Language: English

Book: Obadiah

Obadiah

Chapter 1

¹ The vision of Obadiah. The Lord Yahweh says this concerning Edom: We have heard a report from Yahweh and an ambassador has been sent among the nations, saying, "Rise up! Let us rise up against her for battle!"

² Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you will be greatly despised. ³ The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty home; who say in your heart, "Who will bring me down to the ground?" ⁴ Though you soar high like the eagle and though your nest is set among the stars, I will bring you down from there—this is Yahweh's declaration.

⁵ If thieves came to you, if robbers came by night—how you will be ruined!—would they not steal only as much as they needed? If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave the gleanings? ⁶ How Esau will be ransacked, his hidden treasures looted! ⁷ All the men of your alliance will send you on your way to the border. The men who were at peace with you will deceive you and prevail against you. They who eat your bread will set a trap under you. There is no understanding in him.

⁸ "Will I not on that day"—this is Yahweh's declaration—"destroy the wise men from Edom and understanding out of the mountain of Esau? ⁹ Your mighty men will be dismayed, Teman, so that every man may be cut off from the mountain of Esau by slaughter.

¹⁰ Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame, and you will be cut off forever. ¹¹ On the day you stood aloof, on the day strangers carried away his wealth, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. ¹² But do not gloat over your brother's day, in the day of his misfortune, and do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction; do not boast in the day of their distress. ¹³ Do not enter my people's gate in the day of their calamity; do not gloat over their affliction in the day of their disaster, do not loot their wealth in the day of their ruin. ¹⁴ Do not stand at the crossroads to cut down his fugitives, and do not deliver up his survivors in the day of distress.

¹⁵ For the day of Yahweh is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return on your own head. ¹⁶ For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so will all the nations drink continually. They will drink and swallow and it will be as though they had never existed.

¹⁷ But in Mount Zion there will be those who escape, and it will be holy, and the house of Jacob will take possession of their possessions. ¹⁸ The house of Jacob will be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau will be stubble, and they will burn them, and consume them. There will be no survivors to the house of Esau, for Yahweh has spoken it."

¹⁹ People from the Negev will possess the mountain of Esau and the people of the lowlands will possess the land of the Philistines. They will possess the land of Ephraim and the land of Samaria, and Benjamin will possess Gilead. ²⁰ The exiles of this army of the people of Israel will possess the land of Canaan as far as Zarephath. The exiles of Jerusalem, who are in Sepharad, will possess the cities of the Negev. ²¹ Deliverers will go up to Mount Zion to rule over the hill country of Esau, and the kingdom will belong to Yahweh.

ULB Translation Questions

ULB Translation Words

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

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

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

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

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

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

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'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

head

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions

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

(See also: grain)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

head, heads

heart

Related Ideas:

kidneys

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions

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

(See also: hard)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

heart, hearts, kidneys

heir

Definition:

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

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

(See also: firstborn, inherit)

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

heir, heirs

holy

Related Ideas:

holiness, sacred, unholy

Definition:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

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

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

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

kin

Related Ideas:

kindred, kinfolk, kinsman, relative

Definition:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

king

Related Ideas:

kingly, kingship

Definition:

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

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

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

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

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

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

nation

Definition:

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

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

Translation Suggestions:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

nation, nations

peace

Related Ideas:

peaceable, peaceful, peacemaker, quiet

Definition:

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

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

Bible References:

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

Word Data:

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

Forms Found in the English ULB:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

understand

Related Ideas:

argument, craftiness, insight, intelligent, realize, unintentionally, without understanding

Definition:

The term "understand" means to hear or receive information and know what it means.

• The term "understanding" can refer to "knowledge" or "wisdom" or realizing how to do something.
• To understand someone can also mean to know how that person is feeling.
• A person who is "without understanding" does not understand.
• While walking on the road to Emmaus, Jesus caused the disciples to understand the meaning of the scriptures about the Messiah.
• Depending on the context, the term "understand" could be translated by "know" or "believe" or "comprehend" or "know what (something) means."
• Often the term "understanding" can be translated by "knowledge" or "wisdom" or "insight."
• "Arguments" are statements that one person makes to share his understanding with another person and to convince that other person to understand something the same way.
• "Craftiness" is understanding used for evil.
• An "intelligent" person thinks clearly and learns quickly.
• To do something "unintentionally" is to do it without knowing or by accident or without intending to do it.

(See also: believe, know, wise)

Bible References:

• Job 34:16-17
• Luke 02:47
• Luke 08:10
• Matthew 13:12
• Matthew 13:14
• Proverbs 03:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H995, H998, H999, H1847, H2940, H3045, H3820, H3823, H3824, H4486, H7200, H7919, H7922, H7924, H8085, H8394, G50, G144, G145, G191, G801, G1097, G1108, G1271, G1380, G1492, G1921, G1922, G1987, G1990, G2638, G2657, G3539, G3563, G4894, G4907, G4908, G4920, G5424, G5428, G5429

Forms Found in the English ULB:

arguments, craftiness, gain understanding, gives ... insight, insight, intelligent, realize, realized, understand, understanding, understands, understood, unintentionally, without understanding

vision

Definitions:

The term "vision" refers to something that a person sees. It especially refers to something unusual or supernatural that God shows people in order to give them a message.

• Usually, visions are seen while the person is awake. However, sometimes a vision is something a person sees in a dream while asleep.
• God sends visions to tell people something that is very important. For example, Peter was shown a vision to tell him that God wanted him to welcome Gentiles.

Translation Suggestion

• The phrase "saw a vision" could be translated as "saw something unusual from God" or "God showed him something special."
• Some languages may not have separate words for "vision" and "dream." So a sentence such as "Daniel had dreams and visions in his mind" could be translated as something like "Daniel was dreaming while asleep and God caused him to see unusual things."

(See also: dream)

Bible References:

• Acts 09:10-12
• Acts 10:3-6
• Acts 10:11
• Acts 12:9-10
• Luke 01:22
• Luke 24:23
• Matthew 17:9-10

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2372, H2376, H2377, H2378, H2380, H2384, H4236, H4758, H4759, H7203, H7723, H8602, G3701, G3705, G3706

Forms Found in the English ULB:

vision, visions

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