their sick friend to Jesus no matter how hard it might be. In ancient Israel, homes usually had an outside stairway or ladder that went up to a flat roof. The roofs were made of slabs of burnt or dried clay. This was placed on supporting beams that stretched from one wall to another wall. The friends removed some of these slabs to make a hole in the roof. They then lowered the sick man into the room with Jesus.

Advice to translators: A slab is something that is large and flat. It may be 1 to 3 meters long and wide, but only a few centimeters thick. A beam is a long piece of wood that is very strong.

Whose trust in God did Jesus see and reward?

Jesus saw these four friends trusted Jesus to heal the paralyzed man. These men worked very hard to bring the paralyzed man to Jesus so Jesus could heal him. Because they trusted Jesus, he rewarded them by healing the man and forgiving his sins.

Advice to translators: Someone who is paralyzed cannot walk.

See: Sin

Why were the teachers of the law angry that Jesus said: “your sins are forgiven”?

[2:5]

The teachers of the Law of Moses thought Jesus had insulted God when he said, “your sins are forgiven.” This is because only God can forgive sins. They believed God alone could forgive sins.

See: Law of Moses; Sin

What did Jesus say to the teachers of the law?

[2:8, 2:9]

Jesus knew what the teachers of the Law of Moses were thinking. He gave them something new to think about. Jesus asked them a question. He did not want them to answer. Anyone could say that a person’s sins were forgiven. This is because people would not know if this happened. However, if someone told someone to get up and walk but they did not get up and walk, then everyone could see this. People would know the person lied if the could not to heal the other person. However, Jesus healed this man by telling him to “Get up and walk.” People saw that the man got up and walked. Therefore, Jesus healed him. So when Jesus said that, “Your sins are forgiven,” he showed them that he had the power to forgive sins by healing the man.

See: Matthew 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26

See: Law of Moses; Sin

Who is the “son of man”?

[2:10]

See: Son of Man

2:13-17

What was the lake about which Mark wrote?

[2:13]

Mark wrote about the Sea of Galilee

See Map: Sea of Galilee

How did Mark talk about Levi?

[2:14]

Mark called the tax collector Levi, son of Alphaeus. In the gospel of Matthew, Levi was named Matthew (see: Matthew 9:9-11).

Matthew was a tax collector. People in Israel hated the tax collectors. Tax collectors were Jews who worked for the Roman government. They paid the Romans so they could collect taxes from other people. If they collected more taxes than they paid the Roman government, then they were allowed to keep it. Because of this, many tax collectors became rich. The Jews thought a Jewish tax collector betrayed the Jewish people because they took money from the Jews and gave it to the Romans. They thought tax collectors were evil because they took money from people who honored God and gave it to people who rejected God.

Who were the people who followed Jesus?

[2:15]

The twelve disciples were certain people who believed in Jesus and followed him. In 2:15, Mark wrote about other people who followed Jesus. Some of them believed in Jesus and followed him. Others did not believe in Jesus, but they still followed him. They wanted to see the great miracles he did. However, they did not believe Jesus was the messiah.

See: Miracle; Messiah (Christ); Disciple

Why did the Pharisees ask Jesus’ followers “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?

[2:16]

Pharisees wanted to follow the Law of Moses. They thought that eating with unclean people would make them unclean. This is not what the Law of Moses said. It is what the Pharisees taught. Because of this, they did not know why Jesus wanted to be near people who sinned. They were saying that Jesus had broken the Law of Moses. However, he was not breaking the Law of Moses.

See: Pharisees; Clean and Unclean; Law of Moses; Sin

What did Jesus say to the Pharisees?

[2:17]

Jesus told the Pharisees that he was a type of doctor. This was a metaphor. Doctors needed to be near sick people so that they could help them. Certain people knew they sinned and were not at peace with God. They knew they needed God to forgive them.

Jesus called the Pharisees “righteous.” This is because they were the teachers of the Law of Moses. They thought they did not sin and were at peace with God. They did not think they needed God to forgive them. However, everyone needs to be forgiven by God because everyone has sinned.

See: Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 5:27-32

See: Metaphor; Righteous (Righteousness); Sin

2:18-22

Why were people arguing about fasting?

[2:18]

The people argued because they did not see the disciples of Jesus fasting. In ancient Israel, people fasted often. They fasted when bad things happened (see: Ezra 8:23). They fasted when people died (see: 1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:12). They fasted when people were sick (see:2 Samuel 1:16). They fasted when they repented (see: 1 Kings 21:27). Many Jews fasted two days every week when Jesus was on the earth (see: Luke 18:9-14).

See: Disciple; Fasting; Repent (Repentance)

How did Jesus answer the question of fasting?

[2:19]

The Pharisees asked Jesus a question about fasting. Jesus answered the question by asking a question. He asked if people needed to fast when good things happened. Jesus said that people did not fast when good things happened. People should have been very happy while Jesus was on earth. Therefore, they should not fast. Jesus prophesied that he would be killed. When this happens, people will be very sad. Then they will fast.

Jesus also used two metaphors. One metaphor was about clothes and the other was about wineskins. He wanted to say that people do things differently after something new happens. The disciples did something different because they were with Jesus, the messiah.

Advice to translators: A wineskin is a bag that holds wine. It was made of leather, that is, the skin of an animal.

See: Matthew 9:14-17; Luke 5:33-39

See: Pharisees; Fasting; Wedding;Marriage; Bride of Christ; Lamb of God; Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Metaphor; Wine (Winepress); Messiah (Christ)

2:23-28

Why did the Pharisees say Jesus’ followers broke the rules about the Sabbath?

[2:24]

According to the Law of Moses, one could work on the Sabbath. However, it does not say what people needed to stop doing. The Pharisees made many rules about what someone could and could not do on the Sabbath. However, this was not in the Law of Moses. The disciples picked small pieces of grain and rubbed them together so they could eat them. In the Law of Moses, people were allowed to do this when they went from one place to another place (see: Deuteronomy 23:25). However, the Pharisees taught that this was wrong. Jesus knew it was not wrong to break the Pharisees’ rule.

See: Pharisees; Sabbath; Law of Moses

How did Jesus answer the Pharisees?

[2:25, 2:26, 2:27, 2:28]

Jesus told the Pharisees that eating was not breaking the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses had certain rules about the Sabbath. Jesus told them a story about David (see: 1 Samuel 21:2-6). David broke the Law of Moses. However, this was not evil. It was not evil to help people or to eat if you needed to eat. Jesus created the Sabbath. Therefore, if Jesus said they were not doing something evil, then they were not doing something evil.

Jesus wanted people to know that God cared more about people than the rules about the Sabbath. God made the Sabbath for people and it was a gift he gave to people.

See: Matthew 12:1-8; Luke 6:1-5

See: Pharisees; Law of Moses; Sabbath

Mark 2:1

Connecting Statement:

After preaching and healing people throughout Galilee, Jesus returns to Capernaum, where he heals and forgives the sin of a paralyzed man.

it was heard that he was at home

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people there heard that he was staying at his home"

Mark 2:2

So many gathered there

The word "there" refers to the house that Jesus stayed at in Capernaum. Alternate translation: "So many people gathered there" or "So many people came to the house"

there was no more space

This refers to there being no space inside the house. Alternate translation: "there was no more room for them inside"

he spoke the word to them

"Jesus spoke his message to them"

Mark 2:3

four people were carrying him

"four of them were carrying him." It is likely that there were more than four people within the group that brought the man to Jesus.

were bringing a paralyzed man

"were bringing a man who was unable to walk or use his arms"

Mark 2:4

could not get near him

"could not get close to where Jesus was"

they removed the roof that was above Jesus, and after they made an opening, they lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on

Houses where Jesus lived had flat roofs made of clay and covered with tiles. Alternate translation: "they removed the tiles from the part of the roof above where Jesus was. And when they had dug through the clay roof, they lowered the mat the paralzyed man was lying on" or "they made a hole in the roof above Jesus, and then they lowered the paralyzed man on the mat"

Mark 2:5

Seeing their faith

"Seeing the men's faith." Possible meanings are 1) that only the men who carried the paralyzed man had faith or 2) that the paralyzed man and the men who brought him to Jesus all had faith.

Son

The word "Son" here shows Jesus cared for the man as a father cares for a son. Alternate translation: "My son"

your sins are forgiven

Jesus did not clearly say who was forgiving the man's sins. Alternate translation: "your sins are gone" or "you do not have to pay for your sins" or "your sins do not count against you"

Mark 2:6

reasoned in their hearts

Here "their hearts" is a metonym for the people's thoughts. Alternate translation: "were thinking to themselves"

Mark 2:7

How can this man speak this way?

The scribes used this question to show their anger that Jesus said "Your sins are forgiven." Alternate translation: "This man should not speak this way!"

Who can forgive sins but God alone?

The scribes used this question to say that since only God can forgive sins, then Jesus should not say "Your sins are forgiven." Alternate translation: "Only God can forgive sins!"

Mark 2:8

in his spirit

"in his inner being" or "in himself"

they were thinking within themselves

Each of the scribes was thinking to himself; they were not talking to each other.

Why are you thinking this in your hearts?

Jesus uses this question to tell the scribes that what they are thinking is wrong. Alternate translation: "What you are thinking is wrong." or "Do not think that I am blaspheming."

this in your hearts

The word "hearts" is a metonym for their inner thoughts and desires. Alternate translation: "this inside yourselves" or "these things"

Mark 2:9

Which is easier, to say to the paralyzed man, ... take up your mat and walk'?

Jesus uses this question to make the scribes think about what might prove whether or not he could really forgive sins. Alternate translation: "I just said to the paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven.' You may think that it is harder to say 'Get up, take up your mat and walk,' because the proof of whether or not I can heal him will be shown by whether or not he gets up and walks." or "You may think that it is easier to say to the paralyzed man 'Your sins are forgiven' than it is to say 'Get up, take up your mat and walk.'"

Mark 2:10

But in order that you may know

"But so that you may know." The word "you" refers to the scribes and the crowd.

that the Son of Man has authority

Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man." Alternate translation: "that I am the Son of Man and I have authority"

Mark 2:11

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 2:12

in front of everyone

"while all the people there were watching"

Mark 2:13

Connecting Statement:

Jesus is teaching the crowd beside the Sea of Galilee, and he calls Levi to follow him.

the lake

This is the Sea of Galilee, which is also known as the Lake of Gennesaret.

the crowd came to him

"the people went where he was"

Mark 2:14

Levi son of Alphaeus

Alpheus was Levi's father.

the tax collector's tent

We do not know what kind of a structure this was or what it was made of. It may have been a tent or booth. It probably included a table and some kind of protection from sun and rain.

Mark 2:15

Connecting Statement:

It is now later in the day, and Jesus is at Levi's house for a meal.

Levi's house

"the home of Levi"

sinners

In this verse, the word "sinners" refers to people who did not obey the law of Moses but committed what others thought were very bad sins

for there were many and they followed him

Possible meanings are 1) "for there were many tax collectors and sinful people who followed Jesus" or 2) "for Jesus had many disciples and they followed him."

Mark 2:16

Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?

The scribes and Pharisees asked this question to show they disapproved of Jesus's hospitality. This can be worded as a statement. Alternate translation: "He should not eat with tax collectors and sinners!"

Mark 2:17

Connecting Statement:

Jesus responds to what the scribes had said to his disciples about his eating with tax collectors and sinful people.

he said to them

"he said to the scribes"

People who are strong in body do not need a physician; only people who are sick need one

Jesus used this proverb about sick people and doctors to teach them that only people who know that they are sinful realize that they need Jesus.

strong in body

"healthy"

I did not come to call righteous people, but sinners

Jesus expects his hearers to understand he came for those who want help. Alternate translation: "I came for people who understand they are sinful, not for people who believe they are righteous"

but sinners

The words "I came to call" are understood from the phrase before this. Alternate translation: "but I came to call sinners"

Mark 2:18

Connecting Statement:

Jesus tells parables to show why his disciples should not fast while he is with them.

the Pharisees were fasting ... the disciples of the Pharisees

These two phrases refer to the same group of people, but the second is more specific. Both refer to the followers of the Pharisee sect, but they do not focus on the leaders of the Pharisees. Alternate translation: "the disciples of the Pharisees were fasting ... the disciples of the Pharisees"

Some people

"Some men." It is best to translate this phrase without specifying exactly who these men are. If in your language you have to be more specific, the possible meanings are 1) these men were not among John's disciples or the disciples of the Pharisees or 2) these men were among John's disciples.

came and said to him

"came and said to Jesus"

Mark 2:19

Can the wedding attendants fast while the bridegroom is still with them?

Jesus uses this question to remind the people of something they already know and to encourage them to apply it to him and his disciples. Alternate translation: "Wedding attendants do not fast while the bridegroom is with them. Rather they celebrate and feast."

Mark 2:20

the bridegroom will be taken away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the bridegroom will go away"

away from them ... they will fast

The words "them" and "they" refer to the wedding attendants.

Mark 2:21

No one sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment

Sewing a piece of new cloth on an old garment will make the hole on an old garment worse if the piece of new cloth has not yet shrunk. Both the new cloth and old garment will be ruined.

Mark 2:22

Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to tell another parable. This one is about putting new wine into old wineskins rather than into new wineskins.

new wine

"grape juice." This refers to wine that has not fermented yet. If grapes are unknown in your area, use the general term for fruit juice.

old wineskins

This refers to wineskins that have been used many times.

wineskins

These were bags made out of animal skins. They could also be called "wine bags" or "skin bags."

the wine will burst the skins

New wine expands as it ferments. If it is put in new wineskins, the wineskins will stretch. But old wineskins are brittle and cannot stretch. If new wine is poured into old wineskins, the wineskins will tear open.

are lost

"will be ruined"

fresh wineskins

"new wineskins" or "new wine bags." This refers to wineskins that have never been used.

Mark 2:23

Connecting Statement:

Jesus gives the Pharisees an example from scripture to show why the disciples were not wrong to pick grain on the Sabbath.

began picking heads of grain

The disciples were picking heads of grain to eat the kernels, or seeds, in them while they were walking. They were not harvesting the grain to take it home. Plucking grain in others' fields and eating it was not considered stealing. The question was whether it was lawful to do this on the Sabbath.

heads of grain

The "heads" are the topmost part of the wheat plant, which is a kind of tall grass. The heads hold the mature grain or seeds of the plant.

as they made their way

"as they walked along"

Mark 2:24

Connecting Statement:

The Pharisees ask a question about what the disciples were doing (verse 23).

doing something that is not lawful on the Sabbath day

Plucking grain in others' fields and eating it (verse 23) was not considered stealing. The question was whether it was lawful to do this on the Sabbath.

Look, why are they doing something that is not lawful on the Sabbath day?

The Pharisees ask Jesus a question to condemn him. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Look! They are breaking the Jewish law concerning the Sabbath."

Look

"Look at this" or "Listen." This is a word used to get the attention of someone to show them something. If there is a word in your language that is used to draw a person's attention to something, you could use that here.

Mark 2:25

Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to scold the Pharisees by asking them a question.

He said to them

"Jesus said to the Pharisees"

Have you never read what David did

This question ends in 2:26. Jesus is reminding the scribes and Pharisees of something David did on the Sabbath. If this rhetorical question is translated as a statement or a command, then the question mark in 2:26 should become a period. Alternate translation: "You have read what David did" or "Remember what you read about what David did"

read what David did

Jesus refers to reading about David in the Old Testament. This can be translated showing the implicit information. Alternate translation: "read in the scriptures what David did"

Mark 2:26

Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes asking the question he began in verse 25.

how he went into the house of God ... to those who were with him?

This question began in 2:25. If you translated the rhetorical question as a statement or command in verse 25, then the question mark here should become a period. Alternate translation: "how he went into the house of God ... to those who were with him."

how he went into the house of God ... to those who were with him

This can be expressed as a statement separate from verse 25. If so, verse 25 should end with a period instead of a dash. Alternate translation: "He went into the house of God ... to those who were with him"

how he went

The word "he" refers to David.

the bread of the presence

This refers to the twelve loaves of bread that were placed on a golden table in the tabernacle or temple building as a sacrifice to God.

Mark 2:27

The Sabbath was made for mankind

Jesus makes clear why God established the Sabbath. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God made the Sabbath for mankind"

mankind

"man" or "people" or "the needs of people." This word refers to both men and women.

not mankind for the Sabbath

The words "was made" are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here. Alternate translation: "mankind was not made for the Sabbath" or "God did not make mankind for the Sabbath"

Mark 2:28

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 2:4

What did the four men do who were carrying the paralyzed man?

The men removed the roof of the house and lowered the paralyzed man to Jesus.

Mark 2:5

What did Jesus say to the paralyzed man?

Jesus said, "Child, your sins are forgiven".

Mark 2:6

Why did some of the scribes object to what Jesus had said?

Some of the scribes reasoned that Jesus had blasphemed because only God can forgive sins.

Mark 2:7

Why did some of the scribes object to what Jesus had said?

Some of the scribes reasoned that Jesus had blasphemed because only God can forgive sins.

Mark 2:10

How did Jesus demonstrate that he had authority on earth to forgive sins?

Jesus told the paralyzed man to take up his bed and go to his house, and the man did.

Mark 2:11

How did Jesus demonstrate that he had authority on earth to forgive sins?

Jesus told the paralyzed man to take up his bed and go to his house, and the man did.

Mark 2:12

How did Jesus demonstrate that he had authority on earth to forgive sins?

Jesus told the paralyzed man to take up his bed and go to his house, and the man did.

Mark 2:13

What was Levi doing when Jesus told Levi to follow him?

Levi was sitting at the tax-collecting place when Jesus called him.

Mark 2:14

What was Levi doing when Jesus told Levi to follow him?

Levi was sitting at the tax-collecting place when Jesus called him.

Mark 2:15

At Levi's house, what was Jesus doing that offended the Pharisees?

Jesus was dining with the sinful people and tax collectors.

Mark 2:16

At Levi's house, what was Jesus doing that offended the Pharisees?

Jesus was dining with the sinful people and tax collectors.

Mark 2:17

Who did Jesus say he had come to call?

Jesus said he had come to call sinful people.

Mark 2:18

What question did some people ask Jesus about fasting?

They asked Jesus why his disciples did not fast when John's disciples and the Pharisees' disciples did fast.

Mark 2:19

How did Jesus explain why his disciples were not fasting?

Jesus said that while the bridegroom is still with the wedding attendants they cannot fast.

Mark 2:23

What did Jesus' disciples do in some fields on the Sabbath which offended the Pharisees?

Jesus' disciples picked heads of grain and ate them on the Sabbath.

Mark 2:24

What did Jesus' disciples do in some fields on the Sabbath which offended the Pharisees?

Jesus' disciples picked heads of grain and ate them on the Sabbath.

Mark 2:25

What example did Jesus give of someone who needed and ate bread normally forbidden for them?

Jesus gave the example of David who out of need ate the bread of the presence normally reserved for the priests.

Mark 2:26

What example did Jesus give of someone who needed and ate bread normally forbidden for them?

Jesus gave the example of David who out of need ate the bread of the presence normally reserved for the priests.

Mark 2:27

For whom did Jesus say the Sabbath was made?

Jesus said the Sabbath was made for people.

Mark 2:28

What authority did Jesus claim for himself?

Jesus said that he was Lord also of the Sabbath.

Chapter 3

¹ Again Jesus walked into the synagogue, and there was a man with a withered hand. ² Some people watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath so that they could accuse him. ³ Jesus said to the man with the withered hand, "Get up and stand here in the middle of everyone." ⁴ Then he said to the people, "Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath day or to do harm; to save a life or to kill?" But they were silent. ⁵ He looked around at them with anger, and he was grieved by their hardness of heart, and he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. ⁶ The Pharisees went out and immediately began to plot with the Herodians as to how they might put him to death.

⁷ Then Jesus, with his disciples, went to the sea, and a great crowd of people followed from Galilee and from Judea ⁸ and from Jerusalem and from Idumea and beyond the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. When they heard about the things he was doing, a great crowd came to him. ⁹ He told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not press against him. ¹⁰ For he healed many, so that everyone who had afflictions eagerly approached him in order to touch him. ¹¹ Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, and they said, "You are the Son of God." ¹² He strictly ordered them not to make him known.

¹³ He went up on the mountain, and he called for those he wanted, and they came to him. ¹⁴ He appointed the twelve (whom he named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them to proclaim the message, ¹⁵ and to have authority to cast out demons. ¹⁶ He appointed the twelve: Simon, to whom he gave the name Peter; ¹⁷ James son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; ¹⁸ and Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, ¹⁹ and Judas Iscariot, who would betray him.

²⁰ Then he went home, and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat bread. ²¹ When his family heard about it, they went out to seize him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."

²² The scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebul" and "By the ruler of the demons he drives out demons."

²³ Jesus called them to himself and said to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan? ²⁴ If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. ²⁵ If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. ²⁶ If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he is not able to stand, but has come to an end. ²⁷ But no one can enter into the house of a strong man and steal his belongings without tying up the strong man first, and then he will plunder his house. ²⁸ Truly I say to you, all sins of the sons of men will be forgiven, even all the blasphemies which they utter, ²⁹ but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin."

³⁰ Jesus said this because they were saying, "He has an unclean spirit."

³¹ Then his mother and his brothers came and stood outside. They sent for him, summoning him. ³² A crowd was sitting around him and they said to him, "Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside, and they are looking for you."

³³ He answered them, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" ³⁴ He looked around at those who were sitting in a circle around him and said, "See, here are my mother and my brothers! ³⁵ For whoever does the will of God, that person is my brother, and sister, and mother."

Mark 3 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Sabbath

It was against the law of Moses to do work on the Sabbath. The Pharisees believed healing a sick person on the Sabbath was "work," so they said that Jesus did wrong when he healed a person on the Sabbath. (See: law of Moses)

"Blasphemy against the Spirit"

No one knows for sure what actions people perform or what words they say when they commit this sin. However, they probably insult the Holy Spirit and his work. Part of the Holy Spirit's work is to make people understand that they are sinners and that they need to have God forgive them. Therefore, anyone who does not try to stop sinning is probably committing blasphemy against the Spirit. (See: blasphemy and Holy Spirit)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

The twelve disciples

The following are the lists of the twelve disciples:

In Matthew:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John son of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.

In Mark:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James the son of Zebedee and John the son of Zebedee (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.

In Luke:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon (who was called the Zealot), Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot.

Thaddaeus is probably the same person as Jude, the son of James.

Mark 3

3:1-6

To which Synagogue did Jesus return?

[3:1]

Jesus returned to a synagogue. Scholars think Jesus returned to the synagogue in Capernaum. (see: Mark 1:21).

See: Synagogue

See Map: Capernaum

What caused the man’s hand to be withered?

[3:1]

Mark wrote about a man with a withered hand. That is, his hand was damaged or deformed. However, he was born with a normal hand. Scholars think the man got sick and the sickness damaged his hand.

Why did people watch to see if Jesus would heal this man on the Sabbath?

[3:2]

The Pharisees taught that it was wrong to heal someone on the Sabbath unless the person could die. If they were not going to die, then the Pharisees said you must wait to heal them. They thought that healing was a kind of work. The Law of Moses taught that people are not to work on the Sabbath. Certain people wanted to say Jesus did something evil by healing this man. However, it was not wrong for Jesus to heal this man. It was wrong for them to want to say Jesus did something evil. This was why Jesus was angry.

See: Mark 2:24

See: Pharisees; Sabbath;Law of Moses

Who were the Herodians?

[3:6]

The Herodians were Jewish teachers. They liked King Herod and the people that would rule after he did. The Roman government gave these men permission to rule Israel. They liked things and ideas that were from Greece and Rome. They did not think there was going to be a Jewish messiah and they did not like Jesus’ teaching. The Pharisees needed help from these leaders so they could kill Jesus.

See: Matthew 12:9-14; Luke 6:6-11

See: Messiah (Christ)

See Map: Greece; Rome

3:7-12

Where is Galilee?

[3:7]

See Map: Galilee

Where is Idumea, Jordan, Tyre and Sidon?

[3:8]

Idumea was an area south of Israel. It was also called Edom. Tyre and Sidon were Gentile cities north of Israel.

See: Esau (Edom); Gentile

See Map: Jerusalem; Edom; Jordan; Tyre; Sidon; Israel

What was an unclean spirit?

[3:11]

See: Demon

Why did Jesus tell the unclean spirits to be silent?

[3:12]

The unclean spirits knew Jesus. They fell down to worship him. However, Jesus did not want them to tell people that he was the Son of God. Scholars think Jesus wanted people to tell other people that He was the Son of God and not the demons.

See: Mark 1:24-25, 34; Acts 16:17-18

See: Demon; Son of God

3:13-19

What were apostles?

[3:14]

See: Matthew 10:1-4; Luke 6:13-16

See: Apostle

What was the message they told others?

[3:14]

The apostles were going to tell other people a message. That message was the gospel.

See: Apostle; Gospel

3:20-30

Why did Jesus’ family think Jesus was “out of his mind”?

[3:21]

Mark wrote that Jesus’ family thought Jesus was “out of his mind.” That is, they thought he was no longer able to think in a right way. Some scholars think that because Jesus was too busy to even eat, his family thought he was no longer thinking rightly. Other scholars think Mark wrote that the crowd thought Jesus was “out of his mind.”

Who was Beelzebul?

[3:22]

Beelzebul was a name for Satan.

See: Matthew 12:24-32; Luke 11:17-23

See: Satan (The Devil)

How did the scribes think Jesus was able to remove demons from people?

[3:22]

The scribes said that Satan gave Jesus permission to remove demons from people.

See: Scribe;Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Demon; Satan (The Devil)

What was a parable?

[3:23]

See: Parable

What did Jesus say to the scribes?

[3:23, 3:24]

Jesus spoke against what the Scribes said. Jesus said that he fought against Satan by casting out demons. If Jesus wanted to help Satan, then he would not fight against Satan. Jesus also fought against the things Satan ruled on earth. God allowed Satan to rule these things for a period of time. Jesus proved that he was stronger than Satan and could defeat Satan by casting out demons.

See: Scribe; Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Demon; Satan (The Devil)

What was the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?

[3:29]

Jesus said that every sin could be forgiven except one. That was blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Scholars disagree about how someone blasphemes the Holy Spirit.

Some scholars think Jesus spoke about rejecting him. If someone does not believe in Jesus, then they will not be forgiven of their sins.
Some scholars think Jesus spoke about someone seeing Jesus do miracles and saying that Satan gave him the power to do this. Therefore, people today cannot blaspheme the Holy Spirit.
Other scholars think Jesus spoke about people who said that the Holy Spirit did not do the things that he did.

See: Sin; Blaspheme (Blasphemy); Holy Spirit; Miracle

What was an unclean spirit?

[3:30]

An unclean spirit was a demon.

See: Demon; Clean and Unclean

3:31-34

Who were Jesus’ family?

[3:32]

Mary was Jesus’ mother. The names of four of Jesus’ brothers were James, Joseph, Simon and Judas. Although Jesus had sisters, their names are not in the Bible.

See: Matthew 12:46-50; 13:55-56; Mark 6:3; Luke 8:19-21

See: Family of Jesus

Who else is Jesus’ family?

[3:35]

Jesus talked about his family. But this was not his mother and brothers. He spoke about how Christians are children of God. Because of this, they are part of Jesus’ family.

See: Children of God

What was the will of God?

[3:35]

See: Will of God

Mark 3:1

Connecting Statement:

Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath in the synagogue and shows how he feels about what the Pharisees had done with the Sabbath rules. The Pharisees and Herodians begin planning to put Jesus to death.

a man with a withered hand

"a man with a crippled hand"

Mark 3:2

Some people watched him closely to see if he would heal him

"Some people watched Jesus closely to see if he would heal the man with the withered hand"

Some people

"Some of the Pharisees." Later, in Mark 3:6, these people are identified as Pharisees.

so that they could accuse him

If Jesus were to heal the man that day, the Pharisees would accuse him of breaking the law by working on the Sabbath. Alternate translation: "so that they could accuse him of wrongdoing" or "so that they could accuse him of breaking the law"

Mark 3:3

in the middle of everyone

"in the middle of this crowd"

Mark 3:4

Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath ... or to kill?

Jesus said this to challenge them. He wanted them to acknowledge that it is lawful to heal people on the Sabbath.

to do good on the Sabbath day or to do harm ... to save a life or to kill

These two phrases are similar in meaning, except that the second is more extreme.

to save a life or to kill

It may be helpful to repeat "is it lawful," as that is the question Jesus is asking again in another way. Alternate translation: "is it lawful to save a life or to kill"

to save a life

"to save someone's life" or "to save someone from dying"

But they were silent

"But they refused to answer him"

Mark 3:5

He looked around

"Jesus looked around"

was grieved

"was deeply saddened"

by their hardness of heart

This metaphor describes how the Pharisees were unwilling to have compassion on the man with the withered hand. Alternate translation: "because they were unwilling to have compassion on the man"

Stretch out your hand

"Reach out with your hand"

his hand was restored

This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "Jesus restored his hand" or "Jesus made his hand the way it was before"

Mark 3:6

began to plot

"began to make a plan"

the Herodians

This is the name of an informal political party that supported Herod Antipas.

how they might put him to death

"how they might kill Jesus"

Mark 3:7

Connecting Statement:

A great crowd of people follows Jesus, and he heals many people.

the sea

This refers to the Sea of Galilee.

Mark 3:8

Idumea

This is the region, previously known as Edom, which covered the southern half of the province of Judea.

the things he was doing

This refers to the miracles Jesus was performing. Alternate translation: "the great miracles that Jesus was performing"

came to him

"came to where Jesus was"

Mark 3:9

General Information:

Verse 9 tells what Jesus asked his disciples to do because of the large crowd of people around him. Verse 10 tells why such a large crowd was around Jesus. The information in these verses can be reordered to present the events in the order they happened, as in the UDB.

He told his disciples to have a small boat ... not press against him

As the large crowd was pushing forward toward Jesus, he was in danger of being crushed by them. They would not crush him intentionally. It was just that there were so many people.

Mark 3:10

For he healed many, so that everyone ... to touch him

This tells why so many people were crowding around Jesus that he thought they might crush him. Alternate translation: "For, because Jesus had healed many people, everyone ... to touch him"

For he healed many

The word "many" refers to the large number of people Jesus had already healed. Alternate translation: "For he healed many people"

everyone who had afflictions eagerly approached him in order to touch him

They did this because they believed that touching Jesus would make them well. This can be expressed clearly. Alternate translation: "all the sick people pushed forward eagerly trying to touch him so that they might be healed"

Mark 3:11

saw him

"saw Jesus"

they fell down ... cried out, and they said

Here "they" refers to the unclean spirits. It is they who are causing the people they possess to do things. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "they caused the people they were possessing to fall down before him and to cry out to him"

they fell down before him

The unclean spirits did not fall down before Jesus because they loved him or wanted to worship him. They fell down before him because they were afraid of him.

You are the Son of God

Jesus has power over unclean spirits because he is the "Son of God."

Son of God

This is an important title for Jesus.

Mark 3:12

He strictly ordered them

"Jesus strictly ordered the unclean spirits"

not to make him known

"not to reveal who he was"

Mark 3:13

General Information:

Jesus chooses the men he wants to be his apostles.

Mark 3:14

so that they might be with him and he might send them to proclaim the message

"so that they would be with him and he could send them to proclaim the message"

Mark 3:15

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 3:16

Simon, to whom he gave the name Peter

The author begins to list the names of the twelve apostles. Simon is the first man listed.

Mark 3:17

to whom he gave

The phrase "to whom" refers to both James son of Zebedee and his brother John.

the name Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder

Jesus called them this because they were like thunder. Alternate translation: "the name Boanerges, which means men who are like thunder" or "the name Boanerges, which means thunder men"

Mark 3:18

Thaddaeus

This is the name of a man.

Mark 3:19

who would betray him

"who would betray Jesus" The word "who" refers to Judas Iscariot.

Mark 3:20

Then he went home

"Then Jesus went to the house where he was staying."

they could not even eat bread

The word "bread" represents food. Alternate translation: "Jesus and his disciples could not eat at all" or "they could not eat anything"

Mark 3:21

they went out to seize him

Members of his family went to the house so that they could take hold of him and force him to go home with them.

for they said

Possible meanings for the word "they" are 1) his relatives or 2) some people in the crowd.

out of his mind

This idiom describes how they thought he was acting. Alternate translation: "crazy" or "insane"

Mark 3:22

By the ruler of the demons he drives out demons

"By the power of Beelzebul, who is the ruler of the demons, Jesus drives out demons"

Mark 3:23

Connecting Statement:

Jesus explains with a parable why it is foolish for people to think that Jesus is controlled by Satan.

Jesus called them to himself

"Jesus called the people to come to him"

How can Satan cast out Satan?

Jesus asked this rhetorical question in response to the scribes saying that he cast out demons by Beelzebul. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Satan cannot cast out himself!" or "Satan does not go against his own evil spirits!"

Mark 3:24

If a kingdom is divided against itself

The word "kingdom" is a metonym for the people who live in the kingdom. Alternate translation: "If the people who live in a kingdom are divided against each other"

cannot stand

Here "stand" is a metaphor that means endure, or continue to exist. Alternate translation: "cannot endure" or "will end"

Mark 3:25

house

This is a metonym for the people who live in a house. Alternate translation: "family" or "household"

Mark 3:26

If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided

The word "himself" is a reflexive pronoun that refers back to Satan, and it is also a metonym for his evil spirits. Alternate translation: "If Satan and his evil spirits were fighting one another" or "If Satan and his evil spirits have risen up against each other and are divided"

is not able to stand

Here "stand" is a metaphor that means endure, or stay strong. Alternate translation: "cannot endure" or "cannot stay strong"

Mark 3:27

plunder

to steal a person's valuables and possessions

Mark 3:28

Truly I say to you

This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important.

the sons of men

"those who have been born of man." This expression is used to emphasize peoples' humanity. Alternate translation: "people"

utter

speak

Mark 3:29

will never have forgiveness

The idea in the noun forgiveness can be expressed with a phrase. Alternate translation: "will never be forgiven"

is guilty of an eternal sin

"Eternal sin" is a metonym for "a sin that will be eternally punished." Alternate translation: "is guilty of a sin that will be punished eternally"

Mark 3:30

they were saying

"the people were saying"

has an unclean spirit

This is an idiom that means to be possessed by an unclean spirit. Alternate translation: "is possessed by an unclean spirit"

Mark 3:31

Then his mother and his brothers came

"Then Jesus's mother and brothers came"

They sent for him, summoning him

"They sent someone inside to tell him that they were outside and to have him come out to them"

Mark 3:32

are looking for you

"are asking for you"

Mark 3:33

Who are my mother and my brothers?

Jesus uses this question to teach the people. Alternate translation: "I will tell you who are really my mother and brothers."

Mark 3:34

here are my mother and my brothers

This is a metaphor that means Jesus's disciples belong to Jesus's spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family.

Mark 3:35

whoever does ... that person is

"those who do ... they are"

that person is my brother, and sister, and mother

This is a metaphor that means Jesus's disciples belong to Jesus's spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family. Alternate translation: "that person is like a brother, sister, or mother to me"

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 3:1

Why were they watching Jesus on the Sabbath in the synagogue?

They were watching Jesus to see if he would heal on the Sabbath, so they could accuse him.

Mark 3:2

Why were they watching Jesus on the Sabbath in the synagogue?

They were watching Jesus to see if he would heal on the Sabbath, so they could accuse him.

Mark 3:4

What question did Jesus ask the people about the Sabbath?

Jesus asked the people if it was lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath.

How did the people respond to Jesus' question?

The people were silent.

Mark 3:5

What then was Jesus' attitude toward them?

Jesus became angry with them.

Mark 3:6

What did the Pharisees do when Jesus healed the man?

The Pharisees went out and plotted to put Jesus to death.

Mark 3:7

How many people followed Jesus as he went to the sea?

A great crowd followed Jesus.

Mark 3:8

How many people followed Jesus as he went to the sea?

A great crowd followed Jesus.

Mark 3:11

What did the demons cry out when they saw Jesus?

The demons cried out that Jesus was the Son of God.

Mark 3:14

How many men did Jesus appoint as apostles, and what were they to do?

Jesus appointed twelve apostles who were to be with him, preach, and have authority to cast out demons.

Mark 3:15

How many men did Jesus appoint as apostles, and what were they to do?

Jesus appointed twelve apostles who were to be with him, preach, and have authority to cast out demons.

Mark 3:19

Who was the apostle that would betray Jesus?

The apostle that would betray Jesus was Judas Iscariot.

Mark 3:21

What did Jesus' family think about the crowds and the events surrounding Jesus?

Jesus' family thought that he was out of his mind.

Mark 3:22

What accusation did the scribes make against Jesus?

The scribes accused Jesus of driving out demons by the ruler of demons.

Mark 3:23

What was Jesus' response to the scribes' accusation?

Jesus responded that no kingdom divided against itself can stand.

Mark 3:24

What was Jesus' response to the scribes' accusation?

Jesus responded that no kingdom divided against itself can stand.

Mark 3:25

What was Jesus' response to the scribes' accusation?

Jesus responded that no kingdom divided against itself can stand.

Mark 3:28

What sin did Jesus say cannot be forgiven?

Jesus said that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven.

Mark 3:29

What sin did Jesus say cannot be forgiven?

Jesus said that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven.

Mark 3:30

What sin did Jesus say cannot be forgiven?

Jesus said that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven.

Mark 3:33

Who did Jesus say were his mother and brothers?

Jesus said that his mother and brothers were those who do the will of God.

Mark 3:34

Who did Jesus say were his mother and brothers?

Jesus said that his mother and brothers were those who do the will of God.

Mark 3:35

Who did Jesus say were his mother and brothers?

Jesus said that his mother and brothers were those who do the will of God.

Chapter 4

¹ Again he began to teach beside the sea, and a large crowd gathered around him. He stepped into a boat that was on the sea, and he sat down in it. The whole crowd was on the shore beside the sea. ² He taught them many things in parables, and in his teaching, this is what he said to them. ³ "Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. ⁴ As he sowed, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and devoured it. ⁵ Other seed fell on the rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. Immediately it sprang up, because it did not have deep soil. ⁶ But when the sun rose, the plants were scorched, and because they had no root, they dried up. ⁷ Other seed fell among the thorn plants. The thorn plants grew up and choked it, and it did not produce a crop. ⁸ Other seed fell into good soil and it produced a crop growing up and increasing and yielding thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times." ⁹ Then he said, "Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear!"

¹⁰ When Jesus was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. ¹¹ He said to them, "To you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God. But to those outside everything is in parables,

¹² so that when they look,

yes they look,

but do not see,

and so that when they hear,

yes they hear,

but do not understand,

or else they would turn

and God would forgive them."

¹³ He said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?" ¹⁴ The sower sows the word. ¹⁵ These are the ones beside the road, where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. ¹⁶ And these are the seed sown on the rocky ground; who, when they hear the word immediately receive it with joy. ¹⁷ But they do not have root in themselves, but they endure for a while. Afterward when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, they immediately fall away. ¹⁸ Still others are the ones sown among the thorns. They are those who hear the word, ¹⁹ but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, and it is unproductive. ²⁰ Those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word, accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much.

²¹ Jesus said to them, "Do you bring a lamp inside the house to put it under a basket or under the bed? You bring it in and you put it on a lampstand. ²² For nothing is hidden that will not be known, and nothing is secret that will not come out into the open. ²³ If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!" ²⁴ He said to them, "Pay attention to what you hear, for the measure you use will be measured to you, and more will be added to you. ²⁵ Because whoever has, to him will be given more, and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken."

²⁶ He also said, "The kingdom of God is like a man who sows his seed on the ground. ²⁷ He sleeps at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. ²⁸ The earth bears grain by itself: First the blade, then the ear, then the mature grain in the ear. ²⁹ When the crop is ripe, he immediately sends in the sickle because the harvest has come."

³⁰ Again he said, "To what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use to explain it? ³¹ It is like a mustard seed, which, when it is sown, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth. ³² Yet, when it is sown, it grows and becomes greater than all the garden plants, and it forms large branches, so that the birds of heaven can make their nests in its shade."

³³ With many parables like this he spoke the word to them, as much as they were able to understand, ³⁴ and he did not speak to them without a parable. But when he was alone, he explained everything to his own disciples.

³⁵ On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go over to the other side." ³⁶ So they left the crowd, taking Jesus with them, just as he was, in the boat. There were other boats going along with him. ³⁷ Just then a violent windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat so that the boat was almost full of water. ³⁸ But Jesus himself was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him up, saying, "Teacher, do you not care that we are about to die?"

³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ Then he said to them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still not have faith?"

⁴¹ They were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, because even the wind and the sea obey him?"

Mark 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Mark 4:3-10 forms one parable. The parable is explained in 4:14-23.

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 4:12, which is a quotation from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Parables

The parables were short stories that Jesus told so that people would easily understand the lesson he was trying to teach them. He also told the stories so that those who did not want to believe in him would not understand the truth.

Mark 4

4:1-9

Why did Jesus get into the boat?

[4:1]

Jesus got into the boat near the shore. By doing this, people could not get too close to him. Therefore, everyone could see him and could hear him.

What was a parable?

[4:2]

See: Parable

Why did Mark write about sowing seeds?

[4:3]

In this passage, Mark wrote about sowing seeds. This was a long metaphor. He wrote about the different types of people. However, scholars do not agree on who were the people about which Mark wrote.

See: Matthew 13:3-9; Luke 8:5-8

See: Sow (Plant); Metaphor

What was a thorny plant?

[3:7]

A thorny plant was a type of weed. Weeds are bad plants. They harm the good plants. These plants grew in places where people did not want them to grow. Farmers wanted to stop these plants from growing because they harmed the good plants that they wanted to grow.

Why did Jesus say, “he who has ears to hear, let him hear”?

[4:9]

When someone said “he who has ears to hear, let him hear,” they wanted someone to really listen to what they said because they needed to hear it.

4:10-12

Who were the twelve?

[4:10]

Mark wrote about the twelve disciples when he wrote about the twelve.

See: Disciple

What was the mystery?

[4:11]

See: Mystery

Who was given the mystery of the kingdom of God?

[4:11]

Those who believed in Jesus were given the mystery of the kingdom of God. Anyone who rejected Jesus would not understand the things he taught. In 4:12, Jesus said that if they understood the things he taught, then they would have believed in him.

See: Mystery; Kingdom of God

4:13-20

What was the word?

[4:14]

Jesus explained the metaphor about sowing seeds. He said the sower sowed the word. That is, the things about which Jesus taught. Some scholars think Jesus spoke about the gospel. Fewer scholars think Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God.

See: Sow (Plant);Metaphor; Word of God; Gospel; Kingdom of God

Who were the people who were like seeds sown beside the road?

[4:15]

Jesus used a metaphor to talk about what happened to people when they heard the gospel. Jesus talked about certain people who were like seeds sown beside the road. This was a place where seeds could not grow. Those seeds died because the dirt was too hard. Some scholars think that Jesus spoke about Christians. These people say they were Christians, but they did not do things that honored God. Therefore, they were not at peace with God.

Other scholars think that Jesus spoke about people who were not Christians. These people did not believe in the things Jesus taught. They did not believe in Jesus.

See: ; Gospel; Satan (The Devil); Metaphor

What people were like the seeds sown on rocky ground?

[4:16]

Jesus used a metaphor to talk about what happened to people when they heard the gospel. Jesus talked about certain people who were like seeds sown on rocky ground. On the rocky ground, the seed could begin to grow. But there was not enough dirt for it to grow very much, so it died.

Some scholars think that Jesus spoke about Christians. These people believed in Jesus, but they rejected Jesus when they were persecuted. Therefore, they are not at peace with God.

Other scholars think that Jesus spoke about people who were not Christians. These people said they were Christians, but rejected Jesus when they were persecuted. Therefore, they were not Christians.

See: Persecute (Persecution) ; Metaphor; Gospel

What people were like seeds sown with the thorns?

[4:18]

Jesus used a metaphor to talk about what happened to people when they heard the gospel. Jesus talked about certain people who were like seeds sown with the thorns. Thorn plants were bad plants. The thorn plants killed the good plants.

Some scholars think Jesus spoke about Christians. These people believed in Jesus, but they made other things more significant than Jesus in their life. They did not honor God as much as they should have honored him.

Other scholars think Jesus spoke about people who were not Christians. They said they were Christians, but they cared more for the things they owned than they cared for Jesus. They were not Christians.

Advice to translators: Here, “thorns” is a type of plant that grows among other plants and kills them. It is also not good to be used for anything.

See: Fruit (Metaphor); Metaphor; Gospel

What people were like seeds sown on good soil?

[4:20]

Jesus used a metaphor to talk about what happened to people when they heard the gospel. Jesus talked about certain people who were like seeds sown on good soil. These people obeyed God and did things that honored God. They made fruit when they did this. That is, they did not live in the way they used to live. They helped others to believe in Jesus and did the things that honored Jesus.

See: Fruit (Metaphor); Metaphor

How did someone bear fruit?

[4:20]

See: Fruit (Metaphor)

4:21-29

Why did Jesus use a metaphor about light?

[4:21]

A lamp lights the entire room. It allows everything to be seen. God is light, and the word of God is light (see: Psalm 119:105; 1 John 1:5). Light made things known that were not known before. Jesus used a metaphor about the light.

Some scholars think Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God. He wanted people to know they could now know about the kingdom of God.

Other scholars think Jesus spoke about himself. When people believe in Jesus, they should want to tell other people about him and the gospel.

See: Light and Darkness (Metaphor); Kingdom of God; Metaphor;Gospel

Why did Jesus say, “he who has ears to hear, let him hear”?

[4:23]

When someone said “he who has ears to hear, let him hear,” they wanted someone to listen to what they said. This is why Jesus said it.

Why did Jesus say, “for the measure you use will be measured to you, and more will be added”?

[4:24]

Jesus said, “for the measure you use will be measured to you, and more will be added.” He wanted to say that if the disciples listened to him and obeyed him, they would be rewarded. If they did not do this, they would be disciplined.

See: Disciple; Reward;Discipline (To Disciple)

How is the kingdom of God like a man who sows his seed on the ground?

[4:26]

Jesus said that the kingdom of God is like a man who sowed his seed on the ground. This was a metaphor. The seeds were the gospel. Christians sowed the seeds. That is, they spread the gospel by telling it to other people. However, they did not make the seeds grow. God made the seed grow. Jesus wanted to say that Christians could not make other people believe in Jesus.

See: Kingdom of God; Metaphor

4:30-34

How was the kingdom of God like a mustard seed?

[4:31]

Jesus said the kingdom of God was like a mustard seed. This was a metaphor. The mustard seed was very small seed. It was about 1 millimeter in size. A mustard tree was very large. Jesus wanted to say that the kingdom of God began very small, but became great.

See: Kingdom of God; Metaphor

What were the birds of heaven?

[4:32]

The birds of heaven were birds. Heaven was the sky.

See: Heaven

What was a parable?

[4:33]

See: Parable

4:35-41

Why did Jesus tell the wind to stop?

[4:39]

Jesus told the wind to stop. This allowed others to know that he controlled the weather. Only God could do this. In ancient times, people thought the sea could not be controlled. They were afraid of the seas.

Why were the disciples afraid?

[4:41]

The disciples believed in Jesus, but they did not understand who Jesus was. They knew he was the messiah, but they did not understand that he is God.

See: Disciple; Messiah (Christ)

Mark 4:1

Connecting Statement:

As Jesus teaches from a boat at the seaside, he tells them the parable of the soils.

the sea

This is the Sea of Galilee.

Mark 4:2

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 4:3

Listen!

"Pay attention!

A farmer went out to sow his seed

This means that he tossed seeds onto the ground so they could grow.

Mark 4:4

some seed ... devoured it

"some seeds ... devoured them"

Mark 4:5

Other seed ... it did not have ... it sprang ... it did not have

"Other seeds ... they did not have ... they sprang ... they did not have"

it sprang up

"the seed that landed on the rocky ground began to grow quickly"

soil

This refers to the loose dirt on the ground in which you can plant seeds.

Mark 4:6

the plants were scorched

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it scorched the young plants"

because they had no root, they dried up

"because the young plants had no roots, they dried up"

Mark 4:7

Other seed ... choked it ... it did not produce

"Other seeds ... choked them ... they did not produce"

Mark 4:8

yielding thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times

The amount of grain produced by each plant is being compared to the single seed from which it grew. Ellipsis is used here to shorten the phrases but they can be written out. Alternate translation: "Some plants bore thirty times as much as the seed that the man had planted, some produced sixty times as much grain, and some produced a hundred times as much grain"

thirty ... sixty ... a hundred

"30 ... 60 ... 100." These may be written as numerals.

Mark 4:9

Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear

Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has ears" is a metonym for being willing to understand and obey. Alternate translation: "Whoever is willing to listen, listen" or "Whoever is willing to understand, let him understand and obey"

Whoever has ... let him hear

Since Jesus wanted his audience to pay attention, this can also be expressed with the word "you." Alternate translation: "If you have ears to hear, then hear" or "If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey"

Mark 4:10

When Jesus was alone

This does not mean that Jesus was completely alone; rather, it means that the crowds were gone and Jesus was only with the twelve and some of his other close followers.

Mark 4:11

To you is given

This can be stated in active form. "God has given you" or "I have given you"

to those outside

"to those outside our group" or "to those who are not among us." This refers to all the other people who were not among the twelve or Jesus's other close followers.

everything is in parables

It can be stated that Jesus gives the parables to the people. Alternate translation: "I have spoken everything in parables"

Mark 4:12

when they look ... when they hear

It is assumed that Jesus is speaking about the people looking at what he shows them and hearing what he tells them. Alternate translation: "when they look at what I am doing ... when they hear what I am saying"

they look, but do not see

Possible meanings are 1) the word "look" here refers to making an effort to see and "see" refers to actually being able to see what they have looked for and is a metaphor for "understand." Alternate translation: "they look, but they do not understand" Or 2) here the word translated "look" refers to seeing what one is looking at and the word translated "see" refers to understanding what they are seeing.

they would turn

"they would turn to God." Here "turn" is a metaphor for "repent." Alternate translation: "they would repent"

Mark 4:13

He said to them

"Then Jesus said to his disciples"

Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?

Jesus used these questions to show how sad he was that his disciples could not understand his parable. Alternate translation: "If you cannot understand this parable, think about how hard it will be for you to understand all the other parables."

Mark 4:14

General Information:

Jesus begins to explain the parable he told in [Mark 4:3-8]

The sower

"The farmer who sows his seed"

sows the word

Sowing God's word represents teaching it. Alternate translation: "teaches people God's word" or "represents one who teaches God's word"

the word

The phrase "the word" represents God's message. Alternate translation: "God's message"

Mark 4:15

These are the ones beside the road

Here Jesus speaks about people. Alternate translation: "These people are the seeds that fall beside the road" or "These people are like seeds that fall beside a road"

When they hear

"When they hear the word"

Mark 4:16

these are the seed sown on the rocky ground

"These people are the seeds that fall on the rocky ground" or "These people are like seeds that fall on the rocky ground"

Mark 4:17

they do not have root in themselves

Having no root represents not fully understanding or believing God's word. Alternate translation: "they are like young plants that have no roots"

endure

In this parable, "endure" means "continue to believe." Alternate translation: "continue in their belief"

tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word

The phrase "on account of the word" means "because they believe God's message. Alternate translation: "tribulation or persecution comes because they believe God's message"

they immediately fall away

In this parable, "fall away" means "stop believing God's message"

Mark 4:18

Still others are the ones sown among the thorns

"Still other people are the seeds that fall among the thorns" or "And other people are like seeds that fall among the thorns"

Mark 4:19

the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word

The words "cares," "deceitfulness," and "desires" are spoken of as if they were weeds that wrap around plants and keep them from growing. Alternate translation: "the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke God's message in their lives like thorns that choke young plants"

the cares of the world

"the worries in this life" or "the concerns about this present life"

the deceitfulness of wealth

"the lie that wealth will make them happy" or "the lie that having many possessions will make them happy"

it is unproductive

"the word does not produce a crop in them." The word being unproductive means that it does not have an effect on the person's life.

Mark 4:20

Those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word, accept it and bear fruit

"The seeds that fall on the good soil represent people who hear the word, accept it and bear fruit"

and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much

Fruit represents the results or effect of God's word in a person's life. The numbers tell how much fruit there might be, or how great the results might be. Alternate translation: "and produce good results, like plants that bear thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much fruit as what was sown"

Mark 4:21

Jesus said to them

"Jesus said to the crowd"

Do you bring a lamp inside the house to put it under a basket or under the bed?

This question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You certainly do not bring a lamp inside the house to put it under a basket, or under a bed!"

Mark 4:22

For nothing is hidden that will not be known ... come out into the open

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "For everything that is hidden will be made known, and everything that is secret will come out into to open"

nothing is hidden ... nothing is secret

"there is nothing that is hidden ... there is nothing that is secret" Both of the phrases have the same meaning. Jesus is emphasizing that everything that is secret will be made known.

Mark 4:23

If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear

Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "ears to hear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Mark 4:9]

If anyone ... let him hear

Since Jesus wanted his audience to pay attention, this can also be expressed with the word "you." See how you translated a similar phrase in [Mark 4:9]

Mark 4:24

He said to them

"Jesus said to the crowd"

for the measure you use

Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is talking about a literal measure and giving generously to others or 2) this is a metaphor in which Jesus speaks of "understanding" as if it were "measuring."

will be measured to you, and more will be added to you.

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will measure that amount for you, and he will add it to you"

Mark 4:25

to him will be given more ... even what he has will be taken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "to him God will give more ... from him God will take away" or "God will give more to him ... God will take away from him"

Mark 4:26

Connecting Statement:

Jesus tells the people parables to teach them about the kingdom of God. Later he explains the parables to his disciples.

like a man who sows his seed

When someone sows seed, he plants the seed by scattering it on the ground. Alternate translation: "like a farmer who plants his seed" or "like a farmer who scatters his seed"

Mark 4:27

He sleeps at night and gets up by day

This is something that the man habitually does. Alternate translation: "He sleeps each night and gets up each day" or "He sleeps each night and gets up the next day"

gets up by day

"is up during the day" or "is active during the day"

though he does not know how

"though the man does not know how the seed sprouts and grows"

Mark 4:28

the blade

the stalk or sprout

the ear

the head on the stalk or the part of the plant that holds the fruit

Mark 4:29

he immediately sends in the sickle

Here "the sickle" is a metonym that stands for the farmer or the people whom the farmer sends out to harvest the grain. Alternate translation: "he immediately goes into the field with a sickle to harvest the grain" or "he immediately sends people with sickles into the field to harvest the grain"

sickle

a curved blade or a sharp hook used to cut grain

because the harvest has come

Here the words "has come" are part of an idiom that means it is time for something. Alternative translation: "because it is time for harvesting the grain" or "because the grain is ready to be gathered"

Mark 4:30

To what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use to explain it?

Jesus asked this question to cause his hearers to think about what the kingdom of God is like. Alternate translation: "With this parable I can explain what the kingdom of God is like."

Mark 4:31

when it is sown

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when someone sows it" or "when someone plants it"

Mark 4:32

it forms large branches

The mustard tree is described as causing its branches to grow large. Alternate translation: "it has large branches"

Mark 4:33

he spoke the word to them

"Word" here is a synecdoche for "the message of God." The word "them" refers to the crowds. Alternate translation: "he taught them the message of God"

as much as they were able to understand

"and if they were able to understand some, he kept telling them more"

Mark 4:34

when he was alone

This means that he was away from the crowds, but his disciples were still with him.

he explained everything

Here "everything" refers to all his parables. Alternate translation: "he explained all his parables"

Mark 4:35

Connecting Statement:

As Jesus and his disciples take a boat to escape the crowds of people, a great storm arises. His disciples are afraid when they see that even the wind and the sea obey Jesus.

he said to them

"Jesus said to his disciples"

the other side

"the other side of the Sea of Galilee" or "the other side of the sea"

Mark 4:36

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 4:37

a violent windstorm arose

Here "arose" is an idiom for "began." Alternate translation: "a violent windstorm began"

the boat was almost full of water

It may be helpful to state that the boat was filling up with water. Alternate translation: "the boat was in danger of being filled with water"

Mark 4:38

the stern

The stern is the back part of the boat.

They woke him up

The word "they" refers to the disciples.

do you not care that we are about to die?

The disciples asked this question to show that they were in great danger and that they were upset that Jesus was not helping them. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "you need to pay attention to what is happening; we are all about to die!"

we are about to die

The word "we" includes the disciples and Jesus.

Mark 4:39

Peace! Be still!

These two phrases are similar and used to emphasize what Jesus wanted the wind and the sea to do.

a great calm

"a great stillness over the sea" or "a great calm over the sea"

Mark 4:40

Then he said to them

"And Jesus said to his disciples"

Why are you afraid? Do you still not have faith?

Jesus asks these questions to make his disciples consider why they are afraid when he is with them. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "You should not be afraid. You need to have more faith."

Mark 4:41

Who then is this, because even the wind and the sea obey him?

The disciples ask this question in amazement at what Jesus did. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "This man is not like ordinary men; even the wind and the sea obey him!"

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 4:1

Why did Jesus get into a boat to teach?

Jesus got into a boat to teach because a very large crowd had gathered around him.

Mark 4:4

What happened to the seeds sown on the road?

The birds came and devoured them.

Mark 4:6

What happened to the seeds sown on the rocky ground when the sun rose?

They withered away because they had no root.

Mark 4:7

What happened to the seeds sown among thorn plants?

The thorn plants choked them.

Mark 4:8

What happened to the seeds sown in the good soil?

The seeds produced grain, yielding thirty, sixty, and some a hundred times what was planted.

Mark 4:11

What did Jesus say was given to the Twelve, but not to those outside?

Jesus said the mystery of the kingdom of God was given to the Twelve, but not to those outside.

Mark 4:14

In Jesus' parable, what is the seed?

The seed is the word of God.

Mark 4:15

What does the seed sown on the road represent?

It represents those who hear the word, but immediately Satan takes it away.

Mark 4:16

What does the seed sown on the rocky ground represent?

It represents those who hear the word with joy, but when persecution comes they stumble.

Mark 4:17

What does the seed sown on the rocky ground represent?

It represents those who hear the word with joy, but when persecution comes they stumble.

Mark 4:18

What does the seed sown among thorn plants represent?

It represents those who hear the word, but the cares of the world choke the word.

Mark 4:19

What does the seed sown among thorn plants represent?

It represents those who hear the word, but the cares of the world choke the word.

Mark 4:20

What does the seed sown in the good soil represent?

It represents those who hear the word, receive it, and produce fruit.

Mark 4:22

What did Jesus say would happen to the hidden and secret things?

Jesus said that the hidden and secret things would be brought into the light.

Mark 4:26

In what way is the kingdom of God like a man who casts his seed upon the ground?

The man casts the seed, and it grows, but he does not know how, then when the harvest is ripe he gathers it.

Mark 4:27

In what way is the kingdom of God like a man who casts his seed upon the ground?

The man casts the seed, and it grows, but he does not know how, then when the harvest is ripe he gathers it.

Mark 4:28

In what way is the kingdom of God like a man who casts his seed upon the ground?

The man casts the seed, and it grows, but he does not know how, then when the harvest is ripe he gathers it.

Mark 4:29

In what way is the kingdom of God like a man who casts his seed upon the ground?

The man casts the seed, and it grows, but he does not know how, then when the harvest is ripe he gathers it.

Mark 4:30

In what way is the kingdom of God like a mustard seed?

The mustard seed begins as the smallest of seeds, yet grows into a great plant where many can make their nests.

Mark 4:31

In what way is the kingdom of God like a mustard seed?

The mustard seed begins as the smallest of seeds, yet grows into a great plant where many can make their nests.

Mark 4:32

In what way is the kingdom of God like a mustard seed?

The mustard seed begins as the smallest of seeds, yet grows into a great plant where many can make their nests.

Mark 4:35

What happened as the disciples and Jesus crossed the lake?

A great storm began, threatening to fill the boat with water.

Mark 4:36

What happened as the disciples and Jesus crossed the lake?

A great storm began, threatening to fill the boat with water.

Mark 4:37

What happened as the disciples and Jesus crossed the lake?

A great storm began, threatening to fill the boat with water.

Mark 4:38

What was Jesus doing at this time in the boat?

Jesus was sleeping.

What question did the disciples ask Jesus?

The disciples asked Jesus if he cared that they were about to die.

Mark 4:39

What did Jesus then do?

Jesus rebuked the wind and calmed the sea.

Mark 4:41

After Jesus did this, what was the response of the disciples?

The disciples were filled with great fear and wondered who Jesus was that the wind and sea obeyed him.

Chapter 5

¹ They came to the other side of the sea, to the region of the Gerasenes. ² When Jesus was getting out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came up to him out of the tombs. ³ The man lived in the tombs. No one could restrain him anymore, not even with a chain. ⁴ He had been bound many times with shackles and with chains. He tore the chains apart and his shackles were shattered. No one had the strength to subdue him. ⁵ Every night and day in the tombs and in the mountains, he cried out and cut himself with sharp stones. ⁶ When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran to him and bowed down before him. ⁷ He cried out with a loud voice, "What do I have to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you by God himself, do not torment me." ⁸ For he had been saying to him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit."

⁹ He asked him, "What is your name?"

He answered him, "My name is Legion, for we are many." ¹⁰ He begged him again and again not to send them out of the region. ¹¹ Now a great herd of pigs was there feeding on the hill, ¹² and they begged him, saying, "Send us into the pigs; let us enter into them." ¹³ So he allowed them; the unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep hill into the sea, and about two thousand pigs drowned in the sea. ¹⁴ Then those who were feeding the pigs ran away and reported what had happened in the city and in the countryside, and so people went out to see what had happened. ¹⁵ Then they came to Jesus and they saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. ¹⁶ Those who had seen what happened to the demon-possessed man told them about it in detail, and they also told them about the pigs. ¹⁷ Then they started to beg him to leave their region.

¹⁸ When he was getting into the boat, the demon-possessed man begged him that he might be with him. ¹⁹ But Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go to your house and to your people and tell them what the Lord has done for you, and how he has shown you mercy." ²⁰ So he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis the great things that Jesus had done for him, and everyone was amazed.

²¹ Now when Jesus had crossed over again to the other side in the boat, a great crowd gathered around him, as he was beside the sea. ²² Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came, and when he saw him, fell at his feet. ²³ He begged again and again, saying, "My little daughter is near death. I beg you, come and lay your hands on her that she may be made well and live." ²⁴ So he went with him, and a great crowd followed him and pressed close around him.

²⁵ Now a woman was there who had a flow of blood for twelve years. ²⁶ She had suffered much from many doctors and had spent everything that she had, but instead of getting better she grew worse. ²⁷ When she had heard the reports about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. ²⁸ For she said, "If I touch just his clothes, I will be healed." ²⁹ When she touched him, the bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed from her affliction.

³⁰ Jesus immediately realized in himself that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?"

³¹ His disciples said to him, "You see this crowd pressed around you, and you say, 'Who touched me?'"

³² But Jesus looked around to see who had done it. ³³ The woman, knowing what had happened to her, feared and trembled. She came and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. ³⁴ He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed from your affliction."

³⁵ While he was speaking, some people came from the leader of the synagogue, saying, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any longer?"

³⁶ But when Jesus overheard the message that was spoken, he said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid. Just believe." ³⁷ He did not permit anyone to accompany him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. ³⁸ They came to the house of the leader of the synagogue and he saw there people making a lot of noise; they were weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹ When he entered the house, he said to them, "Why are you upset and why do you weep? The child is not dead but sleeps." ⁴⁰ They began to mock him. But he put them all outside and took the father of the child and the mother and those who were with him, and he went in where the child was. ⁴¹ He took the hand of the child and said to her, "Talitha, koum!" which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you, get up." ⁴² Immediately the child got up and walked (for she was twelve years of age). They were immediately astonished with overwhelming amazement. ⁴³ He strictly ordered them that no one should know about this. Then he told them to give her something to eat.

Mark 5 General Notes

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"Talitha, koum"

The words "Talitha, koum"

Mark 5

5:1-8

Where was Gerasenes?

[5:1]

See Map: Gerasenes

How did someone come out of the tombs?

[5:2]

A tomb was a place where dead people were buried. These were caves at the bottom of mountains. At that time, people possessed with demons lived in those tombs. The tombs were unclean.

See: Demon; Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Clean and Unclean

What was an unclean spirit?

[5:2]

Mark wrote about an unclean spirit. Here, he wrote about many demons who were in this man.

See: Demon; Clean and Unclean;Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)

Why could no one restrain the man?

[5:4]

When someone was restrained, they could not go from one place to another place or doing other things. This man could not be restrained. This is because the unclean spirit was very strong in the man.

See: Demon; Clean and Unclean; Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)

Why did the man cut himself?

[5:5]

The man was in so much pain that he cut himself. He did not want to live anymore. He would rather die than to live with this demon inside of him.

See: Demon;Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)

Why did the man bow down before Jesus?

[5:6]

The unclean spirit knew Jesus is God. He knew Jesus was greater than he was. In ancient times, someone kneeled before someone who was greater. Or perhaps the unclean spirit was worshiping Jesus.

See: Demon; Clean and Unclean; Son of God

Why did the man ask Jesus not to torment him?

[5:7]

The man did not want Jesus to torment him. That is, he did not want Jesus to harm him in a severe way. He did not want Jesus to punish him and send him to hell to be punished forever. Some scholars think the man was talking here, not the demon living in the man. Other scholars think the demon was talking.

See: Demon; Hell

5:9-20

What was this demon’s name?

[5:9]

The demon said his name was Legion. A legion was a Roman military word. It was a group of 6000 soldiers. So the demon said his name was legion because there were many demons in the man. However, it was possible to speak of this as one demon because they were all in one man.

See: Demon

Why did the demon want to enter into the pigs?

[5:12]

The demons did not want Jesus to make them leave the area. They wanted Jesus to allow them to go into the group of pigs. Some scholars think they wanted to remain in the same area where they could hurt more people. Other scholars think that they did not want Jesus to punish them and send them to hell.

See: Demon; Hell

Why did the pigs run down the cliffs and into the sea?

[5:13]

The pigs ran off the cliffs after the demons entered into them. Some scholars think the demons chose pigs because they were unclean according to the Law of Moses. Other scholars think they wanted to destroy the man, but when they were not able to do this, they wanted to destroy the pigs. Other scholars think the pigs were overwhelmed by the demons and the demons made the pigs run over the cliff and into the sea.

See: Demon; Clean and Unclean; Law of Moses

Why were the people afraid of Jesus?

[5:15]

The people in that region were afraid after seeing the things Jesus did.

Some scholars think the people were afraid because Jesus controlled the demons.
Other scholars think the people were afraid because all of the pigs died. 2000 pigs were worth a lot of money. Perhaps they were afraid that they could lose a lot of money.
Other scholars think that Jesus greatly punished evil. They were afraid that they would be punished too.

See: Demon

Why did the man want to go with Jesus?

[5:18]

The man wanted to be with Jesus. Some scholars think the man wanted to become a disciple of Jesus. However, Jesus wanted him to stay with the man’s own people. This is because the man was a Gentile and lived in a Gentile area. He wanted this man to tell the Gentiles in Decapolis about Jesus.

See: Disciple; Gentile

See Map: Decapolis

Why did Jesus call himself “the Lord”?

[5:19]

See: Lord

5:21-43

What was a leader of the synagogue?

[5:22]

The leader of the synagogue was someone who helped lead people in worshipping God in the synagogue. He was not necessarily a pharisee or sadducee.

See: Synagogue; Pharisees; Sadducees

Why did Jairus fall at Jesus’ feet?

5:22

Jairus fell at Jesus’ feet to ask him for help. He was begging. He was desperate for help. He was not worshipping Jesus.

Why did this man want Jesus to lay his hands on his daughter?

[5:23]

This man thought that Jesus could heal his daughter by touching her. He did not know that Jesus could heal her without touching her. He also did not know that he could heal her after she died.

What was a flow of blood?

[5:25]

Women bleed for a few days every month if they are not pregnant. However, this woman bled continuously for 12 years. This would have made her unclean.

See: Clean and Unclean

How did this woman “suffer much from many doctors”?

[5:26]

Mark wrote that the woman “suffered much from many doctors” because many doctors had tried to help her. However, instead of helping her, they actually harmed her more.

Why were the disciples surprised that Jesus asked who touched him?

[5:31]

The disciples were surprised that Jesus asked who touched him. That was because many people were touching him. They did not think he could know when someone specific touched him.

Why was this woman healed?

[5:29]

This woman was healed because she believed in Jesus.

What did Jesus say to the woman?

[5:34]

Jesus told the woman to go in peace and be healed from her suffering. He wanted her to live in a way that honored God. He also wanted her to know that he completely healed her. She was now clean and did not need to be separated from other people.

See: Clean and Unclean

Why were the people at the house crying?

[5:38]

The people at the house were crying because the little girl died.

Why did the people laugh at Jesus?

[5:40]

The people laughed at Jesus. The people did not know that Jesus had the power to make someone alive again.

Why did Jesus not want them to tell anyone about this?

[5:43]

Jesus did not want this girl’s family to tell other people about Jesus healing her. Her father was a Jewish leader and many Jewish leaders rejected Jesus as the messiah. It was not time for them to fight against Jesus. So he did not want them to know what he was doing. Some scholars also think Jesus did not want people to begin bringing dead people to him to be made alive again.

See: Messiah (Christ); Messianic Secret

Why did the girl need to eat?

[5:43]

The girl needed to eat because she was alive again in the same way she was alive before she died. She was not resurrected. When someone is resurrected, they do not need to eat.

See: Resurrect (Resurrection)

Mark 5:1

Connecting Statement:

After Jesus calms the great storm, he heals a man who has many demons, but the local people in Gerasa are not glad about his healing, and they beg Jesus to leave.

They came

The word "They" refers to Jesus and his disciples.

the sea

This refers to the Sea of Galilee.

Gerasenes

This name refers to the people who live in Gerasa.

Mark 5:2

with an unclean spirit

This is an idiom meaning that the man is "controlled" or "possessed" by the unclean spirit. Alternate translation: "controlled by an unclean spirit" or "that an unclean spirit possessed"

Mark 5:3

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 5:4

He had been bound many times

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "People had bound him many times"

his shackles were shattered

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "he shattered his shackles"

shackles

pieces of metal that people wrap around the arms and legs of prisoners and attach with chains to objects that do not move so the prisoners cannot move

No one had the strength to subdue him

The man was so strong that no one could subdue him. Alternate translation: "He was so strong that no one was strong enough to subdue him"

subdue him

"control him"

Mark 5:5

cut himself with sharp stones

Often when a person is possessed by a demon, the demon will cause the person to do self-destructive things, such as cutting himself.

Mark 5:6

When he saw Jesus from a distance

When the man first saw Jesus, Jesus would have been getting out of the boat.

bowed down

This means that he knelt down before Jesus out of reverence and respect, not out of worship.

Mark 5:7

General Information:

The information in verses 7 and 8 may be reordered to present the events in the order that they happened, as in the UDB.

He cried out

"The unclean spirit cried out"

What do I have to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?

The unclean spirit asks this question out of fear. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Leave me alone, Jesus, Son of the Most High God! There is no reason for you to interfere with me."

Jesus ... do not torment me

Jesus has the power to torment unclean spirits.

Son of the Most High God

This is an important title for Jesus.

I beg you by God himself

Here the unclean spirit is swearing by God as he makes a request of Jesus. Consider how this type of request is made in your language. Alternate translation: "I beg you before God" or "I swear by God himself and beg you"

Mark 5:8

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 5:9

He asked him

"And Jesus asked the unclean spirit"

He answered him, "My name is Legion, for we are many."

One spirit was speaking for many here. He spoke of them as if they were a legion, a Roman army unit of about 6,000 soldiers. Alternate translation: "And the spirit said to him, 'Call us an army, for many of us are inside the man.'"

Mark 5:10

He begged him

"The unclean spirit begged Jesus"

not to send them

"not to send him and the other unclean spirits"

Mark 5:11

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 5:12

they begged him

"the unclean spirits begged Jesus"

Mark 5:13

he allowed them

It may be helpful to state clearly what Jesus allowed them to do. Alternate translation: "Jesus allowed the unclean spirits to do what they asked permission to do"

into the sea, and about two thousand pigs drowned in the sea

You can make the words after the comma a separate sentence: "into the sea. There were about two thousand pigs, and they drowned in the sea"

about two thousand pigs

"about 2,000 pigs"

Mark 5:14

reported what had happened in the city and in the countryside

"told people in the city and in the countryside what had happened"

Mark 5:15

Legion

This was the name of the many demons that had been in the man. See how you translated this in Mark 5:9.

in his right mind

This is an idiom meaning that he is thinking clearly. Alternate translation: "of a normal mind" or "thinking clearly"

they were afraid

The word "they" refers to the group of people who went out to see what had happened.

Mark 5:16

Those who had seen what happened

"The people who had witnessed what had happened"

Mark 5:17

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 5:18

the demon-possessed man

Though the man is no longer demon-possessed, he is still described in this way. Alternate translation: "the man who had been demon-possessed"

Mark 5:19

But Jesus did not permit him

What Jesus did not allow the man to do can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "But he did not allow the man to come with them"

Mark 5:20

Decapolis

This is the name of a region that means Ten Cities. It is located to the southeast of the Sea of Galilee.

everyone was amazed

It may be helpful to state why the people were amazed. Alternate translation: "all the people who heard what the man said were amazed"

Mark 5:21

Connecting Statement:

After healing the demon-possessed man in region of the Gerasenes, Jesus and his disciples return across the lake to Capernaum where one of the leaders of the synagogue asks Jesus to heal his daughter.

the other side

This refers to the other side of the sea

beside the sea

"on the seashore" or "on the shore"

the sea

This is the Sea of Galilee.

Mark 5:22

Jairus

This is the name of a man.

Mark 5:23

lay your hands

"Laying on hands" refers to a prophet or teacher placing his hand on someone and imparting either healing or a blessing. In this case, Jarius is asking Jesus to heal his daughter.

that she may be made well and live

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and heal her and make her live"

Mark 5:24

So he went with him

"So Jesus went with Jairus." Jesus's disciples also went with him. Alternate translation: "So Jesus and the disciples went with Jairus"

pressed close around him

This means they crowded around Jesus and pressed themselves together to be closer to Jesus.

Mark 5:25

Connecting Statement:

While Jesus is on his way to heal the man's little 12-year-old girl, a woman who has been sick for 12 years interrupts by touching Jesus for her healing.

Now a woman was there

The word "Now" is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the story with a new person. Consider how new people are introduced into a story in your language.

who had a flow of blood for twelve years

The woman did not have an open wound; rather, her monthly flow of blood would not stop. Your language may have a polite way to refer to this condition.

for twelve years

"for 12 years"

Mark 5:26

she grew worse

"her sickness got worse" or "her bleeding increased"

Mark 5:27

the reports about Jesus

She had heard reports about Jesus of how he healed people. Alternate translation: "that Jesus healed people"

cloak

outer garment or coat

Mark 5:28

I will be healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it will heal me" or "his power will heal me"

Mark 5:29

she was healed from her affliction

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the sickness left her" or "she was no longer sick"

Mark 5:30

that power had gone out from him

When the woman touched Jesus, Jesus felt his power healing her. Jesus himself did not lose any of his power to heal people when he healed her. Alternate translation: "that his healing power had healed someone"

Mark 5:31

this crowd pressed around you

This means they crowded around Jesus and pressed themselves together to be closer to Jesus. See how you translated this in Mark 5:24.

Mark 5:32

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 5:33

fell down before him

"knelt down before him." She knelt down before Jesus as an act of honor and submission.

told him the whole truth

The phrase "the whole truth" refers to how she had touched him and had became well. Alternate translation: "told him the whole truth about how she had touched him"

Mark 5:34

Daughter

Jesus called the woman "Daughter." This was a kind way for a teacher to speak to a woman. Jesus showed that he cared about her.

your faith

"your faith in me"

Mark 5:35

While he was speaking

"While Jesus was speaking"

some people came from the leader of the synagogue

"The leader of the synagogue" is a metonym for the synagogue leader's house or household. It is most likely that these were family members or servants and not some other people who happened to be in the house. Alternate translation: "some people came from the house of the leader of the synagogue" or "some people from the synagogue leader's household came"

the leader of the synagogue

This refers to Jairus (Mark 5:22).

synagogue, saying

"synagogue, saying to Jairus"

Why trouble the teacher any longer?

This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is useless to bother the teacher any longer" or "There is no need to bother the teacher any longer."

the teacher

This refers to Jesus.

Mark 5:36

the message that was spoken

This can be stated as in active form. Alternate translation: "the message that they told Jairus"

Just believe

If necessary, you can state what Jesus is commanding Jairus to believe. Alternate translation: "Just believe I can make you daughter live"

Mark 5:37

General Information:

In verses 37 and 38, the author gives background information about the Pharisees' washing traditions in order to show why the Pharisees were bothered that Jesus's disciples did not wash their hands before eating. If you need to reorder the events in these verses, it may be helpful to use a verse bridge, as in the UDB.

He did not permit anyone to accompany him except Peter ... James

This double negative emphasizes that Peter and the others were the only ones whom he permitted to accompany him. Alternate translation: "He only permitted Peter ... James to accompany him"

He did not permit

Jesus did not permit

to accompany him

"to come with him." It may be helpful to state where they were going. Alternate translation: "to accompany him to Jairus' house"

Mark 5:38

General Information:

he saw

Jesus saw

Mark 5:39

he said to them

"Jesus said to the people who were weeping"

Why are you upset and why do you weep?

Jesus asked this question to help them see their lack of faith. This may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "This is not a time to be upset and crying."

The child is not dead but sleeps

Jesus uses the common word for sleep, and so should the translation.

Mark 5:40

They began to mock him

Jesus used the common word for sleep (verse 39). The reader should understand that the people who hear Jesus speak are laughing at him because they truly do know the difference between a dead person and a sleeping person and they think he does not.

put them all outside

"sent all the other people outside the house"

those who were with him

This refers to Peter, James, and John.

went in where the child was

It may be helpful to state where the child is. Alternate translation: "went into the room where the child was lying"

Mark 5:41

Talitha, koum

This is an Aramaic sentence that Jesus spoke to the little girl in her language. Write these words as they sound, using your alphabet.

Mark 5:42

she was twelve years of age

"she was 12 years old"

Mark 5:43

He strictly ordered them that no one should know about this. Then

This can be stated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "He ordered them strictly, 'No one should know about this!' Then" or "He ordered them strictly, 'Do not tell anyone about what I have done!' Then"

He strictly ordered them

"He strongly commanded them"

Then he told them to give her something to eat.

This can be stated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "And he told them, 'Give her something to eat.'"

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 5:1

Who met Jesus when they came to the region of the Gerasenes?

A man with an unclean spirit met Jesus.

Mark 5:2

Who met Jesus when they came to the region of the Gerasenes?

A man with an unclean spirit met Jesus.

Mark 5:4

What had happened when people tried to restrain this man with chains?

When people tried to restrain this man with chains, he tore the chains apart.

Mark 5:7

What title did the unclean spirit give Jesus?

The unclean spirit called Jesus the Son of the Most High God.

Mark 5:8

What did Jesus say to the man?

Jesus said to the man, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit".

Mark 5:9

What was the name of the unclean spirit?

The unclean spirit's name was Army, because there were many.

Mark 5:13

What happened when Jesus cast out the unclean spirit from the man?

The spirits came out and entered a herd of pigs, who ran down a steep hill and drowned in the lake.

Mark 5:15

After the unclean spirit was cast out, what was the condition of the man?

The man was sitting with Jesus, clothed and in his right mind.

Mark 5:17

What did the people of the region ask Jesus to do?

The people asked Jesus to leave their region.

Mark 5:19

What did Jesus tell the man who had lived in the tombs to now do?

Jesus told the man to tell his people what the Lord had done for him.

Mark 5:22

What request did Jairus, the synagogue leader, make of Jesus?

Jairus asked Jesus to come with him to lay hands on his daughter who was near death.

Mark 5:23

What request did Jairus, the synagogue leader, make of Jesus?

Jairus asked Jesus to come with him to lay hands on his daughter who was near death.

Mark 5:25

What was the problem with the woman who touched Jesus' cloak?

The woman had suffered with a discharge of blood for twelve years.

Mark 5:28

Why did the woman touch Jesus' cloak?

The woman thought that if she just touched Jesus' clothes, she would be healed.

Mark 5:30

What did Jesus do when the woman touched his cloak?

Jesus knew that power had gone out from him and looked around to see who had touched him.

Mark 5:32

What did Jesus do when the woman touched his cloak?

Jesus knew that power had gone out from him and looked around to see who had touched him.

Mark 5:34

When the woman told Jesus all the truth, what did Jesus say to her?

Jesus told her that her faith had made her well, and to go in peace.

Mark 5:35

What was the condition of Jairus' daughter when Jesus arrived at the house?

Jairus' daughter was dead.

Mark 5:36

What did Jesus tell Jairus at this time?

Jesus told Jairus to not be afraid, but to just believe.

Mark 5:37

Which disciples went with Jesus into the room where the child was?

Peter, James, and John went with Jesus into the room.

Mark 5:40

What did the people in the house do when Jesus said Jairus' daughter was only sleeping?

The people laughed at Jesus when he said that Jairus' daughter was only sleeping.

Mark 5:42

When the child got up and walked, how did the people react?

The people were greatly overcome and astonished.

Chapter 6

¹ He went out from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. ² When the Sabbath came, he taught in the synagogue. Many people heard him and they were amazed. They said, "Where did he get these teachings?" "What is this wisdom that has been given to him?" "What are these miracles that he does with his hands?" ³ "Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are his sisters not here with us?" They were offended by Jesus. ^[1]

⁴ Then Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household." ⁵ He could not do any mighty work, except to lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. ⁶ He was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went around the villages teaching.

⁷ Then he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits, ⁸ and instructed them to take nothing for their journey, except a staff—no bread, no bag, and no money in their belts— ⁹ but to wear sandals, and not to wear two tunics. ¹⁰ He said to them, "Whenever you enter a house, remain until you go away from there. ¹¹ If any town will not receive you or listen to you, when you leave that place, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony to them." ¹² They went out and proclaimed that people should repent. ¹³ They cast out many demons, and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

¹⁴ King Herod heard this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him." ¹⁵ Some others said, "He is Elijah." Still others said, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets in ancient times."

¹⁶ But when Herod heard this he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised."

¹⁷ For Herod sent to have John arrested and he had him bound in prison on account of Herodias (his brother Philip's wife), because he had married her. ¹⁸ For John told Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." ¹⁹ But Herodias held on to anger against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not, ²⁰ for Herod feared John; he knew that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. Listening to him made him greatly perplexed, yet he heard him gladly.

²¹ Then an opportunity came when Herod had his birthday and he made a dinner for his officials and for the commanders and leaders of Galilee. ²² The daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced for them, and she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want and I will give it to you." ²³ He swore to her saying, "Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom."

²⁴ She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask him for?"

She said, "The head of John the Baptist."

²⁵ She immediately hurried back to the king, and she asked, saying, "I want you to give me, right now, the head of John the Baptist on a wooden platter." ²⁶ Though this deeply grieved the king, he could not refuse her request because of the oath he had made and because of his dinner guests. ²⁷ So the king sent a soldier from his guard and commanded him to bring him John's head. The guard went and beheaded him in the prison. ²⁸ He brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. ²⁹ When his disciples heard of this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb.

³⁰ The apostles came together with Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. ³¹ Then he said to them, "Come away by yourselves into a deserted place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. ³² So they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. ³³ But they saw them leaving and many recognized them, and they ran there together on foot from all the towns, and they arrived there before them. ³⁴ When they came ashore, he saw a great crowd and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things.

³⁵ When the hour was late, his disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place and the hour is already late. ³⁶ Send them away so that they may go into the nearby countryside and villages to buy something to eat for themselves."

³⁷ But he answered and said to them, "You give them something to eat."

They said to him, "Can we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?"

³⁸ He said to them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see."

When they found out, they said, "Five loaves and two fish." ³⁹ He commanded all the people to sit down in groups upon the green grass. ⁴⁰ They sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. ⁴¹ He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven he blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. ⁴² They all ate until they were satisfied. ⁴³ They took up broken pieces of bread, twelve baskets full, and also pieces of the fish. ⁴⁴ There were five thousand men who ate the loaves.

⁴⁵ Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he sent the crowd away. ⁴⁶ After taking leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray. ⁴⁷ Evening came, and the boat was now in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on land. ⁴⁸ He saw that they were straining against the oars, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he wanted to pass by them. ⁴⁹ But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought he was a ghost and cried out, ⁵⁰ because they saw him and were troubled. Immediately he spoke to them and said to them, "Be courageous! It is I! Do not be afraid!" ⁵¹ He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased blowing. They were completely amazed. ⁵² For they had not understood what the loaves meant. Instead, their hearts were hardened.

⁵³ When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and anchored the boat. ⁵⁴ When they came out of the boat, the people recognized him immediately, ⁵⁵ and they ran throughout the whole region and began to bring the sick on their mats to wherever they heard he was. ⁵⁶ Wherever he entered into villages, or cities, or into the country, they would put the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch the edge of his garment, and as many as touched him were healed.

Footnotes

6:3 ^[1]The man called Joses here is called

Mark 6 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

"Anointed with oil"

In the ancient Near East, people would try to heal sick people by putting olive oil on them.

Mark 6

6:1-6

Where did Jesus live when he was a child?

[6:1]

Jesus’ family lived in Nazareth.

See Map: Nazareth

What was the Sabbath?

[6:2]

See: Sabbath

Why did the people want to know who taught Jesus?

[6:2]

In ancient Israel, many teachers learned from other teachers. They taught the same things their teachers taught. This is why they wanted to know who taught Jesus. He did not teach the same things any other teacher taught.

Why did the people ask questions about how Jesus performed miracles?

[6:2]

The people asked Jesus who gave Jesus the power to do miracles. They did not think God gave Jesus the power to do these miracles. They thought Satan gave him this power (see: Mark 3:22).

See: Miracle; Satan (The Devil)

Did Jesus have brothers and sisters?

[6:3]

Some scholars think that Mary and Joseph had other children after Jesus was born. These people were talking about Jesus’ brothers and sisters. Fewer scholars think that Mary and Joseph did not have any more children after Jesus. They think these were Jesus’ cousins.

See: Family of Jesus

Why did the people not like what Jesus said?

[6:3]

The people did not like what Jesus said because the people knew Jesus was Mary’s son. They knew his brothers and sisters, they did not believe he was sent from God and was their messiah.

See: Messiah (Christ)

What did Jesus mean when he said, “a prophet is not without honor”?

[6:4]

When Jesus said that a prophet was “not without honor,” he wanted to say that people respected or honored a prophet. The only place that a prophet is not honored is in the place where he lived when he was a child. Jesus was a prophet. Perhaps he was also thinking about how Israel would reject him as their messiah.

See: Prophet; Messiah (Christ)

Why was Jesus unable to heal people?

[6:5]

Jesus was able to heal anyone in this place. Some scholars think Jesus was not free to heal people when the people did not believe in him. Jesus healed people so they would know that God sent him and that they will believe in him. The people in Nazareth did not believe in Jesus, even when they saw him heal people.

6:7-13

Who were the twelve?

[6:7]

The twelve were the twelve disciples.

See: Disciple

What did Jesus send the disciples to do?

[6:7]

Jesus sent the twelve disciples to tell other people about Jesus and to heal people who have unclean spirits living in them.

See: Disciple; Demon; Clean and Unclean; Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)

Why did Jesus not want the disciples to take anything with them?

[6:8, 6:9]

Jesus did not want the disciples to take anything with them when they traveled. That was because they were to go quickly and to know that God would give them everything they needed. They took only a staff to help them walk.

They were also not to have two tunics. A tunic was the main piece of clothing they wore. They wore a second tunic at night when it was cold. They carried the other tunic during the day. However, God would make sure they were warm at night.

See: Disciple

Why were the disciples to remain in one house?

[6:10]

The disciples were told to remain in one house. At this time it was a great honor to have someone stay in your home. Jesus did not want his disciples to dishonor a host by leaving that house.

See: Disciple

Why were the disciples to shake the dust off their feet?

[6:11]

If the people in a town rejected the disciples, the disciples were told to shake the dust off their feet when they left the town. According to the Law of Moses, the Jews needed to welcome people who were travelling. If they did not welcome the disciples, they disobeyed God. At this time, certain Jews shook the dust off their feet when leaving a place where Gentiles lived. This is because they thought they were leaving an unclean area.

See: Disciple; Law of Moses; Clean and Unclean;Gentile

Why should people repent?

[6:12]

See: Repent (Repentance)

Why did someone get anointed with oil?

[6:13]

In ancient Israel, it was common to anoint someone with oil who was sick so that they might be healed. They poured oil on their head or where they were hurt. It was a way of asking God to help this person.

See: Anoint (Anointing)

6:14-20

Who was King Herod?

[6:14]

See: King Herod

Why did people think John the Baptist was made alive again?

[6:14]

Scholars do not know why people thought Jesus was John the Baptist made alive again. These people did not know that these two men lived at the same time. Both Jesus and John were prophets who honored God.

See: Resurrect (Resurrection) ;Prophet

Why did people think Jesus was Elijah?

[6:15]

In ancient Israel, people thought Elijah would return to the earth. This is because he never died. Instead, he went straight to heaven. The prophet Malachi wrote about Elijah returning (see: Malachi 4:5).

See: Prophet; Heaven

What was a prophet?

[6:15]

See: Prophet

Why did Herod arrest John the Baptist?

[6:17]

John the Baptist spoke against King Herod. He said the things King Herod did were evil. He said it was wrong for Herod to marry Herodias because his brother Philip was still alive. This made Herod angry. Herod wanted to kill John. However, Herod worried about what people would do if he killed John. Therefore, he put him into prison.

See: Leviticus 20:21

Who was Herodias?

[6:17]

Herodias was the wife of King Herod. Before Herod married her, Herodias was married to Herod’s brother Philip.

Why was it difficult for Herod to kill John the Baptist?

[6:20]

The people of Israel thought John the Baptist was a prophet. Therefore they thought it was very wrong to harm John. Herod feared what people would do if he killed a prophet. Some scholars also think he feared John because John was a man who honored God while Herod did not honor God.

See: Prophet

6:21-29

What day was this dinner?

[6:21]

In this passage, it was Herod’s birthday. Many different leaders who served him went to the dinner feast he made for his birthday.

Advice to translators: A birthday is a celebration of the day someone was born. Every year on the same day someone was born people celebrate that person.

Who was the girl?

[6:22]

Herodias sent her daughter to dance for Herod. She danced in a way that made men have sexual thoughts about her. She was the daughter of Herodias and Philip. She was Herod’s niece and step-daughter.

What was an oath?

[6:22]

See: Swear (Oath)

Why did this make Herod sad?

[6:26]

Herod did not want to kill John the Baptist. He knew John was a man who honored God. However, he did not want people to see him break his oath. Therefore, he had John killed. This made Herod very sad.

See: Swear (Oath)

Why did the disciples place John’s body in a tomb?

[6:29]

According to the Law of Moses, a person needed to be buried before the end of the day. Therefore, the disciples buried John’s body to obey the Law of Moses.

See: Disciple; Law of Moses

6:30-44

Who went away in the boat?

[6:32]

The apostles and Jesus went away in the boat.

See: Apostle

What happened in verse 33?

[6:33]

The people saw Jesus and the apostles leaving. Many of the people knew who were Jesus and the apostles. The people ran there together on foot from all the towns. Many of them arrived there before Jesus and the apostles did.

See: Apostle

How were the people like sheep without a shepherd?

[6:34]

Jesus said that the people were like sheep without a shepherd. This was a metaphor. This meant the people did not have a leader to follow.

See: Metaphor

What did Mark mean when he wrote the “hour was late”?

[6:35]

Mark wrote that it was late in the day and they needed to eat and find a place to sleep.

What was a loaf?

[6:38]

Bread is made in a loaf. In ancient times, a person needed at least one loaf a day to live. For a meal, five loaves and two fish fed 2 or 3 small families.

Why did Jesus “bless” the bread?

[6:41]

When Jesus blessed the bread, he thanked God for giving them the bread.

How many people ate the bread and fish?

[6:44]

Mark wrote that 5000 men ate the bread and fish. There were also women and children who ate of the bread and fish. Therefore, more than 5000 people ate.

6:45-56

Where was Bethsaida?

[6:45]

See Map: Bethsaida

How were the disciples “straining against the oars”?

[6:48]

Mark wrote that the disciples were “straining against the oars, for the wind was against them.” That is, they were working hard to row to keep their boat from sinking because of the bad weather.

See: Disciple

When was the fourth watch of the night?

[6:48]

The fourth watch of the night was a time after midnight.

What was a ghost?

[6:49]

A ghost is the spirit of a dead person trapped on earth. Ghosts are not real because people must either go to heaven or hell after they die. Spirits do not get trapped on earth when a person dies.

See: Spirit (Spiritual); Heaven; Hell

What did the loaves mean?

[6:52]

Mark wrote about what the loaves meant. Mark wrote about Jesus walking on the water and feeding 5000 men. These were both miracles. He wanted people to know that Jesus could do miracles because he is God.

See: Miracle

Where was Gennesaret?

[6:53]

See Map: Gennesaret

Mark 6:1

Connecting Statement:

Jesus returns to his hometown, where he is not accepted.

his hometown

This refers to the town of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up and where his family lived. This does not mean that he owned land there.

Mark 6:2

What is this wisdom that has been given to him?

This question can be asked in active form. Alternate translation: "What is this wisdom that he has gained?"

that he does with his hands

This phrase emphasizes that Jesus himself does the miracles. Alternate translation: "that he himself works"

Mark 6:3

Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are his sisters not here with us?

These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "He is just an ordinary carpenter! We know him and his family. We know Mary his mother. We know his younger brothers James, Joses, Judas and Simon. And his younger sisters also live here with us."

Mark 6:4

to them

"to the crowd"

A prophet is not without honor, except

This sentence uses a double negative to emphasize the positive. Alternate translation: "A prophet is always honored, except" or "People always honor prophets, except those"

Mark 6:5

to lay his hands on a few sick people

Prophets and teachers would put their hands on people in order to heal them or bless them. In this case, Jesus was healing people.

Mark 6:6

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 6:7

Connecting Statement:

Jesus sends his disciples out in sets of two to preach and to heal.

he called the twelve

Here the word "called" means that he summoned the twelve to come to him.

two by two

"2 by 2" or "in pairs"

Mark 6:8

General Information:

Jesus's instructions in verses 8 and 9 can be reordered to separate what he told the disciples to do from what he told them not to do, as in the UDB.

to take nothing for their journey, except a staff

This double negative emphasizes that a staff is the only thing that they were to take. Alternate translation: "to take only a staff for their journey"

no bread

Here "bread" is a synecdoche for food in general. Alternate translation: "no food"

Mark 6:9

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 6:10

He said to them

"Jesus said to the twelve"

remain until you go away from there

Here "remain" represents daily going back to that house to eat and sleep there. Alternate translation: "eat and sleep in that house until you leave that area"

Mark 6:11

as a testimony to them

"as a testimony against them." The testimony can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "as a testimony that they did not welcome you" or "to show them that they did wrong when they did not welcome you"

Mark 6:12

They went out

The word "They" refers to the twelve and does not include Jesus. Also, it may be helpful to state that they went out to various towns. Alternate translation: "They went out to various towns"

repent

"stop sinning"

Mark 6:13

They cast out many demons

It may be helpful to state that they cast the demons out of people. Alternate translation: "They cast many demons out of people"

Mark 6:14

Connecting Statement:

Before this time, Herod commanded that John the Baptist be killed. When Herod hears about Jesus's miracles, he worries, thinking that someone has raised John the Baptist from the dead.

King Herod heard this

The word "this" refers to everything that Jesus and his disciples had been doing in various towns, including casting out demons and healing people.

Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised

Some people thought that Jesus was John the Baptist. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "Some people were saying, 'He is John the Baptist, who has been raised"

John the Baptist has been raised from the dead

"Raised from the dead" is an idiom that means "caused to live again." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has raised John the Baptist from the dead" or "John the Baptist has become alive again"

Mark 6:15

Some others said, "He is Elijah."

It may be helpful to state why some people thought he was Elijah. Alternate translation: "Some others said, 'He is Elijah, whom God promised to send back again.'"

Mark 6:16

whom I beheaded

Herod said "I beheaded" because he had commanded his soldier to behead John. Alternate translation: "whom I commanded my soldier to behead"

has been raised

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "has risen" or "has become alive again"

Mark 6:17

General Information:

Here the author begins to give background information about Herod and why he beheaded John the Baptist.

Herod sent to have John arrested and he had him bound in prison

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Herod sent his soldiers to arrest John and to bind him in prison"

on account of Herodias

"because of Herodias"

his brother Philip's wife

"the wife of his brother Philip." Herod's brother Philip is not the same Philip who was an evangelist in the book of Acts or the Philip who was one of Jesus's twelve disciples.

because he had married her

"because Herod had married her"

Mark 6:18

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 6:19

Herodias held on to anger against him

"Herodias continued to be angry at John"

and wanted to kill him

Herodias wanted someone to kill John. Alternate translation: "and she wanted someone to kill him"

but she could not

What she could not do can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "but she could not kill him" or "but she could not have him killed"

Mark 6:20

for Herod feared John; he knew

These two clauses can be linked differently to show more clearly why Herod feared John. Alternate translation: "for Herod feared John because he knew"

he knew that he was a righteous

"Herod knew that John was a righteous"

Listening to him

"Listening to John"

Mark 6:21

Connecting Statement:

The author continues to give background information about Herod and the beheading of John the Baptist.

an opportunity came

"a convenient day" or "there was an opportune time." This was a time when Herodias could finally do something so that John the Baptist would be killed.

he made a dinner for his officials ... of Galilee

This means that he invited those people to a special dinner to celebrate his birthday with him. Alternate translation: "he had a banquet for his officials ... of Galilee" or "he invited his officials ... of Galilee to eat and celebrate with him"

a dinner

a formal meal or banquet

Mark 6:22

Herodias herself

The word "herself" is a reflexive pronoun used to emphasize that it was significant that it was Herodias's own daughter who danced at the dinner.

came in

"came into the room"

Mark 6:23

Whatever you ask ... my kingdom

"I will give you whatever you ask me to give to you, even half of what I own and rule, if you ask for that"

Mark 6:24

went out

"went out of the room"

Mark 6:25

on a wooden platter

"on a board" or "on a large wooden dish"

Mark 6:26

because of the oath he had made

The oath was what Herod swore to the girl in verse 23. Alternate translation: "because of what he had sworn to the girl" or "because he had sworn to give the girl whatever she asked for"

and because of his dinner guests

This can be stated more clearly. Alternate translation: "and because his dinner guests had heard his oath"

Mark 6:27

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 6:28

on a platter

"on a tray"

Mark 6:29

When his disciples

"When John's disciples"

Mark 6:30

Connecting Statement:

After the disciples return from preaching and healing, they go somewhere to be alone, but there are many people who come to hear Jesus teach. When it becomes late, he feeds the people and then sends everyone away while he prays alone.

Mark 6:31

a deserted place

a place where there are no people

many were coming and going

This means that people were continually coming to the apostles and then going away from them.

they did not even

The word "they" refers to the apostles.

Mark 6:32

So they went away

Here the word "they" includes both the apostles and Jesus.

Mark 6:33

they saw them leaving and many recognized them, and they ran there together on foot from all the towns, and they arrived there before them

The people saw Jesus and the apostles leaving, and many of the people recognized Jesus and the apostles, and the people ran there together on foot from all the towns, and the people arrived there before Jesus and the apostles did.

on foot

The people are going on foot by land, which contrasts with how the disciples went by boat.

Mark 6:34

When they came ... on them because they were like ... to teach them

When Jesus and the disciples came ... on the people in the crowd because the people in the crowd were like ... to teach the people in the crowd

they were like sheep without a shepherd

Jesus compares the people to sheep who are confused when they do not have their shepherd to lead them.

Mark 6:35

When the hour was late

This means it was late in the day. Alternate translation: "When it was getting late" or "Late in the afternoon"

a deserted place

This refers to a place where there are no people. See how you translated this in Mark 6:31.

Mark 6:36

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 6:37

But he answered and said to them

"But Jesus answered and said to his disciples"

Can we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?

The disciples ask this question to say that there is no way they could afford to buy enough food for this crowd. Alternate translation: "We could not buy enough bread to feed this crowd, even if we had two hundred denarii!"

two hundred denarii

"200 denarii." The singular form of the word "denarii" is "denarius." A denarius was a Roman silver coin worth one day's wages.

Mark 6:38

loaves

lumps of bread dough that have been shaped and baked

Mark 6:39

green grass

Describe the grass with the color word used in your language for healthy grass, which may or may not be the color green.

Mark 6:40

in groups of hundreds and fifties

This refers to the number of people in each of the groups. Alternate translation: "with about fifty people in some groups and about a hundred people in other groups"

Mark 6:41

looking up to heaven

This means that he looked up toward the sky, which is associated with the place where God lives.

he blessed

"he spoke a blessing" or "he gave thanks"

He also divided the two fish among them all

"he divided the two fish so that everyone could have some"

Mark 6:42

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 6:43

They took up

Possible meaning are 1) "The disciples took up" or 2) "The people took up."

broken pieces of bread, twelve baskets full

"twelve baskets full of broken pieces of bread"

twelve baskets

"12 baskets"

Mark 6:44

There were five thousand men who ate the loaves

Telling the number of men in the crowd hints at how large the crowd was. The women and children also ate. Alternate translation: "So many people ate the loaves of bread; the number of just the men was five thousand"

five thousand men

"5,000 men"

Mark 6:45

to the other side

This refers to the Sea of Galilee. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "to the other side of the Sea of Galilee"

Bethsaida

This is a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Mark 6:46

After taking leave of them

"After saying goodbye to them" or "After they had left." Use the common words your language uses for a time when friends leave each other and expect to see each other after a few hours or days.

Mark 6:47

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 6:48

Connecting Statement:

A storm arises while the disciples are trying to cross the lake. Seeing Jesus walking on the water terrifies them. They do not understand how Jesus can calm the storm.

fourth watch

This is the time between 3 a.m. and sunrise.

Mark 6:49

a ghost

the spirit of a dead person or some other kind of spirit

Mark 6:50

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 6:51

They were completely amazed

If you need to be more specific, it can stated what they were amazed by. Alternate translation: "They were completely amazed at what he had done"

Mark 6:52

what the loaves meant

Here the phrase "the loaves" refers to when Jesus multiplied the loaves of bread. Alternate translation: "what it meant when Jesus multiplied the loaves of bread" or "what it meant when Jesus caused the few loaves to become many"

their hearts were hardened

Having a hard heart represents being too stubborn to understand. Alternate translation: "they were too stubborn to understand"

Mark 6:53

Connecting Statement:

When Jesus and his disciples arrive at Gennesaret in their boat, people see him and bring people for him to heal. This happens wherever they go.

Gennesaret

This is the name of the region to the northwest of the Sea of Galilee.

Mark 6:54

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 6:55

they ran throughout the whole region

It may be helpful to state why they ran through the region. Alternate translation: "they ran throughout the whole district in order to tell others that Jesus was there"

they ran ... they heard

The word "they" refers to the people who recognized Jesus, not to the disciples.

the sick

This phrase refers to people. Alternate translation: "the sick people"

Mark 6:56

Wherever he entered

"Wherever Jesus entered"

they would put

Here "they" refers to the people. It does not refer to Jesus's disciples.

the sick

This phrase refers to people. Alternate translation: "the sick people"

They begged him

Possible meanings are 1) "The sick begged him" or 2) "The people begged him."

let them touch

The word "them" refers to the sick.

the edge of his garment

"the hem of his robe" or "the edge of his clothes"

as many as

"all those who"

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 6:2

Why were the people of Jesus' home town shocked about him?

The people did not know from where he got his teachings, his wisdom, and his miracles.

Mark 6:4

Where did Jesus say a prophet is without honor?

Jesus said a prophet is without honor in his home town, among his relatives, and in his own household.

Mark 6:6

What amazed Jesus about the people in his home town?

Jesus was amazed by the unbelief of the people in his home town.

Mark 6:7

What authority did Jesus give the Twelve as he sent them out?

Jesus gave the Twelve authority over unclean spirits.

Mark 6:8

What did the Twelve take with them on their journey?

The Twelve took a staff, sandals, and one tunic.

Mark 6:9

What did the Twelve take with them on their journey?

The Twelve took a staff, sandals, and one tunic.

Mark 6:11

What did Jesus tell the Twelve to do if a place did not receive them?

Jesus told the Twelve to shake off the dust under their feet as a testimony against them.

Mark 6:14

Who did the people suppose Jesus was?

The people supposed that Jesus was John the Baptizer, or Elijah, or a prophet.

Mark 6:15

Who did the people suppose Jesus was?

The people supposed that Jesus was John the Baptizer, or Elijah, or a prophet.

Mark 6:18

What had John the Baptizer told Herod he was doing unlawfully?

John had told Herod it was unlawful for Herod to marry his brother's wife.

Mark 6:20

How did Herod react when he heard John preach?

Herod became upset when he heard John preach, but he was still glad to hear him.

Mark 6:23

What oath did Herod swear to Herodias?

Herod swore that she could have whatever she asked of him, up to half of his kingdom.

Mark 6:25

For what did Herodias ask?

Herodias asked for the head of John the Baptizer on a platter.

Mark 6:26

How did Herod react to Herodias' request?

Herod became very sorry, but did not refuse her request because of the oaths he had made in front of his guests.

Mark 6:33

What happened when Jesus and the apostles tried to go away by themselves to rest?

Many people recognized them and ran to arrive there before Jesus and the apostles.

Mark 6:34

What was Jesus' attitude toward the crowd that was waiting for them?

Jesus had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd.

Mark 6:37

When asked by Jesus, what did the disciples think they would have to do to feed the people?

The disciples thought they would have to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread.

Mark 6:38

What food did the disciples already have with them?

The disciples already had five loaves and two fish with them.

Mark 6:41

What did Jesus do as he took the loaves and fish?

As he took the loaves and fish, Jesus looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples.

Mark 6:43

How much food was left after everyone ate?

There were twelve baskets of bread, and pieces of fish left after everyone ate.

Mark 6:44

How many men had been fed?

There were five thousand men that had been fed.

Mark 6:48

How did Jesus come to the disciples on the lake?

Jesus came to the disciples walking on the lake.

Mark 6:50

What did Jesus tell the disciples when they saw him?

Jesus told the disciples to be brave and to not be afraid.

Mark 6:52

Why did the disciples not understand about the miracle of the loaves?

The disciples did not understand about the miracle of the loaves because their minds were slow to understand.

Mark 6:55

What did the people of the region do when they recognized Jesus?

The people brought the sick on stretchers to Jesus wherever they heard he was coming.

Mark 6:56

What happened to those who just touched the fringe of Jesus' garment?

Those who just touched the fringe of Jesus' garment were healed.

Chapter 7

¹ The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him. ² They saw that some of his disciples ate bread with hands that were unclean, that is, unwashed. ³ (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands carefully, because they hold to the tradition of the elders. ⁴ When the Pharisees come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they bathe themselves, and they hold to many other things they have received, such as the washing of cups, pots, copper vessels, and the couches upon which they eat.) ⁵ The Pharisees and the scribes asked Jesus, "Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unclean hands?"

⁶ But he said to them, "Isaiah prophesied well about you hypocrites. As it is written,

'This people honors me with their lips,

but their heart is far from me.

⁷ In vain they worship me,

teaching the commands of men as their doctrines.'

⁸ You abandon the commandment of God and hold on to the tradition of men." ⁹ He also said to them, "How well you reject the commandment of God so you may keep your tradition! ¹⁰ For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of his father or mother will surely be put to death.' ¹¹ But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever help you would have received from me is Corban"' (that is to say, 'a Gift'), ¹² then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother. ¹³ You are making the word of God void by your tradition which you have handed down. And many similar things you do." ¹⁴ He called the crowd again and said to them, "Listen to me, all of you, and understand. ¹⁵ There is nothing from outside of a person that can defile him when it enters into him. It is what comes out of the person that defiles him." ¹⁶^[1]¹⁷ Now when Jesus left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable. ¹⁸ Jesus said, "Are you also still without understanding? Do you not know that whatever enters into a person from outside cannot defile him, ¹⁹ because it cannot go into his heart, but it goes into his stomach and then passes out into the latrine?" With this statement Jesus declared all foods clean. ²⁰ He said, "It is that which comes out of the person that defiles him. ²¹ For from within a person, out of the heart, proceed evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, ²² adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, folly. ²³ All these evils come from within, and they are what defile a person."

²⁴ He got up from there and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. There he went into a house, and he wanted no one to know where he was, yet he could not be hidden. ²⁵ But immediately ^[2] a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him and came and fell down at his feet. ²⁶ Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by descent. She begged him to cast out the demon from her daughter. ²⁷ He said to her, "Let the children first be fed. For it is not proper to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."

²⁸ But she answered and said to him, "Yes, Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."

²⁹ He said to her, "Because of what you have said, you are free to go. The demon has gone out of your daughter." ³⁰ She went back to her house and found the child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone.

³¹ Then he went out again from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee up into the region of the Decapolis. ³² They brought to him someone who was deaf and had difficulty speaking, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. ³³ Then taking him aside away from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and then he spit and touched his tongue. ³⁴ Then he looked up to heaven, sighed, and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is to say, "Open!" ³⁵ At once his ears were opened, the bond of his tongue was released, and he began to speak plainly.

³⁶ Jesus ordered them to tell no one. But the more he ordered them, the more abundantly they proclaimed it. ³⁷ They were extremely astonished, saying, "He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."

Footnotes

7:16 ^[1]The best ancient copies do not have verse 16.

7:25 ^[2]Some ancient copies do not have the words,

Mark 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 7:6-7, which is from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Hand washing

The Pharisees washed many things that were not dirty because they were trying to make God think that they were good. They washed their hands before they ate, even when their hands were not dirty, though the law of Moses did not say that they had to do it. Jesus told them that they were wrong and that people make God happy by thinking and doing the right things. (See: law of Moses and clean)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"Ephphatha"

This is an Aramaic word. Mark wrote it the way it sounds using Greek letters and then explained what it means.

Mark 7

7:1-23

Why did the Pharisees and scribes come from the region of Galilee to Jerusalem?

[7:1]

The Pharisees and scribes came from Jerusalem to see what Jesus and the disciples were doing. Scholars think the Pharisees and Scribes were searching for ways to accuse Jesus of not following the Law of Moses.

See: Pharisees;Scribe; Disciple;Law of Moses

See Map: Galilee

Why did people not eat without washing their hands?

[7:2]

In ancient Israel, the Jews did not eat unless they washed their hands in a certain way. The Jews washed their hands in the way the religious leaders taught. Mark called the rules made by the religious leaders the “traditions of the elders.” They taught that Jews needed to wash their hands after they went to the marketplace. They needed to wash because they were around Gentiles. Gentiles were unclean. These rules were not in the Law of Moses.

Advice to Translators: A marketplace is a place where people go to get food, clothing, and other things they need to live.

See: Law of Moses; Clean and Unclean; Gentile

Why did the Pharisees bathe themselves?

[7:4]

The Pharisees bathed themselves after they went to the marketplace. The religious teachers taught that people needed to wash their hands after they went to the marketplace. However, the Pharisees washed their whole body. They did this because they were near Gentiles and Gentiles were unclean. None of this was in the Law of Moses.

Advice to Translators: A marketplace is a place where people go to get food, clothing, and other things they need to live.

See: Pharisees; Gentile; Law of Moses; Clean and Unclean

Why did the Pharisees wash everything?

[7:4]

The Law of Moses taught that certain things were unclean and needed to be washed. The religious teachers and the Pharisees thought that even more things needed to be washed then what the Law of Moses said to wash. Mark wanted to write that the Pharisees and other religious teachers taught certain things were sins. However, those things were not taught in the Law of Moses. These were rules made by men, not God.

See: Law of Moses; Pharisees; Clean and Unclean; Sin

What did Jesus say to the Pharisees?

[7:6, 7:7]

Jesus said that the Pharisees were hypocrites. The Pharisees said they were honoring God. They did things so that other people would think they were honoring God. However, they really did not want to honor God. Instead, they only wanted people to think they honored God.

The Pharisees were like the people Isaiah prophesied about. They obeyed men and the rules made by men. However, they did not obey God and the rules he made.

See: Pharisees; Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Hypocrisy (Hypocirte)

What did Mark say about honoring your father and mother?

[7:10, 7:11, 7:12]

In the Law of Moses, children were to honor their father and mother. However, the religious teachers in Israel taught something different. Children could promise something to God that normally would be given to their parents. If they did this, they did not need to give it to help their parents. Neither did they need to use it in a certain way or to give it to a priest. Jesus said this did not obey the Law of Moses about honoring your father and mother.

See: Law of Moses; Sin

What defiled someone?

[7:15]

Jesus said that things going into a person did not make them unclean. Instead, it was things that came out of people that made them unclean. That is, the wrong things a person thought and did made them unclean.

See: Clean and Unclean

Advice to translators: Something that is defiled has been made unclean.

Why do some translations not have verse 16?

[7:16]

Most of the ancient copies of the New Testament in Greek do not have the words in verse 16. Therefore, scholars think Mark did not write these words. However, the person who made separated the passages into verses did this with a copy of the New Testament in Greek that had those words.

See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible)

Which parable did the disciples ask Jesus about?

[7:17]

The disciples asked about a parable. The parable was about what Jesus said in verse 15.

See: Disciple; Parable

What did Jesus want to teach when he used this parable?

[7:18, 7:19, 7:20, 7:21, 7:22, 7:23]

The disciples did not understand what Jesus wanted to teach them when Jesus used this parable. He wanted them to know that God cared more about what people did than what people ate.

Some scholars think Jesus changed the Law of Moses. He could do this because he made the Law of Moses. Christians were now able to eat any food. Food was no longer clean or unclean. Other scholars do not think Jesus changed the Law of Moses. Instead, Jesus wanted people to know that the Law of Moses was going to be fulfilled in Jesus. Believing in Jesus would now be how Christians could now follow the Law of Moses.

See: Matthew 5:21-48; Acts 10; Acts 15

See: Disciple; Parable;Clean and Unclean; Law of Moses

7:24-36

Where were Tyre and Sidon?

[7:24]

Tyre and Sidon were cities outside of Israel.

See Map: Tyre and Sidon

Why did Jesus not want people to know where he was?

[7:24]

Scholars think Jesus was searching for a place to rest. He wanted to have time alone with his disciples.

See: Disciple

What was an unclean spirit?

[7:25]

See: Demon; Clean and Unclean; Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)

Why did the woman fall down at Jesus’ feet?

[7:25]

The women begged Jesus to do something when she fell down at his feet. She did not do this to worship him.

Where was Syrophoenicia?

[7:26]

See Map: Syrophoenicia

Why did Jesus talk about dogs?

[7:27]

Jesus talked about a dog who ate food that fell off the table. This was a metaphor.

Some scholars think he talked about the disciples when he talked about the children. He talked about the Gentiles when he talked about the dogs. He talked about something he gave them when he talked about the bread. He wanted to say that he needed to teach the disciples before he taught her.

Other scholars think that he talked about Israel when he talked about the children. He was talking about the Gentiles when he talked about the dogs. He talked about the gospel message and the blessings of Jesus’ miracles when he talked about bread. He wanted to say that he taught the gospel to the Jews before he taught the gospel to the Gentiles.

See: Metaphor; Disciple; Gentile; Gospel;Miracle

Why did Jesus heal this woman’s daughter?

[7:29]

The woman made it known that she believed in Jesus by her reply to Jesus. Jesus healed her daughter because the woman believed in Jesus.

Where was the Sea of Galilee?

[7:31]

See Map: Sea of Galilee

Where was Decapolis?

[7:31]

See Map: Decapolis

What was the laying on of hands?

[7:32]

See: Laying on of Hands

Why did Jesus spit and touch the man’s tongue?

[7:33]

Jesus spit and touched the man’s tongue. This was a symbol. However, he did not say what was the meaning of the symbol.

Some scholars think Jesus spat onto the ground.

Other scholars think Jesus spat into his hand and then touched the man’s tongue.

See: Symbol

What did Mark mean when he said the man’s “tongue was released”?

[7:35]

Jesus healed a man that was not able to hear or speak. Mark said that the man’s “tongue was released.” That is, the man was now able to speak. The man was healed instantly.

Why did Jesus not want them to tell anyone?

[7:36]

See: Messianic Secret

Mark 7:1

Connecting Statement:

Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and scribes.

gathered around him

"gathered around Jesus"

Mark 7:2

They saw

"The Pharisees and the scribes saw"

that is, unwashed

The word "unwashed" explains why the disciples' hands were defiled. It can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "that is, with hands that they had not washed" or "that is, they had not washed their hands"

Mark 7:3

General Information:

In verses 3 and 4, the author gives background information about the Pharisees' washing traditions in order to show why the Pharisees were bothered that Jesus's disciples did not wash their hands before eating. If you need to reorder the events in these verses, it may be helpful to use a verse bridge, as in the UDB.

For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands carefully

The words "do not" and "unless" are a double negative. This can be stated in a positive way. Alternate translation: "For the Pharisees and all the Jews eat only after they wash their hands carefully"

unless they wash their hands carefully

This kind of hand washing was an important ceremonial or religious act, not just an act of making ones hands clean physically. The Jews washed their hands carefully to obey all religious traditions and rules about cleanness. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "unless they make their hands ceremonially clean"

elders

Jewish elders were leaders in their communities and were also judges for the people.

Mark 7:4

they hold to many other things they have received

The words "things they have received" refers to traditions that they learned from their elders. Alternate translation: "they follow many other traditions" or "they do many other things that they were taught to do"

copper vessels

"copper kettles" or "metal containers"

the couches upon which they eat

"benches" or "beds." At that time, the Jews would recline when eating.

Mark 7:5

Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unclean hands?

Here "walk according to" is a metaphor for "obey." The Pharisees and scribes asked this question to challenge Jesus's authority. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Your disciples should not disobey the traditions of our elders by eating their bread with unclean hands."

unclean

The hands were ritually unclean because the disciples had not performed the ceremonial washing. The Pharisees were not accusing them of eating with physical dirt on their hands.

bread

This is a synecdoche, representing food in general. Alternate translation: "food"

Mark 7:6

General Information:

Here Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah, who had written scripture many years earlier.

with their lips

Here "lips" is a metonym for speaking. Alternate translation: "by what they say"

but their heart is far from me

Here "heart" refers to a person's thoughts or emotions. This is a way of saying the people are not truly devoted to God. Alternate translation: "but they do not really love me"

Mark 7:7

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 7:8

Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees.

You abandon the commandment of God

"You refuse to obey the commandment of God"

hold on to

This phrase is a metaphor for strictly obeying. Alternate translation: "strictly obey"

Mark 7:9

How well you reject the commandment ... keep your tradition

Jesus uses this ironic statement to rebuke his listeners for forsaking God's commandment. Alternate translation: "You think you have done well in how you have rejected the commandment of God so you may keep your own traditions, but what you have done is not good at all"

How well you reject

"How skillfully you reject"

Mark 7:10

He who speaks evil of his father or mother will surely be put to death

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The authorities must execute a person who speaks evil about his father or mother"

who speaks evil of

"who curses"

Mark 7:11

General Information:

In verses 11 and 12, Jesus shows how the Pharisees teach people that they do not have to obey God's commandment to honor their parents. In verse 11 Jesus tells what the Pharisees allow people to say about their possessions, and in verse 12 he tells how that affects what people do for their parents.

is Corban

"Corban" is a Hebrew word that refers to things that people promise to give to God. Translators normally transliterate it using the target language alphabet. Some translators translate its meaning, and then leave out Mark's explanation of the meaning that follows. Alternate translation: "is a gift to God" or "belongs to God"

Whatever help you would have received from me is Corban

A person might say this so that he would not have to give anything to help his parents. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "I will not help you, because whatever help you would have received from me is Corban"

a Gift

This phrase explains the meaning of the Hebrew word "Corban." Mark explained the meaning so that his non-Jewish readers could understand what Jesus said. This seems to have been the proper name of a sacrifice. You may need to make explicit who the gift was given to. Alternate translation: "a Gift to God"

Mark 7:12

then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother

Possible meanings are that by telling people that they could say that their possessions are Corban, 1) the Pharisees did not allow people to help their parents, or 2) the Pharisees allowed people to refuse to help their parents. Alternate translation: "then you permit him to do nothing for his father or his mother"

then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother

Here "do anything" refers to helping his parents by giving to them. This can be translated as "then you no longer permit him to give anything to his father or his mother" or "then you permit him to give nothing to his father or his mother"

Mark 7:13

the word of God

Jesus is speaking specifically of the command to love father and mother. Alternate translation: "God's command"

void

canceled or done away with

many similar things you do

"you are doing many other things similar to this"

Mark 7:14

Connecting Statement:

Jesus tells a parable to the crowd to help them understand what he has been saying to the scribes and Pharisees.

He called

"Jesus called"

Listen to me, all of you, and understand

The words "Listen" and "understand" are related. Jesus uses them together to emphasize that his hearers should pay close attention to what he is saying.

understand

It may be helpful to state what Jesus is telling them to understand. Alternate translation: "try to understand what I am about to tell you"

Mark 7:15

nothing from outside of a person

Jesus is speaking about what a person eats. This is in contrast to "what comes out of the person." Alternate translation: "nothing from outside a person that he can eat"

It is what comes out of the person

This refers to the things a person does or says. This is in contrast to what is "outside a person that ... enters into him." Alternate translation: "It is what comes out of a person that he says or does"

Mark 7:16

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 7:17

Connecting Statement:

The disciples still do not understand what Jesus has just said to the scribes, Pharisees, and crowds. Jesus explains his meaning more thoroughly to them.

Now

This word is used here to mark a new part of the story. Jesus is now away from the crowd, in a house with his disciples.

Mark 7:18

Connecting Statement:

Jesus begins to teach his disciples by asking a question.

Are you also still without understanding?

Jesus uses this question to express his disappointment that they do not understand. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "After all I have said and done, I would expect you to understand."

Mark 7:19

Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes asking the question he is using to teach his disciples.

because ... latrine?

This is the end of the question that begins with the words "Do you not see" in verse 18. Jesus uses this question to teach his disciples something they should already know. It can be expressed as a statement. "You should already understand that whatever enters into a person from outside cannot defile him, because it cannot go into his heart, but it goes into his stomach and then passes out into the latrine."

it cannot go into his heart

Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's inner being or mind. Here Jesus means that food does not affect a person's character. Alternate translation: "it cannot go into his inner being" or "it cannot go into his mind"

because it

Here "it" refers to what goes into a person; that is, what a person eats.

all foods clean

It may be helpful to explain clearly what this phrase means. Alternate translation: "all foods clean, meaning that people can eat any food without God considering the eater defiled"

Mark 7:20

He said

"Jesus said"

It is that which comes out of the person that defiles him

"What defiles a person is what comes out of him"

Mark 7:21

out of the heart, proceed evil thoughts

Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's inner being or mind. Alternate translation: "out of the inner being, come evil thoughts" or "out of the mind, come evil thoughts"

Mark 7:22

sensuality

not controlling one's lustful desires

slander

or blasphemy

Mark 7:23

come from within

Here the word "within" describes a person's heart. Alternate translation: "come from within a person's heart" or "come from within a person's thoughts"

Mark 7:24

Connecting Statement:

When Jesus goes away to Tyre, he heals the daughter of a Gentile woman who has extraordinary faith.

Mark 7:25

had an unclean spirit

This is an idiom meaning that she was possessed by the unclean spirit. Alternate translation: "was possessed by an unclean spirit"

fell down

"knelt." This is an act of honor and submission.

Mark 7:26

Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by descent

The word "Now" is used here to mark a pause in the story, as the author gives us background information about the woman.

Syrophoenician

This is the name of the woman's nationality. She was born in the Phoenician region in Syria.

Mark 7:27

Let the children first be fed. For it is not proper ... throw it to the dogs

Here Jesus speaks about the Jews as if they are children and the Gentiles as if they are dogs. Alternate translation: "Let the children of Israel first be fed. For it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the Gentiles, who are like dogs"

Let the children first be fed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We must first feed the children of Israel"

proper

morally right

bread

This refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "food"

dogs

This refers to small dogs kept as pets.

Mark 7:28

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 7:29

you are free to go

Jesus was implying that she no longer needed to stay to ask him to help her daughter. He would do it. Alternate translation: "you may go now" or "you may go home in peace"

The demon has gone out of your daughter

Jesus has caused the unclean spirit to leave the woman's daughter. This can be expressed clearly. Alternate translation: "I have caused the evil spirit to leave your daughter"

Mark 7:30

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 7:31

Connecting Statement:

After healing people in Tyre, Jesus goes to the Sea of Galilee. There he heals a deaf man, which amazes the people.

went out again from the region of Tyre

"left the region of Tyre"

up into the region

Possible meanings are 1) "in the region" as Jesus is at the sea in the region of the Decapolis or 2) "through the region" as Jesus went through the region of the Decapolis to get to the sea.

Decapolis

This is the name of a region that means Ten Cities. It is located to the southeast of the Sea of Galilee. See how you translated this in [Mark 5:20]

Mark 7:32

They brought

"And people brought"

who was deaf

"who was not able to hear"

they begged him to lay his hand on him

Prophets and teachers would put their hands on people in order to heal them or bless them. In this case, people are begging Jesus to heal a man. Alternate translation: "they begged Jesus to put his hand on the man to heal him"

Mark 7:33

Then taking him ... privately, he

"Then Jesus took the man ... privately, and he"

he put his fingers into his ears

Jesus is putting his own fingers in the man's ears.

then he spit and touched his tongue

It may be helpful to state that Jesus spit on his fingers. Alternate translation: "then he spit on his fingers and touched the man's tongue with them"

Mark 7:34

looked up to heaven

This means that he looked up toward the sky, which is associated with the place where God lives.

sighed

This means that Jesus groaned or that he let out a long deep breath that could be heard.

said to him

"said to the man"

Ephphatha

This is an Aramaic word. It should be copied into your language using your alphabet.

Mark 7:35

his ears were opened

This means he was able to hear. Alternate translation: "his ears were opened and he was able to hear" or "he was able to hear"

the bond of his tongue was released

This metaphor speaks of the man's tongue as if it were bound by a rope or chain that kept the man from speaking and that Jesus broke or loosened so the man could speak. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jesus released the bond of his tongue" or "Jesus set his tongue free" or "Jesus enabled the man to speak"

Mark 7:36

But the more he ordered them, the more abundantly they proclaimed it

The refers to him ordering them not to tell anyone about what he had done. Alternate translation: "But though he continually ordered them not to tell anyone, they continually proclaimed it"

the more abundantly

"the more widely" or "the more"

Mark 7:37

were extremely astonished

"were utterly amazed" or "were exceedingly astonished" or "were astonished beyond all measure"

the deaf hear and the mute speak

These refer to people. Alternate translation: "the deaf people hear and the mute people speak" or "people who cannot hear, hear, and people who cannot speak, speak"

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 7:2

What were some of Jesus' disciples doing that offended the Pharisees and scribes?

Some of the disciples were eating with unwashed hands.

Mark 7:3

Whose tradition was it that hands, cups, pots, copper vessels, and dining couches be washed before eating?

It was the tradition of the elders that hands, cups, pots, copper vessels, and dining couches be washed before eating.

Mark 7:4

Whose tradition was it that hands, cups, pots, copper vessels, and dining couches be washed before eating?

It was the tradition of the elders that hands, cups, pots, copper vessels, and dining couches be washed before eating.

Mark 7:8

What did Jesus say to the Pharisees and scribes about their teaching on the issue of washing?

Jesus said that the Pharisees and scribes taught the rules of men while abandoning the commandment of God.

Mark 7:9

What did Jesus say to the Pharisees and scribes about their teaching on the issue of washing?

Jesus said that the Pharisees and scribes taught the rules of men while abandoning the commandment of God.

Mark 7:11

How did the Pharisees and scribes void the commandment of God which says to honor your father and mother?

They voided God's commandment by telling people to give to them as Corban the money that would have helped their father and mother.

Mark 7:12

How did the Pharisees and scribes void the commandment of God which says to honor your father and mother?

They voided God's commandment by telling people to give to them as Corban the money that would have helped their father and mother.

Mark 7:13

How did the Pharisees and scribes void the commandment of God which says to honor your father and mother?

They voided God's commandment by telling people to give to them as Corban the money that would have helped their father and mother.

Mark 7:15

What did Jesus say does not defile a person?

Jesus said that nothing from outside of a person can defile him when it enters into him.

What did Jesus say defiles a person?

Jesus said that what comes out of a person defiles him.

Mark 7:18

What did Jesus say does not defile a person?

Jesus said that nothing from outside of a person can defile him when it enters into him.

Mark 7:19

What did Jesus say does not defile a person?

Jesus said that nothing from outside of a person can defile him when it enters into him.

What kinds of foods did Jesus declare to be clean?

Jesus declared all foods to be clean.

Mark 7:20

What did Jesus say defiles a person?

Jesus said that what comes out of a person defiles him.

Mark 7:21

What did Jesus say defiles a person?

Jesus said that what comes out of a person defiles him.

What are three things that Jesus said can come out of a person to defile him?

Jesus said that evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and folly can come out of a person to defile him.

Mark 7:22

What did Jesus say defiles a person?

Jesus said that what comes out of a person defiles him.

What are three things that Jesus said can come out of a person to defile him?

Jesus said that evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and folly can come out of a person to defile him.

Mark 7:23

What did Jesus say defiles a person?

Jesus said that what comes out of a person defiles him.

Mark 7:25

Was the woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit a Jew or a Greek?

The woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit was a Greek.

Mark 7:26

Was the woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit a Jew or a Greek?

The woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit was a Greek.

Mark 7:28

How did the woman respond when Jesus told her that it was not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs?

The woman said that even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.

Mark 7:29

What did Jesus do for the woman?

Jesus cast the demon out of the woman's daughter.

Mark 7:30

What did Jesus do for the woman?

Jesus cast the demon out of the woman's daughter.

Mark 7:33

When the man who was deaf and had a speech impediment was brought to Jesus, what did he do to heal him?

Jesus put his fingers in the man's ears, spit and touched his tongue, then looked to heaven and said, "Open!"

Mark 7:34

When the man who was deaf and had a speech impediment was brought to Jesus, what did he do to heal him?

Jesus put his fingers in the man's ears, spit and touched his tongue, then looked to heaven and said, "Open!"

Mark 7:36

What did the people do when Jesus told them to tell no one about his healings?

The more Jesus commanded them to be quiet, the more they talked about it.

Chapter 8

¹ In those days, there was again a great crowd, and they had nothing to eat. Jesus called his disciples and said to them, ² "I have compassion on the crowd because they continue to be with me already for three days and have nothing to eat. ³ If I send them away to their home without eating, they may faint on the way. Some of them have come a long way."

⁴ His disciples answered him, "Where can we get enough loaves of bread in such a deserted place to satisfy these people?"

⁵ He asked them, "How many loaves do you have?"

They said, "Seven." ⁶ He commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground. He took the seven loaves, gave thanks, and broke them. He gave them to his disciples to set before them, and they set them before the crowd. ⁷ They also had a few small fish, and after he gave thanks for them, he commanded the disciples to serve these as well. ⁸ They ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the remaining broken pieces, seven large baskets. ⁹ There were about four thousand people. Then he sent them away. ¹⁰ Immediately he got into the boat with his disciples, and they went into the region of Dalmanutha.

¹¹ Then the Pharisees came out and began to argue with him. They sought from him a sign from heaven, to test him. ¹² He sighed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation." ¹³ Then he left them, got into a boat again, and went away to the other side.

¹⁴ Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread with them. They had no more than one loaf of bread in the boat. ¹⁵ He instructed them, saying, "Keep watch and be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod."

¹⁶ The disciples were arguing with one another about having no bread.

¹⁷ When he understood this, he asked them, "Why are you arguing about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Do you have hardened hearts? ¹⁸ You have eyes, do you not see? You have ears, do you not hear? Do you not remember? ¹⁹ When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces of bread did you take up?"

They said to him, "Twelve."

²⁰ "When I broke the seven loaves among the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces of bread did you take up?"

They said to him, "Seven."

²¹ He said, "Do you not yet understand?"

²² They came to Bethsaida. The people there brought to him a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. ²³ Jesus took hold of the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. When he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Do you see anything?"

²⁴ He looked up, and said, "I see men who look like walking trees."

²⁵ Then he again laid his hands upon his eyes, and the man opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw all things clearly. ²⁶ Jesus sent him away to his home and said, "Do not enter the village."

²⁷ Jesus went out with his disciples into the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, "Who do the people say that I am?"

²⁸ They answered him and said, "John the Baptist. Others say, 'Elijah,' and others, 'One of the prophets.'"

²⁹ He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?"

Peter said to him, "You are the Christ." ³⁰ Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

³¹ He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and would be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and would be killed, and after three days rise up. ³² He spoke that message openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ³³ But Jesus turned and looked at his disciples and then he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! You are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of people." ³⁴ Then he called the crowd and his disciples together, and he said to them, "If anyone wants to follow me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. ³⁵ For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake and for the gospel will save it. ³⁶ What does it profit a person to gain the whole world and then forfeit his life? ³⁷ What can a person give in exchange for his life? ³⁸ Whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

Mark 8 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Bread

When Jesus worked a miracle and provided bread for a large crowd of people, they probably thought about when God miraculously provided food for the people of Israel when they were in the wilderness.

Yeast is the ingredient that causes bread to become larger before it is baked. In this chapter, Jesus uses yeast as a metaphor for things that change the way people think, speak, and act.

"Adulterous generation"

When Jesus called the people an "adulterous generation," he was telling them that they were not faithful to God. (See: faithful and people of God)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Jesus used many rhetorical questions as a way of both teaching the disciples

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus uses a paradox when he says, "Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Mark 8:35-37).

Mark 8

8:1-21

What were “those days”?

[8:1]

Mark wrote about the time when Jesus was in Decapolis when he wrote about “those days.”

See Map: Decapolis

Why did the people not have anything to eat?

[8:2]

Mark does not write why the people did not have anything to eat.

How were they in a deserted place?

[8:4]

The disciples spoke about being in a deserted place. That is they were in a place were they could not get any food. Perhaps they were in the wilderness or desert.

See: Disciple

Why did Jesus give thanks?

[8:6]

Jesus gave thanks to God before they ate. He thanked God for giving them their food. This was common in ancient Israel.

Why did Mark write about how much fish and bread remained uneaten?

[8:8]

Mark wrote there were 7 large baskets of uneaten food after everyone ate. There was more food that remained then the food with which they started. This was a miracle.

See: Miracle

Where was Dalmanutha?

[8:10]

See Map: Dalmanutha

Why did the Pharisees want a sign from heaven?

[8:11]

The Pharisees wanted Jesus to give them a sign from heaven. They wanted Jesus to prove that God gave Jesus the power and permission to do these miracles. They thought that Satan gave Jesus the power and permission to do these things (see: Mark 3:22)

See: Pharisees; Sign; Heaven; Miracle; Satan (The Devil)

Why did Jesus talk about yeast?

[8:15]

Jesus used the metaphor of yeast. He did this to talk about people doing evil things. In the same way a small amount of yeast goes through the whole lump of dough, so evil things would make other people want to do more evil things.

See: Yeast (Leaven); Metaphor

Why did Jesus ask the disciples many questions?

[8:17, 8:18, 8:19, 8:20, 8:21]

Jesus asked his disciples many different questions. They did not understand what Jesus was saying about who he is and why he did these things. They knew Jesus fed 5000 people through a miracle. They forgot he could do this. They worried that the people would not have food to eat (see: Mark 8:4).

Some scholars think Jesus rebuked them. That is, he spoke to them in a way that they would know they did something wrong.

Other scholars think Jesus was trying to help them understand (see: Matthew 16:11-12).

See: Disciple; Miracle

8:22-38

Where was Bethsaida?

[8:22]

See Map: Bethsaida

Why did the people want Jesus to touch the blind man?

[8:22]

The people wanted Jesus to touch the blind man because they believed that this would heal the man.

Why did Jesus take the man outside of the village?

[8:23]

Jesus took the man outside of the village because he did not want other people to see what he was doing.

See: Messianic Secret

Why did Jesus spit on the man’s eyes?

[8:23]

It was a symbol when Jesus spat on the man’s eyes. However, Mark does not write about what was this symbol. Perhaps Jesus spat on the man’s eyes because then the man could feel what Jesus was doing.

See: Symbol

Why did the man see men who looked like walking trees?

[8:24]

The man saw people and said they looked like walking trees. This is because his eyes were not yet completely healed. Jesus tried to teach the disciples something by not healing the man completely the first time. This was because seeing was a metaphor. People often spoke about understanding something as if they were seeing it. In the same way the man saw more clearly after Jesus touched his eyes again, so the disciples understood Jesus more clearly when he explained the things he taught.

See: Disciple; Metaphor

Why did Jesus not want this man to enter into the village?

[8:26]

Jesus told this man not to enter into the village. He did this because he did not want the man to tell other people about what Jesus did.

See: Messianic Secret

Where was Caesarea Philippi?

[8:27]

See Map: Caesarea Philippi

Why did Jesus ask, “who do people say that I am”?

[8:27]

Jesus asked, “who do people say that I am.” Scholars think Jesus wanted his disciples to be prepared for the next question he asked. That is, he asked them “but who do you say that I am”?

See: Disciple

Why did Jesus not want the disciples to tell people that he is the messiah?

[8:30]

See: Messianic Secret; Disciple; Messiah (Christ)

What is the Son of Man?

[8:31]

Jesus spoke about himself when he spoke about the Son of Man. He prophesied about things that would happen to him.

See: Son of Man; Prophecy (Prophesy)

Who were the elders, chief priests, and scribes?

[8:31]

Mark wrote about older men in Israel who lead the people in some way when he wrote about elders. Together the scribes, the chief priests, and the elders helped to lead Israel to worship and obey God.

See: Chief Priest; Scribe

How would Jesus rise up after three days?

[8:31]

Jesus said he would rise up after three days. That is he would be made alive again through his resurrection.

See: Resurrect (Resurrection)

Why did Peter rebuke Jesus?

[8:32]

Peter rebuked Jesus. He said that what Jesus said must be wrong. Peter thought that the messiah would not suffer and die in the way Jesus said. However, Jesus rebuked Peter. He said Peter spoke wrongly. The things he said were the things that Satan wanted Peter to say. Peter did not yet understand the things Jesus was supposed to do on earth.

See: Satan (The Devil);Messiah (Christ)

What did it mean for people to “take up their cross”?

[8:34]

The words “take up your cross” were a metaphor. Jesus died on a cross. He obeyed God even though he suffered for obeying God. He wanted people to do the same thing. He wanted them to obey God even if they suffered because they obeyed God.

See: Metaphor; Cross

How does someone save their life?

[8:35]

Jesus talked about “life” in two ways in this passage. He spoke about the life a person has before they die and the life they have after they die. He said people needed to obey God before they die if they want to live with God forever. In the same way, people who die on Earth because they obeyed God will still live with God forever after they die.

See: Heaven; Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins)

How was this generation sinful and adulterous?

[8:38]

Jesus called the people living in Israel sinful and adulterous. This was a metaphor. Jesus meant the people were not faithful to God because they did not believe in Jesus.

Sin; Adultery

How will Jesus be ashamed of people when he comes with the glory of his father?

[8:38]

Jesus talked about people being ashamed of him. That is, he talked about the people who rejected him. They did not believe in him. Jesus will reject everyone who rejected him when he returns. They will live in hell forever.

See: Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26

See: Jesus' Return to Earth; Hell; Glory (Glorify); Angel

Mark 8:1

Connecting Statement:

A great, hungry crowd is with Jesus. He feeds them using only seven loaves and a few fish before Jesus and his disciples get in a boat to go to another place.

In those days

This phrase is used to introduce a new event in the story.

Mark 8:2

they continue to be with me already for three days and have nothing to eat

"this is this third day these people have been with me, and they have nothing to eat"

Mark 8:3

they may faint

Possible meanings are 1) literal, "they may lose consciousness temporarily" or 2) hyperbolic exaggeration, "they may become weak."

Mark 8:4

Where can we get enough loaves of bread in such a deserted place to satisfy these people?

The disciples are expressing surprise that Jesus would expect them to be able to find enough food. Alternate translation: "This place is so deserted that there is no place here for us to get enough loaves of bread to satisfy these people!"

loaves of bread

Loaves of bread are lumps of dough that have been shaped and baked.

Mark 8:5

He asked them

"Jesus asked his disciples"

Mark 8:6

He commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground.

This can be written as a direct quote. "Jesus commanded the crowd, 'Sit down on the ground.'"

sit down

Use your language's word for how people customarily eat when there is no table, whether sitting or lying down.

Mark 8:7

They also had

Here the word "they" is used to refer to Jesus and his disciples.

he gave thanks for them

"Jesus gave thanks for the fish"

Mark 8:8

They ate

"The people ate"

they picked up

"the disciples picked up"

the remaining broken pieces, seven large baskets

This refers to the broken pieces of fish and bread that were left over after the people ate. Alternate translation: "the remaining broken pieces of bread and fish, which filled seven large baskets"

Mark 8:9

Then he sent them away

It may be helpful to clarify when he sent them away. Alternate translation: "After they ate, Jesus sent them away"

Mark 8:10

they went into the region of Dalmanutha

It may be helpful to clarify how they got to Dalmanutha. Alternate translation: "they sailed around the Sea of Galilee to the region of Dalmanutha"

Dalmanutha

This is the name of a place on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Mark 8:11

Connecting Statement:

In Dalmanutha, Jesus refuses to give the Pharisees a sign before he and his disciples get in a boat and leave.

They sought from him

"They asked him for"

a sign from heaven

They wanted a sign that would prove that Jesus's power and authority were from God. Possible meanings are 1) The word "heaven" is a metonym for God. Alternate translation: "a sign from God" or 2) the word "heaven" refers to the sky. Alternate translation: "a sign from the sky"

to test him

The Pharisees tried to test Jesus to make him prove that he was from God. Some information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "to prove that God had sent him"

Mark 8:12

He sighed deeply in his spirit

This means that he groaned or that he let out a long deep breath that could be heard. It probably shows Jesus's deep sadness that the Pharisees refused to believe him. See how you translated this in Mark 7:34.

in his spirit

"in himself"

Why does this generation seek for a sign?

Jesus is scolding them. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "This generation should not seek a sign."

this generation

When Jesus speaks of "this generation," he is referring to the people who lived at that time. The Pharisees are included in this group. Alternate translation: "you and the people of this generation"

no sign will be given

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will not give a sign"

Mark 8:13

he left them, got into a boat again

Jesus's disciples went with him. Some information can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "he left them, got into a boat again with his disciples"

to the other side

This describes the Sea of Galilee, which can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "to the other side of the sea"

Mark 8:14

Connecting Statement:

While Jesus and his disciples are in a boat, they have a discussion about the lack of understanding among the Pharisees and Herod, though they had seen many signs.

Now

This word is used here to mark a pause in the story. Here the author tells background information about the disciples forgetting to bring bread.

no more than one loaf

The negative phrase "no more" is used to emphasize how small an amount of bread they had. Alternate translation: "only one loaf"

Mark 8:15

Keep watch and be on guard

These two terms have a common meaning and are repeated here for emphasis. They can be combined. Alternate translation: "Keep watch"

the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod

Here Jesus is speaking to his disciples in a metaphor they do not understand. Jesus is comparing the Pharisees' and Herod's teachings to yeast, but you should not explain this when you translate it because the disciples themselves did not understand it.

Mark 8:16

no bread

The word "no" is an exaggeration. The disciples did have one loaf of bread

Mark 8:17

Why are you arguing about having no bread?

Here Jesus is mildly rebuking his disciples because they should have understood what he had been talking about. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not be thinking that I am talking about actual bread."

Do you still not see or understand?

These questions have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that they do not understand. This can be written as one question or as a statement. Alternate translation: "Do you not yet understand?" or "You should perceive and understand by now the things I say and do."

Do you have hardened hearts?

Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's mind and "hardened" is a metaphor for not being able or willing to understand something. Jesus uses a question to scold the disciples. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are so slow to understand what I mean!" or "You are unwilling to understand what I mean!"

Mark 8:18

You have eyes, do you not see? You have ears, do you not hear? Do you not remember?

Jesus continues to mildly rebuke his disciples. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "You have eyes, but you do not understand what you see. You have ears, but you do not understand what you hear. You should remember."

Mark 8:19

the five thousand

This refers to the 5,000 people Jesus fed. Alternate translation: "the 5,000 people"

how many baskets full of broken pieces of bread did you take up

It may be helpful to state when they collected the baskets of pieces. Alternate translation: "how many baskets full of broken pieces of bread did you collect after everyone finished eating"

Mark 8:20

the four thousand

This refers to the 4,000 people Jesus fed. Alternate translation: "the 4,000 people"

how many basketfuls of broken pieces of bread did you take up

It may be helpful to state when they collected these. Alternate translation: "how many baskets full of broken pieces of bread did you collect after everyone finished eating"

Mark 8:21

Do you not yet understand?

Jesus is mildly rebuking his disciples for not understanding. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should understand by now the things I say and do."

Mark 8:22

Connecting Statement:

When Jesus and his disciples get out of their boat at Bethsaida, Jesus heals a blind man.

Bethsaida

This is a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. See how you translated the name of this town in [Mark 6:45]

to touch him

It may be helpful to state why they wanted Jesus to touch the man. Alternate translation: "to touch him in order to heal him"

Mark 8:23

When he had spit on his eyes ... he asked him

"When Jesus had spit on the man's eyes ... Jesus asked the man"

Mark 8:24

He looked up

"The man looked up"

I see men who look like walking trees

The man sees men walking around, yet they are not clear to him, so he compares them to trees. Alternate translation: "Yes, I see people! They are walking around, but I cannot see them clearly. They look like trees"

Mark 8:25

Then he again

"Then Jesus again"

and the man opened his eyes, his sight was restored

The phrase "his sight was restored" can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "restoring the man's sight, and then the man opened his eyes"

Mark 8:26

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 8:27

Connecting Statement:

Jesus and his disciples talk on their way to the villages of Caesarea Philippi about who Jesus is and what will happen to him.

Mark 8:28

They answered him and said

"They answered him, saying,"

John the Baptist

The disciples answer that this was who some people said Jesus was. This can be shown more clearly. Alternate translation: "Some people say that you are John the Baptist"

Others say ... others

The word "others" refers to other people. This refers to their responses to Jesus's question. Alternate translation: "Other people say you are ... other people say you are"

Mark 8:29

He asked them

"Jesus asked his disciples"

Mark 8:30

Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

Jesus did not want them to tell anyone that he was the Christ. This can be made more explicit. This can also be written as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "Jesus warned them not to tell anyone that he is the Christ." or "Jesus warned them, 'Do not tell anyone that I am the Christ.'"

Mark 8:31

Son of Man

This is an important title for Jesus.

would be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and would be killed, and after three days rise up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the elders and the chief priests and the scribes would reject him, and that men would kill him, and that after three days he would rise up"

Mark 8:32

He spoke that message openly

Possible meanings are 1) "He said this so that people could hear him" or 2) "He said this in a way that was easy to understand."

began to rebuke him

Peter rebuked Jesus for saying the things he said would happen to the Son of Man. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "began to rebuke him for saying these things"

Mark 8:33

Connecting Statement:

After rebuking Peter for his not wanting Jesus to die and rise, Jesus tells both his disciples and the crowd how to follow him.

Get behind me, Satan

Jesus means that Peter is acting like Satan because Peter is trying to prevent Jesus from accomplishing what God sent him to do. Alternate translation: "Get behind me, because you are acting like Satan"

Get behind me

"Get away from me"

Mark 8:34

follow me

Following Jesus here represents being one of his disciples. Alternate translation: "be my disciple" or "be one of my disciples"

must deny himself

"must not give in to his own desires" or "must forsake his own desires"

take up his cross, and follow me

"carry his cross and follow me." The cross represents suffering and death. Taking up the cross represents being willing to suffer and die. Alternate translation: "must obey me even to the point of suffering and dying"

follow me

Following Jesus here represents obeying him. Alternate translation: "obey me"

Mark 8:35

For whoever wants

"For anyone who wants"

life

This refers to both physical life and spiritual life.

for my sake and for the gospel

"because of me and because of the gospel." Jesus is talking about people who lose their lives because they follow Jesus and the gospel. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "because he follows me and tells others the gospel"

Mark 8:36

What does it profit a person to gain the whole world and then forfeit his life?

This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Even if a person gains the whole world, it will not benefit him if he forfeits his life."

to gain the whole world and then forfeit his life

This can also be expressed as a condition starting with the word "if." Alternate translation: "if he gains the whole world and then forfeits his life"

to gain the whole world

The words "the whole world" are an exaggeration for great riches. Alternate translation: "to gain everything he ever wanted"

forfeit

To forfeit something is to lose it or to have another person take it away.

Mark 8:37

What can a person give in exchange for his life?

This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "There is nothing a person can give in exchange for his life." or "No one can give anything in exchange for his life."

What can a person give

If in your language "giving" requires someone to receive what is given, "God" can be stated as the receiver. Alternate translation: "What can a person give to God"

Mark 8:38

ashamed of me and my words

"ashamed of me and my message"

in this adulterous and sinful generation

Jesus speaks of this generation as "adulterous," meaning that they are unfaithful in their relationship with God. Alternate translation: "in this generation of people who have committed adultery against God and are very sinful" or "in this generation of people who are unfaithful to God and are very sinful"

the Son of Man will be ashamed

Jesus speaks of himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, will be ashamed"

when he comes

"when he comes back"

in the glory of his Father

When Jesus returns he will have the same glory as his Father.

with the holy angels

"accompanied by the holy angels"

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 8:1

What concern did Jesus state about the great crowd that had been following him?

Jesus stated that he was concerned the great crowd had nothing to eat.

Mark 8:2

What concern did Jesus state about the great crowd that had been following him?

Jesus stated that he was concerned the great crowd had nothing to eat.

Mark 8:5

How many loaves did the disciples have with them?

The disciples had seven loaves with them.

Mark 8:6

What did Jesus do with the disciples' loaves?

Jesus gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to serve.

Mark 8:8

How much food remained after everyone had eaten?

There were seven baskets of food remaining after everyone had eaten.

Mark 8:9

How many people ate and were satisfied?

There were about four thousand men who ate and were satisfied.

Mark 8:11

To test him, what did the Pharisees want Jesus to do?

The Pharisees wanted Jesus to give them a sign from heaven.

Mark 8:15

About what did Jesus warn his disciples concerning the Pharisees?

Jesus warned his disciples to be on guard of the yeast of the Pharisees.

Mark 8:16

About what did the disciples think Jesus was talking?

The disciples thought Jesus was talking about the fact that they had forgotten to bring bread.

Mark 8:19

Jesus reminded his disciples that what had happened when Jesus had broken five loaves?

Jesus reminded them that when he had broken five loaves, five thousand people had been fed and twelves baskets full of broken pieces had been taken up.

Mark 8:23

What two things did Jesus first do to the blind man in order to restore his sight?

Jesus first spat on his eyes and laid his hands upon him.

Mark 8:25

What third thing did Jesus do to the blind man in order to completely restore his sight?

Jesus laid his hands upon his eyes.

Mark 8:28

Who were the people saying that Jesus was?

The people were saying that Jesus was John the Baptizer, Elijah, or one of the prophets.

Mark 8:29

Who did Peter say that Jesus was?

Peter said that Jesus was the Christ.

Mark 8:31

About what future events did Jesus begin to teach his disciples clearly?

Jesus taught his disciples that the Son of Man must suffer, be rejected, be killed, and be raised after three days.

Mark 8:33

What did Jesus say when Peter began to rebuke him?

Jesus said to Peter, "Get behind me Satan! You do not care for the things of God, but for the things of people".

Mark 8:34

What did Jesus say anyone who wants to follow him must do?

Jesus said that anyone who wants to follow him must deny himself and take up his cross.

Mark 8:36

What did Jesus say about a person's desire to gain the things of the world?

Jesus said, "What does it profit a person to gain the whole world, and then forfeit his life?"

Mark 8:38

What did Jesus say he would do concerning those who are ashamed of him and his words?

Jesus said that at his coming he would be ashamed of those who were ashamed of him and his words.

Chapter 9

¹ He said to them, "Truly I say to you, there are some of you who are standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

² Six days later, Jesus took Peter and James and John with him up a high mountain, alone by themselves. Then he was transfigured before them. ³ His garments became radiantly brilliant, extremely white, whiter than any bleacher on earth could bleach them. ⁴ Then Elijah with Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus. ⁵ Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here, and so let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." ⁶ (For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.)

⁷ A cloud came and overshadowed them. Then a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." ⁸ Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them, but only Jesus.

⁹ As they were coming down the mountain, he commanded them to tell no one what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. ¹⁰ So they kept the matter to themselves, but they discussed among themselves what "rising from the dead" could mean. ¹¹ They asked him, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"

¹² He said to them, "Elijah does come first to restore all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be despised? ¹³ But I say to you that Elijah has come, and they did whatever they wanted to him, just as it is written about him."

¹⁴ When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes were arguing with them. ¹⁵ As soon as they saw Jesus, the whole crowd was amazed and as they ran up to him they greeted him. ¹⁶ He asked his disciples, "What are you arguing with them about?"

¹⁷ Someone in the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. ¹⁸ It seizes him and it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out of him, but they could not."

¹⁹ He answered them, "Unbelieving generation, how long will I have to stay with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him to me." ²⁰ They brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw him into a convulsion. The boy fell on the ground and foamed at the mouth. ²¹ Jesus asked his father, "For how much time has he been like this?"

The father said, "Since childhood. ²² It has often thrown him into the fire or into the waters and tried to destroy him. If you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us."

²³ Jesus said to him, "'If you are able'? All things are possible for the one who believes."

²⁴ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe! Help my unbelief!"

²⁵ When Jesus saw the crowd running to them, he rebuked the unclean spirit and said, "You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter into him again."

²⁶ It cried out and convulsed the boy greatly and then came out. The boy looked like one who was dead, so that many said, "He is dead." ²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and the boy stood up.

²⁸ When Jesus came into the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?"

²⁹ He said to them, "This kind cannot be cast out except by prayer."

³⁰ They went out from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know where they were, ³¹ for he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man will be given over into the hands of men, and they will put him to death. When he has been put to death, after three days he will rise again." ³² But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask him.

³³ Then they came to Capernaum. After he entered the house he asked them, "What were you discussing on the way?" ³⁴ But they were silent. For they had been arguing with one with another on the way about who was the greatest. ³⁵ Sitting down, he called the twelve together and he said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." ³⁶ He took a little child and placed him in their midst. He took him in his arms and said to them, ³⁷ "Whoever receives such a child in my name receives me; whoever receives me does not receive me but the one who sent me."

³⁸ John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we stopped him, because he does not follow us."

³⁹ But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name and can soon afterwards say anything bad about me. ⁴⁰ Whoever is not against us is for us. ⁴¹ Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in my name because you belong to Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward. ⁴² Whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone tied around his neck and be thrown into the sea. ⁴³ If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than to have two hands and to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. ⁴⁴^[1]⁴⁵ If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life lame than to have your two feet and be thrown into hell. ⁴⁶^[2]⁴⁷ If your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out. It is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, ⁴⁸ where their worm does not die, and the fire is not put out. ⁴⁹ For everyone will be salted with fire. ⁵⁰ Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

Footnotes

9:44 ^[1]The best ancient copies do not have this phrase, and verse 44 is not included in the ULB,

9:46 ^[2]The best ancient copies do not have this phrase, and verse 46 is not included in the ULB,

Mark 9 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

"transfigured"

Scripture often speaks of God's glory as a great, brilliant light. When people see this light, they are afraid. Mark says in this chapter that Jesus's clothing shone with this glorious light so that his followers could see that Jesus truly was God's Son. At the same time, God told them that Jesus was his Son. (See: glory and fear)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Hyperbole

Jesus said things that he did not expect his followers to understand literally. When he said, "If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off" (Mark 9:43), he was exaggerating so they would know that they should stay away from anything that caused them to sin, even if it was something they loved or thought they needed.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Elijah and Moses

Elijah and Moses suddenly appeared to Jesus, James, John, and Peter, and then they disappeared. All four of them saw Elijah and Moses, and because Elijah and Moses spoke with Jesus, the reader should understand that Elijah and Moses appeared physically.

"Son of Man"

Jesus referred to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus used a paradox when he said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:35).

Mark 9

9:1-13

Did Jesus say that certain people would still be alive when the kingdom of God came?

[9:1]

Jesus said that certain people would not “taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” That is, they will not die before they saw this. However, scholars disagree about what they would see.

Some scholars think Jesus spoke about what was about to happen. That is, Jesus would be transfigured. Perhaps Mark wanted to write that Jesus himself was the kingdom of God. Or perhaps the things the disciples saw were similar to how Jesus would appear when he begins to rule on the earth.
Some scholars think Jesus spoke about something the Holy Spirit would do. He would begin to live in Christians forever (see: Acts 2).
Some scholars think Jesus spoke about dying and being resurrected.

See: Kingdom of God; Disciple; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Indwelling of the Holy Spirit; Transfigure (Transfiguration)

How was Jesus transfigured?

[9:2]

Mark wrote that Jesus was transfigured. That is, Jesus was changed in some way. The disciples did not see Jesus as he was, they saw him as he will be when he returns to the earth.

See: Transfigure (Transfiguration); Disciple; Jesus' Return to Earth

Why did Peter, James, and John see Elijah and Moses?

[9:4]

Peter, James, and John saw Elijah and Moses. Elijah and Moses were in heaven. Scholars think this was a symbol. It symbolized that Jesus was the messiah for whom people were waiting.

See: Heaven; Symbol; Messiah (Christ)

Why did Peter call Jesus “rabbi”?

[9:5]

Peter called Jesus “rabbi.” Rabbi was the Hebrew word for teacher. Peter did not understand what was happening. If he did, then he would have called Jesus the messiah, not simply a teacher.

See: Messiah (Christ)

Why did Peter want to make three shelters?

[9:5]

Peter wanted to make three shelters. One for Jesus, one for Elijah, and one for Moses. Scholars disagree about why he did this.

Some scholars think Peter wanted to build three tents of meeting. That is, he wanted to build a place where God could talk to men once again. He did not know that God was already talking to people through Jesus. They did not need to meet in a tent to learn what God said to them.
Some scholars think Peter wanted to build three shelters (see: Leviticus 23:34-44). Perhaps he thought this was for the Feast of Shelters when the messiah came to rule over the world (see: Zechariah 14:16)

See: Tent of Meeting; Festival of Shelters; Messiah (Christ)

Why was Peter terrified?

[9:6]

Peter was terrified because he thought the time was coming for God to judge the world. He did not understand that this was not what was happening. Some scholars think Peter, James, and John did not have fear, but had great awe in seeing Jesus, Elijah, and Moses together on the mountain.

See: Awe (Awesome)

Who spoke from the cloud?

[9:7]

God the Father spoke from the cloud. In the Bible, heaven is often spoken about as if it is in the clouds.

See: Heaven

Why did Jesus tell the disciples not to say anything until the Son of man had “risen from the dead”?

[9:9]

Jesus spoke about the Son of Man rising from the dead. He spoke about himself. He would be resurrected. However, the disciples did not understand that Jesus would be resurrected. Some scholars think Jesus knew the disciples would understand after he was resurrected. Certain Jewish teachers even taught that no one would be made alive again after they died. This was why they talked about what Jesus said among themselves.

See: Son of Man; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Disciple

What did the scribes teach about Elijah?

[9:11]

The scribes taught that Elijah must return to the earth before the messiah came. He would tell Israel to repent and be ready for the messiah. It is not known whether they taught that Elijah would come back to the earth or that there would be a prophet who was like Elijah.

See: Scribe;Messiah (Christ); Repent (Repentance); Prophet

Who was Jesus talking about when he said that Elijah has come?

[9:13]

Jesus told them that the scribes were right about Elijah. A prophet like Elijah did help Israel to be ready for the messiah. Jesus spoke about John the Baptist when he spoke about Elijah.

See: Malachi 3:1; 4:5

See: Scribe; Prophet; Messiah (Christ); Repent (Repentance); Sin

9:14-29

Why were the scribes arguing with the disciples?

[9:14]

The scribes were arguing with the disciples. However, Mark did not write what they were arguing about. Some scholars think the scribes were arguing with the disciples because the disciples could not make the demon leave the boy.

See: Scribe; Disciple; Demon

Why were the disciples not able to make the demon leave the boy?

[9:18]

Scholars think the disciples were not able to make the demon leave the boy because they forgot to ask God for help. That is, they forgot to pray. They were not able to make the demon leave without God.

Some ancient copies of the Greek New Testament say that these demons could only come out through “prayer and fasting.” However, scholars think Mark did not write “and fasting.”

See: Disciple; Demon; Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Pray (Prayer);Fasting

Why did Jesus rebuke the “unbelieving generation”?

[9:19]

Jesus rebuked the “unbelieving generation.” That is, he said that the people of Israel were evil for not believing in him. He did not speak about everyone in Israel. Some people believed in him. Jesus spoke about the people of Israel in general. Perhaps Jesus said this because he wanted the disciples to know that they did the same things that people who did not believe in him did.

What did the spirit do when it saw Jesus?

[9:20]

The demon made the boy shake violently when it saw Jesus. Mark did not write why the demon did this.

See: Demon

Why did Jesus say, “all things are possible for the one who believes”?

[9:23]

Jesus said, “all things are possible for the one who believes.” He did not say that people who believe in him can do anything they wanted to do. Instead, he said that when someone obeys God, they can do things they did not think possible to do. God can make anything happen. He can use people to make anything happen that he wants to happen.

9:30-37

Where was Galilee?

[9:30]

See Map: Galilee

Why did Jesus not want people to know where they were?

[9:30]

Jesus did not want people to know where they were because he was teaching the disciples. He did not want people to interrupt them.

See: Disciple

What did Jesus teach the disciples about the Son of Man?

[9:31]

Jesus taught the disciples about what must happen to the Son of Man. The Son of Man must die and be resurrected. The disciples did not understand that Jesus is the Son of Man. They did not want other people to know they did not understand this, so they did not say anything.

See: Disciple; Son of Man; Resurrect (Resurrection)

Where was Capernaum?

[9:33]

See Map: Capernaum

Why were the disciples silent when Jesus asked them a question?

[9:34]

The disciples were silent when Jesus asked them a question because they were ashamed of the things the spoke about to one another.

See: Disciple

What did Jesus teach his disciples?

[9:35, 9:36, 9:37]

Jesus said, “if anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and “servant of all.” He wanted to say that the person who was the greatest was the one who obeyed God. A person who obeyed God served other people in the same way Jesus served other people. This person also did not think he was greater than he was really. He knew God gave him everything that he had.

Jesus helped the disciples to understand what he said by talking about a child. At this time, people did not think they should spend their time teaching and helping children. He wanted the disciples to help people who wanted to believe in Jesus and follow Jesus, even if they did not think they were significant enough to teach. They served Jesus by serving these people. They also honored God, who sent Jesus to the Earth.

See: Disciple; Serve

9:38-50

Why did John call Jesus “teacher”?

[9:38]

In ancient Israel, people often followed someone who taught them. They called them “rabbi” or “teacher.” When he said this, it did not mean that John did not think Jesus was the messiah.

See: Messiah (Christ)

How was someone driving out demons in Jesus name?

[9:38]

John said that someone was driving out demons in Jesus’ name. The disciples made this man stop because he was not one of Jesus’ followers. Some scholars think this man was not currently following Jesus, but they think he might have been one of the 70 people he sent out to preach the gospel (see: Luke:10:1). Jesus told the disciples that they did the wrong thing. This was because the man was honoring Jesus. Because Jesus knows everything, he also knew what the man was doing and gave him permission to do this. This man followed Jesus even though he was not with Jesus and the disciples.

See: Matthew 12:30

See: Demon; Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons); Preach (Preacher); Gospel; Disciple

Who will be rewarded?

[9:41]

Jesus said that anyone who does something to honor Jesus will be rewarded. However, anyone who does something that caused someone to sin will be punished. That is, if they cause someone to want to do something that dishonored God or stops them from doing something that honored God, then they will be punished. In ancient times, people were punished by having a very large stone tied around their necks. They were thrown into the water which caused them to drown. He wanted to say that it was better to be punished while on earth than to lose your reward in heaven or to go to hell.

See: Reward; Sin; Heaven;Hell

Should people harm themselves?

[9:42, 9:43, 9:45]

Jesus said that it would be better for people to harm themselves than to go to hell. Jesus did not want people to harm themselves. However, he wanted them to know that it would be much better to suffer on the earth than to be punished forever in hell.

See: Hell;Fire; Kingdom of God

Did Mark write the words in verse 44?

[9:44]

Some ancient copies of the Greek New Testament have the words in verse 44. However, more of the ancient Greek copies do not have the words from verse 44. Mark probably did not write the words that are in verse 44.

See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible

Did Mark write the words in verse 46?

[9:46]

Some ancient copies of the Greek New Testament have the words in verse 46. However, more of the ancient Greek copies do not have the words from verse 46. Mark probably did not write the words that are in verse 46.

See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible

How was someone salted with fire?

[9:49]

Scholars do not know why Jesus said that someone was “salted with fire.” Perhaps he wanted to say that some people will be punished by going to hell, being burned with fire forever. Other people would be made clean by fire. This is a metaphor. They will be made clean so they can be with God forever.

See: Leviticus 2:13

See: Hell; Fire;Metaphor; Clean and Unclean

Why did Jesus speak about salt?

[9:50]

Jesus spoke about salt as a metaphor. In the ancient world, salt was used to keep food from going bad. At this time, the salt could spoil or go bad. It was useless after this happened. Jesus wanted to say that the disciples needed to do things differently than other people. Then people would want to believe in Jesus and follow Jesus if they did this. However, if they do the same things that other people do, then people will not want to follow Jesus.

See: Disciple

Mark 9:1

He said to them

"Jesus said to his disciples"

the kingdom of God come with power

The kingdom of God coming represents God showing himself as king. Alternate translation: "God show himself with great power as king"

Mark 9:2

alone by themselves

The author uses the reflexive pronoun "themselves" here to emphasize that they were alone and that only Jesus, Peter, James, and John went up the mountain.

he was transfigured

"Transfigure" means for a person's outward appearance to change. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his appearance had changed" or "he appeared very different"

before them

"in front of them"

Mark 9:3

radiantly brilliant

"shining" or "glowing." Jesus's garments were so white they were emitting or giving off light.

extremely

"very"

whiter than any bleacher on earth could bleach them

Bleaching describes the process of making natural white wool even whiter by using chemicals like bleach or ammonia. Alternate translation: "whiter than any person on earth could whiten them"

Mark 9:4

Elijah with Moses appeared

It may be helpful to state who these men are. Alternate translation: "two prophets who had lived long ago, Elijah and Moses, appeared"

they were talking

The word "they" refers to Elijah and Moses.

Mark 9:5

Peter answered and said to Jesus

"Peter said to Jesus." Here the word "answered" is used to introduce Peter into the conversation. Peter was not answering a question.

it is good for us to be here

It is not clear whether "us" refers only to Peter, James, and John, or if it refers to everyone there, including Jesus, Elijah, and Moses. If you can translate so that both options are possible, do so.

shelters

simple, temporary places in which to sit or sleep

Mark 9:6

For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified

This parenthetical sentence tells background information about Peter, James, and John.

they were terrified

"they were very frightened" or "they were very afraid"

Mark 9:7

came and overshadowed

"appeared and covered"

Then a voice came out of the cloud

Here "a voice came out" is a metonym for someone speaking. It can also be stated clearly who spoke. Alternate translation: "Then someone spoke from the cloud" or "Then God spoke from the cloud"

This is my beloved Son. Listen to him

God the Father expresses his love for his "beloved Son," the Son of God.

beloved Son

This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God.

Mark 9:8

when they looked

Here "they" refers to Peter, James, and John.

Mark 9:9

he commanded them to tell no one ... until the Son of Man had risen

This implies that he was permitting them to tell people about what they had seen after he rose from being dead.

risen from the dead

"risen from among the dead." This speaks of becoming alive again. The phrase "the dead" refers to "dead people" and is a metonym for death. Alternate translation: "risen from death"

Mark 9:10

rising from the dead

"to rise from among the dead." This speaks of becoming alive again. The phrase "the dead" refers to "dead people" and is a metonym for death. Alternate translation: "rising from death"

So they kept the matter to themselves

Here "kept the matter to themselves" is an idiom that means they did not tell anyone about what they had seen. Alternate translation: "So they did not tell anyone about what they had seen"

Mark 9:11

Connecting Statement:

Though Peter, James, and John wondered what Jesus might mean by "rising from the dead," they asked him instead about Elijah's coming.

They asked him

The word "they" refers to Peter, James, and John.

Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?

Prophecy foretold that Elijah would come again from heaven. Then the Messiah, who is the Son of Man, would come to rule and reign. The disciples are confused about how the Son of Man could die and rise again. Alternate translation: "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come before the Messiah comes?"

Mark 9:12

Elijah does come first to restore all things

By saying this, Jesus affirms that Elijah would come first.

Why then is it written ... be despised?

Jesus uses this question to remind his disciples that the scriptures also teach that the Son of Man must suffer and be despised. This may be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "But I also want you to consider what is written about the Son of Man. The scriptures say that he must suffer many things and be hated."

be despised

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people would hate him"

Mark 9:13

they did whatever they wanted to him

It may be helpful to state what people did to Elijah. Alternate translation: "our leaders treated him very badly, just as they wanted to do"

Mark 9:14

Connecting Statement:

When Peter, James, John, and Jesus came down from the mountain, they found the scribes arguing with the other disciples.

When they came to the disciples

Jesus, Peter, James, and John returned to the other disciples who had not gone with them up the mountain.

they saw a great crowd around them

"Jesus and those three disciples saw a great crowd around the other disciples"

scribes were arguing with them

The scribes were arguing with the disciples who had not gone with Jesus.

Mark 9:15

was amazed

It may be helpful to state why they were amazed. Alternate translation: "was amazed that Jesus had come"

Mark 9:16

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 9:17

He has a spirit

This means the boy is possessed by an unclean spirit. "He has an unclean spirit" or "He is possessed by an unclean spirit"

Mark 9:18

down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes

A convulsion, or seizure, can cause a person to have trouble breathing or swallowing. This causes white foam to come out of the mouth. If your language has a way to describe that, you could use it. Alternate translation: "down, and bubbles come out of his mouth, and he grinds his teeth and becomes"

becomes rigid

"becomes stiff" or "his body becomes rigid"

they could not

This refers to the disciples not being about to drive the spirit out of the boy. Alternate translation: "they could not drive it out of him"

Mark 9:19

He answered them

Though it was the boy's father who made a request of Jesus, Jesus responds to the whole crowd. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Jesus responded to the crowd"

Unbelieving generation

"You unbelieving generation." Jesus calls the crowd this as he begins to respond to them.

how long will I have to stay with you? How long will I bear with you?

Jesus uses these questions to express his frustration. Both questions have the same meaning. They can be written as statements. Alternate translation: "Your unbelief tires me! I wonder how long I must bear with you."

bear with you

"endure you" or "put up with you"

Bring him to me

"Bring the boy to me"

Mark 9:20

spirit

This refers to the unclean spirit. See how you translated this in Mark 9:17.

convulsion

This is the violent shaking of a person's body that can occur when that person has no control over his body.

Mark 9:21

For how much time

"How long"

Since childhood

"Since he was a small child." It may be helpful to state this as a full sentence. Alternate translation: "He has been like this since he was a small child"

Mark 9:22

have pity

"have compassion"

Mark 9:23

'If you are able'?

Jesus repeated what the man had said to him. Alternate translation: "Do you say to me 'If you are able'?" or "Why do you say 'If you are able'?"

'If you are able'?

Jesus used this question to rebuke the man's doubt. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not say to me, 'If you are able.'" or "You ask me if I am able. Of course I am able."

All things are possible for the one who believes

"God can do anything for people who believe in him"

for the one

"for the person" or "for anyone"

believes

This refers to belief in God. Alternate translation: "believes in God"

Mark 9:24

Help my unbelief

The man is asking Jesus to help him overcome his unbelief and increase his faith. Alternate translation: "Help me when I do not believe" or "Help me have more faith"

Mark 9:25

the crowd running to them

This means that more people were running toward where Jesus was and that the crowd there was growing larger.

You mute and deaf spirit

The words "mute" and "deaf" can be explained. Alternate translation: "You unclean spirit, you who are causing the boy to be unable to speak and unable to hear"

Mark 9:26

It cried out

"The unclean spirit cried out"

convulsed the boy greatly

"shook the boy violently"

came out

It is implied that the spirit came out of the boy. Alternate translation: "came out of the boy"

The boy looked like one who was dead

The boy's appearance is compared to that of a dead person. Alternate translation: "The boy appeared dead" or "The boy looked like a dead person"

so that many

"so that many people"

Mark 9:27

took him by the hand

This means that Jesus grasped the boy's hand with his own hand. Alternate translation: "grasped the boy by the hand"

lifted him up

"helped him get up"

Mark 9:28

privately

This means they were alone.

cast it out

"cast the unclean spirit out." This refers to casting the spirit out of the boy. Alternate translation: "cast the unclean spirit out of the boy"

Mark 9:29

This kind cannot be cast out except by prayer

The words "cannot" and "except" are both negative words. In some languages it is more natural to use a positive statement. Alternate translation: "This kind can be cast out only by prayer"

This kind

This describes unclean spirits. Alternate translation: "This kind of unclean spirit"

Mark 9:30

Connecting Statement:

After he heals the demon-possessed boy, Jesus and his disciples leave the house where they are staying. He takes time to teach his disciples alone.

They went out from there

"Jesus and his disciples left that region"

passed through

"traveled through" or "passed by"

Mark 9:31

for he was teaching his disciples

Jesus was teaching his disciples privately, away from the crowd. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "for he was teaching his disciples privately"

The Son of Man will be given over

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone will give the Son of Man over"

The Son of Man

Here Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man. This is an important title for Jesus. "I, the Son of Man,"

into the hands of men

Here "hands" is a metonym for control. Alternate translation: "into the control of men" or "so that men will be able to control him"

When he has been put to death, after three days he

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "After they have put him to death and three days have passed, he"

Mark 9:32

they were afraid to ask him

They were afraid to ask Jesus what his statement meant. Alternate translation: "they were afraid to ask him what it meant"

Mark 9:33

Connecting Statement:

When they come to Capernaum, Jesus teaches his disciples about being humble servants.

they came to

"they arrived at." The word "they" refers to Jesus and his disciples.

were you discussing

"were you discussing with one another"

Mark 9:34

they were silent

They were silent because they were ashamed to tell Jesus what they had been discussing. Alternate translation: "they were silent because they were ashamed"

who was the greatest

Here "the greatest" refers to "the greatest" among the disciples. Alternate translation: "who was the greatest among them"

Mark 9:35

If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all

Here the words "first" and "last" are opposites of one another. Jesus speaks of being the "most important" as being "first" and of being the "least important" as being "last." Alternate translation: "If anyone wants God to consider him to be the most important person of all, he must consider himself to be the least important of all"

of all ... of all

"of all people ... of all people"

Mark 9:36

in their midst

"among them." The word "their" refers to the crowd.

He took him in his arms

This means that he hugged the child or picked him up and placed him on his lap.

Mark 9:37

such a child

"a child like this"

in my name

This means to do something because of love for Jesus. Alternate translation: "because he loves me" or "for my sake"

the one who sent me

This refers to God, who has sent him to earth. Alternate translation: "God, who has sent me"

Mark 9:38

John said to him

"John said to Jesus"

driving out demons

"sending away demons." This refers to casting demons out of people. Alternate translation: "driving demons out of people"

in your name

Here "name" is associated with Jesus's authority and power. Alternate translation: "by the authority of your name" or "by the power of your name"

he does not follow us

This means that he is not among their group of disciples. Alternate translation: "he is not one of us" or "he does not walk with us"

Mark 9:39

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 9:40

is not against us

"is not opposing us"

is for us

It can be explained clearly what this means. Alternate translation: "is trying to achieve the same goals that we are"

Mark 9:41

gives you a cup of water to drink in my name because you belong to Christ

Jesus speaks about giving someone a cup of water as an example of how one person may help another. This is a metaphor for helping someone in any way.

not lose

This negative sentence emphasizes the positive meaning. In some languages, it is more natural to use a positive statement. Alternate translation: "definitely receive"

Mark 9:42

millstone

a large, round stone used for grinding grain into flour

Mark 9:43

If your hand causes you to stumble

Here "hand" is a metonym for desiring to do something sinful that you would do with your hand. Alternate translation: "If you want to do something sinful with one of your hands"

to enter into life maimed

"to be maimed and then to enter into life" or "to be maimed before entering into life"

to enter into life

Dying and then beginning to live eternally is spoken of as entering into life. Alternate translation: "to enter into eternal life" or "to die and begin to live forever"

maimed

missing a body part as a result of having it removed or being injured. Here it refers to missing a hand. Alternate translation: "without a hand" or "missing a hand"

into the unquenchable fire

"where the fire cannot be put out"

Mark 9:44

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 9:45

If your foot causes you to stumble

Here the word "foot" is a metonym for desiring to do something sinful that you would do with your feet, such as going to a place you should not go to. Alternate translation: "If you want to do something sinful with one of your feet"

to enter into life lame

"to be lame and then to enter into life" or "to be lame before entering into life"

to enter into life

Dying and then beginning to live eternally is spoken of as entering into life. Alternate translation: "to enter into eternal life" or "to die and begin to live forever"

lame

"unable to walk easily." Here it refers not being able to walk well because of missing a foot. Alternate translation: "without a foot" or "missing a foot"

be thrown into hell

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for God to throw you into hell"

Mark 9:46

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 9:47

If your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out

Here the word "eye" is a metonym for either 1) desiring to sin by looking at something. Alternate translation: "If you want to do something sinful by looking at something, tear your eye out" or 2) Desiring to sin because of what you have looked at. Alternate translation: "If you want to do something sinful because of what you look at, tear your eye out"

to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes

This refers to the state of a person's physical body when he dies. A person does not take his physical body with him into eternity. Alternate translation: "to enter into the kingdom of God after having lived on earth with only one eye than to have lived on earth with two eyes"

to be thrown into hell

This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: "for God to throw you into hell"

Mark 9:48

where their worm does not die

The meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "where worms that eat people there do not die"

Mark 9:49

everyone will be salted with fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will salt everyone with fire" or "Just as salt purifies a sacrifice, God will purify everyone by allowing them to suffer"

will be salted with fire

Here "fire" is a metaphor for suffering, and putting salt on people is a metaphor for purifying them. So "will be salted with fire" is a metaphor for being purified through suffering. Alternate translation: "will be made pure in the fire of suffering" or "will suffer in order to be purified as a sacrifice is purified with salt"

Mark 9:50

its saltiness

"its salty taste"

how can you make it salty again?

This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "you cannot make it salty again."

salty again

"taste salty again"

Have salt among yourselves

Jesus speaks of doing good things for one another as if good things were salt that people possess. Alternate translation: "Do good to each other, like salt adds flavor to food"

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 9:1

Who did Jesus say would see the kingdom of God coming with power?

Jesus said that some standing there with him would not die before they saw the kingdom of God coming with power.

Mark 9:2

What happened to Jesus when Peter, James, and John went up a high mountain with him?

Jesus was transfigured and his garments became radiantly brilliant.

Mark 9:3

What happened to Jesus when Peter, James, and John went up a high mountain with him?

Jesus was transfigured and his garments became radiantly brilliant.

Mark 9:4

Who was talking with Jesus on the mountain?

Elijah and Moses were talking with Jesus.

Mark 9:7

On the mountain, what did the voice from the cloud say?

The voice said, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him".

Mark 9:9

What did Jesus command the disciples about what they had seen on the mountain?

Jesus commanded them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Mark 9:11

What did Jesus say about Elijah's coming?

Jesus said that Elijah does come first to restore all things, and that Elijah had already come.

Mark 9:12

What did Jesus say about Elijah's coming?

Jesus said that Elijah does come first to restore all things, and that Elijah had already come.

Mark 9:13

What did Jesus say about Elijah's coming?

Jesus said that Elijah does come first to restore all things, and that Elijah had already come.

Mark 9:17

What were the disciples unable to do for the father and his son?

The disciples were unable to drive out the evil spirit from the father's son.

Mark 9:18

What were the disciples unable to do for the father and his son?

The disciples were unable to drive out the evil spirit from the father's son.

Mark 9:22

Into what did the evil spirit throw the boy to try to destroy him?

The evil spirit threw the boy into the fire or into the waters to try to destroy him.

Mark 9:23

How did the father respond when Jesus said all things are possible for the one who believes?

The father responded, "I believe! Help my unbelief!"

Mark 9:24

How did the father respond when Jesus said all things are possible for the one who believes?

The father responded, "I believe! Help my unbelief!"

Mark 9:28

Why were the disciples unable to cast out the mute and deaf spirit in the boy?

The disciples were unable to cast out the spirit because it could not be cast out except by prayer.

Mark 9:29

Why were the disciples unable to cast out the mute and deaf spirit in the boy?

The disciples were unable to cast out the spirit because it could not be cast out except by prayer.

Mark 9:31

What did Jesus tell his disciples would happen to him?

Jesus told them he would be put to death, then after three days he would rise again.

Mark 9:33

What were the disciples arguing about along the way?

The disciples were arguing about who among them was the greatest.

Mark 9:34

What were the disciples arguing about along the way?

The disciples were arguing about who among them was the greatest.

Mark 9:35

Who did Jesus say is first?

Jesus said that he is first who is servant of all.

Mark 9:36

When someone receives a little child in Jesus' name, who are they also receiving?

When someone receives a little child in Jesus' name, they are also receiving Jesus and the one who sent Jesus.

Mark 9:37

When someone receives a little child in Jesus' name, who are they also receiving?

When someone receives a little child in Jesus' name, they are also receiving Jesus and the one who sent Jesus.

Mark 9:42

What would be better for someone who causes a little one who believes in Jesus to stumble?

It would be better for that one if a millstone were tied around his neck and he was thrown into the sea.

Mark 9:47

What did Jesus say to do with your eye if it causes you to stumble?

Jesus said to tear out your eye if it causes you to stumble.

Mark 9:48

What did Jesus say happens in hell?

Jesus said that in hell the worm does not die, and the fire is not put out.

Chapter 10

¹ Jesus left that place and went to the region of Judea and to the area beyond the Jordan River, and the crowds came to him again. He was teaching them again, as he was accustomed to do. ² Then Pharisees came to him to test him and asked, "Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?"

³ He answered, "What did Moses command you?"

⁴ They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and then to send her away."

⁵ "It was because of your hard hearts that he wrote you this law," Jesus said to them. ⁶ "But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.'

⁷ 'For this reason

a man will leave his father and mother

and be united to his wife,

⁸ and the two will become one flesh.'

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. ⁹ Therefore what God has joined together, let no man tear apart."

¹⁰ When they were in the house, the disciples asked him again about this. ¹¹ He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. ¹² If she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."

¹³ Then they brought their little children to him so that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus noticed it, he was angry and said to them, "Permit the little children to come to me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like them. ¹⁵ Truly I say to you, whoever will not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will definitely not enter it." ¹⁶ Then he took the children into his arms and blessed them as he placed his hands on them.

¹⁷ When he began his journey, a man ran up to him and knelt before him and asked, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

¹⁸ Jesus said, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. ¹⁹ You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not testify falsely, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'"

²⁰ The man said, "Teacher, all these things I have obeyed from the time I was a youth."

²¹ Jesus looked at him and loved him. He said to him, "One thing you lack. You must sell all that you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." ²² But because of this statement he looked very sad and he went away sorrowful, because he had many possessions.

²³ Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How difficult it is for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of God!" ²⁴ The disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter into the kingdom of God! ²⁵ It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."

²⁶ They were greatly astonished and said to each other, "Then who can be saved?"

²⁷ Jesus looked at them and said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God."

²⁸ Peter began to speak to him, "Look, we have left everything and have followed you."

²⁹ Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the gospel ³⁰ who will not receive a hundred times as much now in this age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the world to come, eternal life. ³¹ But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

³² They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going ahead of them. The disciples were amazed, and those who were following behind were afraid. Then Jesus took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what would soon happen to him. ³³ "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be given over to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death and give him over to the Gentiles. ³⁴ They will mock him, spit on him, whip him, and put him to death. But after three days he will rise."

³⁵ James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask you."

³⁶ He said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?"

³⁷ They said, "Allow us to sit with you in your glory, one at your right hand and the other at your left."

³⁸ But Jesus replied to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup which I will drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I will be baptized?"

³⁹ They said to him, "We are able."

Jesus said to them, "The cup that I will drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you also will be baptized. ⁴⁰ But who is to sit at my right hand or at my left hand is not mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." ⁴¹ When the other ten disciples heard about this, they began to be very angry with James and John. ⁴² Jesus called them to himself and said, "You know those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. ⁴³ But it is not this way among you. Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever wishes to be first among you must be the slave of all. ⁴⁵ For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

⁴⁶ They came to Jericho. As he left Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, sat by the road. ⁴⁷ When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to shout and to say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

⁴⁸ Many rebuked the blind man, telling him to be quiet. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

⁴⁹ Jesus stopped and commanded him to be called. They called the blind man, saying, "Be brave! Get up! He is calling for you." ⁵⁰ He threw aside his coat, sprang up, and came to Jesus.

⁵¹ Jesus answered him and said, "What do you want me to do for you?"

The blind man said, "Rabboni, I want to receive my sight."

⁵² Then Jesus said to him, "Go. Your faith has healed you." Immediately he could see again, and he followed him on the road.

Mark 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted material in 10:7-8.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jesus's teaching about divorce

The Pharisees wanted to find a way to make Jesus say that it is good to break the law of Moses, so they asked him about divorce. Jesus tells how God originally designed marriage to show that the Pharisees taught wrongly about divorce.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

Metaphors are pictures of visible objects that speakers use to explain invisible truths. When Jesus spoke of "the cup which I will drink," he was speaking of the pain he would suffer on the cross as if it were a bitter, poisonous liquid in a cup.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Jesus used a paradox when he said, "Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant" (Mark 10:43).

Mark 10

10:1-12

Where was the area beyond the Jordan River?

[10:1]

Jesus left Capernaum to go to Judea. This was a place past the Jordan River. Judea was on the west side of the Jordan River. This was an area where Jews lived. Mark wrote about the area east of the Jordan river when he wrote about beyond the Jordan River. This was a place where Gentiles lived.

See: Gentile

See Map: Capernaum; Jordan River; Judea

How did the Pharisees test Jesus?

[10:2]

Mark wrote that the Pharisees tested Jesus. That is, they wanted to get him to say something that made people angry. It would make certain people angry if he said people could not get divorced. It would make certain other people angry if he said that people could get divorced.

See: Pharisees; Test; Divorce

What did Moses teach about divorce?

[10:3, 10:4]

Moses taught about divorce in the Law of Moses. The Pharisees thought that Moses said a man could divorce his wife. However, they did not think that a woman could divorce her husband. Some Pharisees taught that a man could only divorce his wife if she committed adultery or did evil things. Other Pharisees taught that any man could divorce his wife if he wanted to, even if she did not do anything wrong.

When a man wrote his wife a “certificate of divorce,” he divorced her and gave her something written that said she did not commit adultery. This would help her to marry another man.

See: Deuteronomy 24:1-4

See: Divorce; Pharisees; Law of Moses; Adultery

What did Jesus teach about divorce?

[10:5, 10:6, 10:7, 10:8, 10:9]

Jesus told the Pharisees what the Law of Moses actually said. Moses did not want people to get divorced because God did not want people to get divorced. Instead, Moses knew that some people had hard hearts. That is, they did not want to listen to God’s will about divorce. Moses allowed people to be divorced because of this. However, a certificate of divorce must be written.

Jesus told them about the marriage between Adam and Eve (see: Genesis 1:27; 2:24). A husband and wife became one flesh. That is, it was as if they shared one body. This could not be separated without hurting both the husband and the wife. Therefore, marriage was not simply a contract between two people. It was the joining together of two bodies.

Advice to translators: A contract is a written agreement between two people. They promised something to each other. If they did not do what they promised, they would promise to be punished in a certain way. When marriage is spoken about as a contract, it is written agreement they give to the government. They can easily end this agreement by giving the government another written agreement, that is, a divorce.

See: Divorce; Pharisees; Law of Moses; Sin; Will of God

10:13-16

Why did people want their children to have Jesus touch them?

[10:13]

The people brought their children to have Jesus touch them. They thought that if they did this, Jesus would bless the children. He did this by putting his hands on them and saying a blessing.

See: Bless (Blessing)

Why were the disciples angry with the people bringing their children to have Jesus touch them?

[10:13]

The disciples were angry with the people bringing their children to have Jesus touch them. Scholars think the disciples thought Jesus needed to be doing other things. Perhaps they thought that Jesus should be teaching adults instead.

See: Disciple

What did Jesus teach the disciples about the kingdom of God?

[10:14, 10:15]

Jesus told the disciples they were wrong for being angry with these people. Jesus wanted to have the little children come to him. This was because many adults rejected Jesus. They thought they knew more about the messiah than they did. However, the children were willing to learn and did not reject Jesus.

After this, Jesus taught the disciples about the kingdom of God. If people wanted to have the kingdom of God, they needed to believe in Jesus the same way children believed in Jesus. That was because children often trusted someone completely, but adults often only trusted someone who has earned it.

See: Disciple; Messiah (Christ); Kingdom of God

10:17-31

What was inheriting eternal life?

[10:17]

This man spoke about having peace with God and living with him forever when he spoke about inheriting eternal life.

See: Inherit (Inheritance, Heir); Heaven

How was someone good?

[10:17, 10:18]

Jesus spoke about someone who always did the right thing when he talked about someone who was “good.” Some scholars think because only God is good, that Jesus said that he is God also. The man did not understand what it meant to be “good” and to obey God perfectly.

What were these commandments?

[10:20]

Jesus talked about some of the 10 commandments in the Law of Moses.

See: Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5

See: Ten Commandments; Law of Moses

Why did Jesus want this man to sell everything he had?

[10:21]

The man called Jesus teacher. He thought that Jesus was just a teacher. He did not believe that Jesus was the messiah or that he was God. Jesus knew that the man wanted money more than anything else. He did not trust in God. He trusted in the things he had. Because of this, he rejected Jesus.

All people do not need to sell everything they have to be Chrsitians. This was not a command for all people to follow. Jesus knew the man’s money kept him from believing in Jesus.

See: Messiah (Christ)

What was treasure in heaven?

[10:21]

Jeus spoke about some rewards people will get after they die when he spoke about treasure in heaven.

See: Reward; Heaven

Can the rich enter the kingdom of God?

[10:23]

In ancient Israel, people thought that God blessed people who obeyed him. Therefore, God also blessed rich people. This was not what Jesus said. When people put their trust in themselves and their money they will not be able to enter into God’s kingdom. Jesus used the metaphor of a camel. A camel would never fit through the eye of a needle, which is less than one millimeter. This made other people know how difficult it was for people to trust in Jesus when they had great riches and trusted in those riches instead of God.

See: Bless (Blessing); Kingdom of God; Metaphor

Advice to translators: Someone who has a lot of money is rich. They have riches.

What did Jesus want to teach the disciples?

[10:23, 10:24, 10:25, 10:27]

Here, Jesus wanted to teach his disciples that there was only one way to have peace with God and to enter into his kingdom. That was to trust in Jesus. People should not trust in anything or anyone else.

See: Disciple; Kingdom of God

How will people be given “a hundred times” as much as they left behind?

[10:30]

Some scholars think Jesus spoke about the many homes that would be opened for the servants of God. The brothers and sisters were those who believed in Jesus and became brothers and sisters in Christ. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about spiritual blessings that replaced the homes and families that were left behind. The blessings might be considered “a hundred times” better than what they left behind.

See: Family of God; Children of God; Spirit (Spiritual); Bless (Blessing)

10:32-45

Why were the disciples amazed and the people afraid?

[10:32]

Jesus went to Jerusalem knowing that he would die in Jerusalem. He taught this to people. The people were afraid that what he said was true and that he would be killed in Jerusalem. So they were amazed that he still wanted to go to Jerusalem if he was going to die.

See: Disciple

See Map: Jerusalem

What did Jesus tell the disciples would soon happen?

[10:33]

Jesus told the disciples that he was going to die and would be made alive again. That is, he will be resurrected.

See: Disciple; Resurrect (Resurrection)

Who is the Son of Man?

[10;33]

See: Son of Man

Why will the chief priests and scribes give Jesus over to the Gentiles?

[10:33]

At this time, the Jews were not able to kill a criminal. Only their Roman leaders could do this. They were Gentiles. Jesus wanted to say that the Jewish leaders would get the Gentile leaders to kill Jesus.

See: Chief Priest; Scribe; Gentile

Why did James and John want to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand?

[10:37]

James and John wanted to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand. That is, they wanted to sit next to him in heaven. To be seated at the right and left hand of the throne were places of honor. They wanted to be honored.

See: Heaven; Throne

What will happen to Jesus?

[10:38]

Jesus spoke about drinking the cup he was about to drink and enduring the baptism he was about to endure. These were metaphors. He was asking them if they would suffer and die to obey him. If they did this, it would be a type of offering to God. Eventually, James would be killed for believing in Jesus (see: Acts 12:2).

See: Baptize (Baptism); Metaphor; Offer (Offering)

Who will sit at Jesus’ right and left side in heaven?

[10:40]

Jesus will sit at God the Father’s right hand in heaven. Therefore, God is at Jesus’ left hand side in heaven. However, God the Father is the one who decides who will sit at the right hand of Jesus (see: Matthew 20:23).

See: God the Father; Heaven

Why were the disciples angry with James and John?

[10:41]

Some scholars think the other disciples were angry with James and John because they asked Jesus to honor them in a special way. Other scholars think the other disciples were jealous or afraid James and John might be honored over them.

See: Disciple

Who will be honored in heaven?

[10:43]

Jesus taught the disciples that certain people will be honored in heaven. Just as Jesus came to serve, so Christians who serve other people will be honored in heaven.

See: Disciple; Heaven

How did Jesus give his life as a ransom for many?

[10:45]

Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many. That is, he died so that people would be at peace with God. Mark spoke about Jesus dying as a price to be paid for their sin. By dying, Jesus set them free from being slaves to their own sinful desires.

See: Atone (Atonement); Sin

10:46-52

Where is Jericho?

[10:46]

See Map: Jericho

Who was Jesus the Nazarene?

[10:47]

Jesus was Jesus the Nazarene. He was Jesus from Nazareth.

See Map: Nazareth

How was Jesus the Son of David?

[10:47]

The blind man called Jesus the “Son of David.” David was one of Jesus’ ancestors. He called him this because the messiah was to be one of David’s descendants. He was to fulfill the covenant God made with David.

See: Son of David; Messiah (Christ); Covenant with David

Why did the people rebuke the blind man?

[10:48]

People told the blind man that he was wrong. Some scholars think the people wanted to get to Jerusalem quickly, so they did not want Jesus to stop when the blind man cried out. Other scholars think the people were not ready to hear that Jesus is the Son of David, that is, the Messiah.

See: Messiah (Christ)

Why did the man call Jesus rabbi?

[10:51]

In ancient Israel, people called certain teachers “rabbi.” People followed the teacher, obeyed the things he taught, and called him rabbi. The Greek word can also be used to call someone “master.”

Why was this man healed?

[10:52]

Jesus healed this man because he believed in Jesus.

Mark 10:1

Connecting Statement:

After Jesus and his disciples leave Capernaum, Jesus reminds the Pharisees, as well as his disciples, what God really expects in marriage and divorce.

Jesus left that place

Jesus's disciples were traveling with him. They were leaving Capernaum. Alternate translation: "Jesus and his disciples left Capernaum"

and to the area beyond the Jordan River

"and to the land on the other side of the Jordan River" or "and to the area east of the Jordan River"

He was teaching them again

The word "them" refers to the crowds.

he was accustomed to do

"was his custom" or "he usually did"

Mark 10:2

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 10:3

What did Moses command you

Moses gave the law to their ancestors, which they now were also supposed to follow. Alternate translation: "What did Moses command your ancestors about this"

Mark 10:4

a certificate of divorce

This was a paper saying that the woman was no longer his wife.

Mark 10:5

"It was because ... this law," Jesus said to them.

In some languages speakers do not interrupt a quote to say who is speaking. Rather they say who is speaking at the beginning or end of the complete quote. Alternate translation: "Jesus said to them, 'It was because ... this law."

because of your hard hearts that he wrote you this law

Long before this time, Moses wrote this law for the Jews and their descendants because they had hard hearts. The Jews of Jesus's time also had hard hearts, so Jesus included them by using the words "your" and "you." Alternate translation: "because your ancestors had hard hearts like yours that he wrote this law"

your hard hearts

Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's inner being or mind. The phrase "hard hearts" is a metaphor for "stubbornness." Alternate translation: "your stubbornness"

Mark 10:6

God made them

"God made people"

Mark 10:7

Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to quote what God said in the book of Genesis.

For this reason

"Therefore" or "Because of this"

be united to his wife

"join with his wife"

Mark 10:8

and the two ... one flesh

Jesus finishes quoting what God said in the book of Genesis.

they are no longer two, but one flesh

This is a metaphor to illustrate their close union as husband and wife. Alternate translation: "the two people are like one person" or "they are no longer two, but together they are one body"

Mark 10:9

Therefore what God has joined together, let no man tear apart

The phrase "what God has joined together" refers to any married couple. Alternate translation: "Therefore since God has joined together husband and wife, let no one tear them apart"

Mark 10:10

When they were

"When Jesus and his disciples were"

were in the house

Jesus's disciples were speaking to him privately. Alternate translation: were alone in the house"

asked him again about this

The word "this" refers to the conversation that Jesus had just had with the Pharisees about divorce.

Mark 10:11

Whoever

"Anyone who"

commits adultery against her

Here "her" refers to the first woman he was married to.

Mark 10:12

she commits adultery

In this situation she commits adultery again her previous husband. Alternate translation: "she commits adultery against him" or "she commits adultery against the first man"

Mark 10:13

Connecting Statement:

When the disciples rebuke the people for bringing their little children to Jesus, he blesses the children and reminds the disciples that people must be as humble as a child to enter the kingdom of God.

Then they brought

"Now people were bringing." This is the next event in the story.

he might touch them

This means that Jesus would touch them with his hands and bless them. Alternate translation: "he might touch them with his hands and bless them" or "he might lay his hands on them and bless them"

rebuked them

"rebuked the people"

Mark 10:14

Jesus noticed it

The word "it" refers to the disciples rebuking the people who were bringing the children to Jesus.

was angry

Jesus was angry with the disciples.

Permit the little children to come to me, and do not forbid them

These two clauses have similar meanings, repeated for emphasis. In some languages it is more natural to emphasize this in another way. Alternate translation: "Be sure to allow the little children to come to me"

do not forbid

"allow"

for the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like them

The kingdom belonging to people represents the kingdom including them. Alternate translation: "the kingdom of God includes people who are like them" or "because only people like them are members of the kingdom of God"

Mark 10:15

whoever will not receive ... child will definitely not enter it

"if anyone will not recieve ... child, he will definitely not enter it"

as a little child

Jesus is comparing how people must receive the kingdom of God to how little children would receive it. Alternate translation: "in the same manner as a little child would"

will not receive the kingdom of God

"will not accept God as their king"

definitely not enter it

The word "it" refers to the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:16

he took the children into his arms

"he hugged the children"

Mark 10:17

to inherit eternal life

Here the man speaks of "receiving" as if it were "inheriting." This metaphor is used to emphasize the importance of receiving. Also, "inherit" here does not mean that someone has to die first. Alternate translation: to receive eternal life"

Mark 10:18

Why do you call me good?

Jesus asks this question to remind the man that no man is good the way God is good. Alternate translation: "You do not understand what you are saying when you call me good."

No one is good except God alone

This double negative emphasizes that God is the only one who is good. Alternate translation: "The only one who is good is God"

Mark 10:19

do not testify falsely

"do not testify falsely against anyone" or "do not lie about someone in court"

Mark 10:20

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 10:21

One thing you lack

"There is one thing you are missing." Here "lack" is a metaphor for needing to do something. Alternate translation: "One thing you need to do" or "There is one thing you have not yet done" or

give it to the poor

Here the word "it" refers to the things he sells and is a metonym for the money he receives when he sells them. Alternate translation: "give the money to the poor"

the poor

This refers to poor people. Alternate translation: "poor people"

treasure

wealth, valuable things

Mark 10:22

had many possessions

"owned many things"

Mark 10:23

How difficult it is

"It is very difficult"

Mark 10:24

Jesus said to them again

"Jesus said to his disciples again"

Children, how

"My children, how." Jesus is teaching them as a father would teach his children. Alternate translation: "My friends, how"

how hard it is

"it is very hard"

Mark 10:25

It is easier for a camel ... kingdom of God

It is impossible for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. Jesus uses an exaggeration to emphasize how very difficult it is for rich people to get into the kingdom of God.

It is easier for a camel

This speaks of an impossible situation. If you cannot state this in this way in your language, you can use the word "would." Alternate translation: "It would be easier for a camel"

the eye of a needle

Here "the eye" refers to the small hole in one end of a sewing needle. The thread goes through this hole and ties to the needle. Alternate translation: "the hole of a needle"

Mark 10:26

They were

"The disciples were"

Then who can be saved?

This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "If that is so, then no one will be saved!"

Mark 10:27

With people it is impossible, but not with God

The understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: "It is impossible for people to save themselves, but God can save them"

Mark 10:28

Look, we have left everything and have followed you

Here the word "Look" is used to draw attention to the words that come next. Similar emphasis can be expressed in other ways. Alternate translation: "We have left everything and have followed you"

have left everything

"have left everything behind"

Mark 10:29

Truly I say to you, there is no one

This sentence ends in verse 30. It can be stated in positive form. If so, in verse 30, "who will not receive" would become "will receive." Alternate translation: "Truly I say to you, everyone"

or lands

"or plots of ground" or "or the land that he owns"

for my sake

"for my cause" or "for me"

for the gospel

"to proclaim the gospel"

Mark 10:30

who will not receive

This sentence began in verse 29. If you the sentence was stated in positive form in verse 29, verse 30 would be changed to positive form also. Alternate translation: "will receive"

this age

"the world as you know it" or "this present age"

brothers and sisters and mothers and children

Like the list in verse 29, this describes the family in general. The word "fathers" is missing in verse 30, but it does not significantly change the meaning.

with persecutions, and in the world to come, eternal life

This can be reworded so that the ideas in the abstract noun "persecution" are expressed with the verb "persecute." Because the sentence is so long and complicated, "will receive" can be repeated. Alternate translation: "and even though people persecute them, in the world to come, they will receive eternal life"

in the world to come

"in the future world" or "in the future

Mark 10:31

are first will be last, and the last first

Here the words "first" and "last" are opposites of one another. Jesus speaks of being the "important" as being "first" and of being the "unimportant" as being "last." Alternate translation: "are important will be unimportant, and those who are unimportant will be important"

the last first

The phrase "the last" refers to people who are "last." Also, the understood verb in this clause may be supplied. Alternate translation: "those who are last will be first"

Mark 10:32

They were on the road ... and Jesus was going ahead of them

"Jesus and his disciples were walking on the road ... and Jesus was in front of his disciples"

those who were following behind

"those who were following behind them." Some people were walking behind Jesus and his disciples.

Mark 10:33

See

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

the Son of Man will

Jesus is speaking about himself. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, will"

the Son of Man will be given over to

The words "given over" mean "betrayed" or "put into the power of." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone will hand the Son of Man to" or "they will hand the Son of Man over to"

They will condemn

The word "They" refers to the chief priests and the scribes.

give him over to the Gentiles

"betray him to the Gentiles" or "put him under the control of the Gentiles"

Mark 10:34

They will mock

"People will mock"

put him to death

"kill him"

he will rise

This refers to rising from the dead. Alternate translation: "he will rise from being dead"

Mark 10:35

we ... us

These words refer only to James and John.

Mark 10:36

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 10:37

in your glory

"when you are glorified." The phrase "in your glory" refers to when Jesus is glorified and rules over his kingdom. Alternate translation: "when you rule in your kingdom"

Mark 10:38

You do not know

"You do not understand"

drink the cup which I will drink

Here "cup" refers to what Jesus must suffer. Suffering is often referred to as drinking from a cup. Alternate translation: "drink the cup of suffering that I will drink" or "drink from the cup of suffering that I will drink from"

be baptized with the baptism with which I will be baptized

Here "baptism" and being baptized represent suffering. Just as water covers a person during baptism, suffering will overwhelm Jesus. Alternate translation: "endure the baptism of suffering which I will suffer"

Mark 10:39

We are able

They respond this way, meaning that they are able to drink the same cup and endure the same baptism.

you will drink

"you will drink as well"

Mark 10:40

But who is to sit at my right hand or at my left hand is not mine to give

"But I am not the one who allows people to sit at my right hand or my left hand"

but it is for those for whom it has been prepared

"but those places are for those for whom they have been prepared." The word "it" refers to the places to his right hand and to his left hand.

it has been prepared

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has prepared it" or "God has prepared them"

Mark 10:41

heard about this

The word "this" refers to James and John asking to sit at Jesus's right and left hands.

Mark 10:42

Jesus called them

"Jesus called his disciples"

those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) people in general consider these people the rulers of the Gentiles. Alternate translation: "those whom people consider to be the rulers of the Gentiles" or 2) the Gentiles consider these people their rulers. Alternate translation: "those whom the Gentiles think of as their rulers"

dominate

have control or power over

exercise authority

"flaunt their authority." This means that they show or use their authority in an overbearing way.

Mark 10:43

But it is not this way among you

This refers back to the previous verse about the Gentile rulers. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "But do not be like them"

become great

"be highly respected"

Mark 10:44

to be first

This is a metaphor for being the most important. Alternate translation: "to be the most important"

Mark 10:45

For the Son of Man did not come to be served

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "For the Son of Man did not come to have people serve him"

to be served, but to serve

"to be served by people, but to serve people"

for many

"for many people"

Mark 10:46

Connecting Statement:

As Jesus and his disciples continue walking toward Jerusalem, Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus, who then walks with them.

the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar

"a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus." Bartimaeus is the name of a man. Timaeus is his father's name.

Mark 10:47

When he heard that it was Jesus

Bartimaeus heard people saying that it was Jesus. Alternate translation: "When he heard people saying that it was Jesus"

Son of David

Jesus is called the Son of David because he is a descendant of King David. Alternate translation: "You who are the Messiah descended from King David"

Mark 10:48

Many rebuked

"Many people rebuked"

all the more

"even more"

Mark 10:49

commanded him to be called.

This can be translated in active form or as as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "commanded others to call him." or "commanded them, 'Call him to come over here.'"

They called

The word "They" refers to the crowd.

Be brave

"Have courage" or "Do not be afraid"

He is calling for you

"Jesus is calling for you"

Mark 10:50

sprang up

"jumped up"

Mark 10:51

answered him

"answered the blind man"

to receive my sight

"to be able to see"

Mark 10:52

Your faith has healed you

This phrase is written this way to place emphasis on the man's faith. Jesus heals the man because he believes that Jesus can heal him. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "I am healing you because you have believed in me"

he followed him

"he followed Jesus"

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 10:2

What question did the Pharisees ask Jesus in order to test him?

The Pharisees asked Jesus if it was lawful for a husband to divorce his wife.

Mark 10:4

What commandment had Moses given the Jews concerning divorce?

Moses had allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and then send his wife away.

Mark 10:5

Why had Moses given the Jews this commandment concerning divorce?

Moses had given this commandment to the Jews because of their hard hearts.

Mark 10:6

To what event in history did Jesus refer when telling the Pharisees about God's original design for marriage?

Jesus referred to the creation of male and female at the beginning when telling about God's original design for marriage.

Mark 10:7

What did Jesus say the two people, the man and his wife, become when they are married?

Jesus said that the two become one flesh.

Mark 10:8

What did Jesus say the two people, the man and his wife, become when they are married?

Jesus said that the two become one flesh.

Mark 10:9

What did Jesus say about what God joins together in marriage?

Jesus said that what God joins together, let no man tear apart.

Mark 10:13

What was Jesus' reaction when the disciples rebuked those bringing little children to him?

Jesus was angry with the disciples and told them to permit the little children to come to him.

Mark 10:14

What was Jesus' reaction when the disciples rebuked those bringing little children to him?

Jesus was angry with the disciples and told them to permit the little children to come to him.

Mark 10:15

How did Jesus say the kingdom of God must be received in order to enter it?

Jesus said the kingdom of God must be received as a little child in order to enter it.

Mark 10:19

What did Jesus first tell the man he must do to inherit eternal life?

Jesus told the man he must not kill, not commit adultery, not steal, not testify falsely, not defraud, and must honor his father and mother.

Mark 10:21

What additional commandment did Jesus then give the man?

Jesus then commanded the man to sell all that he had and to follow him.

Mark 10:22

How did the man react when Jesus gave him this commandment, and why?

The man was sorrowful and walked away, for he had many possessions.

Mark 10:23

Who did Jesus say had great difficulty entering the kingdom of God?

Jesus said that the rich had great difficulty entering the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:24

Who did Jesus say had great difficulty entering the kingdom of God?

Jesus said that the rich had great difficulty entering the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:25

Who did Jesus say had great difficulty entering the kingdom of God?

Jesus said that the rich had great difficulty entering the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:26

How did Jesus say even a rich person could be saved?

Jesus said that with people it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Mark 10:27

How did Jesus say even a rich person could be saved?

Jesus said that with people it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Mark 10:29

What did Jesus say anyone would receive who had left house, family, and lands for Jesus' sake?

Jesus said they would receive a hundred times as much in this world, with persecutions, and eternal life in the world to come.

Mark 10:30

What did Jesus say anyone would receive who had left house, family, and lands for Jesus' sake?

Jesus said they would receive a hundred times as much in this world, with persecutions, and eternal life in the world to come.

Mark 10:32

On what road were Jesus and the disciples traveling?

Jesus and the disciples were traveling on the road going up to Jerusalem.

Mark 10:33

What did Jesus tell his disciples would happen to him in Jerusalem?

Jesus told his disciples that he would be condemned to death, and after three days he would rise.

Mark 10:34

What did Jesus tell his disciples would happen to him in Jerusalem?

Jesus told his disciples that he would be condemned to death, and after three days he would rise.

Mark 10:35

What request did James and John make to Jesus?

James and John requested to sit on Jesus' right and left hand with him in glory.

Mark 10:36

What request did James and John make to Jesus?

James and John requested to sit on Jesus' right and left hand with him in glory.

Mark 10:37

What request did James and John make to Jesus?

James and John requested to sit on Jesus' right and left hand with him in glory.

Mark 10:39

What did Jesus say that James and John would endure?

Jesus said that James and John would endure the cup Jesus would drink, and the baptism with which Jesus would be baptized.

Mark 10:40

Did Jesus grant the request of James and John?

No, Jesus said that the seats at his right and left hand were not his to give.

Mark 10:42

How did Jesus say the rulers of the Gentiles treat their subjects?

Jesus said that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate their subjects.

Mark 10:43

How did Jesus say those who wish to be great among the disciples must live?

Jesus said those who wish to be great among the disciples must be servant of all.

Mark 10:44

How did Jesus say those who wish to be great among the disciples must live?

Jesus said those who wish to be great among the disciples must be servant of all.

Mark 10:48

What did the blind man Bartimaeus do when many rebuked him, telling him to be quiet?

Bartimaeus cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

Mark 10:52

What did Jesus say had healed Bartimaeus of his blindness?

Jesus said that Bartimaeus' faith had healed him.

Chapter 11

¹ Now as they came to Jerusalem, they were close to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, and Jesus sent out two of his disciples ² and said to them, "Go into the village opposite us. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it to me. ³ If anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' you should say, 'The Lord has need of it and will immediately send it back here.'"

⁴ They went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. ⁵ Some people were standing there and said to them, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" ⁶ They spoke to them as Jesus told them, and the people let them go their way. ⁷ They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. ⁸ Many people spread their garments on the road, and others spread branches they had cut from the fields. ⁹ Those who went before him and those who followed shouted,

"Hosanna! Blessed is the one

who comes in the name of the Lord.

¹⁰ Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!

Hosanna in the highest!"

¹¹ Then Jesus entered into Jerusalem and went into the temple and looked around at everything. Now the time being late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. ¹² The next day while they were going out from Bethany, he was hungry. ¹³ Seeing from far away a fig tree that had leaves, he went to see if he could find any fruit on it, and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. ¹⁴ He spoke to it, "No one will ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard it.

¹⁵ They came to Jerusalem, and he entered the temple and began to cast out the sellers and the buyers in the temple. He turned over the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. ¹⁶ He did not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple that could be sold. ¹⁷ He taught them and said, "Is it not written,

'My house will be called

a house of prayer for all the nations'?

But you have made it a den of robbers."

¹⁸ The chief priests and the scribes heard what he had said, and they looked for a way to destroy him. For they feared him because the entire crowd was amazed at his teaching. ¹⁹ When evening came, they left the city.

²⁰ As they walked by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. ²¹ Peter remembered and said, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered away."

²² Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. ²³ Truly I say to you that if anyone says to this mountain, 'Get up and cast yourself into the sea,' and if he does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he said will happen, that is what God will do. ²⁴ Therefore I say to you: Everything you pray and ask for, believe that you received it, and it will be yours. ²⁵ When you stand and pray, you must forgive whatever you have against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your trespasses." ²⁶^[1]

²⁷ They came to Jerusalem again. As Jesus was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him. ²⁸ They said to him, "By what authority do you do these things, and who gave you the authority to do them?"

²⁹ Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question. Tell me and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. ³⁰ The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men? Answer me." ³¹ They discussed between themselves and argued and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' ³² But if we say, 'From men,' ... ." They were afraid of the people, for everyone was convinced that John was a prophet. ³³ Then they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know."

Then Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."

Footnotes

11:26 ^[1]The best ancient copies of Mark do not have this sentence:

Mark 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 11:9-10, 17, which is from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

The donkey and the colt

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on an animal. In this way he was like a king who came into a city after he had won an important battle. Also, the kings of Israel in the Old Testament rode on a donkeys. Other kings rode on horses. So Jesus was showing that he was the king of Israel and that he was not like other kings.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about this event. Matthew and Mark wrote that the disciples brought Jesus a donkey. John wrote that Jesus found a donkey. Luke wrote that they brought him a colt. Only Matthew wrote that there were both a donkey had a colt. No one knows for sure whether Jesus rode the donkey or the colt. It is best to translate each of these accounts as it appears in the ULB without trying to make them all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 21:1-7 and Mark 11:1-7 and Luke 19:29-36 and John 12:14-15)

Mark 11

11:1-10

Where were Bethany, Bethpage, and the Mount of Olives?

[11:1]

See Map: Bethany; Bethpage; Mount of Olives

How did Jesus enter into Jerusalem?

[11:2]

Jesus entered Jerusalem in the same way a king returned home after a great victory in a war. Often, they rode on horses or in a chariot. Jesus entered Jerusalem on a colt because he told people that he was the messiah and the king of the Jews (see: Zechariah 9:9). He also had a great victory. He lived the perfect life and was about to die so that people could have peace with God.

See: Matthew 21:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19

See: Messiah (Christ); Atone (Atonement); Chariot

What was a colt?

[11:2]

A colt was a young donkey. This colt was with its mother, a donkey (see: Matthew 21:2). No one had ever ridden this colt. In the Old Testament, an animal that had never been used had special value for religious purposes (see: Numbers 19:2; Deuteronomy 21:3; 1 Samuel 6:7).

Why did Jesus say, “the Lord has need of it”?

[11:3]

Some scholars think that Jesus said, “the Lord has need of it” to say that God needed it for God’s purpose. Other scholars think Jesus said this because he was calling himself Lord. That is, he was calling himself God. Still other scholars think the owner of the colt was traveling with Jesus, and Jesus said the owner had need of the colt.

See: Jesus is God

Why did the disciples put their cloaks on the colt?

[11:7]

The disciples put their cloaks on the colt to make it easier for Jesus to ride on it. A cloak was a coat. It was a piece of clothing used to make someone warm. It was put on over other clothes. This coat covered the whole body with a single piece of thick cloth.

See: Disciple

Why did the people put things on the road?

[11:8]

The road on which Jesus rode the colt was dirty. The people honored Jesus by putting things on the road so that he would not get dirty. In ancient times, people did this to welcome a new king (see: 2 Kings 9:13).

Why did the people shout “hosanna”?

[11:9]

The people shouted “Hosanna” because they wanted God to save them. They said that Jesus came “in the name of the Lord.” That is, God gave Jesus power and permission to serve him. They believed Jesus was the messiah who came to begin the kingdom promised to David.

See: Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Heaven; Bless (Blessing); Messiah (Christ); Covenant with David

11:11-26

Why did Jesus look around the temple?

[11:11]

Jesus went to Jerusalem. He walked around the temple. Scholars think Jesus looked at the things happening in the temple. Many forbidden things were happening. They think Jesus planned what he would do the next day.

See: Temple

See Map: Jerusalem

Why did Jesus curse the fig tree?

[11:13, 11:14]

Jesus saw a fig tree. It did not have fruit. He cursed it. He did not do this because he was hungry or angry. It was a metaphor. In the same way a fig tree produced figs, so God wanted Israel to produce fruit. That is, he wanted Israel to serve and obey him. However, they did not do this. Therefore, they made themselves useless to God.

See: Curse; Fruit (Metaphor); Metaphor

Why did Jesus make people leave the temple?

[11:15]

Jesus made certain people leave the temple. He made people who sold things in the temple leave. He made people who bought things in the temple leave. He did not want people there to make money. He only wanted people to go to the temple to worship God. People from every nation were to go to the temple to pray (see: Isaiah 56:7). However, the Jews did not want other people to go to the temple to worship God. Instead, they used the area God made for the Gentiles worship God as a market to make money.

Jesus said the temple was made into a “den of robbers.” That is, a place where people who robbed other people lived (see: Jeremiah 7:11). Some scholars think Jesus quoted Jeremiah so everyone would know that the people did not honor the temple.

Before, Jesus also made people leave the temple earlier (see: John 2:13-22).

See: Temple; Gentile

Why did the chief priests and scribes want to kill Jesus?

[11:18]

The chief priests and scribes wanted to kill Jesus because of what he did. Some scholars think the chief priests and the scribes made money from the things sold in the temple. Jesus stopped them from making money in the temple. Other scholars think Jesus made others know that he was greater than the high priest and he ruled the temple by doing the things he did there.

See: Temple; High Priest; Chief Priest; Scribe

Why did Peter call Jesus “rabbi”?

[11:21]

See: Mark 9:5

Why did Jesus speak about a mountain?

[11:23]

Jesus spoke about a mountain to teach his disciples. This was a metaphor. He wanted to say they could do great things if they trusted in God. They were not actually going to move a mountain. This was hyperbole. However, God did many miracles through these disciples after Jesus was made alive again. God would do things that no person could ever do if they asked God for something in prayer that God wanted to happen. Jesus wanted them to trust in God when they prayed.

Jesus also wanted the disciples to forgive other people. God forgave their sins. So they should forgive other people. Some scholars think Jesus told the disciples to forgive others because God heard their prayers. They think there is a kind of separation between God and the person praying when they do not forgive other people.

See: Disciple; Metaphor; Miracle; Hyperbole; Will of God; Sin

Did Mark write the words in 11:26?

[11:26]

Some ancient copies of the Greek New Testament do not have the words in 11:26. Fewer ancient copies of the Greek New Testament have the words in 11:26. Some English Bibles were translated from a copy of the Greek New Testament that had 11:26. However, scholars think Mark did not write these words.

11:27-33

Who were the elders?

[11:27]

The elders were the Jewish leaders who were older men. Why did the leaders want to know who gave Jesus permission to do the things he did?

The Jewish leaders asked Jesus who gave him permission to do the things he did. They did not think God gave him permission to do the things he did. They thought Satan gave him permission to do these things. Some scholars think the leaders really wanted to have Jesus say that God sent him. They thought that the Law of Moses said they could kill him if he did this. However, God sent Jesus.

See: Satan (The Devil); Law of Moses

Why did Jesus ask the leaders about the baptism of John?

[11:29, 11:30]

Jesus asked the leaders about who gave John the Baptist permission to do the things he did. The people in Israel loved John the Baptist. They thought God sent him. John the Baptist said that Jesus was the messiah. The leaders were afraid of saying that God sent John because they would also have to say that God sent Jesus.However, the people would be angry with these leaders and reject them if they said that God did not send John.

See: Baptize (Baptism); Messiah (Christ)

Mark 11:1

Now as they came to Jerusalem, they were close to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives

"When Jesus and his disciples came near to Jerusalem, they came to Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives" They have come to Bethphage and Bethany in the vicinity of Jerusalem.

Bethphage

This is the name of a village.

Mark 11:2

opposite us

"ahead of us"

a colt

This refers to a young donkey that is large enough to carry a man.

that has never been ridden

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "that no one has ever ridden"

Mark 11:3

Why are you doing this

It can be written clearly what the word "this" refers to. Alternate translation: "Why are you untying and taking the colt"

has need of it

"needs it"

will immediately send it back here

Jesus will send it back promptly when he is finished using it. Alternate translation: "will immediately send it back when he no longer needs it"

Mark 11:4

They went

"The two disciples went"

colt

This refers to a young donkey that is large enough to carry a man. See how you translated this in Mark 11:2.

Mark 11:5

What are you doing, untying that colt?

The people wanted to know why the two men were untying the colt. They may have been concerned that the two men were doing something they should not have been doing. Alternate translation: "Why are you untying that colt?"

Mark 11:6

They spoke

"They responded"

as Jesus told them

"as Jesus had told them to respond." This refers to how Jesus had told them to respond to people's questions about taking the colt.

let them go their way

This means that they allowed them to continue doing what they were doing. Alternate translation: "let them take the donkey with them"

Mark 11:7

They brought the colt to Jesus

The word "They" refers to the two disciples.

threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it

"laid their cloaks on its back and Jesus sat on it." It is easier to ride a colt or a horse when there is a blanket or something similar on its back. In this case, the disciples put their cloaks on it.

cloaks

"coats" or "robes"

Mark 11:8

Many people spread their garments on the road

It was a tradition to lay garments on the road in front of important people to honor them. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Many people spread their garments on the road to honor him"

others spread branches they had cut from the fields

It was a tradition to lay palm branches on the road in front of important people to honor them. Alternate translation: "others spread on the road branches that they had cut from the fields to honor him"

Mark 11:9

who followed

"who followed him"

Hosanna

This word means "save us," but people also shouted it joyfully when they wanted to praise God. You can translate it according to how it was used, or you can write "Hosanna" using your language's way of spelling that word. Alternate translation: "Praise God"

Blessed is the one

This is referring to Jesus. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Blessed are you, the one"

in the name of the Lord

This is a metonym for the Lord's authority. Alternate translation: "with the authority of the Lord"

Blessed is

"May God bless"

Mark 11:10

Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David

"Blessed is our father David's coming kingdom." This refers to Jesus coming and ruling as king. The word "blessed" can be translated as an active verb. Alternate translation: "Blessed be the coming of your kingdom" or "May God bless you as you rule your coming kingdom"

of our father David

Here David's descendant who will rule is referred to as David himself. Alternate translation: "of the greatest descendant of our father David" or "that David's greatest descendant will rule"

Hosanna in the highest

Possible meanings are 1) "Praise God who is in heaven" or 2) "Let those who are in heaven shout 'Hosanna'."

the highest

Here heaven is spoken of as "the highest." Alternate translation: "the highest heaven" or "heaven"

Mark 11:11

the time being late

"because it was late in the day"

he went out to Bethany with the twelve

"he and his twelve disciples left Jerusalem and went to Bethany"

Mark 11:12

he was hungry

"Jesus was hungry"

Mark 11:13

Connecting Statement:

This happens while Jesus and his disciples are walking to Jerusalem.

if he could find any fruit on it

"if there was any fruit on it"

he found nothing but leaves

This means that he did not find any figs. Alternate translation: "he found only leaves and no figs on the tree"

the season

"the time of year"

Mark 11:14

He spoke to it, "No one will ever eat fruit from you again

Jesus speaks to the fig tree and curses it. He speaks to it so that his disciples hear him.

He spoke to it

"He spoke to the tree"

his disciples heard it

The word "it" refers to Jesus speaking to the fig tree.

Mark 11:15

They came

"Jesus and his disciples came"

began to cast out the sellers and the buyers in the temple

Jesus is driving these people out of the temple. This can be written clearly. Alternate translation: "began to drive the sellers and buyers out of the temple"

the sellers and the buyers

"the people who were buying and selling"

Mark 11:16

to carry anything through the temple that could be sold

"to carry anything that could be sold through the temple"

Mark 11:17

General Information:

God had said earlier in his word, through the prophet Isaiah, that his temple would be a house of prayer for all the nations.

Is it not written, 'My house will be called ... the nations'?

Jesus is rebuking the Jewish leaders for their misuse of the temple. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is written in the scriptures that God said, 'I want my house to be called a house where people from all nations may pray.'"

But you have made it a den of robbers

Jesus compares the people to robbers and the temple to a robbers' den. Alternate translation: "But you are like robbers who have made my house into a robbers' den"

a den of robbers

"a cave where robbers hide"

Mark 11:18

they looked for a way

"they sought a way" or "they tried to find a way"

to destroy him

"to kill him"

Mark 11:19

When evening came

"In the evening"

they left the city

"Jesus and his disciples left the city"

Mark 11:20

Connecting Statement:

Jesus uses the example of the fig tree to remind the disciples to have faith in God.

walked by

"were walking along the road"

they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots

Translate this statement to clarify that the tree died. Alternate translation: "they saw that the fig tree had withered away down to its roots and died"

withered away

"dried up"

Mark 11:21

Peter remembered

It may be helpful to state what Peter remembered. Alternate translation: "Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the fig tree"

Mark 11:22

Jesus answered them

"Jesus replied to his disciples"

Mark 11:23

Truly I say to you

"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

if he does not doubt in his heart but believes

Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's mind or inner being. Alternate translation: "if he truly believes in his heart" or "if he does not doubt but believes"

God will do

"God will make happen"

Mark 11:24

Therefore I say to you

"So I tell you"

it will be yours

It is understood that this will happen because God will provide what you ask for. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "God will give it to you"

Mark 11:25

When you stand and pray

It is common in Hebrew culture to stand when praying to God. Alternate translation: "When you pray"

whatever you have against anyone

"whatever grudge you have against anyone." Here the word "whatever" refers to any grudge you hold against someone for sinning against you or any anger you have against someone.

Mark 11:26

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 11:27

Connecting Statement:

The next day when Jesus returns to temple, he gives the chief priests, scribes, and elders an answer to their question about his casting the money changers out of the temple area, by asking them a question that they were not willing to answer.

They came to

"Jesus and his disciples came to"

Jesus was walking in the temple

This means that Jesus was walking around inside of the temple; he was not walking into the temple.

Mark 11:28

They said to him

The word "They" refers to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.

By what authority do you do these things, and who gave you the authority to do them?

Possible meanings: 1) Both of these questions have the same meaning and are asked together to strongly question Jesus's authority and so can be combined. Alternate translation: "Who gave you authority to do these things?" 2) They are two separate questions, the first asking about the nature of the authority and the second about who gave it to him.

you do these things

The words "these things" refer to Jesus turning over the sellers' tables in the temple and speaking against what the chief priests and scribes taught. Alternate translation: "things like those you did here yesterday"

Mark 11:29

Tell me

"Answer me"

Mark 11:30

The baptism of John

"The baptism that John performed"

was it from heaven or from men

"was it authorized by heaven or by men"

from heaven

Here "heaven" refers to God. Alternate translation: "from God"

from men

"from people"

Mark 11:31

If we say, 'From heaven,'

This refers to the source of the baptism of John. Alternate translation: "If we say, 'It was from heaven,'"

From heaven

Here "heaven" refers to God. See how you translated this in [Mark 11:30]

not believe him

The word "him" refers to John the Baptist.

Mark 11:32

But if we say, 'From men,'

The religious leaders imply that they will suffer from the people if they give this answer. This refers to the source of the baptism of John. Alternate translation: "But if we say, 'The baptism of John was from men,'" or "But if we say, 'From men,' that would not be good." or "But we do not want to say that it was from men."

From men

"It came from a person"

They were afraid of the people

The author, Mark, explains why the religious leaders did not want to say that John's baptism was from men. This can be stated clearly. "They said this to each other because they were afraid of the people" or "They did not want to say that John's baptism was from men because they were afraid of the people"

Mark 11:33

We do not know

This refers to the baptism of John. This understood information may be supplied. Alternate translation: "We do not know where the baptism of John came from"

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 11:2

What did Jesus send two of his disciples to do in the village opposite them?

Jesus sent them to bring a colt to him that had never been ridden.

Mark 11:5

What happened when the disciples untied the colt?

Some people asked the disciples what they were doing, so they spoke to the people as Jesus told them, and the people let them go their way.

Mark 11:6

What happened when the disciples untied the colt?

Some people asked the disciples what they were doing, so they spoke to the people as Jesus told them, and the people let them go their way.

Mark 11:8

What did the people spread on the road as Jesus rode on the colt?

The people spread their garments, and branches they had cut from the fields.

Mark 11:10

What coming kingdom were the people shouting about as Jesus rode toward Jerusalem?

The people were shouting that the kingdom of their father David was coming.

Mark 11:11

What did Jesus do when he entered the temple area?

Jesus looked around and then went out to Bethany.

Mark 11:14

What did Jesus do when he saw the fig tree with no fruit on it?

Jesus said to the fig tree, "No one will ever eat fruit from you".

Mark 11:15

What did Jesus do when he entered the temple area this time?

Jesus cast out the sellers and purchasers, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple.

Mark 11:16

What did Jesus do when he entered the temple area this time?

Jesus cast out the sellers and purchasers, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple.

Mark 11:17

What did Jesus say the temple was supposed to be, according to Scripture?

Jesus said that the temple was supposed to be a house of prayer for all the nations.

What did Jesus say the chief priests and scribes had made the temple?

Jesus said they had made the temple a den of robbers.

Mark 11:18

What were the chief priests and scribes trying to do to Jesus?

The chief priests and scribes were trying to kill Jesus.

Mark 11:20

What happened to the fig tree to which Jesus had spoken?

The fig tree to which Jesus had spoken withered away to its roots.

Mark 11:24

What did Jesus say about everything we ask for in prayer?

Jesus said that everything we ask for in prayer, believe that we have received it, and it will be ours.

Mark 11:25

What did Jesus say we must do so that the Father in heaven will also forgive you?

Jesus said we must forgive whatever we have against anyone, so that the Father will also forgive us.

Mark 11:27

In the temple, what did the chief priests, scribes, and elders want to know from Jesus?

They wanted to know by what authority he did the things he was doing.

Mark 11:28

In the temple, what did the chief priests, scribes, and elders want to know from Jesus?

They wanted to know by what authority he did the things he was doing.

Mark 11:30

What question did Jesus ask the chief priests, scribes, and elders?

Jesus asked them if John's baptism was from heaven or from men.

Mark 11:31

Why did the chief priests, scribes, and elders not want to answer that John's baptism was from heaven?

They did not want to give this answer because Jesus would ask why they didn't believe John.

Mark 11:32

Why did the chief priests, scribes, and elders not want to answer that John's baptism was from men?

They did not want to give this answer because they feared the people, who all believed that John was a prophet.

Chapter 12

¹ Then Jesus began to teach them in parables. He said, "A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, and dug a pit for a winepress. He built a watchtower and then leased the vineyard to vine growers. Then he went away on a journey. ² At the right time, he sent a servant to the vine growers to receive from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. ³ But they took him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. ⁴ Again he sent to them another servant, and they wounded him in the head and treated him shamefully. ⁵ He sent yet another, and this one they killed. They treated many others in the same way, beating some and killing others. ⁶ He had still one more person to send, a beloved son. He was the last one he sent to them. He said, 'They will respect my son.'

⁷ "But the vine growers said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' ⁸ They seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. ⁹ Therefore, what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vine growers and will give the vineyard to others. ¹⁰ Have you not read this scripture?

'The stone which the builders rejected

has been made the cornerstone.

¹¹ This was from the Lord,

and it is marvelous in our eyes.'"

¹² After this the Jewish leaders sought a way to arrest Jesus because they understood that he spoke the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd. So they left him and went away.

¹³ Then they sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to him to trap him with words. ¹⁴ When they came, they said to him, "Teacher, what people think is not a concern to you because you do not show partiality to anyone. You truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or not?"

¹⁵ But Jesus knew their hypocrisy and said to them, "Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius so I can look at it." ¹⁶ They brought one to Jesus. He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?"

They said, "Caesar's."

¹⁷ Jesus said, "Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." They marveled at him.

¹⁸ Then Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him. They asked him, saying, ¹⁹ "Teacher, Moses wrote for us, 'If a man's brother dies and leaves a wife behind him, but had no child, the man should take the brother's wife, and raise up children for his brother.' ²⁰ There were seven brothers; the first took a wife and then died, having no children. ²¹ Then the second took her and died, leaving no child, and the third in the same way. ²² The seven left no children. Last of all, the woman also died. ²³ In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For all seven brothers had her as their wife."

²⁴ Jesus said, "Is this not the reason you are mistaken, because you do not know the scriptures nor the power of God? ²⁵ For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like angels in heaven. ²⁶ But concerning the dead that are raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account about the bush, how God spoke to him and said, 'I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob'? ²⁷ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite mistaken."

²⁸ One of the scribes came and heard their discussion; he saw that Jesus answered them well. He asked him, "What commandment is the most important of all?"

²⁹ Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' ³¹ The second commandment is this, 'You must love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other greater commandment than these."

³² The scribe said, "Good, Teacher! You have truly said that God is one, and that there is no other besides him. ³³ To love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself is even more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

³⁴ When Jesus saw that he had given a wise answer, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." After that, no one dared to ask Jesus any more questions.

³⁵ While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he said, "How is it that the scribes say the Christ is the son of David? ³⁶ David himself, in the Holy Spirit, said,

'The Lord said to my Lord,

"Sit at my right hand

until I put your enemies under your feet."'

³⁷ David himself calls him 'Lord,' so how can the Christ be David's son?" The large crowd gladly listened to him.

³⁸ In his teaching Jesus said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, ³⁹ and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts. ⁴⁰ They also devour widows' houses, and they pray long prayers for people to see. These men will receive greater condemnation."

⁴¹ Then Jesus sat down across from an offering box in the temple area; he was watching people as they dropped their money into the box. Many rich people put in large amounts of money. ⁴² Then a poor widow came and put in two mites, worth about a penny. ⁴³ He called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them who contributed to the offering box. ⁴⁴ For all of them gave out of their abundance. But this widow, out of her poverty, put in all of the money which she had to live on."

Mark 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 12:10-11, 36, which is from the Old Testament.

Mark 12

12:1-6

What was a parable?

[12:1]

Jesus used a parable about a vineyard. He did this to talk about Israel. In the same way a farmer makes and protects a vineyard, so God made and protects the nation of Israel. God gave certain leaders permission to care for Israel. He sent prophets to Israel to help the Israelites obey God. However, they did not do what these prophets said to do. Finally, God sent Jesus. That is, he sent his son. Then the Jewish leaders had him killed.

See: Parable; Prophet; Son of God

What was a vineyard?

[12:1]

A vineyard was a place where people grew grapes. The man put up plants around the field to protect it from animals. He also built a watchtower. This is a tall tower were people could see far away.

At this time, scholars think the vineyard was owned by a Gentile who did not live in this area. Instead, he had made people pay him money to use his land.

See: Wine (Winepress); Gentile

See: Isaiah 5:1-2

Why did the owner of the vineyard send servants?

[12:2]

The owner of the vineyard sent his servants to get what they promised to the owner for using his land. They promised him a certain part of what they grew.

Why did the men beat the servants?

[12:3]

These men did not want to give the servant what they promised to give to the owner of the land. Therefore, they beat the servants. They wanted the owner to know they were not going to give him anything and that he should not send any more servants.

12:7-12

What was an inheritance?

[12:7]

See: Inherit (Inheritance, Heir)

What scripture said these words?

[12:10]

See: Psalm 118:22-23

Why did the Jewish leaders want to arrest Jesus?

[12:12]

The Jewish leaders wanted to arrest Jesus after they heard what he said. That is, they wanted to catch him so they could kill him. This is because they knew he was speaking about them. Jesus knew the Jewish leaders wanted to kill him.

Why were the Jewish leaders afraid of the crowd?

[12:12]

Mark wrote that the Jewish leaders did not try to arrest Jesus. They feared all the people there. Many people thought Jesus was a great man. However, Mark wanted people to know that the Jewish leaders feared the people more than they feared God. They thought they were obeying God by killing Jesus. However, they were not obeying God.

12:13-17

What was a pharisee?

[12:13]

See: Pharisees

What was a Herodian?

[12:13]

A Herodian was someone who served King Herod. He was the leader of the Jews and served the Romans.

How did the Jewish leaders try to trap Jesus?

[12:13]

The Jewish leaders tried to trap Jesus. That is, they tried to get Jesus to say something that would cause someone to be angry with him. They wanted Jesus to speak against the leader of the Roman Empire. Or they wanted Jesus to say something that made the Jew.

The Jewish leaders said several things to Jesus.

The Jewish leaders did not believe the things Jesus said. However, they said he spoke truth when they really thought he lied.
The Jewish leaders said Jesus did not care what anyone thinks. That is, Jesus will say true things. He will not stop saying these things because someone does not want him to say these things. He did not say things so that people would like him.
Jesus does not show partiality. That is, Jesus did not favor one person over another.
Jesus taught the way of God. That is, he taught them about hte way God wanted them to live. The Jewish leaders did not believe this. They would have obeyed Jesus if they had believed this.

Because of this, Jesus said the Jewish leaders were hypocrites. That is, they said one thing, but they did not believe it. Or they said something and did not do it.

The Jewish leaders asked Jesus about paying taxes. The Romans made the Jews pay taxes to them every year. The Jews had to pay the Romans to rule them. The Jews did not like having to pay this tax. The Jews would have been angry if Jesus said that the Jews should pay this tax to the Romans. The Romans would be angry if Jesus said that the Jews should not pay this tax to the Romans.

What did Jesus say to the Jewish leaders?

[12:15]

Jesus told the Jewish leaders to give him a Roman coin. This coin had the face of the Roman emperor on it. This man was called Caesar. The coin also had certain words on it. These words said that Caesar was God.

Jesus said that the Jews needed to obey Caesar, but they also needed to obey God more. Jesus wanted people to know that Caesar was not God and that God gave permission to Caesar to rule. He also wanted people to know that he did not think that Caesar was God.

See: Romans 13:1-7

What was a denarius?

[12:15]

See: Denarius

12:18-27

What did the Sadducees think happened when people died?

[12:18]

The Sadducees did not think that people would be resurrected. That is, they did not think people would go to heaven or hell when they died. They did not believe in many things taught in the Bible.

See: Sadducees; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Heaven; Hell

Why did the Sadducees ask Jesus this question?

[12:19, 12:20, 12:21, 12:22, 12:23]

The Law of Moses taught the people of Israel how to care for a woman whose husband died. In ancient Israel, a woman became very poor when her husband died and she had no children. Therefore, the Law of Moses said that the husband’s brother would marry her. He would care for her. They had children who would inherit the dead husband’s land.

The Sadducees tried to trap Jesus by asking this question. They wanted Jesus to say something that would make people angry. They thought their question proved that no one would be resurrected.

See: Law of Moses; Sadducees; Inherit (Inheritance, Heir); Resurrect (Resurrection)

How did Jesus answer the Sadducees?

[12:24, 12:25]

Jesus told the Sadducees that they thought the wrong things. They did not know the Scriptures because they only believed God gave Israel the first five books of the Old Testament. They did not understand many things about God. Jesus told them that people were married on the earth. God wanted them to do this. They had children and helped each other. However, in heaven, people will worship God. They do not need to be married. Therefore, people will be like the angels who do not get married.

See: Sadducees; Heaven; Worship; Angel

Why did Jesus speak about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?

[12:26]

The Sadducees believed that God only gave Israel the first five books of the Old Testament. Here, Jesus said the same thing God said to Moses. When God said these words, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were dead. However, God spoke about them in the same way he would speak about someone who is alive. The Sadducees did not understand the parts of the Bible in which they believed.

See: Exodus 3:6

12:28-34

Why did the scribe ask Jesus about the greatest commandment?

[12:28]

The scribe heard what Jesus said to the Sadducees. Therefore, he wanted to know how Jesus would answer his question. At this time, scholars asked each other about which of the commandments was the greatest. However, they did not agree which was the greatest.

See: Scribe; Command (Commandment); Sadducees

Why did Jesus say that these two commandments were the greatest?

[12:29, 12:30]

Jesus told the scribes that the two greatest commandments were to love God and to love other people. A person will be doing all of the other things God commands people to do if they do these two things.

See: Scribe; Command (Commandment)

Why did the Scribes call Jesus teacher?

[12:32]

In ancient Israel, many people called Jesus “teacher.” They believed that he was a teacher. However, they would know that Jesus was much more than a teacher if they believed in him.

How is God one?

[12:32]

God is one because there is only one God. There is nothing or no one else like him.

See: Trinity

What were burnt offerings and sacrifices?

[12:33]

See: Burnt Offering; Sacrifice

Why did Jesus say that the Scribe was “not far from the kingdom of God”?

[12:34]

Jesus said this man “was not far from the kingdom of God.” That is, he was close to believing in Jesus and becoming part of God’s kingdom.

See: Scribe; Kingdom of God

Why did people stop asking Jesus questions?

[12:34]

Mark wrote that people stopped asking Jesus questions. People tried to trap Jesus by asking him questions. They wanted Jesus to say something that made people angry. However, they knew they could not trap Jesus by asking him questions because of the way Jesus answered them.

12:35-44

What was a temple court?

[12:35]

See: Temple Courts

Why did Jesus ask this question?

[12:35]

Jesus asked people about something the scribes said while he was in the temple. The messiah was the “son of David.” That is, he would be a descendant of King David (see: 2 Samuel 7). However, David said that the messiah was his master (see: Psalm 110). He knew people would not know how this would happen.

See: Temple; Scribe; Messiah (Christ); Covenant with David

What did David say?

[12:36]

David said, “the Lord said to my lord.” That is, God said to the one who ruled David. He will sit at God’s right hand. That is, God will honor him. God will also make the messiah’s enemies his footstool. That is, one day God will defeat all of the messiah’s enemies.

See: Messiah (Christ); Trinity

Why did Jesus warn people about the Scribes?

[12:38]

Jesus warned people about the scribes. They only did things so that people honored them. However, they did not honor God. God gave them permission to care for the Jewish people. However, they did not do this. Therefore, God will punish them more severely than those people who are not leaders.

See: Scribe

What was an offering box?

[12:41]

An offering box was a place in the temple where people put money. The people serving in the temple used this money. People worshipped God by giving money in this way.

See: Offer (Offering); Temple; Worship

Why was the woman’s offering better than the offering of rich people?

[12:43, 12:44]

Giving money to the temple was an offering to God. Jesus told them that God did not care who gave the most money. The woman gave more to God because she gave everything she had to God. The rich people only gave a part of what they had to God. They kept most of what they had for themselves. However, the woman gave all she had for her to live.

See: Temple; Offer (Offering)

Mark 12:1

Connecting Statement:

Jesus speaks this parable against the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.

Then Jesus began to teach them

The word "them" here refers to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders to whom Jesus had been talking in the previous chapter.

put a hedge around it

He put a barrier around the vineyard. It could have been a row of shrubs, a fence, or a stone wall.

dug a pit for a winepress

This means that he carved a pit on the rock, which would be the bottom part of the winepress used for collecting the squeezed grape juice. Alternate translation: "carved a pit into rock for the winepress" or "he made a vat to collect the juice from the winepress"

leased the vineyard to vine growers

The owner still owned the vineyard, but he allowed the vine growers to take care of it. When the grapes became ripe, they were to give some of them to the owner and keep the rest.

Mark 12:2

At the right time

This refers to the time of harvest. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "When the time came to harvest the grapes"

Mark 12:3

But they took him

"But the vine growers took the servant"

empty-handed

This means that they did not give him any of the fruit. Alternate translation: "without any grapes"

Mark 12:4

he sent to them

"the owner of the vineyard sent to the vine growers"

they wounded him in the head

This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: "they beat that one on the head, and they hurt him terribly"

Mark 12:5

yet another ... many others

These phrases refer to other servants. Alternate translation: "yet another servant ... many other servants"

They treated many others in the same way

This refers to servants that the owner sent. The phrase "in the same way" refers to them being mistreated. This can be written clearly. Alternate translation: "They also mistreated many other servants whom he sent"

Mark 12:6

a beloved son

It is implied that this is the owner's son. Alternate translation: "his beloved son"

Mark 12:7

the heir

This is the owner's heir, who would inherit the vineyard after his father died. Alternate translation: "the owner's heir"

the inheritance

The tenants are referring to the vineyard as "the inheritance." Alternate translation: "this vineyard"

Mark 12:8

They seized him

"The vine growers seized the son"

Mark 12:9

Therefore, what will the owner of the vineyard do?

Jesus asks a question and then gives the answer to teach the people. The question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "So I will tell you what the owner of the vineyard will do."

Therefore

Jesus has finished telling the parable and is now asking the people what they think will happen next.

destroy

kill

will give the vineyard to others

The word "others" refers to other vine growers who will care for the vineyard. Alternate translation: "he will give the vineyard to vine growers to care for it"

Mark 12:10

General Information:

This scripture was written long before in God's word.

Have you not read this scripture?

Jesus reminds the people of a scripture passage. He uses a rhetorical question here to rebuke them. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Surely you have read this scripture." or "You should remember this scripture."

has been made the cornerstone

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Lord made into the cornerstone"

Mark 12:11

This was from the Lord

"The Lord has done this"

it is marvelous in our eyes

Here "in our eyes" stands for seeing, which is a metaphor for the people's opinion. Alternate translation: "we have seen it and think that it is marvelous" or "we think that it is wonderful"

Mark 12:12

sought a way

"wanted to find a way"

they were afraid of the crowd

They were afraid of what the crowd would do to them if they arrested Jesus. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "but they feared what the crowd would do if they arrested him"

against them

"to accuse them"

Mark 12:13

Connecting Statement:

In an effort to trap Jesus, some of the Pharisees and Herodians, and then the Sadducees, come to Jesus with questions.

Then they sent

"Then the Jewish leaders sent"

the Herodians

This was the name of an informal political party that supported Herod Antipas.

to trap him

Here the author describes tricking Jesus as trying to "trap him." Alternate translation: "to trick him"

Mark 12:14

When they came, they said

Here "they" refers to those sent from among the Pharisees and the Herodians.

what people think is not a concern to you

The abstract noun "concern" may be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "you are not concerned about what people think of you" or "you do not try to win people's favor"

you do not show partiality to anyone

"you do not judge people by how they look" or "you judge people by what is in their hearts"

Mark 12:15

Jesus knew their hypocrisy

They were acting hypocritically. This can be explained more clearly. Alternate translation: "Jesus knew that they did not really want to know what God wanted them to do"

Why do you test me?

Jesus rebukes the Jewish leaders because they were trying to trick him. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "I know you are trying to make me say something wrong so you can accuse me."

denarius

This coin was worth a day's wages.

Mark 12:16

They brought one

"The Pharisees and the Herodians brought a denarius"

likeness and inscription

"picture and name"

They said, "Caesar's

Here "Caesar's" refers to his likeness and inscription. Alternate translation: "They said, 'They are Caesar's likeness and inscription"

Mark 12:17

Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's

Jesus is teaching that his people must respect the government by paying taxes. This figure of speech can be clarified by changing Caesar to Roman government. Alternate translation: "Give to the Roman government the things that belong to the Roman government"

and to God

The understood verb may be supplied. Alternate translation: "and give to God"

They marveled at him

They were amazed at what Jesus had said. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "They marveled at him and at what he had said"

Mark 12:18

who say there is no resurrection

This phrase explains who the Sadducees were. This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: "who say there is no resurrection from the dead"

Mark 12:19

Moses wrote for us, 'If a man's brother dies ... brother.'

The Sadducees are quoting what Moses had written in the law. Moses's quote can be expressed as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies ... brother."

wrote for us

"wrote for us Jews." The Sadducees were a group of Jews. Here they use the word "us" to refer to themselves and all Jews.

the man should take the brother's wife

"the man should marry his brother's wife"

raise up children for his brother

"have a son for his brother." The man's first son would be considered to be the dead brother's son, and the son's descendants would be considered to be the dead brother's descendants. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "have a son who will be considered to be the dead brother's son"

Mark 12:20

There were seven brothers

The Sadducees tell Jesus a story because they want to ask him a question about it to test him. The story is not about things that really happened. Alternate translation: "Suppose there were seven brothers"

the first

the first brother

the first took a wife

"the first brother married a woman." Here marrying a woman is spoken of as "taking" her.

Mark 12:21

the second ... the third

These numbers refer to each of the brothers and can be expressed as such. Alternate translation: "the second brother ... the third brother"

the second took her

"the second married her." Here marrying a woman is spoken of as "taking" her.

the third in the same way

"the third brother married her as his other bothers had done, and he also died leaving no children"

Mark 12:22

The seven

This refers to all the brothers. Alternate translation: "The seven brothers"

The seven left no children

Each of the brothers married the woman and then died before he had any children with her. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Eventually all seven brothers married that woman one by one, but none of them had any children with her, and one by one they died"

Mark 12:23

In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be?

The Sadducees are testing Jesus by asking this question. If your readers can only understand this as a request for information, this can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Now tell us whose wife she will be in the resurrection, when they all rise again."

Mark 12:24

Is this not the reason you are mistaken, because ... power of God?

Jesus rebukes the Sadducees because they are mistaken about God's law. This may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You are mistaken because ... power of God."

you do not know the scriptures

This means that they do not understand what is written in the Old Testament scriptures.

the power of God

"how powerful God is"

Mark 12:25

For when they rise

Here the word "they" refers to the brothers and the woman from the example.

rise

Waking and getting up from sleep is a metaphor for becoming alive after having been dead.

from the dead

The expression "the dead" describes all dead people together in the underworld. To rise from among them speaks of becoming alive again. Alternate translation: "from among all those who have died"

they neither marry nor are given in marriage

"they do not marry, and they are not given in marriage"

nor are given in marriage

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and no one gives them in marriage"

heaven

This refers to the place where God lives.

Mark 12:26

that are raised

This can be expressed with an active verb. Alternate translation: "who rise" or "who rise to live again"

the book of Moses

"the book that Moses wrote"

the account about the bush

This refers to the part of the book of Moses that tells about when God spoke to Moses out of a bush that was burning but that did not burn up. Alternate translation: "the passage about the burning bush" or "the words about the fiery bush"

the bush

This refers to a shrub, a woody plant that is smaller than a tree.

how God spoke to him

"about when God spoke to Moses"

I am the God of Abraham ... Isaac ... Jacob

This means that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob worship God. These men have died physically, but they are still alive spiritually and still worship God.

Mark 12:27

not the God of the dead, but of the living

Here "the dead" refers to people who are dead, and "the living" refers to people who are alive. Also, the words "the God" can be stated clearly in the second phrase. Alternate translation: "not the God of dead people, but the God of living people"

the living

This includes people who are alive physically and spiritually.

You are quite mistaken

It may be helpful to state what they are mistaken about. Alternate translation: "When you say that dead people do not rise again, you are quite mistaken"

quite mistaken

"completely mistaken" or "very wrong"

Mark 12:28

He asked him

"The scribe asked Jesus"

Mark 12:29

The most important is

"The most important" refers to the most important commandment. Alternate translation: "The most important commandment is"

Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one

"Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord"

Mark 12:30

with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength

Here "heart" and "soul" are metonyms for a person's inner being. These four phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly."

Mark 12:31

love your neighbor as yourself

Jesus uses this simile to compare how people are to love each other with the same love as they love themselves. Alternate translation: "love your neighbor as much as you love yourself"

than these

Here the word "these" refers to the two commandments that Jesus had just told the people.

Mark 12:32

Good, Teacher

"Good answer, Teacher" or "Well said, Teacher"

God is one

This means that there is only one God. Alternate translation: "there is only one God"

that there is no other

The word "God" is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "that there is no other God"

Mark 12:33

with all the heart ... all the understanding ... all the strength

Here "heart" is a metonym for person's thoughts, feelings, or inner being. These three phrases are used together to mean "completely" or "earnestly."

to love one's neighbor as oneself

This simile compares how people are to love each other with the same love that they love themselves. Alternate translation: "to love your neighbor as much as you love yourself"

is even more than

This idiom means that something is more important than something else. In this case, these two commandments are more pleasing to God that burnt offering and sacrifices. This may be written clearly. Alternate translation: "is even more important than" or "is even more pleasing to God than"

Mark 12:34

You are not far from the kingdom of God

This can be stated in positive form. Here Jesus speaks of the man being ready to submit to God as king as being physically close to the kingdom of God, as if it where a physical place. Alternate translation: "You are close to submitting to God as king"

no one dared

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "everyone was afraid"

Mark 12:35

While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he said

Some time has passed and Jesus is now in the temple. This is not part of the previous conversation. Alternate translation: "Later, while Jesus was teaching in the temple area, he said to the people"

How is it that the scribes say the Christ is the son of David?

Jesus uses this question to get the people to think deeply about the Psalm he is about to quote. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Consider why the scribes say the Christ is the son of David."

the son of David

"a descendant of David"

Mark 12:36

David himself

This word "himself" refers to David and is used to place emphasis on him and what he said. Alternate translation: "It was David who"

in the Holy Spirit

This means that he was inspired by the Holy Spirit. That is, the Holy Spirit directed David in what he said. Alternate translation: "inspired by the Holy Spirit"

said, 'The Lord said to my Lord

Here David calls God "The Lord" and calls the Christ "my Lord." This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: "said about the Christ, 'The Lord God said to my Lord"

Sit at my right hand

Jesus is quoting a psalm. Here God is speaking to the Christ. To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "Sit in the place of honor beside me"

until I put your enemies under your feet

In this quote, God speaks of defeating enemies as putting them under the feet of the victor. Alternate translation: "until I completely defeat your enemies"

Mark 12:37

calls him 'Lord,'

Here the word "him" refers to the Christ.

so how can the Christ be David's son?

This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "so consider how the Christ can be a descendant of David"

Mark 12:38

be greeted in the marketplaces

This can be expressed with an active form. These greetings showed that the people respected the scribes. Alternate translation: "to have people greet them respectfully in the marketplaces"

Mark 12:39

the most important seats ... the places of honor

You may want to make explicit that the scribes liked to sit in these places. Alternate translation: "to sit in the most important seats ... to have people seat them in the places of honor"

Mark 12:40

They also devour widows' houses

Here Jesus describes the scribes' cheating of widows and stealing of their houses as "devouring" their houses. Alternate translation: "They also cheat widows in order to steal their houses from them"

widows' houses

The words "widows" and "houses" are synecdoches for helpless people and all of a person's important possessions, respectively. Alternate translation: "everything from helpless people"

These men will receive greater condemnation

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will certainly punish them with greater condemnation" or "God will certainly punish them severely"

will receive greater condemnation

The word "greater" implies a comparison. Here the comparison is to other men who are punished. Alternate translation: "will receive greater condemnation than other people"

Mark 12:41

Connecting Statement:

Still in the temple area, Jesus comments on the value of the widow's offering.

an offering box

This box, which everyone could use, held temple offerings.

Mark 12:42

two mites

"two small copper coins." These were the least valuable coins available.

worth about a penny

"worth very little." A penny is worth very little. Translate "penny" with the name of the smallest coin in your language if you have one that is worth very little.

Mark 12:43

General Information:

In verse 43 Jesus says that the widow put more money in the offering than the rich people put in, and in verse 44 he tells his reason for saying that. The information can be reordered so that Jesus tells his reason first and then says that the widow put in more, as in the UDB.

He called

"Jesus called"

Truly I say to you

This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.

all of them who contributed to

"all the other people who put money into"

Mark 12:44

abundance

much wealth, many valuable things

her poverty

"lack" or "the little she had"

to live on

"to survive on"

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 12:1

After building and leasing the vineyard, what did the owner do?

After building and leasing the vineyard, the owner went away on a journey.

Mark 12:5

What did the vine dressers do to the many servants that the owner sent to receive the fruit of the vineyard?

The vine dressers beat some and killed some of the many servants.

Mark 12:6

Who did the owner send last to the vine dressers?

The owner sent his beloved son last.

Mark 12:8

What did the vine dressers do with the one sent last by the owner?

The vine dressers seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.

Mark 12:9

What will the owner of the vineyard do to the vine dressers?

The owner of the vineyard will come and destroy the vine dressers and give the vineyard to others.

Mark 12:10

In the scripture, what happens to the stone which the builders rejected?

The stone which the builders rejected has been made the cornerstone.

Mark 12:14

What question did the Pharisees and some of the Herodians ask Jesus?

They asked him if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not.

Mark 12:17

How did Jesus answer their question?

Jesus said they should give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God, the things that are God's.

Mark 12:18

In what did the Sadducees not believe?

The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection.

Mark 12:22

In the story told by the Sadducees, how many husbands did the woman have?

The woman had seven husbands.

Mark 12:23

What question did the Sadducees ask Jesus about the woman?

They asked which of the men would be the woman's husband in the resurrection.

Mark 12:24

What reason did Jesus give the Sadducees for their error?

Jesus said that the Sadducees did not know the scriptures nor the power of God.

Mark 12:25

What was Jesus' answer to the Sadducees' question about the woman?

Jesus said that in the resurrection, men and women will not marry, but will be like angels.

Mark 12:26

How did Jesus show from the scriptures that there is a resurrection?

Jesus quoted from the book of Moses, where God says that he is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob–all who must then be still alive.

Mark 12:27

How did Jesus show from the scriptures that there is a resurrection?

Jesus quoted from the book of Moses, where God says that he is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob–all who must then be still alive.

Mark 12:29

What commandment did Jesus say is most important?

Jesus said that to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is the most important commandment.

Mark 12:30

What commandment did Jesus say is most important?

Jesus said that to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is the most important commandment.

Mark 12:31

What commandment did Jesus say is second?

Jesus said that to love your neighbor as yourself is the second commandment.

Mark 12:35

What question did Jesus ask the scribes about David?

Jesus asked how David could call the Christ Lord when the Christ is the son of David.

Mark 12:36

What question did Jesus ask the scribes about David?

Jesus asked how David could call the Christ Lord when the Christ is the son of David.

Mark 12:37

What question did Jesus ask the scribes about David?

Jesus asked how David could call the Christ Lord when the Christ is the son of David.

Mark 12:38

What did Jesus tell the people to beware of concerning the scribes?

Jesus said that the scribes desire to be honored by men, but they devour widows' houses, and make long prayers for people to see.

Mark 12:39

What did Jesus tell the people to beware of concerning the scribes?

Jesus said that the scribes desire to be honored by men, but they devour widows' houses, and make long prayers for people to see.

Mark 12:40

What did Jesus tell the people to beware of concerning the scribes?

Jesus said that the scribes desire to be honored by men, but they devour widows' houses, and make long prayers for people to see.

Mark 12:44

Why did Jesus say that the poor widow had put in more than all who contributed to the offering box?

Jesus said she had contributed more because she gave out of her poverty while the others gave out of their abundance.

Chapter 13

¹ As Jesus was walking away from the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Teacher, look at the wonderful stones and wonderful buildings!"

² Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left on another which will not be torn down."

³ As he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, ⁴ "Tell us, when will these things happen? What will be the sign when all these things are about to happen?"

⁵ Jesus began to say to them, "Be careful that no one leads you astray. ⁶ Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he,' and they will lead many astray. ⁷ When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; these things must happen, but the end is not yet. ⁸ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many places, and famines. These are the beginnings of birth pains.

⁹ "Be on your guard. They will give you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before both governors and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them. ¹⁰ But the gospel must first be proclaimed to all the nations. ¹¹ When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry about what you should say. For in that hour, what you should say will be given to you; it will not be you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. ¹² Brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against their parents and cause them to be put to death. ¹³ You will be hated by everyone because of my name. But whoever endures to the end, that person will be saved.

¹⁴ "When you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be standing," (let the reader understand) "let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, ¹⁵ let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house or take anything out of it, ¹⁶ and let him who is in the field not return to take his cloak. ¹⁷ But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! ¹⁸ Pray that it might not occur in the winter. ¹⁹ For those will be days of great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of creation, which God created, until now, no, nor ever will be again. ²⁰ Unless the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those whom he chose, he cut short the days. ²¹ Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. ²² For false Christs and false prophets will appear and will give signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ²³ Be on guard! I have told you all these things ahead of time.

²⁴ "But after the tribulation of those days,

'the sun will be darkened,

the moon will not give its light,

²⁵ the stars will fall from the sky,

and the powers that are in the heavens

will be shaken.'

²⁶ Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. ²⁷ Then he will send his angels and he will gather together his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky.

²⁸ Learn a lesson from the fig tree. As soon as the branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. ²⁹ So also, when you see these things happening, recognize that he is near, close to the gates. ³⁰ Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all of these things occur. ³¹ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. ³² But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father.

³³ "Be alert! Watch, because you do not know what time it is. ^[1]³⁴ It is like a man who goes on a journey—he leaves his house and puts his servants in charge of the house, each one with his work, and he commands the doorkeeper to stay alert. ³⁵ Therefore stay alert because you do not know when the master of the house will come home; it could be in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. ³⁶ If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. ³⁷ What I say to you I say to everyone: Watch!"

Footnotes

13:33 ^[1]Some ancient copies of the Greek text read:

Mark 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 13:24-25, which is from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

The return of Christ

Jesus said much about what would happen before he returned (Mark 13:6-37). He told his followers that bad things would happen to the world and bad things would happen to them before he returned, but they needed to be ready for him to return at any time.

Mark 13

13:1-13

Why did the disciples talk about the buildings with Jesus?

[13:1]

The disciples were amazed by the buildings that made the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus saw that the people used the temple to make money. He also saw that the Jewish leaders rejected Jesus. Therefore, he prophesied about the temple being destroyed. The destruction of the temple happened about 40 years after Jesus returned to heaven. However, it was not completely destroyed. There is one wall that still remains from the temple in Jerusalem.

See: Disciple; Temple; Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Heaven

See Map: Jerusalem; Mount of Olives

What was a sign?

[13:4]

See: Sign

What did Jesus teach about his return to earth?

[13:5, 13:6, 13:7, 13:8]

Jesus told his disciples about things that would happen when he returned to the earth. However, the disciples did not know that he would die. They did not know it would be a long period of time before these things happened. Therefore, Jesus warned them. Many people will say that they are Jesus. Many people will believe these people who say that they are Jesus. However, Jesus talked about certain things that must happen before he returns to the earth.

There will be wars and rumors of wars. That is, people will worry about wars and there will be many wars.
There will be many earthquakes and famines. Jesus said these are “birth pains.” This was a metaphor to say that difficult things will happen before he returns to earth. People and the whole world will be judged and punished before the earth is made new again.
People who worship Jesus will be persecuted.
The gospel will be told to all nations. Some scholars think this means that every person will hear the gospel. Other scholars think this means that someone from every nation will hear the gospel.
People will have their children, brothers, sisters, and parents killed because their family are Christians.

See: Disciple; Jesus' Return to Earth; Messiah (Christ); Metaphor; Persecute (Persecution); Gospel

What will happen when Christians are persecuted?

[13:9]

Jesus warned the disciples that Chrsitians will be persecuted before he returns to the earth. The Holy Spirit will help Christians when they are persecuted. He will tell them what to say to leaders and those who persecute them.

See: Disciple; Persecute (Persecution) ; Jesus' Return to Earth; Holy Spirit

How will the person who is persecuted be saved?

[13:13]

Jesus said that the person who endures to the end when persecuted will be saved. Scholars think Jesus was talking about different things when he said these words.

Some Christians reject Jesus when they are persecuted. Some scholars think when they do this, they are no longer at peace with God and will not live with him forever. Some Christians reject Jesus when they are persecuted. Other scholars think when they do this, God will save them. That is, God will rescue them from persecution and they will go to be with God. Some people say they are Chrsitians, but they reject Jesus when persecuted. Other scholars think when they do this, they prove they were never truly Christians.

See: Persecute (Persecution); Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Heaven

13:14-23

What is the abomination of desolation?

[13:14]

Jesus talked about an “abomination of desolation.” This was when someone who rejected God did something that greatly dishonored God. Daniel also wrote about this (see: Daniel 7:27; 11:31; 12:11). Some scholars think Daniel wrote about a Gentile leader who sacrificed an unclean animal on the altar in the temple. Some scholars think Jesus talked about a time when the antichrist would sacrifice something in the temple or claim to be God in the temple. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about a time when people would no longer go to the temple. Other scholars think it is some type of idolatry.

Some scholars think Jesus spoke about a time 40 years after he returned to heaven. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about a time near to his return to the earth (see: Revelation 4-19).

See: Gentile; Sacrifice; Clean and Unclean; Altar; Temple; Antichrist; Idolatry (Idol); Heaven

What did Jesus want people to do when they saw the abomination of desolation?

[13:14, 13:15, 13:16]

Jesus wanted people to flee and go away from Jerusalem when people saw the abomination of desolation. Jesus warned them. He wanted them to know that he will judge people at this time. He warned people by telling them that they will not want to be alive when these things happen.

See: Woe; Tribulation

Who will Jesus save?

[13:20]

Jesus warned people about a time of great tribulation. That is a time when there will be great trouble because God will judge people. At this time, if God did not stop punishing people, no one would be saved. That is, everyone would die. When he said this, he was not talking about being separated from God forever. He was talking about someone dying on the earth, both Christians and non-Christians.

See: Elect (Election); Tribulation

Why should people not believe that Jesus returned?

[13:21]

Jesus warned about a time when many people would say they are the messiah or that they are Jesus who returned to earth. However, everyone will know that Jesus has returned to earth when he returns (see: Matthew 24:23-27). Therefore, people should not believe other people who say this even if they do miracles and signs. However, many Christians will believe these false messiahs and false prophets.

See: Messiah (Christ); Jesus' Return to Earth; Prophet; Sign; Miracle

13:24-37

When are the days of tribulation?

[13:24]

Jesus spoke about certain days of tribulation or trouble. Some scholars think he spoke about the difficult times that happened soon after he returned to earth. Other scholars think he spoke about the time near his return to the earth.

See: Tribulation; Jesus' Return to Earth

Why did Jesus talk about things that happen in the sky?

[13:24, 13:25]

Jesus spoke about certain things people could see in the sky. Some scholars think these things will actually happen just before Jesus returns to the earth. Other scholars think this was a metaphor. Just as the stars will fall from the sky, so the rulers of the world will be destroyed. Jesus said these things to warn people.

See: Joel 2:10; 3:15; Ezekiel 32:7-8)

See: Metaphor

What will people see?

[13:26]

The people will see the Son of Man coming to the earth with glory. Jesus would return to the earth and everyone would know that he is God.

See: Son of Man; Glory (Glorify); Jesus is God; Jesus' Return to Earth

What will Jesus do when he returns to the earth?

[13:27]

When Jesus returns to the earth, he will bring angels who serve him. He will gather all Christians from all over the world and bring them to himself.

See: Jesus' Return to Earth; Angel

Why did Jesus talk about a fig tree?

[13:28]

Jesus talked about a fig tree to help people understand the things he said. This was a metaphor. When a fig tree does certain things, people know that the seasons are changing. He wanted people to know that he was going to return to the earth soon when the things he spoke about happened.

See: Metaphor; Hebrew Calendar (Seasons in Israel)

When did these things happen?

[13:30]

Jesus prophesied that these things happened before the people listening to him died. Some scholars think that these things happened 40 years after he said these things. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about people in the future who lived when they saw the things he spoke about in this passage. Once these things happened, Jesus would return to the earth in a few years.

Jesus said that heaven and earth will end, but his words will not change. The apostle spoke about heaven and earth ending (see: Revelation 21). However, these things must happen.

Jesus said that he did not know when these things would happen. Only God the Father knew these things will happen.

See: Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Jesus' Return to Earth; Heaven; God the Father; Apostle

What did Jesus tell people to do?

[13:33]

In some ancient copies of the Greek New Testament, Jesus told people to “watch.” In fewer ancient copies of the Greek New Testament, Jesus told people to “watch and pray.”

Why did Jesus talk about a man going on a journey?

[13:34]

Jesus spoke about a man going on a journey. This was a metaphor. He wanted people to be ready for him to return to the earth. When he returns, Jesus’ followers will need to tell Jesus about the things they did while they were waiting for him to return. Jesus wanted Christians to serve him. He wanted them to tell other people about Jesus and the gospel. He wanted Christians to do things that honor God.

See: Jesus' Return to Earth; Metaphor; Gospel

Mark 13:1

General Information:

As they leave the temple area, Jesus tells his disciples what will happen to the wonderful temple that Herod the Great has built.

the wonderful stones and wonderful buildings

The "stones" refer to the stones that the buildings were built with. Alternate translation: "the wonderful buildings and the wonderful stones that they are made of"

Mark 13:2

Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone

This question is used to draw attention to the buildings. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Look at these great buildings! Not one stone" or "You see these great buildings now, but not one stone"

Not one stone will be left on another which will not be torn down

It is implied that enemy soldiers will tear down the stones. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Not one stone will remain on top of another, for enemy soldiers will come and destroy these buildings"

Mark 13:3

Connecting Statement:

In answer to the disciples' questions about the temple's destruction and what is going to happen, Jesus tells them what was going to take place in the future.

As he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter

It can be expressed clearly that Jesus and his disciples had walked to the Mount of Olives. Alternate translation: "After arriving at the Mount of Olives, which is opposite the temple, Jesus sat down. Then Peter"

privately

when they were alone

Mark 13:4

these things happen ... are about to happen

This refers to what Jesus had just said will happen to the stones of the temple. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "these things happen to the buildings of the temple ... are about to happen to the temple buildings"

when all these things

"that all these things"

Mark 13:5

to them

"to his disciples"

leads you astray

Here "leads you astray" is a metaphor for "persuades you to believe what is not true." Alternate translation: "deceives you"

Mark 13:6

lead many astray

Here "lead many astray" is a metaphor "persuades many to believe what is not true." Alternate translation: "deceive many people"

in my name

This is metonym. Possible meanings are 1) Alternate translation: "claiming my authority" or 2) Alternate translation: "claiming that God sent them."

I am he

"I am the Christ"

Mark 13:7

hear of wars and rumors of wars

"hear of wars and reports about wars." Possible meanings are 1) "hear the sounds of wars close by and news of wars far away" or 2) "hear of wars that have started and reports about wars that are about to start"

but the end is not yet

"but it is not yet the end" or "but the end will not happen until later" or "but the end will be later"

the end

This probably refers to the end of the world.

Mark 13:8

will rise against

This idiom means to fight against one another. Alternate translation: "will fight against"

kingdom against kingdom

The words "will rise" are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "kingdom will rise against kingdom" or "the people of one kingdom will fight against the people of another kingdom"

These are the beginnings of birth pains

Jesus speaks of these disasters as the beginnings of birth pains because more severe things will happen after them. Alternate translation: "These events will be like the first pains a woman suffers when she is about to bear a child"

Mark 13:9

Be on your guard

"Be ready for what people will do to you"

will give you over to councils

"take you and put you under the control of councils"

you will be beaten

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will beat you"

You will stand before

This means to be put on trial and judged. Alternate translation: "You will be put on trial before" or "You will be brought to trial and judged by"

for my sake

"because of me" or "on account of me"

as a testimony to them

This means they will testify about Jesus. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "and testify to them about me" or "and you will tell them about me"

Mark 13:10

But the gospel must first be proclaimed to all the nations

Jesus is still speaking about things that must happen before the end comes. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "But the gospel must first be proclaimed to all the nations before the end will come"

Mark 13:11

hand you over

Here this means to put people under the control of the authorities. Alternate translation: "give you over to the authorities"

but the Holy Spirit

The words "who will speak" are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "but the Holy Spirit, who will speak through you"

Mark 13:12

Brother will deliver up brother to death

"One brother will put another brother under the control of people who will kill him" or "Brothers will put their brothers under the control of people who will kill them." This will happen many times to many different people. Jesus is not speaking of just one person and his brother.

Brother ... brother

This refers to both brothers and sisters. Alternate translation: "People ... their siblings"

a father his child

The words "will deliver up to death" are understood from the previous phrase. This means that some fathers will betray their children, and this betrayal will cause their children to be killed. Alternate translation: "fathers will deliver up their children to death" or "fathers will betray their children, handing them over to be killed"

Children will rise up against their parents

This means that children will oppose their parents and betray them. Alternate translation: "Children will oppose their parents"

cause them to be put to death

This means that the authorities will sentence the parents to be put to death. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "cause the authorities to sentence the parents to die" or "the authorities will kill the parents"

Mark 13:13

You will be hated by everyone

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Everyone will hate you"

because of my name

Jesus uses the metonym "my name" to refer to himself. Alternate translation: "because of me" or "because you believe in me"

whoever endures to the end, that person will be saved

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whoever endures to the end, God will save that person" or "God will save whoever endures to the end"

whoever endures to the end

Here "endures" represents continuing to be faithful to God even while suffering. Alternate translation: "whoever suffers and stays faithful to God to the end"

to the end

Possible meanings are 1) "to the end of his life" or 2) "to the end of that time of trouble"

Mark 13:14

the abomination of desolation

This phrase is from the book of Daniel. Jesus's audience would have been familiar with this passage and the prophecy about the abomination entering the temple and defiling it. Alternate translation: "the shameful thing that defiles the things of God"

standing where it should not be standing

Jesus's audience would have known that this refers to the temple. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "standing in the temple, where it should not be standing"

let the reader understand

Mark added this to get the readers' attention, so that they would think about what Jesus meant when he spoke about the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be standing. Alternate translation: "may everyone who reads this understand what it means"

Mark 13:15

on the housetop

Housetops where Jesus lived were flat, and people could stand on them.

Mark 13:16

not return

This refers to returning to his house. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "not return to his house"

to take his cloak

"to get his cloak"

Mark 13:17

those who are nursing infants

women who give babies breast milk

Mark 13:18

Pray that it

"Pray that these times" or "Pray that these things"

the winter

"the cold season" or "the cold, rainy season." This refers to the time of year when it is cold and unpleasant and difficult to travel.

Mark 13:19

such as has not been from the beginning

"greater than there has ever been since the beginning of the world." This describes how great and terrible the tribulation will be. There has never been a tribulation as terrible as this one will be.

the beginning of creation, which God created

the beginning of creation, when God created the world

no, nor ever will be again

"and greater than there will ever be again" or "and after that tribulation, there will never again be a tribulation like it"

Mark 13:20

Unless the Lord had shortened the days

The writer uses past tense to describe a future event. Alternate translation: "If the Lord had not decided that he would shorten those days"

had shortened the days

"had shortened the time." It may be helpful to specify which "days" are referred to. Alternate translation: "had reduced the days of suffering" or "had shortened the time of suffering"

no flesh would be saved

The word "flesh" refers to people, and "saved" refers to physical salvation. Alternate translation: "no one would be saved" or "everyone would die"

for the sake of the elect

"in order to help the elect"

the elect, those whom he chose

The phrase "those whom he chose" means the same thing as "the elect." Together, they emphasize that God chose these people.

Mark 13:21

General Information:

In verse 21 Jesus gives a command, and in 22 he tells the reason for the command. This can be reordered with the reason first, and the command second, as in the UDB.

Mark 13:22

false Christs

"people who claim they are Christ"

so as to deceive

"in order to deceive" or "hoping to deceive" or "trying to deceive"

so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect

The phrase "even the elect" implies that the false Christs and false prophets will expect to deceive some people, but they will not know if they will be able to deceive the elect. Alternate translation: "in order to deceive people, and even deceive the elect, if that is possible"

the elect

"the people whom God has chosen"

Mark 13:23

Be on guard

"Be watchful" or "Be alert"

I have told you all these things ahead of time

Jesus told them these things to warn them. Alternate translation: "I have told you all these things ahead of time to warn you"

Mark 13:24

the sun will be darkened

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the sun will become dark"

the moon will not give its light

Here the moon is spoken of as if it were alive and able to give something to someone else. Alternate translation: "the moon will not shine" or "the moon will be dark"

Mark 13:25

the stars will fall from the sky

This does not mean that they will fall to earth but that they will fall from where the are now. Alternate translation: "the stars will fall from their places in the sky"

the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the powers in the heavens will shake" or "God will shake the powers that are in the heavens"

the powers that are in the heavens

"the powerful things in the heavens." These words could refer to 1) the sun, moon, and stars or 2) powerful spiritual beings

in the heavens

"in the sky"

Mark 13:26

Then they will see

"Then people will see"

with great power and glory

"powerfully and gloriously"

Mark 13:27

he will gather

The word "he" refers to God and is a metonym for his angels, as they are the ones who will gather the elect. Alternate translation: "they will gather" or "his angels will gather"

the four winds

The whole earth is spoken of as "the four winds," which refer to the four directions: north, south, east, and west. Alternate translation: "the north, south, east, and west" or "all parts of the earth"

from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky

These two extremes are given to emphasize that the elect will be gathered from the entire earth. Alternate translation: "from every place on earth"

Mark 13:28

Connecting Statement:

Jesus gives two short parables here to remind people to be aware when the things that he has been explaining happen.

the branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves

The phrase "the branch" refers to the branches of the fig tree. Alternate translation: "its branches become tender and put out their leaves"

tender

"green and soft"

puts out its leaves

Here the fig tree is spoken of as if it were alive and able to willingly cause its leaves to grow. Alternate translation: "its leaves begin to sprout"

summer

the warm part of the year or the growing season

Mark 13:29

these things

This refers to the days of tribulation. Alternate translation: "these things I have just described"

recognize that he is near

Many modern translations read, "you recognize" or "you know." It is not clear whether Jesus is stating a fact or issuing a command.

he is near

"the Son of Man is near"

close to the gates

This idiom means that he is very near and has almost arrived, referring to a traveler being close to arriving at the city gates. Alternate translation: "and is almost here"

Mark 13:30

Truly I say to you

This indicates that the statement that follows is especially important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.

will not pass away

"Pass away" is a polite way of saying "die." Alternate translation: "will not die" or "will not end"

until all of these things

The phrase "these things" refers to the days of tribulation.

Mark 13:31

Heaven and earth

The two extremes are given to refer to all of the sky, including the sun, moon, stars, and planets, and all of the earth. Alternate translation: "The sky, the earth, and everything in them"

will pass away

"will cease to exist." Here this phrase refers to the world ending.

my words will never pass away

Jesus speaks of words not losing their power as if they were something that will never physically die. Alternate translation: "my words will never lose their power"

Mark 13:32

that day or that hour

This refers to the time that the Son of Man will return. Alternate translation: "that day or that hour that the Son of Man will return" or "the day or the hour that I will return"

no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father

These words specify some of those who do not know when the Son of Man will return, different from the Father, who does know. Alternate translation: "no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son know—but the Father" or "neither the angels in heaven nor the Son know; no one knows but the Father"

the angels in heaven

Here "heaven" refers to the place where God lives.

but the Father

It is best to translate "Father" with the same word that your language naturally uses to refer to a human father. Also, this is an ellipsis, stating that the Father knows when the Son will return. Alternate translation: "but only the Father knows"

Mark 13:33

what time it is

It can be stated clearly what "time" refers to here. Alternate translation: "when all these events will happen"

Mark 13:34

each one with his work

"telling each one what work he should do"

Mark 13:35

it could be in the evening

"he could return in the evening"

rooster crows

The rooster is a bird that "crows" very early in the morning by making a loud call.

Mark 13:36

find you sleeping

Here Jesus speaks of not being ready as "sleeping." Alternate translation: "find you not ready for his return"

Mark 13:37

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 13:2

What did Jesus say would happen to the wonderful stones and buildings of the temple?

Jesus said that not one stone would be left on another which would not be torn down.

Mark 13:4

What question did the disciples then ask Jesus?

The disciples asked Jesus when these things would happen and what would be the sign.

Mark 13:5

About what did Jesus say the disciples must be careful?

Jesus said the disciples must be careful that no one lead them astray.

Mark 13:6

About what did Jesus say the disciples must be careful?

Jesus said the disciples must be careful that no one lead them astray.

Mark 13:7

What did Jesus say would be the beginnings of birth pains?

Jesus said the beginning of birth pains would be wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, and famines.

Mark 13:8

What did Jesus say would be the beginnings of birth pains?

Jesus said the beginning of birth pains would be wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, and famines.

Mark 13:9

What did Jesus say would happen to the disciples?

Jesus said that the disciples would be delivered to councils, beaten in synagogues, and would stand before governors and kings as a testimony.

Mark 13:10

What did Jesus say must happen first?

Jesus said the gospel must be preached to all the nations first.

Mark 13:12

What did Jesus say would happen between family members?

Jesus said that one family member would deliver up another family member to death.

Mark 13:13

Who did Jesus say would be saved?

Jesus said that whoever endures to the end would be saved.

Mark 13:14

What did Jesus say those in Judea should do when they see the abomination of desolation?

Jesus said that those in Judea should flee to the mountains when they see the abomination of desolation.

Mark 13:20

What did Jesus say the Lord would do for the sake of the elect, so that they would be saved?

Jesus said the Lord would shorten the days of tribulation for the sake of the elect.

Mark 13:22

Who did Jesus say would arise to deceive people?

Jesus said that false Christs and false prophets would arise to deceive people.

Mark 13:24

What will happen to the powers in the heavens after the tribulation of those days?

The sun and moon will be darkened, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Mark 13:25

What will happen to the powers in the heavens after the tribulation of those days?

The sun and moon will be darkened, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Mark 13:26

What will the people see in the clouds?

They will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

Mark 13:27

What will the Son of Man do when he comes?

The Son of Man will gather his elect from the ends of the earth and the sky.

Mark 13:30

What did Jesus say would not pass away until all of these things occurred?

Jesus said that this generation would not pass away until all of these things occurred.

Mark 13:31

What did Jesus say would never pass away?

Jesus said that his words would never pass away.

Mark 13:32

When did Jesus say all these things would happen?

Jesus said that no one knows the day or hour, except the Father.

Mark 13:33

What command did Jesus give his disciples regarding his coming?

Jesus told his disciples to be alert and watch.

Mark 13:35

What command did Jesus give his disciples regarding his coming?

Jesus told his disciples to be alert and watch.

Mark 13:37

What command did Jesus give his disciples regarding his coming?

Jesus told his disciples to be alert and watch.

Chapter 14

¹ It was now two days before the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were seeking ways to stealthily arrest Jesus and then kill him. ² For they were saying, "Not during the festival, so that a riot does not arise among the people."

³ While Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at the table, a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which was pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the nard on his head. ⁴ But there were some who were angry. They spoke among themselves and said, "What is the reason for the waste of this perfume? ⁵ This perfume could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor." Then they scolded her.

⁶ But Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Why are you troubling her? She has done a beautiful thing for me. ⁷ You always have the poor with you, and whenever you desire you can do good to them, but you will not always have me. ⁸ She has done what she could. She has anointed my body for burial. ⁹ Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will be spoken of, in memory of her."

¹⁰ Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went away to the chief priests so that he might give him over to them. ¹¹ When the chief priests heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. He began looking for an opportunity to give him over to them.

¹² On the first day of unleavened bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to go to prepare, so you may eat the Passover meal?"

¹³ He sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man bearing a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. ¹⁴ Where he enters a house, follow him in and say to the owner of that house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I will eat the Passover with my disciples?"' ¹⁵ He will show you a large furnished upper room that is ready. Make the preparations for us there." ¹⁶ The disciples left and went to the city. They found everything as he had said to them, and they prepared the Passover meal.

¹⁷ When it was evening, he came with the twelve. ¹⁸ As they were lying down at the table and eating, Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, one of you eating with me will betray me."

¹⁹ They were all very sorrowful, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?"

²⁰ Jesus answered and said to them, "It is one of the twelve, the one now dipping bread with me in the bowl. ²¹ For the Son of Man will go as it is written about him. But woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him if he had not been born."

²² As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, and broke it. He gave it to them and said, "Take this. This is my body." ²³ He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. ²⁴ He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, the blood that is poured out for many. ²⁵ Truly I say to you, I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."

²⁶ When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. ²⁷ Jesus said to them, "All of you will fall away, for it is written,

'I will strike the shepherd

and the sheep will be scattered.'

²⁸ But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."

²⁹ Peter said to him, "Even if all fall away, I will not."

³⁰ Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, today—yes, this very night—before the rooster crows twice you will deny me three times."

³¹ But Peter said emphatically, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you." They all made the same promise.

³² They came to the place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." ³³ He took Peter, James, and John with him and began to be distressed and deeply troubled. ³⁴ He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, even to the point of death. Remain here and watch." ³⁵ Going a little farther, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the hour might pass from him. ³⁶ He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible with you. Remove this cup from me. But not my will, but yours." ³⁷ He came back and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch for one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." ³⁹ Again he went away and prayed, and he used the same words. ⁴⁰ When he came back again, he found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. ⁴¹ He came the third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come. Look! The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴² Get up; let us go. Look, the one who is betraying me is near."

⁴³ While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived, and a large crowd was with him with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. ⁴⁴ Now his betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard." ⁴⁵ When Judas arrived, immediately he came up to Jesus and said, "Rabbi," and he kissed him. ⁴⁶ Then they laid hands on him and seized him. ⁴⁷ But one of them who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

⁴⁸ Jesus said to them, "Do you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs, to arrest me? ⁴⁹ When I was daily with you and I was teaching in the temple, you did not arrest me. But this was done that the scriptures might be fulfilled." ⁵⁰ All those with Jesus left him and ran away.

⁵¹ A young man, wearing only a linen garment that was wrapped around him, was following Jesus. When the men seized him, ⁵² he left the linen garment and ran away naked.

⁵³ They led Jesus to the high priest. There were gathered with him all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes. ⁵⁴ Now Peter followed him from a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest. He sat among the officers, warming himself near the fire. ⁵⁵ Now the chief priests and the entire Jewish council were seeking testimony against Jesus so they might put him to death. But they did not find any. ⁵⁶ For many brought false testimony against him, but even their testimony did not agree. ⁵⁷ Some stood up and brought false testimony against him; they said, ⁵⁸ "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.'" ⁵⁹ Yet even their testimony did not agree.

⁶⁰ The high priest stood up among them and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer? What is it these men testify against you?" ⁶¹ But he was silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest questioned him and said, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"

⁶² Jesus said, "I am;

and you will see the Son of Man

when he sits at the right hand of power

and comes with the clouds of heaven."

⁶³ The high priest tore his garments and said, "Do we still need witnesses? ⁶⁴ You have heard the blasphemy. What is your decision?" They all condemned him as one who deserved death.

⁶⁵ Some began to spit on him and to cover his face and strike him with their fists and say to him, "Prophesy!" The officers took him and beat him.

⁶⁶ While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came to him. ⁶⁷ She saw Peter warming himself, and she looked closely at him and said, "You were also with the Nazarene, Jesus."

⁶⁸ But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are talking about." Then he went out into the gateway. And the rooster crowed. ^[1]

⁶⁹ But the servant girl saw him and began to say again to those who stood there, "This man is one of them!"

⁷⁰ But he denied it again. After a little while those who stood there were saying to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you also are a Galilean."

⁷¹ But he began to put himself under curses and to swear, "I do not know this man you are talking about."

⁷² The rooster immediately crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered the words that Jesus had said to him: "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times," and he broke down and wept.

Footnotes

14:68 ^[1]Some ancient copies do not have,

Mark 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in 14:27, 62, which is from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

The eating of the body and blood

Mark 14:22-25 describes Jesus's last meal with his followers. At this time, Jesus told them that what they were eating and drinking were his body and his blood. Nearly all Christian churches celebrate "the Lord's Supper," the "Eucharist," or "Holy Communion" to remember this meal.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Abba, Father

"Abba" is an Aramaic word that the Jews used to speak to their fathers. Mark writes it as it sounds and then translates it.

"Son of Man"

Jesus refers to himself as the "Son of Man" in this chapter

Mark 14

14:1-11

What was Passover?

[14:1]

See: Passover

What was the Festival of Unleavened Bread?

[14:1]

See: Festival of Unleavened Bread

Why did the Jewish leaders want to “stealthily arrest” Jesus?

[14:1]

The chief priests and scribes wanted to “stealthily” arrest Jesus. That is, they wanted to arrest Jesus when no one would know that they were doing it. They did not want to make people angry with them.

See: Chief Priest; Scribe

Where was Bethany?

[14:3]

See Map: Bethany

What was a leper?

[14:3]

See: Leprosy (Leper)

Why was Jesus reclining at the table?

[14:3]

In ancient Israel, people ate by laying down sideways at a table. Jesus did this because he had eaten.

What did this woman have?

[14:3]

The woman had a jar with a certain oil that smelled very good. Some people called this perfume. She opened this jar and poured it on Jesus head and feet to honor him. Jesus also said that she anointed him. This prepared his body to be buried. In ancient Israel, people poured these types of oils on a dead person before they buried them.

See: John 12:3

See: Anoint (Anointing)

Why did the disciples not want this woman to do this?

[14:4]

The disciples did not want this woman to pour this expensive oil on Jesus. This was because it would only smell good for a short time. However, it could be sold for the same amount of money that someone could make from working for one year. This could be used to help many poor people. Jesus said they were wrong. This was because what she did was a metaphor. That is, she anointed Jesus as a way to prepare him to die for people’s sins so they could be at peace with God. This was greater than helping poor people.

See: Metaphor; Anoint (Anointing)

Why did Judas go to the chief priests?

[14:10]

Judas went to the chief priests to help them arrest Jesus. Scholars do not agree why he did this. The priests gave Judas a large amount of money to help them.

See: Matthew 26:15; Exodus 21:32; Zechariah 11:12

See: Chief Priest

14:12-21

When was the first day of unleavened bread?

[14:12]

The first day of unleavened bread was also the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread. This was the day they sacrificed a lamb for the passover.

See: Festival of Unleavened Bread; Sacrifice; Passover

Why did the disciples need to prepare for the passover meal?

[14:12]

The disciples needed to prepare for the passover meal. This was because they needed to become clean so they could eat this meal. They also needed to get certain foods ready to eat for this meal.

See: Disciple; Passover; Clean and Unclean

Why did Jesus say that one of the disciples would betray him?

[14:18]

After travelling with these twelve disciples for three years, Jesus had one last meal with them. During this meal, he told them that one of the disciples would betray him. This was to fulfill a prophecy spoken about the messiah (see: Psalm 41:9).

The man that betrayed Jesus would be punished for what he did. He would live forever in hell and be punished there forever. That was why Jesus said it would be better for that man to have not been born than to be punished forever in hell.

See: Disciple; Hell; Son of Man; Woe; Prophecy (Prophesy)

14:22-31

What did Jesus say to the disciples during the passover meal?

[14:22]

Jesus told the disciples about the eating of bread and drinking of wine during this last meal. Some scholars called this the last supper or the Lord’s supper. From that time on, Chrsitians ate bread and drank wine at certain times in order to remember that Jesus died for Christians (see: 1 Corinthians 11:23-25).

See: Disciple; Lord's Supper; Covenant; Kingdom of God; Passover; Atone (Atonement)

What was a hymn?

[14:26]

A hymn was a song that was sung to worship God.

Where was the Mount of Olives?

[14:26]

See Map: Mount of Olives

Why did Jesus say that “all of you will fall away”?

[14:27]

Jesus said that the disciples would “fall away.” That is, they would fall away from Jesus. He said this would fulfill what Zecariah prophesied (see: Zechariah 13:7). This was a metaphor. Jesus was the shepherd and the disciples were the sheep. The disciples would not want people to know they followed Jesus when Jesus died. However, this did not last for very long.

Peter said that he would never do this. However, he said that he did not know Jesus three times that night.

See: Disciple; Fall (Fall Away, Stand); Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Metaphor

14:32-42

Where was Gethsemane?

[14:32]

See Map: Gethsemane

What is a soul?

[14:33]

See: Soul

Why was Jesus distressed?

[14:33]

Jesus was distressed when he prayed. That is he had a feeling of great sadness and pain in his soul while he prayed. He knew he was about to die. He was not afraid to die because he knew why he had to die. However, he was distressed because he knew that he was about to be separated from God the Father in some way. He knew separation from God was part of the punishment from God for the sins of all people.

See: Atone (Atonement); Sin; God the Father; Soul

Why did Jesus want the hour to pass?

[14:36]

Jesus asked God the Father if it was possible for the hour to pass. That is, he asked God the Father not to make him die. He wanted God to remove the cup. This is a metaphor. He wanted to not have to be punished for all people. However, he was willing to die to obey God.

See: Metaphor; Will of God

Why did Jesus want Peter to pray not to enter into temptation?

[14:38]

Jesus wanted Peter to pray. However, Peter could not pray for one hour without falling asleep. Jesus told Peter to pray and ask not to enter into temptation. That is, that he would not be tempted. Peter was about to be tempted to say that he did not know Jesus.

See: Tempt (Temptation)

How was the spirit willing but the flesh weak?

[14:38]

Jesus said that the spirit was willing but the flesh was weak. That is, the disciples wanted to stay awake and pray, but their bodies were too tired to remain awake. They could only do these things with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit wanted to help Peter. Peter just needed to ask for help (see: Psalm 51:12).

See: Holy Spirit; Flesh

How has the hour come?

[14:41]

Jesus said the hour has come. That is, the things he talked about things that were about to happen.

Who were the sinners?

[14:41]

Jesus said that he was betrayed to sinners. That is, someone would give him to the people who wanted to kill him. These sinners were the Jewish leaders. They were supposed to help people worship God. Instead, they did evil. He knew Judas was about to betray him.

See: Sin

14:43-52

Who were the chief priests, scribes, and elders?

[143:43]

See: Chief Priest; Scribe; Elder

How did Judas kiss Jesus?

[14:44, 14:45]

Judas kissed Jesus on the cheek. In ancient Israel, people often greeted each other in this way.

What was a rabbi?

[14:45]

See: Rabbi

Why did someone cut off this man’s ear?

[14:47]

Peter tried to stop the Jewish leaders from arresting Jesus (see: John 18:10-11). He did this by cutting off someone’s ear with a sword or knife.

See: High Priest

What scriptures does this fulfill?

[14:49]

Jesus said that certain prophecies were fulfilled when the Jewish leaders arrested him. These were prophecies spoken by Isaiah (see: Isaiah 53) and Zechariah (see: Zechariah 13:7).

See: Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Fulfill (Fulfillment)

Why did Mark talk about this young man?

[14:51, 14:52]

Scholars think Mark wrote about this young man running away naked because Mark was this young man. He was there when Jesus was arrested. Other scholars think the young man symbolises all people who ran after Jesus’ arrest. This was a fulfillment of prophecy (see: Amos 2:16).

See: Prophecy (Prophesy) ; Symbol; Fulfill (Fulfillment)

14:53-65

What was the courtyard of the high priest?

[14:54]

The Jewish leaders took Jesus to the high priest. They wanted the high priest to say Jesus had done something wrong so Jesus could be killed. They took him to the courtyard of the high priest. This was outside of where the high priest lived.

See: High Priest

What was testimony against Jesus?

[14:55]

The Jewish leaders wanted testimony against Jesus. They wanted people to say Jesus had done something wrong. They wanted them to say that he broke the Law of Moses in a way that he needed to be put to death.

See: Law of Moses; Testify (Testimony)

Why did Mark write that the people’s testimony did not agree?

[14:56]

People said that Jesus said things or did things that were wrong in the Law of Moses. However, Mark wrote that what the people said about Jesus did not agree with one another. Mark wrote this because someone could not be punished for something they did wrong unless two people had seen this person doing this wrong thing.

See: Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6

See: Law of Moses; Testify (Testimony)

What did the high priest do?

[14:60]

The high priest asked Jesus two questions. He asked Jesus if Jesus was going to say anything. The high priest wanted Jesus to say something because he wanted Jesus to say the wrong thing. He also asked Jesus if he was going to say something about what people said about Jesus. The high priest thought Jesus did something written in the Law of Moses that people should not do. However, the high priest did something written in the law of Moses that he should not do. He said that Jesus did something wrong without the testimony of two people agreeing with one another.

See: High Priest; Law of Moses; Testify (Testimony)

Why did the high priest ask Jesus if he was the messiah, the son of the blessed one?

[14:61]

The high priest asked Jesus if he was the messiah, the son of the blessed one. He wanted Jesus to say that this was true. The high priest would them say that Jesus blasphemed.

See: High Priest; Messiah (Christ); Blaspheme (Blasphemy)

What did Jesus say to the high priest?

[14:62]

Jesus told the high priest, “I am.” He said that he is God when he said this. He then told the high priest that the high priest will see Jesus again when he is next to God in heaven when Jesus returns to the earth to judge the world.

The high priest tore his clothes because he thought Jesus blasphemed God. This was what the high priest did when someone blasphemed. According to the Law of Moses, blasphemy was punished by killing the person who blasphemed.

See: High Priest; Jesus is God; Yahweh (I am); Right Hand; Blaspheme (Blasphemy); Heaven; Law of Moses

Why did the people ask Jesus to prophesy?

[14:65]

Many people hit Jesus at the same time. They mocked Jesus. That is, they insulted him. So they asked him to prophesy and tell them which person hit Jesus.

See: Prophecy (Prophesy)

14:66-72

Why did Peter say that he did not know Jesus?

[14:68]

Peter followed the soldiers who arrested Jesus. However, he did not go near Jesus. He did not want anyone to know he was a disciple of Jesus. He feared being arrested. This is why he said he did not know Jesus.

See: Disciple

What did Mark write in 14:68?

[14:68]

Some ancient copies of the Greek New Testament have the words, “then the rooster crowed.” Other, older ancient copies of the Greek New Testament do not have these words. However, Matthew, Luke, and John said that the rooster crowed (see: Matthew 26:74; Luke 22:60; John 18:27). Therefore, the rooster crowed whether or not Mark wrote these words.

See: Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible

What was a Galillean?

[14:70]

The people in Jerusalem spoke in a different way than the people in Galilee. Because of this, the girl knew Peter lived in Galilee. This was the same place where Jesus and his disciples lived.

See: Disciple

See Map: Galilee

Why did Peter begin to curse and swear?

[14:71]

Peter wanted this girl to think he was not a disciple of Jesus. He then swore and cursed himself. That is, he said that God needed to curse him if Peter was lying. He swore to her in the same way someone swears an oath to a judge.

See: Disciple; Swear (Oath); Curse

Mark 14:1

Connecting Statement:

Just two days before the Passover, the chief priests and scribes are secretly plotting to kill Jesus.

stealthily

without people noticing

Mark 14:2

For they were saying

The word "they" refers to the chief priests and the scribes.

Not during the festival

This refers to them not arresting Jesus during the festival. Alternate translation: "We must not do it during the festival"

Mark 14:3

Connecting Statement:

Though some were angry that the oil was used to anoint Jesus, Jesus says that the woman has anointed his body for burial before he will die.

Simon the leper

This man previously had leprosy but was no longer ill. This is a different man than Simon Peter and Simon the Zealot.

he was reclining at the table

In Jesus's culture, when people gathered to eat, they reclined on their sides, propping themselves up on pillows beside a low table.

alabaster jar

This is a jar made from alabaster. Alabaster is a very expensive yellow-white stone. Alternate translation: "beautiful white stone jar"

of very expensive perfume, which was pure nard

"that contained expensive, fragrant perfume called nard." Nard is a very expensive, sweet-smelling oil used to make perfume.

on his head

"on Jesus's head"

Mark 14:4

What is the reason for the waste of this perfume?

They asked this question to show that they disapproved of the woman pouring the perfume on Jesus. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is terrible that she wasted that perfume!"

Mark 14:5

This perfume could have been sold

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "We could have sold this perfume" or "She could have sold this perfume"

three hundred denarii

"300 denarii." Denarius is the singular form of denarii. A denarius is a roman silver coin and it is worth one day's wage.

given to the poor

The phrase "the poor" refers to poor people. This refers to giving the money from the sale of the perfume to the poor. Alternate translation: "the money given to poor people"

Mark 14:6

Why are you troubling her?

Jesus rebukes the guests for questioning this woman's action. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "You should not trouble her!"

Mark 14:7

the poor

This refers to poor people. Alternate translation: "poor people"

Mark 14:8

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 14:9

Truly I say to you

This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.

wherever the gospel is preached

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "wherever my followers preach the gospel"

what this woman has done will be spoken of

"what this woman has done will also be spoken of"

Mark 14:10

Connecting Statement:

After the woman anoints Jesus with perfume, Judas promises to deliver Jesus to the chief priests.

so that he might give him over to them

Judas did not deliver Jesus over to them yet, rather he went to make arrangements with them. Alternate translation: "in order to arrange with them that he would give Jesus over to them"

give him over

"bring him to them so they could capture him" or "put him in their power" or "betray him"

Mark 14:11

When the chief priests heard it

It may be helpful to state clearly what the chief priests heard. Alternate translation: "When the chief priests heard what he was willing to do for them"

to give him money

"to give him silver coins"

give him over to them

"put them in their power" or "betray him to them"

Mark 14:12

Connecting Statement:

Jesus sends two of the disciples to prepare the Passover meal.

when they sacrificed the Passover lamb

At the beginning of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, it was customary to sacrifice a lamb. Alternate translation: "when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb"

eat the Passover

Here the "Passover" refers to the Passover meal. Alternate translation: "eat the Passover meal"

Mark 14:13

bearing a pitcher of water

"carrying a large jar full of water"

Mark 14:14

The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room ... with my disciples?"

This can be written as an indirect quote. Translate this so that it is a polite request. Alternate translation: "Our Teacher would like to know where the guest room is where he may eat the Passover with his disciples."

guest room

a room for visitors

Mark 14:15

Make the preparations for us there

They were to prepare the meal for Jesus and his disciples to eat. Alternate translation: "Prepare the meal for us there"

Mark 14:16

The disciples left

"The two disciples left"

as he had said

"as Jesus had said"

Mark 14:17

Connecting Statement:

That evening as Jesus and the disciples eat the Passover meal, Jesus tells them that one of them will betray him.

he came with the twelve

It may be helpful to state where they came to. Alternate translation: "he came with the twelve to the house"

Mark 14:18

lying down at the table

In Jesus's culture, when people gathered to eat, they lay down on their sides, propping themselves up on pillows beside a low table.

Truly I say to you

This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.

Mark 14:19

one by one

This means that "one at a time" each disciple asked him.

Surely not I?

Possible meanings are 1) this was a question for which the disciples expected the answer to be no or 2) this was a rhetorical question that did not require a response. Alternate translation: "Surely I am not the one who will betray you!"

Mark 14:20

It is one of the twelve, the one now

"He is one of the twelve of you, the one now"

dipping bread with me in the bowl

In Jesus's culture, people would often eat bread, dipping it in a shared bowl of sauce or of oil mixed with herbs.

Mark 14:21

For the Son of Man will go as it is written about him

Here Jesus refers to the scriptures prophesying about his death. If you have a polite way to talk about death in your language, use it here. Alternate translation: "For the Son of Man will die in the way that the scriptures say"

it is written

"the scripture says" or "as they wrote in the scripture"

through whom the Son of Man is betrayed

This can be stated more directly. Alternate translation: "who betrays the Son of Man"

Mark 14:22

bread

This was a flat loaf of unleavened bread, which was eaten as part of the Passover meal.

broke it

This means that he broke the bread into pieces for the people to eat. Alternate translation: "broke it into pieces"

Take this. This is my body

"Take this bread. It is my body." Though most understand this to mean that the bread is a symbol of Jesus's body and that it is not actual flesh, it is best to translate this statement literally.

Mark 14:23

He took a cup

Here "cup" is a metonym for wine. Alternate translation: "He took the cup of wine"

Mark 14:24

This is my blood of the covenant, the blood that is poured out for many

The covenant is for the forgiveness of sins. This can be written more explicitly. Alternate translation: "This is my blood that confirms the covenant, the blood that is poured out so that many may receive the forgiveness of sins"

This is my blood

"This wine is my blood." Though most understand this to mean that the wine is a symbol of Jesus's blood and that it is not actual blood, it is best to translate this statement literally.

Mark 14:25

Truly I say to you

This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.

fruit of the vine

"wine." This is a descriptive way to refer to wine.

new

Possible meanings are 1) "again" or 2) "in a new way"

Mark 14:26

hymn

A hymn is a type of song. It was traditional for them to sing an Old Testament psalm.

Mark 14:27

Jesus said to them

"Jesus said to his disciples"

will fall away

This is an idiom that means leave. Alternate translation: "will leave me"

I will strike

"kill." Here "I" refers to God.

the sheep will be scattered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will scatter the sheep"

Mark 14:28

I am raised up

This idiom means that God will cause Jesus to become alive again after he has died. This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "God raises me from the dead" or "God makes me alive again"

I will go ahead of you

"I will go before you"

Mark 14:29

all fall away

"everyone else falls away" or "everyone else leaves you"

Mark 14:30

Truly I say to you

This indicates that the statement that follows is especially true and important. See how you translated this in Mark 3:28.

rooster crows

The rooster is a male bird that calls out loudly very early in the morning. When he makes that sound he "crows."

twice

two times

you will deny me

"you will say that you do not know me"

Mark 14:31

said emphatically

"said insistently" or "said strongly"

If I must die

"Even if I must die"

They all made the same promise

This means that all of the disciples said the same thing that Peter said.

Mark 14:32

Connecting Statement:

When they go to Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, Jesus encourages three of his disciples to stay awake while he prays. Twice he awakens them, and the third time he tells them to wake up because it is time for the betrayal.

They came to the place

The word "they" refers to Jesus and his disciples.

Mark 14:33

distressed

overwhelmed with sorrow

deeply troubled

The word "deeply" refers to Jesus being greatly troubled in his soul. Alternate translation: "extremely troubled"

Mark 14:34

My soul is

Jesus speaks of himself as his "soul." Alternate translation: "I am"

even to the point of death

Jesus is exaggerating because he feels so much distress and sorrow that he feels like he is about to die, though he knows he will not die until after the sun rises.

watch

The disciples were to stay alert while Jesus prayed. This does not mean that they were supposed to watch Jesus pray.

Mark 14:35

if it were possible

This means that if God would allow it to happen. Alternate translation: "if God would allow it"

the hour might pass

Here "this hour" refers to Jesus's time of suffering, both now in the garden and later. Alternate translation: "that he would not have to go through this time of suffering"

Mark 14:36

Abba

a term used by Jewish children to address their father. Since it is followed by "Father," it is best to transliterate this word.

Father

This is an important title for God.

Remove this cup from me

Jesus speaks of the suffering that he must endure as if it were a cup.

But not my will, but yours

Jesus is asking God to do what he wants to be done and not what Jesus wants. Alternate translation: "But do not do what I want, do what you want"

Mark 14:37

found them sleeping

The word "them" refers to Peter, James, and John.

Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch for one hour?

Jesus rebukes Simon Peter for sleeping. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Simon, you are asleep when I told you to stay awake. You could not even stay awake for one hour."

Mark 14:38

that you do not enter into temptation

Jesus speaks of being tempted as if it were entering into a physical place. Alternate translation: "that you are not tempted"

The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak

Jesus warns Simon Peter that he is not strong enough to do what he wants to do in his own strength. Alternate translation: "You are willing in your spirit, but you are too weak to do what you want to do" or "You want to do what I say, but you are weak"

The spirit ... the flesh

These refer to two different aspects of Peter. "The spirit" is his inmost desires. "The flesh" is his human ability and strength.

Mark 14:39

used the same words

"prayed again what he prayed before"

Mark 14:40

found them sleeping

The word "them" refers to Peter, James, and John.

for their eyes were heavy

Here the author speaks of a sleepy person having a hard time keeping his eyes open as having "heavy eyes." Alternate translation: "for they were so sleepy they were having a hard time keeping their eyes open"

Mark 14:41

He came the third time

Jesus had gone and prayed again. Then he returned to them a third time. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Then he went and prayed again. He returned the third time"

Are you still sleeping and taking your rest?

Jesus rebukes his disciples for not staying awake and praying. You can translate this rhetorical question as a statement if needed. Alternate translation: "You are still sleeping and resting!"

The hour has come

The time of Jesus's suffering and betrayal is about to begin.

Look!

"Listen!"

The Son of Man is being betrayed

Jesus warns his disciples that his betrayer is approaching them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I, the Son of Man, am being betrayed"

Mark 14:42

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 14:43

one of the twelve

"one of the twelve disciples"

Mark 14:44

General Information:

Here Mark gives background information about how Judas had arranged with the Jewish leaders to betray Jesus.

his betrayer

This refers to Judas.

The one I kiss is the man

Here "the man" refers to the man that Judas was going to identify. Alternate translation: "The man I kiss is the one you want"

Mark 14:45

he kissed him

"Judas kissed him"

Mark 14:46

laid hands on him and seized him

These two phrases have the same meaning to emphasize that they seized Jesus. Alternate translation: "grabbed Jesus and seized him" or "seized him"

Mark 14:47

who stood by

"who was standing nearby"

Mark 14:48

Jesus said to them

"Jesus said to the crowd"

Do you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs, to arrest me?

Jesus is rebuking the crowd. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "It is ridiculous that you come here to seize me with swords and clubs, as if I were a robber!"

Mark 14:49

But this was done that

"But this has happened so that"

Mark 14:50

All those with Jesus

This refers to the disciples.

Mark 14:51

linen

cloth made from the fibers of a flax plant

that was wrapped around him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that he had wrapped around himself"

When the men seized him

"When the men seized that man"

Mark 14:52

he left the linen garment

Because the man was trying to run away, the others would have grabbed at his clothing, trying to stop him.

Mark 14:53

Connecting Statement:

After the crowd of the chief priests, scribes, and elders lead Jesus to the high priest, Peter watches nearby while some stand to give false testimony against Jesus.

There were gathered with him all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes

This can be reordered so that it is easier to understand. "All of the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes had gathered there together"

Mark 14:54

Now

This word is used here to mark a change in the story as the author tells us about Peter.

as far as the courtyard of the high priest

As Peter followed Jesus, he stopped at the high priest's courtyard. This can be written clearly. Alternate translation: "and he went as far as the courtyard of the high priest"

He sat among the officers

Peter sat with the officers who were working at the courtyard. Alternate translation: "He sat in the courtyard among the officers"

the officers

These were probably the servants of the "the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes" (Mark 14:54).

Mark 14:55

Now

This word is used here to mark a change in the story as the author returns to telling us about Jesus being put on trial.

they might put him to death

They were not the ones who would execute Jesus; rather, they would order someone else to do it. Alternate translation: "they might have Jesus executed" or "they might have someone execute Jesus"

But they did not find any

They did not find testimony against Jesus with which they could convict him and have him put to death. Alternate translation: "But they did not find any testimony with which to convict him"

Mark 14:56

brought false testimony against him

Here speaking false testimony is described as if it were a physical object that someone can carry. Alternate translation: "accused him by speaking false testimony against him"

their testimony did not agree

"they contradicted each other"

Mark 14:57

brought false testimony against him

Here speaking false testimony is described as if it were a physical object that someone can carry. Alternate translation: "accused him by speaking false testimony against him"

Mark 14:58

We heard him say

"We heard Jesus say." The word "we" refers to the people who brought false testimony against Jesus and does not include the people to whom they are speaking.

made with hands ... made without hands

Here "hands" refers to men. Alternate translation: "made by men ... without man's help" or "built by men ... without man's help"

in three days

"within three days." This means that the temple would be built within a three-day period.

will build another

The word "temple" is understood from the previous phrase. It may be repeated. Alternate translation: "will build another temple"

Mark 14:59

their testimony did not agree

"these witnesses contradicted each other"

Mark 14:60

Connecting Statement:

When Jesus answers that he is the Christ, the high priest and all of the leaders there condemn him as one who deserves to die.

stood up among them

Jesus stands up in the middle of the angry crowd to speak to them. Translate this to show who was present when Jesus stood up to speak. Alternate translation: "stood up among the chief priests, scribes, and elders"

Have you no answer? What is it these men testify against you?

The chief priest is not asking Jesus for information about what the witnesses said. He is asking Jesus to prove what the witnesses said is wrong. Alternate translation: "Are you not going to reply? What do you say in response to the testimony these men are speaking against you?"

Mark 14:61

the Son of the Blessed One

Here God is called "the Blessed One." It is best to translate "Son" with the same word your language would naturally use to refer to a "son" of a human father. Alternate translation: "the Son of God"

Mark 14:62

I am

This likely has a double meaning: 1) to respond to the high priest's question and 2) to call himself "I Am," which is what God called himself in the Old Testament.

he sits at the right hand of power

Here "power" is a metonym that represents God. To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "he sits in the place of honor beside the all-powerful God"

comes with the clouds of heaven

Here the clouds are described as accompanying Jesus when he returns. Alternate translation: "when he comes down through the clouds in the sky"

Mark 14:63

tore his garments

The high priest tore his clothes purposefully to show his outrage and horror at what Jesus has said. Alternate translation: "tore his garments in outrage"

Do we still need witnesses?

This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "We certainly do not need any more people who will testify against this man!"

Mark 14:64

You have heard the blasphemy

This refers to what Jesus said, which the high priest called blasphemy. Alternate translation: "You have heard the blasphemy he has spoken"

They all

all the people in the room

Mark 14:65

Some began to

some of the people in the room

to cover his face

They covered his face with a cloth or blindfold, so he could not see. Alternate translation: "to cover his face with a blindfold"

Prophesy

They mocked him, asking him to prophesy who was hitting him. Alternate translation: "Prophesy who hit you"

officers

men who guarded the governor's house

Mark 14:66

Connecting Statement:

As Jesus had predicted, Peter denies Jesus three times before the rooster crows.

below in the courtyard

"outside in the courtyard"

one of the servant girls of the high priest

The servant girls worked for the high priest. Alternate translation: "one of the servant girls who worked for the high priest"

Mark 14:67

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 14:68

denied

This means to claim that something is not true. In this case, Peter was saying that what the servant girl said about him was not true.

neither know nor understand what you are talking about

Both "know" and "understand" have the same meaning here. The meaning is repeated to add emphasis to what Peter is saying. Alternate translation: "I really do not understand what you are talking about"

Mark 14:69

the servant girl

This is the same servant girl who identified Peter previously.

one of them

The people were identifying Peter as one of Jesus's disciples. This can be made clearer. Alternate translation: "one of Jesus's disciples" or "one of those who have been with that man they arrested"

Mark 14:70

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 14:71

to put himself under curses

If in your language you have to name the person who curses someone, state God. Alternate translation: "to say for God to curse him"

Mark 14:72

rooster immediately crowed

The rooster is a male bird that calls out loudly very early in the morning. If he has made that sound he has "crowed."

a second time

"Second" here is an ordinal number.

he broke down

This idiom means that he was overwhelmed with grief and lost control of his emotions. Alternate translation: "he was overwhelmed with grief" or "he lost control of his emotions"

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 14:1

What were the chief priests and scribes considering how to do?

They were considering how to stealthily arrest Jesus and then kill him.

Mark 14:2

Why did the chief priests and scribes not want to act during the Feast of Unleavened Bread?

They were worried that a riot would arise among the people.

Mark 14:3

What did a woman do to Jesus at the house of Simon the leper?

A woman broke a vial of costly liquid and poured it on Jesus' head.

Mark 14:5

For what were some rebuking the woman?

Some were rebuking the woman for not selling the perfume and giving the money to the poor.

Mark 14:8

What did Jesus say the woman had done for him?

Jesus said the woman had anointed his body for burial.

Mark 14:9

What promise did Jesus make about what the woman had done?

Jesus promised that wherever the gospel was preached in the whole world, what the woman had done would be spoken of in memory of her.

Mark 14:10

Why did Judas Iscariot go away to the chief priests?

Judas Iscariot went away to the chief priests so that he might deliver Jesus to them.

Mark 14:12

How did the disciples find the place where they would all eat the Passover?

Jesus told them to go into the city and follow a man carrying a pitcher of water, and then ask him where the guest room was that they would use to eat the Passover.

Mark 14:13

How did the disciples find the place where they would all eat the Passover?

Jesus told them to go into the city and follow a man carrying a pitcher of water, and then ask him where the guest room was that they would use to eat the Passover.

Mark 14:14

How did the disciples find the place where they would all eat the Passover?

Jesus told them to go into the city and follow a man carrying a pitcher of water, and then ask him where the guest room was that they would use to eat the Passover.

Mark 14:18

What did Jesus say as they were reclining at the table and eating?

Jesus said that one of the disciples eating with him would betray him.

Mark 14:20

Which disciple did Jesus say would betray him?

Jesus said that the disciple dipping bread with him in the bowl would betray him.

Mark 14:21

What did Jesus say about the destiny of the disciple who betrayed him?

Jesus said that it would have been better for him if he had not been born.

Mark 14:22

What did Jesus say as he gave the disciples the broken bread?

Jesus said, "Take this. This is my body".

Mark 14:24

What did Jesus say as he gave the disciples the cup?

Jesus said, "This is my blood of the covenant, the blood that is poured out for many".

Mark 14:25

When did Jesus say he would again drink of this fruit of the vine?

Jesus said he would again drink of this fruit of the vine on the day when he drank it anew in the kingdom of God.

Mark 14:27

At the Mount of Olives, what did Jesus predict about his disciples?

Jesus predicted that his disciples would all fall away because of him.

Mark 14:30

What did Jesus tell Peter after Peter said he would never fall away?

Jesus told Peter that before the rooster crowed twice, Peter would deny Jesus three times.

Mark 14:32

What did Jesus tell his three disciples to do while he prayed?

Jesus told them to remain there and watch.

Mark 14:33

What did Jesus tell his three disciples to do while he prayed?

Jesus told them to remain there and watch.

Mark 14:34

What did Jesus tell his three disciples to do while he prayed?

Jesus told them to remain there and watch.

Mark 14:35

For what did Jesus pray?

Jesus prayed that this hour might pass from him.

Mark 14:36

What was Jesus willing to accept as an answer to his prayer to the Father?

Jesus was willing to accept whatever the Father's will was for him.

Mark 14:37

What did Jesus find when he returned to the three disciples?

Jesus found the three disciples sleeping.

Mark 14:40

What did Jesus find the second time he returned from praying?

Jesus found the three disciples sleeping.

Mark 14:41

What did Jesus find the third time he returned from praying?

Jesus found the three disciples sleeping.

Mark 14:44

What sign did Judas give to show the guards which person was Jesus?

Judas kissed Jesus to show which person was Jesus.

Mark 14:45

What sign did Judas give to show the guards which person was Jesus?

Judas kissed Jesus to show which person was Jesus.

Mark 14:48

What did Jesus say was being done in his arrest to fulfill scripture?

Jesus said that scripture was being fulfilled because they came to arrest him like a robber, with swords and clubs.

Mark 14:49

What did Jesus say was being done in his arrest to fulfill scripture?

Jesus said that scripture was being fulfilled because they came to arrest him like a robber, with swords and clubs.

Mark 14:50

What did those with Jesus do when Jesus was arrested?

Those with Jesus left him and fled.

Mark 14:51

What did a young man who was following Jesus do when Jesus was arrested?

The young man left his linen garment there and ran away naked.

Mark 14:52

What did a young man who was following Jesus do when Jesus was arrested?

The young man left his linen garment there and ran away naked.

Mark 14:53

Where was Peter as Jesus was taken to the high priest?

Peter sat among the guards, near a fire to keep warm.

Mark 14:54

Where was Peter as Jesus was taken to the high priest?

Peter sat among the guards, near a fire to keep warm.

Mark 14:55

What was wrong with the testimony against Jesus given to the Council?

The testimony against Jesus was false and did not agree.

Mark 14:56

What was wrong with the testimony against Jesus given to the Council?

The testimony against Jesus was false and did not agree.

Mark 14:61

What question did the high priest ask Jesus about who Jesus was?

The high priest asked Jesus if he was the Christ, the son of the Blessed.

Mark 14:62

What was Jesus' answer to the high priest's question?

Jesus answered that he was the Christ, the son of the Blessed.

Mark 14:64

Hearing Jesus' answer, of what did the high priest say Jesus was guilty?

The high priest said that Jesus was guilty of blasphemy.

Mark 14:65

What did they do to Jesus after condemning him as one who deserved death?

They spit on him, struck him, and beat him.

Mark 14:66

What was Peter's answer to the servant girl who said that Peter was with Jesus?

Peter answered that he did not know or understand about what the girl was talking.

Mark 14:67

What was Peter's answer to the servant girl who said that Peter was with Jesus?

Peter answered that he did not know or understand about what the girl was talking.

Mark 14:68

What was Peter's answer to the servant girl who said that Peter was with Jesus?

Peter answered that he did not know or understand about what the girl was talking.

Mark 14:71

What was Peter's response when he was asked a third time if he was one of Jesus' disciples?

Peter swore and put himself under curses that he did not know Jesus.

Mark 14:72

What happened after Peter answered the third time?

After Peter answered the third time, the rooster crowed a second time.

What did Peter do after he heard the rooster?

After he heard the rooster, Peter broke down and wept.

Chapter 15

¹ Early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders and scribes and the entire Jewish council consulted together. Then they bound Jesus and led him away. They handed him over to Pilate. ² Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"

He answered him, "You say so." ³ The chief priests were accusing him of many things.

⁴ Pilate again asked him, "Do you give no answer? See how many things they are accusing you of!" ⁵ But Jesus no longer answered Pilate, and that amazed him.

⁶ Now at the time of the festival, Pilate usually released to them one prisoner, a prisoner they requested. ⁷ There was a man called Barabbas in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the rebellion. ⁸ The crowd came to Pilate and began to ask him to do for them as he had done in the past. ⁹ Pilate answered them and said, "Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?" ¹⁰ For he knew that it was because of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. ¹¹ But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to cry out that Barabbas should be released instead. ¹² Pilate answered them again and said, "What then should I do with the King of the Jews?"

¹³ They shouted again, "Crucify him!"

¹⁴ Pilate said to them, "What evil has he done?"

But they shouted more and more, "Crucify him." ¹⁵ Pilate wanted to satisfy the crowd, so he released Barabbas to them. He scourged Jesus and then handed him over to be crucified.

¹⁶ The soldiers led him inside the courtyard (which is the government headquarters), and they called together the whole company of soldiers. ¹⁷ They put a purple robe on Jesus, and they twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on him. ¹⁸ They began to salute him and say, "Hail, King of the Jews!" ¹⁹ They were striking his head with a reed staff and spitting on him. They went to their knees and they bowed down before him. ²⁰ When they had mocked him, they took off of him the purple robe and put his own garments on him, and then led him out to crucify him. ²¹ A certain man, Simon of Cyrene, was coming in from the country (he was the father of Alexander and Rufus), and they forced him to carry his cross.

²² The soldiers brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which is translated "Place of a Skull"). ²³ They offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not drink it. ²⁴ They crucified him and divided up his garments by casting lots to determine what piece each soldier would take. ²⁵ It was the third hour when they crucified him. ²⁶ On a sign they wrote the charge against him, "The king of the Jews." ²⁷ With him they crucified two robbers, one on the right of him and one on his left. ²⁸^[1]²⁹ Those who passed by insulted him, shaking their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, ³⁰ save yourself and come down from the cross!"

³¹ In the same way the chief priests were mocking him with each other, along with the scribes, and said, "He saved others, but he cannot save himself. ³² Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also insulted him.

³³ At the sixth hour, darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. ³⁴ At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is interpreted, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" ³⁵ Some of those standing by heard his words and said, "Look, he is calling for Elijah."

³⁶ Someone ran, put sour wine on a sponge, put it on a reed staff, and gave it to him to drink. The man said, "Let us see if Elijah comes to take him down." ³⁷ Then Jesus cried out with a loud voice and died.

³⁸ The curtain of the temple was split in two from the top to the bottom. ³⁹ When the centurion who stood and faced Jesus saw that he had died in this way, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God." ⁴⁰ There were also women who looked on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joses), ^[2] and Salome. ⁴¹ When he was in Galilee they followed him and served him. Many other women also came up with him to Jerusalem.

⁴² When evening had come, because it was the Day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, ⁴³ Joseph of Arimathea came there. He was a respected member of the council who was waiting for the kingdom of God. He boldly went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. ⁴⁴ Pilate was amazed that Jesus was already dead; he called the centurion and asked him if Jesus was dead. ⁴⁵ When Pilate learned from the centurion that Jesus was dead, he gave the body to Joseph. ⁴⁶ Joseph had bought a linen cloth. He took him down from the cross, wrapped him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of a rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. ⁴⁷ Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw the place where Jesus was buried.

Footnotes

15:28 ^[1]The best ancient copies do not have Mark 15:28,

15:40 ^[2]The man called

Mark 15 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

"The curtain of the temple was split in two"

The curtain in the temple was an important symbol that showed that people needed to have someone speak to God for them. They could not speak to God directly because all people are sinful and God hates sin. God split the curtain to show that Jesus's people can now speak to God directly because Jesus has paid for their sins.

The tomb

The tomb in which Jesus was buried (Mark 15:46) was the kind of tomb in which wealthy Jewish families buried their dead. It was an actual room cut into a rock. It had a flat place on one side where they could place the body after they had put oil and spices on it and wrapped it in cloth. Then they would roll a large rock in front of the tomb so no one could see inside or enter.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Sarcasm

Both by pretending to worship Jesus (Mark 15:19) and by pretending to speak to a king (Mark 15:18), the soldiers and the Jews showed that they hated Jesus and did not believe that he was the Son of God. (See: and mock)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?

This is a phrase in Aramaic. Mark transliterates its sounds by writing them using Greek letters. He then explains its meaning.

Mark 15

15:1-15

What was the Jewish council?

[15:1]

See: Jewish Council (sanhedrin); Chief Priest; Elder; Scribe

Why did the Jewish leaders take Jesus to Pilate?

[15:1]

Pilate was a Roman leader of Jerusalem. At this time, the Jews were not allowed to kill someone if the person was guilty of a crime. Therefore, the Jewish leaders needed permission from Pilate to have Jesus killed.

Why did Pilate ask Jesus if Jesus was the king of the Jews?

[15:2]

The Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus because they said he spoke blasphemy against God (see: Matthew 27:1-2; Luke 22:66-71). However, the Jewish leaders did not tell Pilate that Jesus was blaspheming God. Instead, they said that Jesus said he was the king of the Jews. Blasphemy of God was not wrong for the Romans. However, they killed people who rebelled against the Romans.

See: Blaspheme (Blasphemy)

Why did Jesus not answer Pilate?

[15:5]

Jesus did not answer Pilate because he did not do anything wrong. He also knew he needed to die for people’s sins. This also fulfilled a prophecy of Isaiah (see: Isaiah 53:7). This made Pilate think that Jesus was not guilty of the things the Jewish leaders said he did.

See: Sin; Atone (Atonement); Fulfill (Fulfillment)

What was the feast?

[15:6]

Mark wrote about a feast. This was the passover festival.

See: Passover

Why did Pilate release a prisoner?

[15:6]

In ancient Israel, the Roman leader released a prisoner during the Jewish passover festival. This helped make peace between the Romans and the Jews.

See: Passover

Who did Pilate want the people to release from prison?

[15:9]

Pilate did not think Jesus was guilty. However, he did not want to make the Jewish leaders angry. Therefore, he tried to get the people to free Jesus. However, they did not want Jesus to live. They told Pilate to kill Jesus.

How was someone crucified?

[15:13]

See: Crucify (Crucifixion)

How was Jesus scourged?

[15:15]

Pilate told soldiers scourge Jesus. That is, they beat him very badly. Some scholars think that scourging a person made them die faster after they were crucified. Other scholars think Pilate had Jesus scourged so the Jewish leaders would have pity for Jesus. He hoped the Jews would not want Jesus crucified after this (see: John 19:1-15).

See: Crucify (Crucifixion)

15:16-21

Where did the soldiers take Jesus?

[15:16]

The soldiers took Jesus to the courtyard where a Roman leader lived. The courtyard was a large area outside of a home where many people gathered.

How many soldiers are a cohort?

[15:16]

There were about 600 soldiers in a cohort.

How did the soldiers mock Jesus?

[15:20]

The soldiers placed a purple robe on Jesus. They did this to mock Jesus. In ancient times, kings wore purple clothes. This was because it was very expensive to make purple clothes. They also put a crown on Jesus. They also did this to mock Jesus. Kings wore crowns. However, this crown had large thorns, so it hurt Jesus. The soldiers also mocked Jesus by saluting him in the way they saluted a king. They also hit Jesus with a staff. Kings held a special staff. They also bowed to Jesus in the same way they would have bowed to their king.

Where was Cyrene?

[15:21]

See Map: Cyrene

15:22-32

Where was Golgotha?

[15:22]

Golgotha was a place outside of the wall of the city of Jerusalem. In English, this place is often called “calvary.” It was a hill that looked like a person’s skull.

Why did the soldiers give Jesus wine mixed with myrrh?

[15:23]

The soldiers gave Jesus something to drink. People thought that this would stop pain. However, Jesus did not want to drink the mixed wine.

What is casting lots?

[15:24]

See: Cast Lots

Why did the soldiers make a sign?

[15:26]

The soldiers made a sign. This sign told people that Jesus was killed for saying that he was the king of the Jews.

Did Mark write the words found in verse 28?

[15:28]

Some ancient copies of the Greek New Testament have the words found in 15:28. A greater number of older copies of the Greek New Testament do not have these words. Therefore, most translations do not have these words.

How did the people insult Jesus?

[15:29]

The people insulted Jesus while he died. They mocked him because they did not know what he said when he said that he would destroy and rebuild the temple. They thought he spoke about the temple building. However, it was a metaphor. He wanted people to know that he would die and be resurrected in three days. They also mocked Jesus and told him to come off the cross if he was God. They spoke against Jesus because they did not believe he was the Son of God.

See: Metaphor; Temple; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Cross; Son of God

How did the Jewish leaders mock Jesus?

[15:31]

The Jewish leaders mocked Jesus in the same way people mocked him. They wanted Jesus to do something so they would know that he was the messiah. However, he did not listen to them. Jesus knew that his death on the cross was part of the work that God the Father sent him to do.

See: Messiah (Christ); Cross; Atone (Atonement)

15:33-37

When was the sixth hour?

[15:33]

The sixth hour was about 12pm.

When was the ninth hour?

The ninth hour was about 3pm.

Why did Jesus cry out about God had forsaken him?

[15:34]

As Jesus died, people’s sins were placed on him in some way. He was separated from God in some way for the first time. Jesus fulfilled prophecy with these words. In Psalm 22, David cried out to God. Jesus quoted the beginning of this Psalm so the people would know that he was the fulfillment of this prophecy.

See: Sin; Atone (Atonement); Fulfill (Fulfillment); Prophecy (Prophesy)

Why did people think Jesus was calling for Elijah?

[15:35]

When Jesus said, “Eli,” the people thought they heard Jesus calling to Elijah to help him.

15:38-47

Why did the temple curtain split into two pieces?

[15:38]

In the temple, there was a curtain that separated the most holy place from everything else. It was the place where the high priest went once a year to give a sacrifice to God. God was in this place in a certain way. The curtain was so big and thick that it could not be torn. When Jesus died, it tore. This was a metaphor. It allowed everyone to know that nothing separated people from God anymore after Jesus died.

See: Temple; Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies); High Priest; Sacrifice; Metaphor; Atone (Atonement)

Why did the Roman soldier think Jesus was the son of God?

[15:39]

The Roman soldier thought Jesus was the son of God. Some scholars think the soldier believed that Jesus was God. More scholars think that he said that Jesus was a very great man whom God blessed. Mark wanted people to think about how the roman soldier believed the truth about Jesus even though the Jewish leaders did not.

See: Son of God; Jesus is God; Bless (Blessing)

Where was Galilee?

[15:41]

See Map: Galilee

Why did Jesus need to be buried before the sun went down?

[15:42]

According to the Law of Moses, a dead body needed to be buried before the sun set.

See: Deuteronomy 21:23

See: Law of Moses

How was Joseph of Arimathea waiting for the kingdom of God?

[15:43]

Joseph of Arimathea was a pharisee, but he believed in Jesus (see: John 19:38). He believed what Jesus taught about the kingdom of God.

See: Pharisees; Kingdom of God

Why was Pilate amazed that Jesus was dead?

[15:44]

Pilate was amazed that Jesus was dead because he died very fast. Jesus was beaten and very weak when he was placed on the cross. When most people were put on a cross it took a long time for them to die, sometimes two or three days.

See: Cross

Why did Joseph wrap Jesus’ body in a linen cloth and put it into a tomb?

[15:46]

Joseph of Arimathea wrapped Jesus’ body in linen cloth to prepare him to be buried. At that time, people wrapped a body in linen cloths with strong smelling spices. When Jesus’ body was ready to be buried, it was put into a tomb. This honored the person who had died.

Why did Joseph place a large stone in front of the entrance to the tomb?

[15:46]

Joseph placed a very large stone in front of the entrance to the tomb. This kept people and animals out of the tomb.

Mark 15:1

Connecting Statement:

When the chief priests, the elders, the scribes, and the council give Jesus over to Pilate, they accuse Jesus of doing many bad things. When Pilate asks if what they had said is true, Jesus does not answer him.

they bound Jesus and led him away

They commanded for Jesus to be bound, but it would have been the guards who actually bound him and led him away. Alternate translation: "they commanded for Jesus to be bound and then he was led away" or "they commanded the guards to bind Jesus and then they led him away"

They handed him over to Pilate

They had Jesus led to Pilate and transferred control of Jesus over to him.

Mark 15:2

You say so

Possible meanings are 1) by saying this, Jesus was saying that Pilate, not Jesus, was the one calling him the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: "You yourself have said so" or 2) by saying this, Jesus implied that he is the King of the Jews. Alternate translation: "Yes, as you said, I am" or "Yes. It is as you said"

Mark 15:3

were accusing him of many things

"were saying that Jesus had done many bad things"

Mark 15:4

Pilate again asked him

"Pilate asked Jesus again"

Do you give no answer

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Do you have an answer"

See

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

Mark 15:5

that amazed him

It surprised Pilate that Jesus did not reply and defend himself.

Mark 15:6

Connecting Statement:

Pilate, hoping the crowd will choose Jesus, offers to release a prisoner, but the crowd asks for Barabbas instead.

Now

This word is used here to mark a pause in the story as the author tells background information about Pilate's tradition of releasing a prisoner at feasts and about Barabbas.

Mark 15:7

General Information:

The writer continues giving background information that will enable the reader to understand the part of the story that follows.

the rebels who had committed murder during the rebellion

The writer writes as though he believes that the readers know which rebels and which rebellion he is talking about, not as though he is introducing new participants to the story.

Mark 15:8

to do for them as he had done in the past

This refers to Pilate releasing a prisoner at feasts. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "to release a prisoner to them as he had done in the past"

Mark 15:9

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 15:10

For he knew that it was because of envy ... Jesus over to him

This is background information about why Jesus was handed over to Pilate.

it was because of envy that the chief priests

They envied Jesus, probably because so many people were following him and becoming his disciples. Alternate translation: "the chief priests were envious of Jesus. This is why they" or "the chief priests were envious of Jesus's popularity among the people. This is why they"

Mark 15:11

stirred up the crowd

The author speaks of the chief priests rousing or urging the crowd as if the crowd were a bowl of something that they were stirring. Alternate translation: "roused the crowd" or "urged the crowd"

released instead

They requested Barabbas to be released instead of Jesus. Alternate translation: "released instead of Jesus"

Mark 15:12

Connecting Statement:

The crowd asks for Jesus's death, so Pilate turns him over to the soldiers, who mock him, crown him with thorns, strike him, and lead him out to crucify him.

What then should I do with the King of the Jews

Pilate asks what he should do with Jesus if he releases Barabbas to them. This can be written clearly. Alternate translation: "If I release Barabbas, what then should I do with the King of the Jews"

Mark 15:13

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 15:14

Pilate said to them

"Pilate said to the crowd"

Mark 15:15

to satisfy the crowd

"make the crowd happy by doing what they wanted him to do"

He scourged Jesus

Pilate did not actually scourge Jesus but rather his soldiers did.

scourged

"flogged." To "scourge" is to beat with an especially painful whip.

then handed him over to be crucified

Pilate told his soliders to take Jesus away to crucify him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "told his soldiers to take him away and crucify him"

Mark 15:16

the courtyard (which is the government headquarters)

This was where the Roman soldiers in Jerusalem lived, and where the governor stayed when he was in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: "the courtyard of the soldiers' barracks" or "the courtyard of the governor's residence"

the whole company of soldiers

"the whole unit of soldiers" "the whole cohort of soldiers"

Mark 15:17

They put a purple robe on Jesus

Purple was a color worn by royalty. The soldiers did not believe that Jesus was king. They clothed him this way to mock him because others said that he was the King of the Jews.

a crown of thorns

"a crown made of thorny branches"

Mark 15:18

began to salute him

The reader should understsnd that they were mocking Jesus by pretending to salute him.

Hail, King of the Jews

The greeting "Hail" with a raised hand was only used to greet the Roman emperor. The soldiers did not believe that Jesus was the king of the Jews. Rather they said this to mock him.

Mark 15:19

a reed

"a stick" or "a staff"

went to their knees

"kneeled" or "knelt" or "got on their knees"

Mark 15:20

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 15:21

Simon ... Alexander ... Rufus

These are names of men.

Cyrene

This is the name of a place.

from the country

"from outside the city"

he was the father of Alexander and Rufus

This is background information about the man whom the soldiers forced to carry Jesus's cross.

they forced him to carry his cross

According to Roman law, a solider could force a man he came upon along the road to carry a load. In this case, they forced Simon to carry Jesus's cross.

Mark 15:22

Connecting Statement:

The soldiers bring Jesus to Golgotha, where they crucify him with two others. Many people mock him.

Place of a Skull

"Skull Place" or "Place of the Skull." This the name of a place. It does not mean that there are lots of skulls there.

Skull

A skull is the head bones, or a head without any flesh on it.

Mark 15:23

wine mixed with myrrh

It may be helpful to explain that myrrh is a pain-relieving medicine. Alternate translation: "wine mixed with a medicine called myrrh" or "wine mixed with a pain-relieving medicine called myrrh"

Mark 15:24

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 15:25

the third hour

"Third" here is a ordinal number. This refers to nine o'clock in the morning. Alternate translation: "nine o'clock in the morning"

Mark 15:26

On a sign

The soldiers attached this sign to the cross above Jesus. Alternate translation: "They attached to the cross above Jesus's head a sign on which"

the charge against him

"the crime they were accusing him of doing"

Mark 15:27

one on the right of him and one on his left

This can be written more clearly. Alternate translation: "one on a cross on the right side of him and one on a cross on the left side of him"

Mark 15:28

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 15:29

shaking their heads

This action showed that the people disapproved of Jesus.

Aha!

This is a exclamation of mockery. Use the appropriate exclamation in your language.

You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days

The people refer to Jesus by what he earlier prophesied that he would do. Alternate translation: "You who said you would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days"

Mark 15:30

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 15:31

In the same way

This refers to the way that the people who were walking by Jesus were mocking him.

were mocking him with each other

"were saying mocking things about Jesus among themselves"

Mark 15:32

Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down

The leaders did not believe that Jesus is the Christ, the King of Israel. Alternate translation: "He calls himself the Christ and the King of Israel. So let him come down" or "If he is really the Christ and the King of Israel, he should come down"

believe

The means to believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: "believe in him"

insulted

mocked, slandered

Mark 15:33

the sixth hour

This refers to noon or 12 p.m.

darkness came over the whole land

Here the author describes it becoming dark outside as if the darkness were a wave that moved over the land. Alternate translation: "the whole land became dark"

Mark 15:34

At the ninth hour

This refers to three o'clock in the afternoon. Alternate translation: "At three o'clock in the afternoon" or "In the middle of the afternoon"

Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani

These are Aramaic words that should be copied as is into your language with similar sounds.

is interpreted

"means"

Mark 15:35

Some of those standing by heard his words and said

It can be stated clearly that they misunderstood what Jesus said. Alternate translation: "When some of those standing there heard his words, they misunderstood and said"

Mark 15:36

sour wine

"vinegar"

reed staff

"stick." This was a staff made from a reed.

gave it to him

"gave it to Jesus." The man held up the staff so that Jesus could drink wine from the sponge. Alternate translation: "held it up to Jesus"

Mark 15:37

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 15:38

The curtain of the temple was split in two

Mark is showing that God himself split the temple curtain. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God split the curtain of the temple in two"

Mark 15:39

the centurion

This is the centurion who supervised the soldiers who crucified Jesus.

who stood and faced Jesus

Here "faced" is an idiom that means to look towards someone. Alternate translation: "who stood in front of Jesus"

that he had died in this way

"how Jesus had died" or "the way Jesus had died"

Son of God

This is an important title for Jesus.

Mark 15:40

looked on from a distance

"watched from far away"

(the mother of James ... and of Joses)

"who was the mother of James ... and of Joses." This can be written without the parentheses.

James the younger

"the younger James." This man was referred to as "the younger" probably to distinguish him from another man named James.

Joses

This Joses was not that same person as the younger brother of Jesus. See how you translated the same name in [Mark 6:3]

Salome

Salome is the name of a woman.

Mark 15:41

When he was in Galilee they followed him ... with him to Jerusalem

"When Jesus was in Galilee these women followed him ... with him to Jerusalem." This is background information about the women who watched the crucifixion from a distance.

came up with him to Jerusalem

Jerusalem was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for people to speak of going up to Jerusalem and going down from it.

Mark 15:42

Connecting Statement:

Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for the body of Jesus, which he wraps in linen and puts in a tomb.

evening had come

Here evening is spoken of as if it were something that is able to "come" from one place to another. Alternate translation: "it had become evening" or "it was evening"

Mark 15:43

Joseph of Arimathea came there. He was a respected

The phrase "came there" refers to Joseph coming to Pilate, which is also described after the background information is given, but his coming is referenced before for emphasis and to help introduce him to the story. There may be a different way to do this in your language. Alternate translation: "Joseph of Arimathea was a respected"

Joseph of Arimathea

"Joseph from Arimathea." Joseph is the name of a man, and Arimathea is the name of the place his is from.

He was a respected member of the council ... for the kingdom of God

This is background information about Joseph.

went in to Pilate

"went to Pilate" or "went in to where Pilate was"

asked for the body of Jesus

It can be stated clearly that he wanted to get the body so that he could bury it. Alternate translation: "asked for permission to get the body of Jesus in order to bury it"

Mark 15:44

Pilate was amazed that Jesus was already dead; he called the centurion

When Pilate heard that Jesus was dead, he was surprised, so he asked the centurion if it was true. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Pilate was amazed when he heard that Jesus was already dead, so he called the centurion"

Mark 15:45

he gave the body to Joseph

"he permitted Joseph to take Jesus's body"

Mark 15:46

linen

Linen is cloth made from the fibers of a flax plant. See how you translated this in Mark 14:51.

He took him down ... Then he rolled a stone

You may need to make explicit that Joseph probably had help from other people when he took Jesus's body down from the cross, prepared it for the tomb, and closed the tomb. Alternate translation: "He and others took him down ... Then they rolled a stone"

a tomb that had been cut out of a rock

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a tomb that someone had previously cut out of solid rock"

a stone against

"a huge flat stone in front of"

Mark 15:47

Joses

This Joses was not that same person as the younger brother of Jesus. See how you translated the same name in [Mark 6:3]

the place where Jesus was buried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the place where Joseph and the others buried Jesus's body"

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 15:1

Early in the morning, what did the chief priests do with Jesus?

Early in the morning, they bound Jesus and handed him over to Pilate.

Mark 15:5

While the chief priests were presenting many charges against Jesus, what amazed Pilate about Jesus?

Pilate was amazed that Jesus no longer answered him.

Mark 15:6

What did Pilate usually do for the crowd at the time of the feast?

Pilate usually released to the crowd one prisoner they requested at the time of the feast.

Mark 15:10

Why did Pilate want to release Jesus to the crowd?

Pilate knew that it was because of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him.

Mark 15:11

Who did the crowd cry out to be released?

The crowd cried out for Barabbas to be released.

Mark 15:12

What did the crowd say should be done with the King of the Jews?

The crowd said that the King of the Jews should be crucified.

Mark 15:13

What did the crowd say should be done with the King of the Jews?

The crowd said that the King of the Jews should be crucified.

Mark 15:17

How did the cohort of soldiers dress Jesus?

The soldiers put a purple robe on Jesus and put on him a twisted crown of thorns.

Mark 15:21

Who carried Jesus' cross?

A passerby, Simon of Cyrene, was forced to carry Jesus' cross.

Mark 15:22

What was the name of the place where the soldiers brought Jesus to crucify him?

The name of the place was Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull.

Mark 15:24

What did the soldiers do with Jesus' garments?

The soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments.

Mark 15:26

What charge against Jesus did the soldiers write on the sign?

The soldiers wrote "The King of the Jews" on the sign.

Mark 15:29

What did those who passed by challenge Jesus to do?

Those who passed by challenged Jesus to save himself and get down from the cross.

Mark 15:30

What did those who passed by challenge Jesus to do?

Those who passed by challenged Jesus to save himself and get down from the cross.

Mark 15:31

What did the chief priests say Jesus should do so they would believe?

The chief priests said that Jesus should come down from the cross so they would believe.

Mark 15:32

What did the chief priests say Jesus should do so they would believe?

The chief priests said that Jesus should come down from the cross so they would believe.

What titles did the chief priests use for Jesus as they mocked him?

The chief priests called Jesus the Christ and the King of Israel.

Mark 15:33

What happened at the sixth hour?

At the sixth hour, darkness came over the whole land.

Mark 15:34

What did Jesus cry out at the ninth hour?

Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Mark 15:37

What did Jesus do before he died?

Jesus cried out with a loud voice before he died.

Mark 15:38

What happened in the temple when Jesus died?

The curtain of the temple was split in two from top to bottom when Jesus died.

Mark 15:39

What did the centurion testify when he saw how Jesus died?

The centurion testified that truly this man was the Son of God.

Mark 15:42

On what day did Jesus die?

Jesus died on the day before the Sabbath.

Mark 15:46

What did Joseph of Arimathea do after Jesus died?

Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus down from the cross, wrapped him in linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb, rolling a stone against the entrance of the tomb.

Chapter 16

¹ When the Sabbath day was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices that they might come and anoint Jesus' body. ² Very early on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb when the sun had come up. ³ They were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" ⁴ When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, for it was very large. ⁵ They entered the tomb and saw a young man dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

⁶ He said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. Look at the place where they had laid him. ⁷ But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'"

⁸ They went out and ran from the tomb; they were trembling and amazed. They said nothing to anyone because they were so afraid. ⁹^[1] [Early on the first day of the week, after he arose, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. ¹⁰ She went and told those who were with him, while they were mourning and weeping. ¹¹ They heard that he was alive and that he had been seen by her, but they did not believe.

¹² After these things he appeared in a different form to two of them as they were walking out into the country. ¹³ They went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

¹⁴ Jesus later appeared to the eleven as they were reclining at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw him after he rose from the dead. ¹⁵ He said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to the entire creation. ¹⁶ He who believes and is baptized will be saved, and he who does not believe will be condemned. ¹⁷ These signs will go with those who believe: In my name they will cast out demons. They will speak in new languages. ¹⁸ They will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well."

¹⁹ After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. ²⁰ The disciples left and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by the signs that went with them.] ^[2]

Footnotes

16:9 ^[1]The best ancient copies do not have Mark 16:9-20.

16:20 ^[2]See the note on Mark 16:9.

Mark 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The tomb

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

A young man dressed in a white robe

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about angels in white clothing with the women at Jesus's tomb. Two of the authors called them men, but that is only because the angels were in human form. Two of the authors wrote about two angels, but the other two authors wrote about only one of them. It is best to translate each of these passages as it appears in the ULB without trying to make the passages all say exactly the same thing. (See: Matthew 28:1-2 and Mark 16:5 and Luke 24:4 and John 20:12)

Mark 16

16:1-11

What was the Sabbath?

[16:1]

See: Sabbath

Why did these women bring spices to anoint the body?

[16:1]

The women brought spices to anoint Jesus’ body. In ancient Israel, people did this to someone after they died. They did not think Jesus would be made alive again. The spices were used to stop the body from smelling bad. People did this for people they loved when the person died.

See: Anoint (Anointing)

What day was the first day of the week?

[16:2]

The Sabbath began on Friday at sunset and ended Saturday at sunset. The day after the sabbath was the first day of the week. This day began on Saturday at sunset and ended on Sunday at sunset.

See: Sabbath

Why did the women need someone to roll the stone away?

[16:3]

The stone in front of Jesus’ tomb was very large. It was so large three women could not move it. Therefore, they needed several men to move it.

Who was the man in the tomb?

[16:5]

The man in the tomb was an angel.

See: Angel; White (symbol)

Where was Nazareth?

[16:6]

See Map: Nazareth

How was Jesus crucified?

[16:6]

See: Crucify (Crucifixion)

How was Jesus resurrected?

[16:6]

The man in the tomb said that Jesus was risen. That is, Jesus was resurrected and was alive again.

See: Resurrect (Resurrection)

Where was Galilee?

[16:7]

See Map: Galilee

Why did the man say, “just as he told you”?

[16:7]

The man said that Jesus was resurrected, “just as he told you.” Jesus told people that he was going to be resurrected after he died. He also said he would go to Galilee (see: 14:28). They did not understand what he said. Or perhaps they did not believe it when he said it.

See: Resurrect (Resurrection)

See Map: Galilee

Did Mark write the words of 16:9-20?

[16:9]

The oldest copies of the Greek New Testament do not have the words written in Mark 16:9-20. Other ancient copies of the Greek New Testament do have these words. Therefore, some scholars do not think Mark wrote these words. They think some ancient scholars added these words to the ending of Mark’s gospel. Perhaps they did this to make the gospel end in a different way. That is, so the gospel would tell people about Jesus’ resurrection. Other scholars think Mark wrote these words. Perhaps an early copy of Mark’s gospel lost its last page and people made copies of this without the last page.

See: Gospel; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Differences in the Ancient Copies of the Bible

How did Jesus cast out demons?

[16:9]

See: Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)

Why were people mourning and weeping?

[16:10]

People were mourning and weeping because they were sad. They were sad that Jesus died. They did not know that he promised to be resurrected. They also did not know that he was resurrected. When they heard that Jesus was alive, they did not believe the women. They thought the women lied because people did not become alive after they died.

See: Resurrect (Resurrection)

16:12-20

How did Jesus appear in a different form?

[16:12]

Jesus joined two people walking. Scholars think these people saw Jesus before he died. However, Jesus looked different from the first time they saw him. So they did not know it was Jesus (see: Luke 24:13-32).

Why were the disciples called the eleven?

[16:14]

People called the disciples the eleven. This is because Judas Iscariot was not a disciple anymore.

See: Disciple

Why did the disciples recline at the table?

[16:14]

The disciples reclined at the table because they were eating.

See: Disciple

What did Jesus tell the disciples to do?

[16:15]

Jesus wanted the disciples to go tell everyone they could that Jesus was made alive again. He wanted them to tell everyone about the gospel. When Jesus said “the entire creation,” he wanted everyone in the world to know these things.

See: Disciple; Resurrect (Resurrection) ; Gospel

How is someone who is baptized saved?

[16:16]

Jesus said that whoever believes in him and is baptized will be saved. When someone believes in Jesus, they are at peace with God and will live with him forever. Some scholars think Jesus spoke about being baptized by the Holy Spirit. Other scholars think Jesus spoke about being baptized with water.

See: Baptize (Baptism); Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Heaven

How is someone who does not believe in Jesus condemned?

[16:16]

People who do not believe in Jesus are condemned. That is, they are punished and will live forever in hell.

See: Hell

What is casting out demons?

[16;17]

See: Demon Possession (Casting Out Demons)

How will Christians be able to speak in new languages?

[16:17]

See: Speaking in Tongues

Were Christians able to be poisoned without getting sick?

[16:18]

Jesus talked about Christians being poisoned. He said that Christians will be poisoned or bitten by poisonous snakes, but they will not die. The apostles did many miracles. These were signs so that other people would know that what they said came from God. Jesus did not talk about all Christians at all times.

See: Apostle; Miracle; Sign

Why is Jesus at the right hand of God in heaven?

[16:19]

See: Right Hand; Heaven

How did Jesus help the disciples when they preached?

[16:20]

The disciples went many places and told people about Jesus. Jesus helped them through the Holy Spirit. He also gave them the power to do miracles. These were signs that the things they taught were from God.

See: Preach (Preacher); Miracle; Sign

Mark 16:1

Connecting Statement:

On the first day of the week, women come early because they expect to use spices to anoint Jesus's body. They are surprised to see a young man who tells them Jesus is alive, but they are afraid and do not tell anyone.

When the Sabbath day was over

That is, after the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, had ended and the first day of the week had begun.

Mark 16:2

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 16:3

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 16:4

the stone had been rolled away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone had rolled away the stone"

Mark 16:5

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 16:6

He is risen!

The angel is emphatically stating that Jesus has risen from the dead. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "He arose!" or "God raised him from the dead!" or "He raised himself from the dead!"

Mark 16:7

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 16:8

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 16:9

Connecting Statement:

Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene, who tells the disciples, then he appears to two others as they walk in the country, and later he appears to the eleven disciples.

on the first day of the week

"on Sunday"

Mark 16:10

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 16:11

They heard

"They heard Mary Magdalene say"

he had been seen by her

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Mary Magdalene had seen him" or "she had seen him"

Mark 16:12

he appeared in a different form to two of them

The "two of them" saw Jesus, but he looked different from how he had looked previously.

two of them

"two of his disciples"

Mark 16:13

they did not believe them

The rest of the disciples did not believe what the two who had been walking in the country said.

Mark 16:14

Connecting Statement:

When Jesus meets with the eleven, he rebukes them for their unbelief and tells them to go out into all the world to preach the gospel.

the eleven

These are the eleven apostles who remain after Judas has left them.

they were reclining at the table

This is a metonym for eating, which was the usual way people in that day ate meals. Alternate translation: "they were eating a meal"

reclining

In Jesus's culture, when people gathered to eat, they lay down on their sides, propping themselves up on pillows beside a low table.

hardness of heart

Jesus is rebuking his disciples because they would not believe in him. Translate this idiom so it is understood that the disciples were not believing Jesus. Alternate translation: "refusal to believe"

Mark 16:15

Go into all the world

Here "the world" is a metonym for the people in the world. Alternate translation: "Go everywhere there are people"

the entire creation

This is an exaggeration and a metonym for people everywhere. Alternate translation: "absolutely everybody"

Mark 16:16

He who believes and is baptized will be saved

The word "He" refers to anyone. This sentence can be made active. Alternate translation: "God will save all people who believe and allow you to baptize them"

he who does not believe will be condemned

The word "he" refers to anyone. This clause can be made active. Alternate translation: "God will condemn all people who do not believe"

Mark 16:17

These signs will go with those who believe

Mark speaks of miracles as though they were people going along with the believers. Alternate translation: "People watching those who believe will see these things happen and know that I am with the believers"

In my name they

Possible meanings are 1) Jesus is giving a general list: "In my name they will do things like these: They" or 2) Jesus is giving an exact list: "These are the things they will do in my name: They."

In my name

Here "name" is associated with Jesus's authority and power. See how "in your name" is translated in [Mark 9:38]

Mark 16:18

General Information:

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Mark 16:19

he was taken up into heaven and sat

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God took him up into heaven, and he sat"

sat down at the right hand of God

To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "sat in the place of honor beside God"

Mark 16:20

worked with them

worked together with them, helped them as they worked

confirmed the word

This idiom means they proved that their message was true. Alternate translation: "showed that his message, which they were speaking, was true"

by the signs that went with them

"by enabling them wherever they went to do miracles that showed that they truly were his disciples"

ULB Translation Questions

Mark 16:2

When did the women go to Jesus' tomb to anoint his body?

The women went to the tomb on the first day of the week when the sun came up.

Mark 16:4

How did the women enter the tomb even though there had been a very large stone at the entrance?

Someone had rolled away the very large stone from the entrance.

Mark 16:5

What did the women see when they entered the tomb?

The women saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side.

Mark 16:6

What did the young man say about Jesus?

The young man said that Jesus was risen and was not there.

Mark 16:7

Where did the young man say the disciples would meet Jesus?

The young man said the disciples would meet Jesus in Galilee.

Mark 16:9

To whom did Jesus first appear after his resurrection?

Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene.

Mark 16:11

How did Jesus' disciples respond when Mary told them she had seen Jesus alive?

The disciples did not believe.

Mark 16:13

How did Jesus' disciples respond when two other people told them they had seen Jesus alive?

The disciples did not believe.

Mark 16:14

When he appeared to the disciples, what did Jesus say to them about their unbelief?

Jesus rebuked the disciples for their unbelief.

Mark 16:15

What command did Jesus give the disciples?

Jesus commanded the disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel.

Mark 16:16

Who did Jesus say would be saved?

Jesus said those who believed and were baptized would be saved.

Who did Jesus say would be condemned?

Jesus said those who did not believe would be condemned.

Mark 16:17

What signs did Jesus say would go with those who believed?

Jesus said those who believed would cast out demons, would speak in new languages, would not be hurt by anything deadly, and would heal others.

Mark 16:18

What signs did Jesus say would go with those who believed?

Jesus said those who believed would cast out demons, would speak in new languages, would not be hurt by anything deadly, and would heal others.

Mark 16:19

What happened to Jesus after he spoke to the disciples?

After he spoke to the disciples, Jesus was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.

Mark 16:20

What did the disciples then do?

The disciples then left and preached everywhere.

What did the Lord then do?

The Lord then worked with the disciples and confirmed the word with miraculous signs.

ULB Translation Words

Aaron

Facts:

Aaron was Moses' older brother. God chose Aaron to be the first high priest for the people of Israel.

Aaron helped Moses speak to Pharaoh about letting the Israelites go free.
While the Israelites were traveling through the desert, Aaron sinned by making an idol for the people to worship.
God also appointed Aaron and his descendants to be the priests for the people of Israel.

(See also: priest, Moses, Israel)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 23:14
Acts 07:38-40
Exodus 28:1-3
Luke 01:05
Numbers 16:45

Word Data:

Strong's: H175, G2

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Aaron, Aaron's

Abel

Facts:

Abel was Adam and Eve's second son. He was Cain's younger brother.

Abel was a shepherd.
Abel sacrificed some of his animals as an offering to God.
God was pleased with Abel and his offerings.
Adam and Eve's firstborn son Cain murdered Abel.

(See also: Cain, sacrifice, shepherd)

Bible References:

Genesis 04:02
Genesis 04:09
Hebrews 12:24
Luke 11:49-51
Matthew 23:35

Word Data:

Strong's: H1893, G6

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Abel, Abel's

Abiathar

Facts:

Abiathar was a high priest for the nation of Israel during the time of King David.

When King Saul killed the priests, Abiathar escaped and went to David in the wilderness.
Abiathar and another high priest named Zadok served David faithfully throughout his reign.
After David's death, Abiathar helped Adonijah try to become king instead of Solomon.
Because of this, King Solomon removed Abiathar from the priesthood.

(See also: Zadok, Saul (OT), David, Solomon, Adonijah)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 27:32-34
1 Kings 01:07
1 Kings 02:22-23
2 Samuel 17:15
Mark 02:25-26

Word Data:

Strong's: H54, G8

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Abiathar, Abiathar's

Abijah

Facts:

Abijah was a king of Judah who reigned from 915 to 913 B.C. He was a son of King Rehoboam. There were also several other men named Abijah in the Old Testament:

Samuel's sons Abijah and Joel were leaders over the people of Israel at Beersheba. Because Abijah and his brother were dishonest and greedy, the people asked Samuel to appoint a king to rule them instead.
Abijah was one of the temple priests during the time of King David.
Abijah was one of King Jeroboam's sons.
Abijah was also a chief priest who returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity.

Bible References:

1 Kings 15:03
1 Samuel 08:1-3
2 Chronicles 13:02
2 Chronicles 13:19
Luke 01:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H29, G7

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Abijah, Abijah's

Abimelek

Facts:

Abimelek was a Philistine king over the region of Gerar during the time when Abraham and Isaac were living in the land of Canaan.

Abraham deceived King Abimelek by telling him that Sarah was his sister rather than his wife.
Abraham and Abimelek made an agreement regarding ownership of wells at Beersheba.
Many years later, Isaac also deceived Abimelek and the other men of Gerar by saying that Rebekah was his sister, not his wife.
King Abimelek rebuked Abraham, and later Isaac, for lying to him.
Another man by the name of Abimelek was a son of Gideon and a brother of Jotham. Some translations may use a slightly different spelling of his name to make it clear that he is a different person from King Abimelek.

(See also: Beersheba, Gerar, Gideon, Jotham, Philistines)

Bible References:

2 Samuel 11:21
Genesis 20:03
Genesis 20:05
Genesis 21:22
Genesis 26:11
Judges 09:54

Word Data:

Strong's: H40

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Abimelek, Abimelek's

Abner

Facts:

Abner was a cousin of King Saul in the Old Testament.

Abner was the chief commander of Saul's army, and introduced young David to Saul after David killed Goliath the giant.
After King Saul's death, Abner appointed Saul's son Ishbosheth as king in Israel, while David was appointed king in Judah.
Later, Abner was treacherously killed by David's chief commander, Joab.

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 26:26-28
1 Kings 02:5-6
1 Kings 02:32
1 Samuel 17:55-56
2 Samuel 03:22

Word Data:

Strong's: H74

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Abner, Abner's

Abraham

Related Words:

Abram

Facts:

Abram was a Chaldean man from the city of Ur who was chosen by God to be the forefather of the Israelites. God changed his name to "Abraham."

The name "Abram" means "exalted father."
"Abraham" means "father of many."
God promised Abraham that he would have many descendants, who would become a great nation.
Abraham believed God and obeyed him. God led Abraham to move from Chaldea to the land of Canaan.
Abraham and his wife Sarah, when they were very old and living in the land of Canaan, had a son, Isaac.

(See also: Canaan, Chaldeans, Sarah, Isaac)

Bible References:

Galatians 03:08
Genesis 11:29-30
Genesis 21:04
Genesis 22:02
James 02:23
Matthew 01:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H87, H85, G11

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Abraham, Abraham's, Abram

Absalom

Facts:

Absalom was the third son of King David. He was known for his handsome appearance and fiery temperament.

When Absalom's sister Tamar was raped by their half-brother, Amnon, Absalom made a plan to have Amnon killed.
After the murder of Amnon, Absalom fled to the region of Geshur (where his mother Maacah was from) and stayed there three years. Then King David sent for him to come back to Jerusalem, but did not allow Absalom to come into his presence for two years.
Absalom turned some of the people against King David and led a revolt against him.
David's army fought against Absalom and killed him. David was very grieved when this happened.

(See also: Geshur, Amnon)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 03:1-3
1 Kings 01:06
2 Samuel 15:02
2 Samuel 17:1-4
2 Samuel 18:18
Psalm 003:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H53

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Absalom, Absalom's

Adam

Facts:

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

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: H120, G76

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Adam, Adam's, the man, mankind

Adonijah

Facts:

Adonijah was the fourth son of King David.

Adonijah tried to take over as king of Israel after the deaths of his brothers Absalom and Amnon.
God, however, had promised that David's son Solomon would be king., so Adonijah's plot was overthrown and Solomon was made king.
When Adonijah tried a second time to make himself king, Solomon put him to death.

(See also: David, Solomon)

Bible References:

Word Data:

Strong's: H138

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Adonijah, Adonijah's

Ahab

Facts:

Ahab was a very evil king who reigned over the northern kingdom of Israel from 875 to 854 BC.

King Ahab influenced the people of Israel to worship false gods.
The prophet Elijah confronted Ahab and told him there would be a severe drought for three and a half years as punishment for the sins that Ahab caused Israel to commit.
Ahab and his wife Jezebel did many other evil things, including using their power to kill innocent people.

(See also: Baal, Elijah, Jezebel, kingdom of Israel, Yahweh)

Bible References:

1 Kings 18:1-2
1 Kings 20:1-3
2 Chronicles 21:06
2 Kings 09:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H256

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ahab, Ahab's

Ahaz

Facts:

Ahaz was a wicked king who ruled over the kingdom of Judah from 732 BC to 716 BC. This was about 140 years before the time when many people in Israel and Judah were taken as captives to Babylonia.

While he was ruling Judah, Ahaz had an altar built for worshiping the false gods of the Assyrians, which caused the people to turn away from the one true God, Yahweh.
King Ahaz was 20 years old when he started to rule over Judah, and he ruled for 16 years.

(See also: Babylon)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 08:35-37
2 Chronicles 28:01
2 Kings 16:20
Hosea 01:01
Isaiah 01:1
Isaiah 07:04
Matthew 01:9-11

Word Data:

Strong's: H271

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ahaz, Ahaz's

Ahaziah

Facts:

Ahaziah was the name of two kings: one ruled over the kingdom of Israel, and the other ruled over the kingdom of Judah.

Judah's King Ahaziah was the son of King Jehoram. He reigned for one year (841 B.C.) and then was killed by Jehu. Ahaziah's young son Joash eventually took his place as king.
Israel's King Ahaziah was the son of King Ahab. He reigned for two years (850-49 B.C.). He died from injuries suffered in a fall at his palace, and his brother Joram became king.

(See also: Jehu, Ahab, Jeroboam, Joash)

Bible References:

1 Kings 22:39-40
2 Chronicles 22:02
2 Chronicles 25:23-24
2 Kings 11:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H274

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ahaziah, Ahaziah's

Ahijah

Facts:

Ahijah was the name of several different men in the Old Testament. The following are some of these men:

Ahijah was the name of a priest in the time of Saul.
A man named Ahijah was a secretary during the reign of King Solomon.
Ahijah was the name of a prophet from Shiloh who predicted that the nation of Israel would be divided into two kingdoms.
The father of King Baasha of Israel was also named Ahijah.

(See also: Baasha, Shiloh)

Bible References:

1 Kings 15:27-28
1 Kings 21:21-22
1 Samuel 14:19
2 Chronicles 10:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H281

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ahijah, Ahijah's

Ai

Facts:

In Old Testament times, Ai was the name of a Canaanite town located just south of Bethel and about 8 km northwest of Jericho.

After defeating Jericho, Joshua led the Israelites in an attack of Ai. But they were easily defeated because God was not pleased with them.
An Israelite named Achan had stolen plunder from Jericho, and God ordered that he and his family be killed. Then God helped the Israelites defeat the people of Ai.

(See also: Bethel, Jericho)

Bible References:

Ezra 02:27-30
Genesis 12:8-9
Genesis 13:3-4
Joshua 07:03
Joshua 08:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H5857

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Almighty

Facts:

The term "Almighty" literally means "all-powerful"; in the Bible, it always refers to God.

The titles "the Almighty" or "the Almighty One" refer to God and reveal that he has complete power and authority over everything.
This term is also used to describe God in the titles "Almighty God" and "God Almighty" and "Lord Almighty" and "Lord God Almighty."

Translation Suggestions:

This term could also be translated as "All-powerful" or "Completely Powerful One" or "God, who is completely powerful."
Ways to translate the phrase "Lord God Almighty" could include "God, the Powerful Ruler" or "Powerful Sovereign God" or "Mighty God who is Master over everything."

(See also: God, lord, power)

Bible References:

Exodus 06:2-5
Genesis 17:01
Genesis 35:11-13
Job 08:03
Numbers 24:15-16
Revelation 01:7-8
Ruth 01:19-21

Word Data:

Strong's: H7706, G3841

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Almighty, Almighty's

Amalekite

Related Words:

Amalek

Facts:

The Amalekites were a nomadic people group who lived throughout the southern part of Canaan, from the Negev desert to the country of Arabia. This people group was descended from Amalek, the grandson of Esau.

The Amalekites were bitter enemies of Israel from the time when Israel first came to live in Canaan.
Sometimes the term "Amalek" is used figuratively to refer to all the Amalekites.
In one battle against the Amalekites, when Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning. When he got tired and his hands came down, they started losing. So Aaron and Hur helped Moses keep his hands up until the Israelite army had defeated the Amalekites.
Both King Saul and King David led military expeditions against the Amalekites.
After one victory over the Amalekites, Saul disobeyed God by keeping some of the plunder and by not killing the Amalekite king as God had commanded him to do.

(See also: Arabia, David, Esau, Negev, Saul (OT))

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 04:43
2 Samuel 01:08
Exodus 17:10
Numbers 14:23-25

Word Data:

Strong's: H6002, H6003

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Amalek, Amalekite, Amalekites

Amaziah

Facts:

Amaziah became king over the kingdom of Judah when his father, King Joash, was murdered.

King Amaziah reigned over Judah for twenty-nine years, from 796 BC to 767 BC.
He was a good king, but he did not destroy the high places where idols were worshiped.
Amaziah eventually put to death all the men who were responsible for the murder of his father.
He defeated the rebellious Edomites and brought them back under the control of the Kingdom of Judah.
He challenged King Jehoash of Israel to a battle, but lost. Part of the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the silver and gold vessels of the temple were stolen.
Years later King Amaziah turned away from Yahweh and certain men in Jerusalem plotted together and killed him.

(See also: Joash, Edom)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 03:10-12
1 Chronicles 04:34
2 Chronicles 25:9-10
2 Kings 14:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H558

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Amaziah, Amaziah's

Ammon

Related Words:

Ammonite

Facts:

The "people of Ammon" or the "Ammonites" were a people group in Canaan. They were descended from Ben-ammi, who was the son of Lot by his younger daughter.

The term "Ammonitess" refers specifically to a female Ammonite. This could also be translated as "Ammonite woman."
The Ammonites lived east of the Jordan River and were enemies of the Israelites.
At one point, the Ammonites hired a prophet named Balaam to curse Israel, but God did not allow him to do it.

(See also: curse, Jordan River, Lot)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 19:1-3
Ezekiel 25:02
Genesis 19:38
Joshua 12:1-2
Judges 11:27
Zephaniah 02:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H5983, H5984, H5985

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ammon, Ammonite, Ammonites

Amnon

Facts:

Amnon was the oldest son of King David. His mother was King David's wife Ahinoam.

Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar, who was also Absalom's sister.
Because of this, Absalom plotted against Amnon and had him killed.

(See also: David, Absalom)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 03:1-3
2 Samuel 13:02
2 Samuel 13:7-9

Word Data:

Strong's: H550

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Amnon, Amnon's

Amorite

Facts:

The Amorites were a powerful group of people who were descended from Noah's grandson Canaan.

Their name means "high one," which may refer to the mountainous regions where they lived or to the fact that they were known to be very tall.
The Amorites lived in regions on both sides of the Jordan River. The city of Ai was inhabited by Amorites.
God refers to the "sin of the Amorites," which included their worship of false gods and the sinful practices associated.
Joshua led the Israelites in destroying the Amorites, as God had commanded them to do.

Bible References:

Amos 02:09
Ezekiel 16:03
Genesis 10:16
Genesis 15:14-16
Joshua 09:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H567

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Amorite, Amorites, Amorites'

Amos

Facts:

Amos was an Israelite prophet who lived during the time of King Uzziah of Judah.

Before being called as a prophet, Amos was originally a shepherd and fig farmer living in the kingdom of Judah.
Amos prophesied against the prosperous northern kingdom of Israel regarding their unjust treatment of people.

(See also: fig, Judah, kingdom of Israel, shepherd, Uzziah)

Bible References:

Amos 01:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H5986

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Amos, Amos'

Amoz

Facts:

Amoz was the father of the prophet Isaiah.

The only times he is mentioned in the Bible are when Isaiah is identified as the "son of Amoz."
This name is different from the name of the prophet Amos and should be spelled differently.

(See also: Amos, Isaiah)

Bible References:

2 Kings 19:02
Isaiah 37:1-2
Isaiah 37:21-23

Word Data:

Strong's: H531

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Amoz, Amoz's

Andrew

Facts:

Andrew was one of twelve men whom Jesus chose to be his closest disciples (later called apostles).

Andrew's brother was Simon Peter. Both of them were fishermen.
Peter and Andrew were fishing in the Sea of Galilee when Jesus called them to be his disciples.
Before Peter and Andrew met Jesus, they had been disciples of John the Baptizer.

(See also: apostle, disciple, the twelve)

Bible References:

Acts 01:12-14
John 01:40
Mark 01:17
Mark 01:29-31
Mark 03:17-19
Matthew 04:19
Matthew 10:2-4

Word Data:

Strong's: G406

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Andrew, Andrew's

Annas

Facts:

Annas was the Jewish high priest in Jerusalem for 10 years, from approximately AD 6 to AD 15. Then he was removed from the high priesthood by the Roman government, although he continued to be an influential leader among the Jews.

Annas was father-in-law to Caiaphas, the official high priest during the ministry of Jesus.
After high priests retired, they still kept the title, along with some of the responsibilities of the office, so Annas was still referred to as high priest during the priesthood of Caiaphas and others.
During his trial before the Jewish leaders, Jesus was first brought to Annas for questioning.

(See also: high priest, priest)

Bible References:

Acts 04:5-7
John 18:22-24
Luke 03:02

Word Data:

Strong's: G452

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Annas, Annas'

Antioch

Facts:

Antioch was the name of two cities in the New Testament. One was in Syria, near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The other was in the Roman province of Pisidia, near the city of Colossae.

The local church at Antioch of Syria was the first place where believers in Jesus were called "Christians." The church there was also active in sending out missionaries to reach the Gentiles.
The leaders of the church in Jerusalem sent a letter to the believers in the church at Antioch in Syria to help them know they didn't have to keep the Jewish laws in order to be Christians.
Paul, Barnabas and John Mark traveled to the Antioch in Pisidia to share the gospel. Some Jews from other cities came there to stir up trouble, and they tried to kill Paul. But many other people, both Jews and Gentiles, listened to the teaching and believed in Jesus.

(See also:Barnabas, Colossae, John Mark, Paul, province, Rome, Syria)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 03:10-13
Acts 06:5-6
Acts 11:19-21
Acts 11:26
Galatians 02:11-12

Word Data:

Strong's: G491

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Antioch

Apollos

Facts:

Apollos was a Jew from the city of Alexandria in Egypt who had a special ability in teaching people about Jesus.

Apollos was well educated in the Hebrew Scriptures and was a gifted speaker.
He was instructed by two Christians in Ephesus named Aquila and Priscilla.
Paul emphasized that he and Apollos, as well as other evangelists and teachers, were working toward the same goal of helping people to believe in Jesus.

(See also: Aquila, Ephesus, Priscilla, word of God)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 01:13
1 Corinthians 16:12
Acts 18:25
Titus 03:13

Word Data:

Strong's: G625

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Apollos, Apollos'

Aquila

Facts:

Aquila was a Jewish Christian from the province of Pontus, a region along the southern coast of the Black Sea.

Aquila and Priscilla lived in Rome, Italy, for a time, but then the Roman emperor, Claudius, forced all Jews to leave Rome.
After that Aquila and Priscilla traveled to Corinth, where they met the apostle Paul.
They worked as tentmakers with Paul and also helped him with his missionary work.
Both Aquila and Priscilla taught believers the truth about Jesus; one of those believers was a gifted teacher named Apollos.

(See also: Apollos, Corinth, Rome)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 16:19-20
2 Timothy 04:19-22
Acts 18:02
Acts 18:24

Word Data:

Strong's: G207

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Aquila, Aquila's

Arabah

Facts:

The Old Testament term "Arabah" often refers to a very large desert and plains region that includes the valley surrounding the Jordan River and extends south to the northern tip of the Red Sea.

The Israelites traveled through this desert region on their journey from Egypt to the land of Canaan.
The "Sea of the Arabah" could also be translated as "sea located in the Arabah desert region." This sea is often referred to as the "Salt Sea" or the "Dead Sea."
The term "arabah" can also be a general reference to any desert region.

(See also: desert, Sea of Reeds, Jordan River, Canaan, Salt Sea, Egypt)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 23:24-25
2 Kings 25:4-5
2 Samuel 02:29
Jeremiah 02:4-6
Job 24:5-7
Zechariah 14:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H1026, H6160

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Arabah

Arabia

Related Words:

Arab, Arabian

Facts:

Arabia is the largest peninsula in the world, covering nearly 3,000,000 square kilometers. It is located southeast of Israel, and is bordered by the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Persian Gulf.

The term "Arabian" is used to refer to someone who lives in Arabia or to something that is connected with Arabia.
The earliest people to live in Arabia were grandchildren of Shem. Other early inhabitants of Arabia included Abraham's son Ishmael and his descendants, as well as descendants of Esau.
The desert region where the Israelites wandered for 40 years was located in Arabia.
After becoming a believer in Jesus, the apostle Paul spent a few years in the desert of Arabia.
In his letter to the Christians in Galatia, Paul mentioned that Mt. Sinai was located in Arabia.

(See also: Esau, Galatia, Ishmael, Shem, Sinai)

Bible References:

1 Kings 10:14-15
Acts 02:11
Galatians 01:15-17
Galatians 04:24-25
Jeremiah 25:24-26
Nehemiah 02:19-20

Word Data:

Strong's: H6152, H6153, H6163, G688, G690

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Arab, Arabia, Arabian, Arabians

Aram

Related Words:

Aram of Damascus, Aramaic, Aramean

Facts:

"Aram" was the name of two men in the Old Testament. It was also the name of a region northeast of Canaan, where modern-day Syria is located.

One of Shem's sons was named Aram. Another man named Aram was a cousin of Rebekah.
The region of Aram was probably named after one of the two men.
The people living in Aram became known as "Arameans" and spoke "Aramaic."
The region of Aram later became known by the Greek name "Syria."
The term "Paddan Aram" means "plain of Aram" and this plain was located in the northern part of Aram.
Some of Abraham's relatives lived in the city of Haran, which was located in "Paddan Aram."
In the Old Testament, sometimes the terms "Aram" and "Paddan Aram" refer to the same region.
The term "Aram Naharaim" may mean "Aram of Two Rivers." This region was located in the northern part of Mesopotamia and was to the east of "Paddan Aram."
Jesus and other Jews of his time also spoke Aramaic.

(See also: Mesopotamia, Paddan Aram, Rebekah, Shem, Syria)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:17-19
2 Samuel 08:06
Amos 01:5
Ezekiel 27:16
Genesis 31:19-21
Hosea 12:12
Psalm 060:1

Word Data:

Strong's: H130, H726, H758, H761, H762, H763, H1834, H7421

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Aram, Aram of Damascus, Aramaic, Aramean, Arameans

Ararat

Facts:

In the Bible, "Ararat" is the name given to a land, a kingdom, and a mountain range.

The "land of Ararat" was probably located in what is now the northeastern part of the country of Turkey.
Ararat is best known as the name of the mountain that Noah's ark came to rest on after the waters of the great flood began to recede.
In modern times, a mountain called "Mount Ararat" is often thought to be the location of the "mountains of Ararat" in the Bible.

(See also: ark, Noah)

Bible References:

2 Kings 19:35-37
Genesis 08:4-5
Isaiah 37:38
Jeremiah 51:27

Word Data:

Strong's: H780

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ararat

Artaxerxes

Facts:

Artaxerxes was a king who reigned over the Persian empire from about 464 to 424 BC.

During Artaxerxes' reign, the Israelites from Judah were in exile in Babylon, which was under the control of Persia at that time.
Artaxerxes allowed Ezra the priest and other Jewish leaders to leave Babylon and go back to Jerusalem to teach the Israelites the Law of God.
Later during this time, Artaxerxes also allowed his cupbearer Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to lead the Jews in rebuilding the walls surrounding the city.
Because Babylon was under the rule of Persia, Artaxerxes was sometimes called the "king of Babylon."
Note that Artaxerxes is not the same person as Ahasuerus (Xerxes).

(See also: Xerxes, Babylon, cupbearer, Ezra, Nehemiah, Persia)

Bible References:

Ezra 04:7-8
Ezra 07:1-5
Nehemiah 02:01
Nehemiah 13:6-7

Word Data:

Strong's: H783

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Artaxerxes, Artaxerxes'

Asa

Facts:

Asa was a king who ruled over the kingdom of Judah for forty years, from 913 B.C. to 873 B.c.

King Asa was a good king who removed many idols of false gods and caused the Israelites to start worshiping Yahweh again.
Yahweh gave King Asa success in his warfare against other nations.
Later in his reign, however, King Asa stopped trusting Yahweh and became sick with a disease that eventually killed him.

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 09:14-16
1 Kings 15:7-8
2 Chronicles 14:03
Jeremiah 41:09
Matthew 01:07

Word Data:

Strong's: H609

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Asa, Asa's

Asaph

Facts:

Asaph was a Levite priest and gifted musician who composed the music for the psalms of King David. He also wrote his own psalms.

Asaph was appointed by King David to be one of three musicians who were responsible for providing songs for worship in the temple. Some of these songs were also prophecies.
Asaph trained his sons and they carried on this responsibility, playing musical instruments and prophesying in the temple.
Some of the musical instruments included the lute, harp, trumpet, and cymbals.
Psalms 50 and 73-83 are said to be from Asaph. It may be that some of these psalms were written by his family members.

(See also: descendant, harp, lute, prophet, psalm, trumpet)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 06:39-43
2 Chronicles 35:15
Nehemiah 02:08
Psalm 050:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H623

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Asaph, Asaph's

Ashdod

Related Words:

Azotus

Facts:

Ashdod was one of the five most important cities of the Philistines. It was located in southwestern Canaan near the Mediterranean Sea, halfway between the cities of Gaza and Joppa.

The temple of the Philistine's false god Dagon was located in Ashdod.
God severely punished the people of Ashdod when the Philistines stole the ark of the covenant and put it in the pagan temple at Ashdod.
"Azotus" was the Greek name for this city. It was one of the cities where the evangelist Philip preached the gospel.

(See also: Ekron, Gath, Gaza, Joppa, Philip, Philistines)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 05:1-3
Acts 08:40
Amos 01:8
Joshua 15:45-47
Zechariah 09:06

Word Data:

Strong's: H795, G108

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ashdod, Azotus

Asher

Facts:

Asher was the eighth son of Jacob. His descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel and this tribe was also called "Asher."

Asher's mother was Zilpah, the servant of Leah.
His name means "happy" or "blessed."
Asher was also the name of the territory assigned to the tribe of Asher when the Israelites entered the promised land.

(See also: Israel, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 02:1-2
1 Kings 04:16
Ezekiel 48:1-3
Genesis 30:13
Luke 02:36-38

Word Data:

Strong's: H836

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Asher, Asher's

Asherah

Related Words:

Asherah pole, Ashtoreth

Facts:

Asherah was the name of a goddess that was worshiped by Canaanite people groups during Old Testament times. "Ashtoreth" may be another name for "Asherah," or it could be the name of a different goddess that was very similar.

The term "Asherah poles" refers to carved wooden images or carved trees that were made to represent this goddess.
Asherah poles were often set up near altars of the false god Baal, who was thought of as Asherah's husband. Some people groups worshiped Baal as the sun god and Asherah or Ashtoreth as the moon goddess.
God commanded the Israelites to destroy all the carved images of Asherah.
Some Israelite leaders such as Gideon, King Asa, and King Josiah obeyed God and led the people in destroying these idols.
But other Israelite leaders such as King Solomon, King Manasseh, and King Ahab did not get rid of the Asherah poles and influenced the people to worship these idols.

(See also: god, Baal, Gideon, image, Solomon)

Bible References:

2 Kings 18:04
2 Kings 21:03
Isaiah 27:9
Judges 03:7-8
Micah 05:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H842, H6253

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Asherah, Asherah pole, Asherah poles, Asherahs, Ashtoreth, Ashtoreths

Ashkelon

Facts:

In Bible times, Ashkelon was a major Philistine city located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It still exists in Israel today.

Ashkelon was one of the five most important Philistine cities, along with Ashdod, Ekron, Gath, and Gaza.
The Israelites did not completely conquer the people of Ashkelon, even though the kingdom of Judah occupied its hill country.
Ashkelon remained occupied by the Philistines for hundreds of years.

(See also: Ashdod, Canaan, Ekron, Gath, Gaza, Philistines, the sea)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 06:17-18
Amos 01:8
Jeremiah 25:19-21
Joshua 13:2-3
Judges 01:18-19
Zechariah 09:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H831

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ashkelon

Asia

Facts:

In Bible times, "Asia" was the name of a province of the Roman Empire. It was located in the western part of what is now the country of Turkey.

Paul traveled to Asia and shared the gospel in several cities there. Among these were the cities of Ephesus and Colossae.
To avoid confusion with modern day Asia, it may be necessary to translate this as, "the ancient Roman province called Asia" or "Asia Province."
All of the churches referenced in Revelation were in the Roman province of Asia.

(See also: Rome, Paul, Ephesus)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 16:19-20
1 Peter 01:1-2
2 Timothy 01:15-18
Acts 06:8-9
Acts 16:07
Acts 27:1-2
Revelation 01:4-6
Romans 16:05

Word Data:

Strong's: G773

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Asia

Assyria

Related Words:

Ashur, Assyrian, Assyrian Empire

Facts:

Assyria was a powerful nation during the time the Israelites were living in the land of Canaan. The Assyrian Empire was a group of nations ruled by an Assyrian king.

The nation of Assyria was located in a region that is now the northern part of Iraq.
The Assyrians fought against Israel at different times in their history.
In the year 722 BC, the Assyrians completely conquered the kingdom of Israel and forced many of the Israelites to move to Assyria.
The remaining Israelites intermarried with foreigners that the Assyrians had brought into Israel from Samaria. The descendants of those people who intermarried were later called the Samaritans.
Ashur was a city on the Tigris River. It was the capital of Assyria. Sometimes it is not clear whether the word Ashur refers to the city or the nation.
Ashur was also the name of a person.

(See also: Samaria)

Bible References:

Genesis 10:11
Genesis 25:17-18
Isaiah 07:16-17
Jeremiah 50:17
Micah 07:11-13

Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ashur, Assyria, Assyrian, Assyrian Empire, Assyrians

Athaliah

Facts:

Athaliah was the evil wife of Jehoram king of Judah. She was the granddaughter of the evil King Omri of Israel.

Athaliah's son Ahaziah became king after Jehoram died.
When her son Ahaziah died, Athaliah made a plan to kill all the rest of the king's family.
But Athaliah's young grandson Joash was hidden by his aunt and saved from being killed. After Athaliah had ruled the land for six years, she was killed and Joash became king.

(See also: Ahaziah, Jehoram, Joash, Omri)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 22:02
2 Chronicles 24:6-7
2 Kings 11:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H6271

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Athaliah

Azariah

Facts:

Azariah was the name of several men in the Old Testament.

One Azariah is best known by his Babylonian name, Abednego. He was one of many Israelites from Judah who were captured by Nebuchadnezzar's army and taken to live in Babylon. Azariah and his fellow Israelites Hananiah and Mishael refused to worship the Babylonian king, so he had them thrown into a blazing furnace as punishment. But God protected them and they were not harmed at all.
Uzziah king of Judah was also known as "Azariah."
Another Azariah was an Old Testament high priest.
In the time of the prophet Jeremiah, a man named Azariah wrongly urged the Israelites to disobey God by leaving their homeland.

(See also: Babylon, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Jeremiah, Uzziah)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 02:38
1 Kings 04:02
2 Chronicles 15:01
Daniel 01:6-7
Jeremiah 43:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H5838

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Azariah, Azariah's

Baal

Facts:

"Baal" means "lord" or "master" and was the name of the primary false god that was worshiped by the Canaanites.

There were also local false gods that had "Baal" as part of their names, such as "Baal of Peor." Sometimes all these gods together are referred to as "the Baals."
Some people had names that included the word "Baal" in them.
The worship of Baal included evil practices such as sacrificing children and using prostitutes.
At different time periods throughout their history, the Israelites also became deeply involved in Baal worship, following the example of the pagan nations around them.
During the reign of King Ahab, God's prophet Elijah set up a test to prove to the people that Baal does not exist and that Yahweh is the only true God. As a result, the prophets of Baal were destroyed and the people started worshiping Yahweh again.

(See also: Ahab, Asherah, Elijah, god, prostitute, Yahweh)

Bible References:

1 Kings 16:31
1 Samuel 07:3-4
Jeremiah 02:7-8
Judges 02:11
Numbers 22:41

Word Data:

Strong's: G896

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Baal, Baal's

Baasha

Facts:

Baasha was one of Israel's evil kings, who influenced the Israelites to worship idols.

Baasha was the third king of Israel and reigned for twenty-four years, during the time when Asa was king of Judah.
He was a military commander who became king by killing the previous king, Nadab.
During Baasha's reign there were many wars between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, especially with King Asa of Judah.
Baasha's many sins caused God to eventually remove him from office by his death.

(See also: Asa, god)

Bible References:

1 Kings 15:17
2 Kings 09:09
Jeremiah 41:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H1201

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Baasha, Baasha's

Babel

Facts:

Babel was a chief city in a region called Shinar in the southern part of Mesopotamia. Shinar was later called Babylonia.

The city of Babel was founded by Ham's great-grandson, Nimrod, who ruled the region of Shinar.
The people of Shinar became proud and decided to build a tower high enough to reach heaven. This later became known as the "Tower of Babel."
Because the people building the tower refused to spread out as God had commanded, he confused their languages so that they could not understand one another. This forced them to move away to live in many different places across the earth.
The root meaning of the word for "Babel" is "confusion," named for when God confused the people's language.

(See also: Babylon, Ham, Mesopotamia)

Bible References:

Genesis 10:8-10
Genesis 11:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H894

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Babel, Babel's

Babylon

Related Words:

Babylonia, Babylonian

Facts:

The city of Babylon was the capital of the ancient region of Babylonia, which was also part of the Babylonian Empire.

Babylon was located along the Euphrates River, in the same region where the Tower of Babel had been built hundreds of years before.
Sometimes the word "Babylon" refers to the entire Babylonian Empire. For example, the "king of Babylon" ruled the entire empire, not just the city.
The Babylonians were a powerful people group who attacked the kingdom of Judah and kept the people in exile in Babylonia for 70 years.
Part of this region was called "Chaldea" and the people living there were the "Chaldeans." As a result, the term "Chaldea" was often used to refer to Babylonia. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-synecdoche])
In the New Testament, the term "Babylon" is sometimes used as a metaphor to refer to places, people, and thinking patterns that are associated with idol-worship and other sinful behaviors.
The phrase "Babylon the Great" or "great city of Babylon" refers metaphorically to a city or nation that was large, wealthy, and sinful, just as the ancient city of Babylon was. (See: Metaphor)

(See also: Babel, Chaldeans, Judah, Nebuchadnezzar)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 09:01
2 Kings 17:24-26
Acts 07:43
Daniel 01:02
Ezekiel 12:13
Matthew 01:11
Matthew 01:17

Word Data:

Strong's: H3778, H3779, H8152, H894, H895, H896, G897

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Babylon, Babylon's, Babylonia, Babylonian, Babylonians

Balaam

Facts:

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

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: H1109, G903

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Balaam, Balaam's

Barabbas

Facts:

Barabbas was a prisoner in Jerusalem at the time when Jesus was arrested.

Barabbas was a criminal who had committed crimes of murder and rebellion against the Roman government.
When Pontius Pilate offered to either release Barabbas or Jesus, the people chose Barabbas.
So Pilate allowed Barabbas to go free, but condemned Jesus to be killed.

(See also: Pilate, Rome)

Bible References:

John 18:40
Luke 23:19
Mark 15:07
Matthew 27:15-16

Word Data:

Strong's: G912

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Barabbas, Barabbas'

Barnabas

Facts:

Barnabas was one of the early Christians who lived during the time of the apostles.

Barnabas was from the Israelite tribe of Levi and was from the island of Cyprus.
When Saul (Paul) became a Christian, Barnabas urged the other believers to accept him as a fellow believer.
Barnabas and Paul traveled together to preach the good news about Jesus in different cities.
His name was Joseph, but he was called "Barnabas," which means "son of encouragement."

(See also: Christian, Cyprus, good news, Levi, Paul)

Bible References:

Acts 04:36
Acts 11:26
Acts 13:03
Acts 15:33
Colossians 04:10-11
Galatians 02:9-10
Galatians 02:13

Word Data:

Strong's: G921

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Barnabas, Barnabas'

Bartholomew

Facts:

Bartholomew was one of Jesus' twelve apostles.

Along with the other apostles, Bartholomew was sent out to preach the gospel and do miracles in Jesus' name.
He was also one of those who saw Jesus return to heaven.
A few weeks after that, he was with the other apostles in Jerusalem at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon them.

(See also: apostle, good news, Holy Spirit, miracle, Pentecost, the twelve)

Bible References:

Acts 01:12-14
Luke 06:14-16
Mark 03:17-19

Word Data:

Strong's: G918

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Bartholomew, Bartholomew's

Baruch

Facts:

Baruch is the name of several men in the Old Testament.

One Baruch (son of Zabbal) worked with Nehemiah to repair the walls of Jerusalem.
Also during the time of Nehemiah, another Baruch (son of Kol-Hozeh) was one of the leaders who settled in Jerusalem after its walls were restored.
A different Baruch (son of Neriah) was an assistant to the prophet Jeremiah, who helped him with various practical tasks such as writing down the messages God gave to Jeremiah and then reading them to the people.

(See also: disciple, Jeremiah, Jerusalem, Nehemiah, prophet)

Bible References:

Jeremiah 32:12
Jeremiah 36:04
Jeremiah 43:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H1263

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Baruch, Baruch's

Bashan

Facts:

Bashan was a region of land east of the Sea of Galilee. It covered an area that is now part of Syria and the Golan Heights.

An Old Testament city of refuge called "Golan" was located in the region of Bashan.
Bashan was a very fertile region known for its oak trees and pasturing animals.
Genesis 14 records that Bashan was the site of a war between several kings and their nations.
During Israel's wanderings in the desert after their escape from Egypt, they took possession of part of the region of Bashan.
Years later, King Solomon obtained supplies from that region.

(See also: Egypt, oak, Sea of Galilee, Syria)

Bible References:

1 Kings 04:13
Amos 04:01
Jeremiah 22:20-21
Joshua 09:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H1316

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Bashan, Bashan's

Bathsheba

Facts:

Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah, a soldier in King David's army. After Uriah's death, she became the wife of David, and the mother of Solomon.

David committed adultery with Bathsheba while she was married to Uriah.
When Bathsheba became pregnant with David's child, David caused Uriah to be killed in battle.
David then married Bathsheba and she gave birth to their child.
God punished David for his sin by causing the child to die several days after he was born.
Later, Bathsheba gave birth to another son, Solomon, who grew up to become king after David.

(See also: David, Solomon. Uriah)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 03:4-5
1 Kings 01:11
2 Samuel 11:03
Psalm 051:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H1339

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Bathsheba, Bathsheba's

Beelzebul

Facts:

Beelzebul is another name for Satan, or the devil. It is also sometimes spelled, "Beelzebub."

This name literally means "lord of flies" which means, "ruler over demons." But it is best to translate this term close to the original spelling rather than translate the meaning.
It could also be translated as "Beelzebul the devil" to make it clear who is being referred to.
This name is related to the name of the false god "Baal-zebub" of Ekron.

(See also: demon, Ekron, Satan)

Bible References:

Luke 11:15
Mark 03:22
Matthew 10:25
Matthew 12:25

Word Data:

Strong's: G954

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Beelzebul, Beelzebul's

Beersheba

Facts:

In Old Testament times, Beersheba was a city located about 45 miles southwest of Jerusalem in a desert area that is now called the Negev.

The desert surrounding Beersheba was the wilderness area where Hagar and Ishmael wandered after Abraham sent them away from his tents.
The name of this city means "well of the oath." It was given this name when Abraham swore an oath to not punish King Abimelech's men for seizing control of one of Abraham's wells.

(See also: Abimelek, Abraham, Hagar, Ishmael, Jerusalem, oath)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 03:20
2 Samuel 17:11
Genesis 21:14-16
Genesis 21:31
Genesis 46:01
Nehemiah 11:30

Word Data:

Strong's: H884

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Beersheba

Benaiah

Facts:

Benaiah was the name of several men in the Old Testament.

Benaiah son of Jehoiada was one of David's mighty men. He was a skilled warrior and was put in charge of David's bodyguards.
When Solomon was being made king, Benaiah helped him overthrow his enemies. He eventually became commander of the Israelite army.
Other men in the Old Testament named Benaiah include three Levites: a priest, a musician, and a descendant of Asaph.

(See also: Asaph, Jehoiada, Levi, Solomon)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 04:36
1 Kings 01:08
2 Samuel 23:20-21

Word Data:

Strong's: H1141

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Benaiah, Benaiah's

Benjamin

Related Words:

Benjamite

Facts:

Benjamin was the youngest son born to Jacob and his wife Rachel. His name means, "son of my right hand."

He and his older brother Joseph were the only children of Rachel, who died after Benjamin was born.
The descendants of Benjamin became one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The term "Benjamite" refers to a person who belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.
King Saul was from the Israelite tribe of Benjamin.
The apostle Paul was also from the tribe of Benjamin.

(See also: Israel, Jacob, Joseph (OT), Paul, Rachel, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 02:1-2
1 Kings 02:08
Acts 13:21-22
Genesis 35:18
Genesis 42:04
Genesis 42:35-36
Philippians 03:4-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H1144, G958

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Benjamin, Benjamin's, Benjamite, Benjamites

Berea

Facts:

In New Testament times, Berea (or Beroea) was a prosperous Greek city in southeast Macedonia, about 80 kilometers south of Thessalonica.

Paul and Silas fled to the city of Berea after their fellow Christians helped them escape from certain Jews who had caused trouble for them in Thessalonica.
When the people living in Berea heard Paul preach, they researched the Scriptures to confirm that what he was telling them was true.

(See also: Macedonia, Paul, Silas, Thessalonica)

Bible References:

Acts 17:11
Acts 17:13-15
Acts 20:04

Word Data:

Strong's: G960

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Berea

Beth Shemesh

Facts:

Beth Shemesh was the name of a Canaanite city approximately 30 kilometers west of Jerusalem.

The Israelites captured Beth Shemesh during the time of Joshua's leadership.
Beth Shemesh was a city that was set aside as a place for the Levite priests to live.
When the Philistines were taking the captured ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem, Beth Shemesh was the first city where they stopped with it.

(See also: ark of the covenant, Canaan, Jerusalem, Joshua, Levi, Philistines)

Bible References:

1 Kings 04:09
1 Samuel 06:09
Joshua 19:20-22
Judges 01:33

Word Data:

Strong's: H1053

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Beth Shemesh

Bethany

Facts:

The town of Bethany was located at the base of the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, about 2 miles east of Jerusalem.

Bethany was near the road that ran between Jerusalem and Jericho.
Jesus often visited Bethany where his close friends Lazarus, Martha, and Mary lived.
Bethany is especially known as the place where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

(See also: Jericho, Jerusalem, Lazarus, Martha, Mary (sister of Martha), Mount of Olives)

Bible References:

John 01:26-28
Luke 24:50-51
Mark 11:01
Matthew 21:15-17

Word Data:

Strong's: G963

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Bethany

Bethel

Facts:

Bethel was a city located just north of Jerusalem in the land of Canaan. It was formerly called "Luz."

After receiving God's promises for the first time, Abram (Abraham) built an altar to God near Bethel. The actual name of the city was not yet Bethel at that time, but it was usually referred to as "Bethel," which was better known.
When fleeing from his brother Esau, Jacob stayed overnight near this city and slept outdoors on the ground there. While he was sleeping, he had a dream showing angels going up and down a ladder to heaven.
This city did not have the name "Bethel" until after Jacob named it that. To make this clear, some translations may translate it as "Luz (later called Bethel)" in the passages about Abraham, as well as when Jacob first arrives there (before he changed the name).
Bethel is mentioned often in the Old Testament and was a place where many important events happened.

(See also: Abraham, altar, Jacob, Jerusalem)

Bible References:

Genesis 12:8-9
Genesis 35:01
Hosea 10:15
Judges 01:23

Word Data:

Strong's: H1008

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Bethel

Bethlehem

Facts:

Bethlehem was a small city in the land of Israel, near the city of Jerusalem. It was also known as "Ephrathah," which was probably its original name.

Bethlehem has been called the "city of David," since King David was born there.
The prophet Micah said that the Messiah would come from "Bethlehem Ephrathah."
Fulfilling that prophecy, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, many years later.
The name "Bethlehem" means "house of bread" or "house of food."

(See also: Caleb, David, Micah)

Bible References:

Genesis 35:16
John 07:42
Matthew 02:06
Matthew 02:16
Ruth 01:02
Ruth 01:21

Word Data:

Strong's: H672, H1035, G965

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Bethlehem

Bethuel

Facts:

Bethuel was the son of Abraham's brother Nahor.

Bethuel was the father of Rebekah and Laban.
There was also a town called Bethuel, which may have been located in southern Judah, not far from the town of Beersheba.

(See also: Beersheba, Laban, Nahor, Rebekah)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 04:30
Genesis 28:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H1328

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Bethuel, Bethuel's

Boaz

Facts:

Boaz was an Israelite man who was the husband of Ruth, the great grandfather of King David, and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.

Boaz lived during the time when there were judges in Israel.
He was a relative of an Israelite woman named Naomi who had returned to Israel after her husband and sons died in Moab.
Boaz "redeemed" Naomi's widowed daughter-in-law Ruth by marrying her and giving her a future with a husband and children.
He is seen as a picture of how Jesus rescued and redeemed us from sin.

(See also: Moab, redeem, Ruth)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 02:12
2 Chronicles 03:17
Luke 03:30-32
Matthew 01:05
Ruth 02:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H1162

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Boaz, Boaz's

Book of Life

Definition:

The term "Book of Life" is used to refer to where God has written the names of all the people whom he has redeemed and given eternal life to.

Revelation refers to this book as "the Lamb's Book of Life." This could be translated as "the book of life belonging to Jesus, the Lamb of God." The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross paid the penalty for people's sins so that they can have eternal life through faith in him.
The word for "book" can also mean "scroll" or "letter" or "writing" or "legal document." It may be literal or figurative.

(See also: eternity, lamb, life, sacrifice, scroll)

Bible References:

Philippians 04:03
Psalms 069:28-29
Revelation 03:5-6
Revelation 20:11-12

Word Data:

Strong's: H2416, H5612, G976, G2222

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Book of Life

Caesar

Related Words:

the emperor

Facts:

The term "Caesar" was the name or title used by many of the rulers of the Roman Empire. In the Bible, this name refers to three different Roman rulers.

The first Roman ruler named Caesar was "Caesar Augustus," who was ruling during the time that Jesus was born.
About thirty years later, at the time when John the Baptist was preaching, Tiberius Caesar was the ruler of the Roman Empire.
Tiberius Caesar was still ruling Rome when Jesus told the people to pay Caesar what was due him and to give to God what is due him.
When Paul appealed to Caesar, this referred to the Roman emperor, Nero, who also had the title "Caesar."
When "Caesar" is used by itself as a title, it can also be translated as: "the Emperor" or "the Roman Ruler."
In names such as Caesar Augustus or Tiberius Caesar, "Caesar" can be spelled close to the way a national language spells it.
An emperor is the ruler of an empire.

(See also: king, Paul, Rome)

Bible References:

Acts 25:06
Luke 02:01
Luke 20:23-24
Luke 23:02
Mark 12:13-15
Matthew 22:17
Philippians 04:22

Word Data:

Strong's: G2541, G4575

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Caesar, Caesar's, the emperor

Caesarea

Related Words:

Caesarea Philippi

Facts:

Caesarea was an important city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, about 39 km south of Mount Carmel. Caesarea Philippi was a city located in the northeastern part of Israel, near Mount Hermon.

These cities were named for the Caesars who ruled the Roman empire.
The coastal Caesarea became the capital city of the Roman province of Judea around the time of the birth of Jesus.
The apostle Peter first preached to the Gentiles in Caesarea.
Paul sailed from Caesarea to Tarsus and also passed through this city on two of his missionary journeys.
Jesus and his disciples traveled in the region surrounding Caesarea Philippi in Syria. Both cities were named after Herod Philip.

(See also: Caesar, Gentile, the sea, Carmel, Hermon, Rome, Tarsus)

Bible References:

Acts 09:30
Acts 10:1-2
Acts 25:01
Acts 25:14
Mark 08:27
Matthew 16:13-16

Word Data:

Strong's: G2542, G5376

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Caesarea, Caesarea Philippi

Caiaphas

Facts:

Caiaphas was the high priest of Israel during the time of John the Baptist and Jesus.

Caiaphas played a major role in the trial and condemnation of Jesus.
The high priests Annas and Caiaphas were at the trial of Peter and John when they were arrested after healing a crippled man.
Caiaphas is the one who said that it was better for one man to die for the whole nation than for the whole nation to perish. God caused him to say this as a prophecy about how Jesus would die to save his people.

(See also: Annas, high priest)

Bible References:

Acts 04:5-7
John 18:12
Luke 03:02
Matthew 26:3-5
Matthew 26:57-58

Word Data:

Strong's: G2533

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Caiaphas, Caiaphas'

Cain

Facts:

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

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

(See also: Adam, sacrifice)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: H7014, G2535

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cain, Cain's

Caleb

Facts:

Caleb was one of the twelve Israelite spies whom Moses sent to explore the land of Canaan.

He and Joshua told the people to trust God to help them defeat the Canaanites.
Joshua and Caleb were the only men of their generation who were allowed to enter the Promised Land of Canaan.
Caleb requested that the land of Hebron be given to him and his family. He knew that God would help him defeat the people who lived there.

(See also: Hebron, Joshua)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 04:13
Joshua 14:6-7
Judges 01:12
Numbers 32:10-12

Word Data:

Strong's: H3612, H3614

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Caleb, Caleb's

Cana

Facts:

Cana was a village or town in the province of Galilee, located about nine miles north of Nazareth.

Cana was the hometown of Nathanael, one of the Twelve.
Jesus attended a wedding feast in Cana and performed his first miracle there when he turned water into wine.
Some time after that, Jesus came back to Cana and met an official there from Capernaum who requested healing for his son.

(See also: Capernaum, Galilee, the twelve)

Bible References:

John 02:1-2
John 04:46-47

Word Data:

Strong's: G2580

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cana

Canaan

Related Ideas:

Canaanite

Facts:

Canaan was the son of Ham, who was one of Noah's sons. The Canaanites were the descendants of Canaan.

The term "Canaan" or the "land of Canaan" also referred to an area of land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. It extended south to the border of Egypt and north to the border of Syria.
This land was inhabited by the Canaanites, as well as several other people groups.
God promised to give the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants, the Israelites.

(See also: Ham, Promised Land)

Bible References:

Acts 13:19-20
Exodus 03:7-8
Genesis 09:18
Genesis 10:19-20
Genesis 13:07
Genesis 47:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H3667, H3669, G5478

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Canaan, Canaanite, Canaanites

Capernaum

Facts:

Capernaum was a fishing village on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus lived in Capernaum whenever he was teaching in Galilee.
Several of his disciples were from Capernaum.
Jesus also did many miracles in this city, including bringing a dead girl back to life.
Capernaum was one of three cities that Jesus publicly rebuked because their people rejected him and did not believe his message. He warned them that God would punish them for their unbelief.

(See also: Galilee, Sea of Galilee)

Bible References:

John 02:12
Luke 04:31
Luke 07:1
Mark 01:21
Mark 02:02
Matthew 04:12-13
Matthew 17:24-25

Word Data:

Strong's: G2584

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Capernaum

Carmel

Related Ideas:

Carmelite, Mount Carmel

Facts:

"Mount Carmel" refers to a mountain range that was located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea just north of the Plain of Sharon. Its highest peak is 546 meters high.

There was also a town called "Carmel" located in Judah, south of the Salt Sea.
The wealthy landowner Nabal and his wife Abigail lived near the town of Carmel where David and his men helped guard Nabal's sheep shearers.
On Mount Carmel, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest in order to prove that Yahweh is the only true God.
To make it clear that this wasn't just a single mountain, "Mount Carmel" could be translated as, "mountain on the Carmel mountain range" or "Carmel mountain range."

(See also: Baal, Elijah, Judah, Salt Sea)

Bible References:

1 Kings 18:18-19
1 Samuel 15:12
Jeremiah 46:18
Micah 07:14-15

Word Data:

Strong's: H3760, H3761, H3762

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Carmel, Carmelite, Mount Carmel

Chaldeans

Related Words:

Chaldea

Facts:

Chaldea was a region in the southern part of Mesopotamia or Babylonia. The people who lived in this region were called Chaldeans.

The city of Ur, where Abraham was from, was located in Chaldea. It is often referred to as "Ur of the Chaldeans."
King Nebuchadnezzar was one of several Chaldeans who became kings over Babylonia.
After many years, around 600 BC, the term "Chaldean" came to mean "Babylonian."

(See also: Abraham, Babylon, Shinar, Ur)

Bible References:

Acts 07:4-5
Ezekiel 01:01
Genesis 11:27-28
Genesis 11:31-32
Genesis 15:6-8
Isaiah 13:19

Word Data:

Strong's: H3679, H3778, H3779, G5466

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Chaldea, Chaldean, Chaldeans, Chaldeans'

Christ

Related Ideas:

Christ Jesus, Jesus Christ, Messiah

Facts:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: H4899, G3323, G5547

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Christ, Christ Jesus, Jesus Christ, Messiah

Christian

Definition:

Some time after Jesus went back to heaven, people made up the name "Christian" which means, "follower of Christ."

It was in the city of Antioch where Jesus' followers were first called "Christians."
A Christian is a person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God, and who trusts Jesus to save him from his sins.
In our modern times, often the term "Christian" is used for someone who identifies with the Christian religion, but who is not really following Jesus. This is not the meaning of "Christian" in the Bible.
Because the term "Christian" in the Bible always refers to someone who truly believes in Jesus, a Christian is also called a "believer."

Translation Suggestions:

This term could be translated as "Christ-follower" or "follower of Christ" or perhaps something like, "Christ-person."
Make sure that the translation of this term is translated differently than terms used for disciple or apostle.
Be careful to translate this term with a word that can refer to everyone who believes in Jesus, not just certain groups.
Also consider how this term is translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language.

(See also: Antioch, Christ, church, disciple, believe, Jesus, Son of God)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 06:7-8
1 Peter 04:16
Acts 11:26
Acts 26:28

Word Data:

Strong's: G5546

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Christian, Christians

Cilicia

Facts:

Cilicia was a small Roman province located in the southeastern part of what is now the modern-day country of Turkey. It borders the Aegean Sea.

The apostle Paul was a citizen from the city of Tarsus located in Cilicia.
Paul spent several years in Cilicia after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.
Some of the Jews from Cilicia were among those who confronted Stephen and influenced the people to stone him to death.

(See also: Paul, Stephen, Tarsus)

Bible References:

Acts 06:8-9
Acts 15:41
Acts 27:3-6
Galatians 01:21-24

Word Data:

Strong's: G2791

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cilicia

Colossae

Related Words:

Colossae, Colossians

Facts:

In New Testament times, Colossae was a city located in the Roman province of Phrygia, an area of land that is now southwestern Turkey. The Colossians were the people who lived in Colossae.

Located about 100 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea, Colossae was on an important trade route between the city of Ephesus and the Euphrates River.
While in prison in Rome, Paul wrote a letter to the "Colossians" to correct false teachings among the believers at Colossae.
When he wrote this letter, Paul had not visited the church at Colossae, but had heard about the believers there from his coworker, Epaphras.
Epaphras was probably the Christian worker who started the church at Colossae.
The book of Philemon was a letter by Paul addressed to a slave owner in Colossae.

(See also: Ephesus, Paul)

Bible References:

Colossians 01:03

Word Data:

Strong's: G2857

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Colossae, Colossians

Corinth

Related Words:

Corinth, Corinthians

Facts:

Corinth was a city in the country of Greece, about 50 miles west of Athens. The Corinthians were the people who lived at Corinth.

Corinth was the location of one of the early Christian churches.
The New Testament books, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians were letters written by Paul to the Christians living in Corinth.
On his first missionary journey, Paul stayed in Corinth for approximately 18 months.
Paul met the believers Aquila and Priscilla while in Corinth.
Other early church leaders associated with Corinth include Timothy, Titus, Apollos, and Silas.

(See also: Apollos, Timothy, Titus)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 01:03
2 Corinthians 01:23-24
2 Timothy 04:19-22
Acts 18:01

Word Data:

Strong's: G2881, G2882

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Corinth, Corinthians

Cornelius

Facts:

Cornelius was a Gentile, or non-Jewish man, who was a military officer in the Roman army.

He prayed regularly to God and was very generous in giving to the poor.
When Cornelius and his family heard the apostle Peter explain the gospel, they became believers in Jesus.
The people of Cornelius' household were the first non-Jewish people to become believers.
This showed Jesus' followers that he had come to save all people, including Gentiles.

(See also: apostle, believe, Gentile, good news, Greek, centurion)

Bible References:

Acts 10:01
Acts 10:08
Acts 10:18
Acts 10:22
Acts 10:24
Acts 10:26
Acts 10:30

Word Data:

Strong's: G2883

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cornelius, Cornelius'

Crete

Related Words:

Cretan

Facts:

Crete is an island that is located off the southern coast of Greece. A "Cretan" is someone who lives on this island.

The apostle Paul traveled to the island of Crete during his missionary journeys.
Paul left his co-worker Titus on Crete to teach the Christians and to help appoint leaders for the church there.

Bible References:

Acts 02:11
Acts 27:08
Amos 09:7-8
Titus 01:12

Word Data:

Strong's: G2912, G2914

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cretan, Cretans, Crete

Cush

Related Ideas:

Cushite

Facts:

Cush was the oldest son of Noah's son Ham. He was also the ancestor of Nimrod. Two of his brothers were named Egypt and Canaan.

In Old Testament times, "Cush" was the name of a large region of land south of Israel. It is probable that the land was named after Ham's son Cush.
The ancient region of Cush covered an area of land that may have, at different times, included parts of the modern-day countries of Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia, and possibly, Saudi Arabia.
Another man named Cush is mentioned in the Psalms. He was a Benjamite.

(See also: Arabia, Canaan, Egypt, Ethiopia)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:8-10
Ezekiel 29:10
Genesis 02:13
Genesis 10:6-7
Jeremiah 13:23

Word Data:

Strong's: H3568, H3569, H3570, H3571

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cush, Cushite, Cushites

Cyprus

Facts:

Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, about 64 kilometers south of the modern-day country of Turkey.

Barnabas was from Cyprus so it is probable that his cousin John Mark was also from there.
Paul and Barnabas preached together on the island of Cyprus at the beginning of their first missionary journey. John Mark came along to help them on that trip.
Later on, Barnabas and Mark visited Cyprus again.
In the Old Testament, Cyprus is mentioned as being a rich source of cypress trees.

(See also: Barnabas, John Mark, the sea)

Bible References:

Acts 04:36-37
Acts 13:05
Acts 15:41
Acts 27:04
Ezekiel 27:6-7
Isaiah 23:10-12

Word Data:

Strong's: G2953, G2954

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cyprus

Cyrene

Related Ideas:

Cyrenian

Facts:

Cyrene was a Greek city on the north coast of Africa on the Mediterranean Sea, directly south of the island of Crete.

In New Testament times, both Jews and Christians lived in Cyrene.
Cyrene is probably most well-known in the Bible as the home city of a man named Simon who carried the cross of Jesus.

(See also: Crete)

Bible References:

Acts 11:19-21
Matthew 27:32-34

Word Data:

Strong's: G2956, G2957

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cyrene, Cyrenians

Cyrus

Facts:

Cyrus was a Persian king who founded the Persian empire in about 550 BC, through military conquest. In history he was also known as Cyrus the Great.

King Cyrus conquered the city of Babylon, which led to the release of the Israelites who had been kept in exile there.
Cyrus was known for his tolerant attitude toward the people of the nations he conquered. His kindness toward the Jews led to the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple after the exile.
Cyrus was reigning during the time when Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah were living.

(See also: Daniel, Darius, Ezra, Nehemiah, Persia)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 36:23
Daniel 01:21
Ezra 05:13
Isaiah 44:28

Word Data:

Strong's: H3566

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cyrus, Cyrus'

Damascus

Facts:

Damascus is the capital city of the country of Syria. It is still in the same location as it was in Bible times.

Damascus is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world.
During the time of Abraham, Damascus was the capital of the Aram kingdom (located in what is now Syria).
Throughout the Old Testament, there are many references to the interactions between the inhabitants of Damascus and the people of Israel.
Several biblical prophecies predict the destruction of Damascus. These prophecies may have been fulfilled when Assyria destroyed the city during Old Testament times, or there may be also be a future, more complete destruction of this city.
In the New Testament, the Pharisee Saul (later known as Paul) was on his way to arrest Christians in the city of Damascus when Jesus confronted him and caused him to become a believer.

(See also: Aram, Assyria, believe, Syria)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 24:23-24
Acts 09:1-2
Acts 09:03
Acts 26:12
Galatians 01:15-17
Genesis 14:15-16

Word Data:

Strong's: H1834, G1154

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Damascus

Dan

Related Words:

Danite

Facts:

Dan was the fifth son of Jacob and was one of the twelve tribes of Israel.The region settled by the tribe of Dan in the northern part of Canaan also was given this name.

During the time of Abram, there was a city named Dan located west of Jerusalem.
Years later, during the time the nation of Israel entered the promised land, a different city named Dan was located about 60 miles north of Jerusalem.
The term "Danites" refers to the descendants of Dan, who were also members of his clan.

(See also: Canaan, Jerusalem, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 12:35
1 Kings 04:25
Exodus 01:1-5
Genesis 14:14
Genesis 30:06

Word Data:

Strong's: H1835, H1839, H2051

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Dan, Dan's, Danite, Danites

Daniel

Facts:

Daniel was an Israelite prophet who as a young man was taken captive by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar around 600 BC.

This was during the time that many other Israelites from Judah were held captive in Babylon for 70 years.
Daniel was given the Babylonian name Belteshazzar.
Daniel was an honorable and righteous young man who obeyed God.
God enabled Daniel to interpret several dreams or visions for the Babylonian kings.
Because of this ability and because of his honorable character, Daniel was given a high leadership position in the Babylonian empire.
Many years later, Daniels enemies tricked the Babylonian king Darius into making a law forbidding the worship of anyone except the king. Daniel continued to pray to God, so he was arrested and thrown into a den of lions. But God rescued him and he was not harmed at all.

(See also: Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar)

Bible References:

Daniel 01:6-7
Daniel 05:29
Daniel 07:28
Ezekiel 14:12-14
Matthew 24:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H1840, H1841, G1158

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Daniel, Daniel's

Darius

Facts:

Darius was the name of several kings of Persia. It is possible that "Darius" was a title rather than a name.

"Darius the Mede" was the king who was tricked into having the prophet Daniel thrown into a lion's den as punishment for worshiping God.
"Darius the Persian" helped facilitate the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah.

(See also: Persia, Babylon, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah)

Bible References:

Ezra 04:4-6
Haggai 01:01
Nehemiah 12:22
Zechariah 01:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H1867, H1868

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Darius, Darius'

David

Facts:

David was the second king of Israel and he loved and served God. He was the main writer of the book of Psalms.

When David was still a young boy caring for his family's sheep, God chose him to become the next king of Israel.
David became a great fighter and led the Israelite army in battles against their enemies. His defeat of Goliath the Philistine is well known.
King Saul tried to kill David, but God protected him, and made him king after Saul's death.
David committed a terrible sin, but he repented and God forgave him.
Jesus, the Messiah, is called the "Son of David" because he is a descendant of King David.

(See also: Goliath, Philistines, Saul (OT))

Bible References:

1 Samuel 17:12-13
1 Samuel 20:34
2 Samuel 05:02
2 Timothy 02:08
Acts 02:25
Acts 13:22
Luke 01:32
Mark 02:26

Word Data:

Strong's: H1732, G1138

Forms Found in the English ULB:

David, David's

Delilah

Facts:

Delilah was a Philistine woman who was loved by Samson, but was not his wife.

Delilah loved money more than she loved Samson.
The Philistines bribed Delilah to trick Samson into telling her how he could be made weak. When his strength was gone, the Philistines captured him.

(See also: bribe, Philistines, Samson)

Bible References:

Judges 16:4-5
Judges 16:6-7
Judges 16:10
Judges 16:18

Word Data:

Strong's: H1807

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Delilah, Delilah's

Eden

Related Ideas:

garden of Eden

Facts:

In ancient times, Eden was a region that had a garden where God placed the first man and woman to live.

The garden where Adam and Eve lived was only part of Eden.
The exact location of the region of Eden is not certain, but the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers were flowing through it.
The word "Eden" comes from a Hebrew word meaning to "take great delight in."

(See also: Adam, Euphrates, Eve)

Bible References:

Ezekiel 28:11-13
Genesis 02:7-8
Genesis 02:10
Genesis 02:15
Genesis 04:16-17
Joel 02:3

Word Data:

Strong's: H5729, H5731

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Eden, garden of Eden

Edom

Related Words:

Edomite, Idumea

Facts:

Edom was another name for Esau. The region where he lived also became known as "Edom" and later, "Idumea." The "Edomites" were his descendants.

The region of Edom changed locations over time. It was mostly located to the south of Israel and eventually extended into southern Judah.
During New Testament times, Edom covered the southern half of the province of Judea. The Greeks called it "Idumea."
The name "Edom" means "red," which may refer to the fact that Esau was covered with red hair when he was born. Or it may refer to the red lentil stew that Esau traded his birthright for.
In the Old Testament, the country of Edom is often mentioned as an enemy of Israel.
The entire book of Obadiah is about the destruction of Edom. Other Old Testament prophets also spoke negative prophecies against Edom.

(See also: adversary, birthright, Esau, Obadiah, prophet)

Bible References:

Genesis 25:30
Genesis 32:03
Genesis 36:01
Isaiah 11:14-15
Joshua 11:16-17
Obadiah 01:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H123, H130, G2401

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Edom, Edom's, Edomite, Edomites, Idumea

Egypt

Related Words:

Egyptian

Facts:

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

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

(See also: Herod the Great, Joseph (NT), Nile River, patriarch)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

Ekron

Related Words:

Ekronite

Facts:

Ekron was a major city of the Philistines, located nine miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea.

A temple of the false god Baal-zebub was located at Ekron.
When the Philistines captured the ark of the covenant, they took it to Ashdod and then moved it to Gath and Ekron because God kept causing people to get sick and die in whatever city the ark was taken to. Finally the Philistines sent the ark back to Israel.
When King Ahaziah fell through the roof of his house and injured himself, he sinned by trying to find out from the false god Baal-zebub of Ekron as to whether or not he would die from his injuries. Because of this sin, Yahweh said that he would die.

(See also: Ahaziah, ark of the covenant, Ashdod, Beelzebul, god, Gath, Philistines)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 05:10
Joshua 13:2-3
Judges 01:18-19
Zechariah 09:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H6138, H6139

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ekron, Ekronites

Elam

Related Words:

Elamite

Facts:

Elam was a son of Shem and a grandson of Noah.

The descendants of Elam were called "Elamites," and they lived in a region that was also called "Elam."
The region of Elam was located southeast of the Tigris River in what is now western Iran.

(See also: Noah, Shem)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:17-19
Acts 02:09
Ezra 08:4-7
Isaiah 22:06

Word Data:

Strong's: H5867, H5962, G1639

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Elam, Elamites

Eleazar

Facts:

Eleazar was the name of several men in the Bible.

Eleazar was the third son of Moses' brother Aaron. After Aaron died, Eleazar became the high priest in Israel.
Eleazar was also the name of one of David's "mighty men."
Another Eleazar was one of Jesus' ancestors.

(See also: Aaron, high priest, David, mighty)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 24:03
Judges 20:27-28
Numbers 26:1-2
Numbers 34:16-18

Word Data:

Strong's: H499, G1648

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Eleazar, Eleazar's

Eliakim

Facts:

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

One man named Eliakim was the manager of the palace under King Hezekiah.
Another man named Eliakim was a son of King Josiah. He was made king of Judah by the Egyptian pharaoh Necho.
Necho changed Eliakim's name to Jehoiakim.

(See also: Hezekiah, Jehoiakim, Josiah, Pharaoh)

Bible References:

2 Kings 18:18
2 Kings 18:26
2 Kings 18:37
2 Kings 23:34-35

Word Data:

Strong's: H471, G1662

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Eliakim, Eliakim's

Elijah

Facts:

Elijah was one of the most important prophets of Yahweh. Elijah prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Israel and Judah, including King Ahab.

God did many miracles through Elijah, including raising a dead boy back to life.
Elijah rebuked King Ahab for worshiping the false god Baal.
He challenged the prophets of Baal to a test that proved that Yahweh is the only true God.
At the end of Elijah's life, God miraculously took him up to heaven while he was still alive.
Hundreds of years later, Elijah, along with Moses, appeared with Jesus on a mountain, and they talked together about Jesus' coming suffering and death in Jerusalem.

(See also: miracle, prophet, Yahweh)

Bible References:

1 Kings 17:1
2 Kings 01:3-4
James 05:16-18
John 01:19-21
John 01:24-25
Mark 09:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H452, G2243

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Elijah, Elijah's

Elisha

Facts:

Elisha was a prophet in Israel during the reigns of several kings of Israel: Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Jehoash.

God told the prophet Elijah to anoint Elisha as prophet.
When Elijah was taken to heaven in a fiery chariot, Elisha became God's prophet to the kings of Israel.
Elisha did many miracles, including healing a man from Syria who had leprosy and raising from the dead the son of a woman from Shunem.

(See also: Elijah, Naaman, prophet)

Bible References:

1 Kings 19:15-16
2 Kings 03:15
2 Kings 05:08
Luke 04:25

Word Data:

Strong's: H477

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Elisha, Elisha's

Elizabeth

Facts:

Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist. Her husband's name was Zechariah.

Zechariah and Elizabeth had never been able to have children, but in their old age, God promised Zechariah that Elizabeth would bear him a son.
God kept his promise, and soon Zechariah and Elizabeth were able to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. They named the baby John.
Elizabeth was also a relative of Mary, Jesus' mother.

(See also: John (the Baptist), Zechariah (NT))

Bible References:

Luke 01:05
Luke 01:24-25
Luke 01:41

Word Data:

Strong's: G1665

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Elizabeth, Elizabeth's

En Gedi

Facts:

En Gedi was the name of a city in the wilderness of Judah southeast of Jerusalem.

En Gedi was located on the western bank of the Salt Sea.
Part of its name means "fountain," referring to a spring of water that flows down from the city into the sea.
En Gedi was known for having beautiful vineyards and other fertile land, probably due to the continual watering by the fountain of water.
There were strongholds in En Gedi which David fled to when he was being chased by King Saul.

(See also: David, desert, fountain, Judah, rest, Salt Sea, Saul (OT), stronghold, vineyard)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 20:02
Song of Solomon 01:12-14

Word Data:

Strong's: H5872

Forms Found in the English ULB:

En Gedi

Enoch

Facts:

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

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

(See also: Cain, Seth)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: H2585, G1802

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Enoch, Enoch's

Ephesus

Related Words:

Ephesian

Facts:

Ephesus was an ancient Greek city on the west coast of what is now the present-day country of Turkey.

During the time of the early Christians, Ephesus was the capital of Asia, which was a small Roman province at that time.
Because of its location, this city was an important center of trade and travel.
A well-known pagan temple for the worship of the goddess Artemis (Diana) was located in Ephesus.
Paul lived and worked in Ephesus for more than two years and later appointed Timothy to lead the new believers there.
The book of Ephesians in the New Testament is a letter that Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus.

(See also: Asia, Paul, Timothy)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 15:32
1 Timothy 01:03
2 Timothy 04:11-13
Acts 19:01
Ephesians 01:01

Word Data:

Strong's: G2179, G2180, G2181

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ephesian, Ephesians, Ephesus

Ephraim

Related Words:

Ephraimite

Facts:

Ephraim was the second son of Joseph. His descendants, the Ephraimites, formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

The tribe of Ephraim was one of the ten tribes that were located in the northern part of Israel.
Sometimes the name Ephraim is used in the Bible to refer to the whole northern kingdom of Israel.
Ephraim was apparently a very mountainous or hilly area, based on references to "the hill country of Ephraim" or "the mountains of Ephraim."

(See also: kingdom of Israel, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 06:66-69
2 Chronicles 13:4-5
Ezekiel 37:16
Genesis 41:52
Genesis 48:1-2
John 11:54

Word Data:

Strong's: H669, H673, G2187

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ephraim, Ephraim's, Ephraimite, Ephraimites

Ephrathah

Related Words:

Ephrath, Ephrathite

Facts:

Ephrathah was the name of a city and region in the northern part of Israel. The city of Ephrathah was also called "Ephrath," and later it was called "Bethlehem" and "Ephrathah-Bethlehem."

Ephrathah was also the name of Caleb's second wife. She was also called Ephrath.
A person who was from the city of Ephrathah was called an "Ephrathite."
Boaz, the great-grandfather of David, was an Ephrathite.

(See also: Bethlehem, Boaz, Caleb, David, Israel)

Bible References:

Word Data:

Strong's: H672, H673

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ephrath, Ephrathah, Ephrathite, Ephrathites

Esau

Facts:

Esau was one of the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. He was the first baby born to them. His twin brother was Jacob.

Esau sold his birthright to his brother Jacob in exchange for a bowl of food.
Since Esau was born first, his father Isaac was supposed to give him a special blessing. But Jacob tricked Isaac into giving him that blessing instead. At first Esau was so angry that he wanted to kill Jacob, but later he forgave him.
Esau had many children and grandchildren, and these descendants formed a large people group living in the land of Canaan.

(See also: Edom, Isaac, Jacob, Rebekah)

Bible References:

Genesis 25:26
Genesis 25:29-30
Genesis 26:34
Genesis 27:11-12
Genesis 32:05
Hebrews 12:17
Romans 09:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H6215, G2269

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Esau, Esau's

Esther

Facts:

Esther was a Jewish woman who became queen of the Persian kingdom during the time of the Babylonian captivity of the Jews.

The book of Esther tells the story of how Esther became the wife of the Persian King Xerxes and how God used her to save her people.
Esther was an orphan who was raised by her godly older cousin, Mordecai.
Her obedience to her adoptive father helped her to be obedient to God.
Esther obeyed God and risked her life in order to save her people, the Jews.
The story of Esther illustrates God's sovereign control over the events of history, especially how he protects his people and works through those who obey him.

(See also: Xerxes, Babylon, Mordecai, Persia)

Bible References:

Esther 02:7
Esther 02:15
Esther 07:01
Esther 08:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H635

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Esther, Esther's

Ethiopia

Related Words:

Ethiopian

Facts:

Ethiopia is a country in Africa located just south of Egypt, bordered by the Nile River to the west and by the Red Sea to the east. A person from Ethiopia is an "Ethiopian."

Ancient Ethiopia was located south of Egypt and included land that is now part of several modern-day African countries, such as Sudan, modern Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Central African Republic, and Chad.
In the Bible, Ethiopia is sometimes called "Cush" or "Nubia."
The countries of Ethiopia ("Cush") and Egypt are often mentioned together in the Bible, perhaps because they were located next to each other and their people may have had some of the same ancestors.
God sent Philip the evangelist to a desert where he shared the good news about Jesus with an Ethiopian eunuch.

(See also: Cush, Egypt, eunuch, Philip)

Bible References:

Acts 08:27
Acts 08:30
Acts 08:32-33
Acts 08:36-38
Isaiah 18:1-2
Nahum 03:09
Zephaniah 03:9-11

Word Data:

Strong's: G128

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ethiopia, Ethiopian

Euphrates

Related Words:

Euphrates River, the River

Facts:

The Euphrates is the name of one of the four rivers that flowed through the Garden of Eden. It is the river that is most often mentioned in the Bible.

The modern day river named Euphrates is located in the Middle East and is the longest and most important river in Asia.
Together with the Tigris River, the Euphrates borders a region of land known as Mesopotamia.
The ancient city of Ur where Abraham came from was at the mouth of the Euphrates River.
This river was one of the boundaries of the land that God promised to give to Abraham (Genesis 15:18).
Sometimes the Euphrates is simply called "the River."

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 05:7-9
2 Chronicles 09:25-26
Exodus 23:30-33
Genesis 02:13-14
Isaiah 07:20

Word Data:

Strong's: H5104, H6578, G2166

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Euphrates, Euphrates River, the River

Eve

Facts:

This was the name of the first woman. Her name means "life" or "living."

God formed Eve from a rib that he took out of Adam.
Eve was created to be Adam's "helper." She came alongside Adam to assist him in the work that God gave them to do.
Eve was tempted by Satan (in the form of a snake) and was the first to sin by eating the fruit that God said not to eat.

(See also: Adam, life, Satan)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 02:13
2 Corinthians 11:03
Genesis 03:20
Genesis 04:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H2332, G2096

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Eve, Eve's

Ezekiel

Facts:

Ezekiel was a prophet of God during the exile period when many Jews were taken to Babylon.

Ezekiel was a priest living in the kingdom of Judah when he and many other Jews were captured by the Babylonian army.
For over twenty years, he and his wife lived in Babylon near a river, and the Jews came there to hear him speak messages from God.
Among other things, Ezekiel prophesied about the destruction and restoration of Jerusalem and the temple.
He also prophesied about the future kingdom of the Messiah.

(See also: Babylon, Christ, exile, prophet)

Bible References:

Ezekiel 01:03
Ezekiel 24:24

Word Data:

Strong's: H3168

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ezekiel, Ezekiel's

Ezra

Facts:

Ezra was an Israelite priest and expert in Jewish law who recorded the history of the Israelites' return to Jerusalem from Babylon where Israel had been held captive for 70 years.

Ezra recorded this part of Israel's history in the biblical book of Ezra. He may also have written the book of Nehemiah, since these two books had originally been one single book.
When Ezra returned to Jerusalem he re-established the Law, since the Israelites had stopped obeying the Sabbath laws and had intermarried with women who practiced pagan religions.
Ezra also helped rebuild the temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians when they captured Jerusalem.
There are two other men named Ezra mentioned in the Old Testament.

(See also: Babylon, exile, Jerusalem, law of Moses, Nehemiah, temple)

Bible References:

Ezra 07:06
Nehemiah 08:1-3
Nehemiah 12:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H250, H5830, H5831

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ezra, Ezra's

Gabriel

Facts:

Gabriel is the name of one of God's angels. He is mentioned by name several times, in both the Old and New Testaments.

God sent Gabriel to tell the prophet Daniel the meaning of a vision he had seen.
Another time, while Daniel was praying, the angel Gabriel flew to him and prophesied about what would happen in the future. Daniel described him as a "man."
In the New Testament it is recorded that Gabriel came to Zechariah to prophesy that his aged wife Elizabeth would have a son, John.
Sixth months after that, Gabriel was sent to Mary to tell her that God would miraculously enable her to conceive a child who would be the "Son of God." Gabriel told Mary to name her son "Jesus."

(See also: angel, Daniel, Elizabeth, John (the Baptist), Mary, prophet, Son of God, Zechariah (NT))

Bible References:

Daniel 08:15-17
Daniel 09:21
Luke 01:19
Luke 01:26

Word Data:

Strong's: H1403, G1043

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gabriel, Gabriel's

Gad

Related Words

Gadite

Facts:

Gad was one of the sons of Jacob. Jacob was also named Isreal.

Gad's family became one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Another man in the Bible named Gad was a prophet who confronted King David for his sin of taking a census of the Israelite people.
The names of the cities Baalgad and Migdalgad are each two words in the original text and are sometimes written "Baal Gad" and "Migdal Gad."
A Gadite was a person from the tribe of Gad.

(See also: census, prophet, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 05:18
Exodus 01:1-5
Genesis 30:11
Joshua 01:12
Joshua 21:38

Word Data:

Strong's: H1410, H1425, G1045

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gad, Gadite, Gadites, Gad's

Galatia

Related Words:

Galatian

Facts:

In New Testament times, Galatia was a large Roman province located in the central part of what is now the country of Turkey.

Part of Galatia bordered the Black Sea, which was to the north. It was also bordered by the provinces of Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Celicia, and Pamphylia.
The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Christians who lived in the province of Galatia. This letter is the New Testament book called "Galatians."
One reason that Paul wrote his letter to the Galatians was to emphasize again the gospel of salvation by grace, not by works.
The Jewish Christians there were incorrectly teaching the Gentile Christians there that it was necessary for believers to keep certain Jewish laws.

(See also: Asia, believe, Cilicia, good news, Paul, work)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 16:1-2
1 Peter 01:1-2
2 Timothy 04:9-10
Acts 16:6-8
Galatians 01:01

Word Data:

Strong's: G1053, G1054

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Galatia, Galatians

Galilee

Related Words:

Galilean

Facts:

Galilee was the most northern region of Israel, just north of Samaria. A "Galilean" was a person who lived in Galilee or who lived in Galilee.

Galilee, Samaria, and Judea were the three main provinces of Israel during New Testament times.
Galilee is bordered on the east by a large lake called the "Sea of Galilee."
Jesus grew up and lived in the town of Nazareth in Galilee.
Most of the miracles and teachings of Jesus took place in the region of Galilee.

(See also: Nazareth, Samaria, Sea of Galilee)

Bible References:

Acts 09:32
Acts 13:31
John 02:1-2
John 04:03
Luke 13:03
Mark 03:07
Matthew 02:22-23
Matthew 03:13-15

Word Data:

Strong's: H1551, G1056, G1057

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Galilee, Galilean, Galileans

Gath

Related Words:

Gittite

Facts:

Gath was one of the five major cities of the Philistines. It was located north of Ekron and east of Ashdod and Ashkelon.

The Philistine warrior Goliath was from the city of Gath.
During the time of Samuel, the Philistines stole the ark of the covenant from Israel and took it to their pagan temple at Ashdod. It was then moved to Gath and later to Ekron. But God punished the people of those cities with disease, so they sent it back to Israel again.
When David was escaping from King Saul, he fled to Gath and lived there awhile with his two wives and with six hundred men who were his loyal followers.
A Gittite was a person from the city of Gath.

(See also: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gaza, Goliath, Philistines)

Bible References:

1 Kings 02:39
1 Samuel 05:8-9
2 Chronicles 26:6-8
Joshua 11:21-22

Word Data:

Strong's: H1661, H1663

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gath, Gittite, Gittites

Gaza

Related Words

Gazite

Facts:

During Bible times, Gaza was a prosperous Philistine city located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, about 38 kilometers south of Ashdod. It was one of the Philistines' five major cities.

Because of its location, Gaza was a key seaport where commercial activities took place between many different people groups and nations.
Today, the city of Gaza is still an important seaport in the Gaza Strip, which is a region of land located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea bordered by Israel on the north and east, and by Egypt on the south.
Gaza was the city that the Philistines took Samson to after they had captured him.
Philip the evangelist was walking along the desert road to Gaza when he met an Ethiopian eunuch.
A Gazite was a person from the city of Gaz.

(See also: Ashdod, Philip, Philistines, Ethiopia, Gath)

Bible References:

1 Kings 04:24-25
Acts 08:26
Genesis 10:19
Joshua 10:40-41
Judges 06:3-4

Word Data:

Strong's: H5804, H5841, G1048

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gaza, Gazites

Gentile

Facts:

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

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

(See also: Israel, Jacob, Jew)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: H1471, G1482, G1484

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gentile, Gentiles

Gerar

Facts:

Gerar was a city and region in the land of Canaan, located southwest of Hebron and northwest of Beersheba.

King Abimelech was the ruler of Gerar when Abraham and Sarah settled there.
The Philistines dominated the region of Gerar during the time that the Israelites were living in Canaan.

(See also: Abimelek, Beersheba, Hebron, Philistines)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 14:12-13
Genesis 20:1-3
Genesis 26:1
Genesis 26:06

Word Data:

Strong's: H1642

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gerar

Geshur

Related Words:

Geshurite

Facts:

During the time of King David, Geshur was a small kingdom located on the east side of the Sea of Galilee between the countries of Israel and Aram.

King David married Maacah, the daughter of Geshur's king, and she bore him a son, Absalom.
After murdering his half-brother Amnon, Absalom fled northeast from Jerusalem to Geshur, a distance of about 140 kilometers. He stayed there three years.
A Geshurite was a person from the kingom of Geshur.*

(See also: Absalom, Amnon, Aram, Sea of Galilee)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 02:23
2 Samuel 03:2-3
Deuteronomy 03:14
Joshua 12:3-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H1650

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Geshur, Geshurites

Gethsemane

Facts:

Gethsemane was a garden of olive trees east of Jerusalem beyond the Kidron valley and near the Mount of Olives.

The garden of Gethsemane was a place where Jesus and his followers would go to be alone and rest, away from the crowds.
It was in Gethsemane that Jesus prayed in deep sorrow, before being arrested there by Jewish leaders.

(See also: Judas Iscariot, Kidron Valley, Mount of Olives)

Bible References:

Mark 14:32
Matthew 26:36

Word Data:

Strong's: G1068

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gethsemane

Gibeah

Facts:

Gibeah was a city located north of Jerusalem and south of Bethel.

Gibeah was in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin.
It was the site of a huge battle between the Benjamites and Israel.

(See also: Benjamin, Bethel, Jerusalem)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 10:26-27
2 Samuel 21:06
Hosea 09:09
Judges 19:12-13

Word Data:

Strong's: H1390

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gibeah

Gibeon

Related Words:

Gibeonite

Facts:

Gibeon was a city that was located about 13 kilometers northwest of Jerusalem. The people living in Gibeon were the Gibeonites.

When the Gibeonites heard about how the Israelites had destroyed the cities of Jericho and Ai, they were afraid.
So the Gibeonites came to the leaders of Israel at Gilgal and pretended to be people from a far-away country.
The Israelite leaders were deceived and made an agreement with the Gibeonites that they would protect them and not destroy them.

(See also: Gilgal, Jericho, Jerusalem)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 08:29
1 Kings 03:4-5
2 Samuel 02:12-13
Joshua 09:3-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H1391, H1393

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gibeon, Gibeonite, Gibeonites

Gideon

Facts:

Gideon was an Israelite man whom God raised up to deliver the Israelites from their enemies.

During the time when Gideon lived, a people group called the Midianites kept attacking the Israelites and destroying their crops.
Even though Gideon was afraid, God used him to lead the Israelites to fight against the Midianites and defeat them.
Gideon also obeyed God by taking down altars to the false gods Baal and Asherah.
He not only led the people in defeating their enemies but also encouraged them to obey and worship Yahweh, the one true God.

(See also: Baal, Asherah, deliver, Midian, Yahweh)

Bible References:

Hebrews 11:32-34
Judges 06:11
Judges 06:23
Judges 08:17

Word Data:

Strong's: H1439, H1441

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gideon, Gideon's

Gilead

Gileadite

Facts:

Gilead was the name of a mountainous region east of the Jordan river where the Israelite tribes of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh lived.

This region was also referred to as the "hill country of Gilead" or "Mount Gilead."
"Gilead" was also the name of several men in the Old Testament. One of these men was the grandson of Manasseh. Another Gilead was the father of Jephthah.
A Giliadite was a descendant of Gilead and a member of his clan.

(See also: Gad, Jephthah, Manasseh, Reuben, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 02:22
1 Samuel 11:01
Amos 01:03
Deuteronomy 02:36-37
Genesis 31:21
Genesis 37:25-26

Word Data:

Strong's: H1568, H1569

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gilead, Gileadite, Gileadites

Gilgal

Facts:

Gilgal was a town north of Jericho and was the first place that the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River to enter Canaan.

At Gilgal, Joshua set up twelve stones taken from the dry river bed of the Jordan River that they had just crossed over.
Gilgal was the city that Elijah and Elisha were leaving as they crossed the Jordan when Elijah was taken up to heaven.
There were also several other places called "Gilgal" in the Old Testament.
The word "gilgal" means "circle of stones," perhaps referring to a place where a circular altar was built.
In the Old Testament, this name almost always occurs as "the gilgal." This may indicate that it was not a specific place name but rather was a description of a certain kind of place.

(See also: Elijah, , Elisha, Jericho, Jordan River)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 07:15-17
2 Kings 02:1-2
Hosea 04:15
Judges 02:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H1537

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gilgal

Girgashites

Facts:

The Girgashites were a people group living near the Sea of Galilee in the land of Canaan.

They were descendants of Ham's son Canaan and so were one of the many people groups who were also known as "Canaanites."
God promised the Israelites that he would help them defeat the Girgashites and other Canaanite people groups.
Like all the Canaanite peoples, the Girgashites worshiped false gods and did immoral things as part of that worship.

(See also: Canaan , Ham, Noah)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:14
Deuteronomy 07:1
Genesis 10:16
Joshua 03:9-11
Joshua 24:11-12

Word Data:

Strong's: H1622

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Girgashites

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

God the Father

Related Ideas:

Father, heavenly Father, my Father

Facts:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: H1, H2, G3962

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Father, God the Father, heavenly Father, my Father

Golgotha

Facts:

"Golgotha" was the name of the place where Jesus was crucified. Its name comes from an Aramaic word that means "Skull" or "Place of the Skull."

Golgotha was located outside the city walls of Jerusalem, somewhere nearby. It was perhaps located on a slope of the Mount of Olives.
In some older English versions of the Bible, Golgotha is translated as "Calvary," which comes from the Latin word for "skull."
Many Bible versions use a word that looks or sounds similar to "Golgotha," since its meaning is already explained in the Bible text.

(See also: Aram, Mount of Olives)

Bible References:

John 19:17
Mark 15:22
Matthew 27:33

Word Data:

Strong's: G1115

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Golgotha

Goliath

Facts:

Goliath was a very tall and very large soldier in the army of the Philistines who was killed by David.

Goliath was between two and three meters tall. He is often referred to as a giant because of his great size.
Although Goliath had better weapons and was much bigger than David, God gave David the strength and ability to defeat Goliath.
The Israelites were declared victorious over the Philistines as a result of David's victory over Goliath.

(See also: David, Philistines)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 20:4-5
1 Samuel 17:4-5
1 Samuel 21:8-9
1 Samuel 22:9-10

Word Data:

Strong's: H1555

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Goliath, Goliath's

Gomorrah

Facts:

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

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: H6017

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gomorrah

Goshen

Facts:

Goshen was the name of a fertile region of land located along the Nile River in the northern part of Egypt.

When Joseph was a ruler in Egypt, his father and brothers and their families came to live in Goshen to escape a famine in Canaan.
They and their descendants lived well in Goshen for over 400 years, but then they were forced into slavery by the Egyptian pharaoh.
Finally God sent Moses to help the people of Israel leave the land of Goshen and escape this slavery.

(See also: Egypt, famine, Moses, Nile River)

Bible References:

Exodus 08:22-24
Genesis 45:11
Genesis 47:02
Genesis 50:7-9
Joshua 10:40-41

Word Data:

Strong's: H1657

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Goshen

Greece

Facts:

During New Testament times, Greece was a province in the Roman Empire.

Like the modern-day country of Greece, it was located on a peninsula that is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, and the Ionian Sea.
The apostle Paul visited several cities in Greece and established churches in the cities of Corinth, Thessalonica, and Philippi and probably others.

(See also: Corinth, Gentile, Greek, Hebrew, Philippi, Thessalonica)

Bible References:

Daniel 08:21
Daniel 10:20-21
Daniel 11:1-2
Zechariah 09:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H3120, G1671

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Greece

Greek

Related Words:

Grecian

Facts:

The term "Greek" refers to the language spoken in the country of Greece. It is also a person from the country of Greece. Greek was also spoken throughout the Roman Empire. The term "Grecian" means "Greek-speaking."

Since most non-Jewish people in the Roman Empire spoke Greek, Gentiles are often referred to as "Greeks" in the New Testament, especially when contrasted with Jews.
The phrase "Grecian Jews" referred to Jews who spoke Greek in contrast to the "Hebraic Jews" who spoke only Hebrew, or perhaps Aramaic.
Other ways to translate "Grecian" could include, "Greek-speaking" or "culturally Greek" or "Greek."
When referring to non-Jews, "Greek" could be translated as "Gentile."

(See also: Aram, Gentile, Greece, Hebrew, Rome)

Bible References:

Acts 06:1
Acts 09:29
Acts 11:20
Acts 14:1-2
Colossians 03:11
Galatians 02:3-5
John 07:35

Word Data:

Strong's: H3125, G1672, G1673, G1674, G1675, G1676

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Greek, Greeks, Grecian

Habakkuk

Facts:

Habakkuk was an Old Testament prophet who lived around the time that King Jehoiakim was reigning over Judah. The prophet Jeremiah was also alive during some of this time.

This prophet wrote the book of Habakkuk around 600 BC when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and took many of the people of Judah into exile.
Yahweh gave Habakkuk the prophecy about how the "Chaldeans" (Babylonians) would come and conquer the people of Judah.
One of Habakkuk's most well-known statements is: "the righteous person shall live by his faith."

(See also: Babylon, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah)

Bible References:

Habakkuk 01:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H2265

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Habakkuk, Habakkuk's

Hades

Related Ideas:

Sheol

Definition:

The terms "Hades" and "Sheol" are used in the Bible to refer to death and the place where the souls of people go when they die. Their meanings are similar.

The Hebrew term "Sheol" is often used in the Old Testament to refer generally to the place of death.
In the New Testament, the Greek term "Hades" refers to a place for the souls of people who rebelled against God. These souls are referred to as going "down" to Hades. This is sometimes contrasted to going "up" to heaven, where the souls of people who believe in Jesus live.
The term "Hades" is coupled with the term "death" in the book of Revelation. In the end times, both death and Hades will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, which is hell.

Translation Suggestions

The Old Testament term "Sheol" could be translated as "place of the dead" or "place for dead souls." Some translations translate this as "the pit" or "death," depending on the context.
The New Testament term "Hades" could also be translated as "place for unbelieving dead souls" or "place of torment for the dead" or "place for the souls of unbelieving dead people."
Some translations keep the words "Sheol" and "Hades," spelling them to fit the sound patterns of the language of translation.
A phrase could also be added to each term to explain it, examples of doing this are, "Sheol, place where dead people are" and "Hades, place of death."

(See also: death, heaven, hell, tomb)

Bible References:

Acts 02:31
Genesis 44:29
Jonah 02:02
Luke 10:15
Luke 16:23
Matthew 11:23
Matthew 16:18
Revelation 01:18

Word Data:

Strong's: H7585, G86

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hades, Sheol

Hagar

Facts:

Hagar was an Egyptian woman who was Sarai's personal slave.

When Sarai was not able to bear children, she gave Hagar to her husband Abram to have a child by him.
Hagar conceived and gave birth to Abram's son Ishmael.
God watched over Hagar when she was in distress in the desert and promised to bless her descendants.

(See also: Abraham, descendant, Ishmael, Sarah, servant)

Bible References:

Galatians 04:25
Genesis 16:1-4
Genesis 21:09
Genesis 25:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H1904

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hagar

Haggai

Facts:

Haggai was a prophet of Judah after the Jews returned home from being captives in Babylon.

During the period when Haggai was prophesying, King Uzziah was reigning over Judah.
The prophet Zechariah was also prophesying during this period.
Haggai and Zechariah exhorted the Jews to rebuild the temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar.

(See also: Babylon, Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, Uzziah, Zechariah (OT))

Bible References:

Ezra 05:1-2
Ezra 06:13-15

Word Data:

Strong's: H2292

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Haggai, Haggai's

Ham

Related Words:

Hamite

Facts:

Ham was the second of Noah's three sons.

During the worldwide flood that covered the whole earth, Ham and his brothers were with Noah in the ark, along with their wives.
After the flood, there was an occasion where Ham was very dishonoring to his father, Noah. As a result, Noah cursed Ham's son Canaan and all his descendants, who eventually became known as the Canaanites.

(See also: ark, Canaan, dishonor, Noah)

Bible References:

Genesis 05:32
Genesis 06:10
Genesis 07:13-14
Genesis 10:1
Genesis 10:20

Word Data:

Strong's: H2526

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ham, Hamite, Hamites

Hamath

Related Words:

Hamath Zobah, Hamathite, Lebo Hamath

Facts:

Hamath was an important city in northern Syria, north of the land of Canaan. The Hamathites were descendants of Noah's son Canaan.

The name "Lebo Hamath" probably refers to a mountain pass near the city of Hamath.
Some versions translate "Lebo Hamath" as "entrance to Hamath."
King David defeated enemies of King Tou of Hamath, causing them to be on good terms.
Hamath Zobah was one of Solomon's storehouse cities which he had conquered. Hamath Zobah was used as a place to keep provisions (see 2 Chronicles 8:3).
The land of Hamath was where King Zedekiah was killed by King Nebuchadnezzar and where King Jehoahaz was captured by an Egyptian pharaoh.
The term "Hamathite" could also be translated as "person from Hamath."

(See also: Babylon, Canaan, Nebuchadnezzar, Syria, Zedekiah)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 18:3-4
2 Samuel 08:09
Amos 06:1-2
Ezekiel 47:15-17

Word Data:

Strong's: H2574, H2577

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hamath, Hamath Zobah, Hamathites, Lebo Hamath

Hamor

Facts:

Hamor was a Canaanite man living in the city of Shechem when Jacob and his family were living in nearby Sukkoth. He was a Hivite.

Jacob bought a family burial ground from Hamor's sons.
While they were there, Hamor's son Shechem raped Jacob's daughter Dinah.
Dinah's brothers took revenge on Hamor's family and killed all the men in the city of Shechem.

(See also: Canaan, Hivite, Jacob, Shechem, Sukkoth)

Bible References:

Acts 07:14-16
Genesis 34:02
Genesis 34:21
Joshua 24:32-33
Judges 09:28

Word Data:

Strong's: H2544

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hamor, Hamor's

Hananiah

Facts:

Hananiah was the name of several different men in the Old Testament.

One Hananiah was an Israelite captive in Babylon whose name was changed to "Shadrach."
He was given a position as a royal servant due to his excellent character and abilities.
Once Hanahiah (Shadrach) and two other Israelite young men were thrown into a fire in a furnace because they refused to worship the Babylonian king. God showed his power by protecting them from being harmed.
Another man named Hananiah was listed as a descendant of King Solomon.
A different Hananiah was a false prophet during the time of the prophet Jeremiah.
One man named Hananiah was a priest who helped lead a celebration during the time of Nehemiah.

(See also: Azariah, Babylon, Daniel, false prophet, Jeremiah, Mishael)

Bible References:

Daniel 01:6-7
Daniel 02:17-18
Jeremiah 28:01
Jeremiah 28:5-7
Jeremiah 28:15-17

Word Data:

Strong's: H2608

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hananiah, Hananiah's

Hannah

Facts:

Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel. She was one of two wives of Elkanah.

Hannah was not able to conceive a child, which was a great grief to her.
At the temple, Hannah earnestly prayed for God to give her a son, promising to dedicate him to serving God.
God granted her request and when the boy Samuel was old enough, she brought him to serve at the temple.
God also gave Hannah other children after that.

(See also: conceive, Samuel)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 01:1-2
1 Samuel 02:1

Word Data:

Strong's: H2584

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hannah, Hannah's

Haran

Facts:

Haran was a younger brother of Abram and the father of Lot.

Haran was also the name of the town where Abram and his family lived awhile on their journey from the city of Ur to the land of Canaan.
A different man named Haran was a son of Caleb.
A third man in the Bible named Haran was a descendant of Levi.

(See also: Abraham, Caleb, Canaan, Levi, Lot, Terah, Ur)

Bible References:

2 Kings 19:12
Acts 07:1-3
Genesis 11:31
Genesis 27:43-45
Genesis 28:10-11
Genesis 29:4-6

Word Data:

Strong's: H2039

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Haran

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'

Hebron

Related Words:

Hebronite

Facts:

Hebron was a city located in the high, rocky hills about 20 miles south of Jerusalem.

The city was built around 2000 BC during the time of Abram. It was mentioned many times in the historical accounts given in the Old Testament.
Hebron had a very important role in King David's life. Several of his sons, including Absalom, were born there.
The city was destroyed around AD 70 by the Romans.

(See also: Absalom)

Bible References:

2 Samuel 02:10-11
Genesis 13:18
Genesis 23:1-2
Genesis 35:27
Genesis 37:12-14
Judges 01:10
Numbers 13:22

Word Data:

Strong's: H2275, H2276

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hebron, Hebronites, Hebronites', Hebronite's, Hebron's

Hermon

Facts:

Mount Hermon is the name of the tallest mountain in Israel at the southern tip of the Lebanon mountain range.

It is located north of the Sea of Galilee, at the northern border between Israel and Syria.
Other names given to Mount Hermon by other people groups were "Mount Sirion" and "Mount Senir."
Mount Hermon has three major peaks. The tallest peak is around 2,800 meters high.

(See also: Israel, Sea of Galilee, Syria)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 05:23-24
Ezekiel 27:4-5
Joshua 11:16-17
Psalms 042:06
Song of Solomon 04:8

Word Data:

Strong's: H2768, H2769, H8149

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hermon, Mount Hermon, Senir

Herod Antipas

Facts:

During most of Jesus' lifetime, Herod Antipas was the ruler of the part of the Roman Empire that included Galilee province.

Like his father Herod the Great, Antipas was sometimes referred to as "King Herod" even though he was not really a king.
Herod Antipas ruled one-fourth of the Roman Empire and so he was also called "Herod the tetrarch."
Antipas is the "Herod" who gave the order for John the Baptist to be killed by beheading.
It was also Herod Antipas who questioned Jesus before his crucifixion.
The other Herods in the New Testament were Antipas' son (Agrippa) and grandson (Agrippa 2) who ruled during the time of the apostles.

(See also: crucify, Herod the Great, John (the Baptist), king, Rome)

Bible References:

Luke 03:1-2
Luke 03:20
Luke 09:09
Luke 13:32
Luke 23:09
Mark 06:20
Matthew 14:02

Word Data:

Strong's: G2264, G2267

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Herod, Herod Antipas

Herod the Great

Facts:

Herod the Great was ruling over Judea at the time Jesus was born. He was the first of several Edomite rulers named Herod who ruled over parts of the Roman Empire.

His ancestors converted to Judaism and he was raised as a Jew.
Caesar Augustus named him "King Herod" even though he was not a true king. He ruled over the Jews in Judea for 33 years.
Herod the Great was known for the beautiful buildings he ordered to be built and for the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.
This Herod was very cruel and had many people killed. When he heard that a "king of the Jews" had been born in Bethlehem, he had all the baby boys in that town killed.
His sons Herod Antipas and Herod Philip and his grandson Herod Agrippa also became Roman rulers. His great-grandson Herod Agrippa II (called "King Agrippa") ruled over the entire area of Judea.

(See also: Herod Antipas, Judea, king, temple)

Bible References:

Matthew 02:03
Matthew 02:12
Matthew 02:16
Matthew 02:20
Matthew 02:22

Word Data:

Strong's: G2264

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Herod, Herod the Great, Herod's

Herodias

Facts:

Herodias was the wife of Herod Antipas in Judea during the time of John the Baptist.

Herodias was originally the wife of Herod Antipas' brother Philip, but later she unlawfully married Herod Antipas.
John the Baptist rebuked Herod and Herodias for their unlawful marriage. Because of this, Herod put John in prison and because of Herodias eventually was beheaded.

(See also: Herod Antipas, John (the Baptist))

Bible References:

Luke 03:19
Mark 06:17
Mark 06:22
Matthew 14:04

Word Data:

Strong's: G2266

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Herodias, Herodias'

Hezekiah

Facts:

Hezekiah was the 13th king over the kingdom of Judah. He was a king who trusted and obeyed God.

Unlike his father Ahaz, who had been an evil king, King Hezekiah was a good king who destroyed all the places of idol worship in Judah.
One time when Hezekiah became very sick and almost died, he earnestly prayed that God would spare his life. God healed him and allowed him to live 15 more years.
As a sign to Hezekiah that this would happen, God performed a miracle and caused the sun to move backwards in the sky.
God also answered Hezekiah's prayer to save his people from King Sennacherib of Assyria, who was attacking them.

(See also: Ahaz, Assyria, god, Judah, Sennacherib)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 03:13-14
2 Kings 16:19-20
Hosea 01:01
Matthew 01:9-11
Proverbs 25:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H2396, H3169, G1478

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hezekiah, Hezekiah's

Hilkiah

Facts:

Hilkiah was the high priest during the reign of King Josiah.

When the temple was being repaired, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law and ordered that it be brought to King Josiah.
After the Book of the Law was read to him, Josiah was grieved and caused the people of Judah to worship Yahweh again and obey his laws.
Another man named Hilkiah was the son of Eliakim and worked in the palace during the time of King Hezekiah.

(See also: Eliakim, Hezekiah, high priest, Josiah, Judah, law, worship, Yahweh)

Bible References:

2 Kings 18:18

Word Data:

Strong's: H2518

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hilkiah, Hilkiah's

Hittite

Facts:

The Hittites were descendants of Ham through his son Canaan. They became a large empire located in what is now Turkey and northern Palestine.

Abraham bought a piece of property from Ephron the Hittite so that he could bury his deceased wife Sarah in a cave there. Eventually Abraham and several of his descendants were also buried in that cave.
Esau's parents were grieved when he married two Hittite women.
One of David's mighty men was named Uriah the Hittite.
Some of the foreign women that Solomon married were Hittites. These foreign women turned Solomon's heart away from God because of the false gods they worshiped.
The Hittites were often a threat to the Israelites, both physically and spiritually.

(See also: descendant, Esau, foreigner, Ham, mighty, Solomon, Uriah)

Bible References:

1 Kings 09:20-21
Exodus 03:7-8
Genesis 23:11
Genesis 25:10
Joshua 01:4-5
Nehemiah 09:08
Numbers 13:27-29

Word Data:

Strong's: H2850

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hittite, Hittites

Hivite

Facts:

The Hivites were one of seven major people groups living in the land of Canaan.

All these groups, including the Hivites, were descended from Canaan, who was Noah's grandson.
Shechem the Hivite raped Jacob's daughter Dinah, and her brothers killed many Hivites in revenge.
When Joshua led the Israelites to take over the land of Canaan, the Israelites were tricked into making a treaty with the Hivites instead of conquering them.

(See also: Canaan, Hamor, Noah, Shechem)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 08:7-8
Exodus 03:7-8
Genesis 34:02
Joshua 09:1-2
Judges 03:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H2340

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hivite, Hivites

Holy One

Related Ideas:

holy one

Definition:

The term "Holy One" is a title in the Bible that almost always refers to God.

In the Old Testament, this title often occurs in the phrase "Holy One of Israel."
In the New Testament, Jesus is also referred to as the "Holy One."
The term "holy one" is sometimes used in the Bible to refer to an angel.

Translation Suggestions:

The literal term is "the Holy" (with "One" being implied.) Many languages (like English) will translate this with the implied noun included (such as "One" or "God").
This term could also be translated as "God, who is holy" or "the Set Apart One."
The phrase "the Holy One of Israel" could be translated as "the Holy God whom Israel worships" or "the Holy One who rules Israel."
It is best to translate this term using the same word or phrase that is used to translate "holy."

(See also: holy, God)

Bible References:

1 John 02:20
2 Kings 19:22
Acts 02:27
Acts 03:13-14
Isaiah 05:15-17
Isaiah 41:14
Luke 04:33-34

Word Data:

Strong's: H6918, G40, G3741

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Holy One, holy ones

Holy Spirit

Related Ideas:

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

Facts:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

Horeb

Facts:

Mount Horeb is another name for Mount Sinai, where God gave Moses the stone tablets with the ten commandments.

Mount Horeb is called the "mountain of God."
Horeb was the place where Moses saw the burning bush when he was tending sheep.
Mount Horeb was the place where God revealed his covenant to the Israelites by giving them the stone tablets with his commandments written on them.
It was also the place where God later told Moses to strike a rock to provide water for the Israelites as they were wandering in the desert.
The exact location of this mountain is not known, but it may have been in the southern part of what is now the Sinai Peninsula.
It is possible that "Horeb" was the actual name of the mountain and that "Mount Sinai" simply means "mountain of Sinai," referring to the fact that Mount Horeb was located in the desert of Sinai.

(See also: covenant, Israel, Moses, Sinai, Ten Commandments)

Bible References:

1 Kings 08:9-11
2 Chronicles 05:9-10
Deuteronomy 01:02
Exodus 03:1-3
Psalms 106:19

Word Data:

Strong's: H2722

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Horeb

Hosea

Facts:

Hosea was a prophet of Israel who lived and prophesied about 750 years before the time of Christ.

His ministry lasted for many years through the reigns of several kings, such as Jeroboam, Zechariah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hoshea, Uzziah, and Hezekiah.
Hosea was told by God to marry a prostitute named Gomer and to continue to love her, even though she was unfaithful to him.
This was a picture of God's love for his unfaithful people, Israel.
Hosea prophesied against the people of Israel because of their sin, warning them to turn away from worshipping idols.

(See also: Ahaz, Hezekiah, Hoshea, Jeroboam, Jotham, Uzziah, Zechariah (OT))

Bible References:

Hosea 01:1-2
Hosea 01:3-5
Hosea 01:6-7

Word Data:

Strong's: H1954, G5617

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hosea, Hosea's

Hoshea

Facts:

Hoshea was the name of a king of Israel and several other men in the Old Testament.

Hoshea son of Alah was a king of Israel for nine years during part of the reigns of Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
Joshua son of Nun was formerly named Hoshea. Moses changed Hoshea's name to Joshua before sending him and eleven other men to spy out the land of the Canaanites.
After Moses died, Joshua led the people of Israel to take possession of the land of Canaan.
A different man named Hoshea was a son of Azaziah and was one of the leaders of the Ephraimites.

(See also: Ahaz, Canaan, Ephraim, Hezekiah, Joshua, Moses)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 27:20
2 Kings 15:30
2 Kings 17:03
2 Kings 18:01
2 Kings 18:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H1954

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hoshea, Hoshea's

Iconium

Facts:

Iconium was a city in the south central part of what is now the country of Turkey.

On Paul's first missionary journey, he and Barnabas went to Iconium after the Jews forced them to leave the city of Antioch.
Then the unbelieving Jews and Gentiles in Iconium also planned to stone Paul and his coworkers, but they escaped to the nearby city of Lystra.
After that the people from both Antioch and Iconium came to Lystra and stirred up the people there to stone Paul.

(See also: Barnabas, Lystra, stone)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 03:10-13
Acts 14:01
Acts 14:19-20
Acts 16:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: G2430

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Iconium

Isaac

Facts:

Isaac was the only son of Abraham and Sarah. God had promised to give them a son even though they were very old.

The name "Isaac" means "he laughs." When God told Abraham that Sarah would give birth to a son, Abraham laughed because they were both very old. Some time later, Sarah also laughed when she heard this news.
But God fulfilled his promise and Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age.
God told Abraham that the covenant he had made with Abraham would also be for Isaac and his descendants forever.
When Isaac was a youth, God tested Abraham's faith by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac.
Isaac's son Jacob had twelve sons whose descendants later became the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel.

(See also: Abraham, descendant, eternity, fulfill, Jacob, Sarah, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

Galatians 04:28-29
Genesis 25:9-11
Genesis 25:19
Genesis 26:1
Genesis 26:08
Genesis 28:1-2
Genesis 31:18
Matthew 08:11-13
Matthew 22:32

Word Data:

Strong's: H3327, H3446, G2464

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Isaac, Isaac's

Isaiah

Facts:

Isaiah was a prophet of God who prophesied during the reigns of four kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.

He lived in Jerusalem during the time when the Assyrians were attacking the city, during the reign of Hezekiah.
The Old Testament book of Isaiah is one of the major books of the Bible.
Isaiah wrote many prophecies that came true while he was still living.
Isaiah is especially known for the prophecies he wrote about the Messiah that came true 700 years later when Jesus was living on earth.
Jesus and his disciples quoted Isaiah's prophecies to teach people about the Messiah.

(See also: Ahaz, Assyria, Christ, Hezekiah, Jotham, Judah, prophet, Uzziah)

Bible References:

2 Kings 20:1-3
Acts 28:26
Isaiah 01:1
Luke 03:4
Mark 01:01
Mark 07:06
Matthew 03:03
Matthew 04:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H3470, G2268

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Isaiah, Isaiah's

Ishmael

Related Words:

Ishmaelite

Facts:

Ishmael was the son of Abraham and the Egyptian slave Hagar. There were several other men in the Old Testament named Ishmael.

The name "Ishmael" means "God hears."
God promised to bless Abraham's son Ishmael, but he was not the son God had promised to establish his covenant with.
God protected Hagar and Ishmael when they were sent into the desert.
While Ishmael was living in the desert of Paran, he married an Egyptian woman.
Ishmael son of Nethaniah was an army officer from Judah who led a group of men to kill a governor who had been appointed by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar.
There were also four other men named Ishmael in the Old Testament.
An Ishmaelite was a descendant of Ishmael.

(See also: Abraham, Babylon, covenant, desert, Egypt, Hagar, Isaac, Nebuchadnezzar, Paran, Sarah)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:28-31
2 Chronicles 23:01
Genesis 16:12
Genesis 25:9-11
Genesis 25:16
Genesis 37:25-26

Word Data:

Strong's: H3458, H3459

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ishmael, Ishmaelite, Ishmaelites, Ishmael's

Israel

Related Ideas:

Israelite

Facts:

The term "Israel" is the name that God gave to Jacob. It means "he struggles with God."

The descendants of Jacob became known as the "people of Israel" or the "nation of Israel" or the "Israelites."
God formed his covenant with the people of Israel. They were his chosen people.
The nation of Israel consisted of twelve tribes.
Soon after King Solomon died, Israel was divided into two kingdoms: the southern kingdom, called "Judah," and the northern kingdom, called "Israel."
Often the term "Israel" can be translated as "the people of Israel" or "the nation of Israel," depending on the context.

(See also: Jacob, kingdom of Israel, Judah, nation, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 10:01
1 Kings 08:02
Acts 02:36
Acts 07:24
Acts 13:23
John 01:49-51
Luke 24:21
Mark 12:29
Matthew 02:06
Matthew 27:09
Philippians 03:4-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H3478, H3479, H3481, H3482, G935, G2474, G2475

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Israel, Israel's, Israelite, Israelite's, Israelites, Israelites'

Issachar

Facts:

Issachar was the fifth son of Jacob. His mother was Leah.

The tribe of Issachar was one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Issachar's land was bordered by the lands of Naphtali, Zebulun, Manasseh, and Gad.
It was located just south of the Sea of Galilee.

(See also: Gad, Manasseh, Naphtali, twelve tribes of Israel, Zebulun)

Bible References:

Exodus 01:1-5
Ezekiel 48:23-26
Genesis 30:18
Joshua 17:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H3485, G2466

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Issachar, Issachar's

Jacob

Facts:

Jacob was the younger twin son of Isaac and Rebekah.

Jacob's name means "he grabs the heel" which is an expression meaning "he deceives." As Jacob was being born, he was holding onto the heel of his twin brother Esau.
Many years later, God changed Jacob's name to "Israel," which means "he struggles with God."
Jacob was clever and deceptive. He found ways to take the firstborn blessing and inheritance rights from his older brother, Esau.
Esau was angry and planned to kill him so Jacob left his homeland. But years later Jacob returned with his wives and children to the land of Canaan where Esau was living, and their families lived peacefully near each other.
Jacob had twelve sons. Their descendants became the twelve tribes of Israel.
A different man named Jacob is listed as being Joseph's father in Matthew's genealogy.

(See also: Canaan, deceive, Esau, Isaac, Israel, Rebekah, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

Acts 07:11
Acts 07:46
Genesis 25:26
Genesis 29:1-3
Genesis 32:1-2
John 04:4-5
Matthew 08:11-13
Matthew 22:32

Word Data:

Strong's: H3290, G2384

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jacob, Jacob's

James brother of Jesus

Facts:

James was a son of Mary and Joseph. He was one of Jesus' younger half-brothers.

Jesus' other half-brothers were named Joseph, Judas, and Simon.
During Jesus' lifetime, James and his brothers did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah.
Later, after Jesus was raised from the dead, James believed in him and became a leader of the church in Jerusalem.
The New Testament book of James is a letter that James wrote to Christians who had fled to other countries to escape persecution.

(See also: apostle, Christ, church, Judas son of James, persecute)

Bible References:

Galatians 01:18-20
Galatians 02:9-10
James 01:1-3
Jude 01:1-2
Mark 09:1-3
Matthew 13:54-56

Word Data:

Strong's: G2385

Forms Found in the English ULB:

James

James son of Alphaeus

Facts:

James, the son of Alphaeus, was one of Jesus' twelve disciples. Jesus also called these men apostles.

His name is given in the lists of Jesus' disciples in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
He is also mentioned in the book of Acts as one of the eleven disciples who were together praying in Jerusalem after Jesus went back up to heaven.

(See also: apostle, disciple, James (brother of Jesus), James (son of Zebedee), the twelve)

Bible References:

Acts 01:12-14
Luke 06:14-16
Mark 03:17-19
Mark 14:32-34
Matthew 10:2-4

Word Data:

Strong's: G2385

Forms Found in the English ULB:

James son of Alphaeus

James son of Zebedee

Facts:

James, a son of Zebedee, was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. He had a younger brother named John who was also one of Jesus' apostles.

James and his brother John worked by fishing with their father Zebedee.
James and John were nicknamed the "Sons of Thunder," perhaps because they got angry quickly.
Peter, James, and John were Jesus' closest disciples and were with him for amazing events such as when Jesus was on a mountaintop with Elijah and Moses and when Jesus caused a dead little girl to come back to life.
This is a different James than the one who wrote a book in the Bible. Some languages may have to write their names differently to make it clear that they were two different men.

(See also: apostle, Elijah, James (brother of Jesus), James (son of Alphaeus), Moses)

Bible References:

Luke 09:28-29
Mark 01:19-20
Mark 01:29-31
Mark 03:17
Matthew 04:21-22
Matthew 17:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: G2385

Forms Found in the English ULB:

James son of Zebedee, James

Japheth

Facts:

Japheth was one of Noah's three sons.

During the worldwide flood that covered the whole earth, Japheth and his two brothers were with Noah in the ark, along with their wives.
Noah's sons are usually listed as, "Shem, Ham, and Japheth." This indicates that Japheth was the youngest brother.

(See also: ark, flood, Ham, Noah, Shem)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:04
Genesis 05:32
Genesis 06:10
Genesis 07:13-14
Genesis 10:1

Word Data:

Strong's: H3315

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Japheth, Japheth's

Jebus

Related Words

Jebusite

Facts:

The Jebusites were a people group living in the land of Canaan. They were descended from Ham's son Canaan.

The Jebusites lived in the city of Jebus, and its name was later changed to Jerusalem when King David conquered it.
Melchizedek, the king of Salem, was probably of Jebusite origin.

(See also: Canaan, Ham, Jerusalem, Melchizedek)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:14
1 Kings 09:20-21
Exodus 03:7-8
Genesis 10:16
Joshua 03:9-11
Judges 01:20-21

Word Data:

Strong's: H2982, H2983

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jebus, Jebusite, Jebusites

Jehoiachin

Facts:

Jehoiachin was a king who ruled over the kingdom of Judah.

Jehoiachin became king when he was 18 years old. He only reigned three months, and after that he was captured by the Babylonian army and taken to Babylon.
During his short reign, Jehoiachin did evil things like the ones his grandfather King Manasseh and his father King Jehoiakim had done.

(See also: Babylon, Jehoiakim, Judah, Manasseh)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 36:8
2 Kings 24:15-17
Esther 02:06
Ezekiel 01:1-3
Jeremiah 22:24
Jeremiah 37:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H3078, H3112, H3204, H3659

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jehoiachin, Jehoiachin's

Jehoiada

Facts:

Jehoiada was a priest who helped hide and protect King Ahaziah's son Joash until he was old enough to be declared king.

Jehoiada arranged for hundreds of bodyguards to protect young Joash as he was proclaimed king by the people in the temple.
Jehoiada led the people in getting rid of all the altars of the false god Baal.
For the rest of his life, Jehoiada the priest advised King Joash to help him obey God and rule the people wisely.
Another man named Jehoiada was the father of Benaiah.

(See also: Ahaziah, Baal, Benaiah, Joash)

Bible References:

2 Kings 11:04
2 Kings 12:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H3077

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jehoiada, Jehoiada's

Jehoiakim

Facts:

Jehoiakim was an evil king who reigned over the kingdom of Judah, beginning around 608 B.C. He was King Josiah's son. His name was originally Eliakim.

The Egyptian pharaoh Necho changed Eliakim's name to Jehoiakim and made him king of Judah.
Necho forced Jehoiakim to pay high taxes to Egypt.
When Judah was later invaded by King Nebuchadnezzar, Jehioakim was among those who were captured and taken to Babylon.
Jehoiakim was an evil king who led Judah away from Yahweh. Jeremiah the prophet prophesied against him.

(See also: Babylon, Eliakim, Jeremiah, Judah, Nebuchadnezzar)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 03:15-16
2 Kings 23:34-35
2 Kings 24:01
Daniel 01:02
Jeremiah 01:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H3079

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jehoiakim, Jehoiakim's

Jehoram

Facts:

"Jehoram" was the name of two kings in the Old Testament. Both kings were also known as "Joram."

One King Jehoram ruled over the kingdom of Judah for eight years. He was the son of King Jehoshaphat. This is the king that is most commonly known as Jehoram.
The other King Jehoram ruled over the kingdom of Israel for twelve years. He was the son of King Ahab.
King Jehoram of Judah reigned during the time that the prophets Jeremiah, Daniel, Obadiah, and Ezekiel were prophesying in the kingdom of Judah.
King Jehoram also reigned during some of the time that his father King Jehoshaphat was reigning over Judah.
Some translations may choose to consistently use the name "Jehoram" when the king of Israel is mentioned and the name "Joram" for the king of Judah.
Another way to clearly identify each one would be to include the name of his father.

(See also: Ahab, Jehoshaphat, Joram, Judah, kingdom of Israel, Obadiah)

Bible References:

1 Kings 22:48-50
2 Chronicles 21:03
2 Kings 11:1-3
2 Kings 12:18

Word Data:

Strong's: H3088, H3141, G2496

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jehoram, Jehoram's

Jehoshaphat

Facts:

Jehoshaphat was the name of at least two men in the Old Testament.

The best known man by this name was King Jehoshaphat who was the fourth king to rule over the kingdom of Judah.
He restored peace between Judah and Israel and destroyed the altars of false gods.
Another Jehoshaphat was a "recorder" for David and Solomon. His job included writing documents for the king to sign and recording the history of the important events that happened in the kingdom.

(See also: altar, David, god, Israel, Judah, priest, Solomon)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 03:10-12
1 Kings 04:17
2 Chronicles 17:01
2 Kings 01:17
2 Samuel 08:15-18
Matthew 01:7-8

Word Data:

Strong's: H3092, G2498

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat's

Jehu

Facts:

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

Jehu son of Hanani was a prophet during the reigns of King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah.
Jehu son (or descendant) of Jehoshaphat was a general in the Israelite army who was anointed king by order of the prophet Elisha.
King Jehu killed two evil kings, King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah.
King Jehu also killed all the relatives of the former King Ahab and had the evil queen Jezebel killed.
King Jehu destroyed all the places of Baal worship in Samaria and killed all the prophets of Baal.
King Jehu served the only true God, Yahweh, and was king over Israel for twenty-eight years.

(See also: Ahab, Ahaziah, Baal, Elisha, Jehoshaphat, Jehu, Jezebel, Joram, Judah, Samaria)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 04:35
1 Kings 16:02
2 Chronicles 19:1-3
2 Kings 10:09
Hosea 01:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H3058

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jehu, Jehu's

Jephthah

Facts:

Jephthah was a warrior from Gilead who served as a judge over Israel.

In Hebrews 11:32, Jephthah is praised as an important leader who delivered his people from their enemies.
He rescued the Israelites from the Ammonites and led his people to defeat the Ephraimites.
Jepthah however, made a foolish, hasty vow to God which resulted in the sacrifice of his daughter.

(See also: Ammon, deliver, Ephraim, judge, vow)

Bible References:

Hebrews 11:32-34
Judges 11:1-3
Judges 11:35
Judges 12:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H3316

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jephthah, Jephthah's

Jeremiah

Facts:

Jeremiah was a prophet of God in the kingdom of Judah. The Old Testament book of Jeremiah contains his prophecies.

Like most of the prophets, Jeremiah often had to warn the people of Israel that God was going to punish them for their sins.
Jeremiah prophesied that the Babylonians would capture Jerusalem, making some of the people of Judah angry. So they put him in a deep, dry well and left him there to die. But the king of Judah ordered his servants to rescue Jeremiah from the well.
Jeremiah wrote that he wished his eyes could be a "fountain of tears," to express his deep sadness over the rebellion and sufferings of his people.

(See also: Babylon, Judah, prophet, rebel, suffer, well)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 35:25
Jeremiah 01:02
Jeremiah 11:01
Matthew 02:18
Matthew 16:13-16
Matthew 27:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H3414, G2408

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jeremiah, Jeremiah's

Jericho

Facts:

Jericho was a powerful city in the land of Canaan. It was located just west of the Jordan River and just north of the Salt Sea.

As all Canaanites did, the people of Jericho worshiped false gods.
Jericho was the first city in the land of Canaan that God told the Israelites to conquer.
When Joshua led the Israelites against Jericho, God did a great miracle to help them defeat the city.

(See also: Canaan, Jordan River, Joshua, miracle, Salt Sea)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 06:78
Joshua 02:1-3
Joshua 07:2-3
Luke 18:35
Mark 10:46-48
Matthew 20:29-31
Numbers 22:1

Word Data:

Strong's: H3405, G2410

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jericho, Jericho's

Jeroboam

Facts:

Jeroboam son of Nebat was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel around 900-910 BC. Another Jeroboam, son of King Jehoash, ruled over Israel about 120 years later.

Yahweh gave Jeroboam son of Nebat a prophecy that he would become king after Solomon and that he would rule ten tribes of Israel.
When Solomon died, the ten northern tribes of Israel rebelled against Solomon's son Rehoboam and instead made Jeroboam their king, leaving Rehoboam as king of only the southern two tribes, Judah and Benjamin.
Jeroboam became a wicked king who led the people away from worshiping Yahweh and instead set up idols for them to worship. All the other kings of Israel followed Jeroboam's example and were evil like he was.
Almost 120 years later, another King Jeroboam began ruling the northern kingdom of Israel. This Jeroboam was the son of King Jehoash and was wicked like all the previous kings of Israel had been.
In spite of the Israelite's wickedness, God had mercy on them and helped this King Jeroboam to gain land and establish boundaries for their territory.

(See also: god, kingdom of Israel, Judah, Solomon)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 05:16-17
1 Kings 12:02
2 Chronicles 09:29
2 Kings 03:1-3
Amos 01:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H3379

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jeroboam, Jeroboam's

Jerusalem

Facts:

Jerusalem was originally an ancient Canaanite city that later became the most important city in Israel. It is located about 34 kilometers west of the Salt Sea and just north of Bethlehem. It is still the capital city of Israel today.

The name "Jerusalem" is first mentioned in the book of Joshua. Other Old Testament names for this city include "Salem" "city of Jebus," and "Zion." Both "Jerusalem" and "Salem," have the root meaning of "peace."
Jerusalem was originally a Jebusite fortress called "Zion" which King David captured and made into his capital city.
It was in Jerusalem that David's son Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem, on Mount Moriah, which was the mountain where Abraham had offered his son Isaac to God. The temple was rebuilt there after it was destroyed by the Babylonians.
Because the temple was in Jerusalem, the major Jewish festivals were celebrated there.
People normally referred to going "up" to Jerusalem since it is located in the mountains.

(See also: Babylon, Christ, David, Jebus, Jesus, Solomon, temple, Zion)

Bible References:

Galatians 04:26-27
John 02:13
Luke 04:9-11
Luke 13:05
Mark 03:7-8
Mark 03:20-22
Matthew 03:06
Matthew 04:23-25
Matthew 20:17

Word Data:

Strong's: H3389, H3390, G2414, G2415, G2419

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jerusalem, Jerusalem's

Jesse

Facts:

Jesse was the father of King David and the grandson of Ruth and Boaz.

Jesse was from the tribe of Judah.
He was an "Ephrathite," which means he was from the town of Ephrathah (Bethlehem).
The prophet Isaiah prophesied about a "shoot" or "branch" that would come from the "root of Jesse" and bear fruit. This refers to Jesus, who was a descendant of Jesse.

(See also: Bethlehem, Boaz, descendant, fruit, Jesus, king, prophet, Ruth, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 02:12
1 Kings 12:16
1 Samuel 16:1
Luke 03:32
Matthew 01:4-6

Word Data:

Strong's: H3448, G2421

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jesse, Jesse's

Jesus

Related Ideas:

the Lord Jesus

Facts:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: Christ, God, God the Father, high priest, kingdom of God, Mary, Savior, Son of God)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: G2424

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jesus, the Lord Jesus

Jethro

Facts:

The names "Jethro" and "Reuel" both refer to the father of Moses' wife, Zipporah. There were also two other men named "Reuel" in the Old Testament.

When Moses was a shepherd in the land of Midian, he married the daughter of a Midianite man named Reuel.
Later on Reuel is referred to as "Jethro, the priest of Midian." It could be that "Reuel" was his clan name.
When God spoke to Moses from a flaming bush, Moses was tending Jethro's sheep
Some time later, after God had rescued the Israelites from Egypt, Jethro came out to the Israelites in the wilderness and gave Moses good advice about judging the affairs of the people.
He believed in God when he heard about all the miracles God had done for the Israelites in Egypt.
One of Esau's sons was named Reuel.
Another man named Reuel is mentioned in the genealogy of the Israelites who returned to resettle in Judah after their captivity in Babylon had ended.

(See also: captive, clan, desert, Egypt, Esau, miracle, Moses, desert)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:34-37
Exodus 02:18-20
Exodus 03:1-3
Exodus 18:03
Numbers 10:29

Word Data:

Strong's: H3503, H7467

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jethro, Reuel

Jew

Related Ideas:

Jewish, person of Judah

Facts:

Jews are people who are descendants of Abraham's grandson Jacob. The word "Jew" comes from the word "Judah."

People began to call the Israelites "Jews" after they returned to Judah from their exile in Babylon.
Jesus the Messiah was Jewish. However, the Jewish religious leaders rejected Jesus and demanded that he be killed.
Often the phrase "the Jews" refers to the leaders of the Jews, not all the Jewish people. In those contexts, some translations add "leaders of" to make this clear.

(See also: Abraham, Jacob, Israel, Babylon, Jewish authorities)

Bible References:

Acts 02:05
Acts 10:28
Acts 14:5-7
Colossians 03:11
John 02:14
Matthew 28:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H3054, H3061, H3062, H3064, H3066, G2450, G2451, G2452, G2453

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jew, Jewish, Jews, Jews', a person of Judah, the language of Judah, the people of Judah

Jewish authorities

Related Ideas:

Jewish leader

Definitions:

The term "Jewish leader" or "Jewish authority" refers to religious leaders such as the priests and teachers of God's laws. They also had the authority to make judgments about non-religious matters as well.

The Jewish leaders were the high priests, chief priests, and scribes (teachers of God's laws).
Two main groups of Jewish leaders were the Pharisees and Saduccees.
Seventy Jewish leaders met together in the Jewish Council in Jerusalem to make judgments about matters of law.
Many Jewish leaders were proud and thought they were righteous. They were jealous of Jesus and wanted to harm him. They claimed to know God but did not obey him.
Often the phrase "the Jews" referred to the Jewish leaders, especially in contexts where they were angry at Jesus and were trying to trick or harm him.
These terms could also be translated as "Jewish rulers" or "men who ruled over the Jewish people" or "Jewish religious leaders."

(See also: Jew, chief priests, council, high priest, Pharisee, priest, Sadducee, scribe)

Bible References:

Exodus 16:22-23
John 02:19
John 05:10-11
John 05:16
Luke 19:47-48

Word Data:

Strong's: G2453

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jewish authorities, Jewish leader

Jezebel

Facts:

Jezebel was the wicked wife of King Ahab of Israel.

Jezebel influenced Ahab and the rest of Israel to worship idols.
She also killed many of God's prophets.
Jezebel caused an innocent man named Naboth to be killed so that Ahab could steal Naboth's vineyard.
Jezebel was finally killed due to all the evil things she had done. Elijah prophesied about how she would die and it happened exactly as he had predicted.

(See also: Ahab, Elijah, god)

Bible References:

1 Kings 16:31-33
1 Kings 19:1-3
2 Kings 09:07
2 Kings 09:31
Revelation 02:20

Word Data:

Strong's: H348, G2403

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jezebel, Jezebel's

Jezreel

Related Words:

Jezreelite

Facts:

Jezreel was an important Israelite city in the territory of the Issachar tribe, located southwest of the Salt Sea. A Jezreelite is a person from this city.

The city of Jezreel is one of the western points in the Plain of Megiddo, which is also called the "Valley of Jezreel."
Several kings of Israel had their palaces in the city of Jezreel.
Naboth's vineyard was located near King Ahab's palace in Jezreel. The prophet Elijah prophesied against Ahab there.
Ahab's evil wife Jezebel was killed in Jezreel.
Many other significant events happened in this city, including several battles.

(See also: Ahab, Elijah, Issachar, Jezebel, palace, Salt Sea)

Bible References:

1 Kings 04:12
1 Samuel 25:43-44
2 Kings 08:28-29
2 Samuel 02:1-3
Judges 06:33

Word Data:

Strong's: H3157, H3158, H3159

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jezreel, Jezreelite

Joab

Facts:

Joab was an important military leader for King David throughout David's entire reign.

Before David became king, Joab had already been one of his loyal followers.
Later, during David's reign as king over Israel, Joab became the commander of King David's army.
Joab was also King David's nephew, since his mother was one of David's sisters.
When David's son Absalom betrayed him by trying to take over his kingship, Joab killed Absalom in order to protect the king.
Joab was a very aggressive fighter and killed many people who were enemies of Israel.

(See also: Absalom, David)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 02:16-17
1 Kings 01:07
1 Samuel 26:6-8
2 Samuel 02:18
Nehemiah 07:11

Word Data:

Strong's: H3097

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joab, Joab's

Joash

Facts:

Joash was the name of several men in the Old Testament.

One Joash was the father of the Israelite deliverer Gideon.
Another man named Joash was a descendant of Jacob's youngest son, Benjamin.
The most well-known Joash became king of Judah at the age of seven. He was the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, who had been murdered.
When Joash was a very young child, his aunt saved him from being killed by hiding him away until he was old enough to be crowned king.
King Joash was a good king who at first obeyed God. But he did not remove the high places, and the Israelites started worshiping idols again.
King Joash ruled Judah during some of the years that King Jehoash was ruling Israel. They were two distinct kings.

(See also: Ahaziah, altar, Benjamin, god, Gideon, high place, god)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 03:10-12
2 Chronicles 18:25-27
2 Kings 11:03
Amos 01:01
Judges 06:11-12

Word Data:

Strong's: H3101, H3135

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joash, Joash's

Job

Facts:

Job was a man who is described in the Bible as blameless and righteous before God. He is best known for persevering in his faith in God through times of terrible suffering.

Job lived in the land of Uz, which was located somewhere east of the land of Canaan, possibly near the region of the Edomites.
It is thought that he lived during the time of Esau and Jacob because one of Job's friends was a "Temanite," which was a people group named after Esau's grandson.
The Old Testament book of Job tells about how Job and others responded to his suffering. It also gives God's viewpoint as the sovereign creator and ruler of the universe.
After all the disasters, God eventually healed Job and gave him more children and wealth.
The book of Job says that he was very old when he died.

(See also: Abraham, Esau, flood, JacobNoah, people group)

Bible References:

Ezekiel 14:12-14
James 05:9-11
Job 01:01
Job 03:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H347, G2492

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Job, Job's

Joel

Facts:

Joel was a prophet who probably lived during the reign of King Joash of Judah. There were also several other men in the Old Testament named Joel.

The book of Joel is one of twelve short prophetic books in the last section of the Old Testament.
The only personal information we have about the prophet Joel is that his father's name was Pethuel.
In his sermon at Pentecost, the apostle Peter quoted from the book of Joel.

(See also: Joash, Judah, Pentecost)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 06:33-35
1 Samuel 08:1-3
Acts 02:16
Ezra 10:43
Joel 01:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H3100, G2493

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joel, Joel's

John Mark

Facts:

John Mark, also known as "Mark," was one of the men who traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys. He is most likely the author of the Gospel of Mark.

John Mark accompanied his cousin Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey.
When Peter was put in prison in Jerusalem, the believers there were praying for him at John Mark's mother's house.
Mark was not an apostle, but was taught by both Paul and Peter and worked together with them in ministry.

(See also: Barnabas, Paul)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 04:11-13
Acts 12:24-25
Acts 13:05
Acts 13:13
Acts 15:36-38
Acts 15:39-41
Colossians 04:10-11

Word Data:

Strong's: G2491, G3138

Forms Found in the English ULB:

John Mark, John ... Mark, Mark

John the Baptist

Facts:

John was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Since "John" was a common name, he is often called "John the Baptist" to distinguish him from the other people named John, such as the Apostle John.

John was the prophet whom God sent to prepare people to believe in and follow the Messiah.
John told people to confess their sins, turn to God, and stop sinning, so that they would be ready to receive the Messiah.
John baptized many people in water as a sign that they were sorry for their sins and were turning away from them.
John was called "John the Baptist" because he baptized many people.

(See also: baptize, Zechariah (NT))

Bible References:

John 03:22-24
Luke 01:11-13
Luke 01:62-63
Luke 03:7
Luke 03:15-16
Luke 07:27-28
Matthew 03:13
Matthew 11:14

Word Data:

Strong's: G910 G2491

Forms Found in the English ULB:

John the Baptist, Baptist, John the Baptist, John's

John the apostle

Facts:

John was one of Jesus' twelve apostles and one of Jesus' closest friends.

John and his brother James were sons of a fisherman named Zebedee.
In the gospel that he wrote about Jesus' life, John referred to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." This seems to indicate that John was an especially close friend of Jesus.
The apostle John wrote five New Testament books: the gospel of John, the Revelation of Jesus Christ, and three letters written to other believers.
Note that the apostle John was a different person than John the Baptist.

(See also: apostle, reveal, James (son of Zebedee), John (the Baptist), Zebedee)

Bible References:

Galatians 02:9-10
John 01:19-21
Mark 03:17-19
Matthew 04:21-22
Revelation 01:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: G2491

Forms Found in the English ULB:

John

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

Jonathan

Facts:

Jonathan was the name of at least ten men in the Old Testament. The name means "Yahweh has given."

David's best friend, Jonathan, is the most well-known Jonathan in the Bible with this name. This Jonathan was King Saul's oldest son.
Other Jonathans mentioned in the Old Testament include a descendant of Moses; a nephew of King David; several priests, including a son of Abiathar; and an Old Testament scribe in whose house the prophet Jeremiah was imprisoned.

(See also: Abiathar, David, Moses, Jeremiah, priest, Saul (OT), scribe)

Bible References:

1 Kings 01:41-42
1 Samuel 14:1
1 Samuel 20:02
2 Samuel 01:3-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H3083, H3129

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jonathan, Jonathan'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

Joram

Facts:

Joram son of Ahab was a king of Israel. He was also sometimes referred to as "Jehoram."

King Joram of Israel reigned at the same time as King Jehoram of Judah.
Joram was an evil king who worshiped false gods and caused Israel to sin.
King Joram of Israel also reigned during the time of the prophets Elijah and Obadiah.
Another man named Joram was the son of King Tou of Hamath when David was king.

(See also: Ahab, David, Elijah, Hamath, Jehoram, kingdom of Israel, Judah, Obadiah, prophet)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 03:10-12
2 Chronicles 22:4-5
2 Kings 01:17
2 Kings 08:16

Word Data:

Strong's: H3088, H3141, G2496

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joram, Joram's

Jordan River

Facts:

The Jordan River is a river that flows from north to south, and forms the eastern boundary of the land that was called Canaan.

Today, the Jordan River separates the countries of Israel and Jordan. Israel is on the west side of the river, and Jordan is on the east side of the river.
The Jordan River flows through the Sea of Galilee and then empties into the Dead Sea.
When Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan, they had to cross the Jordan River. It was too deep to cross normally, but God miraculously stopped the river from flowing so they could walk across the river bed.
Often in the Bible the Jordan River is referred to as "the Jordan."

(See also: Canaan, Salt Sea, Sea of Galilee)

Bible References:

Genesis 32:9-10
John 01:26-28
John 03:25-26
Luke 03:3
Matthew 03:06
Matthew 03:13-15
Matthew 04:14-16
Matthew 19:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H3383, G2446

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jordan River, Jordan

Joseph (New Testament)

Facts:

In the New Testament, one of the men named Joseph was Mary's husband. This Joseph was the husband of Jesus' mother Mary. Joseph raised Jesus as if Jesus were his son. Joseph was a righteous man who worked as a carpenter.

Joseph became engaged to a Jewish girl named Mary, while they were engaged God chose her to become the mother of Jesus the Messiah.
An angel told Joseph that the Holy Spirit had miraculously caused Mary to be pregnant, and that Mary's baby was the Son of God.
After Jesus was born, an angel warned Joseph to take the baby and Mary to Egypt in order to escape from Herod.
Joseph and his family later lived in the city of Nazareth of Galilee, where he earned a living doing carpentry work.

(See also: Christ, Galilee, Jesus, Nazareth, Son of God, virgin)

Bible References:

John 01:43-45
Luke 01:26-29
Luke 02:4-5
Luke 02:15-16
Matthew 01:18-19
Matthew 01:24-25
Matthew 02:19-21
Matthew 13:54-56

Word Data:

Strong's: G2500, G2501

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joseph

Joseph (Old Testament)

Facts:

In the Old Testament, Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son of his mother Rachel.

Joseph was his father's favorite son.
His brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery.
While in Egypt, Joseph was falsely accused and put into prison.
In spite of his difficulties, Joseph remained faithful to God.
God brought him to the second highest place of power in Egypt and used him to save people in a time when there was little food. The people of Egypt, as well as his own family, were kept from starving.

(See also: Egypt, Jacob)

Bible References:

Genesis 30:22-24
Genesis 33:1-3
Genesis 37:1-2
Genesis 37:23-24
Genesis 41:55-57
John 04:4-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H3084, G2501

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joseph, Joseph's

Joshua

Facts:

There were several Israelite men named Joshua in the Bible. The most well-known is Joshua son of Nun who was Moses' helper and who later became an important leader of God's people.

Joshua was one of the twelve spies whom Moses sent to explore the Promised Land.
Along with Caleb, Joshua urged the Israelite people to obey God's command to enter the Promised Land and defeat the Canaanites.
Many years later, after Moses died, God appointed Joshua to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land.
In the first and most famous battle against the Canaanites, Joshua led the Israelites to defeat the city of Jericho.
The Old Testament book of Joshua tells how Joshua led the Israelites in taking control of the Promised Land and how he assigned each tribe of Israel a part of the land to live on.
Joshua son of Jozadak is mentioned in the books of Haggai and Zechariah; he was a high priest who helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
There are several other men named Joshua mentioned in the genealogies and elsewhere in the Bible.

(See also: Canaan, Haggai, Jericho, Moses, Promised Land, Zechariah (OT))

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 07:25-27
Deuteronomy 03:21
Exodus 17:10
Joshua 01:03
Numbers 27:19

Word Data:

Strong's: H1954, H3091, G2424

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joshua, Joshua's

Josiah

Facts:

Josiah was a godly king who reigned over the kingdom of Judah for thirty-one years. He led the people of Judah to repent and worship Yahweh.

After his father King Amon was killed, Josiah became king over Judah at eight years of age.
In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah ordered Hilkiah the high priest to rebuild the temple of the Lord. While this was being done, the books of the Law were found.
When the books of the Law were read to Josiah, he was grieved at how his people were disobeying God. He ordered that all the places of idol worship be destroyed and that the priests of the false gods be killed.
He also ordered the people to start celebrating the Passover feast again.

(See also: god, Judah, law, Passover, temple)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 03:13-14
2 Chronicles 33:24-25
2 Chronicles 34:03
Jeremiah 01:03
Matthew 01:11

Word Data:

Strong's: H2977, G2502

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Josiah, Josiah's

Jotham

Facts:

In the Old Testament, there were three men with the name Jotham.

One man named Jotham was the youngest son of Gideon. Jotham helped defeat his older brother Abimelech, who had killed all the rest of their brothers.
Another man named Jotham was a king over Judah for sixteen years following the death of his father Uzziah (Azariah).
Like his father, King Jotham obeyed God and was a good king.
However, by not removing the places of idol worship he caused the people of Judah to later turn away from God again.
Jotham is also one of the ancestors listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the book of Matthew.

(See also: Abimelek, Ahaz, Gideon, Uzziah)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 26:21
2 Kings 15:05
Isaiah 01:1
Judges 09:5-6

Word Data:

Strong's: H3147

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jotham, Jotham's

Judah

Facts:

Judah was one of Jacob's older sons. His mother was Leah. His descendants were called the "tribe of Judah."

It was Judah who told his brothers to sell their younger brother Joseph as a slave instead of leaving him to die in a deep pit.
King David and all the kings after him were descendants of Judah. Jesus, too, was a descendant of Judah.
When Solomon's reign ended and the nation of Israel divided, the kingdom of Judah was the southern kingdom.
In the New Testament book of Revelation, Jesus is called the "Lion of Judah."
The words "Jew" and "Judea" come from the name "Judah."

(See also: Jacob, Jew, Judah, Judea, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 02:1-2
1 Kings 01:09
Genesis 29:35
Genesis 38:02
Luke 03:33
Ruth 01:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H3061, H3063

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Judah, Judah's

Judah

Facts:

The tribe of Judah was the largest of the twelve tribes of Israel. The kingdom of Judah was made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

After King Solomon died, the nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms: Israel and Judah. The kingdom of Judah was the southern kingdom, located west of the Salt Sea.
The capital city of the kingdom of Judah was Jerusalem.
Eight kings of Judah obeyed Yahweh and led the people to worship him. The other kings of Judah were evil and led the people to worship idols.
Over 120 years after Assyria defeated Israel (the northern kingdom), Judah was conquered by the nation of Babylon. The Babylonians destroyed the city and the temple, and took most of the people of Judah to Babylon as captives.

(See also: Judah, Salt Sea)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 30:26-28
2 Samuel 12:08
Hosea 05:14
Jeremiah 07:33
Judges 01:16-17

Word Data:

Strong's: H4438, H3063, G2455

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Judah, kingdom of Judah, language of Judah

Judaism

Definition:

The term "Judaism" refers to the religion practiced by the Jews.

The word “Judaism” only appears in the New Testament, since the term did not exist before that time.
Judaism includes all the Old Testament laws and instructions that God gave to the Israelites to obey. It also includes the customs and traditions that have been added to the Jewish religion over time.
When translating, the term "Jewish religion" or "religion of the Jews" can be used in both the Old and New Testaments.
When translating the word “Judaism”, the term “Jewish religion” or “religion of the Jews” can be used.

(See also: Jew, law of Moses)

Bible References:

Galatians 01:13
Galatians 01:14

Word Data:

Strong's: G2454

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Judaism

Judas Iscariot

Related Words

Judas son of Simon Iscariot

Facts:

Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus' apostles. He was the one who betrayed Jesus to the Jewish leaders.

The name "Iscariot" may mean "from Kerioth," perhaps indicating that Judas grew up in that city.
Judas Iscariot managed the apostles' money and regularly stole some of it to use for himself.
Judas betrayed Jesus by telling the religious leaders where Jesus was so they could arrest him.
After the religious leaders condemned Jesus to die, Judas regretted that he had betrayed Jesus, so he gave the betrayal money back to the Jewish leaders and then killed himself.
Another apostle was also named Judas, as was one of Jesus' brothers. Jesus' brother was also known as "Jude."

(See also: apostle, betray, Jewish authorities, Judas son of James)

Bible References:

Luke 06:14-16
Luke 22:47-48
Mark 03:19
Mark 14:10-11
Matthew 26:23-25

Word Data:

Strong's: G2455, G2469

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Judas ... Iscariot

Judas son of James

Facts:

Judas son of James was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Note that he was not the same man as Judas Iscariot.

Often in the Bible, men with the same name were distinguished by mentioning whose son they were. Here, Judas was identified as the "son of James."
Another man named Judas was Jesus' brother. He was also known as "Jude."
The New Testament book called "Jude" was probably written by Jesus' brother Judas, since the author identified himself as the "brother of James." James was another brother of Jesus.
It is also possible that the book of Jude was written by Jesus' disciple, Judas, the son of James.

(See also: Judas Iscariot, son, the twelve)

Bible References:

Acts 01:12-14
Luke 06:14-16

Word Data:

Strong's: G2455

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Judas son of James

Judea

Facts:

The term "Judea" refers to an area of land in ancient Israel. It is sometimes used in a narrow sense and other times in a broad sense.

Sometimes "Judea" is used in a narrow sense to refer only to the province located in the southern part of ancient Israel just west of the Dead Sea. Some translations call this province "Judah."
Other times "Judea" has a broad sense and refers to all the provinces of ancient Israel, including Galilee, Samaria, Perea, Idumea and Judea (Judah).
If translators want to make the distinction clear, the broad sense of Judea could be translated as "Judea Country" and the narrow sense could be translated as "Judea Province," or "Judah Province" since this is the part of ancient Israel where the tribe of Judah had originally lived.

(See also: Galilee, Edom, Judah, Judah, Samaria)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 02:14
Acts 02:09
Acts 09:32
Acts 12:19
John 03:22-24
Luke 01:05
Luke 04:44
Luke 05:17
Mark 10:1-4
Matthew 02:01
Matthew 02:05
Matthew 02:22-23
Matthew 03:1-3
Matthew 19:01

Word Data:

Strong's: G2453

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Judea

Kadesh

Facts:

The names Kadesh, Kadesh-Barnea, and Meribah Kadesh all refer to an important city in Israel's history which was located in the southern part of Israel, near the region of Edom.

The city of Kadesh was an oasis, a place where there was water and fertile soil in the middle of a desert named Zin.
Moses sent twelve spies into the land of Canaan from Kadesh Barnea.
Israel also encamped at Kadesh during the wandering in the wilderness.
Kadesh Barnea was where Miriam died.
It was at Meribah Kadesh where Moses disobeyed God and hit a rock to get water for the Israelites, instead of speaking to it as God had told him to do.
The name "kadesh" comes from the Hebrew word meaning "holy" or "set apart."

(See also: desert, Edom, holy)

Bible References:

Ezekiel 48:28
Genesis 14:7-9
Genesis 16:14
Genesis 20:1-3
Joshua 10:40-41
Numbers 20:1

Word Data:

Strong's: H4809, H6946, H6947

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Kadesh, Kadesh-Barnea, Meribah Kadesh

Kedar

Facts:

Kedar was Ishmael's second son. It was also an important city, which was probably named after the man.

The city of Kedar is located in the northern part of Arabia near the southern border of Palestine. In Bible times, it was known for its greatness and beauty.
The descendants of Kedar formed a large people group that is also called "Kedar."
The phrase "dark tents of Kedar" refers to the black goathair tents the people of Kedar lived in.
These people raised sheep and goats. They also used camels for transporting things.
In the Bible, the phrase "the glory of Kedar" refers to the greatness of that city and its people.

(See also: Arabia, goat, Ishmael, sacrifice)

Bible References:

Song of Solomon 01:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H6938

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Kedar

Kedesh

Facts:

Kedesh was a Canaanite city that was taken over by the Israelites when they entered the land of Canaan.

This city was located in the northern part of Israel, in the portion of land that was given to the tribe of Naphtali.
Kedesh was one of the cities that was chosen as a place where the Levite priests could live, since they did not have any land of their own.
It was also set apart as a "city of refuge."

(See also: Canaan, Hebron, Levi, Naphtali, priest, refuge, Shechem, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 06:72
Joshua 19:37
Judges 04:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H6943

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Kedesh

Kerethites

Facts:

The Kerethites were a people group who were probably part of the Philistines. Some versions write this name as "Cherethites."

The "Kerethites and Pelethites" were a special group of soldiers from King David's army who were especially devoted to him as his bodyguards.
Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, a member of David's administrative corps, was the leader of the Kerethites and Pelethites.
The Kerethites remained with David when he had to flee Jerusalem because of Absalom's revolt.

(See also: Absalom, Benaiah, David, Philistines)

Bible References:

Zephaniah 02:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H3774

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Kerethites

Kidron Valley

Facts:

The Kidron Valley is a deep valley just outside the city of Jerusalem, between its eastern wall and the Mount of Olives.

The valley is over 1,000 meters deep and about 32 kilometers long.
When King David was fleeing from his son Absalom, he went through the Kidron Valley to get to the Mount of Olives.
King Josiah and King Asa of Judah ordered that the high places and altars of false gods be smashed and burned; the ashes were thrown into the Kidron Valley.
During the reign of King Hezekiah, the Kidron Valley was where the priests threw everything impure that they removed from the temple.
The evil queen Athaliah was killed in this valley because of the wicked things she had done.

(See also: Absalom, Asa, Athaliah, David, god, Hezekiah, high place, Josiah, Judah, Mount of Olives)

Bible References:

John 18:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H5674, H6939, G2748, G5493

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Kidron Valley, Kidron

King of the Jews

Definition:

The term "King of the Jews" is a title that refers to Jesus, the Messiah.

The first time the Bible records this title is when it was used by the wise men who traveled to Bethlehem looking for the baby who was "King of the Jews."
The angel revealed to Mary that her son, a descendant of King David, would be a king whose reign would last forever.
Before Jesus was crucified, Roman soldiers mockingly called Jesus "King of the Jews." This title was also written on a piece of wood and nailed to the top of Jesus' cross.
Jesus truly is the King of the Jews and the king over all creation.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "King of the Jews" could also be translated as "king over the Jews" or "king who rules over the Jews" or "supreme ruler of the Jews."
Check to see how the phrase "king of" is translated in other places in the translation.

(See also: descendant, Jew, Jesus, king, kingdom, kingdom of God, wise men)

Bible References:

Luke 23:03
Luke 23:38
Matthew 02:02
Matthew 27:11
Matthew 27:35-37

Word Data:

Strong's: G935, G2453

Forms Found in the English ULB:

King of the Jews, king of the Jews

Korah

Facts:

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

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: H7141

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Korah, Korahite, Korahites

Laban

Facts:

In the Old Testament, Laban was the uncle and father-in-law of Jacob.

Jacob lived with Laban's household in Padan Aram and managed his sheep and goats as a condition of marriage to Laban's daughters.
Jacob's preference was for Laban's daughter Rachel to be his wife.
Laban deceived Jacob and made him marry his oldest daughter Leah first before giving Rachel to him as his wife.

(See also: Jacob, Nahor, Leah, Rachel)

Bible References:

Genesis 24:30
Genesis 24:50
Genesis 27:43
Genesis 28:1-2
Genesis 29:05
Genesis 29:13
Genesis 30:26
Genesis 46:16-18

Word Data:

Strong's: H3837

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Laban, Laban's

Lamech

Facts:

Lamech was the name of two men mentioned in the book of Genesis.

The first Lamech mentioned was a descendant of Cain. He boasted to his two wives that he had killed a man for injuring him.
The second Lamech was a descendant of Seth. He was also the father of Noah.

(See also: Cain, Noah, Seth)

Bible References:

Genesis 04:18-19
Genesis 04:24
Genesis 05:25
Genesis 05:29
Genesis 05:31
Luke 03:36

Word Data:

Strong's: H3929, G2984

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lamech, Lamech's

Lazarus

Facts:

Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were special friends of Jesus. Jesus often stayed with them in their home in Bethany.

Lazarus is best known for the fact that Jesus raised him from the dead after he had been buried in a tomb for several days.
The Jewish leaders were angry at Jesus and jealous that he had done this miracle, and they tried to find a way to kill both Jesus and Lazarus.
Jesus also told a parable about a poor beggar and a rich man in which the beggar was named "Lazarus."

(See also: beg, Jewish authorities, Martha, Mary, raise)

Bible References:

John 11:11
John 12:1-3
Luke 16:21

Word Data:

Strong's: G2976

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lazarus, Lazarus'

Leah

Facts:

Leah was one of Jacob's wives. She was the mother of ten of Jacob's sons and their descendants were ten of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Leah's father was Laban, who was the brother of Jacob's mother Rebekah.
Jacob didn't love Leah as much as he loved his other wife, Rachel, but God abundantly blessed Leah by giving her many children.
Leah's son Judah was an ancestor of King David and Jesus.

(See also: Jacob, Judah, Laban, Rachel, Rebekah, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

Genesis 29:17
Genesis 29:28
Genesis 31:06
Ruth 04:11

Word Data:

Strong's: H3812

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Leah, Leah's

Lebanon

Facts:

Lebanon is a beautiful mountainous region located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, north of Israel. In Bible times this region was thickly wooded with fir trees, such as cedar and cypress.

King Solomon sent workers to Lebanon to harvest cedar trees for use in building God's temple.
Ancient Lebanon was inhabited by Phoenician people, who were skilled builders of ships that were used for a successful trading industry.
The cities of Tyre and Sidon were located in Lebanon. It was in these cities that a valuable purple dye was first used.

(See also: cedar, cypress, fir, Phoenicia)

Bible References:

1 Kings 04:32-34
2 Chronicles 02:8-10
Deuteronomy 01:7-8
Psalms 029:3-5
Zechariah 10:8-10

Word Data:

Strong's: H3844

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lebanon

Levi

Facts:

Levi was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, or Israel. The term "Levite" refers to a person who is a member of the Israelite tribe whose ancestor was Levi.

The Levites were responsible for taking care of the temple and conducting religious rituals, including offering sacrifices and prayers.
All Jewish priests were Levites, descended from Levi and part of the tribe of Levi. (Not all Levites were priests, however.)
The Levite priests were set apart and dedicated for the special work of serving God in the temple.
Two other men named "Levi" were ancestors of Jesus, and their names are in the genealogy in the gospel of Luke.
Jesus' disciple Matthew was also called Levi.

(See also: Matthew, priest, sacrifice, temple, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 02:1-2
1 Kings 08:3-5
Acts 04:36-37
Genesis 29:34
John 01:19-21
Luke 10:32

Word Data:

Strong's: H3878, H3879, H3881, G3017, G3018, G3019, G3020

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Levi, Levite, Levites, Levitical, Levi's, Levite's, Levites'

Leviathan

Facts:

The term "Leviathan" refers to a very large, extinct animal mentioned in the earliest writings of the Old Testament, the books of Job, Psalms, and Isaiah.

Leviathan is described as a large, snake-like creature, strong and fierce and able to make the water around it "boil." The descriptions of it were similar to that of a dinosaur.
Isaiah the prophet refered to Leviathan as "the gliding serpent".
Job wrote from firsthand knowledge of Leviathan, so the animal was most likely alive during his lifetime.

(See also: Isaiah, Job, serpent)

Bible References:

Job 03:08
Psalms 104:25-26

Word Data:

Strong's: H3882

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Leviathan

Lord Yahweh

Related Ideas:

Yahweh God

Facts:

In the Old Testament, "Lord Yahweh" is frequently used to refer to the one true God.

The term "Lord" is a divine title and "Yahweh" is God's personal name.
"Yahweh" is also often combined with the term "God" to form "Yahweh God."

Translation Suggestions:

If some form of "Yahweh" is used for the translation of God's personal name, the terms "Lord Yahweh" and "Yahweh God" can be translated literally. Also consider how the term "Lord" is translated in other contexts when referring to God.
Some languages put titles after the name and would translate this as "Yahweh Lord." Consider what is natural in the project language: should the title "Lord" come before or after "Yahweh"?
"Yahweh God" could also be rendered as "God who is called Yahweh" or "God who is the Living One" or "I am, who is God."
If the translation follows the tradition of rendering "Yahweh" as "Lord" or "LORD," the term "Lord Yahweh" could be translated as "Lord God" or "God who is the Lord." Other possible translations could be, "Master LORD" or "God the LORD."
The term "Lord Yahweh" should not be rendered as "Lord LORD" because readers may not notice the difference in letter size that has traditionally been used to distinguish these two words and it would look very strange.

(See also: God, lord, lord, Yahweh)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 04:3-4
2 Samuel 07:21-23
Deuteronomy 03:23-25
Ezekiel 39:25-27
Ezekiel 45:18
Jeremiah 44:26
Judges 06:22
Micah 01:2-4

Word Data:

Strong's: H136, H3068

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lord Yahweh, Yahweh God

Lord's Supper

Definition:

The term "Lord's Supper" was used by the apostle Paul to refer to the Passover meal that Jesus ate with his disciples on the night he was arrested by the Jewish leaders.

During this meal, Jesus broke the Passover bread into pieces and called it his body, which would soon be beaten and killed.
He called the cup of wine his blood, which would soon be spilled out as he died as a sacrifice for sin.
Jesus commanded that as often as his followers shared this meal together, they should remember his death and resurrection.
In his letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul also further established the Lord's Supper as a regular practice for believers in Jesus.
Churches today often use the term "communion" to refer to the Lord's Supper. The term "Last Supper" is also sometimes used.

Translation Suggestions:

This term could also be translated as "the Lord's meal" or "the meal of our Lord Jesus" or "the meal in memory of the Lord Jesus."

(See also: Passover)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 11:20
1 Corinthians 11:25-26

Word Data:

Strong's: G1173, G2960

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lord's Supper

Lot

Facts:

Lot was Abraham's nephew.

He was the son of Abraham's brother Haran.
Lot traveled with Abraham to the land of Canaan and settled in the city of Sodom.
Lot was the ancestor of the Moabites and Ammonites.
When enemy kings attacked Sodom and captured Lot, Abraham came with several hundred men to rescue Lot and recover his belongings.
The people living in the city of Sodom were very wicked, so God destroyed that city. But he first told Lot and his family to leave the city so that that they could escape.

(See also: Abraham, Ammon, Haran, Moab, Sodom)

Bible References:

2 Peter 02:08
Genesis 11:27-28
Genesis 12:4-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H3876, G3091

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lot, Lot's

Luke

Facts:

Luke wrote two books of the New Testament: the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul refers to Luke as a doctor. Paul also mentions Luke in two of his other letters.
It is thought that Luke was a Greek and a Gentile who came to know Christ. In his gospel, Luke includes several accounts that highlight Jesus' love for all peoples, both Jews and Gentiles.
Luke accompanied Paul on two of his missionary journeys and helped him in his work.
In some early church writings, it is said that Luke was born in the city of Antioch in Syria.

(See also: Antioch, Paul, Syria)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 04:11-13
Colossians 04:12-14
Philemon 01:24

Word Data:

Strong's: G3065

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Luke, Luke's

Lystra

Facts:

Lystra was a city in ancient Asia Minor that Paul visited on one of his missionary journeys. It was located in the region of Lycaonia, which is now in the modern-day country of Turkey.

Paul and his companions escaped to Derbe and Lystra when they were threatened by the Jews in Iconium.
In Lystra, Paul met Timothy, who became a fellow evangelist and church planter.
After Paul healed a crippled man in Lystra, the people there tried to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods, but the apostles rebuked them and stopped them from doing that.

(See also: evangelist, Iconium, Timothy)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 03:10-13
Acts 14:06
Acts 14:08
Acts 14:21-22

Word Data:

Strong's: G3082

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lystra

Maakah

Facts:

Maakah (or Maacah) was one of the sons of Abraham's brother Nahor. Other people in the Old Testament also had this name.

The city of Maakah or Beth Maakah was located in the far north of Israel, in the region occupied by the tribe of Naphtali.
It was an important city and was attacked by enemies on several occasions.
Maakah was the name of several women, including the mother of David's son Absalom.
King Asa removed his grandmother Maacah from being queen because she had promoted Asherah worship.

(See also: Asa, Asherah, Nahor, Naphtali, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

Word Data:

Strong's: H4601

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Maakah, Maakah's

Macedonia

Related Words

Macedonian

Facts:

In New Testament times, Macedonia was a Roman province located just north of ancient Greece.

Some important Macedonian cities mentioned in the Bible were Berea, Philippi and Thessalonica.
Through a vision, God told Paul to preach the gospel to the people in Macedonia.
Paul and his coworkers went to Macedonia and taught the people there about Jesus and helped the new believers to grow in their faith.
In the Bible there are letters that Paul wrote to the believers in the Macedonian cities of Philippi and Thessalonica.

(See also: believe, Berea, faith, good news, Greece, Philippi, Thessalonica)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 01:6-7
1 Thessalonians 04:10
1 Timothy 01:3-4
Acts 16:10
Acts 20:1-3
Philippians 04:14-17

Word Data:

Strong's: G3109, G3110

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Macedonia, Macedonians

Maker

Facts:

In general, a "maker" is someone who creates or makes things.

In the Bible, the term "Maker" is sometimes used as a name or title for Yahweh, because he created everything.
Usually this term is combined with "his" or "my" or "your."

Translation Suggestions:

The term "Maker" can be translated as "the Creator" or "God who creates" or "the One who made everything."
The phrase "his Maker" could also be translated as "the One who created him" or "God, who created him."
The phrases "your Maker" and "my Maker" could be translated in a similar way.

(See also: create, Yahweh)

Bible References:

Hosea 08:13-14

Word Data:

Strong's: H3335, H6213, H6466

Forms Found in the English ULB:

formed, make, Maker, makes, made

Malachi

Facts:

Malachi was one of God's prophets to the kingdom of Judah. He lived around 500 years before Christ was on earth.

Malachi prophesied during the period when Israel's temple was being rebuilt after returning from the Babylonian captivity.
Ezra and Nehemiah lived around the same time as Malachi.
The book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament.
Like all the Old Testament prophets, Malachi urged the people to repent of their sins and to turn back to worshiping Yahweh.

(See also: Babylon, captive, Ezra, Judah, Nehemiah, prophet, repent, turn)

Bible References:

Malachi 01:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H4401

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Malachi, Malachi's

Manasseh

Facts:

There were five men by the name of Manasseh in the Old Testament:

Manasseh was the name of Joseph's firstborn son.
Both Manasseh and his younger brother Ephraim were adopted by Joseph's father, Jacob which gave their descendants the privilege of being among the twelve tribes of Israel.
The descendants of Manasseh formed one of the tribes of Israel.
The tribe of Manasseh was often called the "half-tribe of Manasseh" because only part of the tribe settled in the land of Canaan, on the west side of the Jordan River. The other part of the tribe settled on the east side of the Jordan. Members of the tribe are called "Manassites."
One of the kings of Judah was also named Manasseh.
King Manasseh was an evil king who sacrificed his own children as burnt offerings to false gods.
God punished King Manasseh by allowing him to be captured by an enemy army. Manasseh turned back to God and destroyed the altars where idols were worshiped.
Two men named Manasseh lived during the time of Ezra. These men were required to divorce their pagan wives, who had influenced them to worship false gods.
One other Manasseh was the grandfather of some Danites who were priests for false gods.

(See also: altar, Dan, Ephraim, Ezra, god, Jacob, Judah, pagan, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 15:09
Deuteronomy 03:12-13
Genesis 41:51
Genesis 48:1-2
Judges 01:27-28

Word Data:

Strong's: H4519, H4520, G3128

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Manasseh, Manassites, Manasseh's

Martha

Facts:

Martha was a woman from Bethany who followed Jesus.

Martha had a sister named Mary and a brother named Lazarus, who also followed Jesus.
One time when Jesus was visiting them in their home, Martha was distracted by meal preparation while her sister Mary sat and listened to Jesus teach.
When Lazarus died, Martha told Jesus that she believed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

(See also: Lazarus, Mary (sister of Martha))

Bible References:

John 11:02
John 12:1-3
Luke 10:39

Word Data:

Strong's: G3136

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Martha, Martha's

Mary

Facts:

Mary was a young woman living in the city of Nazareth who was pledged to be married to a man named Joseph. God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.

The Holy Spirit miraculously caused Mary to become pregnant while she was a virgin.
An angel told Mary that the baby to be born to her was the Son of God and that she must name him Jesus.
Mary loved God and praised him for being gracious to her.
Joseph married Mary, but she remained a virgin until after the baby was born.
Mary thought deeply about the amazing things that the shepherds and wise men said about the baby Jesus.
Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to be dedicated at the temple. Later they took him to Egypt to escape King Herod's plot to kill the baby. Eventually they moved back to Nazareth.
When Jesus was an adult, Mary was with him when he changed water to wine at a wedding in Cana.
The gospels also mention that Mary was at the cross when Jesus was dying. He told his disciple John to take care of her like his own mother.

(See also: Cana, Egypt, Herod the Great, Jesus, Joseph (NT), Son of God, virgin)

Bible References:

John 02:04
John 02:12
Luke 01:29
Luke 01:35
Mark 06:03
Matthew 01:16
Matthew 01:19

Word Data:

Strong's: G3137

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mary, the mother of Jesus

Mary Magdalene

Facts:

Mary Magdalene was one of several women who believed in Jesus and followed him in his ministry. She was known as the one whom Jesus had healed from seven demons who had controlled her.

Mary Magdalene and some other women helped support Jesus and his apostles by giving to them.
She is also mentioned as one of the women who were the first to see Jesus after he rose from the dead.
As Mary Magdalene stood outside the empty tomb, she saw Jesus standing there and he told her to go tell the other disciples that he was alive again.

(See also: demon, demon-possessed)

Bible References:

Luke 08:1-3
Luke 24:8-10
Mark 15:39-41
Matthew 27:54-56

Word Data:

Strong's: G3094, G3137

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mary ... Magdalene

Mary sister of Martha

Facts:

Mary was a women from Bethany who followed Jesus.

Mary had a sister named Martha and a brother named Lazarus who also followed Jesus.
One time Jesus said that Mary had chosen what was best when she chose to listen to him teach rather than being anxious about preparing him a meal as Martha was.
Jesus brought Mary's brother Lazarus back to life.
Sometime after that, while Jesus was eating in someone's home in Bethany, Mary poured expensive perfume on his feet in order to worship him.
Jesus praised her for doing this and said that she was preparing his body for burial.

(See also: Bethany, frankincense, Lazarus, Martha)

Bible References:

John 11:1-2
John 12:1-3
Luke 10:38-39

Word Data:

Strong's: G3137

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mary

Matthew

Facts:

Matthew was one of the twelve men that Jesus chose to be his apostles. He was also known as Levi son of Alphaeus.

Levi (Matthew) was a tax-collector from Capernaum before he met Jesus.
Matthew wrote the gospel that bears his name.
There are several other men named Levi in the Bible.

(See also: apostle, Levi, tax)

Bible References:

Luke 05:27
Luke 06:14-16
Mark 02:14
Mark 03:17-19
Matthew 09:09
Matthew 10:03

Word Data:

Strong's: G3017, G3156

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Matthew, Levi

Media

Facts:

Media was an ancient empire located east of Assyria and Babylonia, and north of Elam and Persia. The Medes were the people who lived in the empire of Media.

The first ancestor of the Medes was Madai, a descendant of Japheth.
The Media empire covered parts of what are present-day Turkey, Iran, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Medes were closely associated with the Persians and the two empires joined forces to conquer the Babylonian empire.
Babylonia was invaded by Darius the Mede during the time that the prophet Daniel was living there.

(See also: Assyria, Babylon, Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, Elam, Persia)

Bible References:

2 Kings 17:06
Acts 02:09
Daniel 05:28
Esther 01:3-4
Ezra 06:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H4074, H4075, H4076, H4077, G3370

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Madai, Mede, Medes, Media

Melchizedek

Facts:

During the time when Abram lived, Melchizedek was the king of the city of Salem (later "Jerusalem")

Melchizedek's name means "king of righteousness" and his title "king of Salem" means "king of peace."
He was also called a "priest of God Most High."
Melchizedek is first mentioned in the Bible when he served Abram bread and wine after Abram rescued his nephew Lot from powerful kings. Abram gave Melchizedek one-tenth of the plunder from his victory.
In the New Testament, Melchizedek is described as someone who had no father or mother. He was called a priest and king who will reign forever.
The New Testament also says that Jesus is a priest according to the priestly "order of Melchizedek." Jesus was not descended from Levi as the Israelite priests were. His priesthood is directly from God, as Melchizedek's was.
Based on these descriptions of him in the Bible, Melchizedek was a human priest who was also chosen by God to represent or point forward to Jesus, the eternal king of peace and righteousness and our great high priest.

(See also: Abraham, eternity, high priest, Jerusalem, Levi, priest, righteous)

Bible References:

Genesis 14:18
Hebrews 06:20
Hebrews 07:17
Psalm 110:4

Word Data:

Strong's: H4442, G3198

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Melchizedek, Melchizedek's

Memphis

Facts:

Memphis was an ancient capital city in Egypt, along the Nile River.

Memphis was located in Lower Egypt, just south of the Nile River delta, where the soil was very fertile and crops were plentiful.
Its fertile soil and important location between Upper and Lower Egypt caused Memphis to become a major city of trade and commerce.

(See also: Egypt, Nile River)

Bible References:

Hosea 09:06

Word Data:

Strong's: H4644, H5297

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Memphis

Meshech

Facts:

Meshech is the name of two men in the Old Testament.

One Meshech was a son of Japheth.
The other Meshech was a grandson of Shem.
Meshech was also the name of a region of land, which was probably named after one of these men.
The region of Meshech may have been located in part of what is now the country of Turkey.

(See also: Japheth, Noah, Shem)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:5-7
Ezekiel 27:12-13
Genesis 10:2-5
Psalms 120:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H4851, H4902

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Meshech

Mesopotamia

Related Words:

Aram Naharaim

Facts:

Mesopotamia is the area of land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Its location is in the region of the modern day country of Iraq.

In the Old Testament, this region was also called "Aram Naharaim."
The word "Mesopotamia" means "between rivers." The phrase "Aram Naharaim" means "Aram of two rivers."
Abraham lived in the Mesopotamian cities of Ur and Haran before moving on to the land of Canaan.
Babylon was another important city in Mesopotamia.
The region called "Chaldea" was also part of Mesopotamia.

(See also: Aram, Babylon, Chaldeans, Euphrates)

Bible References:

Acts 02:09
Acts 07:1-3
Genesis 24:10-11

Word Data:

Strong's: H763, G3318

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mesopotamia, Aram Naharaim

Micah

Facts:

Micah was a prophet of Judah around 700 years before Christ, when the prophet Isaiah was also ministering to Judah. Another man named Micah lived during the time of the judges.

The book of Micah is near the end of the Old Testament.
Micah prophesied about the destruction of Samaria by the Assyrians.
Micah rebuked the people of Judah for disobeying God and warned them that their enemies would attack them.
His prophecy ends with a message of hope in God, who is faithful and saves his people.
In the book of Judges, the story is told of a man named Micah living in Ephraim who made an idol out of silver. A young Levite priest who came to live with him stole the idol and other things, and took off with a group of Danites. Eventually the Danites and the priest settled in the city of Laish and they set up that same silver idol to worship.

(See also: Assyria, Dan, Ephraim, god, Isaiah, Judah, judge, Levi, priest, prophet, Samaria, silver)

Bible References:

Jeremiah 26:18-19
Micah 01:1
Micah 06:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H4318

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Micah, Micah's

Michael

Facts:

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

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: H4317, G3413

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Michael, Michael's

Midian

Related Words

Midianite

Facts:

Midian was a son of Abraham and his wife Keturah. Midian was also the name of a people group and region located in the northern Arabian Desert to the south of the land of Canaan. The people of that group were called "Midianites."

When Moses first left Egypt, he went to the region of Midian where he met the daughters of Jethro and helped them water their flocks. Later Moses married one of Jethro's daughters.
Joseph was taken to Egypt by a group of Midianite slave traders.
Many years later the Midianites attacked and raided the Israelites in the land of Canaan. Gideon led the Israelites in defeating them.
Many of the modern-day Arabian tribes are descendants of this group.

(See also Arabia, Egypt, flock, Gideon, Jethro, Moses)

Bible References:

Acts 07:30
Exodus 02:16
Genesis 25:1-4
Genesis 36:34-36
Genesis 37:28
Judges 07:1

Word Data:

Strong's: H4080, H4084, H4092

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Midian, Midianite, Midianites, Midian's

Miriam

Facts:

Miriam was the older sister of Aaron and Moses.

When she was young, Miriam was instructed by her mother to watch over her baby brother Moses who was in a basket among the reeds of the Nile River. When the pharaoh's daughter found the baby and needed someone to take care of him for her, Miriam brought her mother to do it.
Miriam led the Israelites in a dance of joy and thanksgiving after they had escaped from the Egyptians by crossing the Red Sea.
Years later as the Israelites were wandering in the desert, Miram and Aaron began speaking badly about Moses because he had married a Cushite woman.
Because of her rebellion in speaking against Moses, God caused Miriam to become sick with leprosy. But later God healed her when Moses interceded for her.

(See also: Aaron, Cush, intercede, Moses, Nile River, Pharaoh, rebel)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 06:1-3
Deuteronomy 24:8-9
Micah 06:04
Numbers 12:02
Numbers 20:1

Word Data:

Strong's: H4813

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Miriam, Miriam's

Mishael

Facts:

Mishael is the name of three men in the Old Testament.

One man named Mishael was a cousin of Aaron. When two of Aaron's sons were killed by God after they offered incense in a way that did not follow what God had told them to do, Mishael and his brother were given the task of carrying the dead bodies outside the Israelite camp.
Another man named Mishael stood beside Ezra when he publicly read the rediscovered law.
During the time when the people of Israel were in exile in Babylon, a young man named Mishael was also captured and forced to live in Babylon. The Babylonians gave him the name, "Meshach." He, along with his companions, Azariah (Shadrach) and Hananiah (Abednego), refused to worship the king's statue and were thrown into a fiery furnace.

(See also: Aaron, Azariah, Babylon, Daniel, Hananiah)

Bible References:

Daniel 01:6-7
Daniel 02:17-18

Word Data:

Strong's: H4332, H4333

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mishael, Mishael's

Mizpah

Facts:

Mizpah is the name of several towns mentioned in the Old Testament. It means, "look-out point" or "watchtower."

When David was being pursued by Saul, he left his parents in Mizpah, under the protection of the king of Moab.
One city called Mizpah was located on the border between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. It was a major military center.

(See also: David, Judah, kingdom of Israel, Moab, Saul (OT))

Bible References:

1 Kings 15:20-22
1 Samuel 07:5-6
1 Samuel 07:10-11
Jeremiah 40:5-6
Judges 10:17-18

Word Data:

Strong's: H4708, H4709

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mizpah

Moab

Facts:

Moab was the son of Lot's elder daughter. Moab also became the name of the land where Moab and his family lived. The term "Moabite" refers to a person who is descended from Moab or who lives in the country of Moab.

The country of Moab was located east of the Salt Sea.
Moab was southeast from the town of Bethlehem where Naomi's family lived.
The people in Bethlehem called Ruth a "Moabitess" because she was a woman from the country of Moab. This term could also be translated as "Moabite woman" or "woman from Moab."

(See also: Bethlehem, Judea, Lot, Ruth, Salt Sea)

Bible References:

Genesis 19:37
Genesis 36:34-36
Ruth 01:1-2
Ruth 01:22

Word Data:

Strong's: H4124, H4125

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Moab, Moabite, Moabites, Moabitess, Moab's

Molech

Facts:

Molech was the name of one of the false gods that the Canaanites worshiped. Other spellings are "Moloch" and "Molek."

People who worshiped Molech sacrificed their children to him by means of fire.
Some of the Israelites also worshiped Molech instead of the one true God, Yahweh. They followed the evil practices of Molech worshipers, including sacrificing their children.

(See also: Canaan, evil, god, God, god, sacrifice, true, worship, Yahweh)

Bible References:

1 Kings 11:07
2 Kings 23:10
Acts 07:43
Jeremiah 32:33-35
Leviticus 18:21

Word Data:

Strong's: H4428, H4432, G3434

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Molech

Mordecai

Facts:

Mordecai was a Jewish man living in the country of Persia. He was the guardian of his cousin Esther, who later became the wife of the Persian king, Xerxes.

While working at the royal palace, Mordecai overheard men plotting together to kill King Xerxes. He reported this and the king's life was saved.
Some time later, Mordecai also found out about a plan to kill all the Jews in the kingdom of Persia. He advised Esther to appeal to the king to save her people.

(See also: Xerxes, Babylon, Esther, Persia)

Bible References:

Esther 02:06
Esther 03:06
Esther 08:02
Esther 10:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H4782

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mordecai, Mordecai's

Moses

Facts:

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

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: H4872, H4873, G3475

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Moses, Moses'

Most High

Facts:

The term "Most High" is a title for God. It refers to his greatness or authority.

The meaning of this term is similar to the meaning of "Sovereign" or "Supreme."
The word "high" in this title does not refer to physical height or distance. It refers to greatness.

Translation Suggestions:

This term can also be translated as "Most High God" or "Most Supreme being" or "God Most High" or "Greatest One" or "Supreme One" or "God, who is Greater than all."
If a word like "high" is used, make sure it does not refer to being physically high or tall.

(See also: God)

Bible References:

Acts 07:47-50
Acts 16:16-18
Daniel 04:17-18
Deuteronomy 32:7-8
Genesis 14:17-18
Hebrews 07:1-3
Hosea 07:16
Lamentations 03:35
Luke 01:32

Word Data:

Strong's: H5945, G5310

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Most High

Mount of Olives

Facts:

The Mount of Olives is a mountain or large hill located near the east side of the city of Jerusalem. It is about 787 meters high.

In the Old Testament, this mountain is sometimes referred to as "the mountain that is east of Jerusalem."
The New Testament records several occasions when Jesus and his disciples went to the Mount of Olives to pray and rest.
Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, which is located on the Mount of Olives.
This could also be translated as "Olive Hill" or "Olive Tree Mountain."

(See also: Gethsemane, olive)

Bible References:

Luke 19:29
Luke 19:37
Mark 13:03
Matthew 21:1-3
Matthew 24:3-5
Matthew 26:30

Word Data:

Strong's: H2132, G3735, G1636

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mount of Olives, mountain that is called Olives

Naaman

Facts:

In the Old Testament, Naaman was the commander of the army of the king of Aram.

Naaman had a terrible skin disease called leprosy that could not be cured.
A Jewish slave in Naaman's household told him to go ask the prophet Elisha to heal him.
Elisha told Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River. When Naaman obeyed, God healed him of his disease.
As a result, Naaman came to believe in the only true God, Yahweh.
Two other men named Naaman were descendants of Jacob's son Benjamin.

(See also: Aram, Jordan River, leper, prophet)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 08:6-7
2 Kings 05:01
Luke 04:27

Word Data:

Strong's: H5283, G3497

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Naaman, Naaman's

Nahor

Facts:

Nahor was the name of two relatives of Abraham, his grandfather and his brother.

Abraham's brother Nahor was the grandfather of Isaac's wife Rebekah.
The phrase "city of Nahor" could mean "the city named Nahor" or "the city where Nahor had lived" or "Nahor's city."

(See also: Abraham, Rebekah)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:24-27
Genesis 31:53
Joshua 24:02
Luke 03:34

Word Data:

Strong's: H5152, G3493

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nahor, Nahor's

Nahum

Facts:

Nahum was a prophet who preached during the time when the evil King Manasseh was ruling over Judah.

Nahum was from the town of Elkosh, which was about 20 miles from Jerusalem.
The Old Testament book of Nahum records his prophecies about the destruction of the Assyrian city of Nineveh.

(See also: Assyria, Manasseh, prophet, Nineveh)

Bible References:

Nahum 01:1

Word Data:

Strong's: H5151, G3486

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nahum, Nahum's

Naphtali

Facts:

Naphtali was the sixth son of Jacob. His descendants formed the tribe of Naphtali, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Sometimes the name Naphtali was used to refer to the land where the tribe lived.
The land of Naphtali was located in the northern part of Israel, next to the tribes of Dan and Asher. its eastern border was on the western shoreline of the Sea of Kinnereth.
This tribe was mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.

(See also: Asher, Dan, Jacob, Sea of Galilee, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

1 Kings 04:15
Deuteronomy 27:13-14
Ezekiel 48:1-3
Genesis 30:08
Judges 01:33
Matthew 04:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H5321, G3508

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Naphtali, Naphtali's

Nathan

Facts:

Nathan was a faithful prophet of God who lived while David was king over Israel.

God sent Nathan to confront David after David sinned grievously against Uriah.
Nathan rebuked David in spite of the fact that David was the king.
David repented of his sin after Nathan confronted him.

(See also: David, faithful, prophet, Uriah)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 17:1-2
2 Chronicles 09:29
2 Samuel 12:1-3
Psalm 051:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H5416, G3481

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nathan, Nathan's

Nazareth

Facts:

Nazareth is a town in the region of Galilee in northern Israel. It is about 100 kilometers north of Jerusalem, and it took about three to five days to travel on foot.

Joseph and Mary were from Nazareth, and this is where they raised Jesus. That is why Jesus was known as "the Nazarene."
Many of the Jews living in Nazareth did not respect Jesus' teaching because he had grown up among them, and they thought he was just an ordinary person.
Once, when Jesus was teaching in Nazareths synagogue, the Jews there tried to kill him because he claimed to be the Messiah and had rebuked them for rejecting him.
The remark Nathaniel made when he heard that Jesus was from Nazareth indicated that this city was not thought of very highly.

(See also: Christ, Galilee, Joseph (NT), Mary)

Bible References:

Acts 26:9-11
John 01:43-45
Luke 01:26-29
Mark 16:5-7
Matthew 02:23
Matthew 21:9-11
Matthew 26:71-72

Word Data:

Strong's: G3478, G3479, G3480

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nazareth, Nazarene

Nazirite

Related Ideas:

Nazirite vow

Facts:

The term "Nazirite" refers to a person who has taken a "Nazirite vow." Mostly men took this vow, but women could also take it.

A person who took the Nazirite vow agreed to not have any food or drink made from grapes for period that had been agreed upon for the fulfillment of the vow. During this period he was also not to get his hair cut and not go near a dead body.
When the required length of time had passed, and the vow had been fulfilled, the Nazirite would go to the priest and provide an offering. This would include the cutting and burning of his hair. All other restrictions would also be removed.
Samson is a well-known man in the Old Testament who was under the Nazirite vow.
The angel announcing John the Baptist's birth told Zechariah that his son would not drink strong drink, which may indicate that John was under the Nazirite vow.
According to a passage in the book of Acts the apostle Paul may also have at one time taken this vow, according to one passage in the book of Acts.

(See also: John (the Baptist), sacrifice, Samson, vow, Zechariah (OT))

Bible References:

Acts 18:18-19
Amos 02:11-12
Judges 13:05
Numbers 06:1-4

Word Data:

Strong's: H5139

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nazirite, Nazirite vow, Nazirites

Nebuchadnezzar

Facts:

Nebuchadnezzar was a king of the Babylonian Empire whose powerful army conquered many people groups and nations.

Under Nebuchadnezzar's leadership, the Babylonian army attacked and conquered the kingdom of Judah, and took most of the people of Judah to Babylon as captives. The captives were forced to live there for a period of 70 years known as the "Babylonian Exile.
One of the exiles, Daniel, interpreted some of King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams.
Three other captured Israelites, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were thrown into a fiery furnace when they refused to bow down to a gigantic gold statue that Nebuchadnezzar had made.
King Nebuchadnezzar was very arrogant and worshiped false gods. When he conquered Judah, he stole many gold and silver objects from the temple in Jerusalem.
Because Nebuchadnezzar was proud and refused to turn away from worshiping false gods, Yahweh caused him to be destitute for seven years, living like an animal. After the seven years, God restored Nebuchadnezzar when he humbled himself and praised the one true God, Yahweh.

(See also: arrogant, Azariah, Babylon, Hananiah, Mishael)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 06:15
2 Kings 25:1-3
Daniel 01:02
Daniel 04:04
Ezekiel 26:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H5019, H5020

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar's

Negev

Facts:

The Negev is a desert region in the southern part of Israel, southwest of the Salt Sea.

The original word means "the South," and some English versions translate it this way.
It could be that the "South" is not located where the Negev Desert is today.
When Abraham lived in the city of Kadesh, he was in the Negev or southern region.
Isaac was living in the Negev when Rebekah traveled to meet him and become his wife.
The Jewish tribes of Judah and Simeon lived in this southern region.
The largest city in the Negev region was Beersheba.

(See also: Abraham, Beersheba, Israel, Judah, Kadesh, Salt Sea, Simeon)

Bible References:

Genesis 12:09
Genesis 20:1-3
Genesis 24:62
Joshua 03:14-16
Numbers 13:17-20

Word Data:

Strong's: H5045, H6160

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Negev

Nehemiah

Facts:

Nehemiah was an Israelite forced to move to the Babylonian empire when the people of Israel and Judah were taken captive by the Babylonians.

While he was the cupbearer to the Persian king, Artaxerxes, Nehemiah asked the king for permission to return to Jerusalem.
Nehemiah led the Israelites in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem which had been destroyed by the Babylonians.
For twelve years Nehemiah was the governor of Jerusalem before returning to the king's palace.
The Old Testament book of Nehemiah tells the story of Nehemiah's work in rebuilding the walls and his governing of the people in Jerusalem.
There were also other men named Nehemiah in the Old Testament. Usually the name of the father was added, to distinguish which Nehemiah was being talked about.

(See also: Artaxerxes, Babylon, Jerusalem, son)

Bible References:

Ezra 02:1-2
Nehemiah 01:02
Nehemiah 10:03
Nehemiah 12:46

Word Data:

Strong's: H5166

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nehemiah, Nehemiah's

Nile River

Related Words:

River of Egypt

Facts:

The Nile is a very long and wide river in northeastern Africa. It is especially well known as the main river of Egypt.

The Nile River flows north through Egypt and into the Mediterranean Sea.
Crops grow well in the fertile land on either side of the Nile River.
Most Egyptians live near the Nile River since it is an important source of water for food crops.
The Israelites lived in the land of Goshen, which was very fertile because it was located along the Nile River.
When Moses was a baby, his parents placed him in a basket among the reeds of the Nile to hide him from Pharaoh's men.

(See also: Egypt, Goshen, Moses)

Bible References:

Amos 08:08
Genesis 41:1-3
Jeremiah 46:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H216, H2975, H4714, H5104

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nile River, River of Egypt, the Nile

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

Noah

Facts:

Noah was a man who lived over 4,000 years ago, at the time when God sent a worldwide flood to destroy all the evil people in the world. God told Noah to build a gigantic ark in which he and his family could live while the flood waters covered the earth.

Noah was a righteous man who obeyed God in everything.
When God told Noah how to build the gigantic ark, Noah built it exactly the way God told him to.
Inside the ark, Noah and his family were kept safe, and later their children and grandchildren filled the earth with people again.
Everyone born since the time of the flood is a descendant of Noah.

(See also: descendant, ark)

Bible References:

Genesis 05:30-31
Genesis 05:32
Genesis 06:08
Genesis 08:01
Hebrews 11:7
Matthew 24:37

Word Data:

Strong's: H5146, G3575

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Noah, Noah's

Obadiah

Facts:

Obadiah was an Old Testament prophet who prophesied against the people of Edom, who were the descendants of Esau. There were also many other men named Obadiah in the Old Testament.

The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament and tells a prophecy that Obadiah received through a vision from God.
It is not clear when Obadiah lived and prophesied. It may have been during the paeriods that Jehoram, Ahaziah, Joash, and Athaliah, reigned in Judah. The prophets Daniel, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah would also have been prophesying during part of this time.
Obadiah may also have lived at a later time period, during the reign of King Zedekiah and the Babylonian captivity.
Other men named Obadiah included a descendant of Saul, a Gadite who became one of David's men, a palace administrator for King Ahab, an official of King Jehoshaphat, a man who helped with repairs to the temple during the time of King Josiah, and a Levite who was also a gatekeeper during the time of Nehemiah.
It could be that the writer of the book of Obadiah was one of these men.

(See also: Ahab, Babylon, David, Edom, Esau, Ezekiel, Daniel, Gad, Jehoshaphat, Josiah, Levi, Saul (OT), Zedekiah)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 03:21
1 Chronicles 08:38-40
Ezra 08:8-11
Obadiah 01:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H5662

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Obadiah, Obadiah's

Omri

Facts:

Omri was an army commander who became the sixth king of Israel.

King Omri reigned for 12 years in the city of Tirzah.
Like all the kings of Israel before him, Omri was a very evil king who led the people of Israel into more idol worship.
Omri was also the father of King Ahab.

(See also: Ahab, Israel, Jeroboam, Tirzah)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 22:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H6018

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Omri, Omri's

Paddan Aram

Facts:

Paddan Aram was the name of a region where Abraham's family lived before moving to the land of Canaan. It means "plain of Aram."

When Abraham left Haran in Paddan Aram to travel to the land of Canaan, most of the rest of his family stayed behind in Haran.
Many years later, Abraham's servant went to Paddan Aram to find a wife for Isaac among his relatives there and found Rebekah, grand-daughter of Bethuel.
Isaac and Rebekah's son Jacob also traveled to Paddan Aram and married two daughters of Rebekah's brother Laban who was living in Haran.
Aram, Paddan-Aram, and Aram-Nahariam were all part of the same region that is now where the modern-day country of Syria is located.

(See also: Abraham, Aram, Bethuel, Canaan, Haran, Jacob, Laban, Rebekah, Syria)

Bible References:

Genesis 28:02
Genesis 35:09
Genesis 46:12-15

Word Data:

Strong's: H6307

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Paddan Aram, Paddan

Paran

Facts:

Paran was a desert or wilderness area east of Egypt and south of the land of Canaan. There was also a Mount Paran, which may have been another name for Mount Sinai.

The slave Hagar and her son Ishmael went to live in the wilderness of Paran after Sarah ordered Abraham to send them away.
When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, they passed through the wilderness of Paran.
It was from Kadesh-Barnea in the wilderness of Paran that Moses sent twelve men to spy out the land of Canaan and bring back a report.
The wilderness of Zin was north of Paran and the wilderness of Sin was south of Paran.

(See also: Canaan, desert, Egypt, Kadesh, Sinai)

Bible References:

1 Kings 11:18
1 Samuel 25:1
Genesis 21:19-21
Numbers 10:11-13
Numbers 13:3-4

Word Data:

Strong's: H364, H6290

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Paran

Passover

Facts:

The "Passover" is the name of a religious festival that the Jews celebrate every year, to remember how God rescued their ancestors, the Israelites, from slavery in Egypt.

The name of this festival comes from the fact that God "passed over" the houses of the Israelites and did not kill their sons when he killed the firstborn sons of the Egyptians.
The Passover celebration includes a special meal of a perfect lamb that they have killed and roasted, as well as bread made without yeast. These foods remind them of the meal that the Israelites ate the night before they escaped from Egypt.
God told the Israelites to eat this meal every year in order to remember and celebrate how God "passed over" their houses and how he set them free from slavery in Egypt.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "Passover" could be translated by combining the words "pass" and "over" or another combination of words that has this meaning.
It is helpful if the name of this festival has a clear connection to the words used to explain what the angel of the Lord did in passing by the houses of the Israelites and sparing their sons.

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 05:07
2 Chronicles 30:13-15
2 Kings 23:23
Deuteronomy 16:02
Exodus 12:26-28
Ezra 06:21-22
John 13:01
Joshua 05:10-11
Leviticus 23:4-6
Numbers 09:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H6453, G3957

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Passover

Paul

Related Words

Saul

Facts:

Paul was a leader of the early church who was sent by Jesus to take the good news to many other people groups.

Paul was a Jew who was born in the Roman city of Tarsus, and was therefore also a Roman citizen.
Paul was originally called by his Jewish name, Saul.
Saul became a Jewish religious leader and arrested Jews who became Christians because he thought they were dishonoring God by believing in Jesus.
Jesus revealed himself to Saul in a blinding light and told him to stop hurting Christians.
Saul believed in Jesus and began teaching his fellow Jews about him.
Later, God sent Saul to teach non-Jewish people about Jesus and started churches in different cities and provinces of the Roman empire. At this time he started being called by the Roman name "Paul."
Paul also wrote letters to encourage and teach Christians in the churches in these cities. Several of these letters are in the New Testament.

(See also: Christian, Jewish authorities, Rome)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 01:03
Acts 08:03
Acts 09:26
Acts 13:10
Galatians 01:01
Philemon 01:08

Word Data:

Strong's: G3972, G4569

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Paul, Saul, Paul's

Pentecost

Related Ideas:

Festival of Weeks

Facts:

The "Festival of Weeks" was a Jewish festival that took place fifty days after Passover. It was later referred to as "Pentecost."

The Feast of Weeks was seven weeks (fifty days) after the Feast of Firstfruits. In the New Testament times, this festival was called "Pentecost" which has "fifty" as part of its meaning.
The Festival of Weeks was held to celebrate the beginning of the grain harvest. It was also a time to remember when God first gave the Law to the Israelites on the tablets of stone given to Moses.
In the New Testament, the Day of Pentecost is especially significant because it was when the believers of Jesus received the Holy Spirit in a new way.

(See also: festival, firstfruit, harvest, Holy Spirit, raise)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 08:12-13
Acts 02:01
Acts 20:15-16
Deuteronomy 16:16-17
Numbers 28:26

Word Data:

Strong's: H2282, H7620, G4005

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Festival of Weeks, Pentecost

Peor

Related Words

Baal Peor, Beth Peor, Mount Peor

Facts:

The terms "Peor" and "Mount Peor" refer to a mountain located northeast of the Salt Sea, in the region of Moab.

The name "Beth Peor" was the name of a city, probably located on that mountain or near it. This was where Moses died after God showed him the Promised Land.
"Baal Peor" was a false god of the Moabites that they worshiped at Mount Peor. The Israelites also started worshiping this idol and God punished them for it.

(See also: Baal, god, Moab, Salt Sea, worship)

Bible References:

Numbers 23:28-30
Numbers 31:16-17
Psalms 106:28-29

Word Data:

Strong's: H1047, H1187, H6465

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Baal Peor, Beth Peor, Mount Peor, Peor,

Perizzite

Facts:

The Perizzites were one of several people groups in the land of Canaan. Little is known about this group as to who their ancestors were or what part of Canaan they lived in.

The Perizzites are mentioned most frequently in the Old Testament Book of Judges, where it is recorded that the Perizzites intermarried with the Israelites and influenced them to worship false gods.
Note that the clan of Perez, called the "Perezites," was a different people group from the Perizzites. It may be necessary to spell the names very differently to make this clear.

(See also: Canaan, god)

Bible References:

1 Kings 09:20-21
2 Chronicles 08:7-8
Exodus 03:16-18
Genesis 13:07
Joshua 03:9-11

Word Data:

Strong's: H6522

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Perizzite, Perizzites

Persia

Facts:

Persia was a country that also became a powerful empire founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 BC. The country of Persia was located southeast of Babylonia and Assyria in a region that is now the modern-day country of Iran.

The people of Persia were called "Persians."
Under King Cyrus' decree, the Jews were freed from their captivity in Babylon and allowed to go home, and the temple in Jerusalem was rebuilt, with funds provided by the Persian Empire.
King Artaxerxes was the ruler of the Persian Empire when Ezra and Nehemiah went back to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Esther became a queen of the Persian empire when she married King Xerxes.

(See also: Xerxes, Artaxerxes, Assyria, Babylon, Cyrus, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 36:20
Daniel 10:13
Esther 01:3-4
Ezekiel 27:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H6539, H6540, H6542, H6543

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Persia, Persian, Persians

Peter

Related Words:

Cephas, Simon

Facts:

Peter was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. He was an important leader of the early Church.

Before Jesus called him to be his disciple, Peter's name was Simon.
Later, Jesus also named him "Cephas," which means "stone" or "rock" in the Aramaic language. The name Peter also means "stone" or "rock" in the Greek language.
God worked through Peter to heal people and to preach the good news about Jesus.
Two books in the New Testament are letters that Peter wrote to encourage and teach fellow believers.

(See also: disciple, apostle)

Bible References:

Acts 08:25
Galatians 02:6-8
Galatians 02:12
Luke 22:58
Mark 03:16
Matthew 04:18-20
Matthew 08:14
Matthew 14:30
Matthew 26:33-35

Word Data:

Strong's: G2786, G4074, G4613, G4826

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Peter, Simon Peter, Cephas, Simon son of Jonah, Simon, Simon's

Pharaoh

Facts:

In ancient times, the kings who ruled over the country of Egypt were called pharaohs.

Altogether, over 300 pharaohs ruled Egypt for more than 2,000 years.
These Egyptians kings were very powerful and wealthy.
Several of these pharaohs are mentioned in the Bible.
Often this title is used as a name rather than as a title. In these cases, it is capitalized and written as "Pharaoh."

(See also: Egypt, king)

Bible References:

Acts 07:9-10
Acts 07:13
Acts 07:21
Genesis 12:15
Genesis 40:07
Genesis 41:25

Word Data:

Strong's: H4428, H4714, H6547, G5328

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Pharaoh, king of Egypt, Pharaoh's

Pharisee

Facts:

The Pharisees were an important, powerful group of Jewish religious leaders in Jesus' time.

Many of them were middle class businessmen and some of them were also priests.
Of all the Jewish leaders, the Pharisees were the most strict in obeying the Laws of Moses and other Jewish laws and traditions.
They were very concerned about keeping the Jewish people separated from the influence of the Gentiles around them. The name "Pharisee" comes from the word to "separate."
The Pharisees believed in life after death; they also believed in the existence of angels and other spiritual beings.
The Pharisees and Sadducees actively opposed Jesus and the early Christians.

(See also: council, Jewish authorities, law of Moses, Sadducee)

Bible References:

Acts 26:04
John 03:1-2
Luke 11:44
Matthew 03:07
Matthew 05:20
Matthew 09:11
Matthew 12:02
Matthew 12:38
Philippians 03:05

Word Data:

Strong's: G5330

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Pharisee, Pharisees

Philip

Facts:

In the early Christian church in Jerusalem, Philip was one of seven leaders chosen to care for the poor and needy Christians, especially the widows.

God used Philip to share the gospel with people in many different towns in the provinces of Judea and Galilee, including an Ethiopian man he met on the desert road to Gaza from Jerusalem.
Years later Philip was living in Caesarea when Paul and his companions stayed at his house on their way back to Jerusalem.
Most Bible scholars think that Philip the evangelist was not the same man as Jesus' apostle by that name. Some languages may prefer to use slightly different spellings for the names of these two men to make it clear they are different men.

(See also: Philip)

Bible References:

Acts 06:5-6
Acts 08:06
Acts 08:13
Acts 08:31
Acts 08:36
Acts 08:40

Word Data:

Strong's: G5376

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Philip, Philip the evangelist

Philip

Facts:

Philip the apostle was one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus. He was from the town of Bethsaida.

Philip brought Nathanael to meet Jesus.
Jesus questioned Philip about how to provide food for a crowd of over 5,000 people.
At the last Passover supper that Jesus ate with his disciples, he talked to them about God, his Father. Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father.
Some languages may prefer to spell this Philip's name in a different way from the other Philip (the evangelist) to avoid confusion.

(See also: Philip)

Bible References:

Acts 01:14
John 01:44
John 06:06
Luke 06:14
Mark 03:17-19

Word Data:

Strong's: G5376

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Philip, Philip the apostle, the apostle Philip

Philippi

Related Words

Philippians

Facts:

Philippi was a major city and Roman colony located in Macedonia in the northern part of ancient Greece. The people of Philippi were called "Philippians."

Paul and Silas traveled to Philippi to preach about Jesus to the people there.
While in Philippi, Paul and Silas were arrested, but God miraculously freed them.
The New Testament book of Philippians is a letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in the church at Philippi.
Note that this is a different city from Caesarea Philippi which was located in northeastern Israel near Mount Hermon.

(See also: Caesarea, Christian, church, Macedonia, Paul, Silas)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 02:1-2
Acts 16:11
Matthew 16:13-16
Philippians 01:01

Word Data:

Strong's: G5374, G5375

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Philippi, Philippians

Philistia

Facts:

Philistia is the name of a large region in the land of Canaan, located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

The region was located along the very fertile coastal plain reaching from Joppa in the north to Gaza in the south. It was about 64 km long and 16 km wide.
Philistia was occupied by the "Philistines," a powerful people group who were frequent enemies of the Israelites.

(See also: Philistines, Gaza, Joppa)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 10:9-10
Joel 03:04
Psalms 060:8-9

Word Data:

Strong's: H776, H6429, H6430

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Philistia

Philistines

Facts:

The Philistines were a people group who occupied a region known as Philistia along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Their name means "people of the sea."

There were five main Philistine cities: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, and Gaza.
The city of Ashdod was in the northern part of Philistia, and the city of Gaza was in the southern part.
The Philistines are probably best known for the many years they were at war against the Israelites.
The judge Samson was a famous warrior against the Philistines, using supernatural strength from God.
King David often led battles against the Philistines, including the time as a youth when he defeated the Philistine warrior, Goliath.

(See also: Ashdod, Ashkelon, David, Ekron, Gath, Gaza, Goliath, Salt Sea)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 18:9-11
1 Samuel 13:04
2 Chronicles 09:25-26
Genesis 10:11-14
Psalm 056:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H6429, H6430

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Philistines, Philistine, Philistines', Philistine's

Phinehas

Facts:

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

One of Aaron's grandsons was a priest named Phinehas, who strongly opposed the worship of false gods in Israel.
Phineas saved the Israelites from a plague that Yahweh had sent to punish them for marrying Midianite women and worshiping their false gods.
On several occasions Phinehas went with the Israelite army to destroy the Midianites.
The other Phinehas mentioned in the Old Testament was one of the evil sons of Eli the priest during the time of the prophet Samuel.
Phinehas and his brother Hophni were both killed when the Philistines attacked Israel and stole the Ark of the Covenant.

(See also: ark of the covenant, Jordan River, Midian, Philistines, Samuel)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 04:04
Ezra 08:02
Joshua 22:13-14
Numbers 25:6-7

Word Data:

Strong's: H6372

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Phinehas, Phinehas'

Phoenicia

Facts:

In ancient times, Phoenicia was a wealthy nation located in Canaan along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, north of Israel.

Phoenicia occupied an area of land that was in the western region of what is the present-day country of Lebanon.
In New Testament times, the capital of Phoenicia was Tyre. Another important Phoenician city was Sidon. Phoenicia was near Syria, so people from that area were called "Syrophoenician."
Phoenicians were well-known for their woodworking skills using their country's plentiful cedar trees, for their production of a costly purple dye, and for their ability to travel and trade by sea. They were also highly skilled boat builders.
One of the earliest alphabets was created by the Phoenician people. Their alphabet was widely used because of their contact with many people groups through trading.

(See also: cedar, purple, Sidon, Tyre)

Bible References:

Acts 11:19-21
Acts 15:3-4
Acts 21:02
Isaiah 23:10-12

Word Data:

Strong's: H3667, G4949, G5403

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Phoenicia, Syrophoenician

Pilate

Facts:

Pilate was the governor of the Roman province of Judea who sentenced Jesus to death.

Because Pilate was the governor, he had the authority to put criminals to death.
The Jewish religious leaders wanted Pilate to crucify Jesus, so they lied and said that Jesus was a criminal.
Pilate realized that Jesus was not guilty, but he was afraid of the crowd and wanted to please them, so he ordered his soldiers to crucify Jesus.

(See also: crucify, governor, guilt, Judea, Rome)

Bible References:

Acts 04:27-28
Acts 13:28
Luke 23:02
Mark 15:02
Matthew 27:13
Matthew 27:58

Word Data:

Strong's: G4091, G4194

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Pilate, Pontius Pilate

Pontus

Facts:

Pontus was a Roman province during the time of the Roman Empire and the early Church. It was located along the southern coast of the Black Sea, in the northern part of what is now the country of Turkey.

As recorded in the book of Acts, people from the province of Pontus were in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit first came to the apostles on the Day of Pentecost.
A believer named Aquila was from Pontus.
When Peter was writing to Christians who were scattered into different regions, Pontus was one of the regions he mentioned.

(See also: Aquila, Pentecost)

Bible References:

1 Peter 01:1-2
Acts 02:09

Word Data:

Strong's: G4193, G4195

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Pontus

Potiphar

Facts:

Potiphar was an important official for the pharaoh of Egypt during the time that Joseph was sold as a slave to some Ishmaelites.

Potiphar bought Joseph from the Ishmaelites and appointed him to be in charge of his household.
When Joseph was falsely accused of doing wrong, Potiphar had Joseph put in prison.

(See also: Egypt, Joseph (OT), Pharaoh)

Bible References:

Genesis 37:34-36
Genesis 39:02
Genesis 39:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H6318

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Potiphar, Potiphar's

Priscilla

Facts:

Priscilla and her husband Aquila were Jewish Christians who worked with the apostle Paul in his missionary work. She was also known as Prisca.

Priscilla and Aquila had left Rome because the emperor had forced the Christians to leave there.
Paul met Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth. They were tentmakers and Paul joined them in this work.
When Paul left Corinth to go to Syria, Priscilla and Aquila went with him.
From Syria, the three of them went to Ephesus. When Paul left Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila stayed behind and continued the work of preaching the gospel there.
They especially taught a man named Apollos in Ephesus who believed in Jesus and was a gifted speaker and teacher.

(See also: believe, Christian, Corinth, Ephesus, Paul, Rome, Syria)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 16:19-20
2 Timothy 04:19-22
Acts 18:01
Acts 18:24

Word Data:

Strong's:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Priscilla, Prisca

Promised Land

Related Ideas:

Beautiful Land

Facts:

The term "Promised Land" only occurs in the Bible stories, not the Bible text. It is an alternate way of referring to the land of Canaan which God had promised to give to Abraham and his descendants.

When Abram was living in the city of Ur, God commanded him to go live in the land of Canaan. He and his descendants, the Israelites, lived there for many years.
When a severe famine caused there to be no food in Canaan, the Israelites moved to Egypt.
Four hundred years later, God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and brought them back to Canaan again, the land God had promised to give them.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "Promised Land" can be translated as the "land that God said he would give to Abraham" or "land that God promised to Abraham" or "land God promised to his people" or "land of Canaan."
In the Bible text, this term occurs as some form of "the land God promised."

(See also: Canaan, promise)

Bible References:

Genesis 12:7
Numbers 14:30
Deuteronomy 8:1
Hebrews 11:9

Word Data:

Strong's: H776, H3068, H5414, H6643, H7650, G1093

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Beautiful Land, Promised Land

Rabbah

Facts:

Rabbah was the most important city of the Ammonite people.

In battles against the Ammonites, the Israelites often attacked Rabbah.
Israel's King David captured Rabbah as one of his last conquests.
The modern-day city Amman Jordan is now where Rabbah used to be located.

(See also: Ammon, David)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 20:1
2 Samuel 12:26
Deuteronomy 03:11
Ezekiel 25:3-5
Jeremiah 49:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H7237

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Rabbah

Rabbi

Related Ideas:

Rabboni

Definition:

The term "Rabbi" literally means "my master" or "my teacher."

It was a title of respect that was used to address a man who was a Jewish religious teacher, especially a teacher of God's laws.
Both John the Baptist and Jesus were sometimes called "Rabbi" by their disciples.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate this term could include "My Master" or "My Teacher" or "Honorable Teacher" or "Religious Teacher." Some languages may capitalize a greeting like this, while others may not.
The project language may also have a special way that teachers are normally addressed.
Make sure the translation of this term does not indicate that Jesus was a schoolteacher.
Also consider how "Rabbi" is translated in a Bible translation in a related language or a national language.

See:

(See also: teacher)

Bible References:

John 01:49-51
John 06:24-25
Mark 14:43-46
Matthew 23:8-10

Word Data:

Strong's: G4461

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Rabbi, Rabboni

Rachel

Facts:

Rachel was one of Jacob's wives. She and her sister Leah were the daughters of Laban, Jacob's uncle.

Rachel was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, whose descendants became two of the tribes of Israel.
For many years, Rachel was not able to have any children. Then God enabled her to give birth to Joseph.
Years later, as she gave birth to Benjamin, Rachel died, and Jacob buried her near Bethlehem.

(See also: Bethlehem, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Joseph (OT), twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

Genesis 29:06
Genesis 29:19-20
Genesis 29:30
Genesis 31:06
Genesis 33:1-3
Matthew 02:18

Word Data:

Strong's: H7354, G4478

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Rachel, Rachel's

Rahab

Facts:

Rahab was a woman who lived in Jericho when Israel attacked the city. She was a prostitute.

Rahab hid the two Israelites who came to spy on Jericho before the Israelites attacked it. She helped the spies escape back to the Israelite camp.
Rahab became a believer in Yahweh.
She and her family were spared when Jericho was destroyed. Then Rahab and her family lived with the Israelites.

(See also: Israel, Jericho, prostitute)

Bible References:

Hebrews 11:29-31
James 02:25
Joshua 02:21
Joshua 06:17-19
Matthew 01:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H7343, G4460

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Rahab

Ramah

Facts:

Ramah was an ancient Israelite city located about 8 km from Jerusalem. It was in the region where the tribe of Benjamin lived.

Ramah was where Rachel died after giving birth to Benjamin.
When the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, they were first brought to Ramah before being moved to Babylon.
Ramah was the home of Samuel's mother and father.

(See also: Benjamin, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 27:27
1 Samuel 02:11
2 Chronicles 16:1
Jeremiah 31:15
Joshua 18:25-28
Matthew 02:17-18

Word Data:

Strong's: H7414, G4471

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ramah

Ramoth

Facts:

Ramoth was an important city in the mountains of Gilead near the Jordan River. It was also called Ramoth Gilead.

Ramoth belonged to the Israelite tribe of Gad and was designated as a city of refuge.
King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah waged war against the king of Aram at Ramoth. Ahab was killed in that battle.
Sometime later, King Ahaziah and King Joram tried to take the city of Ramoth from the king of Aram.
Ramoth Gilead was where Jehu was anointed king over Israel.

(See also: Ahab, Ahaziah, Aram, Gad, Jehoshaphat, Jehu, Joram, Jordan River, Judah, refuge)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 06:73
1 Kings 22:03
2 Chronicles 18:03
2 Kings 08:28-29

Word Data:

Strong's: H7216, H7418, H7433

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ramoth

Rebekah

Facts:

Rebekah was a grand-daughter of Abraham's brother Nahor.

God chose Rebekah to be the wife of Abraham's son Isaac.
Rebekah left the region of Aram Naharaim where she lived and went with Abraham's servant to the region of the Negev where Isaac was living.
For a long time Rebekah did not have any children, but finally God blessed her with twin boys, Esau and Jacob.

(See also: Abraham, Aram, Esau, Isaac, Jacob, Nahor, Negev)

Bible References:

Genesis 24:15
Genesis 24:45
Genesis 24:56
Genesis 24:64
Genesis 25:28
Genesis 26:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H7259

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Rebekah, Rebekah's

Rehoboam

Facts:

Rehoboam was one of the sons of King Solomon, and he became the king of the nation of Israel after Solomon died.

At the beginning of his reign, Rehoboam was severe with his people, so ten of the tribes of Israel rebelled against him and formed the "kingdom of Israel" in the north.
Rehoboam continued as king of the southern kingdom of Judah, which consisted of the remaining two tribes, Judah and Benjamin.
Rehoboam was a wicked king who did not obey Yahweh, but worshiped false gods.

(See also: kingdom of Israel, Judah, Solomon)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 03:10
1 Kings 11:41-43
1 Kings 14:21
Matthew 01:07

Word Data:

Strong's: H7346, G4497

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Rehoboam, Rehoboam's

Reuben

Facts:

Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob. His mother was Leah. Reuben's descendants were called Reubenites. * When his brothers were planning to kill their younger brother Joseph, Reuben spared Joseph's life by telling them to put him into a pit instead. * Reuben came back later to rescue Joseph, but the other brothers had sold him as a slave to merchants passing by. * Reuben's descendants became one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

(See also: Jacob, Joseph (OT), Leah, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

Genesis 29:32
Genesis 35:21-22
Genesis 42:22
Genesis 42:37

Word Data:

Strong's: H7205, H7206, G4502

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Reuben, Reubenites, Reubenite, Reuben's

Rimmon

Facts:

Rimmon was the name of a man and of several places mentioned in the Bible. It was also the name of a false god.

A man named Rimmon was a Benjamite from the city of Beeroth in Zebulun. This man's sons murdered Ishbosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan.
Rimmon was a town in the southern part of Judah, in the region occupied by the tribe of Benjamin.
The "rock of Rimmon" was a place of safety where the Benjamites went to escape from being killed in a battle.
Rimmon Perez was an unknown location in the Judean wilderness.
The Syrian commander Naaman spoke of the temple of the false god Rimmon, where the king of Syria worshiped.

(See also: Benjamin, Judea, Naaman, Syria, Zebulun)

Bible References:

2 Kings 05:18
2 Samuel 04:5-7
Judges 20:45-46
Judges 21:13-15

Word Data:

Strong's: H7417

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Rimmon, Rimmon's

Rome

Facts:

In New Testament times, the city of Rome was the center of the Roman Empire. It is now the capital city of the modern-day country of Italy.

The Roman Empire ruled over all the regions around the Mediterranean Sea, including Israel.
The term "Roman" referred to anything relating to the regions that the government in Rome controlled, including Roman citizens and Roman officials.
The apostle Paul was taken to the city of Rome as a prisoner because he preached the good news about Jesus.
The New Testament book of "Romans" is a letter that Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome.

(See also: good news, the sea, Pilate, Paul)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 01:15-18
Acts 22:25
Acts 28:14
John 11:48

Word Data:

Strong's: G4514, G4516

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Rome, Roman, Romans

Ruth

Facts:

Ruth was a Moabite woman who lived during the time when judges were leading Israel. She married an Israelite man in Moab after he had moved there with his family because of a famine during the time when judges were leading Israel.

Ruth's husband died, and some time after that she left Moab to travel with her mother-in-law Naomi, who was returning to her hometown, Bethlehem in Israel.
Ruth was loyal to Naomi and worked hard to provide food for her.
She also committed herself to serving the one true God of Israel.
Ruth married an Israelite man named Boaz and gave birth to a son who became the grandfather of King David. Because King David was an ancestor of Jesus Christ so was Ruth.

(See also: Bethlehem, Boaz, David, judge])

Bible References:

Matthew 01:05
Ruth 01:3-5
Ruth 03:09
Ruth 04:06

Word Data:

Strong's: H7327, G4503

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ruth, Ruth's

Sabbath

Definition:

The term "Sabbath" refers to the seventh day of the week, which God commanded the Israelites to set apart as a day of rest and doing no work.

After God finished creating the world in six days, he rested on the seventh day. In the same way, God commanded the Israelites to set aside the seventh day as a special day to rest and worship him.
The command to "keep the Sabbath holy" is one of the ten commandments that God wrote on the stone tablets that he gave Moses for the Israelites.
Following the Jewish system of counting days, the Sabbath begins on Friday at sundown and lasts until Saturday at sundown.
Sometimes in the Bible the Sabbath is called "Sabbath day" rather than only the Sabbath.

Translation Suggestions:

This could also be translated as "resting day" or "day for resting" or "day of not working" or "God's day of rest."
Some translations capitalize this term to show that it is a special day, as in "Sabbath Day" or "Resting Day."
Consider how this term is translated in a local or national language.

(See also: rest)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 31:2-3
Acts 13:26-27
Exodus 31:14
Isaiah 56:6-7
Lamentations 02:06
Leviticus 19:03
Luke 13:14
Mark 02:27
Matthew 12:02
Nehemiah 10:32-33

Word Data:

Strong's: H7676, H7677, G4315, G4521

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Sabbath, Sabbaths

Sadducee

Definition:

The Sadducees were a political group of Jewish priests during the time of Jesus Christ. They supported Roman rule and did not believe in the resurrection.

Many Sadducees were wealthy, upper-class Jews who held powerful leadership positions such as chief priest and high priest.
The duties of the Sadducees included taking care of the temple complex and priestly tasks such as offering sacrifices.
The Sadducees and the Pharisees strongly influenced the Roman leaders to crucify Jesus.
Jesus spoke against these two religious groups because of their selfishness and hypocrisy.

(See also: chief priests, council, high priest, hypocrite, Jewish authorities, Pharisee, priest)

Bible References:

Acts 04:03
Acts 05:17-18
Luke 20:27
Matthew 03:07
Matthew 16:01

Word Data:

Strong's: G4523

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Sadducee, Sadducees

Salt Sea

Facts:

The Salt Sea (also called the Dead Sea) is a lake in the Jordan River Valley. The Jordan River flows into the sea.

In Bible times, Israel was west of the sea, and Moab was east of the sea.
Because it is smaller than most seas, it could be called "Salt Lake."
This sea has such a high concentration of minerals (or "salts") that nothing can live in its waters. Its lack of plants and animals is the cause of the name "Dead Sea."
In the Old Testament, this sea is also called the "Sea of Arabah" and the "Sea of Negev" because of its location near the regions of Arabah and Negev.

(See also: Ammon, Arabah, , Jordan River, Moab, Negev)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 20:1-2
Deuteronomy 03:17
Joshua 03:14-16
Numbers 34:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H3220, H4417

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Salt Sea, Dead Sea

Samaria

Facts:

Samaria was the name of a city and its surrounding region in the northern part of Israel. The Plain of Sharon is west of this region, and the Jordan River is east of this region. The people of Samaria were called Samaritans.

In the Old Testament, Samaria was the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel. Later the region surrounding it was also called Samaria.
When the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, they captured the city of Samaria and forced most of the northern Israelites to leave the region, moving them far away to different cities in Assyria.
The Assyrians also brought many foreigners into the region of Samaria to replace the Israelites who had been moved.
Some of the Israelites who remained in that region married the foreigners who had moved there, and their descendants were called Samaritans.
The Jews despised the Samaritans because they were only partly Jewish and because their ancestors had worshiped pagan gods.
In New Testament times, the region of Galilee was north of Samaria, and the region of Judea was south of Samaria.

(See also: Assyria, Galilee, Judea, Sharon, kingdom of Israel)

Bible References:

Acts 08:1-3
Acts 08:05
John 04:4-5
Luke 09:51-53
Luke 10:33

Word Data:

Strong's: H8111, H8115, H8118, G4540, G4541, G4542

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Samaria, Samaria's, Samaritan, Samaritans

Samson

Facts:

Samson was one of the judges, or deliverers, of Israel. He was from the tribe of Dan.

God gave Samson superhuman strength, which he used to fight against Israel's enemies, the Philistines.
Samson was put under a vow to never cut his hair and to never drink wine or any other fermented drink. As long as he kept this vow, God continued to give him strength.
He finally broke his vow and allowed his hair to be cut, enabling the Philistines to capture him.
While Samson was in captivity, God enabled him to regain his strength and gave him the opportunity to destroy the temple of the false god Dagon, along with many Philistines.

(See also: deliver, Philistines, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

Hebrews 11:32-34
Judges 13:25
Judges 16:02
Judges 16:31

Word Data:

Strong's: H8123, G4546

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Samson, Samson's

Samuel

Facts:

Samuel was a prophet and the last judge of Israel. He anointed both Saul and David as kings over Israel.

Samuel was born to Elkanah and Hannah in the town of Ramah.
Hannah had been barren, so she had prayed earnestly that God would give her a son. Samuel was the answer to that prayer.
Hannah promised that if, in answer to her desperate prayer that God would give her a male child, her request was granted, she would dedicate her son to Yahweh.
To fulfill her promise to God, when Samuel was a young boy, Hannah sent him to live with and help Eli the priest in the temple.
God raised up Samuel to be a great prophet.

(See also: Hannah, judge, prophet, Yahweh)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 01:19
1 Samuel 09:24
1 Samuel 12:17
Acts 03:24
Acts 13:20
Hebrews 11:32-34

Word Data:

Strong's: H8050, G4545

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Samuel, Samuel's

Sarah

Facts:

Sarah was Abraham's wife.
Her name was originally "Sarai," but God changed it to "Sarah."
Sarah gave birth to Isaac, the son God had promised to give her and Abraham.

(See also: Abraham, Isaac)

Bible References:

Genesis 11:30
Genesis 11:31
Genesis 17:15
Genesis 25:9-11

Word Data:

Strong's: H8283, H8297, G4564

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Sarah, Sarah's, Sarai

Satan

Related Ideas:

devil, evil one

Facts:

Although the devil is a spirit being that God created, he rebelled against God and became God's enemy. The devil is also called "Satan" and "the evil one."

The devil hates God and all that God created because he wants to take the place of God and be worshiped as God.
Satan tempts people to rebel against God.
God sent his Son, Jesus, to rescue people from Satan's control.
The name "Satan" means "adversary" or "enemy."
The word "devil" means "accuser."

Translation Suggestions:

The word "devil" could also be translated as "the accuser" or "the evil one" or "the king of evil spirits" or "the chief evil spirit."
"Satan" could be translated as "Opponent" or "Adversary" or some other name that shows that he is the devil.
These terms should be translated differently from demon and evil spirit.
Consider how these terms are translated in a local or national language.

(See also: demon, evil, kingdom of God, tempt)

Bible References:

1 John 03:08
1 Thessalonians 02:17-20
1 Timothy 05:15
Acts 13:10
Job 01:08
Mark 08:33
Zechariah 03:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H7854, G1140, G1228, G4190, G4566, G4567

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Satan, devil, devil's, evil one

Saul

Facts:

Saul was an Israelite man whom God chose to become the first king of Israel.

Saul was tall and handsome, and a powerful soldier. He was the kind of man that the Israelites wanted to be their king.
Although he served God at first, Saul later became proud and disobeyed God. As a result, God appointed David to take Saul's place as king and allowed Saul to be killed in battle.
In the New Testament, there was a Jew named Saul who was also known as Paul and who became an apostle of Jesus Christ.

(See also: king)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 10:1-3
1 Samuel 09:01
2 Samuel 01:1-2
Acts 13:22
Psalm 018:1

Word Data:

Strong's: H7586, G4549

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Saul, Saul's

Savior

Definitions:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: H3467, G4990

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Savior, savior

Sea of Galilee

Facts:

The "Sea of Galilee" is a lake in eastern Israel. It was also referred to as the "Sea of Tiberias" and the "lake of Gennesaret." In the Old Testament it was called the "Sea of Kinnereth."

The water of this lake flows south through the Jordan River down to the Salt Sea.
Capernaum, Bethsaida, Gennesaret, and Tiberias were some of the towns located on the Sea of Galilee during New Testament times.
Many events of Jesus' life took place on or near the Sea of Galilee.
This term could also be translated as "lake in the region of Galilee" or "Lake Galilee" or "lake near Tiberias (Gennesaret)."

(See also: Capernaum, Galilee, Jordan River, Salt Sea)

Bible References:

John 06:1-3
Luke 05:01
Mark 01:16-18
Matthew 04:12-13
Matthew 04:18-20
Matthew 08:18-20
Matthew 13:1-2
Matthew 15:29-31

Word Data:

Strong's: H3220, H3672, G1056, G1082, G2281, G3041, G5085

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Sea of Galilee, Sea of Kinnereth, lake of Gennesaret, Sea of Tiberias, Kinnereth

Sea of Reeds

Facts:

The "Sea of Reeds" was the name of a body of water located between Egypt and Arabia. It is now called the "Red Sea."

The Red Sea is long and narrow. It is larger than a lake or river, but much smaller than an ocean.
The Israelites had to cross the Red Sea when they were fleeing from Egypt. God performed a miracle and caused the waters of the sea to divide so that the people could walk across on dry land.
The land of Canaan was north of this sea.
This could also be translated as "Reed Sea."

(See also: Arabia. Canaan, Egypt)

Bible References:

Acts 07:35-37
Exodus 13:17-18
Joshua 04:22-24
Numbers 14:23-25

Word Data:

Strong's: H3220, H5488, G2063, G2281

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Sea of Reeds, Red Sea

Sennacherib

Facts:

Sennacherib was a powerful king of Assyria who caused Nineveh to become a rich, important city.

King Sennacherib is known for his wars against Babylon and the kingdom of Judah.
He was a very arrogant king and he ridiculed Yahweh.
Sennacherib attacked Jerusalem during the time of King Hezekiah.
Yahweh caused Sennacherib's army to be destroyed.
The Old Testament books of Kings and Chronicles record some of the events of Sennacherib's reign.

(See also: Assyria, Babylon, Hezekiah, Judah, mock, Nineveh)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 32:1
2 Chronicles 32:16-17
2 Kings 18:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H5576

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Sennacherib, Sennacherib's

Seth

Facts:

In the book of Genesis, Seth was the third son of Adam and Eve.

Eve said that Seth was given to her in place of her son Abel, who was murdered by his brother Cain.
Noah was one of Seth's descendants, so everyone who has lived since the time of the Flood is also a descendant of Seth.
Seth and his family were the first people to "call on the name of the Lord."

(See also: Abel, Cain, call, descendant, father, flood, Noah)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:01
Luke 03:36-38
Numbers 24:17

Word Data:

Strong's: H8352, G4589

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Seth, Seth's

Sharon

Related Words

Lasharon

Facts:

Sharon was the name of a flat, fertile area of land along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, south of Mount Carmel. It is also known as the "Plain of Sharon."

Several cities mentioned in the Bible were located on the Plain of Sharon, including Joppa, Lydda, and Caesarea.
This could be translated as "the plain called Sharon" or "Sharon Plain."
People who lived in the region of Sharon were called "Sharonites."
"Lasharon" is probably another name for "Sharon."

(See also: Caesarea, Carmel, Joppa, the sea)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 05:16-17
Acts 09:35
Isaiah 33:9

Word Data:

Strong's: H8289, H8290

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Sharon, Plain of Sharon, Lasharon

Sheba

Facts:

In ancient times, Sheba was an ancient civilization or region of land that was located somewhere in southern Arabia. The people of Sheba were called Sabeans.

The region or country of Sheba was probably located near what are now the present-day countries of Yemen and Ethiopia.
Its inhabitants were probably descendants of Ham.
The Queen of Sheba came to visit King Solomon when she heard the fame of his riches and wisdom.
There were also several men named "Sheba" listed in genealogies in the Old Testament. It is possible that the name of the region of Sheba came from one of these men.
The city of Beersheba was shortened to Sheba one time in the Old Testament.

(See also: Arabia, Beersheba, Ethiopia, Solomon)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:8-10
1 Kings 10:1-2
Isaiah 60:6-7
Psalms 072:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H7614

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Sheba, Sabeans

Shechem

Facts:

Shechem was a town in Canaan located about 40 miles north of Jerusalem. Shechem was also the name of a man in the Old Testament.

The town of Shechem was where Jacob settled after being reconciled to his brother Esau.
Jacob bought land from the sons of Hamor the Hivite in Shechem. This land later became his family burial ground and the place where his sons buried him.
Hamor's son Shechem raped Jacob's daughter Dinah, resulting in Jacob's sons killing all the men in the town of Shechem.

(Translation suggestions: Hamor

(See also: Canaan, Esau, Hamor, Hivite, Jacob)

Bible References:

Acts 07:14-16
Genesis 12:6-7
Genesis 33:19
Genesis 37:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H7928, H7930

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Shechem, Shechem's

Shem

Facts:

Shem was one of Noah's three sons, all of whom went with him into the ark during the worldwide flood described in the book of Genesis.

Shem was the ancestor of Abraham and his descendants.
The descendants of Shem were known as "Semites"; they spoke "Semitic" languages such as Hebrew and Arabic.
The Bible indicates that Shem lived nearly 600 years.

(See also: Abraham, Arabia, ark, flood, Noah)

Bible References:

Genesis 05:32
Genesis 06:10
Genesis 07:13-14
Genesis 10:1
Genesis 10:31
Genesis 11:10
Luke 03:36-38

Word Data:

Strong's: H8035, G4590

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Shem, Shem's

Shiloh

Facts:

Shiloh was a walled Canaanite city that was conquered by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua.

The city of Shiloh was located west of the Jordan River and northeast of the city of Bethel.
During the time that Joshua was leading Israel, the city of Shiloh was a meeting place for the people of Israel.
The twelve tribes of Israel met together at Shiloh to hear Joshua tell them which portion of the land of Canaan had been assigned to each of them.
Before any temple was built in Jerusalem, Shiloh was the place where the Israelites came to sacrifice to God.
When Samuel was a young boy, his mother Hannah took him to live in Shiloh to be trained by the priest Eli to serve Yahweh.

(See also: Bethel, dedicate, Hannah, Jerusalem, Jordan River, priest, sacrifice, Samuel, temple)

Bible References:

1 Kings 02:26-27
1 Samuel 01:9-10
Joshua 18:1-2
Judges 18:30-31

Word Data:

Strong's: H7886, H7887

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Shiloh

Shimei

Facts:

Shimei was the name of several men in the Old Testament. The descendants of Shimei were called Shemeites.

Shimei son of Gera was a Benjamite who cursed King David and threw stones at him as he was fleeing Jerusalem to escape being killed by his son Absalom.
There were also several Levite priests in the Old Testament who were named Shimei.

(See also: Absalom, Benjamin, Levi, priest)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 06:17
1 Kings 01:08
2 Samuel 16:13
Zechariah 12:12-14

Word Data:

Strong's: H8096, H8097

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Shimei, Shimeites, Shimei's

Shinar

Facts:

Shinar was the name of a plain or region in southern Mesopotamia.

Shinar later became known as "Chaldea" and then, "Babylonia."
Ancient peoples living in the city of Babel in the Plain of Shinar built a tall tower to try to make themselves great.
Generations later, the Jewish patriarch Abraham lived in the city of Ur in this region, which by that time was called "Chaldea."

(See also: Abraham, Babel, Babylon, Chaldeans, Mesopotamia, patriarch, Ur)

Bible References:

Genesis 10:8-10
Genesis 14:01
Genesis 14:7-9
Isaiah 11:10-11
Zechariah 05:11

Word Data:

Strong's: H8152

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Shinar

Sidon

Facts:

Sidon was the oldest son of Canaan. There is also a Canaanite city called Sidon, probably named after Canaan's son.

The city of Sidon was located northwest of Israel on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in a region that is part of the present-day country of Lebanon.
The "Sidonians" were a Phoenician people group who lived in ancient Sidon and the region surrounding it.
In the Bible, Sidon is closely associated with the city of Tyre, and both cities were known for their wealth and for immoral behavior of their people.

(See also: Canaan, Noah, Phoenicia, the sea, Tyre)

Bible References:

Acts 12:20
Acts 27:3-6
Genesis 10:15-18
Genesis 10:19
Mark 03:7-8
Matthew 11:22
Matthew 15:22

Word Data:

Strong's: H6721, H6722, G4605, G4606

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Sidon, Sidonians

Silas

Facts:

Silas was a leader among the believers in Jerusalem. He was also known as Silvanus.

The elders of the church in Jerusalem appointed Silas to go with Paul and Barnabas to take a letter to the city of Antioch.
Silas later traveled with Paul to other cities to teach people about Jesus.
Paul and Silas were put in jail in the city of Philippi. They sang praises to God while they were there and God released them from the jail. The jailer became a Christian as a result of their testimony.

(See also: Antioch, Barnabas, Jerusalem, Paul, Philippi, prison, testimony)

Bible References:

1 Peter 05:12
1 Thessalonians 01:1
2 Thessalonians 01:01
Acts 15:22

Word Data:

Strong's: G4609, G4610

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Silas, Silvanus

Simeon

Facts:

In the Bible, there were several men named Simeon.

In the Old Testament, the second son of Jacob (Israel) was named Simeon. His mother was Leah. His descendants became one of the twelve tribes of Israel. They were the Simeonites.
The tribe of Simeon occupied part of the southernmost territory in the promised land of Canaan. Its land was entirely surrounded by the land that belonged to Judah.
When Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to dedicate him to God, an elderly man named Simeon praised God for allowing him to see the Messiah.

(See also: Canaan, Christ, dedicate, Jacob, Judah, temple)

Bible References:

Genesis 29:33
Genesis 34:25
Genesis 42:35-36
Genesis 43:21-23
Luke 02:25

Word Data:

Strong's: H8095, H8099, G4826

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Simeon, Simeon's, Simeonites

Simon the Zealot

Facts:

Simon the Zealot was one of Jesus' twelve disciples.

Simon is mentioned three times in the listing of Jesus' disciples, but little else is known about him.
Simon was one of the Eleven who met to pray together in Jerusalem after Jesus went back up into heaven.
The term "zealot" may mean that Simon was a member of "the Zealots," a Jewish religious party that was very zealous in upholding the Law of Moses while strongly opposing the Roman government.
Or, "zealot" may simply mean "the zealous one," referring to Simon's religious zeal.

(See also: apostle, disciple, the twelve)

Bible References:

Acts 01:12-14
Luke 06:14-16
Mark 03:17-19

Word Data:

Strong's: G2208, G2581, G4613

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Simon the Zealot, Simon ... Zealot

Sinai

Facts:

Mount Sinai is a mountain that was probably located in the southern part of what is now called the Sinai Peninsula. It was also known as "Mount Horeb."

Mount Sinai is part of a large, rocky desert.
The Israelites came to Mount Sinai as they were traveling from Egypt to the Promised Land.
God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.

(See also: desert, Egypt, Horeb, Promised Land, Ten Commandments)

Bible References:

Acts 07:29-30
Exodus 16:1-3
Galatians 04:24
Leviticus 27:34
Numbers 01:17-19

Word Data:

Strong's: H5514, G3735, G4614

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Sinai, Mount Sinai

Sodom

Facts:

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

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

(See also: Canaan, Gomorrah)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: H5467, G4670

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Sodom

Solomon

Facts:

Solomon was one of King David's sons. His mother was Bathsheba.

When Solomon became king, God told him to ask for anything he wanted. So Solomon asked for wisdom to rule the people justly and well. God was pleased with Solomon's request and gave him both wisdom and much wealth.
Solomon is also well known for having a magnificent temple built in Jerusalem.
Although Solomon ruled wisely in the first years of his reign, later on he foolishly married many foreign women and started worshiping their gods.
Because of Solomon's unfaithfulness, after his death God divided the Israelites into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah. These kingdoms often fought against each other.

(See also: Bathsheba, David, Israel, Judah, kingdom of Israel, temple)

Bible References:

Acts 07:47-50
Luke 12:27
Matthew 01:7-8
Matthew 06:29
Matthew 12:42

Word Data:

Strong's: H8010, G4672

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Solomon, Solomon's, King Solomon, King Solomon's

Son of God

Related Ideas:

the Son

Facts:

The term "Son of God" refers to Jesus, the Word of God, who came into the world as a human being. He is also often referred to as "the Son."

Unlike anyone else, God the Father, the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit are all one God.
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all fully and equally God.
The Son of God has the same character as God the Father.

Because Jesus is God's Son, he loves and obeys his Father, and his Father loves him.

Translation Suggestions:

For the term "Son of God," it is best to translate "Son" with the same word the language would naturally use to refer to a human son.
Make sure the word used to translate "son" fits with the word used to translate "father" and that these words are the most natural ones used to express a true father-son relationship in the project language.
Using a capital letter to begin "Son" may help show that this is talking about God.
The phrase "the Son" is a shortened form of "the Son of God," especially when it occurs in the same context as "the Father."

(See also: Christ, father, God, God the Father, Holy Spirit, Jesus, son, sons of God)

Bible References:

1 John 04:10
Acts 09:20
Colossians 01:17
Galatians 02:20
Hebrews 04:14
John 03:18
Luke 10:22
Matthew 11:27
Revelation 02:18
Romans 08:29

Word Data:

Strong's: H426, H430, H1121, H1247, G2316, G5207

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Son of God, the Son

Son of Man

Related Ideas:

mankind, son of man

Definition:

The title "Son of Man" was used by Jesus to refer to himself. He often used this term instead of saying "I" or "me."

In the Bible, "son of man" could be a way of referring to or addressing a man. It could also mean "human being."
Throughout the Old Testament book of Ezekiel, God frequently addressed Ezekiel as "son of man." For example he said, "You, son of man, must prophesy."
The prophet Daniel saw a vision of a "son of man" coming with the clouds, which is a reference to the coming Messiah.
Jesus also said that the Son of Man will be coming back someday on the clouds.
These references to the Son of Man coming on the clouds reveal that Jesus the Messiah is God.

Translation Suggestions:

When Jesus uses the term "Son of Man" it could be translated as "the One who became a human being" or "the Man from heaven."
Some translators occasionally include "I" or "me" with this title (as in "I, the Son of Man") to make it clear that Jesus was talking about himself.
Check to make sure that the translation of this term does not give a wrong meaning (such as referring to an illegitimate son or giving the wrong impression that Jesus was only a human being).
When used to refer to a person, "son of man" could also be translated as "you, a human being" or "you, man" or "human being" or "man."

(See also: heaven, son, Son of God, Yahweh)

Bible References:

Acts 07:56
Daniel 07:14
Ezekiel 43:6-8
John 03:12-13
Luke 06:05
Mark 02:10
Matthew 13:37
Psalms 080:17-18
Revelation 14:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H120, H606, H1121, H1247, G444, G5207

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Son of Man, mankind, son of man

Stephen

Facts:

Stephen is most remembered as the first Christian martyr, that is, the first person to be killed because of his faith in Jesus. The facts about his life and death are recorded in the book of Acts.

Stephen was appointed by the early Church in Jerusalem to serve the Christians as a deacon by providing food for widows and other Christians in need.
Certain Jews falsely accused Stephen of speaking against God and against the laws of Moses.
Stephen boldly spoke the truth about Jesus the Messiah, beginning with the history of God's dealings with the people of Israel.
The Jewish leaders were furious and executed Stephen by stoning him to death outside the city.
His execution was witnessed by Saul of Tarsus, who later became the apostle Paul.
Stephen is also well-known for his last words before he died, "Lord, please do not hold this sin against them," which showed the love he had for others.

(See also: appoint, deacon, Jerusalem, Paul, stone, true)

Bible References:

Acts 06:05
Acts 06:09
Acts 06:10-11
Acts 06:12
Acts 07:59
Acts 11:19
Acts 22:20

Word Data:

Strong's: G4736

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Stephen, Stephen's

Sukkoth

Facts:

Sukkoth was the name of two Old Testament cities. The word "sukkoth" (some English versions say "succoth" or "Succoth") means "shelters."

The first city called Sukkoth was located on the east side of the Jordan River.
Jacob stayed at Sukkoth with his family and flocks, building shelters for them there.
Hundreds of years later, Gideon and his exhausted men stopped at Sukkoth as they were chasing the Midanites, but the people there refused to give them any food.
The second Sukkoth was located on the northern border of Egypt and was a place where the Israelites stopped after they crossed the Red Sea as they were escaping from slavery in Egypt.

Bible References:

1 Kings 07:46
Exodus 12:37-40
Joshua 13:27-28
Judges 08:4-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H5523, H5524

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Sukkoth

Syria

Facts:

Syria is a country located northeast of Israel. During the time of the New Testament, it was a province under the rule of the Roman Empire.

In the Old Testament time period, the Syrians were strong military enemies of the Israelites.
Naaman was a commander of the Syrian army who was cured of leprosy by the prophet Elisha.
Many inhabitants of Syria are descendants of Aram, who was descended from Noah's son Shem.
Damascus, the capital city of Syria, was mentioned many times in the Bible.
Saul went to the city of Damascus with plans to persecute Christians there, but Jesus stopped him.

(See also: Aram, commander, Damascus, descendant, Elisha, leper, Naaman, persecute, prophet)

Bible References:

Acts 15:23
Acts 15:41
Acts 20:03
Galatians 01:21-24
Matthew 04:23-25

Word Data:

Strong's: H758, G4947, G4948

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Syria, Syrian

Tamar

Facts:

Tamar was the name of several women in the Old Testament. It was also the name of several cities or other places in the Old Testament.

Tamar was the daughter-in-law of Judah. She gave birth to Perez who was an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
One of King David's daughters was named Tamar; she was the sister of Absalom. Her half-brother Amnon raped her and left her desolate.
Absalom also had a daughter named Tamar.
A city called "Hazezon Tamar" was the same as the city of Engedi on the western shore of the Salt Sea.
There was also a place called "Baal Tamar," and general references to a place called "Tamar" which may have been different from the cities.

(See also: Absalom, father, Amnon, David, father, Judah, Salt Sea)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 02:04
2 Samuel 13:02
2 Samuel 14:25-27
Genesis 38:6-7
Genesis 38:24
Matthew 01:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H1193, H2688, H8559

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Tamar, Tamar's

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

Tarsus

Facts:

Tarsus was a prosperous city in the Roman province of Cilicia, in what is now south central Turkey.

Tarsus was located along a major river and near the Mediterranean Sea, so it was part of an important trade route.
At one time it was the capital of Cilicia.
In the New Testament, Tarsus was best known as the hometown of Paul the apostle.

(See also: Cilicia, Paul, province, the sea)

Bible References:

Acts 09:11
Acts 09:30
Acts 11:25

Word Data:

Strong's: G5018, G5019

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Tarsus

Ten Commandments

Definitions:

The "Ten Commandments" were commands that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai while the Israelites were living in the desert on their way to the land of Canaan. God wrote these commands on two large slabs of stone.

God gave the Israelites many commands to obey, but the Ten Commandments were special commands to help the Israelites love and worship God and love other people.
These commandments were also part of God's covenant with his people. By obeying what God had commanded them to do, the people of Israel would show that they loved God and belonged to him.
The stone slabs with the commandments written on them were kept in the Ark of the Covenant, which was located in the most holy place of the tabernacle and later, the temple.

(See also: ark of the covenant, command, covenant, desert, law of Moses, obey, Sinai, worship)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 04:13-14
Deuteronomy 10:3-4
Exodus 34:27-28
Luke 18:18-21

Word Data:

Strong's: H1697, H6235

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ten Commandments

Terah

Facts:

Terah was a descendant of Noah's son Shem. He was the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran.

Terah left his home in Ur in order to go to the land of Canaan with his son Abram, his nephew Lot, and Abram's wife Sarai.
On the way to Canaan, Terah and his family lived for years in the city of Haran in Mesopotamia. Terah died in Haran at the age of 205.

(See also: Abraham, Canaan, Haran, Lot, Mesopotamia, Nahor, Sarah, Shem, Ur)

Bible References:

Genesis 11:31-32

1 Chronicles 01:24-27
Luke 03:33-35

Word Data:

Strong's: H8646, G2291

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Terah, Terah's

Thessalonica

Facts:

In New Testament times, Thessalonica was the capital city of Macedonia in the ancient Roman empire. The people living in that city were called the "Thessalonians."

The city of Thessalonica was an important seaport and was also located along a major road that connected Rome to the eastern part of the Roman empire.
Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, visited Thessalonica on his second missionary journey and as a result, a church was established there. Later, Paul also visited this city on his third missionary journey.
Paul wrote two letters to the Christians in Thessalonica. These letters (1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians) are included in the New Testament.

(See also: Macedonia, Paul, Rome)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 01:1
2 Thessalonians 01:01
2 Timothy 04:9-10
Acts 17:01
Philippians 04:14-17

Word Data:

Strong's: G2331, G2332

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Thessalonica, Thessalonian, Thessalonians

Thomas

Facts:

Thomas was one of twelve men whom Jesus chose to be his disciples and later, apostles. He was also known as "Didymus," which means "twin."

Near the end of Jesus' life, he told his disciples that he was going away to be with the Father and would prepare a place for them to be with him. Thomas asked Jesus how they could know the way to get there when they didn't even know where he was going.
After Jesus died and came back to life, Thomas said he would not believe that Jesus was really alive again unless he could see and feel the scars where Jesus had been wounded.

(See also: apostle, disciple, God the Father, the twelve)

Bible References:

Acts 01:12-14
John 11:15-16
Luke 06:14-16
Mark 03:17-19
Matthew 10:2-4

Word Data:

Strong's: G2381

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Thomas, Thomas'

Timothy

Facts:

Timothy was a young man from Lystra. He later joined Paul on several missionary trips and helped shepherd new communities of believers.

Timothy's father was a Greek, but both his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice were Jews and believers in Christ.
The elders and Paul formally appointed Timothy for the ministry by placing their hands on him and praying for him.
Two books in the New Testament (I Timothy and 2 Timothy) are letters written by Paul that provide guidance to Timothy as a young leader of local churches.

(See also: appoint, believe, church, Greek, minister)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 03:02
1 Timothy 01:02
Acts 16:03
Colossians 01:01
Philemon 01:01
Philippians 01:01
Philippians 02:19

Word Data:

Strong's: G5095

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Timothy, Timothy's

Tirzah

Facts:

Tirzah was an important Canaanite city that was conquered by the Israelites. It was also the name of a daughter of Gilead, a descendant of Manasseh.

The city Tirzah was located in the region occupied by the tribe of Manasseh. It is thought that the city was about 10 miles north of the city of Shechem.
Years later, Tirzah became a temporary capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, during the reigns of four kings of Israel.
Tirzah was also the name of one of Manasseh's granddaughters. They asked to be given a portion of the land since their father had died and he had no sons to inherit it as would normally be the custom.

(See also: Canaan, inherit, kingdom of Israel, Manasseh, Shechem)

Bible References:

Numbers 27:1
Numbers 36:11
Song of Solomon 06:4

Word Data:

Strong's: H8656

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Tirzah

Titus

Facts:

Titus was a Gentile. He was trained by Paul to be a leader in the early churches.

A letter written to Titus by Paul is one of the books of the New Testament.
In this letter Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders for the churches on the island of Crete.
In some of his other letters to Christians, Paul mentions Titus as someone who encouraged him and brought him joy.

(See also: appoint, believe, church, circumcise, Crete, elder, courage, instruct, minister)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 04:10
Galatians 02:1-2
Galatians 02:3-5
Titus 01:04

Word Data:

Strong's: G5103

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Titus, Titus'

Troas

Facts:

The city of Troas was a seaport located on the northwest coast of the ancient Roman province of Asia.

Paul visited Troas at least three times during his trips to different regions to preach the gospel.
On one occasion in Troas, Paul preached long into the night and a young man named Eutychus fell asleep while he was listening. Because he had been sitting in an open window, Eutychus fell down a long way and died. Through God's power, Paul raised this young man back to life.
When Paul was in Rome, he asked Timothy to bring him his scrolls and his cloak, which he had left behind in Troas.

(See also: Asia, preach, province, raise, Rome, scroll, Timothy)

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 02:13
2 Timothy 04:11-13
Acts 16:08
Acts 20:05

Word Data:

Strong's: G5174

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Troas

Tubal

Facts:

There were several men in the Old Testament who had the name "Tubal."

One man named Tubal was one of the sons of Japheth.
A man named "Tubal-Cain" was a son of Lamech and descendant of Cain.
Tubal was also the name of a people group mentioned by the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel.

(See also: Cain, descendant, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Japheth, Lamech, people group, prophet)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 01:05
Ezekiel 27:12-13
Genesis 10:2-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H8422, H8423

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Tubal

Tychicus

Facts:

Tychicus was one of Paul's fellow ministers of the gospel.

Tychicus accompanied Paul on at least one of his missionary journeys to Asia.
Paul described him as "beloved" and "faithful."
Tychicus carried Paul's letters to Ephesus and Colosse.

(See also: Asia, beloved, Colossae, Ephesus, faithful, good news, minister)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 04:11-13
Colossians 04:09
Titus 03:12

Word Data:

Strong's: G5190

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Tychicus, Tychicus'

Tyre

Facts:

Tyre was an ancient Canaanite city located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in a region that is now part of the modern-day country of Lebanon. Its people were called "Tyrians."

Part of the city was located on an island in the sea, about one kilometer from the mainland.
Because of its location and its valuable natural resources, such as cedar trees, Tyre had a prosperous trading industry and was very wealthy.
King Hiram of Tyre sent wood from cedar trees and skilled laborers to help build a palace for King David.
Years later, Hiram also sent King Solomon wood and skilled laborers to help build the temple. Solomon paid him with large amounts of wheat and olive oil.
Tyre was often associated with the nearby ancient city of Sidon. These were the most important cities of the region of Canaan called Phoenicia.

(See also: Canaan, cedar, Israel, the sea, Phoenicia, Sidon)

Bible References:

Acts 12:20
Mark 03:7-8
Matthew 11:22
Matthew 15:22

Word Data:

Strong's: H6865, H6876, G5183, G5184

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Tyre, Tyrians

Ur

Facts:

Ur was an important city along the Euphrates River in the ancient region of Chaldea, which was part of Mesopotamia. This region was located in what is now the modern-day country of Iraq.

Abraham was from the city of Ur and it was from there that God called him to leave to go to the land of Canaan.
Haran, the brother of Abraham and father of Lot, died in Ur. This was probably a factor that influenced Lot to leave Ur with Abraham.

(See also: Abraham, Canaan, Chaldeans, Euphrates, Haran, Lot, Mesopotamia)

Bible References:

Genesis 11:27-28
Genesis 11:31

Word Data:

Strong's: H218

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Uriah

Facts:

Uriah was a righteous man and one of King David's best soldiers. He is often referred to as "Uriah the Hittite."

Uriah had a very beautiful wife named Bathsheba.
David committed adultery with Uriah's wife, and she became pregnant with David's child.
To cover up this sin, David caused Uriah to be killed in battle. Then David married Bathsheba.
Another man named Uriah was a priest during the time of King Ahaz.

(See also: Ahaz, Bathsheba, David, Hittite)

Bible References:

1 Kings 15:05
2 Samuel 11:03
2 Samuel 11:26-27
Nehemiah 03:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H223, G3774

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Uriah, Uriah's

Uzziah

Facts:

Uzziah became king of Judah at the age of 16 and reigned 52 years, which was an unusually long reign. Uzziah was also known as "Azariah."

King Uzziah was well-known for his organized and skilled military. He had towers built to protect the city and had specially-designed weapons of war mounted on them to hurl arrows and large stones.
As long as Uzziah served the Lord, he prospered. Toward the end of his reign, however, he became proud and he disobeyed the Lord by burning incense in the temple, which only the priest was permitted to do.
Because of this sin, Uzziah became sick with leprosy and had to live separately from other people until the end of his reign.

(See also: Azariah, Judah, king, leper, reign, watchtower)

Bible References:

2 Kings 14:21
Amos 01:01
Hosea 01:01
Isaiah 06:1-2
Matthew 01:7-8

Word Data:

Strong's: H5818

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Uzziah, Uzziah's

Vashti

Facts:

In the Old Testament book of Esther, Vashti was the wife of Xerxes, king of Persia.

King Xerxes sent Queen Vashti away when she refused to obey his order to come to his dinner party and show off her beauty to his drunken guests.
As a result, a search went out for a new queen and eventually Esther was chosen to be the king's new wife.

(See also: Xerxes, Esther, Persia)

Bible References:

Esther 01:9-11
Esther 02:1-2
Esther 02:17-18

Word Data:

Strong's: H2060

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Vashti, Vashti's

Xerxes

Related Words:

Ahasuerus

Facts:

Xerxes was a king who ruled over the ancient kingdom of Persia for twenty years.

This was during the time the exiled Jews were living in Babylonia, which had come under Persian rule.
Another name for this king may have been Ahasuerus, and this is the name used in many translations.
After sending away his queen in a fit of anger, King Xerxes later chose a Jewish woman named Esther to be his new wife and queen.

(See also: Babylon, Esther, Ethiopia, exile, Persia)

Bible References:

Daniel 09:01
Esther 10:1-2
Ezra 04:7-8

Word Data:

Strong's: H325

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ahasuerus, Ahasuerus', Xerxes

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

Yahweh of hosts

Related Ideas:

God of hosts, Lord of hosts, Lord of multitudes

Definition:

The terms "Yahweh of hosts" and "God of hosts" are titles that express God's authority over the thousands of angels who obey him.

The term "host" or "hosts" is a word that refers to a large number of something, such as an army of people or the massive number of stars. It can also refer to all the many spirit beings, including evil spirits. The context makes it clear what is being referred to.
Phrases similar to "host of the heavens" refer to all the stars, planets and other heavenly bodies.
In the New Testament, the phrase, "Lord of hosts" means the same as "Yahweh of hosts" but it cannot be translated that way since the Hebrew word "Yahweh" is not used in the New Testament.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "Yahweh of hosts" could include, "Yahweh, who rules all the angels" or "Yahweh, the ruler over armies of angels" or "Yahweh, the ruler of all creation."
The phrase "of hosts" in the terms "God of hosts" and "Lord of hosts" would be translated the same way as in the phrase "Yahweh of hosts" above.
Certain churches do not accept the literal term "Yahweh" and prefer to use the capitalized word, "LORD" instead, following the tradition of many Bible versions. For these churches, a translation of the term "LORD of hosts" would be used in the Old Testament for "Yahweh of hosts."

(See also: angel, authority, God, lord, lord, Lord Yahweh Yahweh)

Bible References:

Zechariah 13:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H3068, H6635, G2962, G4519

Forms Found in the English ULB:

God of hosts, Lord of hosts, Lord of multitudes, Yahweh of hosts, the Lord of hosts

Zacchaeus

Facts:

Zacchaeus was a tax collector from Jericho who climbed a tree in order to be able to see Jesus who was surrounded by a large crowd of people.

Zacchaeus was completely changed when he believed in Jesus.
He repented of his sin of cheating people and promised to give half his possessions to the poor.
He also promised that he would pay people back four times the amount that he had overcharged them for their taxes.

(See also: believe, promise, repent, sin, tax, tax)

Bible References:

Luke 19:02
Luke 19:06

Word Data:

Strong's: G2195

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Zacchaeus, Zacchaeus'

Zadok

Facts:

Zadok was the name of an important high priest in Israel during the reign of King David.

When Absalom rebelled against King David, Zadok supported David and helped bring the ark of the covenant back into Jerusalem.
Years later, he also took part in the ceremony to anoint David's son Solomon as king.
Two different men by the name of Zadok helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem during Nehemiah's time.
Zadok was also the name of King Jotham's grandfather.

(See also: ark of the covenant, David, Jotham, Nehemiah, reign, Solomon)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 24:1-3
1 Kings 01:26-27
2 Samuel 15:24-26
Matthew 01:12-14

Word Data:

Strong's: H6659, G4524

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Zadok, Zadok's

Zebedee

Facts:

Zebedee was a fisherman from Galilee who is known because of his sons, James and John, who were Jesus' disciples. They are often identified in the New Testament as the "sons of Zebedee."

Zebedee's sons were also fishermen and worked with him to catch fish.
James and John quit their fishing work with their father Zebedee and left to go follow Jesus.

(See also: disciple, fishermen, James (son of Zebedee), John (the apostle))

Bible References:

John 21:1-3
Luke 05:8-11
Mark 01:19-20
Matthew 04:21-22
Matthew 20:20
Matthew 26:36-38

Word Data:

Strong's: G2199

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Zebedee, Zebedee's

Zebulun

Facts:

Zebulun was the last son born to Jacob and Leah and is the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His descendants were called Zebulunites.

The Israelite tribe of Zebulun was given the land directly west of the Salt Sea.
Sometimes the name "Zebulun" is also used to refer to the land where this Israelite tribe lived.

(See also: Jacob, Leah, Salt Sea, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

Exodus 01:1-5
Genesis 30:20
Isaiah 09:01
Judges 04:10
Matthew 04:13
Matthew 04:16

Word Data:

Strong's: H2074, H2075, G2194

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Zebulun, Zebulunite, Zebulunites, Zebulun's

Zechariah (New Testament)

Facts:

In the New Testament, Zechariah was a Jewish priest who became the father of John the Baptist.

Zechariah loved God and obeyed him.
For many years Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, prayed earnestly to have a child, but did not have one. Then when they were very old, God answered their prayers and gave them a son.
Zechariah prophesied that his son John would be the prophet who would announce and prepare the way for the Messiah.

(See also: Christ, Elizabeth, prophet)

Bible References:

Luke 01:5-7
Luke 01:21-23
Luke 01:39-41
Luke 03:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: G2197

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Zechariah

Zechariah (Old Testament)

Facts:

Zechariah was a prophet who prophesied during the reign of King Darius I of Persia. The Old Testament book of Zechariah contains his prophecies, which urged the returning exiles to rebuild the temple.

The prophet Zechariah lived during the same time period as Ezra, Nehemiah, Zerrubbabel and Haggai. He was also mentioned by Jesus as the last of the prophets who were murdered during Old Testament times.
Another man named Zechariah was a gatekeeper at the temple during the time of David.
One of King Jehoshaphat's sons who was named Zechariah was murdered by his brother Jehoram.
Zechariah was the name of a priest who was stoned by the people of Israel when he rebuked them for their idol worship.
King Zechariah was the son of Jeroboam and he reigned over Israel for only six months before being murdered.

(See also: Darius, Ezra, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, Nehemiah, Zerubbabel)

Bible References:

Ezra 05:1-2
Matthew 23:34-36
Zechariah 01:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H2148

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Zechariah, Zechariah's

Zedekiah

Facts:

Zedekiah, son of Josiah, was the last king of Judah (597-587 B.C.). There are also several other men named Zedekiah in the Old Testament.

King Nebuchadnezzar made Zedekiah king of Judah after capturing King Jehoiachin and taking him away to Babylon. Zedekiah later rebelled and as a result Nebuchadnezzar captured him and destroyed all of Jerusalem.
Zedekiah, son of Kenaanah, was a false prophet during the time of King Ahab of Israel.
A man named Zedekiah was one of those who signed an agreement to the Lord during the time of Nehemiah.

(See also: Ahab, Babylon, Ezekiel, kingdom of Israel, Jehoiachin, Jeremiah, Josiah, Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nehemiah)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 03:15-16
Jeremiah 37:1-2
Jeremiah 39:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H6667

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Zedekiah, Zedekiah's

Zephaniah

Facts:

Zephaniah, son of Cushi, was a prophet who lived in Jerusalem and prophesied during the reign of King Josiah. He lived during the same time period as Jeremiah.

He rebuked the people of Judah for worshipping false gods. His prophecies are written in the book of Zephaniah in the Old Testament.
There were several other men in the Old Testament named Zephaniah, most of whom were priests.

(See also: Jeremiah, Josiah, priest)

Bible References:

2 Kings 25:18
Jeremiah 52:24-25
Zechariah 06:9-11
Zephaniah 01:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H6846

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Zephaniah, Zephaniah's

Zerubbabel

Facts:

Zerubbabel was the name of two Israelite men in the Old Testament.

One of these was a descendant of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah.
A different Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, was the head of the tribe of Judah during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, when Cyrus king of Persia released the Israelites from their captivity in Babylon.
Zerubbabel and the high priest Joshua were among those who helped rebuild the temple and altar of God.

(See also: Babylon, captive, Cyrus, Ezra, high priest, Jehoiakim, Joshua, Judah, Nehemiah, Persia, Zedekiah)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 03:19-21
Ezra 02:1-2
Ezra 03:8-9
Luke 03:27-29
Matthew 01:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H2216, H2217, G2216

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel's

Zion

Related Ideas:

Mount Zion

Definition:

Originally, the term "Zion" or "Mount Zion" referred to a stronghold or fortress that King David captured from the Jebusites. Both these terms became other ways of referring to Jerusalem.

Mount Zion and Mount Moriah were two of the hills that the city of Jerusalem was located on. Later, "Zion" and "Mount Zion" became used as general terms to refer to both of these mountains and to the city of Jerusalem. Sometimes they also referred to the temple that was located in Jerusalem.
David named Zion, or Jerusalem, the "City of David." This is different from David's hometown, Bethlehem, which was also called the City of David.
The term "Zion" is used in other figurative ways, to refer to Israel or to God's spiritual kingdom or to the new, heavenly Jerusalem that God will create.

(See also: Abraham, David, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jebus)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 11:05
Amos 01:02
Jeremiah 51:35
Psalm 076:1-3
Romans 11:26

Word Data:

Strong's: H6726, G4622

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mount Zion, Zion

Zoar

Facts:

Zoar was a small city where Lot fled when God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.

It was formerly known as "Bela" but was renamed "Zoar" when Lot asked God to spare this "small" city.
Zoar is thought to have been located in the plain of the Jordan River or at the southern end of the Dead Sea.

(See also: Lot, Sodom, Gomorrah)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 34:1-3
Genesis 13:10-11
Genesis 14:1-2
Genesis 19:22
Genesis 19:23

Word Data:

Strong's: H6820

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Zoar

abomination

Related Ideas:

abominable, abominably, disgusting, foul

Definition:

The term "abomination" is used to refer to something that causes disgust or extreme dislike.

The Egyptians considered the Hebrew people to be an "abomination." This means that the Egyptians disliked the Hebrews and didn't want to associate with them or be near them.
Some of the things that the Bible calls "an abomination to Yahweh" include lying, pride, sacrificing humans, worship of idols, murder, and sexual sins such as adultery and homosexual acts.
In teaching his disciples about the end times, Jesus referred to a prophecy by the prophet Daniel about an "abomination of desolation" that would be set up as a rebellion against God, defiling his place of worship.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "abomination" could also be translated by "something God hates" or "something disgusting" or "disgusting practice" or "very evil action."
Depending on the context, ways to translate the phrase "is an abomination to" could include "is greatly hated by" or "is disgusting to" or "is totally unacceptable to" or "causes deep disgust."
The phrase "abomination of desolation" could be translated as "defiling object that causes people to be greatly harmed" or "disgusting thing that causes great sorrow."

(See also: adultery, desecrate, desolate, god, sacrifice)

Bible References:

Ezra 09:1-2
Genesis 46:34
Isaiah 01:13
Matthew 24:15
Proverbs 26:25

Word Data:

Strong's: H6292, H8251, H8262, H8263, H8441, H8581, G946

Forms Found in the English ULB:

abominable, abomination, abominations, committed ... abominably, disgusting practices, disgusting thing, disgusting things, foul, foul thing

abyss

Related Ideas:

bottomless pit

Definition:

The term "abyss" refers to a very large, deep hole or chasm that has no bottom.

In the Bible, "the abyss" is a place of punishment.
For example, when Jesus commanded evil spirits to come out of a man, they begged him not to send them to the abyss.
The word "abyss" could also be translated as "bottomless pit" or "deep chasm."
This term should be translated differently from "hades," "sheol," or "hell."

(See Also: Hades, hell, punish)

Bible References:

Luke 08:30-31
Romans 10:07

Word Data:

Strong's: G12, G5421

Forms Found in the English ULB:

abyss, bottomless pit

acacia

Definition:

The term "acacia" is the name of a common shrub or tree growing in the land of Canaan in ancient times; it is still plentiful in that region today.

The orange-brown wood of the acacia tree is very hard and durable, making it a useful material for building things.
This wood is highly resistant to decay because it is so very dense that it keeps out water, and it has natural preservatives that keep insects from destroying it.
In the Bible, acacia wood was used to build the tabernacle and the ark of the covenant.

(See also: ark of the covenant, tabernacle)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 10:3-4
Exodus 25:3-7
Exodus 38:6-7
Isaiah 41:19-20

Word Data:

Strong's: H7848

Forms Found in the English ULB:

acacia

accuse

Related Ideas:

accusation, accuser

Definition:

The terms "accuse" and "accusation" refer to blaming someone for doing something wrong. A person who accuses others is an "accuser."

A false accusation is when a charge against someone is not true, as when Jesus was falsely accused of wrongdoing by the leaders of the Jews.
In the New Testament book of Revelation, Satan is called "the accuser."

Bible References:

Acts 19:40
Hosea 04:04
Jeremiah 02:9-11
Luke 06:6-8
Romans 08:33

Word Data:

Strong's: H2778, H3198, H6818, G1458, G2649, G2723, G2724

Forms Found in the English ULB:

accusation, accusations, accuse, accused, accuser, accusers, accuses, accusing

acknowledge

Related Ideas:

admit

Definitions:

The term "acknowledge" means to give proper recognition to something or someone.

To acknowledge God also involves acting in a way that shows that what he says is true.
People who acknowledge God will show it by obeying him, which brings glory to his name.
To acknowledge something means to believe that it is true, with actions and words that confirm that.

Translation Suggestions:

In the context of acknowledging that something is true, "acknowledge" could be translated as "admit" or "declare" or "confess to be true" or "believe."
When referring to acknowledging a person, this term could be translated as "accept" or "recognize the value of" or "tell others that (the person) is faithful."
In the context of acknowledging God, this could be translated as "believe and obey God" or "declare who God is" or "tell other people about how great God is" or "confess that what God says and does is true."

(See also: obey, glory, save)

Bible References:

Daniel 11:38-39
Jeremiah 09:4-6
Job 34:26-28
Leviticus 22:32
Psalm 029:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H3045, H3046, H5046, H5234, H6942, G1492, G1921, G3140, G3670

Forms Found in the English ULB:

acknowledge, acknowledged, acknowledges, admit, admitted

acquit

Related Ideas:

admit someone was right

Definition:

The term "acquit" means to formally declare someone to be not guilty of an unlawful or immoral behavior he was accused of.

This term is sometimes used in the Bible to talk about forgiving sinners.
Often the context is about wrongly acquitting people who are wicked and rebel against God.
This could be translated as "declare innocent" or "judge to be not guilty."

(See also: forgive, guilt, sin)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 25:1-2
Exodus 21:28
Exodus 23:07
Isaiah 05:23
Job 10:12-14

Word Data:

Strong's: H5352, H5355, H6403, H6663

Forms Found in the English ULB:

acquit, acquits, acquitted, admit that ... right, declare ... not guilty

administration

Related Ideas:

administer, administrator

Definitions:

The terms "administration" and "administrator" refer to managing or governing of people of a country to help it function in an orderly way.

Daniel and three other Jewish young men were appointed to be administrators, or government officials, over certain parts of Babylon.
In the New Testament, administration is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
A person who has the spiritual gift of administration is able to lead and govern people as well as supervise the maintenance of buildings and other property.
The word "administration" can also refer to the work done by an administrator.

Translation Suggestions

Depending on the context, some ways to translate "administrator" could include "governor" or "organizer" or "manager" or "ruler" or "government official."
The term "administration" could be translated as "governing" or "management" or "leadership." or "organization."
Expressions such as "in charge of" or "taking care of" or "keeping order" could possibly be part of the translation of these terms.

(See also: Babylon, Daniel, gift, governor, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 18:14
Daniel 06:1-3
Esther 09:3-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H5532, H5608, H5632, H5673, H6213, H7860, G1247, G2941, G3622

Forms Found in the English ULB:

administered, administering, administration, administrator, administrators

admonish

Related Ideas:

reprove, scold, strictly warn, warn

Definition:

The term "admonish" means to firmly warn or advise someone.

Usually "admonish" means to teach someone the correct way to do something or to advise someone not to do something.
In the body of Christ, believers are taught to admonish each other to avoid sin and to live holy lives.
The word "admonish" could be translated as "encourage not to sin" or "urge someone to not sin."
To "scold" is to angrily tell someone that what he is doing is wrong.
To "reprove" is to scold someone, usually but not always gently.

Bible References:

Nehemiah 09:30

Word Data:

Strong's: H2094, H3198, H4148, H5715, H5749, G1651, G1690, G3559, G3560, G3867, G5537

Forms Found in the English ULB:

aware, reprove, reproved, reproves, scolded, strictly warned, warn, warned, warning, warnings

adopt

Related Ideas:

adoption

Definition:

The terms "adopt" and "adoption" refer to the process of someone legally becoming the child of people who are not his biological parents.

The Bible uses "adoption" and "adopt" in a figurative way to describe how God causes people to be part of his family, making them his spiritual sons and daughters.
As adopted children, God makes believers to be co-heirs with Jesus Christ, giving them all of the privileges of sons and daughters of God.

Translation Suggestions:

This term could be translated with a term that the language of translation uses to describe this special parent-child relationship. Make sure it is understood that this has a figurative or spiritual meaning.
The phrase "experience adoption as sons" could be translated as "be adopted by God as his children" or "become God's (spiritual) children."
To "wait for the adoption of sons" could be translated as "look forward to becoming God's children" or "wait expectantly for God to receive as children."
The phrase "adopt them" could be translated as "receive them as his own children" or "make them his own (spiritual) children."

(See also: heir, inherit, spirit)

Bible References:

Ephesians 01:5
Galatians 04:3-5
Romans 08:14-15
Romans 08:23
Romans 09:04

Word Data:

Strong's: G5206

Forms Found in the English ULB:

adopt, adopted, adoption

adultery

Related Ideas:

adulterer, adulteress, adulterous, immoral woman

Definition:

The term "adultery" refers to a sin that occurs when a married person has sexual relations with someone who is not that person's spouse. Both of them are guilty of adultery. The term "adulterous" describes this kind of behavior or any person who commits this sin.

The term "adulterer" refers generally to any person who commits adultery.
Sometimes the term "adulteress" is used to specify that it was a woman who committed adultery.
Adultery breaks the promises that a husband and wife made to each other in their covenant of marriage.
God commanded the Israelites to not commit adultery.
The term "adulterous" is often used in a figurative sense to describe the people of Israel as being unfaithful to God, especially when they worshiped false gods.

Translation Suggestions:

If the target language does not have one word that means "adultery," this term could be translated with a phrase such as "having sexual relations with someone else's wife" or "being intimate with another person's spouse."
Some languages may have an indirect way of talking about adultery, such as "sleeping with someone else's spouse" or "being unfaithful to one's wife."
When "adulterous" is used in a figurative sense, it is best to translate it literally in order to communicate God's view of his disobedient people as being compared to an unfaithful spouse. If this does not communicate accurately in the target language, the figurative use of "adulterous" could be translated as "unfaithful" or "immoral" or "like an unfaithful spouse."

(See also: commit, covenant, sexual immorality, faithful)

Bible References:

Exodus 20:14
Hosea 04:1-2
Luke 16:18
Matthew 05:28
Matthew 12:39
Revelation 02:22

Word Data:

Strong's: H2114, H5003, H5004, H5237, G3428, G3429, G3430, G3431, G3432

Forms Found in the English ULB:

adulterer, adulterers, adulteress, adulteresses, adulteries, adulterous, adultery, immoral woman

adversary

Related Ideas:

enemy, hostile, hostility, opponent, oppose, opposition

Definition:

An "adversary" is a person or group who is opposed to someone or something. The term "enemy" has a similar meaning.

Your adversary can be a person who tries to oppose you or harm you.
When two nations fight, each can be called an "adversary" of the other.
In the Bible, the devil is referred to as an "adversary" and an "enemy."
Adversary may be translated as "opponent" or "enemy," but it suggests a stronger form of opposition.
Someone who is "hostile" wants to fight other people. Such a person has "hostile intent" or acts with "hostility."

Bible References:

1 Timothy 05:14
Isaiah 09:11
Job 06:23
Lamentations 04:12
Luke 12:59
Matthew 13:25

Word Data:

Strong's: H340, H341, H6146, H6862, H6887, H6965, H7379, H7790, H7854, H8130, H8324, G476, G480, G485, G498, G2189, G2190, G5227

Forms Found in the English ULB:

adversaries, adversary, enemies, enemies', enemy, enemy's, hostile, hostilities, hostility, opponent, opponents, oppose, opposed, opposes, opposition

afflict

Related Ideas:

affliction, difficulty

Definition:

The term "afflict" means to cause someone distress or suffering. An "affliction" is the disease, emotional grief, or other disaster that results from this.

God afflicted his people with sickness or other hardships in order to cause them to repent of their sins and turn back to him.
God caused afflictions or plagues to come on the people of Egypt because their king refused to obey God.
To "be afflicted with" means to be suffering some kind of distress, such as a disease, persecution, or emotional grief.

Translation Suggestions:

To afflict someone could be translated as "cause someone to experience troubles" or "cause someone to suffer" or "cause suffering to come."
In certain contexts "afflict" could be translated as "happen to" or "come to" or "bring suffering."
A phrase like "afflict someone with leprosy" could be translated as "cause someone to be sick with leprosy."
When a disease or disaster is sent to "afflict" people or animals, this could be translated as "cause suffering to."
Depending on the context, the term "affliction" could be translated as "calamity" or "sickness" or "suffering" or "great distress."
The phrase "afflicted with" could also be translated as "suffering from" or "sick with."

(See also: leper, plague, suffer)

Bible References:

2 Thessalonians 01:06
Amos 05:12
Colossians 01:24
Exodus 22:22-24
Genesis 12:17-20
Genesis 15:12-13
Genesis 29:32

Word Data:

Strong's: H205, H3013, H3905, H3906, H5221, H6031, H6039, H6040, H6041, H6862, H6869, H6887, H7451, H7489, G1453, G2346, G2347, G2852, G3804, G4912

Forms Found in the English ULB:

afflict, afflicted, afflicting, affliction, afflictions, difficulties

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

alarm

Related Ideas:

sound an alarm

Definitions:

An alarm is something that warns people about something that could harm them. To "be alarmed" is to be very worried and frightened about something dangerous or threatening.

King Jehoshapat was alarmed when he heard that the Moabites were planning to attack the kingdom of Judah.
Jesus told his disciples not to be alarmed when they hear about disasters happening in the last days.
The expression "sound an alarm" means to give a warning. In ancient times, a person could sound an alarm by making a noise.

Translation Suggestions

To "alarm someone" means to "cause someone to worry" or to "worry someone."
To "be alarmed" could be translated as "be worried" or "be frightened" or "be very concerned."
The expression "sound an alarm" could be translated by "publicly warn" or "announce that danger is coming" or "blow a trumpet to warn about danger."

(See also: Jehoshaphat, Moab)

Bible References:

Daniel 11:44-45
Jeremiah 04:19-20
Numbers 10:9

Word Data:

Strong's: H2648, H7321, H8643

Forms Found in the English ULB:

alarm, alarms, sound ... alarm

alms

Related Ideas:

merciful deeds for the poor

Definition:

The term "alms" refers to money, food, or other things that are given to help poor people.

Often the giving of alms was seen by people as something that their religion required them to do in order to be righteous.
Jesus said that giving alms should not be done publicly for the purpose of getting other people to notice.
This term could be translated as "money" or "gifts to poor people" or "help for the poor."

Bible References:

Acts 03:1-3
Matthew 06:01
Matthew 06:03

Word Data:

Strong's: G1654

Forms Found in the English ULB:

alms, merciful deeds ... for the poor

altar

Definition:

An altar was a raised structure on which the Israelites burned animals and grains as offerings to God.

During Bible times, simple altars were often made by forming a mound of packed-down dirt or by carefully placing large stones to form a stable pile.
Some special box-shaped altars were made of wood overlaid with metals such as gold, brass, or bronze.
Other people groups living near the Israelites also built altars to offer sacrifices to their gods.

(See also: altar of incense, god, grain offering, sacrifice)

Bible References:

Genesis 08:20
Genesis 22:09
James 02:21
Luke 11:49-51
Matthew 05:23
Matthew 23:19

Word Data:

Strong's: H741, H2025, H4056, H4196, G1041, G2379

Forms Found in the English ULB:

altar, altars

altar of incense

Related Ideas:

incense altar

Definitions:

The altar of incense was a piece of furniture on which a priest would burn incense as an offering to God. It was also called the golden altar.

The altar of incense was made of wood, and its top and sides were covered with gold. It was about a half meter long, a half meter wide, and one meter tall.
At first it was kept in the tabernacle. Then it was kept in the temple.
Every morning and evening a priest would burn incense on it.
This can also be translated as "altar for burning incense" or "golden altar" or "incense burner" or "incense table."

(See also: incense)

Bible References:

Luke 01:11-13

Word Data:

Strong's: H4196, H4729, H6999, H7004, G2368, G2379

Forms Found in the English ULB:

altar of incense, altars for incense, incense altar, incense altars

amazed

Related Ideas:

amazement, appalled, astonished, astounded, incomprehensible, marvel, marvelous, perplexed, remarkable, surprised, wonder, wonderful

Definition:

Some of these terms mean to be very surprised because of something very unusual that happened. Many of these terms are positive and express that the people were happy about what had happened. Usually the event that caused the wonder and amazement was a miracle, something only God could do.

The words "amazed," "astonished," and "astounded" describe someone who is very surprised because of something very unusual that happened.
The word "appalled" describes someone who is amazed or horrified by something that is bad or evil.
The word "perplexed" describes someone who is to be amazed and troubled, not knowing what to think or how to act.
People "marvel" and "wonder" when they are surprised by something very unusual.
"Amazement" and "wonder" are what people feel when they are amazed.

Some of these terms describe things that are very unusual and surprise people. * The words "amazing", "astonishing," "marvelous," "remarkable," and "wonderful" describe things that are very unusual and surprise people. * The word "appalling" describes something that is very bad and causes people to be amazed or horrified. * The word "incomprehensible" describes something that is so great that people cannot ever understand it. * A "wonder" is an extraordinary and surprising thing that happens.

Translation Suggestions

Some of these words are translations of Greek expressions that mean "struck with amazement" or "standing outside of (oneself)." These expressions show how very surprised or shocked the person was feeling. Other languages might also have ways to express this.
Other ways to translate these words could be "extremely surprised" or "very shocked."

(See also: miracle, sign)

Bible References:

Acts 08:9-11
Acts 09:20-22
Galatians 01:06
Mark 02:10-12
Matthew 07:28
Matthew 15:29-31
Matthew 19:25

Word Data:

Strong's: H226, H852, H926, H943, H2865, H3820, H4159, H6313, H6381, H6382, H6383, H6395, H8047, H8074, H8429, H8539, H8540, H8541, G639, G1411, G1568, G1569, G1605, G1611, G1839, G2284, G2285, G2296, G2297, G2298, G4023, G4592, G5059

Forms Found in the English ULB:

amazed, amazement, amazing events, amazing things, appalled, appalling, astonish, astonished, astonishing, astounded, incomprehensible, marvel, marveled, marveling, marvelous, marvelous things, perplexed, remarkable, surprised, wonder, wonderful, wondering, wonders

ambassador

Related Ideas:

envoy, representative

Definition:

An ambassador is a person who is chosen to officially represent his country in relating to foreign nations. The word is also used in a figurative sense and is sometimes translated more generally as "representative."

An ambassador or representative gives people messages from the person or government that sent him.
The more general term "representative" refers to someone who has been given the authority to act and speak on behalf of the person he is representing.
The apostle Paul taught that Christians are Christ's "ambassadors" or "representatives" since they represent Christ in this world and teach others his message.
Depending on the context, this term could be translated as "official representative" or "appointed messenger" or "chosen representative" or "God's appointed representative."
A "delegation of ambassadors" could be translated as "some official messengers" or "group of appointed representatives" or "official party of people to speak for all people."
An "envoy" is anyone whom another person person sends to represent him.

(See also: messenger)

Bible References:

Ephesians 06:20
Luke 14:31-33
Luke 19:13-15

Word Data:

Strong's: H3887, H4136, H4397, H6735, G4243

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ambassador, ambassadors, envoy, representative, representatives

amen

Related Ideas:

let it be so

Definition:

The term "amen" is a word used to emphasize or call attention to what a person has said. It is often used at the end of a prayer. Sometimes it is translated as "truly."

When used at the end of a prayer, "amen" communicates agreement with the prayer or expresses a desire that the prayer be fulfilled.
In his teaching, Jesus used "amen" to emphasize the truth of what he said. He often followed that by "and I say to you" to introduce another teaching that related to the previous teaching.
When Jesus uses "amen" this way, some English versions (and the ULB) translate this as "verily" or "truly."

Translation Suggestions:

Consider whether the target language has a special word or phrase that is used to emphasize something that has been said.
When used at the end of a prayer or to confirm something, "amen" could be translated as "let it be so" or "may this happen" or "that is true."
When Jesus says, "truly I tell you," this could also be translated as "Yes, I tell you sincerely" or "That is true, and I also tell you."
The phrase "truly, truly I tell you" could be translated as "I tell you this very sincerely" or "I tell you this very earnestly" or "what I am telling you is true."

(See also: fulfill, true)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 27:15
John 05:19
Jude 01:24-25
Matthew 26:33-35
Philemon 01:23-25
Revelation 22:20-21

Word Data:

Strong's: H543, G281

Forms Found in the English ULB:

amen, let it be so

angel

Related Ideas:

archangel

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

angel, angels, archangel

anger

Related Ideas:

angry, indignant, indignation, quick-tempered

Definition:

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

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

(See also: wrath)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

anguish

Related Ideas:

anxious, pain

Definition:

The term "anguish" refers to severe pain or distress.

Anguish can be physical or emotional pain or distress.
Often people who are in extreme anguish will show it in their face and behaviors.
For example, a person in severe pain or anguish might grit his teeth or cry out.
The term "anguish" could also be translated as "emotional distress" or "deep sorrow" or "severe pain."

Bible References:

Jeremiah 06:24
Jeremiah 19:09
Job 15:24
Luke 16:24
Psalms 116:3-4

Word Data:

Strong's: H2342, H2470, H2479, H3510, H3708, H4164, H4689, H4691, H5100, H6695, H6862, H6869, H7267, H7581, G928, G3600, G4928

Forms Found in the English ULB:

anguish, inflicts pain, pain, severe pain

anoint

Related Ideas:

perfume, sons of fresh olive oil

Definition:

The term "anoint" means to rub or pour oil on a person or object. Sometimes the oil was mixed with spices, giving it a sweet, perfumed smell. The term is also used figuratively to refer to the Holy Spirit choosing and empowering someone.

In the Old Testament, priests, kings, and prophets were anointed with oil to set them apart for special service to God.
Objects such as altars or the tabernacle were also anointed with oil to show that they were to be used to worship and glorify God.
In the New Testament, sick people were anointed with oil for their healing.
The New Testament records two times that Jesus was anointed with perfumed oil by a woman, as an act of worship. One time Jesus commented that in doing this she was preparing him for his future burial.
After Jesus died, his friends prepared his body for burial by anointing it with oils and spices.
The titles "Messiah" (Hebrew) and "Christ" (Greek) mean "the Anointed (One)."
Jesus the Messiah is the one who was chosen and anointed as a Prophet, High Priest, and King.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, the term "anoint" could be translated as "pour oil on" or "put oil on" or "consecrate by pouring perfumed oil on."
To "be anointed" could be translated as "be consecrated with oil." or "be appointed" or "be consecrated."
In some contexts the term "anoint" could be translated as "appoint."
A phrase like "the anointed priest," could be translated as "the priest who was consecrated with oil" or "the priest who was set apart by the pouring on of oil."

(See also: Christ, consecrate, high priest, King of the Jews, priest, prophet )

Bible References:

1 John 02:20
1 John 02:27
1 Samuel 16:2-3
Acts 04:27-28
Amos 06:5-6
Exodus 29:5-7
James 05:13-15

Word Data:

Strong's: H1101, H1878, H3323, H4473, H4886, H4888, H4899, H5480, G218, G1472, G3462, G3464, G5545, G5548

Forms Found in the English ULB:

anoint, anointed, anointing, perfume, sons of fresh olive oil

antichrist

Definition:

The term "antichrist" refers to a person or teaching that is against Jesus Christ and his work. There are many antichrists in the world.

The apostle John wrote that a person is the antichrist if he deceives people by saying that Jesus is not the Messiah or if he denies that Jesus is both God and human.
The Bible also teaches that there is a general spirit of antichrist in the world which opposes Jesus' work.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate this term could include a word or phrase that means "Christ-opposer" or "enemy of Christ" or "person who is against Christ."
The phrase "spirit of the antichrist" could also be translated as "spirit that is against Christ" or "(someone) teaching lies about Christ" or "attitude of believing lies about Christ" or "spirit that teaches lies about Christ."
Also consider how this term is translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language.

(See also: Christ, reveal, tribulation)

Bible References:

1 John 02:18
1 John 04:03
2 John 01:07

Word Data:

Strong's: G500

Forms Found in the English ULB:

antichrist, antichrists

apostle

Related Ideas:

apostleship

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: authority, disciple, James (son of Zebedee), Paul, the twelve)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

apostle, apostles, apostles', apostleship

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

archer

Definition:

The term "archer" refers to a man who is skilled at using a bow and arrow as a weapon.

In the Bible, an archer is usually a soldier who uses a bow and arrow to fight in an army.
Archers were an important part of the Assyrian military force.
Some languages might have a term for this, such as "bow-man."

(See also: Assyria)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 31:1-3
2 Chronicles 35:23-24
Genesis 21:20
Isaiah 21:16-17
Job 16:13
Proverbs 26:9-10

Word Data:

Strong's: H1167, H1869, H2671, H3384, H7199, H7228

Forms Found in the English ULB:

archer, archers

ark

Related Ideas:

chest

Definition:

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

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

(See also: ark of the covenant, basket)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: H727, H8392, G2787

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ark, chest

ark of the covenant

Related Ideas:

ark of Yahweh, ark of the covenant decrees, ark of the covenant of Yahweh

Definition:

These terms refer to a special wooden chest, overlaid with gold, that contained the two stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written. It also contained Aaron's staff and a jar of manna.

The term "ark" here could be translated as "box" or "chest" or "container."
The objects in this chest reminded the Israelites of God's covenant with them.
The ark of the covenant was located in the "most holy place."
God's presence was above the ark of the covenant in the most holy place of the tabernacle, where he spoke to Moses on behalf of the Israelites.
During the time that the ark of the covenant was in the most holy place of the temple, the high priest was the only one who could approach the ark, once a year on the Day of Atonement.
Many English versions translate the term "covenant decrees" literally as "testimony." This refers to the fact that the Ten Commandments were a testimony or witness to God's covenant with his people. It is also translated as "covenant law."

(See also: ark, covenant, atonement, holy place, testimony)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 06:15
Exodus 25:10-11
Hebrews 09:05
Judges 20:27
Numbers 07:89
Revelation 11:19

Word Data:

Strong's: H727, H1285, H3068, H5715

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ark of Yahweh, ark of the covenant, ark of the covenant decrees, ark of the covenant of Yahweh

armor

Related Ideas:

armory, body armor, weapon

Definition:

The term "armor" refers to the equipment a soldier uses to fight in a battle and protect himself from enemy attacks. It is also used in a figurative way to refer to spiritual armor.

Parts of a soldier's armor include a helmet, a shield, a breastplate, leg coverings, and a sword.
Using the term figuratively, the apostle Paul compares physical armor to spiritual armor that God gives the believer to help him fight spiritual battles.
The spiritual armor God gives his people to fight against sin and Satan includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Holy Spirit.
This could be translated with a term that means "soldier gear" or "protective battle clothing" or "protective covering" or "weapons."

(See also: faith, Holy Spirit, peace, save, spirit)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 31:9-10
2 Samuel 20:8
Ephesians 06:11
Jeremiah 51:3-4
Luke 11:22
Nehemiah 04:15-16

Word Data:

Strong's: H2290, H2488, H3627, H4055, H5402, H8302, G3696, G3833

Forms Found in the English ULB:

armor, armory, body armor, weapon, weapons

arrogant

Related Ideas:

arrogance, arrogantly, pomp

Definition:

The term "arrogant" means proud, usually in an obvious, outward way.

An arrogant person will often boast about himself.
A person who is arrogant usually thinks that other people are not as important or talented as he is.
People who do not honor God and who are in rebellion against him are arrogant because they do not acknowledge how great God is.
To act "arrogantly" or "in arrogance" is to act as an arrogant person.
"Pomp" is arrogant, vain glory, a magnificent show.

(See also: acknowledge, boast, proud)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 04:18
2 Peter 02:18
Ezekiel 16:49
Proverbs 16:05
Psalm 056:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H1346, H1347, H2086, H2087, H2102, H2103, H3093, H5678, H6075, H6277, H7292, G212, G5244, G5450

Forms Found in the English ULB:

arrogance, arrogant, arrogant speech, arrogantly, pomp

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

assembly

Related Ideas:

assemble together, bring together, call together, come together, community, congregation, crowd, gather, gathering, group, meet, meeting

Definition:

The term "assembly" usually refers to a group of people who come together to discuss problems, give advice, and make decisions.

An assembly can be a group that is organized in an official and somewhat permanent way, or it can be a group of people who come together temporarily for a specific purpose or occasion.
In the Old Testament there was a special kind of assembly called a "sacred assembly" in which the people of Israel would gather to worship Yahweh.
Sometimes the term "assembly" referred to the Israelites in general, as a group.
A large gathering of enemy soldiers was sometimes also referred to as an "assembly." This could be translated as "army."
In the New Testament, an assembly of 70 Jewish leaders in major cities such as Jerusalem would meet to judge legal matters and to settle disputes between people. This assembly was known as the "Sanhedrin" or the "Council."

Translation Suggestions

Depending on the context, "assembly" could also be translated as "special gathering" or "congregation" or "council" or "army" or "large group."
When the term "assembly" refers generally to the Israelites as a whole, it could also be translated as "community" or "people of Israel."
The phrase, "all the assembly" could be translated as "all the people" or "the whole group of Israelites" or "everyone."

(See also: council)

Bible References:

1 Kings 08:14
Acts 07:38
Ezra 10:12-13
Hebrews 12:22-24
Leviticus 04:20-21
Nehemiah 08:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H622, H1481, H2199, H3259, H4150, H4186, H4744, H5475, H5712, H6116, H6908, H6950, H6951, H6952, H7125, G1218, G1577, G3831, G4863, G4864, G4871, G4905

Forms Found in the English ULB:

assemble, assembled, assembled together, assemblies, assembling, assembly, bring ... together, brought ... together, called ... together, came together, come together, comes together, community, community's, congregation, crowd, gather, gather ... together, gathered, gathered ... together, gathering, gathers, group, joyful assembly, meet, meeting, meetings, met

assign

Related Ideas:

assignment, portion, reassign

Definitions:

The term "assign" or "assigned" refers to appointing someone to do a specific task or designating something to be provided to one or more people.

The prophet Samuel foretold that King Saul would "assign" the best young men of Israel to serve in the military.
Moses "assigned" to each of the twelve tribes of Israel a portion of the land of Canaan for them to live on.
Under the Old Testament law, certain tribes of Israel were assigned to serve as priests, artists, singers and builders.
Depending on the context, "assign" could be translated as "give" or "appoint" or "choose for the task of."
The term "assigned" could be translated as "appointed" or "given the task."

(See also: appoint, Samuel, Saul (OT))

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 06:48
Daniel 12:13
Jeremiah 43:11
Joshua 18:02
Numbers 04:27-28
Psalms 078:55

Word Data:

Strong's: H1486, H2505, H2506, H2706, H3335, H4487, H4864, H4888, H4941, H5157, H5307, H5344, H5414, H5596, H5975, H6485, H7760, G3307

Forms Found in the English ULB:

assign, assigned, assigned portion, assigning, assignment, assignments, given ... portion, place assigned, portion, portions, reassign

astray

Related Ideas:

draw away, make a mistake, mislead, mistaken, wander

Definition:

The terms "stray" and "go astray" mean to disobey God's will. People who are "led astray" have allowed other people or circumstances to influence them to disobey God.

The word "astray" gives a picture of leaving a clear path or a place of safety to go down a wrong and dangerous path.
Sheep who leave the pasture of their shepherd have "strayed." God compares sinful people to sheep who have left him and "gone astray."
To "draw away" someone or "mislead" someone is to lead him astray.

Translation Suggestions:

The phrase "go astray" could be translated as "go away from God" or "take a wrong path away from God's will" or "stop obeying God" or "live in a way that goes away from God."
To "lead someone astray" could be translated as "cause someone to disobey God" or "influence someone to stop obeying God" or "cause someone to follow you down a wrong path."

(See also: disobey, shepherd)

Bible References:

1 John 03:07
2 Timothy 03:13
Exodus 23:4-5
Ezekiel 48:10-12
Matthew 18:13
Matthew 24:05
Psalms 058:03
Psalms 119:110

Word Data:

Strong's: H5074, H5080, H7683, H7686, H8582, G1294, G4105, G5351

Forms Found in the English ULB:

astray, drawn away, go astray, goes astray, gone astray, lead ... astray, leads ... astray, led ... astray, made ... mistake, mislead, misleading, misleads, misled, mistaken, stray, strayed, straying, strays, wander, went astray

atonement

Related Ideas:

atone

Definition:

The terms "atone" and "atonement" refer to how God provided a sacrifice to pay for people's sins and to appease his wrath for sin.

In Old Testament times, God allowed temporary atonement to be made for the sins of the Israelites by the offering of a blood sacrifice, which involved killing an animal.
As recorded in the New Testament, Christ's death on the cross is the only true and permanent atonement for sin.
When Jesus died, he took the punishment that people deserve because of their sin. He paid the atonement price with his sacrificial death.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "atone" could be translated by a word or phrase that means "pay for" or "provide payment for" or "cause someone's sins to be forgiven" or "make amends for a crime."
Ways to translate "atonement" could include "payment" or "sacrifice to pay for sin" or "providing the means of forgiveness."
Make sure the translation of this term does not refer to payment of money.

(See also: atonement lid, forgive, propitiation, reconcile, redeem)

Bible References:

Ezekiel 43:25-27
Ezekiel 45:18-20
Leviticus 04:20
Numbers 05:08
Numbers 28:22

Word Data:

Strong's: H3722, H3725

Forms Found in the English ULB:

atone, atoned, atonement, atones

atonement lid

Definition:

The "atonement lid" was a slab of gold that was used to cover the top of the ark of the covenant. In many English translations, it is also referred to as an "atonement cover."

The atonement lid was about 115 centimeters in length and 70 centimeters in width.
Above the atonement lid were two gold cherubim with their wings touching.
Yahweh said that he would meet with the Israelites above the atonement lid, under the outstretched wings of the cherubim. Only the high priest was permitted to meet with Yahweh in this way, as the representative of the people.
Sometimes this atonement lid has been referred to as a "mercy seat" because it communicates God's mercy in coming down to redeem sinful human beings.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate this term could include "ark covering where God promises to redeem" or "place where God atones" or "lid of ark where God forgives and restores."
Can also mean "place of propitiation."
Compare this term with how you translated "atonement," "propitiation," and "redemption."

(See also: ark of the covenant, atonement, cherubim, propitiation, redeem)

Bible References:

Exodus 25:17
Exodus 30:06
Exodus 40:17-20
Leviticus 16:1-2
Numbers 07:89

Word Data:

Strong's: H3727, G2435

Forms Found in the English ULB:

atonement lid

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

avenge

Related Ideas:

avenger, revenge, see justice done, vengeance, vengefully

Definition:

To "avenge" or "take revenge" or "execute vengeance" is to punish someone in order to pay him back for the harm he did. The act of avenging or taking revenge is "vengeance."

Usually "avenge" implies an intent to see justice done or to right a wrong.
When referring to people, the expression "take revenge" or "get revenge" usually involves wanting to get back at the person who did the harm.
When God "takes vengeance" or "executes vengeance," he is acting in righteousness because he is punishing sin and rebellion.

Translation Suggestions:

The expression to "avenge" could also be translated as to "right a wrong" or to "get justice for."
When referring to human beings, to "take revenge" could be translated as "pay back" or "hurt in order to punish" or "get back at."
Depending on the context, "vengeance" could be translated as "punishment" or "punishment of sin" or "payment for wrongs done." If a word meaning "retaliation" is used, this would apply to human beings only.
When God says, "take my vengeance," this could be translated by "punish them for wrongs done against me" or "cause bad things to happen because they have sinned against me."
When referring to God's vengeance, make sure it is clear that God is right in his punishment of sin.

(See also: punish, justice, righteous)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 24:12-13
Ezekiel 25:15
Isaiah 47:3-5
Leviticus 19:17-18
Psalms 018:47
Romans 12:19

Word Data:

Strong's: H1350, H3467, H5352, H5358, H5359, H5360, H8199, G1556, G1557, G1558, G3709

Forms Found in the English ULB:

avenge, avenged, avenger, avenges, avenging, have revenge, revenge, see ... justice ... done, vengeance, vengefully

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

ax

Definition:

An ax is tool used for cutting or chopping trees or wood.

An ax usually has a long wooden handle with a large metal blade attached to the end.
If your culture has a tool that is similar to an ax, the name of that tool could be used to translate "ax."
Other ways to translate this term could include "tree-cutting tool" or "wooden tool with blade" or "long-handled wood-chopping tool."
In one Old Testament event, the blade of an ax fell into a river, so it is best if the tool that is described has a blade that can come loose from the wooden handle.

Bible References:

1 Kings 06:7-8
2 Kings 06:05
Judges 09:48-49
Luke 03:9
Matthew 03:10
Psalm 035:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H1631, H2719, H7134, G513

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ax, axes

banquet

Definition:

A banquet is large, formal meal that usually includes several food courses.

In ancient times, kings often served banquet meals to entertain political leaders and other important guests.
This could also be translated as, "elaborate meal" or "important feast" or "multi-course meal."

Bible References:

Daniel 05:10
Isaiah 05:11-12
Jeremiah 16:08
Luke 05:29-32
Song of Solomon 02:3-4

Word Data:

Strong's: H4960, H4961, H8354, G1173, G1403

Forms Found in the English ULB:

banquet

baptize

Related Ideas:

baptism

Definition:

In the New Testament, the terms "baptize" and "baptism" usually refer to ritually bathing a Christian with water to show that he has been cleansed from sin and has been united with Christ.

Besides water baptism, the Bible talks about being "baptized with the Holy Spirit" and "baptized with fire."
The term "baptism" is also used in the Bible to refer to going through great suffering.

Translation Suggestions:

Christians have different views about how a person should be baptized with water. It is probably best to translate this term in a general way that allows for different ways of applying the water.
Depending on the context, the term "baptize" could be translated as "purify," "pour out on," "plunge (or dip) into," "wash," or "spiritually cleanse." For example, "baptize you with water" could be translated as, "plunge you into water."
The term "baptism" could be translated as "purification," "a pouring out," "a dipping," "a cleansing," or "a spiritual washing."
When it refers to suffering, "baptism" could also be translated as "a time of terrible suffering" or "a cleansing through severe suffering."
Also consider how this term is translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language.

(See also: John (the Baptist), repent, Holy Spirit)

Bible References:

Acts 02:38
Acts 08:36
Acts 09:18
Acts 10:48
Luke 03:16
Matthew 03:14
Matthew 28:18-19

Word Data:

Strong's: G907

Forms Found in the English ULB:

baptism, baptize, baptized, baptizing

barley

Definition:

The term "barley" refers to a kind of grain that is used to make bread.

The barley plant has a long stalk with a head at the top where the seeds or grains grow.
Barley does well in warmer weather so it is often harvested in spring or summer.
When barley is threshed, the edible seeds are separated from the worthless chaff.
Barley grain is ground up into flour, which is then mixed with water or oil to make bread.
If barley is not known, this could be translated as "grain called barley" or "barley grain."

(See also: grain, thresh, wheat)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 11:12-14
Job 31:40
Judges 07:14
Numbers 05:15
Revelation 06:06

Word Data:

Strong's: H8184, G2915, G2916

Forms Found in the English ULB:

barley

barren

Related Ideas:

dried, faded, salt land, withered

Definition:

To be "barren" means to not be fertile or fruitful.

Soil or land that is barren is not able to produce any plants.
A woman who is barren is one who is physically unable to conceive or bear a child.

Translation Suggestions:

When "barren" is used to refer to land, it could be translated as "not fertile" or "unfruitful" or "without plants."
When it is referring to a barren woman, it could be translated as "childless" or "not able to bear children" or "unable to conceive a child."
"Salt land" is barren because nothing can grow in salty soil.

Bible References:

1 Samuel 02:5
Galatians 04:27
Genesis 11:30
Job 03:07

Word Data:

Strong's: H535, H1565, H2717, H3001, H4420, H5034, H6115, H6135, H6723, H7921, G692, G4723

Forms Found in the English ULB:

barren, dried, dry, fade, fades, fading, salt land, wither, withered, withers

basket

Related Ideas:

basketful, cage

Definition:

The term "basket" refers to a container made of woven material.

In biblical times, baskets were probably woven with strong plant materials, such as wood from peeled tree branches or twigs.
A basket could be coated with a waterproof substance so that it could float.
When Moses was a baby, his mother made a waterproof basket to put him in and floated it among the reeds of the Nile River.
The word translated as "basket" in that story is the same word that is translated as "ark" referring to the boat that Noah built. The common meaning of its use in these two contexts may be "floating container."
A "cage" is a container in which people keep animals.

(See also: ark, Moses, Nile River, Noah)

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 11:33
Acts 09:25
Amos 08:01
John 06:13-15
Judges 06:19-20
Matthew 14:20

Word Data:

Strong's: H374, H1731, H1736, H2935, H3619, H5536, H8392, G2894, G3426, G4553, G4711

Forms Found in the English ULB:

basket, basketfuls, baskets, cage

bear

Related Ideas:

bearer, bear with, birth, carry, childbirth, support, sustain, tolerate

Definitions:

The term "bear" literally means "carry" something. There are also many figurative uses of this term.

When speaking of a woman who will bear a child, this means "give birth to" a child.
To "bear a burden" means to "experience difficult things." These difficult things could include physical or emotional suffering.
To "bear with" someone means to be patient with them and their faults.
A common expression in the Bible is "bear fruit," which means "produce fruit" or "have fruit."
The expression "bear witness" means "testify" or "report what one has seen or experienced."
The statement that "a son will not bear the iniquity of his father" means that he "will not be held responsible for" or "will not be punished for" his father's sins.
In general, this term could be translated as "carry" or "be responsible for" or "produce" or "have" or "endure," depending on the context.

(See also: burden, Elisha, endure, fruit, iniquity, report, sheep, strength, testimony, testimony)

Bible References:

Lamentations 03:27

Word Data:

Strong's: H2032, H2232, H3201, H3205, H3211, H4138, H4853, H5375, H5445, H5449, H5582, H6030, H6403, H6509, H6779, H7617, G142, G430, G941, G1080, G1627, G2592, G3140, G4722, G4828, G5041, G5088, G5342, G5409, G5576

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bear, bearer, bearing, bearing with, bears, birth, bore, born, borne, carried, carry, carrying, childbirth, gave birth, give birth, given birth, gives birth, has ... borne, have ... borne, support, supported, supports, sustain, sustains, tolerate

bear

Definition:

A bear is a large, four-legged furry animal with dark brown or black hair, with sharp teeth and claws. Bears were common in Israel during Bible times.

These animals live in forests and mountain areas; they eat fish, insects, and plants.
In the Old Testament, the bear is used as a symbol of strength.
While tending sheep, the shepherd David fought a bear and defeated it.
Two bears came out of the forest and attacked a group of youths who had mocked the prophet Elisha.

(See also: David, Elisha)

Bible References:

Word Data:

Strong's: H1677, G715

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bear, bears

beast

Related Ideas:

animal

Definitions:

In the Bible, the term "beast" is often just another way of saying "animal."

A wild beast is a type of animal that lives freely in the forest or fields and has not been trained by people.
A domestic beast is an animal that lives with people and is kept for food or for performing work, such as plowing fields. Often the term "livestock" is used to refer to this kind of animal.
The Old Testament book of Daniel and the New Testament book of Revelation describe visions which have beasts that represent evil powers and authorities that oppose God.
Some of these beasts are described as having strange features, such as several heads and many horns. They often have power and authority, indicating that they may represent countries, nations, or other political powers.
Ways to translate this could include "creature" or "created thing" or "animal" or "wild animal," depending on the context.

(See also: authority, Daniel, livestock, nation, power, reveal, Beelzebul)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 15:32
1 Samuel 17:44
2 Chronicles 25:18
Jeremiah 16:1-4
Leviticus 07:21
Psalms 049:12-13

Word Data:

Strong's: H338, H929, H1165, H2123, H2416, H2423, H2874, H4806, G2226, G2341, G2342, G2934, G4968, G5074

Forms Found in the English ULB:

animal, animal's, animals, beast, beast's, beasts

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

beloved

Related Ideas:

dear, lovely, treasured

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: love)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

beloved, dear, lovely, treasured

betray

Related Ideas:

betrayal, betrayer, give over, hand over, traitor, treacherous, treacherously, treachery, turn over

Definition:

The term "betray" means to act in a way that deceives a person and allows other people to harm that person. A "betrayer" is a person who betrays a friend who was trusting him.

Judas was "the betrayer" because he told the Jewish leaders how to capture Jesus.
The betrayal by Judas was especially evil because he was an apostle of Jesus who received money in exchange for giving the Jewish leaders information that would result in Jesus' unjust death.
"Betrayal" and "treachery" are two words for what happens when one person betrays another.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, the term "betray" could be translated as "deceive and cause harm to" or "turn over to the enemy" or "treat treacherously."
The term "betrayer" could be translated as "person who betrays" or "double dealer" or "traitor."

(See also: Judas Iscariot, Jewish authorities, apostle)

Bible References:

Acts 07:52
John 06:64
John 13:22
Matthew 10:04
Matthew 26:22

Word Data:

Strong's: H898, H4042, H4603, H4604, H4820, H5462, H7411, G1560, G3860, G4273, G5483

Forms Found in the English ULB:

betray, betrayal, betrayed, betrayer, betrayers, betraying, betrays, give ... over, given ... over, hand ... over, handed ... over, traitor, traitors, treacherous, treacherously, treachery, turn ... over

bind

Related Ideas:

bond, bound, chain, fetter, put in bonds, put on, restrain, tie, wrap

Definition:

The term "bind" means to tie something or fasten it securely. Something that is tied or joined together is called a "bond." The term "bound" is the past tense of this term.

To be "bound" means to have something tied or wrapped around something else.
In a figurative sense, a person can be "bound" to a vow, which means he is "required to fulfill" what he promised to do.
The term "bonds" refers to anything that binds, confines, or imprisons someone. It usually refers to physical chains, fetters or ropes that keep a person from being free to move.
In Bible times, bonds such as ropes or chains were used to attach prisoners to the wall or floor of a stone prison.
The term "bind" can also be used to talk about wrapping cloth around a wound to help it heal.
A dead person would be "bound" with cloth in preparation for burial.
The term "bond" is used figuratively to refer to something, such as sin, that controls or enslaves someone.
A bond can also be a close relationship between people in which they support each other emotionally, spiritually and physically. This applies to the bond of marriage.
For example, a husband and wife are "bound" or tied to each other. It is a bond that God does not want broken.
The term "bind" can also refer to forbidding an activity.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "bind" could also be translated as "tie" or "tie up" or "wrap (around)."
Figuratively, it could be translated as to "restrain" or to "prevent" or to "keep from (something)."
A special use of "bind" in Matthew 16 and 18 means "forbid" or "not permit."
The term "bonds" could be translated as "chains" or "ropes" or "shackles."
Figuratively the term "bond" could be translated as "knot" or "connection" or "close relationship."
The phrase "bond of peace" means "being in harmony, which brings people in closer relationship to each other" or "the tying together that peace brings."
To "bind up" could be translated as "wrap around" or "put a bandage on."
To "bind" oneself with a vow could be translated as "promise to fulfill a vow" or "commit to fulfill a vow."
Depending on the context, the term "bound" could also be translated as "tied" or "tied up" or "chained" or "obligated (to fulfill)" or "required to do."

(See also: fulfill, peace, prison, servant, vow)

Bible References:

Leviticus 08:07
Matthew 16:19

Word Data:

Strong's: H247, H481, H612, H615, H631, H632, H640, H2296, H3729, H4147, H5178, H6029, H6123, H6887, H7194, H7405, H7576, H8244, G254, G1195, G1198, G1199, G1210, G1249, G1402, G2611, G3784, G4019, G4029, G4886, G4887

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bind, binding, bond, bonds, bound, chain, chained, chains, fetters, is bound, put ... in bonds, puts on, restrain, tie, tie up, tied, tied up, tying, wrapped

birthright

Definition:

The term "birthright" in the Bible refers to the honor, family name, and physical wealth that was normally given to the firstborn son in a family.

The birthright of the firstborn son included a double portion of the father's inheritance.
A king's firstborn son was normally given the birthright to rule after his father died.
Esau sold his birthright to his younger brother Jacob. Because of this, Jacob inherited the blessing of the firstborn instead of Esau.
The birthright also included the honor of having the family descendants traced through the firstborn son's line.

Translation Suggestions:

Possible ways to translate "birthright" could include, "rights and wealth of the firstborn son" or "family honor" or "privilege and inheritance of the firstborn."

(See also: firstborn, inherit, descendant)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 05:01
Genesis 25:34
Genesis 43:33
Hebrews 12:14-17

Word Data:

Strong's: H1062, G4415

Forms Found in the English ULB:

birthright

blameless

Related Ideas:

blamelessly, faultless, without blame

Definition:

The term "blameless" literally means "without blame." It is used to refer to a person who obeys God wholeheartedly, but it does not mean that the person is sinless.

Abraham and Noah were considered blameless before God.
A person who has a reputation for being "blameless" behaves in a way that honors God.
According to one verse, a person who is blameless is "one who fears God and turns away from evil."

Translation Suggestions:

This could also be translated as "with no fault to his character" or "completely obedient to God" or "avoiding sin" or "keeping away from evil."

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 02:10
1 Thessalonians 03:11-13
2 Peter 03:14
Colossians 01:22
Genesis 17:1-2
Philippians 02:15
Philippians 03:06

Word Data:

Strong's: H1368, H2135, H2136, H8535, H8549, G273, G274, G298, G299, G410, G423, G677

Forms Found in the English ULB:

blameless, blamelessly, faultless, without blame

blasphemy

Related Ideas:

blaspheme, blasphemer, blasphemous, insult, revile, taunt

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "blasphemy" refers to speaking in a way that shows a deep disrespect for God or people. To "blaspheme" or "insult" or "revile" someone is to speak against that person so that others think something false or bad about him.

Most often, to blaspheme God means to slander or insult him by saying things that are not true about him or by behaving in an immoral way that dishonors him.
It is blasphemy for a human being to claim to be God or to claim that there is a God other than the one true God.
Some English versions translate this term as "slander" when it refers to blaspheming people.

Translation Suggestions:

To "blaspheme" can be translated as to "say evil things against" or to "dishonor God" or to "slander."
Ways to translate "blasphemy" could include "speaking wrongly about others" or "slander" or "spreading false rumors."

(See also: dishonor, slander)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 01:12-14
Acts 06:11
Acts 26:9-11
James 02:5-7
John 10:32-33
Luke 12:10
Mark 14:64
Matthew 12:31
Matthew 26:65
Psalms 074:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H1421, H1442, H2778, H3639, H5006, H5007, H5344, G987, G988, G989, G3059, G3680, G5196

Forms Found in the English ULB:

blaspheme, blasphemed, blasphemer, blasphemers, blasphemes, blasphemies, blaspheming, blasphemous, blasphemy, insult, insulted, insulting, insults, revile, reviled, reviling

blemish

Related Ideas:

defect, unblemished

Definitions:

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

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

blemish, blemishes, defect, unblemished

bless

Related Ideas:

happier, happy

Definition:

To "bless" someone or something means to cause good and beneficial things to happen to the person or thing that is being blessed.

Blessing someone also means expressing a desire for positive and beneficial things to happen to that person.
In Bible times, a father would often pronounce a formal blessing on his children.
When people "bless" God or express a desire that God be blessed, this means they are praising him.
The term "bless" is sometimes used for consecrating food before it is eaten, or for thanking and praising God for the food.

Translation Suggestions:

To "bless" could also be translated as to "provide abundantly for" or to "be very kind and favorable toward."
"God has brought great blessing to" could be translated as "God has given many good things to" or "God has provided abundantly for" or "God has caused many good things to happen to".
"He is blessed" could be translated as "he will greatly benefit" or "he will experience good things" or "God will cause him to flourish."
"Blessed is the person who" could be translated as "How good it is for the person who."
Expressions like "blessed be the Lord" could be translated as "May the Lord be praised" or "Praise the Lord" or "I praise the Lord."
In the context of blessing food, this could be translated as "thanked God for the food" or "praised God for giving them food" or "consecrated the food by praising God for it."

(See also: praise)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 10:16
Acts 13:34
Ephesians 01:03
Genesis 14:20
Isaiah 44:03
James 01:25
Luke 06:20
Matthew 26:26
Nehemiah 09:05
Romans 04:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H833, H835, H8055, H1288, H1293, G1757, G2127, G2128, G2129, G3106, G3107, G3108, G3741

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bless, blessed, blesses, blessing, blessings, happier, happy

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

bloodshed

Related Ideas:

bloodguilt

Definition:

The term "bloodshed" refers to the death of human beings due to murder, war, or some other violent act.

This term literally means "shedding of blood," which refers to when blood comes out of a person's body from an open wound.
The term "bloodshed" is often used to refer to widespread killing of people.
It is also used as a general reference to the sin of murder.
"Bloodguilt" is guilt for bloodshed.

Translation Suggestions:

"The bloodshed" could be translated as "the killing of people" or "the many people who were killed."
"Through bloodshed" could also be translated as, "by killing people."
"Innocent bloodshed" could be translated as "killing innocent people."
"Bloodshed follows bloodshed" could be translated as "they keep killing people" or "the killing of people goes on and on" or "they have killed many people and continue to do that" or "people keep killing other people."
Another figurative use, "bloodshed will pursue you," could be translated as "your people will continue to experience bloodshed" or "your people will keep being killed" or "your people will continue to be at war with other nations and people will keep dying."

(See also: blood slaughter)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 22:6-8
Genesis 09:5-7
Hebrews 09:21-22
Isaiah 26:21
Matthew 23:29-31

Word Data:

Strong's: H1818

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bloodguilt, bloodshed

blot out

Related Ideas:

wipe out, wipe away

Definition:

The terms "blot out" and "wipe out" are expressions that mean to completely remove or destroy something or someone.

These expressions can be used in a positive sense, as when God "blots out" sins by forgiving them and choosing not to remember them.
It is also often used in a negative sense, as when God "blots out" or "wipes out" a people group, destroying them because of their sin.
The Bible talks about a person's name being "blotted out" or "wiped out" of God's Book of Life, which means that the person will not receive eternal life.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, these expressions could be translated as "get rid of" or "remove" or "completely destroy" or "completely remove."
When referring to blotting someone's name out of the Book of Life, this could be translated as "removed from" or "erased."

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 29:20
Exodus 32:30-32
Genesis 07:23
Psalm 051:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H4229, H8045, G1813

Forms Found in the English ULB:

blot out, blots out, blotted out, wipe ... out, wipe away, wiped out, wipes out

boast

Related Ideas:

boastful

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

Translation Suggestions:

(See also: proud)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

body

Related Ideas:

bodily, body of Christ, carcass, corpse

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: head, spirit)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

bold

Related Ideas:

boldly, boldness, emboldened

Definition:

These terms all refer to having courage and confidence to speak the truth and do the right thing even when it is difficult or dangerous.

A "bold" person is not afraid to say and do what is good and right, including defending people who are being mistreated. This could be translated as "courageous" or "fearless."
In the New Testament, the disciples continued to "boldly" preach about Christ in public places, in spite of the danger of being put in jail or killed. This could be translated as "confidently" or "with strong courage" or "courageously."
The "boldness" of these early disciples in speaking the good news of Christ's redeeming death on the cross resulted in the gospel being spread throughout Israel and nearby countries and finally, to the rest of the world. "Boldness" could also be translated as "confident courage."

(See also: confidence, good news, redeem)

Bible References:

1 John 02:28
1 Thessalonians 02:1-2
2 Corinthians 03:12-13
Acts 04:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H982, H5797, G662, G2292, G3618, G3954, G3955, G5111, G5112

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bold, boldly, boldness, emboldened

born again

Related Ideas:

born from God, born from him, new birth

Definition:

The term "born again" was first used by Jesus to describe what it means for God to change a person from being dead spiritually to being alive spiritually. The terms "born of God" and "born of the Spirit" also refer to a person being given new spiritual life.

All humans are born spiritually dead and are given a "new birth" when they accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.
At the moment of the spiritual new birth, God's Holy Spirit begins to live in the new believer and empowers him to produce good spiritual fruit in his life.
It is God's work to cause a person to be born again and become his child.
Jesus uses the metaphor of being born again to speak of the time when he returns and rules over the earth.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate "born again" could include "born anew" or "born spiritually."
It is best to translate this term literally and use the normal word in the language that would be used for being born.
The term "new birth" might be translated as "spiritual birth."
The phrase "born of God" could be translated as "caused by God to have new life like a newborn baby" or "given new life by God."
In the same way, "born of the Spirit" could be translated as "given new life by the Holy Spirit" or "empowered by the Holy Spirit to become God's child" or "caused by the Spirit to have new life like a newborn baby."

(See also: Holy Spirit, save)

Bible References:

1 John 03:09
1 Peter 01:03
1 Peter 01:23
John 03:04
John 03:07
Titus 03:05

Word Data:

Strong's: G313, G509, G1080, G3824

Forms Found in the English ULB:

born again, born from God, born from him, born of God, new birth

bow

Related Ideas:

bend, bend the knee, bow down, fall down before, kneel

Note

For the weapon called a bow, click here.

Definition:

To bow means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone. To "bow down" means to bend over or kneel down very low, often with face and hands toward the ground.

Other expressions include "bow the knee" (meaning to kneel) and "bow the head" (meaning to bend the head forward in humble respect or in sorrow).
Bowing down can also be a sign of distress or mourning. Someone who is "bowed down" has been brought to a low position of humility.
Often a person will bow in the presence of someone who is of higher status or greater importance, such as kings and other rulers.
Bowing down before God is an expression of worship to him.
In the Bible, people bowed down to Jesus when they realized from his miracles and teaching that he had come from God.
The Bible says that when Jesus comes back someday, everyone will bow the knee to worship him.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, this term could be translated with a word or phrase that means "bend forward" or "bend the head" or "kneel."
The term "bow down" could be translated as "kneel down" or "prostrate oneself."
Some languages will have more than one way of translating this term, depending on the context.

(See also: humble, worship)

Bible References:

2 Kings 05:18
Exodus 20:05
Genesis 24:26
Genesis 44:14
Isaiah 44:19
Luke 24:05
Matthew 02:11
Revelation 03:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H86, H1288, H3721, H3766, H5753, H5791, H6915, H7743, H7812, H7817, G1120, G2578, G2827, G4098, G4352, G4364

Forms Found in the English ULB:

are bent, bend, bend the knee, bow, bow down, bowed, bowed ... down, bowed ... down ... before, bowing, bowing down, bows, bows down, fall down, fell, fell down, has ... bent, have ... bent, kneel, kneeling, knelt, will bend

bow and arrow

Note

For the verb bow, click here.

Definition:

This is a type of weapon that consists of shooting arrows from a stringed bow. In Bible times it was used for fighting against enemies and for killing animals for food.

The bow is made out of wood, bone, metal, or other hard material, such as a deer's antler. It has a curved shape and is strung tightly with a string, cord, or vine.
An arrow is a thin shaft with a sharp, pointed head on one end. In ancient times, the arrows could be made of a variety of materials such as wood, bone, stone, or metal.
Bows and arrows are commonly used by hunters and warriors.
The term "arrow" is also sometimes used figuratively in the Bible to refer to enemy attacks or divine judgment.

Bible References:

Genesis 21:16
Habakkuk 03:9-10
Job 29:20-22
Lamentations 02:04
Psalms 058:6-8

Word Data:

Strong's: H1121, H2671, H7189, H7198, G5115

Forms Found in the English ULB:

a bow, arrow, arrows, bow and arrow, bows, bows and arrows, the bow

bread

Related Ideas:

food, loaf of bread

Definition:

Bread is a food made from flour mixed with water and oil to form a dough. The dough is then shaped into a loaf and baked.

When the term "loaf" occurs by itself, it means "loaf of bread."
Bread dough is usually made with something that makes it rise, such as yeast.
Bread can also be made without yeast so that it does not rise. In the Bible this is called "unleavened bread" and was used for the Jews' passover meal.
Since bread was the main food for many people in biblical times, this term is also used in the Bible to refer to food in general.
The term "bread of the presence" referred to twelve loaves of bread that were placed on a golden table in the tabernacle or temple building as a sacrifice to God. These loaves represented the twelve tribes of Israel and were only for the priests to eat. This could be translated as "bread showing that God lived among them."
The figurative term "bread from heaven" referred to the special white food called "manna" that God provided for the Israelites when they were wandering through the desert.
Jesus also called himself the "bread that came down from heaven" and the "bread of life."
When Jesus and his disciples were eating the Passover meal together before his death, he compared the unleavened Passover bread to his body which would be wounded and killed on a cross.
Many times the term "bread" can be translated more generally as "food."

(See also: Passover, tabernacle, temple, unleavened bread, yeast)

Bible References:

Acts 02:46
Acts 27:35
Exodus 16:15
Luke 09:13
Mark 06:38
Matthew 04:04
Matthew 11:18

Word Data:

Strong's: H2557, H3899, H4635, H4682, G106, G740, G4286

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bread, food, loaf of ... bread, loaves, loaves of ... bread

breastplate

Related Ideas:

breastpiece

Definition:

The term "breastplate" refers to a piece of armor covering the front of the chest to protect a soldier during battle. The term "breastpiece" refers to a special piece of clothing that the Israelite high priest wore over the front part of his chest.

A "breastplate" used by a soldier could be made of wood, metal, or animal skin. It was made to prevent arrows, spears, or swords from piercing the chest of the soldier.
The "breastpiece" worn by the Israelite high priest was made of cloth and had valuable gems attached to it. The priest wore this when he was performing his duties of service to God in the temple.
Other ways to translate the term "breastplate" could include "metal protective chest covering" or "armor piece protecting the chest."
The term "breastpiece" could be translated with a word that means "priestly clothing covering the chest" or "priestly garment piece" or "front piece of priest's clothing."

(See also: armor, high priest, pierce, priest, temple, warrior)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 05:08
Exodus 39:14-16
Isaiah 59:17
Revelation 09:7-9

Word Data:

Strong's: H2833 , H8302, G2382

Forms Found in the English ULB:

breastpiece, breastplate, breastplates

breath

Related Ideas:

breathe

Definition:

In the Bible, the terms "breathe" and "breath" are often used figuratively to refer to giving life or having life.

The Bible teaches that God "breathed into" Adam the breath of life. It was at that point that Adam became a living soul.
When Jesus breathed on the disciples and told them to "receive the Spirit," he was probably literally breathing out air onto them to symbolize the Holy Spirit coming to them.
Sometimes the terms "breathing" and "breathing out" are used to refer to speaking.
The figurative expression "breath of God" or "breath of Yahweh" often refers to God's wrath being poured out on rebellious or godless nations. It communicates his power.

Translation Suggestions

The expression "breathed his last" is a figurative way of saying "he died." It could also be translated as "he took his last breath" or "he stopped breathing and died" or "he breathed in air one last time."
Describing the Scriptures as "God-breathed" means that God spoke or inspired the words of the Scriptures which human authors then wrote down. It is probably best, if possible, to translate "God-breathed" somewhat literally since it is difficult to communicate the exact meaning of this.
If a literal translation of "God-breathed" is not acceptable, other ways to translate this could include "inspired by God" or "authored by God" or "spoken by God." It could also be said that "God breathed out the words of Scripture."
The expressions "put breath in" or "breathe life into" or "gives breath to" could be translated as "cause to breathe" or "make alive again" or "enable them to live and breathe" or "give life to."
If possible, it is best to translate "breath of God" with the literal word that is used for "breath" in the language. If God cannot be said to have "breath," this could be translated as "God's power" or "God's speech."
The expression "catch my breath" or "get my breath" could be translated as "relax in order to breathe more slowly" or "stop running in order to breathe normally."
The expression "is only a breath" means "lasts a very short time."
Similarly the expression "man is a single breath" means "people live a very short time" or "the lives of human beings are very short, like a single breath" or "compared to God, the life of a person seems as short as the time it takes to breathe in one breath of air."

(See also: Adam, Paul, word of God, life)

Bible References:

1 Kings 17:17
Ecclesiastes 08:08
Job 04:09
Revelation 11:11
Revelation 13:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H3307, H5301, H5396, H5397, H7307, G1720, G4157

Forms Found in the English ULB:

breath, breathe, breathed, breathes, breathing

bribe

Related Ideas:

bribery, payoff

Definition:

To "bribe" means to give someone something of value, such as money, to influence that person to do something dishonest.

The soldiers who guarded Jesus' empty tomb were bribed with money to lie about what happened.
Sometimes a government official will be bribed to overlook a crime or to vote a certain way.
The Bible forbids giving or taking bribes.
The term, "bribe" could be translated as, "dishonest payment" or "payment for lying" or "price for breaking the rules."
To "bribe" could be translated with a word or phrase that means, to "pay to influence (someone)" or to "pay to have a dishonest favor done" or to "pay for a favor."

Bible References:

1 Samuel 08:1-3
Ecclesiastes 07:7
Isaiah 01:23
Micah 03:9-11
Proverbs 15:27-28

Word Data:

Strong's: H3724, H4979, H7809, H7810, H7936, H7966, H8021, H8641, G5260

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bribe, bribed, bribery, bribes, payoffs

bride

Related Ideas:

bridal

Definition:

A bride is the woman in a wedding ceremony who is getting married to her husband, the bridegroom.

The term "bride" is used as a metaphor for believers in Jesus, the Church.
Jesus is metaphorically called the "bridegroom" for the Church.

(See also: bridegroom, church)

Bible References:

Exodus 22:16
Isaiah 62:5
Joel 02:16

Word Data:

Strong's: H3618, G3565

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bridal, bride, brides

bridegroom

Definition:

In a marriage ceremony, the bridegroom is the man who will marry the bride.

In the Jewish culture during Bible times, the ceremony was centered around the bridegroom coming to get his bride.
In the Bible, Jesus is figuratively called the "Bridegroom" who will someday come for his "Bride," the Church.
Jesus compared his disciples to the friends of the bridegroom who celebrate while the bridegroom is with them, but who will be sad when he is gone.

(See also: bride)

Bible References:

Isaiah 62:5
Joel 02:15-16
John 03:30
Luke 05:35
Mark 02:19
Mark 02:20
Matthew 09:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H2860, G3566

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bridegroom, bridegrooms

bronze

Definition:

The term "bronze" refers to a kind of metal that is made from melting together the metals copper and tin. It has a dark brown color, slightly red.

Bronze resists water corrosion and is a good conductor of heat.
In ancient times, bronze was used for making tools, weapons, artwork, altars, cooking pots, and soldiers' armor, among other things.
Many building materials for the tabernacle and temple were made of bronze.
Idols of false gods were also often made of bronze metal.
Bronze objects were made by first melting the bronze metal into a liquid and then pouring it into molds. This process was called "casting."

(See also: armor, tabernacle, temple)

Bible References:

1 Kings 07:16
1 Samuel 17:37-38
Daniel 02:44-45
Exodus 25:3-7
Revelation 01:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H5153, H5154, H5174, H5178, G5470, G5474, G5475

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bronze

brother

Related Ideas:

brotherhood

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

burden

Related Ideas:

burdensome, heavy, load

Definition:

A burden is a heavy load. It literally refers to a physical load such as a work animal would carry. The term "burden" also has several figurative meanings:

A burden can refer to a difficult duty or important responsibility that a person has to do. He is said to be "bearing" or "carrying" a "heavy burden."
A cruel leader may put difficult burdens on the people he is ruling, for example by forcing them to pay large amounts of taxes.
A person who does not want to be a burden to someone does not want to cause that other person any trouble.
The guilt of a person's sin is a burden to him.
The "burden of the Lord" is a figurative way of referring to a "message from God," usually an important or unpleasant one, that a prophet must deliver to God's people.
The term "burden" can be translated by "responsibility" or "duty" or "heavy load" or "message," depending on the context.

Bible References:

2 Thessalonians 03:6-9
Galatians 06:1-2
Galatians 06:03
Genesis 49:15
Matthew 11:30
Matthew 23:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H2960, H3053, H4614, H4853, H4864, H4931, H5445, H5447, H5448, H5449, H6006, H6231, G4, G916, G922, G1912, G2347, G2599, G2655, G5413

Forms Found in the English ULB:

burden, burdened, burdens, burdensome, heavy, load, loaded, loaded up, loads

burnt offering

Related Ideas:

offering by fire

Definition:

A "burnt offering" was a type of sacrifice to God that was burnt up by fire on an altar. It was offered to make atonement for the sins of the people. This was also called an "offering by fire."

Animals used for this offering were usually sheep or goats, but oxen and birds were also used.
Except for the skin, the entire animal was burned up in this offering. The skin or hide was given to the priest.
God commanded the Jewish people to offer burnt offerings two times every day.

(See also: altar, atonement, cow, priest, sacrifice)

Bible References:

Exodus 40:5-7
Genesis 08:20
Genesis 22:1-3
Leviticus 03:05
Mark 12:33

Word Data:

Strong's: H801, H5930, H7133, G3646

Forms Found in the English ULB:

burnt offering, burnt offerings, offering by fire, offering made by fire

bury

Related Ideas:

burial

Definition:

The term "bury" usually refers to putting a dead body into a hole or other burial place. The term "burial" is the act of burying something or can be used to describe a place used to bury something.

Often people bury a dead body by placing it into a deep hole in the ground and then covering it with dirt.
Sometimes the dead body is placed in a box-like structure, such as a coffin, before burying it.
In Bible times, dead people were often buried in a cave or similar place. After Jesus died, his body was wrapped in cloths and placed in a stone tomb that was sealed with a large boulder.
The terms "burial place" or "burial room" or "burial chamber" or "burial cave" are all ways to refer to a place where a dead body is buried.
Other things can also be buried, such as when Achan buried silver and other things that he had stolen from Jericho.
The phrase "buried his face" usually means "covered his face with his hands."
Sometimes the word "hide" can mean "bury" as when Achan hid things in the ground that he had stolen from Jericho. This meant he buried them in the ground.

(See also:Jericho, tomb)

Bible References:

2 Kings 09:9-10
Genesis 35:4-5
Jeremiah 25:33
Luke 16:22
Matthew 27:07
Psalm 079:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H6900, H6912, H6913, G1779, G1780, G2290, G4916, G5027

Forms Found in the English ULB:

burial, buried, buries, bury, burying

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

camel

Definition:

A camel is a large, four legged animal with one or two humps on its back.

In Bible times, the camel was the largest animal found in Israel and the surrounding regions.
The camel was used mainly for carrying people and burdens.
Some people groups also used camels for food but not the Israelites because God said that camels were unclean and were not to be eaten.
Camels were valuable because they could move swiftly in the sand and could live without food and water for several weeks at a time.

(See also: burden, clean)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 05:21
2 Chronicles 09:1-2
Exodus 09:1-4
Mark 10:25
Matthew 03:04
Matthew 19:23-24

Word Data:

Strong's: H1581, G2574

Forms Found in the English ULB:

camel, camel's, camels, camels'

captive

Related Ideas:

captivate, captivity, captor, capture, catch

Definition:

The terms "captive" and "captivity" refer to capturing people and forcing them to live somewhere they do not want to live, such as in a foreign country.

The Israelites from the kingdom of Judah were held captive in the kingdom of Babylonia for 70 years.
Captives are often required to work for the people or nation that captured them.
Daniel and Nehemiah were Israelite captives who worked for the Babylonian king.
The expression to "take captive" is another way of talking about capturing someone.
The expression, "carry you away captive" could also be translated as, "force you to live as captives" or "take you away to another country as prisoners."
In a figurative sense, the apostle Paul tells Christians to "take captive" every thought and make it obedient to Christ.
He also talks about how a person can be "taken captive" by sin, which means he is "controlled by" sin.
A "captor" is a person who captures another person or takes him captive.

Translation Suggestions

Depending on the context, to be "held captive" could also be translated by, "not allowed to be free" or "kept in prison" or "forced to live in a foreign country."
The expression, "led captive" or "taken captive" could be translated as, "captured" or "imprisoned" or "forced to go to a foreign land."
The term "captives" could also be translated as, "people who were captured" or "enslaved people."
Depending on the context, "captivity" could also be translated as, "imprisonment" or "exile" or "forced stay in a foreign country."

(See also: Babylon, exile, prison, seize)

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 10:05
Isaiah 20:04
Jeremiah 43:03
Luke 04:18

Word Data:

Strong's: H270, H631, H1123, H1473, H1540, H1546, H1547, H3920, H3947, H7617, H7622, H7628, H7633, H7686, G161, G162, G163, G164, G2221, G4084

Forms Found in the English ULB:

captivate, captivated, captive, captives, captivity, captor, captors, capture, captured, captures, carried away captive, catch, caught, held captive, taken ... captive

cast out

Related Ideas:

banish, cast off, compel to go, drive out, force out, outcast, put outside, throw out

Definition:

To "cast out" or "drive out" someone or something means to force that person or thing to go away.

The term "cast" means the same thing as "throw." To cast a net means to throw the net into the water.
In a figurative sense, "cast out" or "cast away" someone can mean to reject that person and send him away.
To "banish" someone is to force them to stay far away.
An "outcast" is someone whom other people have rejected and forced him to go live somewhere else.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, other ways to translate this could include, "force out" or "send away" or "get rid of."
To "cast out demons" could be translated as "cause the demons to leave" or "drive the evil spirits out" or "expel the demons" or "command the demon to come out."

(See also: demon, demon-possessed, lots)

Bible References:

Acts 07:17-19
Mark 03:13-16
Mark 09:29
Matthew 07:21-23
Matthew 09:32-34
Matthew 12:24
Matthew 17:19-21

Word Data:

Strong's: H1272, H1644, H1920, H3423, H5080, H7843, H7971, H7993, G1544

Forms Found in the English ULB:

banish, banished, cast ... off, cast ... out, casting out, compelled ... to go, drive, drive ... away, drive ... out, driven, driven ... away, driven ... out, drives ... away, drives ... out, driving ... out, drove ... out, force ... out, forced ... out, forcing ... out, outcast, outcasts, put ... outside, threw ... out, throw ... out, throwing out, thrown, thrown out

caught up

Related Ideas:

catch up with

Definition:

The term "caught up" often refers to God taking a person up to heaven in a sudden, miraculous way.

The phrase "caught up with" refers to coming up to someone after hurrying to reach him. A term with a similar meaning is "overtake."
The apostle Paul talked about being "caught up" to the third heaven. This could also be translated as "taken up."
Paul said that when Christ comes back, Christians will be "caught up" together to meet him in the air.
The figurative expression, "my sins have caught up with me" could be translated as, "I am receiving the consequences of my sin" or "because of my sin I am suffering" or "my sin is causing me trouble."

(see: miracle, overtake, suffer, trouble)

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 12:1-2
Acts 08:39-40

Word Data:

Strong's: H1692, G726

Forms Found in the English ULB:

catch up with, caught up, caught up with

cedar

Related Ideas:

cedarwood

Definition:

The term "cedar" refers to a large fir tree which normally has reddish-brown wood. Like other firs, it has cones and needle-like leaves.

The Old Testament often mentions cedar trees in connection with Lebanon, where they grew plentifully.
Cedar wood was used in the construction of the Jerusalem temple.
It was also used for sacrifices and purification offerings.

(See also: fir, pure, sacrifice, temple)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 14:1-2
1 Kings 07:1-2
Isaiah 02:13
Zechariah 11:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H730

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cedar, cedars, cedarwood

census

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The term "census" refers to a formal counting of the number of people in a nation or empire.

The Old Testament records different times when God ordered that the men of Israel be counted, such as when the Israelites first left Egypt and then again just before they entered Canaan.
Often the purpose of a census was in order to know how many people should be paying taxes.
For example, one time in Exodus the Israelite men were counted so that each one would pay a half shekel for taking care of the temple.
When Jesus was a baby, the Roman government did a census to count all the people who lived throughout their empire, to require them to pay taxes.

Translation Suggestions

Possible ways to translate this term could include, "name counting" or "list of names" or "enrollment."
The phrase "take a census" could be translated as "register people's names" or "enroll people" or "write down people's names."

(See also: nation, Rome)

Bible References:

Acts 05:37
Exodus 30:12
Exodus 38:26
Luke 02:03
Numbers 04:1-4

Word Data:

Strong's: H1538, H3789, H4662, H5674, H6485, H7218, G582, G583

Forms Found in the English ULB:

census, register, registered

centurion

Definition:

A centurion was a Roman army officer who had a group of 100 soldiers under his command.

This could also be translated with a term that means, "leader of a hundred men" or "army leader" or "officer in charge of a hundred."
One Roman centurion came to Jesus to request healing for his servant.
The centurion in charge of Jesus' crucifixion was amazed when he witnessed how Jesus died.
God sent a centurion to Peter so that Peter could explain to him the good news about Jesus.

(See also: Rome)

Bible References:

Acts 10:01
Acts 27:01
Acts 27:42-44
Luke 07:04
Luke 23:47
Mark 15:39
Matthew 08:07
Matthew 27:54

Word Data:

Strong's: G1543, G2760

Forms Found in the English ULB:

centurion, centurions

chaff

Related Ideas:

straw

Definition:

Chaff is a dry protective covering of a grain seed. The chaff is not good for food, so people separate it from the seed and throw it away.

Often, the chaff is separated from the seed by throwing the heads of grain up into the air. The wind blows the chaff away and the seed falls on the ground. This process is called "winnowing."
In the Bible, this term is also used figuratively to refer to evil people and evil, worthless things.
"Straw" is the stalk of the grain left after the the seed has been taken away.

(See also: grain, wheat, winnow)

Bible References:

Daniel 02:35
Job 21:18
Luke 03:17
Matthew 03:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H2842, H4671, H5784, H8401, G892

Forms Found in the English ULB:

chaff, straw

chariot

Related Ideas:

charioteer

Definition:

In ancient times, chariots were lightweight, two-wheeled carts that were pulled by horses.

People would sit or stand in chariots, using them for war or travel.
In war, an army that had chariots had a great advantage of speed and mobility over an army that did not have chariots.
The ancient Egyptians and Romans were well-known for their use of horses and chariots.
A "charioteer" was a person who drove a chariot.

(See also: Egypt, Rome)

Bible References:

1 Kings 09:22
2 Chronicles 18:28-30
Acts 08:29
Acts 08:38
Daniel 11:40-41
Exodus 14:25
Genesis 41:43

Word Data:

Strong's: H2021, H4817, H4818, H7393, H7395, H7398, G716, G4480

Forms Found in the English ULB:

chariot, charioteer, charioteers, chariots

cherubim

Related Ideas:

cherub

Definition:

The term "cherub," and its plural form "cherubim," refer to a special type of heavenly being that God created. Cherubim have wings and can fly. Ezekiel also called them “living creatures” and described them as having four faces: the faces of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle.

The cherubim display the glory and power of God and seem to be guardians of sacred things.
After Adam and Eve sinned, God placed cherubim with flaming swords at the east side of the Garden of Eden so that people could no longer get to the tree of life.
God commanded the Israelites to carve two cherubim facing each other, with their wings touching, over the atonement lid of the ark of the covenant.
He also told them to weave pictures of the cherubim into the curtains of the tabernacle.
Cherubim are sometimes thought of as being angels, but the Bible does not clearly state that.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "cherubim" could be translated as "creatures with wings" or "guardians with wings" or "winged spiritual guardians" or "holy, winged guardians."
A "cherub" should be translated as the singular of cherubim, as in, "creature with wings" or "winged spiritual guardian," for example.
Make sure that the translation of this term is different from the translation of "angel."
Also consider how this term is translated or written in a Bible translation in a local or national language.

(See also: angel)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 13:06
1 Kings 06:23-26
2 Samuel 22:11
Exodus 25:15-18
Ezekiel 01:05-14
Ezekiel 09:03
Ezekiel 10:15
Genesis 03:22-24

Word Data:

Strong's: H3742, G5502

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cherub, cherubim

chief

Related Ideas:

finest, first of all, important, prominent

Definition:

The term "chief" refers to the most powerful or most important leader of a particular group.

Examples of this include, "chief musician," "chief priest," "chief tax collector" and "chief ruler."
It can also be used for the head of a specific family, as in Genesis 36 where certain men are named as "chiefs" of their family clans. In this context, the term "chief" could also be translated as "leader" or "head father."
When used to describe a noun, this term could be translated as "leading" or "ruling," as in "leading musician" or "ruling priest."

(See also: chief priests, priest, tax)

Bible References:

Daniel 01:11-13
Ezekiel 26:15-16
Luke 19:02
Psalm 004:1

Word Data:

Strong's: H47, H117, H441, H3629, H5387, H5632, H6496, H7218, H7225, H7227, H7229, H7262, H8269, H8334, G749, G750, G754, G3175, G4410, G4413, G5506

Forms Found in the English ULB:

chief, chiefs, finest, first of all, important, most important, prominent

chief priests

Definition:

The chief priests were important Jewish religious leaders during the time that Jesus lived on earth.

The chief priests were responsible for everything needed for the worship services at the temple. They were also in charge of the money that was given to the temple.
They were higher in rank and power than the ordinary priests. Only the high priest had more authority.
The chief priests were some of Jesus' main enemies and they strongly influenced the Roman leaders to arrest and kill him.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "chief priests" could also be translated as "head priests" or "leading priests" or "ruling priests."
Make sure this term is translated differently from the term "high priest."

(See also: chief, high priest, Jewish authorities, priest)

Bible References:

Acts 09:13-16
Acts 22:30
Acts 26:12-14
Luke 20:01
Mark 08:31
Matthew 16:21
Matthew 26:3-5
Matthew 26:59
Matthew 27:41-42

Word Data:

Strong's: H7218, G749

Forms Found in the English ULB:

chief priests

children

Related Ideas:

child, childhood, childless

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "child" is often used to generally refer to someone who is young in age, including an infant. * The word "childhood" refers to the time that a person is a child. * The word "childless" describes a person who has no children. * The word "children" is the plural form of "child."

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

child, childhood, childless, children

chronicles

Definition:

The term "chronicle" refers to a written record of events over a period of time.

Two Old Testament books are called "First Book of the Chronicles" and "Second Book of the Chronicles."
The books called "Chronicles" record part of the history of the Israelite people, beginning with a list of people in every generation since Adam.
The "First Book of the Chronicles" records the end of King Saul's life and the events of King David's reign.
The "Second Book of the Chronicles" records the reigns of King Solomon and several other kings, including the building of the temple and the separation of the northern kingdom of Israel from the southern kingdom of Judah.
The end of 2 Chronicles describes the beginning of the Babylonian exile.

(See also: Babylon, David, exile, kingdom of Israel, Judah, Solomon)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 27:24
2 Chronicles 33:19
Esther 10:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H1697

Forms Found in the English ULB:

chronicles

church

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: assembly, believe, Christian)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: G1577

Forms Found in the English ULB:

church, churches

circumcise

Related Ideas:

circumcision, uncircumcision

Definition:

The term "circumcise" means to cut off the foreskin of a man or male child. A circumcision ceremony may be performed in connection with this.

God commanded Abraham to circumcise every male among his family and servants as a sign of God's covenant with them.
God also commanded Abraham's descendants to continue to do this for every baby boy born into their households.
The phrase, "circumcision of the heart" refers figuratively to the "cutting away" or removal of sin from a person.
In a spiritual sense, "the circumcised" refers to people whom God has purified from sin through the blood of Jesus and who are his people.
The term "uncircumcised" refers to those who have not been circumcised physically. It can also refer figuratively to those who have not been circumcised spiritually, who do not have a relationship with God.

The terms "uncircumcised" and "uncircumcision" refer to a male who has not been physically circumcised. These terms are also used figuratively.

Egypt was a nation that also required circumcision. So when God talks about Egypt being defeated by the "uncircumcised," he is referring to people whom the Egyptians despised for not being circumcised.
The Bible refers to people who have an "uncircumcised heart" or who are "uncircumcised in heart." This a figurative way of saying that these people are not God's people, and are stubbornly disobedient to him.
If a word for circumcision is used or known in the language, "uncircumcised" could be translated as "not circumcised."
The expression "the uncircumcision" could be translated as "people who are not circumcised" or "people who do not belong to God," depending on the context.
Other ways to translate figurative senses of this term could include "not God's people" or "rebellious like those who don't belong to God" or "people who have no sign of belonging to God."
The expression "uncircumcised in heart" could be translated as "stubbornly rebellious" or "refusing to believe." However, if possible it is best to keep the expression or a similar one since spiritual circumcision is an important concept.

Translation Suggestions:

If the culture of the target language performs circumcisions on males, the word used to refer to this should be used for this term.
Other ways to translate this term would be, "cut around" or "cut in a circle" or "cut off the foreskin."
In cultures where circumcision is not known, it may be necessary to explain it in a footnote or glossary.
Make sure the term used to translate this does not refer to females. It may be necessary to translate this with a word or phrase that includes the meaning of "male."

(See also: Abraham, covenant)

Bible References:

Genesis 17:11
Genesis 17:14
Exodus 12:48
Leviticus 26:41
Joshua 05:03
Judges 15:18
2 Samuel 01:20
Jeremiah 09:26
Ezekiel 32:25
Acts 10:44-45
Acts 11:03
Acts 15:01
Acts 11:03
Romans 02:27
Galatians 05:03
Ephesians 02:11
Philippians 03:03
Colossians 02:11
Colossians 02:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H4135, H4139, H5243, H6188, H6189, G203, G564, G1986, G4059, G4061

Forms Found in the English ULB:

circumcise, circumcised, circumcision, uncircumcised, uncircumcision

citizen

Related Ideas:

citizenship

Definition:

A citizen is someone who lives in a specific city, country, or kingdom. It especially refers to someone who is recognized officially as being a legal resident of that place.

Depending on the context, this could also be translated as "inhabitant" or "official resident."
A citizen could live in a region that is part of a larger kingdom or empire that is governed by a king, emperor, or other ruler. For example, Paul was a citizen of the Roman Empire, which consisted of many different provinces; Paul lived in one of those provinces.
In a figurative sense, believers in Jesus are called "citizens" of heaven in the sense that they will live there someday. Like a citizen of a country, Christians belong to God's kingdom.

( See: kingdom, Paul, province, Rome)

Bible References:

Acts 21:39-40
Isaiah 03:03
Luke 15:15
Luke 19:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H6440, G4175, G4177, G4847

Forms Found in the English ULB:

citizen, citizens, citizenship

city of David

Facts:

The term "city of David" can refer to the city of Jerusalem, part of Jerusalem, or Bethlehem.

Jerusalem is where David lived while he ruled Israel.
Bethlehem is where David was born.

(See also: David, Bethlehem, Jerusalem)

Bible References:

1 Kings 08:1-2
2 Samuel 05:6-7
Isaiah 22:8-9
Luke 02:04
Nehemiah 03:14-15

Word Data:

Strong's: H1732, H5892, G1138, G4172

Forms Found in the English ULB:

city of David

clan

Related Ideas:

ancestral clan

Definition:

The term "clan" refers to a group of extended family members who come from a common ancestor.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were counted according to their clans, or family groups.
Clans were normally named after their most well-known ancestor.
Individual people were sometimes referred to by the name of their clan. An example of this is when Moses' father-in-law Jethro is sometimes called by his clan name, Reuel.
Clan could be translated as "family group" or "extended family" or "relatives."

(See also: family, Jethro, tribe)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 06:33-35
Genesis 10:2-5
Genesis 36:15-16
Genesis 36:29-30
Genesis 36:40
Joshua 15:20
Numbers 03:38-39

Word Data:

Strong's: H1, H441, H504, H1004, H4940

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ancestral clan, ancestral clans, clan, clans

clean

Related Ideas:

cleanness, cleanse, unclean, uncleanness, wash

Definition:

The term "clean" literally means to not have any dirt or stain. In the Bible, words like "clean" and "washed" are often used figuratively to mean, "pure," "holy," "free from sin," or "innocent".

"Cleanse" is the process of making something "clean." It could also be translated as "wash" or "purify."
In the Old Testament, God told the Israelites which animals he had specified as ritually "clean" and which ones were "unclean." Only the clean animals were permitted to be used for eating or for sacrifice. In this context, the term "clean" means that the animal was acceptable to God for use as a sacrifice.
A person who had certain skin diseases would be unclean until the skin was healed enough to no longer be contagious. Instructions for cleansing the skin had to be obeyed in order for that person to be declared "clean" again.
Sometimes "clean" is used figuratively to refer to moral purity.

In the Bible, the term "unclean" is used figuratively to refer to things that God declared to be unfit for his people to touch, eat, or sacrifice.

God gave the Israelites instructions about which animals were "clean" and which ones were "unclean." The unclean animals were not permitted to be used for eating or for sacrifice.
People with certain skin diseases were said to be "unclean" until they were healed.
If the Israelites touched something "unclean," they themselves would be considered unclean for a certain period of time.
Obeying God's commands about not touching or eating unclean things kept the Israelites set apart for God's service.
This physical and ritual uncleanness was also symbolic of moral uncleanness.
In another figurative sense, "unclean spirit" refers to an evil spirit.

Translation Suggestions:

Translating "clean": * This term could be translated with the common word for "clean" or "pure" (in the sense of being not dirty). * Other ways to translate this could include, "ritually clean" or "acceptable to God." * "Cleanse" could be translated by "wash" or "purify." * Make sure that the words used for "clean" and "cleanse" can also be understood in a figurative sense.

Translating "unclean"" * The term "unclean" could also be translated as "not clean" or "unfit in God's eyes" or "physically unclean" or "defiled." * When referring to a demon as an unclean spirit, "unclean" could be translated as "evil" or "defiled." * The translation of this term should allow for spiritual uncleanness. It should be able to refer to anything that God declared as unfit for touching, eating, or sacrifice.

(See also: defile, demon, holy, sacrifice)

Bible References:

Genesis 07:02
Genesis 07:08
Deuteronomy 12:15
Psalms 051:07
Proverbs 20:30
Ezekiel 24:13
Matthew 23:27
Luke 05:13
Acts 08:07
Acts 10:27-29
Colossians 03:05
1 Thessalonians 04:07
James 04:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H1249, H1252, H1305, H1351, H2134, H2135, H2141, H2398, H2889, H2890, H2891, H2893, H2930, H2931, H2932, H3722, H5079, H5352, H5355, H5356, H6663, H7137, H8552, H8562, G167, G169, G2511, G2512, G2513, G2514, G2839, G2840

Forms Found in the English ULB:

clean, cleaned, cleanness, cleans, cleanse, cleansed, cleanses, cleansing, purge, unclean, uncleanness, wash, washed, washes, washing

clothed

Related Ideas:

cloth, clothe, cover, dressed, garment, put on, unclothed, wardrobe, wear

Definition:

When used figuratively in the Bible, "clothed with" means to be endowed or equipped with something. To "clothe" oneself with something means to seek to have a certain character quality.

In the same way that clothing is outside your body and is visible to all, when you are "clothed" with a certain character quality, others can readily see it. To "clothe yourself with kindness" means to let your actions be so characterized by kindness that it is easily seen by everyone.
To be "clothed with power from on high" means to have power given to you.
This term is also used to express negative experiences, such as "clothed with shame" or "clothed with terror."
All of the clothes a person wears is called his "wardrobe."

Translation Suggestions:

If possible, it is best to keep the literal figure of speech, "clothe yourselves with." Another way to translate this could be "put on" if this refers to putting on clothes.
If that does not give the correct meaning, other ways to translate "clothed with" could be "showing" or "manifesting" or "filled with" or "having the quality of."
The term "clothe yourself with" could also be translated as "cover yourself with" or "behave in a way that shows."

Bible References:

Luke 24:49

Word Data:

Strong's: H155, H899, H2290, H3680, H3736, H3801, H3830, H3847, H3848, H4055, H4254, H4374, H5526, H5497, H8008, H8071, H8516, G294, G1463, G1562, G1737, G1742, G1746, G1902, G2066, G2224, G2439, G2440, G4016, G4749, G5409, G5509

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cloth, clothe, clothed, clothes, clothing, cover, covered, coverings, coverings for their loins, covers, dressed, garment, garments, put ... on, putting ... on, unclothed, wardrobe, wear, wearing, worn

comfort

Related Ideas:

comforter, console, consolation

Definition:

The terms "comfort" and "comforter" refer to helping someone who is suffering physical or emotional pain.

A person who comforts someone is called a "comforter."
In the Old Testament, the term "comfort" is used to describe how God is kind and loving to his people and helps them when they are suffering.
In the New Testament, it says that God will comfort his people through the Holy Spirit. Those who receive the comfort are then enabled to give the same comfort to others who are suffering.
The expression "comforter of Israel" referred to the Messiah who would come to rescue his people.
Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the "Comforter" who helps believers in Jesus.
To "appease" someone is to do something that causes that person to no longer be angry about the wrong that someone else has done to him.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "comfort" could also be translated as, "ease the pain of" or "help (someone) overcome grief" or "encourage" or "console."
A phrase such as "our comfort" could be translated as "our encouragement" or "our consoling of (someone)" or "our help in times of grieving."
The term "comforter" could be translated as "person who comforts" or "someone who helps ease pain" or "person who encourages."
When the Holy Spirit is called "the Comforter" this could also be translated as "the Encourager" or "the Helper" or "the One who helps and guides."
The phrase "comforter of Israel" could be translated as, "the Messiah, who comforts Israel."
An expression like, "they have no comforter" could also be translated as, "No one has comforted them" or "There is no one to encourage or help them."

(See also: courage, Holy Spirit)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 05:8-11
2 Corinthians 01:04
2 Samuel 10:1-3
Acts 20:11-12

Word Data:

Strong's: H2505, H5150, H5162, H5165, H5564, H8575, G3870, G3874, G3875, G3888, G3890, G3931

Forms Found in the English ULB:

comfort, comforted, comforter, comforters, comforting, comforts, consolation, consolations, consoling, uncomforted

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

commander

Related Ideas:

captain, leader, military officer, one who leads

Definition:

The term "commander" refers to a leader of an army who is responsible for leading and commanding a certain group of soldiers.

A commander could be in charge of a small group of soldiers or a large group, such as a thousand men.
This term is also used to refer to Yahweh as the commander of angel armies.
Other ways to translate "commander" could include, "leader" or "captain" or "officer."
The term to "command" an army could be translated as to "lead" or to "be in charge of."

(See also: command, ruler, centurion)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 11:4-6
2 Chronicles 11:11-12
Daniel 02:14
Mark 06:21-22
Proverbs 06:07

Word Data:

Strong's: H117, H1368, H2710, H2951, H1169, G4755, H5057, H5257, H6260, H6346, H7101, H7262, H7218, H7227, H7229, H7860, H7990, H8269, G758, G2233, G4291, G5506

Forms Found in the English ULB:

captain, captains, commander, commanders, leader, leaders, leading, military officers, one who leads

commit

Related Ideas:

commitment

Definition:

The terms "commit" and "commitment" refer to making a decision or promising to do something.

A person who promises to do something is also described as being "committed" to doing it.
To "commit" to someone a certain task means to assign that task to that person. For example, in 2 Corinthians Paul says that God has "committed" (or "given") to us the ministry of helping people be reconciled to God.
To "commit" something to someone is to give that thing completely to that person.
To "commit" someone to another person is to put someone either in the care of or under the guard of that other person.
The terms "commit" and "committed" also often refer to doing a certain wrong action such as "commit a sin" or "commit adultery" or "commit murder."
The expression "committed to him the task" could also be translated as "gave him the task" or "entrusted to him the task" or "assigned the task to him."
The term "commitment" could be translated by, "task that was given" or "promise that was made," depending on the context.

(See also: adultery, faithful, promise, sin)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 28:07
1 Peter 02:21-23
Jeremiah 02:12-13
Matthew 13:41
Psalm 058:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H539, H817, H1361, H1497, H1500, H1540, H1556, H2181, H2388, H2398, H2399, H2403, H4560, H4603, H5003, H5753, H5766, H5771, H6213, H6466, H7683, H7760, H7847, G264, G2038, G2716, G3429, G3431, G3860, G3872, G3908, G4102, G4203

Forms Found in the English ULB:

commit, commitment, commits, committed, committing

companion

Related Ideas:

associate, company, fellow worker, friend, partner, private advisor

Definitions:

The term "companion" refers to a person who goes with someone else or who is associated with someone else, such as in a friendship or marriage. The term "fellow worker" refers to someone who works with another person.

Companions go through experiences together, share meals together, and support and encourage each other.
Depending on the context, this term could also be translated with a word or phrase that means, "friend" or "fellow traveler" or "supporting-person who goes with" or "person who works with."
The word "company" refers to a person's companions.
The word "associates" refers to companions who are involved in official activities.

Bible References:

Ezekiel 37:16
Hebrews 01:09
Proverbs 02:17
Psalms 038:11-12

Word Data:

Strong's: H157, H251, H441, H2269, H2270, H2273, H2278, H3674, H3675, H4828, H5712, H6116, H6951, H7474, H7453, H7462, H7464, G2844, G3353, G3657, G4898, G4904

Forms Found in the English ULB:

associates, companion, companions, company, fellow worker, fellow workers, friend, friends, keeps company with, partner, partners, private advisor

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

conceive

Related Ideas:

conception

Definition:

The terms "conceive" and "conception" usually refer to becoming pregnant with a child. It can also be used for animals that become pregnant.

The phrase "conceive a child" could be translated as, "become pregnant" or some other term that is an acceptable way of referring to this.
The related term "conception" could be translated as, "beginning of a pregnancy" or "moment of becoming pregnant."
These terms can also refer to creating something or thinking of something, such as an idea, a plan, or a task. Ways to translate this could include, "think of" or "plan" or "create," depending on the context.
Sometimes this term can be used figuratively as in, "when sin is conceived" which means "when sin is first thought of" or "at the very start of a sin" or "when a sin first begins."

(See also: create, womb)

Bible References:

Genesis 21:1-4
Hosea 02:4-5
Job 15:35
Luke 01:24-25
Luke 02:21

Word Data:

Strong's: H2029, H2030, H2032, H2232, H2254, H2803, H3179, G1080, G2602, G2845, G4815

Forms Found in the English ULB:

conceive, conceived, conceives, conception

concubine

Definition:

A concubine is a woman who is a secondary wife for a man who already has a wife. Usually a concubine is not legally married to the man.

In the Old Testament, concubines were often female slaves.
A concubine could be acquired by purchase, through military conquest, or in payment of a debt.
For a king, having many concubines was a sign of power.
The New Testament teaches that the practice of having a concubine is against God's will.

Bible References:

2 Samuel 03:07
Genesis 22:24
Genesis 25:5-6
Genesis 35:21-22
Genesis 36:12
Judges 19:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H3904, H6370

Forms Found in the English ULB:

concubine, concubines

condemn

Related Ideas:

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

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: judge, punish)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

confess

Related Ideas:

confession, profess

Definition:

To confess means to admit or assert that something is true. A "confession" is a statement or admission that something is true.

The term "confess" can refer to boldly stating the truth about God. It can also refer to admitting that we have sinned.
The Bible says that if people confess their sins to God, he will forgive them.
James the apostle wrote in his letter that when believers confess their sins to each other, this brings spiritual healing.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians that someday everyone will confess or declare that Jesus is Lord.
Paul also said that if people confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from the dead, they will be saved.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, ways to translate "confess" could include, "admit" or "testify" or "declare" or "acknowledge" or "affirm."
Different ways to translate "confession" could be, "declaration" or "testimony" or "statement about what we believe" or "admitting sin."

(See also: faith, testimony)

Bible References:

1 John 01:8-10
2 John 01:7-8
James 05:16
Leviticus 05:5-6
Matthew 03:4-6
Nehemiah 01:6-7
Philippians 02:9-11
Psalms 038:17-18

Word Data:

Strong's: H3034, H8426, G1843, G3670, G3671

Forms Found in the English ULB:

confess, confessed, confesses, confessing, confession, profess

confidence

Related Ideas:

assure, carefree, confident, convinced, fully assured, without fear

Definition:

The term "confidence" refers to being sure that something is true or certain to happen.

In the Bible, the term "hope" often means to wait expectantly for something that is sure to happen. The ULB often translates this as "confidence" or "confidence for the future" or "future confidence" especially when it means to be assured of receiving what God has promised to believers in Jesus.
Often the term "confidence" refers especially to the certainty that believers in Jesus have that they will someday be with God forever in heaven.
The phrase, "have confidence in God" means to fully expect to receive and experience what God has promised.
Being "confident" means believing in God's promises and acting with the assurance that God will do what he has said. This term can also have the meaning of acting boldly and courageously.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "confident" could be translated as "assured" or "very sure."
The phrase "be confident" could also be translated as "trust completely" or "be completely sure about" or "know for certain."
The term "confidently" could also be translated as "boldly" or "with certainty."
Depending on the context, ways to translate "confidence" could include, "complete assurance" or "sure expectation" or "certainty."

(See also: believe, believe, bold, faithful, hope, trust)

Bible References:

Word Data:

Strong's: H982, H983, H986, H3689, H3690, H4009, H7961, G2292, G3954, G3982, G4006, G4135, G5287

Forms Found in the English ULB:

assure, carefree, confidence, confident, confidently, convinced, fully assured, source of ... confidence, without fear

confirm

Related Ideas:

carry out, cause someone to believe firmly, confirmation, guarantee

Definition:

The terms "confirm" and "confirmation" refer to stating or assuring that something is true or sure or trustworthy.

In the Old Testament, God tells his people that he will "confirm" his covenant with them. This means he is stating that he will keep the promises he made in that covenant.
When a king is "confirmed" it means that the decision to make him king has been agreed upon and supported by the people.
To confirm what someone wrote means to say that what was written is true.
The "confirmation" of the gospel means teaching people about the good news of Jesus in such a way that it shows that it is true.
To give an oath "as confirmation" means to solemnly state or swear that something is true or trustworthy.
Ways to translate "confirm" could include, "state as true" or "prove to be trustworthy" or "agree with" or "assure" or "promise," depending on the context.
To "carry out" a promise is to do what one has promised to do.

(See also: covenant, oath, trust)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 16:15-18
2 Corinthians 01:21
2 Kings 23:3
Hebrews 06:16-18

Word Data:

Strong's: H1396, H3045, H3559, H4390, H4672, H5414, H5975, H6213, H6965, G950, G951, G3315, G4741, G4972

Forms Found in the English ULB:

carry out, cause ... to believe firmly, confirm, confirmation, confirmed, confirms, guaranteed

conscience

Definition:

The conscience is the part of a person's thinking through which God makes him aware that he is doing something sinful.

God gave people a conscience to help them know the difference between what is right and what is wrong.
A person who obeys God is said to have a "pure" or "clear" or "clean" conscience.
If a person has a "clear conscience" it means that he is not hiding any sin.
If someone ignores their conscience and no longer feels guilty when he sins, this means his conscience is no longer sensitive to what is wrong. The Bible calls this a "seared" conscience, one that is "branded" as if with a hot iron. Such a conscience is also called "insensitive" and "polluted."
Possible ways to translate this term could include, "inner moral guide" or "moral thinking."

Bible References:

1 Timothy 01:19
1 Timothy 03:09
2 Corinthians 05:11
2 Timothy 01:03
Romans 09:01
Titus 01:15-16

Word Data:

Strong's: G4893

Forms Found in the English ULB:

conscience, consciences

consecrate

Related Ideas:

consecrated portion, consecration

Definition:

To consecrate means to dedicate something or someone to serve God. The person or object that is consecrated is considered holy and set apart for God.

The meaning of this term is similar to "sanctify" or to "make holy," but with the added meaning of formally setting apart someone for service to God.
Things that were consecrated to God included animals to be sacrificed, the altar of burnt offering, and the tabernacle.
People who were consecrated to God included the priests, the people of Israel, and the oldest male child.
Sometimes the word "consecrate" has a meaning that is similar to "purify," especially when it pertains to preparing people or things for God's service so that they will be cleansed and acceptable to him.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "consecrate" could include, "set apart for God's service" or "purify for service to God."
Also consider how the terms "holy" and "sanctify" are translated.

(See also: holy, pure, sanctify)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 04:3-5
2 Chronicles 13:8-9
Ezekiel 44:19

Word Data:

Strong's: H3027, H4390, H4394, H4888, H5144, H5145, H6942, H6944

Forms Found in the English ULB:

consecrate, consecrated, consecrated portion, consecrates, consecration

consume

Related Ideas:

swallow

Definition:

The term "consume" literally means to use up something. It has several figurative meanings.

In the Bible, the word "consume" often refers to destroying things or people.
A fire is said to consume things, which means it destroys them by burning them up.
God is described as a "consuming fire," which is a description of his anger against sin. His anger results in terrible punishment for sinners who do not repent.
To consume food means to eat or drink something.
The phrase, "consume the land" could be translated as "destroy the land."

Translation Suggestions

In the context of consuming the land or people, this term could be translated as "destroy."
When fire is referred to, "consume" could be translated as "burn up."
The burning bush that Moses saw "was not consumed" which could be translated as, "did not get burned up" or "did not burn up."
When referring to eating, "consume" could be translated as "eat" or "devour."
If someone's strength is "consumed," it means his strength is "used up" or "gone."
The expression, "God is a consuming fire" could be translated as, "God is like a fire that burns things up" or "God is angry against sin and will destroy sinners like a fire."

(See also: devour, wrath)

Bible References:

1 Kings 18:38-40
Deuteronomy 07:16
Jeremiah 03:23-25
Job 07:09
Numbers 11:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H398, H1086, H1104, H1105, H1197, H2628, H3615, H3617, H3857, H5595, H7462, H8046, H8552, G355, G2068, G2618, G2654, G2666, G2719, G5315

Forms Found in the English ULB:

consume, consumed, consumes, consuming, swallow, swallowed, swallows

contempt

Related Ideas:

contemptible, have no standing, insolence, not worth listening to

Definitions:

The term "contempt" refers to a deep disrespect and dishonor that is shown toward something or someone. Something that is greatly dishonorable is called "contemptible."

A person or behavior that shows open disrespect for God is also called "contemptible" and could be translated as "greatly disrespectful" or "completely dishonorable" or "deserving scorn."
To "hold in contempt" means to regard someone as having less value or to judge someone as less worthy than oneself.
The following expressions have a similar meaning: "have contempt for" or "show contempt for" or "be in contempt of" or "treat with contempt." These all mean to "strongly disrespect" or "strongly dishonor" something or someone by what is said and done.
When King David sinned by committing adultery and murder, God said that David had "shown contempt for" God. It means he had greatly disrespected and dishonored God by doing that.

(See also: dishonor)

Bible References:

Daniel 12:1-2
Proverbs 15:5-6
Psalms 031:18

Word Data:

Strong's: H936, H937, H959, H963, H1860, H2195, H2781, H7043, H7589, H5006, G1848

Forms Found in the English ULB:

contempt, contemptible, have no standing, insolence, not worth listening to, showed ... contempt

cornerstone

Definition:

The term "cornerstone" refers to a large stone that has been specially cut and placed in the corner of the foundation of a building.

All the other stones of the building are measured and placed in relation to the cornerstone.
It is very important for the strength and stability of the whole structure.
In the New Testament, the Assembly of believers is metaphorically compared to a building which has Jesus Christ as its "cornerstone."
In the same way that the cornerstone of a building supports and determines the position of the whole building, so Jesus Christ is the cornerstone on which the Assembly of believers is founded and supported.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "cornerstone" could also be translated as "main building stone" or "foundation stone."
Consider whether the target language has a term for a part of a building's foundation that is the main support. If so, this term could be used.
Another way to translate this would be, "a foundation stone used for the corner of a building."
It is important to keep the fact that this is a large stone, used as a solid and secure building material. If stones are not used for constructing buildings, there may be another word that could be used that means "large stone" (such as "boulder") but it should also have the idea of being well-formed and made to fit.

Bible References:

Acts 04:11
Ephesians 02:20
Matthew 21:42
Psalms 118:22

Word Data:

Strong's: H68, H6438, H7218, G204, G1137, G2776, G3037

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cornerstone, cornerstones

corrupt

Related Ideas:

corruption, depraved, flawed, incorruptibility, incorruptible

Definition:

The terms "corrupt" and "corruption" refer to a state of affairs in which people have become ruined, immoral, or dishonest.

The term "corrupt" literally means to be "bent" or "broken" morally.
A person who is corrupt has turned away from truth and is doing things that are dishonest or immoral.
To corrupt someone means to influence that person to do dishonest and immoral things.

Translation Suggestions:

The term to "corrupt" could be translated as to "influence to do evil" or to "cause to be immoral."
A corrupt person could be described as a person "who has become immoral" or "who practices evil."
This term could also be translated as "bad" or "immoral" or "evil."
The term "corruption" could be translated as "the practice of evil" or "evil" or "immorality."
Something that cannot be corrupted is "incorruptible" and is characterized as having "incorruptibility."

(See also: evil)

Bible References:

Ezekiel 20:42-44
Galatians 06:6-8
Genesis 06:12
Matthew 12:33-35
Psalm 014:1

Word Data:

Strong's: H2254, H2610, H3891, H4889, H7843, H7844, G861, G1311, G2704, G3392, G3394, G5351, G5356

Forms Found in the English ULB:

corrupt, corrupted, corrupting, corruption, corruptly, corrupts, depraved, flawed, incorruptibility, incorruptible

corrupt witness

Related Ideas:

false report, false testimony, false witness, testify falsely

Definition:

The terms "false witness" and "corrupt witness" refer to a person who says untrue things about a person or an event, usually in a formal setting such as a court.

A "false testimony" or "false report" is the actual lie that is told.
To "bear false witness" means to lie or give a false report about something.
The Bible gives several accounts in which false witnesses were hired to lie about someone in order to have that person punished or killed.

Translation Suggestions:

To "bear false witness" or "give a false testimony" could be translated as "testify falsely" or "give a false report about someone" or "speak falsely against someone" or "lie."
When "false witness" refers to a person, it could be translated as "person who lies" or "one who testifies falsely" or "someone who says things that are not true."

(See also: testimony, true)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 19:19
Exodus 20:16
Matthew 15:18-20
Matthew 19:18-19
Proverbs 14:5-6
Psalms 027:11-12

Word Data:

Strong's: H5707, H6030, H7650, H8267, G1965, G3144, G5571, G5575, G5576, G5577

Forms Found in the English ULB:

corrupt witness, false report, false testimony, false witness, false witnesses, testify falsely

council

Definition:

A council is a group of people who meet to discuss, give advice, and make decisions about important matters.

A council is usually organized in an official and somewhat permanent way for a specific purpose, such as making decisions about legal matters.
The "Jewish Council" in Jerusalem, also known as the "Sanhedrin," had 70 members, which included Jewish leaders such as chief priests, elders, scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees who met regularly to decide matters of Jewish law. It was this council of religious leaders who put Jesus on trial and decided that he should be killed.
There were also smaller Jewish councils in other cities.
The apostle Paul was brought before a Roman council when he was arrested for teaching the gospel.
Depending on the context, the word "council" could also be translated as "legal assembly" or "political assembly."
To be "in council" means to be in a special meeting to decide something.
Note that this is a different word than "counsel," which means, "advice."

(See also: assembly, counsel, Pharisee, law of Moses, priest, Sadducee, scribe)

Bible References:

Acts 07:57-58
Acts 24:20
John 03:02
Luke 22:68
Mark 13:09
Matthew 05:22
Matthew 26:59

Word Data:

Strong's: H4186, H5475, G1010, G4824, G4892

Forms Found in the English ULB:

council, councils

counsel

Related Ideas:

advice, advise, advisor, consultation, consult, counselor

Definition:

The terms "counsel" and "advice" have the same meaning and refer to helping someone decide about what to do in a certain situation. A wise "counselor" or "advisor" is someone who gives advice or counsel that will help a person make right choices.

Kings often have official advisors or counselors to help them decide important matters that affect the people they are ruling.
Sometimes the advice or counsel that is given is not good. Evil advisors may urge a king to take action or make a decree that will harm him or his people.
To "consult" someone is to ask him for counsel or advice.
Note that "counsel" is a different word from "council," which refers to a group of people.

Translation Suggestions

Depending on the context, "advice" or "counsel" could also be translated as "help in deciding" or "warnings" or "exhortations" or "guidance."
The action, to "counsel" could be translated as to "advise" or to "make suggestions" or to "exhort."

(See also: exhort, Holy Spirit, wise)

Bible References:

Word Data:

Strong's: H1697, H1847, H1875, H1884, H1907, H2803, H3245, H3272, H3289, H3982, H4156, H4431, H5475, H5779, H6440, H6485, H6963, H6098, H7194, H7592, H8458, G1011, G1012, G1106, G3540, G3622, G4286, G4823, G4824, G4825

Forms Found in the English ULB:

advice, advise, advised, advisor, advisors, consult, consultation, consultations, consulted, counsel, counselor, counselors, counsels, guidance

courage

Related Ideas:

brave, courageous, discourage, discouragement, encourage, encouragement

Definitions:

The term "courage" refers to boldly facing or doing something that is difficult, frightening, or dangerous.

The term, "courageous" describes someone who shows courage, who does the right thing even when feeling afraid or pressured to give up.
A person shows courage when he faces emotional or physical pain with strength and perseverance.
The expression "take courage" means, "don't be afraid" or "be assured that things will turn out well."
When Joshua was preparing to go into the dangerous land of Canaan, Moses exhorted him to be "strong and courageous."
The term "courageous" could also be translated as "brave" or "unafraid" or "bold."
Depending on the context, to "have courage" could also be translated as, "be emotionally strong" or "be confident" or "stand firm."
To "speak with courage" could be translated as, "speak boldly" or "speak without being afraid" or "speak confidently."

The terms "encourage" and encouragement" refer to saying and doing things to cause someone to have comfort, hope, confidence, and courage.

A similar term is "exhort," which means to urge someone to reject an activity that is wrong and to instead do things that are good and right.
The apostle Paul and other New Testament writers taught Christians to encourage one another to love and serve others.

The term "discourage" refers to saying and doing things that cause people to lose hope, confidence, and courage and so to have less desire to keep working hard to do what they know they should do.

Translation Suggestions

Depending on the context, ways to translate "encourage" could include "urge" or "comfort" or "say kind things" or "help and support."
The phrase "give words of encouragement" means "say things that cause other people to feel loved, accepted, and empowered."

(See also: confidence, exhort, fear, strength)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 01:37-38
2 Kings 18:19-21
1 Chronicles 17:25
Matthew 09:20-22
1 Corinthians 14:1-4
2 Corinthians 07:13
Acts 05:12-13
Acts 16:40
Hebrews 03:12-13
Hebrews 13:5-6

Word Data:

Strong's: H47, H533, H553, H1368, H2388, H2388, H2428, H3820, H3824, H7307, G2114, G2115, G2174, G2292, G2293, G2294, H2865, G3870, G3874, G3954, G4389, G4837, G5111

Forms Found in the English ULB:

brave, bravest, courage, courageous, dare, dared, discourage, discouraged, discouragement, discouraging, encourage, encouraged, encouragement, encouraging, take courage

court

Related Ideas:

courtyard

Definition:

The terms "courtyard" and "court" refer to an enclosed area that is open to the sky and surrounded by walls. The term "court" also refers to a place where judges decide legal and criminal matters.

The tabernacle was surrounded by one courtyard which was enclosed by walls made of thick, cloth curtains.
The temple complex had three inner courtyards: one for the priests, one for Jewish men, and one for Jewish women.
These inner courtyards were surrounded by a low stone wall that separated them from an outer courtyard where Gentiles were permitted to worship.
The courtyard of a house was an open area in the middle of the house.
The phrase "king's court" can refer to his palace or to a place in his palace where he makes judgments.
The expression, "courts of Yahweh" is a figurative way of referring to Yahweh's dwelling place or to the place where people go to worship Yahweh.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "courtyard" could be translated as "enclosed space" or "walled-in land" or "temple grounds" or "temple enclosure."
Sometimes the term "temple" may need to be translated as "temple courtyards" or "temple complex" so that it is clear that the courtyards are being referred to, not the temple building.
The expression, "courts of Yahweh" could be translated as, "place where Yahweh lives" or "place where Yahweh is worshiped."
The term used for a king's court could also be used to refer to Yahweh's court.

(See also: Gentile, judge, king, tabernacle, temple)

Bible References:

2 Kings 20:4-5
Exodus 27:09
Jeremiah 19:14-15
Luke 22:55
Matthew 26:69-70
Numbers 03:26
Psalms 065:4

Word Data:

Strong's: H1508, H2691, H5835, H7339, H8651, G833, G4259

Forms Found in the English ULB:

court, courts, courtyard, courtyards

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

cow

Related Ideas:

bull, calf, cattle, heifer, ox, oxen

Definition:

The terms "cow," "bull," "heifer," "ox," and "cattle" all refer to a kind of large, four-legged bovine animal that eats grass.

The female of this kind of animal is called a "cow," the male is a "bull," and their offspring is a "calf."
In the Bible, cattle were among the "clean" animals that the people could eat and use for sacrifice. They were primarily raised for their meat and milk.

A "heifer" is an adult female cow that has not yet given birth to a calf.

An "ox" is a type of cattle that is specifically trained to do agricultural work. The plural of this term is "oxen." Usually oxen are male and have been castrated.

Throughout the Bible, oxen were depicted as animals tied together by a yoke to pull a cart or a plow.
Having oxen work together under a yoke was such a common occurrence in the Bible that the phrase to "be under a yoke" became a metaphor for hard work and labor.
A bull is also a male type of cattle, but it has not been castrated and has not been trained as a work animal.

(See also: yoke)

Bible References:

Genesis 15:9-11
Exodus 24:5-6
Numbers 19:1-2
Deuteronomy 21:3-4
1 Samuel 01:24-25
1 Samuel 15:03
1 Samuel 16:2-3
1 Kings 01:09
2 Chronicles 11:15
2 Chronicles 15:10-11
Matthew 22:4
Luke 13:15
Luke 14:05
Hebrews 09:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H47, H441, H504, H929, H1165, H1241, H4399, H4735, H4806, H5695, H5697, H6499, H6629, H7214, H7716, H7794, H7921, H8450, G1016, G1151, G2353, G2934, G3447, G3448, G5022

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bull, bull's, bulls, calf, calves, cattle, cow, cows, fattened calves, heifer, heifer's, ox, oxen

create

Related Ideas:

creation, creator, workmanship

Definition:

The term "create" means to make something or to cause something to be. Whatever is created is called a "creation." God is called the "Creator" because he caused everything in the entire universe to come into existence.

When this term is used to refer to God creating the world, it means he made it out of nothing.
When human beings "create" something, it means they made it out of things that already existed.
Sometimes "create" is used in a figurative way to describe something abstract, such as creating peace, or creating a pure heart in someone.
The term "creation" can refer to the very beginning of the world when God first created everything. It can also be used to refer generally to everything that God created. Sometimes the word "creation" refers more specifically to just the people in the world.
"Workmanship" is anything that a person makes.

Translation Suggestions:

Some languages may have to directly say that God created the world "out of nothing" to make sure this meaning is clear.
The phrase, "since the creation of the world" means, "since the time when God created the world."
A similar phrase, "at the beginning of creation" could be translated as, "when God created the world at the beginning of time," or "when the world was first created."
To preach the good news to "all creation" means to preach the good news to "all people everywhere on earth."
The phrase "Let all creation rejoice" means "Let everything that God created rejoice."
Depending on the context, "create" could be translated as "make" or "cause to be" or "make out of nothing."
The term "the Creator" could be translated as "the One who created everything" or "God, who made the whole world."
Phrases like "your Creator" could be translated as "God, who created you."

(See also: God, good news, world)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 11:9-10
1 Peter 04:17-19
Colossians 01:15
Galatians 06:15
Genesis 01:01
Genesis 14:19-20

Word Data:

Strong's: H1254, H3335, H4639, H6213, H7069, G2041, G2675, G2936, G2937, G2938, G2939, G5480

Forms Found in the English ULB:

create, created, created thing, creates, creation, creator, thing that has been created, workmanship

creature

Definition:

The term "creature" refers to all the living beings that God created, both humans and animals.

The prophet Ezekiel described seeing "living creatures" in his vision of the glory of God. He did not know what they were, so he gave them this very general label.
Note that the term "creation" has a different meaning since it includes everything God created, both living and nonliving things (such as land, water, and stars). The term "creature" only includes living things.

Translation Suggestions

Depending on the context, "creature" could be translated as, "being" or "living being" or "created being."
The plural, "creatures" could be translated as "all living things" or "people and animals" or "animals" or "human beings."

(See also: create)

Bible References:

Daniel 04:10-12
Ezekiel 01:09
Joshua 10:28
Leviticus 11:46-47
Revelation 19:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H1320, H1321, H1870, H2119, H2416, H4639, H5315, H5971, H8318, H8577, G2226, G2938

Forms Found in the English ULB:

creature, creatures

crime

Related Ideas:

criminal

Definition:

The term "crime" usually refers to a sin that involves breaking the law of a country or state. The term "criminal" refers to someone who has committed a crime.

Types of crimes include such things as killing a person or stealing someone's property.
A criminal is usually captured and kept in some form of captivity such as a prison.
In Bible times, some criminals became fugitives, wandering from place to place to escape people who wanted to harm them out of revenge for their crime.

(See also: thief)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 02:09
Hosea 06:8-9
Job 31:26-28
Luke 23:32
Matthew 27:23-24

Word Data:

Strong's: H2154, H2400, H4639, H5771, H7563, H7564, G2556, G2557, G4467

Forms Found in the English ULB:

crime, crimes, criminal, criminals

cross

Definition:

In Bible times, a cross was an upright wooden post stuck into the ground, with a horizontal wooden beam attached to it near the top.

During the time of the Roman Empire, the Roman government would execute criminals by tying or nailing them to a cross and leaving them there to die.
Jesus was falsely accused of crimes he did not commit and the Romans put him to death on a cross.
Note that this is a completely different word from the verb "cross" that means to go over to the other side of something, such as a river or lake.

Translation Suggestions:

This term could be translated using a term in the target language that refers to the shape of a cross.
Consider describing the cross as something on which people were killed, using phrases such as "execution post" or "tree of death."
Also consider how this word is translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language.

(See also: crucify, Rome)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 01:17
Colossians 02:15
Galatians 06:12
John 19:18
Luke 09:23
Luke 23:26
Matthew 10:38
Philippians 02:08

Word Data:

Strong's: G4716

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cross

crown

Related Ideas:

crest, garland, wreath

Definition:

A crown is a decorative, circular headpiece worn on the head of rulers such as kings and queens. The term to "crown" means to put a crown on someone's head; figuratively it means to "honor."

Crowns are usually made of gold or silver, and are embedded with precious gems such as emeralds and rubies.
A crown is a symbol of a king's power and wealth.
By contrast, the crown made of thorn branches that the Roman soldiers placed on Jesus' head was meant to mock him and hurt him.
If a person is "crowned," this means that a crown was put on his head.
In ancient times, winners of athletic contests would be awarded a crown made out of olive branches. The apostle Paul mentions this crown in his second letter to Timothy.
A "crest" is a crown or a piece of metal or expensive wood with a design on it or something else that people recognize as a symbol of the king or another official. A person whom the official wants to honor will wear the "crest" or put it on the animal that he rides or that pulls his chariot.
A "garland" and "a wreath" are a crown or necklace made of flowers or leaves.

Sometimes "crown" is used figuratively. * The figurative use of to "crown" means to honor someone. We honor God by obeying him and praising him to others. This is like putting a crown on him and acknowledging that he is King. * Pauls calls fellow believers his "joy and crown." In this expression, "crown" is used figuratively to mean that Paul has been greatly blessed and honored by how these believers have remained faithful in serving God.

Translation Suggestions:

When used figuratively, "crown" could be translated as "prize" or "honor" or "reward."
The figurative use of to "crown" could be translated as to "honor" or to "decorate."
The expression, "he was crowned with glory and honor" could be translated as, "glory and honor were bestowed on him" or "he was given glory and honor" or "he was endowed with glory and honor."

(See also: glory, king, olive)

Bible References:

John 19:03
Lamentations 05:16
Matthew 27:29
Philippians 04:01
Psalms 021:03
Revelation 03:11

Word Data:

Strong's: H3803, H3804, H5145, H5849, H5850, H6936, G1238, G4735, G4737

Forms Found in the English ULB:

crest, crown, crowned, crowns, garland, wreath

crucify

Related Ideas:

nail him to a cross

Definition:

The term "crucify" means to execute someone by attaching him to a cross and leaving him there to suffer and die in great pain.

The victim was either tied to the cross or nailed to it. Crucified people died from blood loss or from suffocation.
The ancient Roman Empire frequently used this method of execution to punish and kill people who were terrible criminals or who had rebelled against the authority of their government.
The Jewish religious leaders asked the Roman governor to order his soldiers to crucify Jesus. The soldiers nailed Jesus to a cross. He suffered there for six hours, and then died.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "crucify" could be translated as, "kill on a cross" or "execute by nailing to a cross."

(See also: cross, Rome)

Bible References:

Acts 02:23
Galatians 02:20-21
Luke 23:20-22
Luke 23:34
Matthew 20:17-19
Matthew 27:23-24

Word Data:

Strong's: G388, G4362, G4717, G4957

Forms Found in the English ULB:

crucified, crucify, nailing ... to a cross

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

cupbearer

Definition:

In Old Testament times, a "cupbearer" was a king's servant who was given the task of bringing the king his cup of wine, usually tasting the wine first to make sure it had not been poisoned.

The literal meaning of this term is "cup bringer" or "someone who brings the cup."
A cupbearer was known for being very trustworthy and loyal to his king.
Because of his trusted position, a cupbearer would often have influence in the decisions the ruler made.
Nehemiah was the cupbearer for King Artaxerxes of Persia during the time when some of the Israelites were in captivity in Babylon.

(See also: Artaxerxes, Babylon, captive, Persia, Pharaoh)

Bible References:

1 Kings 10:3-5
Nehemiah 01:11

Word Data:

Strong's: H8248

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cupbearer, cupbearers

curse

Related Ideas:

accursed, speak evil

Definition:

The term "curse" means to cause negative things to happen to the person or thing that is being cursed.

A curse can be a statement that harm will happen to someone or something.
To curse someone can also be an expression of desire that bad things will happen to them.
It can also refer to the punishment or other negative things that someone causes to happen to someone.

Translation Suggestions:

This term could be translated as "cause bad things to happen to" or "declare that something bad will happen to" or "swear to cause evil things to happen to."
In the context of God sending curses on his disobedient people, it could be translated as, "punish by allowing bad things to happen."
The term "cursed" when used to describe people could be translated as, "(this person) will experience much trouble."
The phrase "cursed be" could be translated as, "May (this person) experience great difficulties."
The phrase, "Cursed is the ground" could be translated as, "The soil will not be very fertile."
"Cursed be the day I was born" could also be translated as, "I am so miserable it would have been better not to be born."
However, if the target language has the phrase "cursed be" and it has the same meaning, then it is good to keep the same phrase.

(See also: bless)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 14:24-26
2 Peter 02:12-14
Galatians 03:10
Galatians 03:14
Genesis 03:14
Genesis 03:17
James 03:10
Numbers 22:06
Psalms 109:28

Word Data:

Strong's: H422, H423, H779, H1288, H2194, H2778, H3994, H5344, H6895, H7043, H7045, H7621, G331, G332, G685, G1944, G2551, G2652, G2653, G2671, G2672

Forms Found in the English ULB:

accursed, curse, cursed, curses, cursing, speaks evil

curtain

Related Ideas:

covering, screen

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "curtain" refers to a very thick, heavy piece of material used in the making of the tabernacle and the temple.

The tabernacle was built using four layers of curtains for the top and sides. These curtain coverings were made of cloth or animal skins.
Cloth curtains were also used to form a wall surrounding the tabernacle courtyard. These curtains were made out of "linen" which was a kind of cloth made out of the flax plant.
In both the tabernacle and temple building, a thick cloth curtain hung between the holy place and the most holy place. It was this curtain that was miraculously torn into two parts when Jesus died.
The "screens" were curtains hung at the entrance to the courtyard of the tabernacle, at the entrance to the tabernacle, and in front of the ark of the covenant.

Translation Suggestions:

Since modern-day curtains are very different from the curtains used in the Bible, it may be more clear to use a different word or to add words that describe the curtains.
Depending on the context, ways to translate this term could include, "curtain covering" or "covering" or "piece of thick cloth" or "animal skin covering" or "hanging piece of cloth."

(See also: holy place, tabernacle, temple)

Bible References:

Hebrews 10:20
Leviticus 04:17
Luke 23:45
Matthew 27:51
Numbers 04:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H1852, H3407, H4539, H6532, H7050, G2665

Forms Found in the English ULB:

covering, curtain, curtains, screen, screening

cut off

Related Ideas:

chop down, cut down, cut in two, pluck out, shear, tear off

Definition:

The expression "cut off" literally means to use a sharp instrument to remove a part of something. This can refer to, for example, removing a limb from a tree or an arm or leg from a person, or to chopping a tree completely down.

The expression "cut off" is also used to refer to God causing a river to stop flowing.

The metaphor "cut off" refers to people or God separating a person from his nation or community either by driving him away or by killing him.

To "shear" is to cut the hair off of an animal.

To "pluck" is to separate a part of something from the rest by pulling it off or out.

In the Old Testament, disobeying God's commands resulted in being cut off, or separated, from God's people and from his presence.
God also said he would "cut off" or destroy the non-Israelite nations, because they did not worship or obey him and were enemies of Israel.

Picture of Cut Off From People:

Translation Suggestions:

The expression "be cut off" could be translated as "be banished" or "be sent away" or "be separated from" or "be killed" or "be destroyed."
Depending on the context, to "cut off" could be translated as, to "destroy" or to "send away" or to "separate from" or to "destroy."
In the context of flowing waters being cut off, this could be translated as "were stopped" or "were caused to stop flowing" or "were divided."

Bible References:

Genesis 17:14
Judges 21:06
Proverbs 23:18

Word Data:

Strong's: H1214, H1219, H1438, H1494, H1497, H1504, H1629, H1820, H2686, H3582, H3772, H5243, H5352, H6789, H7088, H7096, H7112, H7113, G609, G851, G1581, G1807

Forms Found in the English ULB:

chop ... down, chopped ... down, cut ... down, cut ... off, cut ... out of, cut in two, cut off, cuts ... off, cutting ... off, eliminate, pluck ... out, shear, sheared, tear ... off

cypress

Definition:

The term "cypress" refers to a kind of fir tree that was plentiful in the regions where people lived in Bible times, especially countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

Cyprus and Lebanon are two places that are specifically mentioned in the Bible as having many cypress trees.
The wood that Noah used to build the ark may have been cypress.
Because cypress wood is sturdy and long-lasting, it was used by ancient peoples for building boats and other structures.

(See also: ark, Cyprus, fir, Lebanon)

Bible References:

Acts 11:19-21
Genesis 06:14
Hosea 14:08
Isaiah 44:14
Isaiah 60:13
Zechariah 11:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H1265, H8645

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cypress

darkness

Related Ideas:

dark, darken, gloom

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

daughter of Zion

Definition:

"Daughter of Zion" is a figurative way of referring to the people of Israel. It is usually used in prophecies.

In the Old Testament, "Zion" is often used as another name for the city of Jerusalem.
Both "Zion" and "Jerusalem" are also used to refer to Israel.
The term "Daughter" is a term of endearment or affection. It is a metaphor for the patience and care that God has for his people.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate this could include "my daughter Israel, from Zion" or "people from Zion, who are like a daughter to me" or "Zion, my dear people Israel."
It is best to keep the term "Zion" in this expression since it is used many times in the Bible. A note could be included in the translation to explain its figurative meaning and prophetic use.
It is also better to keep the term "Daughter" in the translation of this expression, as long as it is understood correctly.

(See also: Jerusalem, prophet, Zion)

Bible References:

Jeremiah 06:02
John 12:15
Matthew 21:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H6726

Forms Found in the English ULB:

daughter of Zion

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

day of the Lord

Related Ideas:

day of Christ Jesus, day of Jesus Christ, day of Yahweh, day of Yahweh's wrath

Description:

The Old Testament term "day of Yahweh" is used to refer to one or more specific times when God would punish people for their sin.

The New Testament term "day of the Lord" usually refers to the day or time when the Lord Jesus will come back to judge people at the end of time.
This final, future time of judgment and resurrection is also sometimes referred to as the "last day." This time will begin when the Lord Jesus comes back to judge sinners and will permanently establish his rule.
The word "day" in these phrases may sometimes refer to a literal day or it may refer to a "time" or "occasion" that is longer than a day.
Sometimes the punishment is referred to as a "pouring out of God's wrath" upon those who do not believe.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, other ways to translate "day of Yahweh" could include "time of Yahweh" or "time when Yahweh will punish his enemies" or "time of Yahweh's wrath."
Other ways to translate "day of the Lord" could include "time of the Lord's judgment" or "time when the Lord Jesus will return to judge people."

(See also: day, judgment day, lord, resurrection, Yahweh)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 05:05
1 Thessalonians 05:02
2 Peter 03:10
2 Thessalonians 02:02
Acts 02:20-21
Philippians 01:9-11

Word Data:

Strong's: H3068, H3117, G2250, G2962

Forms Found in the English ULB:

day of Christ Jesus, day of Jesus Christ, day of Yahweh, day of Yahweh's wrath, day of our Lord Jesus, day of our Lord Jesus Christ, day of the Lord

deacon

Definition:

A deacon is a person who serves in the local church, helping fellow believers with practical needs, such as food or money.

The word "deacon" is taken directly from a Greek word meaning "servant" or "minister."
From the time of the early Christians, being a deacon has been a well-defined role and ministry in the Church body.
For example, in the New Testament, deacons would make sure that whatever money or food that the believers shared would be distributed fairly to the widows among them.
The term "deacon" could also be translated as "church minister" or "church worker" or "church servant," or some other phrase that shows that the person has been formally appointed to do specific tasks that benefit the local Christian community.

(See also: minister, servant)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 03:10
1 Timothy 03:13
Philippians 01:01

Word Data:

Strong's: G1249

Forms Found in the English ULB:

deacon, deacons

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

deceive

Related Ideas:

lie, deal falsely, deceit, deception, deceptive, delusion, entice, error, false, falsehood, flatter, illusion, trick

Definition:

The word "deceive" means to cause someone to believe something that is not true.

The words "deceit" and "deception" can refer to an act or habit of deceiving others or to a message that is not truthful.
A "deceiver" is someone who causes others to believe something that is not true. For example, Satan is called a "deceiver." The evil spirits that he controls are also deceivers.
The words “deceitful” and “deceptive” can describe people who deceive others or to messages or actions that are meant to deceive others.
To “entice” someone is to deceive him into thinking that he will enjoy doing something evil.
To “defraud” someone is to use deceit to get from him something that he would not give if he knew the truth.
To “flatter” someone is to praise him falsely so that he will do what the speaker wants him to do.
To “lie” to someone or to tell a “lie” is not the same as to lie down to go to sleep.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, “deceive” could be translated as "lie to," "mislead," "trick," or "fool."
"Deceiver" could be translated as "liar" or "one who misleads" or "someone who deceives."
Depending on the context, the terms "deception" or "deceit" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "falsehood" or "lying" or "trickery" or "dishonesty."
The terms "deceptive" or "deceitful" could be translated as "untruthful" or "misleading" or "lying" to describe a person who speaks or acts in a way that causes other people to believe things that are not true.

(See also: true)

Bible References:

1 John 1:8
1 Timothy 2:14
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
Genesis 3:12-13
Genesis 31:26-28
Leviticus 19:11-12
Matthew 27:64
Micah 6:11

Word Data:

Strong's: H898, H2048, H2505, H3577, H3584, H3868, H4123, H4604, H4820, H4860, H5230, H5377, H5558, H6121, H6231, H6601, H7411, H7423, H7683, H7686, H7723, H7952, H8267, H8496, H8582, H8591, H8649, G538, G539, G1386, G1387, G1388, G1818, G3884, G4105, G2296, G4106, G4108, G5422, G5423, G5571

Forms Found in the English ULB:

a lie, deal falsely, deceit, deceitful, deceitfully, deceitfulness, deceive, deceived, deceiver, deceivers, deceives, deceiving, deception, deceptive, defraud, defrauded, delusion, entice, error, false, falsehood, falsely, flatter, flattering, flatters, flattery, illusions, liar, liars, lies, trick

declare

Related Ideas:

announce, declaration, proclaim, proclamation, pronounce

Definition:

The terms "declare" and "declaration" refer to making a formal or public statement, often to emphasize something. To "proclaim" means to announce or declare something publicly and boldly.

A "declaration" not only emphasizes the importance of what is being proclaimed, but it also calls attention to the one making the declaration.
For example, in the Old Testament, a message from God is often preceded by "the declaration of Yahweh" or "this is what Yahweh declares." This expression emphasizes that it is Yahweh himself who is saying this. The fact that the message comes from Yahweh shows how important that message is.
Often in the Bible, "proclaim" means to announce publicly something that God has commanded, or to tell others about God and how great he is.
In the New Testament, the apostles proclaimed the good news about Jesus to many people in many different cities and regions.
The term "proclaim" can also be used for decrees made by kings or for denouncing evil in a public way.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "declare" could be translated as "proclaim" or "publicly state" or "strongly say" or "emphatically state."
The term "declaration" could be translated as "statement" or "proclamation."
The term "proclaim" could be translated as "announce" or "openly preach" or "publicly declare."
The term "proclamation" could be translated as "announcement" or "public preaching."
The phrase "this is Yahweh's declaration" could be translated as "this is what Yahweh declares" or "this is what Yahweh says."

(See also: preach)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 16:24
1 Corinthians 15:31-32
1 Samuel 24:17-18
Amos 02:16
Ezekiel 05:11-12
Matthew 07:21-23

Word Data:

Strong's: H262, H816, H874, H1319, H1696, H1697, H2199, H3045, H3745, H4161, H4853, H5002, H5042, H5046, H5608, H6567, H6963, H7121, H7150, H7440, H7561, H7878, H8085, G312, G518, G591, G669, G1229, G1344, G1555, G1718, G1861, G2097, G2511, G2605, G2607, G2782, G2784, G2980, G3004, G3140, G3142, G3670, G3724, G3870, G3955, G4135, G4296, G5335

Forms Found in the English ULB:

announce, announced, announces, declaration, declarations, declare, declared, declares, declaring, proclaim, proclaimed, proclaiming, proclaims, proclamation, proclamations, pronounces

decree

Related Ideas:

prohibition

Definition:

A decree is a proclamation or law that is publicly declared to all the people.

God's laws are also called decrees, statutes, or commandments.
Like laws and commands, decrees must be obeyed.
An example of a decree by a human ruler was the proclamation by Caesar Augustus that everyone living in the Roman Empire must go back to their hometown in order to be counted in a census.
To decree something, or to "issue a decree," means to give an order that must be obeyed. This could be translated as to "order" or to "command" or to "formally require" or to "publicly make a law."
Something that is "decreed" to happen means that this "will definitely happen" or "has been decided upon and will not be changed" or "declared absolutely that this will happen."
A "prohibition" is a decree that tells people that they cannot do something they would otherwise do.

(See also: command, declare, law, preach)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 15:13-15
1 Kings 08:57-58
Acts 17:5-7
Daniel 02:13
Esther 01:22
Luke 02:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H561, H633, H1697, H5715, H1504, H1510, H1881, H1882, H1696, H2706, H2708, H2710, H2711, H2782, H2852, H2941, H2942, H3791, H3983, H4055, H4406, H4687, H4941, H5407, H5713, H6599, H6600, H6680, H7010, H7761, H8421, G1378, G3724

Forms Found in the English ULB:

decree, decreed, decrees, prohibition

dedicate

Related Ideas:

dedication, devote

Definition:

To dedicate is to set apart or commit something for a special purpose or function.

David dedicated his gold and silver to the Lord.
Often the word "dedication" refers to a formal event or ceremony to set apart something for a special purpose.
The dedication of the altar included offering a sacrifice to God.
Nehemiah led the Israelites in a dedication of Jerusalem's repaired walls with a renewed promise to serve only Yahweh and to take care of his city. This event included giving thanks to God with musical instruments and singing.
The term "dedicate" could also be translated as "specially assign a special purpose" or "commit something to be used for a specific use" or "commit someone to do a special task."
To "devote" something to Yahweh often means to completely destroy it, usually by burning it.

(See also: commit)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 15:11-12
1 Corinthians 06:9-11
1 Kings 07:51
1 Timothy 04:05
2 Chronicles 02:4-5
John 17:18-19
Luke 02:22-24

Word Data:

Strong's: H2596, H2597, H2598, H2763, H2764, H4394, H5144, H6942, H6944, G1456, G5021

Forms Found in the English ULB:

dedicate, dedicated, dedicates, dedication, dedication offering, devote, devote ... to destruction, devoted, devoted ... to destruction

deer

Related Ideas:

doe, fawn, gazelle, hind, roebuck, stag

Definition:

A deer is a large, graceful, four-legged animal that lives in forests or on mountains. The male animal has large horns or antlers on its head.

The terms "doe" and "hind" refer to a female deer, and "fawn" is the term for a baby deer.
The term "buck" refers to a male deer.
A "roebuck" is the male of the specific variety called "roedeer."
Deer have strong, thin legs that help them jump high and run fast.
Their feet have split hooves which help them walk or climb easily on most any terrain.
A gazelle is like a deer and known for running fast.

Bible References:

2 Samuel 22:34
Genesis 49:21
Job 39:02
Psalms 018:33
Song of Solomon 02:7

Word Data:

Strong's: H354, H355, H365, H3180, H3280, H6643, H6646

Forms Found in the English ULB:

deer, deer's, doe, does, fawns, gazelle, gazelles, hinds, roebuck, roebucks, stag

defile

Related Ideas:

pollute, pollution, stain

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: clean, clean)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

delight

Related Ideas:

delicacy, delicious, delightful, please, pleasant, pleasure

Definition:

A "delight" is something that pleases someone greatly or causes much joy.

To "delight in" something means to "take joy in" or "be happy about" it.
When something is very agreeable or pleasing it is called "delightful."
If a persons delight is in something it means that he enjoys it very much.
The expression "my delight is in the law of Yahweh" could be translated as "the law of Yahweh gives me great joy" or "I love to obey the laws of Yahweh" or "I am happy when I obey Yahweh's commands."
The phrases "take no delight in" and "have no delight in" could be translated as "not at all pleased by" or "not happy about."
The phrase "delight himself in" means "he enjoys doing" something or "he is very happy about" something or someone.
The term "delights" refers to things that a person enjoys. This could be translated as "pleasures" or "things that give joy."
An expression such as "I delight to do your will" could also be translated as "I enjoy doing your will" or "I am very happy when I obey you."
The word "delicacies" refers to delicious foods that are very expensive or prepared only on special occasions.
Food that is "delicious" tastes very good.

Bible References:

Proverbs 08:30
Psalm 001:02
Psalms 119:69-70
Song of Solomon 01:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H1523, H2530, H2531, H2532, H2654, H2655, H2656, H2836, H2895, H2896, H3190, H3955, H4261, H4574, H5276, H5278, H5730, H5965, H6026, H6027, H6148, H7306, H7381, H7522, H8055, H8057, H8173, H8191, H8588, H8597, G2106, G2107

Forms Found in the English ULB:

am pleased, delicacies, delicacy, delicious, delight, delighted, delightful, delights, good pleasure, is pleased, pleasant, pleasantness, pleased, pleases, pleasing, pleasure, take ... pleasure, takes ... pleasure, took ... pleasure, very pleased, well pleased

deliver

Related Ideas:

defend, deliverance, deliverer, escape, relieve, rescue, rescuer

Definition:

To "deliver" someone means to rescue that person. The term "deliverer" refers to someone who rescues or frees people from slavery, oppression, or other dangers. The term "deliverance" refers to what happens when someone rescues or frees people from slavery, oppression, or other dangers.

In the Old Testament, God appointed deliverers to protect the Israelites by leading them in battle against other people groups who came to attack them.
These deliverers were also called "judges" and the Old Testament book of Judges records the time in history when these judges were governing Israel.
God is also called a "deliverer." Throughout the history of Israel, he delivered or rescued his people from their enemies.
The term "deliver over to" or "deliver up to" has a very different meaning of handing or turning someone over to an enemy, such as when Judas delivered Jesus over to the Jewish leaders.

Translation Suggestions:

In the context of helping people escape from their enemies, the term "deliver" can be translated as "rescue" or "liberate" or "save."
When it means to deliver someone over to the enemy, "deliver over" can be translated as "betray to" or "hand over" or "give over."
The word "deliverer" can also be translated as "rescuer" or "liberator."
When the term "deliverer" refers to the judges who led Israel, it could also be translated as "governor" or "judge" or "leader."

(See also: judge, save)

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 01:10
Acts 07:35
Galatians 01:04
Judges 10:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H1350, H2020, H2502, H3205, H3444, H3467, H4042, H4422, H4498, H4672, H5337, H5414, H5437, H5462, H6299, H6403, H6413, H6475, H6561, H7378, H7611, H7725, H7804, H8199, H8668, G325, G525, G629, G1080, G1325, G1659, G1807, G1929, G3086, G3860, G4506, G4991, G5088, G5483

Forms Found in the English ULB:

be rescued, defend, defended, deliver, deliverance, delivered, delivered ... over, deliverer, deliverers, delivering, delivers, escape, escaped, permit ... to escape, relieve, rescue, rescued, rescuer, rescues

demon

Related Ideas:

demonic

Definition:

All these terms refer to demons, which are spirit beings that oppose God's will.

God created angels to serve him. When the devil rebelled against God, some of the angels also rebelled and were thrown out of heaven. It is believed that demons and evil spirits are these "fallen angels."
Sometimes these demons are called "unclean spirits." The term "unclean" means "impure" or "evil" or "unholy."
Because demons serve the devil, they do evil things. Sometimes they live inside people and control them.
Demons are more powerful than human beings, but not as powerful as God.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "demon" could also be translated as "evil spirit."
The term "unclean spirit" could also be translated as "impure spirit" or "corrupt spirit" or "evil spirit."
Make sure that the word or phrase used to translate this term is different from the term used to refer to the devil.
Also consider how the term "demon" is translated in a local or national language.

(See also: demon-possessed, Satan, god, god, angel, evil, clean)

Bible References:

James 02:19
James 03:15
Luke 04:36
Mark 03:22
Matthew 04:24

Word Data:

Strong's: H7307, H7451, H7700, G169, G1139, G1140, G1141, G1142, G4190, G4151

Forms Found in the English ULB:

demon, demonic, demons

demon-possessed

Related Ideas:

possessed by a demon

Definition:

A person who is demon-possessed has a demon or evil spirit that controls what he does and thinks.

Often a demon-possessed person will hurt himself or other people because the demon causes him to do that.
Jesus healed demon-possessed people by commanding the demons to come out of them. This is often called "casting out" demons.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate this term could include "demon-controlled" or "controlled by an evil spirit" or "having an evil spirit living inside."

(See also: demon)

Bible References:

Mark 01:32
Matthew 04:24
Matthew 08:16
Matthew 08:33

Word Data:

Strong's: G1139

Forms Found in the English ULB:

demon-possessed, possessed by a demon, possessed by demons

descendant

Related Ideas:

descend, posterity

Definition:

A "descendant" is someone who is a direct blood relative of someone else further back in history.

For example, Abraham was a descendant of Noah.
A person's descendants are his children, grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and so on. Jacob's descendants were the twelve tribes of Israel.
The phrase "descended from" is another way of saying "a descendant of" as in "Abraham was descended from Noah." This could also be translated as "from the family line of."
A person's "posterity" is all of his descendants.

(See also: Abraham, father, Jacob, Noah, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

1 Kings 09:4-5
Acts 13:23
Deuteronomy 02:20-22
Genesis 10:1
Genesis 28:12-13

Word Data:

Strong's: H319, H1004, H1121, H1247, H1755, H2232, H2233, H3205, H3211, H3318, H3409, H4294, H5220, H6631, H6849, H7611, H8435, G1074, G1085, G3624, G4690

Forms Found in the English ULB:

clans descended, descend, descendant, descendants, descended, posterity

desecrate

Definition:

The term "desecrate" means to damage or contaminate a sacred place or object in such a way that it is unacceptable for use in worship.

Often desecrating something involves showing great disrespect for it.
For example, pagan kings desecrated special dishes from God's temple by using them for parties at their palace.
Bones from dead people were used by enemies to desecrate the altar in God's temple.
This term could be translated as "cause to be unholy" or "dishonor by making impure" or "disrespectfully profane" or "cause to be impure."

(See also: altar, defile, dishonor, profane, pure, temple, holy)

Bible References:

Acts 24:4-6
Isaiah 30:22
Psalms 074:7-8
Psalms 089:39

Word Data:

Strong's: H2490, H2610, H2930, G953

Forms Found in the English ULB:

desecrate, desecrated, desecrating

desert

Related Ideas:

remote place, solitary place, wilderness

Definition:

A desert, or wilderness, is a dry, barren place where very few plants and trees can grow.

A desert is a land area with a dry climate and few plants or animals.
Because of the harsh conditions, very few people can live in the desert, so it is also referred to as "wilderness."
"Wilderness" conveys the meaning of being remote, desolate and isolated from people.
This word can also be translated as "deserted place," "remote place," "solitary place," or "uninhabited place."

Bible References:

Acts 13:16-18
Acts 21:38
Exodus 04:27-28
Genesis 37:21-22
John 03:14
Luke 01:80
Luke 09:12-14
Mark 01:03
Matthew 04:01
Matthew 11:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H776, H2723, H3293, H3452, H4057, H6160, H6723, H6728, H6921, H8047, H8414, G2047, G2048

Forms Found in the English ULB:

desert, deserts, remote places, solitary place, wilderness, wildernesses

desolate

Related Ideas:

alone, deserted, desolation, desolations, isolated, left alone, left without, lonely

Definition:

The terms "desolate" and "desolation" refer to destroying an inhabited region so that it becomes uninhabited.

When referring to a person, the term "desolate" describes a condition of ruin, loneliness, and grief.
A widow is desolate because she has no man to provide for her and therefore often lacks food, shelter, and clothing.
The term "desolation" is the state or condition of being desolated.
If a field where crops are growing is made desolate, it means that something has destroyed the crops, such as insects or an invading army.
A "desolate region" refers to an area of land where few people live because few crops or other vegetation grow there.
A "desolate land" or "wilderness" was often where outcasts (such as lepers) and dangerous animals lived.
If a city is "made desolate" it means that its buildings and goods have been destroyed or stolen, and its people have been killed or captured. The city becomes "empty" and "ruined." This is similar to the meaning of "devastate" or "devastated," but with more emphasis on the emptiness.
Depending on the context, this term could be translated as "ruined" or "destroyed" or "laid waste" or "lonely and outcast" or "deserted."
A person who is "lonely" is alone. He has no friends or family or other people with whom he can enjoy being.
The term "deserted" describes a place that everyone has left.

(See also: desert, devastated, ruin, waste)

Bible References:

2 Kings 22:19
Acts 01:20
Daniel 09:17-19
Lamentations 03:11
Luke 11:17
Matthew 12:25

Word Data:

Strong's: H816, H910, H1565, H2717, H2720, H2721, H2723, H3173, H3341, H3456, H3582, H4875, H4923, H5221, H5352, H5800, H7582, H7604, H7673, H7701, H7722, H7909, H7921, H8047, H8074, H8076, H8077, G2047, G2048, G2049, G2050, G3443

Forms Found in the English ULB:

alone, deserted, deserted place, deserted places, desolate, desolation, desolations, isolated, left ... alone, left ... without, lonely, made ... desolate, making ... desolate, uninhabited

destroy

Related Ideas:

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

Definition:

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

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

detest

Related Ideas:

abhor, abhorrent, abhorrence, be disgusted with, detestable, disgusting, hate

Definitions:

The term "detestable" describes something that should be disliked and rejected. To "detest" something means to strongly dislike it.

Often the Bible talks about detesting evil. This means to hate evil and reject it.
God used the word "detestable" to describe the evil practices of those who worshiped false gods.
The Israelites were commanded to "detest" the sinful, immoral acts that some of the neighboring people groups practiced.
God called all wrong sexual acts "detestable."
Divination, sorcery, and child sacrifice were all "detestable" to God.
The term "detest" could be translated as "strongly reject" or "hate" or "regard as very evil."
The term "detestable" could also be translated as "horribly evil" or "disgusting" or "deserving rejection."
When applied to the righteous being "detestable to" the wicked, this could be translated as "considered very undesirable to" or "distasteful to" or "rejected by."
God told the Israelites to "detest" certain kinds of animals that God had declared to be "unclean" and not suitable for food. This could also be translated as "strongly dislike" or "reject" or "regard as unacceptable."
To "abhor" is to strongly detest, and the adjective for something that people should abhor is "abhorrent."

(See also: divination, clean)

Bible References:

Genesis 43:32
Jeremiah 07:30
Leviticus 11:10
Luke 16:15
Revelation 17:3-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H1602, H1860, H3988, H6675, H6973, H8130, H8251, H8262, H8263, H8441, H8581, G946, G947, G948, G4767

Forms Found in the English ULB:

abhor, abhorred, abhorrence, abhorrent, abhorrently, abhors, be disgusted with, detest, detestable, detestable idol, detestable idols, detestable thing, detestable things, detested, disgusted, disgusting, hate, hated, hates

devastated

Related Ideas:

devastate, devastation

Definition:

The term "devastated" or "devastation" refers to having one's property or land ruined or destroyed. It also often includes destroying or capturing the people living on that land.

This refers to a very severe and complete destruction.
For example, the city of Sodom was devastated by God as punishment for the sins of the people living there.
The term "devastation" can also include causing great emotional grief resulting from the punishment or destruction.

Translation Suggestions

The term "devastate" could be translated as "completely destroy" or "completely ruin."
Depending on the context, "devastation" could be translated as "complete destruction" or "total ruin" or "overwhelming grief" or "disaster."

Bible References:

Daniel 08:24-25
Jeremiah 04:13
Numbers 21:30
Zephaniah 01:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H1110, H1238, H2721, H1826, H3615, H3772, H4875, H7701, H7703, H7722, H7843, H8074, H8077

Forms Found in the English ULB:

devastate, devastated, devastates, devastating, devastation, devastations

devour

Definition:

The term "devour" means to eat or consume in an aggressive manner.

Using this word in a figurative sense, Paul warned believers to not devour one another, meaning to not attack or destroy each other with words or actions (Galatians 5:15).
Also in a figurative sense, the term "devour" is often used with a meaning of "completely destroy" as when talking about nations devouring each other or a fire devouring buildings and people.
This term could also be translated as "completely consume" or "totally destroy."

Bible References:

1 Peter 05:08
Amos 01:10
Exodus 24:17
Ezekiel 16:20
Luke 15:30
Matthew 23:13-15
Psalms 021:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H398, H399, H400, H402, H1104, H1105, H3615, H3857, H3898, H7462, G2068, G2666, G2719, G5315

Forms Found in the English ULB:

devour, devoured, devouring, devours

discern

Related Ideas:

discernment, discretion, distinguish

Definition:

The term "discern" means to be able to understand something, especially being able to know whether something is right or wrong.

The term "discernment" refers to understanding and deciding wisely about a certain matter.
It means to have wisdom and good judgment.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "discern" could also be translated as "understand" or "know the difference between" or "distinguish good and evil" or "judge rightly about" or "perceive right from wrong."
"Discernment" could be translated as "understanding" or "ability to distinguish good and evil."
"Discretion" is a form of good judgment, the ability to know what is best to do.

(See also: judge, wise)

Bible References:

1 Kings 03:7-9
Genesis 41:33-34
Proverbs 01:05
Psalms 019:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H995, H998, H2940, H5234, H8085, G350, G1252, G1253, G2924, G3539

Forms Found in the English ULB:

discern, discerned, discerning, discernment, discretion, distinguish, distinguishing

disciple

Definition:

The term "disciple" refers to a person who spends much time with a teacher, learning from that teacher's character and teaching.

The people who followed Jesus around, listening to his teachings and obeying them, were called his "disciples."
John the Baptist also had disciples.
During Jesus' ministry, there were many disciples who followed him and heard his teachings.
Jesus chose twelve disciples to be his closest followers; these men became known as his "apostles."
Jesus' twelve apostles continued to be known as his "disciples" or "the twelve."
Just before Jesus went up to heaven, he commanded his disciples to teach other people about how to become Jesus' disciples, too.
Anyone who believes in Jesus and obeys his teachings is called a disciple of Jesus.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "disciple" could be translated by a word or phrase that means "follower" or "student" or "pupil" or "learner."
Make sure that the translation of this term does not refer only to a student who learns in a classroom.
The translation of this term should also be different from the translation of "apostle."

(See also: apostle, believe, Jesus, John (the Baptist), the twelve)

Bible References:

Acts 06:1
Acts 09:26-27
Acts 11:26
Acts 14:22
John 13:23
Luke 06:40
Matthew 11:03
Matthew 26:33-35
Matthew 27:64

Word Data:

Strong's: H3928, G3100, G3101, G3102

Forms Found in the English ULB:

disciple, disciples

discipline

Related Ideas:

idle, confront, disorderly, self-discipline, train

Definition:

The term "discipline" refers to training people to obey a set of guidelines for moral behavior.

Parents discipline their children by providing moral guidance and direction for them and teaching them to obey.
Similarly, God disciplines his children to help them produce healthy spiritual fruit in their lives, such as joy, love, and patience.
Discipline involves instruction regarding how to live to please God, as well as punishment for behavior that is against God's will.
Self-discipline is the process of applying moral and spiritual principles to one's own life.
To "confront" someone is to try to force him to stop doing what he is doing, either by speaking strongly to him or by physically preventing him from continuing.
To be "disorderly" is to reject discipline and correction, either by being idle or by doing harmful things.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "discipline" could be translated as "train and instruct" or "morally guide" or "punish for wrongdoing."
The noun "discipline" could be translated as "moral training" or "punishment" or "moral correction" or "moral guidance and instruction."

Bible References:

Ephesians 06:4
Hebrews 12:05
Proverbs 19:18
Proverbs 23:13-14

Word Data:

Strong's: H3198, H3256, H3925, H4148, H7378, H8433, G812, G1651, G3809, G3810, G3811, G4995

Forms Found in the English ULB:

are ... idle, confronted, discipline, disciplined, disciplines, disorderly, no discipline, self-discipline, trained, training, trains, untrained, were ... idle

disgrace

Related Ideas:

disgraceful, vile

Definitions:

The term "disgrace" refers to a loss of honor and respect.

When a person does something sinful, it can cause him to be in a state of disgrace or dishonor.
The term "disgraceful" is used to describe a sinful act or the person who did it.
Sometimes a person who is doing good things is treated in a way that causes him disgrace or shame.
For example, when Jesus was killed on a cross, this was a disgraceful way to die. Jesus had done nothing wrong to deserve this disgrace.
Ways to translate "disgrace" could include "shame" or "dishonor."
Ways to translate "disgraceful" could include "shameful" or dishonoring."

(See also: dishonor, honor, shame)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 03:07
Genesis 34:07
Hebrews 11:26
Lamentations 02:1-2
Psalms 022:06

Word Data:

Strong's: H954, H1984, H2490, H2617, H2659, H2781, H2865, H3637, H3971, H5007, H5034, H5039, H6031, H7036, G149, G150, G819, G3680, G3856

Forms Found in the English ULB:

disgrace, disgraced, disgraceful, disgraceful thing, disgraces, vile

dishonor

Related Ideas:

dishonorable, lightly esteemed

Definition:

The term "dishonor" means to do something that is disrespectful to someone. This can also cause that person shame or disgrace.

The term "dishonorable" describes an action that is shameful or that causes someone to be dishonored.
Sometimes "dishonorable" is used to refer to objects that are not useful for anything important.
Children are commanded to honor and obey their parents. When children disobey, they dishonor their parents. They are treating their parents in a way that does not honor them.
The Israelites dishonored Yahweh when they worshiped false gods and practiced immoral behavior.
The Jews dishonored Jesus by saying that he was possessed by a demon.
This could be translated as to "not honor" or to "treat with no respect."
The noun "dishonor" could be translated as "disrespect" or "loss of honor."
Depending on the context, "dishonorable" could also be translated as "not honorable" or "shameful" or "not worthwhile" or "not valuable."
A person who is "lightly esteemed" is dishonored by people who refuse to give him the honor he deserves.

(See also: disgrace, honor)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 04:10
1 Samuel 20:34
2 Corinthians 06:8-10
Ezekiel 22:07
John 08:48
Leviticus 18:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H1540, H2490, H2781, H3637, H3639, H5006, H5034, H6173, H7034, H7036, H7043, G818, G819, G820, G2617

Forms Found in the English ULB:

dishonor, dishonorable, dishonored, dishonors, lightly esteemed

disobey

Related Ideas:

disobedient

Definition:

The term "disobey" means to not obey what someone in authority has commanded or instructed. A person who does this is being "disobedient."

A person who does something he was told not to do is disobeying.
To disobey also means to refuse to do something that was commanded.
The term "disobedient" is also used to describe the character of someone who habitually disobeys or rebels. It means that they are sinful or wicked.
The term "disobedience" means "the act of not obeying" or "behavior that is against what God wants."
A "disobedient people" could be translated by "people who keep on disobeying" or "people who do not do what God commands."

(See also: authority, evil, sin, obey)

Bible References:

1 Kings 13:21
Acts 26:19
Colossians 03:07
Luke 01:17
Luke 06:49
Psalms 089:30-32

Word Data:

Strong's: H4784, H5674, G506, G543, G544, G545, G3847, G3876

Forms Found in the English ULB:

disobedience, disobedient, disobey, disobeyed, disobeying, disobeys

disperse

Related Ideas:

dispersion, distribute, go apart, scatter

Definition:

The terms "disperse" and "dispersion" refer to the scattering of people or things into many different directions.

In the Old Testament, God talks about "dispersing" people, causing them to have to separate and live in different places apart from each other. He did this to punish them for their sin. Perhaps being dispersed would help them repent and start worshiping God again.
The term "dispersion" is used in the New Testament to refer to Christians who had to leave their homes and move to many different locations to escape persecution.
The phrase "the dispersion" could be translated as "believers in many different places" or "the people who moved away to live in different nations."
The term "disperse" could be translated as "send away into many different places" or "scatter abroad" or "cause to move away to live in different countries."

(See also: believe, persecute)

Bible References:

1 Peter 01:01
Ezekiel 12:15
Ezekiel 30:23
Psalms 018:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H2219, H2505, H5080, H5310, H6327, H6340, H6504, H8600, G1287, G1290, G4650

Forms Found in the English ULB:

disperse, dispersed, dispersion, distributed, go apart, scatter, scattered, scatters

divination

Related Ideas:

divine, diviner, enchantment, interpret omens, soothsayer, spells

Definition:

The terms "divination" and "soothsaying" refer to the practice of trying to get information from spirits in the supernatural world. A person who does this is sometimes called a "diviner" or "soothsayer."

In Old Testament times, God commanded the Israelites to not practice divination or soothsaying.
God did permit his people to seek information from him using the Urim and Thummim, which were stones that he had designated to be used by the high priest for that purpose. But he did not allow his people to seek information through the help of evil spirits.
Pagan diviners used different methods of trying to find out information from the spirit world. Sometimes they would examine the inside parts of a dead animal or throw animal bones on the ground, looking for patterns that they would interpret as messages from their false gods.
A person who "interprets omens" seeks supernatural knowledge from such things as tea leaves and animal organs and the weather.
An "enchantment" or "spell" is a set of words that people believe have magic power.
In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles also rejected divination, sorcery, witchcraft, and magic. All these practices involve using the power of evil spirits and are condemned by God.

(See also: apostle, god, magic, sorcery)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 06:1-2
Acts 16:16
Ezekiel 12:24-25
Genesis 44:05
Jeremiah 27:9-11

Word Data:

Strong's: H1870, H3049, H4738, H5172, H6049, H7080, H7081, G4436

Forms Found in the English ULB:

divination, divinations, divine, diviner, diviners, divining, enchantments, interpret omens, interprets omens, practice ... divination, soothsayer, soothsaying, spells

divine

Related Ideas:

deity, divine nature

Definition:

The term "divine" refers to anything pertaining to God.

Some ways this term is used include "divine authority," "divine judgment," "divine nature," "divine power," and "divine glory."
In one passage in the Bible, the term "divine" is used to describe something about a false deity.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate the term "divine" could include "God's" or "from God" or "pertaining to God" or "characterized by God."
For example, "divine authority" could be translated as "God's authority" or "authority that comes from God."
The phrase "divine glory" could be translated as "God's glory" or "the glory that God has" or "glory that comes from God."
Some translations may prefer to use a different word when describing something that pertains to a false god.

(See also: authority, god, glory, God, judge, power)

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 10:3-4
2 Peter 01:04
Romans 01:20

Word Data:

Strong's: G2303, G2304, G2305, G2316

Forms Found in the English ULB:

deity, divine, divine nature

divorce

Definition:

A divorce is the legal act of ending a marriage. The term to "divorce" means to formally and legally separate from one's spouse in order to end the marriage.

The literal meaning of the term to "divorce" is to "send away" or to "formally separate from." Other languages may have similar expressions to refer to divorce.
A "certificate of divorce" could be translated as a "paper stating that the marriage has ended."

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 08:8-11
Leviticus 21:7-9
Luke 16:18
Mark 10:04
Matthew 05:32
Matthew 19:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H1644, H3748, H5493, H7971, G630, G647, G863

Forms Found in the English ULB:

divorce, divorces

doctrine

Related Ideas:

beliefs, learning

Definition:

The word "doctrine" literally means "teaching." It usually refers to religious teaching.

In the context of Christian teachings, "doctrine" refers to all teachings about God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit–including all his character qualities and everything he has done.
It also refers to everything God teaches Christians about how to live holy lives that bring glory to him.
The word "doctrine" is sometimes also used to refer to false or worldly religious teachings that come from human beings. The context makes the meaning clear.
This term could also be translated as "teaching."

(See also: teach)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 01:03
2 Timothy 03:16-17
Mark 07:6-7
Matthew 15:7-9

Word Data:

Strong's: H3948, G1319, G2085

Forms Found in the English ULB:

beliefs, doctrine, doctrines, learning

dominion

Related Ideas:

control, dominate, subjugate

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: authority, power)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

control, controls, dominate, dominion, dominions, subjugate

donkey

Related Ideas:

mule

Definition:

A donkey is a four-legged work animal, similar to a horse, but smaller and with longer ears.

A mule is the sterile offspring of a male donkey and a female horse.
Mules are very strong animals and so they are valuable work animals.
Both donkeys and mules are used for carrying burdens and people when traveling.
In Bible times, kings would ride a donkey in times of peace, rather than a horse, which was used for times of war.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey a week before he was crucified there.

Bible References:

1 Kings 01:32-34
1 Samuel 09:04
2 Kings 04:21-22
Deuteronomy 05:12-14
Luke 13:15
Matthew 21:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H860, H2543, H3222, H5895, H6167, H6501, H6505, H6506, G3678, G3688, G5268

Forms Found in the English ULB:

donkey, donkey's, donkeys, mule, mules, wild donkey

doom

Definition:

The term "doom" refers to a judgment of condemnation with no possibility of appeal or escape.

As the nation of Israel was being taken captive into Babylon, the prophet Ezekiel said, "doom has come upon them."
Depending on the context, this term could be translated as "disaster" or "punishment" or "hopeless ruin."

Bible References:

Ezekiel 07:5-7
Ezekiel 30:09
Isaiah 06:05
Psalms 092:6-7

Word Data:

Strong's: H1820, H3117, H6256, H8045

Forms Found in the English ULB:

doom

doorpost

Definition:

The "doorpost" is a vertical beam on either side of a door, which supports the top of the door frame.

Just before God helped the Israelites escape from Egypt, he instructed them to kill a lamb and put its blood on their doorposts.
In the Old Testament, a slave who desired to serve his master the rest of his life would place his ear on the doorpost of his master's house to have a nail hammered through his ear into the doorpost.
This could also be translated as "wooden post on either side of a door" or "sides of a wooden doorframe" or "wood beams on the sides of a doorway."

(See also: Egypt, Passover)

Bible References:

1 Kings 06:31-32
Deuteronomy 11:20
Exodus 12:07
Isaiah 57:7-8

Word Data:

Strong's: H352, H4201

Forms Found in the English ULB:

doorpost, doorposts

dove

Related Ideas:

pigeon

Definition:

Doves and pigeons are two kinds of small, gray-brown birds that look similar. A dove is often thought of as being lighter in color, almost white.

Some languages have two different names for them, while others use the same name for both.
Doves and pigeons were used in sacrifices to God, especially for people who could not afford to buy a larger animal.
A dove brought the leaf of an olive tree to Noah when the flood waters were going down.
Doves sometimes symbolize purity, innocence, or peace.
If doves or pigeons are not known in the language area where the translation is being done, this term could be translated as "a small grayish brown bird called a dove" or "a small gray or brown bird, similar to a (name of local bird)".
If both a dove and a pigeon are referred to in the same verse, it is best to use two different words for these birds, if possible.

(See also: olive, innocent, pure)

Bible References:

Genesis 08:09
Luke 02:22-24
Mark 01:10
Matthew 03:16
Matthew 21:12-14

Word Data:

Strong's: H1469, H1686, H3123, H8449, G4058

Forms Found in the English ULB:

dove, dove's, doves, pigeon, pigeons

dream

Related Ideas:

dreamer

Definition:

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

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

(See also: vision)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

dream, dreamed, dreamer, dreamers, dreaming, dreams

drink offering

Definition:

A drink offering was a sacrifice to God that involved pouring wine on an altar. It was often offered together with a burnt offering and a grain offering.

Paul refers to his life as being poured out like a drink offering. This means that he was totally dedicated to serving God and telling people about Jesus, even though he knew he would suffer and probably be killed because of that.
Jesus' death on the cross was the ultimate drink offering, as his blood was poured out on the cross for our sins.

Translation Suggestions:

Another way to translate this term could be "offering of grape wine."
When Paul says he is being "poured out like an offering" this could also be translated as "I am completely committed to teaching God's message to people, just like an offering of wine is poured out completely on the altar."

(See also: burnt offering, grain offering)

Bible References:

Exodus 25:29
Ezekiel 45:16-17
Genesis 35:14
Jeremiah 07:16-18
Numbers 05:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H5257, H5261, H5262

Forms Found in the English ULB:

drink offering, drink offerings

drunk

Related Ideas:

intoxicated, drink much, drunkard, drunkenness

Definitions:

The term "drunk" means to be intoxicated from drinking too much of an alcoholic beverage.

A "drunkard" is a person who is often drunk. This kind of person could also be referred to as an "alcoholic."
The Bible tells believers not to be drunk with alcoholic drinks, but to be controlled by God's Holy Spirit.
The Bible teaches that drunkenness is unwise and influences a person to sin in other ways.
Other ways to translate "drunk" could include "inebriated" or "intoxicated" or "having too much alcohol" or "filled with fermented drink."

(See also: wine)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 05:11-13
1 Samuel 25:36
Jeremiah 13:13
Luke 07:34
Luke 21:34
Proverbs 23:19-21

Word Data:

Strong's: H5433, H5435, H7301, H7686, H7910, H7937, H7941, H7943, H8354, H8358, G3178, G3182, G3183, G3184, G3630, G3632

Forms Found in the English ULB:

be ... intoxicated, became drunk, become drunk, drank freely, drink much, drunk, drunkard, drunkards, drunkenness, get drunk

dung

Related Ideas:

manure

Definition:

The term "dung" refers to human or animal solid waste, and is also called feces or excrement. When used as fertilizer for enriching the soil, it is called "manure."

These terms can also be used figuratively to refer to something that is worthless or not important.
Dried animal dung is often used for fuel.
The expression "like dung on the ground" could be translated as "be scattered like worthless dung over the land."
The "Dung Gate" in the South Wall of Jerusalem was probably the gate where garbage and trash were taken out of the city.

(See also: gate)

Bible References:

1 Kings 14:10
2 Kings 06:25
Isaiah 25:10
Jeremiah 08:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H830, H1557, H1561, H1686, H1828, H6569, H6675, G2874

Forms Found in the English ULB:

dung, manure

eagle

Related Ideas:

vulture

Definition:

An eagle is a very large, powerful bird of prey that eats small animals such as fish, mice, snakes, and chickens. A vulture is a large powerful bird that eats dead animals that it finds.

The Bible compares the speed and strength of an army to how fast and suddenly an eagle swoops down to catch its prey.
Isaiah states that those who trust in the Lord will soar as an eagle does. This is figurative language used to describe the freedom and strength that comes from trusting and obeying God.
In the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar's hair length was compared to the length of an eagle's feathers, which can be more than 50 centimeters long.

(See also: Daniel, free, Nebuchadnezzar, power)

Bible References:

2 Samuel 01:23
Daniel 07:04
Jeremiah 04:13-15
Leviticus 11:13-16
Revelation 04:07

Word Data:

Strong's: H5403, H5404, G105

Forms Found in the English ULB:

eagle, eagle's, eagles, eagles', vultures

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

elder

Definition:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

elder, elders

elect

Related Ideas:

Chosen One, choice, choose, election

Definition:

The term "the elect" literally means "chosen ones" or "chosen people" and refers to those whom God has appointed or selected to be his people. "Chosen One" or "Chosen One of God" is a title that refers to Jesus, who is the chosen Messiah.

The term "choose" means to select something or someone or to decide something. It is often used to refer to God appointing people to belong to him and to serve him.
To be "chosen" means to be "selected" or "appointed" to be or do something.
God chose people to be holy, to be set apart by him for the purpose of bearing good spiritual fruit. That is why they are called "the chosen (ones) or "the elect."
The term "chosen one" is sometimes used in the Bible to refer to certain people such as Moses and King David whom God had appointed as leaders over his people. It is also used to refer to the nation of Israel as God's chosen people.
The phrase "the elect" is an older term that literally means "the chosen ones" or "the chosen people." This phrase in the original language is plural when referring to believers in Christ.
In older English Bible versions, the term "elect" is used in both the Old and New Testaments to translate the word for "chosen one(s)." More modern versions use "elect" only in the New Testament, to refer to people who have been saved by God through faith in Jesus. Elsewhere in the Bible text, they translate this word more literally as "chosen ones."

Translation Suggestions:

It is best to translate "elect" with a word or phrase that means "chosen ones" or "chosen people." This could also be translated as "people whom God chose" or "the ones God appointed to be his people."
The phrase "who were chosen" could also be translated as "who were appointed" or "who were selected" or "whom God chose."
"I chose you" could be translated as "I appointed you" or "I selected you."
In reference to Jesus, "Chosen One" could also be translated as "God's chosen One" or "God's specially appointed Messiah" or "the One God appointed (to save people)."

(See also: appoint, Christ)

Bible References:

2 John 01:01
Colossians 03:12
Ephesians 01:3-4
Isaiah 65:22-23
Luke 18:07
Matthew 24:19-22
Romans 08:33

Word Data:

Strong's: H972, H977, H1262, H1305, H3045, H4005, H6901, G138, G140, G1586, G1588, G1589, G1951, G3724, G4400, G4401, G4899, G5500

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Chosen One, choice, choose, chooses, chose, chosen, chosen one, chosen ones, chosen people, elect, election

endure

Related Ideas:

endurance, patient endurance, put up with, resist, stand

Definition:

The term "endure" means to last a long time or to bear something difficult with patience.

It also means to stand firm when times of testing come, without giving up.
The term "endurance" can mean "patience" or "bearing up under a trial" or "persevering when being persecuted."
The encouragement to Christians to "endure to the end" is telling them to obey Jesus, even if this causes them to suffer.
To "endure suffering" can also mean to "experience suffering."

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate the term "endure" could include "persevere" or "keep believing" or "continue to do what God wants you to do" or "stand firm."
In some contexts, to "endure" could be translated as to "experience" or to "go through."
With the meaning of lasting for a long time, the term "endure" could also be tranlsated as "last" or "continue." The phrase "will not endure" could be translated as "will not last" or "will not continue to survive."
Ways to translate "endurance" could include "perseverance" or "continuing to believe" or "remaining faithful."

(See also: persevere)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 02:11-13
James 01:03
James 01:12
Luke 21:19
Matthew 13:21
Revelation 01:09
Romans 05:3-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H386, H3201, H3557, H5331, H5375, H5975, H6965, G430, G907, G1526, G2005, G2076, G2594, G3306, G4722, G5278, G5281, G5297, G5342

Forms Found in the English ULB:

endurance, endure, endured, endures, enduring, patient endurance, put up with, resist, stand

enslave

Related Ideas:

bondage, bring into slavery, slave, slavery

Definition:

To "enslave" someone means to force that person to serve a master or a ruling country. To be "enslaved" or "in bondage" means to be under the control of something or someone.

A person who is enslaved or in bondage must serve others without payment; he is not free to do what he wants.
To "enslave" also means to take away a person's freedom.
Another word for "bondage" is "slavery."
In a figurative way, human beings are "enslaved" to sin until Jesus frees them from its control and power.
When a person receives new life in Christ, he stops being a slave to sin and becomes a slave to righteousness.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "enslave" could be translated as "cause to not be free" or "force to serve others" or "put under the control of others."
The phrase "enslaved to" or "in bondage to" could be translated as "forced to be a slave of" or "forced to serve" or "under the control of."

(See also: free, righteous, servant)

Bible References:

Galatians 04:03
Galatians 04:24-25
Genesis 15:13
Jeremiah 30:8-9

Word Data:

Strong's: H519, H4522, H5647, H5650, H5659, H8198, G1397, G1398, G1401, G1402, G3814

Forms Found in the English ULB:

being slaves, bondage, bring ... into slavery, enslave, enslaved, enslaves, female slave, female slaves, male slaves, slave, slave girl, slave girls, slaved, slavery, slaves

envy

Related Ideas:

covet, covetousness, envious, greed

Definition:

The term "envy" refers to being jealous of someone because of what that person possesses or because of that person's admirable qualities.

Envy is normally a negative feeling of resentment because of another person's success, good fortune, or possessions.
To "covet" means to have a strong desire to have someone else's property, or even someone else's spouse. Often a person who covets something is willing to sin to get it.
"Greed" is a strong, selfish desire to have something. Often a person who is greedy wants more of what he already has.

(See also: jealous)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
1 Peter 02:01
Exodus 20:17
Mark 07:20-23
Proverbs 03:31-32
Romans 01:29

Word Data:

Strong's: H183, H2530, H7065, H7068, H7342, G1937, G2205, G2206, G3788, G4123, G4124, G4190, G5354, G5355

Forms Found in the English ULB:

covet, coveted, coveting, covetousness, envied, envious, envy, envying, greed, greedy

ephod

Definition:

An ephod was an apron-like garment worn by the Israelite priests. It had two parts, front and back, that were joined together at the shoulders and tied around the waist with a cloth belt.

One kind of ephod was made of plain linen and was worn by the ordinary priests.
The ephod worn by the high priest was specially embroidered with gold, blue, purple, and red yarn.
The breastpiece of the high priest was attached to the front of the ephod. Behind the breastpiece were stored the Urim and Thummim, which were stones used for asking God what his will was in certain matters.
The judge Gideon foolishly made an ephod out of gold and it became something that the Israelites worshiped as an idol.

(See also: priest)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 02:18-19
Exodus 28:4-5
Hosea 03:04
Judges 08:27
Leviticus 08:07

Word Data:

Strong's: H641, H642, H646

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ephod

eternity

Related Ideas:

ages long ago, eternal, ever, everlasting, for all time, forever, forevermore

Definition:

The terms "everlasting" and "eternal" have very similar meanings and refer to something that will always exist or that lasts forever.

The term "eternity" refers to a state of being that has no beginning or end. It can also refer to life that never ends.
After this present life on earth, humans will spend eternity either in heaven with God or in hell apart from God.
The terms "eternal life" and "everlasting life" are used in the New Testament to refer to living forever with God in heaven.
The phrase "forever and ever" has the idea of time that never ends and expresses what eternity or eternal life is like.

The term "forever" refers to never-ending time. Sometimes it is used figuratively to mean "a very long time."

The term "forever and ever" emphasizes that something will always happen or exist.
The phrase "forever and ever" is a way of expressing what eternity or eternal life is. It also has the idea of time that never ends.
God said that David's throne would last "forever." This is referred to the fact that David's descendant Jesus will reign as king forever.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate "eternal" or "everlasting" could include"unending" or "never stopping" or "always continuing."
The terms "eternal life" and "everlasting life" could also be translated as "life that never ends" or "life that continues without stopping" or "the raising up of our bodies to live forever."
Depending on the context, different ways to translate "eternity" could include "existing outside of time" or "unending life" or "life in heaven."
Also consider how this word is translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language.
"Forever" could also be translated by "always" or "never ending."
The phrase "will last forever" could also be translated as "always exist" or "will never stop" or "will always continue."
The emphatic phrase "forever and ever" could also be translated as "for always and always" or "not ever ending" or "which never, ever ends."
David's throne lasting forever could be translated as "David's descendant will reign forever" or "a descendant of David will always be reigning."

(See also: David, reign, life)

Bible References:

Genesis 17:08
Genesis 48:04
Exodus 15:17
2 Samuel 03:28-30
1 Kings 02:32-33
Job 04:20-21
Psalms 021:04
Isaiah 09:6-7
Isaiah 40:27-28
Daniel 07:18
Luke 18:18
Acts 13:46
Romans 05:21
Hebrews 06:19-20
Hebrews 10:11-14
1 John 01:02
1 John 05:12
Revelation 01:4-6
Revelation 22:3-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H1755, H3117, H4481, H5331, H5703, H5705, H5769, H5865, H5957, H6924, G126, G165, G166, G1336

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ages long ago, eternal, eternity, ever, everlasting, for all time, forever, forevermore, never

eunuch

Definition:

Usually the term "eunuch" refers to a man who has been castrated. The term later became a general term to refer to any government official, even those without the deformity.

Jesus said that some eunuchs were born that way, perhaps because of damaged sex organs or because of not being able to function sexually. Others chose to live like eunuchs in a celibate lifestyle.
In ancient times, eunuchs were often kings' servants who were set as guards over the women's quarters.
Some eunuchs were important government officials, such as the Ethiopian eunuch who met the apostle Philip in the desert.

(See also: Philip)

Bible References:

Acts 08:27
Acts 08:36
Acts 08:39
Isaiah 39:7-8
Jeremiah 34:17-19
Matthew 19:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H5631, G2134, G2135

Forms Found in the English ULB:

eunuch, eunuchs

evangelist

Definition:

An "evangelist" is a person who tells other people the good news about Jesus Christ.

The literal meaning of "evangelist" is "someone who preaches the good news."
Jesus sent his apostles out to spread the good news about how to be part of God's kingdom through trusting in Jesus and his sacrifice for sin.
All Christians are exhorted to share this good news.
Some Christians are given a special spiritual gift to effectively tell the gospel to others. These people are said to have the gift of evangelism and are called "evangelists."

Translation Suggestions:

The term "evangelist" could be translated as "someone who preaches the good news" or "teacher of the good news" or "person who proclaims the good news (about Jesus)" or "good news proclaimer."

(See also: good news, spirit, gift)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 04:05
Ephesians 04:11-13

Word Data:

Strong's: G2099

Forms Found in the English ULB:

evangelist, evangelists

evil

Related Ideas:

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

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

evildoer

Related Ideas:

do harm, do evil, harmed, work out evil

Definition:

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

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

(See also: evil)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

exalt

Related Ideas:

exaltation, high position, leadership position, lifted up

Definition:

To exalt is to lift up. Often exalt means to praise or honor someone or something. It can also mean to put someone in an honored position of leadership.

In the Bible, the term "exalt" is most often used for honoring God.
When a person exalts himself, it means he thinks about himself in a proud or arrogant way.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "exalt" could include "highly praise" or "honor greatly" or "extol" or "speak highly of."
In some contexts it could be translated by a word or phrase that means "put in a higher position" or "give more honor to" or "talk about proudly."
"Do not exalt yourself" could also be translated as "Do not think of yourself too highly" or "Do not brag about yourself."
"Those that exalt themselves" could also be translated as "Those who think proudly about themselves" or "Those who boast about themselves."

(See also: praise, worship, glory, boast, proud)

Bible References:

1 Peter 05:5-7
2 Samuel 22:47
Acts 05:31
Philippians 02:9-11
Psalms 018:46

Word Data:

Strong's: H1361, H1362, H1364, H4791, H4984, H5375, H5549, H5927, H7311, H7426, H7682, G5229, G5251, G5311, G5312

Forms Found in the English ULB:

exalt, exaltation, exalted, exalting, exalts, high position, leadership positions, lifted up, lofty

exhort

Related Ideas:

exhortation, urge

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

exile

Definition:

The term "exile" refers to people being forced to live somewhere away from their home country.

People are usually sent into exile for punishment or for political reasons.
A conquered people may be taken into exile to the country of the conquering army, in order to work for them.
The "Babylonian exile" (or "the exile") is a period in Bible history when many Jewish citizens of the region of Judah were taken from their homes and forced to live in Babylon. It lasted 70 years.
The phrase "the exiles" refers to people who are living in exile, away from their home country.

Translation Suggestions:

The term to "exile" could also be translated as to "send away" or to "force out" or to "banish."
The term "the exile" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "the sent away time" or "the time of banishment" or "the time of forced absence" or "banishment."
Ways to translate "the exiles" could include "the exiled people" or "the people who were banished" or "the people exiled to Babylon."

(See also: Babylon, Judah)

Bible References:

2 Kings 24:14
Daniel 02:25-26
Ezekiel 01:1-3
Isaiah 20:04
Jeremiah 29:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H1123, H1473, H1540, H1541, H1546, H1547, H3212, H3318, H5080, H7617, H7622, G3927

Forms Found in the English ULB:

exile, exiled, exiles

face

Related Ideas:

before, facedown, facial, presence, surface

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 05:04
Genesis 33:10

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

faith

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: believe, faithful)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

faith

faithful

Related Ideas:

faithfully, faithfulness, reliable

Definition:

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

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

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

faithless

Related Ideas:

faithless deeds, faithlessly, faithlessness, unbelief, unbeliever, unfaithful, unfaithfully, unfaithfulness

Definition:

The term "faithless" means to not have faith or to not believe.

This word is used to describe people who do not believe in God. Their lack of belief is seen by the immoral way they act.
The prophet Jeremiah accused Israel of being faithless and disobedient to God.
They worshiped idols and followed other ungodly customs of people groups who did not worship or obey God.

Translation Suggestions

Depending on the context, the term "faithless" could be translated as "unfaithful" or "unbelieving" or "disobedient to God" or "not believing."
The term "faithlessness" could be translated as "unbelief" or "unfaithfulness" or "rebellion against God."

(See also: believe, faithful, disobey)

Bible References:

Ezekiel 43:6-8
Ezra 09:1-2
Jeremiah 02:19
Proverbs 02:22
Revelation 21:7-8

Word Data:

Strong's: H898, H4603, H4604, H5472, G570, G569, G571, G802

Forms Found in the English ULB:

be unfaithful, faithless, faithless deeds, faithlessly, faithlessness, those who do not believe, unbelief, unbeliever, unbelievers, unbelieving, unfaithful, unfaithfully, unfaithfulness

false prophet

Definition:

A false prophet is a person who wrongly claims that his message comes from God.

The prophecies of false prophets are not usually fulfilled. That is, they do not come true.
False prophets teach messages that partially or totally contradict what the Bible says.
This term could also be translated as "person who falsely claims to be God's spokesman" or "someone who falsely claims to speak God's words."
The New Testament teaches that in the end times there will be many false prophets who will try to deceive people into thinking that they come from God.

(See also: fulfill, prophet, true)

Bible References:

1 John 04:1-3
2 Peter 02:01
Acts 13:6-8
Luke 06:26
Matthew 07:16
Matthew 24:23-25

Word Data:

Strong's: G5578

Forms Found in the English ULB:

false prophet, false prophets

family

Related Ideas:

family line, genealogical record

Definition:

The term "family" refers to a group of people who are related by blood and usually includes a father, mother, and their children. It often also includes other relatives such as grandparents, grandchildren, uncles and aunts.

The Hebrew family was a religious community passing on traditions through worship and instruction.
Usually the father was the major authority of the family.
Family could also include servants, concubines, and even foreigners.
Some languages may have a broader word such as "clan" or "household" that would fit better in contexts where more than just parents and children are being referred to.
The term "family" is also used to refer to people who are related spiritually, such as people who are part of God's family because they believe in Jesus.
A "genealogy" is a record of a person's family that tells who his ancestors were.

(See also: clan, father, house)

Bible References:

1 Kings 08:1-2
1 Samuel 18:18
Exodus 01:21
Joshua 02:12-13
Luke 02:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H1, H251, H272, H504, H1004, H1121, H2233, H2859, H2945, H3187, H3188, H4138, H4940, H5387, H5712, H8435, G1085, G3614, G3624, G3965

Forms Found in the English ULB:

families, family, family line, genealogical record, genealogical records, genealogies, genealogy, recorded in ... genealogies, recorded in ... genealogy

famine

Related Ideas:

famished, hunger

Definition:

The term "famine" refers to an extreme lack of food throughout a country or region, usually due to not enough rain. The term "famished" means extremely hungry. * Food crops can fail from natural causes such as lack of rain, crop disease, or insects. * Food shortages can also be caused by people, such as enemies who destroy crops. * In the Bible, God often caused famine as a way to punish nations when they sinned against him. * In Amos 8:11 the term "famine" is used figuratively to refer to a time when God punished his people by not speaking to them. This could be translated with the word for "famine" in your language, or with a phrase such as "extreme lack" or "severe deprivation."

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 21:11-12
Acts 07:11
Genesis 12:10
Genesis 45:06
Jeremiah 11:21-23
Luke 04:25
Matthew 24:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H3720, H7458, H7459, G3042, G3521

Forms Found in the English ULB:

famine, famines, famished, hunger

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

father

Related Ideas:

ancestor, ancestral, beget, fatherless, forefather, grandfather, orphan

Definition:

When used literally, the term "father" refers to a person's male parent. * A "grandfather" is someone's father's father or someone's mother's father. * A "forefather" is one of a person's male ancestors, such as his grandfather's grandfather. * An "ancestral household" is a social unit of those people who are descended from one ancestor. * A person who is "fatherless" does not have a father. * An "orphan" is a person who has no parents. In Bible times widows were often not able to care for their children, so a child with a mother but no father could also be thought of as an orphan. * To "beget" someone is to become that person's father.

There are also several figurative uses of the term "father."

The term "fathers" often refers to a person's male ancestors, such as his grandfather's grandfather.
The term "father" can refer to a person who is the leader a group of related people or the source of something. For example, in Genesis 4 "the father of all who live in tents" could mean, "the first clan leader of the first people who ever lived in tents."
The apostle Paul called himself the "father" of those he had helped to become Christians through sharing the gospel with them.

Translation Suggestions

When talking about a father and his literal son, this term should be translated using the usual term to refer to a father in the language.
"God the Father" should also be translated using the usual, common word for "father."
When referring to forefathers, this term could be translated as "ancestors" or "ancestral fathers."
Sometimes the word "father" can be translated as "clan leader."
When Paul refers to himself figuratively as a father to believers in Christ, this could be translated as "spiritual father" or "father in Christ."
The phrase "father of all lies" could be translated as "source of all lies" or "the one from whom all lies come."

(See also: God the Father, son, Son of God)

Bible References:

Acts 07:02
Acts 07:32
Acts 07:45
Acts 22:03
Genesis 31:30
Genesis 31:42
Genesis 31:53
Hebrews 07:4-6
John 04:12
Joshua 24:3-4
Malachi 03:07
Mark 10:7-9
Matthew 01:07
Matthew 03:09
Matthew 10:21
Matthew 18:14
Romans 04:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H1, H2, H25, H539, H1730, H1733, H2524, H3205, H3490, H4940, H5971, H7223, G540, G1080, G3737, G3962, G3964, G3966, G3967, G3970, G3971, G3995, G4245, G4269, G4613

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ancestor, ancestor's, ancestors, ancestors', ancestral, beget, begot, father, father's, fathered, fathering, fatherless, fathers, fathers', forefather, forefathers, grandfather, orphan, orphans

favor

Related Ideas:

favorable, favoritism, privilege, request for favor, show favor

Definition:

To "favor" is to prefer. When someone favors a person, he regards that person positively and does more to benefit that person than he does to benefit others.

The term "favoritism" means the attitude of acting favorably toward some people but not others. It means the inclination to pick one person over another or one thing over another because the person or item is preferred. Generally, favoratism is considered unfair.
Jesus grew up "in favor with" God and men. This means they approved of his character and behavior.
The expression "find favor" with someone means that someone is approved of by that person.
When a king shows favor to someone, it often means that he approves of that person's request and grants it.
A "favor" can also be a gesture or action towards or for another person for their benefit.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate the term "favor" could include, "blessing" or "benefit" or "credit."
The "favorable year of Yahweh" could be translated as "the year (or time) when Yahweh will bring great blessing."
The term "favoritism" could be translated as "partiality" or "being prejudiced" or "unjust treatment." This word is related to the word "favorite," which means "the one who is preferred or loved best."

Bible References:

1 Samuel 02:25-26
2 Chronicles 19:07
2 Corinthians 01:11
Acts 24:27
Genesis 41:16
Genesis 47:25
Genesis 50:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H995, H1156, H1293, H1779, H1921, H2580, H2603, H2604, H2617, H2896, H5278, H5375, H5414, H5922, H6213, H6437, H6440, H7522, H7965, H8467, G1184, G3685, G3982, G4380, G4382, G5485, G5486

Forms Found in the English ULB:

favor, favorable, favored, favoritism, favors, privilege, request for favor, seek ... favor, seeking the favor, show favor, shown favor, sought ... favor

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

feast

Related Ideas:

dinner

Definition:

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

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

(See also: festival)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

dinner, feast, feasting, feasts

fellowship

Related Ideas:

alliance, associate with, association, allied with, contribution, participants with, partnership, share, united

Definition:

In general, the term "fellowship" refers to friendly interactions between members of a group of people who share similar interests and experiences.

In the Bible, the term "fellowship" usually refers to the unity of believers in Christ.
Christian fellowship is a shared relationship that believers have with one another through their relationship with Christ and the Holy Spirit.
The early Christians expressed their fellowship through listening to the teaching of God's Word and praying together, through the sharing of their belongings, and through eating meals together.
Christians also have fellowship with God through their faith in Jesus and his sacrificial death on the cross which removed the barrier between God and people.
An "alliance" is a kind of fellowship between governments in which the governments agree to work together, usually to fight common enemies.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "fellowship" could include "a sharing together" or "relationship" or "companionship" or "Christian community."

Bible References:

1 John 01:03
Acts 02:40-42
Philippians 01:3-6
Philippians 02:01
Philippians 03:10
Psalms 055:12-14

Word Data:

Strong's: H2266, H2270, H4541, H6148, H8641, G2842, G2844, G3352, G3353, G4790

Forms Found in the English ULB:

alliance, alliances, associate with, association, be allied with, be participants with, contribution, contributions, fellowship, participant, participants, partnership, share, sharers, shares, sharing, united

fellowship offering

Definitions:

In the Old Testament, the "fellowship offering" was a kind of sacrifice that was offered for different reasons, such as to give thanks to God or to fulfill a vow.

This offering required the sacrifice of an animal that could be male or female. This was different from the burnt offering, which required a male animal.
After giving a portion of the sacrifice to God, the person who brought the fellowship offering shared the meat with the priests and other Israelites.
There was a meal associated with this offering which included unleavened bread.
This is sometimes called the "peace offering."

(See also: burnt offering, fulfill, grain offering, guilt offering, peace offering, priest, sacrifice, unleavened bread, vow)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 21:25-27
2 Chronicles 29:35
Exodus 24:5-6
Leviticus 03:3-5
Numbers 06:13-15

Word Data:

Strong's: H8002

Forms Found in the English ULB:

fellowship offering, fellowship offerings

festival

Definition:

In general, a festival is a celebration held by a community of people.

The word for "festival" in the Old Testament literally means "appointed time."
The festivals celebrated by the Israelites were specially appointed times or seasons that God had commanded them to observe.
In some English translations, the word "feast" is used instead of festival because the celebrations included having a large meal together.
There were several main festivals that the Israelites celebrated every year:
Passover
Festival of Unleavened Bread
Firstfruits
Festival of Weeks (Pentecost)
Festival of Trumpets
Day of Atonement
Festival of Shelters
The purpose of these festivals was to thank God and to remember the amazing things he had done to rescue, protect, and provide for his people.
A person who "celebrates" acts as if he were at a festival.

(See also: feast)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 23:31
2 Chronicles 08:13
Exodus 05:01
John 04:45
Luke 22:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H1974, H2166, H2282, H2287, H6213, H4150, H8057, G1456, G1858, G1859

Forms Found in the English ULB:

festival, festivals

fig

Definition:

A fig is a small, soft, sweet fruit that grows on trees. When ripe, this fruit can be a variety of colors, including brown, yellow, or purple.

Fig trees can grow 6 meters in height and their large leaves provide pleasant shade. The fruit is about 3-5 centimeters long.
Adam and Eve used the leaves from fig trees to make clothing for themselves after they had sinned.
Figs can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried. People also chop them into small pieces and press them into cakes to eat later.
In Bible times, figs were important as a source of food and income.
The presence of fruitful fig trees is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a sign of prosperity.
Several times Jesus used fig trees as an illustration to teach his disciples spiritual truths.

Bible References:

Habakkuk 03:17
James 03:12
Luke 13:07
Mark 11:14
Matthew 07:17
Matthew 21:18

Word Data:

Strong's: H1061, H6291, H8384, G3653, G4808, G4810

Forms Found in the English ULB:

fig, figs

filled with the Holy Spirit

Related Ideas:

full of the Holy Spirit

Definition:

The term "filled with the Holy Spirit" is a figurative expression that, when used to describe a person means the Holy Spirit is empowering that person to do God's will.

The expression "filled with" is an expression that often means "controlled by."
People are "filled with the Holy Spirit" when they follow the Holy Spirit's leading and completely rely on him to help them do what God wants.

Translation Suggestions:

This term could be translated as "empowered by the Holy Spirit" or "controlled by the Holy Spirit." But it should not sound as though the Holy Spirit is forcing the person to do something.
A sentence such as "he was filled with the Holy Spirit" could be translated as "he was living fully by the Spirit's power" or "he was completely guided by the Holy Spirit" or "the Holy Spirit was guiding him completely."
This term is similar in meaning to the expression "live by the Spirit," but "filled with the Holy Spirit" emphasizes the completeness with which a person allows the Holy Spirit to have control or influence over his life. So these two expressions should be translated differently, if possible.

(See also: Holy Spirit)

Bible References:

Acts 04:31
Acts 05:17
Acts 06:8-9
Luke 01:15
Luke 01:39-41
Luke 04:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H4390, H4392, H7646, H8003, G40, G4130, G4137, G4151

Forms Found in the English ULB:

filled ... with the Holy Spirit, full ... of the Holy Spirit, full ... of the Spirit

fir

Definition:

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

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

(See also: cedar, cypress)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

Strong's: H766, H1265, H1266

Forms Found in the English ULB:

fir, firs

fire

Related Ideas:

blazing, fiery, firebrands, inflame, kindle

Definition:

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

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

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

(See also: pure)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

firstborn

Related Ideas:

first issue

Definition:

The term "firstborn" refers to an offspring of people or animals that is born first, before the other offspring are born.

In the Bible, "firstborn" usually refers to the first male offspring that is born.
In Bible times, the firstborn son was given a place of prominence and twice as much of his family inheritance as the other sons.
Often it was the firstborn male of an animal that was sacrificed to God.
This concept can also be used figuratively. For example, the nation of Israel is called God's firstborn son because God gave it special privileges over other nations.
Jesus, the Son of God is called God's firstborn because of his importance and authority over everyone else.
The phrase "first issue of the womb" is another way of saying "firstborn."

Translation Suggestions:

When "firstborn" occurs in the text alone, it could also be translated as "firstborn male" or "firstborn son," since that is what is implied.
Other ways to translate this term could include "the son who was born first" or "the eldest son" or "the number one son."
When used figuratively to refer to Jesus, this could be translated with a word or phrase that means "the son who has authority over everything" or "the Son who is first in honor."
Caution: Make sure the translation of this term in reference to Jesus does not imply that he was created.

(See also: inherit, sacrifice, son)

Bible References:

Colossians 01:15
Genesis 04:3-5
Genesis 29:26-27
Genesis 43:33
Luke 02:6-7
Revelation 01:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H1060, H1062, H1067, H1069, H6363, G4416, G5207

Forms Found in the English ULB:

first ... issue, firstborn

firstfruit

Definition:

The term "firstfruits" refers to a portion of the first crop of fruits and vegetables that was reaped during each harvest season.

The Israelites offered these first fruits to God as a sacrificial offering.
This term is also used figuratively in the Bible to refer to a firstborn son as being the first fruits of the family. That is, because he was the first son to be born into that family, he was the one who carried on the family name and honor.
Because Jesus rose from the dead, he is called the "firstfruits" of all believers in him, believers who have died but who will some day come back to life.
Believers in Jesus are also called the "firstfruits" of all creation, indicating the special privilege and position of those whom Jesus redeemed and called to be his people.

Translation Suggestions:

The literal use of this term could be translated as "first portion (of crops)" or "first part of the harvest."
If possible, the figurative uses should be translated literally, to allow for different meanings in different contexts. This will also show the correlation between the literal meaning and the figurative uses.

(See also: firstborn)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 31:4-5
2 Thessalonians 02:13
Exodus 23:16-17
James 01:18
Jeremiah 02:03
Psalms 105:36

Word Data:

Strong's: H1061, H6529, H7225, G536

Forms Found in the English ULB:

firstfruit, firstfruits

fishermen

Related Ideas:

fish, fisher

Definition:

Fishermen are men who catch fish from the water as a means of earning money. In the New Testament, the fishermen used large nets to catch fish. The term "fishers" is another name for fishermen.

Peter and other apostles worked as fishermen before being called by Jesus.
Since the land of Israel was near water, the Bible has many references to fish and fishermen.
This term could be translated with a phrase such as "men who catch fish" or "men who earn money by catching fish."
The word "fish" can also be a verb that means "to catch fish."

Bible References:

Ezekiel 47:9-10
Isaiah 19:08
Luke 05:1-3
Matthew 04:19
Matthew 13:47

Word Data:

Strong's: H1728, H1770, H1771, H2271, G231

Forms Found in the English ULB:

fish, fishermen, fishers

flesh

Related Ideas:

fleshly, human, living creatures, meat, physical

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

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

flute

Related Ideas:

pipe, wind instrument

Definition:

In Bible times, pipes were musical instruments made of bone or wood with holes to allow the sound to come out. A flute was a kind of pipe.

Most pipes had reeds made out of a kind of thick grass that vibrated as air was blown over it.
A pipe without any reeds was often called a "flute."
A shepherd played a pipe to calm his flocks of sheep.
Pipes and flutes were used for playing sad or joyful music.

(See also: flock, shepherd)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 14:07
1 Kings 01:38-40
Daniel 03:3-5
Luke 07:31-32
Matthew 09:23
Matthew 11:17

Word Data:

Strong's: H4953, H5748, H2485, H2490, G832, G834, G836

Forms Found in the English ULB:

flute, flutes, pipe, pipes, wind instruments

fool

Related Ideas:

folly, foolish, foolishly, foolishness, insane, insanity, out of his mind, senseless, stupid, thoughtless, unwise

Definition:

The term "fool" refers to a person who often makes wrong choices, especially choosing to disobey. The term "foolish" describes a person or behavior that is not wise.

In the Bible, the term "fool" usually refers to a person who does not believe or obey God. This is often contrasted to the wise person, who trusts in God and obeys God.
In the Psalms, David describes a fool as a person who does not believe in God, one who ignores all the evidence of God in his creation.
The Old Testament book of Proverbs also gives many descriptions of what a fool, or foolish person, is like.
The term "folly" refers to an action that is not wise because it is against God's will. Often "folly" also includes the meaning of something that is ridiculous or dangerous.
A person who is "insane" or suffering from "insanity" is unable to know truth from error, right from wrong, or good from evil and often acts without knowing what he is doing.
Something that is hollow has nothing on its inside.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "fool" could be translated as "foolish person" or "unwise person" or "senseless person" or "ungodly person."
Ways to translate "foolish" could include "lacking understanding" or "unwise" or "senseless."

(See also: wise)

Bible References:

Ecclesiastes 01:17
Ephesians 05:15
Galatians 03:03
Genesis 31:28
Matthew 07:26
Matthew 25:08
Proverbs 13:16
Psalms 049:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H191, H196, H200, H1197, H1198, H1984, H2973, H3684, H3687, H3688, H3689, H3690, H5014, H5034, H5036, H5039, H5528, H5529, H5530, H5531, H6612, H8417, H8604, G453, G454, G781, G801, G877, G878, G2757, G3150, G3154, G3471, G3472, G3473, G3474, G3912, G3913

Forms Found in the English ULB:

act of disgraceful folly, acted ... foolishly, disgraceful folly, folly, fool, foolish, foolishness, fools, insane, insanity, out of ... mind, senseless, spoken ... foolishly, stupid, thoughtless, unwise

footstool

Definition:

The term "footstool" refers to an object which a person puts his feet on, usually to rest them while sitting. This term also has figurative meanings of submission and lower status.

People in Bible times considered feet to be the least honorable parts of the body. So a "footstool" was of even lower honor because feet were rested on it.
When God says "I will make my enemies a footstool for my feet" he is declaring power, control, and victory over the people who rebel against him. They will be humbled and conquered to the point of submitting to God's will.
To "worship at God's footstool" means to bow down in worship before him as he sits on his throne. This again communicates humility and submission to God.
David refers to the temple as God's "footstool." This could refer to his absolute authority over his people. This could also be picturing God the King on his throne, with his feet resting on his footstool, which represents all that is in submission to him.

Bible References:

Acts 07:49
Isaiah 66:1
Luke 20:43
Matthew 05:35
Matthew 22:44
Psalm 110:1

Word Data:

Strong's: H1916, H3534, H7272, G4228, G5286

Forms Found in the English ULB:

footstool

foreigner

Related Ideas:

alien, barbarian, foreign, sojourn, sojourner, stranger, tenant

Definition:

The term "foreigner" refers to a person living in a country that is not his own. Another name for a foreigner is an "alien."

In the Old Testament, this term especially refers to anyone who came from a different people group than the people he was living among.
A foreigner is also a person whose language and culture is different from those of a particular region.
For example, when Naomi and her family moved to Moab, they were foreigners there. When Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth later moved to Israel, Ruth was called a "foreigner" there because she was not originally from Israel.
The apostle Paul told the Ephesians that before they knew Christ, they were "foreigners" to God's covenant.
Sometimes "foreigner" is translated as "stranger," but it should not refer only to someone who is unfamiliar or unknown.
A "sojourner" is a person who is living in one country that is not his but waiting for the chance to move to his own country.
A "barbarian" is a person from another country who does not speak the local language or obey the local customs and so the natives do not like or respect him.
A "strangers" are persons who do not know each other.
To be "alienated" is to no longer be living in loving relationship with another. For example, a husband and wife who are no longer living together but are not divorced are "alienated" or "estranged."
A "tenant" is a person who rents his dwelling place.

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 02:17
Acts 07:29-30
Deuteronomy 01:15-16
Genesis 15:12-13
Genesis 17:27
Luke 17:18
Matthew 17:24-25

Word Data:

Strong's: H312, H628, H1471, H1481, H1616, H2114, H3937, H4033, H5236, H5237, H6154, H8453, G241, G245, G246, G526, G915, G3581, G3927, G3941

Forms Found in the English ULB:

alien, alienated, alienates, barbarian, foreign, foreigner, foreigners, live as a foreigner, living as foreigners, sojourn, sojourned, sojourner, sojourners, sojourning, stranger, strangers, tenant, tenants

foreknow

Related Ideas:

foreknowledge

Definition:

The verb "foreknow" means to know something before it happens.

God is not limited by time. He knows everything that happens in the past, present, and future.
This word is often used in the context of God knowing already who will be saved through receiving Jesus as Savior.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "foreknew" could also be translated as, "knew before" or "knew ahead of time" or "knew beforehand" or "already knew."
The term "foreknowledge" could be translated as, "knowing before" or "knowing ahead of time" or "already knowing" or "knowing in advance."

(See also: know, predestine)

Bible References:

Romans 08:29
Romans 11:02

Word Data:

Strong's: G4267, G4268

Forms Found in the English ULB:

foreknew, foreknowledge, foreknown

forgive

Related Ideas:

forgiven, forgiveness, pardon

Definition:

To forgive someone means to not hold a grudge against that person even though they did something hurtful. "Forgiveness" is the act of forgiving someone.

Forgiving someone often means not punishing that person for something he has done wrong.
This term can be used figuratively to mean "cancel," as in the expression "forgive a debt."
When people confess their sins, God forgives them based on Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross.
Jesus taught his disciples to forgive others as he has forgiven them.

The term "pardon" means to forgive and not punish someone for his sin.

This word has the same meaning as "forgive" but may also include the meaning of a formal decision to not punish someone who is guilty.
In a court of law, a judge can pardon a person found guilty of a crime.
Even though we are guilty of sin, Jesus Christ pardoned us from being punished in hell, based on his sacrificial death on the cross.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "forgive" could be translated as "pardon" or "cancel" or "release" or "not hold against" (someone).
The term "forgiveness" could be translated by a word or phrase that means "practice of not resenting" or "declaring (someone) as not guilty" or "the act of pardoning."
If the language has a word for a formal decision to forgive, that word could be used to translate "pardon."

(See also: guilt)

Bible References:

Genesis 50:17
Numbers 14:17-19
Deuteronomy 29:20-21
Joshua 24:19-20
2 Kings 05:17-19
Psalms 025:11
Psalms 025:17-19
Isaiah 55:6-7
Isaiah 40:02
Luke 05:21
Acts 08:22
Ephesians 04:31-32
Colossians 03:12-14
1 John 02:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H5546, H5547, H3722, H5375, H5545, H5547, G859, G863, G2433, G5483

Forms Found in the English ULB:

forgave, forgive, forgiven, forgiveness, forgives, pardon, pardoned

forsaken

Related Ideas:

abandon, give up, leave, walk away from

Definition:

The term "forsake" means to abandon someone or to give up something. Someone who has been "forsaken" has been deserted or abandoned by someone else.

When people "forsake" God, they are being unfaithful to him by disobeying him.
When God "forsakes" people, he has stopped helping them and allowed them to experience suffering in order to cause them to turn back to him.
This term can also mean to forsake things, such as forsaking, or not following, God's teachings.
The term "forsaken" can be used in the past tense, as in "he has forsaken you" or as in referring to someone who has "been forsaken."

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate this term could include "abandon" or "neglect" or "give up" or "go away from" or "leave behind," depending on the context.
To "forsake" God's law could be translated "disobey God's law." This could also be translated as "abandon" or "give up on" or "stop obeying" his teachings or his laws.
The phrase "be forsaken" can be translated as "be abandoned" or "be deserted."
It more clearer to use different words to translate this term, depending on whether the text describes forsaking a thing or a person.

Bible References:

1 Kings 06:11-13
Daniel 11:29-30
Genesis 24:27
Joshua 24:16-18
Matthew 27:45-47
Proverbs 27:9-10
Psalms 071:18

Word Data:

Strong's: H488, H2308, H5203, H5800, H7503, G646, G657, G863, G1459, G2641

Forms Found in the English ULB:

abandon, abandoned, forsake, give up, has left, have left, leave, left, walk away from

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

fountain

Related Ideas:

spring

Definition:

The terms "fountain" and "spring" usually refer to a large amount of water that flows out naturally from the ground.

In modern times, a fountain is often a manmade object that has water flowing out of it, such as a drinking fountain. Make sure that the translation of this term refers to a natural source of flowing water.
"Fountain" and "spring" are also used figuratively in the Bible to refer to blessings flowing from God or to refer to something that cleanses and purifies.

Bible References:

2 Peter 02:17
Genesis 07:11
Genesis 08:02
Genesis 24:13
Genesis 24:42
James 03:11

Word Data:

Strong's: H953, H1530, H1543, H3222, H4002, H4161, H4456, H4599, H4726, H5033, H5869, H5927, H6524, H6779, H8444, H8666, G242, G4077

Forms Found in the English ULB:

fountain, fountains, spring, springing, springs

frankincense

Definition:

Frankincense is a fragrant spice made from tree resin. It is used to make perfumes and incense.

In Bible times, frankincense was an important spice used to prepare dead bodies for burial.
This spice is also valuable for its healing and calming qualities.
When learned men came from an eastern country to visit baby Jesus in Bethlehem, frankincense was one of the three gifts they brought him.

(See also: Bethlehem, learned men)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 09:28-29
Exodus 30:34-36
Matthew 02:11-12
Numbers 05:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H3828, G3030

Forms Found in the English ULB:

frankincense

free

Related Ideas:

freedom, freeman, liberty, volunteer, without cost, without paying for it

Definition:

The terms "free" or "freedom" refer to not being in slavery, or any other kind of bondage. Another word for "freedom" is "liberty."

The expression to "set someone free" or to "free someone" means to provide a way for someone to no longer be in slavery or captivity.
In the Bible, these terms are often used figuratively to refer to how a believer in Jesus is no longer under the power of sin.
Having "liberty" or "freedom" can also refer to no longer being required to obey the Law of Moses, but instead being free to live by the teachings and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
To "volunteer" is to freely and willingly agree to do something.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "free" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "not bound" or "not enslaved" or "not in slavery" or "not in bondage."
The term "freedom" or "liberty" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "the state of being free" or "the condition of not being a slave" or "not being bound."
The expression to "set free" could be translated as to "cause to be free" or to "rescue from slavery" or to "release from bondage."
A person who has been "set free" has been "released" or "taken out of" bondage or slavery.

(See also: bind, enslave, servant)

Bible References:

Galatians 04:26
Galatians 05:01
Isaiah 61:1
Leviticus 25:10
Romans 06:18

Word Data:

Strong's: H1865, H2600, H2666, H2668, H2670, H3318, H4800, H5068, H5069, H5071, H5337, H5352, H5355, H5425, H5674, H5800, H6299, H6340, H6362, H7342, H7971, G425, G525, G558, G629, G630, G859, G1344, G1432, G1657, G1658, G1659, G1849, G3089, G3955, G4506, G5483

Forms Found in the English ULB:

free, freed, freedom, freeing, freely, freely gave, freeman, frees, liberty, set ... free, volunteer, volunteered, without cost, without paying for it

freewill offering

Related Ideas

offer freewill gifts

Definition:

A freewill offering was a type of sacrifice to God that was not required by the Law of Moses. It was a person's own choice to give this offering.

If the freewill offering was an animal to be sacrificed, the animal was permitted to have slight defects since it was a voluntary offering.
The Israelites ate the sacrificed animal as part of a celebration feast.
When a freewill offering could be given, this was a cause of rejoicing for Israel since it showed that the harvest had been good so that the people had plenty of food.
The book of Ezra describes a different type of freewill offering that was brought for rebuilding the temple. This offering consisted of gold and silver money, as well as bowls and other objects made of gold and silver.

(See also: burnt offering, Ezra, feast, grain offering, guilt offering, law of Moses, sin offering)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 29:06
2 Chronicles 35:7-9
Deuteronomy 12:17
Exodus 36:2-4
Leviticus 07:15-16

Word Data:

Strong's: H5068, H5071

Forms Found in the English ULB:

freewill offering, freewill offerings, offered freewill gifts

fruit

Related Ideas:

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

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

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

furnace

Related Ideas:

kiln, oven

Definitions:

A furnace was a very large oven used for heating objects to a high temperature.

In ancient times, most furnaces were used for melting metals to make objects such as cooking pots, jewelry, weapons, and idols.
Furnaces were also used in the making of clay pottery.
Sometimes a furnace is referred to figuratively to explain that something is very hot.
An "oven" is like a small furnace, and it is used for cooking food.
A "kiln" is also a small furnace used to heat things other than food.

(See also: god, image)

Bible References:

1 Kings 08:51
Genesis 19:28
Proverbs 17:03
Psalms 021:09
Revelation 09:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H861, H3536, H3564, H5948, H8574, G2575

Forms Found in the English ULB:

furnace, furnaces, kiln, oven, ovens

gate

Related Ideas:

doorkeeper, entrance, gate bars, gatekeeper, gateposts, gateway

Definition:

A "gate" is a hinged barrier at an access point in a fence or wall that surrounds a house or city.

A "gate bar" is a wooden or metal bar that can be moved into place to lock the gate.
A "gatekeeper" was a person who was responsible to control who could go through the gateway.
A city gate could be opened to allow people, animals, and cargo to travel in and out of the city.
To protect the city, its walls and gates were thick and strong. Gates were closed and locked with a metal or wooden bar to prevent enemy soldiers from entering the city.
A city gate was often the news and social center of a village. It was also where business transactions occurred and judgments were made, because city walls were thick enough to have gateways that produced cool shade from the hot sun. Citizens found it pleasant to sit in the shade to conduct their business and even to judge legal cases.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, other ways to translate "gate" could be "door" or "wall opening" or "barrier" or "entranceway."
The phrase "bars of the gate" could be translated as "gate bolts" or "wooden beams to lock the gate" or "metal locking rods of the gate."

Bible References:

Acts 09:24
Acts 10:18
Deuteronomy 21:18-19
Genesis 19:01
Genesis 24:60
Matthew 07:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H1817, H5592, H6607, H8179, G2374, G4259, G4439, G4440, G2377

Forms Found in the English ULB:

entrance, gate, gate bars, gateposts, gates, gateway, gateways

generation

Definition:

The term "generation" refers to a group of people who were all born around the same time period.

A generation can also refer to a span of time. In Bible times, a generation was usually considered to be about 40 years.
Parents and their children are from two different generations.
In the Bible, the term "generation" is also used figuratively to refer generally to people who share common characteristics.

Translation Suggestions

The phrase "this generation" or "people of this generation" could be translated as "the people living now" or "you people."
"This wicked generation" could also be translated as "these wicked people living now."
The expression "from generation to generation" or "from one generation to the next" could be translated as "people living now, as well as their children and grandchildren" or "people in every time period" or "people in this time period and future time periods" or "all people and their descendants."
"A generation to come will serve him; they will tell the next generation about Yahweh" could also be translated as "Many people in the future will serve Yahweh and will tell their children and grandchildren about him."

(See also: descendant, evil, father)

Bible References:

Acts 15:19-21
Exodus 03:13-15
Genesis 15:16
Genesis 17:07
Mark 08:12
Matthew 11:16
Matthew 23:34-36
Matthew 24:34

Word Data:

Strong's: H1755, H1859, H8435, G1074

Forms Found in the English ULB:

generation, generations

giant

Definition:

The word "giant" usually refers to a person who is extremely tall and strong.

Goliath, a Philistine soldier who fought David, was called a giant because he was a very tall, large, and strong man.
The Israelite spies who explored the land of Canaan said that the people living there were like giants.

(See also: Canaan, Goliath, Philistines)

Bible References:

Genesis 06:4
Numbers 13:32-33

Word Data:

Strong's: H1368, H5303

Forms Found in the English ULB:

giant, giants

gift

Related Ideas:

give, gracious gift

Definition:

The term "gift" refers to anything that is given or offered to someone. A gift is given without the expectation of getting anything in return

Money, food, clothing, or other things given to poor people are called "gifts."
In the Bible, an offering or sacrifice given to God is also called a gift.
The gift of salvation is something God gives us through faith in Jesus.
In the New Testament, the term "gifts" is also used to refer to special spiritual abilities that God gives to all Christians for serving other people.

Translation Suggestions:

The general term for "gift" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "something that is given."
In the context of someone having a gift or special ability that comes from God, the term "gift from the Spirit" could be translated as "spiritual ability" or "special ability from the Holy Spirit" or "special spiritual skill that God gave."

(See also: spirit, Holy Spirit)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 12:01
2 Samuel 11:08
Acts 08:20
Acts 10:04
Acts 11:17
Acts 24:17
James 01:17
John 04:9-10
Matthew 05:23
Matthew 08:4

Word Data:

Strong's: H814, H4503, H4864, H4976, H4978, H4979, H4991, H5379, H7810, H7964, H8641, G331, G1390, G1394, G1431, G1434, G1435, G3311, G5485, G5486

Forms Found in the English ULB:

gift, gifts, give, gracious gift

gird

Definition:

The term "gird" means to fasten something around something else. It often refers to wrapping a belt or sash around the waist to keep a robe or tunic in place.

The phrase "gird up the loins" refers to tucking the bottom of a garment into a belt to allow a person to move more freely, usually to do work.
This phrase can also mean "get ready to work" or to be prepared to do something difficult.
The phrase "gird the sword" means to tuck the sword into one's belt in order to carry it.

Picture of Girding a sword:

Translation Suggestions

The expression "gird up the loins" could be translated using an expression in the target language that has the same meaning. Or it could be translated as "prepare yourself for action" or "get yourself ready."
The term "girded with" could be translated as "encircled by" or wrapped with" or "belted with."

(See also: loins)

Bible References:

1 Peter 01:13
Job 38:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H640, H247, H2290, H2296, H5401, H8151, G328, G1241, G2224, G4024

Forms Found in the English ULB:

gird, girded, girding, girds

glean

Related Ideas:

pick up

Definition:

The term "glean" means to go through a field or orchard and pick up whatever grain or fruit the harvesters have left behind.

God told the Israelites to let the widows, poor people, and foreigners glean the leftover grain in order to provide food for themselves.
Sometimes the owner of the field would allow the gleaners to go directly behind the harvesters to glean, which enabled them to glean much more of the grain.
A clear example of how this worked is in the story of Ruth, who was generously allowed to glean among the harvesters in the fields of her relative Boaz.
Other ways to translate "glean" can be "pick up" or "gather" or "collect."

(See also: Boaz, grain, harvest, Ruth)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 24:21-22
Isaiah 17:4-5
Job 24:06
Ruth 02:02
Ruth 02:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H3950, H3951, H5953, H5955

Forms Found in the English ULB:

glean, gleaned, gleanings, gleans, picked up

glory

Related Ideas:

beautiful, beauty, glorify, glorious, take pride

Definition:

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

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

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: exalt, obey, praise)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

goat

Related Ideas:

goatskins, kid, scapegoat, young goat

Definition:

A goat is a medium-sized, four-legged animal which is similar to a sheep and is raised primarily for its milk and meat. A baby goat is called a "kid."

Like sheep, goats were important animals of sacrifice, especially at Passover.
Although goats and sheep can be very similar, these are some ways that they are different:
Goats have coarse hair; sheep have wool.
The tail of a goat stands up; the tail of a sheep hangs down.
Sheep usually like to stay with their flocks, but goats are more independent and tend to wander away from their herds.
In Bible times, goats were often the main source of milk in Israel.
Goat skins were used for tent coverings and to make bags for holding wine.
In both the Old and New Testaments, the goat was used as a symbol for unrighteous people, perhaps because of its tendency to wander away from the one taking care of it.
The Israelites also used goats as symbolic sin bearers. When one goat was sacrificed, the priest would lay his hands on a second, live goat, and send it into the desert as a symbol that the animal was bearing the people's sins.

(See also: flock, sacrifice, sheep, righteous, wine)

Bible References:

Exodus 12:3-4
Genesis 30:32
Genesis 31:10
Genesis 37:31
Leviticus 03:12-14
Matthew 25:33

Word Data:

Strong's: H689, H1423, H1429, H3277, H3629, H5795, H5796, H6260, H6629, H6842, H7716, H8163, H8166, H8495, G122, G2055, G2056, G5131

Forms Found in the English ULB:

goat, goats, goats', goatskins, kid, kids, scapegoat, young goat

god

Related Ideas:

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

Definition:

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

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

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

godly

Related Ideas:

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

Definition:

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

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

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

gold

Related Ideas:

golden, goldsmith, purest gold

Definition:

Gold is a yellow, high quality metal that was used for making jewelry and religious objects. It was the most valuable metal in ancient times.

In Bible times, many different kinds of objects were made out of solid gold or were covered with a thin layer of gold.
These objects included earrings and other jewelry, and idols, altars, and other objects used in the tabernacle or temple, such as the ark of the covenant.
In Old Testament times, gold was used as a means of exchange in buying and selling. It was weighed on a scale to determine its value.
Later on, gold and other metals such as silver were used to make coins to use in buying and selling
When referring to something that is not solid gold, but only has a thin covering of gold, the term "golden" or "gold-covered" or "gold-overlaid" could also be used.
Sometimes an object is described as "gold-colored," which means it has the yellow color of gold, but may not actually be made of gold.
A "goldsmith" is a person who takes gold and makes it into useful things like jewelry.

(See also: altar, ark of the covenant, god, silver, tabernacle, temple)

Bible References:

1 Peter 01:07
1 Timothy 02:8-10
2 Chronicles 01:15
Acts 03:06
Daniel 02:32

Word Data:

Strong's: H1220, H1722, H2091, H2742, H3800, H5458, H6337, H6884, H6885, G5552, G5553, G5554, G5557

Forms Found in the English ULB:

gold, golden, goldsmith, goldsmiths, purest gold

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

good news

Related Ideas:

gospel

Definition:

The term "gospel" literally means "good news" and refers to a message or announcement that tells people something that benefits them and makes them glad.

In the Bible, this term usually refers to the message about God's salvation for people through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
In most English Bibles, "good news" is usually translated as "gospel" and is also used in phrases such as, the "gospel of Jesus Christ," the "gospel of God" and the "gospel of the kingdom."
The writers of the New Testament use a verb based on this noun to talk about telling or proclaiming good news or preaching the gospel.

Translation Suggestions:

Different ways to translate this term could include, "good message" or "good announcement" or "God's message of salvation" or "the good things God teaches about Jesus."
Depending on the context, ways to translate the phrase, "good news of" could include, "good news about" or "good message about" or "good message from" or "the good things God tells us about" or "what God says about how he saves people."

(See also: kingdom, sacrifice, save)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 01:05
Acts 08:25
Colossians 01:23
Galatians 01:06
Luke 08:1-3
Mark 01:14
Philippians 02:22
Romans 01:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H1319, G2097, G2098, G4283

Forms Found in the English ULB:

announce good news, announced the good news, announcing ... the good news, being told good news, bring ... good news, brings ... good news, brought ... good news, good news, gospel, gospel's, had ... good news proclaimed, preach the gospel, preached the gospel beforehand, preaching ... the gospel, proclaim ... gospel, proclaimed the good news, proclaimed the gospel, proclaiming ... good news, proclaiming the gospel, telling ... good news, were told the good news

gossip

Related Ideas:

gossiper

Definition:

The term "gossip" refers to talking to people about someone else's personal affairs, usually in a negative and unproductive way. Often what is talked about has not been confirmed as true.

The Bible says that spreading negative information about people is wrong. Gossip and slander are examples of this kind of negative speech.
Gossip is harmful to the person being spoken about because it often hurts someone's relationships with other people.

(See also: slander)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 05:13
2 Corinthians 12:20
Leviticus 19:15-16
Proverbs 16:28
Romans 01:29-31

Word Data:

Strong's: H5372, G2636

Forms Found in the English ULB:

gossip, gossiper, gossips

governor

Related Ideas:

deputy, govern government, high officials, proconsul

Definition:

A "governor" is a person who rules over a state, region, or territory. To "govern" means to guide, lead, or manage them.

The term "proconsul" was a more specific title for a governor who ruled over a Roman province.
In Bible times, governors were appointed by a king or emperor and were under his authority.
A "government" consists of all the rulers who govern a certain country or empire. These rulers make laws that guide the behavior of their citizens so that there is peace, safety, and prosperity for all the people of that nation.

Translation Suggestions:

The word "governor" can also be translated as "ruler" or "overseer" or "regional leader" or "one who rules over a small territory."
Depending on the context, the term "govern" could also be translated as, "rule over" or "lead" or "manage" or supervise."
The term "governor" should be translated differently than the terms for "king" or "emperor", since a governor was a less powerful ruler who was under their authority.
The term "proconsul" could also be translated as, "Roman governor" or "Roman provincial ruler."

(See also: authority, king, power, province, Rome, ruler)

Bible References:

Acts 07:9-10
Acts 23:22
Acts 26:30
Mark 13:9-10
Matthew 10:18
Matthew 27:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H323, H324, H1777, H2280, H4951, H5148, H5333, H5460, H6346, H6347, H6486, H7989, H8269, H8660, G445, G446, G746, G1481, G2232, G2233, G2230, G4232

Forms Found in the English ULB:

deputy, govern, government, governments, governor, governors, high officials, proconsul, proconsuls, provincial governors

grace

Related Ideas:

generous, gracious, graciously

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

grain

Related Ideas:

grainfields, standing grain

Definition:

The term "grain" usually refers to the seed of a food plant such as wheat, barley, corn, millet, or rice. It can also refer to the whole plant.

In the Bible, the main grains that are referred to are wheat and barley.
A head of grain is the part of the plant that holds the grain.
Note that some older Bible versions use the word "corn" to refer to grain in general. In modern English however, "corn" only refers to one type of grain.

(See also: head, wheat)

Bible References:

Genesis 42:03
Genesis 42:26-28
Genesis 43:1-2
Luke 06:02
Mark 02:24
Matthew 13:7-9
Ruth 01:22

Word Data:

Strong's: H1250, H1430, H1715, H2233, H2591, H3759, H3899, H7054, H7383, H7641, H7668, G248, G2590, G2848, G3450, G4621, G4719

Forms Found in the English ULB:

grain, grainfields, grains, standing grain

grain offering

Definition:

A grain offering was a gift of wheat or barley flour offered to God, often after a burnt offering.

The grain used for the grain offering had to be finely ground up. Sometimes it was cooked before being offered, but other times it was left uncooked.
Oil and salt were added to the grain flour, but no yeast or honey was permitted.
Part of the grain offering was burned up and part of it was eaten by the priests.

(See also: burnt offering, guilt offering , sacrifice, sin offering)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 23:27-29
Exodus 29:41-42
Judges 13:19
Leviticus 02:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H4503, H8641

Forms Found in the English ULB:

grain offering, grain offerings

grape

Related Ideas:

raisin

Definition:

A grape is a small, round, smooth-skinned berry fruit that grows in clusters on vines. The juice of grapes is used in making wine.

There are different colors of grapes, such as light green, purple, or red.
Individual grapes can be around one to three centimeters in size.
People grow grapes in gardens called vineyards. These normally consist of long rows of vines.
Grapes were a very important food during Bible times, and having vineyards was a sign of wealth.
"Raisins" are dried grapes. People often dried grapes in order to keep them from rotting.
Jesus told a parable about a grape vineyard to teach his disciples about God's kingdom.

(See also: vine, vineyard, wine)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 23:24
Hosea 09:10
Job 15:33
Luke 06:43-44
Matthew 07:15-17
Matthew 21:33

Word Data:

Strong's: H891, H1154, H1155, H1210, H3196, H5955, H6025, H6528, G288, G4718

Forms Found in the English ULB:

grape, grapes, raisin, raisins

groan

Related Ideas:

sigh

Definition:

The term to "groan" refers to the uttering of a deep, low sound that is caused by physical or emotional distress. It could also be the sound someone makes without any words.

A person can groan because of feeling grief.
Groaning can be caused by feeling a terrible, oppressive burden.
Other ways to translate "groan" could include, "give a low cry of pain" or "grieve deeply."
As a noun, this could be translated as, "a low cry of distress" or "a deep murmur of pain."

(See also: cry)

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 05:02
Hebrews 13:17
Job 23:02
Psalms 032:3-4
Psalms 102:5-6

Word Data:

Strong's: H584, H585, H602, H603, H1901, H1993, H5008, H5009, H5098, H5594, H7581, G4726, G4727, G4959

Forms Found in the English ULB:

groan, groaned, groaning, groanings, groans, sigh, sighed, sighed deeply, sighing

guilt

Related Ideas:

guilty, accountable, reason for a penalty

Definition:

The term "guilt" refers to the fact of having sinned or committed a crime.

To "be guilty" means to have done something morally wrong, that is, to have disobeyed God.
The opposite of "guilty" is "innocent."

Translation Suggestions:

Some languages might translate "guilt" as "the weight of sin" or "the counting of sins."
Ways to translate to "be guilty" could include a word or phrase that means, to "be at fault" or "having done something morally wrong" or "having committed a sin."

(See also: innocent, iniquity, punish, sin)

Bible References:

Exodus 28:36-38
Isaiah 06:07
James 02:10-11
John 19:04
Jonah 01:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H6140, H816, H817, H818, H819, H2398, H5352, H5355, H5771, H7561, H7563, G338, G1777, G5267

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cause ... to become guilty, find guilty, guilt, guilty, held accountable, reason for ... penalty

guilt offering

Definition:

A guilt offering was an offering or sacrifice that God required an Israelite to make if he had accidentally did something wrong such as disrespect God or damage another person's property.

This offering involved the sacrifice of an animal and the payment of a fine, with silver or gold money.
In addition, the person at fault was responsible to pay for any damage that was done.

(See also: burnt offering, grain offering, sacrifice, sin offering)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 06:03
2 Kings 12:16
Leviticus 05:5-6
Numbers 06:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H817

Forms Found in the English ULB:

guilt offering, guilt offerings

hail

Related Ideas:

hailstones, hailstorm

Definitions:

This term usually refers to lumps of frozen water that fall from the sky. Although spelled the same way in English, a different word, "hail" is used in greeting someone and can mean, "hello" or "greetings to you."

Hail that comes down from the sky is in the form of balls or chunks of ice called "hailstones."
Usually hailstones are small (only a few centimeters wide), but sometimes there are hailstones that are as big as 20 centimeters wide and that weigh over a kilogram.
The book of Revelation in the New Testament describes enormous hailstones weighing 50 kilograms that God will cause to fall on earth when he judges people for their wickedness in the end times.
The word "hail" that is a formal greeting in older English literally means "rejoice" and could be translated as "Greetings!" or "Hello!"

Bible References:

Matthew 27:29
Matthew 28:8-10
Psalms 078:48
Psalms 148:08
Revelation 08:07

Word Data:

Strong's: H68, H417, H1258, H1259, G5463, G5464

Forms Found in the English ULB:

hail, hails, hailstones, hailstorm

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

harp

elated Ideas:

harpist, lyre

Definition:

A harp is a stringed musical instrument, that usually consists of a large open frame with vertical strings.

In Bible times, fir wood was used to make harps and other musical instruments.
Players of harps and lyres would hold them in the hands and play them by strumming or plucking while walking.
In many places in the Bible, harps are mentioned as instruments that were used to praise and worship God.
David wrote several psalms which were set to harp music.
He also played a harp for King Saul, to soothe the king's troubled spirit.
A lyre looks like a small harp, having strings strung across an open frame.

(See also: David, fir, psalm, Saul (OT))

Picture of a Harp:

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 15:16-18
Amos 05:23-24
Daniel 03:05
Psalm 033:1-3
Revelation 05:8

Word Data:

Strong's: H3658, H5035, H7030, G2788, G2789, G2790

Forms Found in the English ULB:

harp, harpist, harpists, harps, lyre, lyres

harvest

Related Ideas:

harvester

Definition:

The term "harvest" refers to the gathering in of ripe fruits or vegetables from the plants on which they were growing.

The harvest time normally happens at the end of a growing season.
The Israelites held a "Festival of Harvest" or "Festival of Ingathering" to celebrate the reaping of the food crops. God commanded them to offer the first fruits of these crops as a sacrifice to him.
In a figurative sense, the word "harvest" can refer to people coming to believe in Jesus or can describe a person's spiritual growth.
The idea of a harvest of spiritual crops fits with the figurative image of fruits being a picture of godly character qualities.

Translation Suggestions:

It is best to translate this term with the word that is commonly used in the language to refer to the harvesting of crops.
The event of harvesting could be translated as, "time of gathering in" or "crop gathering time" or "fruit picking time."
The verb to "harvest" could be translated as, to "gather in" or to "pick up" or to "collect."

(See also: firstfruit, festival)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 09:9-11
2 Samuel 21:7-9
Galatians 06:9-10
Isaiah 17:11
James 05:7-8
Leviticus 19:09
Matthew 09:38
Ruth 01:22

Word Data:

Strong's: H2758, H7105, H7114, G270, G1081, G2326, G4863

Forms Found in the English ULB:

harvest, harvested, harvester, harvesters, harvesting, harvests

haughty

Related Ideas:

haughtiness

Definition:

The term "haughty" means to be prideful or arrogant. Someone who is "haughty" thinks too highly of himself.

Often this term describes a proud person who persists in sinning against God.
Usually a person who is haughty boasts about himself.
A haughty person is foolish, not wise.
This term could also be translated as "proud" or "arrogant" or "self-centered."
The figurative expression "haughty eyes" could also be translated as "proud way of looking" or "looking at others as less important" or "proud person who looks down on others."

(See also: boast, proud)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 03:1-4
Isaiah 02:17
Proverbs 16:18
Proverbs 21:24
Psalm 131:1

Word Data:

Strong's: H1361, H1362, H1363, H1364, H3093, H7312

Forms Found in the English ULB:

haughtiness, haughty

head

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions

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

(See also: grain)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

head, heads

heal

Related Ideas:

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

Definition:

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

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

(See also: miracle)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

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

hell

Related Ideas:

delivered to Tartarus, hell, lake of fire

Definition:

Hell is the final place of unending pain and suffering where God will punish everyone who rebels against him and rejects his plan of saving them through Jesus' sacrifice. It is also referred to as the "lake of fire."

Hell is described as a place of fire and severe suffering.
Satan and the evil spirits who follow him will be thrown into hell for eternal punishment.
People who do not believe in Jesus' sacrifice for their sin and do not trust in him to save them will be punished forever in hell.
"Tartarus" is a name for hell borrowed from Greek religion to refer to the place where evil spirits are punished.

Translation Suggestions:

These terms should probably be translated differently since they occur in different contexts.
Some languages cannot use "lake" in the phrase "lake of fire" because it refers to water.
The term "hell" could be translated as "place of suffering" or "final place of darkness and pain."
The term "lake of fire" could also be translated as, "sea of fire" or "huge fire (of suffering)" or "field of fire."

(See also: heaven, death, Hades, abyss)

Bible References:

James 03:06
Luke 12:05
Mark 09:42-44
Matthew 05:21-22
Matthew 05:29
Matthew 10:28-31
Matthew 23:33
Matthew 25:41-43
Revelation 20:15

Word Data:

Strong's: G86, G1067, G3041, G4442, G5020, G5394

Forms Found in the English ULB:

delivered ... to Tartarus, hell, lake of fire

high place

Related Ideas:

Definition:

The term "high places" refers to the altars and shrines that were used for worshiping idols. They were usually built on higher ground, such as on a hill or mountainside.

Many of the kings of Israel sinned against God by building altars to false gods on these high places. This led the people to become deeply involved in worshiping idols.
It often happened that when a God-fearing king started ruling in Israel or Judah, often he would remove the high places or altars in order to stop the worship of these idols.
However, some of these good kings were careless and did not remove the high places, which resulted in the entire nation of Israel would continue to worship idols.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate this term could include "elevated places for idol worship" or "hilltop idol shrines" or "idol altar mounds."
Make sure it is clear that this term refers to the idol altars, not just to the high place where those altars were located.

(See also: altar, god, worship)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 09:12-13
2 Kings 16:04
Amos 04:13
Deuteronomy 33:29
Ezekiel 06:1-3
Habakkuk 03:19

Word Data:

Strong's: H1116, H1181, H1354, H4791, H7311, H7413

Forms Found in the English ULB:

high place, high places

high priest

Related Ideas:

high priesthood

Definition:

The term "high priest" refers to a special priest who was appointed to serve for one year as the leader of all the other Israelite priests.

The high priest had special responsibilities. He was the only one who was permitted to go into the most holy part of the temple to offer a special sacrifice once a year.
The Israelites had many priests, but only one high priest at a time.
When Jesus was being arrested, Caiaphas was the official high priest. Caiphas' father-in-law Annas is also mentioned sometimes because he was a former high priest who probably still had power and authority over the people.

Translation Suggestions:

"High priest" could be translated as "supreme priest" or "highest ranking priest."
Make sure this term is translated differently from the term "chief priest."

(See also: Annas, Caiaphas, chief priests, priest, temple)

Bible References:

Acts 05:27
Acts 07:01
Acts 09:01
Exodus 30:10
Hebrews 06:19-20
Leviticus 16:32
Luke 03:02
Mark 02:25-26
Matthew 26:3-5
Matthew 26:51-54

Word Data:

Strong's: H7218, H1419, H3548, G748, G749

Forms Found in the English ULB:

high priest, high priesthood, high priests

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

holy city

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "holy city" refers to the city of Jerusalem.

This term is used to refer to the ancient city of Jerusalem as well as the new, heavenly Jerusalem where God will live and reign among his people.
This term can be translated by combining the terms for "holy" and "city" that have been used in the rest of the translation.

(See also: heaven, holy, Jerusalem)

Bible References:

Matthew 04:5-6
Matthew 27:51-53
Revelation 21:1-2
Revelation 21:9-10
Revelation 22:18-19

Word Data:

Strong's: H5892, H6944, G40, G4172

Forms Found in the English ULB:

holy cities, holy city

holy place

Definition:

In the Bible, the terms "the holy place" and "the most holy place" refer to the two parts of the tabernacle or temple building.

The "holy place" was the first room, and it contained the altar of incense and the table with the special "bread of the presence" on it.
The "most holy place" was the second, innermost room, and it contained the ark of the covenant.
A thick, heavy curtain separated the outer room from the inner room.
The high priest was the only one who was permitted to go into the most holy place.
Sometimes "holy place" refers to both the building and courtyard areas of either the temple or tabernacle. It could also refer generally to any place that is set apart for God.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "holy place" could also be translated as "room set apart for God" or "special room for meeting God" or "place reserved for God."
The term "most holy place" could be translated as "room that is the most set apart for God" or "most special room for meeting God."
Depending on the context, ways to translate the general expression "a holy place" could include "a consecrated place" or "a place that God has set apart" or "a place in the temple complex, which is holy" or "a courtyard of God's holy temple."

(See also: altar of incense, ark of the covenant, bread, consecrate, court, curtain, holy, set apart, tabernacle, temple)

Bible References:

1 Kings 06:16-18
Acts 06:12-15
Exodus 26:33
Exodus 31:10-11
Ezekiel 41:01
Ezra 09:8-9
Hebrews 09:1-2
Leviticus 16:18
Matthew 24:15-18
Revelation 15:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H1964, H4720, H4725, H5116, H6918, H6944, G39, G40, G3485, G5117

Forms Found in the English ULB:

holy place

honey

Related Ideas:

honeycomb

Definition:

"Honey" is the sweet, sticky, edible substance that honeybees make out of flower nectar. Honeycomb is the waxy frame where the bees store honey.

Depending on the kind, honey can be yellowish or brownish in color.
Honey can be found in the wild, such as in the hollow of a tree, or wherever bees make a nest. People also raise bees in hives in order to produce honey to eat or sell, but probably the honey mentioned in the Bible was wild honey.
Three people that the Bible specifically mentions as eating wild honey were Jonathan, Samson, and John the Baptist.
This term is often used figuratively to describe something that is sweet or very pleasurable. For example, God's words and decrees are said to be "sweeter than honey."
Sometimes a person's words are described as seeming sweet like honey, but instead result in deceiving and harming others.

(See also: John (the Baptist), Jonathan, Philistines, Samson)

Bible References:

1 Kings 14:1-3
Deuteronomy 06:3
Exodus 13:3-5
Joshua 05:06
Proverbs 05:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H1706, H3293, H3295, H5317, H6688, G3192

Forms Found in the English ULB:

honey, honeycomb

honor

Related Ideas:

dignified, esteem, held in honor, highly regarded, honorable, of high standing, places of honor, recognition

Definition:

The terms "honor" and to "honor" refer to giving someone respect, esteem, or reverence.

Honor is usually given to someone who is of higher status and importance, such as a king or God.
God instructs Christians to honor others.
Children are instructed to honor their parents in ways that include respecting them and obeying them.
The terms "honor" and "glory" are often used together, especially when referring to Jesus. These may be two different ways of referring to the same thing.
Ways of honoring God include thanking and praising him, and showing him respect by obeying him and living in a way that shows how great he is.
To "esteem" someone is to consider him worthy of great honor.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate "honor" could include "respect" or "esteem" or "high regard."
The term to "honor" could be translated as to "show special respect to" or to "cause to be praised" or to "show high regard for" or to "highly value."

(See also: dishonor, glory, glory, praise)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 02:8
Acts 19:17
John 04:44
John 12:26
Mark 06:04
Matthew 15:06

Word Data:

Strong's: H1420, H1921, H1922, H1923, H1926, H1935, H2082, H2142, H3366, H3367, H3368, H3372, H3373, H3374, H3444, H3513, H3519, H3655, H3678, H5081, H5082, H5375, H5457, H6213, H6286, H6437, H6942, H6944, H6965, H7236, H7613, H7812, H8597, H8416, G820, G1391, G1392, G1741, G1784, G2151, G2233, G2570, G3170, G4411, G4586, G5091, G5092, G5093, G5399

Forms Found in the English ULB:

dignified, esteem, held in honor, highly regarded, honor, honorable, honored, honoring, honors, of high standing, places of honor, recognition

hoof

Related Ideas:

tracks

Definitions:

These terms refer to the hard material covering the bottom of the feet of certain animals such as camels, cattle, deer, horses, donkeys, pigs, oxen, sheep, and goats.

An animal's hooves protect its feet when walking.
Some animals have hooves that are split into two parts and others do not.
God told the Israelites that animals which had split hooves and chewed a cud were considered clean to eat. This included cattle, sheep, deer, and oxen.
"Tracks" are the marks that animals' hooves make on the ground.

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

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 14:06
Ezekiel 26:9-11
Leviticus 11:04
Psalms 069:31

Word Data:

Strong's: H6119, H6471, H6536, H6541, H7272

Forms Found in the English ULB:

hoof, hoofs, hooves, tracks

hope

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

horn

Related Ideas:

ram's horn

Definitions:

Horns are permanent, hard, pointed growths on the heads of many types of animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and deer.

The horn of a ram (male sheep) was made into a musical instrument called a "ram's horn" or "shofar," which was blown for special events such as religious festivals.
The term "horn" was sometimes used to refer to a "flask" that was shaped like a horn and was used for holding water or oil. A flask of oil was used for anointing a king, as Samuel did with David.
This term should be translated with a word that is different from the word that refers to a trumpet.
The term "horn" is also used figuratively as a symbol of strength, power, authority, and royalty.
God told the Israelites to make a horn-shaped projection on each of the four corners of the incense and brazen altars. Although these projections were called "horns," they were not actually animal horns.

(See also: authority, cow, deer, goat, power royal, sheep, trumpet)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 15:27-28
1 Kings 01:39
2 Samuel 22:03
Jeremiah 17:01
Psalms 022:21

Word Data:

Strong's:H3104, H7160, H7161, H7162, H7782, G2768

Forms Found in the English ULB:

horn, horned, horns, ram's horn, rams' horns

horror

Related Ideas:

bristle, horrible, horribly, horrified, horrifying thing, object of horror, shock

Definition:

The term "horror" refers to a very intense feeling of fear or terror. The person who is feeling horror is said to be "horrified."

Horror is more dramatic and intense than ordinary fear.
Usually when someone is horrified they are also in shock or stunned.
The word "bristle" means to have one's hair stand up because one is feeling horror or terror.
The word "shocked" means that one is unable to think or act because something bad has happened.

(See also: fear, terror)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 28:37
Ezekiel 23:33
Jeremiah 02:12-13
Job 21:4-6
Psalms 055:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H1091, H1763, H2189, H4032, H4923, H5892, H6343, H6427, H7588, H8047, H8074, H8077, H8078, H8175, H8178, H8186

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bristle, bristled, horrible, horribly, horrified, horrifying, horrifying thing, horror, horrors, object of horror, objects of horror, shocked, source of horror

horse

Related Ideas:

horseback, warhorse

Definition:

A horse is a large, four-legged animal that in Bible times was mostly used for doing farm work and for transporting people.

Some horses were used to pull carts or chariots, while others were used to carry individual riders.
Horses often wear a bit and bridle on their heads so they can be guided.
In the Bible, horses were considered to be valuable possessions and a measure of wealth, mainly because of their use in war. For example, part of King Solomon's great wealth was the thousands of horses and chariots that he had.
Animals that are similar to the horse are the donkey and the mule.

(See also: chariot, , donkey, Solomon)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 18:04
2 Kings 02:11
Exodus 14:23-25
Ezekiel 23:5-7
Zechariah 06:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H47, H5483, H5484, H6571, H7409, G2462

Forms Found in the English ULB:

horse, horseback, horses, horses', strong horses, warhorse, warhorses

horseman

Definition:

In Bible times, the term "horsemen" referred to men who rode horses into battle.

Warriors who rode in horse-pulled chariots may also have been called "horsemen," though this term usually refers to men who were actually riding on horses.
The Israelites believed that using horses in battle placed too much emphasis on their own strength rather than on Yahweh, so they did not have many horsemen.
This term could also be translated as "horse riders" or "men on horses."

(See also: chariot, horse)

Bible References:

1 Kings 01:05
Daniel 11:40-41
Exodus 14:23-25
Genesis 50:7-9

Word Data:

Strong's: H6571, H7395, G2460

Forms Found in the English ULB:

horseman, horsemen

hour

Definition:

In addition to being used to refer to when or how long something took place, the term "hour" is also used in several figurative ways:

When the text says that the "hour had come" for Jesus to suffer and be put to death, this means that it was the appointed time for this to happen—the time that God had selected long ago.
The phrase "that hour" is also used to mean "at that moment" or "right then."
When the text talks about the "hour" being late, this means that it was late in the day, when the sun would soon be setting.

Translation Suggestions:

When used figuratively, the term "hour" can be translated as "time" or "moment" or "appointed time."
The phrase "in that very hour" or "the same hour" could be translated as "at that moment" or "at that time" or "immediately" or "right then."
The expression "the hour was late" could be translated as "it was late in the day" or "it would soon be getting dark" or "it was late afternoon."
Referring to Jesus, the expression "his hour had come" could be translated as, "the time had come for him" or "it was the appointed time for him."

(See also: hour (biblical time))

Bible References:

Mark 14:35
1 Corinthians 15:30

Word Data:

Strong's: G5610

Forms Found in the English ULB:

appointed time, hour, hours, moment, time, while

hour (biblical time)

Definition:

The term "hour" is often used in the Bible to tell what time of day a certain event took place. It is also used figuratively to mean "moment," "a while" or "time".

The Jews counted daylight hours starting at sunrise (around 6 a.m.). For example, "the ninth hour" meant "around three in the afternoon."
Nighttime hours were counted starting at sunset (around 6 p.m.). For example, "the third hour of the night" meant "around nine in the evening" in our present-day system.
Sometimes "hour" refers to a regular, scheduled time to do something, such as the "hour of prayer."

Translation Suggestions:

Since references to time in the Bible will not correspond exactly to the present-day time system, phrases such as "around nine" or "about six o'clock" could be used.
Some translations might add phrases like "in the evening" or "in the morning" or "in the afternoon" to make it clear what time of day is being talked about.
The phrase, "in that hour" could be translated as, "at that time" or "in that moment."

(See also: hour)

Bible References:

Matthew 20:03
Luke 23:44
John 04:51-52
Acts 02:15
Acts 10:30

Word Data:

Strong's: G5610

Forms Found in the English ULB:

hour, hours

house

Related Ideas:

home, residence

Definition:

The term "house" is often used figuratively in the Bible.

Sometimes it means "household," referring to the people who live together in one house.
Often "house" refers to a person's descendants or other relatives. For example, the phrase "house of David" refers to all the descendants of King David.
The terms "house of God" and "house of Yahweh" refer to the tabernacle or temple. These expressions can also refer generally to where God is or dwells.
In Hebrews 3, "God's house" is used as a metaphor to refer to God's people or, more generally, to everything pertaining to God.
A "residence" is any place in which people live without plans to move to another place.

Translation Suggestions

Depending on the context, "house" could be translated as "household" or "people" or "family" or "descendants" or "temple" or "dwelling place."
The phrase "house of David" could be translated as "clan of David" or "family of David" or "descendants of David." Related expressions could be translated in a similar way.
Different ways to translate "house of Israel" could include "people of Israel" or "Israel's descendants" or "Israelites."
The phrase "house of Yahweh" could be translated as "Yahweh's temple" or "place where Yahweh is worshiped" or "place where Yahweh meets with his people" or "where Yahweh dwells."
"House of God" could be translated in a similar way.

(See also: David, descendant, house of God, household, kingdom of Israel, tabernacle, temple, Yahweh)

Bible References:

Acts 07:42
Acts 07:49
Genesis 39:04
Genesis 41:40
Luke 08:39
Matthew 10:06
Matthew 15:24

Word Data:

Strong's: H1004, H1005, H4585, H5116, G3609, G3613, G3614, G3624

Forms Found in the English ULB:

home, homes, house, house's, houses, residence

house of David

Facts:

The expression "house of David" refers to the family or descendants of King David.

This could also be translated as "descendants of David" or "family of David" or "King David's clan."
Because Jesus was descended from David, he was part of the "house of David."
Sometimes "house of David" or "household of David" refers to the people in David's family who were still living.
Other times this term is more general and refers to all his descendants, including those who had already died.

(See also: David, descendant, house, Jesus, king)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 10:19
2 Samuel 03:06
Luke 01:69-71
Psalms 122:05
Zechariah 12:07

Word Data:

Strong's: H1004, H1732, G1138, G3624

Forms Found in the English ULB:

house of David

house of God

Related Ideas:

house of Yahweh

Definition:

In the Bible, the phrases "house of God" (God's house) and "house of Yahweh (Yahweh's house) refer to a place where God is worshiped.

This term is also used more specifically to refer to the tabernacle or the temple.
Sometimes "God's house" is used to refer to the people of God.

Translation Suggestions:

When referring to a place of worship, this term could be translated as "a house for worshiping God" or "a place for worshiping God."
If it is referring to the temple or tabernacle, this could be translated as "the temple (or tabernacle) where God is worshiped (or "where God is present" or "where God meets with his people.")
The word "house" may be important to use in the translation in order to communicate that God "dwells" there, that is, his spirit is in that place to meet with his people and to be worshiped by them.

(See also: people of God, tabernacle, temple)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 03:14-15
2 Chronicles 23:8-9
Ezra 05:13
Genesis 28:17
Judges 18:30-31
Mark 02:26
Matthew 12:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H426, H430, H1004, H1005, H3068, G2316, G3624

Forms Found in the English ULB:

house of ... God, house of Yahweh

household

Related Ideas:

household members

Definition:

The term "household" refers to all the people who live together in a house, including family members and all their servants.

Managing a household would involves directing the servants and also taking care of the property.
Sometimes "household" can refer figuratively to the whole family line of someone, especially his descendants.

(See also: house)

Bible References:

Acts 07:10
Galatians 06:10
Genesis 07:01
Genesis 34:19
John 04:53
Matthew 10:25
Matthew 10:36
Philippians 04:22

Word Data:

Strong's: H1004, H5657, G2322, G3609, G3614, G3615, G3616, G3623, G3624, G3626

Forms Found in the English ULB:

household, household members, households, members of household

humble

Related Ideas:

humbly, humility, lowliness of mind

Definition:

The term "humble" describes a person who does not think of himself as better than others. He is not proud or arrogant. Humility is the quality of being humble.

To be humble before God means to understand one's weakness and imperfection in comparison with his greatness, wisdom and perfection.
When a person humbles himself, he puts himself in a position of lower importance.
Humility is caring about the needs of others more than one's own needs.
Humility also means serving with a modest attitude when using one's gifts and abilities.
The phrase "be humble" could be translated as "don't be prideful."
"Humble yourself before God" could be translated as "Submit your will to God, recognizing his greatness."

(See also: proud)

Bible References:

James 01:21
James 03:13
James 04:10
Luke 14:11
Luke 18:14
Matthew 18:04
Matthew 23:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H1792, H3665, H6031, H6035, H6038, H6041, H6800, H6819, H7511, H7807, H7812, H8213, H8214, H8215, H8217, H8467, G858, G4236, G4239, G4240, G5011, G5012, G5013, G5391

Forms Found in the English ULB:

humble, humbled, humbles, humbling, humbly, humility, lowliness of mind

humiliate

Related Ideas:

abase, humiliation

Definitions:

The term "humiliate" means to cause someone to feel shamed or disgraced. This is usually done publicly. The act of shaming someone is called "humiliation."

To "humiliate" could also be translated as to "shame" or to "cause to feel shame" or to "embarrass".
Depending on the context, ways to translate "humiliation" could include "shame" or "degrading" or "disgrace."
To "abase" something means to bring it down low.
To "abase" someone means to humiliate him.
When God humbles someone it means that he causes a prideful person to experience failure to help him overcome his pride. This is different from humiliating someone, which is often done in order to hurt a person.

(See also: disgrace, humble, shame)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 21:14
Ezra 09:05
Proverbs 25:7-8
Psalms 006:8-10
Psalms 123:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H937, H954, H1421, H2659, H2778, H2781, H3001, H3637, H3639, H6030, H6031, H6256, H7034, H7043, H7511, H7817, H8216, H8213, H8217, H8589, G2617, G5014

Forms Found in the English ULB:

abase, abased, humiliate, humiliated, humiliation

hypocrite

Related Ideas:

hypocrisy

Definition:

The term "hypocrite" refers to a person who does things to appear righteous, but who secretly is acting in evil ways. The term "hypocrisy" refers to the behavior that deceives people into thinking a person is righteous.

Hypocrites want to be seen doing good things so that people will think that they are good people.
Often a hypocrite will criticize other people for doing the same sinful things that they themselves do.
Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites because although they acted religiously like wearing certain clothes and eating certain foods, they were not kind or fair to people.
A hypocrite points out faults in other people, but doesn't admit his own faults.

Translation Suggestions:

Some languages have an expression like "two-faced" that refers to a hypocrite or a hypocrite's actions.
Other ways to translate "hypocrite" could include "fraud" or "pretender" or "arrogant, deceitful person."
The term "hypocrisy" could be translated by, "deception" or "fake actions" or "pretending."

Bible References:

Galatians 02:13
Luke 06:41-42
Luke 12:54-56
Luke 13:15
Mark 07:6-7
Matthew 06:1-2
Romans 12:09

Word Data:

Strong's: G505, G5272, G5273

Forms Found in the English ULB:

hypocrisy, hypocrite, hypocrites

image

Related Ideas:

carved figure, cast metal figure, statue

Definition:

These terms are all used to refer to idols that have been made for worshiping a false god. In the context of worshiping idols, the term "image" is a shortened form of "carved image."

A "carved image" or "carved figure" is a wooden object that has been made to look like an animal, person, or thing.
A "cast metal figure" is an object or statue created by melting metal and pouring it into a mold that is in the shape of an object, animal, or person.
These wooden and metal objects were used in the worship of false gods.
The term "image" when referring to an idol could either refer to a wooden or metal idol.

Translation Suggestions:

When referring to an idol, the term "image" could also be translated as "statue" or "engraved idol" or "carved religious object."
It may be more clear in some languages to always use a descriptive word with this term, such as "carved image" or "cast metal figure," even in places where only the term "image" or "figure" is in the original text.

(See also: god, God, god, image of God)

Bible References:

1 Kings 14:9-10
Acts 07:43
Isaiah 21:8-9
Matthew 22:21
Romans 01:23

Word Data:

Strong's: H457, H1544, H1823, H4541, H4676, H4853, H4906, H5257, H5262, H5566, H6091, H6456, H6459, H6754, H6755, H6816, H8403, H8544, H8655, G1504, G5179

Forms Found in the English ULB:

carved figure, carved figures, carved image, carved images, cast metal figure, cast metal figures, cast metal images, castings, figure, figures, image, images, statue

image of God

Definition:

The term "image" refers to something that looks like something else or that is like someone in character or essence. The phrase "image of God" is used in different ways, depending on the context.

At the beginning of time, God created human beings "in his image," that is, "in his likeness." This means that people have certain characteristics that reflect the image of God, such as the ability to feel emotion, the ability to reason and communicate, and a spirit that lives eternally.
The Bible teaches that Jesus, God's Son, is "the image of God," that is, he is God himself. Unlike human beings, Jesus was not created. From all eternity God the Son has had all the divine characteristics because he has had the same essence with God the Father.

Translation Suggestions:

When referring to Jesus, "image of God" could be translated as "exact likeness of God" or "same essence as God" or "same being as God."
When referring to human beings, "God created them in his image" could be translated with a phrase that means "God created them to be like him" or "God created them with characteristics like his own."

(See also: image, Son of God, Son of God)

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 04:3-4
Colossians 03:9-11
Genesis 01:26-27
Genesis 09:06
James 03:9-10
Romans 08:28-30

Word Data:

Strong's: H6459, H6754, G1504, G2316

Forms Found in the English ULB:

image of God

imitate

Related Ideas:

imitator

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

Bible References:

3 John 01:11
Matthew 23:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H6213, G3401, G3402

Forms Found in the English ULB:

imitate, imitator, imitators

in Christ

Related Ideas:

in Christ Jesus, in Jesus, in the Lord, in the Lord Jesus, into Christ

Definition:

The phrase "in Christ" and related terms refer to the state or condition of being in relationship with Jesus Christ through faith in him.

Other related terms include "in Christ Jesus, in Jesus Christ, in the Lord Jesus, in the Lord Jesus Christ."
Possible meanings for the term "in Christ" could include "because you belong to Christ" or "through the relationship you have with Christ" or "based on your faith in Christ."
These related terms all have the same meaning of being in a state of believing in Jesus and being his disciple.
Note: Sometimes the word "in" belongs with the verb. For example, "share in Christ" means to "share in" the benefits that come from knowing Christ. To "glory in" Christ means to be glad and give praise to God for who Jesus is and what he has done. To "believe in" Christ means to trust him as Savior and know him.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, different ways to translate "in Christ" and "in the Lord" (and related phrases) could include:
"who belong to Christ"
"because you believe in Christ"
"because Christ has saved us"
"in service to the Lord"
"relying on the Lord"
"because of what the Lord has done."
People who "believe in" Christ or who "have faith in" Christ believe what Jesus taught and are trusting him to save them because of his sacrifice on the cross that paid the penalty for their sins. Some languages may have one word that translates verbs like "believe in" or "share in" or "trust in."

(See also: Christ, lord, Jesus, believe, faith)

Bible References:

1 John 02:05
2 Corinthians 02:17
2 Timothy 01:01
Galatians 01:22
Galatians 02:17
Philemon 01:06
Revelation 01:10
Romans 09:01

Word Data:

Strong's: G2962, G5547

Forms Found in the English ULB:

in Christ, in Christ Jesus, in Jesus, in him, in the Lord, in the Lord Jesus, into Christ

incense

Related Ideas:

censer, sweet aroma

Definition:

The term "incense" refers to a mixture of fragrant spices that is burned to produce smoke that has a pleasant smell.

God told the Israelites to burn incense as an offering to him.
The incense had to be made by mixing equal amounts of five specific spices exactly as God directed. This was a sacred incense, so they were not allowed to use it for any other purpose.
The "altar of incense" was a special altar that was only used for burning incense.
The incense was offered at least four times a day, at each hour of prayer. It was also offered every time a burnt offering was made.
The burning of incense represents prayer and worship rising up to God from his people.
Other ways to translate "incense" could include "fragrant spices" or "good-smelling plants."
A "censer" is a pan or small pot that holds burning incence.

(See also: altar of incense, burnt offering, frankincense)

Bible References:

1 Kings 03:1-3
2 Chronicles 13:10-11
2 Kings 14:04
Exodus 25:3-7
Luke 01:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H3828, H4196, H5208, H6988, H6999, H7002, H7004, H7381, G2368, G2369, G2370, G2379, G3031

Forms Found in the English ULB:

censers, incense, incenses, sweet aroma

inherit

Related Ideas:

heritage, inheritance,legacy

Definition:

The term "inherit" refers to receiving something valuable from a parent or other person because of a special relationship with that person. The "inheritance" is what is received.

A physical inheritance that is received may be money, land, or other kinds of property.
A spiritual inheritance is everything that God gives people who trust in Jesus, including blessings in the present life as well as eternal life with him.
The Bible also calls God's people his inheritance, which means that they belong to him; they are his valued possession.
God promised Abraham and his descendants that they would inherit the land of Canaan, that it would belong to them forever.
There is also a figurative or spiritual sense in which people who belong to God are said to "inherit the land." This means that they will prosper and be blessed by God in both physical and spiritual ways.
In the New Testament, God promises that those who trust in Jesus will "inherit salvation" and "inherit eternal life." It is also expressed as, "inherit the kingdom of God." This is a spiritual inheritance that lasts forever.
There are other figurative meanings for these terms:
The Bible says that wise people will "inherit glory" and righteous people will "inherit good things."
To "inherit the promises" means to receive the good things that God has promised to give his people.
This term is also used in a negative sense to refer to foolish or disobedient people who "inherit the wind" or "inherit folly." This means they receive the consequences of their sinful actions, including punishment and worthless living.

Translation Suggestions:

As always, consider first whether there are already terms in the target language for the concept of an heir or an inheritance, and use those terms.
Depending on the context, other ways that the term "inherit" could be translated might include "receive" or "possess" or "come into possession of."
Ways to translate "inheritance" could include "promised gift" or "secure possession."
When God's people are referred to as his inheritance this could be translated as "valued ones belonging to him."
The term "heir" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "privileged child who receives the father's possessions" or "person chosen to receive (God's) spiritual possessions or blessings."
The term "heritage" could be translated as "blessings from God" or "inherited blessings."

(See also: heir, Canaan, Promised Land)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 06:09
1 Peter 01:04
2 Samuel 21:03
Acts 07:4-5
Deuteronomy 20:16
Galatians 05:21
Genesis 15:07
Hebrews 09:15
Jeremiah 02:07
Luke 15:11
Matthew 19:29
Psalm 079:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H2490, H2506, H3423, H3425, H4181, H5157, H5159, G2816, G2817, G2819

Forms Found in the English ULB:

heritage, inherit, inheritance, inheritances, inherited, legacy

iniquity

Definition:

The term "iniquity" is a word that is very similar in meaning to the term "sin," but may more specifically refer to conscious acts of wrongdoing or great wickedness.

The word "iniquity" literally means a twisting or distorting (of the law). It refers to major injustice.
Iniquity could be described as deliberate, harmful actions against other people.
Other definitions of iniquity include "perversity" and "depravity," which are both words that describe conditions of terrible sin.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "iniquity" could be translated as "wickedness" or "perverse actions" or "harmful acts."
Often, "iniquity" occurs in the same text as the word "sin" and "transgression" so it is important to have different ways of translating these terms.

(See also: sin, transgress, trespass)

Bible References:

Daniel 09:13
Exodus 34:5-7
Genesis 15:14-16
Genesis 44:16
Habakkuk 02:12
Matthew 13:41
Matthew 23:27-28
Micah 03:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H205, H5753, H5758, H5766, H5771, H5999, H7451, H7562

Forms Found in the English ULB:

commits iniquity, guilt of ... iniquity, iniquities, iniquity

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

inquire

Related Ideas:

ask for, consult for guidance, inquiriy, investigate, investigation

Definitions:

The term "inquire" means to ask someone for information. The expression "inquire of" is often used to refer to asking God for wisdom or help.

The Old Testament records several instances where people inquired of God.
Depending on the context, "inquire" could be translated as "ask" or "ask for information."
The expression "inquire of Yahweh" could be translated as "ask Yahweh for guidance" or "ask Yahweh what to do."
To "inquire after" something could be translated as "ask questions about" or "ask for information about."
When Yahweh says "I will not be inquired of by you," this could be translated as "I will not allow you to ask me for information" or "you will not be permitted to seek help from me."
The word "inquire" or "investigate" can also be used of a king or government official making a search through official written records.
To investigate something can also be to study it in order to learn more about it.

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 19:18
Ezekiel 20:1
Ezekiel 20:30-32
Ezra 07:14
Job 10:07

Word Data:

Strong's: H1239, H1240, H1245, H1875, H2713, G1830, G2045

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ask for, consult for guidance, inquire, inquired, inquires, inquiries, inquiring, investigate, investigated, investigating, investigation

instruct

Related Ideas:

instruction, instructor

Definitions:

The terms "instruct" and "instruction" refer to giving specific directions about what to do.

To "give instructions" means to tell someone specifically what he is supposed to do.
When Jesus gave the disciples the bread and fish to distribute to the people, he gave them specific instructions about how to do it.
Depending on the context, the term "instruct" could also be translated as "tell" or "direct" or "teach" or "give instructions to."
The term "instructions" could be translated as "directions" or "explanations" or "what he has told you to do."
When God gives instructions, this term is sometimes translated as "commands" or "orders."

(See also: command, decree, teach)

Bible References:

Exodus 14:04
Genesis 26:05
Hebrews 11:22
Matthew 10:05
Matthew 11:01
Proverbs 01:30

Word Data:

Strong's: H631, H1696, H1697, H3256, H3289, H3384, H3948, H4148, H4156, H4687, H4931, H4941, H6098, H6490, H6680, H7919, H8451, G1256, G1291, G1299, G1319, G1321, G1378, G1781, G1785, G2012, G2727, G2753, G3559, G3560, G3807, G3810, G3811, G3852, G3853, G4264, G4367, G4822, G4929

Forms Found in the English ULB:

gave ... instructions, instruct, instructed, instructing, instruction, instructions, instructor, instructors, instructs

integrity

Definition:

The term "integrity" refers to being honest, with strong moral principles and behavior is said to have integrity.

Having integrity also means choosing to do what is honest and right even when nobody else is watching.
Certain characters in the Bible, such as Joseph and Daniel, showed integrity when they refused to do evil and chose to obey God.
The book of Proverbs says that it is better to be poor and have integrity than to be rich and corrupt or dishonest.

Translation Suggestions

The term "integrity" could also be translated as "honesty" or "moral uprightness" or "behaving truthfully" or "acting in a trustworthy, honest manner."

(See also: Daniel, Joseph (OT))

Bible References:

1 Kings 09:04
Job 02:3
Job 04:06
Proverbs 10:8-9
Psalm 026:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H3476, H6664, H6666, H8535, H8537, H8537, H8538, H8549

Forms Found in the English ULB:

integrity

intercede

Related Ideas:

intercession, petition

Definition:

The terms "intercede" and "intercession" refer to making requests to someone on behalf of another person. In the Bible this usually refers to praying for other people.

The expressions "make intercession for" and "intercede for" mean to make requests to God for the benefit of other people.
The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, that is, he prays to God for us.
A person intercedes for other people by making requests for them to someone in authority.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate "intercede" could include "plead for" or "urge (someone) to do something (for someone else)."
The noun "intercessions" could be translated as "appeals" or "requests" or "urgent prayers."
The phrase "make intercession for" could be translated as "make requests for the benefit of" or "make an appeal on behalf of" or "ask God to help" or "appeal to God to bless (someone)."

(See also: pray)

Bible References:

Hebrews 07:25-26
Isaiah 53:12
Jeremiah 29:6-7
Romans 08:26-27
Romans 08:33-34

Word Data:

Strong's: H6293, H6419, G1783, G1793, G5241

Forms Found in the English ULB:

intercede, intercedes, interceding, intercession, petition, petitions

interpret

Related Ideas:

interpretation, interpreter, translate

Definitions:

The terms "interpret" and "interpretation" refer to understanding and explaining the meaning of something.

Often in the Bible these terms are used in connection with explaining the meaning of dreams or visions.
In the Old Testament, God sometimes used dreams to reveal to people what would happen in the future. So the interpretations of those dreams were prophecies.
The term "interpret" can refer to figuring out the meaning of other things, such as seeing what the sky looks like and figuring out whether or not it will rain or be windy.
The terms "interpret" and "translate" can refer to explaining what is said in one language to people who speak another language.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate the term "interpret" include "figure out the meaning of" or "explain" or "give the meaning of."
The term "interpretation" could also be translated as "explanation" or "meaning."

(See also: Babylon, Daniel, dream, prophet, vision)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 12:10
Daniel 04:4-6
Genesis 40:4-5
Judges 07:15-16
Luke 12:56

Word Data:

Strong's: H995, H3887, H6591, H6622, H6623, H7760, H7922, G1252, G1328, G1329, G1381, G1955, G2058, G3177, G4793

Forms Found in the English ULB:

interpret, interpretation, interpretations, interpreted, interpreter, interpreting, interprets, translated

is written

Definition:

The phrase "as it is written" or "what is written" occurs frequently in the New Testament and usually refers to commands or prophecies that were written in the Hebrew scriptures.

Sometimes "as it is written" refers to what was written in the Law of Moses.
Other times it is a quote from what one of the prophets wrote in the Old Testament.
This could be translated "as it is written in the Law of Moses" or "as the prophets wrote long ago" or "what it says in God's laws that Moses wrote down long ago".
Another option is to keep "It is written" and give a footnote that explains what this means.

(See also: command, law of Moses, prophet, word of God)

Bible References:

1 John 05:13-15
Acts 13:29
Exodus 32:15-16
John 21:25
Luke 03:4
Mark 09:12
Matthew 04:06
Revelation 01:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H874, H3789, G1125

Forms Found in the English ULB:

are ... written, had ... been written, has ... been written, have ... been written, is ... written, is it ... written, it is written, it was written, Moses ... wrote, was written, were ... written

jealous

Related Ideas:

jealousy

Definition:

The terms "jealous" and "jealousy" refer to a strong desire to protect the purity of a relationship. They can also refer to a strong desire to keep possession of something or someone.

These terms are often used to describe the angry feeling that a person has toward a spouse who has been unfaithful in their marriage.
When used in the Bible, these terms often refer to God's strong desire for his people to remain pure and unstained by sin.
God is also "jealous" for his name, desiring that it be treated with honor and reverence.
Another meaning of jealous involves being angry that someone else is successful or more popular. This is close in meaning to the word "envious."

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "jealous" could include "strong protective desire" or "possessive desire."
The term "jealousy" could be translated as "strong protective feeling" or "possessive feeling."
When talking about God, make sure the translation of these terms does not give a negative meaning of being resentful of someone else.
In the context of people's wrong feelings of anger toward toward other people who are more successful, the terms "envious" and "envy" could be used. But these terms should not be used for God.

(See also: envy)

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 12:20
Deuteronomy 05:09
Exodus 20:05
Ezekiel 36:05
Joshua 24:19
Nahum 01:2-3
Romans 13:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H7065, H7067, H7068, H7072, G2205, G2206, G3863

Forms Found in the English ULB:

jealous, jealousy

joy

Related Ideas:

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

Definition:

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

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

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

judge

Related Ideas:

act of judging, consider, decide, decision, give justice, give judgment, judgment, judgment seat

Definition:

The terms "judge" and "judgment" often refer to making a decision about whether something is morally right or wrong.

The "judgment of God" often refers to his decision to condemn something or someone as sinful.
God's judgment usually includes punishing people for their sin.
The term "judge" can also mean "condemn." God instructs his people not to judge each other in this way.
Another meaning is "arbitrate between" or "judge between," as in deciding which person is right in a dispute between them.
In some contexts, God's "judgments" are what he has decided is right and just. They are similar to his decrees, laws, or precepts.
"Judgment" can refer to the ability to make decisions. A person with "sound judgment" is wise, able to make good decisions, while a person who lacks "judgment" does not have the wisdom to make wise decisions.
The "judgment seat" is a place where a judge sits while he listens to testimonies and gives his decision.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, ways to translate to "judge" could include to "decide" or to "condemn" or to "punish" or to "decree."
The term "judgment" could be translated as "punishment" or "decision" or "opinion" or "verdict" or "decree" or "condemnation."
In some contexts, the phrase "in the judgment" could also be translated as "on judgment day" or "during the time when God judges people."

(See also: decree, judge, judgment day, justice, law, law of Moses)

Bible References:

1 John 04:17
1 Kings 03:09
Acts 10:42-43
Isaiah 03:14
James 02:04
Luke 06:37
Micah 03:9-11
Psalm 054:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H148, H430, H1777, H1778, H1779, H1781, H1782, H2664, H2713, H2742, H2803, H2940, H3198, H4406, H4941, H6414, H6416, H6417, H6419, H6485, H7081, H7378, H7379, H7663, H7760, H8196, H8199, H8201, G350, G968, G1097, G1106, G1252, G1341, G1345, G1348, G1380, G1492, G2233, G2917, G2919, G2920, G2922, G2923, G4997, G5272

Forms Found in the English ULB:

acts of judgment, consider, considered, considering, decide, decided, decided on, decision, give justice, giving judgment, have decided, insightful decisions, judge, judged, judges, judging, judgment, judgment seat, judgments, renders judgment, will judge

judge

Definition:

A judge is a person who decides what is right or wrong when there are disputes between people, usually in matters that pertain to the law.

In the Bible, God is often referred to as a judge because he is the one perfect judge who makes the final decisions about what is right or wrong.
After the people of Israel entered the land of Canaan and before they had kings to rule them, God appointed leaders called "judges" to lead them in times of trouble. Often these judges were military leaders who rescued the Israelites by defeating their enemies.
The term "judge" could also be called "decision-maker" or "leader" or "deliverer" or "governor," depending on the context.

(See also: governor, judge, law of Moses)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 04:08
Acts 07:27
Luke 11:19
Luke 12:14
Luke 18:1-2
Matthew 05:25
Ruth 01:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H148, H430, H1777, H1778, H1779, H1781, H1782, H6414, H6416, H6419, H8199, G350, G1252, G1348, G2919, G2922, G2923

Forms Found in the English ULB:

judge, judges, the judge, the judges, their judges, you judges

judgment day

Related Ideas:

day of judgment

Definition:

The term"judgment day" refers to a future time when God will judge every person.

God has made his Son, Jesus Christ, the judge of all people.
On judgment day, Christ will judge people on the basis of his righteous character.

Translation Suggestions:

This term could also be translated as "judgment time" since it could refer to more than one day.
Other ways to translate this term could include "the end time when God will judge all people."
Some translations capitalize this term to show that it is the name of a special day or time: "Judgment Day" or "Judgment Time."

(See also: judge, Jesus, heaven, hell)

Bible References:

Luke 10:12
Luke 11:31
Luke 11:32
Matthew 10:14-15
Matthew 12:36-37

Word Data:

Strong's: H3117, H6486, G2250, G2920

Forms Found in the English ULB:

day of judgment, judgment day, that day

justice

Related Ideas:

honest, injustice, just, justification, justify, maintain someone's rights, vindicate, vindication

Definition:

"Just" and "justice" refer to treating people fairly according to God's laws. Human laws that reflect God's standard of right behavior toward others are also just.

To be "just" is to act in a fair and right way toward others. It also implies honesty and integrity to do what is morally right in God's eyes.
To act "justly" means to treat people in a way that is right, good, and proper according to God's laws.
To receive "justice" means to be treated fairly under the law, either being protected by the law or being punished for breaking the law.
Sometimes the term "just" has the broader meaning of "righteous" or "following God's laws."
To "vindicate" someone whom others have accused of wrongdoing is to show that he has actually done what is right.

The terms "unjust" and "unjustly" refer to treating people in an unfair and often harmful manner.

An "injustice" is something bad that is done to someone that the person did not deserve. It refers to treating people unfairly.
Injustice also means that some people are treated badly while others are treated well.
Someone who is acting in an unjust way is being "partial" or "prejudiced" because he is not treating people equally.

The terms "justify" and "justification" refer to causing a guilty person to be righteous. Only God can truly justify people.

When God justifies people, he forgives their sins and makes it as though they have no sin. He justifies sinners who repent and trust in Jesus to save them from their sins.
"Justification" refers to what God does when he forgives a person's sins and declares that person to be righteous in his sight.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, other ways to translate "just" could include "morally right" or "fair."
The term "justice" could be translated as "fair treatment" or "deserved consequences."
To "act justly" could be translated as "treat fairly" or "behave in a just way."
In some contexts, "just" could be translated as "righteous" or "upright."
Depending on the context, "unjust" could also be translated as "unfair" or "partial" or "unrighteous."
The phrase "the unjust" could be translated as "the unjust ones" or "unjust people" or "people who treat others unfairly" or "unrighteous people" or "people who disobey God."
The term "unjustly" could be translated as, "in an unfair manner" or "wrongly" or "unfairly."
Ways to translate "injustice" could include, "wrong treatment" or "unfair treatment" or "acting unfairly."
Other ways to translate "justify" could include "declare (someone) to be righteous" or "cause (someone) to be righteous."
The term "justification" could be translated as "being declared righteous" or "becoming righteous" or "causing people to be righteous."
The phrase "resulting in justification" could be translated as "so that God justified many people" or "which resulted in God causing people to be righteous."
The phrase "for our justification" could be translated as "in order that we could be made righteous by God."

(See also: forgive, guilt, judge, righteous)

Bible References:

Genesis 44:16
1 Chronicles 18:14
Isaiah 04:3-4
Jeremiah 22:03
Ezekiel 18:16-17
Micah 03:8
Matthew 05:43-45
Matthew 11:19
Matthew 23:23-24
Luke 18:03
Luke 18:08
Luke 18:13-14
Luke 21:20-22
Luke 23:41
Acts 13:38-39
Acts 28:04
Romans 04:1-3
Galatians 03:6-9
Galatians 03:11
Galatians 05:3-4
Titus 03:6-7
Hebrews 06:10
James 02:24
Revelation 15:3-4

Word Data:

Strong's: H205, H2555, H3476, H3477, H4941, H5766, H5767, H6415, H6662, H6663, H6664, H6666, H8003, H8199, H8636, G91, G93, G94, G95, G1342, G1343, G1344, G1345, G1346, G1347, G1556, G1557, G1738, G2118, G2920

Forms Found in the English ULB:

desire for justice, dishonest, honest, injustice, injustices, just, justice, justification, justified, justifies, justify, justly, maintain ... rights, unjust, unjustly, vindicate, vindicated, vindication

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

kind

Definition:

The terms "kind" and "kinds" refer to groups or classifications of things that are connected by shared characteristics.

In the Bible, this term is specifically used to refer to the distinctive kinds of plants and animals that God made when he created the world.
Often there are many different variations or species within each "kind." For example, horses, zebras, and donkeys are all members of the same "kind," but they are different species.
The main thing that distinguishes each "kind" as a separate group is that members of that group can reproduce more of their same "kind." Members of different kinds cannot do that with each other.

Picture showing Kinds:

Translation Suggestions

Ways to translate this term could include "type" or "class" or "group" or "animal (plant) group" or "category."

Bible References:

Genesis 01:21
Genesis 01:24
Mark 09:29
Matthew 13:47

Word Data:

Strong's: H2178, H4327, G1085

Forms Found in the English ULB:

kind, kinds

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

kingdom

Related Ideas:

power to rule

Definition:

A kingdom is a group of people ruled by a king. It also refers to the realm or political regions over which a king or other ruler has control and authority.

A kingdom can be of any geographical size. A king might govern a nation or country or only one city.
The term "kingdom" can also refer to a spiritual reign or authority, as in the term "kingdom of God."
God is the ruler of all creation, but the term "kingdom of God" especially refers to his reign and authority over the people who have believed in Jesus and who have submitted to his authority.
The Bible also talks about Satan having a "kingdom" in which he temporarily rules over many things on this earth. His kingdom is evil and is referred to as "darkness."

Translation Suggestions:

When referring to a physical region that is ruled over by a king, the term "kingdom" could be translated as "country (ruled by a king)" or "king's territory" or "region ruled by a king."
In a spiritual sense, "kingdom" could be translated as "ruling" or "reigning" or "controlling" or "governing."
One way to translate "kingdom of priests" might be "spiritual priests who are ruled by God."
The phrase "kingdom of light" could be translated as "God's reign that is good like light" or "when God, who is light, rules people" or "the light and goodness of God's kingdom." It is best to keep the word "light" in this expression since that is a very important term in the Bible.
Note that the term "kingdom" is different from an empire, in which an emperor rules over several countries.

(See also: authority, king, kingdom of God, kingdom of Israel, Judah, Judah, priest)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 02:12
2 Timothy 04:17-18
Colossians 01:13-14
John 18:36
Mark 03:24
Matthew 04:7-9
Matthew 13:19
Matthew 16:28
Revelation 01:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H4410, H4437, H4438, H4467, H4468, H4474, H4475, G932

Forms Found in the English ULB:

kingdom, kingdoms, power to rule, kingship

kingdom of God

Related Ideas:

kingdom of Christ and God, kingdom of heaven

Definition:

The terms "kingdom of God" and "kingdom of heaven" both refer to God's rule and authority over his people and over all creation.

The Jews often used the term "heaven" to refer to God, to avoid saying his name directly.
In the New Testament book that Matthew wrote, he referred to God's kingdom as "the kingdom of heaven," probably because he was writing primarily for a Jewish audience.
The kingdom of God refers to God ruling people spiritually as well as ruling over the physical world.
The Old Testament prophets said that God would send the Messiah to rule with righteousness. Jesus, the Son of God, is the Messiah who will rule over God's kingdom forever.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "kingdom of God" can be translated as "God's rule (as king)" or "when God reigns as king" or "God's rule over everything."
The term "kingdom of heaven" could also be translated as "God's rule from heaven as king" or "God in heaven reigning" or "heaven's reign" or "heaven ruling over everything." If it is not possible to translate this simply and clearly, the phrase "kingdom of God" could be translated instead.
Some translators may prefer to capitalize "Heaven" to show that it refers to God. Others may include a note in the text, such as "kingdom of heaven (that is, 'kingdom of God')."
A footnote at the bottom of the page of a printed Bible may also be used to explain the meaning of "heaven" in this expression.

(See also: God, heaven, king, kingdom, King of the Jews, reign)

Bible References:

2 Thessalonians 01:05
Acts 08:12-13
Acts 28:23
Colossians 04:11
John 03:03
Luke 07:28
Luke 10:09
Luke 12:31-32
Matthew 03:02
Matthew 04:17
Matthew 05:10
Romans 14:17

Word Data:

Strong's: G932, G2316, G3772

Forms Found in the English ULB:

kingdom of Christ and God, kingdom of God, kingdom of heaven

kingdom of Israel

Related Words:

House of Israel

Facts:

What had been the northern part of the nation of Israel became the kingdom of Israel when the twelve tribes of Israel were divided into two kingdoms after Solomon died.

The kingdom of Israel in the north had ten tribes, and the kingdom of Judah in the south had two tribes.
The capital city of the kingdom of Israel was Samaria. It was about 50 km from Jerusalem, the capital city of the kingdom of Judah.
The phrase "house of Israel" can refer generally to the entire nation of Israel or more specifically to the tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel.
All the kings of the kingdom of Israel were evil. They influenced the people to serve idols and false gods.
God sent the Assyrians to attack the kingdom of Israel. Many Israelites were captured and taken away to live in Assyria.
The Assyrians brought foreigners to live among the remaining people of the kingdom of Israel. These foreigners intermarried with the Israelites, and their descendants became the Samaritan people.

(See also: Assyria, Israel, Judah, Jerusalem, kingdom, Samaria)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 35:18
Jeremiah 05:11
Jeremiah 09:26

Word Data:

Strong's: H1004, H3478, H4410, H4467, H4468

Forms Found in the English ULB:

kingdom of Israel, house of Israel

kiss

Definition:

A kiss is an action in which one person puts his lips to another person's lips or face. This term can also be used figuratively.

Some cultures kiss each other on the cheek as a form of greeting or to say goodbye.
A kiss can communicate deep love between two people, such as a husband and wife.
The expression to "kiss someone farewell" means to say goodbye with a kiss.
Sometimes the word "kiss" is used to mean "say goodbye to." When Elisha said to Elijah, "Let me first go and kiss my father and mother," he wanted to say goodbye to his parents before leaving them to follow Elijah.

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 05:25-28
Genesis 27:26-27
Genesis 29:11
Genesis 31:28
Genesis 45:15
Genesis 48:10
Luke 22:48
Mark 14:45
Matthew 26:48

Word Data:

Strong's: H5390, H5401, G2705, G5368, G5370

Forms Found in the English ULB:

kiss, kissed, kisses, kissing

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

labor pains

Related Ideas:

birth pains, in labor, suffering the pains of childbirth

Definition:

A woman who is "in labor" is experiencing the pains that lead up to the birth of her child. These are called "labor pains" or "birth pains."

In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul used this term figuratively to describe his own intense striving to help his fellow believers become more and more like Christ.
The analogy of labor pains is also used in the Bible to describe how disasters in the last days will happen with increasing frequency and intensity.

(See also: labor, last day)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 04:19-20
Galatians 04:19
Isaiah 13:08
Jeremiah 13:21
Psalms 048:06
Romans 08:22

Word Data:

Strong's: H2342, H3018, H3205, H5999, H6001, H6887, G3449, G4944, G5604, G5605

Forms Found in the English ULB:

birth pains, in labor, labor pains, labors in pain together, pains of childbirth

lamb

Related Ideas:

Lamb of God

Definition:

The term "lamb" refers to a young sheep. Sheep are four-legged animals with thick, woolly hair, used for sacrifices to God. Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" because he was sacrificed to pay for people's sins.

These animals are easily led astray and need protecting. God compares human beings to sheep.
God instructed his people to sacrifice physically perfect sheep and lambs to him.
Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" who was sacrificed to pay for people's sins. He was a perfect, unblemished sacrifice because he was completely without sin.

Translation Suggestions:

If sheep are known in the language area, the name for their young should be used to translate the terms "lamb" and "Lamb of God."
"Lamb of God" could be translated as "God's (sacrificial) Lamb," or "Lamb sacrificed to God" or "(sacrificial) Lamb from God."
If sheep are not known, this term could be translated as "a young sheep" with a footnote that describes what sheep are like. The note could also compare sheep and lambs to an animal from that area that lives in herds, that is timid and defenseless, and that often wanders away.
Also consider how this term is translated in a Bible translation of a nearby local or national language.

(See also: sheep, shepherd)

Bible References:

2 Samuel 12:03
Ezra 08:35-36
Isaiah 66:3
Jeremiah 11:19
John 01:29
John 01:36
Leviticus 14:21-23
Leviticus 17:1-4
Luke 10:03
Revelation 15:3-4

Word Data:

Strong's: H3532, H3535, H3733, H3775, H6251, H7716, G721, G2316

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lamb, Lamb of God, lamb, lambs

lament

Related Ideas:

dirge, lamentation

Definition:

The terms "lament" and "lamentation" refer to a strong expression of mourning, sorrow, or grief.

Sometimes this includes deep regret for sin, or compassion for people who have experienced disaster.
A lamentation could include moaning, weeping, or wailing.

Translation Suggestions:

The term to "lament" could be translated as to "deeply mourn" or to "wail in grief" or to "be sorrowful."
A "lamentation" (or a "lament") could be translated as "loud wailing and weeping" or "deep sorrow" or "sorrowful sobbing" or "mournful moaning."
A "dirge" is a song that people sing at a funeral because they are sad that someone they love has died.

Bible References:

Amos 08:9-10
Ezekiel 32:1-2
Jeremiah 22:18
Job 27:15-17
Lamentations 02:05
Lamentations 02:08
Micah 02:04
Psalm 102:1-2
Zechariah 11:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H56, H578, H592, H1058, H2201, H5091, H5092, H5594, H6969, H7015, G2354, G2870, G2875

Forms Found in the English ULB:

dirge, lament, lamentation, lamentations, lamented, lamenting, laments, sing dirges

lamp

Related Ideas:

torch

Definition:

The term "lamp" generally refers to something that produces light. The lamps used in Bible times were usually oil lamps.

An ordinary oil lamp usually consisted of a common piece of pottery filled with olive oil, with a wick placed in the oil to burn.
For some lamps, the pot or jar was oval, with one end pinched close together to hold the wick.
An oil lamp could be carried or placed on a stand so that its light could fill a room or house.
In scripture, lamps are used in several figurative ways as symbols of light and life.
A torch is a light that is meant to be carried around outside. It might be a long piece of wood that burns at the top. It might also be a pole with an oil lamp or a cloth soaked in oil at the top.

(See also: lampstand, life, light)

Bible References:

1 Kings 11:36
Exodus 25:3-7
Luke 08:16-18
Matthew 05:15
Matthew 06:22
Matthew 25:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H3940, H3974, H4501, H5215, H5216, G2985, G3088

Forms Found in the English ULB:

lamp, lamps, torch, torches

lampstand

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "lampstand" generally refers to a structure on which a lamp is placed in order to provide light to a room.

A simple lampstand usually held one lamp and was made of clay, wood, or metal (such as bronze, silver, or gold.)
In the Jerusalem temple there was a special gold lampstand which had seven branches for holding seven lamps.

Translation Suggestions

This term could be also translated as "lamp pedestal" or "structure for holding a lamp" or "lamp holder."
For the temple lampstand, this could be translated as "seven-lamp lampstand" or "gold pedestal with seven lamps."
It would also be helpful in a translation to include pictures of a simple lampstand and a seven-branch lampstand in the relevant Bible passages.

(See also: bronze, gold, lamp, light, silver, temple)

Bible References:

Daniel 05:5-6
Exodus 37:17
Mark 04:21-23
Matthew 05:15-16
Revelation 01:12-13
Revelation 01:20

Word Data:

Strong's: H4501, G3087

Forms Found in the English ULB:

lampstand, lampstands

last day

Related Ideas:

last times, latter days

Definition:

The term "last days" or "latter days" refers generally to the time period at the end of the current age.

This time period will have an unknown duration.
The "last days" are a time of judgment upon those who have turned away from God.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "last days" can also be translated as "final days" or "end times."
In some contexts, this could be translated as "end of the world" or "when this world ends."

(See also: day of the Lord, judge, turn, world)

Bible References:

2 Peter 03:3-4
Daniel 10:14-15
Hebrews 01:02
Isaiah 02:02
James 05:03
Jeremiah 23:19-20
John 11:24-26
Micah 04:1

Word Data:

Strong's: H319, H3117, G2078, G2250

Forms Found in the English ULB:

last day, last days, last times, latter days

law

Related Ideas:

lawbreaker, lawgiver, lawyer, principle

Definition:

A "law" is a legal rule that is usually written down and enforced by someone in authority. A "principle" is a guideline for decision-making and behavior.

Often the term "law" refers to the "law of Moses." This is the commands and instructions that God gave the Israelites.
God is the lawgiver, the one who made the laws and commanded people to obey them.
A "lawyer" is a person who studies the law and understands it well.
Both "law" and "principle" can refer to a general rule or belief that guides a person's behavior.
A person who "is principled" is a person who does what is good.

(See also: law of Moses)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 04:02
Esther 03:8-9
Exodus 12:12-14
Genesis 26:05
John 18:31
Romans 07:1

Word Data:

Strong's: H1285, H1881, H1882, H2706, H2708, H2710, H4687, H4941, H5715, H7560, H7771, H8451, G1785, G3544, G3548, G3551, G3848, G4747

Forms Found in the English ULB:

law, lawbreaker, lawbreakers, lawgiver, laws, lawyer, principle, principled, principles

law of Moses

Related Ideas:

God's law, book of Moses, book of the law, expert in the law, law of God, law of Yahweh, law of the Lord, the law

Definition:

All these terms refer to the commandments and instructions that God gave Moses for the Israelites to obey. The terms "law" and "God's law" are also used more generally to refer to everything God wants his people to obey.

Depending on the context, the "law" can refer to:
the Ten Commandments that God wrote on stone tablets for the Israelites
all the laws given to Moses
the first five books of the Old Testament
the entire Old Testament (also referred to as "scriptures" in the New Testament).
all of God's instructions and will
The phrase "the law and the prophets" is used in the New Testament to refer to the Hebrew scriptures (or "Old Testament")

Translation Suggestions:

These terms could be translated using the plural, "laws," since they refer to many instructions.
The "law of Moses" could be translated as "the laws that God told Moses to give to the Israelites."
Depending on the context, "the law of Moses" could also be translated as "the law that God told to Moses" or "God's laws that Moses wrote down" or "the laws that God told Moses to give to the Israelites."
Ways to translate "the law" or "law of God" or "God's laws" could include "laws from God" or "God's commands" or "laws that God gave" or "everything that God commands" or "all of God's instructions."
The phrase "law of Yahweh" could also be translated as "Yahweh's laws" or "laws that Yahweh said to obey" or "laws from Yahweh" or "things Yahweh commanded."
There were people in the Bible who were experts in the Law of Moses, they were called "lawyers."

(See also: instruct, Moses, Ten Commandments, lawful, Yahweh)

Bible References:

Acts 15:06
Daniel 09:13
Exodus 28:42-43
Ezra 07:25-26
Galatians 02:15
Luke 24:44
Matthew 05:18
Nehemiah 10:29
Romans 03:20

Word Data:

Strong's: H430, H1881, H1882, H2706, H3068, H4687, H4872, H4941, H8451, G976, G2316, G3544, G3551, G3565

Forms Found in the English ULB:

God's law, book of Moses, book of the law, expert in the law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of the Lord, the law, the law of God, your law

lawful

Related Ideas:

lawfully, lawless, lawlessness, permitted, unlawful

Definition:

The term "lawful" refers to something that is permitted to be done according to a law or other requirement. The opposite of this is "unlawful," which simply means "not lawful."

In the Bible, something was "lawful" if it was permitted by God's moral law, or by the Law of Moses and other Jewish laws. Something that was "unlawful" was "not permitted" by those laws.
To do something "lawfully" means to do it "properly" or "in the right way."
Many of the things that the Jewish laws considered lawful or not lawful were not in agreement with God's laws about loving others.
Depending on the context, ways to translate "lawful" could include "permitted" or "according to God's law" or "following our laws" or "proper" or "fitting."
The phrase "Is it lawful?" could also be translated as "Do our laws allow?" or "Is that something our laws permit?"

The terms "unlawful" and "not lawful" are used to describe actions that break a law.

In the New Testament, the term "unlawful" is not only used to refer to breaking God's laws, but also often refers to breaking Jewish man-made laws.
Over the years, the Jews added to the laws that God gave to them. The Jewish leaders would call something "unlawful" if it did not conform to their man-made laws.
When Jesus and his disciples were picking grain on a Sabbath day, the Pharisees accused them of doing something "unlawful" because it was breaking the Jewish laws about not working on that day.
When Peter stated that eating unclean foods was "unlawful" for him, he meant that if he ate those foods he would be breaking the laws God had given the Israelites about not eating certain foods.

The term "lawless" describes a person who does not obey laws or rules. When a country or group of people are in a state of "lawlessness," there is widespread disobedience, rebellion, or immorality.

A lawless person is rebellious and does not obey God's laws.
The apostle Paul wrote that in the last days there will be a "man of lawlessness," or a "lawless one," who will be influenced by Satan to do evil things.

Translation Suggestions:

This term "unlawful" should be translated using a word or expression that means "not lawful" or "lawbreaking."
Other ways to translate "unlawful" could be "not permitted" or "not according to God's law" or "not conforming to our laws."
The expression "against the law" has the same meaning as "unlawful."
The term "lawless" could also be translated as "rebellious" or "disobedient" or "law-defying".
The term "lawlessness" could be translated as "not obeying any laws" or "rebellion (against God's laws)."
The phrase "man of lawlessness" could be translated as "man who does not obey any laws" or "man who rebels against God's laws."
It is important to keep the concept of "law" in this term, if possible.
Note that the term "unlawful" has a different meaning from this term.

(See also: law, law of Moses, Moses, Sabbath)

Bible References:

Matthew 07:21-23
Matthew 12:02
Matthew 12:04
Matthew 12:10
Mark 03:04
Luke 06:02
Acts 02:23
Acts 10:28
Acts 22:25
2 Thessalonians 02:03
Titus 02:14
1 John 03:4-6

Word Data:

Strong's: H6530, G111, G113, G266, G458, G459, G1832, G3545

Forms Found in the English ULB:

lawful, lawfully, lawless, lawlessness, not lawful, permitted, unlawful

learned men

Definition:

"Learned men" or "educated men" were men who were taught by a teacher and knew a lot about one or many topics.

In Matthew's account of the birth of Christ, "learned men" brought gifts to Jesus in Bethlehem sometime after he was born there.
These men traveled a long way from a country far to the east of Israel. It is not known exactly where they came from or who they were. But they were obviously scholars who studied the stars.
They may have been descendants of the wise men who served the Babylonian kings in Daniel's time and who were trained in many things, including studying the stars and interpreting dreams.
Traditionally people have said that there were three of these men because they brought three gifts to Jesus. However, the Bible does not say how many men there were.

(See also: Babylon, Bethlehem, Daniel)

Bible References:

Daniel 02:27
Daniel 05:7
Matthew 02:01
Matthew 02:07
Matthew 02:16

Word Data:

Strong's: G3097

Forms Found in the English ULB:

learned men

leopard

Definitions:

A leopard is a large, cat-like, wild animal that is brown with black spots.

A leopard is a kind of animal which catches other animals and eats them.
In the Bible, the suddenness of disaster is compared to a leopard, which pounces suddenly on its prey.
The prophet Daniel and the apostle John tell about visions in which they saw a beast that looked like a leopard.

(See also: beast, Daniel, prey, vision)

Bible References:

Daniel 07:06
Hosea 13:07
Revelation 13:1-2
Song of Solomon 04:8

Word Data:

Strong's: H5245, H5246

Forms Found in the English ULB:

leopard, leopards

leper

Related Ideas:

leprosy, leprous

Definition:

The term "leprosy" is used in the Bible to refer to several different skin diseases. A "leper" is a person who has leprosy. The term "leprous" describes a person or body part that is infected with leprosy.

Certain kinds of leprosy cause the skin to become discolored with white patches, as when Miriam and Naaman had leprosy.
In modern times, leprosy often causes hands, feet, and other body parts to become damaged and deformed.
According to the instructions that God gave to the Israelites, when a person had leprosy, he was considered "unclean" and had to stay away from other people so that they would not become infected with the disease.
A leper would often call out "unclean" so that others would be warned not to come near him.
Jesus healed many lepers, and also people who had other kinds of diseases.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "leprosy" in the Bible can be translated as "skin disease" or "dreaded skin disease."
Ways to translate "leprous" could include "full of leprosy" or "infected with skin disease" or "covered with skin sores."

(See also: Miriam, Naaman, clean)

Bible References:

Luke 05:13
Luke 17:12
Mark 01:40
Mark 14:03
Matthew 08:03
Matthew 10:8-10
Matthew 11:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H6879, H6883, G3014, G3015

Forms Found in the English ULB:

leper, lepers, leprosy, leprous

letter

Related Ideas:

epistle

Definition:

A letter is a written message sent to a person or group of persons who are usually a distance away from the writer. An epistle is a special type of letter, often written in a more formal style, for a special purpose, such as teaching.

In New Testament times, epistles and other types of letters were written on parchment made from animal skins or on papyrus made from plant fibers.
The New Testament epistles from Paul, John, James, Jude, and Peter were letters of instruction that they wrote to encourage, exhort, and teach the early Christians in various cities throughout the Roman Empire.
Ways to translate this term could include "written message" or "written down words" or "writing."

(See also: courage, exhort, teach)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 05:27
2 Thessalonians 02:15
Acts 09:1-2
Acts 28:21-22

Word Data:

Strong's: H104, H107, H3791, H4385, H5406, H5407, H5612, G1121, G1992

Forms Found in the English ULB:

epistle, letter, letters

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

like

Related Ideas:

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

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

lion

Related Ideas:

lioness

Definition:

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

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

livestock

Definitions:

The term "livestock" refers to animals which are raised to provide food and other useful products. Some types of livestock are also trained as work animals.

Kinds of livestock include sheep, cattle, goats, horses, and donkeys.
In Biblical times, wealth was partly measured by how much livestock a person had.
Livestock are used to produce items such as wool, milk, cheese, housing materials, and clothing.
This term could also be translated as "farm animals."

(See also: cow, donkey, goat, horse, sheep)

Bible References:

2 Kings 03:15-17
Genesis 30:29
Joshua 01:14-15
Nehemiah 09:36-37
Numbers 03:41

Word Data:

Strong's: H929, H1165, H4399, H4735

Forms Found in the English ULB:

livestock

locust

Related Ideas:

grasshopper, locust swarms

Definitions:

The term "locust" refers to a type of large, flying grasshopper that sometimes flies with many others of its kind in a very destructive swarm that eats all vegetation.

Locusts and other grasshoppers are large, straight-winged insects with long, jointed back legs that give them the ability to jump a long distance way.
In the Old Testament, swarming locusts were referred to figuratively as a symbol or picture of the overwhelming devastation that would come as a result of Israel's disobedience.
God sent locusts as one of the ten plagues against the Egyptians.
The New Testament says that locusts were a main source of food for John the Baptist while he was living in the desert.

(See also: captive, Egypt, Israel, John (the Baptist), plague)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 06:28
Deuteronomy 28:38-39
Exodus 10:3-4
Mark 01:06
Proverbs 30:27-28

Word Data:

Strong's: H697, H1357, H1462, H1501, H2284, H3218, H5556, H6767, G200

Forms Found in the English ULB:

grasshoppers, locust, locust swarms, locusts

loins

Related Ideass:

side, thigh, waist

Definition:

The term "loins" refers to the part of the body of an animal or person that is between the lower ribs and the hip bones, also known as the lower abdomen.

The expression "gird up the loins" refers to preparing to work hard. It comes from the custom of tucking the bottom of one's robe into a belt around the waist in order to move with ease.
The term "loins" is often used in the Bible to refer to the lower back part of an animal that was sacrificed.
In the Bible, the term "loins" often refers figuratively and euphemistically to a man's reproductive organs as the source of his descendants.
The expression "will come from your loins" could also be translated as, "will be your offspring" or "will be born from your seed" or "God will cause to come from you."
When referring to a part of the body, this could also be translated as "abdomen" or "hips" or "waist," depending on the context.

(See also: descendant, gird, offspring)

Bible References:

1 Peter 01:13
2 Chronicles 06:09
Deuteronomy 33:11
Genesis 37:34
Job 15:27

Word Data:

Strong's: H2504, H3409, H3689, H4975, G3751

Forms Found in the English ULB:

loins, hips, side, thigh, thighs, waist

lord

Related Ideas:

landowner, Lord, master, master of the house, mistress, owner, owner of a house, sir

Definition:

The term "lord" refers to someone who has ownership or authority over other people.

This word is sometimes translated as "master" when addressing Jesus or when referring to someone who owns slaves.
Some English versions translate this as "sir" in contexts where someone is politely addressing someone of higher status.

When "Lord" is capitalized, it is a title that refers to God. (Note, however, that when it is used as a form of addressing someone or it occurs at the beginning of a sentence it may be capitalized and have the meaning of "sir" or "master.")

In the Old Testament, this term is also used in expressions such as "Lord God Almighty" or "Lord Yahweh" or "Yahweh our Lord."
In the New Testament, the apostles used this term in expressions such as "Lord Jesus" and "Lord Jesus Christ," which communicate that Jesus is God.
The term "Lord" in the New Testament is also used alone as a direct reference to God, especially in quotations from the Old Testament. For example, the Old Testament text has "Blessed is he who comes in the name of Yahweh" and the New Testament text has "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."
In the ULB and UDB, the title "Lord" is only used to translate the actual Hebrew and Greek words that mean "Lord." It is never used as a translation of God's name (Yahweh), as is done in many translations.

Translation Suggestions:

Translating "lord": * * The term "lord" can be translated with the equivalent of "master" when it refers to a person who owns slaves. It can also be used by a servant to address the person he works for. * When it refers to Jesus, if the context shows that the speaker sees him as a religious teacher, it can be translated with a respectful address for a religious teacher, such as "master." * If the person addressing Jesus does not know him, "lord" could be translated with a respectful form of address such as "sir." This translation would also be used for other contexts in which a polite form of address to a man is called for.

Translating "Lord": * When referring to God the Father or to Jesus, this term is considered a title, written as "Lord" (capitalized) in English. * In the appropriate contexts, many translations capitalize the first letter of this term to make it clear to the reader that this is a title referring to God. * When "Lord" refers to Jesus Christ (the Son of God), it should be translated with the same word that is used for "Lord" when it refers to God the Father. Or if it is translated with different words, both words should express the same degree of honor. * Some languages translate "Lord" as "Master" or "Ruler" or some other term that communicates ownership or supreme rule. * For places in the New Testament where there is a quote from the Old Testament, the term "Lord God" could be used to make it clear that this is a reference to God.

(See also: God, Jesus, ruler, Yahweh)

Bible References:

Genesis 39:02
Joshua 03:9-11
Psalms 086:15-17
Jeremiah 27:04
Lamentations 02:02
Ezekiel 18:29
Daniel 09:09
Daniel 09:17-19
Malachi 03:01
Matthew 07:21-23
Luke 01:30-33
Luke 16:13
Romans 06:23
Ephesians 06:9
Philippians 02:9-11
Colossians 03:23
Hebrews 12:14
James 02:01
1 Peter 01:03
Jude 01:05
Revelation 15:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H113, H136, H1167, H1376, H1404, H4756, H5633, H7218, H7980, H8323, G1203, G2634, G2961, G2962, G3617

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lord, Lord's, landowner, lord, lord's, lords, master, master of the house, master's, masters, mistress, owner, owner of a house, sir, sirs

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:

The kind of love that comes from God is focused on having good things happen to others even when those good things do not happen to the one who loves. This kind of love cares for others, no matter what they do. God himself is love and is the source of true love.
Jesus showed this kind of love by sacrificing his life in order to rescue us from sin and death. He also taught his followers to love others sacrificially.
When people love others with this kind of love, they act in ways that show they are thinking of what will cause the others to thrive. This kind of love especially includes forgiving others.
In the ULB, the word "love" refers to this kind of sacrificial love, unless a Translation Note indicates a different meaning.
Another word in the New Testament refers to brotherly love, or love for a friend or family member.
This term refers to natural human love between friends or relatives.
The term can also be used in such contexts as, "They love to sit in the most important seats at a banquet." This means that they "like very much" or "greatly desire" to do that.
The word "love" can also refer to romantic love between a man and a woman.
In the figurative expression "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated," the term "loved" refers to God's choosing of Jacob to be in a covenant relationship with him. This could also be translated as "chosen." Although Esau was also blessed by God, he wasn't given the privilege of being in the covenant. The term "hated" is used figuratively here to mean "rejected" or "not chosen."

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

brotherly love, love, loved, loves, loving

lover

Definition:

The term "lover" literally means "person who loves."

Usually "lover" refers to people who are in a sexual relationship with each other.
In the Old Testament book Song of Songs, the term "lover" is used in a positive way.
In other parts of the Bible, it often refers to a person who is involved in a sexual relationship with someone he or she is not married to.
This wrong sexual relationship is often used in the Bible to refer to Israel's disobedience to God in worshiping idols. So the term "lovers" is also used in a figurative way to refer to the idols that the people of Israel worshiped. In these contexts, this term could possibly be translated by "immoral partners" or "partners in adultery" or "idols."

(See also: adultery, god, god, love)

Bible References:

Hosea 02:05
Jeremiah 03:02
Lamentations 01:02
Luke 16:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H157, H158, H868, H5689, H7453, H8566

Forms Found in the English ULB:

lover, lovers

lowly

Related Ideas:

bring down, low condition, low position, lowliest, lowliness

Definition:

The terms "lowly" and "lowliness" refer to being poor or having low status. Being lowly can also have the meaning of being humble.

Jesus humbled himself to the lowly position of becoming a human being and serving others.
Having a lowly attitude is the opposite of being proud.
Ways to translate "lowly" could include "humble" or "of low status" or "unimportant."
The word "lowliness" could also be translated as "humility" or "little importance."

(See also: humble, proud)

Bible References:

Acts 20:19
Ezekiel 17:14
Luke 01:48-49
Romans 12:16

Word Data:

Strong's: H6041, H6819, H7034, H8213, H8216, H8217, G5011, G5012, G5014

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bring ... down, bring ... low, brings ... down, brings ... low, brought low, low condition, low position, low positions, lowliest, lowliness, lowly, of low condition

lust

Related Ideas:

crave, desire, lustful, lusting, passion, sensual, sensuality

Definition:

Lust is a very strong desire, usually for something sinful or immoral. To lust is to have lust.

In the Bible, "lust" usually referred to sexual desire for someone other than one's own spouse.
Sometimes this term was used in a figurative sense to refer to worshiping idols.
Depending on the context, "lust" could be translated as "wrong desire" or "strong desire" or "wrongful sexual desire" or "strong immoral desire" or to "strongly desire to sin."
The phrase to "lust after" could be translated as to "wrongly desire" or to "think immorally about" or to "immorally desire."
To "crave" is to desire strongly.
"Sensuality" is the desire to satisfy sensual desires, to experience sensual pleasures, particularly sexual pleasure.

(See also: adultery, god)

Bible References:

1 John 02:16
2 Timothy 02:22
Galatians 05:16
Galatians 05:19-21
Genesis 39:7-9
Matthew 05:28

Word Data:

Strong's: H183, H185, H1730, H2181, H2183, H2530, H2532, H2656, H5178, H5315, H5375, H5689, H5691, H5869, H7843, G766, G1014, G1937, G1939, G3713, G3715, G3806

Forms Found in the English ULB:

crave, craves, desirable, desire, desired, desires, lust, lusted, lustful, lusting, lusts, passion, sensual, sensuality

lute

Definition:

A lute is a small, stringed, musical instrument that the Israelites used when they worshiped God.

A lute is very similar to a modern-day acoustic guitar, having a wooden sound box and an extended neck on which strings are strung.
In playing a lute, certain strings are held down with the fingers of one hand while these and other strings are plucked or strummed with the other hand.
The number of strings varied, but the Old Testament specifically mentions instruments that had ten strings.

(See also: harp)

Bible References:

1 Kings 10:11-12
1 Samuel 10:5-6
2 Chronicles 05:11-12

Word Data:

Strong's: H5035, H5443

Forms Found in the English ULB:

lute, lutes

magic

Related Ideas:

magical, magician, spiritist, those who talk with spirits

Definition:

The term "magic" refers to the practice of using supernatural power that does not come from God. A "magician" is someone who practices magic.

In Egypt, when God did miraculous things through Moses, the Egyptian pharaoh's magicians were able to do some of the same things, but their power did not come from God.
Magic often involves casting spells or repeating certain words in order to make something supernatural happen.
God commands his people not to do any of these practices of magic or divination.
A sorcerer is a type of magician, usually one who uses magic to do harm to others.
A spiritist is a person who talks with spirits.

(See also: divination, Egypt, Pharaoh, power, sorcery)

Bible References:

Genesis 41:08
Genesis 41:22-24
Genesis 44:3-5
Genesis 44:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H178, H2748, H2749, H3049, G3097

Forms Found in the English ULB:

magic, magical, magician, magicians, spiritist, spiritists, those who talked with spirits, who talk with spirits, who talks with spirits

magistrate

Definition:

A magistrate is an appointed official who acts as a judge and decides matters of law.

In Bible times, a magistrate also settled disputes between people.
Depending on the context, ways to translate this term could include "ruling judge" or "legal officer" or "city leader."

(See also: judge, law of Moses)

Bible References:

Acts 16:20
Acts 16:35
Daniel 03:1-2
Luke 12:58

Word Data:

Strong's: H8200, H8614, G758, G4755

Forms Found in the English ULB:

magistrate, magistrates

majesty

Related Ideas:

great, greatness, magnificent, majestic

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: king)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

man of God

Facts:

The expression "man of God" is a respectful way of referring to a prophet of Yahweh. It is also used to refer to an angel of Yahweh.

When referring to a prophet, this could also be translated as "man who belongs to God" or "man whom God has chosen" or "man who serves God."
When referring to an angel this could also be translated as "messenger of God" or "your angel" or "heavenly being from God who looks like a man."

(See also: angel, honor, prophet)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 23:12-14
1 Kings 12:22
1 Samuel 09:9-11

Word Data:

Strong's: H376, H430, G444, G2316

Forms Found in the English ULB:

man of God

manager

Related Ideas:

engage, manage, management, steward, stewardship

Definition:

The term "manager" or "steward" in the Bible refers to a servant who was entrusted with taking care of his master's property and business dealings.

A steward was given a lot of responsibility, which included supervising the work of other servants.
The term "manager" is a more modern term for a steward. Both terms refer to someone who manages practical affairs for someone else.
The terms "management" and "stewardship" refer to the work that a manager or steward does.

Translation Suggestions:

This could also be translated as "supervisor" or "household organizer" or "servant who manages" or "person who organizes."

(See also: servant)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 03:4-5
Genesis 39:04
Genesis 43:16
Isaiah 55:10-11
Luke 08:03
Luke 16:02
Matthew 20:8-10
Titus 01:07

Word Data:

Strong's: H4453, H6485, G2012, G3616, G3621, G3622, G3623, G4291

Forms Found in the English ULB:

engage, manage, management, manager, managers, steward, stewards, stewardship

manna

Definition:

Manna was a white, grain-like food that God provided for the Israelites to eat during the 40 years of living in the wilderness after they left Egypt.

Manna looked like white flakes which appeared each morning on the ground under the dew. It tasted sweet, like honey.
The Israelites gathered the manna flakes every day except on the Sabbath.
On the day before the Sabbath, God told the Israelites to gather twice the amount of manna so they wouldn't have to gather it on their day of rest.
The word "manna" means "what is it?"
In the Bible, manna is also referred to as "bread from heaven" and "grain from heaven."

Translation Suggestions

Other ways to translate this term could include "thin white flakes of food" or "food from heaven."
Also consider how this term is translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language.

(See also: bread, desert, grain, heaven, Sabbath)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 08:3
Exodus 16:27
Hebrews 09:3-5
John 06:30-31
Joshua 05:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H4478, G3131

Forms Found in the English ULB:

manna

mediator

Related Ideas:

intermediary, mediate

Definition:

A mediator is a person who helps two or more people to resolve their disagreements or conflicts with each other. He helps them to become reconciled.

Because people have sinned, they are God's enemies who deserve his wrath and punishment. Because of sin, the relationship between God and his people is broken.
Jesus is the mediator between God the Father and his people, restoring that broken relationship through his death as payment for their sin.
An "intermediary" is a person who represents one person in a discussion or conflict with another person. This is different from a "mediator," who listens to both persons and tries to be neutral.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "mediator" could be "go-between person" or "reconciler" or "person who brings peace."
Compare this term with how the term "priest" is translated. It is best if the term "mediator" is translated differently.

(See also: priest, reconcile)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 02:05
Galatians 03:20
Hebrews 08:06
Hebrews 12:24
Luke 12:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H3887, H6419, G3312, G3316

Forms Found in the English ULB:

intermediary, mediated, mediator

meditate

Related Ideas:

meditation

Definition:

"The term meditate" means to spend time thinking about something carefully and deeply.

This term is often used in the Bible to refer to thinking about God and his teachings.
Psalm 1 says that the person who meditates on the law of the Lord "day and night" will be greatly blessed.

Translation Suggestions:

To "meditate on" could be translated as to "think about carefully and deeply" or to "consider thoughtfully" or to "think about often."
The noun form is "meditation" and could be translated as "deep thoughts." A phrase like "meditation of my heart" could be translated as "what I think deeply about" or "what I often think about."

Bible References:

Genesis 24:63
Joshua 01:8-9
Psalm 001:1-2
Psalms 119:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H1897, H1900, H1902, H7742, H7878, H7879, H7881

Forms Found in the English ULB:

meditate, meditates, meditation, meditations

meek

Related Ideas:

gentle, gentleness, meekness

Definition:

The term "meek" describes a person who is gentle, submissive, and willing to suffer injustice. Meekness is the ability to be gentle even when harshness or force might seem appropriate.

Meekness is often associated with humility.
This term could also be translated as "gentle" or "mild-mannered" or "sweet-tempered."
The term "meekness" could be translated as "gentleness" or "humility."

(See also: humble)

Bible References:

1 Peter 03:15-17
2 Corinthians 10:1-2
2 Timothy 02:25
Matthew 05:05
Matthew 11:29
Psalms 037:11

Word Data:

Strong's: H6035, H6037, G4235, G4236, G4239, G4240

Forms Found in the English ULB:

gentle, gentleness, meek, meekness

melt

Related Ideas:

molten

Definitions:

The term "melt" refers to something becoming liquid when it is heated. Something that is melted is described as being "molten."

Different kinds of metals are heated until they melt and can be poured into molds in order to make things such as weapons or idols. The expression "molten metal" refers to a metal that is melted.
As a candle burns, its wax melts and drips. In ancient times, letters were often sealed by pouring a small amount of melted wax on the edges.

The term "melt" can also be used in figurative ways.

A figurative use of "melt" means to become soft and weak, like melted wax.
The expression "their hearts will melt" means that they will become very weak because of fear.
Another figurative expression "they will melt away" means that they will be forced to go away or they will be shown to be weak and will go away in defeat.

Translation Suggestions

The literal meaning of "melt" could be translated as "become liquid" or "liquefy" or "cause to become liquid."
Ways to translate the figurative meanings of "melt" could include "become soft" or "become weak" or "be defeated."

(See also: heart, god, image, seal)

Bible References:

Psalms 112:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H2046, H3988, H4127, H4541, H4549, H5140, H5413, H8557, G3089, G5080

Forms Found in the English ULB:

melt, melted, melting, melts, molten

member

Definition:

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

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

(See also: body, Pharisee, council)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

member, members

memorial offering

Related Ideas:

memorial

Definition:

The term "memorial" refers to an action or object that causes someone or something to be remembered.

This word is also used as an adjective to describe something that is to remind them of something, as in a "memorial offering," a "memorial portion" of a sacrifice or "memorial stones."
In the Old Testament memorial offerings were made so the Israelites would remember what God had done for them.
God told the Israelite priests to wear special clothing that had memorial stones. These stones had the names of the twelve tribes of Israel engraved on them. These were perhaps to remind them of God's faithfulness to them.
In the New Testament, God honored a man named Cornelius because of his charitable deeds for the poor. These deeds were said to be a "memorial" before God.

Translation Suggestions:

This could also be translated as "lasting reminder."
A "memorial stone" could be translated as a "stone to remind them (of something)."

Bible References:

Acts 10:04
Exodus 12:12-14
Isaiah 66:3
Joshua 04:6-7
Leviticus 23:23-25

Word Data:

Strong's: H2142, H2146, G3422

Forms Found in the English ULB:

memorial, memorial offering

mercy

Related Ideas:

kindness, merciful, spare

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: compassion, forgive)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

messenger

Related Ideas:

courier, herald

Definitions:

The term "messenger" refers to someone who is given a message to tell others.

In ancient times, a messenger would be sent from the battlefield to tell people back in the city what was happening.
An angel is a special kind of messenger whom God sends to give people messages. Some translations translate "angel" as "messenger."
John the Baptist was called a messenger who came before Jesus to announce the Messiah's coming and to prepare people to receive him.
Jesus' apostles were his messengers to go share with other people the good news about the kingdom of God.
A "herald" or a "courier" is a messenger who carries messages from rulers to their subjects.

(See also: angel, apostle, John (the Baptist))

Bible References:

1 Kings 19:1-3
1 Samuel 06:21
2 Kings 01:1-2
Luke 07:27
Matthew 11:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H1319, H4397, H4398, H5046, H6735, H6737, G32, G652

Forms Found in the English ULB:

couriers, herald, messenger, messengers

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

minister

Related Ideas:

attend to someone's needs, care for, mission, offer as a priest, perform the service, provide for others' needs, tend

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "ministry" refers to serving others by teaching them about God and caring for their spiritual needs.

In the Old Testament, the priests would "minister" to God in the temple by offering sacrifices to him.
Their "ministry" also included taking care of the temple and offering prayers to God on behalf of the people.
The job of "ministering" to people can include serving them spiritually by teaching them about God.
It can also refer to serving people in physical ways, such as caring for the sick and providing food for the poor.

Translation Suggestions:

In the context of ministering to people, to "minister" could also be translated as to "serve" or to "care for" or to "meet the needs of."
When referring to ministering in the temple, the term "minister" could be translated as "serve God in the temple" or "offer sacrifices to God for the people."
In the context of ministering to God, this could be translated as "serve," "perform the service," or "work for God."
The phrase "ministered to" could also be translated as "took care of" or "provided for" or "helped."

(See also: servant, sacrifice)

Bible References:

2 Samuel 20:23-26
Acts 06:04
Acts 21:17-19

Word Data:

Strong's: H2729, H6485, H7462, G1247, G1248, G1249, G2418, G2999, G3008, G3009, G5256

Forms Found in the English ULB:

attend to ... needs, attending to ... needs, care for, carrying out, minister, ministers, ministries, ministry, mission, offer as a priest, perform ... service, performed ... service, provided for ... needs, tending, to minister

miracle

Related Ideas:

miraculous

Definition:

A "miracle" is something amazing that is not possible unless God causes it to happen.

Examples of miracles that Jesus did include calming a storm and healing a blind man.
Miracles are sometimes called "wonders" because they cause people to be filled with wonder or amazement.
The term "wonder" can also refer more generally to amazing displays of God's power, such as when he created the heavens and the earth.
Miracles can also be called "signs" because they are used as indicators or evidence that God is the all-powerful one who has complete authority over the universe.
Some miracles were God's acts of redemption, such as when he rescued the Israelites from being slaves in Egypt and when he protected Daniel from being hurt by lions.
Other wonders were God's acts of judgment, such as when he sent a worldwide flood in Noah's time and when he brought terrible plagues on the land of Egypt during the time of Moses.
Many of God's miracles were the physical healings of sick people or bringing dead people back to life.
God's power was shown in Jesus when he healed people, calmed storms, walked on water, and raised people from the dead. These were all miracles.
God also enabled the prophets and the apostles to perform miracles of healing and other things that were only possible through God's power.

Translation Suggestions:

Possible translations of "miracles" or "wonders" could include "impossible things that God does" or "powerful works of God" or "amazing acts of God."
The frequent expression "signs and wonders" could be translated as "proofs and miracles" or "miraculous works that prove God's power" or "amazing miracles that show how great God is."
Note that this meaning of a miraculous sign is different from a sign that gives proof or evidence for something. The two can be related.

(See also: power, prophet, apostle, sign)

Bible References:

2 Thessalonians 02:8-10
Acts 04:17
Acts 04:22
Daniel 04:1-3
Deuteronomy 13:01
Exodus 03:19-22
John 02:11
Matthew 13:58

Word Data:

Strong's: H4159, H6381, H6382, G1411, G1605, G4592, G5059

Forms Found in the English ULB:

miracle, miracles, miraculous

mock

Related Ideas:

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

Definition:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

mold

Related Ideas:

cast, molder

Definition:

A mold is a hollowed-out piece of wood, metal, or clay that is used to form objects out of gold, silver, or other materials that can be softened and then shaped by the mold. To mold something means to form an object into a certain shape or likeness by using a mold or the hands to form a certain shape.

Molds were used to make jewelry, dishes, and utensils for eating, among other things.
In the Bible, molds are mentioned mainly in connection with molding statues to be used as idols.
Metals have to be heated to a very high temperature so that they can be poured into the mold.

Translation Suggestions

This term could also be translated as "form" or "shape" or "cast."

(See also: god, gold, god, silver)

Bible References:

1 Kings 7:37
Jeremiah 10:16
Romans 9:20-21

Word Data:

Strong's: H4541, H4165, G4110, G4111

Forms Found in the English ULB:

mold, molded, molder, molding, molds

month

Related Ideas:

monthly

Definition:

The term "month" refers to a period of time lasting about four weeks. The number of days in each month varies depending on whether a lunar or solar calendar is used.

In the lunar calendar, the length of each month is based on the amount of time it takes for the moon to go around the earth, about 29 days. In this system there are 12 or 13 months in a year. Despite the year being 12 or 13 months, the first month is always called the same name even though it may be a different season.
The "new moon," or beginning phase of the moon with its sliver of light, marks the beginning of each month in the lunar calendar.
All the names of months referred to in the Bible are those of the lunar calendar since this was the system used by the Israelites. Modern Jews still use this calendar for religious purposes.
The modern-day solar calendar is based on how long it takes the earth to go around the sun (about 365 days). In this system, the year is always divided up into 12 months, with the length of each month ranging from 28 to 31 days.

Bible References:

1 Samuel 20:34
Acts 18:9-11
Hebrews 11:23
Numbers 10:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H2320, H3391, H3393, G3376

Forms Found in the English ULB:

month, monthly, months

mourn

Related Ideas:

funeral song, grief, grieve, howl, mourner, mournful, sorrow, sorrowful, tears, wail, weep, with tears

Definitions:

The terms "mourn" and "mourning" refer to expressing deep grief, usually in response to the death of someone.

In many cultures, mourning includes specific outward behaviors that show this sadness and grief.
The Israelites and other people groups in ancient times expressed mourning through loud wailing and lamenting. They also wore rough clothing made of sackcloth and put ashes on themselves.
Hired mourners, usually women, would loudly weep and wail from the time of death until well after the body was put in the tomb.
The typical period of mourning was seven days, but could last as long as thirty days (as for Moses and Aaron) or seventy days (as for Jacob).
The Bible also uses the term figuratively to talk about "mourning" because of sin. This refers to feeling deeply grieved because sin hurts God and people.
A "howl" is the crying sound an animal makes. People who "howl" are hurt, sad, or angry.

(See also: sackcloth, sin)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 15:34-35
2 Samuel 01:11
Genesis 23:02
Luke 07:31-32
Matthew 11:17

Word Data:

Strong's: H56, H57, H60, H205, H421, H578, H584, H585, H1058, H1065, H1068, H1671, H1897, H1899, H2470, H3510, H3013, H3213, H3708, H4553, H4798, H5092, H5098, H5110, H5594, H6087, H6937, H6941, H8386, G23, G2354, G2355, G2799, G2805, G2875, G3076, G3077, G3602, G3996, G3997

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bitter, cause ... grief, funeral song, grief, grieve, grieved, grieving, howl, howls, mourn, mourned, mourner, mourners, mourners', mournful, mournfully, mourning, mourns, sorrow, sorrowful, sorrows, tears, wail, wailing, wailings, wails, weep, weeping, weeps bitterly, wept, with tears

multiply

Related Ideas:

abound, abundance, abundant, even more, exceeding, grow in number, increase, make to grow, multiplication, multitudes, numerous

Definition:

The term "multiply" means to greatly increase in number. It can also mean to cause something to increase in amount, such as causing pain to multiply.

God told animals and human beings to "multiply" and fill the earth. This was a command to reproduce many more of their own kind.
Jesus made the bread and fish multiply in order to feed the 5,000 people. The amount of food kept increasing so that there was more than enough food to feed everyone.
An "abundance" of something is a large quantity of something.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, this term could also be translated as "increase" or "cause to increase" or "greatly increase in number" or "become greater in number" or "become more numerous."
The phrase "greatly multiply your pain" could also be translated as "cause your pain to become more severe" or "cause you to experience much more pain."

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 08:01
Genesis 09:07
Genesis 22:17
Hosea 04:6-7

Word Data:

Strong's: H553, H1879, H2122, H2123, H3254, H3493, H3513, H3527, H5607, H6105, H6280, H6555, H7227, H7230, H7231, H7233, H7235, H7680, G4052, G4129

Forms Found in the English ULB:

abound, abounding, abundance, abundant, even more, exceeding, exceedingly, exceeds, grew ... numbers, grow ... numbers, increase, increased, increases, increasing, make ... grow, make ... many, makes ... grow, many, multiplication, multiplied, multiplies, multiply, multiplying, multitudes, numerous

myrrh

Definition:

Myrrh is an oil or spice that is made from the resin of a myrrh tree that grows in Africa and Asia. It is related to frankincense.

Myrrh was also used to make incense, perfume, and medicine, and to prepare dead bodies for burial.
Myrrh was one of the gifts that the learned men gave to Jesus when he was born.
Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh in order to ease the pain when he was crucified.

(See also: frankincense, learned men)

Bible References:

Exodus 30:22-25
Genesis 37:25-26
John 11:1-2
Mark 15:23
Matthew 02:11-12

Word Data:

Strong's: H3910, H4753, G3464, G4666, G4669

Forms Found in the English ULB:

myrrh

mystery

Related Ideas:

hidden meaning, hidden truth, secrets

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "mystery" refers to something unknown or difficult to understand that God is now explaining.

The New Testament states that the gospel of Christ was a mystery that was not known in past ages.
One of the specific points described as a mystery is that Jews and Gentiles would be equal in Christ.
This term could also be translated as "secret" or "hidden things" or "something unknown."

(See also: Christ, Gentile, good news, Jew, true)

Bible References:

Colossians 04:2-4
Ephesians 06:19-20
Luke 08:9-10
Mark 04:10-12
Matthew 13:11

Word Data:

Strong's: H1219, H7328, G3466

Forms Found in the English ULB:

hidden meaning, hidden truth, hidden truths, mysteries, mystery, secrets

name

Related Ideas:

fame, nameless, notorious, reputation

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

(See also: call)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

nation

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

nation, nations

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

new moon

Definition:

The term "new moon" refers to the moon when it looks like a small, crescent-shaped sliver of light. This is the beginning phase of the moon as it moves in its orbit around the planet Earth at sunset. It also refers to the first day a new moon should be visible after the moon has been dark for a few days.

In ancient times, new moons marked the beginnings of certain time periods, such as months.
The Israelites celebrated a new moon festival that was marked by the blowing of a ram's horn.
The Bible also refers to this time as the "beginning of the month."

(See also: month, earth, festival, horn, sheep)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 23:31
1 Samuel 20:05
2 Kings 04:23-24
Ezekiel 45:16-17
Isaiah 01:12-13

Word Data:

Strong's: H2320, G3376, G3561

Forms Found in the English ULB:

new moon, new moons

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

oak

Related Ideas:

terebinth

Definition:

An oak, or oak tree, is a tall shade tree with a large trunk and wide spreading branches.

Oak trees have strong, hard wood that was used to build ships and to make farming plows, oxen yokes and walking sticks.
The seed of an oak tree is called an acorn.
The trunks of certain oak trees could bemeasured up to 6 meters around.
Oak trees were symbolic of long life and had other spiritual meanings. In the Bible, they were often associated with holy places.

Translation Suggestions:

Many translations will find it important to use the term "oak tree" rather than just the word "oak."
If oak trees are not known in the receptor area, "an oak" could be translated as "an oak, which is a large shade tree like…," then give the name of a local tree that has similar characteristics.
See:

(See also: holy)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 10:3-4
Genesis 13:18
Genesis 14:13-14
Genesis 35:4-5
Judges 06:11-12

Word Data:

Strong's: H352, H424, H427, H436, H437, H438

Forms Found in the English ULB:

oak, oaks, terebinths

oath

Related Ideas:

swear, swear by

Definition:

In the Bible, an oath is a formal promise to do something. The person making the oath is required to fulfill that promise. A person who swears an oath commits himself to being faithful and truthful, and by doing so he is saying that God has the right to punish him if he breaks the oath.

In a court of law, a witness often gives an oath to promise that whatever he says will be true and factual.
In the Bible, the term "swear" means to speak an oath.
The term "swear by" means to use the name of something or someone as the basis or power on which the oath is made.
Sometimes these terms are used together, as in "swear an oath."
Abraham and Abimelech swore an oath when they made a covenant together concerning the use of a well.
Abraham told his servant to swear (formally promise) that he would find Isaac a wife from among Abraham's relatives.
God also made oaths in which he made promises to his people.
A modern-day meaning of the word "swear" is "use foul language." This is not its meaning in the Bible.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "an oath" could also be translated as "a pledge" or "a solemn promise."
To "swear" could be translated as to "formally promise" or to "pledge" or to "commit to do something."
Other ways to translate "swear by my name" could include "make a promise using my name to confirm it."
To "swear by heaven and earth" could be translated as to, "promise to do something, stating that heaven and earth will confirm it."
Make sure the translation of "swear" or "oath" does not refer to cursing. In the Bible it does not have that meaning.

(See also: Abimelek, covenant, vow)

Bible References:

Genesis 21:23
Genesis 24:03
Genesis 31:51-53
Genesis 47:31
Luke 01:73
Mark 06:26
Matthew 05:36
Matthew 14:6-7
Matthew 26:72

Word Data:

Strong's: H422, H423, H3027, H5375, H7621, H7650, G331, G332, G3660, G3726, G3727, G3728, G3784

Forms Found in the English ULB:

oath, oath-taking, oaths, swear, swear by, swearing, swears, swears by, swore, swore an oath, sworn

obey

Related Ideas:

follow, give ear, hear, hold securely, hold to, keep, listen, obedience, obedient

Definition:

The term "obey" means to do what is required or commanded. The term "obedient" describes someone who obeys. "Obedience" is the characteristic that an obedient person has.

Usually the term "obey" is used in the context of obeying the commands or laws of a person in authority.
For example, people obey laws which are created by the leaders of a country, kingdom, or other organization.
Children obey their parents, slaves obey their masters, people obey God, and citizens obey the laws of their country.
When someone in authority commands people not to do something, the people obey by not doing that.
To "observe" a law or command is to obey it.
Other words used to refer to obeying someone or something are: follow, give ear, hear, hold securely, hold to, keep, listen.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "obey" could include a word or phrase that means "do what is commanded" or "follow orders" or "do what God says to do."
The term "obedient" could be translated as "doing what was commanded" or "following orders" or "doing what God commands."

(See also: citizen, command, disobey, kingdom, law)

Bible References:

Acts 05:32
Acts 06:7
Genesis 28:6-7
James 01:25
James 02:10
Luke 06:47
Matthew 07:26
Matthew 19:20-22
Matthew 28:20

Word Data:

Strong's: H2388, H3349, H4928, H5341, H6213, H7181, H8085, H8086, H8104, G191, G2722, G2902, G3980, G3982, G5083, G5084, G5218, G5219, G5255, G5292, G5293, G5426, G5442

Forms Found in the English ULB:

following, give ... ear, hear, heard, hold ... securely, hold to, keep, keeps, kept, listen, listened, listened to, obedience, obedient, obediently, obey, obeyed, obeying, obeys

official

Related Ideas:

officer

Definition:

The terms "official" and "officer" refer to people who hold positions within a government or organization. Leaders within the government or organization give the official or officer certain authority and duties to perform as long as he remains in the position.

A king often had many officials to serve him.
When someone makes an "official visit," it means a person with authority is visiting a person or place as part of his job.
An officer is a person who carries out the orders of an official or a judge and issues orders only to officers of lesser rank and to people subject to the government.

Bible References:

Genesis 39:1
Ester 01:03
Jeremiah 01:18
Matthew 09:18
Acts 25:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H5461, H5631, H6496, H7860, H8269, G758, G3175, G4173, G5257

Forms Found in the English ULB:

officer, officers, official, officials

offspring

Definition:

The term "offspring" is a general reference to the biological descendants of people or animals.

Often in the Bible, "offspring" has the same meaning as "children" or "descendants."
The term "seed" is sometimes used figuratively to refer to offspring.

(See also: descendant, seed)

Bible References:

Acts 17:29
Exodus 13:11-13
Genesis 24:07
Isaiah 41:8-9
Job 05:25
Luke 03:7
Matthew 12:34

Word Data:

Strong's: H1121, H2233, H4138, H5209, H6363, H6529, H6631, G1081, G1085, G4690

Forms Found in the English ULB:

offspring

oil

Related Ideas:

ointment

Definition:

Oil is a thick, clear liquid that can be taken from certain plants. In Bible times, oil usually came from olives.

Olive oil was used for cooking, anointing, sacrifice, lamps, and medicine.
In ancient times, olive oil was highly prized, and the possession of oil was considered a measurement of wealth.
Make sure the translation of this term refers to the kind of oil that can be used in cooking, not motor oil. Some languages have different words for these different kinds of oil.

(See also: olive, sacrifice)

Bible References:

2 Samuel 01:21
Exodus 29:02
Leviticus 05:11
Leviticus 08:1-3
Mark 06:12-13
Matthew 25:7-9

Word Data:

Strong's: H2091, H3323, H4887, H6671, H7246, H8081, G1637, G3464

Forms Found in the English ULB:

oil, oils, ointment, ointments

olive

Definition:

The olive is the small, oval fruit from an olive tree, which is mostly grown in the regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

Olive trees are a type of large evergreen shrub with tiny white flowers. They grow best in hot weather and can survive well with little water.
The olive tree's fruit starts out green and changes to black as they ripen. Olives were useful for food and for the oil that could be extracted from them.
Olive oil was used for cooking in lamps and for religious ceremonies.
In the Bible, olive trees and branches are sometimes used figuratively to refer to people.

(See also: lamp, the sea, Mount of Olives)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 27:28-29
Deuteronomy 06:10-12
Exodus 23:10-11
Genesis 08:11
James 03:12
Luke 16:06
Psalms 052:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H2132, H3323, G65, G1636, G1637, G2565

Forms Found in the English ULB:

olive, olives

on high

Related Ideas:

in the highest

Definition:

The terms "on high" and "in the highest" are expressions that usually mean "in heaven."

Another meaning for the expression "in the highest" could be "the most honored."
This expression could also be used literally, as in the expression "in the highest tree, " which means "in the tallest tree."
The expression "on high" could also refer to being high in the sky, such as a bird's nest that is on high. In that context it could be translated as "high in the sky" or "at the top of a tall tree."
The word "high" could also indicate the elevated location or importance of a person or thing.
The expression "from on high" could be translated as "from heaven."

(See also: heaven, honor)

Bible References:

Lamentations 01:13
Psalms 069:29

Word Data:

Strong's: H1361, H4791, H7682, G5308, G5310, G5311

Forms Found in the English ULB:

in the highest, on high

oppress

Related Ideas:

oppression, oppressive, oppressor, ruthless

Definition:

The terms "oppress" and "oppression" refer to treating people harshly. An "oppressor" is a person who oppresses people.

The term "oppression" especially refers to a situation where people of greater strength mistreat or enslave people who are under their power or rule.
The term "oppressed" describes the people who are being harshly treated.
Often enemy nations and their rulers were oppressors to the people of Israel.
The term "ruthless" describes who show no pity or compassion to others. Oppressors are ruthless.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "oppress" could be translated as, "severely mistreat" or "cause to be heavily burdened" or "put under miserable bondage" or "rule harshly."
Ways to translate "oppression" could include "heavy suppression and bondage" or "burdensome control."
The phrase "the oppressed" could be translated as "oppressed people" or "people in terrible bondage" or "those who are treated harshly."
The term "oppressor" could be translated as "person who oppresses" or "nation who controls and rules harshly" or "persecutor."

(See also: bind, enslave, persecute)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 10:17-19
Deuteronomy 26:07
Ecclesiastes 04:1
Job 10:03
Judges 02:18-19
Nehemiah 05:14-15
Psalms 119:134

Word Data:

Strong's: H1790, H1792, H2541, H2555, H2556, H3238, H3905, H3906, H4642, H5065, H6031, H6115, H6125, H6184, H6206, H6216, H6217, H6231, H6233, H6234, H6693, H7429, H7533, H7701, H8496, G2561, G2616, G2669

Forms Found in the English ULB:

oppress, oppressed, oppresses, oppressing, oppression, oppressive, oppressor, oppressors, ruthless

ordain

Related Ideas:

ordination

Definition:

To ordain means to formally appoint a person for a special task or role. It also means to formally make a rule or decree.

The term "ordain" often refers to formally appointing somebody as a priest, minister, or rabbi.
For example, God ordained Aaron and his descendants to be priests.
It can also mean to institute or establish something, such as a religious feast or covenant.
Depending on the context, to "ordain" could be translated as to "assign" or to "appoint" or to "command" or to "make a rule" or to "institute."

(See also: command, covenant, decree, law, law of Moses, priest)

Bible References:

1 Kings 12:31-32
2 Samuel 17:13-14
Exodus 28:40-41
Numbers 03:03
Psalms 111:7-9

Word Data:

Strong's: H3245, H4390, H6186, H6213, H6680, H7760, H8239, G2525, G4270, G4282, H6822

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ordain, ordained, ordination

ordinance

Definition:

An ordinance is a public regulation or law that gives rules or instructions for people to follow. This term is related to the term "ordain."

Sometimes an ordinance is a custom that has become well established through years of practice.
In the Bible, an ordinance was something that God commanded the Israelites to do. Sometimes he commanded them to do it forever.
The term "ordinance" could be translated as "public decree" or "regulation" or "law," depending on the context.

(See also: command, decree, law of Moses, ordain, statute)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 04:13-14
Exodus 27:20-21
Leviticus 08:31-33
Malachi 03:6-7

Word Data:

Strong's: H1881, H2706, H2708, H4687, H4931, H4941, H5715, G1345, G1378

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ordinance, ordinances

overseer

Related Ideas:

overseer, supervise, supervisor, visitation

Definition:

The term "overseer" refers to a person who is in charge of the work and welfare of other people.

In the Old Testament, an overseer had the job of making sure the workers under him did their work well.
In the New Testament, overseers were leaders of the early Christian church. Their work was to take care of the spiritual needs of the church, making sure the believers received accurate biblical teaching.
Paul refers to an overseer as being like a shepherd who takes care of the believers in a local church, who are his "flock."
The overseer, like a shepherd, keeps watch over the flock. He guards and protects the believers from false spiritual teaching and other evil influences.
In the New Testament, the terms "overseers," "elders," and "shepherds/pastors" are different ways of referring to the same spiritual leaders.
The word "supervisor" is another word for an overseer.
The word "visitation" refers to an overseer coming to make sure that the workers over whom he has charge are working well.

Translation Suggestions

Other ways to translate this term could be "caretaker" or "manager."
When referring to a leader of a local group of God's people, this term could be translated with a word or phrase that means "spiritual supervisor" or "someone who takes care of the spiritual needs of a group of believers" or "person who oversees the spiritual needs of the Church."

(See also: church, elder, pastor, shepherd)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 26:31-32
1 Timothy 03:02
Acts 20:28
Genesis 41:33-34
Philippians 01:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H3256, H6485, H6486, H6496, H7287, H7860, H8104, H8269, G1983, G1984, G1985

Forms Found in the English ULB:

oversee, overseeing, overseen, overseer, overseers, oversees, supervise, supervised, supervisor, supervisors, visitation

overtake

Definition:

The terms "overtake" and "overtook" refer to gaining control over someone or something. It usually includes the idea of catching up to something after pursuing it.

When military troops "overtake" an enemy, it means they defeat that enemy in battle.
When a predator "overtakes" its prey, it means that it pursues and catches its prey.
If a curse "overtakes" someone, it means that whatever was said in that curse happens to that person.
If blessings "overtake" people, it means that those people experience those blessings.
When used in a warning that darkness or punishment or terrors will "overtake" people because of their sin, it means that those people will experience these negative things if they don't repent.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "overtake" and "overcome" could be translated as "conquer" or "capture" or "defeat" or "catch up to" or "completely affect."
The past action "overtook" can be translated as "caught up to" or "came alongside of" or "conquered" or "defeated" or "caused harm to."

(See also: bless, curse, prey, punish)

Bible References:

2 Kings 25:4-5
John 12:35

Word Data:

Strong's: H579, H857, H935, H1692, H4672, H5066, H5381, G2638, G2983

Forms Found in the English ULB:

overtake, overtaken, overtakes, overtook

pagan

Definition:

In Bible times, the term "pagan" was used to describe people who worshiped false gods instead of Yahweh.

Anything associated with these people, such as the altars where they worshiped, the religious rituals they performed, and their beliefs, were also called "pagan."
Pagan belief systems often included the worship of false gods and the worship of nature.
Some pagan religions included sexually immoral rituals or the killing of human beings as part of their worship.

(See also: altar, god, sacrifice, worship, Yahweh)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 10:20-22
1 Corinthians 12:1-3
2 Kings 17:14-15
2 Kings 21:4-6

Word Data:

Strong's: H1471, G1482, G1484

Forms Found in the English ULB:

pagan, pagans

palace

Definition:

The term "palace" refers to the building or house where a king lived, along with his family members and servants.

The high priest also lived in a palace complex, as mentioned in the New Testament.
Palaces were very ornate, with beautiful architecture and furnishings.
The buildings and furnishings of a palace were constructed of stone or wood, and often were overlaid with expensive wood, gold, or ivory.
Many other people also lived and worked in the palace complex, which usually included several buildings and courtyards.

(See also: court, high priest, king)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 28:7-8
2 Samuel 11:2-3
Daniel 05:5-6
Matthew 26:3-5
Psalms 045:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H759, H1002, H1004, H1055, H1406, H1964, H1965, G833, G933, G4232

Forms Found in the English ULB:

palace, palaces

palm

Related Ideas:

palm branch

Definition:

The term "palm" refers to a type of tall tree with long, flexible, leafy branches extending from the top in a fan-like pattern.

The palm tree in the Bible usually refers to a type of palm tree that produces a fruit called a "date." The leaves have a feather-like pattern.
Palm trees typically grow in places that have a hot, humid climate. Their leaves stay green all year long.
As Jesus was entering Jerusalem riding on a donkey, the people laid palm branches on the ground in front of him.
Palm branches signified peace and the celebration of a victory.

(See also: donkey, Jerusalem, peace)

Bible References:

1 Kings 06:29-30
Ezekiel 40:14-16
John 12:12-13
Numbers 33:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H3712, H8558, H8560, H8561, G5404

Forms Found in the English ULB:

palm, palm branch, palms

parable

Related Ideas:

hard question, lesson, riddle

Definition:

The term "parable" usually refers to a short story or object lesson that is used to explain or teach a moral truth. It can also refer to a saying that is difficult to understand and about which the hearer will have to think carefully before he can understand what the speaker is teaching.

Jesus used parables to teach his disciples. Although he also told parables to the crowds of people, he did not always explain the parable.
Jesus used parables to reveal truth to his disciples and to hide the truth from people like the Pharisees who did not believe in him.
The prophet Nathan told David a parable to show the king his terrible sin.
The story of the Good Samaritan is an example of a parable that is a story. Jesus' comparison of old and new wineskins is an example of a parable that was an object lesson to help the disciples understand Jesus' teachings.
A "riddle" is a type of "hard question." The one who asks a hard question does not know the correct answer, but he hopes the hearer can answer correctly. The one who asks a riddle does not want the hearer to be able to answer the question correctly.

Translation Suggestions

The word "parable" can be translated as "illustration".

(See also: Samaria)

Bible References:

Proverbs 01:06
Luke 05:36
Luke 06:39
Luke 08:04
Luke 08:9-10
Mark 04:01
Matthew 13:03
Matthew 13:10
Matthew 13:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H1819, H2420, H4426, H4912, G3850, G3942

Forms Found in the English ULB:

hard questions, lesson, parable, parables, riddle, riddles

partial

Related Ideas:

partiality

Definition:

The terms "be partial" and "show partiality" refer to making a choice to treat certain people as more important than other people.

This is similar to showing favoritism, which means to treat some people better than others.
Usually partiality or favoritism is shown to people because they are richer or more popular than other people.
God instructs his people to not show partiality or favoritism to people who are rich or of high status.
In his letter to the Romans, Paul teaches that God judges people fairly and with no partiality.
The book of James teaches that it is wrong to treat rich people better than poor people.

(See also: favor)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 01:17
Malachi 02:09
Mark 12:13-15
Matthew 22:16
Romans 02:10-12

Word Data:

Strong's: H5234, H5375, H6440, G991, G2983, G4299, G4381, G4382, G4383

Forms Found in the English ULB:

be partial, partial, partiality, show partiality

pastor

Definition:

The term "pastor" is literally the same word as "shepherd." It is used as a title for someone who is the spiritual leader for a group of believers.

In English Bible versions, "pastor" only occurs one time, in the book of Ephesians. It is the same word as is translated as "shepherd" elsewhere.
In some languages, the word for "pastor" is the same as the word for "shepherd."
It is also the same word as is used to refer to Jesus as the "good Shepherd."

Translation Suggestions:

It is best to translate this term with the word for "shepherd" in the project language.
Other ways to translate this term could include "spiritual shepherd" or "shepherding Christian leader."

(See also: shepherd, sheep)

Bible References:

Ephesians 04:11-13

Word Data:

Strong's: G4166

Forms Found in the English ULB:

pastor, pastors

patient

Related Ideas:

impatient, patience

Definition:

The terms "patient" and "patience" refer to persevering through difficult circumstances. Often patience involves waiting.

When people are patient with someone, it means they are loving that person and forgiving whatever faults that person has.
The Bible teaches God's people to be patient when facing difficulties and to be patient with each other.
Because of his mercy, God is patient with people, even though they are sinners who deserve to be punished.
The term "impatient" means not patient.

(See also: endure, forgive, persevere)

Bible References:

1 Peter 03:20
2 Peter 03:8-9
Hebrews 06:11-12
Matthew 18:28-29
Psalms 037:7
Revelation 02:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H750, H753, H2342, H3803, H3811, H6960, H7114, G420, G463, G3114, G3115, G3116, G5278, G5281

Forms Found in the English ULB:

impatient, patience, patient, patiently

patriarch

Definition:

The term "patriarch" in the Bible refers to someone who was a founding ancestor of the Jewish people, particularly Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob.

It also can refer to the twelve sons of Jacob who became the 12 patriarchs of the 12 tribes of Israel.
The term "patriarch" has a similar meaning to "forefather," but more specifically refers to the most well-known male ancestral leaders of a people group.

(See also: father)

Bible References:

Acts 02:29-31
Acts 07:6-8
Acts 07:09
Ezra 03:12-13

Word Data:

Strong's: H1, H7218, G3962, G3966

Forms Found in the English ULB:

patriarch, patriarchs

peace

Related Ideas:

peaceable, peaceful, peacemaker, quiet

Definition:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

peace offering

Definitions:

A "peace offering" was one of several sacrificial offerings that God commanded the Israelites to make. It is sometimes called the "thanksgiving offering" or "fellowship offering."

This offering involved sacrificing an animal that had no defects, sprinkling the animal's blood on the altar, and burning the animal's fat, as well as the rest of the animal separately.
Added to this sacrifice was an offering of both unleavened and leavened bread, which was burned on top of the burnt offering.
The priest and offerer of the sacrifice were permitted to share in eating the food that was offered.
This offering symbolizes the fellowship of God with his people.

(See also: burnt offering, fellowship, fellowship offering, grain offering, priest, sacrifice, unleavened bread)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 13:8-10
Ezekiel 45:16-17
Joshua 08:30-32
Leviticus 09:3-5
Proverbs 07:13-15

Word Data:

Strong's: H8002

Forms Found in the English ULB:

peace offering, peace offerings

people group

Related Ideas:

people

Definition:

The term "peoples" or "people groups" refers to groups of people who share a common language and culture. The phrase "the people" often refers to a gathering of people in a certain place or at a specific event.

When God set apart "a people" for himself, it means that he chose certain people to belong to him and serve him.
In Bible times, the members of a people group usually had the same ancestors and lived together in a particular country or area of land.
Depending on the context, a phrase such as "your people" can mean "your people group" or "your family" or "your relatives."
The term "peoples" is often used to refer to all people groups on the earth. Sometimes it refers more specifically to people who are not Israelites or who do not serve Yahweh. In some English Bible translations the term "nations" is also used in this way.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "people group" could be translated by a word or phrase that means "large family group" or "clan" or "ethnic group."
A phrase such as "my people" could be translated as "my relatives" or "my fellow Israelites" or "my family" or "my people group," depending on the context.
The expression "scatter you among the peoples" could also be translated as "cause you to go live with many different people groups" or "cause you to separate from each other and go live in many different regions of the world."
The term "the peoples" or "the people" could also be translated as "the people in the world" or "people groups," depending on the context.
The phrase "the people of" could be translated as "the people living in" or "the people descended from" or "the family of," depending on whether it is followed by the name of a place or a person.
"All the peoples of the earth" could be translated as "everyone living on earth" or "every person in the world" or "all people."
The phrase "a people" could also be translated as "a group of people" or "certain people" or "a community of people" or "a family of people."

(See also: descendant, nation, tribe, world)

Bible References:

1 Kings 08:51-53
1 Samuel 08:07
Deuteronomy 28:09
Genesis 49:16
Ruth 01:16

Word Data:

Strong's: H249, H523, H524, H1121, H3816, H4940, H5712, H5971, H5972, H6153, G1074, G1085, G1218, G1484, G2560, G2992, G3793

Forms Found in the English ULB:

people, people group, people groups, people's, peoples

people of God

Related Ideas:

God's people, people for God's possession

Definition:

The term "people of God" refers to people whom God has called out from the world to have a special relationship with him.

When God says "my people" he is talking about the people whom he has chosen and who have a relationship with him.
God's people are chosen by him and are set apart from the world to live in a way that is pleasing to him. He also calls them his children.
In the Old Testament, "people of God" refers to the nation of Israel which was chosen by God and set apart from among the other nations of the world to serve and obey him.
In the New Testament, "people of God" especially refers to all those who believe in Jesus and are called the Church. This includes both Jews and Gentiles.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "people of God" could be translated as "God's people" or "the people who worship God" or "people who serve God" or "people who belong to God."
When God says "my people" other ways to translate it could include "the people I have chosen" or "the people who worship me" or "the people who belong to me."
Similarly, "your people" could be translated as "the people who belong to you" or "the people you chose to belong to you."
Also "his people" could be translated as "the people who belong to him" or "the people God chose to belong to himself."

(See also: Israel, people group)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 11:02
Acts 07:34
Acts 07:51-53
Acts 10:36-38
Daniel 09:24-25
Isaiah 02:5-6
Jeremiah 06:20-22
Joel 03:16-17
Micah 06:3-5
Revelation 13:7-8

Word Data:

Strong's: H430, H5971, G2316, G2992

Forms Found in the English ULB:

God's people, my people, people for God's possession, people of God

perfect

Related Ideas:

perfecter, perfection, perfectly

Definition:

The term "perfect" describes something that has no flaw. To "perfect" something means to work at it until it is excellent and without flaws.

Only God and what he does is absolutely perfect.
When Christians study the Bible and obey it, they become perfect and mature because they become more like Christ in their character.
Being perfect and mature means that a Christian is obedient; it does not mean that he is sinless.
The term "perfect" also has the meaning of being "complete" or "whole."

Translation Suggestions:

The term "perfect" could be translated as "without flaw" or "without error" or "flawless" or "without fault" or "not having any faults."
The term "perfectly" could be translated "completely" or "fully."

Bible References:

Hebrews 12:02
James 03:02
Matthew 05:46-48
Psalms 019:7-8

Word Data:

Strong's: H3615, H3632, H3634, H4359, H4390, H8003, H8503, H8535, H8537, H8549, H8552, G2005, G2038, G2675, G2676, G3647, G4135, G4137, G5046, G5047, G5048, G5050, G5055

Forms Found in the English ULB:

perfect, perfected, perfecter, perfection, perfectly

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

persecute

Related Ideas:

persecution, persecutor

Definition:

The terms "persecute" and "persecution" refer to continually treating a person or a certain group of people in a harsh way that causes harm to them.

Persecution can be against one person or many people and usually involves repeated, persistent attacks.
The Israelites were persecuted by many different people groups Who attacked them, captured them, and stole things from them.
People often persecute other people who have different religious beliefs or who are weaker.
The Jewish religious leaders persecuted Jesus because they did not like what he was teaching.
After Jesus went back to heaven, the Jewish religious leaders and the Roman government persecuted his followers.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "persecute" could also be translated as "keep oppressing" or "treat harshly" or "continually mistreat."
Ways to translate "persecution" could include, "harsh mistreatment" or "oppression" or "persistent hurtful treatment."

(See also: Christian, church, oppress, Rome)

Bible References:

Acts 07:52
Acts 13:50
Galatians 01:13-14
John 05:16-18
Mark 10:30
Matthew 05:10
Matthew 05:43-45
Matthew 10:22
Matthew 13:20-21
Philippians 03:06

Word Data:

Strong's: H1814, H7291, H7852, G1375, G1376, G1377, G1559, G2347

Forms Found in the English ULB:

persecute, persecuted, persecuting, persecution, persecutions, persecutor, persecutors

persevere

Related Ideas:

perseverance

Definition:

The terms "persevere" and "perseverance" refer to continuing to do something even though it may be very difficult or take a long time.

To persevere can also mean to keep acting in a Christ-like way even while going through difficult trials or circumstances.
If a person has "perseverance" it means he is able to keep doing what he should do, even when it is painful or difficult.
Continuing to believe what God teaches requires perseverance, especially when faced with false teachings.
Be careful not to use a word like "stubborn" which usually has a negative meaning.

(See also: patient, trial)

Bible References:

Colossians 01:11
Ephesians 06:18
James 05:9-11
Luke 08:14-15

Word Data:

Strong's: G3115, G4343, G5281

Forms Found in the English ULB:

perseverance, persevere

perverse

Related Ideas:

crooked, perversion, perversity, pervert, twisted

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

pierce

Related Ideas:

gore, thrust through

Definition:

The term "pierce" means to stab something or to make a hole with a sharp, pointed object. It is also used figuratively to refer to causing someone deep emotional pain.

A soldier pierced Jesus' side when he was hanging on the cross.
In Bible times, a slave who was set free would have his ear pierced as a sign that he was choosing to continue working for his master.
Simeon spoke figuratively when he told Mary that a sword would pierce her heart, meaning that she would experience deep grief because of what would happen to her son Jesus.
To "thrust someone through" or "thrust a sword through someone" is to push a sword all the way through him so the sword comes out the other side.
To "gore" is for an animal to thrust a horn into another animal or a person.

(See also: cross, Jesus, servant, Simeon)

Bible References:

Job 16:13
Job 20:23-25
John 19:37
Psalms 022:16

Word Data:

Strong's: H1856, H1920, H2342, H2490, H2491, H2944, H3738, H5055, H5181, H5344, H5365, H6398, G1330, G1338, G1574, G2660, G3572, G4044

Forms Found in the English ULB:

gore, gored, holes, pierce, pierced, pierces, piercing, thrust ... through

pig

Related Ideas:

boar, pork, swine

Definition:

A pig is a type of four-legged, hoofed animal that is raised for meat. Its meat is called "pork." The general term for pigs and related animals is "swine."

God told the Israelites not to eat pig meat and to consider it unclean. Jews today still view pigs as unclean and do not eat pork.
Pigs are raised on farms to be sold to other people for their meat.
There is a kind of swine that is not raised on farms but rather lives out in the wild; it is called a "wild boar." Wild boars have tusks and are considered to be very dangerous animals.
Sometimes large pigs are referred to as "hogs."
A "boar" is a wild pig. Wild pigs are usually fierce and dangerous.

(See also: clean)

Bible References:

2 Peter 02:22
Mark 05:13
Matthew 07:6
Matthew 08:32

Word Data:

Strong's: H2386, G5519

Forms Found in the English ULB:

boar, boars, pig, pigs, pork, swine, swine's

pillar

Related Ideas:

column

Definition:

The term "pillar" usually refers to a large vertical structure that is used to hold up a roof or other part of a building. Another word for "pillar" is "column."

In Bible times, pillars used as support in buildings were normally carved from a single piece of stone.
When Samson in the Old Testament was captured by the Philistines, he destroyed their pagan temple by pushing the supporting pillars and causing the temple to collapse.
The word "pillar" sometimes refers to a large stone or boulder that is set up as a memorial to mark a grave or to mark the place where an important event happened.
It can also refer to an idol that was made to worship a false god. It is another name for a "carved image" and could be translated as "statue."
The term "pillar" is used to refer to something that is shaped like a pillar, such as the "pillar of fire" that led the Israelites at night through the desert or the "pillar of salt" that Lot's wife became after she looked back at the city.

Translation Suggestions:

As a structure supporting a building, the term "pillar" or "column" could be translated as "upright stone support beam" or "supporting stone structure."
Other uses of "pillar" could be translated as "statue" or "pile" or "mound" or "monument" or "tall mass," depending on the context.

(See also: found, god, image)

Bible References:

2 Kings 18:04
Exodus 13:21
Exodus 33:09
Genesis 31:45
Proverbs 09:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H352, H547, H2106, H3730, H4552, H4676, H4678, H4690, H5324, H5333, H5982, H8490, G4769

Forms Found in the English ULB:

column, columns, pillar, pillars

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

plague

Definition:

Plagues are events which cause suffering or death to a large number of people. Often a plague is a disease that spreads quickly and causes many people to die before it can be stopped.

Many plagues have natural causes, but some were sent by God to punish people for sin.
In the time of Moses, God sent ten plagues against Egypt to force Pharaoh to let Israel leave Egypt. These plagues included water turning into blood, physical diseases, destruction of crops by insects and hail, three days of complete darkness, and death of the firstborn sons.
This could also be translated as "widespread disasters" or "widespread disease," depending on the context.

(See also: hail, Israel, Moses, Pharaoh)

Picture of a Plague of skin:

Bible References:

2 Samuel 24:13-14
Exodus 09:14
Genesis 12:17-20
Luke 21:11
Revelation 09:18

Word Data:

Strong's: H1698, H4046, H4194, H4347, H5061, H5062, H5063, G3061, G4127

Forms Found in the English ULB:

plague, plagues

plead

Related Ideas:

appeal, ask earnestly, humble request, plea

Definitions:

The terms "plead" and "pleading" refer to urgently asking someone to do something. A "plea" is an urgent request.

Pleading often implies that the person feels in very great need or strongly desires help.
People can plead or make an urgent appeal to God for mercy or to ask him to grant something, either for themselves or someone else.
Make sure it is clear in the context that this term does not refer to begging for money.
The word translated "humble request" refers specifically to a humble request for favor or mercy.
To "plead someone's cause" is to testify in court before a judge that the judge should rule in favor of the person whose cause it is.
A "legal plea" or "cause" is what someone who is trying to get justice tells a judge in a court trial.
An "earnest appeal" is a serious, humble request.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "plead" could also be translated as "beg" or "implore" or "urgently ask."
The term "plea" could also be translated as "urgent request" or "strong urging."

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 08:3-5
Judges 06:31
Luke 04:39
Proverbs 18:17

Word Data:

Strong's: H1777, H2603, H3198, H4941, H6279, H6293, H6664, H6419, H7378, H7379, H7775, H8199, H8467, H8469, G1162, G1189, G1793, G2065, G3870, G3874

Forms Found in the English ULB:

appeal, asked ... earnestly, cause, earnest appeal, earnest appeals, earnestly appeal, earnestly appealed, humble request, humble requests, legal plea, moved by ... plea, plea, plea for favor, plead, plead ... cause, pleaded, pleading, pleadings, pleads, pleas

pledge

Related Ideas:

betroth, guarantee, promise

Definition:

The term "pledge" refers to formally and solemnly promising to do something or give something.

In the Old Testament the officials of Israel pledged to be loyal to King David.
The terms "pledge" and "guarantee" can refer to an object given as a guarantee or promise that a debt will be paid.
The object given as a pledge would be returned to its owner when the promise was fulfilled.
To "betroth" is to pledge to marry someone.

Translation Suggestions:

To "pledge" could be translated as to "formally commit to" or to "strongly promise."
Ways to translate "a pledge" could include "a solemn promise" or "a formal commitment" or "a guarantee" or "a formal assurance," depending on the context.

(See also: promise, oath, vow)

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 05:4-5
Exodus 22:26
Genesis 38:17-18
Nehemiah 10:28-29

Word Data:

Strong's: H781, H2254, H2258, H2260, H5667, H5671, H6148, H6162, G728

Forms Found in the English ULB:

becomes responsible, betroth, betrothed, guarantee, pledge, pledged, pledges, promise to be ... husband

plow

Related Ideas:

farmer, plowman, plowshare, unplowed

Definition:

A "plow" is a farm tool that is used for breaking up soil to prepare a field for planting.

Plows have sharp, pointed prongs or blades that dig into the soil. They usually have handles that the farmer uses to guide the plow.
A "plowshare" is the main cutting blade on a plow.
In Bible times, plows were usually pulled by a pair of oxen or other work animals.
Most plows were made of hard wood, except for the sharp points which were made of a metal, such as bronze or iron.
A "plowman" or a "plower" is a person who uses a plow.

Translation Suggestions:

The terms "plowman" and "plower" can also be translated more generally as "farmer."

(See also: bronze, cow)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 08:10-12
Deuteronomy 21:04
Luke 09:62
Luke 17:07
Psalm 141:5-7

Word Data:

Strong's: H406, H855, H2758, H2790, H5215, H5647, H5656, H5674, H6213, H6398, G722, G723

Forms Found in the English ULB:

farmers, plow, plowed, plowers, plowing, plowman, plowmen, plows, plowshares, unplowed

pomegranate

Definitions:

A pomegranate is a kind of fruit that has a thick, tough skin filled with many seeds that are covered with edible red pulp.

The outer rind is reddish in color and the pulp surrounding the seeds is shiny and red.
Pomegranates are very commonly grown in countries with a hot, dry climate, such as Egypt and Israel.
Yahweh promised the Israelites that Canaan was a land with abundant water and fertile soil so that food was plentiful there, including pomegranates.
The construction of Solomon's temple included bronze decorations in the shape of pomegranates.

(See also: bronze, Canaan, Egypt, Solomon, temple)

Bible References:

2 Kings 25:16-17
Deuteronomy 08:7-8
Jeremiah 52:22-23
Numbers 13:23-24
Numbers 20:5

Word Data:

Strong's: H7416

Forms Found in the English ULB:

pomegranate, pomegranates

possess

Related Ideas:

belongings, dispossess, possession, property

Definitions:

The terms "possess" and "possession" usually refer to owning something. They can also mean to gain control over something or occupy an area of land.

In the Old Testament, "possess" is often used in the context of "possessing" or "taking possession of" an area of land.
When Yahweh commanded the Israelites to "possess" the land of Canaan, it meant that they should go into the land and live there. This involved first conquering the Canaanite peoples who were living on that land.
Yahweh told the Israelites that he had given them the land of Canaan as "their possession." This could also be translated as "their rightful place to live."
The people of Israel were also called Yahweh's "special possession." This means that they belonged to him as his people whom he had specifically called to worship and serve him.
The term "dispossess" meant "take someone's property."

Translation Suggestions:

The term "possess" could also be translated as "own" or "have" or "have charge over."
"Possessions" are also called "belongings" and "property."
The phrase "take possession of" could be translated as "take control of" or "occupy" or "live on," depending on the context.
When Yahweh calls the Israelites "my special possession" this could also be translated as "my special people" or "people who belong to me" or "my people whom I love and rule."
The sentence, "they will become their possession" when referring to land, means "they will occupy the land" or "the land will belong to them."
The phrase "as your possession" could also be translated as "as something that belongs to you" or "as a place where your people will live."
The phrase "dispossess them" can be translated as "take their land" or "make them leave their land."

(See also: Canaan, worship)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 06:70
1 Kings 09:17-19
Acts 02:45
Deuteronomy 04:5-6
Genesis 31:36-37
Matthew 13:44

Word Data:

Strong's: H270, H272, H2505, H2631, H3018, H3027, H3423, H3424, H3425, H3426, H4180, H4181, H4672, H4735, H5157, H5159, H5459, G979, G1139, G2697, G2722, G2932, G2933, G2935, H3520, G4041, G4047, G4632, G5224, G5225

Forms Found in the English ULB:

belongings, dispossess, possess, possessed, possesses, possessing, possession, possessions, property, took possession, valuable possessions

power

Related Ideas:

ability, able, mastered, can, capable, could, impossible, incapable, powerful, won, unable

Definition:

The term "power" refers to the ability to do things or make things happen, often using great strength. "Powers" refers to people or spirits who have great ability to cause things to happen.

The "power of God" refers to God's ability to do everything, especially things that are not possible for people to do.
God has complete power over everything that he has created.
God gives his people power to do what he wants, so that when they heal people or do other miracles, they do this by the power of God.
Because Jesus and the Holy Spirit are also God, they have this same power.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, the term "power" could also be translated as "ability" or "strength" or "energy" or "ability to do miracles" or "control."
Possible ways to translate the term "powers" could include "powerful beings" or "controlling spirits" or "those who control others."
An expression like "save us from the power of our enemies" could be translated as "save us from being oppressed by our enemies" or "rescue us from being controlled by our enemies." In this case, "power" has the meaning of using one's strength to control and oppress others.

(See also: Holy Spirit, Jesus, miracle)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 01:05
Colossians 01:11-12
Genesis 31:29
Jeremiah 18:21
Jude 01:25
Judges 02:18
Luke 01:17
Luke 04:14
Matthew 26:64
Philippians 03:21
Psalm 080:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H410, H1368, H1369, H1370, H2220, H2393, H2428, H2632, H3027, H3201, H3581, H4475, H4910, H5794, H5797, H5807, H6109, H6184, H7980, H7981, H7983, H7989, H8592, H8633, G1410, G1411, G1415, G1743, G1754, G1832, G1849, G1850, G2159, G2478, G2479, G2480, G2904, G3168

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ability, able, am ... able, are ... able, are ... possible, be ... unable, be able, be mastered, can, cannot, capable, could, could not, impossible, incapable, is ... able, may ... be able, miraculous powers, possible, power, powerful, powerfully, powers, was ... able, were ... able, will ... be able, won

praise

Related Ideas:

praiseworthy

Definition:

To praise someone is to express admiration and honor for that person. Something that is praiseworthy is good and deserves to be praised.

People praise God because of how great he is and because of all the amazing things he has done as the Creator and Savior of the world.
Praise for God often includes being thankful for what he has done.
Music and singing is often used as a way to praise God.
Praising God is part of what it means to worship him.

Translation Suggestions:

The term to "praise" could also be translated as to "speak well of" or to "highly honor with words" or to "say good things about."
The noun "praise" could be translated as "spoken honor" or "speech that honors" or "speaking good things about."

(See also: worship)

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 01:03
Acts 02:47
Acts 13:48
Daniel 03:28
Ephesians 01:03
Genesis 49:8
James 03:9-10
John 05:41-42
Luke 01:46
Luke 01:64-66
Luke 19:37-38
Matthew 11:25-27
Matthew 15:29-31

Word Data:

Strong's: H1288, H1289, H1319, H1984, H2142, H2167, H7121, H8416, G1392, G1843, G2127, G2128, G2129, G2980, G3170, G3853, G5485, G5567

Forms Found in the English ULB:

praise, praised, praises, praiseworthy, praising, sing praise, sing praises

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

preach

Related Ideas:

preacher

Definition:

To "preach" means to speak to a group of people, teaching them about God and urging them to obey him.

Often preaching is done by one person to a large group of people. It is usually spoken, not written.
"Preaching" and "teaching" are similar, but are not exactly the same.
"Preaching" mainly refers to publicly proclaiming spiritual or moral truth, and urging the audience to respond. "Teaching" is a term that emphasizes instruction, that is, giving people information or teaching them how to do something.
The term "preach" is usually used with the word "gospel."
What a person has preached to others can also be referred to in general as his "teachings."

(See also: good news, Jesus, kingdom of God)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 04:1-2
Acts 08:4-5
Acts 10:42-43
Acts 14:21-22
Acts 20:25
Luke 04:42
Matthew 03:1-3
Matthew 04:17
Matthew 12:41
Matthew 24:14
Acts 09:20-22
Acts 13:38-39
Jonah 03:1-3
Luke 04:18-19
Mark 01:14-15
Matthew 10:26

Word Data:

Strong's: G312, G518, G1344, G2097, G2511, G2782, G2783, G2784, G2980, G3142, G3870, G4283

Forms Found in the English ULB:

preach, preached, preacher, preaching

precious

Related Ideas:

costly, expensive, valuable

Definitions:

The term "precious" describes people or things that are considered to be very valuable.

The term "precious stones" or "precious jewels" refers to rocks and minerals that are colorful or have other qualities that make them beautiful or useful.
Examples of precious stones include diamonds, rubies, and emeralds.
Gold and silver are called "precious metals."
Yahweh says that his people are "precious" in his sight (Isaiah 43:4).
Peter wrote that a gentle and quiet spirit is precious in God's sight (1 Peter 3:4).
The terms "costly" and "expensive" describe something that costs a lot of money to buy.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "precious' could also be translated as "valuable" or "very dear" or "cherished" or "highly valued."

(See also: gold, silver)

Bible References:

2 Peter 01:01
Acts 20:22-24
Daniel 11:38-39
Lamentations 01:7
Luke 07:2-5
Psalms 036:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H1431, H2530, H2532, H2667, H2896, H3357, H3365, H3366, H3368, H4022, H4030, H4261, H4262, H5238, H7939, H8443, G927, G1784, G2472, G2570, G4185, G4186, G5092, G5093

Forms Found in the English ULB:

costly, expensive, precious, precious things, precious treasures, valuable, valuables

predestine

Related Ideas:

decide in advance

Definition:

The terms "predestine" and "predestined" refer to deciding or planning beforehand that something will happen.

This term especially refers to God predestining people to receive eternal life.
Sometimes the word "foreordain" is used, which also means to decide beforehand.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "predestine" could also be translated as "decide before" or "decide ahead of time."
The term "predestined" could be translated as "decided long ago" or "planned ahead of time" or "decided beforehand."
A phrase such as "predestined us" could be translated as "decided long ago that we" or "already decided ahead of time that we."
Note that the translation of this term should be different from the translation of the term "foreknew."

(See also: foreknow)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 02:6-7

Word Data:

Strong's: G4309

Forms Found in the English ULB:

decided in advance, predestine, predestined

prey

Related Ideas:

birds of prey, prey on

Definition:

The term "prey" refers to something that is hunted, usually an animal that is used for food.

When animals "prey on" other animals, it means that they look for other animals and they kill and eat them.
A "bird of prey" is a bird that preys on other animals.

The terms "prey" and "prey on" can be used figuratively.

In a figurative sense, "prey" can refer to a person who is taken advantage of, abused, or oppressed by a more powerful person.
To "prey on" people means to take advantage of them by oppressing them or stealing something from them.

Picture of predator and Prey:

Translation Suggestions

The term "prey" could also be translated as "hunted animal" or "hunted one" or "victim."

(See also: oppress)

Bible References:

Jeremiah 12:09
Psalms 104:21

Word Data:

Strong's: H400, H957, H962, H2963, H2964, H5706, H5861, H6561, H7997

Forms Found in the English ULB:

birds of prey, prey, prey on

priest

Related Ideas:

priesthood, priestly office

Definition:

In the Bible, a priest was someone who was chosen to offer sacrifices to God on behalf of God's people. The "priesthood" was the name for the office or condition of being a priest.

In the Old Testament, God chose Aaron and his descendants to be his priests for the people of Israel.
The "priesthood" was a right and a responsibility that was passed down from father to son in the Levite clan.
The Israelite priests had the responsibility of offering the people's sacrifices to God, along with other duties in the temple.
Priests also offered regular prayers to God on behalf of his people and performed other religious rites.
The priests pronounced formal blessings on people and taught them God's laws.
In Jesus' time, there were different levels of priests, including the chief priests and the high priest.
Jesus is our "great high priest" who intercedes for us in God's presence. He offered himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. This means that the sacrifices made by human priests are no longer needed.
In the New Testament, every believer in Jesus is called a "priest" who can come directly to God in prayer to intercede for himself and other people.
In ancient times, there were also pagan priests who presented offerings to false gods such as Baal.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, the term "priest" could be translated as "sacrifice person" or "God's intermediary" or "sacrificial mediator" or "person God appoints to represent him."
The translation of "priest" should be different from the translation of "mediator."
Some translations may prefer to always say something like "Israelite priest" or "Jewish priest" or "Yahweh's priest" or "priest of Baal" to make it clear that this does not refer to a modern-day type of priest.
The term used to translate "priest" should be different from the terms for "chief priest" and "high priest" and "Levite" and "prophet."

(See also: Aaron, chief priests, high priest, mediator, sacrifice)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 06:41
Genesis 14:17-18
Genesis 47:22
John 01:19-21
Luke 10:31
Mark 01:44
Mark 02:25-26
Matthew 08:4
Matthew 12:04
Micah 03:9-11
Nehemiah 10:28-29
Nehemiah 10:34-36
Revelation 01:06

Word Data:

Strong's: H3547, H3548, H3549, H3550, G748, G749, G2405, G2406, G2407, G2409, G2420

Forms Found in the English ULB:

priest, priest's, priesthood, priestly, priestly office, priests, priests', served as a priest

prince

Related Ideas:

princess

Definition:

A "prince" is the son of a king. A "princess" is a daughter of a king.

The term "prince" is often used figuratively to refer to a leader, ruler, or other powerful person.
Because of Abraham's wealth and importance, he was referred to as a "prince" by the Hittites he was living among.
In the book of Daniel, the term "prince" is used in the expressions "prince of Persia" and "prince of Greece," which in those contexts probably refer to powerful evil spirits who had authority over those regions.
The archangel Michael is also referred to as a "prince" in the book of Daniel.
Sometimes in the Bible Satan is referred to as "the prince of this world."
Jesus is called the "Prince of Peace" and the "Prince of Life."
In Acts 2:36, Jesus is referred to as "Lord and Christ" and in Acts 5:31 he is referred to as "Prince and Savior," showing the parallel meaning of "Lord" and "Prince."

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "prince" could include, "king's son" or "ruler" or "leader" or "chieftain" or "captain."
When referring to angels, this could also be translated as, "spirit ruler" or "leading angel."
When referring to Satan or other evil spirits, this term could also be translated as, "evil spirit ruler" or "powerful spirit leader" or "ruling spirit," depending on the context.

(See also: angel, authority, Christ, demon, lord, power, ruler, Satan, Savior, spirit)

Bible References:

Acts 05:29-32
Genesis 12:15
Genesis 49:26
Luke 01:52

Word Data:

Strong's: H117, H2831, H3548, H4502, H5057, H5081, H5139, H5257, H5387, H5461, H5633, H5993, H6579, H7333, H7786, H8269, H8282, H8323, G747, G758, G1413, G3175

Forms Found in the English ULB:

prince, princes, princess, princesses

prison

Related Ideas:

custody, dungeon, imprison, imprisonment, prisoner

Definition:

The term "prison" refers to a place where criminals are kept as a punishment for their crimes. A "prisoner" is someone who has been put in the prison.

The term "prisoners" can also refer in general to people who have been captured by an enemy and kept somewhere against their will.
The term "imprisoned" means "kept in a prison" or "kept in captivity."
Many prophets and other servants of God were put in prison even though they had not done anything wrong.
To "hold someone in custody" is to put him in a prison or other place from which he cannot escape. Sometimes people were held in custody while they waited to be judged in a trial.
A "dungeon" is an underground prison that is dark and damp.

Translation Suggestions:

Another word for "prison" is "jail."
The term "prison" could also be translated as "dungeon" in contexts where the prison is probably underground or beneath the main part of a palace or other building.
The term "prisoners" can also be translated as "captives." Other ways to translate "imprisoned" could be "kept as a prisoner" or "kept in captivity" or "held captive" or "shut up."

(See also: captive)

Bible References:

Acts 25:04
Ephesians 04:01
Luke 12:58
Luke 22:33-34
Mark 06:17
Matthew 05:26
Matthew 14:03
Matthew 25:34-36

Word Data:

Strong's: H612, H613, H615, H616, H631, H953, H1004, H1540, H3608, H3628, H3947, H4115, H4307, H4455, H4525, H5470, H6495, H7617, H7622, H7628, G1198, G1199, G1200, G1201, G1202, G1210, G2252, G3612, G4788, G4869, G5084, G5438, G5439

Forms Found in the English ULB:

custody, dungeon, held ... in custody, hold ... in custody, holding ... in custody, imprison, imprisoned, imprisonment, imprisonments, imprisons, prison, prisoner, prisoners, prisons

profane

Definition:

To profane something means to act in a way that defiles, pollutes, or disrespects something that is holy.

A profane person is one who acts in a way that is unholy and dishonoring of God.
The verb to "profane" could be translated as to "treat as unholy" or to "be irreverent toward" or to "dishonor."
God told the Israelites that they "profaned" themselves with idols, meaning that the people were making themselves "unclean" or "dishonored" by this sin. They were also dishonoring God.
Depending on the context, the adjective "profane" could be translated as "dishonoring" or "godless" or "unholy."

(See also: defile, holy, clean)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 02:16-18
Ezekiel 20:09
Malachi 01:10-12
Matthew 12:05
Numbers 18:30-32

Word Data:

Strong's: H2455, H2490, H2491, H5234, H8610, G952, G953

Forms Found in the English ULB:

profane, profaned, profaning

profit

Related Ideas:

profitable, unprofitable

Definition:

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

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

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

The term "unprofitable" means to not be useful.

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

To "take advantage of" someone is to make extra profit from him because he is weak and unable to demand greater return.

(See also: worthy)

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, the term "profit" could also be translated as "benefit" or "help" or "gain."
The term "profitable" could be translated as "useful" or "beneficial" or "helpful."
To "profit from" something could be translated as "benefit from" or "gain money from" or "receive help from."
In the context of a business, "profit" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "money gained" or "surplus of money" or "extra money."

Bible References:

Job 15:03
Proverbs 10:16
Jeremiah 02:08
Ezekiel 18:12-13
John 06:63
Mark 08:36
Matthew 16:26
2 Peter 02:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H1214, H3148, H3276, H3504, H4195, H4768, H5532, H7939, H7965, G147, G512, G890, G1281, G2108, G2585, G2770, G2771, G3408, G3685, G4122, G4297, G4851, G5622, G5623

Forms Found in the English ULB:

profit, profitable, profits, treated ... violently for profit, unprofitable

promise

Related Ideas:

binding promise

Definition:

A promise is a pledge to do a certain thing. When someone promises something, it means he is committing to do something.

The Bible records many promises that God has made for his people.
Promises are an important part of formal agreements such as covenants.
A promise is often accompanied by an oath to confirm that it will be done.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "promise" could be translated as "commitment" or "assurance" or "guarantee."
To "promise to do something" could be translated as "assure someone that you will do something" or "commit to doing something."

(See also: covenant, oath, vow)

Bible References:

Galatians 03:15-16
Genesis 25:31-34
Hebrews 11:09
James 01:12
Numbers 30:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H530, H562, H632, H1696, H2778, H3709, G1860, G1861, G1862, G3670, G4279

Forms Found in the English ULB:

makes binding promises, promise, promised, promises

prophet

Related Ideas:

prophecy, prophesy, prophetic, seer

Definition:

A "prophet" is a man who speaks God's messages to people. A woman who does this is called a "prophetess."

Often prophets warned people to turn away from their sins and obey God.
A "prophecy" is the message that the prophet speaks. To "prophesy" means to speak God's messages.
Often the message of a prophecy was about something that would happen in the future.
Many prophecies in the Old Testament have already been fulfilled.
In the Bible the collection of books written by prophets are sometimes referred to as "the prophets."
For example the phrase, "the law and the prophets" is a way of referring to all the Hebrew scriptures, which are also known as the "Old Testament."
An older term for a prophet was "seer" or "someone who sees."
Sometimes the term "seer" refers to a false prophet or to someone who practices divination.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "prophet" could be translated as "God's spokesman" or "man who speaks for God" or "man who speaks God's messages."
A "seer" could be translated as, "person who sees visions" or "man who sees the future from God."
The term "prophetess" could be translated as, "spokeswoman for God" or "woman who speaks for God" or "woman who speaks God's messages."
Ways to translate "prophecy" could include, "message from God" or "prophet message."
The term "prophesy" could be translated as "speak words from God" or "tell God's message."
The figurative expression, "law and the prophets" could also be translated as, "the books of the law and of the prophets" or "everything written about God and his people, including God's laws and what his prophets preached."
When referring to a prophet (or seer) of a false god, it may be necessary to translate this as "false prophet (seer)" or "prophet (seer) of a false god" or "prophet of Baal," for example.

(See also: Baal, divination, god, false prophet, fulfill, law of Moses, vision)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 02:14-16
Acts 03:25
John 01:43-45
Malachi 04:4-6
Matthew 01:23
Matthew 02:18
Matthew 05:17
Psalm 051:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H2372, H2374, H4853, H5012, H5013, H5016, H5017, H5029, H5030, H5031, H5046, H5197, H7200, H7203, G2495, G4394, G4395, G4396, G4397, G4398, G5578

Forms Found in the English ULB:

give ... prophecies, prophecies, prophecy, prophesied, prophesies, prophesy, prophesying, prophet, prophet's, prophetess, prophetic, prophets, seer, seer's, seers, seers'

propitiation

Definition:

The term "propitiation" refers to a sacrifice that is made to satisfy or fulfill the justice of God and to appease his wrath.

The offering of the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ is the propitiation to God for mankind's sins.
Jesus' death on the cross appeased God's wrath against sin. This provided a way for God to look on people with favor and offer them eternal life.

Translation Suggestions:

This term could be translated as "appeasement" or "causing God to forgive sins and grant favor to people."
The word "atonement" is close in meaning to "propitiation." It is important to compare how these two terms are used.

(See also: atonement, eternity, forgive, sacrifice)

Bible References:

1 John 02:02
1 John 04:10
Romans 03:25-26

Word Data:

Strong's: G2433, G2434, G2435

Forms Found in the English ULB:

propitiation

prosper

Related Ideas:

prosperity, prosperous

Definition:

The term "prosper" generally refers to living well and can refer to prospering physically or spiritually. When people or countryies are "prosperous," it means they are wealthy and have all that they need to be successful. They are experiencing "prosperity."

The term "prosperous" often refers to success in owning money and property or in producing everything needed for people to live well.
In the Bible, the term "prosperous" also includes good health and being blessed with children.
A "prosperous" city or country is one that has many people, good production of food, and businesses that bring in plenty of money.
The Bible teaches that a person will prosper spiritually when he obeys God's teachings. He will also experience the blessings of joy and peace. God does not always give people a lot of material wealth, but he will always prosper them spiritually as they follow his ways.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, the term "prosper" could also be translated as "succeed spiritually" or "be blessed by God" or "experience good things" or "live well."
The term "prosperous" could also be translated as "successful" or "wealthy" or "spiritually fruitful."
"Prosperity" could also be translated as "well-being" or "wealth" or "success" or "abundant blessings."
"Welfare" is another word for "prosperity."

(See also: bless, fruit, spirit)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 29:22-23
Deuteronomy 23:06
Job 36:11
Leviticus 25:26-28
Psalms 001:3

Word Data:

Strong's: H202, H1129, H1767, H1878, H1879, H1995, H2428, H2896, H2898, H2981, H3027, H3190, H3444, H3498, H3519, H3787, H4195, H5381, H6500, H6509, H6555, H6743, H6744, H7230, H7487, H7919, H7951, H7961, H7963, H7965, H8454, G2137

Forms Found in the English ULB:

caused ... to prosper, prosper, prospered, prospering, prosperity, prosperous

prostitute

Related Ideas:

prostitution

Definition:

The terms "prostitute" and "harlot" both refer to a person who performs sexual acts for money or for religious rites. Prostitutes or harlots were usually female, but some were male.

In the Bible, the word "prostitute" is sometimes used figuratively to refer to a person who worships false gods or who practices witchcraft.
The expression "play the harlot" means to act like a harlot by being sexually immoral. This expression is also used in the Bible to refer to a person who worships idols.
To "prostitute oneself" to something means to be sexually immoral or when used figuratively, to be unfaithful to God by worshiping false gods.
In ancient times, some pagan temples used male and female prostitutes as part of their rituals.
This term could be translated by the word or phrase that is used in the project language to refer to a prostitute. Some languages may have a euphemistic term that is used for this.

(See also: adultery, god, sexual immorality, god)

Bible References:

Genesis 34:31
Genesis 38:21
Luke 15:30
Matthew 21:31

Word Data:

Strong's: H2154, H2181, H2183, H2185, H6945, H6948, H8457, G4204

Forms Found in the English ULB:

act like a prostitute, acted like a prostitute, acted like prostitutes, prostitute, prostitute's, prostituted, prostitutes, prostitution

prostrate

Definition:

The term "prostrate" means to be lying face down, stretched out on the ground.

To "fall prostrate" or to "prostrate oneself" before someone means to suddenly bow down very low or in front of that person.
Usually this position of being prostrate is a response that shows shock, amazement, and awe because of something miraculous that happened. It also shows honor and respect for the person being bowed to.
Being prostrate also was a way to worship God. People often responded this way to Jesus in thanksgiving and worship when he did a miracle or to honor him as a great teacher.
Depending on the context, ways to translate "prostrated" could include "bowed down low with the face to the ground" or "worshiped him by lying face down in front of him" or "bowed down low to the ground in amazement" or "worshiped."
The phrase "will not prostrate ourselves" could be translated as "will not worship" or "will not lie face down in worship" or "will not bow down and worship."
"Prostrate himself to" could also be translated as "worship" or "bow down in front of."

(See also: awe, bow)

Bible References:

2 Kings 17:36-38
Genesis 43:28
Revelation 19:3-4

Word Data:

Strong's: H5307, H5457, H6440, H6915, H7812

Forms Found in the English ULB:

prostrate, prostrated

proud

Related Ideas:

pride, prideful

Definition:

The terms "proud" and "prideful" refer to a person thinking too highly of himself, and especially, thinking that he is better than other people.

A proud person often does not admit his own faults. He is not humble.
Pride can lead to disobeying God in other ways.
The terms "proud" and "pride" can also be used in a positive sense, such as being "proud of" what someone else has achieved and being "proud of" your children. The expression "take pride in your work" means to find joy in doing your work well.
Someone can be proud of what he has done without being prideful about it. Some languages have different words for these two different meanings of "pride."
The term "prideful" is always negative, with the meaning of being "arrogant" or "conceited" or "self-important."

Translation Suggestions:

The noun "pride" could be translated as "arrogance" or "conceit" or "self-importance."
In other contexts, "pride" could be translated as "joy" or "satisfaction" or "pleasure."
To be "proud of" could also be translated as "happy with" or "satisfied with" or "joyful about (the accomplishments of)."
The phrase "take pride in your work" could be translated as, "find satisfaction in doing your work well."
The expression "take pride in Yahweh" could also be translated as "be delighted about all the wonderful things Yahweh has done" or "be happy about how amazing Yahweh is."

(See also: arrogant, humble, joy)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 03:6-7
2 Corinthians 01:12
Galatians 06:3-5
Isaiah 13:19
Luke 01:51

Word Data:

Strong's: H1341, H1343, H1344, H1346, H1347, H1348, H1349, H1361, H1362, H1363, H1364, H1396, H1466, H1467, H1984, H2086, H2087, H3093, H3238, H3513, H4062, H1431, H4791, H5965, H7295, H7312, H7342, H7311, H7830, H8597, G1391, G1392, G2744, G2745, G2746, G3173, G5187, G5229, G5243, G5244, G5308, G5309, G5426

Forms Found in the English ULB:

pride, prideful, proud, proudly, source of pride

proverb

Definition:

A proverb is a short statement that expresses some wisdom or truth.

Proverbs are powerful because they are easy to remember and repeat.
Often a proverb will include practical examples from everyday life.
Some proverbs are very clear and direct, while others are more difficult to understand.
King Solomon was known for his wisdom and wrote over 1,000 proverbs.
Jesus often used proverbs or parables when he taught people.
Ways to translate "proverb" could include "wise saying" or "true word."

(See also: Solomon, true, wise)

Bible References:

1 Kings 04:32-34
1 Samuel 24:12-13
2 Peter 02:22
Luke 04:24
Proverbs 01:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H2420, H4911, H4912, G3850, G3942

Forms Found in the English ULB:

proverb, proverbs, speak ... proverb

province

Related Ideas:

provincial

Definitions:

A province is a division or part of a nation or empire. The term "provincial" describes something that is related to a province, such as a provincial governor.

For example, the ancient Persian Empire was divided up into provinces such as Media, Persia, Syria, and Egypt.
During the time of the New Testament, the Roman Empire was divided up into provinces such as Macedonia, Asia, Syria, Judea, Samaria, Galilee, and Galatia.
Each province had its own ruling authority, who was subject to the king or ruler of the empire. This ruler was sometimes called a "provincial official" or "provincial governor."
The terms "province" and "provincial" could also be translated as "region" and "regional."

(See also: Asia, Egypt, Esther, Galatia, Galilee, Judea, Macedonia, Media, Rome, Samaria, Syria)

Bible References:

Acts 19:30
Daniel 03:02
Daniel 06:02
Ecclesiastes 02:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H4082, H4083, H5675, H5676, G1885

Forms Found in the English ULB:

province, provinces, provincial

provoke

Related Ideas:

provocation

Definitions:

The term "provoke" means to cause someone to experience a negative reaction or feeling.

To provoke someone to anger means to do something that causes that person to be angry. This could also be translated as to "cause to become angry" or to "anger."
When used in a phrase such as, "do not provoke him," this could be translated as "do not anger him" or "do not cause him to be angry" or "do not make him angry with you."

(See also: anger)

Bible References:

Ezekiel 20:27-29

Word Data:

Strong's: H3707, H3708, H4784, H4843, H5006, H7065, H7069, H7107, H7264, G2042, G3863, G3947, G3949, G4292

Forms Found in the English ULB:

provocation, provoke, provoke ... to anger, provoked, provoked ... to anger, provokes, provoking

prudent

Related Ideas:

prudence, prudently

Definitions:

The term "prudent" describes a person who thinks carefully about his actions and makes wise decisions. It also describes what a prudent person does.

Often "prudence" refers to the ability to make wise decisions about practical, physical matters, such as in managing money or property.
Although "prudence" and "wisdom" are similar in meaning, often "wisdom" is more general and focuses on spiritual or moral matters.
Depending on the context, "prudent" could also be translated as "shrewd" or "careful" or "wise."

(See also: shrewd, spirit, wise)

Bible References:

Proverbs 08:4-5
Proverbs 12:23-24
Proverbs 27:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H995, H5843, H6175, H6191, H6195, H7919, H7922

Forms Found in the English ULB:

behaved prudently, prudence, prudent, prudent behavior, prudently

psalm

Related Ideas:

praise in song, psalmist, psalm of praise, song

Definition:

The term "psalm" refers to a sacred song, often in the form of a poem that was written to be sung.

The Old Testament Book of Psalms has a collection of these songs written by King David and other Israelites such as Moses, Solomon, and Asaph, among others.
The psalms were used by the nation of Israel in their worship of God.
Psalms can be used to express joy, faith, and reverence, as well as pain and sorrow.
In the New Testament, Christians are instructed to sing psalms to God as a way of worshiping him.
A "psalmist" is someone who composes or sings psalms.

(See also: David, faith, joy, Moses, holy)

Bible References:

Acts 13:33
Acts 13:35
Colossians 03:16
Luke 20:42

Word Data:

Strong's: H2158, H2167, H4210, G5567, G5568

Forms Found in the English ULB:

praise ... in song, psalm, psalmist, psalms, psalms of praise, songs

puffed up

Definition:

The term "puffed up" refers literally to something that is full of air and so larger than its normal size. is a figurative expression that refers to being boastful, proud, or arrogant.

A person who is puffed up has an attitude of feeling superior to others.
Paul taught that knowing a lot of information or having religious experiences can lead to being "puffed up" or proud.
Other languages may have a similar idiom or a different one that expresses this meaning, such as "having a big head."
This could also be translated as "very proud" or "disdainful of others" or "haughty" or "thinking oneself better than others."

(See also: arrogant, proud)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 04:6-7
1 Corinthians 08:01
2 Corinthians 12:6-7
Habakkuk 02:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H6075, G5448

Forms Found in the English ULB:

puffed up, puffs up

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

pure

Related Ideas:

impure, purge, purification, purify, purity, refine

Definition:

To be "pure" means to have no flaw or to have nothing mixed in that is not supposed to be there. To purify something is to cleanse it and remove anything that contaminates or pollutes it.

In regard to Old Testament laws, "purify" and "purification" refer mainly to the cleansing from things that make an object or a person ritually unclean, such as disease, body fluids, or childbirth.
The Old Testament also had laws telling people how to be purified from sin, usually by the sacrifice of an animal. This was only temporary and the sacrifices had to be repeated over and over again.
In the New Testament, to be purified often refers to being cleansed from sin.
The only way that people can be completely and permanently purified from sin is through repenting and receiving God's forgiveness, through trusting in Jesus and his sacrifice.
Something that is "impure" is not pure.
To "refine" is to purify metal. This is done by heating the metal over a fire until it melts and removing what should not be there.
Someone who has pure motives is somone who only wants to do what is good.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "purify" could be translated as "make pure" or "cleanse" or "cleanse from all contamination" or "get rid of all sin."
A phrase such as "when the time for their purification was over" could be translated as "when they had purified themselves by waiting the required number of days."
The phrase "provided purification for sins" could be translated as "provided a way for people to be completely cleansed from their sin."
Other ways to translate "purification" could include "cleansing" or "spiritual washing" or "becoming ritually clean."
Other ways to translate "pure motives" or "purity of motives" is "sincere" or "sincerity."

(See also: atonement, clean, spirit)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 01:05
Exodus 31:6-9
Hebrews 09:13-15
James 04:08
Luke 02:22
Revelation 14:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H571, H1249, H1305, H2134, H2135, H2141, H2212, H2398, H2403, H2889, H2890, H2891, H2892, H2893, H3795, H2896, H3800, H5079, H5343, H5462, H6337, H6884, H6942, G48, G49, G53, G54, G169, G185, G505, G1103, G1506, G2511, G2512, G2513

Forms Found in the English ULB:

impure, impure thing, impurities, impurity, pure, purer, purge, purification, purified, purifies, purify, purity, refine, refined, refiner, refiner's, refining

purple

Definitions:

The term "purple" is the name of a color that is a mixture of blue and red.

In ancient times, purple was a rare and highly valuable color of dye that was used to dye the clothing of kings and other high officials.
Because it was costly and time-consuming to produce this dye, purple clothing was considered a sign of wealth, distinction, and royalty.
Purple was also one of the colors used for the curtains in the tabernacle and temple, and for the ephod worn by the priests.
Purple dye was extracted from a kind of sea snail by either crushing or boiling the snails or by causing them to release the dye while still alive. This was an expensive process.
Roman soldiers put a purple royal robe on Jesus before his crucifixion, to mock him for his claim to be King of the Jews.
Lydia from the town of Philippi was a woman who made her living by selling purple cloth.

(See also: ephod, Philippi, royal, tabernacle, temple)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 02:13-14
Daniel 05:7
Daniel 05:29-31
Proverbs 31:22-23

Word Data:

Strong's: H710, H711, H713, G4209, G4210, G4211

Forms Found in the English ULB:

purple

push

Definition:

The term "push" literally means to physically move something away using force. There are also several figurative meanings of this term.

The expression "push away" can mean "reject" or "refuse to help."
To "push down" can mean to "oppress" or "persecute" or "defeat."
To "push someone out" can mean to get rid of someone or send someone away.
The expression "push ahead" means to persevere or to continue doing something without really making sure it is right or safe.

(See also: oppress, persecute, reject)

Bible References:

Word Data:

Strong's: H1556, H1760, H1920, H3276, H3423, H5055, H5186, H5493, G683, G4261

Forms Found in the English ULB:

push, push ... away, pushed, pushed ... away, pushed ... down, pushing

qualify

Related Ideas:

disqualify, fail the test

Definition:

The term "qualify" refers to earning the right to receive certain benefits or to be recognized as having certain skills.

A person who is "qualified" for a particular job has the necessary skills and training to do that job.
The believer cannot earn the right to be part of God's kingdom. He is only qualified because God has redeemed him with the blood of Christ.

Translation Suggestions

Depending on the context, "qualified" could be translated as "equipped" or "skilled" or "enabled."
To "qualify" someone could be translated as to "equip" or to "enable" or to "empower."

(See also: Colossae, godly, kingdom, light, Paul, redeem)

Bible References:

Daniel 01:3-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H3581, G96

Forms Found in the English ULB:

disqualified, failed the test, qualified, qualify

queen

Definition:

A queen is either the female ruler of a country or the wife of a king.

Esther became the queen of the Persian empire when she married King Xerxes.
Queen Jezebel was the evil wife of King Ahab.
The Queen of Sheba was a famous ruler who came to visit King Solomon.
A term such as "queen mother" usually referred to the mother or grandmother of a ruling king or the widow of the previous king. A queen mother had much influence; Athaliah, for example, influenced the people to worship idols.

(See also: Xerxes, Athaliah, Esther, king. Persia ruler, Sheba)

Bible References:

1 Kings 10:10
1 Kings 11:18-19
2 Kings 10:12-14
Acts 08:27
Esther 01:17
Luke 11:31
Matthew 12:42

Word Data:

Strong's: H1404, H1377, H4410, H4433, H4436, H4438, H4446, H7694, H8282, G938

Forms Found in the English ULB:

queen, queens

quench

Related Ideas:

put out, unquenchable

Definition:

The term "quench" means to stop something that is demanding to be satisfied. The expression "put out" can also mean the same.

The term "quench" is usually used in the context of quenching thirst, and means to stop being thirsty by drinking something.
The expressions "quench" and "put out" can also be used to refer to stopping a fire.
Both thirst and fire are quenched with water.
A fire that is "unquenchable" cannot be stopped. It continues to burn.
Paul uses the term "quench" in a figurative way when he instructs believers to not "quench the Holy Spirit." This means to not discourage people from allowing the Holy Spirit to produce his fruits and gifts in them. Quenching the Holy Spirit means preventing the Holy Spirit from freely manifesting his power and work in people.

(See also: fruit, gift, Holy Spirit)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 05:19
Ezekiel 20:47
Isaiah 01:31
Jeremiah 21:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H1846, H3518, H7665, G762, G4570

Forms Found in the English ULB:

put out, quench, quenched, unquenchable

rage

Related Ideas:

enrage

Definitions:

Rage is excessive anger what is out of control. When someone rages, it means that person is expressing anger in a destructive way.

Rage happens when the emotion of anger causes a person to lose self control.
When controlled by rage, people commit destructive acts and say destructive things.
When the "nations rage," their to ungodly people disobey God and rebel against him.
To be "filled with rage" means to have an overwhelming feeling of extreme anger.
"Senseless rage" is rage that comes from no good reason or that prevents the angry person from thinking clearly.
To "enrage" someone means to make them extremely angry.
To "enrage" against someone is to be extremely angry with someone.
When someone is "enraged" he is extremely angry."

"Rage" can also be used figuratively. * The term to "rage" can also mean to move powerfully, in descriptions such as a "raging" storm or ocean waves that "rage."

(See also: anger, self-control)

Bible References:

Acts 04:25
Daniel 03:13
Luke 04:28
Numbers 25:11
Proverbs 19:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H398, H1348, H1993, H2121, H2195, H2196, H2197, H2528, H2534, H2734, H2740, H3820, H5590, H5678, H7264, H7265, H7266, H7267, H7857, G454, G1693, G2372, G2830, G3710, G5433

Forms Found in the English ULB:

enrage, enraged, rage, raged, rages, raging, senseless rage

raise

Related Ideas:

arise, rise, risen

Definition:

raise, raise up

In general, the word "raise" means to "lift up" or "make higher."

The figurative phrase "raise up" means to cause something to come into being or to appear. It can also mean to appoint someone to do something.
Sometimes "raise up" means to restore or rebuild.
"Raise" has a specialized meaning in the phrase "raise from the dead." It means to cause a dead person to become alive again.
Sometimes "raise up" means to exalt someone or something or make someone or something truly great.

rise, arise

To "rise" or "arise" means to "go up" or "get up." The terms "risen," "rose," and "arose" express past action.

When a person gets up to go somewhere, this is sometimes expressed as "he arose and went" or "he rose up and went."
If something "arises" it means it "happens" or "begins to happen."
Jesus predicted that he would "rise from the dead." Three days after Jesus died, the angel said, "He has risen!"
A person who suddenly becomes important is said to "arise."

Translation Suggestions:

The term "raise" or "raise up" could be translated as "lift up" or "make higher."
To "raise up" could also be translated as to "cause to appear" or to "appoint" or to "bring into existence."
To "raise up the strength of your enemies" could be translated as, "cause your enemies to be very strong."
The phrase "raise someone from the dead" could be translated as "cause someone to return from death to life" or "cause someone to come back to life."
Depending on the context, "raise up" could also be translated as "provide" or to "appoint" or to "cause to have" or "build up" or "rebuild" or "repair."
The phrase "arose and went" could be translated as "got up and went" or "went."
Depending on the context, the term "arose" could also be translated as "began" or "started up" or "got up" or "stood up."

(See also: resurrection, appoint, exalt)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 06:41
2 Samuel 07:12
Acts 10:40
Colossians 03:01
Deuteronomy 13:1-3
Jeremiah 06:01
Judges 02:18
Luke 07:22
Matthew 20:19

Word Data:

Strong's: H1804, H2210, H2224, H5375, H5549, H5782, H5927, H5975, H6965, H6966, H7613, G305, G386, G393, G450, G1127, G1326, G1453, G1525, G1817, G1825, G1892, G1999, G4891, G5312

Forms Found in the English ULB:

arise, arisen, arises, raise, raise up, raised, raises, raising, raising up, rise, rise up, risen, rises, rising, rose

ransom

Definition:

The term "ransom" refers to a sum of money or other payment that is demanded or paid for the release of a person who is held captive.

As a verb, to "ransom" means to make a payment or to do something self-sacrificially in order to rescue someone who has been captured, enslaved or imprisoned. This meaning of "buy back" is similar to the meaning of "redeem."
Jesus allowed himself to be killed as a ransom to free sinful people from their enslavement to sin. This act of God buying back his people through paying the penalty of their sin is also called "redemption" in the Bible.

Translation Suggestions:

The term to "ransom" could also be translated as to "pay to release" or to "pay a price to free" or to "buy back."
The phrase to "pay a ransom" could be translated as to "pay the price (of freedom)" or to "pay the penalty (to free people)" or to "make the required payment."
The noun "ransom" could be translated as "a buying back" or "a penalty paid" or "the price paid" (to free or buy back people or land).
The terms a "ransom" and a "redemption" have the same meaning in English but are sometimes used slightly differently. Other languages may have only one term for this concept.
Make sure this is translated differently from "atonement."

(See also: atonement, redeem)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 02:06
Isaiah 43:03
Job 06:23
Leviticus 19:20
Matthew 20:28
Psalms 049:07

Word Data:

Strong's: H1350, H3724, H6299, H6304, G487, G3083

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ransom, ransomed

reap

Related Ideas:

reaper

Definition:

The term "reap" means to harvest crops such as grain. A "reaper" is someone who harvests the crop.

Usually reapers harvested the crops by hand, pulling up the plants or cutting them with a sharp cutting tool.
The idea of reaping a harvest is often used figuratively to refer to telling people the good news about Jesus and bringing them into God's family.
This term is also used figuratively to refer to the consequences that come from a person's actions, as in the saying "a man reaps what he plants."
Other ways to translate to "reap" and "reaper" could include to "harvest" and "harvester" (or "person who harvests").

(See also: good news, harvest)

Bible References:

Galatians 06:9-10
Matthew 06:25-26
Matthew 13:30
Matthew 13:36-39
Matthew 25:24

Word Data:

Strong's: H4672, H7114, H7938, G2325, G2327

Forms Found in the English ULB:

reap, reaped, reaper, reapers, reaping, reaps

rebel

Related Ideas:

rebellion, rebellious, rebelliousness

Definition:

The term "rebel" means to refuse to submit to someone's authority. A "rebellious" person often disobeys and does evil things. This kind of person is called "a rebel."

A person is rebelling when he does something the authorities over him have told him not to do.
A person can also rebel by refusing to do what the authorities have commanded him to do.
Sometimes people rebel against their government or leader who is ruling over them.
The term to "rebel" could also be translated as to "disobey" or to "revolt," depending on the context.
"Rebellious" could also be translated as "continually disobedient" or "refusing to obey."
The term "rebellion" means "refusal to obey" or "disobedience" or "law-breaking."
The phrase "the rebellion" or "a rebellion" can also refer to an organized group of people who publicly rebel against ruling authorities by breaking the law and attacking leaders and other people. Often they try to get other people to join them in rebelling.

(See also: authority, governor)

Bible References:

1 Kings 12:18-19
1 Samuel 12:14
1 Timothy 01:9-11
2 Chronicles 10:17-19
Acts 21:38
Luke 23:19

Word Data:

Strong's: H4754, H4775, H4776, H4777, H4779, H4780, H4784, H4805, H5327, H5627, H5637, H6586, H6588, H7300, H7846, G436, G485, G498, G506, G3893, G4955

Forms Found in the English ULB:

rebel, rebelled, rebelling, rebellion, rebellious, rebelliousness, rebels, revolt

rebuke

Related Ideas:

correct, correction

Definition:

To rebuke is to give someone a stern verbal correction, often in order to help that person turn away from sin. Such a correction is a rebuke.

A rebuke is typically given to prevent those who committed a wrong from further involving themselves in sin.
The book of Proverbs instructs parents to rebuke their children when they are disobedient.
The New Testament commands Christians to rebuke other believers when they are clearly disobeying God.

Translation Suggestions:

This could be translated by "sternly correct" or "admonish."
The phrase "a rebuke" could be translated by "a stern correction" or "a strong criticism."
"Without rebuke" could be translated as "without admonishing" or "without criticism."

(See also admonish, disobey)

Bible References:

Mark 01:23-26
Mark 16:14
Matthew 08:26-27
Matthew 17:17-18

Word Data:

Strong's: H1605, H1606, H2778, H2781, H3198, H3256, H4045, H4148, H7626, H8156, H8433, G1649, G1651, G1969, G2008, G3679

Forms Found in the English ULB:

correct, corrected, correction, corrections, corrects, give correction, rebuke, rebuked, rebukes

receive

Related Ideas:

abstain, receiver

Definition:

The term "receive" generally means to get or accept something that is given, offered, or presented.

To "receive" can also mean to suffer or experience something, as in "he received punishment for what he did."
There is also a special sense in which we can "receive" a person. For example, to "receive" guests or visitors means to welcome them and treat them with honor in order to build a relationship with them.
To "receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" means we are given the Holy Spirit and welcome him to work in and through our lives.
To "receive Jesus" means to accept God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.
When a blind person "receives his sight" means that God has healed him and enabled him to see.
The word "abstain" means to refuse to take or receive or have something.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "receive" could be translated as "accept" or "welcome" or "experience" or "be given."
The expression "you will receive power" could be translated as "you will be given power" or "God will give you power" or "power will be given to you (by God)" or "God will cause the Holy Spirit to work powerfully in you."
The phrase "received his sight" could be translated as "was able to see" or "became able to see again."

(See also: Holy Spirit, Jesus, lord, save)

Bible References:

1 John 05:09
1 Thessalonians 01:06
1 Thessalonians 04:01
Acts 08:15
Jeremiah 32:33
Luke 09:05
Malachi 03:10-12
Psalms 049:14-15

Word Data:

Strong's: H3557, H3925, H3947, H5144, H6901, H6902, H8254, G308, G324, G353, G354, G568, G588, G618, G1183, G1184, G1209, G1523, G1653, G1926, G2865, G2983, G3028, G3335, G3336, G3549, G3858, G3880, G4047, G4327, G4355, G4356, G4687, G5264, G5562

Forms Found in the English ULB:

abstain, receive, receive back, received, received ... in full, receiver, receives, receiving

reconcile

Related Ideas:

reconciliation

Definition:

The term "reconcile" refers to "making peace" between people who were formerly enemies of each other. "Reconciliation" is that act of making peace

In the Bible, this term usually refers to God reconciling people to himself through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ.
Because of sin, all human beings are God's enemies. But because of his compassionate love, God provided a way for people to be reconciled to him through Jesus.
Through trusting in Jesus' sacrifice as payment for their sin, people can be forgiven and have peace with God.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "reconcile" could be translated as "make peace" or "restore good relations" or "cause to be friends."
The term "reconciliation" could be translated as "restoring good relations" or "making peace" or "causing peaceful relating."

(See also: peace, sacrifice)

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 05:19
Colossians 01:18-20
Matthew 05:24
Proverbs 13:17-18
Romans 05:10

Word Data:

Strong's: G525, G604, G1259, G2643, G2644

Forms Found in the English ULB:

reconcile, reconciled, reconciles, reconciliation, reconciling

redeem

Related Ideas:

redeemer, redemption

Definition:

To "redeem" and "redemption" refer to buy back something or someone that was previously owned or held captive. "Redemption" is the action of doing that. A "redeemer" is someone who redeems something or someone.

God gave laws to the Israelites about how to redeem people or things.
For example, someone could redeem a person who was in slavery by paying the price so that the slave could go free. The word "ransom" also refers to this practice.
If someone's land had been sold, a relative of that person could "redeem" or "buy back" that land so that it would stay in the family.
These practices show how God redeems people who are in slavery to sin. When he died on the cross, Jesus paid the full price for people's sins and redeemed all those who trust in him for salvation. People who have been redeemed by God are set free from sin and its punishment.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, the term "redeem" could also be translated as "buy back" or "pay to free (someone)" or "ransom."
The term "redemption" could be translated as "ransom" or "freedom payment" or "the buying back."
The words "ransom" and "redeem" have basically the same meaning, so some languages may have only one term to translate both these terms. The word "ransom," however, can also mean the payment necessary.

(See also: free, ransom)

Bible References:

Colossians 01:13-14
Ephesians 01:7-8
Ephesians 05:16
Galatians 03:13-14
Galatians 04:05
Luke 02:38
Ruth 02:20

Word Data:

Strong's: H1350, H1353, H6299, H6302, H6306, H6304, H7069, G629, G1805, G3084, G3085

Forms Found in the English ULB:

redeem, redeemed, redeemer, redeems, redemption

reed

Definitions:

The term "reed" refers to a plant with a long stalk that grows in the water, usually along the edge of a river or stream.

The reeds in the Nile River where Moses was hidden as a baby were also called "bulrushes." They were tall, hollow stalks growing in dense clumps in the river water.
These fibrous plants were used in ancient Egypt for making paper, baskets, and boats.
The stalk of the reed plant is flexible and is easily bent over by the wind.

(See also: Egypt, Moses, Nile River)

Bible References:

1 Kings 14:15
Luke 07:24
Matthew 11:07
Matthew 12:20
Psalm 068:30

Word Data:

Strong's: H98, H100, H260, G4464, H5488, H6169, H7070, G2563

Forms Found in the English ULB:

reed, reeds

refuge

Related Ideas:

refugee, shelter

Definition:

The term "refuge" refers to a place or condition of safety and protection. A "refugee" is someone who is seeking a safe place. A "shelter" refers to a place that can protect from weather or danger.

In the Bible, God is often referred to as a refuge where his people can be safe, protected, and cared for.
The term "city of refuge" in the Old Testament referred to one of several cities where a person who accidentally killed someone could go for protection from people who would attack them in revenge.
A "shelter" is often a physical structure such as a building or roof that can provide protection to people or animals.
Sometimes "shelter" means "protection," as when Lot said that his guests were "under the shelter" of his roof. He was saying that they should be safe because he was taking responsibility to protect them as members of his household.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "refuge" could be translated as "safe place" or "place of protection."
"Refugees" are people leaving their home to escape from a dangerous situation, and could be translated as "aliens," "homeless people," or "exiles."
Depending on the context, the term "shelter" could be translated as "something that protects" or "protection" or "protected place."
If it refers to a physical structure, "shelter" could also be translated as "protective building" or "house of safety."
The phrase "into safe shelter" could be translated as "into a safe place" or "into a place that will protect."
To "find shelter" or to "take shelter" or to "take refuge" could be translated as to "find a place of safety" or to "put oneself in a protected place."

Bible References:

2 Samuel 22:3-4
Deuteronomy 32:37-38
Isaiah 23:14
Jeremiah 16:19
Numbers 35:24-25
Psalm 046:01
Psalms 028:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H2620, H4268, H4498, H4581, H4585, H4733, H4869

Forms Found in the English ULB:

find refuge, refuge, refugee, refugees, shelter, sheltered, sheltering, shelters, take refuge

reign

Definition:

The term to "reign" means to rule over the people of a particular country or kingdom. The reign of a king is the time period during which he is ruling.

The term "reign" is also used to refer to God reigning as king over the entire world.
God allowed human kings to reign over Israel after the people rejected him as their king.
When Jesus Christ returns, he will openly reign as king over the whole world, and Christians will reign with Him.
This term could also be translated as "absolute rule" or "rule as king."

(See also: kingdom)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 02:11-13
Genesis 36:34-36
Luke 01:30-33
Luke 19:26-27
Matthew 02:22-23

Word Data:

Strong's: H3427, H4427, H4437, H4438, H4467, H4468, H4475, H4791, H4910, G936, G2231, G4821

Forms Found in the English ULB:

reign, reigned, reigning, reigns, set ... to reign

reject

Related Ideas:

deny, despise, refuse, rejection, scorn, set aside, stay away from, throw away

Definition:

To "reject" someone or something means to refuse to accept that person or thing. The term "reject" can also mean to "refuse to believe in" something. To reject God or his laws means to refuse to obey him.

To "deny" what someone says is to say that it is not true.
To "deny" someone is to say that one does not associate with that person.
To "despise" or "scorn" people or things is to have no respect for them.
An "object of scorn" is someone or something that people have no respect for.

Translation Suggestions

Depending on the context, the term "reject" could also be translated by "not accept" or "stop helping" or "refuse to obey" or "stop obeying."
In some languages the idea of "reject" is expressed as "push away" or "set aside" or "stay away from."
In the expression "stone that the builders rejected," the term "rejected" could be translated as "refused to use" or "did not accept" or "threw away" or "got rid of as worthless."
In the context of people who rejected God's commandments, rejected could be translated as "refused to obey" his commands or "stubbornly chose to not accept" God's laws.

(See also: command, disobey, obey, stiff-necked)

Bible References:

Galatians 04:12-14
Hosea 04:6-7
Isaiah 41:09
John 12:48-50
Mark 07:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H936, H937, H947, H959, H2151, H2186, H2778, H2781, H3988, H5006, H5034, H5186, H5203, H5307, H5541, H5800, G114, G483, G550, G579, G580, G581, G593, G683, G720, G1609, G1848, G3868

Forms Found in the English ULB:

denied, denies, deny, despise, despised, despises, refuse, refused, reject, rejected, rejecting, rejection, rejects, scorn, scorns, set ... aside, sets ... aside, stay away from, throw away, tossed aside

remnant

Related Ideas:

remaining

Definition:

The term "remnant" literally refers to people or things that are "remaining" or "left over" from a larger amount or group.

Often a "remnant" refers to people who survive a life-threatening situation or who remain faithful to God while undergoing persecution.
Isaiah referred to a group of Jews as being a remnant who would survive attacks from outsiders and live to return to the Promised Land in Canaan.
Paul talks about there being a "remnant" of people who were chosen by God to receive his grace.
The term "remnant" implies that there were other people who did not remain faithful or who did not survive or who were not chosen.
An "escaped remnant" is a small number of people who did not die when most of their people did die in a war.

Translation Suggestions:

A phrase such as "the remnant of this people" could be translated as "the rest of these people" or "the people who remain faithful" or "the people who are left."
The "whole remnant of people" could be translated by "all the rest of the people" or "the remaining people."

Bible References:

Acts 15:17
Amos 09:12
Ezekiel 06:8-10
Genesis 45:07
Isaiah 11:11
Micah 04:6-8

Word Data:

Strong's: H3498, H3499, H4422, H6413, H7604, H7605, H7611, H8300, G2640, G3005

Forms Found in the English ULB:

escaped remnant, remain, remained, remaining, remains, remnant

renown

Related Ideas:

famous

Definition:

The term "renown" refers to the greatness associated with being well known and having a praiseworthy reputation. Something or someone is "renowned" if it has renown.

A "renowned" person is someone who is well known and highly esteemed.
"Renown" especially refers to a good reputation that is widely known over a long period of time.
A city that is "renowned" is often well known for its wealth and prosperity.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "renown" could also be translated as "fame" or "esteemed reputation" or "greatness that is well-known by many people."
The term "renowned" could also be translated as "well known and highly esteemed" or "having an excellent reputation."
The expression "May the Lord's name be renowned in Israel" could be translated as "May the Lord's name be well known and honored by the people of Israel."
The phrase "men of renown" could be translated as "men well known for their courage" or "famous warriors" or "highly esteemed men."
The expression "your renown endures through all generations" could be translated as "throughout the years people will hear about how great you are" or "your greatness is seen and heard by people in every generation."

(See also: honor)

Bible References:

Genesis 06:4
Psalms 135:12-14

Word Data:

Strong's: H1984, H7121, H8034

Forms Found in the English ULB:

famous, renown, renowned

repent

Related Ideas:

change his mind, hold back, regret, relent, repentance

Definition:

The terms "repent" and "repentance" refer to turning away from sin and turning back to God.

To "repent" literally means to "change one's mind."
In the Bible, "repent" usually means to turn away from a sinful, human way of thinking and acting, and to turn to God's way of thinking and acting.
When people truly repent of their sins, God forgives them and helps them start obeying him.
A person who "relents" decides not to punish another person.
A person who "regrets" having done something wishes he had never done that thing.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "repent" can be translated with a word or phrase that means "turn back (to God)" or "turn away from sin and toward God" or "turn toward God, away from sin."
Often the term "repentance" can be translated using the verb "repent." For example, "God has given repentance to Israel" could be translated as "God has enabled Israel to repent."
Other ways to translate "repentance" could include "turning away from sin" or "turning to God and away from sin."

(See also: forgive, sin, turn)

Bible References:

Acts 03:19-20
Luke 03:3
Luke 03:8
Luke 05:32
Luke 24:47
Mark 01:14-15
Matthew 03:03
Matthew 03:11
Matthew 04:17
Romans 02:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H5162, H8133, G278, G3338, G3340, G3341

Forms Found in the English ULB:

change ... mind, changed ... mind, hold back, regret, regretted, relent, relented, relenting, repent, repentance, repented, repents

report

Related Ideas:

account, bring news, give an account, news, rumor

Definition:

The term to "report" means to tell people about something that happened, often giving details about that event. A "report" is what is told, and can be spoken or written.

"Report" could also be translated as "tell" or "explain" or "tell the details of."
The expression "Report this to no one" could be translated as, "Don't talk about this with anyone" or "Don't tell anyone about this."
Ways to translate "a report" could include "an explanation" or "a story" or "a detailed account," depending on the context.
A "rumor" is a report that no one knows for sure is true.

Bible References:

Acts 05:22-23
John 12:38
Luke 05:15
Luke 08:34-35
Matthew 28:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H1319, H1681, H1696, H1697, H5046, H5608, H7725, H8034, H8052, H8085, H8088, H8435, G189, G191, G312, G518, G987, G1225, G1310, G1334, G1834, G2036, G2163, G3004, G3056, G3140, G3141, G3377

Forms Found in the English ULB:

account, accounts, bring ... report, brought ... news, brought ... report, gave ... a full account, give ... a full account, news, report, reported, reports, rumor, rumors, spread ... about

reproach

Definition:

To reproach someone means to criticize or disapprove of that person's character or behavior. A reproach is the negative comment about the person.

Saying that a person is "above reproach" or "beyond reproach" or "without reproach" means that this person behaves in a God-honoring way and there is little or nothing that could be said in criticism of him.
The word "reproach" could also be translated as "accusation" or "shame" or "disgrace."
To "reproach" could also be translated as to "rebuke" or to "accuse" or to "criticize," depending on the context.

(See also: accuse, rebuke, shame)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 05:7-8
1 Timothy 06:13-14
Jeremiah 15:15-16
Job 16:9-10
Proverbs 18:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H1442, H2659, H2778, H2781, H3637, H3639, H7036, G410, G423, G3059, G3679, G3680, G5195, G5196

Forms Found in the English ULB:

reproach

rest

Related Ideas:

at ease, pause, refresh, relief, restless

Definition:

The term to "rest" literally means to stop working. Usually it means to stop working in order to relax or regain strength. A "rest" is what someone has when he stops working. To "rest secure" is to feel safe. To "rest" an object on something means to "place" or "put" it there. An object that is "resting" somewhere is simply in that place. A boat that "comes to rest" somewhere has "stopped" or "landed" there. The phrase "the rest of" refers to the remainder of something.

God commanded the Israelites to rest on the seventh day of the week. This day of not working was called the "Sabbath" day.
To be "at ease" is to feel safe or comfortable.
To "pause" is to stop doing something for a while.
To "refresh" someone is to give him rest and whatever else he needs so he can get his strength back.
"Relief" is the rest a person has when a problem becomes less severe or ends.
If someone is "restless," he feels anxious or bored and cannot rest.

Translation Suggestions:

When Jesus said, "I will give you rest," this could also be translated as " I will cause you to stop carrying your burden" or "I will help you be at peace."
God said, "they will not enter my rest," and this statement could be translated as "they will not experience my blessings of rest" or "they will not experience the peace that comes from trusting in me."
The term "the rest" could be translated as "those that remain" or "all the others" or "everything that is left."

(See also: remnant, Sabbath)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 06:41
Genesis 02:03
Jeremiah 06:16-19
Matthew 11:29
Revelation 14:11

Word Data:

Strong's: H14, H1824, H1826, H2308, H3427, H3498, H3499, H3885, H4494, H4496, H4771, H5117, H5118, H5162, H5183, H5315, H5564, H6314, H6960, H7258, H7280, H7599, H7604, H7605, H7606, H7611, H7663, H7673, H7677, H7901, H7931, H7951, H7961, H8172, H8252, H8300, G372, G373, G425, G1515, G1879, G1954, G2270, G2663, G2664, G2838, G4520

Forms Found in the English ULB:

at ease, be at rest, give ... rest, pause, refresh, refreshed, relief, rest, rest secure, rested, rested secure, resting, resting place, resting places, restless, rests

restore

Related Ideas:

bring back, mend, recover, restoration, reverse

Definition:

The terms "restore" and "restoration" refer to causing something to return to its original and better condition.

When a diseased body part is restored, this means it has been "healed."
When a broken relationship is restored, it has been "reconciled." God restores sinful people and brings them back to himself.
When property is restored, it has been "repaired" or "replaced" or "given back" to its owner.
When people have been restored to their home country, they have been "brought back" or "returned" to their country.
A person who "recovers" from sickness becomes healthy again.
A person who "recovers" a possession either finds it when it has been lost or gets it back from someone who has stolen it.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, ways to translate "restore" could include "renew" or "repay" or "return" or "heal" or "bring back."
Other expressions for this term could be "make new" or "make like new again."
Depending on the context, "restoration" could be translated as "renewal" or "healing" or "reconciliation."

Bible References:

2 Kings 5:10
Acts 3:21
Acts 15:15-18
Isaiah 49:5-6
Jeremiah 15:19-21
Lamentations 05:22
Leviticus 6:5-7
Luke 19:8
Matthew 12:13
Psalm 80:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H2421, H7725, H7999, H8421, G600, G2675, G5483

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bring back, mending, recover, restoration, restore, restored, restorer, restores, restoring, reverse

resurrection

Definition:

The term "resurrection" refers to the act of becoming alive again after having died.

To resurrect someone means to bring that person back to life again. Only God has the power to do this.
The word "resurrection" often refers to Jesus' coming back to life after he died.
When Jesus said, "I am the Resurrection and the Life" he meant that he is the source of resurrection, and the one who causes people to come back to life.

Translation Suggestions:

A person's "resurrection" could be translated as his "coming back to life" or his "becoming alive again after being dead."
The literal meaning of this word is "a rising up" or "the act of being raised (from the dead)." These would be other possible ways to translate this term.

(See also: life, death, raise)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 15:13
1 Peter 03:21
Hebrews 11:35
John 05:28-29
Luke 20:27
Luke 20:36
Matthew 22:23
Matthew 22:30
Philippians 03:11

Word Data:

Strong's: G386, G1454, G1815

Forms Found in the English ULB:

resurrection

return

Definition:

The term "return" means to go back or to give something back.

To "return to" a place or person means to bo back to that place or person again.
To "return to" an activity means to start doing that activity again.
When the Israelites returned to their worship of idols, they started to worship them again.
When the Israelites returned to Yahweh, they repented and worshiped Yahweh again.
To "return" land or things that were taken or received from someone else means to give that property back to the person it belongs to.

(See also: turn)

Bible References:

Word Data:

Strong's: H5437, H7725, H7729, H8421, H8666, G344, G390, G1877, G1880, G1994, G5290, G4762

Forms Found in the English ULB:

return, return back, returned, returning, returns

reveal

Related Ideas:

revelation

Definition:

The term "reveal" means to cause something to be known. A "revelation" is something that has been made known.

God has revealed himself through everything he has created and through his communication with people by spoken and written messages.
God also reveals himself through dreams or visions.
When Paul said that he received the gospel by "revelation from Jesus Christ," he means that Jesus himself explained the gospel to him.
In the New Testament book "Revelation," God revealed events that will happen in the end times. He revealed them to the apostle John through visions.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate "reveal" could include "make known" or "disclose" or "show clearly."
Depending on the context, possible ways to translate "revelation" could be "communication from God" or "things that God has revealed" or "teachings about God." It is best to keep the meaning of "reveal" in the translation.
The phrase "where there is no revelation" could be translated as "when God is not revealing himself to people" or "when God is not speaking to people" or "among people whom God has not communicating."

(See also: dream, vision)

Bible References:

Daniel 11:1-2
Ephesians 03:05
Galatians 01:12
Lamentations 02:13-14
Matthew 10:26
Philippians 03:15
Revelation 01:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H1540, H1541, H1540, H5046, H7200, G601, G602, G1213, G1453, G3377, G5318, G5319, G5537

Forms Found in the English ULB:

reveal, revealed, revealing, reveals, revelation, revelations

revere

Related Ideas:

respect, respectful, reverence, reverent

Definition:

The term "reverence" refers to feelings of profound, deep respect for someone or something. "Revere" someone or something is to show reverence towards that person or thing.

Feelings of reverence can be seen in actions that honor the person who is revered.
The fear of the Lord is an inner reverence that manifests itself in obedience to God's commandments.
This term could also be translated as "fear and honor" or "sincere respect."

(See also: fear, honor, obey)

Bible References:

1 Peter 01:15-17
Hebrews 11:7
Isaiah 44:17
Psalms 005:7-8

Word Data:

Strong's: H3372, H3373, H3374, H4172, H6342, H7812, G127, G1788, G2125, G2412, G5399, G5401

Forms Found in the English ULB:

respect, respected, respectful, revere, revered, reverence, reverences, reverent, show ... respect

reward

Related Ideas:

pay, penalty, prize, recompense, retribution, rewarder, wage

Definition:

The term "reward" refers to what a person receives or earns because of something he has done, either good or bad. To "reward" someone is to give someone something he deserves.

A reward can be a good thing that a person receives because he has done something well or because he has obeyed God.
Sometimes a reward can refer to bad things that may result from bad behavior, such as "the reward of the wicked." This is either punishment or other painful things that happen to people because of their sinful actions.
"Payment" and "wages" refer to what a person earns for working. These ideas can also be used to refer to a reward for doing good or to punishment for doing bad.
A "prize" is a reward that someone receives for winning a contest.
A "penalty" is a punishment for breaking the law.
"Recompense" can be either good or bad. Good recompense is for good deeds, and bad recompense is for bad deeds.
"Retribution" is punishment for doing wrong.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, the term "reward" could be translated as "payment" or "something that is deserved" or "punishment."
To "reward" someone could be translated by to "repay" or to "punish" or to "give what is deserved."

(See also: punish)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 32:06
Isaiah 40:10
Luke 06:35
Mark 09:40-41
Matthew 05:11-12
Matthew 06:3-4
Psalms 127:3-5
Revelation 11:18

Word Data:

Strong's: H314, H319, H814, H866, H868, H1576, H1578, H1580, H2506, H3519, H4909, H4991, H5023, H6118, H6468, H6529, H7936, H7938, H7939, H7966, H7999, H8254, G469, G514, G591, G2603, G3405, G3406, G3408, G5485

Forms Found in the English ULB:

pay, pay ... back, pays ... back, payment, penalty, prize, recompense, repay, repayment, retribution, reward, rewarded, rewarder, rewarding, rewards, wage, wages

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

righteous

Related Ideas:

right, rightly, righteousness, rightful, upright

Definition:

The term "righteousness" refers to God's absolute goodness, justice, faithfulness, and love. Having these qualities makes God "righteous." Because God is righteous, he must condemn sin.

These terms are also often used to describe a person who obeys God and is morally good. However, because all people have sinned, no one except God is completely righteous.
Examples of people the Bible who were called "righteous" include Noah, Job, Abraham, Zachariah, and Elisabeth.
When people trust in Jesus to save them, God cleanses them from their sins and declares them to be righteous because of Jesus' righteousness.

The term "unrighteous" means to be sinful and morally corrupt. "Unrighteousness" can refer to sin or the condition of being sinful.

These terms especially refer to living in a way that disobeys God's teachings and commands.
Unrighteous people are immoral in their thoughts and actions.
Sometimes "the unrighteous" refers specifically to people who do not believe in Jesus.
"Unrighteousness" can be an abstract noun that refers to words or actions that are unrighteous.

The terms "upright" and "uprightness" refer to acting in a way that follows God's laws.

The meaning of these words includes the idea of standing up straight and looking directly ahead.
A person who is "upright" is someone who obeys God's rules and does not do things that are against his will.
Terms such as "integrity" and "righteous" have similar meanings and are sometimes used in parallelism constructions, such as "integrity and uprightness."

Translation Suggestions:

When it describes God, the term "righteous" could be translated as "perfectly good and just" or "always acting rightly."
God's "righteousness" could also be translated as "perfect faithfulness and goodness."
When it describes people who are obedient to God, the term "righteous" could also be translated as "morally good" or "just" or "living a God-pleasing life."
The phrase "the righteous" could also be translated as "righteous people" or "God-fearing people."
Depending on the context, "righteousness" could also be translated with a word or phrase that means "goodness" or "being perfect before God" or "acting in a right way by obeying God" or "doing perfectly good
Sometimes "the righteous" was used figuratively and referred to "people who think they are good" or "people who seem to be righteous."
The term "unrighteous" could simply be translated as "not righteous."
Depending on the context, other ways to translate this could include "wicked" or "immoral" or "people who rebel against God" or "sinful."
The phrase "the unrighteous" could be translated as "unrighteous people."
The term "unrighteousness" could be translated as "sin" or "evil thoughts and actions" or "wickedness."
If possible, it is best to translate this in a way that shows its relationship to "righteous, righteousness."
Ways to translate "upright" could include "acting rightly" or "one who acts rightly" or "following God's laws" or "obedient to God" or "behaving in a way that is right."
The term "uprightness" could be translated as "moral purity" or "good moral conduct" or "rightness."
The phrase "the upright" could be translated as "people who are upright" or "upright people."

(See also: evil, faithful, good, holy, integrity, justice, law, law of Moses, obey, pure, sin, lawful)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 19:16
Job 01:08
Psalms 037:30
Psalms 049:14
Psalms 107:42
Ecclesiastes 12:10-11
Isaiah 48:1-2
Ezekiel 33:13
Malachi 02:06
Matthew 06:01
Acts 03:13-14
Romans 01:29-31
1 Corinthians 06:09
Galatians 03:07
Colossians 03:25
2 Thessalonians 02:10
2 Timothy 03:16
1 Peter 03:18-20
1 John 01:09
1 John 05:16-17

Word Data:

Strong's: H205, H2555, H3072, H3474, H3476, H3477, H3483, H4334, H4339, H5228, H5229, H5324, H5765, H5766, H5767, H5977, H6662, H6663, H6664, H6665, H6666, H8535, H8537, H8549, H8552, G93, G94, G458, G824, G1341, G1342, G1343, G1344, G1345, G1346, G2118

Forms Found in the English ULB:

acts rightly, do right, does what is right, in the right, made ... appear ... righteous, right treatment, righteous, righteously, righteousness, rightful, that are right, that is right, unrighteous, unrighteously, unrighteousness, upright, uprightly, uprightness, what is ... right, what was right

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

rod

Related Ideas:

measuring rod

Definition:

The term "rod" refers to a narrow, solid, stick-like tool that was used in several different ways. It was probably at least a meter in length.

A wooden rod was used by a shepherd to defend the sheep from other animals. It was also thrown toward a wandering sheep to bring it back to the the flock.
In Psalm 23, King David used the terms "rod" and "staff" as metaphors to refer to God's guidance and discipline for his people.
A shepherd's rod was also used to count the sheep as they passed under it.
Another metaphorical expression, "rod of iron," refers to God's punishment for people who rebel against him and do evil things.
In the Bible, a wooden rod was also referred to as an instrument to discipline children.
In ancient times, measuring rods made of metal, wood, or stone were used to measure the length of a building or object.

(See also: staff, sheep, shepherd)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 04:21
1 Samuel 14:43-44
Acts 16:23
Exodus 27:9-10
Revelation 11:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H2415, H4294, H4731, H7626, G2563, G4463, G4464

Forms Found in the English ULB:

measuring rod, rod, rods

royal

Related Ideas:

kings', royalty

Definition:

The term "royal" describes people and things associated with a king or queen.

Examples of things that could be called "royal" include a king's clothing, palace, throne, and crown.
A king or queen usually lived in a royal palace.
A king wore special clothing, sometimes called "royal robes." Often a king's robes were purple, this color could only be produced by a rare and expensive type of dye.
In the New Testament, believers in Jesus were called a "royal priesthood." Other ways to translate this could include "priests who serve God the King" or "called to be priests for God the King."
The term "royal" could also be translated as "kingly" or "belonging to a king."

(See also: king. palace, priest, purple, queen, robe)

Bible References:

1 Kings 10:13
2 Chronicles 18:28-30
Amos 07:13
Genesis 49:19-21

Word Data:

Strong's: H643, H1935, H4410, H4428, H4430, H4437, H4438, H4467, H4468, H7985, G933, G934, G937

Forms Found in the English ULB:

kings', royal, royal official, royalty

ruin

Related Ideas:

rubble, ruins

Definition:

To "ruin" something means to spoil, destroy, or cause to be useless. The term "ruin" or "ruins" refers to the rubble and spoiled remains of something that has been destroyed.

The prophet Zephaniah spoke about the day of God's wrath as a "day of ruin" when the world will be judged and punished.
The book of Proverbs says that ruin and destruction await those who are ungodly.
Depending on the context, to "ruin" could be translated as to "destroy" or to "spoil" or to "make useless" or to "break."
The term "ruin" or "ruins" could be translated as "rubble" or "broken-down buildings" or "destroyed city" or "devastation" or "brokenness" or "destruction," depending on the context.

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 12:7-8
2 Kings 19:25-26
Acts 15:16
Isaiah 23:13-14

Word Data:

Strong's: H6, H1091, H1197, H1530, H1820, H1942, H2015, H2034, H2040, H2717, H2719, H2720, H2721, H2723, H2930, H3510, H3765, H3782, H3832, H4072, H4288, H4384, H4654, H4658, H4876, H4889, H5221, H5307, H5327, H5422, H5557, H5754, H5856, H6365, H6561, H7451, H7489, H7582, H7591, H7612, H7701, H7703, H7843, H8047, H8074, H8077, H8414, H8510, G2506, G2647, G2679, G2692, G3089, G3639, G4485

Forms Found in the English ULB:

allowed to become ruined, rubble, ruin, ruined, ruining, ruins

ruler

Related Ideas:

overrule, rule

Definition:

The term "ruler" is a general reference to a person who has authority over other people, such as a leader of a country, kingdom, or religious group. A ruler is one who "rules," and his authority is his "rule."

In the Old Testament, a king was sometimes referred to generally as a "ruler," as in the phrase "appointed him ruler over Israel."
God was referred to as the ultimate ruler, who rules over all other rulers.
In the New Testament, the leader of a synagogue was called a "ruler."
Another type of ruler in the New Testament was a "governor."
Depending on the context, "ruler" could be translated as "leader" or "person who has authority over."
The action to "rule" means to "lead" to "have authority over." It is means the same thing as "reign" when it refers to the ruling of a king.
To "overrule" people or their plans is to use one's higher authority to prohibit people from doing what they have planned.

(See also: authority, governor, king, synagogue)

Bible References:

Acts 03:17-18
Acts 07:35-37
Luke 12:11
Luke 23:35
Mark 10:42
Matthew 09:32-34
Matthew 20:25
Titus 03:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H117, H995, H1166, H1167, H1404, H2708, H2710, H3027, H3548, H3920, H4043, H4410, H4428, H4438, H4467, H4474, H4475, H4896, H4910, H4941, H5057, H5065, H5387, H5401, H5461, H5633, H5715, H6113, H6213, H6485, H6957, H7101, H7218, H7287, H7336, H7786, H7860, H7980, H7981, H7985, H7989, H7990, H8199, H8269, H8323, H8451, G746, G752, G757, G758, G932, G936, G1018, G1203, G1299, G1778, G1785, G2232, G2233, G2525, G2888, G2961, G3545, G3841, G4165, G4291

Forms Found in the English ULB:

overruled, overrules, rule, ruled, ruler, rulers, rules, ruling, rulings

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

sanctify

Related Ideas:

sanctification

Definition:

To sanctify is to set apart or to make holy. Sanctification is the process of being made holy.

In the Old Testament, certain people and things were sanctified, or set apart, for service to God.
The New Testament teaches that God sanctifies people who believe in Jesus. That is, he makes them holy and sets them apart to serve him.
Believers in Jesus are also commanded to sanctify themselves to God, to be holy in everything they do.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, the term "sanctify" can be translated as "set apart" or "make holy" or "purify."
When people sanctify themselves, they purify themselves and dedicate themselves to God's service. Often the word "consecrate" is used in the Bible with this meaning.
When its meaning is "consecrate," this term could be translated as "dedicate someone (or something) to God's service."
Depending on the context, the phrase "your sanctification" could be translated as "making you holy" or "setting you apart (for God)" or "what makes you holy."

(See also: consecrate, holy, set apart)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 04:3-6
2 Thessalonians 02:13
Genesis 02:1-3
Luke 11:2
Matthew 06:8-10

Word Data:

Strong's: H6942, G37, G38

Forms Found in the English ULB:

sanctification, sanctified, sanctifies, sanctify, sanctifying, sanctifying work

sanctuary

Definition:

The term "sanctuary" literally means "holy place" and refers to a place that God has made sacred and holy. It also can refer to a place that provides protection and safety.

In the Old Testament, the term "sanctuary" was often used to refer to the tabernacle or temple building where the "holy place" and "most holy place" were located.
God referred to the sanctuary as the place where he lived among his people, the Israelites.
He also called himself a "sanctuary" or safe place for his people where they can find protection.

Translation Suggestions:

This term has a basic meaning of "holy place" or "place that is set apart."
Depending on the context, the term "sanctuary" could be translated as "holy place" or "sacred building" or "God's holy dwelling place" or "holy place of protection" or "sacred place of safety."
The phrase "shekel of the sanctuary" could be translated as "kind of shekel given for the tabernacle" or "shekel used in paying the tax to take care of the temple."
Note: Be careful that the translation of this term does not refer to a worship room in a modern-day church.

(See also: holy, Holy Spirit, holy, set apart, tabernacle, tax, temple, )

Bible References:

Amos 07:13
Exodus 25:3-7
Ezekiel 25:03
Hebrews 08:1-2
Luke 11:49-51
Numbers 18:01
Psalms 078:69

Word Data:

Strong's: H4720, H6944, G39, G3485

Forms Found in the English ULB:

sanctuaries, sanctuary, sanctuary's

sandal

Definition:

A sandal is a simple flat-soled shoe held onto the foot by straps that go around the foot or ankle. Sandals are worn by both men and women.

A sandal was sometimes used to confirm a legal transaction, such as the selling of property: one man would take off a sandal and give it to the other.
Removing one's shoes or sandals was also a sign of respect and reverence, especially in God's presence.
John said that he was not worthy to even untie Jesus' sandals, which would have been the task of a lowly servant or slave.

Bible References:

Acts 07:33
Deuteronomy 25:10
John 01:27
Joshua 05:15
Mark 06:7-9

Word Data:

Strong's: H5274, H5275, H8288, G4547, G5266

Forms Found in the English ULB:

sandal, sandals

save

Related Ideas:

make well, preserve, safe, salvation

Definition:

The term "save" refers to keeping someone from experiencing something bad or harmful. To "be safe" means to be protected from harm or danger.

In a physical sense, people can be saved or rescued from harm, danger, or death.
In a spiritual sense, if a person has been "saved," then God, through Jesus' death on the cross, has forgiven him and rescued him from being punished in hell for his sin.
People can save or rescue people from danger, but only God can save people from being punished eternally for their sins.

The term "salvation" refers to being saved or rescued from evil and danger.

In the Bible, "salvation" usually refers to the spiritual and eternal deliverance granted by God to those who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus.
The Bible also talks about God saving or delivering his people from their physical enemies.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "save" could include "deliver" or "keep from harm" or "take out of harm's way" or "keep from dying."
In the expression "whoever would save his life," the term "save" could also be translated as "preserve" or "protect."
The term "safe" could be translated as "protected from danger" or "in a place where nothing can harm."
The term "salvation" could also be translated using words related to "save" or "rescue," as in "God’s saving people (from being punished for their sins)" or "God’s rescuing his people (from their enemies)."
"God is my salvation" could be translated as "God is the one who saves me."
"You will draw water from the wells of salvation" could be translated as "You will be refreshed as with water because God is rescuing you."

(See also: cross, deliver, punish, sin, Savior)

Bible References:

Genesis 49:18
Genesis 47:25-26
Psalms 080:03
Jeremiah 16:19-21
Micah 06:3-5
Luke 02:30
Luke 08:36-37
Acts 04:12
Acts 28:28
Acts 02:21
Romans 01:16
Romans 10:10
Ephesians 06:17
Philippians 01:28
1 Timothy 01:15-17
Revelation 19:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H983, H2421, H2502, H3444, H3467, H3468, H4190, H4422, H4581, H4931, H5337, H5338, H5756, H6308, H6403, H7682, H7965, H8104, H8199, H8668, G803, G804, G1295, G1508, G1515, G4982, G4991, G4992, G5198

Forms Found in the English ULB:

be made well, brought safely, brought safely through, place of safety, preserve, safe, safely, safety, salvation, save, saved, saves, saving

scepter

Definition:

The term "scepter" refers to an ornamental rod or staff held by a ruler, such as a king.

Scepters were originally a branch of wood with carved decorations. Later scepters were also made of precious metals such as gold.
The scepter was a symbol of royalty and authority and also symbolized the honor and dignity associated with a king.
In the Old Testament, God was described as having a scepter of righteousness because God rules as king over his people.
An Old Testament prophecy referred to the Messiah as a symbolic scepter that would come from Israel to rule over all nations.
This could also be translated as "ruling rod" or "king's rod.

(See also: authority, Christ, king, righteous)

Picture of a Persian Scepter:

Bible References:

Amos 01:5
Esther 04:11
Genesis 49:10
Hebrews 01:08
Numbers 21:18
Psalms 045:06

Word Data:

Strong's: H2710, H4294, H7626, H8275, G4464

Forms Found in the English ULB:

scepter, scepters

scribe

Related Ideas:

clerk, scholar

Definition:

Scribes were officials who were responsible for writing or copying important government or religious documents by hand. Another name for a Jewish scribe was "expert in Jewish law."

Scribes were responsible for copying and preserving the books of the Old Testament.
They also copied, preserved, and interpreted religious opinions and commentary on the law of God.
At times, scribes were important government officials.
Important biblical scribes include Baruch and Ezra.
In the New Testament, the term translated "scribes" was also translated as "teachers of the Law."
In the New Testament, scribes were usually part of the religious group called the "Pharisees," and the two groups were frequently mentioned together.

(See also: law of Moses, Pharisee)

Bible References:

Acts 04:05
Luke 07:29-30
Luke 20:47
Mark 01:22
Mark 02:16
Matthew 05:19-20
Matthew 07:28
Matthew 12:38
Matthew 13:52

Word Data:

Strong's: H5608, H5613, H7083, G1122

Forms Found in the English ULB:

clerk, scholar, scribe, scribes

scroll

Related Ideas:

book, certificate, document, literature

Definition:

In ancient times, a scroll was a type of book made of one long, rolled-up sheet of papyrus or leather.

After writing on a scroll or reading from it, people rolled it up by using the rods attached to its ends.
Scrolls were used for legal documents and scripture.
Sometimes scrolls that were delivered by a messenger were sealed with wax. If the wax was still present when the scroll was received, then the receiver knew that no one had opened the scroll to read it or write on it since it had been sealed.
Scrolls containing the Hebrew Scriptures were read aloud in the synagogues.
The word "book" in the Biblerefers to scrolls or paper that had writing on them.
A "document" is an official written record.
A "certificate of divorce" is an official document that a man could give to his wife to end their marriage.
"Literature" is written things that educated people considered to be great.

(See also: seal, synagogue, word of God)

Bible References:

Jeremiah 29:03
Luke 04:17
Numbers 21:14-15
Revelation 05:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H4039, H4040, H5612, G974, G975

Forms Found in the English ULB:

book, books, certificate, document, documents, literature, scroll, scrolls

seal

Related Ideas:

signet, signet ring, unsealed

Definition:

To seal an object means to keep it closed with something that makes it impossible to open without breaking the seal.

Often a seal is marked with a design to show who it belongs to.
Melted wax was used to seal letters or other documents that needed to be protected. When the wax cooled and hardened, the letter could not be opened without breaking the wax seal. The person who received the letter would see the unbroken seal and know that no one had opened it.
A seal was put on the stone in front of Jesus' grave in order to keep anyone from moving the stone.
Paul figuratively refers to the Holy Spirit as a "seal" showing that our salvation is secure.
A "signet" is a small object with letters or designs carved into it. A person could use it to mark a wax seal in order to show that he was the one who closed the seal.
A "signet ring" is a ring with a signet on it.
Something that is "unsealed" has not been sealed.

(See also: Holy Spirit, tomb)

Picture of a Sealed scroll:

Bible References:

Exodus 02:03
Isaiah 29:11
John 06:27
Matthew 27:66
Revelation 05:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H2368, H2560, H2856, H2857, H2858, H5640, G2696, G4972, G4973

Forms Found in the English ULB:

seal, sealed, sealing, seals, signet, signet ring, unsealed

seed

Related Words:

semen

Definition:

A seed is the part of a plant that gets planted in the ground to reproduce more of the same kind of plant. It also has several figurative meanings.

The term "seed" is used figuratively and euphemistically to refer to the tiny cells inside a man that combine with cells of a woman to cause a baby to grow inside her. A collection of these is called "semen."
Related to this, "seed" is also used to refer to a person's offspring or descendants.
This word often has a plural meaning, referring to more than one seed grain or more than one descendant.
In the parable of the farmer planting seeds, Jesus compared his seeds to the Word of God, which is planted in people's hearts in order to produce good spiritual fruit.
The apostle Paul also uses the term "seed" to refer to the Word of God.

Translation Suggestions:

For a literal seed, it is best to use the literal term for "seed" that is used in the target language for what a farmer plants in his field.
The literal term should also be used in contexts where it refers figuratively to God's Word.
For the figurative use that refers to people who are of the same family line, it may be more clear to use the word "descendant" or "descendants" instead of seed. Some languages may have a word that means "children and grandchildren."
For a man or woman's "seed," consider how the target expresses this in a way that will not offend or embarrass people.

(See also: descendant, offspring)

Bible References:

1 Kings 18:32
Genesis 01:11
Jeremiah 02:21
Matthew 13:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H2232, H2233, H3610, H6507, G2848, G4687, G4690, G4701, G4703

Forms Found in the English ULB:

seed, seeds, semen

seek

Related Ideas:

go to find, look out for, search, try

Definition:

The term "seek" means to look for something or someone. The past tense is "sought." It can also mean "try hard" or "make an effort" to do something.

To "seek" or "look for" an opportunity to do something can mean to "try to find a time" to do it.
To "seek Yahweh" means to "spend time and energy getting to know Yahweh and learning to obey him."
To "seek protection" means to "try to find a person or place that will protect you from danger."
To "seek justice" means to "make an effort to see that people are treated justly or fairly."
To "seek the truth" means to "make an effort to find out what the truth is."
To "search out" something is to look for the truth about that thing.
To "seek favor" means to "try to get favor" or to "do things to cause someone to help you."
To "charge someone for something" is to hold that person responsible for the damage that person has done.

(See also: justice, true)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 10:14
Acts 17:26-27
Hebrews 11:06
Luke 11:09
Psalms 027:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H579, H1156, H1239, H1243, H1245, H1556, H1875, H2470, H2603, H2658, H2664, H2713, H3289, H7125, H7592, H7760, H7836, H8446, G327, G1567, G1934, G2045, G2052, G2212, G3987, G4648

Forms Found in the English ULB:

diligently seek, go to find, look out for, looked for, looking for, looks for, search, search carefully, search for, searched, searched for, searched out, searches ... out, searches for, searching, searching for, seek, seek ... out, seeking, seeks, sought, tried, try, trying

seize

Related Ideas:

seizure

Definition:

The term "seize" means to take or capture someone or something by force. It can also mean to overpower and control someone.

When a city was taken by means of military force, the soldiers would seize the valuable property of the people they had conquered.
When used figuratively, a person can be described as being "seized with fear." This means that the person was suddenly "overcome by fear." If a person was "seized with fear" it could also be stated that the person "suddenly became very afraid."
In the context of labor pains that "seize" a woman, the meaning is that the pains are sudden and overpowering. This could be translated by saying that the pains "overcome" or "suddenly come upon" the woman.
This term could also be translated as "take control of" or "suddenly take" or "grab."
The expression "seized and slept with her" could be translated as "forced himself on her" or "violated her" or "raped her." Make sure the translation of this concept is acceptable.
The term "seizure" refers to the action of taking someone or something by force.

Bible References:

Acts 16:19-21
Exodus 15:14
John 10:37-39
Luke 08:29
Matthew 26:48

Word Data:

Strong's: H270, H1204, H1497, H1589, H2254, H2388, H2488, H3027, H3423, H3680, G3860, H3920, H3947, H4672, H4685, H5337, H5367, H5375, H5860, H5927, H7760, H8610, G724, G726, G1949, G2638, G2666, G2902, G2983, G3346, G4023, G4084, G4815, G4884, G4912

Forms Found in the English ULB:

seize, seized, seizes, seizing, seizure

selah

Definition:

The term "selah" is a Hebrew word that occurs mostly in the book of Psalms. It has several possible meanings.

It could mean "pause and praise," which would invite the audience to think carefully about what was just said.
Since many of the Psalms were written as songs, it is thought that "selah" may have been a musical term to instruct the singer to pause in his singing to allow for the musical instruments to play alone or to encourage listeners to think about the words of the song.

(See also: psalm)

Bible References:

Psalm 003:3-4
Psalm 024:5-6
Psalms 046:6-7

Word Data:

Strong's: H5542

Forms Found in the English ULB:

selah

self-control

Related Ideas:

self-indulgence, sensible, use good sense

Definition:

Self-control is the ability to control one's behavior in order to avoid sinning.

It refers to good behavior, that is, avoiding sinful thoughts, speech, and actions.
Self-control is a fruit or characteristic that the Holy Spirit gives to Christians.
A person who is using self-control is able to stop himself from doing something wrong that he may want to do. God is the one who enables a person to have self-control.
"Self-indulgence" is the opposite of self-control. Someone who is full of self-indulgence does whatever he wants.

(See also: fruit, Holy Spirit)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 07:8-9
2 Peter 01:5-7
2 Timothy 03:1-4
Galatians 05:23

Word Data:

Strong's: H4623, H7307, G192, G193, G1466, G1467, G1468, G4993, G4997, G4998

Forms Found in the English ULB:

self-control, self-controlled, self-indulgence, sensible, use good sense

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

serpent

Related Ideas:

adder, asp, snake, viper

Definitions:

These terms all refer to a kind of reptile that has a long, thin body and large, fanged jaws, and that moves by slithering back and forth across the ground. The term "serpent" usually refers to a large snake. The terms "viper," "adder," and "asp" refer to types of snakes that have venom which they uses to poison their prey.

This animal is also used figuratively to refer to a person who is evil, especially someone who is deceitful.
Jesus called the religious leaders "offspring of vipers" because they pretended to be righteous but deceived people and treated them unfairly.
In the garden of Eden, Satan took the form of a serpent when he talked to Eve and tempted her to disobey God.
After the serpent tempted Eve to sin, and both Eve and her husband Adam did sin, God cursed the snake, saying that from then on, all snakes would slither along the ground, implying that before then they had had legs.

(See also: curse, deceive, disobey, Eden, evil, offspring, prey, Satan, sin, tempt)

Bible References:

Genesis 03:03
Genesis 03:4-6
Genesis 03:12-13
Mark 16:17-18
Matthew 03:07
Matthew 23:33

Word Data:

Strong's: H660, H2119, H5175, H6620, H6848, H8314, H8577, G2191, G2062, G3789

Forms Found in the English ULB:

adder, adders, asp, asps, serpent, serpent's, serpents, snake, snakes, viper, viper's, vipers

servant

Related Ideas:

assistant, attendant, hired worker, maidservant, office, serve, service

Definition:

The word "servant" refers to a person who works for another person, either by choice or by force. Some servants were slaves, and the surrounding text usually makes it clear whether or not a particular servant was a slave. In Bible times, there was less of a difference between a servant and a slave than there is today. Both servants and slaves were an important part of their master's household and many were treated almost like members of the family. Sometimes a servant would choose to become a lifetime servant to his master.

A slave was a kind of servant who was the property of the person he worked for. The person who bought a slave was called his "owner" or "master." Some masters treated their slaves very cruelly, while other masters treated their slaves very well, as a servant who was a valued member of the household.
In ancient times, some people became slaves to a person they owed money to in order to pay off their debt to that person.
In the Bible, the phrase "I am your servant" was used as a sign of respect and service to a person of higher rank, such as a king. It did not mean that the person speaking was an actual servant.
In the Old Testament, God's prophets and other people who worshiped God were often referred to as his "servants."
In the New Testament, people who obeyed God through faith in Christ were often called his "servants."
Christians are also called "slaves to righteousness," which is a metaphor that compares the commitment to obey God to a slave's commitment to obey his master.

The word "serve" means to do things to help other people. It can also mean to "worship."

In the context of a person serving guests, this term means "care for" or "serve food to" or "provide food for." When Jesus told the disciples to "serve" the fish to the people, this could be translated as, "distribute" or "hand out" or "give."
To "serve God" can be translated as to "worship and obey God" or to "do the work that God has commanded."
People who teach others about God are said to serve both God and the ones they are teaching.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians about how they used to "serve" the old covenant. This refers to obeying the laws of Moses. Now they "serve" the new covenant. That is, because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, believers in Jesus are enabled by the Holy Spirit to please God and live holy lives.

The word "service" refers to the work that a servant does. It may also refer to worship.

The word "office" refers to the position or job that a servant has.

(See also: commit, enslave, household, lord, obey, righteous, covenant, law)

Bible References

Acts 04:29-31
Acts 10:7-8
Colossians 01:7-8
Colossians 03:22-25
Genesis 21:10-11
Luke 12:47-48
Mark 09:33-35
Matthew 10:24-25
Matthew 13:27-28
2 Timothy 02:3-5
Acts 06:2-4
Genesis 25:23
Luke 04:8
Luke 12:37-38
Luke 22:26-27
Mark 08:7-10
Matthew 04:10-11
Matthew 06:24

Word Data:

Strong's: H327, H519, H519, H4931, H5288, H5647, H5649, H5650, H5656, H5657, H5659, H5673, H6402, H6635, H7916, H8120, H8198, H8278, H8334, H8335, G1199, G1247, G1248, G1249, G1397, G1398, G1401, G1402, G2038, G2322, G2324, G2615, G2999, G3000, G3008, G3009, G3010, G3011, G3407, G3411, G3610, G3814, G3816, G4342, G5256, G5257

Forms Found in the English ULB:

female servant, female servants, hired servant, hired servants, hired worker, maidservants, male servant, male servants, office, offices, one who serves, servant, servant girl, servant girls, servant's, servants, servants', serve, served, serves, service, services, serving

set apart

Related Ideas:

distinct, make a distinction, treat differently

Definition:

The term "set apart" means separated from something to fulfill a certain purpose. Also, to "set apart" people or things means to make them "set apart." This also means to "treat" them "differently." When something is "distinct," it is different from other things.

The Israelites were set apart for service to God.
The Holy Spirit commanded the Christians at Antioch to set apart Paul and Barnabas for the work God wanted them to do.
A believer who is "set apart" for service to God is "dedicated to" fulfilling God's will.
One meaning of the term "holy" is to be set apart as belonging to God and being separated from the sinful ways of the world.
To "sanctify" someone means to set apart that person for God's service.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate to "set apart" could include to "specially select" or to "separate from among you" or to "take aside to do a special task."
To "be set apart" could be translated as "be separated (from)" or "be specially appointed (for)."

(See also: holy, sanctify, appoint)

Bible References:

Ephesians 03:17-19
Exodus 31:12-15
Judges 17:12
Numbers 03:11-13
Philippians 01:1-2
Romans 01:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H2764, H4390, H5144, H5674, H6395, H6918, H6942, H6944, G37, G38, G40, G2564

Forms Found in the English ULB:

be distinct, making a distinction, set ... apart, sets ... apart, treat ... differently, treating ... differently

sexual immorality

Related Ideas:

fornicate, fornication, immoral

Definition:

The term "sexual immorality" refers to sexual activity that takes place outside the marriage relationship of a man and a woman. This is against God's plan. Older English Bible versions call this "fornication."

This term can refer to any kind of sexual activity that is against God's will, including homosexual acts and pornography.
One type of sexual immorality is adultery, which is sexual activity specifically between a married person and someone who is not that person's spouse.
Another type of sexual immorality is "prostitution," which involves being paid to have sex with someone.
This term is also used figuratively to refer to Israel's unfaithfulness to God when they worshiped false gods.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "sexual immorality" could be translated as "immorality" as long as the correct meaning of the term is understood.
Other ways to translate this term could include "wrong sexual acts" or "sex outside of marriage."
This term should be translated in a different way from the term "adultery."
The translation of this term's figurative uses should retain the literal term if possible since there is a common comparison in the Bible between unfaithfulness to God and unfaithfulness in the sexual relationship.

(See also: adultery, god, prostitute, faithful)

Bible References:

Acts 15:20
Acts 21:25-26
Colossians 03:5-8
Ephesians 05:03
Genesis 38:24-26
Hosea 04:13-14
Matthew 05:31-32
Matthew 19:7-9

Word Data:

Strong's: H2181, H8457, G1608, G4202, G4203

Forms Found in the English ULB:

fornicate, fornicates, fornication, fornications, immoral, immorality, sexual immorality

shadow

Related Ideas:

overshadow, shade

Definition:

The word "shadow" literally refers to the darkness that is caused by an object blocking the light. The shadow has a shape similar to the shape of the object that blocks the light.

The word "overshadow" means to block the light from above and cause a shadow to appear on something.
The word "shade" means a dark area where the sunlight is blocked, perhaps by a cloud or a trees.

The word "shadow" also has several figurative meanings.

The "shadow of death" means that death is present or near, just as a shadow indicates the presence of its object.
Many times in the Bible, the life of a human being is compared to a shadow, which does not last very long and has no substance.
Sometimes "shadow" is used as another word for "darkness."
The Bible talks about being hidden or protected in the shadow of God's wings or hands. This is a picture of being protected and hidden from danger. Other ways to translate "shadow" in these contexts could include "shade" or "safety" or "protection."
It is best to translate "shadow" literally using the local term that is used to refer to an actual shadow.

(See also: darkness, light)

Bible References:

2 Kings 20:09
Genesis 19:08
Isaiah 30:02
Jeremiah 06:04
Psalms 017:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H2927, H6738, H6751, H6752, H6754, H6757, G644, G1982, G2683, G4639

Forms Found in the English ULB:

overshadow, overshadowed, shade, shadow, shadows

shame

Related Ideas:

ashamed, shameful, shameless, unashamed

Definition:

The term "shame" refers to a painful feeling of being disgraced a person has because of something dishonorable or improper that he or someone else has done.

Something that is "shameful" is "improper" or "dishonorable."
The term "ashamed" describes how a person feels when he has done something shameful.
The phrase "put to shame" means to cause someone to feel ashamed. It might be expose their sin or by defeating them.
The prophet Isaiah said that those who make and worship idols will be put to shame.
God can bring shame to a person who does not repent by exposing that person's sin and causing him to be humiliated.
A person that is "unashamed" does not feel shame.
A person is "shameless" if he does something shameful but does not feel ashamed.
A "shameless act" is something a person should feel ashamed about doing, but he does not feel ashamed.

Sometimes the word "shame" is used figuratively to refer to a person's nakedness or private parts.

(See also: god, humble, humiliate, Isaiah, repent, sin, worship)

Bible References:

1 Peter 03:15-17
2 Kings 02:17
2 Samuel 13:13
Luke 20:11
Mark 08:38
Mark 12:4-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H937, H954, H955, H1317, H1322, H5949, H2616, H2659, H2781, H3001, H3637, H3639, H3640, H7022, H7036, H8103, G149, G152, G153, G422, G808, G818, G819, G821, G1788, G1791, G1870, G2617, G3681, G3856, G5195

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ashamed, make ... ashamed, put ... to shame, shame, shamed, shameful, shamefully, shameless, shamelessly, shames, unashamed

sheep

Related Ideas:

ewe, ram, sheepfold, sheepshearer, sheepskin

Definition:

A "sheep" is a medium-sized animal with four legs that has wool all over its body. A male sheep is called a "ram." A female sheep is called a "ewe." The plural of "sheep" is also "sheep."

A baby sheep is called a "lamb."
The Israelites often used sheep for sacrifices, especially male sheep and young sheep.
People eat meat from sheep and use their wool to make clothing and other things.
Sheep are very trusting, weak, and timid. They are easily influenced to wander away. They need a shepherd to lead them, protect them, and provide them with food, water, and shelter.
In the Bible, people are compared to sheep who have God as their shepherd.
A "sheepfold" is a place where sheep are kept safe. It has a fence or wall around it to keep the sheep from wandering out and to keep dangerous animals from getting in.
A "sheepshearer" is a person who cuts the wool of sheep.

(See also: Israel, lamb, sacrifice, shepherd)

Bible References:

Acts 08:32
Genesis 30:32
John 02:14
Luke 15:05
Mark 06:34
Matthew 09:36
Matthew 10:06
Matthew 12:12
Matthew 25:33

Word Data:

Strong's: H352, H1494, H1798, H2169, H3104, H3532, H3535, H3733, H3775, H5739, H5763, H6260, H6629, H6792, H7353, H7716, G4165, G4262, G4263

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ewe, ewes, ram, ram's, rams, sheep, sheepfold, sheepfolds, sheepshearers, sheepskins

shepherd

Definition:

A shepherd is a person who takes care of sheep. The verb to "shepherd" means to protect the sheep and provide them with food and water.
Shepherds watch over the sheep, leading them to places with good food and water. Shepherds also keep the sheep from getting lost and protect them from wild animals.
This term is often used metaphorically in the Bible to refer to taking care of people's spiritual needs. This includes teaching them what God has told them in the Bible and guiding them in the way they should live.
In the Old Testament, God was called the "shepherd" of his people because he took care of all their needs and protected them. He also led and guided them.
David was a shepherd who looked after sheep. God made David king over Israel to take care of the people of Israel in some ways like a shepherd takes care of sheep.
In the New Testament, Jesus called himself the "good shepherd." The apostle Peter also referred to Jesus as "the Chief Shepherd" over the Church.
Also, in the New Testament, the term "shepherd" was used to refer to a person who was a spiritual leader over other believers. The word translated as "pastor" is the same word that is translated as "shepherd." The elders and overseers were also called shepherds.

Translation Suggestions

When used literally, the action "shepherd" could be translated as "take care of sheep" or "watch over sheep."
The person "shepherd" could be translated as "person who takes care of sheep" or "sheep tender" or "sheep caregiver."
When used as a metaphor, different ways to translate this term could include "spiritual shepherd" or "spiritual leader" or "one who is like a shepherd" or "one who cares for his people like a shepherd cares for his sheep" or "one who leads his people like a shepherd guides his sheep" or "one who takes care of God's sheep."
In some contexts, "shepherd" could be translated as "leader" or "guide" or "caregiver."
The spiritual expression to "shepherd" could be translated as to "take care of" or to "spiritually nourish" or to "guide and teach" or to "lead and take care of (like a shepherd cares for sheep)."
In figurative uses, it is best to use or include the literal word for "shepherd" in the translation of this term.

(See also: believe, Canaan, church, Moses, pastor, sheep, spirit)

Bible References:

Genesis 49:24
Luke 02:09
Mark 06:34
Mark 14:26-27
Matthew 02:06
Matthew 09:36
Matthew 25:32
Matthew 26:31

Word Data:

Strong's: H6629, H7462, H7469, H7473, G750, G4165, G4166

Forms Found in the English ULB:

chief shepherd, herdsman, herdsmen, keeper, shepherd, shepherd's, shepherded, shepherding, shepherds

shield

Related Ideas:

shielded

Definition:

A shield was an object held by a soldier in battle to protect himself from being injured by the enemy's weapons. To "shield" someone means to protect that person from harm.

Shields were often circular or oval, were made of materials such as leather, wood, or metal, andt were sturdy and thick enough to keep a sword or arrow from piercing them.
Using this term as a metaphor, the Bible refers to God as a protective shield for his people. (See: Metaphor)
Paul talked about the "shield of faith," which is a figurative way of saying that having faith in Jesus and living out that faith in obedience to God will protect believers from the spiritual attacks of Satan.

(See also: faith, obey, Satan, spirit)

Bible References:

1 Kings 14:26
2 Chronicles 23:8-9
2 Samuel 22:36
Deuteronomy 33:29
Psalms 018:35

Word Data:

Strong's: H2653, H4043, H5437, H5526, H6793, H7982, G2375

Forms Found in the English ULB:

shield, shielded, shields

shrewd

Related Ideas:

crafty

Definition:

The term "shrewd" describes a person who is intelligent and clever, especially in practical matters.

Often the term "shrewd" has a meaning that is partly negative since it usually also involves being selfish.
A shrewd person is usually focused on helping himself, not others.
Other ways to translate this term could include "cunning" or "crafty" or "smart" or "clever," depending on the context.
A "crafty" person knows how to deceive others so they will do what he wants them to do.

Bible References:

Word Data:

Strong's: H2450, H6175, H6191, G5429

Forms Found in the English ULB:

crafty, shrewd, shrewdly

siege

Related Ideas:

besiege, besiegers

Definition:

A "siege" occurs when an attacking army surrounds a city and keeps it from receiving any supplies of food and water. To "besiege" a city or to put it "under siege" means to attack it by means of a siege.

When the Babylonians came to attack Israel, they used the tactic of a siege against Jerusalem to weaken the people inside the city.
Often during a siege, ramps of dirt are gradually constructed to enable the attacking army to cross over the city walls and invade the city.
To "besiege" a city can also be expressed as to "lay siege" to it or to "perform a siege" on it.
The term "besieged" has the same meaning as the expression "under siege." Both these expressions describe a city that an enemy army is surrounding and besieging.

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 20:1
1 Kings 20:1-3
1 Samuel 11:1-2
Jeremiah 33:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H1785, H4674, H4685, H4692, H5341, H5437, H5564, H6693, H6696, H6887

Forms Found in the English ULB:

besiege, besieged, besiegers, besieging, siege, siege ramp, siege ramps, siege wall, siege works

sign

Related Ideas:

demonstration, evidence, mark, marker, omen, proof, remind, reminder, signal

Definition:

A sign is an object, event, or action that communicates a special meaning.

"Reminders" are signs that "remind" people by helping them remember something, often something that was promised:
The rainbows God creates in the sky are signs to remind people that he has promised he will never again destroy all life with a worldwide flood.
God commanded the Israelites to circumcise their sons as a sign of his covenant with them.
Signs can reveal or point to something:
An angel gave shepherds a sign that would help them know which baby in Bethlehem was the newborn Messiah.
Judas kissed Jesus as a sign to the religious leaders that Jesus was the one they should arrest.
Signs can prove that something is true:
The miracles performed by the prophets and apostles were signs that proved they were speaking God's message.
The miracles that Jesus performed were signs that proved he was truly the Messiah.
A "signal flag" is a flag that a king would raise as a sign so that people could see it and come to him or go into battle.
An "omen" is an event that people think tells that something else will happen in the future.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on its context, "sign" could also be translated as "signal" or "symbol" or "mark" or "evidence" or "proof" or "gesture."
To "make signs with the hands" could also be translated as "motion with the hands" or "gesture with the hands" or "make gestures."
In some languages, there may be one word for a "sign" that proves something and a different word for a "sign" that is a miracle.

(See also: miracle, apostle, Christ, covenant, circumcise)

Bible References:

Acts 02:18-19
Exodus 04:8-9
Exodus 31:12-15
Genesis 01:14
Genesis 09:12
John 02:18
Luke 02:12
Mark 08:12
Psalms 089:5-6

Word Data:

Strong's: H226, H852, H926, H2368, H2865, H3824, H4150, H4159, H4864, H5162, H5251, H5824, H5953, H6161, H6725, H6734, H7560, H7725, H8074, H8540, G364, G1271, G1382, G1730, G1732, G1770, G1839, G2298, G4102, G4592, G4953, G4973, G5059, H5172, G5280, G5480, G5590

Forms Found in the English ULB:

demonstration, evidence, mark, marker, omen, omens, proof, remind, reminded, reminder, reminders, reminding, reminds, sign, signal, signal flag, signs

silver

Related Ideas:

money

Definition:

Silver is a shiny, gray precious metal used to make coins, jewelry, containers, and ornaments.

The various containers that are made include silver cups and bowls, and other things used for cooking, eating, or serving.
Silver and gold were used in the building of the tabernacle and the temple.The temple in Jerusalem had containers made of silver.
In Bible times, a shekel was a unit of weight, and a purchase was often priced at a certain number of shekels of silver. By New Testament times there were silver coins of various weights that were measured in shekels.
Joseph's brothers sold him as a slave for twenty shekels of silver.
Judas was paid thirty silver coins for betraying Jesus.

(See also: tabernacle, temple)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 18:9-11
1 Samuel 02:36
2 Kings 25:13-15
Acts 03:06
Matthew 26:15

Word Data:

Strong's: H3701, H3702, H7192, G693, G694, G695, G696, G1406

Forms Found in the English ULB:

money, silver

sin

Related Ideas:

sinful, sinner

Definition:

The term "sin" refers to actions, thoughts, and words that are against God's will and laws. Sin can also refer to not doing something that God wants us to do.

Sin includes anything we do that does not obey or please God, even things that other people don't know about.
Thoughts and actions that disobey God's will are called "sinful."
Because Adam sinned, all human beings are born with a "sinful nature," a nature that that controls them and causes them to sin.
A "sinner" is someone who sins, so every human being is a sinner.
Sometimes the word "sinners" was used by religious people like the Pharisees to refer to people who didn't keep the law as well as the Pharisees thought they should.
The term "sinner" was also used for people who were considered to be worse sinners than other people. For example, this label was given to tax collectors and prostitutes.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "sin" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "disobedience to God" or "going against God's will" or "evil behavior and thoughts" or "wrongdoing."
To "sin" could also be translated as to "disobey God" or to "do wrong."
Depending on the context "sinful" could be translated as "full of wrongdoing" or "wicked" or "immoral" or "evil" or "rebelling against God."
Depending on the context the term "sinner" could be translated with a word or phrase that means, "person who sins" or "person who does wrong things" or "person who disobeys God" or "person who disobeys the law."
The term "sinners" could be translated by a word or phrase that means "very sinful people" or "people considered to be very sinful" or "immoral people."
Ways to translate "tax collectors and sinners" could include "people who collect money for the government, and other very sinful people" or "very sinful people, including (even) tax collectors."
In expressions like "slaves to sin" or "ruled by sin," the term "sin" could be translated as "disobedience" or "evil desires and actions."
Make sure the translation of this term can include sinful behavior and thoughts, even those that other people don't see or know about.
The term "sin" should be general, and different from the terms for "wickedness" and "evil."

(See also: disobey, evil, flesh, tax)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 09:1-3
1 John 01:10
1 John 02:02
2 Samuel 07:12-14
Acts 03:19
Daniel 09:24
Genesis 04:07
Hebrews 12:02
Isaiah 53:11
Jeremiah 18:23
Leviticus 04:14
Luke 15:18
Matthew 12:31
Romans 06:23
Romans 08:04

Word Data:

Strong's: H817, H819, H2398, H2399, H2400, H2401, H2402, H2403, H2408, H2409, H6588, H7683, H7686, G93, G264, G265, G266, G268, G361, G3781, G3900, G4258

Forms Found in the English ULB:

sin, sinful, sinned, sinner, sinners, sinning, sins

sin offering

Definition:

The "sin offering" was one of several sacrifices that God required the Israelites to offer.

This offering involved sacrificing a bull, burning its blood and fat on the altar, and taking the rest of the animal's body and burning it on the ground outside the Israelite camp.
The complete burning up of this animal sacrifice shows how holy God is and how terrible sin is.
The Bible teaches that in order for there to be a cleansing from sin, blood must be shed to pay the cost for the sin that was committed.
Animal sacrifices could not permanently bring about forgiveness of sin.
Jesus' death on the cross paid the penalty for sin, for all time. He was the perfect sin offering.

(See also: altar, cow, forgive, sacrifice, sin)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 29:20-21
Exodus 29:35-37
Ezekiel 44:25-27
Leviticus 05:11
Numbers 07:15-17

Word Data:

Strong's: H2401, H2402, H2398, H2403

Forms Found in the English ULB:

sin offering, sin offerings

sister

Definition:

A sister is a female person who shares at least one biological parent with another person. She is said to be that other person’s sister or the sister of that other person.

In the New Testament, "sister" is also used figuratively to refer to a woman who is a fellow believer in Jesus Christ.
Sometimes the phrase "brothers and sisters" is used to refer to all believers in Christ, both men and women.
In the Old Testament book Song of Songs, "sister" refers to a female lover or wife.

Translation Suggestions:

It is best to translate this term with the literal word that is used in the target language to refer to a natural or biological sister, unless this would give wrong meaning.
Other ways to translate this could include "sister in Christ" or "spiritual sister" or "woman who believes in Jesus" or "fellow woman believer."
If possible, it is best to use a family term.
If the language has a feminine form for "believer," this may be a possible way to translate this term.
When referring to a lover or wife, this could be translated using a feminine form of "loved one" or "dear one."

(See also: brother in Christ, spirit)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 02:16-17
Deuteronomy 27:22
Philemon 01:02
Romans 16:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H269, G27, G79

Forms Found in the English ULB:

sister, sister's, sisters, sisters'

skull

Related Ideas:

scalp

Definition:

The term "skull" refers to the bony, skeletal structure of the head of a person or animal.

Sometimes the term "skull" means "head," as in the phrase "shave your skull."
The term "Place of the Skull" was another name for Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified.
This term could also be translated as "head" or "head bone."
The "scalp" is the skin that covers the top of the skull.

(See also: crucify, Golgotha)

Bible References:

2 Kings 09:35-37
Jeremiah 02:16
John 19:17
Matthew 27:32-34

Word Data:

Strong's: H1538, H6936, H7218, G2898

Forms Found in the English ULB:

scalps, skull, skulls

slain

Related Ideas:

exterminate, kill, killer, murder, murderer, put to death, strike down

Definition:

To "slay" a person or animal means to kill it. Often it means to kill it in a forceful or violent way. If a man has killed an animal or an innocent person, he has "slain" it.

When referring to an animal or to a large number of people, the term "slaughter" is another term that is often used.
An act of slaughtering is also called a "slaughter."
The phrase "the slain" could also be translated as "the slain people" or "the people who were killed."
To "kill someone off" is for one person to have a purpose in mind and to kill someone else so that he can be free to accomplish the larger purpose.
To "exterminate" people is to kill all of them.
To "murder" someone is to kill him intentionally and illegally.
To "put to death" is to kill someone. Usually the decision to put someone to death is made by someone in authority.

(See also: slaughter)

Bible References:

Ezekiel 28:23
Isaiah 26:21

Word Data:

Strong's: H2026, H2027, H2076, H2491, H2614, H2717, H2763, H2873, H2874, H4191, H4194, H5221, H6991, H6992, H7523, H7703, H7819, H8045, G337, G615, G1315, G2380, G2695, G4968, G4969, G5407

Forms Found in the English ULB:

exterminate, exterminated, kill, kill ... off, killed, killed ... off, killer, killing, kills, murder, murdered, murderer, murderers, murders, put ... to death, slain, strike down, violently killed

slander

Related Ideas:

slanderer, slanderous, speak evil about

Definition:

Slander consists of negative, defaming things spoken (not written) about another person. To say such things (not to write them) about someone is to slander that person. The person saying such things is a slanderer.

Slander may be a true report or a false accusation, but its effect is to cause others to think negatively of the person being slandered.
To "slander" could be translated as to "speak against" or to "spread an evil report" or to "defame."
The word "slanderer" could also be translated as "tale-bearer."

(See also: blasphemy)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 04:13
1 Timothy 03:11
2 Corinthians 06:8-10
Mark 07:20-23

Word Data:

Strong's: H1681, H1696, H1848, H3960, H5791, H7270, H7400, H8267, G987, G988, G1228, G1426, G2635, G2636, G2637, G3059, G3060

Forms Found in the English ULB:

slander, slandered, slanderer, slanderers, slandering, slanderous, slanders, speak evil about, spoken of as evil

slaughter

Definition:

The term "slaughter" refers to killing a large number of animals or people, or to killing in a violent way. It can also refer to killing an animal for the purpose of eating it. The act of slaughtering is also called "slaughter."

When Abraham received three visitors at his tent in the desert, he ordered his servants to slaughter and cook a calf for his guests.
The prophet Ezekiel prophesied that God would send his angel to slaughter all those who would not follow His word.
1 Samuel records a great slaughter in which 30,000 Israelites were killed by their enemies because of disobedience to God.
"Weapons of slaughter" could be translated as "weapons for killing."
The expression "the slaughter was very great" could be translated as "a large number were killed" or "the number of deaths was very great" or "a terribly high number of people died."
Other ways to translate "slaughter" could include "kill" or "slay" or "killing."

(See also: angel, cow, disobey, Ezekiel, servant, slain)

Bible References:

Ezekiel 21:10-11
Hebrews 07:01
Isaiah 34:02
Jeremiah 25:34

Word Data:

Strong's: H2026, H2027, H2028, H2076, H2491, H2873, H2874, H2878, H4046, H4293, H4347, H4660, H5221, H6993, H7524, H7819, H7821, G2871, G4967, G4969

Forms Found in the English ULB:

slaughter, slaughtered, slaughtering, slaughters

snare

Related Ideas:

ensnare, entrap, noose, trap

Definition:

The terms "snare" and "trap" refer to devices that are used to catch animals and keep them from escaping. To "snare" or "ensnare" is to catch with a snare, and to "trap" or "entrap" is to catch with a trap. In the Bible, these terms were also used figuratively to talk about how sin and temptation are like hidden traps that catch people and harm them.

A "snare" is a loop of rope or wire that suddenly pulls tight when an animal steps into it, ensnaring its leg.
A "trap" is usually made of metal or wood and has two parts that suddenly and powerfully close together, catching an animal so it can't get away. Sometimes a trap can be a deep hole that has been made in order to get something to fall into it.
Usually the snare or trap is hidden so that its prey is taken by surprise.
The phrase "set a trap" means to get a trap ready to capture something.
To "fall into a trap" refers to falling into a deep hole or pit that was dug and hidden in order to catch an animal.
A person who is starts sinning and cannot stop can be described as "ensnared by sin" in a figurative reference to the way an animal can be ensnared and cannot escape.
Just as an animal is endangered and hurt by being in a trap, so a person caught in the trap of sin is being harmed by that sin and needs to be set free.
A "noose" is a rope or vine designed to catch an animal around the neck.

(See also: free, , prey, Satan, tempt)

Bible References:

Ecclesiastes 07:26
Luke 21:34
Mark 12:13
Psalms 018:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H1245, H2256, H3353, H3369, H3920, H3921, H4170, H4204, H4434, H4685, H4686, H4889, H5367, H5914, H6341, H6351, H6354, H6983, H7845, H8610, G64, G2339, G2340, G3802, G3803, G3985, G4625

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ensnare, ensnared, ensnares, entrap, noose, snare, snares, trap, trapped, traps

snow

Definitions:

The term "snow" refers to white flakes of frozen water that can fall from clouds in places where the air temperature is cold.

Snow falls in places of higher elevation in Israel, but does not always stay on the ground very long before melting. The peaks of mountains tend to have snow that lasts longer. One example of a place mentioned in the Bible as having snow is Mount Lebanon.
Something that is very white often has its color compared to the color of snow. For example, in the book of Revelation Jesus' clothing and hair were described as being "white as snow."
The whiteness of snow also symbolizes purity and cleanliness. For example, the statement that our "sins will be as white as snow" means that God will completely cleanse his people from their sins.
Some languages might refer to snow as "frozen rain" or "flakes of ice" or "frozen flakes."
"Snow water" refers to the water that comes from melted snow.

(See also: Lebanon, pure)

Bible References:

Exodus 04:06
Job 37:4-6
Matthew 28:03
Psalms 147:16
Revelation 01:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H7949, H7950, H8517, G5510

Forms Found in the English ULB:

snow, snowed, snowing

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

sons of God

Related Ideas:

children of God

Definition:

The term "sons of God" is a figurative expression that has several possible meanings.

In the New Testament, the term "sons of God" refers to all believers in Jesus and is often translated as "children of God" since it includes both males and females.
This use of the term speaks of a relationship with God that is like the relationship between a human son and his father, with all the privileges associated with being sons.
Some people interpret the term "sons of God" that appears in Genesis 6 to mean fallen angels—evil spirits or demons. Others think it may refer to powerful political rulers or to the descendants of Seth.
The title "Son of God" is a different term: it refers to Jesus, who is God's only Son.

Translation Suggestions:

When "sons of God" refers to believers in Jesus, it could be translated as "children of God."
In Genesis 6:2 and 4 ways to translate "sons of God" could include "angels," "spirit beings," "supernatural creatures," or "demons."
Also see the link for "son."

(See also: angel, demon, son, Son of God, ruler, spirit)

Bible References:

Genesis 06:02
Genesis 06:4
Job 01:06
Romans 08:14

Word Data:

Strong's: H430, H1121, G5207, G5043

Forms Found in the English ULB:

children of God, sons of ... God

sorcery

Related Ideas:

sorcerer, sorceress, witchcraft

Definition:

"Sorcery" or "witchcraft" refers to using magic, which involves doing powerful things through the help of evil spirits. A "sorcerer" is a man who does these powerful, magical things. A "sorceress" is a woman who does these things.

The use of magic and sorcery can involve both beneficial things (such as healing someone) and harmful things (such as putting a curse on someone). But all kinds of sorcery are wrong, because they use the power of evil spirits.
In the Bible, God says that the use of sorcery is as evil as other terrible sins (such as adultery, worshiping idols, and child sacrifice).
The terms "sorcery" and "witchcraft" could also be translated as "evil spirit power" or "casting spells."
Possible ways to translated "sorcerer" could include "worker of magic" or "person who casts spells" or "person who does miracles using evil spirit power."
Note that "sorcery" has a different meaning than the term "divination," which refers to attempting to contact the spirit world.

(See also: adultery, demon, divination, god, magic, sacrifice, worship)

Bible References:

Acts 08:9-11
Exodus 07:11-13
Galatians 05:19-21
Revelation 09:20-21

Word Data:

Strong's: H178, H3784, H3785, H3786, H6049, G3095, G3096, G5331, G5332, G5333

Forms Found in the English ULB:

sorcerer, sorcerers, sorceress, sorceries, sorcery, witchcraft

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

sow

Related Ideas:

plant, plantation, transplanted

Definition:

A "plant" is generally something that grows and is attached to the ground. To "plant" something is to put it in the ground so that it can grow. To "sow" is to scatter seeds on the ground so they can go into the ground and grow. A "sower" is a person who sows seeds.

Sometimes people plant seeds or plants by making holes in the soil and placing seeds or a plant in each hole.
When someone plants seeds by sowing, he takes handfuls of seeds and scatters them on the ground.
The term "sow" can be used figuratively, as in "a person will reap what he sows." This means that if a person does something evil, he will receive a negative result, and if a person does good, he will receive a positive result.
A "plantation" is a large field where people plant crops.
To "transplant" something is to move it from one place and plant it in another place.

Translations Suggestions

The term "sow" could be translated as "plant" if that word can include planting seeds by scattering them.
The term "sower" could be translated as "planter" or "farmer" or "person who scatters seeds."
The expression "a person reaps what he sows" could be translated as "just as a certain kind of seed produces a certain kind of plant, a person's good actions bring good results and a person's evil actions bring evil results."

(See also: evil, good, reap)

Bible References:

Galatians 06:08
Luke 08:05
Matthew 06:25-26
Matthew 13:04
Matthew 13:19
Matthew 25:24

Word Data:

Strong's: H2221, H2232, H2233, H2236, H3759, H4218, H4302, H5193, H7971, H8362, G4687, G4703, G5452

Forms Found in the English ULB:

place ... planted, plant, plantation, planted, planting, plants, replanted, sow, sowed, sowing, sown, sows, transplanted

spear

Related Ideas:

javelin, spearmen

Definition:

A spear is a weapon with a long wooden handle and sharp metal blade on one end that is thrown a long distance.

Spears were commonly used for war in biblical times. They are sometimes still used in present-day conflicts between certain people groups.
A spear was used by a Roman soldier to pierce the side of Jesus while he hung on the cross.
Sometimes people throw spears to catch fish or other prey to eat.
Similar weapons are the "javelin" or "lance." A javelin is a light spear that is thrown.
Make sure that the translation of "spear" is different from the translation of "sword," which is a weapon that is used for thrusting or stabbing, not throwing. Also, a sword has a long blade with a handle, while a spear has a small blade on the end of a long shaft.

(See also: prey, Rome, sword, warrior)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 13:19-21
2 Samuel 21:19
Nehemiah 04:12-14
Psalm 035:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H1265, H2595, H3591, H4294, H6767, H7013, H7420, G3057

Forms Found in the English ULB:

javelin, spear, spearmen, spears

spirit

Related Ideas:

ghost, spiritual

Definition:

The term "spirit" refers to the non-physical part of people which cannot be seen. When a person dies, his spirit leaves his body. "Spirit" can also refer to an attitude or emotional state.

The term "spirit" can refer to a being that does not have a physical body, especially an evil spirit.
A person's spirit is the part of him that can know God and believe in him.
In general, the term "spiritual" describes anything in the non-physical world.
In the Bible, it especially refers to anything that relates to God, specifically to the Holy Spirit.
For example, "spiritual food" refers to God's teachings, which give nourishment to a person's spirit, and "spiritual wisdom" refers to the knowledge and righteous behavior that come from the power of the Holy Spirit.
God is a spirit and he created other spirit beings, who do not have physical bodies.
Angels are spirit beings, including those who rebelled against God and became evil spirits.
The term "spirit of" can also mean "having the characteristics of," such as in "spirit of wisdom" or "in the spirit of Elijah."
Examples of "spirit" as an attitude or emotion would include "spirit of fear" and "spirit of jealousy."

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, some ways to translate "spirit" might include "non-physical being" or "inside part" or "inner being."
In some contexts, the term "spirit" could be translated as "evil spirit" or "evil spirit being."
Sometimes the term "spirit" is used to express the feelings of a person, as in "my spirit was grieved in my inmost being." This could also be translated as "I felt grieved in my spirit" or "I felt deeply grieved."
The phrase "spirit of" could be translated as "character of" or "influence of" or "attitude of" or "thinking (that is) characterized by."
Depending on the context, "spiritual" could be translated as "non-physical" or "from the Holy Spirit" or "God's" or "part of the non-physical world."
The figurative expression "spiritual milk" could also be translated as "basic teachings from God" or "God's teachings that nourish the spirit (like milk does)."
The phrase "spiritual maturity" could be translated as "godly behavior that shows obedience to the Holy Spirit."
The term "spiritual gift" could be translated as "special ability that the Holy Spirit gives

(See also: angel, demon, Holy Spirit, soul, divination)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 05:05
1 John 04:03
1 Thessalonians 05:23
Acts 05:09
Colossians 01:09
Ephesians 04:23
Genesis 07:21-22
Isaiah 04:04
Mark 01:23-26
Matthew 26:41
Philippians 01:27

Word Data:

Strong's: H178, H5397, H7307, H7308, G4151, G4152, G4153, G4861, G5326, G5427

Forms Found in the English ULB:

ghost, spirit, spirits, spiritual, spiritually

splendor

Related Ideas:

splendid

Definition:

The term "splendor" refers to the extreme beauty and elegance that is often associated with wealth and a magnificent appearance.

Often splendor is used to describe the wealth that a king has, or how he looks in his expensive, beautiful finery.
The word "splendor" can also be used to describe the beauty of trees, mountains, and other things that God has created.
Certain cities are said to have splendor because of o their natural resources, elaborate buildings and roads, and the wealth of their people, which includes rich clothing, gold, and silver.
Depending on the context, this word could be translated as "magnificent beauty" or "amazing majesty" or "kingly greatness."
Something that is "splendid" is extremely beautiful and elegant.

(See also: glory, king, majesty)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 16:27
Exodus 28:1-3
Ezekiel 28:07
Luke 04:07
Psalms 089:44-45
Revelation 21:26-27

Word Data:

Strong's: H1921, H1925, H1926, H1927, H1935, H2091, H2122, H2892, H3314, H3368, H3519, H6643, H7613, H8597, G2986

Forms Found in the English ULB:

splendid, splendidly, splendor

staff

Related Ideas:

club, walking stick

Definition:

A staff is a long wooden stick or rod, often used as a walking stick.

When Jacob was old, he used a staff to help him walk.
God turned Moses' staff into a snake to show his power to Pharaoh.
Shepherds also used a staff to help guide their sheep, or to rescue the sheep when they fell or wandered.
The shepherd's staff had a hook on the end, so it differed from the shepherd's rod, which was straight and was used to kill wild animals that were trying to attack the sheep.
A club is a thick, heavy stick used as a weapon to beat people.

(See also: Pharaoh, power, sheep, shepherd)

Bible References:

Exodus 04:1-3
Exodus 07:09
Luke 09:03
Mark 06:7-9
Matthew 10:8-10
Matthew 27:29

Word Data:

Strong's: H4132, H4294, H4731, H4938, H6418, H7626, G2563, G3586, G4464

Forms Found in the English ULB:

clubs, staff, staffs, walking stick, walking sticks

statute

Definition:

A statute is a specific written law that provides guidance for people to live by.

The term "statute" is similar in meaning to "ordinance" and " command" and "law" and "decree." All these terms involve instructions and requirements that God gives to his people or rulers give to their people.
King David said that he delighted himself in Yahweh's statutes.
The term "statute" could also be translated as "specific command" or "special decree."

(See also: command, decree, law of Moses, ordinance, Yahweh)

Bible References:

1 Kings 11:11-13
Deuteronomy 06:20-23
Ezekiel 33:15
Numbers 19:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H2706, H2708, H7010, G1345

Forms Found in the English ULB:

statute, statutes

stiff-necked

Related Ideas:

stiffen his neck, stubborn, stubbornness

Definition:

The term "stiff-necked" is an idiom used in the Bible to describe people who keep disobeying God and refuse to repent. Such people are very proud and will not submit to God's authority.

Similarly, the term "stubborn" describes a person who refuses to change his mind or actions even when urged to do so. Stubborn people will not listen to good advice or warnings that other people give them.
The Old Testament described the Israelites as "stiff-necked" because they did not listen to the many messages from God's prophets who urged them to repent and turn back to Yahweh.
If a neck is "stiff" it does not bend easily. The project language may have a different idiom that communicates that a person is "unbending" in that he refuses to change his ways.
Other ways to translate this term could include "pridefully stubborn" or "arrogant and unyielding" or "refusing to change."
If a person "stiffens his neck," he becomes stubborn.

(See also: arrogant, proud, repent)

Bible References:

Acts 07:51
Deuteronomy 09:13-14
Exodus 13:14-16
Jeremiah 03:17

Word Data:

Strong's: H47, H3513, H5637, H6203, H6484, H7185, H7190, H8307, G483, G4644, G4645

Forms Found in the English ULB:

stiff neck, stiff-necked, stiffen ... necks, stiffened ... neck, stiffened ... necks, stiffens ... neck, stubborn, stubbornly, stubbornness

stone

Definition:

A stone is a small rock. To "stone" someone is to throw stones and larger rocks at that person with the intention of killing him. A "stoning" is an event in which someone was stoned.

In ancient times, stoning was a common method of executing people as punishment for crimes they had committed.
God commanded the Israelite leaders to stone people for certain sins, such as adultery.
In the New Testament, Jesus forgave a woman caught in adultery and stopped people from stoning her.
Stephen, who was the first person in the Bible to be killed for testifying about Jesus, was stoned to death.
In the city of Lystra, the apostle Paul was stoned, but he did not die from his wounds.

(See also: adultery, commit, crime, death, Lystra, testimony)

Bible References:

Acts 07:57-58
Acts 07:59-60
Acts 14:05
Acts 14:19-20
John 08:4-6
Luke 13:34
Luke 20:06
Matthew 23:37-39

Word Data:

Strong's: H68, H69, H1382, H1496, H1530, H2106, H2672, H4676, H4678, H5619, H6443, H6697, H6872, H7275, H7671, G2642, G2991, G3034, G3035, G3036, G3037, G4348, G5586

Forms Found in the English ULB:

stone, stoned, stones, stoning

storehouse

Related Ideas:

barn, storage, store cities, storerooms, treasure, treasury

Definition:

A "storehouse" is a large building that is used for keeping food or other things, often for a long time.

In the Bible a "storehouse" was usually used to store extra grain and other food to be used later when there was a famine.
The storehouses of the temple contained valuable things that had been dedicated to Yahweh, such as gold and silver. Some of these things used to repair and maintain the temple were also kept there.
The term "storehouse" can also be used figuratively to refer to all the good things that God wants to give to his people.
Other ways to translate "storehouse" could include "a building for storing grain" or "place for keeping food" or "room for keeping valuable things safe."
A "treasure" is a very valuable object.
A "treasury" is can be a place where treasures are stored, but it is more often a place where officials store money.

(See also: consecrate, dedicate, famine, gold, grain, silver, temple)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 16:2-3
Luke 03:17
Matthew 03:12
Psalms 033:07

Word Data:

Strong's: H214, H618, H624, H1004, H4035, H4200, H4543, G596

Forms Found in the English ULB:

barn, barns, storage, store cities, storehouse, storehouses, storerooms, treasure, treasures, treasuries, treasury

strength

Related Ideas:

strengthen, strong, stronger, strongest

Definitions:

The term "strength" refers to physical, emotional, or spiritual power. To "strengthen" someone or something means to make that person or object stronger.

"Strength" can also refer to the power to withstand some kind of opposing force.
A person has "strength of will" if he is able to avoid sinning when tempted.
One writer of the Psalms called Yahweh his "strength" because God helped him to be strong.
If a physical structure like a wall or building is being "strengthened," people are rebuilding the structure, reinforcing it with more stones or brick so that it can withstand an attack.

Translation Suggestions

In general, the term "strengthen" can be translated as "cause to be strong" or "make more powerful."
In a spiritual sense, the phrase "strengthen your brothers" could also be translated as "encourage your brothers" or "help your brothers to persevere."
The following examples show the meaning of these terms in longer expressions and how they can be translated.
"puts strength on me like a belt" means "causes me to be completely strong, like a belt that completely surrounds my waist."
"in quietness and trust will be your strength" means "acting calmly and trusting in God will make you spiritually strong."
"will renew their strength" means "will become stronger again."
"by my strength and by my wisdom I acted" means "I have done all this because I am so strong and wise."
"strengthen the wall" means "reinforce the wall" or "rebuild the wall."
"I will strengthen you" means "I will cause you to be strong"
"in Yahweh alone are salvation and strength" means "Yahweh is the only one who saves us and strengthens us."
"the rock of your strength" means "the faithful one who makes you strong"
"with the saving strength of his right hand" means "he strongly rescues you from trouble like someone who holds you safely with his strong hand."
"of little strength" means "not very strong" or "weak."
"with all my strength" means "using my best efforts" or "strongly and completely."

(See also: faithful, persevere, right hand, save)

Bible References:

2 Kings 18:19-21
2 Peter 02:11
Luke 10:27
Psalm 021:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H193, H202, H353, H360, H386, H410, H553, H556, H1368, H1369, H1396, H2220, H2388, H2389, H2391, H2392, H2393, H2428, H3027, H3028, H3559, H3581, H3811, H3955, H4392, H4581, H5326, H5331, H5582, H5794, H5797, H5807, H5810, H5934, H5975, H6099, H6106, H6109, H6697, H6965, H7292, H7307, H8003, H8443, H8623, H8624, H8631, H8632, H8633, G461, G950, G1411, G1412, G1415, G1743, G1765, G1840, G1991, G2159, G2478, G2479, G2480, G2901, G2904, G3619, G4599, G4732, G4733, G4741

Forms Found in the English ULB:

become strong, made ... strong, made ... stronger, make ... strong, makes ... strong, strength, strengthen, strengthened, strengthening, strengthens, strong, stronger, strongest

strife

Related Ideas:

argue, argument, conflict, contention, dispute, quarrel

Definition:

The term "strife" refers to physical or emotional conflict between people.

A person who causes strife does things that result in strong disagreements between people and in hurt feelings.
Sometimes the use of the word "strife" implies that strong emotions are involved, such as anger or bitterness.
Other ways to translate "strife" could include "argument" or "contention" or "disagreement" or "dispute" or "conflict."

(See also: anger)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 03:3-5
Habakkuk 01:03
Philippians 01:17
Proverbs 17:01
Psalms 055:8-9
Romans 13:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H1777, H1779, H4066, H4090, H4683, H4808, H6635, H7379, H7701, G485, G1252, G2052, G3055, G3163, G3164, G5379

Forms Found in the English ULB:

arguing, argument, conflict, conflicts, contention, dispute, disputes, quarrel, quarreling, quarrels, strife

strong drink

Definition:

The term "strong drink" refers to drinks that have been fermented and have alcohol in them.

Alcoholic drinks are made from either grain or fruit and have undergone fermentation.
Kinds of "strong drink" include grape wine, palm wine, beer, and apple cider. Distilled alcoholic drinks had not been invented yet. In the Bible, grape wine was the most frequently mentioned strong drink.
Priests and anyone who took a special vow such as the "Nazirite vow" were not permitted to drink fermented drinks.
This term could also be translated as "fermented drink" or "alcoholic drink."

(See also: grape, Nazirite, vow, wine)

Bible References:

Isaiah 05:11-12
Leviticus 10:09
Luke 01:14-15
Numbers 06:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H5435, H7941, H8248, G4608

Forms Found in the English ULB:

strong drink, strong drinks

stronghold

Related Ideas:

battlement, city wall, fortification, fortified, fortress

Definition:

The terms "stronghold" and "fortress" both refer to places that are well protected against an attack by enemy soldiers. The term "fortified" describes a city or other place that has been made safe from attack.

Often, strongholds and fortresses were manmade structures with defensive walls. They could also have been places with natural protective barriers such as rocky cliffs or high mountains.
People fortified strongholds by building thick walls or other structures that made it difficult for an enemy to break through.
"Stronghold" or "fortress" could be translated as "securely strong place" or "strongly protected place."
The term "fortified city" could be translated as "securely protected city" or "strongly built city."
These ideas were also used figuratively to refer to God as a stronghold or fortress for those who trust in him.
Another figurative meaning for the term "stronghold" referred to something that someone wrongly trusted in for security, such as a false god or other thing that was worshiped instead of Yahweh. This could be translated as "false strongholds."
This term should be translated differently from "refuge," which emphasizes safety more than the concept of being fortified.
A "city wall" was tall, strong wall around a city that was meant to keep enemies out of the city.
A "battlement" is a low wall along the top of a city wall that soldiers could hide behind and shoot through at their enemies below.

(See also: god, god, refuge, Yahweh)

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 10:04
2 Kings 08:10-12
2 Samuel 05:8-10
Acts 21:35
Habakkuk 01:10-11

Word Data:

Strong's: H759, H1001, H1002, H1003, H1219, H1225, H2388, H4013, H4026, H4581, H4526, H4679, H4685, H4686, H4692, H4694, H4869, H5794, H5797, H5800, H6438, H7682, G3794, G3925

Forms Found in the English ULB:

battlements, city wall, fortifications, fortified, fortress, fortresses, stronghold, strongholds

stumble

Related Ideas:

reel

Definition:

The term "stumble" means "almost fall" when walking or running. Usually it involves tripping over something.

Figuratively, to "stumble" can mean to "sin" or to "falter" in believing.
This term can also refer to faltering or showing weakness when fighting a battle or when being persecuted or punished.
"Stumble" can also be used figuratively to mean "sin" or "stop believing.""
The word "reel" means to lose one's balance and have trouble walking.

Translation Suggestions

In contexts where the term "stumble" means to physically trip over something, it should be translated with a term that means "almost fall" or "trip over."
When stumble is used figuratively it could also be translated as "become weak" or "stumble by sinning" or "stumble by not believing."
The phrase "made to stumble" could be translated as "caused to become weak" or "caused to falter."

(See also: believe, persecute, sin, stumbling block)

Bible References:

1 Peter 02:08
Hosea 04:05
Isaiah 31:3
Matthew 11:4-6
Matthew 18:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H1762, H3782, H4383, H5062, H5063, H5307, H6328, H6761, H8058, G679, G4348, G4350, G4417, G4624, G4625

Forms Found in the English ULB:

causes ... to stumble, reeling, stumble, stumbled, stumbles, stumbling

stumbling block

Related Ideas:

occasion for stumbling, stone of stumbling

Definition:

The term "stumbling block" or "stone of stumbling" refers to a physical object that causes a person to trip and fall.

A figurative stumbling block is anything that causes a person to fail in a moral or spiritual sense.
Also figuratively, a "stumbling block" or "stone of stumbling" can be something that prevents someone from having faith in Jesus or that causes someone to not grow spiritually.
Often it is sin that is like a stumbling block to oneself or to others.
Sometimes God places a stumbling block in the way of people who are rebelling against him.

Translation Suggestions:

If a language has a term for an object that triggers a trap, that word could be used to translate this term.
This term could also be translated as "stone that causes stumbling" or "something that causes someone to not believe" or "obstacle that causes doubt" or "obstacle to faith" or "something that causes someone to sin."

(See also: stumble, sin)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 01:23
Galatians 05:11
Matthew 05:29-30
Matthew 16:23
Romans 09:33

Word Data:

Strong's: H4383, H6697, G3037, G4349, G4625

Forms Found in the English ULB:

occasion for stumbling, stone of stumbling, stumbling block, stumbling blocks

subject

Related Ideas:

force to become slaves, subdue, subject, subjection

Definitions:

A person is the "subject" of another person if the second person rules over the first. To "be subject to" is to "obey" or to "submit to the authority of."

The phrase "put in subjection to" refers to causing people to be under the authority of a leader or ruler.
To "subject someone to something" means to cause that person to experience something negative, such as punishment.
Sometimes the term "subject" is used to refer to being the topic or focus of something, such as in, "you will be the subject of ridicule."
The phrase "be subject to" means the same as "be submissive to" or "submit to."

(See also: submit)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 02:14-16
1 Kings 04:06
1 Peter 02:18-20
Hebrews 02:05
Proverbs 12:23-24

Word Data:

Strong's: H1697, H3533, H3665, H4522, H5647, H5927, H8214, G350, G1396, G1777, G4029, G5293

Forms Found in the English ULB:

are subjected, be subject to, be subjected, forced to become slaves, in subjection to, not subjected, subdue, subdued, subject, subject to, subjected, subjection, subjects, was subjected, were subjected

submit

Related Ideas:

submission

Definition:

To "submit" usually means to voluntarily place oneself under the authority of a person or government.

The Bible tells believers in Jesus to submit to God and other authorities in their lives.
The instruction to "submit to one another" means to humbly accept correction and to focus on the needs of others rather than on our own needs.
To "live in submission to" means to put oneself under the authority of something or someone.

Translation Suggestions:

The command "submit to" could be translated as "put yourself under the authority of" or "follow the leadership of" or "humbly honor and respect"
The term "submission" could be translated as "obedience" or "the following of authority."
The phrase "live in submission to" could be translated as "be obedient to" or "put oneself under the authority of."
The phrase "be in submission" could be translated as "humbly accept authority."

(See also: subject)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 14:34-36
1 Peter 03:01
Hebrews 13:15-17
Luke 10:20

Word Data:

Strong's: H3584, G5226, G5292, G5293

Forms Found in the English ULB:

in submission, submission, submit, submits, submitted, submitting

suffer

Related Ideas:

misery

Definition:

The terms "suffer" and "suffering" refer to experiencing something very unpleasant, such as illness, pain, or other hardships.

When people are persecuted or when they are sick, they suffer.
Sometimes people suffer because of wrong things they have done; other times they suffer because of sin and disease in the world.
Suffering can be physical, such as feeling pain or sickness. It can also be emotional, such as feeling fear, sadness, or loneliness.
'Misery' is what a person feels when they suffer.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "suffer" can be translated as "feel pain" or "endure difficulty" or "experience hardships" or "go through difficult and painful experiences."
Depending on the context, "suffering" could be translated as "extremely difficult circumstances" or "severe hardships" or "experiencing hardship" or "time of painful experiences."
The phrase "suffer thirst" could be translated as "experience thirst" or "suffer with thirst."
To "suffer violence" could also be translated as "undergo violence" or "be harmed by violent acts."

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 02:14-16
2 Thessalonians 01:3-5
2 Timothy 01:08
Acts 07:11-13
Isaiah 53:11
Jeremiah 06:6-8
Matthew 16:21
Psalms 022:24
Revelation 01:09
Romans 05:3-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H816, H943, H1741, H1934, H4531, G4912, H5142, H5375, H5999, H6001, H6031, H6040, H6041, H6090, H6770, H6869, H6887, H7489, H7661, G91, G941, G971, G2210, G2346, G2347, G2552, G2553, G2561, G3804, G3958, G4310, G4778, G4777, G4841, G5004

Forms Found in the English ULB:

miseries, suffer, suffered, suffering, sufferings, suffers

sulfur

Definition:

Sulfur is a yellow substance that becomes a burning liquid when it is set on fire.

Sulfur also has a very strong smell that is like the odor of rotten eggs.
In the Bible, burning sulfur is a symbol of God's judgment on ungodly and rebellious people.
During the time of Lot, God rained down fire and sulfur on the evil cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
In some English Bible versions, sulfur is referred to as "brimstone," which literally means "burning stone."

Translation Suggestions:

Possible translations of this term could include "yellow stone that burns" or "burning yellowish rock."

(See also: Gomorrah, judge, Lot, rebel, Sodom, godly)

Bible References:

Genesis 19:24
Isaiah 34:09
Luke 17:29
Revelation 20:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H1614, G2303

Forms Found in the English ULB:

sulfur

sweep

Definitions:

To "sweep" usually means to remove dirt by making broad, quick movements with a broom or brush. "Swept" is the past tense of "sweep." These words are also used figuratively.

The term "sweep" is used figuratively to describe how an army attacks with swift, decisive, wide-reaching movements.
For example, Isaiah prophesied that the Assyrians would "sweep through" the Kingdom of Judah. This means they would destroy Judah and capture its people.
The term "sweep" can also be used to describe the manner in which rapidly flowing water pushes things and forces them away.
When overwhelming, difficult things are happening to a person, it can be said that they are "sweeping over" him.

(See also: Assyria, Isaiah, Judah, prophet)

Bible References:

1 Kings 16:03
Daniel 11:40-41
Genesis 18:24
Proverbs 21:7-8
Psalms 090:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H857, H1640, H2498, H2894, H3261, H5500, H5595, H5674, H7857, G4216, G4563, G4951

Forms Found in the English ULB:

sweep, sweep ... away, sweeping, sweeps, swept, swept up

sword

Related Ideas:

dagger, swordsmen

Definition:

A sword is a flat-bladed metal weapon used to cut or stab. It has a handle and a long, pointed blade with a very sharp cutting edge.

In ancient times the length of a sword’s blade was about 60 to 91 centimeters.
Some swords have two sharp edges and are called "double-edged" or "two-edged" swords.
Jesus' disciples had swords for self defense. With his sword, Peter cut off the ear of the high priest's servant.
Both John the Baptist and the apostle James were beheaded with swords.
A "dagger" is a short sword used to stab people who are close by.

Translation Suggestions

A sword is used as a metaphor for God's word. God's teachings in the Bible exposed people's innermost thoughts and convicted them of their sin. In a similar way, a sword cuts deeply, causing pain.
One way to translate this figurative use would be, "God's word is like a sword, which cuts deeply and exposes sin."
Another figurative use of this term occurred in the book of Psalms, where the tongue or speech of a person was compared to a sword, which can injure people. This could be translated as "the tongue is like a sword that can badly injure someone."
If swords are not known in your culture, this word could be translated with the name of another long-bladed weapon that is used to cut or stab.
A sword could also be described as a "sharp weapon" or "long knife." Some translations could include a picture of a sword.

(See also: James (brother of Jesus), John (the Baptist), tongue, word of God)

Bible References:

Acts 12:02
Genesis 27:40
Genesis 34:25
Luke 02:33-35
Luke 21:24
Matthew 10:34
Matthew 26:55
Revelation 01:16

Word Data:

Strong's: H19, H2719, H4380, H6609, H7524, H7973, G3162, G4501

Forms Found in the English ULB:

dagger, sword, swords, swordsmen

synagogue

Definition:

A synagogue is a building where Jewish people meet together to worship God.

Since ancient times, a synagogue's services have included times of prayer, scripture reading, and teaching about the scriptures.
The Jews originally started building synagogues as places to pray and worship God in their own cities, because many of them lived far away from the temple in Jerusalem.
Jesus often taught in synagogues and healed people there.
The word "synagogue" can be used figuratively to refer to the group of people meeting there.

(See also: heal, Jerusalem, Jew, pray, temple, word of God, worship)

Bible References:

Acts 06:09
Acts 14:1-2
Acts 15:21
Acts 24:10-13
John 06:59
Luke 04:14
Matthew 06:1-2
Matthew 09:35-36
Matthew 13:54

Word Data:

Strong's: G656, G752, G4864

Forms Found in the English ULB:

synagogue, synagogues

tabernacle

Related Ideas:

dwelling place, habitation

Definition:

The word "tabernacle" means "dwelling place."

The tabernacle was a special tent-like structure where the Israelites worshiped God during the 40 years they traveled around in the desert.

God had given the Israelites detailed instructions for building this large tent, which had two rooms and was surrounded by an enclosed courtyard.
Each time the Israelites moved to a different place in the desert to live, the priests would take the tabernacle apart and carry it to their next campsite. Then they would set it up again in the center of their new camp.
The tabernacle was constructed of wood frames hung with curtains made of cloth, goat hair, and animal skins. The courtyard surrounding it was enclosed with more curtains.
The two sections of the tabernacle were the Holy Place (where the altar for burning incense was located) and the Most Holy Place (where the ark of the covenant was kept).
The courtyard of the tabernacle had an altar for burning animal sacrifices and a special washbasin for ritual cleansing.
The Israelites stopped using the tabernacle when the temple was built in Jerusalem by Solomon.
Another word for "dwelling place" is "habitation."

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate "tabernacle" could include, "sacred tent" or "tent where God was" or "God's tent."
Make sure that the translation of this term is different from the translation of "temple."

(See also: altar, altar of incense, ark of the covenant, temple, tent of meeting)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 21:30
2 Chronicles 01:2-5
Acts 07:43
Acts 07:45
Exodus 38:21
Joshua 22:19-20
Leviticus 10:16-18

Word Data:

Strong's: H168, H4908, H7900, G3613, G4633

Forms Found in the English ULB:

dwelling place, dwellings, habitation, tabernacle

tax

Related Ideas:

tax collector, taxation, taxpayers, toll

Definition:

The terms "tax" and "taxes" refer to money or goods that people pay to a government that is in authority over them. A "tax collector" was a government worker whose job was to receive money that people were required to pay the government in taxes.

The amount of money that is paid as a tax is usually based on the value of an item or on how much a person's property is worth.
In the time of Jesus and the apostles, the Roman government required taxes from everyone living in the Roman empire, including the Jews.
If taxes are not paid, the government can take legal action against a person to get the money that is owed.
Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem to be counted in the census held to tax everyone living in the Roman empire.
The term "tax" could also be translated as, "required payment" or "government money" or "temple money," depending on the context.
To "pay taxes" could also be translated as to "pay money to the government" or "receive money for the government" or "make the required payment." To "collect taxes" could be translated as to "receive money for the government.
A "tax collector" is someone who works for the government and receives the money that people are required to pay it.
The people who collected taxes for the Roman government would often demand more money from the people than the government required. The tax collectors would keep the extra amount for themselves.
Because tax collectors cheated people in this way, the Jews considered them to be among the worst of sinners.
The Jews also considered Jewish tax collectors to be traitors to their own people because they worked for the Roman government which was oppressing the Jewish people.
The phrase, "tax collectors and sinners" was a common expression in the New Testament, showing how much the Jews despised tax collectors.
A "toll" is a tax for using a road or a tax on things that people by or sell.

(See also: Jew, Rome, sin)

Bible References

Luke 20:21-22
Mark 02:13-14
Matthew 09:7-9
Numbers 31:28-29
Romans 13:6-7
Luke 03:12-13
Luke 05:27-28
Matthew 05:46-48
Matthew 09:10-11
Matthew 11:18-19
Matthew 17:26-27
Matthew 18:17

Word Data:

Strong's: H1093, H1983, H2670, H4060, H4371, H4522, H4864, H5065, H5674, H6186, G1323, G2778, G5057, G5058, G5411

Forms Found in the English ULB:

tax, tax collector, tax collectors, taxation, taxed, taxes, taxing, taxpayers, toll, tolls

teach

Related Ideas:

educated, teaching, untaught

Definition:

To "teach" someone is to tell him something he doesn’t already know. It can also mean to "provide information" in general, with no reference to the person who is learning. Usually the information is given in a formal or systematic way. A person’s "teaching" is or his "teachings" are what he has taught.

A "teacher" is someone who teaches. The past action of "teach" is "taught."
When Jesus was teaching, he was explaining things about God and his kingdom.
Jesus' disciples called him "Teacher" as a respectful form of address for someone who taught people about God.
The information that is being taught can be shown or spoken.
The phrase "what you have been taught" could also be translated as, "what these people have taught you" or "what God has taught you," depending on the context.
Other ways to translate "teach" could include "tell" or "explain" or "instruct."
Often this term can be translated as "teaching people about God."
A person who is "educated" has been taught formally.
A person who is "untaught" has not been taught.
A "teaching" is the information that someone teaches.

(See also: instruct, teacher, word of God)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 01:03
Acts 02:40-42
John 07:14
Luke 04:31
Matthew 04:23
Psalms 032:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H502, H995, H2094, H2449, H2596, H3045, H3046, H3256, H3384, H3925, H3948, H7919, H8150, H8451, G1317, G1319, G1321, G1322, G2085, G2605, G2727, G2312, G2567, G3811

Forms Found in the English ULB:

educated, taught, teach, teaches, teaching, teachings, untaught

teacher

Definition:

A teacher is a person who gives other people new information. Teachers help others to obtain and use both knowledge and skills.

In the Bible, the word "teacher" is used in a special sense to refer to someone who teaches about God.
People who learn from a teacher are called "students" or "disciples."
In some Bible translations, this term is capitalized ("Teacher") when it is used as a title for Jesus.

Translation Suggestions:

The usual word for a teacher can be used to translate this term, unless that word is only used for a school teacher.
Some cultures may have a special title that is used for religious teachers, such as "Sir" or "Rabbi" or "Preacher."

(See also: disciple, preach)

Bible References:

Ecclesiastes 01:12-15
Ephesians 04:11-13
Galatians 06:6-8
Habakkuk 02:18
James 03:02
John 01:37-39
Luke 06:40
Matthew 12:38-40

Word Data:

Strong's: H3384, H3887, H3925, G1320, G2567, G3547, G5572

Forms Found in the English ULB:

teacher, teachers

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

tempt

Related Ideas:

temptation, tempter

Definition:

To tempt someone is to try to get that person to do something wrong.

A temptation is something that causes a person to want to do something wrong.
People are tempted by their own sinful nature and by other people.
Satan also tempts people to disobey God and to sin against God by doing wrong things.
Satan tempted Jesus and tried to get him to do something wrong, but Jesus resisted all of Satan's temptations and never sinned.
Someone who is "tempting God" is not trying to get him to do something wrong, but rather, is continuing in stubborn disobedience of him to the point that God must respond by punishing him. This is also called "testing God."

Translation Suggestions:

The term "tempt" can be translated as, "try to cause to sin" or "entice" or "cause a desire to sin."
Ways to translate "temptations" could include, "things that tempt" or "things that entice someone to sin" or "things that cause desire to do something wrong.
To "tempt God" could be translated as to "put God to the test" or to "test God" or to "try God's patience" or to "cause God to have to punish" or to "stubbornly keep disobeying God."

(See also: disobey, Satan, sin, test)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 03:4-5
Hebrews 04:15
James 01:13
Luke 04:02
Luke 11:04
Matthew 26:41

Word Data:

Strong's: H4531, H5254, G551, G3985, G3986, G3987

Forms Found in the English ULB:

tempt, temptation, tempted, tempter, tempting

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

tent of meeting

Definitions:

The term "tent of meeting" refers to a tent which was a temporary place where God met with Moses before the tabernacle was built.

The tent of meeting was set up outside the camp of the Israelites.
When Moses went into the tent of meeting to meet with God, a pillar of cloud would stand at the entrance to the tent as a sign of God's presence there.
After the Israelites built the tabernacle, the temporary tent was no longer needed and the term "tent of meeting" was sometimes used to refer to the tabernacle.

(See also: Israel, Moses, pillar, tabernacle, tent)

Bible References:

1 Kings 02:28-29
Joshua 19:51
Leviticus 01:02
Numbers 04:31-32

Word Data:

Strong's: H168, H4150

Forms Found in the English ULB:

tent of meeting

tenth

Related Ideas:

tithe

Definition:

The terms "tenth" and "tithe" refer to "ten percent" or "one-out-of-ten portion" of one's money, crops, livestock, or other possessions, which is given to God.

In the Old Testament, God instructed the Israelites to set aside a tenth of their belongings to give as an offering of thanksgiving to him.
This offering was used to support the Levite tribe of Israel who served the Israelites as priests and caretakers of the tabernacle and later, the temple.
In the New Testament, God does not require giving a tithe, but instead he instructs believers to generously and cheerfully help people in need and support the work of Christian ministry.
This could also be translated as "one-tenth" or "one out of ten."

(See also: believe, Israel, Levi, livestock, Melchizedek, minister, sacrifice tabernacle, temple)

Bible References:

Genesis 14:19-20
Genesis 28:20-22
Hebrews 07:4-6
Isaiah 06:13
Luke 11:42
Luke 18:11-12
Matthew 23:23-24

Word Data:

Strong's: H4643, H6237, H6241, G586, G1181, G1183

Forms Found in the English ULB:

tenth, tenths, tithe, tithes

terror

Related Ideas:

panic, terrible, terrify, terrorize

Definition:

The term "terror" refers to a feeling of extreme fear. To "terrify" someone means to cause that person to feel very afraid.

A "terror" is something or someone that causes great fear or dread. An example of a terror could be an attacking enemy army or a plague or disease that is widespread, killing many people.
These terrors can be described as "terrifying." This term could be translated as, "fear-causing" or "terror-producing."
The judgment of God will someday cause terror in unrepentant people who reject his grace.
The "terror of Yahweh" could be translated as "the terrifying presence of Yahweh" or "the dreaded judgment of Yahweh" or "when Yahweh causes great fear."
Ways to translate "terror" could also include "extreme fear" or "deep dread."
To "terrorize" people means to do things that cause them to be extremely afraid.
The word "panic" refers to a sudden strong fear that may cause people to do things without thinking clearly about the situation.

(See also: adversary, fear, judge, plague, Yahweh)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 02:25
Exodus 14:10
Luke 21:09
Mark 06:48-50

Word Data:

Strong's: H366, H367, H926, H928, H1091, H1161, H1204, H1205, H1763, H2111, H2113, H2189, H2729, H2731, H2847, H2851, H2865, H3372, H3707, H4032, H4172, H4288, H4637, H6184, H6206, H6343, H6973, H7374, G1629, G1630, G1719, G4422, G4426, G5400, G5401

Forms Found in the English ULB:

panic, terrible, terrified, terrify, terrifying, terrifying events, terrifying thing, terror, terrorize, terrorized, terrors

test

Related Ideas:

put to the test

Definition:

The term "test" refers to a difficult or painful experience that reveals a person's strengths and weaknesses.

God tests people, but he does not tempt them to sin. Satan, however, tempts people to sin.
God sometimes uses tests to expose people's sin. A test helps a person to turn away from sin and to draw closer to God.
Gold and other metals are tested with fire to find out how pure and strong they are. This is a picture of how God uses painful circumstances to test his people.
To "put to the test" can mean, "challenge something or someone to prove its value."
In the context of putting God to the test, it means to try to make him do a miracle for us, taking advantage of his mercy.
Jesus told Satan that it is wrong to put God to the test. He is the almighty, holy God who is above everything and everyone.

Translation Suggestions:

The term to "test" could also be translated as, to "challenge" or to "cause to experience difficulties" or to "prove."
Ways to translate "a test" could be, "a challenge" or "a difficult experience."
To "put to the test" could be translated as to "test" or to "set up a challenge" or to "force to prove oneself."
In the context of testing God, this could be translated as, "trying to force God to prove his love."
In some contexts, when God is not the subject, the term "test" can mean "tempt."

(See also: tempt)

Bible References:

1 John 04:01
1 Thessalonians 05:21
Acts 15:10
Genesis 22:01
Isaiah 07:13
James 01:12
Lamentations 03:40-43
Malachi 03:10
Philippians 01:10
Psalm 026:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H1305, H2713, H5254, H5713, H5715, H5749, H6030, H8584, G350, G1252, G1263, G1381, G1382, G1598, G1957, G2983, G3140, G3141, G3142, G3143, G3984, G3985, G3986, G4451, G4828

Forms Found in the English ULB:

put ... to the test, test, tested, testing, tests

testimony

Related Ideas:

eyewitness, testify, witness

Definition:

When a person gives "testimony" he makes a statement about something he knows, claiming that the statement is true. To "testify" is to give "testimony."

Often a person "testifies" about something he has experienced directly.
A witness who gives "false testimony" does not tell the truth about what happened.
Sometimes the term "testimony" refers to a prophecy that a prophet has stated.
In the New Testament, this term was often used to refer to how Jesus' followers testified about the events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

The term "witness" refers to a person who has personally experienced something that happened. Usually a witness is also someone who testifies about what they know is true. The term "eyewitness" emphasizes that the person was actually there and saw what happened.

To "witness" something means to see it happen.
At a trial, a witness "gives witness" or "bears witness." This has the same meaning as "testify."
Witnesses are expected to tell the truth about what they have seen or heard.
A witness who does not tell the truth about what happened is called a "false witness." He is said to "give false witness" or to "bear false witness."
The expression "be a witness between" means that something or someone will be evidence that a contract has been made. The witness will make sure each person does what he has promised to do.

Translation Suggestions:

Translating "testify" and "testimony": * The term "testify" or "give testimony" could also be translated as, "tell the facts" or "tell what was seen or heard" or "tell from personal experience" or "tell what happened." * Ways to translate "testimony" could include, "report of what happened" or "statement of what is true" or "what has been said." * The phrase, "as a testimony to them" could be translated as, to "show them what is true" or to "prove to them what is true." * The phrase, "as a testimony against them" could be translated as, "which will show them their sin" or "exposing their hypocrisy" or "which will prove that they are wrong." * To "give false testimony" could be translated as "say false things about" or "state things that are not true."

Translating "witness" and "eyewitness": * The term "witness" or "eyewitness" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "person seeing it" or "the one who saw it happen" or "those who saw and heard (those things)." * Something that is "a witness" could be translated as "guarantee" or "sign of our promise" or "something that testifies that this is true." * The phrase "you will be my witnesses" could also be translated as "you will tell other people about me" or "you will teach people the truth that I taught you" or "you will tell people what you have seen me do and heard me teach." * To "witness to" could be translated as to "tell what was seen" or to "testify" or to "state what happened." * To "witness" something could be translated as to "see something that happens" or to "experience something that happens."

(See also: ark of the covenant, guilt, judge, prophet, true)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 31:28
Micah 06:03
Matthew 26:60
Mark 01:44
John 01:07
John 03:33
Acts 04:32-33
Acts 07:44
Acts 13:31
Romans 01:09
1 Thessalonians 02:10-12
1 Timothy 05:19-20
2 Timothy 01:08
2 Peter 01:16-18
1 John 05:6-8
3 John 01:12
Revelation 12:11

Word Data:

Strong's: H5707, H5713, H5715, H5749, H6030, H6315, H8584, G267, G1263, G1957, G2649, G3140, G3141, G3142, G3143, G3144, G4828, G4901, G5575, G5576, G5577

Forms Found in the English ULB:

eyewitness, eyewitnesses, testified, testifies, testify, testify against, testifying, testimony, witness, witnessed, witnesses

tetrarch

Definition:

The term "tetrarch" refers to a governing official who ruled over part of the Roman Empire. Each tetrarch was under the authority of the Roman emperor.

The title "tetrarch" means "one of four joint rulers."
Starting under the Emperor Diocletian, there were four major divisions of the Roman Empire and each tetrarch ruled one division.
The kingdom of of Herod "the Great," who was king at the time of the birth of Jesus, was divided into four sections after his death, and ruled by his sons as "tetrarchs," or "rulers of a fourth."
Each division had one or more smaller parts called "provinces," such as Galilee or Samaria.
"Herod the tetrarch" is mentioned several times in the New Testament. He is also known as "Herod Antipas."
The term "tetrarch" could also be translated as "regional governor" or "provincial ruler" or "ruler" or "governor."

(See also: governor, Herod Antipas, province, Rome, ruler)

Bible References:

Luke 03:1-2
Luke 09:07
Matthew 14:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: G5075, G5076

Forms Found in the English ULB:

tetrarch

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

the twelve

Related Ideas:

the eleven

Definition:

The term "the twelve" refers to the twelve men that Jesus chose to be his closest disciples, or apostles. After Judas killed himself, they were called "the eleven."

Jesus had many other disciples, but the title "the twelve" distinguished those who were apparently closest to Jesus.
The names of these twelve disciples are listed in Matthew 10, Mark 3, and Luke 6.
Some time after Jesus had returned to heaven, "the eleven" chose a disciple named Matthias to take Judas' place. Then they were called "the twelve" again.

Translation Suggestions:

For many languages it may be clearer or more natural to add the noun and say, "the twelve apostles" or "Jesus' twelve closest disciples."
"The eleven" could also be translated as "Jesus' eleven remaining disciples."
Some translations may prefer to use a capital letter to show that it was used as a title, as in "the Twelve" and "the Eleven."

(See also: apostle, disciple)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 15:5-7
Acts 06:02
Luke 09:01
Luke 18:31
Mark 10:32-34
Matthew 10:07

Word Data:

Strong's: G1427, G1733

Forms Found in the English ULB:

the eleven, the twelve

thief

Related Ideas:

bandit, booty, loot, marauding band, plunder, raider, revolutionary, rob, robber, robbery, steal

Definitions:

The term "thief" refers to a person who steals money or property from other people. The plural of "thief" is "thieves." The term "robber" often refers to a thief who also physically harms or threatens the people he is stealing from.

Jesus told a parable about a Samaritan man who took care of a Jewish man who had been attacked by robbers. The robbers had beaten the Jewish man and wounded him before stealing his money and clothing.
Both thieves and robbers come suddenly to steal, when people are not expecting it. Often they use the cover of darkness to hide what they are doing.
In a figurative sense, the New Testament describes Satan as a thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. This means that Satan's plan is to try to get God's people to stop obeying him. If he succeeded in doing this Satan would be stealing from them the good things that God has planned for them.
Jesus compared the suddenness of his return to the suddenness of a thief coming to steal from people. Just as a thief comes at a time when people are not expecting it, so Jesus will return at a time when people do not expect it.
"Marauding bands" and "raiding parties" are large groups people who go from place to place to steal things and cause others harm.
"Bandits" are thieves who work together.
"Plunder" and "loot" are words that mean the same thing as "steal." They are used to speak of stealing many things at one time.
"Raiders" are people who attack others, stealing and destroying property, and often killing and harming the people whose property they are stealing.
The words "booty," "loot," and "plunder" also refer to the things that are stolen.

(See also: bless, crime, crucify, darkness, destroy, power, Samaria, Satan)

Bible References:

2 Peter 03:10
Luke 12:33
Mark 14:48
Proverbs 06:30
Revelation 03:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H957, H962, H1214, H1416, H1497, H1589, H1590, H1980, H4455, H6530, H7703, H7997, G727, G941, G2417, G2812, G3027

Forms Found in the English ULB:

bandits, booty, loot, marauding band, marauding bands, plunder, plundered, plundered things, raiders, raiding parties, raiding party, revolutionary, rob, robbed, robber, robbers, robbery, robbing, robs, steal, stealing, steals, stolen, thief, thieves

thorn

Related Ideas:

thistle, thornbush

Definitions:

Thorn bushes and thistles are plants that have prickly branches or flowers. These plants do not produce fruit or anything else that is useful.

A "thorn" is a hard, sharp growth on the branch or stem of a plant. A "thornbush" is a type of small tree or shrub that has many thorns on its branches.
A "thistle" is a plant with prickly stems and leaves. Often the flowers are purple.
Thorn and thistle plants multiply quickly and can cause nearby plants or crops to not be able to grow. This is a picture of how sin keeps a person from producing good spiritual fruit.
A crown made of twisted thorn branches was placed on Jesus' head before he was crucified.
If possible, these terms should be translated by the names of two different plants or bushes that are known in the language area.

(See also: crown, fruit, spirit)

Bible References:

Hebrews 06:7-8
Matthew 13:07
Matthew 13:22
Numbers 33:55

Word Data:

Strong's: H329, H1863, H2312, H2336, H4534, H5285, H5518, H5544, H6791, H6796, H6975, H7063, H7898, G173, G174, G4647, G5146

Forms Found in the English ULB:

thistle, thistles, thorn, thorn hedge, thornbush, thornbushes, thorns

thresh

Related Ideas:

beat out

Definition:

The terms "thresh" and "threshing" refer to the first part of the process of separating wheat grain from the rest of the wheat plant.

Threshing the wheat plant loosens the grain from the straw and the chaff. Afterwards the grain is "winnowed" to completely separate the grain from all unwanted materials, leaving only the part the grain that can be eaten.
In Bible times, a "threshing floor" was a large flat rock or an area of packed-down dirt, giving a hard, level surface to crush the grain stalks and remove the grain.
A "threshing cart" or "threshing wheel" was sometimes used to crush the grain and help separate it from the straw and chaff.
A "threshing sledge" or "threshing board" was also used for separating grain. It was made of wooden boards that had sharp metal spikes on the end.
To "beat out" is to separate the grain from the straw either by spreading the stalks on the ground and hitting them with a stick or board or by holding the base of a bundle of stalks and hitting the heads on a hard surface.

(See also: chaff, grain, winnow)

Bible References:

2 Chronicles 03:1-3
2 Kings 13:07
2 Samuel 24:16
Daniel 02:35
Luke 03:17
Matthew 03:12
Ruth 03:1-2

Word Data:

Strong's: H212, H4173, H1637, H1758, H1786, H1869, H2251, H2742, G248

Forms Found in the English ULB:

beat ... out, beaten ... out, floors for threshing, thresh, threshed, threshes, threshing, threshing floor, threshing sledges

threshold

Related Ideas:

doorway

Definition:

The term "threshold" refers to the bottom part of a doorway or the part of a building that is just inside the door.

Sometimes a threshold is a strip of wood or stone that must be stepped over in order to enter a room or building.
Both a gate and the opening to a tent can also have a threshold.
This term should be translated with a term in the project language that refers to the place at the very entrance to a home that a person steps across.
If there is no term for this, "threshold" could also be translated as "doorway" or "opening" or "entranceway," depending on the context.

(See also: gate, tent)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 09:17-19
Ezekiel 09:03
Isaiah 06:04
Proverbs 17:19

Word Data:

Strong's: H4670, H5592

Forms Found in the English ULB:

doorways, threshold, thresholds

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

tomb

Related Ideas:

burial place, grave, gravediggers

Definition:

The terms "tomb" and "grave" refer to a place where people put the body of a person who has died. A "burial place" is a more general term that also refers to this.

The Jews buried bodies in natural caves, in caves that they dug in the side of a hill, or in holes that they dug in the ground.
In New Testament times, it was common to roll a large, heavy stone in front of the opening of a tomb in order to close it.
If in the target language the word for a tomb can only refer to a hole in which the body is placed below the ground, other ways to translate this could include "cave" or "hole in the side of a hill."
A gravedigger is a person who digs a grave to put a dead body in it.
The phrase "the grave" is often used generally and figuratively to refer to the condition of being dead or a place where the souls of dead people are.

(See also: bury, death)

Bible References:

Acts 02:29-31
Genesis 23:06
Genesis 50:05
John 19:41
Luke 23:53
Mark 05:1-2
Matthew 27:53
Romans 03:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H1430, H6900, H6913, H7585, H7845, G3418, G3419, G5028

Forms Found in the English ULB:

burial place, grave, gravediggers, graves, tomb, tombs

tongue

Related Ideas:

language

Definition:

There are several figurative meanings of "tongue" in the Bible.

In the Bible, the most common figurative meaning for this term is "language" or "speech."
Sometimes "tongue" may refer to a human language spoken by a certain people group.
Other times it refers to a supernatural language that the Holy Spirit gives believers in Christ as one of the "gifts of the Spirit."
The expression "tongues" of fire refers to "flames" of fire.
In the expression "my tongue rejoices," the term "tongue" refers to the whole person.
The phrase "lying tongue" refers to a person's voice or speech. (See: metonymy)

Translation Suggestions

Depending on the context, the term "tongue" can be translated by "language" or "spiritual language." If it is not clear which one it is referring to, it is better to translate it as "language."
When referring to fire, this term could be translated as "flames."
The expression "my tongue rejoices" could be translated as "I rejoice and praise God" or "I am joyfully praising God."
The phrase, "tongue that lies" could be translated as "person who tell lies" or "people who lie."
Phrases such as "with their tongues" could be translated as "with what they say" or "by their words."

(See also: gift, Holy Spirit, joy, praise, joy, spirit)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 12:10
1 John 03:18
2 Samuel 23:02
Acts 02:26
Ezekiel 36:03
Philippians 02:11

Word Data:

Strong's: H3956, G1100, G1258, G2084, G5456

Forms Found in the English ULB:

language, languages, tongue, tongues

torment

Related Ideas:

tormentors, torture, torturer

Definitions:

The term "torment" refers to terrible suffering. To "torment" or "torture" someone means to cause that person to suffer, often in a cruel way.

Sometimes the term "torment" refers to strong physical pain and suffering. For example, the book of Revelation describes physical torment that worshipers of the "beast" will suffer in the end times.
Sometimes the term "torment" refers to strong spiritual and emotional pain, as experienced by Job.
The apostle John wrote in the book of Revelation that people who do not believe in Jesus as their Savior will experience eternal torment in the lake of fire.
The term "torment" could be translated as "terrible suffering" or "cause someone to suffer greatly" or "agony." Some translators may add "physical" or "spiritual" to make the meaning clear.
A "tormentor" or a "torturer" is someone who torments or tortures other people.

(See also: beast, eternity, Job, Savior, spirit, suffer, worship)

Bible References:

2 Peter 02:08
Jeremiah 30:20-22
Lamentations 01:11-12
Luke 08:28-29
Revelation 11:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H3013, H6735, G928, G929, G930, G931, G3600

Forms Found in the English ULB:

torment, tormented, tormenting, tormentors, torture, torturers

tradition

Definition:

The term "tradition" refers to a custom or practice that has been kept over time and which is passed down to people in later generations.

Often in the Bible the word "traditions" referred to teachings and practices that people made, not God's laws. The expression "tradition of men" or "human tradition" makes this clear.
Phrases such as "traditions of the elders" or "traditions of my fathers" referred specifically to Jewish customs and practices that Jewish leaders over time had added to the laws God gave to the Israelites through Moses. Even though these added traditions had not come from God, people thought they had to obey them in order to be righteous.
The apostle Paul used the term "tradition" in a different way to refer to teachings about Christian practice that came from God and that he and other apostles had taught new believers.
In modern times, there are many Christian traditions that are not taught in the Bible, but rather are the result of historically accepted customs and practices. These traditions should always be evaluated in light of what God teaches us in the Bible.

(See also: apostle, believe, Christian, father, generation, Jew, law of Moses, Moses)

Bible References:

2 Thessalonians 03:6-9
Colossians 02:08
Galatians 01:13-14
Mark 07:02
Matthew 15:03

Word Data:

Strong's: G3862

Forms Found in the English ULB:

tradition, traditions

trample

Related Ideas:

tread, trod, trodden

Definition:

To "tread" on something is to step on it. To "trample" something is to step on it and smash it with the feet.

An example of "trampling" is the smashing down of grass by the feet of people running in a field.
In ancient times, wine was sometimes made by treading on grapes, or trampling grapes, to remove the juice from them.
The term "trample" is also used figuratively in the Bible to mean "destroy" or "defeat" or "humiliate."
Other ways that "trample" could be translated include "crush with the feet" or "smash down with the feet" or "stomp on and crush" or "smash into the ground."

(See also: grape, humiliate, punish, rebel, thresh, wine)

Bible References:

Hebrews 10:29
Psalms 007:5

Word Data:

Strong's: H947, H1758, H1792, H1869, H3381, H4001, H4823, H5674, H1790, H7429, H7512, H7533, G2662, G3961

Forms Found in the English ULB:

trample, trample over, trampled, tramples, trampling, trampling place, tread, treader, treading down, trod, trodden

transgress

Related Ideas:

offend, offense, transgression, transgressor

Definition:

The term "transgression" refers to the breaking of a command, rule, or moral code. To "transgress" is to commit a "transgression."

Figuratively, to "transgress" can also be described as to "cross a line," that is, to go beyond a limit or boundary that has been set for the good of the person and others.
The terms "transgression," "sin," "iniquity," and "trespass" all include the meaning of acting against God's will and disobeying his commands.
To "offend" someone is to anger him by transgressing against him. He will then be "offended."

Translation Suggestions:

To "trangress" could be translated as to "sin" or to "disobey" or to "rebel."
If a verse or passage uses two terms that mean "sin" or "transgress" or "trespass," it is important, if possible, to use different ways to translate these terms. When the Bible uses two or more terms with similar meanings in the same context, usually its purpose is to emphasize what is being said or to show its importance.

(See also: sin, trespass, iniquity)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 04:06
Daniel 09:24-25
Galatians 03:19-20
Galatians 06:1-2
Numbers 14:17-19
Psalm 032:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H898, H6087, H6586, H6588, G3847, G3848, G3892

Forms Found in the English ULB:

offend, offended, offense, offenses, transgress, transgressed, transgresses, transgressing, transgression, transgressions, transgressor, transgressors

tremble

Related Ideas:

shake

Definition:

To "tremble" means to shake or quiver out of fear or extreme distress.

This term is also used figuratively to mean "be very afraid."
Sometimes when the ground shakes it is said to "tremble." It can do this during an earthquake or in response to a very loud noise.
The Bible says that in the presence of the Lord the earth will tremble. This could mean that the people of the earth will shake out of fear of God or that the earth itself will shake.
This term could be translated as "be afraid" or "fear God" or "shake," depending on the context.

(See also: earth, fear, lord)

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 07:15
2 Samuel 22:44-46
Acts 16:29-31
Jeremiah 05:22
Luke 08:47

Word Data:

Strong's: H1674, H2111, H2112, H2151, H2342, H2648, H2727, H2729, H2730, H2731, H5128, H5425, H5568, H6206, H6342, H6426, H6427, H7264, H7268, H7269, H7322, H7460, H7461, H7481, H7493, H7578, H8078, G1790, G4579, G5141, G5156, G5425

Forms Found in the English ULB:

shake, shakes, shook, tremble, trembled, trembles, trembling

trespass

Definition:

To "trespass" means to break a law or to violate the rights of another person. A "trespass" is the action of "trespassing."

A trespass can be a violation of moral or civil law or a sin committed against another person.
This term is related to the terms "sin," and "transgress," especially as it relates to disobeying God.
All sins are trespasses against God.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, to "trespass against" could be translated as to "sin against" or to "break the rule."
Some languages may have an expression like "cross the line" that could be used to translate "trespass."
Consider how this term fits with the meaning of the surrounding Bible text and compare it to other terms that have a similar meaning, such as "transgress" and "sin."

(See also: disobey, iniquity, sin, transgress)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 25:28
2 Chronicles 26:16-18
Colossians 02:13
Ephesians 02:01
Ezekiel 15:7-8
Romans 05:17
Romans 05:20-21

Word Data:

Strong's: H819, H4604, H6588, G264, G3900

Forms Found in the English ULB:

trespass, trespassed, trespasses

trial

Related Ideas:

case, on trial, plead a case

Definition:

The term "trial" refers to a situation in which something or someone is "tried" or tested.

A "trial" can be a judicial hearing in a court in which evidence is given to prove whether the person "on trial" is innocent or guilty of wrongdoing.
A "case" is a person's problem or complaint and the reasons he thinks he is right. A judge listens to the case during a trial and decides what should be done.
To "plead" someone's case is to represent his case in court, telling why the person is right about what happened and about what should be done.

The term "trial" is also used figuratively.

The term "trial" can also refer to difficult circumstances that a person goes through as God tests their faith. Another word for this is "testing. "Temptation" is a particular kind of trial.
Many people in the Bible were tested to see if they would continue to believe and obey God. They went through trials which included being beaten, imprisoned, or even killed because of their faith.

(See also: tempt, test, innocent, guilt)

Bible References:

Deuteronomy 04:34
Ezekiel 21:12-13
Lamentations 03:58-61
Proverbs 25:7-8

Word Data:

Strong's: H3198, H4531, H4941, H7378, H7379, G178, G350, G1383, G2919, G3986, G4822

Forms Found in the English ULB:

case, on trial, plead ... case, trial, trials

tribe

Related Ideas:

tribal

Definition:

A tribe is a group of people who are descended from a common ancestor.

People from the same tribe usually also share a common language and culture.
In the Old Testament, God divided the people of Israel into twelve tribes. Each tribe was descended from a son or grandson of Jacob.
A tribe is smaller than a nation, but larger than a clan.

(See also: clan, nation, people group, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

1 Samuel 10:19
2 Kings 17:16-18
Genesis 25:16
Genesis 49:17
Luke 02:36-38

Word Data:

Strong's: H523, H4294, H4940, H7625, H7626, G1429, G5443

Forms Found in the English ULB:

tribal, tribe, tribes

tribulation

Related Ideas:

distress

Definition:

The term "tribulation" refers to a time of hardship, suffering, and distress.

It is explained in the New Testament that Christians will endure times of persecution and other kinds of tribulation because many people in this world are opposed to Jesus' teachings.
"The Great Tribulation" is a term used in the Bible to describe a period of time just before Jesus' second coming when God's wrath will be poured out on the earth for several years.
The term "tribulation" could also be translated as "time of great suffering" or "deep distress" or "severe difficulties."

(See also: earth, teach, wrath)

Bible References:

Mark 04:17
Mark 13:19
Matthew 13:20-21
Matthew 24:09
Matthew 24:29
Romans 02:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H4689, H4691, H6862, H6869, H6887, H7185, H7451, G1453, G1568, G2347, G3076, G4912, G4928

Forms Found in the English ULB:

distress, distressed, distresses, tribulation, tribulations

tribute

Definition:

The term "tribute" refers to a gift from one ruler to another ruler, for the purpose of protection and for good relations between their nations.

A tribute can also be a payment that a ruler or government requires from the people, such as a toll or tax.
In Bible times, traveling kings or rulers sometimes paid a tribute to the king of the region they were traveling through to make sure they would be protected and safe.
Often the tribute would include things besides money, such as foods, spices, rich clothing, and expensive metals such as gold.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "tribute" could be translated as "official gifts" or "special tax" or "required payment."

(See also: gold, king, ruler, tax)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 18:1-2
2 Chronicles 09:22-24
2 Kings 17:03
Luke 23:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H814, H1093, H4061, H4503, H4530, H4853, H4864, H6066, H7862, G5411

Forms Found in the English ULB:

tribute

trouble

Related Ideas:

troublesome

Definition:

A "trouble" is an experience in life that is very difficult and distressing. To "trouble" someone means to "bother" that person or to cause him distress. Something that is "troubling" causes people to feel distressed. Someone who is troublesome causes problems. To be "troubled" means to feel upset or anxious or distressed about something.

A "tumult" is a group of people making much noise because they are troubled or unhappy.

Troubles can be physical, emotional, or spiritual things that hurt a person.
In the Bible, often troubles are times of testing that God uses to help believers mature and grow in their faith.
The Old Testament use of "trouble" also referred to judgment that came on people groups who were immoral and rejected God.

Translation Suggestions

The term "trouble" or "troubles" could also be translated as "danger" or "painful things that happen" or "persecution" or "difficult experiences" or "distress."
The term "troubled" could be translated with a word or phrase that means "undergoing distress" or "feeling terrible distress" or "worried" or "anxious" or "distressed" or "terrified" or "disturbed."
"Don't trouble her" could also be translated as "don't bother her" or "don't criticize her."
The phrase "day of trouble" or "times of trouble" could also be translated as "when you experience distress" or " when difficult things happen to you" or "when God causes distressing things to happen."
Ways to translate "make trouble" or "bring trouble" could include "cause distressing things to happen" or "cause difficulties" or "make them experience very difficult things."

(See also: afflict, persecute)

Bible References:

1 Kings 18:18-19
2 Chronicles 25:19
Luke 24:38
Matthew 24:06
Matthew 26:36-38

Word Data:

Strong's: H205, H926, H927, H1204, H1607, H1644, H1672, H2196, H5916, H5999, H6031, H6040, H6087, H6470, H6696, H6862, H6869, H6887, H7264, H7267, H7451, H7489, H8513, G318, G387, G1613, G1776, G2346, G2347, G2350, G2360, G2873, G2906, G3636, G3926, G3986, G4423, G4660, G5015, G5182

Forms Found in the English ULB:

trouble, troubled, troubles, troublesome, troubling

true

Related Ideas:

certain, certainly, certainty, indeed, real, sure, surely, truly, truth, truthful, truthfulness, truths

Definition:

The term "truth" refers to one or more concepts that are facts, events that actually happened, and statements that were actually said. Such concepts are said to be "true."

True things are real, genuine, actual, rightful, legitimate, and factual.
The truth is an understanding, belief, fact, or statement that is true.
To say that a prophecy "came true" or "will come true" mean that it actually happened as predicted or that it will happen that way.
The word "truly" is used to emphasize what the speaker is saying. "Truly" is sometimes translated as "surely" or "certainly."
Truth includes the concept of acting in a way that is reliable and faithful.
Jesus revealed God's truth in the words that he spoke.
God's word is truth. It tells about things that actually happened and teaches what is true about God and about everything he has made.
The word "certainty" refers to a truth about which one can be certain that it is true.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context and what is being described, the term "true" could also be translated by "real" or "factual" or "correct" or "right" or "certain" or "genuine."
Ways to translate the term "truth" could include "what is true" or "fact" or "certainty" or "principle."
The expression "come true" could also be translated as "actually happen" or "be fulfilled" or "happen as predicted."
The expression "tell the truth" or "speak the truth" could also be translated as "say what is true" or "tell what really happened" or "say things that are reliable."
To "accept the truth" could be translated as "believe what is true about God."

(See also: believe, faithful, fulfill, obey, prophet, understand)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 05:6-8
1 John 01:5-7
1 John 02:08
3 John 01:08
Acts 26:24-26
Colossians 01:06
Genesis 47:29-31
James 01:18
James 03:14
James 05:19
Jeremiah 04:02
John 01:9
John 01:16-18
John 01:51
John 03:31-33
Joshua 07:19-21
Lamentations 05:19-22
Matthew 08:10
Matthew 12:17
Psalm 026:1-3
Revelation 01:19-20
Revelation 15:3-4

Word Data:

Strong's: H530, H543, H551, H571, H3330, H5229, H6664, H6965, H7187, H7189, G225, G226, G227, G228, G230, G281, G803, G804, G1103, G3483, G4103, G4137, G5198, G5199

Forms Found in the English ULB:

certainly, certainty, for certain, indeed, real, sure, surely, true, truly, truth, truthful, truthfulness, truths

trumpet

Related Ideas:

trumpet call, trumpeter

Definition:

The term "trumpet" refers to an instrument for producing music or for calling people to gather together for an announcement or meeting.

A trumpet was commonly made from either metal, seashell, or an animal horn.
Trumpets were most commonly blown to call people to come together for battle, and for Israel's public assemblies.
The book of Revelation describes a scene in the end times in which angels blow their trumpets to signal the outpouring of the wrath of God on the earth.

(See also: angel, assembly, earth, horn, Israel, wrath)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 13:7-8
2 Kings 09:13
Exodus 19:12-13
Hebrews 12:19
Matthew 06:02
Matthew 24:31

Word Data:

Strong's: H2689, H2690, H3104, H7782, H8619, H8643, G4536, G4537, G4538

Forms Found in the English ULB:

trumpet, trumpet call, trumpet's, trumpeters, trumpets

trust

Related Ideas:

entrust, trustworthiness, trustworthy

Definition:

To "trust" something or someone is to believe that the thing or person is true or dependable. That belief is also called "trust." A "trustworthy" person is one you can trust to do and say what is right and true, and therefore one who has the quality of "trustworthiness."

Trust is closely related to faith. If we trust someone, we have faith in that person to do what they promised to do.
Having trust in someone also means depending on that person.
To "trust in" Jesus means to believe that he is God, to believe that he died on the cross to pay for our sins, and to rely on him to save us.
A "trustworthy saying" refers to something that is said that can be counted on to be true.
For one person to "entrust" something to a second person is for the first person to give that thing to the second person and expect that the second person will do what the first person tells him to do.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "trust" could include "believe" or "have faith" or "have confidence" or "depend on."
The phrase "put your trust in" is very similar in meaning to "trust in."
The term "trustworthy" could be translated as "dependable" or "reliable" or "can always be trusted."

(See also: believe, confidence, faith, faithful, true)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 09:22-24
1 Timothy 04:09
Hosea 10:12-13
Isaiah 31:1-2
Nehemiah 13:13
Psalm 031:05
Titus 03:8

Word Data:

Strong's: H530, H539, H540, H571, H982, H1556, H2620, H3176, H4009, H4268, H7365, G1679, G3860, G3982, G4100, G4103

Forms Found in the English ULB:

entrust, entrusted, entrusting, trust, trusted, trusting, trusts, trustworthiness, trustworthy

tunic

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "tunic" referred to a garment that was worn next to the skin, under other clothing.

A tunic reached from the shoulders down to the waist or knees and was usually worn with a belt. Tunics worn by wealthy people sometimes had sleeves and reached down to the ankles.
Tunics were made of leather, haircloth, wool, or linen, and were worn by both men and women.
A tunic was normally worn under a longer over-garment, such as a toga or outer robe. In warmer weather a tunic was sometimes worn with no outer garment.
This term could be translated as "long shirt" or "long undergarment" or "shirt-like garment." It could also be written in a similar way to "tunic," with a note to explain what kind of clothing it was.

(See Also: robe)

Bible References:

Daniel 03:21-23
Isaiah 22:21
Leviticus 08:12-13
Luke 03:11
Mark 06:7-9
Matthew 10:10

Word Data:

Strong's: H2243, H3801, H6361, G5509

Forms Found in the English ULB:

tunic, tunics

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

twelve tribes of Israel

Related Ideas:

children of Israel, descendants of Israel, people of Israel, twelve tribes, twelve tribes of the children of Israel, twelve tribes of the sons of Israel

Definition:

The term "twelve tribes of Israel" refers to the twelve sons of Jacob and their descendants.

Jacob was Abraham's grandson. God later changed Jacob's name to Israel.
These are the names of the tribes: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph and Benjamin.
The descendants of Levi did not inherit any land in Canaan because they were a tribe of priests who were set apart to serve God and his people.
Joseph received a double inheritance of land, which was passed on to his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.
There are several places in the Bible where the list of the twelve tribes is slightly different. Sometimes Levi, Joseph, or Dan is left out of the list and sometimes Joseph's two sons Ephraim and Manasseh are included in the list.

(See also: inherit, Israel, Jacob, priest, tribe)

Bible References:

Acts 26:07
Genesis 49:28
Luke 22:28-30
Matthew 19:28

Word Data:

Strong's: H1121, H3478, H7626, H8147, G1427, G2474, G5443

Forms Found in the English ULB:

children of Israel, descendants of Israel, people of Israel, twelve tribes, twelve tribes of Israel, twelve tribes of the children of Israel, twelve tribes of the sons of Israel

understand

Related Ideas:

argument, craftiness, insight, intelligent, realize, unintentionally, without understanding

Definition:

The term "understand" means to hear or receive information and know what it means.

The term "understanding" can refer to "knowledge" or "wisdom" or realizing how to do something.
To understand someone can also mean to know how that person is feeling.
A person who is "without understanding" does not understand.
While walking on the road to Emmaus, Jesus caused the disciples to understand the meaning of the scriptures about the Messiah.
Depending on the context, the term "understand" could be translated by "know" or "believe" or "comprehend" or "know what (something) means."
Often the term "understanding" can be translated by "knowledge" or "wisdom" or "insight."
"Arguments" are statements that one person makes to share his understanding with another person and to convince that other person to understand something the same way.
"Craftiness" is understanding used for evil.
An "intelligent" person thinks clearly and learns quickly.
To do something "unintentionally" is to do it without knowing or by accident or without intending to do it.

(See also: believe, know, wise)

Bible References:

Job 34:16-17
Luke 02:47
Luke 08:10
Matthew 13:12
Matthew 13:14
Proverbs 03:05

Word Data:

Strong's: H995, H998, H999, H1847, H2940, H3045, H3820, H3823, H3824, H4486, H7200, H7919, H7922, H7924, H8085, H8394, G50, G144, G145, G191, G801, G1097, G1108, G1271, G1380, G1492, G1921, G1922, G1987, G1990, G2638, G2657, G3539, G3563, G4894, G4907, G4908, G4920, G5424, G5428, G5429

Forms Found in the English ULB:

arguments, craftiness, gain understanding, gives ... insight, insight, intelligent, realize, realized, understand, understanding, understands, understood, unintentionally, without understanding

unleavened bread

Definition:

The term "unleavened bread" refers to bread that is made without yeast or other leavening. This kind of bread is flat because it has no leaven to make it rise.

When God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, he told them to flee Egypt quickly without waiting for their bread to rise. So they ate unleavened bread with their meal. Since then unleavened bread is used in their yearly Passover celebrations to remind them of that time.
Since leaven sometimes is used as a picture of sin, "unleavened bread" represents the removal of sin from a person's life in order to live in a way that honors God.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate this term could include "bread with no yeast" or "flat bread that did not rise."
Make sure the translation of this term is consistent with how you translate the term "yeast, leaven."
In some contexts, the term "unleavened bread" refers to the "Feast of Unleavened Bread" and can be translated that way.

(See also: bread, Egypt, feast, Passover, servant, sin, yeast)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 05:6-8
2 Chronicles 30:13-15
Acts 12:03
Exodus 23:14-15
Ezra 06:21-22
Genesis 19:1-3
Judges 06:21
Leviticus 08:1-3
Luke 22:01

Word Data:

Strong's: H4682, G106

Forms Found in the English ULB:

unleavened bread

vain

Related Ideas:

for no reason, for nothing, futile, futility, meaningless, of no value, useless, vanity

Definition:

The term "vain" describes things that are useless or have no purpose. Vain things are worthless.

The term "vanity" refers to worthlessness. It can also refer to pride or arrogance.
In the Old Testament, idols are described as vain things that cannot deliver or save. They are worthless and have no use or purpose.
If something was done "in vain," it means that there was no good result from it. The effort or action did not accomplish anything. It was futile.
To "believe in vain" means to believe in something that is not true and that gives false hope.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, the term "vain" could be translated as "empty" or "useless" or "futile" or "worthless" or "meaningless" or "of no value."
The phrase "in vain" could be translated as "without result" or "with no result" or "for no reason" or "with no purpose."
The term "vanity" could be translated as "pride" or "nothing worthwhile" or "hopelessness."

(See also: god, worthy)

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 15:1-2
1 Samuel 25:21-22
2 Peter 02:18
Isaiah 45:19
Jeremiah 02:29-31
Matthew 15:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H1891, H1892, H2600, H7307, H7385, H7387, H7723, H8193, H8267, H8414, G255, G512, G692, G889, G945, G1500, G2756, G2757, G2758, G2761, G3151, G3152, G3153, G3155

Forms Found in the English ULB:

for no reason, for nothing, futile, futility, meaningless, of no value, useless, uselessly, vain, vain plans, vanity, without meaning

veil

Related Ideas:

unveiled

Definition:

The term "veil" usually refers to a thin piece of cloth that is used as a head covering, to cover the head or face so that it cannot be seen.

Moses covered his face with a veil after he had been in the presence of Yahweh, so that the brightness of his face would be hidden from the people.
In the Bible, women wore a veil to cover their head, and often their face as well, when they were in public or in the presence of men.
The verb to "veil" means to cover something with a veil.
In some English versions, the word "veil" is used to refer to the thick curtain that covered the entrance into the most holy place. But "curtain" is a better term in that context, since it refers to a heavy, thick piece of cloth.

Translation Suggestions

The term "veil" could also be translated as "thin cloth covering" or "cloth covering" or "head covering."
In some cultures, there may already be a term for a veil for women. It may be necessary to find a different word when it is used for Moses.

(See also: Moses)

Bible References:

2 Corinthians 03:12-13
2 Corinthians 03:16
Ezekiel 13:18
Isaiah 47:1-2
Song of Solomon 04:3

Word Data:

Strong's: H4533, H4555, H6777, H6809, H7479, G343, G2571, G2572

Forms Found in the English ULB:

unveiled, veil, veiled, veils

vine

Related Ideas:

grapevine

Definition:

The term "vine" refers to a plant that grows by trailing along the ground or by climbing trees and other structures. The word "vine" in the Bible is used only of fruit-bearing vines and usually refers to grape vines.

In the Bible, the word "vine" almost always means "grapevine."
The branches of the grapevine are attached to the main stem which gives them water and other nutrients so that they can grow.
Jesus called himself the "vine" and called his people the "branches." In this context, the word "vine" could also be translated as "grapevine stem" or "grape plant stem."

(See also: grape, vineyard)

Bible References:

Genesis 40:09
Genesis 49:11
John 15:01
Luke 22:18
Mark 12:03
Matthew 21:35-37

Word Data:

Strong's: H5139, H1612, H8321, G288, G290, G1009

Forms Found in the English ULB:

grapevine, vine, vines

vineyard

Related Ideas:

vine grower

Definition:

A vineyard is a large garden area where grapevines are grown and grapes are cultivated.

A vineyard often has a wall around it to protect the fruit from thieves and animals.
God compared the people of Israel to a vineyard that did not bear good fruit.
Vineyard could be also translated as "grapevine garden" or "grape plantation."
A vine grower is a person who works in a vineyard.

(See also: grape, Israel, vine)

Bible References:

Genesis 09:20-21
Luke 13:06
Luke 20:15
Matthew 20:02
Matthew 21:40-41

Word Data:

Strong's: H1612, H3754, H3755, H8284, G290

Forms Found in the English ULB:

vine growers, vineyard, vineyards

virgin

Related Ideas:

virginity

Definition:

A virgin is a woman who has never had sexual relations.

The prophet Isaiah said that the Messiah would be born from a virgin.
Mary was a virgin when she was pregnant with Jesus. He did not have a human father.
Some languages may have a term that is a polite way of referring to a virgin.
If a person has their "virginity", it means they have never had sexual relations.

(See also: Christ, Isaiah, Jesus, Mary)

Bible References:

Genesis 24:15-16
Luke 01:27
Luke 01:35
Matthew 01:23
Matthew 25:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H1330, H1331, G3932, G3933

Forms Found in the English ULB:

virgin, virginity, virgins

vision

Definitions:

The term "vision" refers to something that a person sees. It especially refers to something unusual or supernatural that God shows people in order to give them a message.

Usually, visions are seen while the person is awake. However, sometimes a vision is something a person sees in a dream while asleep.
God sends visions to tell people something that is very important. For example, Peter was shown a vision to tell him that God wanted him to welcome Gentiles.

Translation Suggestion

The phrase "saw a vision" could be translated as "saw something unusual from God" or "God showed him something special."
Some languages may not have separate words for "vision" and "dream." So a sentence such as "Daniel had dreams and visions in his mind" could be translated as something like "Daniel was dreaming while asleep and God caused him to see unusual things."

(See also: dream)

Bible References:

Acts 09:10-12
Acts 10:3-6
Acts 10:11
Acts 12:9-10
Luke 01:22
Luke 24:23
Matthew 17:9-10

Word Data:

Strong's: H2372, H2376, H2377, H2378, H2380, H2384, H4236, H4758, H4759, H7203, H7723, H8602, G3701, G3705, G3706

Forms Found in the English ULB:

vision, visions

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

walk

Definition:

The term "walk" is often used in a figurative sense to mean "live."

"Enoch walked with God" means that Enoch lived in a close relationship with God.
To "walk by the Spirit" means to be guided by the Holy Spirit so that we do things that please and honor God.
To "walk in" God's commands or God's ways means to "live in obedience to" his commands, that is, to "obey his commands" or "do his will."
When God says he will "walk among" his people, it means that he is living among them or closely interacting with them.
To "walk contrary to" means to live or behave in a way that is against something or someone.
To "walk after" means to seek or pursue someone or something. It can also mean to act in the same way as someone else.

Translation Suggestions:

It is best to translate "walk" literally, as long as the correct meaning will be understood.
Otherwise, figurative uses of "walk" could also be translated by "live" or "act" or "behave."
The phrase "walk by the Spirit" could be translated by, "live in obedience to the Holy Spirit" or "behave in a way that is pleasing to the Holy Spirit" or "do things that are pleasing to God as the Holy Spirit guides you."
To "walk in God's commands" could be translated by "live by God's commands" or "obey God's commands."
The phrase "walked with God" could be translated as, "lived in close relationship with God by obeying and honoring him."

(See also: Holy Spirit, honor)

Bible References:

1 John 01:07
1 Kings 02:04
Colossians 02:07
Galatians 05:25
Genesis 17:01
Isaiah 02:05
Jeremiah 13:10
Micah 04:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H1869, H1980, H1981, H3212, H4108, G1704, G4043, G4748

Forms Found in the English ULB:

walk, walk around, walked, walking, walking around, walks

warrior

Related Ideas:

armed group, army, footmen, garrison, host, soldier, troop

Definitions:

The terms "warrior" and "soldier" both can refer to someone who fights in an army. But there are also some differences.

Usually the term "warrior" is a general, broad term to refer to a man who is gifted and courageous in battle.
The term "soldier" more specifically refers to someone who belongs to a certain army or who is fighting in a certain battle.
Roman soldiers in Jerusalem were there to keep order and to carry out duties such as executing prisoners. They guarded Jesus before crucifying him and some were ordered to stand guard at his tomb.
The translator should consider whether there are two words in the project language for "warrior" and "soldier" that also differ in meaning and use.
An army is a large organized group of people who are trained to fight against the armies of other countries or kingdoms.
The phrase "armed groups" refers to the tribes of Israel which were organized in fighting groups as they left Egypt.
The term "footmen" refers to soldiers who march. They do not ride on a horse or in a chariot.
A "garrison" is either a fort in which soldiers are stationed or a group of soldiers who are stationed in the fort.
The term "host" can refer to an army or any very large group of people.
A "troop" is a large group of soldiers.

These ideas can also be used in figurative ways. * Yahweh is figuratively described as a "warrior." * The "host of heaven" is a metaphor that sees the stars in the sky as an army that rivals the army of Yahweh of hosts.

(See also: courage, crucify, Rome, tomb, Yahweh of hosts)

Bible References:

[1 Chronicles 21:05](rc://en/tn/help/1ch/21/05s
Acts 21:33
Luke 03:14
Luke 23:11
Matthew 08:8-10

Word Data:

Strong's: H352, H510, H1368, H1416, H1995, H2389, H2428, H2502, H3715, H3898, H4674, H5333, H5971, H6518, H6635, H6951, H7273, H7916, G3925, G4686, G4753, G4754, G4757, G4961

Forms Found in the English ULB:

armed group, armed groups, armies, army, army's, fellow soldier, footmen, garrison, garrisons, host, hosts, soldier, soldiers, soldiers', troop, troops, warrior, warriors

waste

Related Ideas:

lay waste, wasteland

Definition:

To "waste" something means to carelessly throw it away or to use it unwisely.

To "lay waste" to a city or land means to destroy it.
A "wasteland" is a land or a city that has been destroyed so that nothing lives in it anymore. It may also be called a "waste."
Another word for a "wasteland" could be "desert" or "wilderness." But a wasteland also implies that people used to live there and the land used to have trees and plants that produced food.
To "waste away" means to become more and more sick or ruined. A person who is wasting away usually becomes very thin due to illness or lack of food.

Bible References:

Ezekiel 06:06
Leviticus 26:39
Matthew 26:08
Revelation 18:15-17
Zechariah 07:13-14

Word Data:

Strong's: H535, H1086, H1104, H1326, H2100, H2470, H2490, H2522, H2717, H2721, H2723, H3615, H3856, H4127, H4198, H4592, H4743, H4923, H5307, H6313, H7334, H7503, H7582, H7703, H7736, H7843, H8047, H8074, H8077, H8414, G684, G1287, G2049

Forms Found in the English ULB:

laid waste, lays waste, waste, waste away, wasted, wasteland, wastelands, wastes, wastes away, wasting

watch

Related Ideas:

keep watch, watch out, watchful, watchman

Definition:

The term "watch" means to look at something very closely and carefully. It also has several figurative meanings.

To "keep watch" or "keep close watch" can mean to guard, protect or take care of someone or something.
To "watch out" means to be careful to avoid a danger or harmful influence.
To "be watchful" means to be alert and aware of what is happening.
A "watchman" was someone whose job was to guard a city by looking carefully all around him for any danger or threat to the people in the city.

These ideas can also be used figuratively.

To "watch" or "keep watch" means to always be alert and on guard against sin and evil. It can also mean to "be ready."
The command to "watch your life and doctrine closely" means to be careful to live wisely and to not believe false teachings.

Translation Suggestions

Other ways of translating "watch" could include "pay close attention to" or "be diligent" or "be very careful" or "be on guard."
Other words for "watchman" are "sentry" or "guard."

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 05:06
Hebrews 13:17
Jeremiah 31:4-6
Mark 08:15
Mark 13:33-34
Matthew 25:10-13

Word Data:

Strong's: H821, H2370, H4931, H5027, H5234, H5341, H6486, H6485, H6822, H6836, H7181, H7462, H7789, H7919, H8104, H8108, H8245, G69, G991, G1127, G1983, G2334, G2657, G2892, G3525, G3708, G3906, G4337, G4648, G5083, G5426, G5438, G5442

Forms Found in the English ULB:

keep ... watch, kept ... watch, watch, watch out, watched, watchful, watching, watchman, watchmen

watch (biblical time)

Definition:

In biblical times, a "watch" was a period of time at night during which a watchman or guard for a city would be on duty looking out for any danger from an enemy.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites had three watches which were called "beginning" (sunset to 10 p.m.), "middle" (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.), and "morning" (2 a.m. to sunrise) watches.
In the New Testament, the Jews followed the Roman system and had four watches, named simply "first" (sunset to 9 p.m.), "second" (9 p.m. to 12 midnight), "third" (12 midnight to 3 a.m.), and "fourth" (3 a.m. to sunrise) watches.
These could also be translated with more general expressions such as "late evening" or "middle of the night" or "very early in the morning," depending on which watch is being referred to.

(See also: watch)

Bible References:

Luke 12:37-38
Mark 06:48-50
Matthew 14:25-27
Psalms 090:3-4

Word Data:

Strong's: H821, G5438

Forms Found in the English ULB:

watch (biblical time), watches

watchtower

Related Ideas:

tower

Definition:

The term "watchtower" refers to a tall structure built as a place from which guards could look out for any danger. These towers were often made of stone.

Landowners sometimes built watchtowers from which they could guard their crops and protect them from being stolen.
The towers often included rooms where the watchmen or family lived, so that they could guard the crops day and night.
Watchtowers for cities were built higher than the city walls so that watchmen could see if any enemies were coming to attack the city.
The term "watchtower" is also used as a symbol of protection from enemies.

(See also: adversary, watch)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 27:25-27
Ezekiel 26:3-4
Mark 12:1-3
Matthew 21:33-34
Psalm 062:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H803, H971, H975, H1785, H2918, H4026, H4029, H4692, H4707, H4869, H6438, H6836, G4444

Forms Found in the English ULB:

tower, towers, watchtower, watchtowers

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

week

Related Ideas:

sevens

Definition:

The term "week" literally refers to a period of time lasting seven days.

In the Jewish system of counting time, a week begins at sunset on Saturday and ends at sunset the following Saturday.
In the Bible, the term "week" is sometimes used figuratively to refer to a group of seven units of time, such as seven years.
The "Festival of Weeks" is a celebration of harvest that takes place seven weeks after Passover. It is also called "Pentecost."
The word "sevens" can refer to either seven days, seven weeks, or seven years.

(See also: Pentecost)

Bible References:

Acts 20:7-8
Deuteronomy 16:09
Leviticus 23:15-16

Word Data:

Strong's: H7620, G4521

Forms Found in the English ULB:

sevens, week, weeks

well

Related Ideas:

cistern

Definition:

The terms "well" and "cistern" refer to two different kinds of sources for water in Bible times.

A well is a deep hole dug into the ground so that underground water can flow into it.
A cistern is a deep hole dug into rock that was used as a holding tank for collecting rain water.
Cisterns were usually dug into rock and sealed with plaster to keep the water in. A "broken cistern" happened when the plaster became cracked so that the water leaked out.
Cisterns were often located in the courtyard area of people's homes to catch the rainwater that would run off the roof.
Wells were often located where they could be accessed by several families or a whole community.
Because water was very important for both people and livestock, the right to use a well was often a cause of strife and conflict.
Both wells and cisterns were usually covered with a large stone to prevent anything falling in it. Often there was a rope with a bucket or pot attached to it to bring the water up to the surface.
Sometimes a dry cistern was used as a place to imprison someone, such as happened to Joseph and Jeremiah.
These terms are similar in meaning. The main difference is that a well continually receives water from underground springs, whereas a cistern is a holding tank for water that usually comes from rain.

Translation Suggestions:

Ways to translate "well" could include "deep water hole" or "deep hole for spring water" or "deep hole for drawing water."
The term "cistern" could be translated as "stone water pit" or "deep and narrow pit for water" or "underground tank for holding water."

(See also: Jeremiah, prison, strife)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 11:17
2 Samuel 17:17-18
Genesis 16:14
Luke 14:4-6
Numbers 20:17

Word Data:

Strong's: H875, H953, H1360, H4002, H4599, H4726, H4841, G4077, G5421

Forms Found in the English ULB:

cistern, cisterns, well, wells

wheat

Definition:

Wheat is a type of grain that people grow for food. When the Bible mentions "grain" or "seeds," it is often talking about wheat grain or seeds.

The wheat seeds or grains grow at the top of the wheat plant.
After harvesting the wheat, the grain is separated from the stalk of the plant by threshing it. The stalk of the wheat plant is also called "straw" and is often placed on the ground for animals to sleep on.
After threshing, the chaff surrounding the grain seed is separated from the grain by winnowing and is thrown away.
People grind the wheat grain into flour, and use this for making bread.

(See also: barley, chaff, grain, seed, thresh, winnow)

Bible References:

Acts 27:36-38
Exodus 34:21-22
John 12:24
Luke 03:17
Matthew 03:12
Matthew 13:26

Word Data:

Strong's: H1250, H2406, G4621

Forms Found in the English ULB:

wheat

will of God

Related Ideas:

God's will, desire of God, he wishes, his will, will of my Father, will of our God and Father, will of the Lord

Definition:

The "will of God" refers to God's desires and plans.

God's will especially relates to his interactions with people and how he wants people to respond to him.
It also refers to his plans or desires for the rest of his creation.
The term to "will" means to "determine" or to "desire."

Translation Suggestions:

The "will of God" could also be translated as "what God desires" or "what God has planned" or "God's purpose" or "what is pleasing to God."

Bible References:

1 John 02:15-17
1 Thessalonians 04:3-6
Colossians 04:12-14
Ephesians 01:1-2
John 05:30-32
Mark 03:33-35
Matthew 06:8-10
Psalms 103:21

Word Data:

Strong's: H6634, H7522, G1012, G1013, G2307, G2308, G2309

Forms Found in the English ULB:

God's will, desires of God, he desires, he wishes, his will, will of God, will of my Father, will of our God and Father, will of the Lord, will of your Father, you are willing, your will

wine

Related Ideas:

new wine, wineskin

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "wine" refers to a kind of fermented drink made from the juice of a fruit called grapes. Wine was stored in "wineskins," which were containers made out of animal skin.

The term "new wine" referred to grape juice that had just been taken from the grape and was not fermented yet. Sometimes the term "wine" also referred to unfermented grape juice.
To make wine, grapes are crushed in a winepress so that the juice comes out. The juice eventually ferments and alcohol forms in it.
In Bible times, wine was the normal drink with meals. It did not have as much alcohol as present-day wine has.
Before wine was served for a meal, it was often mixed with water.
A wineskin that was old and brittle would get cracks in it, which allowed the wine to leak out. New wineskins were soft and flexible, which meant they did not tear easily and could store the wine safely.

Translation Suggestions:

If wine is unknown in your culture, it could be translated as "fermented grape juice" or "fermented drink made from a fruit called grapes" or "fermented fruit juice."
Ways to translate "wineskin" could include "bag for wine" or "animal skin wine bag" or "animal skin container for wine."

(See also: grape, vine, vineyard, winepress)

Bible References:

1 Timothy 05:23
Genesis 09:21
Genesis 49:12
John 02:3-5
John 02:10
Matthew 09:17
Matthew 11:18

smashed

Word Data:

Strong's: H2561, H2562, H3196, H4469, H4997, H5435, H6025, H6071, H8492, G1098, G3631, G3820, G3943

Forms Found in the English ULB:

new wine, wine, wines, wineskin, wineskins

winepress

Definition:

During Bible times, a "winepress" was a large container or open place where the juice of grapes was extracted in order to make wine.

In Israel, winepresses were usually large, wide basins that were dug out of solid rock. Clusters of grapes were put on the flat bottom of the hole and people trampled the grapes with their feet to get the grape juice to flow out.
Usually a winepress had two levels, with the grapes being trampled in the top level so that the juice would run down into the lower level where it could be collected.
The term "winepress" is also used figuratively in the Bible as a picture of God's wrath being poured out on wicked people.

(See also: grape, wrath)

Bible References:

Isaiah 63:02
Mark 12:01
Matthew 21:33
Revelation 14:20

Word Data:

Strong's: H1660, H6333, G3025, G5276

Forms Found in the English ULB:

winepress, winepresses

winnow

Related Ideas:

sift

Definition:

The terms "winnow" and "sift" mean to separate grain from unwanted materials. In the Bible, both words are also used in a figurative sense to refer to separating or dividing people.

To "winnow" means to separate grain from the unwanted parts of the plant by tossing both the grain and chaff into the air, allowing the wind to blow the chaff away.
The word "sift" refers to shaking the winnowed grain in a sieve to get rid of any remaining unwanted materials, such as dirt or stones.
In the Old Testament, "winnow" and "sift" are used figuratively to describe hardship that separates the righteous people from the unrighteous people.
Jesus also used the term "sift" in this figurative way when he was telling Simon Peter about how he and the other disciples would be tested in their faith.
To translate these terms, use the words or phrases in the project language that refer to these activities; possible translations might be "shaking" or "fanning." If winnowing or sifting are not known, then these terms could be translated by a term that refers to a different method of separating grain from chaff or dirt, or by describing this process.

(See also: chaff, grain)

Bible References:

Isaiah 21:10
Luke 22:31
Matthew 03:12
Proverbs 20:08
Ruth 03:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H2219, H5130, G4425, G4617

Forms Found in the English ULB:

sift, sifting, winnow, winnowed, winnowing, winnows

wise

Related Ideas:

wisdom, wisely, wiser, wisest

Definition:

The term "wise" describes someone who understands what is the right and moral thing to do and then does that. "Wisdom" is the understanding and practice of what is true and morally right.

Being wise includes the ability to make good decisions, especially choosing to do what pleases God.
People become wise by listening to God and humbly obeying his will.
A wise person will show the fruits of the Holy Spirit in his life, such as joy, kindness, love, and patience.
"Sound wisdom" is wisdom that enables people who have it to succeed in doing good.
In the Bible, the phrase "worldly wisdom" refers to what people in this world think is wise, but which is actually foolish.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, other ways to translate "wise" could include "obedient to God" or "sensible and obedient" or "God-fearing."
"Wisdom" could be translated by a word or phrase that means "wise living" or "sensible and obedient living" or "good judgment."
It is best to translate "wise" and "wisdom" in such a way that they are different terms from other key terms like righteous or obedient.

(See also: obey, fruit)

Bible References:

Acts 06:03
Colossians 03:15-17
Exodus 31:06
Genesis 03:06
Isaiah 19:12
Jeremiah 18:18
Matthew 07:24

Word Data:

Strong's: H998, H1350, H1847, H2445, H2449, H2450, H2451, H2452, H2454, H2942, H3820, H3925 H6195, H7919, H7922, H8454, G4678, G4679, G4680, G4920, G5428, G5429

Forms Found in the English ULB:

sound wisdom, wisdom, wise, wisely, wiser, wisest

wise men

Related Ideas:

educated men

Definitions:

In the Bible, the phrase "wise men" often refers to men who serve God and act wisely, not foolishly. The term "wise men" or "educated men" is also a special term that refers to men with unusual knowledge and abilities who served as part of a king's court.

Sometimes the term "wise men" is explained in the text as "prudent men" or "men with understanding." This refers to men who act wisely and righteously because they obey God.
The "wise men" or "educated men" who served pharaohs and other kings were often scholars who studied the stars, especially looking for special meanings for the patterns that the stars made in their positions in the sky.
Often the "wise men" or "educated men" were expected to explain the meanings of dreams. For example, King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that his wise men describe his dreams and tell him what they meant, but none of them was able to do this, except Daniel, who received this knowledge from God.
Sometimes the "wise men" or "educated men" performed magical acts such as divination or miracles that were done through the power of evil spirits.

Translation Suggestions:

When "wise men" simply refers to men who act wisely, the word "wise" should be translated in the same or similar way to how it is translated elsewhere in the Bible.
When "wise men" refers to men who have an important job working for a ruler, it could be translated as "wise men" or "educated men" or some other term that refers to such a job, such as "advisor."

(See also: Babylon, Daniel, divination, magic, Nebuchadnezzar, ruler, wise)

Bible References:

1 Chronicles 27:32-34
Daniel 02:1-2
Daniel 02:10-11

Word Data:

Strong's: H2445, H2450, H3778, H3779, G4680

Forms Found in the English ULB:

educated men, wise men

woe

Definition:

The term "woe" refers to a feeling of great distress. It also gives a warning that someone will experience severe trouble.

The expression "woe to" is followed by a warning to people that they will experience suffering as punishment for their sins.
In several places in the Bible, the word "woe" is repeated, to emphasize an especially terrible judgment.
A person who says "woe is me" or "woe to me" is expressing sorrow about severe suffering.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, the term "woe" could also be translated as "great sorrow" or "sadness" or "calamity" or "disaster."
Other ways to translate the expression "Woe to (name of city)" could include, "How terrible it will be for (name of city)" or "The people in (that city) will be severely punished" or "Those people will suffer greatly."
The expression, "Woe is me!" or "Woe to me!" could be translated as "How sad I am!" or "I am so sad!" or "How terrible this is for me!"
The expression "Woe to you" could also be translated as "You will suffer terribly" or "You will experience terrible troubles."

Bible References:

Ezekiel 13:17-18
Habakkuk 02:12
Isaiah 31:1-2
Jeremiah 45:1-3
Jude 01:9-11
Luke 06:24
Luke 17:1-2
Matthew 23:23

Word Data:

Strong's: H188, H190, H337, H480, H1929, H1945, H1958, G3759

Forms Found in the English ULB:

woe

wolf

Related Ideas:

wild dogs

Definition:

A wolf is a fierce, meat-eating animal that is similar to a wild dog.

Wolves usually hunt in groups and stalk their prey in a clever and stealthy manner.
In the Bible, the term "wolves" is used figuratively to refer to false teachers or false prophets who destroy believers, who are compared to sheep. False teaching causes people to believe wrong things that bring harm to them.
This comparison is based on the fact that sheep are especially vulnerable to being attacked and eaten by wolves, because they are weak and cannot defend themselves.

Translation Suggestion

This term could be translated as "wild dog" or "wild animal."
Other names for wild dogs could be "jackal" or "coyote."
When used figuratively to refer to people, this could be translated as "evil people who harm people like animals that attack sheep."

(See also: evil, false prophet, sheep, teach)

Bible References:

Acts 20:29
Isaiah 11:07
John 10:11-13
Luke 10:03
Matthew 07:15
Zephaniah 03:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H2061, H3611, G3074

Forms Found in the English ULB:

wild dogs, wolf, wolves

womb

Related Ideas:

pregnant

Definition:

The term "womb" refers to where a baby grows inside its mother.

This is an older term that is sometimes used in order to be polite and less direct.
A more modern term for womb is "uterus."
Some languages use a word like "belly" to refer to a woman's womb or uterus.
Use a word for this in the project language that is well-known, natural, and acceptable.
A woman is pregnant" if she has a baby growing her her womb."

Picture showing location of a Womb:

Bible References:

Genesis 25:23
Genesis 25:24-26
Genesis 38:27-28
Genesis 49:25
Luke 02:21
Luke 11:27
Luke 23:29
Matthew 19:12

Word Data:

Strong's: H990, H2030, H4578, H7356, H7358, G1064, G2836, G3388

Forms Found in the English ULB:

pregnant, womb, wombs

word

Definition:

A "word" refers to something that someone has said. In the Bible, it almost always refers to an entire message, not just one word.

An example of this is when the angel told Zechariah, "You did not believe my words," which means, "You did not believe what I said."
Sometimes "word" refers to speech in general, such as "powerful in word and deed" which means "powerful in speech and behavior."
Often in the Bible "the word" refers to everything God has said or commanded, as in "the word of God" or "the word of truth."
A very special use of this term is when Jesus is called "the Word." For these last two meanings, see word of God

Translation Suggestions:

Different ways of translating "word" or "words" include "teaching" or "message" or "news" or "a saying" or "what was said."

(See also: word of God)

Bible References:

2 Timothy 04:02
Acts 08:04
Colossians 04:03
James 01:18
Jeremiah 27:04
John 01:03
John 01:14
Luke 08:15
Matthew 02:08
Matthew 07:27

Word Data:

Strong's: H561, H562, H565, H1697, H1703, H2656, H2706, H4405, H4406, H7878, H8052, G518, G1024, G1310, G3054, G3055, G3056, G4086, G4487, G5023, G5537, G5542

Forms Found in the English ULB:

word, words, message, messages

word of God

Related Ideas:

God's word, his words, my word, scripture, word of Yahweh, word of the Lord, word of truth, writings

Definition:

In the Bible, the term "word of God" refers to anything that God has communicated to people. This includes spoken and written messages. Jesus is also called "the Word of God."

The term "scriptures" means "writings." It is only used in the New Testament and refers to the Hebrew scriptures, which is the Old Testament. These writings were God's message that he had told people to write down so that many years in the future people could still read it.
The related terms "word of Yahweh" and "word of the Lord" often refer to a specific message from God that was given to a prophet or other person in the Bible.
Sometimes this term occurs as simply "the word" or "my word" or "your word" (when talking about God's word).
In the New Testament, Jesus is called "the Word" and "the Word of God." These titles mean that Jesus fully reveals who God is, because he is God himself.

The term "word of truth" is another way of referring to "God's word," which is his message or teaching. It does not refer to just one word.

God's word of truth includes everything that God has taught people about himself, his creation, and his plan of salvation through Jesus.
This term emphasizes the fact that what God has told us is true, faithful, and real.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, other ways to translate this term could include "the message of Yahweh" or "God's message" or "the teachings from God."
It may be more natural in some languages to make this term plural and say "God's words" or "the words of Yahweh."
The expression "the word of Yahweh came" is often used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. This could be translated as "Yahweh spoke this message" or "Yahweh spoke these words."
The term "scripture" or "scriptures" could be translated as "the writings" or "the written message from God." This term should be translated differently from the translation of the term "word."
When "word" occurs alone and it refers to God's word, it could be translated as "the message" or "God's word" or "the teachings." Also consider the alternate translations suggested above.
When the Bible refers to Jesus as "the Word," this term could be translated as "the Message" or "the Truth."
"Word of truth" could be translated as "God's true message" or "God's word, which is true."
It is important for the translation of this term to include the meaning of being true.

(See also: prophet, true, word, Yahweh)

Bible References:

Genesis 15:01
1 Kings 13:01
Jeremiah 36:1-3
Luke 08:11
John 05:39
Acts 06:02
Acts 12:24
Romans 01:02
2 Corinthians 06:07
Ephesians 01:13
2 Timothy 03:16
James 01:18
James 02:8-9

Word Data:

Strong's: H561, H565, H1697, H3068, G3056, G4487

Forms Found in the English ULB:

God's word, God's words, his words, my word, scripture, scriptures, word of God, word of Yahweh, word of the Lord, word of truth, words of God, writings

work

Related Ideas:

act, deed, fellow worker

Definition:

In the Bible, the terms "work," "deed," and "act" are used to refer generally to things that God or people do.

God's "works" and the "work of his hands" are expressions that refer to all the things he does or has done, including creating the world, saving sinners, providing for the needs of all creation and keeping the entire universe in place. The terms "deeds" and "acts" are also used to refer to God's miracles in expressions such as "mighty acts" or "marvelous deeds."
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to do good works, which are also called "good fruit."
The term "work" can also refer to "service" or "ministry."
People are not saved by their good works; they are saved through faith in Jesus.
The term "fellow worker" means someone who does a ministry along with someone else.

Translation Suggestions:

Other ways to translate "works" or "deeds" could be "actions" or "things that are done."
When referring to God's "works" or "deeds" and the "work of his hands," these expressions could also be translated as "miracles" or "mighty acts" or "amazing things he does."
The expression "the work of God" could be translated as "the things that God is doing" or "the miracles God does" or "the amazing things that God does" or "everything God has accomplished."
The expression "your work in the Lord" could also be translated as "what you do for the Lord."
The expression "examine your own work" could also be translated as "make sure what you are doing is God's will" or "make sure that what you are doing pleases God."
The expression "the work of the Holy Spirit" could be translated as "the empowering of the Holy Spirit" or "the ministry of the Holy Spirit" or "the things that the Holy Spirit does."

(See also: fruit, Holy Spirit, miracle)

Bible References:

1 John 03:12
Acts 02:8-11
Daniel 04:37
Exodus 34:10-11
Galatians 02:15-16
James 02:17
Matthew 16:27-28
Micah 02:07
Romans 03:28
Titus 03:4-5

Word Data:

Strong's: H1576, H4399, H4566, H4567, H4611, H4639, H4659, H5673, H5949, H5998, H6213, H6466, H6468, G1754, G2038, G2040, G2041, G2716, G3173

Forms Found in the English ULB:

act, action, actions, activities, acts, deed, deeds, fellow worker, fellow workers, work, works

world

Related Ideas:

universe, worldly

Definition:

The term "world" usually refers to the part of the universe where people live: the earth. The term "worldly" describes the evil values and behaviors of people living in this world.

In its most general sense, the term "world" refers to the heavens and the earth, as well as everything in them.
In many contexts, "world" actually means "people in the world."
Sometimes it is implied that this refers to the evil people on earth or the people who do not obey God.
The apostles also used "world" to refer to the selfish behaviors and corrupt values of the people living in this world. This can include self-righteous religious practices which are based on human efforts.
People and things characterized by these values are said to be "worldly."

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, "world" could also be translated as "universe" or "people of this world" or "corrupt things in the world" or "evil attitudes of people in the world."
The phrase "all the world" often means "many people" and refers to the people living in a certain region. For example, "all the world came to Egypt" could be translated as "many people from the surrounding countries came to Egypt" or "people from all the countries surrounding Egypt came there."
Another way to translate "all the world went to their hometown to be registered in the Roman census" would be "many of the people living in regions ruled by the Roman empire went..."
Depending on the context, the term "worldly" could be translated as, "evil" or "sinful" or "selfish" or "ungodly" or "corrupt" or "influenced by the corrupt values of people in this world."
The phrase "saying these things in the world" can be translated as "saying these things to the people of the world."
In other contexts, "in the world" could also be translated as "living among the people of the world" or "living among ungodly people."

(See also: corrupt, heaven, Rome, godly)

Bible References:

1 John 02:15
1 John 04:05
1 John 05:05
John 01:29
Matthew 13:36-39

Word Data:

Strong's: H776, H2309, H2465, H2717, H5769, H8398, G165, G1093, G2886, G2889, G3625

Forms Found in the English ULB:

universe, world, world's, worldly

worship

Related Ideas:

worshiper

Definition:

To "worship" means to honor, praise and obey someone, especially God.

When the Israelites worshiped God, it often included sacrificing an animal on an altar.
Often people bow down when they worship someone.
Some people worshiped false gods.

Translation Suggestions:

The term "worship" could be translated as "bow down to" or "honor and serve" or "honor and obey."
In some contexts, it could also be translated as "humbly praise" or "give honor and praise."

(See also: sacrifice, praise, honor)

Bible References:

Colossians 02:18-19
Deuteronomy 29:18
Exodus 03:11-12
Luke 04:07
Matthew 02:02
Matthew 02:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H5457, H5647, H7812, G1391, G2151, G2152, G2323, G2356, G2999, G3000, G3008, H3372, G4352, G4353, G4573, G4574, G4576

Forms Found in the English ULB:

worship, worshiped, worshiper's, worshipers, worshiping, worships

worthy

Related Ideas:

deserve, nullify, unworthy, worth, worthily, worthless, worthlessness, worthy

Definition:

The term "worthy" describes someone or something that deserves respect or honor. To "have worth" means to be valuable or important.

Being "worthy" is related to being valuable or having importance.
To do something "worthily" means to do something in a worthy way.
To be "unworthy" means to not be deserving of any honor or recognition.
To be "worthless" means to not have any purpose or value.
To "nullify" something is to make it worth nothing.

Translation Suggestions:

"Worthy" could be translated as "deserving" or "important" or "valuable."
The word "worth" could be translated as "value" or "importance."
The phrase to "have worth" could also be translated as to "be valuable" or to "be important."
The phrase "is worth more than" could be translated as "is more valuable than."
Depending on the context, the term, "unworthy" could also be translated as "unimportant" or "dishonorable" or "undeserving."
The term "worthless" could be translated as "with no value" or "with no purpose" or "worth nothing."

(See also: honor)

Bible References:

2 Samuel 22:04
2 Thessalonians 01:11-12
Acts 13:25
Acts 25:25-27
Acts 26:31
Colossians 01:9-10
Jeremiah 08:19
Mark 01:07
Matthew 03:10-12
Philippians 01:25-27

Word Data:

Strong's: H457, H1100, H2428, H3276, H3644, H4242, H4373, H4392, H4592, H4941, H5541, H6994, H7385, H7386, H7723, H7939, H8602, G96, G514, G515, G516, G888, G1777, G2425, G2480, G2661, G3152, G4186, G5092

Forms Found in the English ULB:

deserve, deserved, deserves, deserving, nullify, unworthy, worth, worthily, worthless, worthlessness, worthy

wrath

Related Ideas:

furious, fury

Definition:

Wrath is an intense anger that is sometimes long-lasting. It especially refers to God's righteous judgment of sin and punishment of people who rebel against him.

In the Bible, "wrath" usually refers to God's anger toward those who sin against him.
The "wrath of God" can also refer to his judgment and punishment for sin.
God's wrath is the righteous penalty for those who do not repent of their sin.

Translation Suggestions:

Depending on the context, other ways this term could be translated include "intense anger" or "righteous judgment" or "anger."
When talking about God's wrath, make sure the word or phrase used to translate this term does not refer to a sinful fit of rage. God's wrath is just and holy.

(See also: judge, sin)

Bible References:

1 Thessalonians 01:8-10
1 Timothy 02:8-10
Luke 03:7
Luke 21:23
Matthew 03:07
Revelation 14:10
Romans 01:18
Romans 05:09

Word Data:

Strong's: H639, H2194, H2195, H2197, H2534, H2740, H3707, H5678, H7107, H7109, H7110, H7267, G2205, G2372, G3709

Forms Found in the English ULB:

furious, fury, wrath

wrong

Related Ideas:

defraud, hurt, mistreat, wrongdoer, wrongdoing

Definition:

To "wrong" someone means to treat that person unjustly and dishonestly.

Wrongdoing is the act of doing what is wrong. It can also refer to a behavior that is wrong.
The term "defraud" means to illegally take money from someone by lying to them. Another word for this is "cheat."
The terms "hurt" is more general and means to "cause someone harm in some way." It often has the meaning of "physically injure."
The term "mistreat" means to act badly or roughly toward someone, causing physical or emotional harm to that person.
Depending on the context, these terms could also be translated as "do wrong to" or, "treat unjustly" or "cause harm to" or treat in a harmful way" or "injure."

Bible References:

Acts 07:26
Exodus 22:21
Genesis 16:05
Luke 06:28
Matthew 20:13-14
Psalms 071:13

Word Data:

Strong's: H205, H816, H2248, H2255, H2257, H2398, H2554, H2555, H3238, H3637, H4347, H4834, H5062, H5142, H5230, H5627, H5753, H5766, H5791, H5792, H5916, H5932, H6031, H6087, H6127, H6231, H6485, H6565, H6586, H7451, H7489, H7563, H7665, H7686, H8133, H8267, H8295, H8604, G91, G92, G93, G264, G824, G983, G984, G1536, G1651, G1727, G1908, G2556, G2559, G2607, G3076, G3077, G3762, G4122, G4550, G5195, G5196

Forms Found in the English ULB:

defraud, hurt, hurting, hurts, mistreat, mistreated, wrong, wrongdoer, wrongdoing, wronged, wrongfully, wronging, wrongs

year

Definition:

When used literally, the term "year" in the Bible refers to a period of time lasting 354 days. This is according to the lunar calendar system which is based on the time it takes for the moon to go around the earth.

A year in the modern-day solar calendar lasts 365 days divided into 12 months, based on the amount of time it takes for the earth to travel around the sun.
In both calendar systems a year has 12 months. But an extra 13th month is sometimes added to the year in the lunar calendar to make up for the fact that a lunar year is 11 days less than a solar year. This helps keep the two calendars more in line with each other.
In the Bible, the term "year" is also used in a figurative sense to refer to a general time when a special event takes place. Examples of this include, "the year of Yahweh" or "in the year of drought" or "the favorable year of the Lord." In these contexts, "year" could be translated as "time" or "season" or "time period."

(See also: month)

Bible References:

2 Kings 23:31
Acts 19:8-10
Daniel 08:01
Exodus 12:02

Word Data:

Strong's: H7620, H8140, H8141, G1763, G2094

Forms Found in the English ULB:

year, years

yeast

Related Ideas:

leaven, unleavened

Definition:

"Leaven" is a general term for a substance that causes bread dough to expand and rise. "Yeast" is a specific kind of leaven.

In some English translations, the word for leaven is translated as "yeast," which is a modern leavening agent that fills the bread dough with gas bubbles, making the dough expand before baking it. The yeast is kneaded into the dough so that it spreads throughout the entire lump of dough.
In Old Testament times, the leavening or rising agent was produced by allowing the dough to sit for awhile. Small amounts of dough from a previous batch of dough were saved as leavening for the next batch.
When the Israelites escaped from Egypt, they didn't have time to wait for bread dough to rise, so they made bread without leaven to take with them on their journey. As a reminder of this, every year the Jewish people celebrate Passover by eating bread that has no leaven in it.

The ideas of "leaven" and "yeast" can also be used in figurative ways.

The terms "leaven" and "yeast" are used figuratively in the Bible as a picture of how sin spreads through a person's life or how sin can influence other people.
They can also refer to false teaching which can spread to many people and influences them.
They are also used in a positive way to explain how the influence of God's kingdom spreads from person to person.

Translation Suggestions

This could be translated as "leaven" or "substance that causes dough to rise" or "expanding agent." The word "rise" could be expressed as "expand" or "get bigger" or "puff up."
If a local leavening agent is used for making bread dough rise, that term can be used. If the language has a well-known, general term that means, "leavening," this would be the best term to use.

(See also: Egypt, Passover, unleavened bread)

Bible References:

Exodus 12:08
Galatians 05:9-10
Luke 12:1
Luke 13:21
Matthew 13:33
Matthew 16:08

Word Data:

Strong's: H2556, H2557, H4682, H7603, G106, G2219, G2220

Forms Found in the English ULB:

leaven, leavened, leavens, unleavened, yeast

yoke

Definition:

A yoke is a piece of wood or metal attached to two or more animals to connect them for the purpose of pulling a plow or a cart. There are also several figurative meanings for this term.

The term "yoke" is used figuratively to refer to something that joins people for the purpose of working together, such as in serving Jesus.
Paul used the term "yokefellow" to refer to someone who was serving Christ as he was. This could also be translated as "fellow worker" or "fellow servant" or "coworker."
The term "yoke" is also often used figuratively to refer to a heavy load that someone has to carry, such as when being oppressed by slavery or persecution.
In most contexts, it is best to translate this term literally, using the local term for a yoke that is used for farming.
Other ways to translate the figurative use of this term could be, "oppressive burden" or "heavy load" or "bond," depending on the context.

(See also: bind, burden, oppress, persecute, servant)

Bible References:

Acts 15:10
Galatians 05:01
Genesis 27:40
Isaiah 09:04
Jeremiah 27:04
Matthew 11:30
Philippians 04:03

Word Data:

Strong's: H3627, H4132, H5674, H5923, H6776, G2086, G2218

Forms Found in the English ULB:

yoke, yoked, yoked ... together, yokes

zeal

Related Ideas:

diligence, diligent, eager, eagerness, zealous, zealously

Definition:

The terms "zeal" and "zealous" refer to being strongly devoted to supporting a person or idea.

Zeal includes having strong desire and actions that promote a good cause. It is often used to describe someone who faithfully obeys God and teaches others to do that too.
Being zealous includes putting intense effort into doing something and continuing to persevere in that effort.
The "zeal of the Lord" or the "zeal of Yahweh" refers to God's strong, persistent actions to bless his people or to see justice done.

Translation Suggestions:

To "be zealous" could also be translated by, "be strongly diligent" or "make an intense effort."
The term "zeal" could also be translated as "energetic devotion" or "eager determination" or "righteous enthusiasm."
The phrase, "zeal for your house" could be translated, "strongly honoring your temple" or "fervent desire to take care of your house."

Bible References:

1 Corinthians 12:31
1 Kings 19:9-10
Acts 22:03
Galatians 04:17
Isaiah 63:15
John 02:17-19
Philippians 03:06
Romans 10:1-3

Word Data:

Strong's: H2734, H7065, H7068, G2205, G2206, G2207, G4710

Forms Found in the English ULB:

diligence, diligent, eager, eagerness, making ... effort, zeal, zealous, zealously