Esau was exaggerating to emphasize how hungry he was. Alternate Translation: "I am so hungry I feel like I could die"
Gen 27:46
I am weary of life
Rebekah is exaggerating to emphasize how upset she is about the Hittite women that Esau married. Alternate Translation: "I am terribly upset"
Gen 29:31
not loved
This is an exaggeration to emphasize that Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah. Alternate Translation: "loved less than Rachel"
Gen 30:1
I will die
Rachel is exaggerating to show how upset she is about not having children. Alternate Translation: "I will feel completely worthless"
Gen 31:1
Jacob has taken away all that was our father's
Laban's sons were exaggerating because they were angry. Alternate Translation: "Everything that Jacob has taken belonged to our father"
Exo 5:12
throughout all the land of Egypt
This is an generalization used to show the extra effort Israel made to meet Pharaoh's demands. Alternate Translation: "to many places throughout Egypt"
Exo 7:24
All the Egyptians
The word "all" here is a generalization that means "many." Alternate Translation: "Many of the Egyptians"
Exo 9:6
All the cattle of Egypt died
This is exaggerated to emphasize the seriousness of the event. There were still some animals alive that were afflicted by later plagues. However, it may be best to translate this with the word "All."
Exo 16:2
The whole community of Israelites complained
All the Israelites complained. This is a generalization. Moses and Aaron did not complain. Alternate Translation: "The Israelites complained"
Num 11:22
all the fish in the sea
The word "all" is an exaggeration to show how impossible it was to provide food for all the people of Israel.
Num 16:13
to kill us
The people exaggerate because they will hold Moses responsible if any of them die. Alternate Translation: "to have us die"
Num 22:5
They cover the face of the earth
This is an exaggeration to emphasize how many of them there were. Alternate Translation: "They are extremely numerous"
Deu 1:10
as the multitude of the stars of heaven
This is an exaggeration that means God has greatly increased the number of Israelites. Alternate Translation: "a great crowd of many people"
Deu 1:28
are fortified up to the heavens
This is an exaggeration that emphasizes how frightened the people were because the cities were so large and strong. Alternate Translation: "have walls so high it is like they reach up to the heavens"
Deu 4:26
but you will be completely destroyed
As indicated in 4:27, not every Israelite will be killed. Here "completely destroy" is a generalization and emphasizes that many of the Israelites will die. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "but Yahweh will destroy many of you"
Deu 5:1
called to all Israel
Here "all" is a generalization. Moses wanted everyone in Israel to hear and obey his words, but his voice was probably not so loud that everyone actually heard him.
Deu 9:1
fortified up to heaven
This is an exaggeration that emphasizes how frightened the people were because the cities were so large and strong. See how you translated similar words in [Deuteronomy 1:28](../01/28.md). Alternate Translation: "have walls so high it is like they reach up to the heavens"
Deu 28:56
who would not venture to put the bottom of her foot on the ground for delicateness and tenderness
Moses is exaggerating. He is emphasizing that this noble woman is so rich and lives in such luxury that she would not allow herself to get dirty.
Deu 28:61
every sickness and plague that is not written
Here "every" is a generalization that means "many." This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "even other sicknesses and plagues that I have not written"
Jos 1:8
You will always speak
The word "always" is an exaggeration for speaking often.
Jos 8:16
All the people who were in the city
The writer speaks in a general way about all the people, but "all the people" refers only to those who could fight. Alternate Translation: "all the people in the city who could help chase the army of Israel"
Jos 11:4
a great number of soldiers, in number like the sand on the seashore
No one can count the grains of sand on the seashore. This exaggeration emphasizes the very large number of soldiers that these kings assembled. Alternate Translation: "such a great number of soldiers that there appeared to be as many of them as there are grains of sand on the seashore"
Jdg 5:8
there were no shields or spears seen among forty thousand in Israel
This statement is probably an exaggeration about how few weapons the Israelites had. Alternate Translation: "few weapons for battle remained in Israel"
Jdg 6:5
it was impossible to count
This is an exaggeration, a hyperbole, showing the number is very great.
Jdg 7:12
Their camels were more ... in number than the grains of the sand on the seashore
The author uses a hyperbole, an exaggeration, to emphasize that there were very many camels.
Jdg 8:27
all Israel
Here "all" is an exaggeration to emphasize that very many worshiped the garment. Alternate Translation: "very many people in Israel worshiped the garment"
Jdg 15:18
But now will I die of thirst and fall into ... uncircumcised?
Possible meanings are 1) Samson is so thirsty he could literally die. Alternate Translation: "But now I will die of thirst and my body will fall into ... uncircumcised." or 2) Samson exaggerates how thirsty he is by asking if he will die of thirst. Alternate Translation: "But now will you allow me to become so weak from my thirst that I fall into ... uncircumcised?"
Jdg 16:16
that he wished he would die
The author used a hyperbole, an exaggeration, to emphasize how miserable Sampson felt. Alternate Translation: "that he was completely miserable" or "that he was very unhappy"
Jdg 18:10
that does not lack anything in the land
The men use a hyperbole, an exaggeration, to emphasize that it is a very desirable place to live. Alternate Translation: "where we will have everything there that we need"
Jdg 21:17
There must be an inheritance ... is not destroyed from Israel
The Israelites are exaggerating. They had already given wives to four hundred of the Benjamites, so the tribe would not be completely destroyed.
1Sa 1:8
than ten sons
Elkanah is exaggerating to emphasize how important Hannah is to him. Alternate Translation: "than any son could be"
1Sa 13:5
troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore
This is an exaggeration that means a group of soldiers so large that it was difficult to count them.
1Sa 14:26
the honey flowed
This is an exaggeration to emphasize how much honey there was in the forest. Alternate Translation: "there was a lot of honey everywhere"
1Sa 14:33
You have acted unfaithfully
Saul is accusing his whole army of acting unfaithfully though this is a generalization because not every soldier acted unfaithfully.
1Sa 14:40
Then he said to all Israel
This was a generalization since only the Israelite soldiers were present. Alternate Translation: "Then he said to the Israelite soldiers who were there"
1Sa 14:45
not one hair of his head will fall to the ground
This exaggeration shows how the people of Israel would protect Jonathan and keep him safe. This litotes can be stated in a positive form. Alternate Translation: "we will protect him from any harm"
1Sa 18:6
from all the cities of Israel
This is generalization that emphasizes the great number of women who came from many cities. Alternate Translation: "from many of the cities throughout Israel"
1Sa 21:11
Is not this David, the king of the land?
They were probably exaggerating when they said that David was king of the land. They used this question to imply that David was a powerful enemy and Achish should not let him stay there. Alternate Translation: "You know that this is David, who is as dangerous as the king of the land"
1Sa 22:2
Everyone who was in distress ... everyone who was discontented
This is a generalization. Alternate Translation: "Many people who were distressed ... many people who were unhappy"
1Sa 25:1
All Israel gathered together and mourned for him
This is likely a generalization. A large number of the people of Israel were probably there, but some were probably unable to attend.
2Sa 3:35
All the people came
This deliberate exaggeration is used to show that the nation of Israel wanted to take care of David in his grief. Alternate Translation: "Many people came"
2Sa 5:17
they all went out looking for him
Here "all" is a generalization that means the Philistine army. Alternate Translation: "the Philistine army went looking for him"
2Sa 14:11
not one hair of your son will fall to the ground
The means that her son will not be harmed, which is exaggerated by saying that he will not lose even a single hair. Alternate Translation: "your son will be completely safe"
2Sa 15:20
Since you just left yesterday
Here "yesterday" is an exaggeration that emphasizes a short amount of time. Ittai the Gittite had lived there for several years. Alternate Translation: "Since you have lived here only a short time"
2Sa 15:23
All the country wept with a loud voice
Many of the people of Israel wept loudly when they saw the king leaving. Here this is generalized by saying that the whole country wept. Alternate Translation: "All the people along the road wept" or "Many of the people wept"
2Sa 15:35
whatever you hear
This is a generalization. It means all of the important and insightful things that he hears, not every single word he hears.
2Sa 16:22
in the sight of all Israel
This means that people were able to see the tent and Absalom walking in and out of the tent with the women. The phrase "all of Israel" is a generalization, for only people near the palace could see it. Alternate Translation: "where the Israelites could see him go into the tent"
2Sa 17:11
as numerous as the sands that are by the sea
This is an exaggeration where all the grains of sand on a beach are compared to the number of Israelite soldiers. Alternate Translation: "so many that they can barely be counted"
2Sa 17:13
until there is no longer even a small stone found there
This is an exaggeration to describe how completely they will destroy the city. The would not literally sweep away every small stone from the city. Alternate Translation: "until the city is completely destroyed"
2Sa 19:6
nothing to you
This phrase is an exaggeration, but it expresses the very low value that David showed for the army. Alternate Translation: "are worth very little to you"
2Sa 19:8
all the people were told
This is a generalization. It means most of the men. It can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "many of the men who were there heard others saying"
2Sa 19:8
all the people
Here "the people" refer to the people who followed David. Here "all" is an generalization. It means a large number came and gathered around him. Alternate Translation: "many of the people"
2Sa 22:30
I can leap over a wall
David is exaggerating to emphasize Yahweh's help. Alternate Translation: "I can climb over the wall that surrounds their city"
1Ki 1:3
within all the borders of Israel
This is a generalization. Alternate Translation: "all over the land of Israel"
1Ki 1:9
all his brothers ... all the men
This is a generalization.
1Ki 1:31
May my master King David live forever
Bathsheba knew David would not live forever; this is a way of saying that he is a good king.
1Ki 1:39
all the people
This is a generalization.
1Ki 2:15
all Israel
This is a generalization.
1Ki 3:28
all Israel
This is a generalization.
1Ki 4:20
Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea
The speaker uses exaggeration to say that there were so many people that it would be impossible to count them all. The words "Judah" and "Israel" are metonyms for the people who lived in Judah and Israel. Alternate Translation: "There were as many people in Judah and Israel as there are grains of sand by the sea" or "there were more people in Judah and Israel than a person could count"
1Ki 8:2
All the men of Israel
This may refer either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in 8:1 or 2) generally to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every male person who lived in Israel.
1Ki 8:5
all the assembly of Israel
This is a generalization.
1Ki 8:62
all Israel with him ... all the people of Israel
These generalizations may refer either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in [1 Kings 8:1](./01.md), or 2) to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel.
1Ki 8:63
all Israel with him ... all the people of Israel
These generalizations may refer either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in [1 Kings 8:1](./01.md), or 2) to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel.
1Ki 8:65
all Israel with him
This generalization may refer either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in [1 Kings 8:1](./01.md), or 2) to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel. See how you translated similar words in [1 Kings 8:62](./62.md).
1Ki 10:2
all that was in her heart
This is a generalization. Alternate Translation: "everything she wanted to know"
1Ki 10:24
All the earth
This is a generalization. Alternate Translation: "People from everywhere" or "People from many different places"
1Ki 10:27
The king had silver in Jerusalem, as much as the stones on the ground
The narrator uses exaggeration to emphasize the great amount of silver that was in Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "The king had so much silver in Jerusalem, it was like there was as much silver as there was stones on the ground"
1Ki 14:13
All Israel
This is a generalization that means the people of the northern kingdom of Israel. Alternate Translation: "The Israelite people"
1Ki 14:18
All Israel buried him and mourned for him
This is a generalization that means the people of Israel buried him and mourned for him. Alternate Translation: "A great number of the people of Israel were present when people buried him, and the people of Israel mourned for him"
1Ki 14:23
on every high hill and under every green tree
This is likely to be an exaggeration that indicates there were many places like these for false worship all over the country. Alternate Translation: "on the high hills and under the green trees"
1Ki 14:26
He took everything away
This is a generalization that indicates every valuable thing that could be found was taken away. Alternate Translation: "He took away many valuable things"
1Ki 18:10
there is no nation or kingdom where my master has not sent men
Here "no nation or kingdom" is an exaggeration that means that men have traveled very far and gone to many places to find Elijah. This can be expressed positively. Alternate Translation: "my master has sent men to nations and kingdoms near and far"
1Ki 18:19
all Israel
This is a generalization to refer to the leaders and people who represent the ten tribes of the northern kingdom.
2Ki 4:2
nothing in the house, except a pot of oil
This is an exaggeration. The only valuable thing she had was a jar of oil.
2Ki 7:15
all the road was full of clothes and equipment
This is an exaggeration that means the men saw these items scattered along the road as they traveled. Alternate Translation: "there were clothes and equipment all along the road"
2Ki 11:18
all the people of the land
This is a generalization to show that a large group of people tore down the temple of Baal. Alternate Translation: a large number of the people of the land"
2Ki 11:20
all the people of the land rejoiced
This is a generalization. It is possible that some did not rejoice. Alternate Translation: "many people in the land rejoiced"
2Ki 14:21
All the people of Judah took Azariah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah
This is a generalization. Some people may not have wanted him to be king. Alternate Translation: "The people of Judah took the 16 year-old Azariah and made him king after his father, Amaziah"
2Ki 16:4
under every green tree
God wanted his people to offer sacrifices to him in Jerusalem. The word "every" here is an exaggeration to show how determined King Ahaz was to disobey God by offering sacrifices in many other places instead. Alternate Translation: "under many green trees" or "under many green trees around the country"
2Ki 17:10
on every high hill and under every green tree
These are exaggerations to show that worship of false gods was widespread. Alternate Translation: "on high hills and under green trees everywhere"
2Ki 19:24
I dried up all the rivers of Egypt under the soles of my feet.
This is a boast that Sennacherib has so many soldiers that their feet dry up the water when they cross a river. This is an exaggeration to emphasize the great number of soldiers he has. Alternate Translation: "And by marching through the streams of Egypt, we dried them all up!"
2Ki 20:15
They have seen everything in my house. There is nothing among my valuable things that I have not shown them
Hezekiah repeats the same idea in two ways to emphasize his point.
2Ki 21:16
he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another with death
This hyperbole emphasizes the great number of people Manasseh had killed throughout Jerusalem. The abstract noun "death" can be stated as "dead people." Alternate Translation: "there were very many dead people throughout Jerusalem"
2Ki 21:24
the people of the land
This is a generalization. Alternate Translation: "some of the people in Judah"
2Ki 23:2
all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem
This is a generalization. Alternate Translation: "many other people"
2Ki 24:9
he did all that his father had done
Here "all" is a generalization. It means he did the same sinful things as his father. Alternate Translation: "he committed the same kinds of sins his father had committed"
2Ki 25:26
all the people
This is a generalization. Alternate Translation: "many people"
1Ch 10:1
Every man of Israel ... fell down dead
This is probably a generalization. It seems that while all the soldiers did run away, not all of them died. Alternate Translation: "Every man of Israel ... most of them died"
1Ch 10:7
When every man of Israel
This is probably a generalization. Alternate Translation: "When the men of Israel"
1Ch 10:11
When all Jabesh Gilead heard of all that the Philistines
Both instances of the word "all" are generalizations. The name of the town is a metonym for the people who live in the town, and the people group name is a metonym for that people group's soldiers. Alternate Translation: "When the people of Jabesh Gilead heard what the soldiers of the Philistine army"
1Ch 11:1
all Israel came to David
This is a generalization that means people from every tribe in Israel came to David, but not every individual. Alternate Translation: "people from throughout Israel came to David" or "people from every tribe in Israel came to David"
1Ch 12:8
They were as swift as gazelles on the mountains
This hyperbole compares how swiftly these men were able to run with how swiftly gazelles are able to run over rugged mountain terrain.
1Ch 13:5
David assembled all Israel together
Here the word "all" is a generalization. The phrase means that David assembled people from all over Israel, not that he assembled every person in Israel. Alternate Translation: "David assembled people together from all Israel"
1Ch 13:8
David and all Israel
Here the word "all" is a generalization. Alternate Translation: "David and all of the Israelites who were present"
1Ch 15:3
David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem
Here the word "all" is a generalization. The phrase "all Israel" means that David assembled people from all over Israel, not that he assembled every person in Israel. Alternate Translation: "David assembled at Jerusalem people from all over Israel"
1Ch 15:28
So all Israel brought up the ark
Here the word "all" is a generalization. Alternate Translation: "So a great crowd of Israelites brought up the ark"
1Ch 16:22
Do not touch my anointed ones
Here "touch" means to harm. It is an exaggeration Yahweh used to strengthen his warning to not harm his people. Alternate Translation: "Do not harm the people I have anointed"
1Ch 16:36
All the people
This is a generalization that refers to the group of people assembled to worship Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "The people" or "Everyone who was there"
1Ch 19:17
all Israel
This is a generalization. Not every person in Israel came to fight. Alternate Translation: "a very large number of Israelites"
1Ch 21:3
a hundred times greater than it is
Joab expresses the desire for an army the size of 100 armies to say he would like the army to have more soldiers and be more powerful.
1Ch 22:15
skillful craftsmen without number of every kind
Here "without number" is an exaggeration to emphasize that there were a large number of them. Alternate Translation: "a very large number of every kind of skillful craftsmen"
2Ch 1:15
The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as the stones
The narrator uses exaggeration to emphasize the great amount of silver that was in Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "The king had so much silver in Jerusalem, it was like there was as much silver as there was stones on the ground"
2Ch 5:3
All the men of Israel
This may refer either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in 5:2 or 2) generally to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every male person who lived in Israel.
2Ch 5:6
all the assembly of Israel
Here "all" is a generalization meaning very many Israelites.
2Ch 5:6
sacrificing sheep and oxen that could not be counted
This is an exaggeration that emphasizes the great number of animals that were sacrificed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "sacrificing more sheep and oxen than anyone could count" or "sacrificing very many sheep and oxen"
2Ch 6:3
while all the assembly of Israel was standing
The phrase "all the assembly" is a generalization. It does not mean that every person of Israel was standing, but that all of the people who were gathered there were standing. Alternate Translation: "while the people of Israel there were standing"
2Ch 7:4
all the people
This generalization refers either 1) to the people whom Solomon called to Jerusalem and who are listed in [2 Chronicles 5:2](../05/02.md), or 2) to those who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel.
2Ch 7:6
all Israel
This generalization refers to those who were at the feast in Jerusalem, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel.
2Ch 7:8
all Israel with him
This generalization refers to those who were at the feast in Jerusalem, not necessarily to every person who lived in Israel.
2Ch 9:1
all that was in her heart
This is a generalization. Alternate Translation: "everything she wanted to know"
2Ch 9:23
All the kings of the earth
The word "all" here is a generalization. Alternate Translation: "Kings from around the world"
2Ch 9:27
as much as the stones on the ground
This is an exaggeration to emphasize that there was such a great amount of silver.
2Ch 9:28
from all the lands
The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate Translation: "from many other places" or "from many other countries"
2Ch 12:3
Soldiers without number
This exaggeration means that there were more soldiers than a person could easily count. Alternate Translation: "Many soldiers"
2Ch 15:9
He gathered all Judah and Benjamin
Here the word "all" is a generalization. The phrase means that David assembled people from all over Judah and Benjamin. Alternate Translation: "He gathered together people from all over Judah and Benjamin"
2Ch 15:15
All Judah rejoiced
Here the word "all" is a generalization. The phrase means that people from all over Judah rejoiced. Alternate Translation: "People all over Judah rejoiced"
2Ch 23:5
All the people
This is a generalization that refers to all the people who are present. Alternate Translation: "All the other people who are present"
2Ch 23:8
all Judah
This is a generalization to refer to all the people of Judah who were present in the courtyard that day.
2Ch 23:13
All the people of the land
This is a generalization to show that many people participated in the event. Alternate Translation: "A very large number of the people of the land"
2Ch 23:17
all the people went to the house of Baal
This is a generalization that means a large group of the people did this. Alternate Translation: "a very large group of the people went to the temple of Baal"
2Ch 23:20
all the people of the land
This is a generalization that means he took very many people with him. Alternate Translation: "a very large group of the people of Israel"
2Ch 23:21
So all the people of the land
This is generalization to say that most of the people rejoiced.
2Ch 24:10
All the leaders and all the people
This is a generalization. Some people probably did not respond this way.
2Ch 25:12
so that they were all broken in pieces
This is an exaggeration to emphasize the thoroughness of the slaughter. Alternate Translation: "so that they were all completely destroyed"
2Ch 25:22
every man
This is a generalization that refers to the soldiers of Judah who survived the battle. Alternate Translation: "the surviving soldiers of Judah"
2Ch 26:1
All the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah
The word "All" is a generalization. Some people may not have wanted him to be king. Alternate Translation: "The people of Judah took the 16 year-old Uzziah and made him king after his father, Amaziah"
2Ch 26:4
in everything
This is a generalization. Alternate Translation: "in the same way"
2Ch 28:4
under every green tree
God wanted his people to offer sacrifices to him in Jerusalem. The word "every" here is an exaggeration to show how determined King Ahaz was to disobey God by offering sacrifices in many other places instead. Alternate Translation: "under many green trees" or "under many green trees around the country"
2Ch 34:30
all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem
This is a generalization. Alternate Translation: "many other people"
2Ch 36:23
all the kingdoms of the earth
This is an exaggeration, as there were kingdoms over which Cyrus did not rule.
Ezr 1:2
all the kingdoms of the earth
Here "all" is an exaggeration, as there were kingdoms over which Cyrus did not rule.
Ezr 4:16
there will be nothing remaining for you
Here "nothing" is an exaggeration to make the king think that he will be losing much tax money if the Judeans rebel.
Neh 2:3
May the king live forever
Nehemiah is showing honor to King Artaxerxes. Here "forever" is an exaggeration that refers to a long life. Alternate Translation: "Long live the king" or "May the king have a long life"
Neh 4:3
If only a fox went up on what they are building, it would break down their stone wall
Sanaballat mocks the wall and exaggerates how weak it is by saying that a fox could knock it down. Alternate Translation: "That wall they are building is so weak that even if a little fox climbed up on it, their stone wall would fall to the ground"
Neh 4:12
from all directions
This represents many directions. The word "all" is an exaggeration for represents "many." Alternate Translation: "from many directions"
Neh 4:17
Everyone worked with one hand, and with the other hand he held his weapon
This is an exaggeration. They did not always work with only one hand, but they always had their weapon with them so that they were prepared to protect themselves and those around them.
Neh 8:1
All the people gathered as one man
The word "all" is a generalization that indicates the people as a whole came together. Alternate Translation: "The people gathered all together"
Neh 8:9
For all the people wept
This is a generalization that indicates there was great weeping among the people. Alternate Translation: "For the people wept greatly"
Est 1:16
all the officials and all the people ... all the provinces ... all women
These are exaggerations to emphasize the damage that the queen's refusal caused.
Est 1:17
all the officials and all the people ... all the provinces ... all women
These are exaggerations to emphasize the damage that the queen's refusal caused.
Job 7:1
on earth
This is a generalization that means for the time people are living on the earth. Alternate Translation: "while he lives on the earth"
Job 14:1
lives only a few days
This is an exaggeration to emphasize that people live only a short time. Alternate Translation: "lives only a very short time"
Job 16:20
my eye pours out tears
Job describes how strongly he feels his sorrow. Here he exaggerates how he often cries by saying that tears pour from his eyes. Alternate Translation: "my eyes are full of tears while I cry out"
Job 17:7
all my body parts
This is a generalization used to emphasize that his whole body is thin, but refers specifically to his arms and legs. Alternate Translation: "my arms and legs"
Job 22:8
possessed the earth
Eliphaz is exaggerating the amount of land that Job owned in order to portray Job as greedy. Alternate Translation: "possessed a great amount of land"
Job 24:4
poor people of the earth all hide themselves
The word "all" is an exaggeration to show that many poor people are afraid of these wicked people.
Job 28:9
he overturns mountains by their roots
Digging up the mountains and the ground underneath them is a metaphor from digging out weeds or trees, an exaggeration that represents digging minerals out of the ground. Alternate Translation: "he turns the mountains upside down by pulling out their roots"
Job 29:6
when my way was covered with cream
when my path was flowing with cream. Job uses this exaggeration to express that he had many cows and they produced much more cream than he and his family needed. Alternate Translation: "when my cows provided an abundance of cream"
Job 29:6
and the rock poured out for me streams of oil
and the rock poured out streams of oil for me. Job uses this exaggeration to express that he had many olive vines and great amounts of olive oil. The rock is where his servants pressed the oil out of the olives. Alternate Translation: "when my servants pressed out a great amount of olive oil" or "when oil flowed like streams from the pressing rock"
Job 29:18
I will multiply my days like the grains of sand
There are more grains of sand on the shore than anyone can count. To say that he would live more days than anyone could count is an exaggeration to express that he would live a very long time. Alternate Translation: "I will live a very long time" or "I will live many years"
Job 31:18
I have guided his mother, a widow, from my own mother's womb
Job is describing how he truly treated widows. With the phrase "from my own mother's womb" he uses exaggeration to emphasize that he did this all his life. Alternate Translation: "all my life I have guided the orphan's mother, a widow" or "all my life I have guided widows"
Job 33:25
fresher than a child's
In this comparison, the word "fresher" is an exaggeration. Alternate Translation: "fresh like a child's"
Psa 12:2
Everyone says ... everyone speaks
The two occurrences of "everyone" are exaggerations, used to emphasize that this is true of very many people.
Psa 40:6
You have no delight in sacrifice or offering
This is an exaggeration to express that other things are much more important to God. Alternate Translation: "Sacrifices and other offerings are not the things that delight you most"
Psa 40:6
you have not required burnt offerings or sin offerings
This is an exaggeration to show that these things were not the most important to God. Alternate Translation: "animals burned on the altar and other offerings for our sins are not what you require most"
Psa 42:3
my enemies are always saying to me
This is an exaggeration. His enemies are not saying this constantly; they are saying it often.
Psa 42:10
they always say to me
This is an exaggeration; his enemies are not saying this constantly but are saying it often.
Psa 44:22
we are being killed all day long
The phrase "all day long" is an exaggeration to emphasize that their people are being killed frequently. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "we are always in danger of people killing us"
Psa 45:2
You are fairer than the children of mankind
This phrase is an exaggeration that emphasizes that the king is better looking than anyone else. The phrase "children of mankind" is an idiom and refers to all humans. Alternate Translation: "You are more handsome than any other man"
Psa 45:16
you will make princes in all the earth
The phrase "in all the earth" is an exaggeration to emphasize that they will rule over many nations. Alternate Translation: "you will make rulers over many nations"
Psa 50:10
the cattle on a thousand hills
The phrase "on a thousand hills" does not represent the total number of cattle that God owns. The number is an exaggeration that emphasizes that God owns all of the cattle in the world. The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate Translation: "all the cattle in the world are mine"
Psa 65:4
live in your courts
This exaggeration expresses that the man is in the temple very frequently to worship Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "worship often in your courts"
Psa 69:4
more than the hairs on my head
This is an exaggeration to express how many enemies the writer has. Alternate Translation: "more than I can count, like the hairs on my head"
Psa 70:4
always say
This exaggeration emphasizes that it is important to praise God often.
Psa 71:18
everyone who is to come
This exaggeration refers to everyone the writer can speak to. Alternate Translation: "so as many people as I can tell will know"
Psa 77:18
lightning lit up the world
This is an exaggeration to emphasize that the lightning lit up everything the writer could see. Alternate Translation: "lightning lit up everything as far as you could see"
Psa 78:15
enough to fill the depths of the sea
This is probably hyperbole. Alternate Translation: "more water than they could possibly drink"
Psa 78:27
as numerous as the sands of the sea
No one can count the grains of sand. There were more birds than anyone could count, but this is an exaggeration: there were probably not literally the same number of birds as grains of sand.
Psa 86:3
all day long
This is an exaggeration. David cries out continually, but not literally at all times from dawn to dusk. Alternate Translation: "continually"
Psa 88:16
your terrifying deeds have annihilated me
This exaggeration speaks about God punishing the writer as if God has completely destroyed the writer. Alternate Translation: "the terrifying things you do have destroyed me" or "the terrifying things you do have almost destroyed me"
Psa 91:12
you will not hit your foot on a stone
The angels will protect not only the reader's foot but the rest of his body as well. The words "not ... hit your foot on a stone" is an exaggerated metonym to say that not even small bad things will happen. This should probably not be taken as a promise that no bad things will ever happen again. Alternate Translation: "you will not even hit your foot on a stone" or "not even the smallest bad thing will happen to you"
Psa 105:15
Do not touch my anointed ones
Here "touch" means to harm, it's an exaggeration Yahweh used to strengthen his warning to not harm his people. Alternate Translation: "Do not harm the people I have anointed"
Psa 107:26
They reached up to the sky; they went down to the depths
This describes the ships rising and falling with the waves. The extremes of rising to the sky and falling to the depths are an exaggeration to express how horrible the windstorm was and how large the waves were. Alternate Translation: "their ships would rise very high on the waves and then they would fall very low between the waves"
Psa 139:9
If I fly away on the wings of the morning and go to live in the uttermost parts across the sea
The author uses exaggeration to explain that wherever he is, God is there too.
Psa 139:18
they would be more in number than the sand
This hyperbole means that the writer would be unable to count God's thoughts. Alternate Translation: "there would be more than I could count"
Psa 150:6
everything that has breath
This is an exaggeration that calls on all people who are alive to praise God.
Pro 4:16
they cannot sleep until they do evil
They probably could literally sleep, but the writer uses an exaggeration to express how intensely they desire to commit evil actions.
Pro 4:16
they are robbed of sleep
The writer speaks of people being unable to sleep as if sleep were an object that someone stole from them. They probably could literally sleep, but the writer uses an exaggeration to express how intensely they desire to commit evil actions. Alternate Translation: "they are unable to sleep"
Pro 19:6
everyone is a friend
The word "everyone" is an exaggeration. Alternate Translation: "it seems that everyone is a friend" or "almost everyone is a friend"
Pro 23:2
put a knife to your throat
Possible meanings of this exaggeration are 1) "be very careful not to eat too much" or 2) "do not eat anything at all"
Pro 23:8
You will vomit up the little you have eaten
This is an exaggeration for wishing one had not eaten anything. Alternate Translation: "You will wish that you had not eaten anything"
Pro 26:15
he has no strength to lift it up to his mouth
This is an exaggeration for doing necessary work that would clearly do him good.
Pro 28:21
for a piece of bread a man will do wrong
A piece of bread here is an exaggeration for a very small bribe or reward. Alternate Translation: "a man will sin for very little gain"
Pro 28:28
people hide themselves
This is an exaggeration for doing everything they can to avoid having wicked people harm them. Alternate Translation: "people go into hiding"
Pro 31:18
all night long her lamp is not extinguished
This is probably an exaggeration: she works late into the night, but not from dusk to dawn. Alternate Translation: "She burns a lamp through the night as she works"
Pro 31:25
laughs at the time to come
This is probably an exaggeration to show that she is not afraid. Alternate Translation: "is not afraid of what will happen in the future"
Ecc 4:16
There is no end to all the people
This is an exaggeration used to emphasize a large number of people. Alternate Translation: "There are very many people"
Sng 1:6
scorched
This exaggeration for "burned" or "made black" refers to the sun changing her skin from light to dark.
Sng 6:9
the only daughter of her mother
This is an exaggeration. Alternate Translation: "her mother's special daughter" or "completely different from her mother's other daughters"
Isa 32:14
forever
This is an exaggeration for a very long time. Alternate Translation: "an extremely long time"
Isa 34:12
all her princes will be nothing
This exaggerates the princes losing their royal status by saying that they will become nothing. Alternate Translation: "all her princes will no longer rule"
Isa 37:18
all the nations and their lands
This is a generalization. The kings had destroyed many of the nearby lands, but not necessarily all lands. Alternate Translation: "many of the nations and their lands"
Isa 37:25
I dried up all the rivers of Egypt under the soles of my feet
Here Sennachrib is exaggerating his conquest and travels across the rivers of Egypt by claiming to have dried up the rivers when he marched his army through them. Alternate Translation: "I have marched through all the rivers of Egypt as if they were dry under my feet"
Isa 39:4
everything in my house
This is a generalization, as Hezekiah showed them many things, but not necessarily everything in the palace. Alternate Translation: "almost everything in my house"
Isa 51:20
they lie at every street corner
This is generalization. Many children will lie in the street, but not necessarily on every street corner. Alternate Translation: "they lie on the street"
Isa 57:9
you went down to Sheol
The people did not literally go to Sheol, the world of the dead. Instead, Yahweh is indicating by exaggeration that the people were willing to go anywhere to find new gods to worship.
Jer 1:6
I do not know how to speak
Jeremiah may have been exaggerating to show his fear of speaking in public. Alternate Translation: "I do not know how to speak in public" or "I do not know how to make announcements to people"
Jer 1:15
everyone
This generalization refers to the kings of the northern kingdoms. Alternate Translation: "every king" or "all of the northern kings"
Jer 3:6
every high hill and under every leafy tree
The tops of hills and under shade trees were common places for people to worship idols. The word "every" is used as a generalization to show that the people were worshiping idols in many different places.
Jer 3:13
under every leafy tree
People would worship idols under trees. The word "every" is a generalization used to show that the people of Israel worshiped many gods under many different trees.
Jer 7:25
Ever since the day when your ancestors went out from the land of Egypt until this day
This is a generalization that means over this entire period of time, not every day during this period of time. Alternate Translation: "From the time your ancestors went out from the land of Egypt until now"
Jer 8:16
The whole earth shakes
This is an exaggeration that is a metaphor for the people of Judah trembling with fear. Alternate Translation: "All the people of the land shake with fear"
Jer 8:18
has no end
These words are an exaggeration that express the great extent of Jeremiah's sorrow. Alternate Translation: "is very great"
Jer 15:8
more than the sands of the seashore
than the grains of sand on the seashore. This comparison is an exaggeration used to emphasize an uncountable number. Alternate Translation: "more than you can count"
Jer 23:10
the land is full of adulterers
The land is spoken of as if it were a container and the adulterers were objects that filled the container completely. That is, everyone in the land is an adulterer, which in turn is an exaggeration for very many people being adulterers.
Jer 23:17
They are constantly saying
The word "constantly" is an exaggeration to emphasize that this is what they normally say.
Jer 31:12
they will never again feel any more sorrow
The world "never" is a generalization. The Israelites will almost always feel joy.
Jer 38:6
they ... threw him into the cistern
They literally "lowered Jeremiah down on ropes," but the word "threw" is an exaggeration to say that they treated him roughly. Your language may have another way of saying this. Alternate Translation: "they ... roughly pushed him into the cistern"
Jer 39:9
the rest of the people who were left in the city
This is probably a generalization. Alternate Translation: "the people who were still living in the city"
Jer 39:10
who had nothing for themselves
The word "nothing" is probably an exaggeration. Alternate Translation: "who owned nothing of great value"
Jer 40:15
all of Judah
The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate Translation: "many of the people of Judah"
Jer 42:1
all the people
Most likely not every individual in the town went. The word "all" is a generalization that means very many people went. Alternate Translation: "many other people"
Jer 42:8
to all the people
Most likely not every individual in the town went. The word "all" is a generalization that means very many people went. Alternate Translation: "to many other people"
Jer 43:4
all the people
This probably did not include every individual there. The word "all" is a generalization that means many people. Alternate Translation: "many of the people"
Jer 44:27
Every person of Judah in the land of Egypt will perish by sword and famine until they are all finished
Here "Every person" is a generalization that means "very many people." Also, "sword" represents enemies carrying weapons. Alternate Translation: "Nearly every person of Judah in the land of Egypt will die. Enemies will kill many of them and many of them will starve to death until there is very few of them left"
Lam 2:19
at the corner of every street
The word "every" here is an exaggeration for "many." Alternate Translation: "where the streets come together" or "by the roads"
Lam 3:14
a laughingstock to all my people
The word "all" is a generalization, meaning "most." Alternate Translation: "a laughingstock to most of my people" or "someone whom all my people mock"
Ezk 22:4
to all the lands
This generalization refers to the places who are familiar with Jerusalem and represents the people who live in these places. Alternate Translation: "of the people of every nearby land"
Ezk 23:23
the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, Pekod, Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them
This does not refer to all of the people who live in these places, but rather to soldiers from there. Alternate Translation: "soldiers from Babylon and all of Chaldea, Pekod, Shoa, and Koa, and all the soldiers of Assyria with them"
Ezk 30:5
will all fall by the sword
The word "all" here is a generalization. It means that many people will die.
Ezk 30:11
fill the land with those who have been killed
This is an exaggeration to show that the Babylonians will kill very many Egyptians. There will be so many dead Egyptians that it will seem that their dead bodies cover all of the land of Egypt. Alternate Translation: "kill so many people that it will seem like dead bodies are everywhere"
Ezk 32:12
destroy all of its multitudes
Here "all" is probably a generalization that refers to the killing of large numbers of soldiers, and perhaps other people also. Alternate Translation: "kill a very large number of people who live in Egypt"
Ezk 34:8
all the beasts in the fields
Here "all" is a generalization that refers to all the wild animals that eat sheep. Alternate Translation: "all the wild animals in the fields"
Ezk 35:9
a perpetual desolation
desolate forever. This may be an exaggeration to emphasize the destruction.
Dan 1:17
in all literature and wisdom
Here "all" is a generalization to show that they had a very good education and understanding. Alternate Translation: "in many things that the Babylonians had written and studied"
Dan 1:20
ten times better
Here "ten times" is an exaggeration representing great quality. Alternate Translation: "much better"
Dan 4:1
who lived on the earth
Kings would often exaggerate how wide their kingdom was. Nebuchadnezzar did rule over most of the known world at the time this book was written. Alternate Translation: "who lived in the kingdom of Babylon"
Dan 4:20
to the heavens ... to the ends of the earth
These phrases are exaggerations to emphasize that everyone everywhere knew how great Nebuchadnezzar was.
Dan 5:19
all peoples, nations, and languages
This phrase uses the word "all" as a generalization that represents a large number. Alternate Translation: "a great number of people, of different nations and languages"
Dan 6:25
in all the earth
King Darius wrote his message to his entire kingdom which was huge. Here it says "all the earth" as a generalization to emphasis how large his kingdom was, though it did not include everyone on the earth. Alternate Translation: "in his kingdom"
Dan 8:5
across the surface of the whole earth
The phrase "the whole earth" is an exaggeration that means he came from far away. Alternate Translation: "from far away across the surface of the land"
Jol 2:10
the sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars stop shining
This exaggeration claims that there are so many locusts that people cannot see the sun, moon, or stars.
Jol 3:16
The heavens and earth will shake
Joel speaks of the heavens and earth as if they were people who are shaking with fear. This can be translated as either a hyperbole, that Yahweh's roar is so frightening that even things that are not alive are afraid, or as metonymy, that the heavens and earth are metonyms for the beings who live there. Alternate Translation: "Everyone in the heavens and on the earth is very afraid"
Jol 3:18
the mountains will drip with sweet wine
sweet wine will drip from the mountains. This is an exaggeration to show that the land is very fertile. Alternate Translation: "On the mountains there will be vineyards that produce plenty of sweet wine"
Amo 1:11
his wrath lasted forever
This is an exaggeration that is meant to express the ongoing nature of his wrath.
Amo 2:9
whose height was like the height of cedars; he was strong as the oaks
This is an exaggeration. It describes how tall and strong the Amorite people were and compares them to the tallest and strongest trees in that region. Alternate Translation: "who were tall and strong like great trees"
Amo 9:2
Though they dig into Sheol, there my hand will take them. Though they climb up to heaven, there I will bring them down
Yahweh uses an exaggerated image of people fleeing to Sheol or heaven to try to escape being killed. Here "Sheol" and "heaven" are a merism that represents all places. Alternate Translation: "Even if they were to flee to Sheol or to heaven, they would not be able to escape me"
Amo 9:3
Though they hide on the top of Carmel ... Though they are hidden from my sight in the bottom of the sea
Yahweh gives an exaggerated image of the people fleeing to the top of mount Carmel or to the bottom of the sea to escape being killed. Here "top of Carmel" and "bottom of the sea" are a merism that represents all places. Alternate Translation: "Even if they were to hide on the top of Carmel ... Even if they tried to go the bottom sea, thinking that I could not see them"
Oba 1:4
Though you soar high like the eagle and though your nest is set among the stars
Both of these exaggerations say that Edom is built in a very high place by saying it is built much higher than possible. Alternate Translation: "And I tell you that even if you had wings and could fly higher than eagles fly, and if you could make your homes among the stars"
Mic 7:2
Faithful people have disappeared ... land; there is no upright person ... They all lie in wait ... blood; each one hunts
These are exaggerations. Alternate Translation: "I feel as though faithful people have disappeared ... land and there is no upright person ... I feel as though they all lie in wait ... blood, and each one hunts"
Mic 7:17
They will lick the dust like a snake
Snakes slither on the ground where dust gets on them, and here the people are being compared to snakes, though it is probably an exaggeration that they will lick the dust. Possible meanings are that these people 1) will literally lie on the ground in shame or 2) will be so ashamed and humbled that it will be as if they were lying on the ground.
Nam 2:9
there is no end to it
The words "no end" are an exaggeration to express that there is a great amount of something. Alternate Translation: "there is so much of it"
Nam 3:3
There is no end to the bodies
The words "no end" are an exaggeration for the great number of bodies that the attackers piled into heaps. Alternate Translation: "There are too many bodies to count" or "There are a great number of bodies"
Nam 3:9
there was no end to it
The word "it" refers to the "strength" that Cush and Egypt gave to Thebes. That there was no end to it is a hyperbole that expresses the great amount of strength. Alternate Translation: "their strength was very great"
Nam 3:12
they fall into the mouth of the eater
the figs fall into the mouth of the eater. This is an exaggeration. By saying that the figs fall from the tree into the mouth of the one who eats it, Nahum emphasizes that the figs are ready to eat immediately. Alternate Translation: "a person can eat the fig immediately"
Nam 3:16
You have multiplied your merchants more than the stars in the heavens
This exaggeration emphasizes the great number of merchants who lived and worked in Nineveh. Alternate Translation: "It is as if you have more merchants than there are stars in the sky" or "You have more merchants than anyone could count"
Hab 1:6
the breadth of the land
This can mean 1) everywhere in Judah or 2) everywhere in the world. This would be an exaggeration to emphasize how powerful the Chaldean army is.
Zep 1:2
I will utterly destroy everything from off the surface of the earth ... I will cut off man from the surface of the earth
The words "everything" and "will cut off man" are deliberate exaggerations by Yahweh to express his anger at the people's sin. Yahweh will destroy neither sinners who repent nor all living things nor.
Zep 1:3
I will utterly destroy everything from off the surface of the earth ... I will cut off man from the surface of the earth
The words "everything" and "will cut off man" are deliberate exaggerations by Yahweh to express his anger at the people's sin. Yahweh will destroy neither sinners who repent nor all living things nor.
Zec 9:3
heaped up silver like dust and refined gold like mud in the streets
Yahweh exaggerates to emphasize how rich Tyre was. Alternate Translation: "accumulated silver and gold as much as soil in the streets"
Zec 14:2
I will gather every nation against Jerusalem for battle
Here "every nation" is a generalization that means "many nations." Alternate Translation: "I will cause many nations to attack Jerusalem"
Mal 2:13
You cover the altar of Yahweh with tears
This sarcastically exaggerates the amount of tears the people cry to show that Yahweh knows that the people do not really feel sad.