Here sin is spoken of as a dangerous wild animal that is waiting for the chance to attack Cain. Alternate Translation: "you will become so angry that you will not be able to stop sin"
Gen 5:22
Enoch walked with God
To walk with someone is a metaphor for being in a close relationship with him. Alternate Translation: "Enoch had a close relationship with God" or "Enoch lived in union with God"
Gen 6:7
I will wipe away mankind ... from the surface of the earth
The writer speaks of God killing people as if God were wiping dirt off a flat surface. Alternate Translation: "I will destroy mankind ... so that there will not be any people on the earth"
Gen 6:11
was corrupt
The people doing what is evil is spoken of as if they were food that has become rotten. Alternate Translation: "was rotten" or "was completely evil"
Gen 6:11
and it was filled with violence
The writer speaks of violence as if it were something that could be put into a container and of the earth as a container. Alternate Translation: "and there were very many violent people on the earth" or "because it was full of people who did evil things to each other"
Gen 6:12
had corrupted their way
How a person behaves is spoken of as if it were a way or road. Alternate Translation: "had stopped living the way God wanted" or "had behaved in an evil way"
Gen 9:2
The fear of you and the dread of you will be upon every living animal ... and upon all the fish of the sea
The writer speaks of fear and dread as if they were physical objects that could be upon the animals. Alternate Translation: "Every living animal ... and all the fish of the sea will be dreadfully afraid of you"
Gen 9:6
Whoever sheds man's blood, by man will his blood be shed
The shedding of blood is a metaphor for killing someone. This means that if a person murders someone, someone else must kill the murderer. However, "blood" is very significant in this passage and should be used in the translation if possible. Translate "sheds blood" with words that indicate a major loss of blood that causes death.
Gen 15:1
shield ... reward
God used these two metaphors to tell Abram about his character and his relationship to Abram.
Gen 15:1
I am your shield
Soldiers use a shield to protect themselves from their enemies. Alternate Translation: "I will protect you like shield" or "I am your shield to protect you"
Gen 16:12
He will be a wild donkey of a man
This was not an insult. It may mean that Ishmael would be independent and strong like a wild donkey. Alternate Translation: "He will be like a wild donkey among men"
Gen 17:1
Walk before me
Walking is a metaphor for living, and "before me" or "in my presence" here is a metaphor for obedience. Alternate Translation: "Live the way I want you to" or "Obey me"
Gen 18:23
sweep away
Abraham speaks of destroying people as if it were sweeping dirt with a broom. Alternate Translation: "destroy"
Gen 18:24
sweep it away
destroy it. Abraham speaks of destroying people as if it were sweeping dirt with a broom. Alternate Translation: "destroy the people who live there"
Gen 18:27
only dust and ashes
This metaphor describes Abraham as a human being, who will die and whose body will turn into to dust and ashes. Alternate Translation: "only a mortal man" or "as unimportant as dust and ashes"
Gen 19:11
Lot's visitors struck with blindness the men
The phrase "struck with blindness" is a metaphor; the visitors did not physically hit the men. Alternate Translation: "Lot's visitors blinded the men" or "they took away their sight"
Gen 19:15
not swept away in the punishment
God destroying the people of the city is spoken of as if a person were sweeping away dust.
Gen 19:17
not swept away
God destroying the people of the city is spoken of as if a person were sweeping away dust.
Gen 19:32
so that we may extend our father's line
This speaks about giving Lot descendants as if his family were a line that they are making longer. Alternate Translation: "so that we can bear children who will be our father's descendants"
Gen 19:34
so that we may extend our father's line
This speaks about giving Lot descendants as if his family were a line that they are making longer. Alternate Translation: "so that we can bear children who will be our father's descendants"
Gen 20:9
that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin
To cause someone to be guilty of sinning is spoken of as if "sin" was a thing that could be placed on a person. Alternate Translation: "that you should make me and my kingdom guilty of such a terrible sin"
Gen 20:16
It is to cover any offense against you in the eyes of all that are with you
Giving money to prove to others that Sarah is innocent is spoken of as if he is placing a cover over an offense so no one can see it. Alternate Translation: "I am giving this to him, so that those who are with you will know that you have done nothing wrong"
Gen 20:16
in the eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "in the opinion" or "in the judgement"
Gen 21:19
God opened her eyes, and she saw
God making Hagar aware of the well is spoken of as if he literally opened her eyes. Alternate Translation: "God caused Hagar to see" or "God showed her"
Gen 24:8
you will be free from this oath of mine
you will be released from the oath you made to me. Not having to fulfill an oath is spoken of as if the person is free from an object to which he was bound. Alternate Translation: "you will not have to do what you swore to me that you would do"
Gen 24:21
to see
Learning something is often spoken of as if it were seeing. Alternate Translation: "to know" or "to determine"
Gen 24:40
before whom I walk
Serving Yahweh is spoken of as if Abraham were walking in Yahweh's presence. Alternate Translation: "whom I serve"
Gen 24:41
you will be free from my oath
you will be released from the oath you made to me. Not having to fulfill an oath is spoken of as if the person is free from an object to which he was bound. Alternate Translation: "you will not have to do what you swore to me that you would do"
Gen 24:45
speaking in my heart
To pray silently in one's mind is spoken of as if he were speaking in his heart. The word "heart" refers to his thoughts and his mind. Alternate Translation: "praying" or "praying quietly"
Gen 24:49
so that I may turn to the right hand or to the left
Possible meanings are 1) deciding what to do is spoken of as if the person will physically turn one direction or another. Alternate Translation: "so that I will know what do" or 2) the servant wants to know if he needs to travel somewhere else. Alternate Translation: "so that I may continue on my journey"
Gen 25:8
an old man with a full life
Living a long life is spoken of as if life were a container that becomes full.
Gen 25:27
who spent his time in the tents
This speaks about time as if it were a commodity that someone could spend. Alternate Translation: "who remained in the tents much of the time"
Gen 26:10
you would have brought guilt upon us
This speaks about causing someone to be guilty as if "guilt" were an object that is placed on someone. Alternate Translation: "you would have caused us to be guilty of taking a man's wife"
Gen 26:35
They brought sorrow to Isaac and Rebekah
Here "they" refers to Judith and Basemath. To make someone sorrowful or miserable is spoken of as if "sorrow" were an object that a person could bring to another person. Alternate Translation: "They made Isaac and Rebekah sorrowful" or "Isaac and Rebekah were miserable because of them"
Gen 27:1
his eyes were dim
This speaks about being nearly blind as if the eyes were a lamp and the light has nearly gone out. Alternate Translation: "he was nearly blind" or "he was almost blind"
Gen 27:12
I will bring a curse upon me and not a blessing
Being cursed or blessed is spoken of as if a curse and a blessing are objects that are placed on a person. Alternate Translation: "Then because of this, he will curse me and not bless me"
Gen 27:13
My son, let any curse fall on me
let your curse be on me, my son. Being cursed is spoken of as if the curse were on object that is placed on the person. Alternate Translation: "let your father curse me instead of you, my son"
Gen 27:28
fatness of the earth
Having fertile land is spoken of as if the earth were fat or rich. Alternate Translation: "good soil for producing crops"
Gen 27:34
he cried with a very great and bitter cry
Esau's anguish was similar to the taste of something bitter. Alternate Translation: "he cried loudly"
Gen 27:35
has taken away your blessing
This is a figure of speech meaning Jacob took what was Esau's. Alternate Translation: "I have blessed him instead of you"
Gen 27:36
He took away my birthright
This speaks about a birthright as if it were an object that a person could take away. Alternate Translation: "What was once my birthright is now his because he tricked me"
Gen 27:36
now he has taken away my blessing
This speaks about a blessing as if it were an object that person could take away. Alternate Translation: "now he has tricked you into blessing him instead of me"
Gen 27:39
far from the richness of the earth
This is a figure of speech referring to the earth's fertility. Alternate Translation: "far from the fertile soil"
Gen 27:40
you will shake his yoke from off your neck
This speaks about someone having a master as if the master's control over the person were a yoke that the person had to carry. Alternate Translation: "you will free yourself from his control"
Gen 27:45
until your brother's anger turns away from you
No longer being angry is spoken of as if the anger turns to a different direction away from the person. Alternate Translation: "until he is no longer angry with you"
Gen 28:4
May he give you the blessing of Abraham, to you, and to your descendants after you
This speaks about blessing someone as if a blessing were an object that a person can give. The abstract noun "the blessing" can be stated as "bless." Alternate Translation: "May God bless you and your descendants as he blessed Abraham" or "May God give to you and your descendants what he promised to Abraham"
Gen 28:4
that you may inherit the land
God giving the land of Canaan to Jacob and his descendants is spoken of as if a child were inheriting money or possessions from his father.
Gen 28:17
This is the gate of heaven
This speaks about the entrance to the place where God lives as if it were a literal kingdom that had a gate that someone has to open to let people in.
Gen 29:31
so he opened her womb
God causing Leah to be able to become pregnant is spoken of as if God is opening her womb.
Gen 30:2
Jacob's anger burned against Rachel
Jacob's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire. Alternate Translation: "Jacob was very angry with Rachel"
Gen 30:18
God has given me my wages
God rewarding Leah is spoken of as if he were a boss paying wages to someone who works for him. Alternate Translation: "God has given my due" or "God has rewarded me"
Gen 30:23
God has taken away my shame
God causing Rachel to no longer feel ashamed is spoken of as if "shame" were an object that person could take away from someone else. The abstract noun "shame" can be stated as "ashamed." Alternate Translation: "God has caused me to no longer feel ashamed"
Gen 30:27
If now I have found favor in your eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "If I have found favor with you" or "If you are pleased with me"
Gen 31:15
has also completely devoured our money
Laban completely using up the money that he should have given to his daughters is spoken of as if he were a wild beast that ate the money as if it were food. Alternate Translation: "he completely used up our money"
Gen 31:39
Instead, I bore the loss of it
For Jacob to count Laban's dead animals as a loss from his own flock is spoken of as if it was a burden he would bear on his shoulders. Alternate Translation: "Instead of counting it a loss from your flock, I counted it as a loss from my flock"
Gen 31:40
There I was; in the day the heat consumed me, and the frost by night
Suffering in the hot and cold temperatures is spoken of as if the temperatures were animals that were eating Jacob. Alternate Translation: "I stayed with your flocks even during hottest part of the day and the coldest part of the night"
Gen 34:3
He was drawn to Dinah
He was very attracted to her. This speaks about Shechem loving Dinah and wanting to be with her as if something were forcing him to come to Dinah. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "He wanted very much to be with Dinah"
Gen 34:30
brought trouble on me
Causing someone to experience trouble is spoken of as if trouble were an object that is brought and placed on a person. Alternate Translation: "caused great problems for me"
Gen 34:30
to make me stink to the inhabitants of the land
Causing the people in the surrounding areas to hate Jacob is spoken of as if Jacob's sons made him smell bad physically. This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate Translation: "You have made me repulsive to the people who live in the land"
Gen 35:5
God made panic to fall on the cities
God causing the people of the cities to be afraid of Jacob and his family is spoken of as if panic were an object that fell on the cities. The abstract noun "panic" can be stated as "afraid." Alternate Translation: "God made the people in the surrounding cities afraid of Jacob and those with him"
Gen 37:25
They lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a caravan
Here looking up is spoken of as if a person literally lifted up his eyes. Also, the word "behold" is used here to draw the reader's attention to what the men saw. Alternate Translation: "They looked up and they suddenly saw a caravan"
Gen 37:26
cover up his blood
This is a figure of speech referring to hiding Joseph's death. Alternate Translation: "hide his murder"
Gen 37:35
rose up
Here the childrens' coming to their father is spoke of as "rising up." Alternate Translation: "came to him"
Gen 39:2
He lived in the house
Here the author speaks of working in the master's house as if it were living in the master's house. Only the most trusted servants were permitted to work in their master's house. AT : "he worked in the house"
Gen 39:4
put under his care
When something is "put under someone's care," it means that the person is responsible for its care and safe-keeping. Alternate Translation: "he had Joseph care for"
Gen 39:5
The blessing of Yahweh was on
Here the author speaks of the blessing that Yahweh gave as if it were a physical covering put over something. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh blessed"
Gen 39:6
Potiphar put everything that he had under Joseph's care
When something is "put under someone's care," it means that the person is responsible for its care and safe-keeping. Alternate Translation: "So Potiphar put Joseph in charge of everything that he had"
Gen 39:8
he has put everything that he owns under my care
When something is "put under someone's care," it means that the person is responsible for its care and safe-keeping. Alternate Translation: "he has put me in charge of everything that belongs to him"
Gen 39:9
No one is greater in this house than I am
Here the author speaks of authority as if it were greatness. Alternate Translation: "I have more authority in this house than anyone else"
Gen 39:22
gave into Joseph's hand
Here "hand" represents Joseph's power or trust. Alternate Translation: "put Joseph in charge of"
Gen 40:13
will lift up your head
Here Joseph speaks of Pharaoh releasing the cupbearer from prison as if Pharaoh were causing him to lift up his head. Alternate Translation: "will release you from prison"
Gen 41:29
seven years of great abundance will come throughout all the land of Egypt
This speaks about the years of abundance as if time is something that travels and comes to a place. Alternate Translation: "there will be seven years in which there will be plenty of food throughout the land of Egypt"
Gen 41:30
Seven years of famine will come after them
This speaks about the seven years of famine as if they are something that travels and comes to a place. Alternate Translation: "Then there will be seven years when there is very little food"
Gen 41:31
because of the famine that will follow
This speaks about the famine as if it were a thing that travels and follows behind something else. Alternate Translation: "because of the time of famine that will happen afterwards"
Gen 41:35
of these good years that are coming
This speaks of years as if they are something that travels and comes to a place. Alternate Translation: "during the good years that will soon happen"
Gen 41:37
This advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "Pharaoh and his servants thought this was a good plan"
Gen 41:49
Joseph stored up grain like the sand of the sea
This compares the grain to the sand of sea to emphasize its great quantity. Alternate Translation: "The grain that Joseph stored was as plentiful as the sand on the seashore"
Gen 41:50
before the years of famine came
This speaks about years as if they are something that travels and comes to a place. Alternate Translation: "before the seven years of the famine began"
Gen 42:28
Their hearts sank
To become afraid is spoken of as if their heart were sinking. Here "hearts" stands for courage. Alternate Translation: "They became very afraid"
Gen 42:37
Put him in my hands
This is a request for Reuben to take Joseph with him and to care for him on the journey. Alternate Translation: "Put me in charge of him" or "Let me take care of him"
Gen 43:9
let me bear the blame
This speaks about "blame" as if it were an object that a person has to carry. Alternate Translation: "you may blame me"
Gen 44:7
Far be it from your servants
Something that a person would never do is spoken of as if it were an object that person wants to put very far from himself.
Gen 44:17
Far be it from me that I should do so
Something that a person would never do is spoken of as if it were an object the person wants put far away from him. Alternate Translation: "It is not like me to do something like that"
Gen 44:18
do let your anger burn against your servant
Being angry is spoke of as if it were a burning fire. Alternate Translation: "please do not be angry with me, your servant"
Gen 44:29
harm comes to him
Something bad happening to a person is spoken of as if "harm" were something that travels and comes to a person.
Gen 44:30
since his life is bound up in the boy's life
The father saying he would die if his son died is spoken of as if their two lives were physically bound together. Alternate Translation: "since he said he would die if the boy did not come back"
Gen 44:32
then I will bear the guilt to my father
Being considered guilty is spoken of as if "guilt" were something that a person carries. Alternate Translation: "then my father may blame me"
Gen 44:34
I am afraid to see the evil that would come on my father
A person suffering terribly is spoken of as if "evil" were a thing that comes upon a person. Alternate Translation: "I am afraid to see how much my father would suffer"
Gen 45:8
he has made me a father to Pharaoh
Joseph advising and helping Pharaoh is spoken of as if Joseph were Pharaoh's father. Alternate Translation: "he has made me a guide to Pharaoh" or "he has made me the chief adviser to Pharaoh"
Gen 45:11
come to poverty
This speaks about "poverty" as if it were a destination. Alternate Translation: "waste away" or "starve"
Gen 45:18
you will eat the fat of the land
The best food that a land produces is spoken of as if it were the fat portion of the land. Alternate Translation: "you will eat the best food in the land"
Gen 47:19
Why should we die ... both we and our land
The land becomes useless and ruined because there is no seed to plant; thus it is spoken of as if the land would die.
Gen 47:29
When the time approached for Israel to die
This speaks about time as if it travels and comes to a place. Alternate Translation: "When it was almost time for Israel to die"
Gen 48:2
Israel gathered strength and sat up in bed
Here the author speaks of Israel struggling to to sit up in bed as if he were gathering "strength" as someone gathers actual things. Alternate Translation: "Israel made a great effort to sit up in bed" or "Israel struggled as he sat up in bed"
Gen 48:15
The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked
Serving God is spoken of as if it were walking before God. Alternate Translation: "The God who my grandfather Abraham and father Isaac served"
Gen 48:20
Israel put Ephraim before Manasseh
Giving Ephraim the greater blessing and making him more important than Manasseh is spoken of as if Israel physically put Ephraim in front of Manasseh.
Gen 48:22
To you, as one who is above your brothers, I give to you the mountain slope
Possible meanings are 1) Joseph having more honor and authority than his brothers is spoken of as if he were physically above them. Alternate Translation: "To you, who is greater than your brothers, I give the mountain slope" or 2) Jacob means he is giving more land to Joseph than he is giving to Joseph's brothers. Alternate Translation: "To you, I give one more ridge than I give your brothers. I give to you the mountain slope"
Gen 49:7
May their anger be cursed, for it was fierce—and their fury, for it was cruel
God cursing Simeon and Levi is spoken of as if God were cursing their anger and fury. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "The Lord says, 'I will curse them because of their fierce anger and their cruel fury" or "I, the Lord, will curse them because of their fierce anger and their cruel fury"
Gen 49:9
Judah is a lion's cub
Jacob speaks about Judah as if he were a lion's cub. Jacob is emphasizing Judah's strength. Alternate Translation: "Judah is like a young lion"
Gen 49:11
the blood of grapes
This speaks about the grape juice as if it were blood. This emphasizes how red the juice is.
Gen 49:14
Issachar is a strong donkey
Jacob speaks about Issachar and his descendants as if they are a donkey. This emphasizes that they will work very hard. Alternate Translation: "The descendants of Issachar will be like a strong donkey"
Gen 49:14
lying down between the sheepfolds
Possible meanings are 1) "lying down between the packs they were carrying" or 2) "lying down between two sheep pens." Either way, Jacob speaks about Issachar's descendants as if they are donkeys that have worked hard and are lying down to rest.
Gen 49:17
Dan will be a snake beside the road
Jacob speaks about Dan and his descendants as if they were snakes. Though a snake is small, it can bring down a rider off his horse. So Dan, though a small tribe, is very dangerous to its enemies. Alternate Translation: "The descendants of Dan will be like a snake beside the road"
Gen 49:21
Naphtali is a doe let loose
Jacob speaks about the descendants of Naphtali as if they were a female deer that is free to run. This may emphasize that they will be swift messengers. Alternate Translation: "The descendants of Naphtali will be like deer set free"
Gen 49:21
have beautiful fawns
A "fawn" is a baby deer. The meaning of the Hebrew word is unclear. Some versions translate it as "have beautiful words" or "speak beautiful things"
Gen 49:22
whose branches climb over the wall
Branches that grow and extend over a wall are spoken of as if they were climbing.
Gen 49:24
the Shepherd
Jacob speak of Yahweh as if he were a "Shepherd." This emphasizes that Yahweh guides and protects his people.
Gen 49:24
the Rock
Jacob speaks of Yahweh as if he were a "Rock" that people can climb upon to find safety from enemies. This emphasizes that Yahweh protects his people.
Gen 49:26
upon the crown of the head of the prince of his brothers
Jacob desires for these blessings to be passed on to even the most important of his descendants. Alternate Translation: "on the head of the most important of Joseph's descendants"
Gen 50:15
What if Joseph holds on to anger against us
Here anger is spoken of as if it was something physical that Joseph could hold in his hands. Alternate Translation: "What if Joseph is actually still angry with us"
Gen 50:15
wants to repay us in full for all the evil we did to him
Avenging oneself against someone who harmed him is spoken of as if the person were paying they other person what they are owed. Alternate Translation: "wants revenge for the evil thing we did to him"
Exo 1:7
were fruitful
The birth of children to the Israelites is spoken of as if they were plants that were producing fruit. Alternate Translation: "had many children" or "gave birth to many children"
Exo 1:14
made their lives bitter
The difficult lives of the Israelites are spoken of as if they were bitter food that was difficult to eat.
Exo 3:8
a land flowing with milk and honey
a land where milk and honey flow. God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. Alternate Translation: "a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops"
Exo 3:17
a land flowing with milk and honey
a land where milk and honey flow. God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. See how you translated this in [Exodus 3:8](./08.md). Alternate Translation: "a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops"
Exo 4:15
put the words to say into his mouth
Words here are spoken of as if they were something that can be physically placed in a person's mouth. Alternate Translation: "give him the message that he is to repeat"
Exo 4:22
is my son, my firstborn
Here the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were a firstborn son who causes joy and pride. Alternate Translation: "is like my own firstborn son"
Exo 4:25
you are a bridegroom to me by blood
The meaning of this metaphor is unclear. It was probably a known saying in that culture. Alternate Translation: "you are related to me by this blood" or "you are my husband because of blood"
Exo 5:21
you have made us offensive
The Egyptians responded to the Israelites the same way they would respond to a foul odor. Alternate Translation: "you have caused them to hate us"
Exo 9:17
lifting yourself up against my people
Pharaoh's opposition to letting Israel go to worship Yahweh is spoken of as if he was raising himself up as a barrier to them.
Exo 10:1
for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants
Yahweh speaks of making Pharaoh and his servants stubborn as if he were making their hearts hard. See how you translated "Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart" in [Exodus 9:12](../09/12.md).
Exo 10:21
darkness that may be felt
Yahweh speaks of extreme darkness as if it is so thick that people can grasp it in their hands. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "dense darkness that people can grasp with their hands"
Exo 12:15
that person must be cut off from Israel
The metaphor "cut off" has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) "the people of Israel must send him away" or 2) "I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel" or 3) "the people of Israel must kill him."
Exo 12:19
must be cut off from the community of Israel
The metaphor "cut off" has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) "the people of Israel must send him away" or 2) "I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel" or 3) "the people of Israel must kill him." See how you translated "must be cut off from Israel" in [Exodus 12:15](./15.md).
Exo 13:3
the house of slavery
Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. Alternate Translation: "the place where you were slaves"
Exo 13:9
a reminder for you on your hand
Moses speaks of celebrating the festival as if it were tying an object around their hands to remind them of what Yahweh had done. Alternate Translation: "like something you tie around your hand as a reminder"
Exo 13:9
a reminder on your forehead
Moses speaks of celebrating the festival as if it were tying an object around their foreheads to remind them of what Yahweh had done. Alternate Translation: "like something you tie around your head as a reminder"
Exo 13:14
the house of slavery
Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. See how you translated this in [Exodus 13:3](./03.md). Alternate Translation: "the place where you were slaves"
Exo 15:1
the horse and its rider he has thrown into the sea
Moses sang about God causing the sea to cover and drown the horse and rider as if God had thrown them into the sea. Alternate Translation: "he has made the sea cover over the horse and rider" or "he has made the horse and rider drown in the sea"
Exo 15:3
Yahweh is a warrior
Moses calls God a warrior because God powerfully fought against the Egyptians and won. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh is like a warrior"
Exo 15:4
He has thrown Pharaoh's chariots and army into the sea
Moses sings about God causing the sea to cover Pharaohs chariots and army as if God had thrown them into the sea. Alternate Translation: "he has made the sea cover over Pharaoh's chariots and army" or "He has made Pharaoh's chariot riders and army drown in the sea"
Exo 15:6
has shattered the enemy
Moses speaks of the enemy as if it were fragile and could be shattered like glass or pottery. Alternate Translation: "has completely destroyed the enemy"
Exo 15:7
those who rose up against you
Rebelling against God is spoken of as rising up against him. Alternate Translation: "those who rebelled against you" or "your enemies"
Exo 15:7
it consumed them like stubble
Moses speaks of God's wrath as if it were fire that could completely burn up things. His enemies were completely destroyed like stubble in a fire. Alternate Translation: "it completely destroyed your enemies like a fire that burns up straw"
Exo 15:10
But you blew with your wind
Moses spoke about God making the wind blow as if God blew the wind through his nose or mouth. Alternate Translation: "But you made the wind blow"
Exo 15:12
You reached out with your right hand
Moses speaks about God causing something to happen as if God reached out with his hand. Alternate Translation: "With your strong power you made it happen"
Exo 15:15
will melt away
Moses speaks of people becoming weak from their fear as melting away. Alternate Translation: "will be weak from fear" or "will be afraid and faint"
Exo 15:17
plant them on the mountain
Moses speaks about God giving his people the land to live in as if they were a tree that God was planting. Alternate Translation: "settle them on the mountain" or "let them live on the mountain"
Exo 15:17
of your inheritance
Moses speaks about God promising to give his people the mountain forever as if he were giving it to them as an inheritance. Alternate Translation: "that you have given them as an inheritance"
Exo 15:21
The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea
Miriam sang about God causing the sea to cover and drown the horse and rider as if God had thrown them into the sea. See how you translated this in [Exodus 15:1](./01.md). Alternate Translation: "He has made the horse and rider drown in the sea"
Exo 15:26
do what is right in his eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "do what Yahweh considers to be right"(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
Exo 15:26
I will put on you none of the diseases
God speaks of causing people to have diseases as putting diseases on them. Alternate Translation: "I will not cause any of you to have the diseases"
Exo 16:4
I will rain down bread from heaven for you
God speaks of food coming down from heaven as if it were rain. Alternate Translation: "I will make bread come down from heaven like rain" or "I will make bread fall to you from the sky"
Exo 16:4
bread
God speaks of the food that he will send as if it were bread. The Israelites would eat this food every day, just as they had eaten bread every day before this. Alternate Translation: "food" or "food like bread"
Exo 16:4
walk in my law
God speaks of obeying his law as walking in it. Alternate Translation: "obey my law" or "live according to my law"
Exo 16:8
bread
Moses speaks of the food that God will send as if it were bread. The Israelites would eat this food every day, just as they had eaten bread every day before this. See how you translated it in [Exodus 16:4](./04.md). Alternate Translation: "food" or "food like bread"
Exo 16:12
bread
God speaks of the food that he will send as if it were bread. The Israelites would eat this food every day, just as they had eaten bread every day before this. See how you translated it in [Exodus 16:4](./04.md). Alternate Translation: "food" or "food like bread"
Exo 16:15
bread
Moses speaks of the food that God sent as if it were bread. The Israelites would eat this food every day, just as they had eaten bread every day before this. See how you translated it in [Exodus 16:4](./04.md). Alternate Translation: "food" or "food like bread"
Exo 16:29
Yahweh has given you the Sabbath
Yahweh speaks about teaching people to rest on the Sabbath as if the Sabbath were a gift. Alternate Translation: "I, Yahweh, have taught you to rest on the Sabbath"
Exo 17:14
I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek
God speaks of destroying Amalek as if he were removing people's memory of Amalek. When a group of people is completely destroyed, there is nothing to remind people about them. Alternate Translation: "I will completely destroy Amalek"
Exo 18:8
all the hardships that had come to them
Moses writes of hardships happening to them as if hardships had come to them. Alternate Translation: "all the hardships that had happened to them" or "all the hardships they had experienced"
Exo 18:18
This burden is too heavy for you
Jethro speaks of the hard work that Moses is doing as if it were a physical burden that Moses was carrying. Alternate Translation: "This work is too much for you"
Exo 18:19
God will be with you
Jethro speaks of God helping Moses as if God would be with Moses. Alternate Translation: "God will help you" or "God will give you wisdom"
Exo 18:19
you bring their disputes to him
Jethro speaks of Moses telling God about their disputes as if Moses were bringing their disputes to God. Alternate Translation: "you tell God about their disputes" or "you tell God what they are arguing about"
Exo 18:20
You must show them the way to walk
Jethro speaks of living or behaving like walking. Alternate Translation: "You must show them how to live" or "You must show them how to behave"
Exo 18:21
You must put them over people
Jethro speaks of giving them authority over people as putting them over people. Alternate Translation: You must give them authority over people"
Exo 18:22
the difficult cases they will bring to you
Jethro speaks of telling Moses about the difficult cases as bringing him the difficult cases. Alternate Translation: "the difficult cases they will tell you about" or "when there are difficult cases, they will tell you about them so you can judge them"
Exo 18:22
they will carry the burden with you
Jethro speaks of the hard work that they would do as if it were a burden that they would carry. Alternate Translation: "they will do the hard work with you" or "they will help you do the hard work"
Exo 18:25
heads over the people
Moses writes of the leaders of people as if they were the head of a body. Alternate Translation: "leaders of the people"
Exo 18:26
The difficult cases they brought to Moses
The author writes of telling Moses about the difficult cases as bringing him the difficult cases. Alternate Translation: "the difficult cases they told Moses about" or "when there were difficult cases, they told Moses about them so that he would judge them"
Exo 19:4
I carried you on eagles' wings
God speaks of caring for his people while they traveled as if he were an eagle and carried them on his wings. Alternate Translation: "I helped you travel like an eagle that carries her babies on her wings"
Exo 19:6
a kingdom of priests
God speaks of his people as if they were priests. Alternate Translation: "a kingdom of people who are like priests" or "a kingdom of people who do what priests do"
Exo 19:7
set before them all these words
The author writes of Moses telling people things as if he were setting the words before them. AT "told them all these words"
Exo 19:21
not to break through
God spoke about walking past the boundary as if they might break down a barrier and walk through it. See how you translated "set bounds" in [Exodus 19:12](./12.md). Alternate Translation: "not to go beyond the boundary" or "not to go through the barrier"(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
Exo 19:24
break through the barrier
God spoke about walking past the boundary as if they might break down a barrier and walk through it. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 19:21](./21.md). Alternate Translation: "go beyond the boundary" or "go through the barrier"
Exo 23:2
siding with the crowd
This is a metaphor that describes one's agreeing with a group of people as if he actually walked over and stood with that group. Alternate Translation: "doing what the crowd wants" or "agreeing with the majority"
Exo 23:33
this will surely become a trap for you
This means worshiping other gods will lead the people of Israel to certain destruction as if they were an animal caught in a hunter's trap.
Exo 24:17
in the eyes of the Israelites
Their eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents their thoughts or judgment about they saw. Alternate Translation: "to the Israelites"
Exo 30:14
from twenty years old and up
Larger numbers are spoken of as being up or above smaller numbers. Alternate Translation: "from twenty years old and more" or "who is twenty years old or older"
Exo 30:33
that person must be cut off from his people
The metaphor "cut off" has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) "I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel" 2) "the people of Israel must send him away" or 3) "the people of Israel must kill him."
Exo 30:38
must be cut off from his people
The metaphor "cut off" has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) "I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel" 2) "the people of Israel must send him away" or 3) "the people of Israel must kill him." See how you translated this in [Exodus 30:33](./33.md).
Exo 31:3
I have filled Bezalel with my Spirit
Yahweh speaks of giving Bezalel his Spirit as if Bezalel were a container and God's Spirit were a liquid. Alternate Translation: "I have given my Spirit to Bezalel"
Exo 31:13
You must certainly keep Yahweh's Sabbath days
God speaks of obeying his instructions about the Sabbath as keeping the Sabbath. Alternate Translation: "You must certainly obey Yahweh's instructions about the Sabbath"
Exo 31:13
who sets you apart for himself
God speaks of choosing people to be his as setting them apart for himself. Alternate Translation: "who has chosen you to be his people"
Exo 31:14
Everyone who defiles it
God speaks of treating the Sabbath with disrespect as defiling it. Alternate Translation: "Everyone who treats the Sabbath with disrespect" or "Everyone who does not obey the laws about the Sabbath"
Exo 31:14
must surely be cut off from his people
The metaphor "cut off" has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) "Yahweh will no longer consider him to be one of his people" 2) "you must surely send him away" or 3) "you must surely kill him."
Exo 31:16
must keep the Sabbath
God speaks of obeying his instructions about the Sabbath as keeping the Sabbath. Alternate Translation: "must obey Yahweh's instructions about the Sabbath"
Exo 32:1
the people saw
Here understanding something is spoken of as if it were being seen. Alternate Translation: "the people realized"
Exo 32:8
left the way that I commanded them
Here God speaks of the people disobeying what he commanded them as if he had told them to walk on a certain road and they left that road. Alternate Translation: "stopped doing what I commanded them to do" or "have stopped obeying what I commanded them to do"
Exo 32:9
I have seen this people
Here Yahweh compares knowing the people to seeing them. Alternate Translation: "I know this people"
Exo 32:9
a stiff-necked people
Yahweh speaks of the people being stubborn as if they had stiff necks. Alternate Translation: "a stubborn people"
Exo 32:10
My anger will burn hot against them
Yahweh speaks of his anger as if it were a fire that could burn hot. Alternate Translation: "My anger towards them will be terrible" or "I am extremely angry with them"
Exo 32:11
why does your anger burn against your people ... a mighty hand?
Moses used this question to to try to persuade Yahweh not to be so angry with his people. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Do not let your anger burn against your people ... a mighty hand." or "Do not be so angry with your people ... a mighty hand."
Exo 32:12
your burning anger
Moses speaks of God's anger as if it were a fire that was burning. Alternate Translation: "your terrible anger"
Exo 32:13
They will inherit it forever
God speaks about them possessing the land as if they would inherit it. Alternate Translation: "They will possess it forever"
Exo 32:21
you have brought such a great sin on them
Moses spoke of causing people to sin as if sin were an object and Aaron put it on them. Alternate Translation: "you have caused them to sin so terribly"
Exo 32:22
Do not let your anger burn hot
Aaron spoke of Moses' anger as if it were a fire that could burn. "Do not be so angry"
Exo 32:22
they are set on doing evil
Being determined to do evil is spoken of as being set on evil. Alternate Translation: "they are determined to do what is evil"
Exo 32:26
Whoever is on Yahweh's side
Moses speaks of being loyal to Yahweh as being on Yahweh's side. Alternate Translation: "Whoever is loyal to Yahweh" or "Whoever serves Yahweh"
Exo 32:30
Perhaps I can make atonement for your sin
Moses spoke of persuading God to forgive the people as if he could make atonement for their sin. Alternate Translation: "Perhaps I can persuade Yahweh to forgive you"
Exo 33:9
the pillar of cloud
The cloud had the shape of a pillar. See how you translated this in [Exodus 13:22](../13/22.md). Alternate Translation: "the cloud shaped like a pillar"
Exo 33:11
Yahweh would speak to Moses face to face
Speaking directly rather than through dreams and visions, is spoken of as if Moses and God saw each other's faces while they spoke. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh would speak directly to Moses"
Exo 34:7
He will bring the punishment for the fathers' sin on their children
Punishing people is spoken of as if punishment were an object that someone could bring on people. Alternate Translation: "He will punish the children for their fathers' sin"
Exo 34:9
take us as your inheritance
Something that someone possesses forever is spoken of as if it were something that they had inherited. Alternate Translation: "take us as the people that you possess forever" or "accept us as the people who belong to you forever"
Exo 34:12
they will become a trap among you
People who tempt others to sin are spoken of as if they were a trap. Alternate Translation: "they will tempt you to sin"
Exo 34:15
for they prostitute themselves to their gods
God speaks of people worshiping other gods as if they were prostitutes going to other men. Alternate Translation: "for they worship other gods" or "because they worship other gods like prostitutes who go to other men"
Exo 34:32
all the commands that Yahweh had given him
Telling commands is spoken of as if the commands were objects that could be given. Alternate Translation: "all the commands that Yahweh had told him" or "everything that Yahweh had commanded them"
Exo 35:31
He has filled Bezalel with his Spirit
God's Spirit who gave Bezalel the ability to work is spoken of here as if he was something that filled up Bezalel.
Exo 35:35
filled them with skill
Skill to create beautiful objects is spoken of as if it was something that could fill up a person. Alternate Translation: "made them very skillful"
Exo 36:1
to whom Yahweh has given skill and ability
Here skill and ability are spoken of as if they are something that Yahweh can place inside a person.
Exo 37:3
its four feet
These four pieces of wood that supported the ark are spoken of as if they were human or animal feet.
Exo 37:13
the four feet
These four pieces of wood that supported the ark are spoken of as if they were human or animal feet.
Lev 1:9
It will produce a sweet aroma for me
Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper offering the sacrifice is spoken of as if Yahweh were pleased by the aroma of the burning sacrifice.
Lev 1:13
it will produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh
Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9](./09.md).
Lev 1:17
it will produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh
Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9](./09.md).
Lev 2:2
It will produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh
Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9](../01/09.md).
Lev 2:9
it will produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh
Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9](../01/09.md).
Lev 3:5
This will produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh
Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9](../01/09.md).
Lev 3:16
to produce a sweet aroma
Yahweh is pleased with the aroma of burning meat when he is pleased with the worshiper's sincerity. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9](../01/09.md).
Lev 4:12
a place that they have cleansed for me
A place being ritually pure and suitable to use for serving God is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
Lev 4:31
to produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh
Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9](../01/09.md).
Lev 5:2
God has designated as unclean
Something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Lev 5:2
he is unclean
A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Lev 5:3
the uncleanness
Something that Yahweh has declared unfit for a person to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Lev 5:17
must carry his own guilt
A person's guilt is spoken of as if it were a physical object that the person carries. Here the word "guilt" represents the punishment for that guilt. Alternate Translation: "he is responsible for his own guilt" or "Yahweh will punish him for his sin"
Lev 6:11
to a place that is clean
A place that is fit to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
Lev 6:15
to produce a sweet aroma
Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Leviticus 1:9](../01/09.md).
Lev 6:21
to produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh
Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:9](../01/09.md).
Lev 7:18
will carry the guilt of his sin
A person being responsible for the sin he committed is spoken of as if he had to carry the guilt physically.
Lev 7:19
an unclean thing
Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Lev 7:19
anyone who is clean
A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
Lev 7:20
unclean person
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Lev 7:20
that person must be cut off from his people
A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. Alternate Translation: "that person may no longer live among his people" or "you must separate that person from his people"
Lev 7:21
that person must be cut off from his people
A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 7:20](./20.md).
Lev 7:25
that person must be cut off from his people
A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 7:20](./20.md).
Lev 8:21
produced a sweet aroma
Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Leviticus 1:9](../01/09.md).
Lev 8:28
produced a sweet aroma
Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Leviticus 1:9](../01/09.md).
Lev 9:24
consumed the burnt offering
The fire completely burning up the offering is spoken of as if the fire consumed or used up the burnt offering.
Lev 10:2
devoured them
The fire completely burning the men up is spoken of as if the fire devoured or completely used them up.
Lev 10:10
the unclean
A person or thing that Yahweh has stated is unfit to touch is spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Lev 10:10
the clean
A person or thing that Yahweh has stated is fit to touch is spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Lev 10:14
in a clean place
A place that is fit to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
Lev 10:17
to take away the iniquity of the assembly
Causing Yahweh to forgive the people of Israel is spoken of as if iniquity were an object that Yahweh takes from the people.
Lev 11:4
the camel is unclean to you
The camel being unfit for the people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Lev 11:5
unclean to you
These animals which God declared to be unfit for the people to eat are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Lev 11:24
You will become unclean
A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes because he has touched one of these dead animals is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Lev 11:26
Every animal ... is unclean to you
These animals that God declared to be unfit for the people to eat are spoken of as if they were physically dirty.
Lev 11:26
Everyone who touches them will be unclean
A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes because he has touched one of these animals is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 11:29
these are the animals that will be unclean to you
These animals that God declared to be unfit for people to touch or eat are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Lev 11:31
these are the animals which will be unclean to you
These animals that God declared to be unfit for people to touch or eat are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Lev 11:31
Whoever touches them ... will be unclean
A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes because he has touched one of these dead animals is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 11:32
that thing will be unclean
Something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch because one of these dead animals has fallen on it is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. It is spoken of as physically clean after it has been washed.
Lev 11:32
Then it will be clean
Something that God has declared to be fit for people to touch after it has been washed is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
Lev 11:34
unclean
Food becomes unacceptable for the people to eat because unclean water has fallen on it is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Lev 11:36
A spring or cistern ... remains clean
Water that the people are permitted to drink from a spring or cistern is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
Lev 11:36
carcass
The dead body of an animal that God has declared to be unfit for the people to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Lev 11:36
unclean
A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes because he has touched the carcass of one of these animals is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 11:37
those seeds will still be clean ... they will be unclean
Seeds that God has declared to be acceptable for the people to plant are spoken of as if they are physically clean, and those which are unacceptable are spoken of as if they were unclean.
Lev 11:38
those seeds will still be clean ... they will be unclean
Seeds that God has declared to be acceptable for the people to plant are spoken of as if they are physically clean, and those which are unacceptable are spoken of as if they were unclean.
Lev 11:39
he who touches the carcass will be unclean until evening
A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes because he touches the body of a dead animal is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 11:43
You must not make yourselves unclean
A person who is unacceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 11:47
between the unclean and the clean
Animals that God declared to be unfit for the people to touch or eat are spoken of as if they were physically unclean, and those which he declared to be acceptable for the people to touch and eat are spoken of as if they were physically clean.
Lev 12:2
she will be unclean
A woman whom other people must not touch because she is bleeding from her womb is spoken of as if she were physically unclean.
Lev 12:5
she will be unclean for two weeks
A woman whom other people must not touch because she is bleeding from her womb is spoken of as if she were physically unclean.
Lev 12:8
then she will be clean
A woman whom other people may touch is spoken of as if she were physically clean.
Lev 13:3
he must pronounce him unclean
the priest must pronounce the man unclean. The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:5
the priest will pronounce him clean ... he is clean
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 13:6
the priest will pronounce him clean ... he is clean
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 13:8
the priest must pronounce him unclean
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:9
the priest must pronounce him unclean ... he is already unclean
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:11
the priest must pronounce him unclean ... he is already unclean
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:12
the priest must pronounce the person ... clean ... he will be unclean
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean and the man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:13
the priest must pronounce the person ... clean ... he will be unclean
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean and the man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:14
the priest must pronounce the person ... clean ... he will be unclean
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean and the man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:15
The priest must ... pronounce him unclean because the raw flesh is unclean
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:17
the priest will pronounce that person to be clean
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 13:20
the priest must pronounce him unclean
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:22
the priest must pronounce him unclean
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:23
the priest must pronounce him clean
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 13:25
the priest must pronounce him unclean
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:27
the priest must pronounce him unclean
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:28
the priest must pronounce him clean
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 13:30
the priest must pronounce him unclean
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:34
the priest must pronounce him clean ... he will be clean
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 13:35
after the priest said he was clean ... He is clean, and the priest must pronounce him clean
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 13:36
The person is unclean
The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:37
after the priest said he was clean ... He is clean, and the priest must pronounce him clean
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 13:39
He is clean
The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 13:40
he is clean
The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 13:44
he is unclean ... pronounce him unclean
The person whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:45
Unclean, unclean
The person whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 13:51
the item is unclean
Something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Lev 13:55
it is unclean
Something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Lev 13:58
it will be clean
Something that God has declared to be fit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
Lev 13:59
clean or unclean
Something that God has declared to be fit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically clean and something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Lev 14:4
clean birds
Birds that God allowed the people to eat and offer as sacrifices are spoken of as if they were physically clean.
Lev 14:7
the priest will pronounce him to be clean
The person whom other people may touch and who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 14:8
then he will be clean
The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 14:20
he will be clean
The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 14:36
the house will be made unclean
The house that Yahweh has stated is unfit for people to touch or live in is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Lev 14:40
an unclean place
A place that is unfit for people to occupy or to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Lev 14:41
the unclean place
A place that is unfit for people to occupy or to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Lev 14:44
the house is unclean
A house that is unfit for people to occupy is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Lev 14:46
whoever goes into the house ... will be unclean
A person whom other people may not touch and who is not acceptable for God's purposes because he has entered the house is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Lev 14:48
he will pronounce the house clean
A place that is fit for people to occupy is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
Lev 14:53
it will be clean
A house that is fit for people to occupy is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
Lev 14:57
unclean or ... clean
People and items that other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean, and those which people may touch are spoken of as if they were physically clean.
Lev 15:2
he becomes unclean
The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 15:4
unclean
The bed or anything that the man sits on that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Lev 15:5
Whoever touches his bed ... be unclean
The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 15:6
he will be unclean
The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 15:8
someone who is clean
The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 15:8
he will be unclean
The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 15:9
Any saddle ... will be unclean
Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to touch is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Lev 15:10
will be unclean
The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 15:13
is cleansed from his flow
The man recovering from his sickness is spoken of as if he becomes physically clean. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "recovers from his flow"
Lev 15:13
Then he will be clean
The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 15:16
unclean until evening
People and objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Lev 15:19
will be unclean
People and objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Lev 15:21
that person will be unclean
The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 15:24
will be unclean
People and objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Lev 15:25
She is unclean ... Whoever touches ... will be unclean
People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Lev 15:26
everything on which she sits will be unclean
Objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Lev 15:27
She is unclean ... Whoever touches ... will be unclean
People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Lev 15:28
is cleansed from her flow of blood
The woman recovering from her bleeding is spoken of as if she becomes physically clean. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "recovers from her flow of blood"
Lev 15:28
she will be clean
The woman whom other people may touch is spoken of as if she were physically clean.
Lev 15:31
This is how you must separate the people of Israel from their uncleanness
Yahweh speaks of preventing the people from becoming unclean as if it were keeping the people at a safe distance from uncleanness. The abstract noun "uncleanness" can be stated as "unclean." Alternate Translation: "This is how you must prevent the people of Israel from becoming unclean"
Lev 15:31
their uncleanness
People whom other people may not touch and who are not acceptable for God's purposes are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Lev 15:32
makes him unclean ... an unclean woman
People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Lev 15:33
makes him unclean ... an unclean woman
People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Lev 16:16
unclean actions
Sinful actions which make people unacceptable to Yahweh are spoken of as if they were physically unclean actions.
Lev 16:19
to cleanse it
The altar being fit to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
Lev 16:19
set it apart to Yahweh, away from the unclean actions of the people of Israel
The altar being dedicated to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were physically separated from the sins of the people.
Lev 16:19
the unclean actions
Sinful actions which make people unacceptable to Yahweh are spoken of as if they were physically unclean actions.
Lev 16:30
to cleanse you ... so you will be clean
People who are acceptable for God's purposes are spoken of as if they were physically clean.
Lev 17:4
that man must be cut off from among his people
A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 7:20](../07/20.md). Alternate Translation: "that person may no longer live among his people" or "you must separate that person from his people"
Lev 17:7
for which they act as prostitutes
The people being unfaithful to Yahweh by worshiping false gods is spoken of as if they were acting like a man who betrays his wife by committing adultery. Alternate Translation: "for which they are unfaithful to Yahweh"
Lev 17:9
that man must be cut off from his people
A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 7:20](../07/20.md). Alternate Translation: "that person may no longer live among his people" or "you must separate that person from his people"
Lev 17:10
I will cut him off from among his people
A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. Alternate Translation: "I will not permit that person to live among his people any longer" or "I will separate that person from his people"
Lev 17:14
Whoever eats it must be cut off
A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Whoever eats blood may no longer live among his people" or "You must separate from his people anyone who eats blood"
Lev 17:15
that has been torn by wild animals
An animal being killed by wild animals is spoken of as if the wild animals tore the animal to pieces. This can be translated in active form. Alternate Translation: "that wild animals have killed"
Lev 17:15
he will be unclean ... Then he will be clean
The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean and the person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean.
Lev 17:16
then he must carry his guilt
A person's guilt is spoken of as if it were a physical object that the person carries. Here the word "guilt" represents the punishment for that guilt. Alternate Translation: "then he is responsible for his own guilt" or "then I will punish him for his sin"
Lev 18:4
so that you walk in them
Obeying Yahweh's commandments is spoken of as if the commandments were a path on which the person walks. Alternate Translation: "so that you conduct your behavior according to them"
Lev 18:19
She is unclean
The woman whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean.
Lev 18:25
the land vomited out its inhabitants
Yahweh forcibly removing the people from the land is spoken of as if the land were a person who vomited the people out. Alternate Translation: "I forcibly removed the people from the land, like a person vomits up food"
Lev 18:28
so that the land does not vomit you up ... as it vomited out the people
Yahweh forcibly removing the people from the land is spoken of as if the land were a person who vomited the people out. See how you translated this metaphor in [Leviticus 18:25](./25.md). Alternate Translation: "so that I do forcibly remove you from the land ... as I forcibly removed the people"
Lev 18:29
the persons ... will be cut off from among their people
People being excluded from the community is spoken of as if they had been cut off from their people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. Alternate Translation: "the persons ... may no longer live among their people" or "you must separate the persons ... from their people"
Lev 19:4
Do not turn to worthless idols
Worshiping idols is spoken of as if it were physically turning towards them. Alternate Translation: "Do not begin to worship worthless idols"
Lev 19:8
everyone ... must carry his own guilt
A person's guilt is spoken of as if it were a physical object that the person carries. Here the word "guilt" represents the punishment for that guilt. Alternate Translation: "everyone ... is responsible for his own guilt" or "Yahweh will punish everyone ... for his sin"
Lev 19:8
that person must be cut off from his people
A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 7:20](../07/20.md). Alternate Translation: "that person may no longer live among his people" or "you must separate that person from his people"
Lev 19:17
Do not hate your brother in your heart
Continually hating a person is spoken of as if it were hating a person in the heart. Alternate Translation: "Do not continually hate your brother"
Lev 20:5
who prostitutes himself in order to play the harlot with Molech
This phrase compares those who are unfaithful to Yahweh to prostitutes. Alternate Translation: "who is unfaithful to Yahweh"
Lev 20:6
so as to prostitute themselves with them
This phrase compares the unfaithful people to prostitutes. Alternate Translation: "by doing that, they seek advice from the spirits rather than from me"
Lev 20:17
must be cut off from
A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this idea in [Leviticus 7:20](../07/20.md). Alternate Translation: "that person may no longer live among his people" or "you must separate that person from his people"
Lev 20:18
he has uncovered the flow of her blood, the source of her blood
This phrase compares having sex with a woman during her menstrual period to removing the cover off of something that should remain hidden. The fact that this was a shameful thing to do can be stated clearly. Alternate Translation: "he has done a shameful thing by by uncovering the flow of her blood"
Lev 20:22
the land into which I am bringing you to live will not vomit you up
This phrase describes the land as a vomiting person who needs to reject bad food. Instead of rejecting bad food, the land rejects the people and removes them. See how you translated this metaphor in [Leviticus 18:25](../18/25.md). Alternate Translation: "the land to which I am bringing you will not reject you"
Lev 20:23
You must not walk in
Doing the actions of idol worshipers is spoken of as walking in their ways. Alternate Translation: "you must not follow"
Lev 21:1
make himself unclean
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Lev 22:3
while he is unclean
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Lev 22:3
that person must be cut off from before me
A priest no longer being able to serve Yahweh is spoken of as if that person had been cut off from Yahweh's presence, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. This can be translated in active form. Alternate Translation: "that person will no longer be able to serve as a priest"
Lev 22:4
until he is clean
A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
Lev 22:4
Whoever touches anything unclean
Something that Yahweh has said is unfit to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Lev 22:6
the priest ... will be unclean
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Lev 22:7
he will then be clean
the priest will then be considered clean. A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
Lev 22:16
cause themselves to carry the sin that would make them guilty
Sin is spoken of as if it were an object that people can carry. Possible meanings are 1) they would be responsible for the sin and so become guilty. Alternate Translation: "they would be guilty for the sin that they committed" or 2) the word "sin" is a metonym for punishment for the sin that they committed. Alternate Translation: "they would receive the punishment because they are guilty"
Lev 23:18
producing a sweet aroma for Yahweh
The Lord's pleasure with the aroma represents his pleasure with the person who burns the offering. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will be pleased with you" or "that pleases the Yahweh"
Lev 23:29
must be cut off from his people
Being excluded is spoken of as being cut off. See how you translated this idea in [Leviticus 7:20](../07/20.md). Alternate Translation: "must be excluded from his people" or "you must separate that person from his people"
Lev 24:15
must carry his own guilt
Suffering for sin is spoken of if a person were to carry his guilt. Alternate Translation: "must suffer for his sin" or "must be punished
Lev 26:3
walk in my laws
Behaving according to the laws is spoken of as if they were to walk in the laws. Alternate Translation: "If you behave according to my laws" or "if you live according to my laws"
Lev 26:9
make you fruitful
God speaks of them having many children as if they were trees that bear a lot of fruit. Alternate Translation: "cause you to have many children"
Lev 26:12
I will walk among you
Walking among them represents living with them. Alternate Translation: "I will live with you"
Lev 26:13
I have broken the bars of your yoke
God speaks of their slavery as if they had to wear a yoke that animals wear in order to do hard work. Breaking the bars of the yoke represents setting them free. Alternate Translation: "I have set you free from the hard labor they made you do"
Lev 26:16
I will inflict terror on you
Here "terror" represents the things that will cause them to be terrified. Alternate Translation: "I will send disasters that will terrify you"
Lev 26:19
I will break your pride in your power
Using force to cause them not to be proud is spoken of as if he were to break their pride. Alternate Translation: "I will punish you and so end the pride that you feel about your power" or "I will punish you so that you will no longer be proud of your power"
Lev 26:20
Your strength will be used up for nothing
Working very hard is spoken of as if they were to use all their strength until they had no more strength. The phrase "for nothing" means that they would get nothing from working so hard. Alternate Translation: "You will work very hard in vain" or "You will work very hard, but you will not receive anything good from working so hard"
Lev 26:21
walk against me
Walking represents behavior. Walking against God represents opposing him or rebelling against him. Alternate Translation: "rebel against me"
Lev 26:21
I will bring seven times more blows on you
Yahweh causing disasters to happen to the Israelites is spoken of as if he would strike them with blows or hit them. Alternate Translation: "I will cause seven times as many disasters to come against you" or "I will punish you seven times more severely"
Lev 26:22
which will steal your children
Stealing represents attacking or attacking and dragging them away. Alternate Translation: "which will attack your children" or "which will drag your children away"
Lev 26:23
you still do not accept my correction
Accepting his correction represents responding rightly to it. In this case responding rightly to it is choosing to obey him. Alternate Translation: "you still do not listen to my correction" or "you still do not obey me"
Lev 26:23
walk in opposition to me
Walking represents behavior. Walking in opposition to him means opposing him or fighting against him. Alternate Translation: "oppose me" or "fight against me"
Lev 26:24
I will also walk in opposition to you
Walking represents behavior. Walking in opposition to them means opposing them or fighting against them. Alternate Translation: "I also will oppose you" or "I also will fight against you"
Lev 26:26
When I cut off your food supply
Destroying the food that people have stored or stopping people from being able to get it is spoken of as cutting off the supply of food. Alternate Translation: "When I destroy the food you have stored" or "When I stop you from being able to get food"
Lev 26:27
to walk against me
Walking represents behavior. Walking against someone represents opposing him or fighting against him. Alternate Translation: "to oppose me" or "to fight against me"
Lev 26:28
I will walk against you
Walking represents behavior. Walking against someone represents opposing him or fighting against him. Alternate Translation: "I will oppose you"
Lev 26:30
the corpses of your idols
God speaks of idols not being alive as if they had been alive and then died. Alternate Translation: "your lifeless idols"
Lev 26:31
I will not be pleased with the aroma of your offerings
Normally the Lord's pleasure with the aroma represents his pleasure with those who burn the offering. But in this case, people would burn offerings, but God would not be pleased with them. Alternate Translation: "You will burn offerings, but I will not be pleased with you"
Lev 26:36
I will send fear into your hearts
Sending fear into their hearts represents making them afraid. Alternate Translation: "I will make you terribly afraid"
Lev 26:41
to turn against them
This represents opposing them. Alternate Translation: "to oppose them"
Lev 27:11
is in fact unclean, so that Yahweh will not accept it
If Yahweh will not accept a certain animal as an offering, the animal is spoken of as if it were physically dirty. It may be unclean because it is a certain kind of animal or because it has a defect. Alternate Translation: "is in fact one that Yahweh will not accept"
Lev 27:17
the valuation of it will stand
Stand represents "remain" or "remain the same." Alternate Translation: "its value will remain the same" or "its value will be the full amount"
Num 1:53
so that my anger does not come upon the people of Israel
Here Yahweh speaks of not punishing the Israelites as his anger not coming upon them. The phrase "come upon" refers to his anger being applied to them. Alternate Translation: "so that in my anger I do not punish the people of Israel"
Num 3:18
The clans coming from
Here the author speaks of "descending" as if it were "coming." Alternate Translation: "The clans descending from"
Num 3:21
come from Gershon
Here the author speaks of "descending" as if it were "coming." Alternate Translation: "descend from Gershon"
Num 5:2
whoever is unclean through touching a dead body
If a person touched a dead body they were considered unclean. A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Num 5:21
Yahweh will make you into a curse ... your people to be such
Here the author speaks about the woman bearing the curse that Yahweh gives her, which causes other people to curse her. This is spoken of as if the woman herself becomes a curse. Alternate Translation: "Because Yahweh curses you, other people will curse you as well, and Yahweh will show people that you are truly cursed"
Num 5:28
if she is clean
Here "being innocent" is spoken of as "being clean."
Num 6:7
unclean
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Num 6:27
they must give my name
Here Yahweh speaks about claiming the Israelites as his own by saying that he is giving them "his name." Alternate Translation: "they must let the people of Israel know that they are mine"
Num 8:19
I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons
Yahweh appointing the Levites to help Aaron and his sons is spoken of as if they were a gift that Yahweh were giving to Aaron and his sons.
Num 9:6
unclean
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Num 9:10
unclean
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Num 9:13
any person who is clean
A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
Num 9:13
that person must be cut off
Here the phrase "cut off" means to be disowned and sent away. Alternate Translation: "that person must be sent away" or "you must send that person away"
Num 9:13
That man must carry his sin
Here the concept of the man having to bear the consequences of his sin is spoken of as if his sin were a heavy object object that he had to carry. Alternate Translation: "That man must bear the punishment for his sin"
Num 10:35
Rise up, Yahweh
Here the phrase "rise up" is a request for Yahweh to act, in this case Moses is asking him to scatter their enemies.
Num 10:35
Make those who hate you run from you
Here Moses speaks about Yahweh causing their enemies to flee from the people of Israel as if they were fleeing from Yahweh himself. Alternate Translation: "Make those who hate you run away from your ark and your people"
Num 11:10
in Moses' eyes
he eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "in Moses' opinion" or "in Moses' judgement"
Num 11:11
You make me carry the load of all these people
Moses complains and speaks of leading the people and providing for them as if he were carrying a heavy load. Alternate Translation: "You make me responsible for all these people, but it's too hard for me"
Num 11:12
Carry them closely to your chest
To take care of the Israelites is spoken of as if it were to carry a helpless newborn baby.
Num 11:14
I cannot bear all these people alone
Moses speaks of leading and providing for the people as if he were carrying them. Alternate Translation: "I cannot provide for all these people alone"
Num 11:17
They will bear the burden of the people with you
God speaks of the responsibility of leading and providing for the people as if it were a burden that Moses and the leaders would carry. Alternate Translation: "They will help you care for the people"
Num 11:17
You will not have to bear it alone
God speaks of the responsibility of leading and providing for the people as if it were a burden that Moses and the leaders would carry. Alternate Translation: "You will not care for them alone"
Num 11:20
until it comes out of your nostrils
Possible meanings are 1) God speaks of vomiting as if the food would come out through their nostrils. Alternate Translation: "until you are sick and vomit" or 2) they would eat so much meat that it would be as if it would come out of their nostrils. Alternate Translation: "until it feels like it would have to come out of your nostrils"
Num 11:25
put it on the seventy elders
Giving power to the elders is spoken of as putting the Spirit on them. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Numbers 11:17](./17.md). Alternate Translation: "gave it to the seventy elders"
Num 11:25
When the Spirit rested on them
Having power from the Spirit is spoken of as if the Spirit rested on them. Alternate Translation: "When they had power from the Spirit"
Num 11:26
The Spirit also rested on them
The Spirit giving them power is spoken of as if the Spirit rested on them. Alternate Translation: "The Spirit also gave them power"
Num 11:29
that he would put his Spirit on them all
Moses speaks of God's Spirit giving people power as if God were to put his Spirit on them. Alternate Translation: "that God's Spirit would give them all power"
Num 12:5
a pillar of cloud
The shape of the cloud is spoken of as if it were a pillar. Alternate Translation: "a cloud shaped like a pillar" or "a tall cloud"
Num 12:9
Yahweh's anger burned against them
Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh became very angry with them"
Num 12:15
Miriam was shut outside the camp
Being sent out of the camp and not being allowed to go back in is spoken of as if there were a door that was closed behind her. Alternate Translation: "Miriam was sent outside the camp" or "Miriam was kept outside the camp"
Num 13:27
It certainly flows with milk and honey
Milk and honey certainly flow there. They spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. Alternate Translation: "It is certainly excellent for raising livestock and growing crops" or "It is certainly very fertile land"
Num 13:32
a land that eats up its inhabitants
The men speak of the land, or the people of the land, being very dangerous as if the land ate up people. Alternate Translation: "a very dangerous land" or "a land where the people will kill us"
Num 13:33
In our own sight ... in their sight
Here sight represents evaluation and judgement. Alternate Translation: "In our own opinion ... in their opinion" or "In our own judgement ... in their judgement"
Num 14:8
The land flows with milk and honey
They spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants flowed through it. See how you translated this in [Numbers 13:27](../13/27.md). Alternate Translation: "It is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops" or "It is very fertile land"
Num 14:9
for they are bread to us
Joshua and Caleb speak of destroying their enemies as easily as if they were eating bread. Alternate Translation: "We will destroy them as easily as we can eat food"
Num 14:14
you are seen face to face
Possible meanings are 1) Moses speaks of God showing himself to his people as if God had allowed them to actually see his face. Alternate Translation: "they have seen you" or 2) Moses speaks of the intimate relationship between him and God as if Moses could see God's face when God spoke to him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "you speak directly to me"
Num 14:15
as one man
Killing them all at the same time is spoken of as killing them as one person. Alternate Translation: "all at one time"
Num 14:18
He will by no means clear the guilty
he will certainly not clear guilty people. Clearing away people's sin is a metaphor for refusing to punish them. God would not clear away the sin of guilty people. Alternate Translation: "He will always punish the guilty"
Num 14:18
when he brings the punishment of the ancestors' sin on their descendants
Punishing people is spoken of as if punishment were an object that could be brought and put on people. Alternate Translation: "when he punishes the guilty people's descendants for the guilty people's sins"
Num 14:42
Yahweh is not with you
Helping them is spoken of as being with them. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will not help you"
Num 14:43
you turned back from following Yahweh
Obeying Yahweh is spoken of as following him, and stopping doing that is spoken of as turning away from him. Alternate Translation: "you stopped obeying Yahweh" or "you have decided not to obey Yahweh"
Num 14:43
he will not be with you
Helping them is spoken of as being with them. Alternate Translation: "he will not help you"
Num 15:3
to produce a pleasing aroma for Yahweh from the herd or the flock
to produce from the herd or flock a smell that pleases Yahweh. The Lord's pleasure with the aroma represents his pleasure with the person who burns the offering. Alternate Translation: "to please Yahweh by burning a sacrifice from the herd or the flock"
Num 15:7
It will produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh
It will produce a smell that pleases Yahweh. The Lord's pleasure with the aroma represents his pleasure with the person who burns the offering. Alternate Translation: "You will please Yahweh by offering it"
Num 15:10
to produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh
to produce a smell that pleases Yahweh. The Lord being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offers the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. Alternate Translation: "to please Yahweh by offering it"
Num 15:13
to produce an aroma that is pleasing to Yahweh
to produce a smell that pleases Yahweh. Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offers the sacrifice is spoken of as if Yahweh were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. Alternate Translation: "to please Yahweh by offering it"
Num 15:14
to produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh
to produce a smell that pleases Yahweh. The Lord being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offers the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. Alternate Translation: "to please Yahweh by offering it"
Num 15:24
to produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh
to produce a smell that pleases Yahweh. The Lord being pleased with the sincere worshipers who offer the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. Alternate Translation: "to please Yahweh by burning it"
Num 15:30
That person must be cut off from among his people
The metaphor "cut off" has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: 1) "his people must send him away" or 2) "I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel" or 3) "his people must kill him."
Num 15:39
so that you do not look to your own heart and your own eyes
Look to here is a metaphor for think about. The heart represents what a person wants, and the eyes represent what a person sees and wants. Alternate Translation: "so that you do not think about whatever you want"
Num 15:39
prostitute yourselves to them
Being unfaithful to God by choosing to do whatever they want is spoken of as if they were women who were unfaithful to their husband by choosing to have sinful relationships with other men. It can be stated clearly that this was a shameful thing to do. Alternate Translation: "be shamefully unfaithful to me" or "do those things instead of obeying me"
Num 16:2
rose up against Moses
Rebelling or criticizing someone in authority is spoken of as if they were standing up to fight. Alternate Translation: "rebelled against Moses"
Num 16:3
lift up yourselves above the rest
Considering someone to be important is spoken of as lifting it up. Alternate Translation: "consider yourselves more important than the rest"
Num 16:10
you are seeking the priesthood also
Wanting to have the priesthood is spoken of as if they were looking for it. Alternate Translation: "you want to have the priesthood too" or "you want to be priests also"
Num 16:13
a land flowing with milk and honey
They spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. See how you translated this in [Numbers 14:08](../14/08.md). Alternate Translation: "that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops" or "a very fertile land"
Num 16:14
as an inheritance
They spoke of what God would give them to be theirs forever as if it were an inheritance.
Num 16:14
to blind us
Deceiving people is spoken of as making them blind. Alternate Translation: "to deceive us"
Num 16:14
with empty promises
They speak of promises that are not kept as if they are empty containers. Alternate Translation: "with promises that you do not keep" or "by promising to do things that you do not do"
Num 16:21
that I may consume them
Destroying them is spoken of as if God were to eat them. Alternate Translation: "that I may destroy them" or "and I will destroy them"
Num 16:26
you will be consumed
Being destroyed is spoken of as if they would be eaten. Alternate Translation: "you will be destroyed"
Num 16:26
you will be consumed by all their sins
Being destroyed because of their sins is spoken of as if the sins would destroy them. Alternate Translation: "you will be destroyed because of all their sins"
Num 16:32
The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them
Moses speaks of the earth as if it were alive, and the hole that the people fell into as if it were the earth's mouth. Alternate Translation: "The earth opened up like a large mouth, and they fell into it and were buried in it" or "There was a giant hole in the ground, and they fell into it and were buried in it"
Num 16:34
The earth may swallow us up also
The people speak of the earth as if it were alive. Alternate Translation: "The earth might open up and we too will fall into it" or "If the earth opens up again, we too will fall into it and be buried"
Num 16:35
fire flashed out from Yahweh and devoured the 250 men
Being destroyed by fire is spoken of as if they were eaten by the fire. Alternate Translation: "fire flashed out from Yahweh and destroyed the 250 men"
Num 16:45
so that I may consume them
God speaks of destroying them as if he would eat them. Alternate Translation: "so that I may destroy them" or "and I will destroy them"
Num 18:6
They are a gift to you
Yahweh appointing the Levites to help Aaron is spoken of as if they were a gift that Yahweh were giving to Aaron. Alternate Translation: "They are like a gift to you"
Num 18:13
Everyone who is clean in your family
Being acceptable to God is spoken of as if they were clean. Alternate Translation: "Everyone in your family who is acceptable to me"
Num 18:17
an aroma pleasing to Yahweh
The Lord's pleasure with the aroma represents his pleasure with the person who burns the offering. Alternate Translation: "and Yahweh will be pleased with you"
Num 18:20
You will have no inheritance in the people's land
God speaks of the land that the other people will possess as if they will inherit it. Alternate Translation: "You will not possess any of the people's land" or "You will not receive any of the land that the Israelites will possess"
Num 18:20
I am your share and inheritance
God speaks of the great honor that Aaron and his descendants will have by serving him as priests as if God were something that they will inherit. Alternate Translation: "Instead, I am what you will have" or "Instead, I will allow you to serve me and I will provide for you through that service"
Num 18:21
as their inheritance
God speaks of what Aaron and his descendants will receive as if they will inherit it. Alternate Translation: "as their portion of what I give to all Israel"
Num 18:23
Among the people of Israel they must have no inheritance
God speaks of the land that the other people of Israel will possess as if they will inherit it. The Levites would not receive any of the land. Alternate Translation: "they must not have any of the land that the other people of Israel receive"
Num 18:24
as their inheritance
God speaks of what Aaron and his descendants will receive as if they will inherit it. Alternate Translation: "as their portion of what I give to all Israel"
Num 18:26
for your inheritance
God speaks of what Aaron and his descendants will receive as if they will inherit it. Alternate Translation: "as your portion of what I give to all Israel"
Num 19:7
he will remain unclean
Being unacceptable to God or unfit to do any sacred work is spoken of as not being clean.
Num 19:9
Someone who is clean
Being acceptable to God and fit to do sacred work is spoken of as being clean.
Num 19:9
in a clean place
Being acceptable to God is spoken of as being clean.
Num 19:10
He will remain unclean
Being unacceptable to God or unfit to do any sacred work is spoken of as not being clean.
Num 19:11
General Information:
The ideas of "clean" and "purify" represent being acceptable to God.
Num 19:13
That person must be cut off
Here the phrase "be cut off" means to be disowned and sent away. See how you translated this in [Numbers 9:13](../09/13.md). Alternate Translation: "That person must be sent away" or "you must send that person away"
Num 19:14
General Information:
The idea of "unclean" represents not being acceptable to God or fit for use.
Num 19:17
General Information:
The idea of "unclean" represents not being acceptable to God or fit for use.
Num 19:20
General Information:
The ideas of "clean" and "purify" represent being acceptable to God.
Num 19:20
that person will be cut off
Here the phrase "be cut off" means to be disowned and sent away. See how you translated this in [Numbers 9:13](../09/13.md). Alternate Translation: "That person must be sent away" or "you must send that person away"
Num 21:28
devoured Ar of Moab
The army of Sihon is spoken of as if it was an animal that ate up the city of Ar. Alternate Translation: "destroyed the town of Ar in the land of Moab"
Num 22:8
I will bring you
Balaam's report is spoken of as if it were something that he would carry to the messengers. Alternate Translation: "I will tell you"
Num 22:38
the words that God puts into my mouth
The message is spoken of as if it is something that God put into his mouth. Alternate Translation: "the message that God wants me to say"
Num 23:5
Yahweh put a message in Balaam's mouth
Here Yahweh giving Balaam a message to speak is spoken of as if Yahweh placed it in his mouth. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh told Balaam what he wanted him to say to Balak"
Num 23:12
to say only what Yahweh puts in my mouth
The message is spoken of as if it is something that God put into his mouth. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Numbers 22:38](../22/38.md). Alternate Translation: "to say only what Yahweh wants me to say"
Num 23:16
put a message in his mouth
The message is spoken of as if it is something that God put into his mouth. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Numbers 22:38](../22/38.md). Alternate Translation: "told him what to say"
Num 23:24
the people rise like a lioness ... he has killed
This verse is a long metaphor that speaks of Israel defeating her enemies as if Israel was a lion devouring its prey.
Num 24:8
He will eat up the nations
Balaam speaks of the Israelites as if they are wild animals that eat their enemies. This means they will destroy their enemies.
Num 24:21
your nest is in the rocks
This is a metaphor that means that they live in a secure place. Alternate Translation: "your location is as secure as a nest high in the rocks"
Num 25:11
turned my rage away from the people of Israel
God's rage is spoken of as if it were something that could be physically pushed aside in order to stop it. Alternate Translation: "caused me to no longer be angry with the people of Israel"
Num 25:11
I have not consumed the people of Israel in my fierceness
God is spoken of as if he were a fierce animal that could have eaten up the people of Israel. Alternate Translation: "I have not destroyed the people of Israel in my terrible anger"
Num 27:12
that I have given to the people of Israel
Here Yahweh speaks about the land that his is giving the Israel as if he has already given it to them. He speaks this way to emphasize that his committed to give it to them. Alternate Translation: "that I will give to the people of Israel"
Num 27:20
You must put some of your authority on him
Here Yahweh speaks of Moses giving some of his authority to Joshua as if it were an article of clothing that he could put on him. Alternate Translation: "You should give him some of your authority" or "Let him decide what the people should do"
Num 30:2
to bind himself with a promise
Here Moses speaks of a person promising to do something as if his promise were a physical object that he ties to himself. Alternate Translation: "committing to fulfill a promise" or "promising to do something"
Num 30:2
he must not break his word
The phrase "his word" refers to a man's oaths and vows. Here Moses speaks of not fulfilling these as if they were physical objects that the man could break. Alternate Translation: "he must fulfill his promises"
Num 30:3
binds herself with a promise
Here Moses speaks of a woman promising to do something as if her promise were a physical object that she ties to herself. Alternate Translation: "commits herself to fulfilling a promise" or "promises to do something"
Num 30:4
by which she has bound herself
Here Moses speaks of how a woman has committed herself to fulfilling a promise as if her promise were a physical object that she had bound to her body. Alternate Translation: "which she has committed herself to fulfill"
Num 30:5
she took on herself
Here the woman committing herself to fulfilling her vows is spoken of as if her vows were a garment that she placed on herself. Alternate Translation: "that she committed herself to" or "that she made"
Num 30:6
her solemn promises with which she has bound herself
Here Moses speaks of how a woman has committed herself to fulfilling a promise as if her promise were a physical object that she had bound to her body. Alternate Translation: "her solemn promises which she has committed herself to fulfill"
Num 30:8
with which she has bound herself
Here Moses speaks of how a woman has committed herself to fulfilling a promise as if her promise were a physical object that she had bound to her body. Alternate Translation: "which she has committed herself to fulfill"
Num 30:8
Yahweh will release her
Here Moses speaks about Yahweh forgiving the woman for not fulfilling her vow as if he were releasing her from something that bound her. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will forgive her" or "Yahweh will forgive her for not fulfilling her vow"
Num 30:9
by which she has bound herself
Here Moses speaks of how a woman has committed herself to fulfilling a promise as if her promise were a physical object that she had bound to her body. Alternate Translation: "which she has committed herself to fulfill"
Num 30:12
Yahweh will release her
Here Moses speaks about Yahweh forgiving the woman for not fulfilling her vow as if he were releasing her from something that bound her. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will forgive her" or "Yahweh will forgive her for not fulfilling her vow"
Num 30:13
that binds her
Here Moses speaks of a woman's promise that she is committed to as if it were something physically binding her body. Alternate Translation: "that she is committed to"
Num 30:14
binding promises
Moses describes a woman's promises as if they were something that she is physically bound by. Alternate Translation: "obligations" or "promises"
Num 32:4
the lands that Yahweh attacked before the community of Israel
Yahweh enabling the Israelites to conquer the people who lived in the land is spoken of as if Yahweh went before the Israelites and attacked the people. Alternate Translation: "the lands where Yahweh enabled us to defeat the people living there"
Num 32:10
Yahweh's anger was kindled
Yahweh becoming angry is spoken of as if his anger was a fire that begins to burn. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh became very angry"
Num 32:11
completely followed me
Being devoted to Yahweh and obeying him are spoken of as if they were following Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "completely obeyed me" or "been completely devoted to me"
Num 32:13
Yahweh's anger was kindled against Israel
Yahweh becoming angry is spoken of as if his anger was a fire that begins to burn. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh became very angry with Israel"
Num 32:14
you have risen up in your fathers' place
The people of Reuben and Gad acting like their ancestors did is spoken of as if they were standing in the place where their ancestors did. Alternate Translation: "you have begun to act just like your ancestors"
Num 32:14
to add to Yahweh's burning anger toward Israel
The people causing Yahweh to become angrier is spoken of as if his anger was a fire and the people are adding more fuel to that fire. Alternate Translation: "to cause Yahweh to be even more angry with Israel"
Num 32:18
has obtained his inheritance
The land that the people were to receive as a permanent possession is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they were to obtain. Alternate Translation: "has taken possession of his portion of the land"
Num 32:21
until he has driven out his enemies from before him
until Yahweh has driven out his enemies from his presence. The pronouns here all refer to Yahweh. Yahweh enabling the Israelites to defeat their enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh were fighting their battles. Alternate Translation: "until Yahweh has enabled your soldiers to defeat the enemy and force them away from his presence"
Num 32:32
our possessed inheritance
The land that the people were to receive as a permanent possession is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they were to obtain. Alternate Translation: "the portion of land that we will possess"
Num 33:4
he also inflicted punishment on their gods
Yahweh proving that he is more powerful than all of the false gods that the Egyptians worshiped is spoken of as if Yahweh punished those false gods. Alternate Translation: "he also proved that he is greater than their gods"
Num 33:54
inherit the land
The Israelites claiming the land as their permanent possession is spoken of as if they were inheriting the land.
Num 35:22
without lying in wait
Someone intentionally seeking a way to harm another person is spoken of as if someone were hiding in order to ambush that other person. Alternate Translation: "without intentionally having tried to harm the victim"
Num 35:33
Do not pollute in this way the land where you live, because blood from murder pollutes the land
Making the land unacceptable to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were physically polluting the land. Alternate Translation: "Do not make the land where you live unacceptable to me in this way, because blood from murder makes the land unacceptable to me"
Num 36:8
may own an inheritance
The land that each clan possesses is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received.
Num 36:9
No share may change hands from one tribe to another
Transferring ownership from one tribe to another is spoken of as if the property passed from one person's hands to another person's hands. Alternate Translation: "No one may transfer the ownership of any share of land from one tribe to another"
Num 36:12
their inheritances
The land that each of Zelophehad's daughters possessed is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received. Alternate Translation: "the lands that they received as an inheritance"
Deu 1:11
a thousand times
The phrase "a thousand" is a metaphor for "very many." Alternate Translation: "very many times"
Deu 1:12
carry your loads, your burdens
Moses speaks as if the people's problems and complaints that he needed to take care of were heavy physical objects that he had been carrying. Alternate Translation: "take care of your problems, your complaints"
Deu 1:25
brought us word and said
The speaker speaks as if a "word" were a physical object that someone could bring. Alternate Translation: "told us"
Deu 3:20
Yahweh gives rest to your brothers
The writer speaks as if the ability to rest were a physical object that could be given as a gift. The word "rest" is also a metaphor for peaceful life in which there is no war. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh allows your brothers to rest" or "Yahweh allows your brothers to stop fighting wars and live peacefully"
Deu 4:4
you who clung to Yahweh
The writer speaks as if trusting in Yahweh and obeying him were like physically holding on to a person. Alternate Translation: "you who were careful to obey Yahweh"
Deu 4:20
brought you out of the iron furnace
Moses speaks of Egypt and the hard work the Israelites did there as if it were an oven in which iron is heated and the Israelites were the iron. Alternate Translation: "brought you out of the land where people made you do hard work"
Deu 4:24
Yahweh your God is a devouring fire, a jealous God
Moses compares how Yahweh acts when he is angry to the way a fire destroys things. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh your God will severely punish and destroy you like a fire does because he does not want you to worship other gods"
Deu 4:26
you will not prolong your days
Long days are a metaphor for a long life. Alternate Translation: "you will not be able to live a long time"
Deu 4:27
Yahweh will scatter you among the peoples
Moses speaks as if the people were seeds that Yahweh would scatter around a field. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will send you to many different places and force you to live there"
Deu 4:34
by a mighty hand, and by an outstretched arm
Here "a mighty hand" and "an outstretched arm" are metaphors for Yahweh's power. Alternate Translation: "by showing his mighty power"
Deu 4:40
prolong your days
Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:26](./26.md). Alternate Translation: "be able to live a long time"
Deu 5:15
by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm
Here "a mighty hand" and "an outstretched arm" are metaphors for Yahweh's power. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:34](../04/34.md). Alternate Translation: "by showing his mighty power"
Deu 5:32
you will not turn aside to the right hand or to the left
This compares a person disobeying God to a person turning off of the correct path. Alternate Translation: "you will not disobey him in any way" or "you will do everything he says"
Deu 5:33
prolong your days
Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 4:40](../04/40.md). Alternate Translation: "be able to live a long time"
Deu 6:2
that your days may be prolonged
Long days are a metaphor for a long life. This can be stated in active form. This can be translated similarly to "prolong your days" in [Deuteronomy 4:26](../04/26.md). Alternate Translation: "that I may prolong your days" or "that I may cause you to live a long time"
Deu 6:21
with a mighty hand
Here "a mighty hand" refers to Yahweh's power. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 4:34](../04/34.md). Alternate Translation: "with his mighty power"
Deu 7:2
gives them over to you
Moses speaks of victory as if it were a physical object one person could give to another. Alternate Translation: "enables you to defeat them"
Deu 7:4
So the anger of Yahweh will be kindled against you
Moses compares Yahweh's anger to someone starting a fire. This emphasizes Yahweh's power to destroy what makes him angry. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will kindle his anger against you" or "Then Yahweh will become very angry with you"
Deu 7:6
you are a nation that is set apart
Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations.
Deu 7:8
with a mighty hand
Here "a mighty hand" refers to Yahweh's power. These words also appear in [Deuteronomy 4:34](../04/34.md). Alternate Translation: "with his mighty power"
Deu 7:8
redeemed you out of the house of bondage
Moses speaks of Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves as if Yahweh had paid money to a slave owner. Alternate Translation: "rescued you from being slaves"
Deu 7:15
none of the evil diseases ... will he put on you, but he will put them on all those who hate you
Moses speaks as if disease were a heavy object that Yahweh would put on top of people. Alternate Translation: "he will not make you sick with any of the evil diseases ... but he will make your enemies sick with them"
Deu 7:16
that will be a trap for you
If the people worship other gods, they will be like an animal caught in a hunter's trap, and they will be unable to escape.
Deu 7:19
the mighty hand, and the outstretched arm
Here "a mighty hand" and "an outstretched arm" are metaphors for Yahweh's power. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 4:34](../04/34.md). Alternate Translation: "and the mighty power"
Deu 7:25
you will become trapped by it
Even taking the gold or silver on the idols could cause the people to start worshiping them. By doing this they would become like an animal caught by a trap. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "it will become a trap to you"
Deu 7:26
for it is set apart for destruction
Yahweh cursing something and promising to destroy it is spoken of as if Yahweh were setting the object apart from everything else. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "for Yahweh has set it apart for destruction"
Deu 8:14
out of the house of bondage
This is a metaphor for the time they were slaves in Egypt. Alternate Translation: "out from the place where you were slaves"
Deu 8:19
walk after other gods
Walking is a metaphor for obeying. Alternate Translation: "serve other gods"
Deu 9:12
They have quickly turned aside out of the path that I commanded them
Moses speaks as if obeying God's commands were walking along a path. Alternate Translation: "They have already disobeyed my commands"
Deu 9:26
you have redeemed
Moses speaks as if Yahweh had rescued the Israelites by paying money to free them from slavery. Alternate Translation: "you have rescued"
Deu 9:26
with a mighty hand
Here "a mighty hand" refers to Yahweh's power. See how you translated similar words in [Deuteronomy 4:34](../04/34.md). Alternate Translation: "with your mighty power"
Deu 10:12
to walk in all his ways
Moses speaks as if obeying Yahweh were walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "to obey all his commands"
Deu 10:16
circumcise the foreskin of your heart
The word "foreskin" refers to the fold of skin on a man's private parts that is removed during circumcision. Here Moses is referring to a spiritual circumcision. This means the people must remove the sin from their lives.
Deu 10:20
To him you must cling
To have a good relationship with Yahweh and to completely rely on him is spoken of as if the person were clinging to Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "You must rely on him" or "He is the one you must rely on"
Deu 11:2
his mighty hand, or his outstretched arm
Here "mighty hand" and "outstretched arm" are metaphors for Yahweh's power. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:34](../04/34.md). Alternate Translation: "or his mighty power"
Deu 11:9
prolong your days
Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:26](../04/26.md). Alternate Translation: "be able to live a long time"
Deu 11:16
you turn aside and worship other gods
Rejecting Yahweh and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if the person would physically turn and go in a different direction away from Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "you start worshiping other gods"
Deu 11:17
so that the anger of Yahweh is not kindled against you
God becoming angry is spoken of as if it were a fire that were starting. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "so that Yahweh does not become angry with you"
Deu 11:17
so that he does not shut up the heavens so that there will be no rain, and the land will not yield its fruit
God causing no rain to fall from the sky is spoken of as if he were closing the sky. Alternate Translation: "so that he does not cause the rain to stop falling from the sky so that crops will not grow in the land"
Deu 11:18
lay up these words of mine in your heart and soul
A person always thinking about and considering what Moses commands is spoken of as if the heart and soul were a container and Moses's words were the content to fill the container. Alternate Translation: "be very careful to remember these words that I am saying to you"
Deu 11:22
walk in all his ways
How Yahweh wants a person to live and behave is spoken of as if they are Yahweh's ways or roads. A person obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if he were walking on Yahweh's ways or roads.
Deu 11:22
to cling to him
To have a good relationship with Yahweh and to completely rely on him is spoken of as if the person were clinging to Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "to rely on him" or "to have a good relationship with him" Look at how similar words are translated in [Deuteronomy 10:20](../10/20.md).
Deu 11:25
Yahweh your God will lay the fear of you and the terror of you upon all the land that you tread on
Yahweh causing the people to be very afraid is spoken of as if fear and terror were an object that he will place on the people. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh your God will cause the people in every place you go to be very afraid of you"
Deu 11:26
I set before you today a blessing and a curse
Allowing the people to choose whether they want God to bless them or curse them is spoken of as if a blessing and a curse were objects that Moses is setting in front of them. Alternate Translation: "Today you must choose whether God will bless you or curse you"
Deu 11:28
but turn aside from the way that I command you today, to go after other gods
The commands of Yahweh that Moses is telling the people are spoken of as if they were God's way or road. To not obey God's commands is spoken of as if people physically were to turn in another direction away from Yahweh to follow other gods. Alternate Translation: "but stop obeying what I command you today, in order to worship other gods"
Deu 11:29
you will set the blessing on Mount Gerizim, and the curse on Mount Ebal
The blessing and the curse are spoken of as if they were objects that someone will set on the mountains. Alternate Translation: "some of you must stand on top of Mount Gerazim and proclaim what will cause Yahweh to bless you, and the others must stand on top of Mount Ebal and proclaim what will cause Yahweh to curse you"
Deu 11:32
I set before you
God's statutes and decrees, which Moses is telling the people, are spoken of as if they were objects that Moses is setting before the people. Alternate Translation: "I am giving to you"
Deu 12:8
now everyone is doing whatever is right in his own eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "everyone is doing what he considers to be right" or "now everyone is doing what he judges to be right"
Deu 12:9
to the inheritance that Yahweh your God is giving you
The land that God is giving to the people of Israel is spoken of as if it were a possession that a father leaves as an inheritance for his children. Alternate Translation: "to the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you as a permanent possession"
Deu 12:10
in the land that Yahweh your God is causing you to inherit
God giving the land of Canaan to the people of Israel is spoken of as if he were a father giving an inheritance to his children.
Deu 12:12
because he has no portion or inheritance among you
The fact that Yahweh would not give any of the land to the Levites is spoken of as if a father were not giving them an inheritance.
Deu 12:15
the unclean ... persons
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Deu 12:15
the clean persons
A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
Deu 12:22
the unclean ... persons
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Deu 12:22
the clean persons
A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
Deu 12:23
the blood is the life
Here the way that blood sustains life is spoken of as if the blood were life itself. Alternate Translation: "the blood sustains life" or "the blood causes animals and people to live"
Deu 12:25
what is right in the eyes of Yahweh
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "what is right in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be right"
Deu 12:28
what is good and right in the eyes of Yahweh
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "what is good and right in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be good and right"
Deu 12:29
cuts off the nations
Yahweh destroying the people groups in Canaan is spoken of as if he were cutting them off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree.
Deu 12:30
that you are not trapped into following them ... trapped into investigating their gods, into asking
A person learning about and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if they are caught in a hunter's trap. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "that you do not act like them ... that you do try to learn about their gods, asking"
Deu 12:30
not trapped into following them
The Israelites worshiping idols as the people groups of Canaan worship idols is spoken of as if the Israelites were following behind the other people groups.
Deu 13:2
Let us go after other gods
Worshiping other gods is spoken of as if they were going after or following other gods. Alternate Translation: "Let us follow other gods"
Deu 13:4
You will walk after Yahweh your God
Obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the people were walking after or following Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "You will obey Yahweh"
Deu 13:4
cling to him
To have a good relationship with Yahweh and to completely rely on him is spoken of as if the person were clinging to Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "rely on him"
Deu 13:5
who redeemed you out of the house of bondage
Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves in Egypt is spoken of as if Yahweh paid money to redeem his people out of slavery. Alternate Translation: "who rescued you out of the place where you were slaves"
Deu 13:5
draw you out of the way in which Yahweh your God commanded you to walk
How God wants a person to live or behave is spoken of as if it were a way or road on which God wants his people to walk. A person trying to cause someone else to stop obeying God is spoken of as if the person were trying to get the other person to stop walking on God's way or road. Alternate Translation: "make you disobey what Yahweh your God commanded"
Deu 13:10
he has tried to draw you away from Yahweh
to turn you away from Yahweh. A person trying to cause someone else to stop obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were trying to cause someone to physically turn around and leave Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "he has tried to make you disobey Yahweh"
Deu 13:13
have drawn away the inhabitants of their city
A person causing someone else to stop obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if the person has caused the other person to physically turn and leave Yahweh.
Deu 13:17
None of those things set apart for destruction must stick in your hand
Yahweh cursing something and promising to destroy it is spoken of as if Yahweh were setting the object apart from other things. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "You must not keep any of the things God has commanded you to destroy"
Deu 13:17
Yahweh will turn from the fierceness of his anger
Yahweh no longer being angry is spoken of as his anger were an object and Yahweh physically turns away from it. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will stop being angry"
Deu 13:18
that which is right in the eyes of Yahweh your God
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "that which is right in Yahweh's judgment" or "that which Yahweh your God considers to be right"
Deu 14:2
you are a nation that is set apart to Yahweh your God
Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh your God has set you apart from other nations"
Deu 14:7
they are unclean to you
Something Yahweh says is unfit for his people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Deu 14:8
The pig is unclean to you
Something Yahweh says is unfit for his people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Deu 14:10
they are unclean to you
Something Yahweh says is unfit for his people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Deu 14:11
All clean birds
An animal that God says is fit for his people to eat is spoken of as if the animal were physically clean.
Deu 14:19
are unclean to you
Animals that God says are unfit for his people to eat are spoken of as if the animals are physically unclean.
Deu 14:20
all clean flying things
Animals that God says are fit for his people to eat are spoken of as if the animals are physically clean.
Deu 14:21
For you are a nation that is set apart to Yahweh your God
Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "For Yahweh your God has set you apart from other nations"
Deu 14:27
no portion nor inheritance with you
God not giving land to the Levites is spoken of as if he were not giving them an inheritance.
Deu 14:29
because he has no portion nor inheritance with you
God not giving any land to the Levites is spoken of as if he were not giving them an inheritance.
Deu 15:4
he gives you as an inheritance to possess
The land that Yahweh is giving to his people is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Yahweh is giving them.
Deu 15:7
you must not harden your heart
Being stubborn is spoken of as if the person hardened their heart. Alternate Translation: "you must not be stubborn"
Deu 15:7
nor shut your hand from your poor brother
A person who refuses to provide for a poor person is spoken of as if he were shutting his hand so that the poor person cannot get anything from him. Alternate Translation: "nor refuse to help your fellow Israelite who is poor"
Deu 15:8
but you must surely open your hand to him
A person who helps a poor person is spoken of as if he were opening his hand to him. Alternate Translation: "but you must surely help him"
Deu 15:9
is near
Something that will happen soon is spoken of as if it were physically near. Alternate Translation: "will happen soon"
Deu 15:11
open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor
A person who is willing to help someone else is spoken of as if his hand were open. Alternate Translation: "help your fellow Israelite, those who are needy, and those who are poor"
Deu 15:13
you must not let him go empty-handed
A person who has no possessions to provide for himself or his family is spoken of as if his hands were empty. Alternate Translation: "you must not let him leave without having anything to provide for himself and his family"
Deu 15:15
that Yahweh your God redeemed you
Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves in Egypt is spoken of as if Yahweh paid money to redeem his people from slavery.
Deu 15:22
the unclean ... persons
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Deu 15:22
the clean persons
A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
Deu 16:19
You must not take justice away by force
Moses speaks of justice as if it were a physical object that a strong person can violently pull away from a weak person. This can be stated in positive form. Your language might have one word that means "use force to take away." Alternate Translation: "You must not be unfair when you judge" or "You must make just decisions"
Deu 16:19
for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous
Taking a bribe is spoken of as if the bribe were corrupting the people. Alternate Translation: "for even a wise man who accepts a bribe will become blind, and even a righteous man who accepts a bribe will tell lies"
Deu 16:19
a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise
A wise person who accepts a bribe so that he does not speak against something evil is spoken of as if he becomes blind.
Deu 16:20
follow after justice, after justice alone
justice is spoken of as a person who is walking. A person who is doing what is fair and just is spoken of as if he was following close behindjustice. Alternate Translation: "do only what is fair"
Deu 16:20
inherit the land that Yahweh your God is giving you
Receiving the land that God is giving to the people is spoken of as if the people are inheriting the land from God.
Deu 17:10
You must follow the law given to you
A person obeying what the priests and judge decide is spoken of as if the person were physically following behind the law. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "You must obey what the judge and priests decide about the matter"
Deu 17:11
Do not turn aside from what they tell you, to the right hand or to the left
A person not doing exactly what the judge and priests say is spoken of as if he were turning off the correct path. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate Translation: "Do not disobey anything they tell you" or "Do everything they say"
Deu 17:14
set a king over myself
Giving someone the authority to rule as king in Israel is spoken of as if the people were setting the person in a place above them.
Deu 17:20
so that he does not turn away from the commandments, to the right hand or to the left
A king disobeying God's commands is spoken of as if a person were to turn off the correct path. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate Translation: "so that he does not disobey any of the commandments" or "so that he obeys all of the commandments"
Deu 17:20
prolong his days
Long days is a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated a similar phrase "prolong your days" in [Deuteronomy 4:26](../04/26.md). Alternate Translation: "be able to live a long time"
Deu 18:1
will have no portion nor inheritance with Israel
The Levites not receiving any land from Yahweh is spoken of as if they would not receive an inheritance. Alternate Translation: "will not possess any of the people's land" or "will not receive any of the land that the Israelites will possess"
Deu 18:2
Yahweh is their inheritance
Moses speaks of the great honor that Aaron and his descendants will have by serving Yahweh as priests as if Yahweh were something that they will inherit. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Deuteronomy 10:9](../10/09.md). Alternate Translation: "instead, they will have Yahweh" or "instead, Yahweh will allow them to serve him and he will provide for them through that service"
Deu 18:15
Yahweh your God will raise up for you a prophet
Yahweh appointing a person to be a prophet is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift the person up.
Deu 18:18
I will raise up a prophet for them
Yahweh appointing a person to be a prophet is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift the person up.
Deu 18:18
I will put my words in his mouth
Yahweh telling the prophet what to say is spoken of as if Yahweh would put words in the prophet's mouth.
Deu 19:1
When Yahweh your God cuts off the nations
Yahweh destroying the people who live in Canaan is spoken of as if he were cutting them off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree.
Deu 19:3
the land that Yahweh your God is causing you to inherit
Yahweh giving the land to the people of Israel is spoken of as if the people are inheriting the land.
Deu 19:6
in the heat of his anger
Someone being very angry is spoken of as if anger were something that could become hot. Alternate Translation: "and being very angry"
Deu 19:9
to always walk in his ways
How God wants a person to live or behave is spoken of as if it were Yahweh's way or road. A person who obeys Yahweh is spoken of as if he were walking on Yahweh's way or road. Alternate Translation: "to always obey him"
Deu 19:10
Yahweh your God is giving you for as an inheritance
The land that Yahweh is giving the people of Israel is spoken of as if it were an inheritance.
Deu 19:10
so that no bloodguilt may be on you
The people of Israel being guilty for a person dying because they did not build a city where he would be safe from the "blood avenger" is spoken of as if the guilt of his death is on them.
Deu 19:14
in your inheritance that you will inherit, in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you to possess
Yahweh giving the land to the people of Israel is spoken of as if they were inheriting the land. Alternate Translation: "in the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you to possess"
Deu 20:4
Yahweh your God is the one who is going with you to fight for you against your enemies
Yahweh defeating the enemies of the people of Israel is spoken of as if Yahweh were a warrior who would fight along with the people of Israel.
Deu 20:16
In the cities of these peoples that Yahweh your God is giving you as an inheritance
The cities in Canaan that Yahweh is giving to the people is spoken of as if the cities were the people's inheritance.
Deu 21:8
whom you have redeemed
Yahweh rescuing the people of Israel from being slaves in Egypt is spoken of as if Yahweh paid money to redeem his people from slavery.
Deu 21:9
what is right in the eyes of Yahweh
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "what is right in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be right"
Deu 22:7
prolong your days
Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:26](../04/26.md). Alternate Translation: "be able to live a long time"
Deu 24:17
You must not use force to take away the justice that is due the foreigner or the fatherless
Moses speaks of justice as if it were a physical object that a stronger person can violently pull away from a weaker person. Alternate Translation: "You must not treat a foreigner or the fatherless unfairly"
Deu 26:8
with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm
Here "a mighty hand" and "an outstretched arm" are metaphors for Yahweh's power. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:34](../04/34.md). Alternate Translation: "by showing his mighty power"
Deu 26:19
You will be a people that is set apart to Yahweh your God
Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh set them apart from all other nations. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh your God will set you apart from other nations"
Deu 27:19
uses force to take away the justice due to a foreigner ... widow
Moses speaks of justice as if it were a physical object that a stronger person can violently pull away from a weaker person. Your language might have one word that means "use force to take away." See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 24:17](../24/17.md). Alternate Translation: "treats a foreigner ... widow unfairly"
Deu 28:1
set you above
Moses speaks of being important or being great as if it were being physically higher, as on a higher hill. Alternate Translation: "make you more important than" or "make you greater than"
Deu 28:2
All these blessings will come on you and overtake you
Moses describes the blessings as a person who would attack them by surprise or chase and catch them. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will bless you like this in ways that will completely surprise you, and it will be as if you cannot escape having him bless you"
Deu 28:8
Yahweh will command the blessing to come on you in your barns
Moses describes Yahweh blessing the Israelites as if Yahweh were commanding a person to attack them by surprise. Alternate Translation: "When Yahweh blesses you, you will be surprised by how much grain you have in your barns"
Deu 28:9
Yahweh will establish you as a people that is set apart for himself
Yahweh choosing the people of Israel to belong to him in a special way is spoken of as if Yahweh put them in a place different from the place all other nations live in. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will make you a holy people that belongs to him"
Deu 28:12
his storehouse of the heavens
Moses speaks of the clouds from which the rain falls as if they were a building where he stores the rain. Alternate Translation: "the clouds"
Deu 28:13
the head, and not the tail
This metaphor describes the nation of Israel as an animal and means the Israelites will always be the leaders over other nations and never the servants following behind them. The Israelites will be superior in power, money, and honor.
Deu 28:14
if you do not turn away from any of the words that I am commanding you today, to the right hand or to the left, so as to go after other gods to serve them
Disobeying Yahweh and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if a person physically turned and went in a different direction from Yahweh's words. Alternate Translation: "if you do not disobey what I am commanding you today by serving other gods"
Deu 28:15
then all these curses will come on you and overtake you
Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise or chase and catch them. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will curse you like this in ways that will completely surprise you, and it will be as if you cannot escape having him curse you"
Deu 28:23
skies ... will be bronze
Moses speaks of the skies being like bronze because there will be no rain. Alternate Translation: "skies ... will give no rain"
Deu 28:23
the earth ... will be iron
Moses speaks of the earth being like iron because no crops will grow. Alternate Translation: "nothing will grow from the ground"
Deu 28:44
he will be the head, and you will be the tail
This means foreigners will have more power and authority than the Israelites. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Deuteronomy 28:13](./13.md).
Deu 28:45
All these curses will come on you and will pursue and overtake you until you are destroyed
Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise or chase and catch them. See how you translated something similar in [Deuteronomy 28:2](./02.md). Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will curse you like this in ways that will completely surprise you, and it will be as if he is chasing you and you cannot escape having him curse you"
Deu 28:48
He will put a yoke of iron on your neck
This is a metaphor for Yahweh allowing the enemy to treat the Israelites cruelly and make them slaves.
Deu 28:53
the fruit of your own body, the flesh of your sons and of your daughters
Here "the flesh of your sons and of your daughters" explains the metaphor "the fruit of your own body." The people will be so hungry after the enemy army surrounds their city that they will eat their own children.
Deu 28:53
the fruit of your own body
This speaks of children as if they were fruit that was produced by the bodies of their parents. Alternate Translation: "your own children"
Deu 28:63
You will be plucked off the land that you are going into to possess
Moses uses a metaphor to speak of the people as though they were fruit that Yahweh would take off a bush. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "He will remove you from the land which you are entering to possess"
Deu 29:18
any root that produces gall and wormwood
Moses speaks of someone who secretly worships another God as if he were a root, and the evil deeds he does to serve that god, and which he encourages others to do, as a bitter plant that poisons people. Alternate Translation: "any person who worships idols and causes others to disobey Yahweh"
Deu 29:19
This would destroy the wet together with the dry
Here the words "wet" and "dry" are metaphors for the righteous people and the wicked people. This forms a merism for "everyone." Alternate Translation: "This would cause Yahweh to destroy both the righteous people and the wicked people in the land"
Deu 29:20
the anger of Yahweh and his jealousy will smolder
Just as a fire can grow in intensity, so can God's anger and Jealousy grow in intensity. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh's jealous anger will grow like a fire"
Deu 29:20
the curses that are written in this book will come on him
Moses describes the curses as a person who would attack them by surprise. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 28:15](../28/15.md). Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will curse him with the curses written in this book in ways that will completely surprise him"
Deu 29:27
the anger of Yahweh has been kindled against this land
Moses compares Yahweh being angry to someone starting a fire. This emphasizes God's power to destroy whatever makes him angry, and it can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has became very angry with this land"
Deu 29:27
Yahweh has uprooted them from their land ... and has thrown them
Israel is compared to a bad plant that Yahweh has pulled up and thrown out of a garden. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has removed them from their land ... and has forced them to go"
Deu 29:28
Yahweh has uprooted them from their land ... and has thrown them
Israel is compared to a bad plant that Yahweh has pulled up and thrown out of a garden. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has removed them from their land ... and has forced them to go"
Deu 30:1
that I have set before you
This speaks of the blessings and curses that Moses told the people as if they were objects that he set in front of them. Alternate Translation: "that I have just now told you about"
Deu 30:6
circumcise your heart
This is not a literal removal of flesh. It means God will remove their sin and enable them to love and obey him.
Deu 30:7
will put all these curses on your enemies
Moses speaks of curses as though they were a load or a cover that someone could physically put on top of a person. Alternate Translation: "will cause your enemies to suffer from these curses"
Deu 30:11
neither is it too far for you to reach
Moses speaks of being able to understand what a commandment requires a person to do as if it were that person being able to reach a physical object. Alternate Translation: "neither is it too difficult for you to understand what Yahweh requires you to do"
Deu 30:15
I have placed before you
Putting something where another person can see it is a metaphor for telling someone about something. Alternate Translation: "I have told you about"
Deu 30:18
prolong your days
Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:26](../04/26.md). Alternate Translation: "be able to live a long time"
Deu 31:16
will rise up and act like a prostitute
Being a prostitute is a metaphor for worshiping gods other than Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "will start to be unfaithful to me"
Deu 31:17
my anger will be kindled against them
Yahweh compares his anger to someone starting a fire. This emphasizes God's power to destroy whatever makes him angry. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I will kindle my anger against them" or "I will become angry with them"
Deu 31:17
devoured
This is a metaphor for "completely destroyed."
Deu 31:21
the plans that they are forming
What people plan to do is spoken of as if it were a physical object. Alternate Translation: "what they plan to do"
Deu 31:29
what is evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "what is evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
Deu 32:4
The Rock
This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people.
Deu 32:4
all his paths are just
Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate Translation: "he does everything in a just way"
Deu 32:13
nourished him with honey
This is like a mother giving her breast to an infant. "allowed him to suck honey"
Deu 32:15
the Rock of his salvation
This means Yahweh is strong like a rock and able to protect his people.
Deu 32:15
the Rock
This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 32:4](./04.md).
Deu 32:18
You have deserted the Rock
Here Yahweh is called the rock because he is strong and protective. Alternate Translation: "You have left the protective care of Yahweh"
Deu 32:18
the Rock
This a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. See how you translated this in [Deuteronomy 32:4](./04.md).
Deu 32:18
who became your father ... who gave you birth
This compares Yahweh to a father and a mother. This means God caused them to live and to be a nation. Alternate Translation: "who fathered you ... who gave life to you"
Deu 32:19
his sons and his daughters
This refers to the people of Israel whom Yahweh gave life to and made into a nation.
Deu 32:22
For a fire is kindled by my anger ... foundations of the mountains
Yahweh compares his anger to a fire. This emphasizes his power to destroy what makes him angry.
Deu 32:23
I will heap disasters on them
Yahweh speaks of bad things that would happen to the Israelites as if they were something like dirt that he could pile up on top of the Israelites. Alternate Translation: "I will make sure that many bad things happen to them"
Deu 32:23
I will shoot all my arrows at them
Here Yahweh compares the bad things he will make sure happen to the Israelites to someone shooting arrows from a bow. Alternate Translation: "I will do all I can do to kill them"
Deu 32:30
unless their Rock had sold them
The word "Rock" refers to Yahweh who is strong and able to protect his people. Alternate Translation: "unless Yahweh, their Rock, had handed them over"
Deu 32:30
their Rock ... our Rock
The Rock here is a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. Translate "Rock" as in [Deuteronomy 32:4](./04.md).
Deu 32:31
their Rock ... our Rock
The Rock here is a proper name that Moses gives to Yahweh, who, like a rock, is strong and able to protect his people. Translate "Rock" as in [Deuteronomy 32:4](./04.md).
Deu 32:32
For their vine comes from the vine of Sodom ... clusters are bitter
Moses compares enemies who worship false gods to the wicked people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah and to grapevines that produce poisonous fruit. This means their enemies are wicked and will cause the Israelites to die if the Israelites start to act like the people who live around them.
Deu 32:32
their vine comes from the vine of Sodom, and from the fields of Gomorrah
The vine is a metaphor for the people group. "it is as if their vine were a branch of the vines that grew in the fields of Sodom and Gomorrah" or Alternate Translation: "they do evil the same way the people who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah did"
Deu 32:33
Their wine is the poison of serpents and the cruel venom of asps
Moses continues comparing the enemies of the people of Israel to grapevines that produce poisonous fruit and wine. This means their enemies are wicked.
Deu 32:35
the things that are to come on them will hurry to happen
Yahweh speaks of the bad things that will happen to his enemies as if the bad things were people running eagerly to punish them. Alternate Translation: "I will punish them quickly"
Deu 32:42
I will make my arrows drunk with blood, and my sword will devour flesh with the blood
Yahweh speaks of arrows as if they were people to whom he could give alcohol and make them drunk, and of a sword as if it were a person who was so hungry that he would eat an animal before draining the blood out. These metaphors are metonyms for a soldier using arrows and a sword to kill many enemies. This in turn is a metaphor for Yahweh killing his enemies in war.
Deu 32:47
prolong your days
Long days are a metaphor for a long life. See how you translated these words in [Deuteronomy 4:26](../04/26.md). Alternate Translation: "be able to live a long time"
Deu 33:2
Yahweh came from Sinai and rose from Seir upon them. He shined out from Mount Paran
Moses compares Yahweh to the rising sun. Alternate Translation: "When Yahweh came from Sinai, he looked to them like the sun when it rises from Seir and shines out from Mount Paran"
Deu 33:11
rise up ... rise up
This phrase is used twice as a metaphor. Alternate Translation: "rise up to fight ... cause any more trouble"
Deu 33:16
Let the blessing come on the head of Joseph
This metaphor is of a man putting his hand on the head of a son and asking God to bless the son. The man here is Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "May Yahweh bless Joseph as a father blesses his son"
Deu 33:17
The firstborn of an ox, majestic is he
The ox is a metaphor for something large and strong. The word "firstborn" is a metaphor for honor. Alternate Translation: "People will honor Joseph's descendants, who are many and powerful"
Deu 33:17
his horns are the horns of
The horn is a metaphor for strength. Alternate Translation: "he is as strong as"
Deu 33:17
With them he will push
Pushing with his horns is a metaphor for strength. Alternate Translation: "He is so strong that he will push"
Deu 33:19
For they will suck the abundance of the seas
The Hebrew word translated "suck" here refers to how a baby nurses at its mother's breast. It means the people will gain wealth from the sea like a baby gets milk from its mother.
Deu 33:22
Dan is a lion cub that leaps out from Bashan
The people of Dan are strong like a lion cub, and they attack their enemies who live in Bashan. You can make clear the understood information.
Deu 33:23
satisfied with favor
Yahweh being pleased with Naphtali is spoken of as if "favor" were food that Naphtali ate until he was no longer hungry. Alternate Translation: "who has all the good things he desires because Yahweh is pleased with him"
Deu 33:26
rides through the heavens ... on the clouds
This is an image of Yahweh riding on clouds through the sky like a king on his chariot riding through a battlefield. Alternate Translation: "rides through the heavens like a king rides through a battlefield ... on the clouds like a king on his chariot"
Deu 33:27
underneath are the everlasting arms
The words "everlasting arms" are a metaphor for Yahweh's promise to protect his people forever. Alternate Translation: "he will support and take care of his people forever"
Deu 33:28
let his heavens drop dew
The dew is spoken of as being so much that it is as if it were raining. Possible meanings are 1) Moses is blessing Israel, "may much dew cover the land like rain" or 2) Moses is telling what will happen in the future, "much dew will cover the land like rain."
Deu 33:29
the shield of your help
The word "shield" is a metaphor for Yahweh protecting and defending the Israelites. The abstract noun "help" can be translated as a verb. Alternate Translation: "the one who protects you and helps you"
Deu 33:29
the sword of your majesty
The word "sword" is a metaphor for the power to kill with the sword in order to win battles. Alternate Translation: "the one who enables you to win battles and so have majesty"
Deu 34:9
Joshua ... was full of the spirit of wisdom
The writer speaks as if Joshua were a container and the spirit were a physical object that could be put into a container. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh enabled Joshua ... to be very wise"
Jos 2:9
fear of you has come upon us
Becoming afraid is spoken of as if feat came and attacked them. Alternate Translation: "we have become afraid of you"
Jos 2:9
will melt away before you
This compares the fearful people to ice melting and flowing away. Possible meanings are 1) they will be weak in the Israelites' presence or 2) they will be scattered. Alternate Translation: "will be so afraid that they will not resist you"
Jos 2:24
inhabitants of the land are melting away
The people of the land toward Israel are like a substance that melts in the presence of heat.
Jos 3:7
I will make you a great man in the eyes of all Israel
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "the people will see what I do and realize that I have made you a great man"
Jos 3:10
drive out from before you
Yahweh will force the other people living on the land to leave or be killed.
Jos 5:6
a land flowing with milk and honey
God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. Alternate Translation: "a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops"
Jos 5:9
This day I have rolled away the disgrace of Egypt from you
Their disgrace is spoken of as if it were a large stone that blocked their path. Here "rolled away" means "removed." Alternate Translation: "This day I have removed the disgrace of Egypt from you" or "You were disgraced when you were slaves in Egypt. But, today I have caused you to no longer be disgraced"
Jos 5:13
he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing
Here looking up is spoken of as if Joshua literally lifted his eyes in his hands. Alternate Translation: "he looked up and saw that a man was standing"
Jos 6:18
be on guard about taking the things
Being careful is spoken of as if they are to guard themselves. "Be careful that you do not take the things"
Jos 6:18
you will bring trouble on it
Doing something that makes bad things to happen to the city is spoken of as bringing trouble on it. Alternate Translation: "you will cause bad things to happen to it"
Jos 6:26
Cursed is the man in Yahweh's sight who rebuilds
Being cursed in Yahweh's sight represents being cursed by Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "May Yahweh curse the man who rebuilds"
Jos 6:26
At the cost of his firstborn son, he will lay the foundation
The consequence of a man laying a new foundation for Jericho is that his firstborn son would die. This is spoken of as if it were a cost that the man would pay. Alternate Translation: "If he lays the foundation, he will lose his firstborn son" or "If he lays the foundation, his firstborn son will die"
Jos 6:26
at the cost of his youngest son, he will set up its gates
The consequence of a man setting up new gates for Jericho is that his youngest son would die. This is spoken of as if it were a cost that the man would pay. Alternate Translation: "If he sets up its gates, he will lose his youngest son" or "If he sets up it gates, his youngest son will die"
Jos 6:27
his fame spread throughout the land
This refers to Joshua's fame, not Yahweh's. Becoming known among the people throughout the land is spoken of as if his fame spread. Alternate Translation: "Joshua became famous throughout the land" or "people throughout the land learned about Joshua"
Jos 7:1
Yahweh's anger burned
anger and "burned" indicates intensity, not that fire is present. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh's anger burned like a fire" or "Yahweh was very angry"
Jos 7:11
They have stolen and then also hidden their sin
Hiding their sin represents trying to keep others from knowing that they have sinned. Alternate Translation: "They have stolen those things, and then they tried to keep people from knowing that they sinned"
Jos 7:15
he has broken the covenant of Yahweh
Breaking the covenant represents disobeying it. Alternate Translation: "he has disobeyed the covenant of Yahweh"
Jos 7:19
Do not hide it from me
Hiding information represents trying to keep someone from knowing it. Alternate Translation: "Do not try to prevent me from knowing what you have done"
Jos 7:26
Yahweh turned away his burning anger
Turning away his anger represents stopping being angry. Burning anger represents strong anger. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh stopped being angry"
Jos 11:6
I am giving them all to Israel as dead men
Yahweh enabling Israel to conquer the enemy army and kill all of the soldiers is spoken of as if Yahweh killed the soldiers and then gave them to Israel. Alternate Translation: "I will enable Israel to kill all of them in battle"
Jos 11:8
Yahweh gave the enemy into the hand of Israel
Here the word "hand" represents power. Yahweh enabling the army of Israel to conquer their enemy is spoken of as if Yahweh had put the enemy army into Israel's hand. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh enabled Israel to conquer the enemy"
Jos 11:10
Hazor had been head of all these kingdoms
Hazor being the most important city is spoken of as Hazor being the head of the other kingdoms. Alternate Translation: Hazor had been the most important of all these kingdoms"
Jos 11:20
it was Yahweh who hardened their hearts
Yahweh causing the people of the cities to be stubborn is spoken of as if Yahweh had hardened their hearts. Alternate Translation: "it was Yahweh who caused them to act stubbornly"
Jos 11:23
Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel
Joshua giving the land to the Israelites is spoken of as if he had given the Israelites an inheritance as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "Joshua gave the land to the Israelites as a permanent possession"
Jos 13:6
land ... as an inheritance
The land that Israel will claim is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they will receive as a permanent possession.
Jos 13:14
Moses gave no inheritance
The land that Moses assigned to the tribes of Israel is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession.
Jos 13:14
The offerings of Yahweh ... are their inheritance
The writer speaks of the great honor that the Levites had by serving Yahweh as priests as if the offerings were something that they would inherit. Alternate Translation: "The offerings of Yahweh ... are what they will have for their provision"
Jos 13:23
This was the inheritance of the tribe of Reuben
The land that Moses assigned to the tribe of Reuben is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that the tribe of Reuben received as a permanent possession.
Jos 13:28
This is the inheritance of the tribe of Gad
The land that Moses assigned to the tribe of Gad is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that the tribe of Gad received as a permanent possession.
Jos 13:29
Moses gave an inheritance to the half tribe of Manasseh
The land that Moses assigned to the half tribe of Manasseh is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that he gave to them as a permanent possession.
Jos 13:32
This is the inheritance that Moses assigned to them
The land that Moses assigned to the tribes of Israel on the east side of the Jordan is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Moses gave to them as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "This is the land that Moses assigned to them as an inheritance"
Jos 13:33
Yahweh, the God of Israel, is their inheritance
The writer speaks of the great honor that the Levites had by serving Yahweh as priests as if Yahweh were something that they would inherit. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh, the God of Israel, is what they have"
Jos 14:1
the areas of land that the people of Israel received as their inheritance
The land that the people of Israel acquired is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession.
Jos 14:3
Moses had given the inheritance of the two and one-half tribes beyond the Jordan, but to the Levites he gave no inheritance
The land that Moses gave to the tribes is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession.
Jos 14:8
made the heart of the people melt with fear
Making the people very afraid is spoken of as if it were making the hearts of the people melt. Alternate Translation: "made the people very afraid"
Jos 14:8
I completely followed Yahweh
Being loyal to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were completely following Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "I remained loyal to Yahweh"
Jos 14:9
the land ... will be an inheritance for you and for your children forever
The land that Caleb and his descendants would have is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they would receive as a permanent possession.
Jos 14:13
gave Hebron as an inheritance to Caleb
Hebron is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Caleb received as a permanent possession.
Jos 14:14
he completely followed Yahweh
Being loyal to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were completely following Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "he remained loyal to Yahweh"
Jos 15:5
at the mouth of the Jordan
The point at which the river empties into the sea is spoken of as if it were the mouth of the river.
Jos 15:20
This was the inheritance of the tribe of Judah
The land that the tribe of Judah received is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "This was the land that the tribe of Judah received as an inheritance"
Jos 16:4
received their inheritance
The land that the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim possessed is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "received this land as their inheritance"
Jos 16:8
This was the inheritance of the tribe of Ephraim
The land that Ephraim possessed is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "This was the land that the tribe of Ephraim received as an inheritance"
Jos 16:9
within the inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh
The land that the tribe of Manasseh possessed is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "within the land that the tribe of Manasseh had received as an inheritance"
Jos 17:4
to give to us an inheritance
The land is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that the people received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "to give to us some land as an inheritance"
Jos 17:6
received an inheritance
The land is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "received land as an inheritance"
Jos 18:2
whose inheritance had not been assigned
The land that the tribes would receive is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they would receive as a permanent possession. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "to whom Joshua had not assigned land as an inheritance"
Jos 18:4
their inheritances
The land that they are to survey is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that each of the tribes would receive as a permanent possession.
Jos 18:7
for the priesthood of Yahweh is their inheritance
Joshua speaks of the great honor that the Levites have by serving Yahweh as priests as if it were something that they inherited. Alternate Translation: "for the priesthood of Yahweh is what they have"
Jos 18:7
have received their inheritance
The land that the tribes received is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "have received land as their inheritance"
Jos 18:18
the shoulder of Beth Arabah
Land that is in the form of a slope or ridge is spoken of as if it were a shoulder. Alternate Translation: "the slope of Beth Arabah"
Jos 18:19
the north shoulder of Beth Hoglah
Land that is in the form of a slope or ridge is spoken of as if it were a shoulder. Alternate Translation: "the north slope of Beth Hoglah"
Jos 18:20
This was the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin
The land that the tribe of Benjamin received is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "This was the land that the tribe of Benjamin received as an inheritance"
Jos 18:28
This was the inheritance of Benjamin
The land and cities that the tribe of Benjamin received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Benjamin received as an inheritance"
Jos 19:1
Their inheritance was in the middle of the inheritance that belonged to the tribe of Judah
The land is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that the tribes received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "The land that they received as an inheritance was in the middle of the land that the tribe of Judah received as an inheritance"
Jos 19:2
They had for their inheritance
The land and cities that the tribe of Simeon received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "They had the following cities for their inheritance"
Jos 19:8
This was the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon
The land and cities that the tribe of Simeon received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Simeon received as an inheritance"
Jos 19:16
This was the inheritance of the tribe of Zebulun
The land and cities that the tribe of Zebulun received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Zebulun received as an inheritance"
Jos 19:23
This was the inheritance of the tribe of Issachar
The land and cities that the tribe of Issachar received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Issachar received as an inheritance"
Jos 19:31
This was the inheritance of the tribe of Asher
The land and cities that the tribe of Asher received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Asher received as an inheritance"
Jos 19:39
This was the inheritance of the tribe of Naphtali
The land and cities that the tribe of Naphtali received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Naphtali received as an inheritance"
Jos 19:41
The territory of its inheritance
The land that the tribe of Dan received is spoken of as if it was an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "The territory of land that the tribe of Dan received as an inheritance"
Jos 19:48
This was the inheritance of the tribe of Dan
The land and cities that the tribe of Dan received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "This was the land and the cities that the tribe of Dan received as an inheritance"
Jos 19:49
gave an inheritance among themselves to Joshua son of Nun
The city that Joshua received is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that he received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "gave a city within their own land as an inheritance to Joshua son of Nun"
Jos 19:51
These are the inheritances ... assigned
The land and cities that the various tribes received are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that they received as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "These are the portions of land and the cities ... assigned as inheritances"
Jos 22:5
to walk in all his ways
A person obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if he were walking on Yahweh's ways or roads. Alternate Translation: "to obey everything he says"
Jos 22:11
at the front of the land of Canaan
The Israelite tribes who lived across the Jordan River would enter Canaan at the place where they built the altar. This place is spoken of as if it was the "front" or "entrance" to Canaan where the other tribes lived. Alternate Translation: "at the entrance to the land of Canaan"
Jos 22:27
to be a witness between us and you
The altar is spoken of as if it were a witness that could testify to the rights of the three tribes.
Jos 22:29
turn away from following him
To stop following Yahweh is spoken of as if they were turning away from him. Alternate Translation: "stop following him"
Jos 22:34
It is a witness between us
The altar is spoken of as if it were a witness that could testify for the three tribes.
Jos 23:6
turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left
Disobeying the commands of the law of Moses is spoken of as turning to the right or to the left away from a path.
Jos 23:8
cling to Yahweh
hold tightly to Yahweh. Believing in Yahweh is spoken of as if they were holding tightly onto him. Alternate Translation: "continue to believe in Yahweh"
Jos 23:12
cling to the survivors of these nations
Accepting the beliefs of these nations is spoken of as holding tightly to them. Alternate Translation: "accept the beliefs of the survivors of these nations"
Jos 23:13
whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes
These phrases speak of the troubles these nations will cause Israel as if they were as painful as whips and thorns.
Jos 23:16
the anger of Yahweh will be kindled against you
Kindled here is a metaphor for the beginning of Yahweh's anger, like a fire is "kindled" or started with "kindling" or very easy to start burning like dried grass or small twigs. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will begin to be angry with you"
Jos 24:1
Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel
Joshua's summons to the tribes is spoken of as if he gathered them together in a basket. Alternate Translation: "Joshua asked all the tribes of Israel to meet with him"
Jos 24:15
If it seems wrong in your eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or desire. Alternate Translation: "If you do not want"
Jos 24:20
He will consume you
Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if he was a fire that would destroy them. Alternate Translation: "He will destroy you as with fire"
Jos 24:23
turn your heart to Yahweh
Deciding to obey Yahweh only is spoken of as turning their heart towards him. Here "heart" represents the whole person. In this case, "heart" is plural because it refers to all the Israelites as a single group. However, it may be best to translate it in the plural since "your" is plural. Alternate Translation: "turn yourselves to Yahweh" or "decide to obey Yahweh"
Jos 24:25
He put in place decrees and laws
Establishing laws is spoken of as if Joshua physically set them in place like monuments. Alternate Translation: "He established decrees and laws" or "He gave them laws and decrees to obey"
Jdg 2:3
become thorns in your sides
The Canaanites troubling the Israelites is spoken of as if the Canaanites would be thorns in the side of the Israelites. Alternate Translation: "cause you trouble"
Jdg 2:3
their gods will become a trap for you
The Israelites worshiping the Canaanite gods is spoken of as if the false gods were a hunter's trap that catches an animal and causes it harm.
Jdg 2:11
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considered to be evil"
Jdg 2:12
They broke away from Yahweh
The Israelites no longer obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if they physically broke away from him and left him.
Jdg 2:12
They went after other gods
The Israelites starting to worship false gods is spoken of as if the Israelites walked and went after the false gods.
Jdg 2:14
The anger of Yahweh burned against Israel
The anger of Yahweh is described as burning like a fire. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh became very angry with the people of Israel"
Jdg 2:14
He sold them as slaves who were held by the strength of their enemies around them, so they could no longer defend themselves against their enemies
Yahweh allowing the enemies to take the Israelites as slaves is spoken of as if he sold them into slavery. The phrase "who were held by" can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "He allowed their enemies to conquer them and take them as slaves, and they could no longer resist their powerful enemies"
Jdg 2:16
Then Yahweh raised up judges
Yahweh appointing persons to be judges is spoken of as if he were raising or lifting the persons up.
Jdg 2:18
When Yahweh raised up judges
Yahweh appointing persons to be judges is spoken of as if he raised or lifted up the persons.
Jdg 2:19
they would turn away
The people no longer obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if they would physically turn away from Yahweh.
Jdg 2:19
They would go after other gods to serve them and worship them
The Israelites worshiping other gods is spoken of as if they were walking and going after other gods. Alternate Translation: "They would serve and worship other gods"
Jdg 2:20
The anger of Yahweh burned against Israel
The anger of Yahweh is described as burning like a fire. See how you translated this phrase in [Judges 2:14](./14.md).
Jdg 2:22
they will keep the way of Yahweh and walk in it
How Yahweh wants people to live or behave is spoken of as if it were a way or road. A person obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if they were walking in his way.
Jdg 3:7
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [Judges 2:11](../02/11.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considered to be evil"
Jdg 3:8
the anger of Yahweh was set on fire
Yahweh becoming very angry is spoken of as if his anger were something that could be set on fire. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh became very angry"
Jdg 3:8
sold them into the hand of Cushan-Rishathaim
Allowing the people of Israel to be conquered is spoken of as if Yahweh sold them to Cushan-Rishathaim. Alternate Translation: "allowed Cushan-Rishathaim and his army to defeat them"
Jdg 3:9
Yahweh raised up someone
Yahweh appointing someone to do a special work for him is spoken of as if Yahweh raised or lifted up the person.
Jdg 3:12
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [Judges 2:11](../02/11.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considered to be evil"
Jdg 3:15
raised up someone
Yahweh appointing someone to do a special service for him is spoken of as if he raised or lifted up the person.
Jdg 3:28
for Yahweh is about to defeat your enemies
Yahweh helping the Israelites to defeat their enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh were a warrior who would fight and defeat their enemies.
Jdg 4:1
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [Judges 2:11](../02/11.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considered to be evil"
Jdg 4:9
the road on which you are going will not lead to your honor
The choice Barak makes is spoken of as if Barak were choosing a road on which to travel. And, "honor" is spoken of as if it were a destination to which one travels. Alternate Translation: "no one will honor you for what you do"
Jdg 4:21
a deep sleep
Like a person in a deep hole cannot easily climb out, a person in a deep sleep cannot easily wake up.
Jdg 4:23
God defeated Jabin, the king of Canaan, before the people of Israel
God causing the Israelites to defeat Jabin and his army is spoken of as is God himself defeated Jabin as the people of Israel watched.
Jdg 5:4
when you went out from Seir, when you marched from Edom
This refers to the time when the Israelites left Edom to start conquering the people in Canaan. Yahweh empowering his people to defeat the people of Canaan is spoken of as if he were a warrior leading the Israelite army.
Jdg 5:4
the earth shook, and the skies also trembled; also the clouds poured down water
Possible meanings are 1) this is poetic language that emphasizes Yahweh's power by describing it as causing earthquakes and storms or 2) the people of Canaan being terrified as the Israelites were about to attack them is spoken of as if the earth and sky were shaking.
Jdg 5:7
I, Deborah, arose—arose as a mother in Israel
Deborah speaks of becoming a leader in Israel as if she were a mother taking care of young children. Alternate Translation: "I, Deborah, began to lead—I took care of the Israelites as a mother takes care of her children"
Jdg 5:14
from Ephraim, whose root is in Amalek
The people of Ephraim living in the land where the descendants of Amalek originally lived is spoken of as if the people of Ephraim were planted and their roots grew into the land. Alternate Translation: "from Ephraim, that land where the descendants of Amalek once lived"
Jdg 6:1
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [Judges 2:11](../02/11.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considered to be evil"
Jdg 6:8
the house of slavery
Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. Alternate Translation: "the place where you were slaves"
Jdg 8:27
all Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there
This speaks of worshiping a false god as if it were prostitution. Alternate Translation: "the Israelites sinned against Yahweh by worshiping the ephod there"
Jdg 8:27
It became a trap for Gideon and for those in his house
This speaks of Gideon and his family being tempted to worship the ephod as if the ephod were a hunter's snare that would trap them. Alternate Translation: "It became a temptation for Gideon and his family" or "Gideon and his family sinned by worshiping it"
Jdg 8:33
turned again
The people rejecting Yahweh is spoken of as if they physically turned away from him. Alternate Translation: "they stopped worshiping Yahwheh"
Jdg 8:33
prostituted themselves by worshiping the Baals
This speaks of worshiping false gods as if it were prostitution. Alternate Translation: "they sinned against Yahweh by worshiping the Baals"
Jdg 9:20
let fire come out from Abimelech and burn up the men of Shechem
Jotham is speaking a curse. He speaks of Abimelech destroying the people of Shechem as if he would burn them with fire.
Jdg 9:20
Let fire come out from the men of Shechem and Beth Millo, to burn up Abimelech
Jotham is speaking a curse. He speaks of the people of Shechem and Beth Millo destroying Abimelech as if they would burn him with fire.
Jdg 9:30
his anger was kindled
Becoming angry is spoken of as if a fire were starting. Alternate Translation: "he became very angry"
Jdg 9:31
they are stirring up the city against you
This speaks of the people of the city becoming upset as if they were liquid in a pot moving around. Alternate Translation: "they are persuading the people of the city to rebel against you"
Jdg 10:6
added to the evil they had done in the sight of Yahweh
This speaks of evil as if it were an object that a person could add to and make bigger. Alternate Translation: "continued doing what Yahweh said was evil"
Jdg 10:6
in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "according to Yahweh"
Jdg 10:6
They abandoned Yahweh
No longer obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the people left Yahweh and went somewhere else.
Jdg 10:7
Yahweh burned with anger toward Israel
Yahweh becoming angry is spoken of as if anger were a burning fire. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh was very angry at Israel"
Jdg 10:7
he sold them into the hand of the Philistines and into the hand of the Ammonites
Yahweh allowing the Philistines and the Ammonites to defeat the Israelites is spoken of as if he sold the Israelites to them.
Jdg 10:10
because we abandoned our God
The people no longer obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if they left Yahweh and went somewhere else.
Jdg 10:13
you abandoned me again
The people no longer obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if they left Yahweh and went somewhere else.
Jdg 11:35
You have crushed me with sorrow
Here Jephthah speaks of his great sorrow as something that crushes him. Alternate Translation: "You have caused me great sorrow" or "You have filled me with sorrow"
Jdg 11:35
you have become one who causes me pain
Here Jephthah talks about his great distress and trouble as if it were pain. Alternate Translation: "you have become someone who troubles me" or "you cause me great distress"
Jdg 13:1
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [Judges 2:11](../02/11.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considered to be evil"
Jdg 13:4
anything unclean
Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Jdg 13:7
any food that the law declares to be unclean
Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean.
Jdg 13:14
unclean
Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. See how you translated this phrase in [Judges 13:7](./07.md).
Jdg 13:25
Yahweh's Spirit began to stir him
Here the way Yahweh's Spirit influences Samson is compared to the way a spoon stirs food in a pot. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh's Spirit began to influence Samson"
Jdg 14:14
could not find the answer
Here figuring out the answer to the riddle is spoke of as if it were something hidden that the guest had to search for and find. Alternate Translation: "could not figure out the answer"
Jdg 14:18
If you had not plowed with my heifer
Samson compares their using his wife to get the answer to someone using another person's heifer to plow his field. Alternate Translation: "If you had not used my wife"
Jdg 16:23
put him in our grasp
Here the author speak of Samson being under the rulers' control as if he were something grasped tightly by their hands. Alternate Translation: "put him under our control"
Jdg 17:6
everyone did what was right in his own eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "each person did what he decided was right" or "each person did what he judged to be right"
Jdg 18:30
until the day of the land's captivity
This refers to a time later on when the people of Dan would be captured by their enemies. Here the land being conquered is spoken of as if it were a prisoner taken captive by an enemy. Alternate Translation: "until the day that their enemies conquered their land" or "until the day that their enemies took them captive"
Jdg 19:17
He raised his eyes
Here the man looked up and paid attention to what was around him. Alternate Translation: "He looked up"
Jdg 19:25
the men would not listen to him
Here the author speaks of "agreeing" as if it were "listening." Alternate Translation: "the men would not accept his offer"
Jdg 20:34
disaster was close to them
Here immanent disaster is spoken of as if it was standing very close by them. Alternate Translation: "they would soon be completely defeated"
Jdg 20:43
trampled them down
The completed destruction of the Benjamites is spoken of as if the Israelites stomped on their bodies. Alternate Translation: "they completely destroyed them"
Jdg 21:6
their brother Benjamin
This speaks of the tribe of Benjamin as if it were Israel's brother to show their closeness to the tribe. Alternate Translation: "the surviving Benjamites"
Jdg 21:6
one tribe has been cut off from Israel
The destruction of the tribe of Benjamin is spoken of as if it had been cut off from Israel by a knife. This was an exaggeration because 600 men were still left. However, the women of Benjamin had been killed, so the future of the tribe was in question. Alternate Translation: "one tribe has been removed"
Jdg 21:25
what was right in his own eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "what he judged to be right" or "what he considered to be right"
Rut 1:13
It is exceedingly bitter to me
Bitterness is a metaphor for grief, and what grieves her can be stated clearly. Alternate Translation: "It greatly grieves me that you have no husbands"
Rut 2:12
under whose wings you have found refuge
Boaz uses the picture of a mother bird gathering her chicks under her wings to protect them, in order to describe God's protection for those who trust in him. Alternate Translation: "in whose safe care you have placed yourself"
Rut 3:1
a place for you to rest
Possible meanings are 1) literally in finding a house for her to live in or 2) figuratively in finding a husband to care for her. Naomi probably had both senses in mind.
Rut 4:10
so that his name will not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his place
Being forgotten is spoken of as if one's name were being cut off from a list of people who had lived earlier. Alternate Translation: "so that he will not be forgotten by his brothers' descendants and the people of this town"
Rut 4:11
come into your house
This has literal and figurative meaning. As Ruth marries Boaz, she will move into his house. House can also refer to becoming part of Boaz's family by being his wife.
Rut 4:12
May your house be like
God abundantly blessed Judah through his son Perez. The people were asking God to bless Boaz in a similar way through Ruth's children.
1Sa 2:1
My horn is exalted
A horn is a symbol of strength. Alternate Translation: "I am now strong"
1Sa 2:2
there is no rock like our God
This is another way of saying that God is strong and faithful.
1Sa 2:4
those who stumble put on strength like a belt
This metaphor means they will no longer stumble, but their strength will remain with them as tightly as a belt. Alternate Translation: "he will make those who stumble strong"
1Sa 2:8
out of the dust ... from the ash heap
These are metaphors for the lowest position in society.
1Sa 2:10
exalt the horn of his anointed
A horn is a symbol of strength. See how you translated similar words in [1 Samuel 2:1](./01.md). Alternate Translation: "he will make the leader he has chosen stronger than his enemies"
1Sa 2:10
his anointed
This speaks of the person that Yahweh chose and empowered for his purposes as if Yahweh had anointed the person with oil. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "the one he has anointed" or "the one he has chosen"
1Sa 3:6
my son
Eli was not Samuel's true father. Eli speaks as if he were Samuel's father to show Samuel that he is not angry but that Samuel needs to listen to him.
1Sa 3:16
my son
Eli was not Samuel's true father. Eli speaks as if he were Samuel's father to show Samuel that he is not angry but that Samuel needs to answer him. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 1:6](../01/05.md).
1Sa 3:19
he let none of his prophetic words fall to the ground
Here messages that do not come true are spoken of as if they fell to the ground. This can be stated positively. Alternate Translation: "he made all the things he prophesied happen"
1Sa 4:16
my son
Eli was not the other man's true father. Eli speaks as if he were the man's father to show the man that he is not angry but that the man needs to answer him.
1Sa 8:3
chased after dishonest gain
The writer speaks of money that people would give Samuel's sons as if it were a person or animal running away from Samuel's sons, and he speaks of Samuel's sons as if they were physically chasing that person or animal. Alternate Translation: "they worked hard to gain money by being dishonest"
1Sa 13:4
Israel had become a rotten smell to the Philistines
The Philistines hating the Israelites is spoken of as if the Israelites had become a bad smell that offended the Philistines. Alternate Translation: "the Philistines hated the Israelites"
1Sa 14:11
coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves
The Philistines implied that the Hebrews had been hiding in holes in the ground like animals.
1Sa 14:27
bound the people with an oath
Here the obligation to obey an oath is spoken of as if the people were bound with ropes. Alternate Translation: "commanded that the people obey his oath"
1Sa 15:11
he has turned back from following me
Saul not obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if Saul had physically turned away from walking behind God. Alternate Translation: "he has stopped following me"
1Sa 15:17
in your own sight
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "in your own opinion" or "in your judgment"
1Sa 15:19
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
Here "sight" refers to Yahweh's thoughts or opinion. Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh considers to be evil" or "what is evil in Yahweh's judgement"
1Sa 16:7
Yahweh does not see as man sees
Here "see" means to evaluate something.
1Sa 17:28
Eliab's anger was kindled against David
Here anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that could be kindled. Alternate Translation: "Eliab became angry with David"
1Sa 17:43
Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?
Here a dog represents a small animal that a person can easily kill. The word "sticks" refers to David's staff and shows Goliath's opinion that it is not a good weapon. Goliath uses this question to accuse David of insulting him. Alternate Translation: "You insult me by coming at me with mere sticks as if I were just a dog!"
1Sa 17:44
I will give your flesh to the birds of the heavens and to the beasts of the field
Goliath speaks of killing David and leaving his body on the ground for the animals to eat it as if he were to give David's body to the animals. Alternate Translation: "I will kill you, and the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field will eat your body"
1Sa 17:46
I will give the dead bodies ... to the birds ... and to the wild beasts of the earth
David speaks of leading the Israelites in killing the Philistines and leaving their bodies on the ground for the animals to eat them as if he were to give their bodies to the animals. Alternate Translation: "We Israelites will kill the Philistine army, and the birds of the heavens and the wild beasts of the earth will eat them"
1Sa 18:1
the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David
Very close friendship is spoken of as if it were binding together the souls of two people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Jonathan felt a strong affection towards David" or "Jonathan committed himself to David"
1Sa 18:5
This was pleasing in the eyes of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants
The phrases "in the eyes of" and "in the sight of" mean the same thing. The opinion of the people is spoken of as something that they view as either good or bad. Alternate Translation: "This was pleasing in the opinions of all the people and of Saul's servants" or "This pleased all the people and Saul's servants"
1Sa 18:17
Let not my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him
Harming someone is spoken of as if it were placing one's hand on that person. Here, Saul is referring to killing David. Alternate Translation: "I will not be the one to kill him; I will let the Philistines kill him"
1Sa 18:21
that the hand of the Philistines may be against him
Harming someone is spoken of as if it were placing one's hand on that person. Here, Saul is referring to killing David. See how you translated a similar phrase in [1 Samuel 18:17](./17.md). Alternate Translation: "so that the Philistines may kill him"
1Sa 20:3
I have found favor in your eyes
Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "I have pleased you" or "you consider me favorably"
1Sa 20:29
if I have found favor in your eyes
Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 20:3](./03.md). Alternate Translation: "I have pleased you" or "you consider me favorably"
1Sa 24:11
there is no evil or treason in my hand
David speaks as if evil and treason were physical objects he could hold in his hand. Here "hand" represents a person acting or doing something. Alternate Translation: "I have done no evil deed against you, nor have I rebelled against you"
1Sa 24:14
After a dead dog
The words "dead dog" are a metaphor for a powerless person. This sentence can be made complete. Alternate Translation: "You are pursuing a person who is as powerless as a dead dog"
1Sa 24:14
After a flea
The word "flea" is a metaphor for a person whom others do not consider important. Alternate Translation: "You are pursuing a person who is as unimportant as a flea"
1Sa 24:16
my son David
Saul speaks as if David were his son to show David that he loves him.
1Sa 24:16
lifted up his voice and wept
The writer writes as if a voice were something a person could lift up with his hands. Alternate Translation: "wept loudly"
1Sa 25:8
let my young men find favor in your eyes
Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "may you be pleased with my young men" or "may you consider my young men favorably"
1Sa 25:16
They were a wall
David's men were like a wall around a city that protects the people in the city from their enemies.
1Sa 25:29
the life of my master will be bound in the bundle of the living by Yahweh your God
Abigail speaks of David's life as if it were a long and thin object that a person could put with other long and thin objects and then tie together into a bundle with a rope. This can be translated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh your God will bind the life of my master in the bundle of the living" or "Yahweh your God will keep you alive with those who are alive"
1Sa 25:29
he will sling away the lives of your enemies, as from the pocket of a sling
Abigail speaks of David's enemies' lives as if they were small objects like a stone that could be put in a sling and shot a long distance. Alternate Translation: "he will kill your enemies as easily as a man slings a stone a long distance"
1Sa 26:17
my son
Saul was not David's true father. Saul speaks as if he were David's father to show David that he wants David to trust and respect him as David would trust and respect his own father.
1Sa 26:20
the one flea
David uses the word "flea" as a metaphor for a person, himself, who cannot do any great harm. Alternate Translation: "this single flea" or "me, and I cannot harm you any more than one flea can"
1Sa 26:21
my son
Saul was not David's true father. Saul speaks as if he were David's father to show David that he wants David to trust and respect him as David would trust and respect his own father.
1Sa 26:21
my life was precious in your eyes today
Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "today you have considered my life to be very valuable" or "today you showed me that you really do respect me"
1Sa 26:24
your life was precious in my eyes today
Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated similar words in [1 Samuel 26:21](./21.md). Alternate Translation: "I have considered your life to be very valuable" or "I showed you today that I really do respect you"
1Sa 26:24
so may my life be much valued in the eyes of Yahweh
Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "so may Yahweh consider my life very valuable as well" or "so may Yahweh value my life as much as I have valued your life"
1Sa 26:25
my son
Saul was not David's true father. Saul speaks as if he were David's father to show David that he wants David to trust and respect him as David would trust and respect his own father.
1Sa 27:5
If I have found favor in your eyes
Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 20:3](../20/03.md). Alternate Translation: "If I have pleased you" or "If you consider me favorably"
1Sa 28:17
torn the kingdom out of your hand
Samuel speaks as if the kingdom were a physical object that could be held in the hand and grabbed out by another person. Alternate Translation: "made you so you are no longer king" or "made another person king in your place"
1Sa 28:19
Yahweh will give Israel along with you into the hand of the Philistines
Samuel speaks as if the people of Israel were a small object that Yahweh would give to the Philistines, whom he speaks of as if they were one person. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will allow the Philistines to do whatever they want to do to you and the people of Israel"
1Sa 28:19
Yahweh will also give the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines
Samuel speaks as if the army of Israel were a small object that Yahweh would give to the Philistines, whom he speaks of as if they were one person. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will allow the Philistines to do whatever they want to do to the army of Israel"
2Sa 1:23
They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
Saul and Jonathan were spoken of as if they were faster than eagles and stronger than lions.
2Sa 3:1
grew stronger and stronger
This metaphor means the number of people supporting David increased.
2Sa 3:1
grew weaker and weaker
This metaphor means the number of people supporting Saul's family decreased.
2Sa 3:6
Abner made himself strong in the house of Saul
Abner's increasing power over Saul's family is spoken of as if he became physically stronger. Alternate Translation: "Abner gained more power over the family and supporters of Saul"
2Sa 3:8
Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah?
Abner speaks of himself as the head of a dog, which the Israelites considered to be loyal to anyone who fed them. Here "belongs to Judah" implies that Abner's loyalty is to Judah, to which David belonged, and not to Saul's house. Alternate Translation: "Am I a traitor for Judah?" or "I am not a traitor working for David!"
2Sa 3:29
fall on the head of Joab and on all his father's house
This phrase means the results of the guilt will happen to Joab and his family as if something heavy had collapsed on them. Alternate Translation: "always cause suffering for Joab and for all his father's house"
2Sa 5:2
You will shepherd my people Israel
Here ruling over the people is spoken of as shepherding them. Alternate Translation: "You will care for my people Israel" or "You will rule over my people Israel"
2Sa 5:24
When you hear the sound of marching in the wind blowing through the balsam treetops
This speaks of the sound of the leaves rustling as wind blows through them as if it were the sound of marching. Alternate Translation: "When the wind blowing through the tops of the balsam trees sounds like men marching"
2Sa 6:7
anger of Yahweh burned
Here the "anger of Yahweh" is spoken of as if it were fire.
2Sa 7:7
whom I appointed to shepherd my people Israel
Those who are leaders of the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were shepherds and the people were sheep.
2Sa 7:9
I have cut off all your enemies
Yahweh destroying David's enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh cut them off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree.
2Sa 7:10
will plant them there
Yahweh causing the people to live in the land permanently and securely is spoken of as if he would plant them in the land.
2Sa 7:12
I will raise up a descendant after you
Yahweh appointing David's descendant is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift him up.
2Sa 7:19
in your sight
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "in your judgment"
2Sa 7:19
for a great while to come
This speaks about time as if it were something that travels and arrives somewhere. Alternate Translation: "and what will happen to them in the future"
2Sa 9:8
such a dead dog
Here Mephibosheth represents the line of Saul, and he compares himself to a "dead dog." Dogs were feral animals, not cared for, and of little importance. A dead dog would be considered even less important. Alternate Translation: "such a person like me who is worthless as a dead dog"
2Sa 10:6
they had become a stench to David
The phrase "become a stench" is a metaphor for "they had become offensive." Alternate Translation: "they had become offensive like a bad smell to David"
2Sa 11:26
she lamented deeply
Here the author speaks of her lamenting very much as if it were deep inside her. Alternate Translation: "she lamented very much" or "she lamented greatly"
2Sa 12:5
David was hot with anger against
Here the author describes how David was very angry as if his body were physically hot because of his anger. Alternate Translation: "David became furious with" or "David became very angry with"
2Sa 12:8
your master's wives into your arms
Here Yahweh describes David having his master's wives as his own wives, by saying that they are "in his arms." Alternate Translation: "your master's wives as your own"
2Sa 12:8
I also gave you the house of Israel and Judah
Here Yahweh speaks of how he gave David his authority as king over Israel and Judah as if he gave him the houses of Israel and Judah as a gift. The phrase "the house of" means "the people of." Alternate Translation: "I also gave you authority as king over the people of Israel and Judah"
2Sa 12:9
what is evil in his sight
Here "sight" refers to Yahweh's thoughts or opinion. Alternate Translation: "what he considers to be evil" or "what is evil in Yahweh's judgement"
2Sa 12:11
in broad daylight
in full daylight. The idea of doing something "openly" or in a way that people are fully aware of what is happening is often spoken about as being done in the "daylight." Alternate Translation: "openly" or "and everyone will see what is happening"
2Sa 12:13
passed over
Yahweh has forgiven David of his sin. This is spoken of here as Yahweh passing over his sin as if it were something that he walked by and disregarded. Alternate Translation: "forgiven"
2Sa 12:15
Yahweh attacked the child that ... and he was very sick
Here the author speaks of Yahweh causing the baby to become sick as Yahweh attacking the child. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh afflicted the child that ... and he was very sick" or "Yahweh caused the baby that ... to become very sick"
2Sa 12:27
have taken the city's water supply
Taking a place or landmark means to take control of it. Alternate Translation: "have taken control of the city's water supply"
2Sa 12:28
take it ... take the city
Taking a place or landmark means to take control of it. Alternate Translation: "take control of it ... take control of the city"
2Sa 13:27
Absalom pressed David
Here the author speaks of Absalom urging David to let Amnon come as if he were putting physical pressure on him. Alternate Translation: "Absalom begged David for Amnon to come"
2Sa 13:34
raised his eyes
Here the servant looking up at something is spoken of as if he lifted up his eyes. Alternate Translation: "looked up"
2Sa 13:36
raised their voices
Here the sons crying out is spoken of as if their voices were something they lifted into the sky. Alternate Translation: "cried out"
2Sa 14:7
Thus they will put out the burning coal that I have left
Here the woman refers to her only living son as if he were a burning piece of coal. She speaks of the men killing her son as stopping the coal's burning. Alternate Translation: "In this way they will kill the only child I have left"
2Sa 14:10
he will not touch you anymore
Here David speaks of a person not threatening or hurting her, by saying that the person would not touch her. It is implied that David will not allow the person threatening her to bother her again. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate Translation: "I will make sure he does not threaten you again"
2Sa 14:19
no one can escape to the right hand ... the king has spoken
Here the woman describes the difficulty of speaking to the king and keeping him from finding out the truth by comparing it to a person not being about to escape in any direction. Alternate Translation: "no one can keep you from knowing the truth"
2Sa 15:6
So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel
This sentence means Absalom convinced the men to be loyal to him rather than to David. Here the author speaks of how the people became loyal to Absalom by saying that he stole their hearts. Alternate Translation: "In this way, Absalom convinced the men of Israel to be loyal to him"
2Sa 15:23
with a loud voice
Here the many people who were weeping are spoken of as if they shared one loud voice. Alternate Translation: "loudly"
2Sa 16:3
will restore my father's kingdom to me
Having a descendant of Saul being allowed to rule is spoken of as the kingdom being restored to their family. Alternate Translation: "will allow me to rule the kingdom that my grandfather ruled"
2Sa 16:4
I bow in humility to you
Ziba is not literally bowing before the king when he is speaking here. This means that he will serve the king with the same amount of humility he would be showing if he were literally bowing before him. Alternate Translation: "I will humbly serve you"
2Sa 16:9
this dead dog
Here the man is being described as worthless by being compared to a dead dog. Alternate Translation: "this worthless man"
2Sa 16:11
desire my ruin
Here David describes the man's desire to kill him as if David were something that the man wanted to ruin. Alternate Translation: "desire me to be killed" or "desire to kill me"
2Sa 16:21
become a stench to your father
Ahithophel speaks of Absalom offending his father as if he would become something that had a strong and offensive odor. Alternate Translation: "become offensive to your father" or "greatly insulted father"
2Sa 17:16
the king will be swallowed up
Here the king and his people being killed is describes as if they were "swallowed" by their enemy. Alternate Translation: "the king will be killed"
2Sa 18:13
there is nothing hidden from the king
Here the man speaks about how the king knows about almost everything that happens as if everything were a physical object he knew the location of. Alternate Translation: "there is nothing that the king does not know" or "the king hears about everything that happens"
2Sa 18:19
run to the king with the good news
Here Ahimaaz speaks of running to go and tell the king the good news as if the good news were a object that he were carrying. Alternate Translation: "run to tell the king the good news"
2Sa 18:24
raised his eyes
Here the watchman looking to see something is spoken of as if he lifted up his eyes. Alternate Translation: "looked out beyond the city"
2Sa 18:25
there is news in his mouth
Here the king speaks of the man having a message as if the news were an object sitting in his mouth. Alternate Translation: "he has news to tell us"
2Sa 18:28
the men who lifted up their hand against my master the king
Here Ahimaaz speaks of the men opposing the king as if they were were raising their hands before him. Alternate Translation: "the men who opposed and fought against my master the king"
2Sa 19:11
to bring the king back to his palace
Here restoring the king's authority to rule is spoken of as bringing him back to his palace. Alternate Translation: "to restore the king's authority as king"
2Sa 19:12
You are my brothers, my flesh and bone
The king uses these to phrases to emphasize that they are closely related. Being or having the same flesh is a metaphor for belonging to the same family or tribe. Alternate Translation: "You are my brothers, and we have the same flesh and bone" or "You are my brothers, my close relatives"
2Sa 19:13
my flesh and my bone
Here David speaks of them being related by saying that they have the same flesh and bones. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Samuel 19:12](./11.md). Alternate Translation: "my relative"
2Sa 19:14
as one man
This speaks of the men being united in their loyalty to the king as if they were one man with the same mind. Alternate Translation: "and they were united together" or "they were united in their loyalty to the king"
2Sa 19:28
all my father's house were dead men before my master the king
Mephibosheth speaks of how his relatives had deserved to be executed as if they had already been executed and were dead. Alternate Translation: "all my father's house deserved for my master the king to order them to be executed"
2Sa 19:41
stolen you away
The men of Israel speak of how the men of Judah escorted the king across the river as if the king were something they stole that did not belong to them. Alternate Translation: "taken you away from us"
2Sa 20:19
city that is a mother in Israel
This speaks of the importance of this city among the nation of Israel as if it were a well respected mother. Alternate Translation: "city that everyone in Israel respects like they would their mother" or "city that is very important and that Israel respects"
2Sa 20:19
swallow up
Here the woman speaks of the army destroying the city as if the city were food to be swallowed. Alternate Translation: "destroy"
2Sa 21:17
you do not put out the lamp of Israel
The "lamp of Israel" is a metaphor that refers to David's leadership and the idea that if David were to die, the people of Israel would have no clear direction.
2Sa 22:2
Yahweh is my rock, my fortress
This metaphor shows a progression from a part, "rock," to the whole, "fortress." A fortress is built of many large rocks. This means Yahweh has the strength to protect his people from harm.
2Sa 22:3
God is my rock ... He is my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold
All of these metaphors are symbols of God's strength and power. They emphasize God's ability to protect and save his people.
2Sa 22:5
For the waves of death surrounded me, the rushing waters of destruction overwhelmed me
David compares the wicked men who wanted to kill him to flood waters that are about to drown him. These sentences have similar meanings and are used for emphasis.
2Sa 22:8
Then the earth shook ... were ignited by it
This is Yahweh's response to David's cry for help from his enemies. David uses the imagery of the earth shaking and fire coming from Yahweh to emphasize Yahweh's terrible anger.
2Sa 22:9
Then the earth shook ... were ignited by it
This is Yahweh's response to David's cry for help from his enemies. David uses the imagery of the earth shaking and fire coming from Yahweh to emphasize Yahweh's terrible anger.
2Sa 22:9
Coals were ignited by it
Here Yahweh's anger is compared to fire, which causes coals to ignite and burn. Alternate Translation: "The flame from his mouth set coals on fire" or "He also sent burning coals from his mouth"
2Sa 22:10
He opened the heavens ... rain clouds in the skies
David describes Yahweh's way of saving David from his enemies as a storm cloud gathering over a place. This emphasizes God's power and his anger.
2Sa 22:11
the wings of the wind
This expression speaks of the wind as if it were a bird.
2Sa 22:12
He opened the heavens ... rain clouds in the skies
David describes Yahweh's way of saving David from his enemies as a storm cloud gathering over a place. This emphasizes God's power and his anger.
2Sa 22:12
He made darkness a tent around him
Here the darkness Yahweh creates is compared to a tent which hides him completely. Alternate Translation: "He hid himself in the darkness"
2Sa 22:13
From the lightning before him ... lightning bolts and dispersed them
David continues describing Yahweh, whom he compares to a storm, coming to save him from his enemies. This emphasizes God's power and anger towards David's enemies.
2Sa 22:15
From the lightning before him ... lightning bolts and dispersed them
David continues describing Yahweh, whom he compares to a storm, coming to save him from his enemies. This emphasizes God's power and anger towards David's enemies.
2Sa 22:15
He shot arrows ... lightning bolts
David compares the lightning from Yahweh's storm to arrows that a soldier would use.
2Sa 22:16
Then the channels of the sea were seen ... breath of his nostrils
When Yahweh shouted in his attack against David's enemies, it is compared to his power to create upheaval in the deepest parts of the ocean and the earth. This shows his great power and fierce anger.
2Sa 22:17
out of the surging water
David compares his enemies to a flood that threatens to drown him.
2Sa 22:29
you are my lamp, Yahweh. Yahweh lights up my darkness
This metaphor compares Yahweh to a lamp, which means he gives David light and helps him to see when things seem hopeless.
2Sa 22:32
who is a rock
David compares Yahweh to a rock to emphasize his strength and ability to protect his people.
2Sa 22:36
the shield of your salvation
David compares Yahweh's power to save him to a shield that protects a soldier from his enemy.
2Sa 22:39
I devoured them and smashed them
Here David compares himself to a wild animal. Alternate Translation: "I completely destroyed them like a wild animal devouring its prey"
2Sa 22:47
my rock ... the rock
David compares Yahweh to a rock to emphasize his power to protect his people.
2Sa 24:1
the anger of Yahweh was ignited against Israel
The word "ignite" means start a fire. Here Yahweh's anger is compared to that of a fire. Alternate Translation: "the anger of Yahweh started to burn like a fire"
2Sa 24:22
what is good in your sight
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "what you think is good" or "what is good in your judgement"
1Ki 3:3
walking in the statutes of David his father
How one lives one's life is spoken of as walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "obeying the laws that David his father had made"
1Ki 3:6
because he walked before you in trustworthiness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart
Walking is a metaphor for the way one lives. The abstract nouns "trustworthiness," "righteousness," and "uprightness" can be translated as adjectives. Alternate Translation: "because he was trustworthy and righteous, and his heart was upright"
1Ki 3:6
in uprightness of heart
A sincere person is spoken of as one whose heart is upright. Alternate Translation: "he was sincere" or "he spoke the truth and did what was good"
1Ki 3:7
I am only a little child
Solomon is saying that he is like a child who does not know as much as a father.
1Ki 3:14
walk in my ways to keep
Living one's life is spoken of as walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "live as I want you to live and obey"
1Ki 3:26
her heart was full of compassion for her son
This speaks of the woman having a lot of compassion as if her heart were a container and compassion were a solid object. Alternate Translation: "she greatly loved her baby"
1Ki 5:3
Yahweh was putting his enemies under the soles of his feet
This speaks of Yahweh giving David complete control over his enemies as putting them under his feet. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh was enabling David to completely defeat his enemies"
1Ki 6:12
walk in my statutes
The word "walk" is a metaphor for "live" or "obey." Alternate Translation: "continually obey all my statutes"
1Ki 8:17
it was in the heart of David my father ... it was in your heart ... for it to be in your heart
What David desired is spoken of as if it were an item in a container and the heart as if it were a container. Alternate Translation: "David my father desired ... you desired ... to desire to do that"
1Ki 8:18
it was in the heart of David my father ... it was in your heart ... for it to be in your heart
What David desired is spoken of as if it were an item in a container and the heart as if it were a container. Alternate Translation: "David my father desired ... you desired ... to desire to do that"
1Ki 8:20
I have arisen in the place of David my father
Height is a metaphor for power. Alternate Translation: "I have gained the power that David my father had"
1Ki 8:23
walk before you with all their heart
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "live wholeheartedly the way that you want them to"
1Ki 8:25
walk before me ... have walked before me
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "live as I want you to ... have lived as I want you to"
1Ki 8:35
the skies are shut up and there is no rain
The sky is spoken of as if it were a building in which God stores the rain. Alternate Translation: "you do not allow rain to fall"
1Ki 8:36
in which they should walk
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "that they should live"
1Ki 8:38
knowing the plague in his own heart
Possible meanings are 1) The person's sin is spoken of as if it were a plague. Alternate Translation: "knowing the sin in his own heart" or 2) The "plague" is a metonym for the sins that the disasters are a punishment for. Alternate Translation: "knowing in his heart that the plague is the result of his own sin"
1Ki 8:61
walk in his statutes
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "always obey his statutes"
1Ki 9:4
if you walk before me as David your father walked
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "if you live the way I want you to live, just as David your father did"
1Ki 11:6
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The phrase, "in the sight of" refers to someone's opinion. Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh considered to be evil"
1Ki 11:11
tear the kingdom from you
To "tear from" is to forcefully remove. This is like a person tears apart a piece of cloth. Alternate Translation: "forcefully take the kingdom from you"
1Ki 11:31
tear the kingdom out
Here "tear ... out" is a metaphor that refers to the action of forcefully removing. This is like a person tears apart a piece of cloth. See how you translated this phrase in [1 Kings 11:11](./11.md). Alternate Translation: "forcefully take the kingdom out"
1Ki 11:38
build you a sure house
The clause "build a house" is a metaphor for establishing descendants from that time on. Alternate Translation: "establish for you a lasting kingdom"
1Ki 11:43
He slept with his ancestors and he was buried
The clause "slept with his ancestors" is a metaphor that expresses as a euphemism the death of a person in more gentle words. Alternate Translation: "He died and he was buried with his ancestors"
1Ki 12:4
made our yoke heavy
A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and requirements. Alternate Translation: "treated us cruelly" or "forced us to work very hard"
1Ki 12:9
Lighten the yoke that your father put on us
To "lighten the yoke" is a metaphor to represent lifting of the burden. Alternate Translation: "Do not treat us as cruelly as your father did" or "Do not force us to work as hard as your father did"
1Ki 12:10
My little finger is thicker than my father's waist
This metaphor means that Rehoboam is more cruel and intimidating than his father. Alternate Translation: "What I will do to make your burden heavier is much more than what my father put on you"
1Ki 12:11
My father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions
This metaphor means that the punishment Rehoboam plans to give will be worse than what his father gave. Alternate Translation: "My father used whips to force you to work but I will use even crueler punishment"
1Ki 12:14
burdened you with a heavy yoke
A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and requirements. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 12:4](./03.md). Alternate Translation: "treated you cruelly" or "forced you to work very hard"
1Ki 12:14
My father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions
This metaphor means that the punishment Rehoboam plans to give will be worse than what his father gave. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 12:11](./10.md). Alternate Translation: "My father used whips to force you to work but I will use even crueler punishment"
1Ki 14:8
I tore the kingdom away
God forcefully removed most of the kingdom like a person tears a piece of cloth.
1Ki 14:8
what was right in my eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "what I judged to be right" or "what I considered to be right"
1Ki 14:9
thrust me behind your back
Jeroboam has disrespected Yahweh like a person throws away something that is not wanted. Alternate Translation: "completely rejected me"
1Ki 14:10
cut off from you every male child in Israel
Yahweh speaks of destroying Jeroboam's family and preventing him from having any descendants as if he were cutting them off as one would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate Translation: "destroy every one of your male children in Israel"
1Ki 14:13
was anything good found in the sight of Yahweh, the God of Israel
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "did Yahweh, the God of Israel, find anything he judged to be good"
1Ki 14:14
cut off the family of Jeroboam
The writer speaks of the new king of Israel destroying Jeroboam's family and preventing him from having any descendants like one would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate Translation: "destroy the descendants of Jeroboam"
1Ki 14:15
he will root up Israel out of this good land
Yahweh compares Israel with a plant that he will tear out of the ground by its roots. Alternate Translation: "he will remove the people of Israel from this good land"
1Ki 14:20
slept with his ancestors
Jeroboam dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 2:10](../02/10.md). Alternate Translation: "died"
1Ki 14:22
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The "sight" of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 11:6](../11/05.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considered to be evil"
1Ki 14:31
slept with his ancestors
Rehoboam dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 2:10](../02/10.md). Alternate Translation: "died"
1Ki 14:31
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Rehoboam"
1Ki 15:3
He walked in all the sins
Walking represents living, and walking in sins represents committing those sins. Alternate Translation: "Abijah continued to practice all the sins"
1Ki 15:4
gave him a lamp in Jerusalem
The word "lamp" here represents a descendant who would be king as David was. Alternate Translation: "gave David a descendant to rule in Jerusalem"
1Ki 15:5
what was right in his eyes
The eyes here represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh judges to be right" or "what Yahweh considers to be right" (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1Ki 15:5
he had not turned away from anything that he commanded him
Turning away from a command represents disobeying it. Alternate Translation: "David did not disobey anything that God commanded him"
1Ki 15:8
Abijah slept with his ancestors
In this euphemism, sleeping represents dying. Alternate Translation: "Abijah died as his ancestors had" or "Like his ancestors, Abaijah died"
1Ki 15:8
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Abijah"
1Ki 15:11
what was right in the eyes of Yahweh
The eyes here represent seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and approved of Asa's actions. Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh judges to be right" or "what Yahweh considers to be right"
1Ki 15:19
Let there be a covenant between me and you
A covenant being between two people represents those two people having a covenant with each other. Alternate Translation: "Let us have a covenant with each other" or "Let us make a peace treaty"
1Ki 15:19
Break your covenant with Baasha king of Israel
Breaking a covenant represents canceling it and not doing what one has promised to do. Alternate Translation: "Cancel your covenant with Baasha king of Israel" or "Do not be loyal to Baasha king of Israel as you promised in your covenant with him"
1Ki 15:24
Asa slept with his ancestors
Sleeping here is a euphemism which represents dying. Alternate Translation: "Asa died as his ancestors had"
1Ki 15:26
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
1Ki 15:26
walked in the way of his father
Walking here represents behaving. Alternate Translation: "did the same things that his father had done"
1Ki 15:26
in his own sin
Walking in his own sin represents sinning in ways that were different from the ways that his father had sinned. Alternate Translation: "he sinned in his own ways"
1Ki 15:26
by which he led Israel to sin
Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate Translation: "and by sinning, he influenced Israel to sin"
1Ki 15:28
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Nadab"
1Ki 15:30
by which he led Israel to sin
Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do something. Alternate Translation: "by which he influenced Israel to sin"
1Ki 15:34
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
1Ki 15:34
walked in the way of Jeroboam
Walking here represents behaving. Alternate Translation: "did the same things that Jeroboam had done"
1Ki 15:34
by which he led Israel to sin
Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate Translation: "and by sinning, he influenced Israel to sin"
1Ki 16:2
I exalted you out of the dust
I raised you out of the dust. Being in the dust on the ground represents not being important. Exalting someone represents making him important. Alternate Translation: "I raised you from a very unimportant position" or "when you had no power or influence over people, I made you important"
1Ki 16:2
you have walked in the way of Jeroboam
Walking represents behaving. Jeroboam and Baasha both sinned. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate Translation: "you have done the same things that Jeroboam did" or "you have sinned as Jeroboam sinned"
1Ki 16:3
I will completely sweep away
Sweeping away represents destroying. Alternate Translation: "I will completely destroy"
1Ki 16:6
Baasha slept with his ancestors
Sleeping is a euphemism that represents dying. Alternate Translation: "Baasha died as his ancestors had" or "Like his ancestors, Baasha died"
1Ki 16:6
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Baasha"
1Ki 16:7
all the evil that he did in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. Alternate Translation: "all the things that Baasha that are evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "all the things that Baaha did that Yahweh considers to be evil"
1Ki 16:9
who was over the household
Being over the household represents being in charge of the things in King Elah's house. Alternate Translation: "who was in charge of the things in the Elah's house"
1Ki 16:10
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Elah"
1Ki 16:13
they had led Israel to sin
Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate Translation: "they had influenced Israel to sin"
1Ki 16:19
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
1Ki 16:19
walking in the way of Jeroboam
Here walking represents behaving. Alternate Translation: "doing the same things that Jeroboam had done"
1Ki 16:19
so as to lead Israel to sin
Leading people to do something represents influencing them to do it. Alternate Translation: "so as to influence Israel to sin"
1Ki 16:21
followed Tibni ... followed Omri
Here "followed" represents supporting or wanting to make him king. Alternate Translation: "supported Tibni son of Ginath, to make him king, and half supported Omri" or "wanted to make Tibni son of Ginath king, and half wanted to make Omri king"
1Ki 16:25
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
1Ki 16:26
walked in all the ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat
Walking represents behaving. Alternate Translation: "did all the same things that Jeroboam son of Nebat did"
1Ki 16:26
in his sins
Possible meanings are walking in his sins represents 1) sinning as Jeroboam sinned. Alternate Translation: "he sinned as Jeroboam sinned" or 2) or sinning habitually. Alternate Translation: "he sinned habitually"
1Ki 16:28
Omri slept with his ancestors
The euphemism "sleeping" here represents dying. Alternate Translation: "Omri died as his ancestors had" or "Like his ancestors, Omri died"
1Ki 16:28
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Omri"
1Ki 16:30
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
1Ki 16:31
to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat
Walking in Jeroboam's sins represents sinning as Jeroboam had sinned. Alternate Translation: "to sin as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned"
1Ki 16:34
at the cost of the life of Abiram, his firstborn son
The consequence of building the city is spoken of as if it were a cost that Hiel paid. Alternate Translation: "and the consequence of his sin was that Abiram, his firstborn son, died"
1Ki 16:34
Segub, his youngest son, lost his life
Dying is spoken of as if he lost his life. Alternate Translation: "Segub, his youngest son, died"
1Ki 17:20
have you also brought disaster on the widow
Causing the widow to suffer is spoken of as if "disaster" were an object that is placed on the widow.
1Ki 20:10
if even the ashes of Samaria will be enough for all the people who follow me to have a handful each
Ben Hadad is threatening that his army will totally destroy everything in Samaria.
1Ki 20:32
He is my brother
My brother here is a metaphor for somebody who is a good friend. Alternate Translation: "He is like a brother to me" or "He is like family"
1Ki 21:3
give the inheritance of my ancestors to you
The land that his ancestors received as a permanent possession is spoken of as if it were an inheritance. Alternate Translation: "give to you the land that my ancestors received as an inheritance"
1Ki 21:9
seat Naboth above the people
Having Naboth sit in a place of honor is spoken of as if it were having him sit above the rest of the people who were present. Alternate Translation: "have Naboth sit in a place of honor among the people"
1Ki 21:12
seated Naboth above the people
Having Naboth sit in a place of honor is spoken of as if it were having him sit above the rest of the people who were present. See how you translated this idea in [1 Kings 21:9](./08.md). Alternate Translation: "had Naboth sit in a place of honor among the people"
1Ki 21:20
you have sold yourself to do what is evil
A person being committed to doing what is evil is spoken of as if that person had sold himself to evil. Alternate Translation: "you have dedicated yourself to doing what is evil"
1Ki 21:20
what is evil in the sight of Yahweh
The phrase, "in the sight of" refers to someone's opinion. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 11:6](../11/05.md). Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
1Ki 21:21
completely consume and cut off from you every male child and slave and free man in Israel
Yahweh speaks of destroying Ahab's family and preventing him from having any decedents as if he were consuming these people like a fire would consume them, and cutting them off as one would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate Translation: "destroy every one of your male children in Israel, whether slave or free"
1Ki 21:25
who sold himself to do what was evil
A person being committed to doing what is evil is spoken of as if that person had sold himself to evil. See how you translated this idea in [1 Kings 21:20](./19.md). Alternate Translation: "who dedicated himself to doing what was evil"
1Ki 21:25
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The phrase, "in the sight of" refers to someone's opinion. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 11:6](../11/05.md). Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
1Ki 22:11
until they are consumed
Destroying an enemy army is spoken of as if it were consuming them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "until you consume them" or "until you destroy them"
1Ki 22:13
the words of the prophets declare good things to the king with one mouth
The prophets all saying the same thing is spoken of as if they all spoke with the same mouth. Alternate Translation: "the prophets all declare the same good things to the king"
1Ki 22:17
These have no shepherd
Yahweh speaks of the king as if he were a shepherd. Just like a shepherd is responsible to care for and protect his sheep, the king is responsible to lead and protect his people. Alternate Translation: "These people no longer have a leader"
1Ki 22:20
fall at Ramoth Gilead
Ahab dying in battle is spoken of as if he will fall. Alternate Translation: "die at Ramoth Gilead"
1Ki 22:40
slept with his ancestors
Ahab dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 2:10](../02/10.md). Alternate Translation: "died"
1Ki 22:43
He walked in the ways of Asa, his father
A person's behavior is spoken of as if that person walked along a path. Alternate Translation: "He did the same things that Asa, his father, had done"
1Ki 22:43
what was right in the eyes of Yahweh
Here "eyes" represents seeing and Yahweh's opinion is spoken of as if he were able to see something. Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh considered to be right"
1Ki 22:50
slept with his ancestors
Jehoshaphat dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 2:10](../02/10.md). Alternate Translation: "died"
1Ki 22:52
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
Yahweh's opinion regarding something is spoken of as if Yahweh were seeing that thing. Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh considered to be evil"
1Ki 22:52
walked in the way of his father, in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam son of Nebat
A person's behavior is spoken of as if that person were walking along a path. Alternate Translation: "did the same things that his father, mother, and Jeroboam son of Nebat had done"
2Ki 1:13
let my life and the life of ... be precious in your sight
Here Elijah's "sight" represents him judgement or evaluation. The captain is pleading with Elijah to let them live. Alternate Translation: "please consider my life and the life of ... as precious to you" or "consider my life and the life of ... to be of worth to you and do not kill us"
2Ki 1:14
let my life be precious in your sight
Here Elijah's "sight" represents him judgement or evaluation. The captain is repeating his request for Elijah to show kindness to him and let him live. Alternate Translation: "please be kind to me" or "please allow me to live"
2Ki 2:21
healed these waters
This speaks of Yahweh making the bad water pure as if he healed it. Alternate Translation: "made the waters pure"
2Ki 3:2
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
Here "sight" refers to Yahweh's thoughts or opinion. Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh considers to be evil" or "what is evil in Yahweh's judgement"
2Ki 3:14
before whom I stand
Here serving Yahweh is spoken of as standing in his presence. Alternate Translation: "whom I serve"
2Ki 3:18
This is an easy thing in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh considers this as an easy thing to do" or "This is an easy thing for Yahweh to do"
2Ki 5:10
you will be clean
this means that he will no longer be unclean. A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. God considers a person who has leprosy as being defiled and unclean.
2Ki 5:16
before whom I stand
Here serving Yahweh is spoken of as standing in his presence. Alternate Translation: "whom I serve"
2Ki 7:2
the captain on whose hand the king leaned
A high ranking captain who was the king's personal assistant is spoken of as if he was a person on whom the king leaned his hand. Alternate Translation: "the captain who was close to the king" or "the captain who was the king's personal assistant"
2Ki 7:2
even if Yahweh should make windows in heaven
Yahweh causing much rain to fall in order to make the crops grow is spoken of as if Yahweh were opening windows in heaven through which he pours down rain. Alternate Translation: "even if Yahweh were to cause much rain to fall from heaven"
2Ki 7:9
punishment will overtake us
Someone punishing the four men is spoken of as if punishment were a person who captures them. Alternate Translation: "the people will punish us" or "someone will punish us"
2Ki 7:17
the captain on whose hand he had leaned
A high ranking captain who was the king's personal assistant is spoken of as if he were a person on whom the king leaned his hand. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 7:2](./01.md). Alternate Translation: "the captain who was close to the king" or "the captain who was the king's personal assistant"
2Ki 7:19
even if Yahweh should make windows in heaven
Yahweh causing much rain to fall in order to make the crops grow is spoken of as if Yahweh were opening windows in heaven through which he pours down rain. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 7:2](./01.md). Alternate Translation: "even if Yahweh were to cause much rain to fall from heaven"
2Ki 8:9
Your son Ben Hadad king of Aram
Ben Hadad was not actually Elisha's son, but Hazael called him that to show a close relationship between them. Alternate Translation: "Ben Hadad, the king of Aram, who is like a son to you"
2Ki 8:13
He is only a dog
Hazael is talking about himself. He speaks of his low status and lack of influence by comparing himself to a dog. Here a dog represents a lowly animal. Alternate Translation: "I am as powerless as a dog" or "I am as powerless as a lowly animal"
2Ki 8:18
what was evil in Yahweh's sight
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
2Ki 8:27
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
2Ki 9:31
you Zimri, your master's murderer
Here Jezebel calls Jehu "Zimri" to say that he is a murderer. Zimri was a commander of the army of Israel who murdered the king of Israel because he wanted to be king. Alternate Translation: "you murdered your master, just like Zimri murdered his master"
2Ki 10:5
Do what is good in your eyes
Here Jehu's "eyes" refer to his "sight." His "sight" refers to what he thinks. Alternate Translation: "Do what you judge to be right" or "Do whatever you think is the best"
2Ki 10:10
no part of Yahweh's word ... will fall to the ground
This speaks of everything happening that Yahweh has said will happen as if it were something that did not die and fall to the ground. Alternate Translation: "No part of Yahweh's word ... will fail" or "every part of Yahweh's word ... will happen"
2Ki 10:10
Yahweh has done
This speaks of Yahweh causing Ahab's descendants to be killed as if he killed them himself. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has caused to happen"
2Ki 10:29
did not leave the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat
This speaks of Jehu committing the same sins that Jeroboam committed, as if Jeroboam's sins were a place that Jehu did not leave. Alternate Translation: "did not stop committing the kinds of sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had committed"
2Ki 10:30
what was right in my eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "what I judge to be right" or "what I consider to be right"
2Ki 12:2
what was right in the eyes of Yahweh
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh judges to be right" or "what Yahweh considers to be right"
2Ki 12:18
Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah, his fathers
These men were previous kings of Judah.
2Ki 13:2
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
2Ki 13:2
Jehoahaz did not turn away from them
Here stopping his sin is spoken of as if he turned away from them. This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate Translation: "Jehoahaz did not stop doing the sins of Jeroboam" or "Jehoahaz continued to do the same sins as Jeroboam"
2Ki 13:3
The anger of Yahweh burned against Israel
Yahweh becoming angry with Israel is spoken of as if his anger was a fire that burned. Alternate Translation: "Then Yahweh became very angry with Israel"
2Ki 13:6
they did not depart from the sins of the house of Jeroboam
To stop sinning is spoken of as if they departed from the sins. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate Translation: "Israel did not stop doing the same sins as Jeroboam had done" or "Israel continued to commit the same sins as Jeroboam had committed"
2Ki 13:11
He did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
Here "sight" represents God's thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "He did things that Yahweh considers to be evil"
2Ki 13:11
He did not leave behind any of the sins of Jeroboam
To stop sinning is spoken of as if he left behind the sins. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate Translation: "Jehoash did not stop committing the same sins as Jeroboam" or "Jehoash kept committing the same sins as Jeroboam"
2Ki 13:11
but he walked in them
To sin is spoken of as if he was walking along a sinful path. Alternate Translation: "but Jehoash continued to do these same sins"
2Ki 13:23
has not driven them away from his presence
Yahweh's rejection is spoken of as if he had physically driven Israel away from where he was. Alternate Translation: "has not rejected them"
2Ki 14:3
He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, yet not like David his father
Here "the eyes of Yahweh" refers to his sight, and his sight refers to his judgment. Alternate Translation: "Amaziah did many things that pleased Yahweh, but he did not do as many things that pleased Yahweh as King David had done"
2Ki 14:9
A thistle that was in Lebanon ... trampled down the thistle
This is a word picture and a riddle. A cedar tree is great and a thistle is small and worthless. Jehoash compares himself to the cedar and Amaziah to the thistle and warns Amaziah not to attack. If you have a similar comparison in your own language, you can use it.
2Ki 14:24
evil in the sight of Yahweh
Here "sight" is a metaphor for judging or considering. Alternate Translation: "evil according to Yahweh" or "what Yahweh considered to be evil"
2Ki 14:24
He did not depart from any of the sins of Jeroboam
To stop sinning is spoken of as leaving a path. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate Translation: "He did not stop committing the same sins as Jeroboam" or "He continued to commit the same sins as Jeroboam"
2Ki 14:26
it was very bitter
Suffering that was difficult is spoken of as if it had a bitter taste. Alternate Translation: "it was very difficult"
2Ki 14:27
blot out
To completely destroy Israel is spoken of as if Yahweh wiped them away with a cloth. Alternate Translation: "completely destroy"
2Ki 15:3
what was right in the eyes of Yahweh
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "what was right in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be right"
2Ki 15:4
were not taken away
Being taken away represents being destroyed. Alternate Translation: "were not destroyed"
2Ki 15:5
was over the household
Being over the household represents having authority over those in it. Alternate Translation: "was in charge of the household" or "had authority over those in Azariah's palace"
2Ki 15:7
Azariah slept with his ancestors
Sleeping represents dying. Alternate Translation: "Azariah died as his ancestors had" or "like his ancestors, Azariah died"
2Ki 15:7
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Azariah"
2Ki 15:9
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2](../03/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
2Ki 15:9
He did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat
Departing from sins represents refusing to do those sins. Alternate Translation: "Zechariah did not refuse to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat" or "He sinned as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned"
2Ki 15:14
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Shallum"
2Ki 15:18
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2](../03/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
2Ki 15:18
he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat
Departing from sins represents refusing to do those sins. Alternate Translation: "Zechariah did not refuse to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat" or "He sinned as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned"
2Ki 15:19
to strengthen the kingdom of Israel in his hand
Having the kingdom in his hand represents ruling the kingdom. Alternate Translation: "to strengthen his rule over the kingdom of Israel"
2Ki 15:22
Menahem slept with his ancestors
Sleeping represents dying. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 10:35](../10/34.md). Alternate Translation: "Menahem died as his ancestors had" or "like his ancestors, Menahem died"
2Ki 15:22
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Menahem"
2Ki 15:24
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2](../03/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
2Ki 15:24
He did not leave behind the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat
Leaving behind sins represents refusing to do those sins. Alternate Translation: "Pekahiah did not refuse to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat" or "He sinned as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned"
2Ki 15:25
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Pekahiah"
2Ki 15:28
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2](../03/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
2Ki 15:28
He did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat
Departing from sins represents refusing to do those sins. Alternate Translation: "Zechariah did not refuse to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat" or "He sinned as Jeroboam son of Nebat had sinned"
2Ki 15:30
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Pekah"
2Ki 15:34
what was right in the eyes of Yahweh
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "what was right in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be right"
2Ki 15:35
were not taken away
Being taken away represents being destroyed. Alternate Translation: "were not destroyed"
2Ki 15:38
Jotham slept with his ancestors
Sleeping represents dying. Alternate Translation: "Jotham died as his ancestors had" or "Like his ancestors, Jotham died"
2Ki 15:38
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Jotham"
2Ki 16:2
what was right in the eyes of Yahweh his God
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "what was right in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh his God considers to be right"
2Ki 16:3
he walked in the way of the kings of Israel
Walking represents behavior and actions. Alternate Translation: "King Ahaz acted the same way that the kings of Israel had acted" or "he did the things that the kings of Israel had done"
2Ki 16:3
following the detestable practices of the nations
Here "following" represents doing what others do. Alternate Translation: "copying the disgusting things that the other nations did, the nations"
2Ki 16:7
I am your servant and your son
Being a servant and a son represents submitting to someone's authority. Alternate Translation: "I will obey you as if I were your servant or your son"
2Ki 16:9
carried off its people as prisoners to Kir
Carrying off the people represents forcing them to go away. Alternate Translation: "made the people his prisoners and forced them to go to Kir"
2Ki 16:20
Ahaz slept with his ancestors
Sleeping represents dying. Alternate Translation: "Ahaz died as his ancestors had" or "like his ancestors, Ahaz died"
2Ki 16:20
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Ahaz"
2Ki 17:2
evil in the sight of Yahweh
He did not obey Yahweh's laws as given to Moses. "In the sight of" is metaphor for judgment or opinion. Alternate Translation: "evil to Yahweh"
2Ki 17:8
walking in the practices
Walking is metaphor for the ways or patterns of behavior people use in their lives. Alternate Translation: "doing the activities"
2Ki 17:17
sold themselves to do that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh
To "sell themselves" is a metaphor for committing completely to do that which was evil. Alternate Translation: "committed themselves to do things that Yahweh said were evil"
2Ki 17:20
until he had cast them out of his sight
his sight is metaphor for attention and caring. Alternate Translation: "until he got rid of them all" or "until they were no longer in his presence"
2Ki 17:21
He tore Israel
He tore here is a metaphor for violent removal. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh removed the people of Israel"
2Ki 17:23
so Yahweh removed Israel from his sight
Sight here is a metaphor for attention and care. Alternate Translation: "so Yahweh removed the people of Israel from his attention and care"
2Ki 17:40
They would not listen
Listen here is a metaphor for paying attention and acting on the command. Alternate Translation: "They did not obey"
2Ki 18:3
He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh
In the eyes here is a metaphor for Yahweh's attention and care. Alternate Translation: "King Hezekiah did what was right to Yahweh" or "Hezekiah did things that Yahweh said are right"
2Ki 18:6
he held on to Yahweh
To "hold on" is metaphor for staying loyal and attached. Alternate Translation: "Hezekiah stayed loyal to Yahweh" or "Hezekiah remained faithful to Yahweh"
2Ki 18:21
walking stick of this bruised reed of Egypt
The King of Assyria compares Egypt to a weak walking stick; you expect that it will support you when you lean on it, but instead it breaks and cuts you. Alternate Translation: "the weak support from Egypt"
2Ki 18:21
but if a man leans ... and pierce it
The speaker is extending the metaphor by describing what happens when a reed is used as a support. Alternate Translation: "but if someone uses this for support, he will be injured"
2Ki 18:31
his own vine ... his own fig tree ... his own cistern
These sources of food and water are metaphors for security and plenty. This also was a common way of expressing this idea.
2Ki 18:32
a land of grain and new wine ... bread and vineyards ... olive trees and honey
These are metaphors for having good things and plenty in daily life.
2Ki 19:3
the children have come to the time of birth, but there is no strength for them to be born
This is a metaphor to describe how the people and their leaders have become so weak and unable to fight the enemy.
2Ki 19:4
lift up your prayer
This a common way (an idiom) to use the action of lifting to metaphorically represent praying earnestly to Yahweh who is above us. Alternate Translation: "pray earnestly"
2Ki 19:21
The virgin daughter of Zion
Virgin daughter here is a metaphor for the people of Jerusalem as if they are young, vibrant and beautiful. The term "daughter" was used to give personal characteristics to cities by some biblical writers. Alternate Translation: "The beautiful people of Jerusalem"
2Ki 19:21
The daughter of Jerusalem
Daughter is metaphor for the people of Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "The people of the city of Jerusalem"
2Ki 19:21
shakes her head at you
This action is a metaphor to represent disdain at the pride of the Assyrians. Alternate Translation: "scorns you"
2Ki 19:26
plants in the field, green grass
This metaphor compares the weak victims of the Assyrian advance to fragile plants. Alternate Translation: "as frail as plants and grass in the fields" or "as weak as shallow rooted plants"
2Ki 19:26
the grass on the roof or in the field, burned before it has grown up
This continues the metaphor comparing the weak victims of the Assyrian advance to fragile plants in difficult conditions for growing fully. Alternate Translation: "like grass before it has matured" or "like grass before it has grown tall"
2Ki 19:28
I will put my hook in your nose, and my bit in your mouth
A "hook" and a "bit" (to control a horse) are metaphors for Yahweh's control of Sennacherib. Alternate Translation: "I will lead you like an animal"
2Ki 19:30
The remnant of the house of Judah that survives will again take root and bear fruit
This metaphor compares restoration of the remnant to plantings that take hold and produce results. Alternate Translation: "The people of Judah who remain alive will restore their lives and prosperity" or "The people who remain in Judah will prosper and have many children"
2Ki 20:3
good in your sight
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "in your judgment"
2Ki 21:2
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2](../03/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
2Ki 21:6
much evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Kings 3:2](../03/01.md). Alternate Translation: "many things that were evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "many things that Yahweh considers to be evil"
2Ki 21:13
stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria, and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab
The words "measuring line" and "plumb line" are metaphors for the standards Yahweh uses to judge people. Alternate Translation: "judge Jerusalem using the same measure I used when I judged Samaria and the house of Ahab"
2Ki 21:16
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2](../03/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
2Ki 21:20
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2](../03/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
2Ki 21:21
followed in all the way that his father had walked in
walked in all the ways that his father walked in. The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "lived completely the way his father had lived"
2Ki 22:2
He walked in all the way of David his ancestor
He walked in all the ways of David his ancestor Josiah behaving as David did is spoken of as if he walked on the same road or way as David. Alternate Translation: "He lived the way David his ancestor had lived" or "He followed the example of David his ancestor"
2Ki 22:2
he did not turn away either to the right or to the left
To fully obey Yahweh is spoken of as if a person were on the correct road and never turned from it. Alternate Translation: "he did not do anything that would displease Yahweh" or "he fully obeyed all the laws of Yahweh"
2Ki 22:13
For great is the anger of Yahweh that has been kindled against us
Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that was lit. Alternate Translation: "For Yahweh is very angry with us"
2Ki 22:16
I will bring disaster to this place and to its inhabitants
Yahweh causing terrible things to happen is spoken of as if disaster were an object that he could bring to a place. Alternate Translation: "I will cause terrible things to happen to this place and to those who live there"
2Ki 22:17
my anger has been kindled against this place, and it will not be extinguished
Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that was lit. Alternate Translation: "my anger against this place is like a fire that cannot be put out"
2Ki 22:20
the disaster that I will bring upon this place
Yahweh causing terrible things to happen is spoken of as if disaster were an object that Yahweh would bring to a place. Alternate Translation: "the terrible things I will cause to happen in this place"
2Ki 23:3
walk after Yahweh
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path, and "to walk after" someone is a metonym for doing what that other person does or wants others to do. Alternate Translation: "live obeying Yahweh"
2Ki 23:26
Yahweh did not turn away from the burning of his fierce anger, which burned against
Fire is a metaphor for anger, and starting a fire is a metaphor for becoming angry. The abstract noun "anger" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh did not stop being fierce because he was angry with"
2Ki 23:32
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2](../03/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
2Ki 23:37
did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2](../03/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
2Ki 24:9
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2](../03/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
2Ki 24:19
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 3:2](../03/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
1Ch 2:3
in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents his judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "as Yahweh judged"
1Ch 10:9
to carry the news
A person telling others about something that has happened is spoken of as if the person were carrying a solid object and giving it to those other people. Alternate Translation: "to tell what had happened"
1Ch 11:2
You will shepherd my people Israel
Here ruling over the people is spoken of as shepherding them. Alternate Translation: "'You will care for my people Israel" or "You will lead my people Israel"
1Ch 11:19
Should I drink the blood of these men who have risked their lives?
David speaks of the water as if it were blood because the men risked their lives to bring the water to him. He uses a question to emphasize this. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I should not drink this water, which would be like drinking the blood of these men who have risked their lives to bring it to me."
1Ch 12:18
the Spirit came on Amasai
The Spirit empowering Amasai is spoken of as if the Spirit came on him. Alternate Translation: "the Spirit empowered Amasai"
1Ch 12:23
to turn the kingdom of Saul over to him
The men making David king in place of Saul is spoken of as if they gave possession of Saul's kingdom to David. Alternate Translation: "to make David king in place of Saul"
1Ch 13:4
they seemed right in the eyes of all the people
Here the word "eyes" represents seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "all the people considered these things to be right"
1Ch 13:10
the anger of Yahweh burned against Uzzah
Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that burned the one with whom Yahweh is angry. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh was very angry with Uzzah"
1Ch 14:15
When you hear the sound of marching in the wind blowing through the balsam treetops
This speaks of the sound of the leaves rustling as wind blows through them as if it were the sound of marching. Alternate Translation: "When the wind blowing through the tops of the balsam trees sounds like men marching"
1Ch 17:6
whom I appointed to shepherd my people
Those who are leaders of the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were shepherds and the people were sheep.
1Ch 17:8
cut off all your enemies
Yahweh destroying David's enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh cut them off, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree.
1Ch 17:9
will plant them there
God causing the people to live in the land permanently and securely is spoken of as if he would plant them in the land. Alternate Translation: "I will settle them there"
1Ch 17:11
I will raise up your descendant after you
God appointing David's descendant is spoken of as if Yahweh would raise or lift him up.
1Ch 17:17
in your sight
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "in your judgment"
1Ch 17:17
for a great while to come
This speaks about time as if it were something that travels and arrives somewhere. Alternate Translation: "and what will happen to them in the future"
1Ch 19:6
saw that they had become a stench to David
The word "stench" refers to a bad smell. This describes the Ammonites as something unpleasant and unwanted. Alternate Translation: "realized that they had become repulsive to David" or "realized that they had angered David"
1Ch 19:13
what is good in his eyes
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "what he considers to be good"
1Ch 21:17
But these sheep
David speaks of the people of Israel as if they were sheep, who are known for trusting and following their leader.
1Ch 22:10
He will be my son, and I will be his father
God will treat Solomon as if he were God's own son.
1Ch 22:19
seek Yahweh your God
Seeking Yahweh represents either 1) asking God for help or 2) thinking about God and obeying him.
1Ch 24:4
heads of clans
Here "heads" is a metaphor for the more important people—the leaders of the clans. Alternate Translation: "leaders of the clans"
1Ch 25:5
to lift up his horn
An animal horn is a symbol of strength or authority. To lift up someone's horn is a metaphor for honoring him. Alternate Translation: "to honor Heman"
1Ch 28:6
I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father
This does not mean that Solomon becomes an actual son of God, but it describes the personal relationship that he and God will have. Alternate Translation: "I have chosen to treat him like a son, and I will be like a father to him"
1Ch 29:12
In your hand is power and might
This speaks of Yahweh having control over whether people are powerful or not as if "power and might" were something in hand that he had control over. Alternate Translation: "You determine who has power and might"
1Ch 29:15
we are strangers and travelers before you
This speaks of people's lives being short as if they were travelers only here on earth for a short time. Alternate Translation: "For our lives are short and we are like strangers and travelers who pass before you"
2Ch 1:2
the heads of the fathers' houses
Here "heads" is a metaphor for the most important part. And "houses" represents families. Alternate Translation: "the leaders of the families in Israel"
2Ch 5:2
all the heads of the tribes
Here "heads" is a metaphor for the most important part of something. Alternate Translation: "all the leaders of the tribes"
2Ch 6:1
in thick darkness
Here the word "thick" shows that the darkness is extreme. Yahweh spoke of not allowing sinful people to see him as if he were to live in darkness. Alternate Translation: "in great darkness"
2Ch 6:5
to be prince over my people Israel
Being "prince over people" represents ruling them. Alternate Translation: "to rule my people Israel"
2Ch 6:6
to be over my people Israel
Being "over" people represents ruling them. Alternate Translation: "to rule my people Israel"
2Ch 6:7
it was in the heart of David my father ... it was in your heart ... for it to be in your heart
Here David's heart is spoken of as if it were a container, and what he desired is spoken of as if it were an item in the container. Alternate Translation: "David my father desired ... you desired ... to desire to do that"
2Ch 6:8
it was in the heart of David my father ... it was in your heart ... for it to be in your heart
Here David's heart is spoken of as if it were a container, and what he desired is spoken of as if it were an item in the container. Alternate Translation: "David my father desired ... you desired ... to desire to do that"
2Ch 6:10
I have arisen in the place of David my father
Height is a metaphor for power. Alternate Translation: "I have gained the power that David my father had"
2Ch 6:14
walk before you with all their heart
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "live wholeheartedly the way that you want them to"
2Ch 6:16
to walk in my law, as you have walked before me
The way a person behaves is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "to obey my law, as you have obeyed me" or "to be faithful to my law as you have been faithful to me"
2Ch 6:20
May your eyes be open toward this temple
The eyes being open is a metonym for watching, and here watching represents protecting. "Please watch over this temple" or "Please protect this temple"
2Ch 6:23
bringing what he has done upon his own head
To bring someone's conduct on him represents punishing him for his bad conduct. Alternate Translation: "punishing him as he deserves"
2Ch 6:24
if they turn back to you
Here "turn back to you" represents submitting again to God. Alternate Translation: "if they submit to you again"
2Ch 6:26
When the skies are shut up and there is no rain
The sky is spoken of as if it were a building in which God stores the rain, and when God does not want it to rain he closes the door to the building. Alternate Translation: "When you do not allow rain to fall from the skies"
2Ch 6:26
turn from their sin
Here "turn from" is a metaphor for stopping doing it. Alternate Translation: "stop committing their sins" or "stop acting sinfully"
2Ch 6:27
the good way in which they should walk
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "the good way that they should live"
2Ch 6:27
your land, which you have given to your people as an inheritance
The land is spoken of as if it were an inheritance because God wanted them to possess it forever. Alternate Translation: "your land, which you have given to your people to own forever"
2Ch 6:29
knowing the plague and sorrow in his own heart
Here "plague" is a metaphor for sin, and sin and sorrow are spoken of as being in people's hearts. Alternate Translation: "knowing the sin and sorrow in his own heart"
2Ch 6:30
for all his ways
Here "his ways" represents the person's behavior. Alternate Translation: "for what he has done"
2Ch 6:31
so that they may walk in your ways
Here "walk in your ways" represents living and behaving the way God wants. Alternate Translation: "so that they may live as you want them to"
2Ch 6:36
hand them over to the enemy
Here "hand them over to the enemy" represents allowing the enemy to capture them.
2Ch 6:36
so that the enemy carries them away
Here "carries them away" represents forcing them to leave their own country. Alternate Translation: "so that the enemy forces them to leave"
2Ch 6:38
they return to you
Here "return to you" represents submitting to Yahweh again. Alternate Translation: "they submit to you again"
2Ch 6:41
arise, Yahweh God, to your resting place
This pictures God as if he were sitting on his throne, and asks that he will get up from his throne and come to this place. Alternate Translation: "arise, Yahweh God, and come to your resting place"
2Ch 6:41
Let your priests ... be clothed with salvation
The abstract noun "salvation" can be translated with the verb "to save." Possible meanings are 1) being clothed with salvation is a metaphor for experiencing salvation. Alternate Translation: "Let your priests ... know that you have saved them" or 2) being clothed with salvation is a metaphor for demonstrating salvation. Alternate Translation: "Let your priests ... demonstrate how you save people"
2Ch 6:42
do not turn the face of your anointed away from you
Turning the face of someone away represents rejecting him. Alternate Translation: "do not reject your anointed one"
2Ch 7:11
Everything that came into Solomon's heart to make
The heart is spoken of as if it were a container, and desires are spoken of as if they came into the heart. Alternate Translation: "Everything that Solomon desired to make"
2Ch 7:13
Suppose that I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain
Here "heavens" refers to the sky, and is spoken of as if it were a building in which God stores the rain. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 6:26](../06/26.md). Alternate Translation: "Suppose that I do not allow the rain to fall from the skies"
2Ch 7:13
if I send disease among my people
Here "send disease" represents causing diseases. Alternate Translation: "if I cause my people to have diseases"
2Ch 7:14
seek my face
Here God's face represents his acceptance of them. Possible meanings are "seek my face" represents 1) urgently asking him for forgiveness. Alternate Translation: "beg me to forgive them" or 2) strongly wanting to please him. Alternate Translation: "choose to please me"
2Ch 7:14
turn from their wicked ways
Here "turn from" is a metaphor meaning to stop doing something, and "ways" represent behavior. Alternate Translation: "stop their wicked behavior" or "stop doing wicked things"
2Ch 7:17
if you walk before me as David your father walked
Here walking is a metaphor for living. Walking before God represents living in obedience to him. Alternate Translation: "If you obey me as David your father did"
2Ch 7:19
But if you turn away
Here "turn away" from God is a metaphor meaning to stop worshiping him. Alternate Translation: "But if you stop worshiping me"
2Ch 7:20
I will uproot them from out of my ground that I have given them
The word "them" refers to the people of Israel. God speaks of making his people leave his land as if they were plants that he would pull up by their roots out of the soil. Alternate Translation: "I will make them leave the land I have given them"
2Ch 7:20
I will cast away from before me
God speaks of rejecting his temple as if he were to throw it far away from himself. Alternate Translation: "I will reject it" or "I will ignore it"
2Ch 7:22
they laid hold of other gods
Here "laid hold of" represents choosing to be loyal to them. Alternate Translation: "they chose to be loyal to other gods"
2Ch 8:13
following the directions
Here "following the directions" represents obeying them. Alternate Translation: "obeying the directions"
2Ch 8:15
These people did not deviate from the commands
Here "deviate from the commands" represents to do something different from what was commanded. It can be stated positively. Alternate Translation: "These people carefully obeyed the commands"
2Ch 9:3
When the queen of Sheba saw Solomon's wisdom and the palace that he had built
Here "saw Solomon's wisdom" represents realizing that Solomon was very wise. Alternate Translation: "When the queen of Sheba realized how wise Solomon was, and when she saw the palace that he had built"
2Ch 9:8
in order to establish them forever
Possible meanings are 1) "establish" represents helping them in general. Alternate Translation: "in order to help them forever" or 2) "establish" represents making them strong as a nation. Alternate Translation: "in order to make them a nation forever"
2Ch 9:23
which God had put in his heart
God putting wisdom in Solomon's heart represents God making Solomon wise. Alternate Translation: "which God had given him" or "because God had made him wise"
2Ch 10:4
made our yoke difficult
A difficult yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and cruel treatment. Alternate Translation: "treated us cruelly" or "forced us to work very hard"
2Ch 10:9
Lighten the yoke that your father put on us
To "lighten the yoke" is a metaphor that represents easing the burden. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 10:4](./03.md). Alternate Translation: "Do not treat us as cruelly as your father did" or "Do not force us to work as hard as your father did"
2Ch 10:10
made their yoke heavy
A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and cruel treatment. This metaphor is continued in verses 10 and 11. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 10:04](./03.md). Alternate Translation: "treated them cruelly" or "forced them to work very hard"
2Ch 10:10
My little finger is thicker than my father's waist
This metaphor means that Rehoboam is more cruel and intimidating than his father. Alternate Translation: "I rule much more harshly than my father ever did" or "I am much harsher than my father"
2Ch 10:11
I will add to your yoke
I will make your yoke heavier. A yoke is a metaphor for labor. Alternate Translation: "I will force you to work harder"
2Ch 10:11
I will punish you with scorpions
Possible meanings are that 1) "scorpions" is a metaphor for any kind of painful punishment. Alternate Translation: "I will punish you much more harshly" or 2) "scorpions" is a metaphor for whips with sharp metal barbs at the end. Alternate Translation: "I will punish you with whips that have sharp pieces of metal at the ends"
2Ch 10:14
made your yoke heavy, but I will add to it
A heavy yoke is a metaphor for very difficult labor and cruel treatment. Alternate Translation: "treated you cruelly, but I will be more cruel" or "forced you to work very hard, but I will make you work harder"
2Ch 10:14
I will punish you with scorpions
Possible meanings are that 1) "scorpions" is a metaphor for any kind of painful punishment. Alternate Translation: "I will punish you much more harshly" or 2) "scorpions" is a metaphor for whips with sharp metal barbs at the end. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 10:11](./10.md). Alternate Translation: "I will punish you with whips that have sharp pieces of metal at the ends"
2Ch 10:18
who was over the forced laborers
Being over people represents having authority to tell them what to do. Alternate Translation: "who was in charge of the forced laborers"
2Ch 11:16
to seek Yahweh
Worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were seeking Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "to worship Yahweh"
2Ch 11:17
made Rehoboam son of Solomon strong
The people supporting Rehoboam as king is spoken of as if they made Rehoboam strong. Alternate Translation: "supported Rehoboam son of Solomon as king"
2Ch 11:17
they walked for three years in the way of David and Solomon
Here a person's actions and lifestyle are spoken of as if the person were walking along a path. Alternate Translation: "they followed the example of David and Solomon for three years"
2Ch 12:7
my anger will not pour out on Jerusalem
Yahweh speaks of his anger as if it were a liquid, and of expressing his anger as if he were to pour out that liquid. Alternate Translation: "I will not express my anger against Jerusalem" or "Jerusalem will not suffer the effects of my anger"
2Ch 12:14
to seek Yahweh
Worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were seeking Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "to worship Yahweh"
2Ch 12:16
Rehoboam slept with his ancestors
Rehoboam dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. Alternate Translation: "Rehoboam died"
2Ch 12:16
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Rehoboam"
2Ch 13:12
God is with us at our head
Here the front of the army is spoken of as if it were the head. Abijah is saying that God is the one who is leading the army of Judah in battle. Alternate Translation: "God is with us as our leader"
2Ch 13:15
God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah
God enabling the army of Judah to defeat Jeroboam and the army of Israel is spoken of as if God struck Jeroboam and Israel. Alternate Translation: "God enabled Abijah and the army of Judah to defeat Jeroboam and all Israel"
2Ch 13:20
Yahweh struck him, and he died
Yahweh causing Jeroboam to die is spoken of as if Yahweh struck Jeroboam. It is possible that this refers to Yahweh causing Jeroboam to become ill. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh caused Jeroboam to die" or "Yahweh caused Jeroboam to become ill, and he died"
2Ch 14:1
Abijah slept with his ancestors
Abijah dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. Alternate Translation: "Abijah died"
2Ch 14:1
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Abijah"
2Ch 14:1
the land was quiet ten years
There being no war is spoken of as if the land were quiet. Alternate Translation: "there was peace in the land for ten years" or "there was no war in the land for ten years"
2Ch 14:2
what was good and right in the eyes of Yahweh his God
The word "eyes" here represents seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and approved of Asa's actions. Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh judged to be good and right" or "what Yahweh considered to be good and right"
2Ch 14:5
The kingdom had rest under him
There being no war is spoken of as if the kingdom had rest. Alternate Translation: "The kingdom had peace under him"
2Ch 14:5
under him
under his reign. A king ruling a kingdom is spoken of as if the king is over the kingdom or the kingdom is under the king. Alternate Translation: "during his reign" or "while he was king"
2Ch 14:6
the land was quiet
There being no war is spoken of as if the land were quiet. Alternate Translation: "there was peace in the land"
2Ch 14:12
Yahweh struck the Cushites before Asa and Judah
God enabling the army of Judah to defeat the Cushites is spoken of as if God struck the Cushites. Alternate Translation: "God enabled Asa and the army of Judah to defeat the Cushites"
2Ch 14:14
for terror of Yahweh had come on the inhabitants
The inhabitants of the villages being terrified is spoken of as if terror were an object that came upon them. Possible meanings are 1) "terror of Yahweh" refers to terror from Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "for Yahweh had caused the inhabitants to be terrified" or 2) "terror of Yahweh" refers to being terrified of Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "for the inhabitants were terrified of Yahweh"
2Ch 15:5
great troubles were on all the inhabitants of the lands
The people experiencing great troubles is spoken of as if those troubles were objects that were on the people. Alternate Translation: "all the inhabitants of the lands experienced great troubles"
2Ch 15:6
They were broken in pieces, nation against nation, and city against city
The word "they" refers to the words "nation" and "city." Conquering one another is spoken of as if they were breaking each other into pieces. Alternate Translation: "Nations and cities destroyed each other, nations fighting nations, cities fighting cities"
2Ch 15:13
whether the person was small or great
Possible meanings are 1) a person's importance within the community is spoken of as if the person were small or great. Alternate Translation: "whether the person was important or not" or 2) a young person is spoken of as if he were small and an old person is spoken of as if he were great. Alternate Translation: "whether the person was young or old"
2Ch 16:3
Let there be a covenant between me and you ... between my father and your father
A covenant being between two people represents those two people having a covenant with each other. Alternate Translation: "Let us have a covenant with each other ... with my father and your father" or "Let us make a peace treaty ... with my father and your father"
2Ch 16:3
Break your covenant with Baasha, king of Israel
Breaking a covenant represents canceling it and not doing what one has promised to do. Alternate Translation: "Cancel your covenant with Baasha king of Israel" or "Do not be loyal to Baasha king of Israel as you promised in your covenant with him"
2Ch 16:9
the eyes of Yahweh run everywhere throughout the whole earth
This speaks of Yahweh seeing everything that happens everywhere as if his eyes were a person that ran all over the earth. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh sees what is happening all over the earth"
2Ch 18:12
the words of the prophets with one mouth are favorable to the king
The prophets all saying the same thing is spoken of as if they all spoke with the same mouth. The phrase "the words of the prophets" represents the message that the prophets declare. Alternate Translation: "the prophets all declare that good things will happen to the king"
2Ch 18:16
These have no shepherd
Yahweh speaks of the king as if he were a shepherd. Just like a shepherd is responsible to care for and protect his sheep, the king is responsible to lead and protect his people. Alternate Translation: "These people no longer have a leader"
2Ch 18:19
fall at Ramoth Gilead
Ahab dying in battle is spoken of as if he will fall. Alternate Translation: "die at Ramoth Gilead"
2Ch 19:3
seek God
Wanting to do what pleases God is spoken of as if Jehoshaphat were seeking him. Alternate Translation: "do what pleases God"
2Ch 19:4
brought them back to Yahweh
The author speaks of Jehoshaphat's leading the people back to serving Yahweh as if he were carrying them back to where they were at an earlier time. Alternate Translation: "convinced them to return to Yahweh"
2Ch 19:8
heads of the ancestral houses
Here "heads" is a metaphor for the most important part, and "houses" represents families. Alternate Translation: "leaders of the ancient families"
2Ch 20:19
with a very loud voice
This speaks of all the people praising Yahweh as if they together had one voice. Alternate Translation: "with very loud voices"
2Ch 20:32
he did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh
The eyes here represent seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and approved of Jehoshaphat's actions. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:2](../14/01.md). Alternate Translation: "he did what Yahweh judged to be right" or "he did what Yahweh considered to be right"
2Ch 21:3
he gave the kingdom to Jehoram
The kingdom is spoken of as if it were a physical object that Jehoshaphat gave to Jehoram. Alternate Translation: "he made Jehoram king"
2Ch 21:6
in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents his judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "as Yahweh judged"
2Ch 21:11
he made the inhabitants of Jerusalem to live like prostitutes
Jehoram caused the people to serve idols instead of Yahweh. People who serve other gods in order to receive something from them are spoken of as spiritual prostitutes. Alternate Translation: "he caused the people of Jerusalem to leave Yahweh and serve other gods, as prostitutes serve men who are not their husbands"
2Ch 21:11
he led Judah astray
Not following Yahweh is spoken of as not following the correct path. Alternate Translation: "he caused Judah to no longer follow Yahweh"
2Ch 21:13
act like a prostitute
Jehoram caused the people to serve idols instead of Yahweh. People who serve other gods in order to receive something from them are spoken of as spiritual prostitutes. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 21:11](./11.md). Alternate Translation: "leave Yahweh and serve other gods, as a prostitute serves men who are not her husband"
2Ch 21:15
until your intestines fall out because of the sickness
Possible meanings are 1) his intestines will literally fall out or 2) this is a metaphor that describes intestinal problems that will result in his death. Alternate Translation: "until this disease causes your death"
2Ch 22:4
in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents his judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "as Yahweh judged"
2Ch 23:2
the heads of the ancestral houses of Israel
Here "heads" is a metaphor for the most important part. And "houses" represents the families. Alternate Translation: "leaders of the founding families of Israel"
2Ch 23:19
so that no one that was unclean in any way should enter
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if they were physically unclean. Alternate Translation: "so that no one that was unacceptable to God in any way should enter"
2Ch 24:2
what was right in the eyes of Yahweh
The word "eyes" here represents seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and approved of Joash's actions. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:1](../14/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh judged to be right" or "what Yahweh considered to be right"
2Ch 24:18
God's anger came on Judah and Jerusalem
God's anger is spoken of as something that covered over Judah and Jerusalem. Here the words "Judah" and "Jerusalem" are metonyms for the people who lived there. Alternate Translation: "God became very angry with the people of Judah and Jerusalem"
2Ch 25:2
what was right in the eyes of Yahweh
Here the word "eyes" represents sight, and sight represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:02](../14/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh judged to be right"
2Ch 25:5
twenty years old and upward
Here numbers that were larger than twenty are spoken of as if they were higher. Alternate Translation: "20 years old and older"
2Ch 25:8
throw you down before the enemy ... throw down
Here the prophet speaks of military defeat as if the king would be thrown down on the ground. Alternate Translation: "enable your enemy to defeat you ... defeat"
2Ch 25:10
So their anger was greatly kindled
Here the increase in their anger is spoken of as if it were a growing fire inside them. Alternate Translation: "So their anger began to burn within them like a fire"
2Ch 25:15
Yahweh's anger was kindled against Amaziah
Here the increase in Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a growing fire. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh's anger grew like a fire against Amaziah"
2Ch 26:4
what was right in the eyes of Yahweh
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:2](../14/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh judges to be right" or "what Yahweh considers to be right"
2Ch 26:5
He set himself to seek God
Here "set himself" is a metaphor for being determined to do something. Seeking God represents choosing to know, worship, and obey him. Alternate Translation: "He was determined to obey God"
2Ch 26:5
sought Yahweh
Seeking Yahweh represents choosing to know, worship, and obey him. Alternate Translation: "chose to obey Yahweh"
2Ch 26:16
his heart was lifted up
Here the heart being lifted up represents pride. Alternate Translation: "he became proud"
2Ch 26:20
Yahweh had struck him
This speaks of Yahweh making him sick as if Yahweh had hit him. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh had made him ill"
2Ch 26:21
he was cut off from the house of Yahweh
Here being "cut off" from Yahweh's house represents being excluded from the temple. Alternate Translation: "he was excluded from the house of Yahweh" or "he was not allowed to go to the temple"
2Ch 26:21
Jotham, his son, was over the king's house
Here being over something represents having responsibility or authority for it. Alternate Translation: "Jotham, his son, was responsible for the king's house" or "Jotham, his son, was in charge of the palace"
2Ch 27:2
He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh
The eyes here represent seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and approved of Jotham's actions. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 14:2](../14/01.md). Alternate Translation: "He did what Yahweh judged to be right" or "He did what Yahweh considered to be right"
2Ch 27:6
he walked firmly before Yahweh his God
Jotham's actions and lifestyle are spoken of as if they were a path upon which he walked. That he walked firmly means that he was devoted to living in this way. Alternate Translation: "he faithfully obeyed Yahweh his God"
2Ch 27:7
his ways
Jotham's actions are spoken of as if they were a path upon which he walked. Alternate Translation: "the things that he did"
2Ch 27:9
Jotham slept with his ancestors
Jotham dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. Alternate Translation: "Jotham died"
2Ch 27:9
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Jotham"
2Ch 28:1
what was right in the eyes of Yahweh
The eyes here represent seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and did not approve of Ahaz's actions. See how you translated this in [2 Chronicles 14:2](../14/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh judged to be right" or "what Yahweh considered to be right"
2Ch 28:2
he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel
Walking represents behavior and actions. Alternate Translation: "he acted the same way that the kings of Israel had acted" or "he did the things that the kings of Israel had done"
2Ch 28:9
you have slaughtered them in a rage that reached up to heaven
Oded speaks of Yahweh knowing how severely the army of Israel slaughtered the army of Judah as if the rage with which the army of Israel slaughtered them were an object so large that it reached into heaven. That Yahweh knows what they have done implies that he will respond. Alternate Translation: "you have slaughtered them in such great rage that Yahweh himself has noticed and will take vengeance"
2Ch 28:11
Yahweh's fierce wrath is on you
Oded speaks of Yahweh being extremely angry with the Israelite army as if Yahweh's wrath were an object that were upon them. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh is extremely angry with you"
2Ch 28:13
something that will bring on us sin
The leaders speak of doing something that will cause them to be guilty of sin as if it were sin were an object that the action brings upon them. Alternate Translation: "something that will cause us to be guilty of sinning"
2Ch 28:19
sinned against Yahweh very heavily
Ahaz sinning very much is spoken of as if sin were a very heavy object. Alternate Translation: "sinned very greatly against Yahweh"
2Ch 28:20
troubled him instead of strengthening him
Helping Ahaz against his enemies is spoken of as if it were strengthening Ahaz. Alternate Translation: "caused him trouble instead of helping him"
2Ch 28:24
in every corner of Jerusalem
Possible meanings are 1) the word "corner" refers to street corners, or places where streets intersect. Alternate Translation: "on every street corner in Jerusalem" or 2) the various parts of Jerusalem are spoken of as if they were the corners of the city. Alternate Translation: "in every part of Jerusalem"
2Ch 28:26
all his ways, first and last
Ahaz's actions are spoken of as if they were a path upon which he walked. The phrase "first and last" refers to those extremes and everything in between. Alternate Translation: "all that he did from the beginning of his reign to the end of his reign"
2Ch 28:27
Ahaz slept with his ancestors
Ahaz dying is spoken of as if he had fallen asleep. Alternate Translation: "Ahaz died"
2Ch 28:27
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Ahaz"
2Ch 29:2
what was right in the eyes of Yahweh
The word "eyes" here represents seeing, and seeing represents judgment. Yahweh saw and approved of Hezekiah's actions. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:1](../14/01.md). Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh judged to be right" or "what Yahweh considered to be right"
2Ch 29:5
carry away the filthiness from the holy place
The word "filthiness" refers to things that the people had used to worship other gods. The narrator speaks of these things making the temple unacceptable to Yahweh as if they were physically dirty. Alternate Translation: "remove the things that defile the holy place" or "remove the things that make the holy place unacceptable to Yahweh"
2Ch 29:6
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh our God
The word "sight" here represents judgment. Yahweh saw and did not approve of their ancestors' actions. Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh our God judged to be evil" or "what Yahweh our God considered to be evil"
2Ch 29:6
turned away their faces from the place where Yahweh lives, and turned their backs on it
Rejecting Yahweh and no longer worshiping him is spoken of as if the people had turned away from the temple. Alternate Translation: "abandoned Yahweh's temple and stopped worshiping him"
2Ch 29:10
his fierce anger may turn away from us
Hezekiah speaks of Yahweh no longer being angry with them as if Yahweh's anger were a person who turns away from them Alternate Translation: "he may no longer be angry with us"
2Ch 29:15
to cleanse the house of Yahweh
A place that is fit to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
2Ch 29:16
they brought out all the filth that they found in the temple of Yahweh
The word "filth" refers to things that the people had used to worship other gods. The narrator speaks of these things making the temple unacceptable to Yahweh as if they were physically dirty. Alternate Translation: "they brought out all the defiled things that they found in the temple of Yahweh" or "they brought out all the things that they found in the temple of Yahweh that made it unacceptable to Yahweh"
2Ch 30:4
in the eyes of the king and of all the assembly
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "in the judgment of the king and all the assembly" or "to the king and all the assembly"
2Ch 30:6
turn back to Yahweh
Here "turn back to Yahweh" represents submitting to him again. Alternate Translation: "submit again to Yahweh"
2Ch 30:6
so that he may turn back to the remnant of you
Here "turn back to the remnant" represents protecting the remnant again. Alternate Translation: "so that he may again protect the remnant of you"
2Ch 30:7
your brothers
Here "brothers" represents other people of Israel. Alternate Translation: "your people"
2Ch 30:8
give yourselves to Yahweh
This represents submitting to Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "submit to Yahweh" or "dedicate yourselves to Yahweh"
2Ch 30:9
if you turn back to Yahweh
Here "turn back to Yahweh" represents submitting to him again. Alternate Translation: "if you submit again to Yahweh"
2Ch 30:9
your brothers and children will find compassion before those who led them away as prisoners
Here "find compassion" is a metaphor for experiencing compassion. Finding it "before those who led them" means those who led them away will show them compassion. Alternate Translation: "your brothers and children will experience compassion from those who led them away as prisoners" or "those who led your brothers and children away as prisoners will be kind to them"
2Ch 30:9
will not turn his face away from you
Here "turn his face away from you" represents rejecting them and refusing to protect them. Alternate Translation: "will not reject you"
2Ch 30:9
if you return to him
Here "return to him" represents submitting to God again. Alternate Translation: "if you submit again to him"
2Ch 30:12
The hand of God also came on Judah
Here "the hand of God" represents his guidance as if he were guiding them with his hand. Alternate Translation: "God guided the people of Judah"
2Ch 30:12
to give them one heart
Having "one heart" represents being united and agreeing. Alternate Translation: "causing them to agree"
2Ch 30:18
everyone who sets his heart to seek God
Here "sets his heart" is a metaphor for being determined to do something, and "to seek God" is a metaphor for knowing, worshiping, and obeying him. Alternate Translation: "everyone who is determined to obey God" or "everyone who truly wants to honor God"
2Ch 30:19
everyone who sets his heart to seek God
Here "sets his heart" is a metaphor for being determined to do something, and "to seek God" is a metaphor for knowing, worshiping, and obeying him. Alternate Translation: "everyone who is determined to obey God" or "everyone who truly wants to honor God"
2Ch 30:20
healed the people
Here "healed the people" is a metaphor for forgiving the people and not punishing them. Alternate Translation: "forgave the people" or "did not punish the people"
2Ch 30:27
their prayer went up to heaven
Their prayer going up to heaven represents God in heaven paying attention to them praying on earth.
2Ch 31:15
to their brothers
Here "brothers" is a metaphor for "fellow priests." Alternate Translation: "to their fellow priests"
2Ch 31:21
to seek his God
Seeking Yahweh represents choosing to know, worship, and obey him. Alternate Translation: "to obey his God"
2Ch 32:25
So anger came on him, and on Judah and Jerusalem
Yahweh becoming angry and punishing the people is spoken of as if "anger came on" them. "Judah" and "Jerusalem" are metonyms that represent the people who live there. Alternate Translation: "So Yahweh became angry and punished him and the people of Judah and Jerusalem"
2Ch 33:2
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
Here Yahweh's "sight" refers to how he judges or decides on the value of something. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:2](../14/01.md). Alternate Translation: "things that Yahweh said were evil" or "the things that Yahweh considers evil"
2Ch 33:6
Manasseh did much evil in the sight of Yahweh
Here Yahweh's "sight" refers to how he judges or decides on the value of something. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:2](../14/01.md). Alternate Translation: "Manasseh did many things that Yahweh said were evil" or "He practiced the things that Yahweh considered evil"
2Ch 33:22
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
Here Yahweh's "sight" refers to how he judges or decides on the value of something. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:2](../14/01.md). Alternate Translation: "things that Yahweh said were evil" or "the things that Yahweh considers evil"
2Ch 34:1
he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem from ... the cast metal figures
This speaks of Josiah getting rid of the things that were used for worshiping false gods from Judah and Jerusalem as if he were making the places physically clean. Josiah would have commanded his workers to remove these things. Alternate Translation: "he began to make Judah and Jerusalem acceptable again to Yahweh by having his workers remove from them the high places, the Asherah poles, the craved figures, and the cast metal figures"
2Ch 34:2
what was right in the eyes of Yahweh
Here Yahweh's "sight" refers to how he judges or decides on the value of something. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Chronicles 14:2](../14/01.md). Alternate Translation: "the things that Yahweh said were right" or "the things that Yahweh considers right"
2Ch 34:2
walked in the ways of David his ancestor
Josiah behaving as David did is spoken of as if he walked on the same road or way as David. Alternate Translation: "lived the way David his ancestor had lived" or "followed the example of David his ancestor"
2Ch 34:2
did not turn away either to the right or to the left
To fully obey Yahweh is spoken of as if a person were on the correct road and never turned from it. Alternate Translation: "did not do anything that would displease Yahweh" or "fully obeyed the laws of Yahweh"
2Ch 34:3
he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem from ... the cast metal figures
This speaks of Josiah getting rid of the things that were used for worshiping false gods from Judah and Jerusalem as if he were making the places physically clean. Josiah would have commanded his workers to remove these things. Alternate Translation: "he began to make Judah and Jerusalem acceptable again to Yahweh by having his workers remove from them the high places, the Asherah poles, the craved figures, and the cast metal figures"
2Ch 34:5
he cleansed Judah and Jerusalem
This speaks of Josiah causing Judah and Jerusalem to be acceptable to Yahweh as if he made them physically clean. Alternate Translation: "he caused Judah and Jerusalem to be acceptable again to Yahweh"
2Ch 34:8
Josiah had cleansed the land and the temple
This speaks of Josiah causing Judah and Jerusalem to be acceptable to Yahweh as if he made them physically clean. Alternate Translation: "Josiah had caused the land and the temple to become acceptable again to Yahweh"
2Ch 34:21
For it is great, the anger of Yahweh that has been poured out on us. It is great
Emotions such as anger are often spoken of in Scripture as if they were liquids. Alternate Translation: "For Yahweh's anger towards us is great, like water that could totally wash us away" or "For great is Yahweh's anger with which he has punished us"
2Ch 34:24
I am about to bring disaster on this place and on its inhabitants
Yahweh causing terrible things to happen is spoken of as if disaster were an object that he could bring to a place. Alternate Translation: "I will soon cause terrible things to happen to this place and to those who live there"
2Ch 34:25
therefore, my anger will be poured out on this place, and it will not be extinguished
Emotions such as anger are often spoken of in Scripture as if they were liquids. Alternate Translation: "therefore, my anger against this place is like a fire, and nothing will stop it"
2Ch 34:28
the disaster I will bring on this place
Yahweh causing terrible things to happen is spoken of as if disaster were an object that Yahweh would bring to a place. Alternate Translation: "the terrible things I will cause to happen to this place"
2Ch 34:31
walk after Yahweh
The way a person lives is spoken of as if that person were walking on a path, and "to walk after" someone is a metonym for doing what that other person does or wants others to do. Alternate Translation: "live obeying Yahweh"
2Ch 35:2
He placed the priests in their positions
Placing the priests in a position is a metaphor for telling the priests which jobs they are to do. The reader should probably understand that Josiah commanded his officials to give instructions to the priests. Alternate Translation: "He had people tell the priests which jobs to do"
2Ch 36:1
in his father's place
The phrase "in his ... place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "instead of his father"
2Ch 36:5
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh his God
Here "sight" represents judgment. Yahweh saw and did not approve of Jehoiakim's actions. Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh judged to be evil" or "what Yahweh considered to be evil"
2Ch 36:8
became king in his place
The phrase "in his place" is a metaphor meaning "instead of him." Alternate Translation: "became king instead of Jehoiakim"
2Ch 36:9
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
Here "sight" here represents judgment. Yahweh saw and did not approve of Jehoiachin's actions. Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh judged to be evil" or "what Yahweh considered to be evil"
2Ch 36:12
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh his God
Here "sight" represents judgment. Yahweh saw and did not approve of Zedekiah's actions. Alternate Translation: "what Yahweh his God judged to be evil" or "what Yahweh his God considered to be evil"
2Ch 36:14
They polluted the house of Yahweh
A place that is unfit to be used for God's purposes is spoken of as if it were physically dirty. The word "house" represents the temple. Alternate Translation: "They polluted the temple of Yahweh"
2Ch 36:16
the wrath of Yahweh arose against his people
Here the word "arose" refers to beginning an action. Yahweh punishing his people in his anger is spoken of as if his wrath were a person who acted against them. Alternate Translation: "in his wrath, Yahweh began to punish his people"
Ezr 1:8
put them into the hand of Mithredath the treasurer
Putting an object into someone's hand is a metaphor for allowing that person to do what he wants with that object. Here the reader should understand that Cyrus expected Mithredath to do what Cyrus wanted him to do. Alternate Translation: "put Mithredath the treasurer in charge of them" or "made Mithredath the treasurer responsible for them"
Ezr 3:2
rose up and built
Standing up is a metaphor for beginning to act. Alternate Translation: "began to act and built"
Ezr 4:4
made the Judeans' hands weak
This speaks of the people of the land discouraging the Judeans as if they made their hands physically weak. Alternate Translation: "discouraged the Judeans"
Ezr 4:22
threat to grow
Danger is spoken of as if it were a plant that could increase in size. Alternate Translation: "danger to become worse"
Ezr 6:20
purified themselves
made themselves pure. Being pure represents being acceptable to God. Alternate Translation: "made themselves acceptable to God"
Ezr 6:21
separated themselves from the uncleanness of the people of the land
Separating themselves from uncleanness represents refusing to do things that make people unclean. Alternate Translation: "They refused to do the things that the people of the land did that made them unclean"
Ezr 6:21
the uncleanness of the people of the land
Here "uncleanness" represents being unacceptable to God. Alternate Translation: "the things that the people of the land did that made them unacceptable to God"
Ezr 6:21
sought Yahweh
Seeking Yahweh represents choosing to know, worship, and obey him. Alternate Translation: "chose to obey Yahweh"
Ezr 6:22
to strengthen their hands in the work of his house
Strengthening their hands in the work represents helping them to work. The Assyrian king did this by telling them to do the work and providing the money for it. Alternate Translation: "to help them do the work of his house" or "to make it possible for them to do the work of his house"
Ezr 7:10
Ezra had established his heart to study
Establishing his heart represents firmly deciding or committing himself to do something. Alternate Translation: "Ezra committed his life to study"
Ezr 7:18
you and your brothers
The phrase "your brothers" refers to the people who were doing this work with Ezra. Alternate Translation: "your co-workers" or "your companions"
Ezr 7:27
placed all this into the king's heart to glorify Yahweh's house in Jerusalem
Placing things in the king's heart represents causing him to have certain thoughts and desires. Alternate Translation: "caused the king to want to glorify Yahweh's house in Jerusalem"
Ezr 7:27
Yahweh's house
This refers to Yahweh's temple"
Ezr 7:28
I have been strengthened
Being strengthened represents being encouraged. Alternate Translation: I am encouraged"
Ezr 8:21
to seek a straight path from him for us, our little ones, and all our possessions
The word "seek" represents asking God to do something for them. Here a "straight path" represents safety while they travel. Alternate Translation: "to ask God to give us, our little ones, and all our possessions safety while we travel" or "to ask God to protect us, our little ones, and all our possessions while we travel"
Ezr 8:23
So we fasted and sought God about this
Here seeking God is a metaphor for asking God to do something for them. Alternate Translation: "So we fasted and asked God to help us"
Ezr 9:8
mercy from Yahweh our God has come
God deciding to be merciful is spoken of as if mercy were a person who could move. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh our God has decided to be merciful to us and"
Ezr 9:9
could give us a wall of safety
The wall that keeps people safe is a metaphor for Yahweh protecting his people. Alternate Translation: "could keep us safe"
Neh 1:6
open your eyes
look at me. Here "open your eyes" is a metaphor that represents paying attention to someone. Alternate Translation: "pay attention to me"
Neh 1:8
I will scatter you among the nations
Yahweh speaks of causing the Israelite people to live in other nations as if he scattered them like one would scatter seeds. Alternate Translation: "I will cause you to live among the nations"
Neh 1:11
in the sight of this man
Nehemiah speaks of the king's attitude or disposition as if it were how the king viewed something. Alternate Translation: "grant that the king will have mercy on me"
Neh 2:5
in your sight
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "in your judgment"
Neh 4:1
it burned within him, and he was furiously angry
Here "it" refers to Sanballat's realization that the Jews are rebuilding the walls. This speaks of Sanballat becoming very angry as if his anger were a burning fire. Alternate Translation: "he became furiously angry" or "he became very angry"
Neh 4:2
in a day
This speaks of not finishing something quickly by saying that it cannot be accomplished in a day. Alternate Translation: "quickly"
Neh 4:2
bring to life the stones from the piles of rubble after they were burned
This speaks of the people rebuilding the city as if they were bring it back to life. Alternate Translation: "restore the city and rebuild its walls from the useless stones that were burned and turned into rubble"
Neh 4:5
Do not cover over
This speaks of a forgiving a person's sins as if they were a object that could be physically hidden. Alternate Translation: "Do not forgive"
Neh 4:7
a great anger burned within them
This speaks of the people being very angry as if their anger were something that burned inside them. Alternate Translation: "they became very angry" or "they became enraged"
Neh 5:13
So may God shake out of his house ... So may he be shaken out and emptied
Here Nehemiah speaks of God taking away all of a man's possessions as if God were shaking him out of his home and possessions like Nehemiah shook out his robe. Alternate Translation: "So may God take away from every man who does not keep his promise all of his possessions and his home like I have taken everything out of the fold of my robe"
Neh 6:18
who were bound by an oath to him
This speaks of people being loyal to Tobiah because they had pledged an oath to him as if their oath were a rope that bound their bodies. Alternate Translation: "who had sworn an oath to him" or "who had made an oath and were loyal to him"
Neh 9:6
the highest heavens, with all their host ... the host of heaven worship you
A host is an army. The "host of heaven" speaks in a metaphor of the many stars as if they were an army. The stars in turn are a metaphor for the many angels. The stars worshiping Yahweh is a metaphor for the angels worshiping Yahweh.
Neh 9:17
who is full of forgiveness
The desire to forgive is spoken of as if it were a liquid that could fill a container. Alternate Translation: "who is ready to forgive"
Neh 9:17
abounding in steadfast love
Love is spoken of as if it were a food crop that Yahweh could share with people. Alternate Translation: "loves his people very much"
Neh 9:24
gave them into their hands
The Canaanites are spoken of as if they were small objects that a person could place in the hand of another person. To give something into a person's hand is to give that person complete control over that thing. Alternate Translation: "enabled the Israelites to have complete control over them"
Neh 9:25
grew fat
This might be a metaphor for "stopped thinking about Yahweh" or "became complacent."
Neh 9:26
They threw your law behind their backs
The law is spoken of as if it were a worthless item that a person could throw away. Alternate Translation: "They considered your law worthless and paid no attention to it"
Neh 9:29
They gave the stubborn shoulder-blade and stiffened their neck
These are images of an ox refusing to allow its owner to put a yoke on its shoulders. Here they are a metaphor that represents the people being stubborn. Alternate Translation: "They became stubborn"
Neh 10:29
bound themselves with both a curse and an oath
This speaks of the people taking an oath and a curse as if the oath and the curse were a rope that physically bound them. Alternate Translation: "swore themselves to an oath and a curse" or "they took an oath and called for a curse to come on themselves if they failed to keep it"
Neh 11:13
brothers
This word is a metaphor for 1) fellow Israelites or 2) people who did the same work. Alternate Translation: "associates" or "fellow workers"
Neh 13:29
they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites
Causing the priesthood to be dishonored and breaking the covenant is spoken of as if they made the priesthood and covenant physically unclean. Alternate Translation: "they have dishonored the priesthood and broken the covenant you made with the priests and Levites"
Est 1:12
his rage burned within him
The intensity of the king's anger is spoken of as if it was a fire that burned inside him. Alternate Translation: "his rage was as intense as a fire inside him"
Est 3:5
Haman was filled with rage
Here Haman's rage is spoken of as something that could fill him up. Alternate Translation: "Haman became very angry"
Est 5:2
she received approval in his eyes
The word "eyes" refers to his sight and is a metaphor for his evaluation of her. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "he was pleased with her" or "he approved of her"
Est 5:9
he was filled with rage
Being "filled with rage" represents being very angry. Alternate Translation: he was extremely angry"
Est 5:10
Haman restrained himself
Restraining himself represents refusing to do something that he wanted very much to do. Haman wanted to show Mordecai that he was very angry. Alternate Translation: "Haman refused to show how angry he was"
Est 5:11
how he had advanced above all the officials and the servants of the king
Advancing above people represents becoming more important than them. Alternate Translation: "how he had become more important than all the officials and the servants of the king"
Est 6:2
It was found recorded there
Here "found" is an metaphor for learning. Both "found" and "recorded" can be expressed in active form. Alternate Translation: "They found that the writers had recorded there" or "They learned that the writers had written"
Est 6:6
said in his heart
The heart represents the thoughts and attitudes. Alternate Translation: "thought" or "said to himself"
Est 6:13
before whom you have begun to fall ... you will certainly fall before him
They spoke as if Haman and Mordecai were in a battle, and Haman was beginning to lose the battle. Here "to fall" represents being dishonored and defeated. Alternate Translation: "who has already humiliated you ... he will certainly defeat you"
Est 6:13
you will not overcome him
you will not win against him. They spoke as if Haman and Mordecai were in a battle. Here overcoming a person represents having greater honor than that person. Alternate Translation: "you will not have greater honor than he has"
Est 7:4
For we have been sold
The metaphor "being sold" represents being betrayed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "For someone has betrayed us" or "For someone has put us in danger of our enemies"
Est 7:7
He saw that disaster was being decided
Here seeing represents realizing or understanding. Alternate Translation: "He realized that disaster was being decided"
Est 7:10
Then the king's rage died down
The king's rage is a spoken of as if it were a large fire that became smaller. Alternate Translation: "Then the king's rage lessened" or "Then the king was not so angry"
Est 8:5
if the thing seems right before the king
Before the king here is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate Translation: "if what I ask for seems right in the king's evaluation"
Est 8:11
make a stand
This is a metaphor for fighting back and not running away. Alternate Translation: "fight back"
Est 8:16
had light and gladness
Possible meanings are that 1) having light is a metaphor for being happy. Alternate Translation: "were happy and glad" or 2) having light is metaphor for feeling prosperous and safe. Alternate Translation: "felt safe and were glad"
Est 8:17
wherever the king's decree reached
Reaching places represents going to places. Alternate Translation: "wherever the king's men took his decree" or "wherever the king's decree was read"
Est 8:17
the fear of the Jews had fallen on them
Fear falling on people represents people becoming very afraid. Alternate Translation: "they had become very afraid of the Jews"
Est 9:1
it was reversed
the situation was reversed. The situation being reversed is a metaphor meaning that the opposite of what was expected happened. Alternate Translation: "the opposite happened"
Est 9:2
the fear of them had fallen on all the peoples
Fear falling on people represents people becoming very afraid. Alternate Translation: "all the peoples had become very afraid of the Jews"
Est 9:3
the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them
Fear falling on people represents people becoming afraid. Alternate Translation: "they had become afraid of Mordecai"
Est 9:4
his fame spread throughout all the provinces
Fame spreading through places represents people in those places learning about how great he was. Alternate Translation: "throughout the provinces people learned about how great he was"
Est 9:22
their sorrow turned to joy
Turning represents changing. The abstract nouns sorrow and joy can be expressed with "sad" and "joyful." Alternate Translation: "they changed from being very sad to being joyful"
Est 9:31
The Jews accepted this obligation for themselves and their descendants
Accepting an obligation is a metaphor for agreeing with the obligation. The abstract noun "obligation" can be expressed with the verb "obligate." Alternate Translation: "The Jews agreed and said that they and their descendants were obligated to celebrate the days of Purim"
Est 9:31
they accepted times of fasting and lamenting
Accepting times of fasting and lamenting is a metaphor for agreeing to fast and lament at certain times. Alternate Translation: "they agreed to fast and lament at certain times"
Est 10:2
the full account of the greatness of Mordecai to which the king had raised him
The king honoring Mordecai is spoken of as if the king physically raised him up. Alternate Translation: "the full account of how the King had made it known that Mordecai was great" or "the full account of how the king had honored Mordecai for the great things he had done"
Est 10:3
Jewish brothers
The word brothers represents people who were like him. Alternate Translation: "fellow Jews"
Est 10:3
he sought the welfare of his people
Seeking something is a metaphor for working hard for something. The abstract noun "welfare" can be translated as a phrase with the verb "prosper" or the adjective "secure." Alternate Translation: "He worked hard so his people would prosper" or "He worked hard so his people would be secure"
Job 1:1
turned from evil
Here evil is spoken of as if it were a place that a person could avoid going to, instead of the doing of evil actions. Alternate Translation: "refused to do evil"
Job 1:10
put a barrier around him, around his house, and around all that is his from every side
Just as a barrier such as a wall or a hedge surrounds and protects one's land, God has surrounded Job with his protection. Alternate Translation: "protected him and his house and all that is his"
Job 1:15
fell on them
Here "fell" represents the idea of attacking. Alternate Translation: "attacked them"
Job 1:15
the edge of the sword
Here "edge" represents the part of swords that kill people, that is, either the point or the sharp edge. Also, all the swords of the Sabeans are spoken of as if they were only one sword.
Job 1:17
As for the servants, they have struck them with the edge of the sword. I alone have escaped to tell you
Here "edge" represents the part of swords that kill people, that is, either the point or the sharp edge. Also, all the swords of the Chaldeans are spoken of as if they were only one sword. See how you translated this in [Job 01:15](./15.md).
Job 2:5
to your face
This refers to a time when God is paying attention. Alternate Translation: "in your hearing"
Job 3:4
May that day be dark
This is a wish for that day to not exist any longer. Alternate Translation: "may that day disappear"
Job 3:5
the shadow of death
Here a shadow represents death itself. Alternate Translation: "death like a shadow"
Job 3:5
May a cloud live over it
Here a cloud is spoken of as if it were a person who could live over the day of Job's birth. Alternate Translation: "May a cloud cover it so no one can see it"
Job 3:5
everything that makes the day black
This refers to things that block out the sun's light and create darkness. Here "black" represents darkness.
Job 3:7
may no joyful voice come into it
Here that the night of Job's birth is spoken of as if it were a time when it was still possible for someone to be happy. Alternate Translation: "may no one hear the happy cry at the birth of a son"
Job 3:10
because it did not shut up the doors of my mother's womb
A woman's womb is spoken of as if it were a container with doors. Alternate Translation: "because that day did not close my mother's womb"
Job 3:20
light
Here light represents life.
Job 3:21
to one who longs for death without it coming
Here death is spoken of as if it were an object coming toward someone. Alternate Translation: "to a person who no longer wants to be alive, but is still alive"
Job 3:21
to one who digs for death more than for hidden treasure
A person hoping to die is spoken of as if he were digging for buried treasure. Alternate Translation: "to a person who wants to stop living more than he wants to look for hidden riches"
Job 3:23
Why is light given to a man
Here light represents life. Alternate Translation: "Why does God keep a man alive"
Job 3:23
whose way is hidden
Here Job speaks of his future, which he does not know in advance, as if God had hidden it from him.
Job 3:23
a man whom God has hedged in
Here being in difficulties and dangers is spoken of as if it were being confined within narrow limits.
Job 3:24
my groaning is poured out like water
Moral qualities and emotions such as grief are often spoken of as if they were water.
Job 4:4
supported
Someone who has been encouraged is spoken of as if he were kept from falling down.
Job 4:4
falling
Here becoming discouraged is spoken of as if it were falling down.
Job 4:4
you have made feeble knees firm
Here discouragement is spoken of as if it were a person whose weak knees could not keep him upright.
Job 4:5
But now trouble has come to you
Here trouble is spoken of as if it were an object that could come to a person. Alternate Translation: "But now you suffer from disasters"
Job 4:6
your ways
Here "your ways" represents "your conduct," "how you behave."
Job 4:7
cut off
Here being cut off represents being destroyed.
Job 4:8
plow iniquity ... sow trouble ... reap
Here the actions of plowing and sowing represent causing trouble for other people. The action of reaping represents suffering the trouble that one has himself caused.
Job 4:9
the breath of God
This may represent the action of God giving a command.
Job 4:9
the blast of his anger
This expression suggests the heavy breathing that a person sometimes does through his nose when he is very angry.
Job 4:9
breath ... blast
The second builds on the first. They make the same point by using meanings that increase the result. "By the puff of God's mouth they die; the rushing wind of his anger devastates them."
Job 4:9
they are consumed
Here being consumed or eaten represents being killed.
Job 4:10
The roaring of the lion, the voice of the fierce lion, the teeth of the young lions—they are broken.
Here a lion's roar, his voice, and his teeth being broken are used as pictures of the wicked being destroyed.
Job 4:14
fear and trembling came upon me
Here fear and trembling are spoken of as if they were objects that could come to a person. Alternate Translation: "I began to be afraid and to tremble"
Job 4:19
those who live in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust
This is a figurative way of describing human beings, who were created out of the dust of the earth and whose bodies are like houses, which are made of clay and have dirt foundations.
Job 4:19
who are crushed sooner than a moth
Possible meanings for this metaphor are 1) "who God destroys as easily as he crushes a moth" or 2) "whose lives are as short as the life of a moth."
Job 4:20
Between morning and evening they are destroyed
This refers to the idea of something happening quickly.
Job 5:3
a foolish person taking root
Here a person is spoken of as if he were a plant, perhaps becoming more foolish over time. Alternate Translation: "a foolish person becoming grounded in foolishness"
Job 5:4
are crushed
Here being crushed represents being oppressed, taken advantage of, at court. This idea may be put into active form. Alternate Translation: "someone crushes them"
Job 5:5
The thirsty pant for their wealth
Here greedy people are spoken of as if they were thirsty, and the wealth of the foolish person is spoken of as if it were something that they could drink.
Job 5:6
For difficulties do not come out from the soil; neither does trouble sprout from the ground
Here difficulties and trouble are spoken of as if they were plants.
Job 5:9
unsearchable things
This refers to things that mankind cannot understand.
Job 5:11
He does this in order to set up on high those who are low
Humble people in distress are spoken of as if they were in a low position. When God rescues them, they receive honor. When this happens, they are spoken of as being raised up and put into a high position. Alternate Translation: "God does this in order to rescue and honor the humble who have been suffering"
Job 5:12
He breaks the plans
Here stopping the plans of crafty people is spoken of as if they were things that could be physically broken.
Job 5:13
He traps wise people in their own crafty actions
Here making wise people suffer for their own evil actions is spoken of as if it were catching them in traps. Their own actions are spoken of as if they were those traps.
Job 5:13
twisted people
Here being evil in a clever way is spoken of as if it were being twisted. Alternate Translation: "those who are cunning" or "those who are devious" or "those who are shrewd"
Job 5:14
They encounter darkness in the daytime
Here the cunning, wicked people whom God confuses are spoken of as if they unexpectedly are in the dark at noon, when the sun is at its highest position in the sky. They cannot do anything they wish to do, because they cannot see. Alternate Translation: "Those who are cunning are in the dark, even at noontime"
Job 5:15
But he saves the poor person from the sword in their mouths
Here the insulting and threatening things that people say are spoken of as if they were a sword in their mouths. Alternate Translation: "But he saves the poor person from the threats of the mighty" or "But he saves the poor person when the mighty threaten or insult them"
Job 5:19
He will rescue you out of six troubles; indeed, in seven troubles, no evil will touch you
The use of increasing numbers such as "six" and "seven" represents the idea of many, many times. Alternate Translation: "He will rescue you out of trouble over and over again; indeed, time after time, no evil will touch you"
Job 5:20
In famine he will ransom you
Here rescuing is spoken of as if it were ransoming, buying back. Alternate Translation: "In famine God will rescue you from danger"
Job 5:22
beasts of the earth
This refers to wild animals. Alternate Translation: "wild animals"
Job 5:23
you will have a covenant with the stones in your field
Here the stones in farmers' fields are spoken of as if they were people that someone could have a covenant with. Alternate Translation: "the stones in your fields will be like people who promise that they will not make any trouble for you"
Job 5:24
You will know that your tent is in safety
Here "tent" represents a person's family, household, and all his possessions. Alternate Translation: "You will know that your family, servants, and everything you own are safe"
Job 5:25
your seed will be great
Here "seed" represents a person's descendants. Alternate Translation: "your descendants will be many"
Job 6:4
For the arrows of the Almighty are in me
This is a metaphor for Job's suffering. He compares his many troubles to arrows that that God has shot his body with. Alternate Translation: "It is as though the Almighty has shot arrows into my body"
Job 6:4
my spirit drinks up the poison
my spirit drinks up the arrows' poison. This continues the metaphor of the arrows, by implying that they had tips of poison and that Job feels the pain in his spirit. He speaks of feeling this pain as if his spirit drank the poison. Alternate Translation: "I feel the pain of their poison in my inner being"
Job 6:4
the terrors of God have arranged themselves in array against me
God causing many things to terrify Job is spoken of as if God's terrors were soldiers lined up to attack Job. Alternate Translation: "the terrors of God have arranged themselves like soldiers in an army"
Job 6:6
Can that which has no taste be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
Possible meanings are 1) Job is comparing his displeasure for his circumstances to people's dislike for bland food or 2) Job is comparing his displeasure for his friend's advice to people's dislike for bland food.
Job 6:14
who is about to faint
This speaks of a person who feels hopeless and is overwhelmed by his troubles as if he were about to physically faint. Alternate Translation: "who feels hopeless"
Job 6:18
Connecting Statement:
Job is continuing his description of his friends being as unreliable as streams that dry up.
Job 7:5
My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust
The worms and clods of dust are pictured as covering Job as if they were clothing. Alternate Translation: "My flesh is covered with worms and clods of dust"
Job 7:7
my life is only a breath
Job compares the shortness of his life to the shortness of a breath. Alternate Translation: "my life is very short, like taking one breath"
Job 7:11
in the bitterness of my soul
Here sorrow is spoken of as if it tasted bitter, and "soul" refers to the whole man. Alternate Translation: "with anger and resentment"
Job 8:2
How long will the words of your mouth be a mighty wind?
Bildad speaks of Job's words as if they are as empty and insubstantial as the wind. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The words of your mouth are as insignificant as a mighty wind."
Job 8:6
stir himself on your behalf
Here Yahweh is spoken of as if he woke from sleep to help Job. Alternate Translation: "help you" or "do good things for you"
Job 8:7
Even though your beginning was small, still your final condition would be much greater
Here lack of wealth is spoken of as being a "small beginning." Alternate Translation: "Even if you were poor early in your life, God would make you very wealthy later in your life"
Job 8:9
our days on earth are a shadow
The shortness of life is spoken of as if it were a shadow which quickly disappears.
Job 8:15
He leans on his house, but it will not support him; he takes hold of it, but it does not stand
This statement probably refers to a man relying on his property and wealth for security. If so, then "house" here represents the owner's property and wealth. Alternate Translation: "He thinks he will be safe because he is wealthy, but he will not be safe"
Job 8:16
Under the sun he is green, and his shoots go out over his entire garden
Here Bildad compares the godless person to a plant that is healthy.
Job 8:19
other plants will sprout out of the same soil in his place
Bildad continues the metaphor from [Job 08:16-18](./16.md). Other godless people are spoken of as plants who take the place of the first godless man when he dies. Alternate Translation: "when one wicked man dies, another will take his place"
Job 8:21
fill your mouth with laughter
God causing Job to laugh is spoken of as if God had poured laughter into Job's mouth. Alternate Translation: "cause you to continually laugh"
Job 8:22
Those who hate you will be clothed with shame
Here "shame" is spoken of as if it were clothing that God will cause Job's enemies to wear. This means they will be very ashamed. Alternate Translation: "God will cause those who hate you to be very ashamed"
Job 9:8
tramples down the waves of the sea
God is spoken of as calming the sea as if with his feet. Alternate Translation: "puts his feet down on the waves of the sea" or "calms the waves of the sea"
Job 9:17
For he breaks me with a tempest
Job compares his troubles from God to the effects of a tempest. Alternate Translation: "He injures me as if with a tempest"
Job 9:18
he fills me with bitterness
This verse pictures God as filling up Job's life with things that make him bitter. The abstract noun "bitterness" can be expressed as the adjective "bitter." Alternate Translation: "he fills me up with bitter things"
Job 9:20
my words would prove me to be guilty
Here "my words" are spoken of as if they could take action. Alternate Translation: "God would use what I say to prove me guilty"
Job 9:23
When a whip suddenly kills
The word "whip" here is a metaphor for any kind of disaster. Alternate Translation: "When a disaster suddenly happens and people die"
Job 9:27
I would take off my sad face and be happy
Job's sad face is spoken of here as if it was something that could be removed. Alternate Translation: "I would stop looking unhappy and smile"
Job 10:1
I will speak in the bitterness of my soul
How Job feels is compared to a bitter taste. The abstract noun "bitterness" can be translated as the adverb "bitterly." Alternate Translation: "My inner being will speak bitterly" or "I will bitterly speak out"
Job 10:8
Your hands have framed and fashioned me together round about
Job is using a metaphor of a potter forming clay to describe how God carefully created him.
Job 10:11
You have clothed me with skin and flesh
God putting skin and flesh on Job's body is spoken of as if God was putting clothing on him. Alternate Translation: "You have put skin and flesh on my body"
Job 10:11
knit me together
wove me together. God putting Job's body together in the womb is spoken of as if God was knitting or weaving a piece of cloth. Alternate Translation: "put me together"
Job 10:17
You bring new witnesses against me
Job's troubles from God are spoken of as if they were people who were witnesses against him.
Job 10:17
you attack me with fresh armies
God sending troubles against Job is spoken of as if God was constantly sending new armies against him.
Job 10:18
brought me out of the womb
Here being brought out of the womb represents being born into this world. Alternate Translation: "brought me out of my mother's womb" or "brought me into this world"
Job 10:18
given up my spirit
Giving up one's spirit represents dying. Alternate Translation: "died"
Job 10:21
the land
Here the place where the spirits of dead people go is spoken of as if it was a land. Alternate Translation: "the place"
Job 11:4
I am blameless in your eyes
The eyes represent sight, which is a metaphor for God's evaluation of Job. Possible meanings are 1) that Job is saying that God judges him as blameless. Alternate Translation: "You say that I am blameless" or 2) that Job believes he has been blameless and that God should judge him as blameless. Alternate Translation: "You should recognize that I am blameless"
Job 11:6
God demands from you less than your iniquity deserves
Demanding from Job represents punishing Job. Alternate Translation: "God is punishing you less than you deserve"
Job 11:9
is longer than the earth ... wider than the sea
God's greatness or wisdom is spoken of as if it could be measured in distance.
Job 11:13
suppose that you had set your heart right
The heart represents thoughts and attitudes. Setting it right represents correcting it. Alternate Translation: "even if you had corrected your attitude"
Job 11:14
but that then you put it far away from you
Putting sin behind represents stopping sinning. Alternate Translation: "but that then you stopped doing evil things"
Job 11:17
Your life would be brighter than the noonday
Brightness represents being prosperous and happy. Alternate Translation: "Your life would be prosperous and happy like the noonday"
Job 11:17
it would become like the morning
The morning represents light, which represents prosperity and happiness. Alternate Translation: "it would be prosperous and happy like the morning"
Job 11:20
the eyes of wicked people will fail
Their eyes represent their understanding. Alternate Translation: "the understanding of the wicked people will fail" or "the wicked people will not be able to understand"
Job 12:5
brings more misfortune
Bringing misfortune represents causing it to happen. Alternate Translation: "causes more bad things to happen"
Job 12:5
to those whose foot is slipping
The foot slipping represents being in danger or trouble. Alternate Translation: "to those who are already in trouble"
Job 12:15
if he withholds the waters, they dry up
Possible meanings are that withholding waters represents 1) preventing the rain from falling. Alternate Translation: "if he stops the rain from falling the land dries up" or 2) preventing running water from flowing. Alternate Translation: "if he stops the water from flowing, the land dries up"
Job 12:15
if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land
Possible meanings are that sending them out is a metaphor meaning 1) causing the rain to fall. Alternate Translation: "if he causes a lot of rain to fall, it floods the land" or 2) causing the waters to flow. Alternate Translation: "if he makes a lot of water flow, it floods the land"
Job 12:17
He leads counselors away barefoot
Leading counselors away barefoot represents taking away their wisdom and authority.
Job 12:19
He leads priests away barefoot
Leading priests away barefoot represents taking away their authority.
Job 12:21
He pours contempt upon princes
Pouring contempt on princes is a metaphor for causing people to feel contempt for them. Alternate Translation: "He causes people to greatly disrespect those who rule"
Job 12:21
unfastens the belt of strong people
The belt is a symbol of strength. Unfastening a strong person's belt represents taking away his strength and making him weak. Alternate Translation: "makes the strong people weak"
Job 12:22
He reveals the deep things of darkness
Revealing things represents making them known. "Deep things from darkness" represent secrets that people do not know. Alternate Translation: "He makes known secrets that people do not know"
Job 12:22
brings deep shadows into the light
Bringing things out into the light represents making them known, and here "shadows" is a metonym for the things that are hidden in the shadows, which in turn are a metaphor for truths that God has hidden from people. Alternate Translation: "makes known things that no one can see"
Job 12:24
He takes away understanding from the leaders of the people of the earth
Taking away their understanding represents causing them to be unable to understand. Alternate Translation: "He causes the leaders of the people of the earth to be unable to understand"
Job 12:24
to wander in a wilderness where there is no path
Wandering in a wilderness where there is no path represents being in a difficult situation and not knowing what to do. Alternate Translation: "to be unsure of what to do like a person wandering in a wasteland with no path"
Job 12:25
They grope in the dark without light
Being in the dark without light represents lacking knowledge. Alternate Translation: "They struggle to make decisions without knowledge as people struggle to walk in the dark without light"
Job 13:4
you whitewash the truth with lies
Putting whitewash or plaster on the truth represents ignoring the truth. Alternate Translation: "you hide the truth with lies" or "you lie and ignore the truth"
Job 13:4
you are all physicians of no value
Being a physician represents being a person who comforts others. Being of no value means that they do not know how to do what they should. Alternate Translation: "you are all like physicians who do not know how to heal people" or "you all come to comfort me, but you do not know how, like unskilled physicians"
Job 13:11
and the dread of him fall upon you
Dread falling on people represents them becoming terribly afraid. Alternate Translation: "and you not be terribly afraid" or "and you not be terrified"
Job 13:12
Your memorable sayings are proverbs made of ashes
Ashes represent things that are worthless and do not last. Alternate Translation: "Your memorable sayings are worthless like ashes" or "Your memorable sayings will be forgotten like ashes that are blown away"
Job 13:12
your defenses are defenses made of clay
Job speaks of what they say as if it were a wall made of clay around a city; it cannot defend the people because clay breaks easily. Alternate Translation: "What you say in defense is as useless as a wall of clay"
Job 13:13
let come what may on me
Things coming on a person represents things happening to a person. This expression starting with "let" means that he does not care what might happen to him. Alternate Translation: "let whatever may happen to me happen" or "I do not care what may happen to me"
Job 13:18
I have set my defense in order
Setting his defense in order represents deciding what he will say to defend himself. Alternate Translation: "I have thought through how I will defend myself" or "I have decided how I will explain myself"
Job 13:19
give up my life
Giving up one's life is a metaphor for dying. Alternate Translation: "die"
Job 13:24
you hide your face from me
Hiding one's face from someone represents refusing to look at him or ignoring him. Alternate Translation: "you refuse to look at me" or "you ignore me"
Job 13:26
For you write down bitter things against me
Bitter things represents accusations. Alternate Translation: "For you write down accusations against me"
Job 13:26
you make me inherit the iniquities of my youth
Inheriting the iniquities of his youth is a metaphor. Possible meanings are it represents 1) being guilty for the sins of his youth. Alternate Translation: "you say that I am still guilty for the sins of my youth" or 2) being punished for the sins of his youth. Alternate Translation: "you punish me for the sins of my youth"
Job 13:27
You also put my feet in the stocks
Doing this represents punishing Job and keeping him from living freely as if Job had committed a crime and was a prisoner. Alternate Translation: "It is as though you put my feet in the stocks"
Job 13:27
all my paths
Paths represent the things Job does. Alternate Translation: "everything I do"
Job 13:27
you examine the ground where the soles of my feet have walked
Examining this ground represents examining all that Job has done. Alternate Translation: "it is as though you examine the ground where I have walked" or "you examine everything I do like a person examining someone's footprints on the ground"
Job 14:5
you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass
Passing a limit represents living past a time that God has set for a person to die. Alternate Translation: "you have appointed the time that he will die, and he cannot live longer than that"
Job 14:7
so that its tender stalk does not disappear
Disappearing represents dying. Alternate Translation: "so that its young shoot will not die"
Job 14:12
so people lie down
Lying down represents dying. Alternate Translation: "so people die"
Job 14:12
do not rise again
Rising again represents living again. Alternate Translation: "do not live again"
Job 14:16
you would not keep track of my sin
Keeping track of Job's sin represents thinking about his sin. Alternate Translation: "you would not look at my sin" or "you would not think about my sin"
Job 14:17
My transgression would be sealed up in a bag
Sealing transgression in a bag represents hiding it and refusing to think about it. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "You would refuse to think about my transgression like someone who hides something in a bag"
Job 14:17
you would cover up my iniquity
Covering up someone's iniquity so that it cannot be seen represents refusing to think about it. Alternate Translation: "you would hide my iniquity" or "you would ignore my iniquity"
Job 14:19
you destroy the hope of man
Destroying hope represents causing the things people hope for not to happen. Alternate Translation: "You prevent the hope of man from happening"
Job 14:20
send him away to die
This represents causing him to die.
Job 14:21
if they are brought low
Being brought low represents being shamed. Alternate Translation: "if they are disgraced" or "if people shame them"
Job 15:2
fill himself with the east wind
The wind represents emptiness. This phrase speaks of a person speaking empty and meaningless words as if that person were full of the wind. Alternate Translation: "fill himself with empty words" or "only have meaningless words"
Job 15:10
With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men
Eliphaz speaks of him and the other men having learned wisdom from older men and wisdom that had been passed down from men of previous generations as if these older men were physically present with them. Alternate Translation: "We acquired wisdom from old gray-haired people, from people who were born before your father was"
Job 15:14
clean
A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
Job 15:15
clean
Something that God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if it were physically clean.
Job 15:15
in his sight
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "in his judgment"
Job 15:16
who drinks iniquity like water
This describes iniquity as if it were water you can drink. It compares how the evil man desires to commit sin to how readily he desires to drink cool water. Alternate Translation: "who love iniquity as much as they love a cup of fresh water" or "who commit evil deeds as often as they drink water"
Job 15:26
runs at God
This speaks of the wicked man acting aggressively against God as if he were running towards him to attack him. Alternate Translation: "attacks God" or "acts violently against God"
Job 15:30
a flame will dry up his stalks
Here the flame represents God's judgment and the drying up of his stalks represents either the fact that his possessions disappear, or that he will die. Alternate Translation: "God will take everything he owns away, like a fire dries out the moist branches of a tree"
Job 15:32
his branch will not be green
This speaks of the man looking pale and dead as if he were a dried out stalk or tree branch. Alternate Translation: "he will look dead, just like the branch of a dead tree does not look green"
Job 15:33
He will drop his unripe grapes like a grapevine
This speaks of the wicked man growing weak and dying as if he were a grapevine dropping unripe grapes. Alternate Translation: "Just like a grapevine drops its unripe grapes, so the wicked man will drop his strength"
Job 15:33
he will cast off his flowers like the olive tree
This speaks of the wicked man growing weak and dying as if he were were an olive tree dropping its flowers. At: "just like an olive tree loses its flowers, so the wicked man will lose his strength"
Job 16:4
I could collect and join words together
Job speaks of thinking of useless things to say as if his words were random items that he collected and joined together. Alternate Translation: "I could think of things to say"
Job 16:5
will bring you relief
This speaks of grief as if it were a heavy physical burden. Alternate Translation: "will lessen your grief" or "will help you feel less grief"
Job 16:9
God has torn me in his wrath and persecuted me ... as he tears me apart
This speaks of God causing Job pain as if God were a wild animal and Job were his prey that he was killing. Alternate Translation: "Because God is very angry with me, it is as though he were a wild animal that tore my body apart with his teeth because he was my enemy"
Job 16:12
and he broke me apart
Job speaks of his pain and despair as if he himself were something that was broken into pieces. Alternate Translation: "but then it felt as though he broke me apart"
Job 16:12
dashed me to pieces
Job speaks of God causing him pain and despair as if he were something that God had taken and smashed into pieces. Alternate Translation: "it is as though he has taken me by the neck and smashed me to pieces"
Job 16:12
he has also set me up as his target
Job speaks of himself being the focus of God's attacks as if God has set him up as a target to shoot arrows at. Alternate Translation: "it is as though he set me up like a target"
Job 16:13
His archers surround me all around
Job speaks of himself being the focus of God's attacks as if God has set him up as a target and God had archers surrounding him to attack him. Alternate Translation: "It is as though his archers have me surrounded"
Job 16:13
God pierces my kidneys and does not spare me; he pours out my bile on the ground
Job speaks of the pain he is feeling by comparing it to God piercing his body with arrows. Here "God" represents the arrows that he shoots. Alternate Translation: "It feels like God's arrows have pierced my kidneys and my liver, spilling my bile on the ground. He does not spare me"
Job 16:14
He smashes through my wall
Job speaks of the pain that he feels by comparing himself to a wall that God smashes through. Alternate Translation: "I feel like a wall that God smashes through" or "I feel like a wall that God breaks through"
Job 16:14
he runs upon me like a warrior
Job describes God as a soldier that attacks him. Alternate Translation: "it is like he is a warrior who runs at me to attack me"
Job 16:15
I have sewn sackcloth on my skin
Job speaks of wearing clothing made of sackcloth as if the cloth were attached to his body. People often wore sackcloth to express mourning or great grief. Alternate Translation: "Because I am mourning, I have sewn together sackcloth to wear as my clothing" or "I wear clothing that I made from sackcloth, because I am mourning"
Job 16:15
I have thrust my horn into the ground
Job's "horn" represents the power and authority he had before but now is no more. Alternate Translation: "I sit here in the dirt, very depressed"
Job 17:3
Give now a pledge, be a guarantee for me with yourself
Job begins to speak to God. Here he speaks of his situation as if he were in prison. He is asking God to provide a pledge so that he may be released. Alternate Translation: "God, give now a pledge so that I may be released from this prison" or "pay for my release from prison"
Job 17:9
he who has clean hands
This speaks of a person being innocent as having clean hands. Alternate Translation: "he who does what is right" or "he who is innocent"
Job 17:12
change the night into day
This speaks of the people claiming that night is day as if they actually changed night into day. Alternate Translation: "claim it is daytime when it is night" or "say the opposite of what is true, just as night is the opposite of day"
Job 17:13
have spread my couch in the darkness
Here Job speaks of being prepared to die as having laid his bed in the darkness. Alternate Translation: "have prepared myself to go and sleep among the dead"
Job 17:14
You are my father
Job speaks of the closeness he will soon have with his grave by comparing it to the closeness a man has with his father. Alternate Translation: "You are as close to me as my father" or "When I am buried, you will be as close to me as a father"
Job 17:14
You are my mother or my sister
Job speaks of the closeness he will soon have with the worms in his grave by comparing it to the closeness a man has with his mother and sisters. Alternate Translation: "You are as close to me as my mother or my sister" or "You will be as close to me as a mother or sister"
Job 17:16
gates of Sheol
Sheol does not really have gates, but it is a metaphor for Job entering Sheol. Alternate Translation: "when I go into Sheol"
Job 18:3
in your sight
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "in your judgment" or "in your thinking"
Job 18:5
Indeed, the light of the wicked person will be put out; the spark of his fire will not shine
Bildad speaks of a wicked person dying as if his lamp were being blown out. Alternate Translation: "What will happen is that the lives of wicked people like you end as quickly as we can put out a light or extinguish the flame of a fire"
Job 18:6
The light will be dark in his tent; his lamp above him will be put out
Bildad continues to speak of the wicked person dying. He speaks of the wicked man's life as if it were the light in his tent. Alternate Translation: It will be like the light in his tent has turned to darkness, like the lamp above him has gone out"
Job 18:7
The steps of his strength will be made short
This speaks of the wicked person suddenly experiencing disaster as if he no longer had strength to walk. Alternate Translation: "It will be like he no longer has the strength to walk"
Job 18:7
his own plans will cast him down
his own advice makes him fall down. This speaks of the wicked person undergoing disaster as if he fell down. Alternate Translation: "his own plans will lead him into disaster"
Job 18:8
For he will be thrown into a net by his own feet; he will walk into a pitfall
His own feet will lead him into a net. Bildad uses this image to say that the way that a wicked person lives his life leads him to sudden disaster. Alternate Translation: "It will be as though he led himself into a net, as if he walked right into a pitfall"
Job 18:9
A trap will take him ... a snare will ... A noose is ... and a trap for him in the way
These four phrases speak of the wicked man experiencing disaster as if he were caught in a trap. Alternate Translation: "It will be as though a trap will take him ... a snare will ... A noose is ... and a trap for him in the way"
Job 18:10
A trap will take him ... a snare will ... A noose is ... and a trap for him in the way
These four phrases speak of the wicked man experiencing disaster as if he were caught in a trap. Alternate Translation: "It will be as though a trap will take him ... a snare will ... A noose is ... and a trap for him in the way"
Job 18:12
His wealth will turn into hunger
This speaks of the wicked man becoming poor and hungry as if his wealth were something that turned into something else. Alternate Translation: "Instead of being wealthy, he will become poor and hungry"
Job 18:13
the firstborn of death will devour his parts
Here a disease that kills many people is referred to as "the firstborn of death." This speaks of that disease destroying his body as if it were an animal that had attacked him and was eating him. Alternate Translation: "a deadly disease will destroy the different parts of his body"
Job 18:16
His roots will be dried up ... branch be cut off
This speaks of the wicked man dying and having no descendants as if he were a tree whose roots dried up and branches withered, producing no fruit. Alternate Translation: "He will die and leave no descendants, he will be like a tree whose roots have dried up and whose branches have all withered"
Job 18:17
His memory will perish from the earth
This speaks of the "memory" of the wicked man as if it were a person who died. Alternate Translation: "No one on the earth will remember him"
Job 18:18
be chased out of this world
This speaks of God making him leave earth and go where dead people go as if he were chasing him. Alternate Translation: "God will make him leave this world" or "God will send him to the place where dead people go"
Job 19:2
break me into pieces with words
Job uses this image to say that their words make him feel very sad and hopeless. Alternate Translation: "torment me with your words"
Job 19:6
has caught me in his net
Job speaks as if God were a hunter that has trapped Job in his net. This metaphor represents God taking control of Job and Job's feeling of helplessness. Alternate Translation: "has trapped me" or "has taken control of me" or "has control of what happens to me, so that I am helpless"
Job 19:8
He has walled up ... darkness in my path
Job uses these images to describe how God has made him feel helpless and hopeless.
Job 19:8
He has stripped ... the crown from my head
Job uses these images to say that God has taken his good reputation, wealth, and dignity away from him.
Job 19:9
He has stripped ... the crown from my head
Job uses these images to say that God has taken his good reputation, wealth, and dignity away from him.
Job 19:9
He has stripped me of my glory
Job speaks of his glory as if it were a robe that God has taken away. Alternate Translation: "He has taken away my glory"
Job 19:9
he has taken the crown from my head
The crown refers to Job's dignity or honor. Alternate Translation: "he has taken away my dignity and honor" or "it is as though he has taken my crown off my head"
Job 19:10
He has broken me down on every side
Job speaks of God ruining him as if Job were building that God is smashing down. Alternate Translation: "He has ruined me in every way" or "He has attacked me in every way"
Job 19:10
I am gone
The metaphor "being gone" represents being completely destroyed. Alternate Translation: "I am completely destroyed"
Job 19:11
He has also kindled his wrath against me
Job speaks of God's wrath as if it were a fire. Alternate Translation: "God has also lit a fire of anger against me" or "God has also become very angry with me"
Job 19:12
His troops come on together
Job speaks of God attacking him as if Job was a city and God was sending an army to attack it. Alternate Translation: "God sends his army to attack me"
Job 19:12
they cast up siege mounds against me
Job speaks of God attacking him as if Job was a city and God's army was piling up dirt against the city wall in order to climb over the wall and attack the city. Alternate Translation: "the soldiers pile up dirt in order to climb over my wall"
Job 19:12
encamp around my tent
Job speaks of God attacking him as if Job was in his tent and God's army was camping around him and preparing to attack him. Alternate Translation: "they camp around my tent and prepare to attack me"
Job 19:13
He has put my brothers far from me
Being "far from" someone represents being unwilling to relate to him or help him. Alternate Translation: "God has caused my brothers to stay away from me" or "God caused my brothers to refuse to help me"
Job 19:15
I am an alien in their sight
Job describes how people now think of him as an outsider. Here sight represents judgement or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "they think of me as a foreigner"
Job 19:22
Will you ever be satisfied with my flesh?
Job speaks of his friends speaking so cruelly to him as if they were wild beasts eating up another animal. Alternate Translation: "Stop violently slandering me." or "Stop attacking me with your words."
Job 19:27
My heart fails within me
People thought of the heart as being where the emotions are. So the heart failing represents him having very many emotions. Alternate Translation: "I am very emotional about it" or "My emotions overwhelm me as I think about that"
Job 19:28
The root of his troubles lies in him
The "root" represents the source. Alternate Translation: "He is the source of all his troubles" or "He has all these troubles because of what he has done"
Job 20:2
My thoughts make me answer quickly
The idea of Zophar's thoughts making him do something represents his strong desire to do something. Alternate Translation: "I want very much to answer you quickly"
Job 20:6
Though his height reaches up to the heavens
The wicked man's height represents either his reputation or his pride. Also, here "reaches up to the heavens" represents being very great. Alternate Translation: "Though his reputation is great" or "Though his pride is great"
Job 20:6
his head reaches to the clouds
and though his head is as high as the clouds. This also represents his reputation or pride being great. This means the same as the previous phrase.
Job 20:12
Although wickedness is sweet in his mouth
Here "wickedness is sweet" represents a person enjoying doing wicked things. Alternate Translation: "Although doing wicked things is pleasurable like tasting sweet food in the mouth"
Job 20:12
although he hides ... does not let it go
This represents wanting to continue to enjoy the wickedness as one wants to continue enjoying tasty food by keeping it in the mouth.
Job 20:13
although he hides ... does not let it go
This represents wanting to continue to enjoy the wickedness as one wants to continue enjoying tasty food by keeping it in the mouth.
Job 20:14
the food in his intestines turns bitter
When food turns bitter in the stomach, it causes pain and a bitter taste. This is a metaphor for a person experiencing the painful consequences of doing wicked things. Alternate Translation: "those wicked things become like food that has turned bitter in the stomach" or "the consequences of those wicked things are painful like food that becomes sour in the stomach"
Job 20:14
it becomes the poison of asps inside him
This image is even worse than sour food in the stomach. This is a metaphor for a person experiencing the terrible consequences of doing wicked things. Alternate Translation: "the consequences of doing those wicked things are painful like the poison of asps inside him"
Job 20:15
He swallows down riches ... cast them out of his stomach
Zophar speaks of gaining and losing wealth as if it were food that a person eats and vomits. Alternate Translation: "The wicked person becomes very wealthy, but he loses his wealth like a person who vomits up his food. God causes him to lose it all"
Job 20:15
He swallows down riches
Possible meanings are that "swallows down riches" represents 1) accumulating riches and storing them selfishly. Alternate Translation: "The wicked man gains much wealth and keeps it all for himself" or 2) accumulating riches in wicked ways. Alternate Translation: "The wicked man steals many riches"
Job 20:16
He will suck the poison of asps
Here "suck the poison of asps" represents doing evil things. Both are very dangerous. Alternate Translation: "Doing evil things is like sucking the poison of asps" or "He will do evil things and endanger his life like a person who sucks the poison of asps"
Job 20:16
the viper's tongue will kill him
The viper represents the man's wickedness. Alternate Translation: "his wickedness will kill him like a viper's bite"
Job 20:17
the streams, the torrents of honey and butter
Streams and "torrents" are metaphors that represent abundance. "Honey" and "butter" are metonyms that represent the good things that God gives people. Alternate Translation: "the abundance of good things that God gives his people"
Job 20:18
the fruit of his labor
Normally "the fruit of his labor" simply refers to the results of his labor. In this case it refers to the things the wicked man had stolen. Alternate Translation: "the things he had worked to get" or "the things he had stolen"
Job 20:18
will not be able to eat it
Here "to eat" the fruit of his labor represents enjoying the things he had stolen. Alternate Translation: "will not be able to enjoy them"
Job 20:21
There is nothing left that he did not devour
Here "devour" represents taking things for himself. Alternate Translation: "There is nothing left that he did not take for himself" or "He took everything for himself, and there is nothing left"
Job 20:23
God will throw the fierceness of his wrath on him
The "fierceness of his wrath" represents God's anger and punishment. Throwing the punishment on him represents punishing him severely. Alternate Translation: "God will be angry and throw down his punishment on him" or "God will be angry and punish him severely"
Job 20:23
God will rain it down on him
God will cause it to rain down on him. Here "rain it down on him" represents causing much punishment to happen to the man. Alternate Translation: "God will punish him severely"
Job 20:25
Terrors come over him
He will suddenly become very afraid. Alternate Translation: "he is terrified"
Job 20:26
Complete darkness is reserved for his treasures
Complete darkness here is a metaphor for destruction. Alternate Translation: "Destruction is reserved for his treasures" or "His treasures will be destroyed"
Job 20:26
a fire not fanned will devour him
Here "devour" is a metaphor meaning destroy. Alternate Translation: "a fire that is not fanned will destroy him"
Job 20:26
it will consume
Here "consume" is a metaphor meaning destroy. Alternate Translation: "the fire will destroy"
Job 20:28
his goods will flow away on
Here "flow away" represents being taken away from him. Alternate Translation: "his goods will be taken away from him, like goods that float away in a flood, on"
Job 20:29
This is the wicked man's portion from God
Here "portion from God" represents what God has decided should happen to someone. It is spoken of as if it were something that God would give him. Alternate Translation: "This is what God has decided should happen to the wicked man"
Job 20:29
the heritage reserved for him by God
This represents what God has decided should happen to someone. It is spoken of as if it were something that God would give him as an inheritance. Alternate Translation: "what God has planned to give to him" or "what God has planned should happen to him"
Job 21:17
the lamp of wicked people is put out
Job compares extinguishing the lamp to a person dying. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "that God causes them to die suddenly"
Job 21:17
the lamp of wicked people
Job compares the life of the wicked to a lamp that is burning.
Job 21:19
God lays up one's guilt for his children to pay
Guilt is spoken of as something that can be stored for later use. Here "to pay" refers to punishment for sin. Alternate Translation: "God keeps a record of a person's sins, then he punishes the person's children for his wicked deeds"
Job 21:20
let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty
Here the wrath of God is spoken of as if it were a drink that a person can taste, and tasting is a metonym for experiencing the drink. Job wants the wicked person to experience God's punishment.
Job 21:25
in bitterness of soul
Here sorrow is spoken of as if it tasted bitter, and "soul" refers to the whole man. Alternate Translation: "with anger and resentment" or "after living a sad life"
Job 22:10
snares are all around you ... There is darkness ... an abundance of waters covers you
Each of these metaphors means troubles and dangers are all around Job because of his sin.
Job 22:11
snares are all around you ... There is darkness ... an abundance of waters covers you
Each of these metaphors means troubles and dangers are all around Job because of his sin.
Job 22:16
those who were snatched away
Dying is compared to God snatching them away. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "those who died" or "those whom God took away"
Job 22:23
you will be built up
Eliphaz compares Job's restoration to the rebuilding of a house that has fallen. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "he will heal you and make you prosper again"
Job 22:23
if you put unrighteousness far away from your tents
Unrighteousness is pictured as a person who is living in Job's tent who must be removed. Alternate Translation: "if you and everyone in your house stops sinning"
Job 22:25
the Almighty will be your treasure, precious silver to you
This means God will be more valuable to Job than any treasure.
Job 22:28
light will shine on your paths
God's blessing is compared to a light on all of Job's paths. Alternate Translation: "it will be like a light shining on the road in front of you"
Job 22:30
He will rescue even the man who is not innocent; who will be rescued through the cleanness of your hands
Job being innocent is spoken of as if his hands were physically clean. The phrase "who will be rescued" can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will rescue even the person who is not innocent because you do what is right"
Job 23:10
he knows the way that I take
Job's actions are spoken of as if he is walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "God knows what I do"
Job 23:11
I have kept to his way
Job's obedience is spoken of as if he is walking in a path that God showed him. Alternate Translation: "I have done what he told me to do"
Job 24:13
rebel against the light
Possible meanings of "light" are 1) visible light or 2) spiritual light, which refers to God or living righteously. Alternate Translation: "hate the daylight" or "do not want to do things openly" or "rebel against God"
Job 24:13
they know not its ways, nor do they stay in its paths
These two lines describe the same thing, and are used together to emphasize that they do not want to follow the ways of the light. Alternate Translation: "they do not know how to live a moral life; they stay far away from living a righteous life"
Job 24:20
wickedness will be broken like a tree
God's destruction of the wicked man is describes as if he were cutting down a tree. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "God will destroy the wicked as if he were a tree"
Job 24:21
The wicked one devours
This metaphor emphasizes how ruthless the wicked man is. Alternate Translation: "Just like a wild animal kills its prey, so the wicked person harms"
Job 25:6
who is a worm
Bildad states that human beings are as worthless as worms. Alternate Translation: "who is as worthless as a worm"
Job 26:6
Sheol is naked before God; destruction itself has no covering
Sheol is spoken of as if it were a person. These two phrases have the same meaning. To be "naked" or have "no covering" is to be completely exposed and not able to hide anything. Alternate Translation: "It is like sheol is naked before God, for nothing in sheol, the place of destruction, is hidden from God"
Job 26:7
He stretches out the northern skies over the empty space
The northern skies represent heaven, the place where God dwells with the beings he created to dwell there.
Job 26:13
By his breath he made the skies clear
The noun "breath" can be translated with the verb "breathe" or "blow." This image represents God causing the wind to blow away the clouds. Alternate Translation: "God blew away the clouds so that the skies were clear"
Job 26:14
See, these are but the fringes of his ways
Here "fringes" represents a small part that we can see of something that is much bigger. Alternate Translation: "See, these things that God has done show only a small part of his great power"
Job 27:2
has taken away my justice
Justice is spoken of as if it were an object that could be taken away or given. Taking it away represents refusing to treat Job with justice. Alternate Translation: "has refused to treat me justly"
Job 27:6
I hold fast to my righteousness
Here "hold fast" is a metaphor that represents being determined to continue to say something. The abstract noun "righteousness" can be expressed with "righteous." Alternate Translation: "I am determined to continue saying that I am righteous"
Job 27:6
will not let it go
Here "will not let it go" is a metaphor that represents not stopping saying something. Alternate Translation: "will not stop saying that I am righteous" or "will not stop saying so"
Job 27:7
him who rises up against me
Here "rises up against me" is a metaphor meaning "opposes me." The whole phrase refers to Job's adversary. Alternate Translation: "him who opposes me" or "my adversary"
Job 27:8
cuts him off
This is a metaphor meaning "kills him" or "causes him to die"
Job 27:8
takes away his life
This is a metaphor meaning "kills him" or "makes him stop living"
Job 27:13
the heritage of the oppressor that he receives from the Almighty
Here "the heritage of the oppressor" is a metaphor representing what will happen to the oppressor. What God will do to him is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that God will give him. Alternate Translation: "what the Almighty will do to the oppressor"
Job 28:11
He ties up the streams so they do not run
Here "ties up the streams" means damming or blocking the streams. Alternate Translation: "He blocks the streams so they do not flow"
Job 28:12
General Information:
In 28:12-28, wisdom and understanding are spoken of as if they were precious objects that are in some place and people want to find them. Finding wisdom and understanding represents becoming wise and learning to understand things well.
Job 28:12
Where will wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding
Becoming wise and understanding is spoken of as finding wisdom and understanding. Alternate Translation: "How do people become wise? How do people learn to understand things well"
Job 28:13
Man does not know its price
Possible meanings are 1) wisdom is spoken of as if it were something that people can buy. Alternate Translation: "People do not know what it is worth" or 2) the word translated as "price" means "place." Alternate Translation: "People do not know where it is"
Job 28:20
From where, then, comes wisdom
Wisdom is spoken of as if it were in a place and comes to people. Its coming represents people becoming wise.
Job 28:20
Where is the place of understanding
Understanding is spoken of as if it were in a place.
Job 28:23
God understands the way to it; he knows its place
Wisdom is spoken of as if it were in a certain place. Alternate Translation: "God knows how to find wisdom. He knows where it is"
Job 28:25
parceled out the waters by measure
This describes God deciding how much water should be in each place. Possible meanings are that this refers to deciding 1) how much rain should be in each cloud or 2) how much water should be in each sea. Alternate Translation: "decided how much water should be in each place"
Job 28:28
to depart from evil is understanding
Here "depart from evil" means refusing to do evil things. The abstract noun "understanding" can be expressed with the verb "understand." Alternate Translation: "if you refuse to do evil, then you will understand many things"
Job 29:3
when his lamp shined on my head
God's lamp shining on Job represents God blessing Job. Alternate Translation: "when God's blessing was like a lamp shining its light on my head"
Job 29:3
when I walked through darkness by his light
Walking through darkness represents experiencing difficult situations.
Job 29:4
in the ripeness of my days
Job speaks of when he was young and strong as if his days were the time when the harvest is ripe. Alternate Translation: "when I was young and strong"
Job 29:13
The blessing of him who was about to perish came on me
Someone's blessing coming on another represents that person blessing another. Alternate Translation: "He who was about to perish would bless me"
Job 29:14
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me
People often spoke of righteousness as if it were clothing. Alternate Translation: "I did what was righteous, and it was like clothing that I put on"
Job 29:15
I was eyes to blind people
This represents helping blind people. Alternate Translation: "I was like eyes for blind people" or "I guided blind people"
Job 29:15
I was feet to lame people
This represents helping blind people. Alternate Translation: "I was like feet for lame people" or "I supported lame people"
Job 29:16
I was a father to needy people
Here "I was a father" represents providing for people. Alternate Translation: "I provided for needy people as a father provides for his children"
Job 29:17
I broke the jaws of ... I plucked the victim
Job speaks of unrighteous people who persecute others as if they were wild animals that attack their victims by picking them up between their teeth. Alternate Translation: "I made unrighteous people stop persecuting people, like someone who breaks the jaw of a wild animal and rescues its victim from between its teeth"
Job 29:18
I will die in my nest
Here "nest" represents Job's home and family. Job used to speak as if he were a bird that lived in a nest with his baby birds. Alternate Translation: "I will die at home with my family" or "I will die in the safety of my home"
Job 29:19
My roots ... my branches
Job used to speak of his strength as if he were strong like a well-watered tree.
Job 29:20
the bow of my strength is always new in my hand
A new bow is very strong. Job's bow of strength in his hand represents his physical strength. Alternate Translation: "I am always strong like a new bow"
Job 29:23
they opened their mouth wide to drink in my words
This represents waiting eagerly for Job to speak in order to benefit from what said. Alternate Translation: "they eagerly waited for me to speak in order to benefit from what I said"
Job 29:24
the light of my face
This represents the kindness they saw in Job's face.
Job 29:25
I selected their way
Here "selected their way" represents deciding what they should do.
Job 30:2
men in whom the strength of their mature age had perished
Their strength perishing is a metaphor that represents no longer being strong but weak. The phrase "mature age" refers to them being old. Alternate Translation: "men who had become old and had no strength" or "men who had become old and weak"
Job 30:8
They were the sons of fools
Here "were the sons of fools" represents having the characteristics fools. Alternate Translation: "They were like fools" or "they were fools"
Job 30:8
indeed, sons of nameless people
The word "indeed" shows that what follows strengthens the previous thought. Here "sons of nameless people" represents having the characteristics of nameless people. Alternate Translation: "indeed, they were nameless people" or "indeed, they were worthless"
Job 30:8
nameless people
Here being "nameless" represents having no honor or respect. It means that they are worthless. Alternate Translation: "worthless people"
Job 30:11
God has unstrung the string to my bow
A bow that is unstrung is not useful. The phrase "has unstrung the string of my bow" is a metaphor for making Job powerless. Alternate Translation: "God has taken away my power to defend myself"
Job 30:11
cast off restraint before my face
A restraint keeps a person from moving freely and doing what he wants. Here "restraint" represents refraining from doing something, and "cast off restraint" represents not refraining from doing something. In this case the mockers did not refrain from being cruel to Job. Alternate Translation: "do not refrain from being cruel to me" or "do whatever cruel things they want to do to me"
Job 30:12
General Information:
Job speaks about the mockers treating him cruelly as if they were a mob and an army attacking him.
Job 30:12
pile up against me their siege mounds
Armies would pile up mounds of dirt along a city's wall in order to climb over the wall and attack the city. Job speaks of the mockers preparing to attack him as if they were doing that. Alternate Translation: "prepare to attack me like an army that prepares to attack a city"
Job 30:13
They destroy my path
This represents keeping Job from escaping their attack. Alternate Translation: "They prevent me from escaping from them"
Job 30:13
they push forward disaster for me
Here "push forward disaster" represents trying to make disaster happen. Alternate Translation: "they try to make disaster happen to me" or "they try to destroy me"
Job 30:13
men who have no one to hold them back
Here "hold them back" represents stopping them from doing something. Alternate Translation: "men who have no one to stop them from attacking me"
Job 30:14
General Information:
Job speaks about the mockers treating him cruelly as if they were an army attacking him.
Job 30:14
they roll themselves in on me
This represents many coming to attack him at once, like giant ocean waves rolling in on him.
Job 30:15
Terrors are turned upon me
Possible meanings are 1) Job has become terrified or 2) things are happening to Job that make him afraid.
Job 30:16
Now my life is pouring out from within me
Job speaks as if his life were a liquid and his body were a container. He feels he is about to die. Alternate Translation: "Now I am dying"
Job 30:17
my bones in me are pierced
Job speaks of the pain in his bones as if his bones were being pierced. Alternate Translation: "my bones ache terribly" or "I have sharp pain in my bones"
Job 30:18
God's great force has seized my clothing
The image of God's force seizing Job is a metaphor. Possible meanings are 1) it represents Job's pain. Alternate Translation: "My pain feels like God has grabbed my clothing tightly" or 2) it represents God's causing Job's many problems. Alternate Translation: "It is as though by his great force God has grabbed me by my clothes"
Job 30:18
it wraps around me like the collar of my tunic
The image of God's force wrapping around Job is a metaphor. Possible meanings are 1) it represents Job's pain. Alternate Translation: "he wraps the collar of my tunic tightly around me" or 2) it represents God's causing Job's many problems. Alternate Translation: "It is as though he grabs me by the collar of my tunic"
Job 30:19
He has thrown me into the mud
Job says that God has humiliated him. Alternate Translation: "It is as though he has thrown me in the mud" or "He has humiliated me, like a person thrown in the mud"
Job 30:22
lift me up to the wind ... throw me back and forth in a storm
These expressions represent the extreme suffering that God made Job endure.
Job 30:23
you will bring me to death
Here "bring me to death" represents causing Job to die. Alternate Translation: "you will cause me to die"
Job 30:23
the house appointed for all the living
Job speaks of the world of the dead as if it were a house to which God has appointed all living things to go. Alternate Translation: "the world of the dead, to which everything that has ever lived goes"
Job 30:26
When I hoped for good, then evil came
Looking for good represents hoping for good things, and evil coming represents evil things happening.
Job 30:26
I waited for light ... darkness came
Here "light" represents God's blessing and favor and "darkness" represents trouble and suffering. Alternate Translation: "I waited for the light of God's blessing, but instead I experienced the darkness of suffering"
Job 30:27
days of affliction have come on me
Days of affliction coming on Job represents Job experiencing affliction for many days. Alternate Translation: "I experience affliction many days" or "I suffer every day"
Job 30:28
I have gone about
Here "have gone about" represents living. Alternate Translation: "I have lived" or "I live"
Job 30:28
like one who was living in the dark, but not because of the sun
Here "living in the dark" is a metaphor that represents being extremely sad. The phrase "but not because of the sun" clarifies that "living in the dark" is a metaphor, that is, the darkness is not caused by the sun being hidden. Alternate Translation: "like one who is terribly sad"
Job 30:29
a brother to jackals, a companion of ostriches
Being a brother to these animals is a metaphor for being like them. Alternate Translation: "I am like jackals and ostriches that cry out in the wilderness"
Job 31:1
I have made a covenant with my eyes
Job speaks of making a promise about what he would look at as though his eyes were a person and he made a covenant with them. Alternate Translation: "I have made a firm promise about what I will look at"
Job 31:2
For what is the portion from God above, the inheritance from the Almighty on high?
Job speaks of God's response to people's behavior as if it were the portion of an inheritance that God gives. Alternate Translation: "For how will God above respond to me? What will the Almighty on high do?"
Job 31:4
Does not God see my ways and count all my steps?
Here "my ways" and "my steps" are metaphors for Job's behavior. Here "see my ways" and "count all my steps" are metaphors for knowing everything Job does. Job uses this question to emphasize that God does know all he does. Alternate Translation: "Certainly God watches me and knows everything that I do."
Job 31:5
walked with falsehood, if my foot has hurried to deceit
Here "walked" and "hurried" are metaphors that represent how Job lived. Alternate Translation: "done anything false or purposely deceived anyone"
Job 31:6
let me be weighed in an even balance
People used balances to weigh items and to determine their value. This image represents judging honestly. It can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "let me be judged honestly" or "let God judge me honestly"
Job 31:7
If my step has turned aside from the way
Here "my step" is a metaphor for Job's behavior, and "turned out of the right way" is a metaphor for changing from living right. Alternate Translation: "If I have changed from living right" or "If I have stopped doing what is right"
Job 31:7
if any spot has stuck to my hands
This is a metaphor for being guilty. Alternate Translation: "if I am guilty of any sin at all"
Job 31:12
For that is a fire that consumes as far as Abaddon, and it would burn all my harvest to the root
Job speaks of the harm that sleeping with another woman causes as if it were a fire that destroys everything. The words "that" and "it" refer to sleeping with another man's wife. Alternate Translation: "For adultery is like a fire that burns up everything from here to Abaddon and that would burn up all my harvest"
Job 31:12
consumes as far as Abaddon
These words are probably a metaphor for "destroys everything so I have nothing good for the rest of my life," but you should probably translate this literally.
Job 31:21
I saw my support in the city gate
Here "saw" is a metaphor for "knew," "support" is a metaphor for "approval," and "the city gate" is a metonym for the leaders who sit at the city gate. Alternate Translation: "I knew that the leaders at the city gate would approve of me"
Job 31:33
If ... I have hidden my sins
Here "have hidden my sins" represents trying to keep people from knowing that he had sinned. Alternate Translation: "If ... I have tried to keep my sins a secret"
Job 31:33
by hiding my guilt inside my tunic
This represents trying to keep people from knowing that he is guilty. Alternate Translation: "by hiding the evidence of my guilt inside my tunic" or "like one who hides the evidence of his guilt inside his tunic"
Job 31:35
here is my signature
Here "my signature" represents Job's promise that everything he is saying is true. He speaks of his complaint as if he had written a legal document. Alternate Translation: "I solemnly promise that all I have said is true"
Job 31:36
Surely I would carry it openly on my shoulder; I would put it on like a crown
This represents putting it where everyone could read it.
Job 31:37
I would declare to him an accounting for my steps
Here "my steps" represents Job's actions. Alternate Translation: "I would declare to him an accounting for all I have done" or "I would tell him everything I have done"
Job 32:1
he was righteous in his own eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "he considered himself righteous"
Job 32:2
Then was kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram; it was kindled against Job
This compares Elihu's anger to someone starting a fire. Also, this can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job"
Job 32:3
Elihu's anger was also kindled against his three friends
This compares Elihu's anger to someone starting a fire. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Elihu also became very angry with his three friends"
Job 32:5
that there was no answer in the mouths of these three men
This means that the men were done speaking to Job. This speaks of the men possibly having an answer as if the answer were an object that would be in their mouths. Alternate Translation: "that these three men had nothing else to say" or "that these three men had no more answers to give Job"
Job 32:5
his anger was kindled
This compares Elihu's anger to someone starting a fire. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "he became very angry"
Job 32:13
to defeat Job
This speaks of God responding to Job and correcting him as if he were defeating him in battle. Alternate Translation: "to refute Job" or "to answer Job"
Job 32:18
I am full of words
Elihu speaks of having a lot to say as being full of words. Alternate Translation: "I have so much to say"
Job 33:5
set your words in order before me and stand up
This speaks of Job preparing what he will say as if he were setting up and organizing physical objects. Alternate Translation: "prepare what you will say, and stand up and answer me"
Job 33:6
I am just as you are in God's sight
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "I am just as you are in God's judgment" or "God judges me the same way that he judges you"
Job 33:6
I also have been formed out of the clay
Though people are not made out of clay, God has made everyone as a potter carefully makes things out of clay. Alternate Translation: "God has made both of us just as a potter forms things from clay"
Job 33:7
neither will my pressure be heavy upon you
This means that he will not hinder Job or burden him. He speaks of emotional burden here as if it were a heavy physical burden. Alternate Translation: "neither will I burden you" or "I will not oppress you with what I say"
Job 33:9
clean
A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
Job 33:11
He puts my feet in stocks
Stocks are wooden blocks a jailer puts around a prisoner's feet to restrict his movement. Job speaks of feeling like he is a prisoner by saying that he is in stocks. Alternate Translation: "I feel he has made me a prisoner"
Job 33:15
when deep sleep falls upon men, in slumber on the bed
This speaks of people being in a deep sleep as if the sleep fell upon them or overcame them. Alternate Translation: "when people are fully asleep on their bed"
Job 33:16
then God opens the ears of men
This speaks of God making people aware of things as if he were opening their ears so that they could hear. Alternate Translation: "then God reveals things to people"
Job 33:17
in order to pull man back from
This speaks of God keeping someone from doing something as if he were physically pulling him away from harm. Alternate Translation: "in order to keep him from"
Job 33:18
the pit
The place where people go when they die is referred to here as "the pit." Alternate Translation: "the place where dead people are"
Job 33:22
the pit
The place where people go when they die is referred to here as "the pit." Alternate Translation: "the place where dead people are"
Job 33:24
the pit
The place where people go when they die is referred to here as "the pit." Alternate Translation: "the place where dead people are"
Job 33:25
he will return to the days of his youthful strength
This speaks of the man being strong again like when he was young as if he was in fact actually young again. Alternate Translation: "he will become strong again, like when he was young"
Job 33:28
the pit
The place where people go when they die is referred to here as "the pit." Alternate Translation: "the place where dead people are"
Job 33:30
to bring his soul back from the pit
This speaks of saving the man from dying as if he had died and was being brought back to life. Alternate Translation: "to keep him from dying and going to the pit"
Job 33:30
the pit
The place where people go when they die is referred to here as "the pit." Alternate Translation: "the place where dead people are"
Job 34:6
My wound is incurable
Here Job's sickness and suffering is spoken of as if it were a "wound." Alternate Translation: "I am sick and no one can heal me"
Job 34:8
who walks with wicked men
Here "walk" is an idiom for how a person acts. Alternate Translation: "who behaves like wicked men"
Job 34:11
For he pays back a person's work
This means that he gives to a person what he deserves for the work he has done. Here "work" is a metaphor for what a person does. Alternate Translation: "For he gives to a person what he deserves in return for he does"
Job 34:29
When he stays silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can perceive him?
These two questions speak of God not punishing wicked people as if he were being silent and hiding his face.
Job 34:30
no one to entrap people
This compares a godless ruler harming people as if he were a hunter trapping his prey. Alternate Translation: "no one to harm the people"
Job 34:37
he piles up words against God
Elihu speaks of "words" as if they were objects, and of speaking many words as if it were piling those objects one on top of the other. Alternate Translation: "he speaks many words against God"
Job 35:6
If your transgressions pile up high, what do you do to him?
Elihu speaks of "transgressions" as if they were objects, and of committing many transgressions as if it were piling those objects one on top of the other. He asks this question to emphasize that Job does nothing to God by his transgressions. Alternate Translation: "If you committed a great many transgressions, you still do nothing to him."
Job 35:10
who gives songs in the night
Elihu speaks of God enabling people to have hope in troubling circumstances as if he were giving to them songs which they can sing during the night.
Job 35:16
he piles up words without knowledge
Elihu speaks of "words" as if they were objects, and of speaking many words as if it were piling those objects one on top of the other. The word "knowledge" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate Translation: "he speaks many words without knowing what he is talking about"
Job 36:2
I will show you some things
Elihu speaks of explaining things to Job as if he were going to show those things to Job. Alternate Translation: "I will explain some things to you"
Job 36:3
I will obtain my knowledge from far off
Elihu speaks of having knowledge of many different subjects as if it were getting his knowledge from far away places. Alternate Translation: "I will show you my great knowledge"
Job 36:4
someone who is mature in knowledge is with you
The word "someone" refers to Elihu himself. He speaks of being very knowledgeable as if it were being mature in knowledge. Alternate Translation: "I, who am with you, am very knowledgeable"
Job 36:7
He does not withdraw his eyes from righteous people
Elihu speaks of God protecting righteous people as if God were watching them with his eyes, and of God ceasing to protect them as if he withdrew his eyes from them. Alternate Translation: "He does not stop protecting the righteous people"
Job 36:7
sets them on thrones like kings
Elihu speaks of God honoring the righteous people as if God were causing them to sit on thrones like kings do.
Job 36:7
they are lifted up
Elihu speaks of God honoring the righteous people as if he lifted them up to a high place. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "he lifts them up" or "he honors them"
Job 36:8
trapped in cords of suffering
Elihu speaks of a person being made to suffer as if that person were trapped in ropes that cause suffering. Alternate Translation: "someone causes them to suffer"
Job 36:10
He also opens their ears
Elihu speaks of causing a person to listen as if it were opening that person's ear. Alternate Translation: "He also causes them to listen"
Job 36:10
to turn back from iniquity
Elihu speaks of stopping an action as if it were turning back from it. Alternate Translation: "to stop committing iniquity"
Job 36:12
they will perish by the sword
Elihu speaks of a person dying violently as if someone had killed them with a sword. Alternate Translation: "they will die a violent death"
Job 36:13
store up their anger
Elihu speaks of a person remaining angry as if that person stored up their anger like one would store up treasure. Alternate Translation: "are always angry"
Job 36:13
even when God ties them up
Elihu speaks of God disciplining people as if God were tying them up with ropes. Alternate Translation: "even when God punishes them"
Job 36:15
he opens their ears
Elihu speaks of God causing a person to listen as if God were opening their ears. See how you translated this in [Job 36:10](./10.md). Alternate Translation: "he causes them to listen"
Job 36:16
into a broad place where there is no hardship
Elihu speaks of living without trouble as if it were being in a wide-open space where there were no hardships.
Job 36:16
where your table would be set with food full of fatness
Elihu speaks of living prosperously as if it were having one's table filled with the best foods.
Job 36:20
when peoples are cut off in their place
Possible meanings are 1) that "peoples" refers to people in general and "cut off in their place" is a metaphor for oppressing others by dragging them away from their homes. Alternate Translation: "when people drag others away from their homes" or 2) that "peoples" represents nations and "cut off in their place" is a metaphor for nations being destroyed. Alternate Translation: "when nations will perish"
Job 36:25
they see those deeds only from far away
Elihu speaks of people not being fully able to understand God's deeds as if people were only able to see those deeds from far away. Alternate Translation: "they do not fully understand them"
Job 36:29
from his hut
Elihu speaks of the sky as if it were a "hut" in which God lives. Alternate Translation: "from the sky, where God lives"
Job 36:30
and covers the roots of the sea
Elihu speaks of the deep parts of the sea as if the sea were a plant and its depths were its roots. Possible meanings are 1) although the lightning causes light in the sky, the deep parts of the sea remain dark. Alternate Translation: "but the depths of the sea remain dark" or 2) the lightning in the sky cause even the depths of the sea to have light. Alternate Translation: "and lights up the depths of the sea"
Job 36:32
He fills his hands with the lightning
Elihu speaks of the lightning that storms cause as if God were holding the lightning in his hand and directing it to strike where he wills. Possible meanings are 1) that God holds the lightning bolts in his hands in order to throw them, or 2) that God hides the lightning bolts in his hands until he is ready to use them.
Job 37:1
it is moved out of its place
Elihu speaks of his heart beating violently as if it were to jump out of his chest. Alternate Translation: "it moves out of its place" or "it beats violently"
Job 37:2
the noise of his voice, the sound that goes out from his mouth
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Elihu speaks of the thunder as if it is God's voice.
Job 37:3
to the edges of the earth
Elihu speaks of the farthest places on the earth as if they were the earth's borders. Alternate Translation: "everywhere in the world"
Job 37:4
A voice roars after it ... the voice of his majesty
Elihu continues to speak of the thunder as if it is God's voice.
Job 37:9
The storm comes from its chamber in the south
Elihu speaks of the storm blowing in from the south as if the storm has a place where it resides until it comes.
Job 37:10
By the breath of God ice is given
Elihu speaks of the cold north wind as if it were God's breath. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "God's breath makes ice"
Job 37:11
he weighs down the thick cloud with moisture
Elihu speaks of God causing the storm clouds to be full of water as if the moisture weighed heavily on the clouds. Alternate Translation: "he causes the thick clouds to be full of moisture"
Job 37:18
as strong as a mirror of cast metal
In biblical days, mirrors were made of metal. Elihu speaks of the sky giving no rain as if it were as hard as solid metal.
Job 37:19
because of the darkness of our minds
Elihu speaks of the inability to understand as if it were having darkness in one's mind. Alternate Translation: "because we do not understand"
Job 37:20
to be swallowed up
Elihu speaks of a person being destroyed as if the person were swallowed up. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "for God to destroy him"
Job 37:22
over God is fearsome majesty
The word "fearsome" means that it causes fear. Elihu speaks of God's majesty as if it were something that rests upon God. Alternate Translation: "God's majesty causes people to fear"
Job 37:23
we cannot find him
Possible meanings are 1) "we cannot approach him" or 2) this is a metaphor in which Elihu speaks of a person's being unable to fully understand God as if he could not find God. Alternate Translation: "we cannot comprehend him"
Job 38:2
brings darkness to plans
obscures my plans or "confuses my purposes." How Job confuses God's plans is spoken of as if he were making God's plans harder to see. The abstract noun "darkness" can be translated as the verb "darkens." Alternate Translation: "darkens plans" or "makes plans hard to see"
Job 38:4
I laid the earth's foundations
Yahweh describes creating the earth as though he was building a structure.
Job 38:8
shut up the sea with doors
Yahweh compares the way that he prevented the sea from covering all of the earth to holding it back with doors. Alternate Translation: "prevented the water from flooding over the land"
Job 38:10
I placed its bars and doors
Yahweh compares the way that he made a boundary for the sea to containing the sea with bars and doors. Alternate Translation: "I set up its barriers"
Job 38:13
take hold of the edges of the earth
The light of dawn is spoken of as if it seizes the horizons of the earth. Alternate Translation: "grasp the ends of the earth"
Job 38:13
shake the wicked out of it
The daylight is pictured as causing wicked people to leave like shaking something to remove unwanted things. Alternate Translation: "shake wicked people out of the earth"
Job 38:15
their uplifted arm is broken
The raised arm of the wicked represents their power and intention to do evil things, but the wicked stop doing those evil things when the morning light comes.
Job 38:17
Have the gates of death been revealed to you
Death is spoken of as if it were a city that had gates through which people enter into it. This can be expressed in active form. Alternate Translation: "Has anyone shown the gates of death to you"
Job 38:22
storehouses for the snow ... storehouses for the hail
Snow and hail are pictured as being stored by Yahweh to do his will.
Job 38:28
fathers the drops of dew
Becoming the father of the dew is a metaphor for creating it. Alternate Translation: "causes the drops of dew to exist"
Job 38:37
the water skins
These are skins that people sew together so that they can hold water. Yahweh refers to the thick clouds as "waters skins" because they hold much water just like water skins.
Job 39:24
swallows up ground
The horse runs over the ground so quickly that the ground passes by like water that a person drinks. Alternate Translation: "runs very fast over the ground"
Job 40:10
clothe yourself in glory and dignity; array yourself in honor and majesty
The abstract nouns "glory," "dignity," "honor," and "majesty" are spoken of as if they were clothing that a person could put on. They can be translated as adjectives and verbs. Alternate Translation: "make yourself glorious; do something great so people will respect you and honor you; make people think you are a great king"
Job 40:11
Scatter around the excess of your anger
The abstract noun "anger" is spoken of as it it were something that usually could be held in a container, but in this situation there is so much of it that what does not fit needs to be spread around. It is also a metonym for the actions a person takes when he is angry. You may need to make explicit why the person is angry. Alternate Translation: "Be angry because people are proud, and punish them"
Job 41:13
Who can penetrate his double armor?
The word "armor" is a metaphor for the hard scales or hide on his back. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can penetrate his very thick hide."
Job 41:15
shields
The word "shields" is a metaphor for Leviathan's hide. Both shields and Leviathan's hide protect well and deflect arrows and other weapons.
Job 41:28
to him sling stones become chaff
Chaff cannot hurt Leviathan, and sling stones are just as ineffective as chaff.
Job 42:5
but now my eye sees you
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents understanding. Alternate Translation: "but now I really understand you"
Job 42:7
My wrath is kindled against you
Fire is a metaphor for anger, and starting a fire is a metaphor for becoming angry. Alternate Translation: "I have become very angry with you"
Psa 1:1
who does not walk in the advice of the wicked
The "advice of the wicked" is spoken of as if it were a path to follow. Alternate Translation: "who does not follow the advice of the wicked" or "who does not do what wicked people advise"
Psa 1:1
stand in the pathway with sinners
Here the word "pathway" represents the way people live. The word "stand" is in parallel with "walk." Alternate Translation: "imitate the behavior of sinful people"
Psa 1:5
will not stand in the judgment
Possible meanings are 1) not standing in the judgment is a metonym for being judged by God and having to leave his presence. Alternate Translation: "will not continue to stay before God when he judges them" or "will have to leave God's presence when he judges them as guilty" or 2) not standing in the judgment is a metaphor for being condemned in the judgment. "AT: "will be condemned in the judgment" or "will be condemned when God judges them"
Psa 1:6
the way of the righteous
How people live is spoken of as if it were a "way" or "road" that they are walking on. Alternate Translation: "how the righteous live"
Psa 1:6
the way of the wicked will perish
How people live and what they do is spoken of as if it were a "way" or "road" that they walk on. Possible meanings are 1) the way perishing represents the wicked perishing because of how they live. Alternate Translation: "The wicked will die because of how they live" or 2) the way perishing is a metaphor for no longer being able to live the way they do. Alternate Translation: "the wicked will no longer be able to live the way they live"
Psa 2:3
Let us tear off the shackles ... throw off their chains
The people of other nations speak of Yahweh and the Messiah's rule over them as if it were shackles and chains. Alternate Translation: "We should free ourselves from their control; we should not let them rule over us any longer"
Psa 2:9
You will break them with an iron rod
Defeating the nations is spoken of as breaking them, and his power is spoken of as an iron rod. Alternate Translation: "You will defeat them completely by your power"
Psa 2:9
you will smash them to pieces
Destroying nations is spoken of as if they could be smashed like a clay jar. Alternate Translation: you will completely destroy them like a clay pot"
Psa 2:12
when his anger burns for just a moment
The king's anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that could burn. Alternate Translation: "when he suddenly becomes very angry"
Psa 2:12
seek refuge in him
Asking the king for protection is spoken of as seeking refuge in him. Alternate Translation: "ask the king to protect them"
Psa 3:3
you, Yahweh, are a shield around me
A shield protects a soldier. David speaks as if God were a shield protecting him. Alternate Translation: "you, Yahweh, protect me like a shield"
Psa 3:3
the one who lifts up my head
you are the one who lifts up my head. Giving someone courage is spoken of as lifting up his head. Alternate Translation: "the one who encourages me"
Psa 3:7
you will break the teeth of the wicked
Animals attack with their teeth. Breaking their teeth takes away their power to attack. David speaks as if Yahweh would come and physically fight against the wicked. Alternate Translation: "you will make the wicked unable to harm me like someone breaking the teeth of a ferocious animal"
Psa 4:1
give me room when I am hemmed in
Being in danger is spoken of as being in a narrow space. Alternate Translation: "rescue me when I am in danger"
Psa 4:5
put your trust in Yahweh
Here "trust" is spoken of as if it were an object that could be put somewhere. The abstract noun "trust" can be stated as a verb. Alternate Translation: "trust in Yahweh" or "trust Yahweh"
Psa 4:6
lift up the light of your face on us
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards them as if Yahweh's face shone a light on them. Alternate Translation: "act favorably towards us"
Psa 4:7
You have given my heart more gladness than others have
Here "gladness" is spoken of as if it is an object that can be given. The abstract noun "gladness" can be stated as "glad." Alternate Translation: "You have made me more glad than others are"
Psa 4:8
It is in peace that I will lie down and sleep
Peace is spoken of as if it were a place. This can be restated to remove the abstract noun "peace." Alternate Translation: "I will be peaceful when I lie down and sleep" or "I will not be afraid of danger when I lie down and sleep"
Psa 5:8
lead me in your righteousness
David speaks of righteousness as if it were a path and of teaching as leading. The phrase "your righteousness" means that God is righteous Alternate Translation: "teach me to do what is righteous as you do"
Psa 5:8
make your path straight before me
David speaks of righteousness as if it were a path. A straight path is easy to see or walk on. Alternate Translation: "show me clearly how to live in the right way" or "make it easy for me to do what is right"
Psa 5:9
their throat is an open tomb
Their throat is spoken of as if it were an open tomb, ready for dead bodies to put into it. Possible meanings are 1) "they say that they will kill people" or 2) "What they say kills people"
Psa 5:10
downfall
This is something that causes a person to experience disasters or to lose power. Experiencing disaster or becoming less important is spoken of as falling.
Psa 5:11
may all those who take refuge in you rejoice
God is spoken of as if he were a refuge, a place where people can be protected. Alternate Translation: "May all those who go to you for protection rejoice"
Psa 5:11
take refuge in you
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate Translation: "go to you for protection"
Psa 6:4
Return, Yahweh
David speaks of God being kind to him as God returning to him. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh, come back to me" or "Have mercy on me, Yahweh"
Psa 6:9
Yahweh has accepted my prayer
Being willing to do what David has prayed for is spoken of as accepting his prayer. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will respond to my prayer"
Psa 7:1
take refuge in you!
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate Translation: "go to you for protection!"
Psa 7:6
wake up
Waking up represents starting to do something or take action. Alternate Translation: "Take action" or "Do something"
Psa 7:7
take once more your rightful place over them
Ruling people is spoken of as being over them. Yahweh's rightful place refers either to heaven or to ruling in general. Alternate Translation: "Rule over them from heaven" or "Rule over them"
Psa 7:10
My shield comes from God
The word "shield" represents God's protection.
Psa 7:12
God will sharpen his sword and will prepare his bow for battle
In verses 12 and 13, David speaks of God deciding to punish the wicked as if God were a warrior preparing to fight against them with weapons. Alternate Translation: "God will take action against him like a warrior who sharpens his sword and prepares his bow for battle"
Psa 7:14
one who is pregnant with wickedness ... conceives destructive plans ... gives birth to harmful lies
David speaks of the things that a wicked person does as if the person were pregnant and wickedness was the baby. Alternate Translation: "the wicked person. He makes plans to destroy people and produces harmful lies"
Psa 7:16
His own destructive plans return to his own head, for his violence comes down on his own head
Destruction and violence are spoken of as if they hit a person's head or fall down on it. Alternate Translation: "His own destructive plans destroy him, for his violence attacks him" or "When he plans to destroy others, others destroy him; when he attacks others, others attack him"
Psa 8:2
Out of the mouth of babies and infants you have established praise
Possible meanings are 1) praise is spoken of as a solid object that God takes out of babies' mouths and sets up as a defensive wall or 2) God has created the world so that true praise comes to him from babies. Alternate Translation: "You have given babies and infants the ability to praise you" or "It is babies and infants who truly praise you"
Psa 8:5
have crowned them with glory and honor
Glory and honor are spoken of as if they were crowns. The words "glory" and "honor" are similar in meaning. Alternate Translation: "have given them glory and honor" or "have caused them to be like kings"
Psa 8:6
you have put all things under his feet
Having authority to rule others or control things is spoken of as having them under one's feet. This means God gave people authority over all that he created. Alternate Translation: "you have given him authority over all things"
Psa 9:5
you have blotted out their name forever and ever
Causing people to be forgotten is spoken of as blotting out their name. Alternate Translation: "you have caused them to be forgotten as if their name was blotted out" or "no one will ever remember them again"
Psa 9:6
All remembrance of them has perished
Here "remembrance" is spoken of as if it were a living being that could die. Alternate Translation: "All remembrance of them has stopped" or "There is no longer any remembrance of them"
Psa 9:9
Yahweh also will be a stronghold for the oppressed
God is spoken of as if he were a place that people could go to for safety. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will also protect the oppressed" or "Yahweh will also provide safety for those who are oppressed"
Psa 9:13
you who can snatch me from the gates of death
Death is spoken of as if it were a city that had gates through which people enter it. If someone is near the gates of death, it means that he will die soon. Keeping someone from dying is spoken of as taking him away from the gates of that city. Alternate Translation: "you who can rescue me from death" or "you who can keep me from dying"
Psa 9:15
The nations have sunk down into the pit that they made
People dig pits so they can catch animals that fall into them. Here digging a pit represents making plans to destroy people. Alternate Translation: "The nations are like people who dig a pit for others and then fall into it"
Psa 9:15
their feet are caught in the net that they hid
People hide nets so they can catch animals that get caught in them. Here hiding a net represents making plans to destroy people. Alternate Translation: "they are like people who hide a net and get trapped in it"
Psa 9:18
nor will the hope of the oppressed be forever dashed
Hopes are spoken of as if they were objects that could be broken or destroyed. Hopes being destroyed represents the things that people hope for never happening. Alternate Translation: "and the oppressed will not hope forever without results" or "and someday what the oppressed hope for will happen"
Psa 10:4
has a raised face
A raised face represents pride or arrogance. Alternate Translation: "has an arrogant attitude" or "is proud"
Psa 10:4
he does not seek God
Seeking God represents either 1) asking God for help or 2) thinking about God and obeying him. Alternate Translation: "he does not ask God for help" or "he does not think about God"
Psa 10:5
your righteous decrees are too high for him
Something that is hard to understand is spoken of as if it were too high to reach. Alternate Translation: "he cannot understand your righteous decrees"
Psa 10:6
I will not meet adversity
Experiencing adversity is spoken of as meeting it. Alternate Translation: "I will not have any troubles"
Psa 10:9
He catches the oppressed when he pulls in his net
The writer speaks of the wicked person catching people as if he were a hunter using a net to catch animals. Alternate Translation: "He catches the oppressed like a hunter that catches an animal in a net and drags it away"
Psa 10:10
they fall into his strong nets
The writer continues to speak of the wicked person catching people as if he were a hunter, his plans were nets, and the people were animals that fall into his net. Alternate Translation: "his victims are caught by his plans like animals that fall into a hunter's strong nets"
Psa 10:11
God has forgotten
Refusing to pay attention to what people do is spoken of as forgetting. Alternate Translation: "God does not pay attention" or "God does not care about what I do"
Psa 10:11
he covers his face
Refusing to pay attention to what someone does is spoken of as covering one's face. Alternate Translation: "God refuses to see what is happening"
Psa 10:11
he will not bother to look
Paying attention to what someone does is spoken of as looking at it. Alternate Translation: "he will not bother to pay attention" or "he will not care"
Psa 10:12
Arise
Starting to do something is spoken of as getting up. Alternate Translation: "Do something"
Psa 11:1
take refuge in Yahweh
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate Translation: "go to Yahweh for protection"
Psa 11:6
He rains burning coals and brimstone upon the wicked; a scorching wind will be their portion from his cup!
God's punishment is described as if it were burning coals and brimstone from a volcano. Alternate Translation: "He punishes the wicked; there will be no relief for them!"
Psa 12:3
cut off all flattering lips
Here "flattering lips" is a metonym for people who flatter others. Possible meanings are 1) "cut off" is a metaphor for killing. Alternate Translation: "kill all who flatter others" or 2) "cut off" is a metaphor for stopping something. Alternate Translation: "stop all those who flatter others"
Psa 14:2
who seek after him
This describes those who desire to know God as if they were actually following him on a path. Alternate Translation: "who desire to know him"
Psa 14:3
They have all turned away
This describes people who have rejected God as if they had stopped walking on the right path and had gone in another direction. Alternate Translation: "They have all turned away from Yahweh"
Psa 14:4
those who eat up my people
This refers to those who do evil things and destroy God's people as if they were eating food.
Psa 14:6
Yahweh is his refuge
This speaks of the protection that Yahweh provides as if he were a shelter that one might seek in a storm. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh is like a shelter of protection to him"
Psa 15:5
will never be shaken
Here "to be shaken" represents not living safely any longer. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate Translation: "will live in safety"
Psa 16:1
take refuge in you
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate Translation: "go to you for protection"
Psa 16:5
my chosen portion
Here David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a portion of land that has been given to him.
Psa 16:5
my cup
Here David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a cup that contains many blessings. Alternate Translation: "the one who blesses me"
Psa 16:6
surely a pleasing inheritance is mine
Here David speaks of Yahweh's blessings as if they were an inheritance that he has received. Alternate Translation: "I am delighted with all the things that he has given me"
Psa 17:1
Give ear to my prayer from lips without deceit
The phrase "give ear" is a metaphor for listening, and "lips without deceit" is synecdoche for a person who does not lie. Alternate Translation: "Listen to my prayer for I speak without deceit"
Psa 17:2
Let my vindication come from your presence
Vindication coming from God represents God judging someone and declaring him innocent. God's "presence" is a metonym for God himself. Alternate Translation: "Let my vindication come from you" or "Declare that I am innocent"
Psa 17:5
my feet have not slipped
The writer speaks of his obedience to God as if he were walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "I am determined to follow your ways"
Psa 17:7
take refuge in you
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate Translation: "go to you for protection"
Psa 17:8
hide me under the shadow of your wings
David speaks of God's protection as if he were a bird protecting its young under its wings. Alternate Translation: "Keep me safe as a mother bird protects her babies by gathering them under her wing"
Psa 17:14
You will fill the bellies of your treasured ones with riches
The ancient text is hard to understand. Possible meanings are 1) "treasured" is a metaphor for loved, and "your treasured ones" refers to the people whom God loves. Alternate Translation: "you will fill the bellies of the people you love with riches" or 2) "your treasured ones" refers to treasures that God gives to people, the "men of this world" Alternate Translation: "you will fill their bellies with rich treasures"
Psa 17:14
You will fill the bellies ... with riches
Here "fill the bellies ... with riches" is a metaphor for giving them many valuable things. Possible meanings are 1) "You will give many riches to the people you love" or 2) "you will give the men of this world many riches"
Psa 18:2
Yahweh is my rock
David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a rock. The word "rock" is a picture of a safe place.
Psa 18:2
take refuge in him
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate Translation: "go to him for protection"
Psa 18:2
my shield, the horn of my salvation, and my stronghold
David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a "shield," "the horn" of his salvation, and his "stronghold." Yahweh is the one who protects him from harm. Here a similar idea is repeated three ways for emphasis.
Psa 18:4
The cords of death surrounded me
David speaks of death as if it were a person who could capture him and bind him with ropes. Alternate Translation: "I was about to be killed"
Psa 18:4
rushing waters of worthlessness
David is as helpless as if he were being carried away by a rushing flood of waters. Alternate Translation: "I felt completely helpless"
Psa 18:7
Then the earth ... shaken because God was angry
God's being angry is spoken of as if the there was a terrible earthquake. Alternate Translation: "God was so angry that it was as if the earth ... shaken"
Psa 18:8
Smoke went up from out of his nostrils ... Coals were ignited by it
David speaks of Yahweh as if he were breathing fire. This is a picture of how angry God was.
Psa 18:11
He made darkness a tent
Here darkness is spoken of as if it were a tent. Alternate Translation: "He made darkness a covering" or "He made darkness a hiding place"
Psa 18:14
He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies
Here lighting strikes are being spoken of as if they were arrows
Psa 18:16
surging water
Here the Psalmist speaks of the dangers of his enemies as if they were huge waves or forceful waters, from which Yahweh has rescued him.
Psa 18:21
I have kept the ways of Yahweh
The laws of Yahweh are spoken of as if they were the paths on which one should walk. Alternate Translation: "I have obeyed Yahweh's laws"
Psa 18:21
have not wickedly turned away from my God
Here being wicked is spoken of as if one left the right path and took the wrong path. Alternate Translation: "have not done wickedly by turning away from my God"
Psa 18:28
For you give light to my lamp; Yahweh my God lights up my darkness
The writer speaks of Yahweh's presence as if he were a light. These clauses have similar meanings.
Psa 18:30
He is a shield to everyone who takes refuge in him
A shield protects a soldier. David speaks as if God were a shield protecting him. See how you translated this in [Psalms 3:3](../003/003.md). Alternate Translation: "You, Yahweh, protect like a shield everyone who takes refuge in you"
Psa 18:31
a rock
David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a rock that he could climb to get away from his enemies. See how you translated this in [Psalms 18:2](./002.md).
Psa 18:32
places the blameless person on his path
Here David speaks of living a life that is pleasing to God as if he were being placed on the right path. Alternate Translation: "causes the blameless person to live a righteous life"
Psa 18:35
the shield of your salvation
Here the writer speaks of God's protection as if it were a shield. The abstract noun "salvation" can be stated with the verb "save." Alternate Translation: "your protection and saved me"
Psa 18:36
a wide place for my feet beneath me
The writer speaks of the safety that God has provided as if it were a wide place for him to stand. Here "my feet" represent the person. Alternate Translation: "a safe place for me"
Psa 18:46
my rock
Here the writer speaks of Yahweh's protection as if he were a rock that prevented his enemies from reaching him. See how you translated this in [Psalms 18:2](./002.md).
Psa 18:48
you lifted me above
Yahweh's protection of the writer is spoken of as if he lifted the writer up so high that his enemies could not reach him to harm him. Alternate Translation: "you put me in a safe place high above"
Psa 19:4
He has pitched a tent for the sun
Here the writer speaks of the place that Yahweh created for the sun as if it were a tent. Alternate Translation: "He created a place for the sun"
Psa 19:10
They are of greater value than gold ... they are sweeter than honey
Yahweh's decrees are spoken of as if they could be bought and tasted. Alternate Translation: "If you could buy them, they would be of greater value than gold ... if you could taste them, they would be sweeter than honey"
Psa 19:14
in your sight
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "in your judgment"
Psa 19:14
Yahweh, my rock
The writer speaks of God as if he were a rock that one could climb and be protected from his enemies. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh, you are like my rock"
Psa 20:2
send help from the holy place
God helping from his holy place is spoken of as if God were sending help. Alternate Translation: "may Yahweh help you from his holy place"
Psa 21:5
you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty
you have placed on him splendor and majesty. Causing the king to be wealthy and powerful is spoken of as if splendor and majesty are objects that are placed on him. Alternate Translation: "you have made him wealthy and powerful"
Psa 21:9
you will burn them up as in a fiery furnace
Yahweh or the king destroying their enemies is spoken of as if their enemies are wood and Yahweh or the king will throw them into a furnace.
Psa 21:12
For you will turn them back; you will draw your bow before them
Possible meanings for "you" and "your" are 1) they refer to the king or 2) they refer to God and speak about him as if he were a warrior with a bow and arrows.
Psa 22:1
far from the words of my anguish
The writer feeling like God is not listening to him is spoken of as if God were far from his words of anguish. Alternate Translation: "why do you not listen when I speak to you about the anguish I feel" or "I have told you about my suffering but you do not come to me"
Psa 22:3
you sit as king with the praises of Israel
the praises of Israel are the throne on which you sit as king. The praises of Israel are described as if they are a throne upon which God can sit and rule, or as a house in which God can live. Alternate Translation: "you are king and the people of Israel praise you"
Psa 22:6
I am a worm and not a man
The writer speaks of himself as if he were a worm. This emphasizes that he feels worthless or that the people treat him as if he were worthless. Alternate Translation: "But it is like I am a worm and not a man"
Psa 22:11
for trouble is near
The writer speaks about "trouble" as if it were an object that is near him. Alternate Translation: "for my enemies are near me"
Psa 22:12
Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me
The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were bulls. This emphasizes how dangerous and powerful his enemies are. Alternate Translation: "I have many enemies and they are like bulls that surround me; they are like strong bulls from Bashan that surround me"
Psa 22:13
They open their mouths wide against me
The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were lions with the mouths open ready to eat him. His enemies may be speaking lies to discredit him. Or they may be threatening him and attacking him.
Psa 22:14
all my bones are dislocated
all my bones are out of place. It is possible the writer is in some kind of physical pain. Or he may be speaking of his emotional pain as if it were physical pain.
Psa 22:15
my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth
my tongue sticks to the top of my mouth. The writer may be describing his extreme thirst. Or he may be continuing to speak about being weak as if he were completely dry.
Psa 22:15
You have laid me in the dust of death
Possible meanings for "dust of death" are 1) it refers to a person turning to dust after they die. Alternate Translation: "You are about to let me die and become dust" or 2) it is a way of speaking about the grave, which would mean God is causing the writer to die. Alternate Translation: "You have laid me in my grave"
Psa 22:16
dogs have surrounded me
The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were dogs. His enemies are coming close to him like wild dogs do to a dying animal. Alternate Translation: "my enemies are like dogs that have surrounded me"
Psa 22:16
they have pierced my hands and my feet
This continues the dog metaphor. The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were dogs that are biting and piercing his hands and feet with their teeth.
Psa 22:17
I can count all my bones
Possible meanings are 1) the writer is so thin that he can see his bones. Alternate Translation: "I can see all of my bones" or "I can feel each of my bones" or 2) this continues the dog metaphor and the writer can see his bones after the dogs have ripped his flesh.
Psa 22:20
claws of wild dogs ... lion's mouth ... horns of the wild oxen
The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were dogs, lions, and wild oxen to emphasize how dangerous his enemies are. Also, the claws, mouth, and horns stand for the animals as a whole in a synecdoche. The writer emphasizes these parts of the animals because they are the parts that the animals would use to kill someone.
Psa 22:21
claws of wild dogs ... lion's mouth ... horns of the wild oxen
The writer speaks about his enemies as if they were dogs, lions, and wild oxen to emphasize how dangerous his enemies are. Also, the claws, mouth, and horns stand for the animals as a whole in a synecdoche. The writer emphasizes these parts of the animals because they are the parts that the animals would use to kill someone.
Psa 22:24
has not hidden his face from him
Hiding one's face from someone represents ignoring him. Alternate Translation: "has not turned his attention away from him" or "has not ignored him"
Psa 22:26
those who seek Yahweh
Those who want to know Yahweh and please him are spoken of as if they are literally seeking to find Yahweh.
Psa 22:27
will remember and turn to Yahweh
Starting to obey Yahweh is spoken of as if the people physically turn toward Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "will remember Yahweh and obey him"
Psa 23:1
Yahweh is my shepherd
The writer speaks about Yahweh as if he were a shepherd. This emphasizes how God cares for people as a shepherd cares for his sheep. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh is like a shepherd to me" or "Yahweh cares for me as a shepherd cares for his sheep"
Psa 23:2
He makes me to lie down in green pastures
The writer speaks about himself as if he were a sheep, and he speaks about Yahweh as if he were a shepherd. Alternate Translation: He gives me rest like a shepherd who leads his sheep to lie down in green pastures"
Psa 23:2
he leads me beside tranquil water
The writer speaks about himself as if he were a sheep, and he speaks about Yahweh as if he were a shepherd. Alternate Translation: "he provides what I need like a shepherd who leads his sheep beside tranquil water"
Psa 23:3
he guides me along right paths
Showing a person how to live in a way that pleases God is spoken of as if it were a shepherd showing a sheep the right path to take. Alternate Translation: "He shows me how to live right"
Psa 23:4
Even though I walk through a valley of darkest shadow
The writer describes a person experiencing terrible trouble as if he were a sheep walking through a dark and dangerous valley. There a sheep could get lost or attacked by a wild animal. Alternate Translation: "Though my life is like walking through a dark and dangerous valley"
Psa 23:6
Surely goodness and covenant faithfulness will pursue me
Yahweh being good and faithful to a person is spoken of as if goodness and covenant faithfulness are things that pursue after a person. The abstract nouns "goodness" and "faithfulness" can be translated as adjectives. Alternate Translation: "Surely you will be good and faithful to me"
Psa 24:6
those who seek him
Going to the temple to worship Yahweh is spoken of as if the person is literally seeking to find him.
Psa 24:8
Yahweh, strong and mighty; Yahweh, mighty in battle
The writer speaks about Yahweh as if he were a mighty warrior who fights in battles.
Psa 25:1
I lift up my life
The phrase "lift up my life" is a metaphor. Possible meanings are 1) the writer is giving himself to Yahweh, which means he is completely depending on Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "I give myself to you" or 2) he is offering prayer and adoration to Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "I worship and adore you"
Psa 25:8
the way ... his way
How God wants a person to behave is spoken of as if it were a way or path on which a person travels.
Psa 25:10
All the paths of Yahweh are steadfast love and faithfulness
The word "paths" is a metaphor for ways. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh always loves us because of his covenant and he is always trustworthy"
Psa 25:12
The Lord will instruct him in the way that he should choose
Yahweh teaching people how they should behave is spoken of as if Yahweh were teaching the people what way or path they should travel.
Psa 25:15
for he will free my feet from the net
A net is a trap. A person who is in danger is spoken of as if their feet are tangled in a net. Alternate Translation: He will rescue me from danger"
Psa 25:16
Turn toward me
Yahweh paying attention to a person and considering him is spoken of as if Yahweh were physically turning towards the person.
Psa 25:17
draw me out from my distress
bring me out of my distress. This speaks of distress as if it were a place that a person can be brought out of. Alternate Translation: "rescue me from my distress" or "relieve me of my distress"
Psa 25:20
take refuge in you!
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate Translation: "go to you for protection!"
Psa 26:1
I have walked
The word "walked" is a metaphor for behavior. Alternate Translation: "I have behaved"
Psa 26:1
without wavering
Doubting is spoken of as if it were losing balance and waving back and forth. Alternate Translation: "without doubting"
Psa 26:3
For your covenant faithfulness is before my eyes
Here "eyes" represent a person's thoughts and having something before one's eyes represents being aware of that thing. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate Translation: "For I am always aware of your covenant faithfulness" or "For I am always aware that you are faithful to your covenant"
Psa 26:3
I walk about in your faithfulness
The word "walk" is a metaphor for behavior. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated with an adjective. Alternate Translation: "I conduct my life according to your faithfulness" or "I behave the way I do because you are faithful"
Psa 26:9
Do not sweep me away with sinners
Sweep away here is a metaphor for destruction. Alternate Translation: "Do not destroy me along with sinners"
Psa 26:11
I will walk in integrity
Walk here is a metaphor for behavior. Alternate Translation: "I will behave with integrity"
Psa 26:12
level ground
Possible meanings are that "level ground" represents 1) a safe place or 2) right behavior
Psa 27:1
Yahweh is my life's refuge
This speaks about Yahweh as if he were a place where people can go for safety. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh is the one who keeps me safe"
Psa 27:2
to devour my flesh
Destroying someone completely is spoken of as if it were devouring a person's flesh. He did not mean that they wanted to eat his body. Alternate Translation: "to destroy me"
Psa 27:2
stumbled and fell
This represents the writer's enemies failing to fulfill their plans to harm the writer. Alternate Translation: "did not succeed" or "failed"
Psa 27:3
though war rises up against me
The writer's enemies are spoken of as if they themselves were a war. Alternate Translation: "though my enemies come to fight against me"
Psa 27:4
I will seek that
A person really wanting something and continually asking God for it is spoken of as if he were seeking to find something.
Psa 27:4
to see the beauty of Yahweh
The wonderful character of God is spoken of as if it were physical beauty. Alternate Translation: "to see how wonderful Yahweh is"
Psa 27:5
He will lift me high on a rock
God keeping the writer safe from his enemies is spoken of as if God were placing him on a high rock where his enemies cannot reach him.
Psa 27:8
Seek his face
A person going to the temple to pray to Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were seeking to find Yahweh. Here "face" represents all of God. Alternate Translation: "Go and pray to Yahweh"
Psa 27:8
I seek your face, Yahweh
A person going to the temple to pray to Yahweh is spoken of as if the person were seeking to find Yahweh. Here "face" represents all of God. Alternate Translation: "I will come to your temple to pray to you"
Psa 27:11
Teach me your way
How a person should behave is spoken of as if it were a way or path that person should travel. Alternate Translation: "Teach me how you want me to live" or "Teach me to do what you want me to do"
Psa 27:11
Lead me on a level path
Yahweh keeping the writer safe from his enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh leads the writer on a level path where he will not stumble and fall. Alternate Translation: "Keep me safe"
Psa 27:12
they breathe out violence
Here violence is spoken for as if it was something a person could breathe out. Alternate Translation: "they say that they will do violent things to me"
Psa 28:1
my rock
This is a metaphor for strength. Alternate Translation: "my strength"
Psa 28:1
I will join those who go down to the grave
People who die are spoken of as if they are going down into the grave. Alternate Translation: "I will die like those who are in the grave"
Psa 28:3
Do not drag me away
God punishing people is spoken of as if he physically drags them away. In this metaphor Yahweh may be dragging them to prison, exile, or death. Alternate Translation: "Do not remove me"
Psa 28:5
he will tear them down and never rebuild them
The punishment of the wicked people is spoken of as if they were a building or a city that God would destroy.
Psa 28:7
my shield
This represents Yahweh's protecting the writer. Alternate Translation: "he protects me"
Psa 28:8
he is the saving refuge of his anointed one
Yahweh keeping the king safe is spoken of as if Yahweh were a place that the king could go for safety. Alternate Translation: "he keeps safe the one he appointed to be king"
Psa 28:9
your inheritance
This speaks about the people of God as if they were something God inherited. Alternate Translation: "your possession" or "those who belong to you"
Psa 28:9
Be their shepherd and carry them forever
The writer speaks about Yahweh as if he were a shepherd and the people are his sheep. A shepherd would carry a sheep if it needed help or protection. Alternate Translation: "Be like their shepherd and protect them forever"
Psa 29:3
the God of glory thunders
This speaks about God speaking as if it were the sound of thunder. Just like the sound of thunder, Yahweh's voice can be heard over large distances. Alternate Translation: "The voice of the glorious God is loud like thunder" or "When the glorious God speaks it rumbles like thunder"
Psa 29:9
strips the forests bare
Removing the leaves of the trees is spoken of as if it was removing their clothing. Alternate Translation: "strips off the leaves from the trees"
Psa 30:1
you have raised me up
The writer speaks of God rescuing him and keeping him from dying as if God had drawn him up from a deep well. Alternate Translation: "you rescued me"
Psa 30:5
Weeping comes for a night, but joy comes in the morning
This speaks about "weeping" and "joy" as if they were something that travels and arrives at a certain time. Alternate Translation: "We may cry during the night, but the next morning we will be joyful"
Psa 30:6
I will never be shaken
The word "shaken" is a metaphor for defeat. Alternate Translation: "No one will defeat me"
Psa 30:7
you established me as a strong mountain
The writer's security is spoken of as if he were a strong mountain. Alternate Translation: "you made me as secure as a high mountain"
Psa 30:8
sought favor from my Lord
The phrase "sought favor" means to ask for help. Alternate Translation: "I pleaded for you to help me"
Psa 30:11
clothed me with gladness
The writer speaks of gladness as if it were a garment that he could put on. Alternate Translation: "caused me to be glad"
Psa 31:1
In you, Yahweh, I take refuge
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate Translation: "I go to you, Yahweh, for protection"
Psa 31:2
my rock of refuge
Yahweh is spoke of as if he were a huge rock that would protect the writer from attack. Alternate Translation: "like a huge rock on which I can be safe"
Psa 31:2
a stronghold to save me
Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a strong fortress in which the writer would be protected from his enemies.
Psa 31:3
my rock
Yahweh is spoke of as if he were a huge rock that would protect the writer from attack. Alternate Translation: "like a huge rock on which I can be safe"
Psa 31:3
my fortress
Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a strong fortress in which the writer would be protected from his enemies.
Psa 31:4
Pluck me out of the net that they have hidden for me
The writer is spoken of as if he were a bird caught in a hidden net, and waiting for Yahweh to free him from the trap.
Psa 31:4
you are my refuge
Yahweh is spoken of as if he is a place where the writer can hide from people who are attacking him. Alternate Translation: "you always protect me" or "you give me constant protection"
Psa 31:8
a wide open place
The Hebrews thought of wide open spaces as a metaphor for safety and freedom. Alternate Translation: "a place where I am free"
Psa 31:16
Make your face shine on your servant
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards him as if Yahweh's face shone a light on him. Alternate Translation: "Act favorably towards your servant"
Psa 31:19
that you have stored up
Yahweh's goodness is spoken of as if it was something that could be stored up like a harvest. Alternate Translation: "that you are keeping ready to use"
Psa 31:19
take refuge in you
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. See how you translated this in [Psalms 31:1](./001.md). Alternate Translation: "those who go to you for protection"
Psa 31:20
In the shelter
Yahweh's presence is spoken of as if it is a strong building where the writer would be safe.
Psa 32:1
whose sin is covered
Here sin that is forgiven is spoken of as if it were covered so that it can not be seen. Alternate Translation: "whose sin is ignored" or "whose sin is deliberately forgotten"
Psa 32:6
Then when the surging waters overflow, they will not reach those people
Difficulties are spoken of as if they were a flood of water. Alternate Translation: "Then when difficulties come like a flood of water, those people will be safe"
Psa 32:7
You are my hiding place
Yahweh is spoken of as if he was a safe place from the attacks of the writer's enemies. Alternate Translation: "You are like a place where I can hide myself from my enemies"
Psa 32:7
You will surround me with the songs of victory
This metaphor apparently means that Yahweh's protection of the writer is the cause for songs of victory to be sung. Alternate Translation: "Because of you I will sing songs of victory"
Psa 32:8
in the way which you should go
Living in the correct way is spoken of as if it were a path that the writer should walk. Alternate Translation: "how you should live your life"
Psa 32:10
Yahweh's covenant faithfulness will surround the one who trusts in him
Yahweh being faithful to a person and protecting that person is spoken of as if Yahweh's covenant faithfulness surrounded the person. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate Translation: "Because Yahweh is faithful to his covenant, he will protect the one who trusts in him"
Psa 33:4
Yahweh's word is upright
Here "upright" is used as a metaphor for something that is true. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh always does what he says that he will do"
Psa 33:5
The earth is full of Yahweh's covenant faithfulness
People everywhere in the world being able to see evidence of Yahweh's covenant faithfulness is spoken of as if his covenant faithfulness filled the earth. The abstract noun "covenant faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate Translation: "People everywhere on earth can see that Yahweh is faithful to his covenant" or "Throughout the earth, there is evidence that Yahweh is faithful to his covenant"
Psa 33:7
he puts the oceans in storehouses
The writer describes the creation of the oceans as if God put them in a storehouse. Alternate Translation: "he puts the oceans in their place, just like a man puts grain in a storehouse"
Psa 33:12
as his own inheritance
The people Yahweh has chosen to worship him are described here as if they were an inheritance that he has received.
Psa 33:14
he looks down
The place where Yahweh lives is spoken of as if it is above the earth where people live.
Psa 33:20
he is our help and our shield
Here Yahweh is spoken of as if he is a shield that protects soldiers in battle. Alternate Translation: "he is our helper and protects us like a shield"
Psa 33:22
Let your covenant faithfulness, Yahweh, be with us
Yahweh acting faithfully towards the people is spoken of as if Yahweh's covenant faithfulness were with them. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated with an adverb. Alternate Translation: "May you always act faithfully towards us because of your covenant, Yahweh"
Psa 34:4
I sought Yahweh
Here "sought Yahweh" means David was asking Yahweh for help. Alternate Translation: "I prayed to Yahweh" or "I asked Yahweh for help"
Psa 34:5
Those who look to him
Here "look to" represents seeking help from him. Alternate Translation: "Those who look at him for help" or "those who expect help only from him"
Psa 34:7
camps around
The angel of Yahweh is spoken of as if he were an army that camps around someone in order to protect them. Alternate Translation: "guards"
Psa 34:8
Taste and see that Yahweh is good
Yahweh's goodness is spoken of as something that can be tasted and seen. Alternate Translation: "Try and experience that Yahweh is good"
Psa 34:8
takes refuge
Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a place where people can hide for protection from their enemies. Alternate Translation: "trust him to protect them"
Psa 34:14
Turn away from evil
Here "Turn away" is a metaphor for avoiding evil. Alternate Translation: "Refuse to do evil"
Psa 34:14
Seek peace
Here "seek" means to be concerned about peace. Alternate Translation: "Try hard to live in peace with other people"
Psa 34:16
to cut off the memory of them from the earth
Yahweh will cause people to so completely forget them when they die that it is as if he used a knife to cut off any memory of them. Alternate Translation: "so that when they are dead, people will forget them completely"
Psa 34:18
the brokenhearted
This is a nominal adjective that refers to people who are brokenhearted. Deep sadness is spoken of as if the person's heart is broken. Alternate Translation: "people who are very sad"
Psa 34:18
those who are crushed in spirit
People who are deeply discouraged are spoken of as if their spirits are crushed. Alternate Translation: "people who are deeply discouraged"
Psa 34:22
take refuge in him
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate Translation: "go to him for protection"
Psa 35:2
Grab your small shield and large shield ... your spear and battle ax
These phrases describe God as a warrior who is preparing himself for battle.
Psa 35:3
Grab your small shield and large shield ... your spear and battle ax
These phrases describe God as a warrior who is preparing himself for battle.
Psa 35:3
those who chase me
Possible meanings are 1) these enemies are literally chasing the writer or 2) this is a metaphor for people who are enemies of the writer.
Psa 35:4
who seek my life
Here "seek my life" means they desire to kill the writer. The writer is represented by his "life." Alternate Translation: "who are trying to kill me"
Psa 35:4
be turned back
be turned back here is a metaphor for being unable to accomplish their goal. Alternate Translation: "be unsuccessful"
Psa 35:6
dark and slippery
This refers to a way that is hidden and dangerous. Alternate Translation: "hidden and full of dangers"
Psa 35:6
chases them
This refers to the angel of Yahweh being opposed to the writer's enemies. Alternate Translation: "works against them" or "opposes them"
Psa 35:7
they set their net for me
The schemes of the wicked are spoken of as if they were a net that they set to catch the writer. Alternate Translation: "they want to catch me in a net like a small animal"
Psa 35:7
they dug a pit for my life
The schemes of the wicked are spoken of as if they were a pit that they dug to catch the writer. Alternate Translation: "they wanted to capture me in a pit like a big animal"
Psa 35:8
the net that they have set
The schemes of the wicked are spoken of as if they were a net that they place to catch the writer. Alternate Translation: "the net that they placed in order to capture me like an animal and harm me"
Psa 35:8
Let them fall into it
This is the same metaphor as in verse 7. The net is intended to catch the writer. Alternate Translation: "Let them fall into the pit that they dug for me"
Psa 35:12
They repay me evil for good
This is a metaphor which means they give back evil in exchange for the good they have received. Alternate Translation: "In return for my doing good things for them, they do evil things to me"
Psa 35:15
They tore at me
Here the treated the writer as if he were a piece of cloth that they could tear to pieces. Alternate Translation: "They attacked me"
Psa 35:17
from the lions
Here the writer speaks of his enemies as if they were vicious lions. Alternate Translation: "from my enemies who attack me like wild animals"
Psa 35:23
Arouse yourself and awake
This does not mean that God is actually asleep. The writer wants God to intervene. Both words mean basically the same thing and emphasize the urgency of this request. Alternate Translation: "I feel like you are sleeping! Wake up"
Psa 35:25
We have devoured him
The writer's enemies speak of his destruction as if they were wild animals who had eaten him. Alternate Translation: "We have swallowed him up" or "We have destroyed him"
Psa 36:4
he sets out on an evil way
The sinful actions of the man are spoken of as if he was walking along a path that was evil. Alternate Translation: "he begins to do evil things"
Psa 36:5
Your covenant faithfulness ... reaches to the heavens
The greatness of God's covenant faithfulness is spoken of as if it were an object that reached as high as the heavens. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate Translation: "Your covenant faithfulness ... is very great" or "You ... are as faithful to your covenant as the heavens are high above the earth"
Psa 36:5
reaches to the clouds
The greatness of God's loyalty is spoken of as if it was very high. Alternate Translation: "is as high as the clouds" or "is enormously great"
Psa 36:8
They feast upon the abundance of your house
Eating much food as guests in a house is a metaphor for God providing all his people need. Alternate Translation: "They will have all they need because you will provide it to them" or "You have plenty to give, and you will provide them with all they need"
Psa 36:8
you let them drink from the river of your delights
There are two metaphors here. God's abundant blessings are spoken of as if they are the water in a flowing river. Also, those who receive those blessings are spoken of as if they are drinking them like water. Alternate Translation: "your precious blessings are like a river from which you will let them drink"
Psa 36:9
in your light we will see light
Here "light" is a metaphor for true knowledge. Alternate Translation: "when you enlighten us, we will know the truth" or "your light is what enables us to know the truth about you"
Psa 36:10
Extend your covenant faithfulness fully to those who know you
The writer speaks of Yahweh continuing to act faithfully towards the people as if Yahweh were to extend his covenant faithfulness or make it longer. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated with an adverb. Alternate Translation: "Continue to act faithfully to those who know you"
Psa 36:12
evildoers have fallen; they are knocked down and are not able to get up
All three phrases describe the evildoers as defeated.
Psa 37:3
graze in faithfulness
Faithfulness is spoken of as if it was an animal that would be strengthened by feeding in good pasture. Alternate Translation: "nourish faithfulness" or "increase your faithfulness"
Psa 37:9
will be cut off
The destruction of the wicked is spoken of as if they were a branch of a plant that was cut off and thrown away.
Psa 37:9
will inherit the land
The possession of the land is spoken of as if it will be received as an inheritance. Alternate Translation: "will receive the land as their own possession" or "will live safely in the land"
Psa 37:11
will inherit the land
The possession of the land is spoken of as if it will be received as an inheritance. See how you translated this in [Psalms 37:9](./009.md). Alternate Translation: "will receive the land as their own possession" or "will live safely in the land"
Psa 37:14
to cast down
This destruction of the needy people is spoken of as if they were clay pots that would break into pieces when thrown down on the ground. Alternate Translation: "to destroy"
Psa 37:20
be consumed and disappear in the smoke
The writer speaks of the destruction of the wicked as if they were weeds or wilted flowers in the field that are burned off after the harvest. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will destroy them as fire turns the weeds of the field into smoke"
Psa 37:22
will inherit the land
The possession of the land is spoken of as if it had been received as an inheritance. See how you translated this in [Psalms 37:9](./009.md). Alternate Translation: "will receive the land as their own possession" or "will be allowed to live safely in the land"
Psa 37:22
will be cut off
The destruction of the wicked is spoken of as if they were a branch of plant that was cut off and thrown away. See how you translated this in [Psalms 37:9](./009.md).
Psa 37:24
Though he stumbles, he will not fall down
Here "stumble" and "fall" refer to the man's reaction to difficult times. Alternate Translation: "Though he has difficult times, he will not utterly fail"
Psa 37:27
Turn away from
To stop doing something is spoken of as if the person turned away from it. Alternate Translation: "Stop doing"
Psa 37:28
will be cut off
The destruction of the wicked is spoken of as if they were a branch of plant that was cut off and thrown away. See how you translated this in [Psalms 37:9](./009.md).
Psa 37:29
will inherit the land
The possession of the land is spoken of as if it had been received as an inheritance. See how you translated this in [Psalms 37:9](./009.md). Alternate Translation: "will receive the land as their own possession" or "will be allowed to live safely in the land"
Psa 37:31
his feet will not slip
Here failure to obey Yahweh is spoken of as slipping off a safe path and falling. Alternate Translation: "he will walk safely in the way God wants him to walk" or "he will safely do the things God wants him to do"
Psa 37:34
he will raise you up to possess the land
Here "raise you up" refers to God giving honor to those who wait for him. Alternate Translation: "he will honor you by giving you the land"
Psa 37:34
are cut off
The destruction of the wicked is spoken of as if they were a branch of a plant that was cut off and thrown away. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Psalms 37:9](./009.md).
Psa 37:38
is cut off
The destruction of the wicked is spoken of as if they were a branch of a plant that was cut off and thrown away. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Psalms 37:9](./009.md).
Psa 37:40
they have taken refuge in him
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate Translation: "they have gone to him for protection"
Psa 38:2
your arrows pierce me
The severity of Yahweh's punishment of the writer is spoken of as if Yahweh had shot arrows into the writer. Alternate Translation: "Your punishment is as painful as if you had shot arrows into me"
Psa 38:2
your hand presses me down
Yahweh's punishment of the writer is spoken of as if Yahweh was smashing the writer with his hand. Here, "hand" refers to Yahweh's power. Alternate Translation: "your power knocks me down"
Psa 38:4
my iniquities overwhelm me
The writer's iniquities are spoken of as if they are a flood of water that covers him. Alternate Translation: "my iniquities cover me like a flood"
Psa 38:4
they are a burden too heavy for me
The writer's iniquities are spoken of as if they are a heavy load that he cannot lift. Alternate Translation: "they are like a load that is too heavy for me to lift"
Psa 38:6
I am stooped over
The pain of the writer's wounds have caused him to be bent over as if he were an old, feeble man. Alternate Translation: "I am bent over in pain"
Psa 38:7
I am filled with burning
The writer's is so sick with fever that it is as if he is burning inside. Alternate Translation: "My body is burning with fever"
Psa 38:8
utterly crushed
The writer's illness is so severe that it is as if a huge weight is pressing down on him.
Psa 38:12
lay snares for me
The plots of the writer's enemies are spoken of as if they were traps that they had set to catch him like an animal. Alternate Translation: "set traps to catch me"
Psa 38:17
I am about to stumble
Possible meanings for this metaphor are 1) "I am so sick that I am about to die" or 2) "I will soon be ruined." It may be best not to interpret the metaphor in the text.
Psa 38:20
They repay me evil for good
The actions of the writer's enemies are spoken of as a financial transaction where they gave him evil things in exchange for good things. The abstract nouns "evil" and "good" can be stated as adjectives. Alternate Translation: "They do evil thing to me after I was good to them"
Psa 38:20
hurl accusations at me
The way the writer's enemies accuse him is spoken of as if they were throwing accusations at him like rocks.
Psa 38:20
pursued what is good
The writers desire for what is good is spoken of as if he were running after good things.
Psa 38:21
do not stay far away from me
Because Yahweh has not yet answered the writer's request, he speaks of Yahweh as if Yahweh were standing far away from the writer.
Psa 38:22
Come quickly to help me
God is spoken of as if he is running to the writer to help him.
Psa 39:1
muzzle
To "muzzle" means to keep a mouth shut. Here David means that he will not speak while he is with an evil person.
Psa 39:5
only the width of my hand
The writer speaks of his lifespan is if it could be measured by the width of his hand. Alternate Translation: "only a very short time"
Psa 39:5
Surely every man is a single breath
Life is short, and the psalmist speaks of it here as if it were only as long as the time it takes for a person to breathe one breath. Alternate Translation: "The time that humans live is as short as a single breath of a person"
Psa 39:10
Stop wounding me
God's punishment of the writer is spoken of as if God was wounding him with a weapon. Alternate Translation: "Please stop punishing me"
Psa 39:10
the blow of your hand
God's punishment of the writer is spoken of as if God was striking him with his fist. Here "hand" represents God's judgment. Alternate Translation: "your judgment on me"
Psa 39:11
all people are nothing but vapor
The writer speaks of the frailty of people as if they were mist that disappears quickly. Alternate Translation: "everyone is completely fragile"
Psa 39:12
Do not be deaf to me
The writer speaks of Yahweh's lack of response to him as if Yahweh was deaf. Alternate Translation: "Do not ignore me as if you could not hear me"
Psa 40:12
Troubles that cannot be numbered surround me
Here troubles are spoken of as if they were objects that surround and trap the speaker. Alternate Translation: "there are more troubles around me than I can count" or "more troubles come to me than I can count"
Psa 40:14
who pursue my life to take it away
Here "pursue my life" means they desire to kill the writer. The writer is represented by his "life." Alternate Translation: "who are trying to kill me"
Psa 40:14
turned back
To be stopped or thwarted is spoken of as being turned back from their attack. Alternate Translation: "stopped"
Psa 41:10
so that I may pay them back
The writer speaks of revenge on his enemies as if it were paying to them what he owes. Alternate Translation: "so that I may take revenge on them"
Psa 41:12
will keep me before your face
The writer speaks of being in Yahweh's presence as being in a place where Yahweh can see him and he can see Yahweh's face. Alternate Translation: "will keep me with you"
Psa 42:1
I thirst for you, God ... thirst for God
The author speaks of his strong desire for God as if it were a strong thirst for water.
Psa 42:2
I thirst for you, God ... thirst for God
The author speaks of his strong desire for God as if it were a strong thirst for water.
Psa 42:3
My tears have been my food
The author refers to his tears as if they are food that he eats. This means that he is so sad that he cannot eat. Alternate Translation: "My tears are like my food and I eat nothing else"
Psa 42:5
bowed down
The writer speaks of depression or discouragement as if it were his soul being bent over. Alternate Translation: "discouraged"
Psa 42:7
all your waves ... have gone over me
The author speaks of his great misfortune and sadness as if they are deep waters that drown him with one wave after another.
Psa 42:8
Yahweh will command his covenant faithfulness in the daytime
The writer speaks of Yahweh's covenant faithfulness as if it were a person whom he commands to be with him. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will show me his covenant faithfulness in the daytime" or "Yahweh will show me in the daytime how faithful he is to his covenant"
Psa 42:9
I will say to God, my rock
The writer speaks of God as if he were a huge rock that would provide protection from enemy attack.
Psa 42:11
bowed down
The writer speaks of depression or discouragement as if it were his soul being bent over. See how you translated this in [Psalms 42:5](./005.md). Alternate Translation: "discouraged"
Psa 43:3
send out your light and your truth
The writer speaks of God's deliverance as if it were a light that shows him the way and truth that teaches him how to live. Alternate Translation: "guide me with your light and truth"
Psa 43:5
bowed down
The writer speaks of depression or discouragement as if it were his soul being bent over. See how you translated this in [Psalms 42:5](../042/005.md). Alternate Translation: "discouraged"
Psa 44:2
you planted our people
The writer speaks of God's causing the Israelites to live in the land as if he were planting them in the soil like he would a tree. Alternate Translation: "you caused our people to live there"
Psa 44:3
the light of your face
The writer speaks of Yahweh looking with favor upon them and being kind to them as if Yahweh's face shone a light on them. Alternate Translation: "your kindness" or "your good favor"
Psa 44:5
push down ... tread them under ... rise up
The writer speaks of his enemies' defeat as if they are "down" and of their preparing to fight as if they are "up."
Psa 44:9
thrown us off
The writer speaks of God's rejection of Israel as if he were discarding an unwanted piece of clothing. Alternate Translation: "rejected us"
Psa 44:12
sell your people for nothing
The writer speaks of Yahweh allowing Israel's enemies to conquer them as if he were selling the people of Israel to their enemies but does not require any payment from their enemies.
Psa 44:15
my dishonor is before me
The writer speaks of his dishonor as if it were an object that is always in front of him for him to see. The phrase means that he is always thinking about his dishonor. Alternate Translation: "I think about my dishonor"
Psa 44:15
the shame of my face has covered me
The writer speaks of his shame as if it is an object that covers him like a blanket would cover him. Alternate Translation: "the shame of my face has overwhelmed me"
Psa 44:19
you have severely broken us
The writer speaks of God's punishment as if it were breaking a fragile object. Alternate Translation: "you have punished us severely"
Psa 44:19
in the place of jackals
The writer speaks of Israel after God's punishment as if it were a wild, uninhabitable place. Alternate Translation: "and made our land like a place where jackals live"
Psa 44:19
covered us with the shadow of death
The writer speaks of death as if it is an object that casts a shadow over those who are about to die. Alternate Translation: "made us so that we are about to die"
Psa 44:22
sheep for the slaughter
The writer compares the Israelites to sheep that people kill and eat. As sheep are helpless before those who kill them, so the Israelites are helpless before their enemies.
Psa 44:23
do not throw us off
The writer speaks of God's rejection of Israel as if he were discarding an unwanted piece of clothing. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Psalms 44:9](./009.md). Alternate Translation: "do not reject us"
Psa 44:24
hide your face
The writer speaks of God ignoring them as if God were hiding his face so that he could not see them. Alternate Translation: "ignore us"
Psa 44:25
For we have melted away into the dust
The writer speaks of their humiliation as if their bodies were objects, such as ice, that melt and soak into the dirt.
Psa 44:25
our bodies cling to the earth
The writer speaks of their humiliation as if their their bodies were stuck to the ground and they could not raise themselves up.
Psa 45:1
My heart overflows on a good subject
The writer speaks of his heart as if it were a container that overflows with liquid. The word "heart" represents his emotions, which are excited by the song that he sings. Alternate Translation: "My emotions are excited about a good subject"
Psa 45:1
my tongue is the pen of a ready writer
The writer speaks of his tongue as if it were a pen. He speaks words as skillfully as an experienced writer writes words. Alternate Translation: "my tongue is like the pen of person who writes well" or "I speak words as skillfully as an experienced writer can write words"
Psa 45:2
grace is poured onto your lips
The writer speaks of grace as if it were oil that someone has used to anoint the king's lips. The word "lips" refers to the king's speech. The phrase means that the king speaks eloquently. Alternate Translation: "it is as if someone has anointed your lips with oil" or "you speak eloquently"
Psa 45:7
God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness
The writer speaks of gladness as if it were an oil that God used to anoint the king. That God has anointed him is a symbolic action that represents God's choosing him to be king. Alternate Translation: "when God appointed you as king, he made you very glad"
Psa 45:10
incline your ear
The writer speaks of listening carefully to something as if it were bending one's ear towards the person who is speaking. Alternate Translation: "listen carefully"
Psa 45:10
forget your own people
The writer speaks of the queen no longer following the beliefs and customs of her native people as if it were forgetting them. Alternate Translation: "no longer follow the customs of your people"
Psa 45:12
The daughter of Tyre
The writer speaks of the people who live in Tyre as if they are Tyre's children. Alternate Translation: "The people of Tyre"
Psa 46:1
God is our refuge and strength
The writer speaks of God as if he were a place where people can go for safety. Alternate Translation: "God gives us safety and strength"
Psa 46:2
the mountains should be shaken into the heart of the seas
The writer speaks of the deepest part of the sea as if it were the sea's heart. Here he describes an earthquake that causes the mountains to crumble and fall into the sea. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "the mountains should shake so violently that they fall into the depths of the sea"
Psa 46:5
she will not be moved
Here, the word "moved" is the same word translated as "shaken" in [Psalms v. 2](./001.md). The writer speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem by armies as if an earthquake were to destroy it. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "nothing will be able destroy her"
Psa 46:6
The nations raged
Here, the word "raged" is the same word that the writer used in [Psalms v. 3](./001.md) to describe the waters of the sea. The writer speaks of the fear of the nations as if it was the violent movements of the sea during a strong storm. Alternate Translation: "The nations are terrified"
Psa 46:6
the kingdoms were shaken
Here, the word "shaken" is the same word that the writer used in [Psalms v. 2](./001.md) to describe the effect of an earthquake on the mountains. The writer speaks of the overthrow of kingdoms by armies as if an earthquake were to destroy them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "armies overthrew the kingdoms"
Psa 46:6
he lifted up his voice
God lifted up his voice. The writer speaks of the "voice" as an object that a person can pick up and raise into the air. This means that the voice becomes louder. Alternate Translation: "God shouted"
Psa 46:7
the God of Jacob is our refuge
The writer speaks of God as if he were a place where people can go for safety. Alternate Translation: "the God of Jacob gives us safety"
Psa 46:11
Yahweh of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge
The writer speaks of God as if he were a place where people can go for safety. See how you translated these lines in [Psalms 46:7](./007.md).
Psa 47:3
under us ... under our feet
The writer speaks of conquering other nations as if it were putting those nations underneath their feet.
Psa 47:4
He chooses our inheritance for us
The writer speaks of the land of Israel as if it were an inheritance that God has given the people as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "He chooses this land as an inheritance for us"
Psa 47:5
God has gone up with a shout
The writer speaks of God's conquering the nations as if God were a king ascending his throne, which was located in the temple. Alternate Translation: "God has gone up into the temple as people shouted" or "God has ascended to his throne as people shouted"
Psa 47:9
the shields of the earth belong to God
Possible meanings are that "shields" 1) refers to instruments of war. Alternate Translation: "God has more power than the weapons of all the kings on the earth" or 2) refers to the rulers of the nations who are spoken of as shields who protect their nations. Alternate Translation: "the kings of the earth are subject to God"
Psa 48:3
God has made himself known in her palaces as a refuge
The writer speaks of God as if he were a place where people can go for safety. Alternate Translation: "God has made himself known as one who gives safety to the people in Mount Zion's palaces"
Psa 48:6
pain as when a woman is in labor
The writer speaks of the kings' fear as if it were the pain that a woman experiences in childbirth and speaks of that pain as if it were a person. The verb may be supplied from the previous clause. Alternate Translation: "pain took hold of them, as when a woman is in labor" or "they became afraid, like a woman is afraid of experiencing labor pains"
Psa 48:7
With the east wind you break the ships of Tarshish
Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor in which the author describes the kings being afraid as if they were ships that shake because God destroys them with a strong wind. Alternate Translation: "They shook with fear, as the ships of Tarshish shake when you break them with the east wind" or 2) this is an apostrophe in which the author describes God's great power.
Psa 48:10
your right hand is full of righteousness
The writer speaks of righteousness as if it were an object that God could hold in his hand. Here the word "hand" refers to God's power and authority to rule. Alternate Translation: "you rule with righteousness" or "you are righteous as you rule"
Psa 48:11
let the daughters of Judah rejoice
The writer speaks of the towns in Judah as if they were Judah's children. The phrase refers to the people who live in those towns. Alternate Translation: "let the people who live in the cities of Judah rejoice"
Psa 49:2
both low and high
The writer speaks of people who are weak or insignificant in society as being low and of people who are important and powerful as being high. Together, the words "low" and "high" represent all people. Alternate Translation: "both important people and unimportant people" or "people of every social class"
Psa 49:4
incline my ear
The writer speaks of listening carefully to something as if it were bending one's ear towards the person who is speaking. Alternate Translation: "listen carefully"
Psa 49:5
when iniquity surrounds me at my heels
Possible meanings are 1) the writer speaks of the evil desires of his enemies as if it were a predator ready to overtake him. Alternate Translation: "when the iniquity of sinful men is ready to overcome me" or 2) the writer's enemies surround him as they commit their iniquity. Alternate Translation: "when my enemies surround me"
Psa 49:10
he will see decay
The writer speaks of experiencing something as if it were seeing that thing. Alternate Translation: "he will die and his body will decay"
Psa 49:13
This, their way, is their folly
The writer speaks of the fate of fools as if it is the destination at the end of the path on which they walk. Alternate Translation: "This is the fate of those who practice folly"
Psa 49:14
in the morning
Here the word "morning" is a metaphor that refers to a time when God will vindicate righteous people and save them from evil people.
Psa 49:19
they will never see the light again
The word "they" refers to the rich man and his ancestors. The word "light" may refer to the sun or be a metaphor for life. Alternate Translation: "they will never see the sun again" or "they will never live again"
Psa 50:2
God has shone
The writer speaks of God as if he were a light that shines. This refers to God causing people to know about his glory. Alternate Translation: "God's glory shines like a light"
Psa 50:3
a fire devours before him
The writer speaks of a fire burning things as if it were eating them. Alternate Translation: "a fire burns in front of him"
Psa 50:14
pay your vows to the Most High
The writer speaks of "vows" as if they are currency which a person pays to God. Alternate Translation: "fulfill your vows to the Most High" or "do what you have promised the Most High to do"
Psa 50:16
have taken my covenant in your mouth
God speaks of wicked people reciting the words of his covenant as if they are putting the covenant in their mouth. Alternate Translation: "talk about my covenant"
Psa 50:17
throw my words away
God speaks of the wicked people rejecting what he says as if they were throwing away trash. Alternate Translation: "reject what I say"
Psa 50:19
You give your mouth to evil
God speaks of a person speaking evil things as if that person's mouth is a messenger whom the person sends to do evil things. Alternate Translation: "You are always saying evil things"
Psa 50:22
you who forget God
God speaks of the wicked rejecting him as if they have forgotten him. He speaks of himself in the third person. Alternate Translation: "you who reject me"
Psa 50:22
I will tear you to pieces
God speaks of destroying the wicked as if he were a lion eating its prey. Alternate Translation: "I will destroy you"
Psa 50:23
plans his path in the right way
God speaks of a the way a person lives as if it were a path that the person travels. Alternate Translation: "lives his life the right way"
Psa 51:1
blot out my transgressions
Forgiving sins is spoken of as either 1) blotting them out or 2) erasing a written record of the sins. Alternate Translation: "forgive my sins like someone wiping something away" or "forget my sins like someone who erases a record of sins"
Psa 51:2
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
Being acceptable to God is spoken of as being clean. God makes people acceptable by forgiving their sins. Alternate Translation: "Wash away all my sin" or "Forgive all my sins so that I will be acceptable to you"
Psa 51:2
cleanse me from my sin
Being acceptable to God is spoken of as being clean. God makes people acceptable by forgiving their sins. Alternate Translation: "Make me clean from my sin" or "forgive me for my sin so that I will be clean"
Psa 51:3
my sin is always before me
Not being able to forget his sins is spoken of as if they were always in front of him where he can see them. Alternate Translation: "I am always aware of my sins" or "I cannot forget my sins"
Psa 51:4
what is evil in your sight
The word "sight" here represents judgment. Yahweh saw and did not approve of David's actions. Alternate Translation: "what you judge to be evil" or "what you consider to be evil"
Psa 51:5
I was born in iniquity
Being a sinner is spoken of as being in iniquity. Alternate Translation: "I was already a sinner when I was born"
Psa 51:5
as soon as my mother conceived me, I was in sin
Being a sinner is spoken of as being in sin. Alternate Translation: "even when my mother conceived me, I was a sinner"
Psa 51:7
Purify me ... I will be clean ... wash me ... I will be whiter than snow
Being acceptable to God is spoken of as being clean or white. God makes people acceptable by forgiving their sins.
Psa 51:7
Purify me with hyssop
The writer speaks of God as if God were a priest who would sprinkle water on him to make him acceptable to God. Alternate Translation: "Make me acceptable by sprinkling water on me with hyssop" or "Forgive me for my sins so that I will be acceptable to you"
Psa 51:8
so that the bones that you have broken may rejoice
Feeling terrible sadness is spoken of as if his bones were broken. Alternate Translation: "for you have caused me terrible sadness in my inner being. Let me rejoice again"
Psa 51:9
Hide your face from my sins
Thinking about someone's sins is spoken of as seeing them. Forgiving or refusing to think about the sins is spoken of as choosing not to see them. Alternate Translation: "Do not look at my sins" or "Do not remember my sins"
Psa 51:9
blot out all my iniquities
Forgiving or refusing to think about someone's sins is spoken of as either 1) blotting them out or 2) erasing a written record of the sins. Alternate Translation: 1) "forgive my sins like someone wiping something away" or "forget my sins like someone who erases a record of sins"
Psa 51:11
Do not drive me away from your presence
Do not force me to go away from you. Being rejected by God is spoken of as being forced to go away from him. Alternate Translation: "Do not reject me as one of your people"
Psa 51:17
a broken spirit
A broken spirit represents a humble attitude. Alternate Translation: "humility" or "a person who becomes humble"
Psa 51:18
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem
The walls of a city protect the city and the people in it. Possible meanings are 1) "enable us to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem" or 2) "protect Jerusalem and make it strong"
Psa 52:1
The covenant faithfulness of God comes every day
David speaks of God's covenant faithfulness as if it were something that could come. David was probably referring to God's promises to protect his people from wicked people. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective or an adverb. Alternate Translation: "Every day, God is faithful to keep the promises of his covenant" or "Every day, God faithfully protects his people from wicked people like you"
Psa 52:4
words that devour others
Here words that harm others are spoken of as if they were animals that devour people. Alternate Translation: "words that harm others"
Psa 52:5
root you out of the land of the living
Being alive on earth is spoken of as if people are plants with roots in the ground. God killing someone is spoken of as digging up the plant's roots and taking it out of the ground. Alternate Translation: "he will take you out the land of the living" or "He will kill you so that you will no longer be on earth with living people"
Psa 53:2
who seek after him
Seeking God as a person would look for someone is spoken of as "seeking" God. Possible meanings are 1) wanting to know God. Alternate Translation: "who want to know him" or 2) worshiping God. Alternate Translation: "who worship him"
Psa 53:3
They have all turned away
Rejecting God and what is right is spoken of as turning away. Alternate Translation: "They have all turned away from doing what is right" or "They have all rejected God"
Psa 53:4
those who devour my people as if they were eating bread
Destroying people is spoken of as devouring them. Doing it as if they were eating bread implies that they did it very easily or without feeling guilty about it. Alternate Translation: "those who destroy my people as freely as if they were eating bread"
Psa 54:4
who upholds me
Defending David and keeping him safe is spoken of as upholding or supporting him. Alternate Translation: "who defends me" or "who keeps me safe"
Psa 54:5
He will repay my enemies with evil
Punishment is spoken as if it were payment. Alternate Translation: "He will do the evil to my enemies that they have done to me" or "He will cause the evil that my enemies have done to me to be done to them"
Psa 55:1
do not hide yourself from my plea
Refusing to pay attention to his plea is spoken of as hiding himself from it. Alternate Translation: "do not ignore my plea"
Psa 55:3
they bring trouble on me
Causing trouble is spoken of as bringing trouble. Alternate Translation: "they cause me to have great troubles" or "they do wicked things to me and so I suffer"
Psa 55:4
the terrors of death have fallen on me
Becoming very afraid, or terrified, is spoken of as if terror is a thing that falls on a person. Alternate Translation: "I am very much afraid that I will die" or "I am terrified that I will die"
Psa 55:5
Fearfulness and trembling have come on me
Becoming fearful and trembling is spoken of as if fearfulness and trembling are things that come on a person. Alternate Translation: "I have become very fearful and I tremble"
Psa 55:5
horror has overwhelmed me
Feeling horror is spoken of as if horror were a thing that can cover people. Alternate Translation: "I feel terrible horror" or "I am extremely afraid"
Psa 55:9
Devour them
Destroying something is spoken of as eating all of it. Possible meanings are "Destroy my enemies' plans" or "Destroy my enemies."
Psa 55:12
I could have borne it
Tolerating or enduring a rebuke is spoken of as bearing or carrying it. Alternate Translation: "I could have tolerated the rebuke" or "I would not be so sad about the rebuke"
Psa 55:12
raised himself up against me
Being proud of oneself and insulting another is spoken of as raising oneself up against another. Alternate Translation: "insulted me" or "despised me"
Psa 55:15
let them go down alive to Sheol
Dying suddenly is spoken of as if people were to go to Sheol so fast that they do not even die first. Alternate Translation: "let them suddenly go to Sheol"
Psa 55:15
wickedness is where they live
Wickedness is spoken of as if it were a thing that could be in a certain place. The habitual wickedness of his enemies is spoken of as if wickedness were with them or near them. Alternate Translation: "they always do wicked things where they live"
Psa 55:15
right among them
This phrase intensifies the idea of wickedness being very near them. Here wickedness is spoken of as being not only in their homes, but right where they are. Alternate Translation: "They always do wicked things wherever they are" or "wherever they are"
Psa 55:21
they were actually drawn swords
Speech that causes people trouble is spoken of as if it were swords that wound people. Alternate Translation: "what he said wounded people as drawn swords do" or "what he said caused people trouble"
Psa 55:22
Place your burdens on Yahweh
Here troubles are spoken of as if they were burdens that people have to carry. Trusting God to help us when we have troubles is spoken of as putting our burdens on him so that he can carry them for us. Alternate Translation: "Give Yahweh your problems" or "Trust God to help you with all your troubles like someone who trusts a stronger person to carry his load"
Psa 55:22
he will never allow a righteous person to totter
A person who is about to be severely harmed by some sort of disaster is spoken of as if he is tottering or swaying and is about to fall down. Alternate Translation: "he will not let a righteous person sway and fall down" or "he will not let a righteous person to be destroyed"
Psa 56:2
My enemies trample me
The enemies' fierce attack is spoken of as if they were crushing his body by marching on it. Alternate Translation: "My enemies attack me severely"
Psa 56:5
they twist my words
Repeating what someone says but changing it a little so that it means something different is spoken of as twisting their words. Alternate Translation: "they say that I said things than I did not say" or "they claim that I said things, but they lie"
Psa 56:6
they mark my steps
Watching what a person does in order to see how to cause him trouble is spoken of as watching his steps, just as someone who wants to capture a person watches where that person walks. Alternate Translation: "they watch everything I do"
Psa 56:7
Bring down the peoples
Defeating the enemies is spoken of as bringing them down. Alternate Translation: "Defeat the peoples"
Psa 56:8
You number my wanderings
God's concern for the psalmist is spoken of as if God counted each time that the psalmist has walked in sadness and with no place to go for comfort. Alternate Translation: "You care about all the times that I have been wandering alone"
Psa 56:8
put my tears into your bottle
God's concern for the psalmist is spoken of as if God saved the psalmist's tears in a bottle. The tears represent crying. Alternate Translation: "you know how much I have cried and you care about me"
Psa 56:8
are they not in your book?
God's concern for the psalmist is spoken of as if he wrote the number of the psalmist's tears in his book. This question is used to remind God about how greatly he cares for the psalmist. Alternate Translation: "you have written about them in your book!" or "you remember my cries!"
Psa 56:12
The duty to fulfill my vows to you is on me
Being obligated to do something is spoken of as if the duty to do something is on a person. Alternate Translation: "I must fulfill my vows to you" or "I must do what I promised you I would do"
Psa 56:13
so that I may walk before God
Living and being seen by God is spoken of as walking before God. Alternate Translation: "so that I may live in God's presence"
Psa 57:1
I take refuge in you
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate Translation: "I go to you for protection"
Psa 57:1
I stay under your wings for protection
The psalmist speaks of God as if he were a mother bird that protects its babies by huddling them under its wings. Alternate Translation: "I trust you to protect me"
Psa 57:3
those who crush me
The enemies' fierce attack is spoken of as if they were crushing his body by marching on it. Alternate Translation: "those who attack me severely"
Psa 57:3
God will send me his loving kindness and his faithfulness
God's being kind and faithful is spoken of as if he were sending his kindness and faithful. The abstract nouns "kindness" and "faithfulness" can be stated as "kind" and "trustworthy." Alternate Translation: "God will be kind to me and trustworthy"
Psa 57:4
My life is among lions
The psalmist speaks of his enemies as if they were lions. Alternate Translation: "I live among fierce enemies" or "Fierce enemies surround me like lions"
Psa 57:4
those who are ready to devour me
Destroying is spoken of as devouring or eating something up. Some versions understand the Hebrew text to mean "fiery beasts." Both images speak of his enemies as if they were wild beasts. Alternate Translation: "those who are ready to destroy me"
Psa 57:4
people whose teeth are spears and arrows
The enemies' spears and arrows are spoken of as if they were lions' teeth. The psalmist continues to speak of his enemies as if they were lions. Alternate Translation: "people who kill others with spears and arrows as lions kill with their sharp teeth"
Psa 57:4
whose tongues are sharp swords
The tongue represents what someone says, and the enemies' cruel words are spoken of as if they were swords. Alternate Translation: "whose cruel words are like sharp swords" or "who cause terrible trouble for me by what they say"
Psa 57:5
Be exalted, God, above the heavens
The psalmist is asking God to show that he is exalted. Being exalted above the heavens represents being great. Alternate Translation: "God, show that you are exalted above the heavens" or "God, show that you are great in the heavens"
Psa 57:6
They spread out a net for my feet
His enemies' plans to capture him are spoken of as if they had spread out a net on the ground to trap him. Alternate Translation: "It is as though my enemies have spread a net out to trap me" or "They planned to capture me like people who spread out a net to trap an animal"
Psa 57:6
They dug a pit in front of me
His enemies' plans to capture him are spoken of as if they had dug a pit for him to fall into. Alternate Translation: "It is as though they dug a pit for me to fall into" or "They planned to capture me like people who dig a hole in the ground to trap an animal"
Psa 57:6
They themselves have fallen into the middle of it
The harm that came to his enemies when they tried to capture him is spoken of as if they fell into the trap that they had made for him. Alternate Translation: "They themselves fell into the pit they had dug for me" or "But they themselves were hurt by what they planned to do to me"
Psa 57:10
For great is your unfailing love, reaching to the heavens
The greatness of God's unfailing love is spoken of as if it could be measured in distance. Alternate Translation: "Your unfailing love is as great as the distance from the earth to the heavens"
Psa 57:11
Be exalted, God, above the heavens
The psalmist is asking God to show that he is exalted. Being exalted above the heavens represents being great. Alternate Translation: "God, show that you are exalted above the heavens" or "God, show that you are great in the heavens"
Psa 58:2
you distribute violence throughout the land with your hands
Doing violence in various places throughout the land is spoken of as distributing or spreading the violence throughout the land, as if violence were some kind of stuff or things. Alternate Translation: "you yourselves do violent deeds everywhere in the land"
Psa 58:3
they go astray
Doing wrong things is spoken of as if people are walking on a road, and they turn off and go the wrong way. Alternate Translation: "they do wrong things"
Psa 58:4
Their poison is like a snake's poison
The wicked things people say are spoken of as if they were poison. Alternate Translation: "Their wicked words cause trouble as a snake's poison harms people"
Psa 58:7
Let them melt away as water that runs off
The wicked people are spoken of as if they were ice or water. No longer existing is spoken of as melting or draining away into the dry ground. Alternate Translation: "Make them disappear like water that runs off" or "Make them vanish like ice that melts and drains into the ground"
Psa 58:9
Before your pots can feel the thorn's burning heat ... the green thorns and the burning thorns alike
The wicked are spoken of as if they were thornbush branches, and God's swift punishment of them is spoken of as if he were to quickly blow them away or sweep them away. Alternate Translation: "God will destroy wicked people faster than a whirlwind can blow away thornbush branches that have been put under a cooking pot and lit with fire"
Psa 58:10
he will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked
Getting one's feet wet by walking on blood is spoken of as washing the feet in blood. Alternate Translation: "the righteous will make their feet wet in the blood of the wicked" or "the righteous will march on the blood of the wicked"
Psa 58:10
he will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked
This exaggeration expresses that a great number of wicked people will die. Alternate Translation: "so many wicked people will die that when the righteous march on their blood, it will seem as if they could wash their feet in it"
Psa 59:7
they belch out with their mouths
Saying terrible things is spoken of as belching. These terrible things may have been insults or threats. Alternate Translation: "they say terrible things" or "they shout out terrible words"
Psa 59:7
swords are in their lips
The cruel things that the wicked people were saying are spoken of as if they were swords. Alternate Translation: "they say cruel things that cause people trouble as much as swords destroy people"
Psa 59:9
you are my high tower
A high tower is a place that people could go to for shelter from their enemies. The psalmist speaks of God protecting him as if God were a strong, safe shelter. Alternate Translation: "you protect me like a high tower"
Psa 59:13
Consume them in wrath, consume them so that they will be no more
Destroying them completely is spoken of either as burning them up or eating them. Alternate Translation: "Be angry with them and destroy them completely so there will be no more of them"
Psa 59:16
you have been my high tower and a refuge
High towers and refuges are places that people can go to for shelter from their enemies. The psalmist speaks of God protecting him as if God were a strong, safe shelter. Alternate Translation: "you have protected me like a high tower and a refuge"
Psa 59:17
for God is my high tower
High towers are places that people can go to for shelter from their enemies. The psalmist speaks of God protecting him as if God were a strong, safe shelter. Alternate Translation: "you have protected me like a high tower"
Psa 60:1
you have cast us off
God's rejecting people is spoken of as if he had thrown them away. Alternate Translation: "you have rejected us"
Psa 60:2
You have made the land tremble; you have torn it apart
The psalmist speaks of the disaster in his country as if it were an earthquake.
Psa 60:2
heal its fissures
Making the people strong again is spoken of as repairing the fissures in the ground or walls.
Psa 60:3
drink the wine of staggering
Being helpless is spoken of as staggering around, barely able to stand upright. The abstract noun "staggering" can be stated as a verb. Alternate Translation: "the wine that makes us stagger"
Psa 60:4
you have set up a banner
God's guiding his people in battle is spoken of as if God were a human king or commander who had set up a banner for the army. Alternate Translation: "you are like a king who sets up a banner" or "you command us in battle like a king who raises up a banner"
Psa 60:7
Ephraim also is my helmet
God speaks of the tribe of Ephraim as if it were his army. The helmet symbolizes equipment for war. Alternate Translation: "Ephraim is like a helmet I have chosen" or "the tribe of Ephraim is my army"
Psa 60:7
Judah is my scepter
God chose men from the tribe of Judah to be the kings of his people, and he speaks of that tribe as if it were his scepter. Alternate Translation: "the tribe of Judah is like my scepter" or "Judah is the tribe through whom I rule my people"
Psa 60:8
Moab is my washbasin
God speaks of Moab being unimportant as if Moab were a washbasin or a lowly servant. Alternate Translation: "Moab is like a bowl that I use for washing"
Psa 60:8
over Edom I will throw my shoe
God was probably speaking of taking ownership of Edom as if he were symbolically throwing his shoe onto that land to show that he owns it. However some versions have other interpretations. Alternate Translation: "I take ownership of the land of Edom" or "I throw my shoe onto the land of Edom to show that it is mine"
Psa 60:10
You do not go into battle with our army
The psalmist speaks of God helping their army as if God were to go and fight with them. Alternate Translation: "you do not help our army when we go into battle"
Psa 60:12
he will trample down our enemies
The psalmist speaks of God helping their army defeat their enemies as if God were to trample down the enemies. Alternate Translation: "he will enable us to trample down our enemies" or "he will make us able to defeat our enemies"
Psa 61:2
lead me to the rock that is higher than I
Here the writer speaks of God as if he were a high rock that he could climb for protection.
Psa 61:4
take refuge under the shelter of your wings
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Here there is a second metaphor that speaks of Yahweh's protection as if he was a hen protecting her baby chicks under her wings. Alternate Translation: "go to you for protection as a chick is safe under the wings of its mother"
Psa 61:5
you have given me the inheritance
The writer speaks of God's blessings as if they were an inheritance that he has received. Alternate Translation: "you have given to me the blessings"
Psa 62:2
He alone is my rock and my salvation
The writer speaks of God's ability to protect him as if God were a rock. Alternate Translation: "He is the only one who can protect and rescue me"
Psa 62:2
he is my high tower
The writer speaks of God's ability to protect him as if God were a high tower. Alternate Translation: "he keeps me away from the grasp of my enemies"
Psa 62:6
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my high tower
The writer speaks of God as if he were a rock and a high tower. Both of these metaphors show how God provides protection from one's enemies. Here "salvation" means that God rescues the writer. See how you translated this in [Psalms 62:2](./002.md).
Psa 62:7
the rock of my strength and my refuge are in God
The writer speaks of God as if he were a rock that keeps one safe from his enemies. He also speaks of God as if he were a shelter that provides protection. Alternate Translation: "God always gives me strength and protection"
Psa 62:10
for they will bear no fruit
The writer speaks of riches as if they were trees or vines that could bear fruit. Alternate Translation: "for they will provide nothing good for you"
Psa 62:11
power belongs to God
God being characterized by power is spoken of as if power belonged to him. The abstract noun "power" can be translated with an adjective. Alternate Translation: "God is powerful"
Psa 62:12
Also to you, Lord, belongs covenant faithfulness
God being characterized by covenant faithfulness is spoken of as if covenant faithfulness belonged to him. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated with an adjective. Alternate Translation: "You, Lord, are also faithful to your covenant"
Psa 62:12
for you pay back every person for what he has done
The writer speaks of God's rewards as if he were paying a wage for work.
Psa 63:7
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice
The writer speaks of God as if he were a bird protecting its young under his wings. Alternate Translation: "I rejoice because you protect me"
Psa 64:3
arrows, bitter words
The writer speaks of his enemies' bitter words as if they were arrows being shot at him. Alternate Translation: "bitter words which pierce me like arrows"
Psa 64:6
The inner thoughts and hearts of man are deep
The writer speaks of man's "inner thoughts" and "hearts of man" as if they were a deep body of water that no one can explore all the way to the bottom.
Psa 64:7
But God will shoot them ... with his arrows
The writer speaks of God's punishment of the evildoers as if God were shooting arrows at them.
Psa 64:8
They will be made to stumble
The writer speaks of God's causing the evildoers' plans to fail as if God were making them stumble in their paths. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "God will make them stumble" or "God will cause their plans to fail"
Psa 64:10
take refuge in him
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate Translation: "go to him for protection"
Psa 65:6
you who are belted with strength
The writer speaks of God as if he wore his strength like a belt. Alternate Translation: "showing that you are very powerful"
Psa 65:11
your wagon tracks overflow with abundance
Yahweh making the soil so good and fertile that it produces an abundant harvest is spoken of as if Yahweh were traveling through an empty land in a cart, leaving abundant food behind wherever he goes. Alternate Translation: "everywhere you have been, you have left abundant food"
Psa 66:9
he does not permit our feet to slip
The writer speaks of God's protection as preventing his people from slipping as they walk or falling off a cliff. Alternate Translation: "he has not allowed us to fall into disaster"
Psa 66:11
You brought us into a net
The writer speaks of God's punishment as if God had captured his people in a net.
Psa 66:11
you laid a heavy burden on our backs
The writer speaks of what the people have endured as having to carry heavy loads on their backs.
Psa 66:12
You made people ride over our heads
This is a picture of being horribly defeated in battle. Alternate Translation: "It is as if our enemies defeated us in battle and then drove their chariots over our fallen bodies"
Psa 66:12
went through fire and water
God tested them with natural disasters like fires and floods. Alternate Translation: "we suffered like people who suffer from fires and floods"
Psa 66:12
spacious place
The writer speaks of the blessings that the people of Israel now have as if they had been brought into a wide open space where they are safe. Alternate Translation: "open place where we are safe"
Psa 67:1
cause his face to shine on us
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards them as if Yahweh's face shone a light on them. Alternate Translation: "act favorably towards us"
Psa 68:1
Let God arise
God beginning to act is spoke of as if he stands up. Alternate Translation: "Let God begin to act"
Psa 68:2
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away
God's enemies are spoken of as if they are smoke that is easily blown away by the wind. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Drive them away as the wind blows away smoke"
Psa 68:2
as wax melts before the fire
God's enemies are spoken of as if they are wax that is easily melted by a fire. Alternate Translation: "cause them to disappear as wax melts before a fire"
Psa 68:4
the one who rides through the plains
God's presence among people is spoken of as if he rides on the earth in a horse or chariot.
Psa 68:5
A father of the fatherless
God is spoken of as a compassionate God who acts like a father to orphans. Alternate Translation: "One who acts like a father to children who have no parents"
Psa 68:5
a judge of the widows
God is spoken of as a merciful God who protects widows. Alternate Translation: "a protector of widows"
Psa 68:6
God puts the lonely into families
God is spoken of as if he places lonely people into families. "God provides families for those who have no one to live with"
Psa 68:6
he brings out the prisoners with singing
God is spoken of as the one who leads prisoners out of their confinement. Alternate Translation: "God frees prisoners and makes them sing with happiness"
Psa 68:6
a parched land
God's punishment of the rebellious is spoken of as if he forces them to live in a hot desert land. Alternate Translation: "a very hot and dry land"
Psa 68:7
when you marched through the wilderness
God is spoken of as if he was a soldier marching ahead of the people of Israel.
Psa 68:9
you strengthened your inheritance when it was weary
The land of Israel is spoken of as if it was a person who could be weary, or could gain strength. Alternate Translation: "you caused the land to produce good crops"
Psa 68:9
your inheritance
The land that God gave to the Israelites is spoken of as if it was an inheritance that a father passed on to his children. Alternate Translation: "the land that you gave to us Israelites"
Psa 68:11
those who announced them ... army
The large number of people told the Lord's message to others. They are spoken of as if there were a large army. Since this phrase is feminine, some versions translate it as, "the women who announced them ... army."
Psa 68:19
daily bears our burdens
carries our heavy loads every day. The Lord's care for his people is spoken of as if he was physically carrying their troubles as a burden.
Psa 68:21
will strike through the heads of his enemies
God is spoken of as a warrior who will kill his enemies by striking them in their heads in order to kill them. Alternate Translation: "will kill his enemies by striking them in the head"
Psa 68:21
walk in offenses against him
Offending God is spoken of as walking among the offenses. Alternate Translation: "habitually offend him"
Psa 68:22
the depths of the sea
This speaks of the most remote parts of the earth where people might try to escape from God as if they were the depths of the sea.
Psa 68:23
crush your enemies
The total destruction of Israel's enemies is spoken of as if the Israelites had crushed them under their feet. Alternate Translation: "totally defeat your enemies"
Psa 68:23
dipping your foot in blood
The violence of from the destruction of the enemies is spoke of in very graphic form, as if the Israelites would be standing in the blood of their dead enemies. Alternate Translation: "stepping in their blood"
Psa 68:23
the tongues of your dogs may have their share
The bloodshed from the battle against Israel's enemies is spoken of as if it is so extensive that the dogs will lap up the flowing blood with their tongues.
Psa 68:26
from the fountain of Israel
The word "fountain" is a metaphor for the ability of the man Israel to be the ancestor of many people: as much water comes from a fountain, so Israel is the ancestor of many people. This also implies that the call is to those who serve God as the man Israel did. Alternate Translation: "true descendants of Israel" or "all of you descendants from Israel"(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
Psa 68:30
the wild beasts in the reeds
Many scholars believe these wild beasts are a metaphor that refers to the people of Egypt. This can be made explicit. Alternate Translation: "the people of Egypt who are like wild beasts in the reeds"
Psa 68:30
the peoples, that multitude of bulls and calves
The peoples of other nations are spoken of as if they were a large group of cattle. Alternate Translation: "the powerful nations, who are like herds of bulls"
Psa 69:1
for the waters have put my life in danger
The writer describes the troubles in his life as if he were drowning in a flood of water. Alternate Translation: "for it feels like I am drowning in the waters"
Psa 69:2
I sink in deep mire
The writer describes the troubles in his life as if he were sinking in deep mud. Alternate Translation: "For it feels like I am sinking in deep mud and will die"
Psa 69:2
I have come into deep waters, where the floods flow over me
The writer describes his problems as if he was drowning in a deep, raging river. Alternate Translation: "t feels like I am in deep waters, and the floodwaters flow over me"
Psa 69:6
those who seek you
Seeking God represents either 1) asking God for help or 2) thinking about God and obeying him. Alternate Translation: 1) "those who ask you for help" or 2) "those who worship and obey you"
Psa 69:7
I have borne rebuke
The rebukes of the writer's enemies are spoken of as if they are a heavy load that he has had to carry. Alternate Translation: "I have endured the insults of my enemies"
Psa 69:7
shame has covered my face
The writer speaks of the shame that he feels as if it is a foul thing on his face that everyone can clearly see. Alternate Translation: "I am thoroughly humiliated"
Psa 69:8
I have become a stranger to my brothers
The writer speaks of himself as if he were not part of his own family. Alternate Translation: "My brothers no longer know or accept me at all"
Psa 69:9
the rebukes ... have fallen on me
The writer speaks of the rebukes of Gods' enemies as if they were rocks that were thrown at the writer. Alternate Translation: "those who rebuke you have also thrown their rebukes at me"
Psa 69:11
I became the object of a proverb
The writer speak of himself as if he was the sad or foolish person in a proverb. Alternate Translation: "I became the example of a sad person spoken of in their proverbs" or "they laugh at me"
Psa 69:12
I am a song of drunkards
The writer speaks of himself as if he was the person about whom the drunkards sing mocking songs. Alternate Translation: "the drunkards of the city sing disgusting songs about me"
Psa 69:14
Pull me out of the mire, and do not let me sink
The writer speaks of his danger from his enemies as if he was sinking into a pit of mud. "Do not allow me to sink anymore in the mud"
Psa 69:14
rescued out of the deep waters
The writer speaks about his danger from his enemies as if he was drowning in deep water.
Psa 69:15
the floods of water overwhelm me
The writer speaks about his danger from his enemies as if flood waters were covering him completely.
Psa 69:16
turn to me
The idea of turning towards someone means to pay attention to them or help them. Alternate Translation: "help me"
Psa 69:18
redeem me
The writer asks God to redeem him as if the writer were a slave whose freedom God could purchase. Alternate Translation: "free me"
Psa 69:18
ransom me
The writer asks God to ransom him as if the writer were a captive whose release could be paid for with money. Alternate Translation: "rescue me"
Psa 69:20
I am full of heaviness
The writer's great sadness is spoken of as if he was full of a heavy weight. Alternate Translation: "I am heavy with sorrow"
Psa 69:21
They gave me poison for my food
This is probably figurative. The food that people gave to the writer was so bad that it tasted like poison. Alternate Translation: "They gave me food that tasted like poison"
Psa 69:22
Let their table before them become a snare ... let it become a trap
The writer would like for his enemies' food to completely ruin them as if they were small animals caught in a snare or a trap. Alternate Translation: "May their food ruin them like a snare ... may it destroy them like a trap"
Psa 69:23
Let their eyes be darkened
The writer speaks of eyes that cannot see well as if they were darkened. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Please make them unable to see anything"
Psa 69:23
make their loins shake
Weak backs are spoken of as if they are shaking in weakness. Alternate Translation: "cause their backs to be too weak for them to do anything"
Psa 69:24
Pour out your indignation on them
God's demonstration of his anger is described as if he poured it out on his enemies like water.
Psa 69:24
overtake them
God's judgment on his enemies is described as if he ran after them and caught them.
Psa 69:32
you who seek after God
Seeking God represents either 1) asking God for help or 2) thinking about God and obeying him. Alternate Translation: "you who ask God for help" or "you who think about God"
Psa 70:2
turned back
To be stopped or thwarted is spoken of as being turned back from their attack. Alternate Translation: "stopped"
Psa 70:4
seek you
Seeking God represents either 1) asking God for help or 2) thinking about God and obeying him. Alternate Translation: "ask you for help" or "think about you and obey you"
Psa 70:5
hurry to me
The writer speaks of God as if he were running to the writer in order to help him. Alternate Translation: "come quickly to help me"
Psa 71:1
In you, Yahweh, I take refuge
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate Translation: "go to you, Yahweh, for protection"
Psa 71:3
Be to me a rock for refuge
The psalmist requests that Yahweh make him as safe as he would be if he were hiding in a large rock or cliff where his enemies could not find him.
Psa 71:3
you are my rock and my fortress
The psalmist believes that Yahweh will protect him and make him as safe as if he were hiding on top of a large mountain or inside a man-made fortress.
Psa 71:9
Do not throw me away
Do not force me to go away from you. For God to reject him is spoken of as God forcing him to go away. See how this is translated in [Psalms 51:11](../051/011.md). Alternate Translation: "do not reject me"
Psa 71:12
do not be far from me
Because Yahweh has not yet answered the writer's request, he speaks of Yahweh as if Yahweh were standing far away from the writer.
Psa 71:19
Your righteousness also, God, is very high
The psalmist speaks of the good things God has done as though they were put together as a high building or a mountain.
Psa 71:20
from the depths of the earth
The depths of the earth here is a metaphor for where people go when they die. The psalmist had not already died, but in this exaggeration he speaks as if he had. Alternate Translation: "when we are near death"
Psa 72:4
break in pieces the oppressor
The writer speaks of the king defeating or punishing people who oppress others as if those people were objects that the king would break into pieces. Alternate Translation: "punish the person who oppresses others"
Psa 72:7
may there be an abundance of peace
The psalmist speaks as if peace were a physical object like food. An "abundance" is when there is much of something. This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "abundance" and "peace." Alternate Translation: "may righteous people live peacefully"
Psa 72:8
the ends of the earth
as far as people could travel on land by different routes to the south. The Israelites spoke of the earth as if it were a flat surface with ends.
Psa 72:9
lick the dust
This is a metaphor for extreme humiliation. Alternate Translation: "do everything they can so he will allow them to live"
Psa 73:2
my feet almost slipped; my feet almost slipped out from under me
The psalmist speaks of being unable to trust God and wanting to sin as if he had almost fallen while walking on a slippery path. Alternate Translation: "I almost stopped trusting in God; I was almost guilty of committing a great sin against him"
Psa 73:7
Out of such blindness comes sin
Because they are like blind people who cannot see where they are going, they sin without knowing it. Being blind is a metaphor for a person being unable to see how wicked he is.
Psa 73:7
evil thoughts pass through their hearts
Here the psalmist describes people's thoughts as if they were people. He also describes the inner beings of wicked people as if they were a building in which those people could walk. Alternate Translation: "in their inner beings they are always thinking about more evil things to do"
Psa 73:13
guarded my heart
Asaph speaks of guarding his heart as if he were guarding a city or building against enemies. Alternate Translation: "I have kept my thoughts pure"
Psa 73:13
washed my hands in innocence
The writer speaks of his purity as if he had washed his hands with innocence instead of with water. See how you translated this in [Psalms 26:6](../026/006.md). Alternate Translation: "my actions have remained pure" or "I have washed my hands to show that I am innocent"
Psa 73:19
How they become a wilderness in a moment
The word "wilderness" is a metaphor for a person who has lost everything good. Alternate Translation: "How quickly they are destroyed"
Psa 73:21
I was deeply wounded
The psalmist speaks of emotional pain as if it were physical pain by being pierced with a knife or arrow. Alternate Translation: "I felt like someone had wounded me"
Psa 73:27
Those who are far from you
Here the idea of staying far from God is compared to being unwilling to obey him. Alternate Translation: "Those who do not want to obey you"
Psa 73:28
my refuge
The writer speaks of Yahweh as if he were a place to which a person could flee for safety.
Psa 74:1
the sheep of your pasture
Asaph speaks of the people of Israel as if they were sheep. Alternate Translation: "against Israel, who are like the sheep whom you feed in your pasture"
Psa 74:9
We do not see any more signs
Possible meanings are 1) "We do not see any more miraculous signs from God" or 2) "All our sacred symbols are gone" or 3) the "signs" are the flags and symbols of an army representing the army itself. Alternate Translation: "They have completely destroyed our army"
Psa 74:13
you smashed the heads of the sea monsters in the waters
Asaph is probably speaking of Pharaoh and his army as if they were sea monsters. If possible, translate these words literally. Alternate Translation: "when you killed Pharaoh's army, it was as if you smashed the heads of sea monsters in the waters"
Psa 74:14
leviathan
Leviathan is a sea monster. It represents a cruel enemy.
Psa 74:15
You broke open springs and streams
Yahweh causing springs and streams to flow out of the ground as if he broke open the ground so that they could flow. Alternate Translation: "You caused springs and streams to flow out of the ground"
Psa 74:18
the enemy hurled insults at you
Asaph speaks of insulting words as if they were physical objects, like stones, which the enemy was throwing at Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "the enemy insulted you many times"
Psa 74:19
the life of your dove
Asaph speaks of himself as if he were a dove, a defenseless bird. This phrase may also be a metaphor for the people of Israel. Alternate Translation: "me, your dove"
Psa 74:19
a wild animal
This phrase may be a metaphor for the enemies of Israel. Alternate Translation: "a savage enemy that is like a wild animal"
Psa 74:20
the dark regions of the land are full of places of violence
Asaph speaks of "regions" as if they were containers in which one could put "places of violence." Alternate Translation: "violent people do evil deeds in dark places in the land wherever they can"
Psa 74:20
the dark regions of the land
The word "dark" is probably a metaphor for a place where bad things happen or for the lands to which the Israelites had been sent in exile, but these words should be translated literally if possible.
Psa 75:3
make steady the earth's pillars
keep the earth from being destroyed or Alternate Translation: "keep my people safe"
Psa 75:4
Do not lift up the horn
Asaph speaks of wicked people as if they were animals with horns on their heads, stretching their necks and holding their heads high to frighten other animals. Alternate Translation: "Do not be confident" or "Do not boast about how strong you are"
Psa 75:5
Do not lift up your horn to the heights
Asaph speaks of wicked people as if they were animals with horns on their heads, stretching their necks and holding their heads as high as they can to frighten other animals. Alternate Translation: "Be especially sure not to boast that you are greater than God"
Psa 75:8
a cup of foaming wine ... mixed with spices
When Yahweh punishes the people they will be like people who have drunk strong wine and become ill.
Psa 75:8
foaming wine
The foam is a metaphor for the power of the wine to make people drunk, Alternate Translation: "strong wine"
Psa 75:10
cut off all the horns of
The horns of an animal are a metaphor for the power of a person. Alternate Translation: "take away all power from"
Psa 75:10
the horns of the righteous will be raised up
The horns of an animal are a metaphor for the power of a person. This can be translated as a statement in active form. Alternate Translation: "I will raise up the horns of the righteous" or "I will make the righteous powerful"
Psa 76:3
There he broke the arrows of the bow, the shield, the sword, and the other weapons of war
These words are probably a metaphor for God causing the people of Judah to live in peace without being afraid of enemies making war on them, but the words should be translated literally.
Psa 76:4
You shine brightly
The words "shine brightly" are a metaphor for being great. Alternate Translation: "You show how extremely great you are"
Psa 76:10
you gird yourself with what is left of your anger
Yahweh's anger is spoken of as something that he can tie around himself like a belt. Alternate Translation: "you tie your remaining anger around you like a belt"
Psa 77:17
your arrows flew about
This is a metaphor that describes lightning as God's arrows. Alternate Translation: "the lightning you made flashed like arrows"
Psa 78:21
his fire burned against Jacob
The writer speaks of Yahweh's anger as if it were a fire, and of Yahweh acting in anger against Jacob as if that fire burned Jacob. Alternate Translation: "his anger was like a fire that burned Jacob"
Psa 78:23
opened the doors of the sky
Asaph speaks of the sky as if it were a storeroom with doors. Alternate Translation: "opened the sky as if it were a storeroom"
Psa 78:27
He rained down meat on them like dust
The writer speaks of Yahweh causing birds to fall from the sky as if the birds were rain that Yahweh caused to fall. He compares the large amount of birds to dust. Alternate Translation: "He caused meat to fall from the sky like rain, and there was so much of it that it covered the ground like dust"
Psa 78:33
their years were filled with terror
Asaph speaks of years as if they were containers. Alternate Translation: "year after year they were afraid all the time"
Psa 78:35
God was their rock
The writer speaks about God as if he were a hill or mountain where people could go to be safe from their enemies. Alternate Translation: "God was the one who protected them"
Psa 78:38
held back his anger
Asaph speaks of God's anger as if it were an angry person whom God held onto to keep him from attacking the one who had made him angry. Alternate Translation: "did not punish them even though he was angry with them"
Psa 78:38
did not stir up all his wrath
Asaph speaks of God's wrath as if it were a sleeping person whom God allowed to sleep and did not awaken. Alternate Translation: "did not allow himself to become fully angry with them"
Psa 78:45
that devoured them
The flies made the Egyptians almost as unhappy as they would have if they had eaten the Egyptians.
Psa 78:46
He gave their crops to the grasshopper
Asaph speaks of the crops as a gift that God gave to the grasshoppers. Alternate Translation: "He allowed the grasshopper to eat their crops"
Psa 78:46
their labor to the locust
he gave their labor to the locust. Asaph speaks of the people's labor as if it were a gift that God gave to the grasshoppers. The word "labor" is a metonym for the crops that their labor had produced. Alternate Translation: "he allowed the locusts to eat the crops they had worked so hard to produce"
Psa 78:50
He leveled a path for his anger
The psalmist speaks of anger as if it were a person who could walk Yahweh getting ready to punish the people as if he were making a smooth road for a person to walk on. Alternate Translation: "He was so angry that he did everything he could to harm them" or "It was as if his anger was an army and he made a smooth road for it to march on"
Psa 78:50
gave them over to the plague
Asaph speaks of the plague as if it were a person who was going to harm the Egyptians. Alternate Translation: "he made them all very ill with the plague"
Psa 78:62
He handed his people over to the sword
Asaph speaks of God's people as if they were a small object God would give as a gift, and of the sword, a metonym for death in war, as if it were a person who could receive a gift. Alternate Translation: "He allowed people to kill all his people in war"
Psa 78:63
Fire devoured their young men
Possible meanings are 1) "The enemy used fire to kill all their young men" or 2) "Their young men died quickly in battle like a fire burns dry grass." Do not communicate that these people used guns.
Psa 78:65
the Lord awakened as one from sleep
The Lord not acting for a period of time is spoken of as if he were asleep, and his beginning to act is spoken of as if he awakened. Alternate Translation: "the Lord began to act as if he had awakened from sleep"
Psa 78:71
to be shepherd of Jacob, his people, and of Israel, his heritage
The word "shepherd" is a metaphor for one who leads and protects other people. Alternate Translation: "to lead and protect the descendants of Jacob, his people, and of Israel, his heritage"
Psa 78:72
David shepherded them
The word "shepherded" is a metaphor for leading and protecting. Alternate Translation: "David led them and protected them"
Psa 79:6
Pour out your wrath on the nations
Asaph speaks of God's wrath as if it were a liquid. Alternate Translation: "Since you are angry, punish the nations"
Psa 79:8
we are very low
The writer speaks of the people being weak and discouraged as if they were in a low position. Alternate Translation: "we are very weak" or "we are very discouraged"
Psa 79:11
May the groans of the prisoners come before you
Asaph speaks of the sound made by prisoners in pain and sorrow as if it were a person who appears before a king. Alternate Translation: "Listen carefully to the groans of the prisoners and help them"
Psa 79:12
Pay back ... the insults ... Lord
Asaph speaks of the evil deeds that the neighboring countries did against Israel as "insults," and as if they were physical items. He asks the Lord to count those deeds, and for every one that the neighboring countries committed, he asks the Lord to have someone do seven evil deeds to the neighboring countries.
Psa 79:12
into the laps
onto their knees and thighs as they are sitting. This is a metaphor for "directly and personally."
Psa 79:13
we your people and sheep of your pasture will give you thanks
The word "sheep" is a metaphor for helpless people whom a shepherd protects and leads. Alternate Translation: "we who are your people, whom you protect and lead, will thank you"
Psa 80:1
Shepherd of Israel
Asaph is referring to God as the one who leads and protects Israel.
Psa 80:1
you who lead Joseph like a flock
The word "Joseph" refers to the nation of Israel. Asaph speaks of the people as if they were a flock of sheep that Yahweh, who is the shepherd, leads. Alternate Translation: "you who lead the descendants of Joseph as though they were a flock of sheep"
Psa 80:1
shine on us
Asaph speaks of God as if he were the sun, giving light, a metaphor for moral goodness. Alternate Translation: "give us light" or "show us the right way to live"
Psa 80:3
make your face shine on us
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards them as if Yahweh's face shone a light on them. Alternate Translation: "act favorably towards us"
Psa 80:5
You have fed them with the bread of tears and given them tears to drink in great quantities
The words "bread of tears" and "tears to drink" are metaphors for continual sadness. Alternate Translation: "You have made sure that they are very sad all the time"
Psa 80:7
make your face shine on us
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards them as if Yahweh's face shone a light on them. See how you translated this in [Psalms 80:3](./003.md). Alternate Translation: "act favorably towards us"
Psa 80:8
You brought a vine out of Egypt
Asaph compares the nation of Israel to a vine made ready to transplant. Alternate Translation: "You brought us, like a vine, out of Egypt"
Psa 80:8
you drove out nations and transplanted it
The psalmist speaks of his people as if they were a plant that Yahweh was transplanting. Alternate Translation: "you drove out nations from their land and gave it to us, the vine, and planted us there"
Psa 80:9
General Information:
Asaph continues speaking of Israel in their land as if Israel were a grapevine in a vineyard.
Psa 80:14
this vine
The writer continues comparing the nation of Israel to the vine.
Psa 80:18
we will not turn away from you
Here "turn away" is a metaphor for rejecting someone. This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate Translation: "we will not stop worshiping and obeying you" or "we will always worship and obey you"
Psa 80:19
shine on us
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards them as if Yahweh's face shone a light on them. See how you translated this in [Psalms 80:3](./003.md). Alternate Translation: "act favorably towards us"
Psa 81:10
Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it
God taking care of all the needs of the people is spoken of as if he were a mother bird feeding her baby birds.
Psa 81:12
So I gave them over to their own stubborn way
God allowing the people to remain stubborn is spoken of as if God were giving them over to an enemy to let the enemy harm them. Alternate Translation: "Therefore, I let them be stubborn"
Psa 81:13
oh, that my people would walk in my paths
God wanting the people to obey him is spoken of as if he wanted the people to walk on his paths or roads. Alternate Translation: "I wish that they would obey my laws"
Psa 81:16
I would feed Israel with the finest wheat
God causing the best wheat to grow in Israel is spoken of as if he would literally feed the wheat to the people. Alternate Translation: "I would allow the Israelites to eat the finest wheat"
Psa 82:5
they wander around in the darkness
Doing what is evil is spoken of as if they were walking in a very dark place.
Psa 82:5
all the foundations of the earth crumble
The gods corrupting the moral order that Yahweh established is spoken of as if the gods were shaking the earth and making it fall apart.
Psa 82:8
for you have an inheritance in all the nations
for all the nations are your inheritance. Yahweh taking all the people as his own and ruling over them is spoken of as if the nations were a possession that he inherited. Alternate Translation: "for you rule over all the people of every nation"
Psa 83:12
the pastures of God
This speaks about the land of Israel as if it were land for sheep to graze and God were the shepherd watching over it.
Psa 83:18
are the Most High over all the earth
God ruling over everything in the earth is spoken of as if he were elevated higher than everything else. Alternate Translation: "are supreme, and you rule all things on the earth"
Psa 84:5
whose strength is in you
God is spoken of as if strength was actually found in him. Alternate Translation: "whom you strengthen"
Psa 84:5
in whose heart are the highways up to Zion
This expression is about heart-felt desire. Alternate Translation: "Who love to go up to Zion" or "Who earnestly wish go up to Zion"
Psa 84:9
God, watch over our shield
The king who protects his people is spoken of as if he were a shield. Alternate Translation: "God, watch over our king"
Psa 84:11
For Yahweh God is our sun and shield
Yahweh who guides and protects his people is spoken of as if he were the sun and a shield. Alternate Translation: "For Yahweh God guides us like the light from the sun, and he protects us like a shield"
Psa 85:2
you have covered all their sin
Here sin that is forgiven is spoken of as if it were covered so that it can not be seen. Alternate Translation: "you have deliberately forgotten their sin"
Psa 85:3
You have withdrawn all your wrath
God no longer punishing the Israelites is spoken of as if wrath were an object that Yahweh could take away from the Israelites.
Psa 85:3
you have turned back from your hot anger
God no longer being angry with the Israelites is spoken of as if anger were a fire that God from which God turned away.
Psa 85:4
let go of your displeasure with us
Asking God to stop being angry with the Israelites is spoken of as if displeasure were an object the writer wants God to let go of.
Psa 85:8
Yet they must not turn again to foolish ways
A person changing the way he behaves is spoken of as if he were physically turning to a different direction. Alternate Translation: "Yet they must not start doing foolish things again"
Psa 85:9
Surely his salvation is near to those
God being ready to save someone is spoken of as if salvation were an object that God has placed near someone. Alternate Translation: "Surely God is ready to save those"
Psa 85:11
Trustworthiness springs up from the ground
The people on earth being faithful to God is spoken of as if trustworthiness were a plant growing out of the ground. The abstract noun "trustworthiness" can be stated as "loyal." Alternate Translation: "Here on earth, we will be loyal to God"
Psa 86:11
Teach me your ways, Yahweh. Then I will walk in your truth
A person who obeys what God wants is spoken of as if he were walking on God's way or road. Alternate Translation: "Teach me your truth, Yahweh. Then I will obey what you say"
Psa 86:15
and abundant in covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness
God constantly being faithful and trustworthy is spoken of as if faithfulness and trustworthiness were objects of which God has a large quantity. The two abstract nouns can be translated as adjectives. Alternate Translation: "always faithful to your covenant and very worthy of people trusting you"
Psa 86:16
Turn toward me
Asking God to consider him is spoken of as if he wanted God to turn and look at him.
Psa 87:4
This one was born there
This one refers to the people from the nations that the writer mentions. Although they were not physically born in Zion, those who follow God are natives of Jerusalem spiritually.
Psa 87:5
Each of these was born in her
People from other nations that worship Yahweh are spoken of as if they were born in Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "It is as though all of these people were born in Jerusalem"
Psa 87:6
Yahweh writes in the census book of the nations
Yahweh acknowledging that the people from other nations belong to him is spoken of as if he were a king writing down the names of the people who live in his city.
Psa 87:6
This one was born there
This one refers to the people from the nations that the writer mentions. Although they were not physically born in Zion, those who follow God are natives of Jerusalem spiritually. See how you translated this in [Psalms 87:4](./004.md).
Psa 87:7
All my fountains are in you
Jerusalem being a place where people receive all their blessings is spoken of as if Jerusalem were a spring that provided water to the people.
Psa 88:3
For I am filled with troubles
The writer speaks of himself as if he were a container and troubles are the contents that fill the container. Alternate Translation: "For I am very troubled"
Psa 88:5
I am abandoned among the dead
People treating the writer as if he were already dead is spoken of as if he were a corpse that they left unburied. Alternate Translation: I am left alone as if I were dead"
Psa 88:5
they are cut off from your power
God no longer using his power to help dead people is spoken of as if God literally cut him off or removed him from his power. Alternate Translation: "you no longer use your power to help them"
Psa 88:6
You place me in the lowest part of the pit, in the dark and deep places
The writer feeling like God has abandoned him speaks about himself as if God has put the him in the deepest and darkest grave.
Psa 88:7
Your wrath lies heavy on me
This speaks about God being very angry with the writer as if God's wrath were a heavy object lying on top of the writer. Alternate Translation: "I feel your great anger" or "I feel how very angry you are with me"
Psa 88:7
all your waves crash over me
This speaks about God being very angry with the writer as if God's anger were large waves rising up from the sea then landing on the writer.
Psa 88:8
I am hemmed in
The writer's physical condition that makes him repulsive to his friends is spoken of as if he were in closed into a confining space. Alternate Translation: "It is as though I were in a prison" or "I am trapped"
Psa 88:13
my prayer comes before you
The writer praying to Yahweh is spoken of as if the prayer itself goes to speak with Yahweh.
Psa 88:14
Why do you hide your face from me?
This speaks of the writer feeling like God has rejected or abandoned him as if God were hiding his face or physically turning away from the writer.
Psa 88:16
Your angry actions have passed over me
This speaks of God punishing the writer as if God's actions are a large wave rising out of the sea that fall on and crush the writer. Alternate Translation: "It is as if your angry actions crush me"
Psa 88:17
they have all encircled me
The writer speaks of God's "angry actions" and "terrifying deeds" as if they were enemies who were trying to capture and kill him. Alternate Translation: "they have surrounded me like enemy soldiers"
Psa 89:2
Covenant faithfulness has been established forever
God always doing what he promised to do is spoken of as if his faithfulness were a building that God has built and made firm. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "You will always be faithful because of your covenant with us"
Psa 89:2
your truthfulness you have established in the heavens
God always doing what he promised to do is spoken of as if his faithfulness were a building that God has built and made firm.
Psa 89:4
I will establish your descendants forever
Yahweh always causing one of David's descendants to be king is spoken of as if David's descendants are a building that Yahweh will build and make firm.
Psa 89:8
Your truthfulness surrounds you
Yahweh always dong what he promises to do is spoken of as if his truthfulness were a cloak or garment that wraps around him.
Psa 89:14
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne
God ruling as king and doing what is right and just is spoken of as if God's throne were a building, and righteousness and justice were its foundation.
Psa 89:14
Covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness come before you
God always being faithful and doing what he promises to do is spoken of as if covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness come and meet with God. The abstract nouns can be translated as adjectives. Alternate Translation: "You are always faithful to your covenant and are worthy of people trusting you"
Psa 89:15
they walk
Here people living their lives is spoken of as if they were walking. Alternate Translation: "they live"
Psa 89:15
in the light of your face
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards them as if Yahweh's face shone a light on them. Alternate Translation: "knowing that you act favorably towards them"
Psa 89:18
For our shield belongs to Yahweh
The king who protects his people and whom Yahweh chose is spoken of as if he were a shield that belongs to Yahweh.
Psa 89:24
My truth and my covenant faithfulness will be with him
God always being loyal and doing what he promises for David is spoken of as if truth and faithfulness were objects that would be with David. The abstract nouns "truth" and "faithfulness" can be translated as adjectives. Alternate Translation: "I will always be truthful with him and I will always act faithfully towards him"
Psa 89:26
the rock of my salvation
Yahweh protecting and saving David is spoken of as if Yahweh were a high rock that David could stand on top of for protection from enemies.
Psa 89:27
I also will place him as my firstborn son
Yahweh giving David special rank and privileges over all other people is spoken of as if David would be Yahweh's firstborn son.
Psa 89:28
I will extend my covenant faithfulness to him forever
Yahweh speaks of continuing to act faithfully towards David is spoken of as if Yahweh's covenant faithfulness were an object that he extends or makes longer. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated with an adverb. Alternate Translation: "I will continue to act faithfully towards him forever"
Psa 89:32
punish their rebellion with a rod
God punishing David's descendants is spoken of as if he would hit them with a rod. The abstract noun "rebellion" can be stated as a verb. Alternate Translation: "punish them for rebelling against me"
Psa 89:32
their iniquity with blows
God punishing David's descendants is spoken of as if God would literally hit them. This can be stated as a complete sentence. Alternate Translation: "I will punish them because they sinned against me"
Psa 89:45
covered him with shame
Yahweh completely humiliating the king is spoken of as if shame were a garment that God used to cover the king.
Psa 89:46
Will you hide yourself
God not helping the king is spoken of as if God were hiding from him. Alternate Translation: "Will you refuse to help the king"
Psa 89:51
Your enemies hurl insults
The enemies shouting insults at the king is spoken of as if insults were an object that the enemies throw violently at the king.
Psa 90:1
Lord, you have been our refuge
God protecting his people is spoken of as if God were a refuge or shelter. Alternate Translation: "Lord, you have been like a shelter for us"
Psa 90:4
in your sight
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "to you"
Psa 90:5
You sweep them away as with a flood and they sleep
God causing people to die suddenly is spoken of as if he swept them away with a broom. This sweeping is also spoken of as if it were a flood that carried people away. Alternate Translation: "Lord, you destroy the people as with a flood and they die"
Psa 90:7
we are consumed in your anger
God destroying people in his anger is spoken of as if God's anger were a fire that completely burns up the people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "You destroy us in your anger"
Psa 90:8
You have set our iniquities before you, our hidden sins in the light of your presence
God considering people's sins is spoken of as if sins were an objects he could place in front of himself and look at them. Alternate Translation: "You see every sinful thing we do, even the sinful things we do in secret"
Psa 90:13
Turn back, Yahweh! How long will it be?
Asking Yahweh to no longer be angry is spoken of as if the writer wants God to turn physically away from his anger. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh, please do not be angry any longer"
Psa 91:1
He who lives ... will stay ... of the Almighty
Because "live" and "stay" mean almost the same thing, as do "shelter" and "shadow," which are both metaphors for protection, you may need to combine the two lines into one. Alternate Translation: "The Most High, the Almighty, will care for all those who live where he can protect them"
Psa 91:1
who lives in the shelter of the Most High
The word "shelter" is a metaphor for protection. Alternate Translation: "who lives where the Most High protects him"
Psa 91:1
will stay in the shadow of the Almighty
The word "shadow" here is a metaphor for protection. Alternate Translation: "will stay where the Almighty can protect him"
Psa 91:2
my refuge and my fortress
A "refuge" is any place a person can go and have someone or something protect him. A "fortress" is something that people make so they can protect themselves and their property. Asaph uses them here as metaphors for protection. Alternate Translation: "the one to whom I can go and he will protect me"
Psa 91:4
He will cover you with his wings, and under his wings you will find refuge
God's protection is here referred to as "wings" which a bird uses to cover its' young from danger. "Cover you with his wings" and "under his wings" mean basically the same thing. Alternate Translation: "He will keep you safe and protect you"
Psa 91:4
His trustworthiness is a shield and protection
God's trustworthiness is here referred to as a "shield" which can protect people who rely on him. The abstract noun "trustworthiness" can be stated as "trust." Alternate Translation: "You can trust him to protect you"
Psa 91:9
Yahweh is my refuge
The writer speaks of Yahweh protecting him as if Yahweh were a safe place for him to find protection from his enemies. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh protects me, like a person finds protection in a place of refuge"
Psa 91:10
No evil will overtake you
The writer speaks of a person experiencing bad or evil things as if evil were a person who overtakes another person. Alternate Translation: "Nothing evil will happen to you"
Psa 91:11
in all your ways
The psalmist speaks of the way a person lives his life as if it were a path down which the person walked. Alternate Translation: "in everything you do" or "at all times"
Psa 91:13
You will crush lions and adders under your feet; you will trample on young lions and serpents
Where "hit your foot on a stone" is a minor problem, lions and snake are examples of great dangers. The psalmist speaks of lions and snakes as if they were small enough to be crushed under a person's foot. Alternate Translation: "You will be able kill lions and adders as if they were small animals you could crush under your feet"
Psa 91:16
will satisfy him with long life
The psalmist speaks of life as if it were something someone could eat. Alternate Translation: "I will allow him to live a long and happy life"
Psa 91:16
show him my salvation
and I will show him my salvation. The psalmist speaks of the work God does to save people as if it were a physical object. Alternate Translation: "I will save him so that he knows I am the one who saved him"
Psa 92:10
I am anointed with fresh oil
Possible meanings are that the oil that God has put on the psalmist is a metaphor for God 1) making him happy "you have made me very happy" or 2) making him strong, "you have made me strong" or 3) enabling him to defeat his enemies, "you have enabled me to defeat my enemies."
Psa 92:12
in the house of Yahweh ... in the courts of our God
The psalmist speaks of people who truly worship God as if they were trees growing in Yahweh's house.
Psa 92:13
in the house of Yahweh ... in the courts of our God
The psalmist speaks of people who truly worship God as if they were trees growing in Yahweh's house.
Psa 92:13
they flourish
The psalmist speaks of righteous people as if they were healthy trees. Alternate Translation: "they are growing well" or "they are very strong"
Psa 92:14
They bear fruit
The psalmist speaks of righteous people as if they were trees that produce food. Alternate Translation: "They please God"
Psa 92:14
they stay fresh and green
The psalmist speaks of righteous people as if they were trees. Alternate Translation: "they remain strong and healthy" or "they always do what pleases God"
Psa 92:15
He is my rock
Yahweh is the one who protects me. The psalmist speaks of Yahweh as if he were a rock that would protect him. See how this is translated in [Psalms 18:2](../018/002.md).
Psa 93:1
he is robed in majesty; Yahweh has clothed and girded himself with strength
The psalmist speaks of Yahweh's strength and majesty as if they were things Yahweh wears. Alternate Translation: "he shows everyone that he is a powerful king" or "his majesty is there for all to see, like the robe a king wears; everything about Yahweh shows that he is strong and he is ready to do great work"
Psa 93:4
on high
The psalmist speaks of where God lives as if it were high above the earth. Alternate Translation: "in heaven"
Psa 93:5
holiness adorns your house
The psalmist speaks of Yahweh's house as if it were a woman wearing beautiful clothing or jewelry and of Yahweh's holiness as the beautiful clothing or jewelry. Alternate Translation: "your house is beautiful because you are holy" or "your holiness makes your house beautiful the way beautiful clothes and jewelry make a woman more beautiful"
Psa 94:1
shine over us
Here "shine" is a metaphor for God revealing himself. Alternate Translation: "show yourself" or "reveal your glory"
Psa 94:4
They pour out their arrogant words
The psalmist writes of the wicked speaking as if their words were a liquid being poured out.
Psa 94:5
They crush
The psalmist speaks of powerful people treating powerless people badly as if it were crushing them or breaking them in pieces. See how "break in pieces" is translated in [Psalms 72:4](../072/004.md). Alternate Translation: "They completely destroy" or "They greatly harm"
Psa 94:11
that they are vapor
Here the thoughts of men are compared to vapor or steam that disappears into the air. This metaphor shows how unimportant and useless they are.
Psa 94:22
Yahweh has been my high tower
Here "tower" is a metaphor for protection. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has protected me from my enemies"
Psa 94:22
God has been the rock of my refuge
The psalmist speaks of having God protect him as if God were a place where the psalmist could go to be safe. See how "rock" and "refuge" are translated in [Psalms 62:7](../062/007.md). Alternate Translation: "I have asked God to protect me, and he has kept me safe by his power"
Psa 95:1
the rock of our salvation
The psalmist speaks of Yahweh as if Yahweh were a mountain the people could climb so they would be safe. See how "rock" and "of my salvation" are translated in [Psalms 18:46](../018/046.md). Alternate Translation: "the rock where we can go and God will save us"
Psa 95:2
enter his presence
The psalmist speaks as if he is telling the readers to go into the throne room of a king. Alternate Translation: "go to where he is"
Psa 95:7
the sheep of his hand
The word "hand" here refers to how Yahweh protects his people the way a shepherd protects his sheep. Alternate Translation: "the people whom he protects like a shepherd protects his sheep"
Psa 95:9
tested me ... tried me
These two phrases are both metaphors for the people seeing how much evil they could do before Yahweh would punish them. The phrases say basically the same thing and can be combined. Alternate Translation: "tested me" or "wanted to see if they could do evil things without my punishing them ... tested whether I would continue to be patient with them"
Psa 95:10
wander astray
God speaks of the people as if they were sheep, which will go wherever they want to and not stay near their shepherd. Alternate Translation: "move away from me" or "go their own way"
Psa 95:10
they have not known my ways
Yahweh's commands are spoken of as if they were paths on which the people should walk. The people not obeying Yahweh's commands is spoken of as if they did not know these paths. Alternate Translation: "they have not obeyed my commands"
Psa 97:9
are most high above all
The psalmist speaks as if those who were strong enough to rule were the physically higher than others. Alternate Translation: "rule over all the people who live on"
Psa 97:9
You are exalted far
The psalmist speaks as if those who were strong enough to rule were the physically higher than others. Alternate Translation: "You are high, far"
Psa 97:11
Light is sown for the righteous
The word "sown" is a metaphor for actions with future results. "Light" is a metaphor for good things. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh plans for good things to happen to the righteous in the future"
Psa 100:2
come before his presence
The psalmist speaks as if he is telling the readers to go into the throne room of a king. Alternate Translation: "go to where he is with joyful singing" or "he can hear you, so sing joyfully"
Psa 100:3
the sheep of his pasture
God's people are like his sheep. Alternate Translation: "the people God provides for and protects"
Psa 101:2
I will walk in the way of integrity
Here David speaks about "living" as if it were "walking." Alternate Translation: "I will live in a way that is honest and right" or "I will live a life full of integrity"
Psa 101:2
I will walk with integrity within my house
Here David speaks about "living" as if it were walking." Also, David speaks of overseeing his house with integrity, as if integrity were a physical object residing in his house. Alternate Translation: "I will oversee my house with integrity"
Psa 101:6
walk in the way of integrity
Here David speaks about "living" as if it were "walking." Alternate Translation: "live in a way that is honest and right" or "live lives full of integrity"
Psa 102:10
you have lifted me up to throw me down
God has not literally lifted and thrown David's body to the ground; rather David says this to describe what he is feeling and experiencing. Alternate Translation: "it is like you have lifted me up to throw me down"
Psa 102:23
taken away my strength
David describes God causing him to become weak as if his strength were a physical item that could be taken away from him. Alternate Translation: "has caused me to become weak"
Psa 102:23
my days
The word "days" here refers to his life. Alternate Translation: "my life"
Psa 102:24
do not take me away
David is asking God to not let him die. Alternate Translation: "do not take me away from the earth" or "do not let me die"
Psa 102:27
your years will have no end
Here David describes the length of time that God is alive as his "years." This can be written in positive form. Alternate Translation: "you will live forever"
Psa 102:28
live in your presence
Here David describes the descendants being protected by Yahweh as being in his presence. Alternate Translation: "be protected as they live in your presence"
Psa 103:4
He redeems your life from destruction
This means that Yahweh keeps him alive. Alternate Translation: "He saves me from dying"
Psa 103:4
he crowns you with covenant faithfulness and acts of tender mercy
Here blessing someone and treating them with great honor is described as if it were placing a crown on that person's head. The abstract nouns "faithfulness" and "mercy" can be translated with adverbs. Alternate Translation: "he blesses you by acting faithfully and mercifully towards you"
Psa 104:3
you make the clouds your chariot
Here the clouds are described as carrying Yahweh as if they were a chariot. Alternate Translation: "you make the clouds carry you like a chariot"
Psa 104:3
you walk on the wings of the wind
Here the blowing of the wind is described as wings on which Yahweh walks. Alternate Translation: "you walk upon the wind"
Psa 104:12
they sing among the branches
Here David describes birds chirping as if they were singing. Alternate Translation: "they chirp among the tree branches"
Psa 104:13
He waters the mountains from his water chambers in the sky
This means that God causes it to rain. The waters are described as residing in chambers in the sky. Alternate Translation: "He waters the mountains by causing the rains to fall from the sky"
Psa 104:24
overflows with your works
Here David describes the amount of things that Yahweh had created as if they were a liquid overflowing out of a container. Alternate Translation: "is filled with your work"
Psa 104:34
my thoughts be sweet
He is comparing his thoughts to something that tastes sweet. Alternate Translation: "my thoughts be pleasing"
Psa 105:24
Yahweh made his people fruitful
The writer speaks of the increase of Israel as if they were a plant that produced a lot of fruit. "God increased the number of his people greatly"
Psa 105:39
He spread a cloud for a covering
Here the psalmist describes Yahweh placing a cloud in the sky as if he were spreading out a garment. The cloud was a "covering" to protect them from the sun. Alternate Translation: "He placed a cloud in the sky to protect them from the sun and heat"
Psa 106:15
but he sent a horrible disease
Here David speaks about Yahweh causing the people to be afflicted by a disease as if Yahweh sent a disease to them in the same way that someone sends a person or a messenger. Alternate Translation: "but he caused them to suffer from a horrible disease"
Psa 106:23
stood in the breach before him, to turn away his anger from destroying them
Here David speaks about Moses persuading Yahweh not to destroy the Israelites as intervening with him in the breach. Alternate Translation: "stood between Yahweh and the Israelites and begged Yahweh to not destroy them"
Psa 106:35
but they mingled with the nations
Hey David speaks of the people intermarrying with the women from other nations as "mingling" with them. Alternate Translation: "but they mixed in marriage with the other nations"
Psa 107:13
he brought
Here David describes Yahweh saving them from their distress as if their distress were a physical place that he was bringing them out of. Alternate Translation: "he saved"
Psa 107:18
they came close to the gates of death
Here the act of "dying" is described as a place, "the gates of death" Alternate Translation: "they almost died"
Psa 107:25
that stirs up the seas
Here David describes the winds causing the waves to become high as if the wind was an object fiercely stirring something. Alternate Translation: "that caused the waves of the sea to become very high"
Psa 107:40
pours contempt on
Here David speaks of Yahweh showing contempt for the leaders as if contempt were a liquid he poured out on them. Alternate Translation: "shows contempt for"
Psa 108:5
Be exalted, God, above the heavens
The psalmist is asking God to show that he is exalted. Being exalted above the heavens represents being great. Alternate Translation: "God, show that you are exalted above the heavens" or "God, show that you are great in the heavens"
Psa 108:7
God has spoken in his holiness
Here David describes God speaking something because he is holy as speaking "in his holiness," as if his holiness were something that he was physically inside of. Alternate Translation: "God, because he is holy, has said"
Psa 108:8
Ephraim also is my helmet
God speaks of the tribe of Ephraim as if it were his army. The helmet symbolizes equipment for war. Alternate Translation: "Ephraim is like a helmet I have chosen" or "The tribe of Ephraim is my army"
Psa 108:8
Judah is my scepter
God chose men from the tribe of Judah to be the kings of his people, and he speaks of that tribe as if it were his scepter. Alternate Translation: "The tribe of Judah is like my scepter" or "Judah is the tribe through whom I rule my people"
Psa 108:9
Moab is my washbasin
God speaks of Moab being unimportant as if Moab were a washbasin or a lowly servant. Alternate Translation: "Moab is like a bowl that I use for washing"
Psa 108:9
over Edom I will throw my shoe
God was probably speaking of taking ownership of Edom as if he were symbolically throwing his shoe onto that land to show that he owns it. However some versions have other interpretations. Alternate Translation: "I take ownership of the land of Edom" or "I throw my shoe onto the land of Edom to show that it is mine"
Psa 108:11
You do not go into battle with our army
The psalmist speaks of God helping their army as if God were to go and fight with them. Alternate Translation: "you do not help our army when we go into battle"
Psa 108:13
he will trample down our enemies
The psalmist speaks of God helping their army defeat their enemies as if God were to trample down the enemies. Alternate Translation: "he will enable us to trample down our enemies" or "he will make us able to defeat our enemies.
Psa 109:13
may their name be blotted out in the next generation
Here the idea of there being no one to carry on the family name is spoke of as "their name being blotted out." Alternate Translation: "may there be no one to carry on his name"
Psa 109:15
May their guilt always be before Yahweh
Here David speaks about Yahweh thinking about their guilt as if their guilt is something physically present before him. Alternate Translation: "May Yahweh continually think about their sins"
Psa 109:18
He clothed himself with cursing as his garment
David speaks of the wicked person's behavior as if it were his clothing. Alternate Translation: "He cursed other people as often as he wore clothing" or "He cursed people all the time"
Psa 109:18
his curse came into his inner being like water, like oil into his bones
Possible meanings are: 1) He spoke curses so often that they became a part of his identity. "the curses that he speaks are part of who he is" or 2) the curse that he spoke happened to him. "his whole being was cursed by the curse he spoke"
Psa 109:22
my heart is wounded within me
Here David speaks of being in great despair as his heart being wounded. Alternate Translation: "I am full of grief and despair"
Psa 109:22
I am fading away like the shadow ... like a locust
David feels like he is going to die soon and describes this feeling by comparing himself to a fading shadow and to how the wind blows away locust. Alternate Translation: "I feel like I am about to die, like an evening shadow that will soon disappear, like a locust is easily blown away by the wind"
Psa 109:23
I am fading away like the shadow ... like a locust
David feels like he is going to die soon and describes this feeling by comparing himself to a fading shadow and to how the wind blows away locust. Alternate Translation: "I feel like I am about to die, like an evening shadow that will soon disappear, like a locust is easily blown away by the wind"
Psa 109:29
be clothed with shame
Here David speaks of them being ashamed as if were clothing they wore. Alternate Translation: "be very ashamed"
Psa 110:1
make your enemies your footstool
Here David describes Yahweh placing his master's enemies under his power and control as putting them under his feet like a footstool. Alternate Translation: "put your enemies under your power"
Psa 110:3
from the womb of the dawn your youth will be to you like the dew
David is telling the king that he will have youthful strength each morning by comparing it to how the dew appears early each morning. Alternate Translation: "each morning you will be filled with youthful strength to sustain you just like each morning the dew appears to water and sustain the earth"
Psa 111:6
the inheritance of the nations
The writer speaks of the land that belonged to the nations in Canaan as if it were their inheritance. Alternate Translation: "the land that belonged to other nations"
Psa 112:4
Light shines in the darkness for the godly person
The writer speaks of God blessing the godly person in difficult times as if it were a light shining in darkness. Alternate Translation: "The blessings that a godly person receives from God are like a light that shines in the darkness"
Psa 112:10
melt away
The writer speaks of the wicked person's eventual death as if that person were something, such as ice, that can melt. Alternate Translation: "eventually die"
Psa 113:4
his glory reaches above the skies
The glory of God is spoken of as if it was very high. Alternate Translation: "his glory is higher than the skies" or "his glory is enormously great"
Psa 115:9
your help and shield
The writer speaks of Yahweh as if he were a shield because he protects his people as a shield would protect them from harm. Alternate Translation: "the one who helps you and protects you"
Psa 115:17
nor do any who go down into silence
The writer speaks of the grave or the place of the dead as a place of silence where no one can speak. This is a euphemism for death. Alternate Translation: "nor do any who go to the place of the dead"
Psa 116:6
I was brought low
The writer speaks of being humbled as in being in a lower position. Alternate Translation: "I was helpless"
Psa 116:7
My soul can return to its resting place
The writer speaks of having peace and confidence as if it were a place where his soul can rest. The word "soul" represents the person. Alternate Translation: "I can rest in peace again"
Psa 116:16
you have taken away my bonds
The writer speaks of being in danger of dying as if he had been chained in prison. Alternate Translation: "you have saved me from death"
Psa 118:5
set me free
The writer speaks of Yahweh saving him from distress as if Yahweh had taken him from a place of confinement to a wide open space where he could move about freely.
Psa 118:8
to take shelter in Yahweh
God is spoken of as if he were a shelter, a place where people can be protected. Alternate Translation: "to seek protection from Yahweh"
Psa 118:9
to take refuge in Yahweh
This verse is parallel to the one preceding it. God is spoken of as if he were a refuge, a place where people can be protected. Alternate Translation: "to seek protection from Yahweh"
Psa 118:10
I cut them off
The writer speaks of defeating the enemy armies as if he were cutting them off like a person would cut a branch off of a plant. Alternate Translation: "I defeated them"
Psa 118:13
to knock me down
The writer speaks of the enemy armies trying to defeat him as if they were trying to push him down onto the ground. Alternate Translation: "in order to defeat me"
Psa 118:27
he has given us light
The writer speaks of Yahweh blessing his people as if Yahweh were shining a light on them. Alternate Translation: "he has blessed us"
Psa 119:1
those whose ways are blameless
How a person behaves is spoken of as "ways" or "paths." Alternate Translation: "those whose behavior is blameless" or "those whom no one can blame for doing wrong"
Psa 119:1
who walk in the law of Yahweh
The way a person lives or behaves is spoken of as walking. Alternate Translation: "who live according to the law of Yahweh" or "who obey the law of Yahweh." This phrase clarifies the meaning of "whose ways are blameless"
Psa 119:5
I would be firmly established
The writer speaks of being established in God's commandments as if no one could physically make him move.
Psa 119:9
keep his path pure
The writer compares living according to God's law as a path kept clear of obstructions.
Psa 119:10
Do not let me stray from your commandments
Here to disobey God's commandments is described as straying off a path. Alternate Translation: "Do not let me disobey your commandments"
Psa 119:11
I have stored up your word in my heart
I have put your words in my heart. This is a metaphor that means "I have memorized your word." The heart is pictured as a container that can hold what people think.
Psa 119:18
Open my eyes so that I may see
The author speaks of gaining understanding, knowledge and wisdom as being able to see. Alternate Translation: Help me to understand"
Psa 119:18
marvelous things in your law
The author speaks of insight into the law as objects to marvel at.
Psa 119:19
I am a foreigner in the land
Possible meanings are 1) the writers speaks of his short life on earth as if he were a foreigner who would not stay long in the land. Alternate Translation: "I am like a foreigner living a short time in the land" or 2) the writer's ignorance of God's law as if he were a foreigner who did not know the laws of the land. Alternate Translation: "I am ignorant like a foreigner in the land"
Psa 119:20
My desires are crushed by the longing
The writer speaks of his desires being very strong as if they were in pain. Alternate Translation: "My inner being strongly desires to know" or "My soul aches because I want so much to know"
Psa 119:21
who wander from your commandments
The writer speaks of disobeying God's commandments as if they were a path that can be wandered off from. Alternate Translation: "who go away from the path of your commandments" or "who disobey your commandments"
Psa 119:26
my ways
What a person does or how he behaves is spoken of as if it were a road or way. Alternate Translation: "what I have done"
Psa 119:29
Turn from me the path of deceit
The word "path" here refers to a way of behaving. Alternate Translation: "Keep me from following the path of deceit" or "Prevent me from being deceptive"
Psa 119:30
the way of faithfulness
How a person behaves or acts is spoken as if it were a road or way. Alternate Translation: "to be faithful to you"
Psa 119:31
I cling to your covenant decrees
Holding tightly to them refers to being committed to obeying them. Alternate Translation: "I hold tightly to your covenant decrees" or "I am committed to obeying your covenant decrees"
Psa 119:32
I will run in the path of your commandments
The writer speaks of being focused or committed to obeying God's commands as if one is running on a path. Alternate Translation: "I will be committed to obey your commands"
Psa 119:35
Guide me in the path of your commandments
Guide me according to your commandments or "Teach me to obey your commandments." God's commandments are compared to a path that a person walks in obedience to God.
Psa 119:37
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things
This is a metaphor that refers to one desiring things that have no eternal value.
Psa 119:45
I will walk securely
To walk securely is to live one's life securely. Alternate Translation: "I will live securely in God"
Psa 119:61
The cords of the wicked have ensnared me
In this metaphor, wicked or evil people tried to cause the writer to sin like a hunter seeking to catch an animal with a trap. Alternate Translation: "My enemies have tried to catch me"
Psa 119:64
The earth, Yahweh, is full of your covenant faithfulness
People everywhere in the world being able to see evidence of Yahweh's covenant faithfulness is spoken of as if his covenant faithfulness filled the earth. The abstract noun "covenant faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Psalms 33:5](../033/005.md). Alternate Translation: "People everywhere on earth can see that you, Yahweh, are faithful to your covenant" or "Throughout the earth, there is evidence that you, Yahweh, are faithful to your covenant"
Psa 119:67
I went astray
Disobeying God is spoken of as if the person walked on the wrong path. Alternate Translation: "I disobeyed you"
Psa 119:69
smeared me with lies
People telling many lies about a person is spoken of as if they made the person dirty by spreading lies over him.
Psa 119:73
Your hands have made and fashioned me
God creating a person is spoken of as if God used his hands to shape the person the way someone may shape clay into an object.
Psa 119:79
turn to me
People returning in friendship to the writer is spoken of as if they physically turn towards him. Alternate Translation: "come to me" or "unite with me"
Psa 119:85
The proud have dug pits for me
The proud are seeking to capture the writer or cause him to do wrong. This is spoken of as if they were hunters digging holes to trap the writer like an animal.
Psa 119:89
your word is established firmly in heaven
This speaks about what God has said as if it were an object that stands firmly upright. Alternate Translation: "what you have said will be true in heaven forever"
Psa 119:94
for I seek your instructions
Trying hard to obey God's instructions is spoken of as if instructions were an object for which a person must search.
Psa 119:96
but your commandments are broad, beyond limits
God's commandments always being true and perfect is spoken of as if God's commandments were an object that is so wide that it never ends. Alternate Translation: "but your commandments are without limits" or "but your commandments are eternal"
Psa 119:98
your commandments are always with me
Constantly thinking about God's commandments is spoken of as if the commandments were an object that the writer keeps with him always.
Psa 119:101
I have kept my feet back from every evil path
Avoiding doing what is evil is spoken of as if it were avoiding walking on paths that are evil. Alternate Translation: "I have avoided doing what is evil"
Psa 119:102
I have not turned aside from your righteous decrees
Continuing to obey God's righteous decrees is spoken of as if the writer has not physically turned away from the righteous decrees. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate Translation: "I always obey your righteous decrees"
Psa 119:103
How sweet are your words to my taste, yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
The writer delighting in what God says is spoken of as if God's words were food that tasted sweet to the writer. Alternate Translation: "Your words are good and delightful!"
Psa 119:104
therefore I hate every false way
Evil behavior is spoken of as if it were a false way or road.
Psa 119:108
freewill offerings of my mouth
The writer speaks of his prayer as if it were a sacrifice that he is offering to God. Alternate Translation: "my prayer as a sacrifice to you"
Psa 119:110
The wicked have set a snare for me
Wicked people trying to capture and kill the writer is spoken of as if they were hunters setting a trap to catch an animal.
Psa 119:110
I have not strayed from your instructions
Not disobeying God's instructions is spoken of as if the writer has not walked away from God's instructions. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate Translation: "I obey your instructions"
Psa 119:111
I claim your covenant decrees as my heritage forever
The writer always cherishing and obeying God's decrees is spoken of as if the decrees are land or a possession that the writer will inherit. Alternate Translation: "Your laws will belong to me forever" or "Your covenant decrees are like a heritage I will keep forever"
Psa 119:113
who have a double mind
A person who is not sincere and not fully committed to obeying God is spoken of as if the person has two minds. Alternate Translation: "who are not completely committed to obeying you" or "who are insincere"
Psa 119:114
my hiding place
God making the writer safe is spoken of as if God were a place where the writer could go and hide.
Psa 119:114
my shield
God protecting the writer is spoken of as if God were the writer's shield.
Psa 119:128
I carefully follow all your instructions
A person carefully obeying all of God's instructions is spoken of as if as if the instructions were leading a person and that person follows behind. Alternate Translation: I carefully obey all of your instructions"
Psa 119:128
every path of falsehood
People doing what is evil is spoken of as if they are walking on the wrong path. Alternate Translation: "all the bad ways some people live"
Psa 119:130
The unfolding of your words gives light
The writer speaks of Yahweh's words as if those words were fabric that is folded, and of the person who explains Yahweh's words as if they are unfolding that fabric. Alternate Translation: "The explanation of your words gives light" or "When someone explains your words, they give light"
Psa 119:130
The unfolding of your words gives light
The writer speaks of Yahweh's words giving wisdom to a person as if his words were shining a light on them. Alternate Translation: "The explanation of your words gives people wisdom"
Psa 119:131
I open my mouth and pant, for I long for your commandments
The writer speaks of his desire for Yahweh's commandments as if he were a dog panting for water. Alternate Translation: "I earnestly long for your commandments"
Psa 119:135
Let your face shine on your servant
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably towards him as if Yahweh's face shone a light on him. Alternate Translation: "Act favorably towards your servant"
Psa 119:136
Streams of tears
The writer speaks of his many tears as if they were streams of water. Alternate Translation: "Many tears"
Psa 119:152
set them in place
The psalmist speaks of Yahweh's commands as if they were posts set in the ground. Alternate Translation: "given them for people to obey"
Psa 119:153
Look on my affliction
The psalmist speaks of affliction as if it were an object that people could see. Alternate Translation: "Look at how much I am suffering"
Psa 119:155
Salvation is far from the wicked
God not saving a person is spoken of as if salvation were far from the person. The abstract noun "Salvation" can be stated as "save." Alternate Translation: "You will certainly not save the wicked"
Psa 119:169
give me understanding into your word
The psalmist speaks of the ability to understand as if it were a solid object. Alternate Translation: "help me understand your word"
Psa 119:170
May my plea come before you
The psalmist speaks of the words he says in prayer as if they were people who want to speak to a king. Alternate Translation: "May you hear my prayer"
Psa 119:171
May my lips pour out praise
The psalmist speaks of his lips as if they were a container and his praise a liquid that could be poured out. Here the word "lips" is a synecdoche which represents the whole person. Alternate Translation: "I desire to praise you much"
Psa 119:172
my tongue sing
The psalmist speaks of his tongue either 1) as if it were a person or 2) as a synecdoche for his whole being. Alternate Translation: "me sing"
Psa 119:175
may your righteous decrees help me
The psalmist speaks of Yahweh's decrees as if they were a person who could help him. Alternate Translation: "may I listen to your righteous decrees and so become wise and strong"
Psa 120:4
He will punish you with the arrows of a warrior
The writer speaks of God severely punishing liars as if God were shooting them with arrows. Alternate Translation: "He will punish you severely, as if he were shooting you with warrior's arrows"
Psa 120:5
I temporarily live in Meshech; I lived previously among the tents of Kedar
These two places were far away from each other. The writer is likely using the names metaphorically to represent living among cruel and barbaric people. Alternate Translation: "It is as if I live in Meshech or among the tents of Kedar"
Psa 123:3
we are filled with humiliation
Here humiliation is spoken of as if it were something that could be fill up a person. "we are very disgraced"
Psa 124:3
swallowed us up alive
This metaphor describes how the Israelites could have died to how a fierce animal would attack a smaller animal to eat. Alternate Translation: "killed us"
Psa 124:4
The water would have swept us away
Here the enemies of the writer are spoken of as if they were a flood of water. Alternate Translation: "Our enemies would have easily defeated us"
Psa 124:4
the torrent would have overwhelmed us
Here the enemies of the writer are spoken of as if they were a flood of water that would have drowned the Israelites. Alternate Translation: "our enemies would have overwhelmed us"
Psa 124:5
the raging waters would have drowned us
Here the enemies of the writer are spoken of as if they were a raging river that would have drowned the Israelites. Alternate Translation: "our enemies would have destroyed us"
Psa 124:6
torn by their teeth
The enemies are spoken of as if they were wild animals that would destroy the Israelites by eating them. Alternate Translation: "destroyed as if we were eaten by wild animals"
Psa 124:7
escaped like a bird out of the snare of the fowlers
The writer describes his escape from the enemies as if he was a bird that had escaped from the snare of the hunters. Alternate Translation: "escaped from our enemies as a bird escapes from the trap that hunters have set"
Psa 124:7
the snare has been broken
The plot of the enemies to catch the writer failed as if it was a snare that had broken.
Psa 125:5
turn aside
Refusing to obey Yahweh is spoken of as turning away from a good path. Alternate Translation: "leave good and go"
Psa 125:5
their crooked ways
Here wicked ways are spoken of as if they were a path that is not straight. Alternate Translation: "their wicked ways"
Psa 126:2
our mouths were filled with laughter
Laughing is spoken of as if their mouths were a container and their laughter was in it. It can be made clear that this laughter was a response to their joy. Alternate Translation: "we laughed for joy"
Psa 127:3
heritage
property that a person can inherit from his ancestors. Children normally receive an inheritance from their parents. Inheritance goes from parents to children. This passage uses parents inheriting children from Yahweh as a metaphor for Yahweh being the only one who can give children.
Psa 127:5
his quiver full of them
A quiver is a container for arrows. Having many children is spoken of as if the children were arrows in a quiver. Alternate Translation: "a home full of children" or "many children"
Psa 129:3
The plowers plowed on my back
The cuts from a whipping are spoken of as the plow of a plowman. A farmer plowed deep lines into a field. Alternate Translation: "My enemies have cut me deeply on my back"
Psa 129:3
they made their furrows long
This is a continuation of the plowing metaphor. The "furrow" is the line the farmer plowed. Alternate Translation: "they made their cuts long"
Psa 129:4
he has cut the ropes of the wicked
Israel is spoken of as being bound by evil people. Alternate Translation: "he has freed us from our enemies"
Psa 130:1
Out of the depths I
The author's sadness is spoken of as if it were a container. His sadness comes from the bottom of the container. Sadness is often spoken of as being a container that fills from the top to the bottom. Alternate Translation: "Because I am very sad, I"
Psa 130:7
Israel ... his sins
The people of Israel are spoken of as if they were a man. Alternate Translation: "the people of Israel ... their" or "us people of Israel ... our"
Psa 130:8
Israel ... his sins
The people of Israel are spoken of as if they were a man. Alternate Translation: "the people of Israel ... their" or "us people of Israel ... our"
Psa 131:1
things that are beyond me
Things that are too hard for a person to understand are spoken of as if they are beyond the person or too far away from the person to be able to reach them. Alternate Translation: "things that are too hard to understand"
Psa 131:2
a weaned child with his mother
The psalmist speaks of himself being content and resting as if he were a young child that no longer demands breast milk from his mother. Alternate Translation: "content like a young child that no longer cries for breast milk but rests in his mother's arms" or "content and resting"
Psa 132:4
I will not give sleep to my eyes or rest to my eyelids
Sleep and rest are spoken of as if they are things that can be given. Here eyes and eyelids represent the whole person. Alternate Translation: "I will not allow my eyes to sleep or my eyelids to rest" or "I will not sleep or close my eyes and rest"
Psa 132:7
we will worship at his footstool
Worshiping God at the covenant box is spoken of as bowing at the feet of the king who is sitting on his throne. This communicates humility and submission to God. Alternate Translation: "we will go to God's covenant box and worship him as king"
Psa 132:8
your resting place
The place God chose for people to worship him is spoken of as if it were a place where he rests or lives eternally. Alternate Translation: "the place where you stay" or "your tabernacle"
Psa 132:9
May your priests be clothed with integrity
Integrity is spoken of as if it were clothing. Alternate Translation: "May people recognize that your priests have integrity" or "I want people see how your priests always do what is right"
Psa 132:10
do not turn away from your anointed king
Here "turning away" means to reject someone. Alternate Translation: "do not abandon the king that you anointed"
Psa 132:11
I will place one of your descendants on your throne
Making a king's descendant become king in his place is spoken of as placing him on that king's throne. AT "I will cause one of your descendants to rule Israel in your place"
Psa 132:12
sit on your throne
Ruling as king is spoken of as sitting on the throne. Alternate Translation: "rule as king"
Psa 132:14
my resting place
The place God chose for people to worship him is spoken of as if it were a place where he rests or lives eternally. Alternate Translation: "the place where I stay" or "my tabernacle"
Psa 132:16
I will clothe her priests with salvation
Salvation is spoken of as if it is clothing. Possible meanings are 1) "I will cause the priests to behave in a manner worthy of ones whom I have saved" or 2) "I will save her priests"
Psa 132:17
I will make a horn to sprout for David
God speaks of a powerful descendant of David as if he was the powerful horn of an animal. Alternate Translation: "I will make a descendant of David become king after him" or "I will cause David to have a descendant who will be a powerful king"
Psa 132:17
set up a lamp for my anointed one
God speaks of causing David's descendants to continue to rule as king as if they were a lamp that would continue to shine. Alternate Translation: "I will cause my anointed one's descendants to continue to rule as king"
Psa 132:18
I will clothe his enemies with shame
Shame is spoken of as if it was clothing. This shame would result from losing in war. Alternate Translation: "I will cause his enemies to be ashamed" or "I will cause his enemies to be defeated and ashamed"
Psa 133:1
for brothers to live together
The relationships among fellow God's people is spoken of as if they were brothers. Alternate Translation: "for God's people to live together peacefully as brothers"
Psa 135:5
that our Lord is above all gods
I know that our Lord is above all gods. Being greater than something is spoken of as being above it. Alternate Translation: "that our Lord is greater than all gods"
Psa 135:7
bringing the wind out of his storehouse
A storehouse is a place where things are kept for future use. This imagery shows God's power to control the wind. Alternate Translation: "causing the wind to blow by his power"
Psa 135:12
He gave us their land as an inheritance
God's gift of the land to the Israelites is spoken of as if it were inheritance from father to son. Alternate Translation: "He gave us their land to have forever" or "He gave us their land to be ours forever"
Psa 136:8
to rule by day ... to rule by night
The sun, moon, and stars are spoken of as if they were kings. Alternate Translation: "to mark the time of day ... to mark the time of night"
Psa 136:9
to rule by day ... to rule by night
The sun, moon, and stars are spoken of as if they were kings. Alternate Translation: "to mark the time of day ... to mark the time of night"
Psa 136:12
with a strong hand and a raised arm
Here "hand" and "arm" represent power. Alternate Translation: "with great power"
Psa 136:15
overthrew Pharaoh
Here defeat is spoken of as if it were tipping someone over. Alternate Translation: "defeated Pharaoh" or "defeated the king of Egypt"
Psa 136:23
helped us in our humiliation
The condition of feeling shame is spoken of as if it were a place that the Israelites had been in. This is a reference to the many times when the Israelites' enemies had defeated them in battle and shamed them. Alternate Translation: "cared when we were shamed"
Psa 136:24
has given us victory over our enemies
Causing people to be victorious and defeat their enemies is spoken of as giving them victory, as if victory were an object that can be given. Alternate Translation: "has made us victorious over our enemies" or "has made us able to defeat our enemies"
Psa 137:7
the day Jerusalem fell
Jerusalem being captured by an enemy army is spoken of as if it had fallen. Who captured Jerusalem can be stated clearly. Alternate Translation: "the day Jerusalem was captured" or "the day the Babylonian army entered Jerusalem"
Psa 137:8
pays you back for what you have done to us
The writer speaks of someone doing to others what they have done as if were payment. Alternate Translation: "does to you what you did to us"
Psa 138:6
the proud he knows from far off
This expression probably means that God is not faithful to those who are proud.
Psa 138:7
in the middle of danger
Being in danger is spoken of as being in a physical place.
Psa 138:7
you will reach out with your hand against the anger of my enemies
God is spoken of as if he will strike the enemies with his hand.
Psa 138:8
your hands have made
God is spoken of as if he had physically used hands to create. Alternate Translation: "you have created"
Psa 139:3
my path and my lying down
Here "path" stands for one's behavior. "My path and my lying down" together represent everything about the psalmist.
Psa 139:4
before there is a word on my tongue
Here "word on the tongue" represents speech. Alternate Translation: "before I say anything"
Psa 139:5
place your hand upon me
This expression refers to guidance and help. Alternate Translation: "you guide and help me"
Psa 139:6
it is too high, and I cannot reach it
Being high and out of reach is an expression, in this case, about some knowledge that human beings cannot have. Alternate Translation: "it is too difficult to understand"
Psa 139:8
if I make my bed in Sheol
Making one's bed refers to staying somewhere. Alternate Translation: "even if I stay in Sheol"
Psa 139:9
If I fly away on the wings of the morning
In the ancient near east, the sun was often imagined as if it had wings which enabled it to fly across the sky. Alternate Translation: "If the sun could carry me with itself across the sky"
Psa 139:11
If I said, "Surely the darkness will cover me
The psalmist speaks of the night as if it were a blanket that could conceal him.
Psa 139:12
The night would shine like the day
The night, which is dark, is spoken of as if it were bright with light.
Psa 139:15
the depths of the earth
This is probably a way of speaking about a mother's womb
Psa 139:24
any wicked way
Here "way" stands for behavior.
Psa 139:24
the everlasting way
Here "way" refers to trust and obedience in God. Anyone who "walks" this way will have everlasting life.
Psa 140:3
Their tongues wound like serpents
People who cause conflict by what they say are spoken of as if they had tongues of serpents. Of course, snakes do not do damage with their tongues, but with their bites and especially with poison. Neither can a person make his tongue sharp. Instead, here the idea of a sharp tongue stands for speaking in a way to cause trouble. And the idea the snakes have sharp tongues stands for the fact that many of them have poison.
Psa 140:4
the hands of the wicked
That is, the power of the wicked
Psa 140:5
have set a trap ... have spread a net ... have set a snare
The exact kinds of traps are less important than the idea that wicked and proud people are planning to make trouble for the psalmist. If your readers do not know much about different ways of trapping, you may need to reduce this to one line. Alternate Translation: "have set a trap to catch me"
Psa 140:7
battle
Here "battle" probably stands for any kind of severe trouble
Psa 140:9
the mischief of their own lips
The trouble that they themselves caused by what they said.
Psa 140:9
cover them
That is, stop them from causing any more trouble.
Psa 140:10
Let burning coals fall on them; throw them into the fire
Images of fire stand for severe punishment for the wicked.
Psa 141:3
place a guard over my mouth
The psalmist speaks as if evil words were prisoners trying to escape from his mouth. Alternate Translation: "please help me not to say things that are evil"
Psa 141:3
guard the door of my lips
The psalmist speaks as if evil words were prisoners trying to escape from his mouth. Alternate Translation: "please help me not to say things when I should not"
Psa 141:5
hit me
The psalmist speaks as if giving a rebuke were physically hitting someone. Alternate Translation: "rebuke me" or "hit me so I will listen when he corrects me"
Psa 141:8
in you I take refuge
I am asking you to protect me See how "take refuge" is translated in [Psalms 118:9](../118/009.md).
Psa 141:9
the snares that they have laid for me
The psalmist speaks of deceiving a good man so the good man will sin or so that the evil people can defeat him as if it were laying a trap for an animal. The word "snares" is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate Translation: "people who are looking for ways to harm me"
Psa 142:2
pour out my lament before him
The psalmist speaks of telling Yahweh why he is sad as if he were pouring all of a liquid out of a container. Alternate Translation: "I tell him all about why I am sad"
Psa 142:3
In the way that I walk they have hidden a trap for me
The psalmist speaks of people wanting to harm him as if they were trying to trap an animal. Alternate Translation: "They are making plans so that whatever I do they can harm me"
Psa 143:2
in your sight no one is righteous
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "in your judgment no one is righteous"
Psa 143:3
has crushed me to the ground
Defeating an enemy is spoken of as a heavy object crushing a lighter object on the ground. Alternate Translation: "has completely defeated me"
Psa 143:6
my soul thirsts for you in a parched land
The psalmist speaks of wanting to be with God as if he were in a parched land and he also was about to die of thirst. Alternate Translation: "I want to be with you the way a person in a parched land who is very thirsty wants water"
Psa 143:6
my soul thirsts for you
The psalmist desires to know Yahweh. The intensity of his desire to know Yahweh is like one who is very thirsty. Alternate Translation: "I long for you"
Psa 143:7
Do not hide your face from me
The psalmist speaks of Yahweh refusing to do what the psalmist asks as if Yahweh were refusing to even look at the psalmist. This litotes can be stated as a positive. Alternate Translation: "Do not refuse to listen to me" or "Please listen to me"
Psa 143:8
the way where I should walk
The psalmist speaks of the way people live as if it were a path on which they walk. Alternate Translation: "how you want me to live"
Psa 143:10
lead me in the land of uprightness
Possible meanings are 1) "help me to live righteously" or 2) "may my life be free of trouble"
Psa 143:10
the land of uprightness
Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor for righteous living or 2) "a level land," a metaphor for life free of trouble.
Psa 144:1
my rock
Possible meanings are 1) "the one who keeps me safe" or 2) "the one who gives me strength"
Psa 144:2
my fortress ... take refuge
The psalmist uses many metaphors to emphasize that Yahweh will protect him.
Psa 144:2
my high tower
David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a fortress that protects him from attack. Yahweh is the one who protects David from harm.
Psa 144:2
my shield
David speaks of Yahweh as if he were a shield that protects a soldier. Yahweh is the one who protects David from harm. See how this is translated in [Psalms 18:2](../018/002.md).
Psa 144:2
the one in whom I take refuge
Going to Yahweh for protection is spoken of as taking refuge in him. Alternate Translation: "the one to whom I go so he will protect me"
Psa 144:7
Reach out your hand from above; rescue me out of many waters
David speaks as if God were on land above a flood and had physical hands with which he could pull David out of a flood. The flood is a metaphor for the troubles caused by the "foreigners." Alternate Translation: "You who are able to act, help me overcome my troubles"
Psa 144:8
their right hand is falsehood
Possible meanings are 1) David speaks of the custom of raising the right hand to swear that what one is about to say in court is true, "they lie even when they swear to tell the truth," or 2) the "right hand" is a metaphor for power, "everything they have gotten, they have gotten by telling lies."
Psa 144:11
their right hand is falsehood
Possible meanings are 1) David speaks of the custom of raising the right hand to swear that what one is about to say in court is true, "they lie even when they swear to tell the truth," or 2) the "right hand" is a metaphor for power, "everything they have gotten, they have gotten by telling lies."See how you translated these words [Psalms 144:7-8](./007.md).
Psa 145:8
abounding in covenant faithfulness
The psalmist speaks of covenant faithfulness as if it were a physical object of which one could possess a large amount. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated with an adjective. Alternate Translation: "completely faithful to his covenant"
Psa 145:14
supports all who are falling ... raises up all those who are bent over
The psalmist speaks of Yahweh encouraging people as if he were helping people who were physically weak. You may need to translate both lines using only one line. AT "encourages those who are discouraged"
Psa 145:18
is near to all those who call to him
Here "is near" means "ready to help." Alternate Translation: "is always ready to help all those who call to him"
Psa 146:8
opens the eyes of the blind
Causing a blind person to see is spoken of as if Yahweh were opening the person's eyes. Alternate Translation: "causes the blind to see"
Psa 146:8
Yahweh raises up those who are bowed down
Yahweh helping someone is spoken of as if he were physically helping someone to stand up. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh helps those who are discouraged" or "Yahweh helps those who are weak"
Psa 146:9
he lifts up
God helping someone is spoken of as if he were physically lifting them up.
Psa 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds
The writer speaks of the people's sorrow and discouragement as if they were physical wounds, and of Yahweh encouraging them as if he were healing those wounds. Alternate Translation: "He encourages those who are sad and helps them to heal from their emotional wounds"
Psa 147:6
Yahweh lifts up the oppressed
The writer speaks of Yahweh honoring those who are oppressed as if Yahweh were lifting them up from the ground. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh honors the oppressed"
Psa 147:6
he brings the wicked down to the ground
The writer speaks of Yahweh humiliating the wicked as if Yahweh were forcing them to lie on the ground. Alternate Translation: "he humiliates the wicked"
Psa 147:13
he blesses ... among you
The writer speaks of those who live in Jerusalem as if they were Jerusalem's children. Alternate Translation: "he blesses those who live in Jerusalem"
Psa 147:18
He sends out his command and melts them
The writer speaks of Yahweh's command as if it were his messenger. The word "command" can be translated with a verb. Alternate Translation: "He commands the ice to melt"
Psa 148:13
his glory extends over the earth and the heavens
The writer speaks of Yahweh's greatness as his glory being high above earth and heaven.
Psa 148:14
He has lifted up the horn of his people
The writer speaks of strength as if it were the horn of an animal. Lifting up an animal horn was a symbolic action that represented military victory. Alternate Translation: "He has made his people strong" or "He has given his people victory"
Psa 148:14
the people near to him
The writer speaks of Yahweh loving his people as if his people were physically close to him. Alternate Translation: "the people he loves"
Pro 1:9
they will be a graceful wreath for your head and pendants hanging from your neck
The rules and instructions that parents teach their children are so valuable and important that they are spoken of as if they were a beautiful wreath or pendant that a person wears. Alternate Translation: "they will make you wise just as wearing a wreath on your head or a pendant around your neck makes you beautiful"
Pro 1:12
Let us swallow them up alive, like Sheol takes away those who are healthy
The sinners speak of murdering innocent people as if they were Sheol and they would take a living and healthy person down to the place where dead people go.
Pro 1:15
do not walk down that road with them; do not let your foot touch where they walk
To avoid behaving the same way as the sinners do is spoken of as if the son were to avoid walking on or even touching the roads that sinners walk on. Alternate Translation: "do not go with the sinners or do what they do"
Pro 1:16
their feet run to evil
The sinners having an eager interest in doing evil things is spoken of as if they were running to evil. Alternate Translation: "they are eager to do wicked things"
Pro 1:17
For it is useless to spread the net in the sight of any bird
This metaphor compares the wisdom of birds who avoid traps that they see to the foolishness of sinners who get caught in traps they make for themselves.
Pro 1:18
These men lie in wait for their own blood—they set an ambush for their own lives
This finishes the comparison started in [Proverbs 1:17](./17.md). The men destroying themselves by doing sinful things is spoken of as if they set a trap and kill themselves. Alternate Translation: "But these men are more foolish than the birds. They kill themselves with their own traps"
Pro 1:18
These men lie in wait for their own blood
To lie in wait is to hide, ready to do something wicked. Alternate Translation: "It is as if they are looking for an opportunity to kill themselves" or "They themselves will be killed because they try to kill others"
Pro 1:19
So are the ways of everyone
A person's fate or destiny is spoken of as if it were a road a person walks on. Alternate Translation: "This is what happens to everyone"
Pro 1:19
unjust gain takes away the lives of those who hold on to it
A person destroying themselves by trying to gain wealth through violence, theft, and deceit is spoken of as if the unjust gains will kill those who take it. Alternate Translation: "it is like the unjust gains will destroy those who hold on to it"
Pro 1:23
I will pour out my thoughts to you
Wisdom telling the people everything she thinks about them is spoken of as if her thoughts were a liquid that she would pour out.
Pro 1:31
eat the fruit of their ways
Here a person's behavior is spoken of as if it were a way or road. Also, a person receiving the results of their behavior is spoken as if the person were eating the fruit of their behavior. Alternate Translation: "experience the consequences of their actions"
Pro 1:31
with the fruit of their schemes they will be filled
they will eat the fruit of their schemes until they are full. A person receiving the results of their own evil plans is spoken of as eating the fruit of their schemes. Alternate Translation: "they will suffer the consequences of their own evil plans"
Pro 1:32
are killed when they turn away
A person rejecting wisdom is spoken of as if the person physically turns away from wisdom. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "die because they refuse to learn"
Pro 2:1
treasure up my commandments with you
Valuing what is commanded is spoken of as if the commandments were a treasure and the person were a safe place to store the treasure. Alternate Translation: "consider my commands to be as valuable as a treasure"
Pro 2:4
you seek it ... search for understanding
Trying very hard to understand what is wise is spoken of as if understanding were an object for which a person must search.
Pro 2:5
you will find the knowledge of God
To succeed in knowing God is spoken of as if the knowledge of God were an object that a person finds after searching.
Pro 2:7
He stores up sound wisdom for those who please him
Yahweh teaching wisdom to people is spoken of as if wisdom were an item that Yahweh stores and gives to people. Alternate Translation: "He teaches what is truly wise to those who please him"
Pro 2:7
he is a shield for those
Yahweh being able to protect his people is spoken of as if he were a shield. Alternate Translation: "God protects those"
Pro 2:7
who walk in integrity
A person behaving with integrity is spoken of as if they were walking in integrity. Alternate Translation: "who behave with integrity" or "who live their lives as they should"
Pro 2:8
he guards the paths of justice
Possible meanings are 1) justice itself is spoken of as if it were a path. Alternate Translation: "God makes sure that people act justly" or 2) a person's life is spoken of as if it were a path. Alternate Translation: "God protects those who act justly"
Pro 2:8
preserve the way of those
A person's life is spoken of as if it were a way or road. Alternate Translation: "protect those"
Pro 2:9
every good path
A behavior that is wise and pleases Yahweh is spoken of as if it were a good path. Alternate Translation: "ways to live that are pleasing to God"
Pro 2:12
from the way of evil
Evil behaviors are spoken of as if evil were a way or path on which a person walks.
Pro 2:13
who abandon the right paths and walk in the ways of darkness
A person no longer doing what is right but deciding to do what is evil is spoken of as if the person stops walking on the correct path and chooses to walk down a dark path.
Pro 2:15
They follow crooked paths
People who lie to others are spoken of as if they walk on crooked or twisted paths. Alternate Translation: "They deceive other people"
Pro 2:15
using deception they hide their tracks
People lying so that others will not find out what they did is spoken of as if they covered the tracks on a path so that no one could follow them. Alternate Translation: "they lie so that no one will know what they have done"
Pro 2:18
her tracks will lead you
Possible meanings are 1) "the paths to her house will lead you." This refers to the tracks or path that lead to her house, or 2) this is a metaphor that speaks of her way of life as if it were a path on which she walks. Alternate Translation: "her way of life will lead you"
Pro 2:20
you will walk in the way ... follow the paths
A person's conduct is spoken of as if it were walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "you will live in the way ... follow the example"
Pro 2:22
the wicked will be cut off from the land
The writer speaks of Yahweh removing people from the land as if he were cutting the people off, like a person might cut a branch from a tree. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will remove the wicked from the land"
Pro 2:22
the faithless will be cut off from it
The writer speaks of Yahweh removing people from the land as if he were cutting the people off, like a person might cut a branch from a tree. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "he will remove the faithless from it"
Pro 3:3
tie them together about your neck
The writer speaks of faithfulness and trustworthiness as if they were objects that a person could tie around the neck like a necklace. The image suggests that these are valuable things that the person displays outwardly. Alternate Translation: "display them proudly like one would wear a necklace"
Pro 3:4
in the sight of God and man
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "in the judgment of God and man"
Pro 3:5
do not lean on your own understanding
The writer speaks of relying on one's own understanding as if "understanding" were an object on which a person can lean. Alternate Translation: "do not rely on your own understanding"
Pro 3:6
in all your ways
The writer speaks of a person's actions as if they were paths on which the person walks. Alternate Translation: "in everything you do"
Pro 3:6
he will make your paths straight
The writer speaks of Yahweh making a person's actions prosperous as if that person's actions were paths on which he walks and which Yahweh makes free of obstacles. Alternate Translation: "he will give you success"
Pro 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes
The writer speaks of a person's opinion as if that person were seeing something with his eyes. Alternate Translation: "Do not be wise in your own opinion"
Pro 3:7
turn away from evil
The writer speaks of not committing evil actions as if it were turning away from evil. Alternate Translation: "do not commit evil"
Pro 3:13
The one who finds wisdom
The writer speaks of "wisdom" as if it were an object that one finds. Alternate Translation: "The one who attains wisdom"
Pro 3:18
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of it
The writer speaks of wisdom as if it were a tree that bears life-giving fruit and of a person who benefits from wisdom as if that person ate of the fruit. Alternate Translation: "Wisdom is like a tree that sustains the life of those who eat of its fruit"
Pro 3:19
Yahweh founded the earth ... established the heavens
The writer speaks of Yahweh creating the earth and the heavens as if he were laying the foundation of a building. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh created the earth ... made the heavens"
Pro 3:21
do not lose sight of them
The writer speaks of not forgetting something as if it were always being able to see it. Alternate Translation: "do not forget them"
Pro 3:22
an adornment of favor to wear around your neck
The writer speaks of "sound judgment" and "discernment" as if they were objects that a person could tie around the neck like a necklace. The image suggests that these are valuable things that the person displays outwardly. Alternate Translation: "a display of favor like one would adorn themselves with a necklace"
Pro 3:23
you will walk on your way in safety
The writer speaks of living one's life as if the person were walking along a path. Alternate Translation: "you will live your life in safety"
Pro 3:24
your sleep will be sweet
The writer speaks of sleep that is peaceful and refreshing as if it tasted sweet to the person sleeping. The word "sleep" can be translated as a verb. Alternate Translation: "your sleep will be pleasant" or "you will sleep peacefully"
Pro 3:26
will keep your foot from being caught in a trap
The writer speaks of a person experiencing harm from "terror" and "devastation" as if the person were caught in a trap. The word "foot" represents the whole person. Alternate Translation: "will protect you from those who want to harm you"
Pro 3:33
The curse of Yahweh is on the house of the wicked person
The writer speaks of Yahweh's curse as if it were an object that he placed on top of the wicked person's house. The word "house" is a metonym for family. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has cursed the family of the wicked person"
Pro 3:34
he gives his favor to humble people
The writer speaks of Yahweh's favor as if it were an object that he gives to people. Alternate Translation: "he shows his favor to humble people" or "he is gracious to humble people"
Pro 3:35
Wise people inherit honor
The writer speaks of wise people obtaining a reputation of honor as if they inherited honor as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "Wise people will obtain honor" or "Wise people will gain an honorable reputation"
Pro 3:35
fools will be lifted up in their shame
The writer speaks of Yahweh making the shame of fools evident to everyone as if Yahweh were lifting fools up for everyone to see them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will cause everyone to see the shame of fools"
Pro 4:9
She will put a wreath of honor on your head
The writer speaks of the honor that a person will have from gaining wisdom as if wisdom placed a wreath upon that person's head. Alternate Translation: "Wisdom will be like a wreath on your head that shows your great honor"
Pro 4:9
she will give you a beautiful crown
The writer speaks of the honor that a person will have from gaining wisdom as if wisdom placed a crown upon that person's head. Alternate Translation: "wisdom will be like a beautiful crown on your head"
Pro 4:11
I direct you in the way of wisdom; I lead you down straight paths
The writer speaks of teaching his son to live wisely as if he were leading his son along the paths where one may find wisdom. Alternate Translation: "I am teaching you how to live wisely; I am explaining the right way to live"
Pro 4:12
When you walk, no one will stand in your way and if you run, you will not stumble
These two lines share similar meanings. The writer speaks of the decisions and actions that a person makes as if that person were walking or running along a path and of the person being successful as if the path were free of obstacles that might make the person stumble. Alternate Translation: "When you plan something, you will succeed in doing it"
Pro 4:13
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go
The writer speaks of a person remembering what he has learned as if "instruction" were an object that the person can hold tightly. Alternate Translation: "Continue to obey what I have taught you and never forget it"
Pro 4:14
Do not follow the path of the wicked and do not go along the way of those who do evil
The writer speaks of a person's actions as if that person were walking along a path. Alternate Translation: "Do not do what wicked people do and do not join in the actions of people who do evil"
Pro 4:16
until they cause someone to stumble
The writer speaks of causing harm to another person as if it were causing that person to stumble. Alternate Translation: "until they harm someone"
Pro 4:17
they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence
Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor in which the writer speaks of these people constantly committing wickedness and violence as if they ate and drank them like one would drink bread and wine. Alternate Translation: "wickedness is like the bread that they eat and violence is like the wine that they drink" or 2) these people get their food and drink by committing wickedness and violence. Alternate Translation: "they eat bread that they obtain by doing wicked things and drink wine that they obtain through violence"
Pro 4:18
the path of righteous people ... The way of the wicked
The writer speaks of the actions and lifestyles of righteous people and wicked people as if they were a "path" or "way" upon which they walk. Alternate Translation: "the lifestyle of righteous people ... The lifestyle of the wicked"
Pro 4:19
the path of righteous people ... The way of the wicked
The writer speaks of the actions and lifestyles of righteous people and wicked people as if they were a "path" or "way" upon which they walk. Alternate Translation: "the lifestyle of righteous people ... The lifestyle of the wicked"
Pro 4:19
they do not know what it is they stumble over
The writer speaks of experiencing harm as if it were stumbling over an object in the path along which the person walks. Alternate Translation: "they do not know why they experience harm and misfortune"
Pro 4:21
Do not let them turn away from your eyes
The writer speaks of always thinking about something as if it were keeping it where one can see it. Alternate Translation: "Do not stop thinking about them"
Pro 4:21
keep them in your heart
The writer speaks of remembering something as if it were keeping it within one's heart. Alternate Translation: "always remember them"
Pro 4:22
to those who find them
The writer speaks of fully understanding his words as if the person searches for them and finds them. Alternate Translation: "to those who understand and practice them"
Pro 4:24
Put crooked speech away from you and put corrupt talk far from you
The writer speaks of lying or deceitful speech as if it were crooked and of a person not using this kind of language as if it were removing it far away from oneself. Alternate Translation: "Do not lie and do not speak deceitfully"
Pro 4:26
then all your ways will be secure
The writer speaks of a person's actions as if the person were walking along a path and of those actions being successful as if the path were safe and secure. Alternate Translation: "then everything that you do will be right"
Pro 5:4
but in the end she is as bitter as wormwood
The writer speaks of the harm that comes from having a relationship with an adulteress as if she tasted as bitter as wormwood. Alternate Translation: "but in the end, she is like bitter-tasting wormwood and will cause you harm"
Pro 5:4
cutting like a sharp sword
The writer speaks of the pain that the adulteress will cause to the one who has a relationship with her as if she were a sharp weapon that cuts the person. Alternate Translation: "she wounds a person, as if she were a sharp sword"
Pro 5:5
her steps go all the way to Sheol
The writer speaks of her conduct as if she were walking along a path. Alternate Translation: "she walks all the way to Sheol" or "her conduct takes her all the way to Sheol"
Pro 5:6
She gives no thought to the path of life
The writer speaks of behavior that gives a person long life as if it were a path that leads to life. Alternate Translation: "She does not think about walking along the path that leads to life" or "She is not concerned about conduct that leads to life"
Pro 5:7
do not turn away from listening
The writer speaks of stopping an action as if the person physically turned away from it. Alternate Translation: "do not stop listening"
Pro 5:10
strangers will not feast on your wealth
The writer speaks of people taking and enjoying another person's wealth as if they were feasting on the wealth. Alternate Translation: "strangers will not take all of your wealth"
Pro 5:15
running water
The writer speaks of fresh or flowing water as if the water were running. Alternate Translation: "fresh water" or "flowing water"
Pro 5:18
May your fountain be blessed
The writer speaks of the son's wife as if she were a fountain. Here the word "blessed" refers to the sense of joy that the man has in his wife. Alternate Translation: "May you always find joy with your wife"
Pro 5:19
she is a loving deer and a graceful doe
The writer speaks of the son's wife as if she were "a loving deer and a graceful doe." Here "deer" and "doe" mean a female deer. They were symbols of beauty both in their appearance and in their movements. Alternate Translation: "she is as beautiful and graceful as a deer or a doe" or "she is as beautiful and graceful as a female deer"
Pro 5:21
all the paths he takes
The writer speaks of a person's actions or lifestyle as if it were a path on which the person walks. Alternate Translation: "everywhere he goes" or "everything he does"
Pro 5:22
the cords of his sin will hold him tight
The writer speaks of a wicked person being unable to avoid the consequences of his sin as if that sin were a trap made of cords in which the person is caught. Alternate Translation: "because of his sin, he will be like an animal caught in a trap"
Pro 6:12
lives by the crookedness of his speech
Here lies are spoken of as speech that is crooked. Alternate Translation: "constantly tells lies"
Pro 6:19
one who sows discord
This figure of speech is using "sows" to refer to causing or bringing about discord. Alternate Translation: "a person who causes discord"
Pro 6:21
bind them on your heart; tie them about your neck
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. They describe the commands and instructions as if they are written down so that you can put it in or on your body to remind yourself.
Pro 6:23
a lamp ... a light ... the way of life
All three of these mean basically the same thing and are repeated to emphasize the fact that the lessons make life better and easier. Alternate Translation: "as useful as a lamp ... as helpful as light in the darkness ... as necessary to follow as the way of life"
Pro 6:25
do not let her capture you with her eyelashes
The writer speaks of the woman's eyelashes as if they were a trap into which the young man could fall. They are a synecdoche for her beauty and a metonym for the way the woman looks at the young man to make her want her. Alternate Translation: "do not allow her to gain control over you by being beautiful and by the way she looks at you"
Pro 6:28
walk on hot coals
This stands for committing adultery.
Pro 7:1
keep my words
Here keeping represents obeying. Alternate Translation: "obey my words"
Pro 7:1
store up my commands within yourself
Here God's commands are spoken of as if they were objects that someone could put into a storeroom. Alternate Translation: "memorize my commands"
Pro 7:2
keep my instruction
Here keeping represents obeying. Alternate Translation: "obey my instructions"
Pro 7:3
Tie them on your fingers
Possible meanings are 1) that the writer wanted his son to engrave certain commands from God on a ring and wear it, or 2) that the writer wanted his son to always remember God's commands, as if he always wore a certain ring.
Pro 7:3
write them on the tablet of your heart
Here the heart represents a person's mind, and remembering something well is spoken of as if the person were writing it on a stone tablet. See how you translated this in [Proverbs 3:3](../03/03.md). Alternate Translation: "remember my commands well as if you were writing them in stone"
Pro 7:10
with a false heart
Here "heart" represents intentions or plans. Alternate Translation: "she planned to deceive someone"
Pro 7:12
she waited in ambush
Here the woman is spoken of as if she were preparing to physically trap a person or an animal. Also, the idea of trapping someone here represents persuading someone to commit sin. Alternate Translation: "she waited to trap someone" or "she waited to find someone she could persuade to sin"
Pro 7:18
let us drink our fill of love
Here the pleasures of romantic love are spoken of as if they were something good to drink. Alternate Translation: "let us make love to each other as much as we want"
Pro 7:21
she turned him
To persuade someone to act in a certain way is spoken of as if it were changing the direction that person was walking. Alternate Translation: "she persuaded him"
Pro 7:25
May your heart not turn aside onto her paths
Here "ways" means the paths that a person chooses to walk on. It represents the person's behavior, the things that he decides to do in life. Alternate Translation: "Make your heart stay far away from the ways of the adulterous woman" or "Do not let your heart want to do the things that the adulterous woman does"
Pro 7:27
the dark bedrooms of death
This expression pictures the dead as sleeping in many different rooms in Sheol.
Pro 8:8
nothing twisted
Twisting a message is a metaphor for changing a true message into a false one. Alternate Translation: "nothing false"
Pro 8:20
I walk in the path of righteousness
Living the right way is spoken of as walking on the right road. Alternate Translation: "I live right" or "I do what is right"
Pro 8:20
in the midst of the paths of justice
This tells more of what is meant by "the path of righteousness." Alternate Translation: "I do what is perfectly just" or "I only do what is just"
Pro 8:21
treasuries
storehouses for valuable things. Wisdom is spoken of as a woman who fills the storehouses of her followers with valuable things.
Pro 8:32
those who keep my ways
Here "my ways" represents wisdom's behavior. Alternate Translation: "those who do what I teach" or "the people who follow my example"
Pro 9:6
Leave your naive actions
Here naive actions are spoken of as if they were a place that a person could leave. Alternate Translation: "Stop your naive behavior"
Pro 9:6
the path of understanding
Here the process of understanding wisdom is spoken of as if it were a path that a person could follow. Alternate Translation: "the manner of living that a wise person has"
Pro 9:11
years of life will be added to you
Wisdom speaks of years of life as if they were physical objects. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I will add years of life to you" or "I will add years to your life" or "I will enable you to live longer"
Pro 9:12
you will carry it
This speaks of the consequence of one's bad behavior as if it were a heavy load that one had to carry on his back.
Pro 9:17
Stolen waters are sweet, and bread of secrecy is delicious
The foolish woman speaks of the pleasure of stolen waters and bread of secrecy to tell men that if they sleep with her, they will have pleasure. This can be stated clearly in a simile: "You can enjoy me just as you enjoy water that you have stolen or bread that is secret"
Pro 10:10
will be thrown down
A person who is ruined is spoken of as if he were thrown down. Alternate Translation: "others will ruin him"
Pro 10:11
is a water spring of life
This person's speech is spoken of as if it preserved living animals or people, as a water spring would do in a dry land.
Pro 10:11
the mouth of the wicked covers up violence
That is, the wicked person appears to say harmless things, but plans to violent things against other people.
Pro 10:15
his fortified city
This represents wealth as a safe place. Alternate Translation: "his safety"
Pro 10:16
The wage ... the profit
These terms normally refer to the money a worker earns. Here they represents the results of either doing what is right or doing what is wrong.
A game is an activity people do for pleasure. Alternate Translation: "Fools find pleasure in wickedness"
Pro 10:25
is a foundation that lasts forever
Foundation represents the base or a beginning of something that people build over. Alternate Translation: "is a start for something that lasts forever"
Pro 10:27
the years of the wicked
Years represent the time a person lives. Alternate Translation: "the lifetime of the evil person"
Pro 10:28
the years of wicked people
Here "years" represent the time a person lives. Alternate Translation: "the lifetime of the evil person"
Pro 11:1
Yahweh hates scales that are not accurate
Scales represent measuring accurately in negotiating. Alternate Translation: "God hates deceiving scales" or "God hates it when people are deceitful"
Pro 11:13
keeps a matter covered
Covered represents keeping things concealed as much as possible. Alternate Translation: "does not tell" or "does not speak about the matter"
Pro 11:18
sows what is right
To "sow" represents spreading out to gain more. Alternate Translation: "spreads out what is right"
Pro 11:18
reaps the wages of truth
To "reap" represents acquiring or gathering in" Alternate Translation: "will surely be rewarded"
Pro 11:24
There is one who scatters—he will accumulate even more
This is a metaphor for a person who becomes more wealthy by being generous. Alternate Translation: "Some people give freely to others and yet become more wealthy"
Pro 11:26
good gifts crown the head of him who sells it
Crown represents the reward or award for the person who is willing to sell grain. Alternate Translation: "good gifts are given as a crown of honor to him who sells it" or "the person who sells it is honored with many blessings"
Pro 11:29
inherit the wind
The "wind" is a metaphor for something that cannot be grasped or has no value. Alternate Translation: "inherit nothing"
Pro 12:3
cannot be uprooted
Uprooted represents being pulled out of the ground like a plant or a tree. This cannot happen to those who do right. Alternate Translation: "are as stable as a tree with deep roots"
Pro 12:4
A worthy wife is her husband's crown
A crown represents the greatest honor a person can receive. Alternate Translation: "A good wife is a sign of great honor for her husband"
Pro 12:6
The words of wicked people are an ambush waiting for a chance to kill
The deceitful things that wicked people say in order to harm other people are spoken of as if their words are waiting to kill someone by surprise. Alternate Translation: "The deceitful things wicked people say are like a person who waits to kill someone by surprise"
Pro 12:25
weighs him down
Weighing down represents the idea of putting a very heavy load on a person so he cannot move freely. This phrase means to make a person sad or depressed. Alternate Translation: "causes him to become sad or depressed"
Pro 13:3
opens wide his lips
Opening the lips represents speaking, and opening them wide represents speaking too often or too much. Alternate Translation: "speaks a lot" or "talks too much"
Pro 13:9
The light of righteous people rejoices
Here the light represents the righteous person's life or good behavior, and rejoicing represents causing people to rejoice. Alternate Translation: "The life of a righteous person is like a light that causes people to rejoice"
Pro 13:9
the lamp of wicked people will be put out
Here the lamp represents the life or behavior of wicked people, and "be put out" is an idiom that means that a fire is stopped. The lamp being put out represents either the person dying or the person's life not giving any joy. Alternate Translation: "the lives of wicked people are like a lamp whose fire will be stopped"
Pro 13:11
make his money grow
Money is compared to a tree that grows. Alternate Translation: "make his money increase"
Pro 13:12
a longing fulfilled is a tree of life
Someone receiving what they hoped for and becoming very happy is spoken of as if the fulfillment of their hope were a tree that gives life. Alternate Translation: "a longing fulfilled is like a tree of life"
Pro 13:14
fountain of life
A fountain is a good source of water and here represents a source of life. Alternate Translation: "a bountiful source of life"
Pro 13:14
snares of death
Here "snares" represent dangers that will kill. Alternate Translation: "traps that lead to death"
Pro 13:15
but the way of the treacherous is never-ending
Here a person's behavior or conduct is spoken of as if it were a way or path that a person walks. A person being ruined by their own treachery is spoken of as if they are on a way or path that never ends. Alternate Translation: "but the behavior of the treacherous will cause their own destruction"
Pro 13:16
a fool parades his folly
To "parade" means to display in front of everyone. Alternate Translation: "a fool displays his foolishness to everyone"
Pro 13:23
but it is swept away by injustice
Swept away represents completely removing something. This can be stated in active from. Alternate Translation: "but injustice takes away that food" or "but unjust people take the food away"
Pro 14:2
walks uprightly
Walks represents the conduct of life. Alternate Translation: "conducts his life in a just and honest way"
Pro 14:3
an offshoot of his pride
An offshoot is something that grows out of something else. Alternate Translation: "what his pride produces"
Pro 14:11
flourish
The word "flourish" means vigorous blooming of flowers and so represents anything that grows strongly. Alternate Translation: "to do well and last long" or "to be healthy" or "to be very successful"
Pro 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man
The word "way" represents the conduct of life a person follows. Alternate Translation: "People think that the way they are living is the right way"
Pro 14:13
A heart can laugh
The word "heart" represents a person's feelings, attitudes and motivations. Alternate Translation: "A person's feelings can show laughter"
Pro 14:14
what his ways deserve
The word "ways" represents a person's conduct of life. Alternate Translation: "what he deserves, based on how he lived"
Pro 14:15
his steps
Here the idea of footsteps represents a person's behavior. Alternate Translation: "his actions"
Pro 14:16
turns away from evil
Here evil is spoken of as if it were a place. Alternate Translation: "avoids doing evil"
Pro 14:18
are crowned with knowledge
Here knowledge is spoken of as if it were a beautiful ornament worn on one's head, such as a turban with jewels. Alternate Translation: "wear knowledge as a turban"
Pro 14:24
The crown of wise people
The word "crown" represents the highest achievement possible and visible to all. Alternate Translation: "The reward of wise people"
Pro 14:27
fountain of life
A "fountain" is a bountiful source of water and represents here the source of life. Alternate Translation: "source of life"
Pro 14:27
from the snares of death
A "snare" is a sort of trap used to hunt animals and represents something tricky and dangerous that will kill. Alternate Translation: "from the trap that will kill"
Pro 14:30
rots the bones
The word "rots" represents the decay of a person and "bones" represents the whole person. Alternate Translation: "causes a person to be unhealthy in body and spirit"
Pro 14:33
Wisdom rests in the heart
The word "heart" represents the feelings, attitudes and motivations of a person. Alternate Translation: "Wisdom is in the attitude"
Pro 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath
Causing a person to stop being angry is spoken of as if it were turning that person's wrath away. Alternate Translation: "Answering a person gently will calm that person's wrath"
Pro 15:1
but a harsh word stirs up anger
Causing a person to become more angry is spoken of as if it were stirring up or awakening anger. Alternate Translation: "but speaking harshly causes that person to become more angry"
Pro 15:2
the mouth of fools pours out folly
The writer speaks of fools' mouths as if they were containers and of folly as if it were the liquid that filled them. When fools speak, their mouths pour out the liquid. The word "mouth" represents those who speak. Alternate Translation: "fools are always speaking folly"
Pro 15:7
The lips of wise people scatter knowledge about
The word "lips" represents what wise people say. The writer speaks of knowledge as if it were seeds that wise people scatter around when they speak. Alternate Translation: "The speech of wise people spreads knowledge"
Pro 15:9
Yahweh hates the way of wicked people
The lifestyles of wicked people are spoken of as if they are paths on which those people walk. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh hates the way that wicked people live"
Pro 15:9
the one who pursues what is right
Being diligent to live rightly is spoken of as if it were chasing after right things. Alternate Translation: "the person who strives to live rightly"
Pro 15:10
anyone who forsakes the way
Here "the way" refers to the way of righteousness. A person who stops doing what is right is spoken of as if he has stopped walking on the correct path. Alternate Translation: "anyone who stops living rightly"
Pro 15:13
crushes the spirit
The writer speaks of a person being discouraged as if that person's spirit were an object that is crushed. See how you translated this in [Proverbs 15:4](./04.md). Alternate Translation: "makes a person discouraged"
Pro 15:18
stirs up arguments
Causing people to argue more is spoken of as if it were stirring up or awakening arguments. The abstract noun "arguments" can be stated as "argue." Alternate Translation: "causes people to argue more"
Pro 15:19
The path of the sluggard ... the path of the upright
The writer speaks of a person's life as if it were a path on which the person walks. Alternate Translation: "The life of the sluggard ... the life of the upright"
Pro 15:19
the path of the upright is a built-up highway
The writer speaks of the blessings that upright people experience in life as if they were walking on a smooth road.
Pro 15:21
the one who has understanding walks a straight path
The writer speaks of a person doing the right thing as if he were walking straight ahead on a path. Alternate Translation: "the person who has understanding does what is right"
Pro 15:24
The path of life leads upward ... from Sheol beneath
The writer speaks of a lifestyle that results in life as if it were a path that goes upward towards life and of a lifestyle that results in death as if it were a path that leads down to the place of the dead.
Pro 15:28
the mouth of wicked people pours out all its evil
The writer speaks of wicked people's mouths as if they were containers and speaks of evil as if it were the liquid that filled them. When wicked people speak, their mouths pour out the liquid. The word "mouths" represents those who speak. Alternate Translation: "wicked people are always saying evil things"
Pro 15:29
Yahweh is far away from wicked people
The writer speaks of Yahweh not listening to wicked people as if he were physically far away from them. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh does not listen to wicked people" or "Yahweh does not answer wicked people"
Pro 15:30
The light of the eyes
The writer speaks of an expression of joy on one's face as if the person's eyes emitted light. Alternate Translation: "A cheerful expression"
Pro 16:1
from Yahweh comes the answer from his tongue
Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh speaks his answer to a person's plans, which is a metaphor meaning that Yahweh determines the outcome of that person's plans or 2) Yahweh enables a person to speak words about the plans that he has made.
Pro 16:2
All of a person's ways are pure in his own eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. The writer speaks of what a person does as if that person were walking down a path. Alternate Translation: "A person thinks that everything he does is pure" or "A person judges everything he does as pure"
Pro 16:6
people turn away from evil
The writer speaks of people no longer doing evil things as if they were turning away from evil. Alternate Translation: "people stop doing evil things"
Pro 16:9
Yahweh directs his steps
The writer speaks of Yahweh determining the outcome of a person's plans as if Yahweh were telling that person where to walk.
Pro 16:14
A king's wrath is a messenger of death
The writer speaks of an angry king causing someone to die as if the king's wrath were a messenger that he sends out to kill someone. Alternate Translation: "An angry king can put people to death"
Pro 16:15
In the light of a king's face is life
The writer speaks of an expression of joy on the king's face as if his face emitted light. Alternate Translation: "When the king is cheerful, people live"
Pro 16:17
The highway of upright people
The writer speaks of the lifestyle of upright people as if it were a well-built road, free of obstacles. Alternate Translation: "The righteous way that upright people live"
Pro 16:17
turns away from evil
The writer speaks of avoiding or no longer doing evil things as if it were turning away from evil. Alternate Translation: "keeps them from doing evil"
Pro 16:21
sweetness of speech
The writer speaks of kind or pleasant speech as if it were something that tastes sweet. Alternate Translation: "kind speech" or "pleasant speech"
Pro 16:22
Understanding is a fountain of life
The writer speaks of "Understanding" as if it were a fountain that continuously flows with water and which sustains the life of those who drink from it. Alternate Translation: "Understanding is like a fountain flowing with life-giving water"
Pro 16:27
A worthless person digs up mischief
The writer speaks of a person trying to find ways to harm other people as if that person were digging in the ground to find something buried. Alternate Translation: "A worthless person looks for mischief as if he were digging for something in the ground"
Pro 16:29
leads him down a path that is not good
The writer speaks of a person's actions as if they were a road on which the person walks. Alternate Translation: "gets him to do things that are not good"
Pro 16:31
Gray hair is a crown of glory
The writer speaks of gray hair as if it were a crown. "Gray hair" is a metonym for old age. Alternate Translation: "A person who has lived long enough to have gray hair is like one who wears a glorious crown on his head"
Pro 16:32
one who rules his spirit
The writer speaks of a person being able to control his own temper and emotions as if he ruled over his spirit like a king rules his people. Alternate Translation: "one who controls his temper"
Pro 17:3
Yahweh refines hearts
This speaks of Yahweh testing people to help them stop being evil and foolish as if their hearts were a metal that Yahweh was refining to remove everything that is impure. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh tests peoples' hearts"
Pro 17:6
are the crown of
This speaks of older peoples' grandchildren being a sign of honor for them as if their grandchildren were a crown. Alternate Translation: "bring honor and respect to"
Pro 17:10
A rebuke goes deeper into a person ... than a hundred blows go into a fool
This compares how a rebuke effects a man of understanding to how a beating effects a fool. This speaks of the effect on these people as if it could be measured by the depth that it goes into them. Alternate Translation: "A rebuke has more effect on a person ... than a hundred blows have on a fool"
Pro 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine
This speaks of a cheerful heart as being good medicine because it makes you feel better. Alternate Translation: "A cheerful heart is like medicine that makes you feel better"
Pro 17:24
sets his face toward wisdom
This speaks of a person's focus on acting wisely as if he were looking at wisdom. Alternate Translation: "focuses on acting wisely"
Pro 17:24
the ends of the earth
This speaks of a fool's impossible dreams as if they were the ends of the earth to emphasize that they are unrealistic. Alternate Translation: "strive for things that are as far from him as the ends of the earth" or "focus on impossible things"
Pro 18:4
The words of a man's mouth are deep waters
This speaks of a wise man's words being profound as if they were profound and as deep as deep waters. Alternate Translation: "The words of a man's mouth are as profound as deep waters" or "The words of a man's mouth are deep and profound"
Pro 18:4
the fountain of wisdom is a flowing stream
This speaks of the source of wisdom being plentiful as if it were a gushing spring. The gushing of the spring is spoken of as if it were a flowing stream. Alternate Translation: "the source of wisdom is as plentiful as the water of a gushing spring"
Pro 18:6
his mouth invites a beating
This speaks of the fool saying things that cause people to want to beat him as if he were inviting them to beat him. Alternate Translation: "his mouth makes people want to beat him"
Pro 18:7
he ensnares himself
This speaks of the man causing problems and trouble for himself as if he were trapping himself like a man traps an animal. Alternate Translation: "he will cause problems for himself"
Pro 18:8
they go down into the inner parts of the body
This speaks of the words of a gossip going into a person's mind and affecting his thoughts as if they were food that was going into his stomach. Alternate Translation: "and they enter a person's mind and affect his thoughts"
Pro 18:9
one who is slack in his work is a brother to the one who destroys
This speaks of the one who is slack being similar to the one who destroys as if they were actually related. Alternate Translation: "is closely related to" or "is very similar to"
Pro 18:10
The name of Yahweh is a strong tower
This speaks of Yahweh protecting his people as if he were a strong tower in which they could take refuge. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh protects like a strong tower" or "Yahweh protects his people like a strong tower"
Pro 18:10
runs into it and is safe
This speaks of people seeking safety from Yahweh and Yahweh protecting them as if he were a strong tower that they ran into for safety. Alternate Translation: "run to him and they are safe" or "seek him and they are safe"
Pro 18:11
The wealth of the rich is his fortified city
This speaks of a rich person depending on his wealth as if his wealth were a fortified wall that protects him. Alternate Translation: "The wealthy person depends on his wealth as a city depends on its fortified wall"
Pro 18:19
An offended brother is harder to be won than a strong city
This speaks of the difficulty of making peace with a brother you have offended by comparing it to the difficulty of winning a war against a strong city. Alternate Translation: "If you offend your brother, finding a way to have peace with him again may be harder than waging a battle to win a city"
Pro 18:20
the fruit of his mouth
This speaks of the good things that a person says as if they were fruit that came from his mouth. Alternate Translation: "his wise speech" or "his good words"
Pro 18:20
one's stomach is filled
This speaks of a person being satisfied or content by the result of what they have said as if they had eaten and become satisfied" Alternate Translation: "a person is satisfied"
Pro 18:21
will eat its fruit
This speaks of a person receiving the consequence for what he says as if the consequences were fruit that he receives. Alternate Translation: "will receive its consequences"
Pro 19:2
the one who runs too fast misses the path
This speaks of a person doing something too quickly and making mistakes as if running too quickly and missing the path. Alternate Translation: "the one who acts too quickly makes mistakes" or "the one who acts too quickly makes poor choices"
Pro 19:13
a quarreling wife is a constant dripping of water
This speaks of an annoying wife as if she were the constant dripping of water. Alternate Translation: "a quarreling wife is as annoying and distracting as a constant dripping of water"
Pro 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to Yahweh
Yahweh considers kindness shown to the poor to be kindness shown to him. One of the ways people are kind to the poor is by giving. Alternate Translation: "The person who gives to the poor is giving to Yahweh"
Pro 19:28
the mouth of the wicked swallows iniquity
This speaks of how wicked people enjoy doing evil by saying that they swallow iniquity as easily as they swallow food. Alternate Translation: "the wicked enjoy doing evil as much as they enjoy eating food"
Pro 20:3
every fool jumps into an argument
This speaks of entering an argument quickly as if the argument were something the fool physically jumped into. Alternate Translation: "every fool quickly gets into an argument" or "every fool is quick to join an argument"
Pro 20:5
will draw it out
This speaks of figuring out the purpose of the human heart as if it was water being drawn from a deep well. Alternate Translation: "will cause the purpose to be known" or "will figure it out"
Pro 20:8
is winnowing with his eyes all the evil that is before him
This speaks of the king judging between various types of evil as if he were separating them as a person winnows grain. Alternate Translation: "sees and sorts the different kinds of evils that are brought before him"
Pro 20:9
clean
A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person where physically clean.
Pro 20:15
lips of knowledge are a precious jewel
This speaks of the value of lips of knowledge by comparing them to a precious jewel. Alternate Translation: "lips of knowledge are as valuable as an expensive jewel"
Pro 20:17
but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel
This speaks of the food tasting unpleasant as if his mouth were actually full of gravel instead of food. Alternate Translation: "but afterwards it tastes like gravel in his mouth" or "but soon it tastes like sand in his mouth"
Pro 20:20
his lamp will be snuffed out in the middle of darkness
This speaks of a person dying suddenly and unexpectedly as if his life were a lamp snuffed out in the dark. Alternate Translation: "his life will end as suddenly as the light of a lamp that is snuffed out in the dark" or "he will die suddenly"
Pro 20:25
It is a snare
This speaks of something being dangerous as if it were a trap or a snare. Alternate Translation: "It is dangerous"
Pro 20:26
winnows the wicked
This speaks of the king separating the wicked people as if they were grain that he was winnowing. Alternate Translation: "separates the wicked"
Pro 20:26
he turns a threshing wheel over them
This speaks of the king punishing the wicked as if he were driving a threshing wheel over them. Alternate Translation: "he severely punishes them"
Pro 20:27
The spirit of a person is the lamp of Yahweh, searching all his inmost parts
This speaks of a person's spirit as if it were a lamp. A person's spirit helps him to understand his inner self. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has given us a spirit to understand our deepest selves, just as a lamp makes you see in the dark"
Pro 21:1
The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of Yahweh
The writer speaks of the king's heart as if it were an irrigation ditch in a dry area through which people direct water to plants that need it. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh controls the king's heart as a man directs water for irrigation"
Pro 21:2
Every person's way is right in his own eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. The writer speaks of what a person does as if it that person were walking down a path. Alternate Translation: "Every person thinks that what he does is good" or "Every person judges what he does as good"
Pro 21:2
who weighs the hearts
The writer speaks of Yahweh deciding whether a person desires to do what is right as if Yahweh were looking at a physical object and deciding whether it is of good quality. Alternate Translation: "who will judge the motives"
Pro 21:4
the lamp of the wicked
The things that help the wicked are spoken of as a lamp. Alternate Translation: "the things that help a wicked person like a lamp helps to see in the dark"
Pro 21:6
a fleeting vapor
The writer likens the riches a person gains by lying to a mist that quickly goes away in the morning. Alternate Translation: "a disappearing mist"
Pro 21:6
a snare that kills
The writer speaks of the riches that a person gains by lying as if it were the bait in a hunter's trap; the word "snare" is a metonym for the bait that attracts the animal into the snare.
Pro 21:8
crooked
Here "crooked" means bent or not straight. This is a metaphor for morally wrong. Alternate Translation: "wrong"
Pro 21:11
lays hold of knowledge
Here knowledge is spoken of as if it were an object that someone could grasp and keep for himself.
Pro 21:12
he brings wicked people to disaster
Here disaster is spoken of as if it were a place that someone could be brought to. Alternate Translation: "he destroys them"
Pro 21:18
is ransom for
The word "ransom" is a metaphor for one person who takes the place of another person. Here the person who does what is wrong is punished instead of the person who does what is right.
Pro 21:29
is certain about his ways
A person's actions are spoken of as if they were a path upon which the person walks. Alternate Translation: "is certain about what he does" or "is confident about what he does"
Pro 22:5
Thorns and snares lie in the path of the perverse
The writer speaks of the way perverse people live as if it were a path on which the perverse will have trouble because of the natural "thorns" and man-made "snares."
Pro 22:5
whoever guards his life
A person doing what he needs to do so he can live a long time is spoken of as if that person were keeping thieves away from a physical object. Alternate Translation: "people who want to live a long time"
Pro 22:6
the way he should go
How a person lives is spoken of as if it were a path on which he walks. Alternate Translation: "how he should live"
Pro 22:8
He who sows injustice will reap trouble
The writer speaks of a ruler or other powerful person treating those less powerful unjustly as if he were planting seeds that will give birth to plants that bring trouble. Alternate Translation: "If a person treats those less powerful than he is unjustly, they will cause him trouble later on"
Pro 22:14
falls into it
Adultery is spoken of as if it is something that a person can fall into. Alternate Translation: "sins because of the adulteress"
Pro 22:15
drives it far away
The writer speaks as if foolishness were a person that another person could use a physical rod to drive away. Alternate Translation: "will make a child wise"
Pro 22:22
crush
grind into powder. This is a metaphor for "treat unjustly."
Pro 22:23
Yahweh will plead their case
The metaphor is of a lawyer defending the needy in front of a judge. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will defend the needy from those who oppress them" or "Yahweh will see that the needy receive justice"
Pro 22:23
he will rob of life those who robbed them
Yahweh is not a thief, but like a thief he will take life from those who do not choose to give it. Alternate Translation: "he will destroy those who oppress poor people"
Pro 22:24
someone who is ruled by anger
someone who is unable to control his anger
Pro 22:25
you will take bait for your soul
A person who wants to be like an angry person is like an animal taking the bait in a trap. Alternate Translation: "you will be like an animal that eats the bait that closes a trap and is unable to escape"
Pro 23:5
light upon it
land like a bird upon the wealth (verse 4). This is a metaphor for looking at the wealth for a short time.
Pro 23:5
it will surely take up wings like an eagle and fly off
A person losing his wealth is spoken of as if the wealth were a bird. Alternate Translation: "the wealth will disappear as quickly as an eagle can fly away"
Pro 23:8
you will have wasted your compliments
Compliments are spoken of as if they were valuable objects. The abstract noun "compliments" can be translated as a verb. Alternate Translation: "he will not be happy even if you say good things about him and the food"
Pro 23:11
he will plead their case against you
The metaphor is of a lawyer defending the needy in front of a judge. Alternate Translation: "he will defend the orphans against you" or "he will see that the orphans receive justice and punish you"
Pro 23:19
direct your heart in the way
Deciding to do what is right is spoken of as if one person were showing another person the correct path to follow. Alternate Translation: "make sure you do what is wise"
Pro 23:27
a prostitute is a deep pit
The word "pit" is a metaphor for what happens to men who sleep with prostitutes. Alternate Translation: "sleeping with a prostitute is like falling into a deep pit"
Pro 23:27
an immoral woman is a narrow well
Doing evil for which one will be punished is spoken of as falling into a narrow place from which one cannot escape. Alternate Translation: "Sleeping with another man's wife is like falling into a narrow well"
Pro 23:32
it bites like a serpent ... it stings like an adder
The word "it" refers to "the wine when it is red." "Bites" and "stings" are metaphors for the way too much wine makes people feel. Alternate Translation: "it makes you feel as bad as if a serpent had bitten you or an adder had stung you"
Pro 24:16
are brought down
This is a metaphor of a person who was standing but someone has brought him down to the ground or made him fall.
Pro 24:20
the lamp of wicked people will go out
The lamp is used as a metaphor for life. The life of wicked people will end just as a lamp goes out.
Pro 25:11
Apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in the right situation
The goodness of "a word spoken at the right time" is spoken of as if it were the physical beauty of "apples of gold in settings of silver." Most translations translate this metaphor as a simile and change the order of the phrases. Alternate Translation: "A word spoken at the right time is beautiful like apples of gold in settings of silver"
Pro 25:12
A gold ring or jewelry made of fine gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear
The value and importance of "a wise rebuke" is spoken of as if it had the beauty and value of gold. Most translations translate this metaphor as a simile and change the order of the phrases. Alternate Translation: "A wise rebuke to a listening ear is beautiful and valuable like a golden ring or golden jewelry"
Pro 25:13
the cold of snow
Snow only fell on the tops of mountains, and the harvest took place in hot weather, so this is probably a metaphor for cool, fresh water from a clean stream. If your language has no word for snow, consider "cool, fresh, clean water."
Pro 25:14
Clouds and wind without rain is the one who boasts ... not give
Most translations translate this metaphor as a simile and change the order of the phrases. Rain was important to the Israelites because only small amounts of it fell, so a cloud without rain was useless and brought disappointment to the Israelites. Alternate Translation: "The one who boasts ... not give is like clouds and wind without rain" or "The one who boasts ... not give is useless and a disappointment, like clouds and wind without rain"
Pro 25:15
a soft tongue can break a bone
The word "tongue" is a metonym for the words the person speaks using the tongue. The word "bone" is a metaphor for strong opposition. Alternate Translation: "gentle speech can overcome strong opposition"
Pro 25:16
General Information:
Verse 16 states a general principle, and verse 17 gives one specific example. The idea of eating too much honey and then vomiting it up is a metaphor for taking too much of any good thing and regretting it later.
Pro 25:26
tottering before wicked people
Tottering is a metaphor for either 1) refusing to fight wicked people or 2) joining in their wickedness. Alternate Translation: "who allows wicked people to do wickedness" or "who starts to do what wicked people do"
Pro 25:26
tottering
This is a metaphor for being unable to continue to do good. Alternate Translation: "unable to stand"
Pro 26:5
so he will not become wise in his own eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "so that he will not become wise according to his judgement" or "so that he does not consider himself to be wise"
Pro 26:6
cuts off his own feet
Cutting off one's own feet is an exaggeration for harming one's self. Alternate Translation: "harms himself like a person who cuts off his own feet and drinks violence"
Pro 26:6
drinks violence
Violence is spoken of as if it were a poisonous liquid that someone might drink. Alternate Translation: "harms himself by being violent"
Pro 26:16
The lazy person is wiser in his own eyes than seven men
The phrase "his own eyes" represents his thoughts. Alternate Translation: "The lazy person thinks he is wiser than seven men"
Pro 26:21
kindling strife
To kindle something means to set it on fire. Setting strife on fire is a metaphor for causing people to fight or argue. Alternate Translation: "causing people to fight" or "causing people to argue"
Pro 26:22
they go down into the inner parts of the body
This speaks of the words that a gossip says going into a person's mind and affecting his thoughts as if they were food that was going into his stomach. This sentence is equivalent to [Proverbs 18:8](../18/08.md). Alternate Translation: "and they enter a person's mind and affect his thoughts"
Pro 26:23
burning lips
The word "burning" is a metaphor for "strongly emotional" and the word "lips" is a metonym for "speech." Alternate Translation: "emotional speech" or "saying nice things"
Pro 26:24
disguises his feelings with his lips
Disguising his feelings represents keeping people from knowing what his feelings are. The phrase "his lips" is a metonym for what he says. Alternate Translation: "hides his feelings with what he says" or "speaks in such a way that people cannot know his true feelings"
Pro 26:24
he lays up deceit within himself
Being deceitful is spoken of as if he were storing deceit within himself. Possible meanings are that "deceit" refers to lies. Alternate Translation: "he likes his many lies" or 2) deceit refers secret plans to harm people. Alternate Translation: "he secretly plans to harm people"
Pro 26:25
for there are seven abominations in his heart
The number seven represents completeness. Possible meanings are 1) "abominations" refers to attitudes that God hates. Alternate Translation: "for his heart is completely filled with hateful things" or 2) "abominations" refers to his hatred for people. Alternate Translation: "for his heart is completely filled with hatred"
Pro 26:26
Though his hatred is covered with deception
Keeping people from knowing that he hates them is spoken of as covering his hatred. Alternate Translation: "Though he lies to keep people from knowing that he hates them" or "Though he lies so that people will not know that he hates them"
Pro 26:26
his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly
Being exposed represents being discovered or becoming known. Alternate Translation: "his wickedness will become known in the assembly" or "the assembly will discover his wickedness"
Pro 27:1
what a day may bring
Something happening on a certain day is spoken of as if the day were to bring that event. Alternate Translation: "what will happen on a day" or "what will happen tomorrow"
Pro 27:3
the provocation of a fool is heavier than both
The difficulty of being patient with a fool who provokes you is spoken of as if that difficulty were heavy. Alternate Translation: "the provocation of a fool is harder to tolerate than either of them" or "It is harder to be patient when a fool provokes you than it is to be patient while carrying them"
Pro 27:4
the flood of anger
the destructiveness of anger. Anger is spoken of here as if it were a powerful flood.
Pro 27:4
to stand before jealousy
Here standing represents being strong and resisting being harmed by a jealous person who attacks. Alternate Translation: "to resist a jealous person" or "to remain strong when a jealous person attacks him"
Pro 27:6
Faithful are the wounds caused by a friend
The wounds that a friend causes are trustworthy. The word "wounds" here represents the pain and sadness that a person feels when a friend rebukes or corrects him.
Pro 27:9
the sweetness of a friend comes from his sincere counsel
Possible meanings are 1) "sweetness" represents kindness. Alternate Translation: "we recognize our friend's kindness by his counsel" or 2) "sweetness" represents what we appreciate about a person. Alternate Translation: "what we appreciate about a friend is his advice"
Pro 27:22
Even if you crush a fool ... yet his foolishness will not leave him
This means that even if a fool is made to suffer hardship or pain (being crushed is often a metaphor for suffering in Hebrew), he will remain foolish.
Pro 28:3
beating rain
This is a metaphor for a rain coming down hard enough to cause crops to be driven down. Alternate Translation: "damaging rain"
Pro 28:4
those who keep the law
To "keep the law" means to do what God's law requires. Alternate Translation: "those who obey God's law"
Pro 28:4
fight against them
struggle against them. This means to strongly oppose or resist them.
Pro 28:5
those who seek Yahweh
Those who want to know Yahweh and please him are spoken of as if they are literally seeking to find Yahweh.
Pro 28:6
walks in his integrity
This represents a person living a life of integrity. The abstract noun "integrity" can be expressed as an adverb. Alternate Translation: "walks honestly" or "lives honestly"
Pro 28:6
who is crooked in his ways
Rich people who are dishonest are spoken of as if they walk on crooked or twisted paths. Alternate Translation: "who is not honest in what he does"
Pro 28:7
He who keeps the law
To "keep the law" means to do what God's law requires. Alternate Translation: "He who obeys God's law"
Pro 28:10
Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way
This is a metaphor for leading upright people in an evil direction. Alternate Translation: "Whoever causes the upright to go in an evil direction"
Pro 28:10
will fall into his own pit
will fall into the trap that he has dug. This is a metaphor for ending up in the same bad place as others had been led toward. Alternate Translation: "will end up in the same evil place toward which he guided other people"
Pro 28:11
be wise in his own eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "be wise in his own thoughts" or "think he is wise"
Pro 28:13
hides his sins
covers his sins. This is the opposite of confessing and forsaking sins, and is spoken of as covering sins rather than bringing them into the open
Pro 28:14
will fall into trouble
This represents ending up in misery and distress. Alternate Translation: "will end up in trouble"
Pro 28:18
walks with integrity
This represents a person living a life of integrity. The abstract noun "integrity" can be expressed as an adverb. Alternate Translation: "walks honestly" or "lives honestly"
Pro 28:18
the one whose way is crooked
A dishonest person is spoken of as if he walks on crooked or twisted paths. Alternate Translation: "the one who does not live honestly"
Pro 28:18
will suddenly fall
What will happen to a dishonest person is spoken of as if he suddenly fell down. Alternate Translation: "will suddenly be ruined" or "will suddenly perish"
Pro 28:25
stirs up conflict
The action of the greedy man is spoken of as if he were stirring up or awakening conflict. Alternate Translation: "causes conflict"
Pro 29:1
who stiffens his neck
A person becoming stubborn is spoken of as if he stiffens his neck. Alternate Translation: "who becomes stubborn" or "who refuses to listen"
Pro 29:1
beyond healing
and no one will be able to heal him. Sickness is a metaphor for any kind of bad situation. Alternate Translation: "and no one will be able to help him"
Pro 29:5
spreading a net for his feet
The writer compares the flattery of a person to setting that person up to being caught in a trap. Alternate Translation: "setting a trap to catch that person"
Pro 29:12
all his officials will be wicked
The actions of the ruler are spoken of by stating the result they will cause. Alternate Translation: "it is as if he is teaching his officials to be wicked"
Pro 29:22
stirs up strife
Causing people to argue more is spoken of as if it were stirring up or awakening arguments. The abstract noun "strife" can be stated as "argue." See how you translated similar words in [Proverbs 15:18](../15/18.md). Alternate Translation: "causes people to argue more" or "causes people to argue and fight"
Pro 29:25
The fear of man makes a snare
Being afraid of what other people might do is spoken of as stepping into a trap. Alternate Translation: "Anyone who is afraid of what other people might do to him is like a person who has become snared in a trap"
Pro 30:4
gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands
The writer speaks of the wind as if it were something that a person could catch and hold in his hand. Alternate Translation: "has caught the wind in his hands"
Pro 30:5
is tested
Words are spoken of as if they were metals that need someone to clean the bad parts out of them. Alternate Translation: "is like a precious metal from which someone has removed all the useless material"
Pro 30:5
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him
The word "shield" is a metaphor for something that protects a person. Alternate Translation: "he protects those who come and ask him to protect them"
Pro 30:8
Put vanity and lies far away from me
Possible meanings are 1) "Do not allow people to speak vanity and lies to me" or 2) "Do not allow me to speak vanity and lies"
Pro 30:8
Give me neither poverty nor riches
The writer speaks as if "poverty" and "riches" were physical objects that someone could give to another. They are also abstract nouns that can be stated as "poor" and "rich." Alternate Translation: "Do not allow me to be either very poor or very rich"
Pro 30:12
is pure in their own eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "considers themselves pure" or "believes they are pure"
Pro 30:12
they are not washed of their filth
The words "washed" and "filth" speak of God forgiving people who sin as if he were washing physical filth off of the people. This can be translated in active form. Alternate Translation: "God has not forgiven them of their sins"
Pro 30:13
There is a generation whose teeth are swords, and their jawbones are like knives, so they may devour the poor ... and the needy
The people of the generation who speak very harmful things is spoken of as if they were wild animals with teeth and jawbones made of swords and knives, and they eat the poor and needy.
Pro 30:14
There is a generation whose teeth are swords, and their jawbones are like knives, so they may devour the poor ... and the needy
The people of the generation who speak very harmful things is spoken of as if they were wild animals with teeth and jawbones made of swords and knives, and they eat the poor and needy.
Pro 30:15
The leech has two daughters
This is an example of something that always wants more. Alternate Translation: "Greed has two daughters"
Pro 30:19
in the heart of the sea
The "heart" refers to the middle. Alternate Translation: "in the middle of the sea" or "on the open sea"
Pro 31:16
the fruit of her hands
The money she has earned from the work she did with wool and flax ([Proverbs 31:13](./13.md)) is spoken of as if it were fruit growing off a tree. The hands are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate Translation: "the money she has earned"
Pro 31:25
She is clothed with strength and honor
Having strength and honor is spoken of as if the woman were wearing them. This can be translated in active form. The abstract nouns "strength" and "honor" can be translated by an adjective and a verb, respectively. Alternate Translation: "Everyone can see that she is strong, and so they honor her"
Pro 31:27
watches over the ways of her household
The word "ways" refers to the way people live. Alternate Translation: "makes sure her whole family lives in a way that pleases God"
Pro 31:31
the fruit of her hands
The money she has earned from the work she did with wool and flax ([Proverbs 31:13](./13.md)) is spoken of as if it were fruit growing off a tree. The hands are a synecdoche for the person. See how you translated this in [Proverbs 31:16](./16.md). Alternate Translation: "the money she has earned"
Ecc 1:14
amount to vapor
are only mist. The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were "vapor." Just as vapor disappears and does not last, things have no lasting value. Alternate Translation: "are as useless as vapor" or "are meaningless"
Ecc 1:14
chasing the wind
The author says that everything that people do is as useless as if they were trying to control the wind. Alternate Translation: "are as useless as trying to control the wind"
Ecc 1:17
an attempt to shepherd the wind
The author says learning wisdom and madness and folly is as useless as trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](./14.md). Alternate Translation: "as useless as trying to control the wind"
Ecc 2:1
this also was just a temporary breeze
This speaks of how happiness only lasts for a short time as if it were a temporary breeze. Alternate Translation: "this also only lasted for a short time, like a temporary breeze"
Ecc 2:3
I explored in my heart
This speaks of thinking hard for a long time as if it were exploring. Also, the author speaks of his feelings and his thoughts as if they were his "heart." Alternate Translation: "I thought hard about"
Ecc 2:11
vapor
mist. The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were "vapor." See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "as useless as vapor" or "meaningless"
Ecc 2:11
an attempt to shepherd the wind
The author says that everything that people do is as useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "are as useless as trying to control the wind"
Ecc 2:14
The wise man uses his eyes in his head to see where he is going
This speaks of a wise man making wise decisions as walking and paying attention to where he is going. Alternate Translation: "The wise man is like a person who uses his eyes to see where he is going"
Ecc 2:14
the fool walks in darkness
This compares a fool making bad decisions to someone walking in darkness. Alternate Translation: "the fool is like a person who walks in the dark"
Ecc 2:15
is only vapor
is only mist. The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were "vapor." See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "is as useless as vapor" or "is meaningless"
Ecc 2:17
vapor
mist. The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were "vapor." See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "as useless as vapor" or "meaningless"
Ecc 2:17
an attempt to shepherd the wind
The author says everything that people do is as useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "as useless as trying to control the wind"
Ecc 2:19
vapor
The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were mist. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "as useless as vapor" or "meaningless"
Ecc 2:21
vapor
The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were mist. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "as useless as vapor" or "meaningless"
Ecc 2:26
vapor
mist. The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were "vapor." See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "as useless as vapor" or "meaningless"
Ecc 2:26
an attempt to shepherd the wind
The author speaks of everything that people do as being useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "are as useless as trying to control the wind"
Ecc 3:19
is not everything just a breath?
Here the author speaks of everything being as temporary as if it were a breath of air. The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that everything is temporary. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Everything is just a breath." or "Everything is as temporary as a breath."
Ecc 4:4
vapor
mist. The author speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were vapor. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "as useless as vapor" or "meaningless"
Ecc 4:4
an attempt to shepherd the wind
The author speaks of everything that people do as being useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "are as useless as trying to control the wind"
Ecc 4:5
so his food is his own flesh
This speaks of a person destroying himself as if he were eating his own body. Alternate Translation: "as a result, he causes his own ruin" or "and as a result, he destroys himself"
Ecc 4:6
that tries to shepherd the wind
The author speaks of everything that people do as being useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "that is as useless as trying to control the wind"
Ecc 4:7
more vanishing vapor
more vanishing mist. The author speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were vapor. See how you translated "vapor" in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "more things that are as useless as vapor" or "more meaningless things"
Ecc 4:7
vapor
mist. The author speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were vapor. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "as useless as vapor" or "meaningless"
Ecc 4:12
a three-strand rope
This speaks of three people together being stronger as if they were a three-strand rope. Alternate Translation: "three people are even stronger, like a three-strand rope that"
Ecc 4:16
vapor
mist. The author speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were vapor. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "as useless as vapor" or "meaningless"
Ecc 4:16
an attempt to shepherd the wind
The author speaks of everything that people do as being useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "are as useless as trying to control the wind"
Ecc 5:7
For in many dreams, as in many words, there is meaningless vapor
The author speaks of things as being useless and futile as if they were vapor. See how you translated "vapor" in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "For many dreams and many words are as useless as vapor"
Ecc 5:10
vapor
The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were mist. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "as useless as vapor" or "meaningless"
Ecc 5:11
who consume it
This speaks of people spending wealth as if they were "eating" it. Alternate Translation: "who use it"
Ecc 5:12
The sleep of a working man is sweet
This speaks of a person's sleep being fulfilling and peaceful as if it were sweet like something he eats. Alternate Translation: "The sleep of a working man is peaceful"
Ecc 5:15
As a man comes from his mother's womb ... he will leave naked
It is implied that a man is naked when he is born. In addition to being without clothing, here the word "naked" emphasizes that people are born without any possessions. Alternate Translation: "As a man is naked and owns nothing when he is born ... he will leave this life the same way"
Ecc 5:16
works for the wind
Possible meanings are 1) This speaks of the person receiving no lasting profit as if he were trying to control the wind. Alternate Translation: "tries to shepherd the wind" or "work that is as useless as trying to shepherd the wind" or 2) This implies that the person only receives the air that he breaths as his profit. Alternate Translation: "works to receive the air he breathes"
Ecc 5:17
During his days he eats with darkness
This speaks of a person mourning throughout his life as if he always ate in darkness. Here "darkness" represents sadness and mourning. Alternate Translation: "He spends his life in mourning and sadness"
Ecc 6:1
it weighs heavy on men
Here evil is spoken of as something that is a heavy load to carry. Alternate Translation: "it causes hardship for people"
Ecc 6:2
vapor
The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were mist. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "as useless as vapor" or "meaningless"
Ecc 6:4
its name remains hidden
This speaks of no one knowing the baby's name as if it were a hidden object. Alternate Translation: "no one knows its name"
Ecc 6:9
vapor
mist. The author speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were vapor. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "as useless as vapor" or "meaningless"
Ecc 6:9
an attempt to shepherd the wind
The author speaks of everything that people do as being useless as if they were trying to control the wind. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "are as useless as trying to control the wind"
Ecc 7:6
vapor
The author speaks of useless and meaningless things as if they were mist. See how you translated this in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "as useless as vapor" or "meaningless"
Ecc 7:9
anger resides in the hearts of fools
This speaks of a person being full of anger as if the anger lived inside him. This speaks of the anger being in the person's heart because the "heart" is thought to be the source of a person's emotions. Alternate Translation: "foolish people are full of anger"
Ecc 7:16
wise in your own eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "being wise in your own opinion" or "being wise according to your own judgement"
Ecc 7:18
take hold of this wisdom
This speaks of striving to be wise as if "wisdom" were an object that a person could hold on to. Alternate Translation: "commit yourself to this wisdom"
Ecc 7:18
you should not let go of righteousness
This speaks of striving to be righteous as if "righteousness" were an object that a person could hold on to. Alternate Translation: "you should not stop trying to be righteous" or "you should keep trying to be righteous"
Ecc 7:26
any woman whose heart is full of snares and nets, and whose hands are chains
The writer says that the seductive woman is like traps that hunters use to catch animals. The author speaks of a woman being seductive as if she traps men like a hunter traps animals. Her "heart" represents her thoughts and emotions. Alternate Translation: "any woman who traps men by seducing them"
Ecc 7:26
whose hands are chains
Here the word "hands" refers to her power and control. This speaks of her being seductive as if hands were chains that she bound people with. Alternate Translation: "from whom no one can escape"
Ecc 7:29
they have gone away
Here the word "they" refers to "humanity." This speaks of humanity changing from being upright to not being upright as if they were going from one place to another.
Ecc 8:3
Do not hurry out of his presence
Possible meanings are 1) not to be hasty to physically leave the king's presence or 2) This is a metaphor that speaks of being loyal to the king as being in his presence. Alternate Translation: "Do not abandon the king"
Ecc 8:14
this also is useless vapor
this also is useless mist. The author speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were 'vapor.' See how you translated the word "vapor" in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "this also is as useless as vapor" or "this also is meaningless"
Ecc 9:2
the clean
A person who is acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
Ecc 9:2
the unclean
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Ecc 11:1
Send out your bread on the waters, for you will find it again after many days
Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor that means a person should be generous with his possessions and will then receive generously from others , or 2) that a person should invest his resources overseas and will make a profit from it.
Ecc 11:2
what disasters are coming on the earth
Disasters happening is spoken of as if disasters were something that come to a place. Here "on the earth" may imply that these disasters happen to the person who is commanded to share. Alternate Translation: "what disasters may happen in the world" or "what bad things may happen to you"
Ecc 11:5
As you do not know the path of the wind
This speaks of wind blowing as if wind traveled on a path. Alternate Translation: "As you do not know where the wind comes from or where it goes"
Ecc 11:8
the coming days of darkness
Future time is spoken of as if the "days are coming" And, here the word "darkness" refers to death. Alternate Translation: "how many days that he will be dead"
Ecc 11:8
Everything to come is vanishing vapor
Here "vanishing vapor" is a metaphor. Possible meanings are 1) Alternate Translation: "No one knows what will happen after he dies" or 2) Alternate Translation: "Everything to come is meaningless"
Ecc 11:10
Drive anger away from your heart
Refusing to be angry is spoken of as if anger were something that can be forced away. Also, "heart" represents a person's emotions. Alternate Translation: "Refuse to be angry"
Ecc 11:10
because youth and its strength are vapor
The authors speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were "vapor" Just as vapor disappears and does not last, the author speaks of things having no lasting value. See how you translated "vapor" in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "because youth and its strength will not last forever" or "because you will not be young and strong forever"
Ecc 12:1
before the days of difficulty come
Future time is spoken of as if the "days are coming" Alternate Translation: "before you experience difficult times" or "before bad things happen to you"
Ecc 12:1
before the years arrive when you say, "I have no pleasure in them,"
Future time is spoken of as if "years arrive" Alternate Translation: "before you become old when you say, 'I no longer enjoy being alive,'"
Ecc 12:2
do this before the light of the sun ... after the rain
Growing old and dying is spoken of as if the sun and moon go dark and dark clouds return. Alternate Translation: "do this before it seems to you that the light of the sun ... after the rain"
Ecc 12:3
General Information:
The writer describes a house in which various activities stop. This appears to be a metaphor for the human body as it becomes old.
Ecc 12:4
General Information:
The writer continues his metaphor.
Ecc 12:4
the singing of girls' voices fades away
Here "girls" may be a metaphor for the birds. Alternate Translation: "the songs of the birds fade away"
Ecc 12:5
General Information:
The writer continues his metaphor.
Ecc 12:6
before the silver cord is cut ... or the water wheel is broken at the well
The writer speaks of dying as if it were one of these various broken items. Death will break the body just as suddenly as people accidentally break these items while they are using them.
Ecc 12:8
A mist of vapor ... everything is vanishing vapor
The Teacher speaks of things as being useless and meaningless as if they were "vapor." Just as vapor disappears and does not last, the author speaks of things having no lasting value. See how you translated "vapor" in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate Translation: "Temporary and useless ... everything is temporary and useless" or "Meaningless ... everything is meaningless"
Ecc 12:10
The words of wise people ... taught by one shepherd
The writer speaks of the teacher who uses his words to instruct people as if the teacher were a shepherd who uses his tools to lead his flock.
Ecc 12:11
The words of wise people ... taught by one shepherd
The writer speaks of the teacher who uses his words to instruct people as if the teacher were a shepherd who uses his tools to lead his flock.
Ecc 12:14
along with every hidden thing
Things done in secret is spoken of as if they were an object that was hidden. Alternate Translation: "along with everything that people do in secret"
Sng 1:4
Take
Pull or "Drag." Here the woman described as being like a captive who is willing to follow her captor.
Sng 1:6
but my own vineyard I have not kept
The woman compares herself to a vineyard. Alternate Translation: "but I have not been able to take care of myself"
Sng 1:7
who wanders
who goes all around. She does not want to have to look for the man. Perhaps she is afraid other men will think she is a prostitute looking for business.
Sng 1:10
Your cheeks are beautiful with ornaments
These ornaments could be 1) jewels hanging from a band around the head or 2) earrings or 3) a metaphor for her long hair.
Sng 1:16
lush plants are our bed
This speaks of the lush plants as if they were a bed. Alternate Translation: "lush plants are what we lie down on to sleep"
Sng 1:17
The beams of our house are cedars; our rafters are firs
The woman describes the forest as though it were a house in which they were lying down.
Sng 2:1
I am a meadow flower of Sharon
The woman speaks as if she were one of many flowers in a land known for beautiful flowers.
Sng 2:1
lily of the valleys
The woman speaks as if she were one of many flowers in a land known for beautiful flowers.
Sng 2:3
I sit down under his shadow with great delight
The woman finds great joy and comfort in being so near to the man.
Sng 2:3
his fruit is sweet to my taste
The woman enjoys eating sweet fruit, and she enjoys being near to the man.
Sng 2:5
for I am weak with love
The woman speaks of feeling weak because her love is so strong as if love were a kind of sickness. Alternate Translation: "because my love is so strong that I feel feeble"
Sng 2:8
leaping over the mountains, jumping over the hills
leaping on the mountains, running quickly on the hills. The woman speaks of the man as if he were "a gazelle or a young stag" (verse 9) coming quickly toward her over rough ground.
Sng 2:14
My dove
The Israelites considered doves beautiful birds with pleasant voices. The man thinks the woman's face and voice are beautiful. If calling a woman a "dove" would be offensive, you could leave out the metaphor. Alternate Translation: "My beautiful woman"
Sng 2:15
the foxes
These animals look like small dogs and were often used in love poetry to represent eager young men who would spoil a young woman.
Sng 2:15
the little foxes that spoil
Foxes spoil or destroy vineyards by digging holes and eating vines and grapes. This could be a metaphor for young men who spoil young women.
Sng 2:15
in blossom
This implies that the vineyard is healthy and the grapes have appeared, but they are not ready for harvest. This could be a metaphor for a young lady ready for marriage and bearing children. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:13](./12.md).
Sng 2:16
he grazes
feeds or "eats grass." The woman speaks of the man as if he were "a gazelle or a young stag" (verse 17) that eats plants among the lilies. Grazing is probably a metaphor for lovemaking ([Song of Songs 2:1-2](./01.md)).
Sng 2:17
the shadows flee away
The woman describes the shadows as though they were running away from the light of the sun. Alternate Translation: "the shadows disappear"
Sng 4:1
Your eyes are doves
One possibility is that the man is speaking of the woman's white eyeballs or the shape of her eyes, the shape of a dove. Another possibility is that the Israelites considered doves to be gentle and soft birds, and the man considers the woman's eyes beautiful because the way the woman looks at him makes him think she is gentle. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:15](../01/15.md). Alternate Translation: "You are very gentle"
Sng 4:2
Each one has a twin
Sheep usually give birth to two lambs at one time. These twin lambs usually look like one another. Each of the woman's teeth has a matching tooth on the other side of her mouth.
Sng 4:4
built in rows of stone
Women had necklaces that covered their entire necks with rows of decorations. The man compares these rows of decorations with the rows of stone on the tower. Alternate Translation: "that has many rows of stone"
Sng 4:4
with a thousand shields
The man compares the decorations of the woman's necklace with shields hanging on the tower. The necklace probably went around her neck many times.
Sng 4:6
I will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense
The "mountain of myrrh" and "hill of frankincense" are metaphors for the woman's breasts
Sng 4:8
General Information:
The man continues to speak to the woman. He speaks of them not being free to make love as if they were in a wild, dangerous, foreign place.
Sng 4:11
Your lips ... drip honey
Possible meanings are that honey is a metaphor for 1) the sweet taste of the woman's kisses or 2) the woman's words.
Sng 4:11
honey and milk are under your tongue
Because "milk and honey" is a common phrase in the Bible, you should translate literally. Possible meanings are that honey is a metaphor for 1) the sweet taste of the woman's kisses or 2) the woman's words. Milk is a metaphor for luxury, owning many things that help people enjoy life. When the woman kisses the man, he enjoys life.
Sng 4:12
is a garden locked up
is a garden that no one can enter. The garden is a metaphor for the woman, and the lock is a metaphor for her still being a virgin.
Sng 4:12
a spring that is sealed
a spring with a cover on it. The spring or well is a metaphor for the woman, and the cover is a metaphor for her being a virgin.
Sng 4:15
You are a garden spring
You are a spring in a garden. A garden spring gives sweet, clean water that people enjoy drinking. The man enjoys being close to the woman.
Sng 4:16
blow on my garden
The garden is a metaphor for her body, which she has covered with sweet-smelling oils ([Song of Songs 4:14](./12.md)).
Sng 4:16
May my beloved ... choice fruit
The woman is inviting the man to make love to her.
Sng 5:1
have come into my garden
The word "garden" is a metaphor for the woman. The man is finally able to fully enjoy the woman as they make love.
These are all metaphors for the man enjoying the woman's body ([Song of Songs 1:13](../01/12.md), [Song of Songs 2:04](../02/03.md), [Song of Songs 4:11](../04/10.md), and [Song of Songs 4:14](../04/12.md)).
Sng 5:1
Eat ... drink ... be drunk with love
Eating and drinking are metaphors for making love. Alternate Translation: "Make love ... make love ... make love until you are fully satisfied"
Sng 5:5
I got up to open the door for my beloved
Possible meanings are 1) literal, the young woman got out of bed in order to let the man into the house, or 2), metaphorical. Alternate Translation: "I prepared myself to make love with my beloved"
Sng 5:6
My heart sank
The heart is a metaphor for the person, and sinking, going down, is a metaphor for becoming weak or sad. Alternate Translation: "I was very sad"
Sng 5:8
sick from love
She loves the man so strongly that she feels sick.
Sng 5:10
outstanding among ten thousand
the best of 10,000. Alternate Translation: "better than anyone else" or "no one else is like him."
Sng 5:11
His head is the purest gold
The man's head is as precious to the woman as the purest gold.
Sng 5:12
doves beside streams of water
Birds that the Israelites considered gentle sitting beside a gently flowing stream are a metaphor for a gentle person.
Sng 5:12
bathed in milk
Milk is a metaphor for the whiteness of the doves. Alternate Translation: "doves that are white like milk" or 2) milk is a metaphor for the white part of the man's eyes. Alternate Translation: "his pupils are like doves bathing in white milk"
Sng 5:13
beds of spices
gardens or parts of gardens where people grow spices. Spices give people pleasure. The man's body gives the woman pleasure.
Sng 5:13
His lips are lilies
The woman probably compares his lips with lilies because they are beautiful and smell wonderful.
Sng 5:13
dripping liquid myrrh
that drip with the best myrrh. His lips are moist and have a wonderful smell like myrrh.
Sng 5:14
His arms are rounded gold set with jewels
His arms are cylinders of gold that have jewels all over them. The woman uses this image to say that his arms are beautiful and precious. The first readers would have understood this as a metaphor for the male body part
Sng 5:14
his abdomen is ivory covered with sapphires
his belly is smooth ivory that has sapphires all over it. The woman uses this image to say that his belly is beautiful and precious.
Sng 5:15
His legs are pillars of marble, set on bases of pure gold
Marble and gold are strong and beautiful.
Sng 6:2
My beloved has gone down to his garden
The word "garden" is a metaphor for the woman. The man is finally able to fully enjoy the woman as they make love. See the explanation of this metaphor in [Song of Songs 5:1](../05/01.md).
Sng 6:2
beds of spices
gardens or parts of gardens where people grow spices. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 5:13](../05/13.md).
Sng 6:2
to graze in the garden and to gather lilies
These words are metaphors for the man enjoying her body.
Sng 6:2
graze
feeds or "eats grass." The woman speaks of the man as if he were "a gazelle or a young stag" ([Song of Songs 2:17](../02/16.md)) that eats plants among the lilies. Grazing is probably a metaphor for lovemaking ([Song of Songs 2:1-2](../02/01.md)). See how you translated "he grazes" in [Song of Songs 2:16](../02/16.md).
Sng 6:6
Each one has a twin
Sheep usually give birth to two lambs at one time. These twin lamb usually look like one another. Each of the woman's teeth has a matching tooth on the other side of her mouth. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:2](../04/02.md).
Sng 6:9
My dove
The Israelites considered doves beautiful birds with pleasant voices. The man thinks the woman's face and voice are beautiful. If calling a woman a "dove" would be offensive, you could leave out the metaphor. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:14](../02/14.md). Alternate Translation: "You beautiful woman"
Sng 6:11
General Information:
The man finishes speaking to himself. Looking to see if plants had matured is probably a metaphor for enjoying the sight of the woman's body.
Sng 7:2
may it never lack mixed wine
People used large bowls to mix wine with water or spices at feasts. Drinking wine is a metaphor for enjoying beauty. The litotes can be translated as a positive. Alternate Translation: "may it always contain mixed wine" or "may I always enjoy its beauty"
Sng 7:4
your eyes are the pools in Heshbon
The woman's eyes are spoken of as if they are clear pools of water. Pools of water are clear and sparkle in the sunlight and so are pleasant to look at. The woman's eyes are clear and sparkle and so are pleasant to look at. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate Translation: "your eyes are as clear as the pools in Heshbon"
Sng 7:5
The king is held captive by its tresses
This can be translated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Your hair that hangs down is so beautiful that the king is not able to stop admiring it"
Sng 7:8
I want to climb ... its branches
The man wants to embrace the woman.
Sng 8:2
I would give you spiced wine to drink and some of the juice of my pomegranates
The woman uses these images to say that she will give herself to the man and make love with him.
Sng 8:2
spiced wine
wine with spices or "wine that has spices in it." This represents the intoxicating power of lovemaking.
Sng 8:6
Set me as a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm
Possible meanings are 1) because seals were very important, people always kept them around their neck or on their hand. The woman wants to be with the man constantly like a seal, or 2) a seal shows who owns the thing that has the seal on it, and the woman wants herself as the seal on the man's heart and arm to show that all of his thoughts, emotions, and actions belong to her.
Sng 8:6
its flames burst out ... any other fire
Love is very powerful like fire.
Sng 8:7
Surging waters cannot quench love
Love is so strong that it is like a fire that is so hot that it cannot be put out even with an ocean full of water.
Sng 8:7
nor can floods sweep it away
Love never changes and always stays the same so it is like something that not even a powerful flood can move.
Sng 8:9
If she is a wall ... If she is a door
The little sister ([Song of Songs 8:8](./08.md)) has very small breasts that either have not grown or are very small.
Sng 8:9
we will build on her a tower of silver ... we will adorn her with boards of cedar
The brothers decide to decorate the little sister with silver and cedar, symbols of riches, so that she will be more likely to attract a good husband.
Sng 8:10
I was a wall
The wall is a metaphor for a woman with small breasts.
Sng 8:12
My vineyard, my very own
The woman refers to herself as a vineyard, as in [Song of Songs 1:6](../01/05.md). Here she emphasizes that she and no one else will decide what she dies with the "vineyard."
Sng 8:14
the mountains of spices
the mountains that have spices all over them. The woman uses this metaphor to invite the man to make love to her. See how the man uses the metaphor of a mountain of myrrh and a hill of frankincense in [Song of Songs 4:6](../04/06.md).
Isa 1:2
I have nourished and brought up children
Yahweh speaks as if his words were food and as if the Israelites were his children. Alternate Translation: "I have taken care of the people living in Judah like they were my children"
Isa 1:4
a people weighed down with iniquity
Something very heavy that a person might carry is a metaphor for their many sins. Alternate Translation: "their sin is like a heavy bag on their shoulders that makes it hard for them to walk"
Isa 1:4
offspring of evildoers
The word "offspring" is a metaphor for people who do what others have done. Alternate Translation: "people who do the same evil they see others doing"
Isa 1:5
The whole head is sick, the whole heart is weak
This metaphor compares the nation of Israel to a person who has been beaten. Alternate Translation: "You are like someone whose head is wounded and whose heart is weak" or "You are like someone whose whole mind and heart are sick"
Isa 1:6
they have not been closed, cleansed, bandaged, nor treated with oil
This metaphor compares the punishment God has given Israel to physical wounds. It can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "no one has closed, cleansed, bandaged, or treated them with oil"
Isa 1:10
you rulers of Sodom ... you people of Gomorrah
Isaiah is comparing the people of Judah to Sodom and Gomorrah to emphasize how sinful they have become. Alternate Translation: "you rulers who are as sinful as the people of Sodom ... you people who are as wicked as those who lived in Gomorrah"
Isa 1:14
they are a burden to me; I am tired of enduring them
This compares how God feels about the people's celebrations to carrying a heavy object. Alternate Translation: "they are a heavy load that I am tired of carrying"
Isa 1:16
Wash, cleanse yourselves
Here God compares a person who stops sinning with one who washes his body. Alternate Translation: "Repent and wash the sin from your heart like you wash the dirt from your body"
Isa 1:16
remove the evil of your deeds from my sight
God was not telling them to do their evil deeds somewhere else, but to stop doing them. Alternate Translation: "stop doing the evil deeds that I see you doing"
Isa 1:17
make straight the oppression
God speaks of people who oppress others as if they had made crooked something that should be straight, and he calls on them to make that object straight again. The abstract noun "oppression" can be translated as a verb. Alternate Translation: "make sure that those helpless people you have harmed no longer suffer from the bad things you have done to them"
Isa 1:18
though your sins are like scarlet, they will be white like snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool
Isaiah is speaking of the people as if they were wearing clothes that were supposed to be white wool and of their sins as if they were red stains on the clothes. If Yahweh forgives their sins, it will be as if their clothes become white again.
Isa 1:21
has become a prostitute
Isaiah compared the people to a woman who is not loyal to her husband but who sleeps with other men for money. The people were no longer loyal to God but were worshiping false gods. Alternate Translation: "acts like a prostitute"
Isa 1:21
but now she is full of murderers
The word "she" refers to Jerusalem and its people. Those who wrote the Bible often refer to cities as women. Alternate Translation: "but now the people of Jerusalem are murderers"
Isa 1:22
Your silver has become impure, your wine mixed with water
Possible meanings are that Isaiah uses silver and wine as metaphors for 1) the people of Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "You are like silver that is no longer pure, and like wine that is mixed with water" or 2) the good deeds that the people formerly did. Alternate Translation: "You used to do good deeds, but now your bad deeds make your good deeds worthless"
Isa 1:23
runs after payoffs
A person eagerly desiring for someone to give him a bribe is spoken of as if the payoff were running away and the person were running after it. Alternate Translation: "everyone desires for someone to pay money to them to make dishonest decisions"
Isa 1:25
refine away your dross as with lye
Here the process in which God removes his people's sin is spoken of as if her were separating metal from the bad things mixed with it. The words "as with lye" adds another metaphor, because lye is used in soap, not in refining metal. Alternate Translation: "and like fire removing the dirt from silver, I will remove all the evil from among you"
Isa 2:2
as the highest of the mountains
Isaiah speaks of importance as if it were physical height. Alternate Translation: "the most important of the mountains" or "the most important place in the world"
Isa 2:2
it will be raised up above the hills
Isaiah speaks of honor in metaphor as if it were physical height. This can be stated 1) in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will honor it more than any other hill" or 2) as a metonym for the people who worship there. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will honor the people who worship there more than he honors any other people"
Isa 2:2
will flow to it
The people around the world going to the mountain of Yahweh is compared to how a river flows. This emphasizes that many people will come, not just a few people. Alternate Translation: "will flow like a river to it" or "will go to it"
Isa 2:3
For out of Zion will go the law
For the law will go out from Zion. Isaiah speaks as if the law were something like a river that moves without people doing anything. Alternate Translation: "Those to whom they teach the law will go out from Zion" or "Yahweh will proclaim his law from Zion"
Isa 2:3
the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem
the word of Yahweh will go out from Jerusalem. Isaiah speaks as if the word of Yahweh were something like a river that moves without people doing anything. You can make clear the understood information. Alternate Translation: "Those to whom they teach the word of Yahweh will go out from Jerusalem" or "Yahweh will proclaim his word from Jerusalem"
Isa 2:5
let us walk in the light of Yahweh
Isaiah speaks of people learning and then doing what Yahweh wants them to do as if they were walking at night with a lamp that Yahweh has provided so they can see the path. Alternate Translation: "let us learn how Yahweh wants us to live and then live that way"
Isa 2:6
they are filled with customs from the east
Isaiah speaks as if the people were containers who were full of something from the east. Possible meanings are that he speaks of 1) the deeds that the eastern peoples do. Alternate Translation: "they do all the time the evil things the people who live in lands east of Israel do" or 2) people, specifically those who claim to speak to dead people, who have come from the east to do evil deeds. Alternate Translation: "many diviners have come from the east and now live there"
Isa 2:7
Their land is full of silver ... their land also is full of horses ... Their land also is full of idols
Isaiah speaks as if the land were a container in which someone had placed silver, horses, and idols. The word "land" is a metonym for the people themselves, and the words "is full of" is a metaphor for the people possessing these items. Alternate Translation: "They possess much silver ... they also possess many horses ... They also possess many idols"
Isa 2:8
Their land is full of silver ... their land also is full of horses ... Their land also is full of idols
Isaiah speaks as if the land were a container in which someone had placed silver, horses, and idols. The word "land" is a metonym for the people themselves, and the words "is full of" is a metaphor for the people possessing these items. Alternate Translation: "They possess much silver ... they also possess many horses ... They also possess many idols"
Isa 2:9
The people will be bowed down, and individuals will fall down
Here being low to the ground represents people who are completely humiliated because they realize all they trusted in is worthless, and they can do nothing to help themselves. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "God will make the people ashamed, and they will realize that all they trusted in is worthless"
Isa 2:9
do not raise them up
The words "raise them up" are a metaphor for Yahweh forgiving the people. Alternate Translation: "do not forgive them"
Isa 2:11
The lofty gaze of man will be brought low
Yahweh will bring down the lofty gaze of man. A man with a "lofty gaze" is looking above everyone to show them that he is better than they are. Here all people are guilty of thinking they are better than Yahweh, and the way they look at those who worship Yahweh, is a metonym for their pride. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will make ashamed all people because they think they are better than he is"
Isa 2:12
against all the cedars of Lebanon ... against all the oaks of Bashan
The "day of Yahweh of Hosts" will be against the cedars and oaks. Possible meanings are 1) these trees are a metaphor for the proud people whom God will judge or 2) God will actually destroy these mighty trees.
Isa 2:13
against all the cedars of Lebanon ... against all the oaks of Bashan
The "day of Yahweh of Hosts" will be against the cedars and oaks. Possible meanings are 1) these trees are a metaphor for the proud people whom God will judge or 2) God will actually destroy these mighty trees.
Isa 2:14
mountains ... hills
These words are metaphors for the pride of the Israelites. They also appear in [Isaiah 2:2](./02.md).
Isa 2:15
high tower ... impregnable wall
These refer to things people would build around their cities so they could defend themselves against their enemies. They are a metaphor for the Israelites' pride and belief that they had no need for Yahweh and could stand against any punishment Yahweh would mete out to them for their sins.
Isa 3:1
support and staff
Both of these words refer to a walking stick, on which someone leans for support. This idea here stands for the things that people need the most in order to live: food and water. Alternate Translation: "everything that supports you" or "everything that you depend on"
Isa 3:6
let this ruin be in your hands
Here "hands" represents authority. Alternate Translation: "take charge of this ruin" or "rule over this ruin"
Isa 3:6
this ruin
Possible meanings are 1) many or most of the buildings in the city of Jerusalem were destroyed or 2) the people in Jerusalem have no more prosperity or leadership. Alternate Translation: "this city, which is now ruined"
Isa 3:7
I will not be a healer
Solving the people's troubles is spoken of as if it were healing them. Alternate Translation: "No, I cannot fix this problem" or "No, I cannot help you"
Isa 3:8
Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen
Disobeying God is spoken of as if it were stumbling and falling.
Isa 3:10
for they will eat the fruit of their deeds
Deeds are spoken of as if they were trees giving fruit that can be eaten. The fruit stands for the reward for doing good deeds. Alternate Translation: "for they will receive their reward for their good deeds" or "for they will receive their reward for the good things they have done"
Isa 3:12
children are their oppressors
Possible meanings are 1) "young people have become their leaders and they oppress the people" or 2) "their leaders are immature like children and oppress the people."
Isa 3:12
those who guide you lead you astray and confuse the direction of your path
It was common in the Ancient Middle East to speak of a nation's leaders as if they were shepherds. As shepherds lead the sheep along good paths to safety, leaders should teach the people the truth and help them do what is right. Judah's leaders were not doing this. Alternate Translation: "your leaders are like bad shepherds who lead you away from good paths and do not show you where to go"
Isa 3:13
Yahweh stands up for an accusation; he is standing to accuse the people
Isaiah speaks of Yahweh's decision to harm the people as if Yahweh were bringing a legal accusation in a courtroom against the people of Israel. The second part of this line means the same thing as the first part, but it says it a little more completely. Alternate Translation: "It is as though Yahweh had taken his place in a courtroom and were ready to accuse the people"
Isa 3:14
will come with judgment
Judgment is spoken of as if it were an object that one could bring to another person. Alternate Translation: "will announce his judgment" or "will declare his judgment"
Isa 3:15
crush my people
Making people suffer is spoken of as if it were crushing them with a very heavy weight. Alternate Translation: "cruelly harm my people"
Isa 3:15
grind the faces of the poor
Making people suffer is spoken of as if it were rubbing their faces into the ground. Alternate Translation: "harm the poor and make them suffer"
Isa 3:16
the daughters of Zion
Zion, meaning here the city of Jerusalem, is spoken of as if it were a woman with her daughters. Alternate Translation: "the women of Zion"
Isa 4:2
the fruit of the land will be tasty and delightful for those survivors in Israel
Fruit sometimes simply represents food produced in the land, and sometimes it represents spiritual blessings. Possible meanings here are 1) God will cause the land to produce good food again. Alternate Translation: "the people who are still in Israel will enjoy the best food from the land" or 2) the future Messiah will bring spiritual blessings to the people in the land.
Isa 4:4
when the Lord will have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion
This expression speaks of sin as if it were physical dirt. Alternate Translation: "after the Lord removes the sins of the daughters of Zion as someone washes away filth"
Isa 4:4
by means of the spirit of judgment and the spirit of flaming fire
This is how God would remove the sin from Jerusalem. Here "spirit" probably represents the activity of judging and burning. Alternate Translation: "by judgment and flaming fire"
Isa 4:4
the spirit of flaming fire
Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor that means Yahweh will remove sinners from Zion like a fire removes impurities or 2) "flaming fire" is a metonym that represents the destruction in general of all the sinners.
Isa 5:3
judge between me and my vineyard
The idea of a space separating two things is often used to express the idea of choosing one or the other of those things. Alternate Translation: "decide who has acted right, I or my vineyard"
Isa 5:7
the man of Judah his pleasant planting
The people of Judah are spoken of as if they are a vine that Yahweh planted. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate Translation: "the people of Judah are like a vine that that Yahweh planted for Yahweh's pleasure"
Isa 5:11
until wine inflames them
Here the power of wine to make its drinkers drunk is spoken of as if it were inflaming them, that is, setting them on fire. Alternate Translation: "until they are drunk with wine"
Isa 5:14
Sheol has made its appetite greater and has opened its mouth very wide
This phrase speaks of Sheol, which stands here for the grave, to an animal that is ready to eat other animals. It implies that many, many people will die. Alternate Translation: "death is like a hungry animal that has opened its mouth wide to eat up many people"
Isa 5:15
the lofty
Here proud, arrogant people are spoken of as if they are high above other people. Alternate Translation: "proud"
Isa 5:16
will be exalted
Being honored is spoken of as if it were being lifted high. Alternate Translation: "will be greatly honored"
Isa 5:19
let the plans of the Holy One of Israel come
God's plans are spoken of as if they were objects that could come by themselves. Alternate Translation: "let the Holy One of Israel accomplish his plans"
Isa 5:20
who represent darkness as light, and light as darkness ... bitter as sweet, and sweet as bitter
Those who do these things are the same as those "who call evil good, and good evil." These things are opposites and people know the difference between them, but some people lie and say that bad things are good. Alternate Translation: "They are like people who call darkness light and light darkness. They are like people who call bitter things sweet and sweet things bitter"
Isa 5:24
their root will rot, and their blossom will blow away like dust
Isaiah speaks of these people as if they were a dying plant. Alternate Translation: "they will die like a plant whose roots have rotted and whose blossom has dried up and blown away in the wind"
Isa 5:25
the anger of Yahweh is kindled
Isaiah speaks of Yahweh's anger as if it were a fire. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh is very angry"
Isa 5:29
They will growl and seize the prey
Isaiah compares the enemy killing the people of Judah to a lion killing a weaker animal. Possible meanings are 1) lions make a sound not as loud as a roar just before they strike, or 2) the writer is using two words to mean the same thing.
Isa 5:30
even the light will be made dark by the clouds
Here darkness represents suffering and disaster. This metaphor can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "the dark clouds will completely block the light of the sun"
Isa 6:3
The whole earth is full of his glory
This speaks of the earth as if it were a container and glory were the contents in the container. Alternate Translation: "Everything on the earth is evidence of God's glory"
Isa 6:7
your guilt has been taken away
Yahweh no longer considering a person to be guilty is spoken of as if "guilt" were an object that someone could take away from someone else.
Isa 6:10
their ears dull, and blind their eyes
make it so that they cannot hear, and make it so that they cannot see. Isaiah making people to not understand Yahweh's message or what he is doing is spoken of as if Isaiah were making them deaf and blind.
Isa 6:10
they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears
People being able to understand Yahweh's message and what he is doing is spoken of as if the people were able physically to see and hear.
Isa 6:10
then turn
Repenting and starting to obey Yahweh is spoken of as if the people were physically to turn towards him. Alternate Translation: "follow me again" or "then start trusting in me again"
Isa 6:13
the holy seed
The people who will serve Yahweh after armies destroy Israel are spoken of as if they were set apart as a holy seed.
Isa 7:4
do not be afraid or intimidated by these two smoldering firebrands, by the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram, and of Pekah son of Remaliah
God compares Rezin and Pekah to burning sticks whose fire has gone out and are making smoke now. God is emphasizing that they are not real threats to Judah. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "do not let Rezin and Pekah make you afraid; their fierce anger is like a burning stick whose fire has gone out and there is only smoke"
Isa 7:18
for a fly from the distant streams of Egypt, and for a bee from the land of Assyria
Here the armies of Egypt and Assyria are spoken of as if they are insects that will invade the land of Israel. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate Translation: "for the armies of Egypt and Assyria, and their soldiers will be everywhere like flies and bees"
Isa 7:20
the Lord will shave with a razor that was hired beyond the Euphrates River—the king of Assyria
The word "razor" is a metaphor for the king of Assyria and his army, and Yahweh speaks of the king as if the king were a man who would do Yahweh's work and then receive money from Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "the Lord will call the king of Assyria from beyond the Euphrates River to work for him to shave you"
Isa 7:20
the head ... the hair of the legs ... the beard
Isaiah does not say whose head, hair, and beard the Lord is going to shave, but Ahaz and the reader would understand that this is a man; the man is a metaphor for the people living in the land of Judah.
Isa 8:6
Because this people has refused the gentle waters of Shiloah
The words "gentle waters" are a metaphor for the law of the Lord. Alternate Translation: "Because this people has rejected Yahweh's law, which is like the gentle waters of Shiloah"
Isa 8:7
the waters of the River, mighty and many, the king of Assyria and all his glory
The river symbolizes the army of Assyria. Alternate Translation: "the army from Assyria, which is powerful like a mighty river"
Isa 8:8
The River will sweep onward into Judah, flooding and passing on, until it reaches to your neck
The army of Assyria is like a flood of water. Alternate Translation: "More and more soldiers will come like a river rising up to your neck"
Isa 8:8
Its outstretched wings will fill
Possible meanings are 1) as "the River" in the metaphor rises, its "wings" flow over and cover what had been dry land or 2) Isaiah changes metaphors and now speaks of Yahweh as a bird who is protecting the land, "But his outstretched wings will cover."
Isa 8:14
He will become a sanctuary
The word "sanctuary" is a metaphor for Yahweh keeping his people safe and protecting them. Alternate Translation: "He will protect them when they go to him"
Isa 8:20
it is because they have no light of dawn
Isaiah speaks of people who do not know God as if they were people walking in darkness without any light. Alternate Translation: "it is because they are like a person lost in the dark"
Isa 9:1
The gloom will be dispelled from her who was in anguish
Isaiah speaks of people who are spiritually lost as if they were walking around in total darkness. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will remove the darkness from her who was in anguish"
Isa 9:1
her who was in anguish
her who was suffering great pain and sadness. This is probably a metaphor for the people of Judah.
Isa 9:2
walked in darkness ... lived in the land of the shadow of death
Isaiah speaks of the people living sinful lives and suffering because of it as if they had been walking in a dark or living in a land of shadow of death.
Isa 9:2
a great light ... light has shone
Here "light" represents hope and deliverance.
Isa 9:4
For the yoke of his burden ... you have shattered as on the day of Midian
Isaiah speaks of the Israelites, who are the Assyrians' slaves, as if they were an ox wearing a yoke. This will happen in the future, but he speaks as if it has already happened. Alternate Translation: "For as on the day of Midian you will set the people of Israel free from being slaves to their oppressors like a person removes a yoke from the shoulders of an animal"
Isa 9:4
For the yoke of his burden ... his shoulder ... his oppressor
Isaiah speaks of the people of Israel as if they were one man. Alternate Translation: "For the yoke of their burden ... their shoulders ... their oppressor"
Isa 9:4
the rod of his oppressor
Isaiah speaks of the power the oppressor has over the people of Judah as if it were the piece of wood used by a person to beat oxen so they will work.
Isa 9:6
the rule will be on his shoulder
His authority to rule is spoken of as if it were the robe that is a symbol of his authority. Alternate Translation: "he will wear his royal robe on his shoulder" or "he will have authority to rule as king."
Isa 9:12
They will devour Israel with open mouth
Devour is how wild animals eat their prey. Alternate Translation: "Like a wild beast eating its prey, the army of the enemy will destroy the people of Israel"
Isa 9:12
his hand is still stretched out
Isaiah speaks as if Yahweh were a person about to hit another person with his fist. This is a metaphor for Yahweh punishing Israel. See how you translated this in [Isaiah 5:25](../05/25.md). Alternate Translation: "he will still be ready to punish them"
Isa 9:14
head and tail
Isaiah explains this metaphor in verse 15. The "head," the part of an animal a person would want to be, is "the leader and the noble man," and the "tail," the dirty part of the animal, is "the prophet who teaches lies."
Isa 9:14
palm branch and reed
The "palm branch" grows high on the tree and is a metaphor for people who are important and rule others. The "reed" grows in shallow water and is a metaphor for people who are poor and unimportant and are ruled by others.
Isa 9:16
Those who lead this people lead them astray
The leaders causing people to disobey is spoken of as if the leaders led them on the wrong path. Alternate Translation: "The leaders of Israel have caused the people to disobey God"
Isa 9:16
those who are led by them are swallowed up
This is a metaphor that can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) Alternate Translation: "those that they lead become confused" or 2) Alternate Translation: "Yahweh destroys those that they lead"
Isa 9:17
his hand is still stretched out
Isaiah speaks as if Yahweh were a person about to hit another person with his fist. This is a metaphor for Yahweh punishing Israel. See how you translated this in [Isaiah 5:25](../05/25.md). Alternate Translation: "he will still be ready to punish them"
Isa 9:18
Wickedness burns like a fire; it devours the briers and thorns; it even burns the thickets of the forest
The people's evil deeds are spoken of as if they were a very destructive fire. This fire burns even the briers and thorns, plants that grow in places where people no longer live, and "the thickets of the forest" where no one has ever lived, because it has already destroyed the places where people were living.
Isa 9:20
Each will even eat the flesh of his own arm
Possible meanings are 1) people will be so hungry that they will want to eat or will actually eat their own arms or 2) the word "arm" is a metaphor for the person's neighbor.
Isa 9:21
his hand is still stretched out
Isaiah speaks as if Yahweh were a person about to hit another person with his fist. This is a metaphor for Yahweh punishing Israel. See how you translated this in [Isaiah 5:25](../05/25.md). Alternate Translation: "he will still be ready to punish them"
Isa 10:2
make the fatherless their prey
Isaiah compares orphans to animals that other animals hunt and eat. This emphasizes that orphans are powerless and judges can easily harm them. Alternate Translation: "harm children who do not have parents like an animal that goes after its prey"
Isa 10:4
his hand is still stretched out
Isaiah speaks as if Yahweh were a person about to hit another person with his fist. This is a metaphor for Yahweh punishing Israel. See how you translated this in [Isaiah 5:25](../05/25.md). Alternate Translation: "he will still be ready to punish them"
Isa 10:6
who bear my overflowing wrath
Yahweh speaks of his wrath as if it were more liquid than a container could hold; "the people" are trying to carry this container, but it is heavy, and Yahweh keeps pouring liquid in even after it starts to spill out. Alternate Translation: "at whom I continue to be angry even after I have punished them"
Isa 10:13
I have brought down the inhabitants
Possible meanings are 1) the king of Assyria has shamed the people of the countries he conquered or 2) he has removed the kings of the nations so they no longer rule.
Isa 10:17
The light of Israel will become a fire
The phrase "light of Israel" refers to Yahweh. It is unclear whether Yahweh or Isaiah is speaking. Alternate Translation: "I, Yahweh, the light of Israel, will become like a fire, able to destroy everyone that does not honor me"
Isa 10:17
it will burn and devour his thorns and briers
The fire will burn and devour the king of Assyria's thorns and briars. The speaker compares the king of Assyria's army to thorns and briers. This emphasizes how easily God will destroy them. Alternate Translation: "I will destroy the Assyrians like a fire burning thorns and briers"
Isa 10:18
Yahweh will consume the glory of his forest and of his fruitful land
Possible meaning are 1) "Yahweh will destroy the great forests and farmlands in the nation of Assyria" or 2) "Yahweh will destroy the army of Assyria as a fire burns up great forests and farmlands."
Isa 10:24
He will strike you with the rod and raise his staff against you
The words "rod" and "staff" refer to pieces of wood that people use as clubs to beat animals and other people. Isaiah speaks of the way the Assyrians will rule over the Israelites as if the Assyrians were beating the Israelites with clubs. Alternate Translation: "He will rule over you and make slaves of you"
Isa 10:26
will wield a whip against them
will beat the Assyrians with a whip. God will not really use a whip. This refers to God's power to punish the Assyrians severely. Alternate Translation: "will punish the Assyrians severely as if with a whip"
Isa 10:26
He will raise his rod over the sea and lift it up as he did in Egypt
This speaks of God rescuing the people from the Assyrians as if they were the Egyptian army. This refers to when God caused the water of the Red Sea to split so the people of Israel could escape from the Egyptian army and so that the Egyptian army would drown in it. Alternate Translation: "He will help you escape from the army of Assyria as he helped your ancestors escape the army of Egypt"
Isa 10:33
will lop off the boughs ... and Lebanon in his majesty will fall
Isaiah speaks of the army of Assyria as if it were the tall trees in Lebanon. God will destroy the army like people cutting down the mighty trees of Lebanon. This emphasizes that though the army is strong, God has the power to destroy it.
Isa 10:33
will lop off the boughs
will cut off the big branches of the trees. In order to make it clear that this refers to the army of Assyria, it can be translated as a simile: He will destroy the army of Assyria like strong men cutting off the big branches of trees.
Isa 10:33
the tallest trees
This is a metaphor for "the strongest soldiers."
Isa 10:34
will lop off the boughs ... and Lebanon in his majesty will fall
Isaiah speaks of the army of Assyria as if it were the tall trees in Lebanon. God will destroy the army like people cutting down the mighty trees of Lebanon. This emphasizes that though the army is strong, God has the power to destroy it.
Isa 10:34
the thickets of the forest
the dense shrubs in the forest. This is possibly a metaphor for those people who are not well known.
Isa 10:34
Lebanon in his majesty will fall
the forests of Lebanon will no longer be so grand. This is possibly a metaphor for the Assyrian army. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will defeat the army of Assyria, as mighty as it is"
Isa 11:1
the stump of Jesse
A stump is what remains of a tree after it is chopped down. The "stump of Jesse" represents what was left of the kingdom that Jesse's son David was once king of.
Isa 11:2
The Spirit of Yahweh will rest upon him
Resting upon him represents being with him and helping him. The word "him" refers to the one who would become king.
Isa 11:5
Righteousness will be the belt of his waist
Wearing righteousness like a belt represents being righteous. Possible meanings are 1) the king's righteousness will enable him to rule. Alternate Translation: "His righteousness will be a like a belt around his waist" or 2) the king's righteousness would show his authority to rule. Alternate Translation: "He will rule righteously"
Isa 11:5
faithfulness the belt around his hips
Wearing faithfulness like a belt represents being faithful. Possible meanings are 1) the king's faithfulness will enable him to rule, or 2) the king's faithfulness will show his authority to rule. Alternate Translation: "his faithfulness will be a like a belt around his hips" or "he will rule faithfully"
Isa 11:12
He will set up a banner for the nations
Possible meanings are 1) "The Lord will set up the king as a banner for the nations" or 2) "The king will set up a banner for the nations"
Isa 11:14
they will swoop down on the Philistine hills
The people of Israel and Judah are pictured as if they were birds that fly down quickly to attack a person or animal. Alternate Translation: "they will go quickly to the Philistine hills to attack the people there"
Isa 11:15
With his scorching wind he will wave his hand over the Euphrates River
Waving his hand over something represents his power to change it. Alternate Translation: "By his power he will cause a scorching wind to blow on the Euphrates River"
Isa 12:2
God is my salvation
God causing someone's salvation is spoken of as if God were that salvation. The abstract noun "salvation" can be expressed with the noun "savior" or the verb "save." Alternate Translation: "God causes my salvation" or "God is my savior" or "God is the one who saves me"
Isa 12:2
Yahweh is my strength
God causing someone to be strong is spoken of as if Yahweh were their strength. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh makes me strong"
Isa 12:2
song
The word "song" here represents what a person sings about. Alternate Translation: "the one I joyfully sing about"
Isa 12:3
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation
Isaiah speaks of people being saved as if they were getting salvation the way people get water out of well. Alternate Translation: "you will rejoice when he saves you, as people rejoice when they draw water from a well"
Isa 13:5
his instruments of judgment
The soldiers that God is sending to attack Babylon are spoken of as if they were weapons. "Judgment" represents punishment because God has judged Babylon. Alternate Translation: "the army that he will use to punish Babylon"
Isa 13:6
the day of Yahweh is near
Something that is about to happen soon is spoken of as if it is coming near. Alternate Translation: "the day of Yahweh will happen soon"
Isa 13:6
it comes with destruction from the Almighty
The word "it" refers to the day of Yahweh. "It comes with destruction" means that destruction will happen on that day. "Destruction from the Almighty" means that the Almighty will destroy them. Alternate Translation: "on that day, the Almighty God will destroy them"
Isa 13:7
every heart melts
People being terribly afraid is spoken of as if their hearts melt. Alternate Translation: "everyone is terribly afraid"
Isa 13:8
like a woman in labor
Being in labor represents giving birth to a baby. Alternate Translation: "like a woman giving birth to a baby" or "like the pain of a woman who is giving birth to a baby"
Isa 13:8
their faces will be aflame
Their faces being hot and red is spoken of as if they were burning. Possible reasons for their faces being hot are 1) the people are very afraid or 2) the people feel ashamed or 3) the people cry. Alternate Translation: "their faces will be hot and red"
Isa 13:9
the day of Yahweh comes with cruel wrath and overflowing anger
The day coming with wrath and anger means that there will be wrath and anger on that day. The abstract nouns "wrath" and "anger" can be expressed with the adjectives "furious" and "angry." Alternate Translation: "on the day of Yahweh, he will be furious and extremely angry"
Isa 13:9
overflowing anger
Anger here is spoken of as if the one who is angry is a container filled with anger. Overflowing anger means that he is extremely angry.
Isa 13:11
will bring down the arrogance of the ruthless
Being low often represents being humble. Bringing down people's arrogance represents making them humble. Alternate Translation: "will humble the ruthless"
Isa 13:17
I am about to stir up the Medes to attack them
Making people want to do something is spoken of as stirring them up. Alternate Translation: "I am about to make the Medes want to attack them"
Isa 14:8
Since you are laid low
Being laid low represents being made powerless and unimportant. Alternate Translation: "Since you have become powerless"
Isa 14:11
Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol
The dead kings will speak of the king of Babylon having no more splendor as if his splendor had gone down to Sheol. Alternate Translation: "Your splendor ended when God sent you here to Sheol"
Isa 14:11
with the sound of your string instruments
People would make music on string instruments to honor the king. The dead kings will speak of people no longer honoring the king of Babylon with music as if the music went to Sheol. Alternate Translation: "along with the sound of people playing music to honor you"
Isa 14:11
Maggots are spread under you
The maggots under his dead body are spoken of as if they were a mat or bed. Alternate Translation: "You lie on a bed of maggots" or "You lie on many maggots"
Isa 14:11
worms cover you
The worms all over his body are spoken of as if they were covering him like a blanket. Alternate Translation: "Worms cover you like a blanket" or "There are worms all over your body"
Isa 14:12
How you are fallen from heaven, daystar, son of the morning
The daystar is a bright star that rises just before morning. The people of Israel will refer to the king of Babylon in terms of this star in order to imply that he once was great, but now he was not. Alternate Translation: "You were like the bright morning star, but you have fallen from the sky"
Isa 14:12
How you are cut down to the ground
The people of Israel will speak of the king of Babylon as if he were a tree that was cut down. Alternate Translation: "You are defeated like a tree that someone has cut down to the ground"
Isa 14:16
shook kingdoms
Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor for "conquered kingdoms" or 2) this is metonymy for "terrified the people of kingdoms."
Isa 14:19
But you are cast out of your grave
Being thrown out of the grave represents not being buried. Alternate Translation: "But you are not buried. Your body is left on the ground"
Isa 14:20
You will not join them in burial
The word "them" refers to the other kings who died and were buried properly. Joining them in burial represents being buried as they were. Alternate Translation: "you will never be buried as other kings were buried"
Isa 14:21
possess the earth
This represents taking control of the people on the earth, in this case by conquering them. Alternate Translation: "take control of the peoples on the earth" or "conquer the peoples on the earth"
Isa 14:21
fill the whole world with cities
This represents causing the world to have many cities on it. Alternate Translation: "build cities all over the world"
Isa 14:23
a possession of owls
This represents wild animals living in the city because there are no people there. Alternate Translation: "a place where owls live" or "a place where wild animals live"
Isa 14:23
into pools of water
Causing there to be swamps or ponds of stagnant water where the city was is spoken of as making the city into those things. Alternate Translation: "into a place where there are stagnant ponds"
Isa 14:25
I will break the Assyrian in my land
Breaking represents defeating. Alternate Translation: "I will defeat the Assyrian in my land" or "I will cause the Assyrian in my land to be defeated"
Isa 14:25
trample him underfoot
This represents completely defeating him.
Isa 14:26
this is the hand that is raised over all the nations
God being ready to punish the nations is spoken of as if he raised his hand in order to hit them. The word "hand" may also represent his power. Alternate Translation: "this is Yahweh's power to punish all the nations" or "this is how Yahweh will punish the nations"
Isa 14:27
His hand is raised
This represents Yahweh being ready to punish the nations. Alternate Translation: "He is ready to punish them"
Isa 14:29
the rod that struck you is broken
The rod that struck Philistia represents a king who sent his army to attack them. Being broken represents either being dead or being defeated. Alternate Translation: "the king that sent his army against you is dead" or "the army that attacked you is defeated"
Isa 14:29
a fiery flying serpent
Here the word "fiery" probably refers to the serpent's poisonous bite, and the word "flying" refers to its quick movements. Alternate Translation: "a quickly moving poisonous snake"
Isa 14:30
The firstborn of the poor
This represents the poorest people. Alternate Translation: "The poorest people" or "The poorest of my people"
Isa 14:30
I will kill your root with famine that will put to death all your survivors
Here "your root" refers to the people of Philistia. Alternate Translation: "I will kill your people with famine that will put to death all your survivors"
Isa 14:31
you will melt away
Melting away represents becoming weak because of fear. Alternate Translation: "you will grow weak with fear"
Isa 14:31
a cloud of smoke
Possible meanings are 1) this represents a cloud of dust that the army stirs up as they travel on dry dirt roads. Alternate Translation: "a cloud of dust" or 2) there is a lot of smoke because of all the things that the army destroys and burns. Alternate Translation: "much smoke"
Isa 15:8
The cry has gone around the territory of Moab
People's crying out and others hearing it is spoken of as if the cry had gone out. Alternate Translation: "People all over the territory of Moab cry out"
Isa 16:3
provide some shade like night in the middle of the day
The heat of the middle of the day represents the Moabites' suffering from their enemies, and shade represents protection from their enemies. Comparing the shade to night shows that they want strong protection. Alternate Translation: "protect us completely from our enemies as a large shadow protects people from the hot sun"
Isa 16:4
be a hiding place for them from the destroyer
Providing a hiding place is spoken of as being a hiding place. Alternate Translation: "give them a place to hide from those who are trying to destroy them" or "hide them from those who want to destroy them"
Isa 16:5
as he seeks justice
Seeking justice represents wanting to do what is just.
Isa 16:8
The rulers of the nations have trampled the choice vines
The land of Moab was known for its vineyards. Here God describes the land of Moab as one large vineyard. This emphasizes that the rulers, which refers to the armies, completely destroyed everything in Moab.
Isa 16:9
I will water you with my tears
God speaks of his deep sorrow for these places as if he would cry much and his many tears would fall on them. Alternate Translation: "I will cry much for you"
Isa 17:6
Gleanings will be left
The word "Gleanings" here represents the people who will still live in Israel. Alternate Translation: "But there will be a few people left in Israel"
Isa 17:10
have ignored the rock of your strength
This compares God to a large rock which people could climb on to get away from their enemies or hide behind. Alternate Translation: "have ignored God, who is like a rock that protects you" or "have ignored the one who protects you"
Isa 17:14
This is the portion of those
What happens to them is spoken of as if it is a portion that they inherit. Alternate Translation: "This is what happens to those"
Isa 18:1
Woe to the land of the rustling of wings, which is along the rivers of Cush
Possible meanings of "the rustling of wings" are 1) the boats that have sails are spoken of as having wings. Alternate Translation: "Woe to those who live in the land beyond the rivers of Cush, whose many ships look like insects on the water" or 2) the rustling of wings refers to the noise of insects that have wings, perhaps locusts.
Isa 18:2
by the sea
The Nile River was very wide, and people in Egypt and Cush referred to it as "the sea." Alternate Translation: "on the great river" or "along the Nile River"
Isa 19:1
Yahweh rides on a swift cloud
Yahweh seems to be pictured here as riding on a cloud as if he was riding in a chariot.
Isa 19:1
the hearts of the Egyptians melt within themselves
The heart melting represents losing their courage. Alternate Translation: "the Egyptians have no more courage"
Isa 19:10
will be crushed
Being crushed represents being discouraged. Alternate Translation: "will be discouraged"
Isa 19:13
they have made Egypt go astray, who are the cornerstones of her tribes
The princes of Zoan and Memphis are spoken of as if they are the cornerstones of buildings because they are an important part of the community. Alternate Translation: "the leaders have made Egypt go astray"
Isa 19:14
Yahweh has mixed a spirit of distortion into her midst
Isaiah speaks of Yahweh's judgment as if Egypt was a cup of wine. He speaks of Yahweh causing the leaders' thoughts to be distorted as if their distorted thoughts were a liquid that Yahweh mixed in with the wine. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has judged them by distorting their thoughts" or "Yahweh has judged Egypt by distorting its leaders' thoughts, as intoxicating drinks confuse people's thoughts"
Isa 19:14
have led Egypt astray
Leading people astray represents influencing them to do what is wrong.
Isa 19:15
whether head or tail
The "head," the part of an animal a person would want to be, represents the leader. The "tail" is the opposite and represents people who follow. Alternate Translation: "whether leader or follower"
Isa 19:15
palm branch or reed
The "palm branch" grows high on the tree and represents people who are wealthy and important. The "reed" grows in shallow water and represents people who are poor and unimportant. See how you translated similar phrases in [Isaiah 9:14](../09/14.md). Alternate Translation: "whether they are important or unimportant" or "whether rich or poor"
Isa 21:9
Babylon has fallen, fallen
Babylon being completely defeated by their enemies is spoken of as if Babylon has fallen. Here "Babylon" is a metonym that represents the people of Babylon. Alternate Translation: "The people of Babylon are completely defeated"
Isa 21:10
My threshed and winnowed ones, children of my threshing floor
The people of Israel suffering because of the Babylonians is spoken of as if the people were grain that was threshed and winnowed.
Isa 21:15
from the weight of war
The terror and suffering that is experienced during war is spoken of as if war were a heavy weight on people. Alternate Translation: "from the horrors of war"
Isa 22:18
He will surely wind you round and round, and toss you like a ball into a vast country
The enemy soldiers coming and taking Shebna as a captive to a foreign land is spoken of as if Yahweh were throwing him like a ball into another land.
Isa 22:19
I will thrust you from your office and from your station. You will be pulled down
Yahweh causing Shebna to no longer work in the king's palace is spoken of as if Yahweh will throw him to the ground.
Isa 22:21
I will clothe him with your tunic and put on him your sash
Yahweh causing Eliakim to take Shebna's place in the king's palace is spoken of as if Yahweh will dress Eliakim in Shebna's clothes that represent his authority in the king's palace.
Isa 22:21
He will be a father
Eliakim caring for and protecting the people of Judah is spoken of as if he would be their father. Alternate Translation: "He will be like a father"
Isa 22:23
I will fasten him, a peg in a secure place
Yahweh causing Eliakim's authority to be strong and secure in the king's palace is spoken of as if Eliakim were a peg and Yahweh will set him firmly in the palace wall.
Isa 22:24
They will hang on him all the glory of his father's house
Yahweh causing Eliakim's whole family to be honored because of Eliakim is spoken of as if Eliakim were a peg in the wall and his family were something that hangs on the peg. Alternate Translation: "They will give honor to his whole family because of him"
Isa 22:24
every small container from the cups to all the jugs
This continues to speak of Eliakim as a peg. His offspring will be like cups that hang on the peg. This means his descendants will be honored because of him.
Isa 22:25
the peg driven in a firm place ... will be cut off
Yahweh causing Shebna to lose his authority in the king's palace is spoken of as if Shebna were a peg in the wall that breaks off and falls to the ground. This emphasizes that Shebna thought his authority was secure but God will remove him.
Isa 23:8
whose merchants are princes
The merchants are compared to princes to emphasize how much power they had when they went to different lands. Alternate Translation: "whose merchants are like princes"
Isa 23:11
Yahweh has reached out with his hand over the sea, and he has shaken the kingdoms
Yahweh using his power to control the sea and the people of mighty kingdoms is spoken of as if Yahweh reached out his hand and shook kingdoms.
Isa 23:15
like in the song of the prostitute ... so that you may be remembered
This speaks about the people of Tyre as if they were a prostitute. Just as a prostitute who is no longer popular may sing in the streets to regain her former lovers, the people of Tyre will try to get people from other nations to return to them to continue trading so that the people of Tyre will be rich and powerful again.
Isa 23:16
like in the song of the prostitute ... so that you may be remembered
This speaks about the people of Tyre as if they were a prostitute. Just as a prostitute who is no longer popular may sing in the streets to regain her former lovers, the people of Tyre will try to get people from other nations to return to them to continue trading so that the people of Tyre will be rich and powerful again.
Isa 23:17
she will start making money again by doing the work of a prostitute ... of the earth
Isaiah compares the people of Tyre with a prostitute. Just as the prostitute sells herself for money to any man, the people of Tyre will again buy and sell to all kingdoms. Alternate Translation: "And like a prostitute they will buy and sell will all the kingdoms of the earth"
Isa 24:5
The earth is polluted by its inhabitants
The people sinning and making the earth unacceptable to God is spoken of as if the people made the earth physically unclean. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "The people have polluted the earth"
Isa 24:6
a curse devours the earth
Yahweh cursing the earth and destroying it is spoken of as if a curse were either a wild animal that completely eats the earth or a fire that completely burns up the earth.
Isa 24:18
The windows of the heavens will be opened
This speaks of large amounts of rain falling from the sky as if Yahweh opened a window in the sky and let the water pour through. Alternate Translation: "The sky will split open and torrents of rain will fall"
Isa 24:20
Its sin will be heavy on it and it will fall and never rise again
This speaks of the earth as if it were a person and transgressions were a heavy object. The person tries to carry the heavy weight but the weight causes the person to fall and not be able to stand back up. Here the earth represents the people of the earth who cause Yahweh to destroy the earth because of their sins. Alternate Translation: "The sins of the people are many and so Yahweh will destroy the earth, and the earth will be like a person who falls and cannot get back up"
Isa 25:4
you have been a place of safety ... a shelter ... a shelter from the storm ... a shade from the heat
Yahweh protecting his people is spoken of as if he were a place that the people could go to be safe and comforted.
Isa 25:7
the covering over all peoples, the web woven over all the nations
Death, suffering, and sadness are spoken of as if they were a dark cloud or web that covers everyone on the earth.
Isa 25:8
He will swallow up death forever
Yahweh causing people to live forever is spoken of as if he would swallow death.
Isa 25:8
the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth
Yahweh causing the people to never be ashamed again is spoken of as if disgrace were an object that Yahweh would take away.
Isa 25:10
Moab will be trampled down in his place, even as straw is trampled down in a pit filled with manure
Yahweh destroying the people of Moab is spoken of as if he would step on them and crush them. This is compared to how people trampled on straw to mix it with manure.
Isa 25:11
will bring down their pride
Yahweh humiliating a proud person is spoken of as if pride were something high and Yahweh would cause it to be low.
Isa 26:1
God has made salvation its walls and ramparts
God's power to protect and save his people is spoken of as if his salvation were walls around a city.
Isa 26:4
Yahweh, is an everlasting rock
Yahweh having the power to protect his people is spoken of as if he were a tall rock where people could go to escape from their enemies.
Isa 26:5
he will bring down those who live proudly
Yahweh humiliating those who are proud is spoken of as if proud people were up high and he would cause them to come down low.
Isa 26:8
in the path of your judgments, Yahweh, we wait for you
Doing what Yahweh judged to be right is spoken of walking on his path. Alternate Translation: "we wait for you, Yahweh, as we continue to do what you judged to be right"
Isa 26:9
my spirit within me seeks you earnestly
Wanting to know Yahweh and his laws better is spoken of as if the person were seeking to find Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "I earnestly want to know you better"
Isa 26:11
your hand is lifted up
Yahweh preparing to punish wicked people is spoken of as if his hand were raised and about to hit the wicked people.
Isa 26:11
fire of your adversaries will devour them
Yahweh punishing and completely destroying his adversaries is spoken of as if he would send a fire that will completely burn them up.
Isa 26:14
made every memory of them to perish
Yahweh causing people to no longer remember those he destroyed is spoken of as if Yahweh made their memory perish or die.
Isa 26:18
General Information:
Isaiah continues to compare the suffering of the people of Judah to a woman giving birth.
Isa 26:19
Awake
This speaks of dead people coming back to life as if they were waking up from sleep.
Isa 26:19
for your dew is the dew of light
Yahweh acting kindly towards his people and bringing them back to life is spoken of as if it were the dew that causes the plants to live.
Isa 26:19
the earth will bring forth its dead
the earth will give birth to those who died. Yahweh causing dead people to come back to life is spoken of as if the earth would give birth to those who have died. Alternate Translation: "and Yahweh will cause those who have died to rise from the earth"
Isa 27:1
Yahweh with his hard, great and fierce sword will punish
Yahweh having the power to destroy his enemies is spoken of as if he had strong, large sword.
Isa 27:2
A vineyard of wine, sing of it
Sing about the vineyard of wine. This speaks about the people of Israel as if they were a vineyard that produced fruit. Alternate Translation: "Sing about the people of Israel as if they were a vineyard that produced grapes for wine"
Isa 27:4
that there were briers and thorns
The enemies of the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were briers and thorns growing in the vineyard.
Isa 27:4
In battle I would march against them
Yahweh fighting his enemies is spoken of as if he were a warrior in an army.
Isa 27:4
I would march against them; I would burn them all together
Here Isaiah combines different images to speak of Yahweh's enemies. He speaks of them as if they are briers and thorns but also as soldiers in an army.
Isa 27:6
In the coming day
This speaks about a day as if it travels and arrives somewhere. Alternate Translation: "In the future"
Isa 27:6
Jacob will take root; Israel will blossom and bud
Yahweh blessing the people of Israel and causing them to prosper is spoken of as if they were a vine that grows roots and blossoms. Alternate Translation: "the descendants of Israel will prosper like a vine that has taken root and blossomed"
Isa 27:6
they will fill the surface of the ground with fruit
Yahweh causing the people of Israel to prosper greatly so that they can help other people is spoken of as if they were a vine that grows so much fruit that it would cover the earth.
Isa 27:8
he drove them away with his fierce breath in the day of the east wind
Yahweh's power to send his people away to a foreign country is spoken of as if Yahweh used his breath to blow them to a foreign country. Alternate Translation: "the power of Yahweh drove them out like a fierce wind from the east"
Isa 27:9
the full fruit
This speaks of the results of an action as if it were the fruit that grows as on a tree or vine. Alternate Translation: "the result"
Isa 27:11
When the boughs ... not a people of understanding
The people becoming so weak because they disobey Yahweh so that enemies can easily destroy them is spoken of as if they are dry branches that women break off of a tree.
Isa 27:12
Yahweh will thresh
Yahweh gathering his people to bring them back from the foreign nations to the land of Israel is spoken of as if he were threshing wheat to separate the grain from the chaff.
Isa 28:1
Woe to the proud garland ... on the head of the lush Valley of those who are overcome with wine
A "garland" is a crown made of flowers. Here it represents the city of Samaria, the capital of Israel, which sits above a fertile valley. Samaria and its people being destroyed is spoken of as if the flowers in the garland will grow old and stop being beautiful.
Isa 28:2
he will throw each garland crown down to the ground
The king and his powerful army destroying the people of Samaria and their city is spoken of as if the king will throw the people's garlands onto the ground.
Isa 28:3
proud garland ... of Ephraim ... that is on the head of the rich valley
A "garland" is a crown made of flowers. Here it represents the city of Samaria, the capital of Israel, which sits above a fertile valley.
Isa 28:4
proud garland ... of Ephraim ... that is on the head of the rich valley
A "garland" is a crown made of flowers. Here it represents the city of Samaria, the capital of Israel, which sits above a fertile valley.
Isa 28:5
will become a beautiful crown and a diadem of beauty
Yahweh is spoken of as if he were to become a beautiful crown that the people who honor him as their true king would wear.
Isa 28:7
they are swallowed up by wine
Their drinking so much that they can no longer think properly is spoken of as if the wine swallowed them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "the wine is causing them to be confused"
Isa 28:13
go and fall backward, and be broken
People losing in battle to the enemy army is spoken of as if the people will fall down and break.
Isa 28:13
ensnared
The enemy soldiers capturing the people of Israel is spoken of as if they were hunters that catch an animal in a snare.
Isa 28:15
So when the overwhelming whip passes through, it will not reach us
This speaks of Yahweh's judgment and punishment as if it were a whip that would strike the people. And the whip is spoken of as if it were a flood that would pass through Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "As a result, when everyone else is suffering and dying, nothing will harm us"
Isa 28:16
I will lay in Zion a foundation stone ... sure foundation
Yahweh sending a strong person to help the people of Israel is spoken of as if Yahweh is constructing a strong foundation for a building.
Isa 28:17
I will make justice the measuring stick, and righteousness the plumbline
Yahweh testing according to his justice and righteousness to determine if the people are just and righteous is spoken of as if he were a builder using tools to determine that something is the correct length and perfectly level.
Isa 28:17
Hail will sweep away
Yahweh causing a large amount of hail to fall is spoken of as if it would be an overwhelming flood. Alternate Translation: "Hailstorms will destroy"
Isa 28:17
the refuge of lies ... the hiding place
This speaks about "lies" as if they were a place a person could go to hide. They represent what the leaders of Jerusalem trusted in to keep them safe from Yahweh's punishment. Possible meanings are 1) the leaders trust in their own lies that they have said in order to protect themselves or 2) the leaders trust that the covenant they have made with the false gods of the place of the dead will keep them safe or 3) the leaders trust that the agreement they have made with the Egyptians will keep them safe. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Isaiah 28:15](./15.md).
Isa 28:18
covenant with death ... agreement with Sheol
Possible meanings are 1) the leaders of Jerusalem had used magic or sorcery to try to make an agreement with the gods of the place of the dead so that these gods would protect them from dying or 2) this is a metaphor that speaks of the leaders having made an agreement with the leaders of Egypt. The leaders of Jerusalem were so confident that the Egyptians would protect that it was like they had made an agreement with the gods of the place of the dead. See how you translated this in [Isaiah 28:15](./15.md).
Isa 28:22
your bonds will be tightened
Yahweh punishing the people even more severely is spoken of as if he would tighten their bonds. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will tighten your bonds" or "Yahweh will punish you even more severely"
Isa 29:9
blind yourselves and be blind
The people ignoring what Yahweh says is spoken of as if they would make themselves blind. Alternate Translation: "keep being ignorant and spiritually blind to what I am showing you"
Isa 29:9
Be drunk, but not with wine; stagger, but not with beer
The people being senseless and not understanding what Yahweh is doing is spoken of as if they were drunk. Alternate Translation: "Be senseless like a drunk person, but it is not because you have drank too much wine or beer"
Isa 29:10
For Yahweh has poured out on you the spirit of deep sleep
Here "the spirit of" means "to have the characteristic of" being asleep. Yahweh causing the people to be asleep is spoken of as if "the spirit" were a liquid that he poured out on the people. Also "deep sleep" is a metaphor that means the people are senseless and cannot understand what Yahweh is doing. Alternate Translation: "The reason you are senseless is because Yahweh has caused you to be spiritually asleep"
Isa 29:10
He has closed your eyes, the prophets, and has covered your heads, the seers
Yahweh causing the people to be senseless and not to understand what he is doing is spoken of as if he closed their eyes and covered their heads so they could not see. Alternate Translation: "It is as though Yahweh has closed the eyes of the prophets and covered the heads of the seers"
Isa 29:15
who deeply hide their plans from Yahweh
People trying to make plans without Yahweh knowing about it is spoken of as if they hide their plans in a deep place where Yahweh cannot see. Alternate Translation: "who try to hide their plans from Yahweh" or "who try to keep Yahweh from finding out what they are planning to do"
Isa 29:16
Should the potter be considered like clay, so that the thing that is made should say about him who made it ... "He does not understand"?
Yahweh who created humans is spoken of as if he were a potter and humans were the clay. This metaphor emphasizes that it is foolish for humans to reject or criticize the one who created them. Alternate Translation: "Should you consider me, your maker, to be like the clay rather than the potter? It is as if a potter created something, and that thing said about the potter, 'He did not make me,' or 'He does not understand.'"
Isa 29:17
Lebanon will be turned into a field, and the field will become a forest
Possible meanings are 1) this is literal and Yahweh will cause the places where trees grew wild in Lebanon to become fruitful fields or 2) this is a metaphor and the large forests of Lebanon represent powerful oppressors, and the crops that grow in the field and become a forest are the common people who are suffering. This means Yahweh will humble those who are powerful, but he will honor those who are suffering.
Isa 29:18
the deaf will hear the words of a book, and the eyes of the blind will see out of the deep darkness
Possible meanings are 1) this is literal and Yahweh will cause deaf people to hear and blind people to see or 2) this is a metaphor that means Yahweh will enable the people to hear and understand his message or 3) it may mean both options 1 and 2.
Isa 29:21
They lay a snare for him who seeks justice at the gate and put the righteous down with empty lies
The evil people doing anything they can to stop a good person is spoken of as if the evil people set a trap like a hunter catching his prey. Alternate Translation: "They lie and try to stop those who want to do what is fair and right"
Isa 30:1
the rebellious children
Yahweh speaks about his people as if they were his children.
Isa 30:1
they add sin to sin
Continuing to sin is spoken of as if sins were objects that could be stacked on one another. Alternate Translation: "they continue to sin more and more"
Isa 30:2
take refuge in the shadow of Egypt
Egypt's protection from enemy armies is spoken of as if it were a shadow that protects someone from the burning heat of the sun. Alternate Translation: "they rely on the Egyptians to keep them safe"
Isa 30:3
the refuge in Egypt's shade
Egypt's protection from enemy armies is spoken of as if it were a shadow that protects someone from the burning heat of the sun.
Isa 30:8
for the time to come
This speaks of time as if it travels and arrives somewhere. Alternate Translation: "for a future time"
Isa 30:9
lying children, children who will not hear the instruction of Yahweh
This speaks of Yahweh's people as if they were his children. This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate Translation: "They behave like children who lie and do not listen to what Yahweh commands"
Isa 30:11
Turn aside from the way, stray off the path
How Yahweh wants his people to behave is spoken of as if it were a way or path on which to walk. To disobey Yahweh is spoken of as if the person strays away from Yahweh's path.
Isa 30:14
He will break it
Here "it" refers to the part in the wall that is about to fall. The part in the wall is a metaphor that represents the people of Judah and their sin mentioned in [Isaiah 30:12-13](./12.md).
Isa 30:15
In returning and resting you will be saved
Repenting is spoken of as if it were physically returning to Yahweh. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I will save you from your enemies if you will repent and rest knowing that I will take care of you"
Isa 30:21
This is the way, walk in it
How Yahweh wants his people to behave is spoken of as if it were a way or path. To obey Yahweh is spoken of as if it were a person walking on his path.
Isa 30:21
when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left
Disobeying Yahweh is spoken of as if the person turned left or right off of Yahweh's path.
Isa 30:26
Yahweh will bind up the breaking of his people and heal the bruises of his wounding them
Yahweh comforting his people and causing their suffering to end is spoken of as if he would put bandages on their wounds.
Isa 30:27
the name of Yahweh ... like a devouring fire
Yahweh being extremely angry is spoken of as if he were a large fire.
Isa 30:28
to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction
Yahweh separating the people of the nations and destroying the wicked people is spoken of as if Yahweh puts the nations in a sieve. This can be translated as a new sentence. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will separate and destroy the wicked people of the nations"
Isa 30:28
His breath is a bridle in the jaws of the peoples to cause them to wander away
Yahweh having the power to cause people's plans to fail or causing them to be destroyed is spoken of as if his breath were a bridle that steers people off the correct path.
Isa 30:29
to the Rock of Israel
Yahweh having the power to protect his people is spoken of as if he were a rock on which the people could climb and escape from enemies. Alternate Translation: "to Israel's protective rock" or "which is like a protective rock for Israel"
Isa 30:30
in storming anger and flames of fire
Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a storm or a fire. Alternate Translation: "in anger that is like a storm and flames of fire" or "in great anger"
Isa 30:31
Assyria will be shattered
Isaiah speaks of Assyria's fear as if Assyria is an object that Yahweh's voice shatters. Alternate Translation: "Assyria will be terrified"
Isa 30:32
Every stroke of the appointed rod that Yahweh will lay on them
Yahweh causing an army to defeat the Assyrians is spoken of as if Yahweh would hit the Assyrians with a rod.
Isa 30:32
he battles and fights with them
Yahweh causing the enemy army to defeat the Assyrians is spoken of as if Yahweh were a warrior who would fight along with the enemy army.
Isa 31:1
lean on horses
This speaks about people relying on their horses to help them as if they were leaning on their horses. Alternate Translation: "rely on their horses"
Isa 31:2
will not retract his words
The phrase "retract his words" speaks of a person not fulfilling what they said they will do as if the words that he had said were something that he could pull back to himself. Here it says that Yahweh will not do this, meaning he will fulfill what he has said. Alternate Translation: "he will do what he said he would do"
Isa 31:5
he will protect and rescue as he passes over it and preserves it
This speaks of how Yahweh protects and rescues Jerusalem, describing him as a bird that flies over the city. Alternate Translation: "he will protect and rescue the city from it's enemies"
Isa 32:3
Then the eyes ... attentively
Both of these phrases emphasize that the leaders will enable the people to understand God's truth.
Isa 32:15
the Spirit is poured on us
This speaks of Yahweh giving him Spirit to his people as if his Spirit were a liquid that he would pour on them. Alternate Translation: "the Spirit is given to us"
Isa 33:5
He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness
This speaks of Yahweh ruling Zion with his justice and righteousness as if he were filling Zion with justice and righteousness. Alternate Translation: "He will rule Zion with justice and righteousness"
Isa 33:6
He will be the stability in your times
This speaks of Yahweh causing his people to be secure as if he were the stability himself. The phrase "your times" refers to their lives. Alternate Translation: "He will make you secure all your lives"
Isa 33:6
the fear of Yahweh is his treasure
This speaks of fearing Yahweh as if it were a treasure that Yahweh gives his people. Alternate Translation: "revering Yahweh will be like a valuable treasure that he will give to you" or "to fear Yahweh will be as valuable to you as a treasure"
Isa 33:10
will I arise
To arise or stand up is a metaphor for no longer watching and thinking and instead beginning to act. Alternate Translation: "will I begin to act"
Isa 33:11
You conceive chaff, and you give birth to stubble
This speaks of the Assyrians making plans as if they were conceiving and giving birth to their plans as a mother gives birth to a baby. This speaks of their plans being useless by comparing them to chaff. Alternate Translation: "You make plans that are as useless as chaff and straw"
Isa 33:16
this is the man who will dwell on the heights, his place of defense will be the fortress among the cliffs
This speaks of the man being safe as if he lived in a home on a high hill. These two phrase are parallel and the second phrase describes the place where the man lives. Alternate Translation: "he will be safe, like a man who home is built on a high hill, in a rocky place that is easy to defend"
Isa 33:16
the fortress among the cliffs
This speaks of rocky areas that are easy to defend as if they were actually fortresses. Alternate Translation: "the large piles of rocks"
Isa 33:20
a tent that will not be removed
This speaks of Zion being secure and well establish as if it were secure tent. This can be stated in active form and written as a new sentence. Alternate Translation: "it will be secure, like a tent that no one will ever remove"
Isa 33:20
whose stakes will never be pulled up nor will any of its cords be broken
This is part of the metaphor that compares Zion to a secure tent. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "whose stakes no one will ever pull up and whose cords no one will ever break"
Isa 33:23
Your riggings are slack; they cannot hold the mast in place; they cannot spread the sail
Possible meanings: 1) The Assyrian army is like a boat that is unable to move through the water: the ropes that support the mast and sail have come loose and no longer support the mast, so the sail is useless ([Isaiah 33:1](./01.md)) or 2) the people of Judah are no longer at war: "You have loosened the cords that supported your flagpole; the flag no longer flies" ([Isaiah 33:17](./17.md)-[Isaiah 22](./22.md)).
Isa 34:5
when my sword will have drunk its fill in heaven
Yahweh describes himself as a warrior bearing a sword. The phrase "drunk its fill" speaks of Yahweh's sword as if it were a person who has eaten and become satisfied. Yahweh uses this imagery to emphasize that there will be a lot of destruction in heaven and to state its completion. Alternate Translation: "when I am finished destroying things in heaven"
Isa 34:5
it will now come down on Edom, on the people I am setting apart for destruction
The word "it" refers to Yahweh's sword. This continues the metaphor about Yahweh destroying things with a sword. Alternate Translation: "I will come to punish the people of Edom, the people whom I have set aside for me to destroy"
Isa 34:6
The sword of Yahweh is dripping with blood and covered with fat ... of rams
This speaks of Yahweh killing the people as if he were a priest sacrificing animals. He does this by describing the sword of a priest. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh sacrifices them as a priest sacrifices animals, whose sword drips with the blood and fat of lambs, goats, and rams"
Isa 34:9
The streams of Edom will be turned into pitch ... become burning pitch
The water and land becoming useless for drinking or growing food because it is burnt and covered in pitch and sulfur is spoken of as if their streams and land will actually become pitch and sulfur. Alternate Translation: "The streams in Edom will be full of pitch and the ground will be covered with burning sulfur and burning pitch"
Isa 34:11
He will stretch over it the measuring line of ruin and the plumbline of destruction
This speaks of Yahweh as if he were a careful builder as he causes destruction in Edom. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will measure that land carefully; he will measure it to to decide where to cause ruin and destruction"
Isa 34:17
He has cast lots for their places
This speaks of Yahweh deciding where to cause the animals to live as if he actually cast lots for their places. Alternate Translation: "He has determined where they will live"
Isa 34:17
his hand has measured it out for them by a cord
This refers to the way that people measured things in biblical times. Alternate Translation: "he has given the animals their places"
Isa 35:2
the splendor of Carmel and Sharon
This speaks of Yahweh making the desert look beautiful as Carmel and Sharon as if he were giving the desert their splendor. The understood information may be supplied. Alternate Translation: "the splendor of Carmel and Sharon will be given to it" or "Yahweh will make it as splendid as Carmel and Sharon"
Isa 36:6
that splintered reed that you use as a walking staff, but if a man leans on it, it will stick into his hand and pierce it
This speaks of Egypt, specifically its army and its Pharaoh, as if it were a splintered reed to emphasize that relying on them would not help them but would only harm them. Alternate Translation: "that is like walking with a splintered reed for a staff. If a man leans on it, it will stick into his hand and pierce it"
Isa 37:4
lift up your prayer
Praying to Yahweh is described this way to emphasize that Yahweh is in heaven. A prayer is spoken of as if they were objects that could be lifted high into the sky. Alternate Translation: "pray"
Isa 37:23
have you exalted your voice
This refers to speaking loudly as if the person's voice were an object that they lifted high. Alternate Translation: "have you shouted"
Isa 37:27
shattered
broken into small pieces. This is a metaphor for being greatly discouraged.
Isa 37:27
They are plants in the field, green grass, the grass on the roof or in the field, before the east wind
This speaks of how weak and vulnerable the cities are before the Assryian army by comparing the cities to grass. Alternate Translation: "The cities are as weak as the grass in the fields before your armies. They are as weak as the grass that grows on the roofs of houses and is scorched by the hot east wind"
Isa 37:29
your arrogance has reached my ears
This speaks of Yahweh hearing the king's speech as if the king's speech were something that traveled to his ear. Alternate Translation: "I have heard you speaking arrogantly"
Isa 37:29
I will put my hook in your nose, and my bit in your mouth
A person uses a hook and bit to lead an animal around. This speaks of Yahweh controlling the king as if the king were an animal Yahweh controlled with a bit and hook. Alternate Translation: "I will control you like a man controls his animal by place a hook in its nose and a bit in its mouth"
Isa 37:31
will again take root and bear fruit
This speaks of the people of Judah becoming prosperous as if they were plants that would root and bear fruit. Alternate Translation: "will prosper like a plant that takes root and produces fruit"
Isa 38:3
what was good in your sight
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "what pleases you" or "what you consider to be good"
Isa 38:10
I will go through the gates of Sheol
This speaks of dying as if Sheol were a kingdom that has gates that one enters. Alternate Translation: "I will die and go to Sheol"
Isa 38:17
for you have thrown all my sins behind your back
Hezekiah speaks of Yahweh forgiving his sins as if they were objects that Yahweh threw behind himself and forgot about. Alternate Translation: "for you have forgiven all my sins and no longer think about them"
Isa 40:4
Every valley will be lifted up
Making the valleys level with the rest of the ground is spoken of as if it were lifting up the valleys. Alternate Translation: "Every valley will be filled in"
Isa 40:6
All flesh is grass
The word "flesh" refers to people. The speaker speaks of humans as if they are grass, because they both die quickly. Alternate Translation: "All people are like grass"
Isa 40:7
humanity is grass
The speaker speaks of humans as if they are grass, because they both die quickly. Alternate Translation: "people die as quickly as grass"
Isa 40:8
the word of our God will stand forever
The speaker speaks of what God says lasting forever as if his word stands forever. Alternate Translation: "the things that our God says will last forever"
Isa 40:11
He will feed his flock like a shepherd
The writer speaks of Yahweh's people as if they were sheep and of Yahweh as if he were their shepherd. Alternate Translation: "He will care for his people like a shepherd feeds his flock"
Isa 40:12
measured the waters in the hollow of his hand
Yahweh knowing how much water is in the oceans is spoken of as if Yahweh held the water in his hand.
Isa 40:12
measured the sky with the span of his hand
A "span" is the measure of length between the thumb and little finger when the hand is outstretched. Yahweh knowing the length of the sky is spoken of as if he measured it with his hand.
Isa 40:12
held the dust of the earth in a basket
Yahweh knowing how much dust there is on the earth is spoken of as if he carried it in a basket.
Isa 40:12
weighed the mountains in scales, or the hills in a balance?
Yahweh knowing how heavy the mountains are is spoken of as if he weighed them in scales and balances.
Isa 40:21
from the foundations of the earth
The prophet speaks of Yahweh creating the earth as if the earth were a building for which Yahweh laid the foundation. Alternate Translation: "from the time that Yahweh created the earth"
Isa 40:22
He is the one who sits above the horizon of the earth
The prophet speaks of Yahweh ruling the earth as if Yahweh were seated on a throne above the earth.
Isa 40:24
They are barely planted ... and they wither
The prophet speaks of rulers being helpless before Yahweh as if they were new plants that wither away when a hot wind blows on them.
Isa 40:24
he blows upon them
The prophet speaks of Yahweh removing the rulers from power as if Yahweh were a scorching wind that blows upon the plants and causes them to wither.
Isa 40:26
He leads out their formations
Here the word "formations" refers to military formations. The prophet speaks of the stars as if they were soldiers whom Yahweh commands to appear.
Isa 40:27
My way is hidden from Yahweh
Yahweh not knowing what happens to them is spoken of as if Yahweh could not see the road upon which they travel. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh does not know what happens to me"
Isa 40:28
the ends of the earth
The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. This phrase also forms a merism and refers to everywhere in between the ends. AT "the farthest places of the earth" or "the entire earth"
Isa 40:31
they will soar with wings like eagles
People receiving strength from Yahweh is spoken of as if the people were able to fly like eagles fly. An eagle is a bird often used as a symbol for strength and power.
Isa 41:2
He turns them to dust with his sword, like windblown stubble with his bow
Turning them to dust and stubble is a metaphor or exaggeration for completely destroying everything the people of these nations have made. The armies of one from the east will conquer these nations and scatter the people easily.
Isa 41:3
by a swift path that his feet scarcely touch
Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor in which he and his army moving very quickly is spoken of as if his feet barely touch the ground. Alternate Translation: "by a path on which he moves with great speed" or 2) "feet" represents the whole person and the phrase indicates that this is a path that they have not traveled before. Alternate Translation: "by a path that he has never traveled before"
Isa 41:5
the ends of the earth
The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. AT "the farthest places of the earth"
Isa 41:9
the ends of the earth
The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. See how you translated this in [Isaiah 41:5](./05.md). AT "the farthest places of the earth"
Isa 41:10
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
Yahweh strengthening his people is spoken of as if he were holding them with his hand.
Isa 41:13
I ... will hold your right hand
Yahweh helping the people of Israel is spoken of as if he were holding their right hand.
Isa 41:14
Jacob you worm
Possible meanings are 1) that this refers to the opinions of other nations regarding the people of Israel or 2) that this refers to Israel's own opinion of themselves. Yahweh speaks of their insignificance as if they were a worm.
Isa 41:15
I am making you like a sharp threshing sledge ... you will make the hills like chaff
Yahweh speaks of enabling Israel to defeat their enemies as if he were making the nation a threshing sledge that will level mountains.
Isa 41:15
you will thresh the mountains and crush them
This is a double metaphor. The mountains are a metaphor for grain, and threshing grain is a metaphor for the Israelites defeating the powerful enemy nations near them. Alternate Translation: "you will thresh your enemies and crush them as if they were grain, even though they appear to be as strong as mountains"
Isa 41:15
you will make the hills like chaff
The hills are a metaphor for the powerful enemy nations near Israel. People having the wind blow the chaff away after they have threshed the grain is a metaphor for them allowing Yahweh to destroy their enemies.
Isa 41:16
You will winnow them ... the wind will scatter them
Here the word "them" refers to the mountains and hill in [Isaiah 41:15](./15.md). This represents the next step in the process of threshing grain, in which the grain is winnowed to get rid of the chaff. Israel's enemies will disappear like chaff blown away by the wind.
Isa 41:17
General Information:
Yahweh speaks of people who are in extreme need as if they are extremely thirsty, and of his provision for them as if he caused water to appear in places where it normally would not appear.
Isa 41:25
I have raised up one
Yahweh speaks of appointing a person as if he raised that person up. Alternate Translation: "I have appointed one"
Isa 41:25
he will trample the rulers
Conquering the rulers of other nations is spoken of as if it were trampling them under foot. Alternate Translation: "he will conquer the rulers"
Isa 41:29
their cast metal figures are wind and emptiness
Yahweh speaks of the worthlessness of the idols as if the idols are wind and nothing at all. Alternate Translation: "their idols are all worthless"
Isa 42:3
A crushed reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench
Yahweh speaks of weak and helpless people as if they were crushed reeds and dimly burning wicks.
Isa 42:5
the one who created the heavens and stretched them out, the one who made the earth
The prophet speaks of Yahweh creating the heavens and the earth as if the heavens and earth were fabric which Yahweh stretched out.
Isa 42:6
a light for the Gentiles
Yahweh speaks of making his servant the one who delivers the nations from bondage as if he were making him a light that shines in dark places for the Gentiles.
Isa 42:7
to open the eyes of the blind
Causing blind people to see is spoken of as if it were opening their eyes. Also, Yahweh speaks of his servant delivering those who have been wrongly imprisoned as if his servant were restoring sight to blind people. Alternate Translation: "to enable the blind to see"
Isa 42:13
he will stir up his zeal
Here "zeal" refers to the passion that a warrior experiences when he is about to fight a battle. Yahweh stimulating his zeal is spoken of as if he stirred it up like the wind stirs up waves of water.
Isa 42:14
I will lay waste mountains ... will dry up the marshes
Yahweh uses this metaphorical language to describe his great power to conquer his enemies.
Isa 42:15
I will lay waste mountains ... will dry up the marshes
Yahweh uses this metaphorical language to describe his great power to conquer his enemies.
Isa 42:16
the blind
Yahweh speaks of his people being helpless as if they could not see because they were blind.
Isa 42:16
I will turn the darkness into light before them
Yahweh speaks of his people being helpless as if they could not see because they walked in darkness, and of his helping them as if he caused light to shine in the darkness.
Isa 42:17
They will be turned back, they will be completely put to shame
Rejecting those who worship idols is spoken of as if it is forcing them to turn back and move the opposite direction. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I will reject them and put them to shame"
Isa 42:20
ears are open, but no one hears
The ability to hear is spoken of as if the ears were open. Here the word "hears" refers to understanding what one hears. Alternate Translation: "people hear, but no one understands what they hear"
Isa 42:25
he poured out on them his fierce anger
Isaiah speaks of Yahweh's anger as if it were a liquid that could be poured out. Alternate Translation: "he showed them just how angry he was"
Isa 42:25
Its flames encircled them ... it consumed them
Isaiah speaks of Yahweh's fierce anger as if it were a fire that burned the people.
Isa 42:25
they did not take it to heart
Paying attention to something and learning from it is spoken of as if it were placing that thing on one's heart. Alternate Translation: "they did not pay attention" or "they did not learn from it"
Isa 43:2
When you pass through the waters ... the flames will not destroy you
Yahweh speaks of suffering and difficult experiences as if they are deep waters and fires through which the people walk. The words "waters" and "flames" form a merism and emphasize any difficult circumstance.
Isa 43:6
my sons ... my daughters
Yahweh speaks of the people who belong to him as if they were his children.
Isa 43:8
the people who are blind ... the deaf
Yahweh speaks of those who do not listen to him or obey him as if they were blind and deaf.
Isa 43:17
They fell down together; they will never rise again
Dying is spoken of as if it were falling down to the ground. Alternate Translation: "They all died together; they will never live again"
Isa 43:17
they are extinguished, quenched like a burning wick
The people dying is spoken of as if they were burning candle wicks that someone has extinguished. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "their lives have ended, like a person extinguishes the flame of a burning candle"
Isa 43:25
who blots out your offenses
Forgiving sins is spoken of as either 1) blotting them out or wiping them away or 2) erasing a written record of the sins. Alternate Translation: "who forgives your offenses like someone wiping something away" or "who forgives your offenses like someone who erases a record of sins"
Isa 44:2
he who made you and formed you in the womb
Yahweh speaks of creating the nation of Israel as if it were forming the nation as a baby in its mother's womb. Alternate Translation: "he who made you, as I form a baby in the womb"
Isa 44:3
I will pour water on the thirsty ground, and flowing streams on the dry ground
Yahweh speaks of giving his Spirit to the people of Israel as if he were causing rain to fall and streams to flow on dry ground.
Isa 44:3
the thirsty ground
Dry ground is spoken of as if it were a thirsty person. Alternate Translation: "the dry ground"
Isa 44:3
I will pour my Spirit on your offspring
Yahweh speaks of giving his Spirit to the people as if his Spirit were liquid that he pours out on them. Alternate Translation: "I will give my Spirit to your offspring"
Isa 44:4
They will spring up among the grass, like willows by the streams of water
The people of Israel being prosperous and multiplying is spoken of as if they were plants that grow because they have plenty of water.
Isa 44:8
There is no other Rock
Yahweh speaks of himself as if he were a large rock under which people can find shelter. This means he has the power to protect his people.
Isa 44:9
their witnesses cannot see or know anything
This phrase refers to those who worship these idols and who claim to be witnesses of the idols' power. Yahweh speaks of their inability to understand the truth as if they were blind. Alternate Translation: "those who serve as witnesses for these idols are like blind people who know nothing"
Isa 44:18
for their eyes are blind and cannot see
Yahweh speaks of those who cannot understand the foolishness of worshiping idols as if they were blind.
Isa 44:20
It is as if he were eating ashes
Yahweh speaks of a person worshiping an idol as if that person were eating the burned ashes of the wood from which he made the idol. Just as eating ashes does not benefit a person, neither does worshiping an idol.
Isa 44:24
he who formed you from the womb
Yahweh speaks of creating the nation of Israel as if it were forming the nation as a baby in its mother's womb. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Isaiah 44:2](./02.md). Alternate Translation: "he who made you, as I form a baby in the womb"
Isa 44:24
who alone stretched out the heavens
Yahweh speaks of creating the heavens as if they were fabric which he stretched out. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Isaiah 42:5](../42/05.md).
Isa 44:26
I will raise up their ruins
The phrase "ruins" refers to places that have been destroyed. Yahweh speaks of rebuilding them as if he were raising them up. Alternate Translation: "I will rebuild what others have destroyed"
Isa 44:28
He is my shepherd
Yahweh speaks of Cyrus ruling and protecting the people of Israel as if Cyrus is their shepherd.
Isa 45:1
whose right hand I hold
Yahweh helping Cyrus and causing him to be successful is spoken of as if he were holding his right hand.
Isa 45:2
level the mountains
Yahweh speaks of removing obstacles that would hinder Cyrus's success as if it were leveling mountains before him.
Isa 45:8
You heavens, rain down from above ... righteousness spring up together with it
Yahweh speaks of his righteousness as if it were rain that falls on the earth, and of his righteousness and salvation as plants that grow on the earth.
Isa 45:9
any other earthen pot among all the earthen pots in the ground
Yahweh speaks of himself as if he were a potter, and of the one who would argue with him as if that person and the rest of humanity were all clay pots. Alternate Translation: "like one piece of pottery among many other pieces of pottery scattered on the ground"
Isa 45:10
Woe to him who says to a father, ... 'What are you giving birth to?'
Yahweh speaks of those who would argue him as if they were unborn children who argue with their own parents.
Isa 45:13
I stirred Cyrus
Yahweh speaks of causing Cyrus to act as if it were stirring him from slumber.
Isa 45:13
I will smooth out all his paths
Yahweh speaks of removing obstacles and causing Cyrus to be successful as if he were making the paths smooth on which Cyrus walks.
Isa 45:16
will walk in humiliation
Living in continual humiliation is spoken of as if it were walking in humiliation. Alternate Translation: "will be continually humiliated"
Isa 45:22
all the ends of the earth
The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. This phrase also forms a merism and refers to everywhere in between the ends. AT "all the farthest places of the earth" or "the entire earth"
Isa 46:1
Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols ... for weary animals
Isaiah speaks of people placing the idols of Bel and Nebo into a cart for animals to transport as if these gods were made to "bow down" and "stoop." These are both postures of humiliation.
Isa 46:2
they themselves have gone off into captivity
Isaiah speaks of people carrying off these idols as if the false gods whom they represent are being carried off to captivity.
Isa 46:3
who have been carried by me from before your birth, carried from the womb
Yahweh speaks of the nation of Israel as if it were a person, and of the nation's beginning as if it were its birth.
Isa 46:3
who have been carried by me
Yahweh speaks of helping and rescuing the people of Israel as if he were carrying them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "whom I have carried"
Isa 46:4
Even to your old age I am he, and until your hair is gray I will carry you
Yahweh speaks of the nation of Israel becoming very old as if it were an old man with gray hair.
Isa 46:11
I call a bird of prey from the east
Yahweh speaks of Cyrus as if he were "a bird of prey." As a bird swiftly captures its prey, so Cyrus will swiftly accomplish Yahweh's purpose to conquer the nations.
Isa 46:12
who are far from doing what is right
Yahweh speaks of the people stubbornly doing wrong as if they were physically far away from doing the right thing.
Isa 47:1
General Information:
In this chapter, Yahweh speaks to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated.
Isa 47:1
virgin daughter of Babylon ... daughter of the Chaldeans
Both of these phrases refer to the city, Babylon, which is spoken of as if it were a daughter. That the city is a "daughter" indicates how people think fondly of her.
Isa 47:3
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated.
Isa 47:5
queen of kingdoms
Yahweh speaks of Babylon being the capital city of the Babylonian empire as if it were a queen who ruled many kingdoms.
Isa 47:6
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated.
Isa 47:6
I defiled my heritage
Yahweh speaks of the people of Israel being his special possession as if they were his heritage or inheritance. Alternate Translation: "I defiled my people, who are my special possession"
Isa 47:6
you placed a very heavy yoke on the old people
Yahweh speaks of the Babylonians oppressing the old people as if they had treated the old people like cattle and put heavy yokes on their necks.
Isa 47:7
I will rule forever as sovereign queen
Babylon speaks of permanently ruling over many nations as if she were a queen who would rule forever.
Isa 47:7
You did not take these things to heart
Yahweh speaks of thinking carefully about something as if it were placing that thing on one's heart. Alternate Translation: "You did not consider these things"
Isa 47:8
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated.
Isa 47:8
I will never sit as a widow ... loss of children
Babylon believing that other nations will never be able to conquer her is spoken of as if she will never become a widow or never have children die.
Isa 47:10
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated.
Isa 47:11
Disaster will overcome you
Yahweh speaks of disaster as if it were a person who captures Babylon. Alternate Translation: "You will experience disaster"
Isa 47:11
Destruction will fall on you
Yahweh speaks Babylon being destroyed as if destruction were an object that falls upon the city. Alternate Translation: "You will experience destruction" or "Others will destroy you"
Isa 47:11
Calamity will strike you
Yahweh speaks of Babylon experiencing calamity as if calamity were a person who strikes Babylon. Alternate Translation: "You will experience calamity"
Isa 47:12
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated.
Isa 47:14
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to speak to Babylon about her downfall as if she were a queen who is humiliated.
Isa 48:1
have come from the sperm of Judah
This phrase emphasizes that they are the direct, physical descendants of Judah. Alternate Translation: "are the descendants of Judah"
Isa 48:8
these things were not unfolded to your ears beforehand
Yahweh speaks of explaining something as if it were unfolding it. The word "ears" represents the people who are listening. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I did not explain these things to you beforehand"
Isa 48:8
from birth
Yahweh speaks of the nation's beginning as if it were its birth.
Isa 48:10
Look, I refined you, but not as silver; I have purified you in the furnace of affliction
Yahweh speaks of using affliction to purify his people as if they were precious metals and affliction were a furnace in which he refines them.
Isa 48:13
spread out the heavens
Yahweh speaks of creating the heavens as if they were fabric which Yahweh stretched out. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Isaiah 42:5](../42/05.md).
Isa 48:13
when I call to them, they stand up together
Standing up when Yahweh calls is a metaphor for being ready to obey him. Yahweh speaks of the earth and the heavens as if they were able to hear him and obey him.
Isa 48:17
who leads you by the way that you should go
Yahweh teaching the people how they should live is spoken of as if he were leading them to walk on the correct paths.
Isa 48:18
Then your peace and prosperity would have flowed like a river, and your salvation like the waves of the sea
These two phrases share similar meanings. In both, Yahweh speaks of Israel's experiencing abundant blessings as if those blessings flowed like water.
Isa 48:19
the children from your womb
Yahweh speaks of the descendants of the people of Israel as if they were children to which the nation gives birth.
Isa 48:20
to the ends of the earth
The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. This phrase also forms a merism and refers to everywhere in between the ends. Alternate Translation: "to all the farthest places of the earth" or "to the entire earth"
Isa 49:2
he hid me in the shadow of his hand
Yahweh protecting his servant and keeping his purpose secret is spoken of as if Yahweh's hand cast a shadow over him.
Isa 49:2
he has made me into a polished arrow; in his quiver he has hidden me
Yahweh's servant being able to carry out Yahweh's purposes effectively is spoken of as if the servant were a sharp, new arrow.
Isa 49:2
in his quiver he has hidden me
Yahweh protecting his servant and keeping his purpose secret is spoken of as if Yahweh kept him hidden in a quiver.
Isa 49:5
I am honored in the eyes of Yahweh
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has honored me"
Isa 49:6
I will make you a light to the Gentiles
The servant bringing Yahweh's message to the Gentiles and helping them to understand it is spoken of as if Yahweh made the servant a light that shines among the Gentiles. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Isaiah 42:6](../42/06.md).
Isa 49:6
to the ends of the earth
The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. This phrase also forms a merism and refers to everywhere in between the ends. AT "to all the farthest places of the earth" or "to the entire earth"
Isa 49:8
to reassign the desolate inheritance
Yahweh speaks of the land as if it were an inheritance that the people of Israel received as a permanent possession. It is implied that the servant is to reassign the land to the people of Israel. Alternate Translation: "to reassign the desolate land to the people of Israel as their inheritance"
Isa 49:9
They will graze along the roads, and on all the bare slopes will be their pasture
Yahweh speaks of the people living freely and prosperously as if they were sheep that had plenty of pasture in which to graze.
Isa 49:11
I will make all my mountains into a road, and make my highways level
Yahweh speaks of guiding his people safely and removing obstacles from their path as if he turned mountains into roads and level highways.
Isa 49:16
I have inscribed your name on my palms
Yahweh speaks of his unwavering devotion to Zion as if he had written her name on the palms of his hands.
Isa 49:16
your walls are continually before me
Yahweh speaks of always thinking about Zion as if her walls were always before him. The word "walls" is a metonym for the city. Alternate Translation: "I am continually thinking about your walls" or "I am always thinking about you"
Isa 49:17
Your children are hurrying back
Yahweh speaks of the people who are returning to live in Jerusalem as if they were the city's children. Alternate Translation: "Your inhabitants are hurrying back"
Isa 49:18
you will surely wear them like jewelry, and you will put them on like a bride
Yahweh speaks of the inhabitants of Zion as if they were jewelry that the city wears to show her beauty and joy.
Isa 49:19
those who devoured you
The enemy destroying Zion is spoken of as if they had devoured it. Alternate Translation: "those who destroyed you"
Isa 49:20
The children born during the time of your bereavement
Yahweh speaks of the time when the people of Jerusalem were in exile as if the city was bereaved of her children. Those who were born while the people were in exile are spoken of as the city's children. Alternate Translation: "Those who will inhabit you, who were born while the people were in exile"
Isa 49:21
Who has borne these children for me?
Zion speaks of the people who are returning to inhabit the city as if those people were her children. Zion's question expresses her surprise that so many children now belong to her.
Isa 49:21
I was bereaved and barren, exiled and divorced
Zion describes herself as a woman incapable of having more children. She indicates the reasons for her great surprise.
Isa 49:22
They will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders
Yahweh speaks of the people who will inhabit Jerusalem as if they were the city's children. He also speaks of the people of other nations helping the Israelites to return to Jerusalem as if they were carrying the Israelites.
Isa 49:23
Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursemaids
Yahweh speaks of the people who will inhabit Zion as if they were the city's children. The terms "foster fathers" and "nursemaids" refer to men and women who become responsible for the care of children. Alternate Translation: "The kings and queens of other nations will provide for your inhabitants"
Isa 49:25
I will ... save your children
Yahweh speaks of the people who will inhabit Zion as if they were the city's children.
Isa 49:26
I will feed your oppressors with their own flesh
Possible meanings are 1) the oppressors will be so hungry that they will eat the flesh of their friends who have died. Alternate Translation: "I will cause your oppressors to eat their own flesh" or 2) Yahweh speaks of the oppressors fighting against and destroying themselves as if they were eating themselves. Alternate Translation: "I will cause your oppressors to destroy themselves, as if they were eating their own flesh"
Isa 49:26
they will get drunk on their own blood, as if it were wine
Possible meanings are 1) the oppressors will be so thirsty that they drink the blood of their friends who have died. Alternate Translation: "they will drink their friends' blood and be like weak people who are drunk on wine" or 2) Yahweh speaks of the oppressors fighting against and destroying themselves as if they were drinking their own blood. Alternate Translation: "they will shed so much of their friends' blood that it will be as though they were getting drunk with wine"
Isa 50:1
Where is the certificate of divorce with which I divorced your mother?
Yahweh speaks of Zion as if the city were the mother of the people who lived there and of sending the people into exile as if he were divorcing their mother.
Isa 50:1
To which of my creditors did I sell you?
Yahweh speaks of sending the people into exile as if he were selling them.
Isa 50:1
you were sold because of your sins, and because of your rebellion, your mother was sent away
Yahweh gives the reason for sending the people into exile, which he speaks of as if he had sold them and divorced their mother. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I sold you because of your sins, and I divorced your mother because of your rebellion"
Isa 50:2
I make the rivers a desert
Yahweh speaks of drying up the rivers as if he were turning them into a desert. Alternate Translation: "I make the rivers as dry as a desert"
Isa 50:3
I clothe the sky with darkness; I cover it with sackcloth
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Yahweh speaks of causing the sky to become dark as if he were clothing it with sackcloth. Alternate Translation: "I make the sky dark, as if it were wearing dark sackcloth"
Isa 50:5
The Lord Yahweh has opened my ear
Yahweh enabling his servant to hear and understand is spoken of as if Yahweh opened his ear. Alternate Translation: "The Lord Yahweh has enabled me to hear and understand him"
Isa 50:6
I gave my back to those who beat me, and my cheeks to those who plucked out my beard
Allowing people to beat him and pluck out his beard is spoken of as if it were giving his back and cheeks to them. Alternate Translation: "I allowed people to beat me on my back and to pluck out my beard from my cheeks"
Isa 50:9
they will all wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up
There being no one left to accuse the servant of being guilty is spoken of as if the accusers were garments that wear thin and are eaten by moths.
Isa 50:10
walks in deep darkness without light
The servant speaks of people who are suffering and feel helpless as if they were walking in a very dark place. Alternate Translation: "is suffering and feels helpless"
Isa 50:11
all you who light fires ... flames that you have ignited
This continues the metaphor from the previous verse of people who walk in darkness. Here people who try to live according to their own wisdom instead of trusting in Yahweh are spoken of as if they lit their own fires and carried about torches in order to see in the dark.
Isa 51:1
look at the rock ... and to the quarry
Looking at something represents thinking about it. Alternate Translation: "think about the rock ... and the quarry"
Isa 51:1
the rock from which you were chiseled and to the quarry from which you were cut
God speaks of the nation of Israel as if it were a building made of stones and as if their ancestors were a rock or quarry from which God cut them. This can be stated clearly. Alternate Translation: "your ancestors, who are like a rock from which you were chiseled and a quarry from which you were cut"
Isa 51:4
I will make my justice to be a light for the nations
Here God's justice represents his law, and a light represents knowledge of what is right. This means the people of the nations will understand and obey God's law. Alternate Translation: "my law will teach the nations what is right" or "the nations will know my law"
Isa 51:5
My righteousness is near
The idea of "near" represents "soon." God's righteousness being near represents him soon showing his righteousness. He will do this this by fulfilling his promises and saving people. Alternate Translation: "I will soon show my righteousness"
Isa 51:5
my salvation will go out
God speaks of saving people as if his salvation were a thing that could go out to them. Alternate Translation: "I will save people"
Isa 51:6
Lift up your eyes to the sky
Lifting the eyes represents looking at something above. Alternate Translation: "Look up at the sky"
Isa 51:7
who have my law in your heart
Having God's law in the heart represents knowing God's law and wanting to obey it. Alternate Translation: "who know and honor my law"
Isa 51:8
For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool
God speaks of people who abuse those who are righteous as if they were wool garments, and of their being destroyed as if insects ate them.
Isa 51:9
clothe yourself with strength
Strength is spoken of as if it were some kind of clothing that people would wear to strengthen themselves in battle. Alternate Translation: "make yourself strong"
Isa 51:13
who stretched out the heavens
who spread out the sky. This speaks of Yahweh having created the heavens as if he had stretched them out in the same way one would stretch out a large garment. Alternate Translation: "who stretched out the heavens like a garment"
Isa 51:15
who churns up the sea
This speaks of Yahweh causing the sea to move and the waves to rise and fall as if he were stirring the sea as one stirs the contents of a bowl with a large spoon. Alternate Translation: "who causes the sea to churn" or "who makes the sea move up and down"
Isa 51:16
I have placed my words in your mouth
This speaks of Yahweh telling Isaiah what to say as if his words were a physical object Yahweh had placed in Isaiah's mouth. Alternate Translation: "I have told you what to say"
Isa 51:16
that I may plant the heavens
The word "plant" means to establish something in the ground. Here Yahweh firmly establishing the heavens is spoken of as if the heavens were a tent that he would spread out and firmly set it in place with tent pegs. Alternate Translation: "that I may establish the heavens"
Isa 51:17
you who have drunk out of the hand of Yahweh ... from the cup of staggering
Yahweh speaks of having punished his people as if he had forced them to drink from a bowl that was filled with his anger. And when they drank from the bowl of his anger, they staggered as if they had drank a lot of wine.
Isa 51:20
they are filled with the anger of Yahweh, the rebuke of your God
The "anger of Yahweh" refers to Yahweh punishing his people because of his anger against them. This speaks of the people having been severely punished as if they had become full of Yahweh's anger. Also, the word "rebuke" can be written as a verb. Alternate Translation: "they have been severely punished by Yahweh because he was angry with them and rebuked them"
Isa 51:21
drunken one, but not drunk with wine
This speaks of the people acting drunk because they are suffering as if they have become drunk from being forced to drink the bowl of Yahweh's anger. Alternate Translation: "you who are drunk from drinking the wine of the bowl of Yahweh's anger" or "you who act drunk, because you have suffered greatly"
Isa 51:22
See, I have taken the cup of staggering from your hand—the bowl, which is the cup of my anger—so that
This speaks of Yahweh no longer being angry with his people as if his anger were the contents of a cup that he was taking away from them. Alternate Translation: "I will no longer be angry with you. See, it is like I have taken away from you the cup that made you stagger, that is, the cup that was full of my anger, so that"
Isa 51:22
the bowl, which is the cup of my anger
Yahweh speaks of having punished people as if he had forced them to drink from a bowl that was filled with his anger. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Isaiah 51:17](./17.md). Alternate Translation: "the bowl which is filled with my anger" or "the cup which is filled with my anger"
Isa 51:23
I will put it into the hand of your tormentors
This speaks of Yahweh punishing their enemies as if he were going to force them to drink from the cup filled with his anger.
Isa 52:1
Awake, awake
This word is repeated for emphasis and shows urgency. Isaiah trying to arouse the people is spoken of as if he were trying to wake them up from sleep.
Isa 52:1
put on your strength
Being strong again is spoken of as if strength were clothing that a person puts on. Alternate Translation: "be strong"
Isa 52:1
the unclean
This refers to unclean people. A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. Alternate Translation: "those who are not acceptable to God"
Isa 52:3
You were sold for nothing, and you will be redeemed without money
This speaks about Yahweh as if he were the owner of the people of Israel. Since he is the rightful owner he can give them away or take them back whenever he wants. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I sold you for nothing, and I will redeem you without money"
Isa 52:5
for nothing
Possible meanings are 1) "for nothing" means the Babylonians took the people unjustly and without cause or 2) this continues the metaphor from [Isaiah 52:3](./03.md) where Yahweh is spoken of as if he owned the people of Israel and could give them away for nothing.
Isa 52:11
touch nothing unclean
Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. Alternate Translation: "touch nothing that is unacceptable to Yahweh"
Isa 52:12
Yahweh will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rearguard
Yahweh protecting his people from their enemies is spoken of as if he were the warriors who go ahead of the people and the warriors who stay behind the people to protect them.
Isa 52:15
my servant will sprinkle many nations
The servant causing the people of the nations to be acceptable to Yahweh is spoken of as if the servant were a priest who sprinkles the blood of a sacrifice to make someone or something acceptable to Yahweh.
Isa 53:2
out of parched earth
parched earth is hard and dry ground that will not allow plants to grow and represents where the servant of Yahweh will come. Alternate Translation: "out of an impossible situation"
Isa 53:4
he has borne our sicknesses and carried our sorrows
To "bear" or carry an abstraction like sickness and sorrow represents taking it up. Alternate Translation: "he has taken our sicknesses and sorrows upon himself"
Isa 53:6
the iniquity of us all
Our "iniquity" here represents the guilt for our sin. Alternate Translation: "the guilt for the sin of every one of us"
Isa 53:10
he will see his offspring
Here, "offspring" means those people that Yahweh has forgiven because of the servant's sacrifice.
Isa 53:11
he will see light
Many versions understand "light" here to stand for life. That is, the servant will become alive again.
Isa 53:11
he will bear their iniquities
The word "bear" means carry. Possible meanings are 1) "their iniquities" is a metonym representing the punishment for their sins. Alternate Translation: "he will take their punishment" or "he will be punished for their sins"or 2) "their iniquities" is a metonym representing their guilt. Alternate Translation: "he will take their guilt upon himself" or "he will be guilty for their sins"
Isa 54:1
you barren woman ... children of the married woman
Yahweh telling the people of Jerusalem to rejoice because there will be many people living in Jerusalem again is spoken of as if Yahweh were telling a barren women she is going to have many children.
Isa 54:2
Make your tent larger ... strengthen your stakes
This continues the metaphor that began in [Isaiah 54:1](./01.md). Yahweh telling the people of Jerusalem to prepare because Yahweh will greatly increase their people is spoken of as if he is telling a woman to make her tent bigger to make room for many children.
Isa 54:4
you will forget the shame of your youth and the disgrace of your abandonment
Yahweh telling the people that in the future they will not even think about the shame they experienced when their enemies defeated them is spoken of as if Yahweh were telling a woman that she will no longer think about the shame she experienced from being unable to have children and having her husband abandon her.
Isa 54:5
For your Maker is your husband
Yahweh loving and taking care of his people is spoken of as if he were their husband.
Isa 54:5
Yahweh has called you back as a wife ... like a woman married young and rejected
Yahweh sending his people away into exile then bringing them back is spoken of as if Yahweh were a husband who had rejected his wife but now accepts her.
Isa 54:6
Yahweh has called you back as a wife ... like a woman married young and rejected
Yahweh sending his people away into exile then bringing them back is spoken of as if Yahweh were a husband who had rejected his wife but now accepts her.
Isa 54:8
In a flood of anger
Yahweh being very angry is spoken of as if his anger were a flood that overwhelms people. Alternate Translation: "When I was very angry"
Isa 54:10
my steadfast love will not turn away from you
Yahweh continuing to love his people is spoken of as if his love would not turn away from the people. Alternate Translation: "I will not stop loving you"
Isa 54:10
nor will my covenant of peace be shaken
Yahweh not canceling his covenant with the people is spoken of as if his covenant were an object that would not be shaken. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "and I will not cancel my covenant of peace" or "and I will surely give you peace as I promised in my covenant"
Isa 54:11
storm-driven
Yahweh speaks of the people as if they were blown around and damaged by the winds and storms. This means the people were hurt and without stability.
Isa 54:17
This is the heritage of the servants of Yahweh
The reward that Yahweh will give to those who serve him is spoken of as if the reward were something they would inherit.
Isa 55:1
General Information:
Yahweh speaks of blessing the people freely as if he were selling food and drink to needy people for free.
Isa 55:2
eat what is good, and delight yourselves in fatness
The people trusting Yahweh for blessing and happiness is spoken of as if they are eating good food that is making them happy.
Isa 55:3
Turn your ears
Listening to or paying attention to someone is spoken of as if it were turning one's ears to someone. Alternate Translation: "Pay attention"
Isa 55:9
for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts
Yahweh speaks of the things that he does and how he thinks as being far superior to or higher than what people do and think, just like the sky is much higher than the earth.
Isa 55:13
that will not be cut off
Something ceasing to exist is spoken of as if it were cut off, as a branch is cut off of a tree or a piece of fabric is cut off of clothing. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "that will never end" or "that will last forever"
Isa 56:3
See, I am a dry tree
This means eunuchs may have thought they could not be a part of God's people because they were deformed by castration (and for this reason could not have children). Israelites did not practice castration; foreigners did, sometimes for punishment. Eunuchs who had accepted the Hebrew faith knew that normally they were not allowed to worship in the temple (Deut. 23:1). The full meaning of this statement can be made clear.
Isa 56:9
All you wild beasts of the field, come and devour, all you beasts in the forest
God is calling armies of other nations by comparing them to animals to come and attack the people of Israel.
Isa 56:10
They are all silent dogs
The leaders are supposed to open their mouths and warn the people, but they do not. Comparing someone to a dog in this society is a great insult.
Isa 56:11
The dogs have big appetites
Yahweh continues comparing Israel's bad leaders to dogs.
Isa 57:3
sons of the sorceress
This is a strong insult against the people who practice sorcery because sorcery and magic includes idolatry.
Isa 57:10
You found life in your hand
After trying so hard, the idolators found they still had strength to keep going. Here "hand" equals "strength" or "capacity."
Isa 57:14
Build, build! Clear a way! Remove all the stumbling blocks from the path of my people
Yahweh is emphatic and urgent that a clear and level road be available for the people to return to him and free of obstacles to worshiping Yahweh. This echoes [Isaiah 40:3](../40/03.md).
Isa 58:8
your healing would quickly sprout up
This means God will bless and restore them quickly, as a wound heals quickly.
Isa 58:10
then your light will rise in the darkness, and your darkness will be like the noonday
Your light represents the acts of kindness that will be examples to everyone, and the "darkness," the bad deeds, will be overcome by their good deeds.
Isa 58:11
satisfy you in regions where there is no water
Water represents all they need for an abundant life even when their surroundings do not have enough.
Isa 58:14
I will make you ride on the heights of the earth
This refers to God exalting the nation in reputation and power in response to living righteously.
Isa 59:4
they conceive trouble and give birth to sin
Conceiving and "giving birth" emphasize how carefully they plan to do sinful things. Here "they" still refers to the people of Israel. Alternate Translation: "they work hard to do sinful things"
Isa 59:5
They hatch eggs of a poisonous snake
Eggs of a poisonous snake hatch into more dangerous snakes. "Poisonous snakes" represents evil the people do that harms more and more. Alternate Translation: "They make evil that spreads out to make more evil"
Isa 59:5
weave a spider's web
This represents the deeds of the people that are useless. Alternate Translation: "produce things and activities that are useless"
Isa 59:5
Whoever eats of their eggs dies, and if an egg is crushed, it hatches into a poisonous snake
Eating a poisonous egg will kill the one that eats it and represents self-destruction. Breaking the egg allows the young poisonous snake to hatch and represents spreading destruction. Alternate Translation: "The activities they do will destroy them and will spread destruction to others"
Isa 59:6
Their webs cannot be used for garments, nor can they cover themselves with their works
This means their sinful deeds cannot be covered and hidden, just as a web cannot serve as clothing and cover someone. Alternate Translation: "Their evil deeds will be exposed as useless"
Isa 59:7
are their roads
roads represents their way of life. Alternate Translation: "are all they do"
Isa 59:8
there is no justice in their paths
paths represents their way of life. Alternate Translation: "they never do what is just" or "everything they do is unjust"
Isa 59:8
They have made crooked paths
Crooked paths represents the way of life that is corrupt. Alternate Translation: "They say and do dishonest things. They are devious"
Isa 59:12
for our transgressions are with us
With us represents being aware of them. Alternate Translation: "for we are aware of our transgressions"
Isa 59:17
He put on righteousness as a breastplate and a helmet of salvation upon his head. He clothed himself with garments of vengeance and wore zeal as a mantle
breastplate, "helmet," "garments," and "mantle" are clothing for war and fighting. Isaiah describes Yahweh as putting these on to punish his people.
Isa 60:1
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of Yahweh has risen on you
This refers to the glorious things Yahweh has done for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. They are now to show that glory through what they do and say and have hope in the future.
Isa 60:2
yet Yahweh will arise upon you
This means the light of God's presence will appear for the people of Israel, and it will show the way they should go.
Isa 60:5
be poured out to you
This describes that the abundance will be like water that gushes out.
Isa 60:16
You will also drink the milk of the nations, and will nurse at the breast of kings
This refers to the wealth and plenty that will be drained from foreign nations. Both clauses repeat the same idea for emphasis.
Isa 60:20
Your sun will no longer set, nor will your moon withdraw and disappear
The moon will not literally disappear. This exaggeration is saying that the light of the sun and the moon will be much less bright than the light of Yahweh.
Isa 60:21
the branch of my planting
Yahweh is comparing the people to young shoots coming up that he planted as if he was a gardener. Yahweh has placed his people in the land of Israel. This gives hope to the people.
Isa 60:21
the work of my hands
Yahweh compares the people of Israel to something made by the skill of his handicraft.
Isa 61:3
oaks of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh
This means Yahweh has caused the people to be strong and sturdy.
Isa 61:10
clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has clothed me with the robe of righteousness
The people of God speaking as one person now have salvation and righteousness as their distinct appearance visible to all. "Garments" and "robe" are clothing that everyone can see.
Isa 61:11
righteousness and praise to sprout up
This expression describes these virtues as growing from seed like plants do.
Isa 62:4
your land will be married
This means Yahweh will love the people of Israel and will always be with them as is a husband.
Isa 62:6
watchmen on your walls
This refers to prophets, officials, or possibly angels, who are constantly praying for the people of Jerusalem like watchmen who constantly guard the city. See how you translated "watchmen" in [Isaiah 52:8](../52/08.md) and [Isaiah 56:10](../56/09.md).
Isa 62:11
the ends of the earth
The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. This phrase also forms a merism and refers to everywhere in between the ends. See how you translated this in [Isaiah 40:28](../40/28.md). AT "the farthest places of the earth" or "the entire earth"
Isa 63:3
I have trodden grapes
Here "I" refers to Yahweh. This imagery refers to Yahweh destroying his enemies.
Isa 63:6
made them drunk in my wrath
This means Yahweh made them stunned and senseless by his full wrath and punishment.
Isa 63:6
I poured out their blood
Here "blood" represents the life of Yahweh's enemies that was gushing out so they would die.
Isa 63:9
he lifted them up and carried them
This refers to when God protected and saved the people of Israel from the Egyptians many years earlier. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear.
Isa 63:11
the shepherds of his flock
Leaders are sometimes referred to as "shepherds." Alternate Translation: "the leaders of his people"
Isa 63:17
why do you make us wander from your ways
To not do what Yahweh commands is spoken of as if a person wanders off of the correct path. Alternate Translation: "why do you make do what is wrong"
Isa 63:17
harden our hearts
This means to become resistant to Yahweh's teaching by refusing to listen and obey. Here "heart" represents their motives, feelings and desires.
Isa 64:1
if you had split open the heavens
If Yahweh had shown himself very dramatically by tearing open the sky. The words "split open" refer to ripping a piece of cloth apart.
Isa 64:8
we are the clay. You are our potter; and we all are the work of your hand
This means God created the people of Israel.
Isa 65:5
These things are smoke in my nose
Yahweh compares these people who are continually annoying him to smoke that irritates a person's breathing.
Isa 65:5
a fire that burns all day long
Yahweh compares the people of Israel to a slow-burning fire that sends out smoke without stopping as it irritates.
Isa 65:8
As when juice is found in a cluster of grapes
Yahweh compares the people of Israel to a cluster of grapes that still has some good juice in it.
Isa 65:14
crushing of the spirit
This expression compares the feeling of terrible disappointment and sorrow to something becoming deformed due to high pressure.
Isa 66:1
Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool
Yahweh compares heaven to a throne and the earth to a footstool to emphasize how great he is.
Isa 66:4
what was evil in my sight
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "what I consider to be evil" or "what is evil in my judgement"
Isa 66:7
Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before pain is upon her, she gave birth to a son
Yahweh speaks about Zion as if it were a woman who is about to give birth. Although Zion was destroyed and the people no longer lived there, Yahweh promises that without delay and with little effort an entire nation will come from her.
Isa 66:11
For you will nurse and be satisfied; with her breasts you will be comforted
This means Jerusalem will be a place of safety and comfort for God's people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "For she will satisfy you with her milk; she will comfort you with her breasts"
Isa 66:12
You will nurse at her side, be carried in her arms, and be dandled on her knees
This means Jerusalem will be a place of safety and comfort for God's people.
Isa 66:15
coming with fire
Yahweh's appearances in the Old Testament are often accompanied by fire that represents Yahweh's anger and judgment.
Jer 1:9
Then Yahweh reached out with his hand, touched my mouth
Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor representing Yahweh giving Jeremiah special authority to speak. Alternate Translation: "Then it was as though Yahweh touched my mouth" or 2) Jeremiah was seeing a vision and Yahweh actually did this as a symbolic act of giving Jeremiah authority to speak. Alternate Translation: "Then Yahweh touched my mouth with his hand"
Jer 1:9
I have placed my word in your mouth
This phrase represents giving Jeremiah his message. Alternate Translation: "I have given you my message for you to speak to the people" or "I have enabled you to tell the people my message"
Jer 1:10
to uproot
God speaks of Jeremiah destroying the nations by what he says as if the nations were plants and he were to pull them up out of the ground.
Jer 1:10
to build and plant
God speaks of Jeremiah causing nations to become strong as if they were a building and he would build them, and as if they were plants and he would plant them.
Jer 1:12
I am watching over my word to carry it out
This represents guaranteeing that he will do what he has said. Alternate Translation: "I am remembering my word to carry it out" or "I guarantee that I will do what I have said"
Jer 1:14
Disaster will be opened up out of the north
Disaster will be let loose from the north. This represents God causing disaster to come from the north to the south. Alternate Translation: "Disaster will come from the north" or "I will send disaster from the north"
Jer 1:15
will set his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem
Possible meanings are 1) this represents ruling over Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "will rule at the gates of Jerusalem" or 2) this represents judging Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "will judge Jerusalem"
Jer 1:17
Do not be shattered ... I will shatter you
Here "be shattered" represents being extremely afraid, and "shatter" represents causing Jeremiah to be extremely afraid. Alternate Translation: "Do not be terrified ... I will terrify you"
Jer 1:18
Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land
Being strong like these things represents being confident and unchanging in saying what God had told him to say. Alternate Translation: "I have made you strong against the whole land like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls"
Jer 1:18
iron ... bronze
These were the strongest materials known at that time.
Jer 2:2
when we were engaged
God speaks of his relationship with the people of Israel as though they had been engaged to be married. Alternate Translation: "when we first agreed that we would marry each other"
Jer 2:3
the firstfruits of his harvest
God speaks of Israel as if they were an offering dedicated to God. Alternate Translation: "like the firstfruits of his harvest"
Jer 2:3
All who ate from the firstfruits were held guilty
God speaks of those who attacked Israel as if they were eating the offering that was set apart for God. Alternate Translation: "All who attacked Israel were held guilty like people who ate from the first fruits of his harvest"
Jer 2:3
disaster came upon them
The phrase "came upon them" is a metaphor for happened to them. Alternate Translation: "Disasters happened to them" or "I made terrible things happen to them"
Jer 2:5
they went far from following me
This represents rejecting God and refusing to be loyal to him. Alternate Translation: "they rejected me"
Jer 2:5
they went after useless idols
This represents choosing to be loyal to idols and worship them. Alternate Translation: "they worshiped useless idols"
Jer 2:6
a land of drought and deep darkness
A "land of drought" is a land that does not have enough water. Here "deep darkness" is a metaphor for danger. Alternate Translation: "a dangerous land where there is not enough water"
Jer 2:7
you defiled my land
Here "defiled" represents making the land unacceptable to God. They did this by sinning against him there when they worshiped idols. Alternate Translation: "by sinning, you made my land no good"
Jer 2:7
my inheritance
Possible meanings are 1) God is speaking of his land as if he had inherited it. Alternate Translation: "my land" or 2) God is speaking of the land he gave to Israel as if he had given it to them as an inheritance. Alternate Translation: "the land I gave you" or "the land I gave you as an inheritance"
Jer 2:8
The shepherds transgressed against me
The leaders are spoken of as if they were shepherds and the people who followed them were sheep. Alternate Translation: "Their leaders sinned against me"
Jer 2:8
walked after unprofitable things
Here "walked after" represents obeying or worshiping. Alternate Translation: "obeyed unprofitable things" or "worshiped unprofitable things"
Jer 2:13
have abandoned the springs of living waters
God speaks of himself as if he were springs of living waters. Alternate Translation: "have abandoned me, their springs of living waters" or "have abandoned me, who is like springs of living water"
Jer 2:13
have dug out cisterns for themselves
God speaks of false gods as if they were cisterns that people dig in order to get water. Alternate Translation: "have gone to false gods, which are like cisterns they have dug for themselves"
Jer 2:14
So why has he become plunder
Here "become plunder" represents being attacked and taken as captives to another country. Alternate Translation: "So why has Israel been taken away as captives" or "So why have Israel's enemies taken Israel away as captives"
Jer 2:15
Young lions roared against him. They made a lot of noise
God speaks of Israel's enemies attacking Israel as if the enemies were lions roaring and attacking Israel.
Jer 2:18
why take the road to Egypt and drink the waters of Shihor ... Why take the road to Assyria and drink the waters of the Euphrates River
These are a metaphor for asking the Egyptian and Assyrian armies to help them. Alternate Translation: "why ask the Egyptians to help you ... Why ask the Assyrians to help you"
Jer 2:20
For I broke your yoke that you had in ancient days; I tore your fetters off you. Still you said, 'I will not serve!'
Here "broke your yoke" and "tore your fetters off you" are metaphors for setting them free from slavery. The people of Israel had been slaves in Egypt. Alternate Translation: "Long ago I released you from slavery, but still you refused to worship me!"
Jer 2:20
since you bowed down on every high hill and beneath every leafy tree, you adulterer
What they bowed down to can be stated clearly. Here "adulterer" is a metaphor for someone who is unfaithful to God. Alternate Translation: "You bowed down to idols and worshiped them instead of me, like an adulterous wife who is unfaithful to her husband"
Jer 2:21
I planted you as a choice vine, completely from pure seed
God speaks of making his people into a great nation in Canaan as if they were the seed of a grapevine that he had planted. Alternate Translation: "I, Yahweh, started you with a very good beginning, like a farmer who uses excellent seed to plant the best kind of vine"
Jer 2:23
walked after
This is a metaphor for serving or worshiping.
Jer 2:23
you are a swift female camel running here and there
God speaks of Israel worshiping other gods as if they were like a female camel running in different directions looking for a male camel to mate with. Alternate Translation: "You are like a swift female camel running back and forth looking for a male camel to mate with"
Jer 2:24
a wild donkey accustomed to the wilderness, in her heat sniffing the wind
God speaks of Israel worshiping other gods as if they were a wild female donkey running to find male donkeys. Alternate Translation: "You are like a young female donkey that lives in the desert. When she wants to mate she is out of control and constantly sniffs the breeze to find a mate"
Jer 2:25
You must restrain your feet from becoming bare and your throat from being thirsty!
God speaks of Israel wanting to worship other gods as if they were running around in the desert looking for those gods. Alternate Translation: "I have told you to stop running here and there chasing after false gods, because all that it does is wear out your sandals and make you very thirsty"
Jer 2:25
No, I love strangers and go after them!
Here "strangers" represents foreign gods, and "go after them" represents worshiping them. Alternate Translation: "We must follow after foreign gods and worship them!'"
Jer 2:27
their back faces me and not their faces
their backs are toward me; their faces are not toward me. This represents them rejecting God. Alternate Translation: "they have turned away from me" or "they have turned their backs toward me and not their faces" or "they have completely rejected me"
Jer 2:30
They would not accept discipline
Here "accept discipline" represents learning from discipline. Alternate Translation: "They refused to learn from discipline" or "When I disciplined them, they refused to learn to obey me"
Jer 2:30
Your sword has devoured your prophets like a destructive lion
God speaks of the people of Israel killing the prophets as if their sword were a lion that ate the prophets. Alternate Translation: "You have killed the prophets brutally with your sword like a destructive lion"
Jer 2:31
Have I been a wilderness to Israel? Or a land of deep darkness?
Here "a wilderness" and "a land of deep darkness" are metaphors for danger. God uses this question to rebuke the Israelites for behaving as though he had been dangerous. Alternate Translation: "You act as though I have been like a wilderness or a land of deep darkness to you"
Jer 2:33
to look for love
God speaks of his people worshiping other gods as if they were a woman who is unfaithful to her husband and is looking for other men to love her.
Jer 3:1
greatly polluted
This is a metaphor for being terribly unacceptable to God. Alternate Translation: "completely unacceptable to God"
Jer 3:2
Is there any place where you have not had illicit sex?
God speaks of Israel worshiping idols as if they were a woman who had sex with many different men. He uses this question to tell the Israelites that he knows that they have worshiped idols everywhere. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There is no place where you have not had illicit sex!" or "As a whore sleeps with many men, you have worshiped your idols everywhere!"
Jer 3:2
By the roadsides you sat waiting for your lovers
God speaks of his people being eager to worship any idol as being like a prostitute waiting by the road for any man to come along. Alternate Translation: "Like a prostitutes waiting at the roadside for her lovers, you were eager to worship any idol you learned about"
Jer 3:6
She has gone up
The people of Israel are spoken of as if Israel were a woman. Alternate Translation: "Israel's people have gone up" or "They have gone up"
Jer 3:7
her faithless sister Judah saw
God speaks of Israel and Judah as if they were sisters. Alternate Translation: "the people of Judah, who also did not obey me, saw"
Jer 3:9
she defiled the land
Here "defiled" represents making the land unacceptable to God. They did this by sinning against him there when they worshiped idols. Alternate Translation: "she made my land no good"
Jer 3:13
you have shared your ways with strangers under every leafy tree!
The word "strangers" refers to foreign gods. God speaks of Israel worshiping foreign gods as if Israel were a woman who was having sex with strangers.
Jer 3:14
I am your husband
God speaks of Israel belonging to him as if he were Israel's husband. Alternate Translation: "you belong to me as a wife belongs to her husband"
Jer 3:14
I will give you shepherds ... they will shepherd you
Here God speaks of leaders as if they were shepherds and the people they led were sheep. Alternate Translation: "I will give you leaders ... they will lead you"
Jer 3:15
I will give you shepherds ... they will shepherd you
Here God speaks of leaders as if they were shepherds and the people they led were sheep. Alternate Translation: "I will give you leaders ... they will lead you"
Jer 3:16
you will increase and bear fruit
The word "you" refers to the people of Israel. The phrase "bear fruit" is a metaphor for having many descendants. Alternate Translation: "you will increase greatly in number"
Jer 3:17
They will no longer walk in the stubbornness of their wicked hearts
Yahweh speaks of people's actions as if the people were walking along a path. Here the word "hearts" represents their minds or wills. Alternate Translation: "They will no longer stubbornly do the wicked things that they want to do"
Jer 3:18
the house of Judah will walk with the house of Israel
Here "walk with" represents being united. Alternate Translation: "the people of Judah will be united with the people of Israel"
Jer 3:18
the land that I gave your ancestors as an inheritance
God speaks of giving them the land to possess forever as if it were an inheritance. Alternate Translation: "the land that I gave to your ancestors so that it would belong to their descendants forever"
Jer 3:19
an inheritance more beautiful
God speaks of the land he wanted to give to Israel as if it were an inheritance.
Jer 3:21
they have forgotten Yahweh their God
Here "have forgotten" represents neglecting or ignoring. Alternate Translation: "They have ignored Yahweh their God"
Jer 3:22
I will heal you of treachery!
Possible meanings are 1) "heal you of treachery" represents causing Israel to stop being unfaithful to God. Alternate Translation: "I will cause you to stop being unfaithful to me" or 2) "heal you of treachery" represents forgiving Israel for being unfaithful. Alternate Translation: "I will forgive your treachery"
Jer 3:25
May our shame cover us
Being fully aware of their shame is spoken of as if shame were covering them like a blanket or a garment.
Jer 3:25
from the time of our youthfulness
Possible meanings are that 1) "the time of our youthfulness" refers to when each person was young. Alternate Translation: "from when we were young" or 2) "the time of our youthfulness" is a metaphor that refers to when Israel was first becoming a nation. Alternate Translation: "from when we were first becoming a nation"
Jer 4:1
do not wander from me again
Here "wander" is a metaphor for being unfaithful. Alternate Translation: "if you remain faithful to me"
Jer 4:3
Plow your own ground, and do not sow among thorns
Yahweh tells the people to prepare their lives like a farmer prepares the ground for planting.
Jer 4:4
Circumcise yourselves to Yahweh, and remove the foreskins of your heart
Yahweh describes the people's devotion to him in terms of the physical sign of covenant. Alternate Translation: "Dedicate yourselves completely to Yahweh"
Jer 4:6
for I am bringing disaster from the north and a great collapse
This represents God sending an army from the north to cause disaster and destruction in Judah. Alternate Translation: "for I will cause an army from the north to come and destroy you"
Jer 4:7
A lion is coming
God speaks of a powerful army as if it were a fierce lion. Alternate Translation: "A powerful and merciless army approaches"
Jer 4:8
For the force of Yahweh's anger has not turned away from us
Anger is spoken of as if it were a living thing that could turn away from people. Here "Yahweh's anger has not turned away from us" means that Yahweh is still very angry with the people. Alternate Translation: "For Yahweh is still very angry with us"
Jer 4:11
burning wind from the plains ... wind far stronger
Here a "burning wind" represents a fierce and merciless enemy.
Jer 4:11
the daughter of my people
Yahweh shows his love for his people by speaking of them as a daughter. Alternate Translation: "my people, who are like a daughter to me" or "my dear people"
Jer 4:12
burning wind from the plains ... wind far stronger
Here a "burning wind" represents a fierce and merciless enemy.
Jer 4:14
Cleanse your heart from wickedness, Jerusalem
This is a warning to the people living in Jerusalem to repent. "Cleanse your heart" is a metaphor for removing evil from their lives. Alternate Translation: "People of Jerusalem, stop being evil" or "People of Jerusalem, stop living wickedly"
Jer 4:18
It will strike your very heart
Here "heart" probably refers to the emotions, and "strike your very heart" probably refers to causing them to suffer terribly. Alternate Translation: "It will be as if it strikes your very heart" or "It will cause you to suffer terrible anguish"
Jer 4:28
I will not turn from carrying them out
Here "turn" represents deciding not to do what he said he would do. Alternate Translation: "I will not change my mind about doing what I said I would do" or "I will not refuse to do what I planned to do"
Jer 4:30
men who lusted for you now reject you
God speaks of the nations that Judah had depended on for wealth and business as if they were men who lusted after Judah. Those nations would reject Judah when they see God's judgment.
Jer 4:31
the daughter of Zion
God shows his love for the people of Jerusalem by speaking of them as a daughter. Alternate Translation: "my dear daughter, Zion"
Jer 5:3
You struck the people, but they do not feel pain.
God punished his people in various ways. Here it is spoken of as if he hit them. Alternate Translation: "You punish the people, but they do not pay attention"
Jer 5:3
they still refuse to receive discipline
Here "to receive discipline" represents learning from discipline to do what is right. Alternate Translation: "they still refuse to learn their lesson"
Jer 5:5
But they all broke their yoke together; they all tore apart the chains that bound them to God.
The yoke and chains represent the law which bind God and his people.
Jer 5:6
So a lion ... A wolf ... A lurking panther
These are dangerous animals that can kill people. Possible meanings are that 1) this really is about wild animals killing people or 2) these wild animals are metaphors for enemy armies.
Jer 5:6
So a lion ... A wolf ... A lurking panther ... torn apart
One possible meaning is that these are metaphors for enemy armies who will attack Judah. Alternate Translation: "Like a lion from the thicket, a wolf from the Arabah, and a lurking panther, enemy armies will come against their cities, attack them, and destroy them. Anyone who goes outside his city will be killed"
Jer 5:7
I fed them fully
Providing all they needed is spoken of as feeding them. Alternate Translation: "I gave them everything they needed"
Jer 5:7
they committed adultery and walked in great numbers to the houses of prostitutes
This may be a metaphor for being unfaithful to God and worshiping idols, but idol worship also included prostitution. Alternate Translation: "they were unfaithful to me and went in large numbers to the houses of prostitutes"
Jer 5:8
They were horses in heat ... neighed to his neighbor's wife
Because the God speaks of them as if they were horses that wanted to mate with other horses. Alternate Translation: "They were like horses in heat ... neighed to his neighbor's wife"
Jer 5:8
Each man neighed to his neighbor's wife
Male horses neigh loudly to female horses when they want to mate with them. Alternate Translation: "Like horses who mate with more than one horse, these men wanted to sleep with other men's wives"
Jer 5:10
Go up onto her vineyards' terraces and destroy
Yahweh speaks of Israel and Judah as if they were a vineyard and the people there were vines. Alternate Translation: "Go up into Israel and Judah, which are like a vineyard to me, and destroy them"
Jer 5:10
Trim their vines, since those vines do not come from Yahweh
The word "their" refers to the vineyards. Yahweh speaks of the people of Israel and Judah as if they were vines. Alternate Translation: "like farmers who trim the vines of a vineyard, you must remove many of the people of Israel and Judah, because they do not belong to Yahweh"
Jer 5:12
we will not see sword or famine
Here "see" is a metaphor for experience, and "sword" is a metonym for war. Alternate Translation: "we will not experience war or famine"
Jer 5:14
I am about to place my word in your mouth
Here "place my word in your mouth" represents causing Jeremiah to speak God's message. Alternate Translation: "I will cause you to speak my message"
Jer 5:14
For it will consume them
For my message will consume them. Yahweh's message was about how he would punish his people, so he speaks as if his message would destroy them as a fire destroys wood. Alternate Translation: "For when you speak my message, it will destroy the people of Israel as fire destroys wood"
Jer 5:17
So your harvest will be consumed, your sons and daughters also, and your food
Possible meanings are that 1) their harvest and their food that was for their sons and daughters would be consumed. Alternate Translation: "So your harvest and your food for your sons and daughters will be consumed" or 2) their harvest, sons and daughters, and food would all be consumed. The idea of the sons and daughters being "consumed" would be a metaphor for killed. Alternate Translation: "So your harvest and your food will be consumed, and your sons and daughters will be killed"
Jer 5:19
Just as you ... served foreign gods in your land, so you must also serve strangers
Here "served foreign gods" represents worshiping foreign gods. God would punish them for serving foreign gods by making them serve foreign people. Alternate Translation: "Because you ... worshiped foreign gods in your land, you will have to serve foreigners"
Jer 5:22
an ongoing decree that it does not violate
God speaks of the ocean not going past the border of sand as if the border were a law, and as if the ocean were a person who obeys the law. Alternate Translation: "an everlasting limit that it cannot cross"
Jer 5:22
it does not violate it
the ocean does not violate my decree. God speaks of ocean not going past the border of sand as if the border were a law, and as if the ocean were a person who obeys the law. Alternate Translation: "it does not succeed in going past the border"
Jer 5:23
this people has a stubborn heart. It turns
The people's heart represents their attitude toward God. If Yahweh is speaking to the people, this can also be expressed with the word "you." Alternate Translation: "but you people have a stubborn heart. You turn" or "but you people are stubborn. You turn"
Jer 5:23
It turns away in rebellion and goes away
The word "it" refers to the people. Here "goes away" represents disobeying God. Alternate Translation: "They rebel and disobey me"
Jer 5:24
they do not say in their hearts
Here "their hearts" represent their thoughts, and "say" represents thinking. Alternate Translation: "they do not think"
Jer 5:25
Your sins have stopped good from coming to you
Good things "coming" represents good things happening. "Because of your sins, good things have stopped happening to you"
Jer 5:26
they set a trap and catch people
God speaks of wicked people intentionally harming others as if they were setting a trap. Alternate Translation: "They set things up so that they can take advantage of people"
Jer 5:27
they grow large and become rich
Here "large" represents powerful. Alternate Translation: "these wicked people become powerful and rich"
Jer 5:28
They crossed over all bounds of wickedness
Doing all kinds of wicked things is spoken of as if there were a boundary separating some wicked things from things that are even more wicked. Alternate Translation: "They do all kinds of wicked things" or "They even do the most wicked things"
Jer 6:3
The shepherds and their flocks will go to them
Kings were often spoken of as shepherds of their people. Alternate Translation: "The kings and their soldiers will go to them"
Jer 6:3
with his own hand
Here "hand" represents the portion of something someone his assigned to take in his hand. Here it refers to the portion of land the king is assigned to conquer. Alternate Translation: "and conquer his portion of the land"
Jer 6:4
Arise, let us attack
To arise or stand up is a metaphor for no longer watching and thinking and instead beginning to act. Alternate Translation: "Let us stop thinking and begin to attack"
Jer 6:6
because it is filled with oppression
Here "it is filled with oppression" represents people there always oppressing people. Alternate Translation: "because its people are always oppressing each other"
Jer 6:9
They will certainly glean those who are left in Israel like a vineyard
Yahweh speaks of the enemy attacking those who remain as if the enemy were to pick grapes that remain in a vineyard after others have harvested it. Alternate Translation: "After destroying Israel, they will certainly come back to attack the people who are still alive"
Jer 6:9
Reach out again with your hand to pick grapes from the vines
Yahweh commands the enemy to attack those who remain in Israel as if the enemy were pick to grapes that remain in a vineyard after others have harvested it. Alternate Translation: "Come back and attack the people of Israel who remain" or "Like people who reach out again to pick grapes from vines that they have already harvested, come back and attack the people who remain"
Jer 6:10
Their ears are uncircumcised
This represents their stubborn unwillingness to listen to God. Alternate Translation: "Their ears are closed" or "They refuse to listen"
Jer 6:11
I am tired of holding it in
Jeremiah speaks of not showing Yahweh's anger as if he were holding the anger inside himself. Alternate Translation: "I am tired from not expressing this anger" or "I am tired of not doing anything about this anger"
Jer 6:11
Pour it out on the children in the streets and on the groups of young men
God speaks of punishing the people of Israel as if his anger were a liquid that he wanted Jeremiah to pour out on them. Alternate Translation: "In anger punish the children in the streets and the groups of young men"
Jer 6:14
They have healed the wounds of my people lightly
Possible meanings are 1) the wounds represent the problems the people have as a result of their sin. Alternate Translation: "They act as though my people's problems are not serious, like small wounds" or 2) the wounds represent the people's sin. Alternate Translation: "They acts as though my people's sins are not serious, like small wounds"
Jer 6:14
They have healed the wounds ... lightly
Here "lightly" represents treating the wounds as if they were not serious, as if they were not difficult.
Jer 6:15
they will fall among the fallen
Here "fall" represents being killed. Alternate Translation: "they will be killed along with the others who are killed"
Jer 6:15
they will be brought down when they are punished
Here "will be brought down" represents being destroyed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I will destroy them when I punish them"
Jer 6:16
Stand at the road crossing ... We will not go
The roads and pathways refer to ways that people live their lives. Yahweh wants the people of Israel to ask what is the good way to live their lives and for them to live that way.
Jer 6:16
ask for the ancient pathways
The ancient pathways represent their ancestors's behavior, how their ancestors lived long ago. Alternate Translation: "ask about the pathways that your ancestors walked on" or "ask about how your ancestors behaved"
Jer 6:16
Where is this good way
Possible meanings are 1) "this good way" represents the good way to live. Alternate Translation: "What is the good way to live" or 2) "this good way" represents the way to live that results in blessings. Alternate Translation: "Where is the way to what is good" or "What is the way to live that results in blessing"
Jer 6:16
Then go on it
Then walk on that path. Going on that path represents living that way. Alternate Translation: "Then live that way"
Jer 6:16
We will not go
This represents not living that way. Alternate Translation: "We will not live that way"
Jer 6:17
I appointed for you watchmen to listen for the trumpet
Yahweh speaks of his prophets as if they were watchmen who were sent to warn the people of danger.
Jer 6:19
the fruit of their thoughts
Here the word "fruit" represents results or consequences. Alternate Translation: "the consequences of their thoughts"
Jer 6:21
I am about to place a stumbling block against this people
I am about to put obstacles in front of this people. Yahweh speaks of the troubles that he will make happen to the people of Israel as if they were a blocks that people stumble over.
Jer 6:22
is being stirred up from the farthest parts of the earth
Being "stirred up" represents preparing to do something. Alternate Translation: "is being prepared to come from a distant land"
Jer 6:24
Anguish seizes us
Feeling great anguish is spoken of as if the anguish grabs them. Alternate Translation: "We feel terrible anguish"
Jer 6:26
Daughter of my people
Jeremiah shows Yahweh's love for his people by speaking to them as a daughter. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Jeremiah 4:11](../04/11.md). Alternate Translation: "My people, you who are like a daughter to me" or "My dear people"
Jer 6:27
General Information:
Yahweh is speaking to Jeremiah. God speaks of the people of Israel being very sinful as if they were silver that was full of impurities. God speaks of punishing Israel to make them stop sinning as if he were boiling silver and lead in a hot fire in order to remove the impurities from the silver.
Jer 6:28
All of them are bronze and iron
Bronze and iron are hard metals. Yahweh speaks of the people being stubborn as if they were hard like bronze and iron. Alternate Translation: "All of them are hard like bronze and iron" or "All of them are stubborn, as hard as bronze and iron"
Jer 6:29
The bellows are scorched by the fire that is burning them
The fire is so hot that it burns the bellows. This can be stated in active form. This very hot fire represents God's judgment. Alternate Translation: "The fire is so hot that it scorches the bellows" or "The punishment is so severe that it is like a fire that even burns the bellows"
Jer 7:23
walk in all the ways that I am commanding you
Yahweh speaks of obeying his commands as if one were walking in them, like person would walk along a road. Alternate Translation: "do everything that I am commanding you"
Jer 7:24
they went backwards, not forward
This is a metaphor. Possible meanings are 1) they refused to pay attention to Yahweh, instead of eagerly obeying him. Alternate Translation: "they went away from me instead of drawing closer to me" or 2) they got worse and worse instead of improving. Alternate Translation: "they got worse instead of better"
Jer 7:32
days are coming ... when it
Future time is spoken of as if the "days are coming." Alternate Translation: "in the future ... it" or "there will be a time ... when it"
Jer 8:2
walked after
This is a metaphor for serving or worshiping. See how you translated this in [Jeremiah 2:23](../02/23.md).
Jer 8:5
hold on to treachery
What the people of Judah were doing is spoken of as if they were clinging to treachery and would not let it go.
Jer 8:11
They healed the wounds of my people lightly
Possible meanings are 1) the wounds represent the problems the people have as a result of their sin. Alternate Translation: "They act as though my people's problems are not serious, like small wounds" or 2) the wounds represent the people's sin. Alternate Translation: "They act as though my people's sins are not serious, like small wounds"
Jer 8:11
They healed the wounds ... lightly
Here "lightly" represents treating the wounds as if they were not serious, as if they were not difficult.
Jer 8:12
they will fall among the fallen
Here "fall" represents being killed. Alternate Translation: "they will be killed along with the others who are killed"
Jer 8:12
they will be brought down when they are punished
Here "will be brought down" represents being destroyed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I will destroy them when I punish them"
Jer 8:14
we will become silent there in death
Here "become silent" means to die. Alternate Translation: "let us die there" or "let us wait for our enemies to kill us there"
Jer 8:14
For Yahweh our God will silence us
Here "silence" is a metaphor for condemning to death. Alternate Translation: "because Yahweh our God has condemned us to die"
Jer 8:19
the daughter of my people
Jeremiah is speaking about the people of Judah in a way that shows his affection for them, as if for a daughter. See how you translated this in [Jeremiah 4:11](../04/11.md). Alternate Translation: "my dear people"
Jer 9:1
the daughter of my people
Yahweh shows his love for his people by speaking of them as a daughter. Here Jeremiah uses this same phrase for the people that Yahweh uses. See how you translated this in [Jeremiah 4:11](../04/11.md). Alternate Translation: "my people, who are like Yahweh's daughter" or "my dear people"
Jer 9:3
They tread on their bows of lies with their tongues
Telling lies is spoken of as being done by the tongues of the wicked. Also, since a spoken lie cannot be taken back, telling lies is spoken of as if it were shooting arrows. Men who use bows must step on their bows in order to fasten the bowstrings, so liars are referred to here as if they were stringing their bows using their tongues. Alternate Translation: "Their lies are like arrows that they shoot with the tongues"
Jer 9:3
They go from one wicked act to another
Committing one evil action after another is spoken of as if the evildoers were going from one action to another. Alternate Translation: "They keep doing evil things"
Jer 9:6
Your dwelling is in the midst of deception
Yahweh speaks of living among people who are liars as living in the middle of deception. Alternate Translation: "Your dwelling is among the dwellings of liars" or "You dwell in the midst of liars" (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
Jer 9:7
to refine them
Yahweh speaks of testing the people and dealing with their evil ways, as if they were metal that he were melting in a crucible to remove its impurities.
Jer 9:8
Their tongues are sharpened arrows
This speaks of people's tongues as if they were sharpened arrows because of how the people hurt others by what they say. Here their speech is represented by their "tongues." Alternate Translation: "Their words are like sharpened arrows that hurt other people"
Jer 9:8
but with their hearts they lie in wait for them
Here a people's desires are represented by their "hearts." This speaks of them wanting to hurt their neighbors as if they were an animal crouching and waiting to attack its prey. Alternate Translation: "but what they really want is to destroy their neighbors"
Jer 9:13
they have abandoned my law
Yahweh speaks of the people not obeying his law as if it were something that they had walked away from. Alternate Translation: "they have rejected my law"
Jer 9:25
all the circumcised who are such only in their body
This refers to the people of Israel who have entered into Yahweh's covenant by getting circumcised physically, but who have not changed their inner beings by following his laws. Alternate Translation: "all those people who have changed their bodies by circumcising them but who have not changed their inner beings"
Jer 10:11
will perish from the earth
This speaks of the idols disappearing and losing their significance as if they were dying. This emphasizes their lack of power. Alternate Translation: "will disappear from the earth"
Jer 10:12
stretched out the heavens
This speaks of Yahweh creating the sky as if it were a large sheet that he stretched out. Alternate Translation: "created the heavens" or "created the sky"
Jer 10:13
sends out wind from his storehouse
This speaks of Yahweh causing the wind to blow as if the wind were kept in a storehouse and brought out when he desires.
Jer 10:16
Israel is the tribe of his inheritance
This speaks of Israel belonging to Yahweh as if it were something that Yahweh gained through inheritance. Alternate Translation: "The tribe of Israel belongs to him"
Jer 10:18
I am about to throw the inhabitants of the land out this time
Here Yahweh speaks of causing the people to leave the land as if they were objects that he were throwing out of a container. Alternate Translation: "I will cause the people living in the land to leave that land"
Jer 10:19
Woe to me! Because of my broken bones, my wound is infected
Jeremiah speaks of the peoples' distress as if they were physically wounded by broken bones and infection. Alternate Translation: "Woe to us! It is as though we have broken bones and an infected wound"
Jer 10:20
My tent is devastated, and all of my tent cords are cut in two
Here Jeremiah speaks of the enemy having destroyed their city as if their tent had been destroyed. Alternate Translation: "It is as though our great tent is destroyed; the ropes that held it up have been cut" or "The enemy has completely destroyed our city"
Jer 10:20
so they no longer exist
The children no longer existing is a metaphor for the parents never seeing them again. Alternate Translation: "and it is like they no longer exist" or "and they will never return again"
Jer 10:20
There is no longer anyone to spread out my tent or to raise up my tent curtains
Here Jeremiah speaks of them not having descendants to rebuild their city as if their city were a tent that needs to be rebuilt. Alternate Translation: "There is no one to rebuild our city"
Jer 10:21
For the shepherds are stupid ... all their flock has been scattered
Here the leaders of Israel are spoken of as if they were shepherds and the people of Israel are spoken of as if they were flocks of sheep. Alternate Translation: "For the shepherds of our people are stupid ... all the people of their flock have been scattered"
Jer 10:22
See! It is coming, a great earthquake is coming
Here the marching enemy armies are spoken of as if they were an earthquake. The word "See!" is used here as an idiom to draw the listener's attention to what is said next. Alternate Translation: "Look! The enemy army is coming, they sound like a great earthquake as they are marching"
Jer 10:25
Pour your fury on the nations
Here "the nations" refer to the people who live in them. Alternate Translation: "In your fury, punish the nations" or "In your anger, punish the nations of the people"
Jer 11:4
from the land of Egypt, from the furnace for smelting iron
This speaks of the horrible circumstances and oppression the Israelites were living in in Egypt by comparing them to a smelting furnace. Alternate Translation: "of Egypt. What happened to them in Egypt was terrible; it was as though they were living in a hot furnace"
Jer 11:5
the land flowing with milk and honey
the land where milk and honey flow. God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. Alternate Translation: "the land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops"
Jer 11:15
is my beloved one, the one who has had
The people of Judah are spoken of as if they were a single woman greatly beloved. Alternate Translation: "are the people whom I love, those who have had" or "are the people of Judah whom I love, who have had"
Jer 11:16
In the past Yahweh called you a leafy olive tree
In the Old Testament people were often compared to trees or plants. Those who were prosperous and healthy were spoken of as leafy, fruitful tree. Alternate Translation: "In the past Yahweh said that you were like a leafy olive tree"
Jer 11:16
will light a fire on it
This expression continues the metaphor of the tree. The fire stands for the destruction of the people.
Jer 11:17
the one who planted you
This speaks of Yahweh placing the people of Israel and Judah in the places where they live as if they were a tree that Yahweh had planted. Alternate Translation: "who planted you like a farmer plants a tree" or "the one who placed you to live in the land of Israel and Judah"
Jer 11:18
made me see their deeds
The refers to Yahweh revealing to Jeremiah that his enemies were planning to kill him. This is spoken of here as if Jeremiah has already see their actions. Alternate Translation: "have revealed to me their evil plans"
Jer 11:19
I was like a gentle lamb being led to a butcher
This speaks of Jeremiah being unaware of his enemies' plans to kill him by comparing him to a lamb who is being led to be slaughtered.
Jer 11:19
Let us destroy the tree with its fruit
Here Jeremiah's enemies speak of killing him as if he were a fruit tree that they were planning to destroy.
Jer 11:21
seeking your life
This phrase represents wanting or trying to kill someone. Alternate Translation: "wanting to kill you"
Jer 12:2
You planted them and they took root. They continue to produce fruit
Here Jeremiah speaks of the wicked as if they were fruit trees. Alternate Translation: "They are like fruit trees that you planted, that you allow to prosper and to produce lots of fruit"
Jer 12:3
Take them away like sheep to the slaughter
Here Jeremiah asks Yahweh to prepare to punish the wicked as if they were sheep to be taken away to be slaughtered. Alternate Translation: "Take the wicked people away, like sheep for slaughter" or "Prepare to punish those wicked people"
Jer 12:7
I have abandoned my house; I have forsaken my inheritance
The two phrases are metaphors in which Yahweh speaks of his people as if they were his "house" and his "inheritance." Alternate Translation: "I have abandoned my Israelite people, the people whom I chose to belong to me"
Jer 12:9
become a speckled bird, that other birds of prey go against her all around
Here Yahweh speaks of his people being in danger and surrounded by their enemies as if they were a speckled bird surrounded by birds of prey. Alternate Translation: "become like a speckled bird, and her enemies are like birds of prey attacking her on all sides"
Jer 12:10
Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard
Here Yahweh speaks of his land and his people being destroyed by armies as if they were a vineyard that shepherds had destroyed. Alternate Translation: "My people and my land are like a vineyard that many shepherds have destroyed"
Jer 12:12
for Yahweh's sword is devouring
Here Yahweh speaks of the armies that he is using to punish his people as being his "sword." His"sword" is described here as if it were a large animal that attacked and devoured the people. Alternate Translation: "for the armies are my sword that I am using to punish you" or "for I am sending the destroying armies to attack you"
Jer 12:14
to uproot them from their own ground
God speaks of forcing the people to leave their land as if they were plants that he was pulling out of the ground. See how you translated this concept in [Jeremiah 1:10](../01/10.md). Alternate Translation: "to make them leave their own land"
Jer 12:14
I will pull up the house of Judah from among them
Here Yahweh speaks of causing the people of Judah to leave the lands of the other nations as if they were plants that he was pulling out of the ground. Alternate Translation: "I will cause the house of Judah to leave their lands as well"
Jer 12:15
I uproot those nations
God speaks of forcing the people to leave their land as if they were plants that he was pulling out of the ground. Alternate Translation: "I make those nations leave their lands and move to different places"
Jer 12:16
they will be built up in the midst of my people
This speaks of the people becoming prosperous as if they were a building that was being built. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I will build them up in the midst of my people" or "I will make them wealthy and they will live among my people"
Jer 13:16
For you are hoping for light, but he will turn the place into a deep darkness, into a dark cloud
This speaks of goodness and blessings as "light" and of trouble and despair as "darkness." Alternate Translation: "For you were hoping for light and blessings, but Yahweh will give you darkness and great despair--you will feel like you are surrounded by a dark cloud"
Jer 13:17
for Yahweh's flock has been taken captive
Here Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh's people as Yahweh's "flock" because he cares for them like a shepherd cares for his sheep. This event has not happened yet, but it is written here as if it already has. This can be written in future tense. Alternate Translation: "for you who are Yahweh's flock, your enemies will soon capture you"
Jer 13:20
the flock
This speaks of the people of Judah as a "flock" of sheep to emphasize that the leaders of Judah were supposed to care for them and look after them.
Jer 13:26
I myself will strip your skirts off you, and your private parts will be seen.
This means that Yahweh will make them feel ashamed. It does not in any way mean that he will rape them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "It is as though I myself will strip your skirts off of you so that everyone will see your private parts and you will be ashamed"
Jer 13:27
neighing
This is the sound of a male horse desiring a female horse. Alternate Translation: "lusting"
Jer 14:10
they love to wander
they love to wander away from me. This speaks of people being unfaithful to Yahweh and not obey him as if they had wandered from the place where he is.
Jer 14:13
I will give you true security
Here "security" is spoken of as if it were an object that someone could give to another person. Alternate Translation: "I will allow you to live securely" or "I will allow you to live peacefully"
Jer 14:14
coming from their own minds
Here "minds" are spoken of as if they were a place instead of the ability to think of ideas. Alternate Translation: "that they think up themselves"
Jer 14:16
I will pour out their wickedness on them
Here Yahweh speaks of punishing the people in accordance to their wicknedness as if their own wickedness were a liquid that he would pour upon them. Alternate Translation: "I will punish them like they deserve to be punished"
Jer 15:2
should go to death
This speaks of dying as if death were a place that people can go to. Alternate Translation: "should die"
Jer 15:2
Those who are for famine should go to famine
This means that Yahweh has appointed these to die because of famine, and these words speak of dying by famine as if "famine" were a place that people can go to. Alternate Translation: "Those whom I have appointed to die by famine should go and die by famine"
Jer 15:7
So I will winnow them with a pitchfork at the gates of the land
Here Yahweh speaks of scattering the people and causing them to leave Jersalem as if they were winnowed chaff being blown away on the wind.
Jer 15:9
Her sun will set while it is still day
This speaks of a woman becoming sorrowful because her children have died, as if her life were a day in which the sun had set early and turned to darkness. Here the darkness represents her sorrow. Alternate Translation: "Because of her sorrow, it will be as though the sun has set and her day has turned to darkness"
Jer 15:14
for a fire will ignite, kindled in my wrath against you
The wrath of God is spoken of as if it were a destructive fire. Alternate Translation: "I will destroy you because I am very angry with you"
Jer 15:14
for a fire will ignite, kindled in my wrath against you
Here Yahweh speaks of his wrath as if it were a fire. Alternate Translation: "for my wrath is like a fire that I will kindle against you" or "for I will come against you in my wrath, and my wrath will be like a burning fire"
Jer 15:16
I consumed them
Jeremiah speaks of listening and understanding Yahweh's message as if it were food that he ate. Alternate Translation: "I understood your message"
Jer 15:17
of your powerful hand
Here Yahweh's "powerful hand" refers to his control and influence over Jeremiah. Alternate Translation: "you powerfully influence me" or "you are the one who controls what I do"
Jer 15:20
they will wage war against you
This speaks of the people fighting with Jeremiah as if he were an army that they waged war against. Alternate Translation: "they will fight against you" or "they will oppose you"
Jer 16:5
I have taken away my peace from this people ... and my steadfast love and mercy
Yahweh speaks of no longer acting towards the people with peace, steadfast love, and mercy as if these were items that he has taken away from them. Alternate Translation: "I will no longer act towards them with peace ... or with steadfast love and mercy"
Jer 16:12
walking by the stubbornness of his wicked heart
Yahweh speaks of a person's actions as if the person were walking along a path. Here the word "heart" represents the mind or will. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Jeremiah 11:8](../11/08.md). Alternate Translation: "stubbornly doing the wicked things that he wants to do"
Jer 16:13
throw you from this land
Yahweh speaks of forcefully removing the people from the land as if he were throwing them from the land. Alternate Translation: "force you to leave this land and go"
Jer 16:16
I will send for many fishermen ... so they will fish the people out
Yahweh speaks of enemy armies who will attack and kill the people as if they were fishermen who are catching fish.
Jer 16:16
I will send for many hunters so they will hunt for them among
Yahweh speaks of enemy armies who will attack and kill the people as if they were hunters who are hunting animals.
Jer 16:18
for their polluting of my land
Yahweh speaks of causing the land to be unacceptable to him as if the people had polluted the land. The words "their polluting" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate Translation: "because they have polluted my land"
Jer 16:18
my inheritance
Yahweh speaks of the land as if it were his inheritance that he has claimed as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "the land that is my inheritance"
Jer 16:19
my stronghold and my refuge, my place of safety
Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh as a place where enemies cannot attack him. He repeats the same idea three times.
Jer 17:1
The sin of Judah is written ... on the horns of your altars
Yahweh speaks of Judah's sins being so great that they cannot stop committing them as if someone had engraved their sin permanently.
Jer 17:4
You will lose the inheritance that I gave to you
Yahweh speaks of the land as if it were an inheritance that he had given to the people of Judah as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "You will lose the land that I have given to you as an inheritance"
Jer 17:4
you have ignited a fire in my wrath, which will burn forever
Yahweh speaks of the fierceness of his anger as if his anger were a fire that burns those with whom he is angry. Alternate Translation: "you have made me so angry that my anger will be like a fire that will burn forever"
Jer 17:10
according to his ways
Here a person's behavior is spoken of as if it were the paths along which he walks. Alternate Translation: "according to how he lives"
Jer 17:10
the fruit of his deeds
Here the results of a person's actions are spoken of as if they were fruit. Alternate Translation: "what he has done"
Jer 17:12
The place of our temple is a glorious throne
Jeremiah speaks of the temple being a "glorious throne" because it is there that Yahweh dwells and rules.
Jer 17:13
will be written in the earth
Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor in which Yahweh speaks of people dying and being forgotten as if someone writes their names in the dust, and those names quickly disappear. Alternate Translation: "will disappear like names that someone writes in the dust" or 2) the word "earth" is a metonym for the place of the dead. The phrase is a metaphor in which Yahweh speaks of people going to the place of the dead as if someone enrolled their names in the records of those who have died. Alternate Translation: "will join those in the place of the dead"
Jer 17:13
Yahweh, the fountain of living waters
Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh being the source of life as if he were a fountain of living waters. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh, who is like a fountain of living waters"
Jer 17:13
the fountain of living waters
Jeremiah speaks of fresh, running water as if it were living water. Alternate Translation: "the fountain of fresh, running water"
Jer 17:16
I did not run from being a shepherd following you
Jeremiah speaks of leading and caring for the people as if he were a shepherd caring for sheep. He speaks of his abandoning that work as if he were running away from it.
Jer 17:17
You are my refuge
Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh as a place where enemies cannot attack him.
Jer 17:18
shatter them with a double share of destruction
Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh destroying his enemies as if they were objects that Yahweh would shatter. The idiom "a double share" means to give twice as much. Alternate Translation: "shatter them with complete destruction" or "destroy them twice as much"
Jer 17:23
stiffened their neck
Jeremiah speaks of the people being stubborn as if they had made their necks stiff and unmovable. Alternate Translation: "became stubborn"
Jer 18:11
I am about to form disaster against you. I am about to devise a plan against you
Yahweh speaks of planning disaster as if disaster were an object that he forms, like the potter would form clay. The second sentence repeats the same idea as the first using different words. Alternate Translation: "I am about to devise a plan to bring disaster against you"
Jer 18:11
his wicked way
Yahweh speaks of a person's lifestyle as if it were a "way" or path along which the person walks. Alternate Translation: "his wicked way of living"
Jer 18:15
been made to stumble in their paths
Yahweh speaks of a person's lifestyle as if it were a path along which he walks, and of living unfaithfully to him as if the person stumbled along the path. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "this caused them to stumble in their paths" or "it is like they stumbled while walking on a path"
Jer 18:15
they have left the ancient paths to walk lesser paths
Yahweh speaks of a person's lifestyle as if it were a path along which he walks. Here, "the ancient paths" represents the way that Yahweh had told their ancestors to live and "lesser paths" represents living unfaithfully to Yahweh.
Jer 18:17
I will scatter them before their enemies like an eastern wind
Yahweh speaks of causing the people to flee before their enemies as if he were an eastern wind that scatters dust and debris. Alternate Translation: "I will be like an eastern wind and scatter them before their enemies" or "I will scatter them before their enemies like an eastern wind scatters dust and debris"
Jer 18:18
attack him with our words
The people speak of speaking harmful words against Jeremiah as if their words were weapons with which they attack him. Alternate Translation: "say things that will harm him"
Jer 18:20
they have dug a pit for me
Jeremiah speaks of his enemies planning to kill him as if they had dug a pit in which to trap him.
Jer 19:13
the unclean people
People who are not acceptable for God's purposes are spoken of as if they were physically unclean.
Jer 20:10
watch to see if I will fall
Jeremiah speaks of his enemies waiting for him to do something wrong for which they might accuse him as if they were watching for him to fall down.
Jer 20:11
so the ones pursuing me will stagger
Jeremiah speaks of his enemies trying to harm him as if they were chasing after him and of their failing to harm him as if they were to stagger.
Jer 20:17
making my mother to be my tomb
Jeremiah speaks of his dying while his mother was still pregnant with him as if his mother's womb were his tomb.
Jer 20:17
a womb that was pregnant forever
Jeremiah speaks of his pregnant mother never giving birth to the baby in her womb as if she had been pregnant forever.
Jer 21:12
my fury will go out like fire and burn
Here Yahweh's punishment is spoken of as if it was a fire that would burn up those who did evil. Alternate Translation: "I will punish and destroy you in my anger quickly and completely"
Jer 21:12
there is no one who can quench it
Jeremiah continues the simile of Yahweh's punishment as a fire that was so hot that no one could put it out with water.
Jer 21:14
I have assigned the fruit of your practices to come against you
The result of their evil deeds is spoken of as fruit which grew from those practices. Alternate Translation: "I will punish you as you deserve because of the things you have done"
Jer 21:14
in the thickets
Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor for the columns of wood that supported the palace or 2) these are literal patches of brush.
Jer 22:6
turn you into a wilderness
What was formerly beautiful is said to become bare and deserted. Alternate Translation: "cause you to become empty like the desert"
Jer 22:7
the best of your cedars
Possible meaning are 1) the beams of the palace or 2) the leading men of the royal family.
Jer 22:7
fall into the fire
Possible meanings are 1) a literal fire that will burn the palace beams or 2) the destruction of the royal family is spoken of as if they were burned in a fire.
Jer 22:19
He will be buried with a donkey's burial, dragged away and thrown out
The burial of Jehoiakim is spoken of as being the same as the manner in which people would bury a donkey. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "They will bury his dead body the way they would bury a dead donkey; they will drag it away and throw it out"
Jer 22:22
The wind will shepherd away all your shepherds
This is a wordplay—Yahweh uses the idea of "shepherd" in two different ways. Here "shepherds" is a metaphor for the leaders of Jerusalem, and the wind "leads" them away. The wind represents Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "I will take your leaders away as if the wind had blown them away"
Jer 22:23
You who live in 'Lebanon,' who is nestled in cedar buildings
Yahweh speaks of the royal palace as "Lebanon" and "cedar buildings" because it was constructed with a lot of cedar. Alternate Translation: "You who live in a palace made from the cedars of Lebanon"
Jer 22:25
seeking your life
This phrase represents wanting or trying to kill someone. See how this phrase is translated in [Jeremiah 11:21](../11/21.md). Alternate Translation: "trying to kill you"
Jer 22:28
Is this a despised and shattered vessel? Is this man Jehoiachin a pot that pleases no one?
Jehoiachin is spoken of as a pot that was completely worthless and not liked by anyone. The questions emphasize that he has no value or friends. Alternate Translation: "Jehoiachin is as useless as a broken vessel and no one is happy with him."
Jer 22:28
have poured them out
Jehoiachin and his descendants are spoke of as if they had been poured out in another country like garbage from a vessel.
Jer 23:1
General Information:
In verses 1-4, Yahweh refers to Israel as his pasture, the people of Israel as his sheep, and the leaders of Israel as the shepherds. Shepherds have a duty to protect the sheep, but the leaders were not doing that.
Jer 23:3
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about the people of Israel as if they were his sheep and the leaders of Israel as if they were his shepherds.
Jer 23:3
to a grazing place
Yahweh refers to the land of Israel as if it were good pasture for his people. This good pasture is a metonym for provision for their needs. Alternate Translation: "to good pasture" or "to where all their needs will be supplied"
Jer 23:5
a righteous branch
This future king descended from David is spoken of as if he were a branch grown on a tree. Alternate Translation: "a righteous descendant"
Jer 23:10
adulterers
This word here probably has two senses. It has the literal meaning that the men in the nation had committed adultery against their own wives, and it also has the figurative meaning that they had abandoned Yahweh in order to worship idols.
Jer 23:10
These prophets' paths are wicked
The wicked actions of the false prophets are spoken of as if they were walking on an evil path. Alternate Translation: "These prophets are doing things that are wicked"
Jer 23:11
the prophets and the priests are polluted
The prophets and priests are defiled by sin in the same way that water can be polluted by filth. Alternate Translation: "the prophets and the priests are sinful"
Jer 23:12
I will send disaster against them
Yahweh speaks of disaster as an enemy that he will send to attack the priests and false prophets. Alternate Translation: "I will cause them to experience disaster"
Jer 23:13
led my people Israel astray
The deception of the people by the false prophets is spoken of as leading them down the wrong path. Alternate Translation: "deceived my people, the Israelites"
Jer 23:15
I am about to make them eat wormwood and drink poisonous water
Wormwood is a plant that is very bitter and unpleasant to eat. This phrase describes the punishment that Yahweh was going to bring about on the evil prophets. In the same way wormwood was bitter and the water was poisonous, so would Yaweh's judgment be on the evil prophets.
Jer 23:15
pollution has gone out from the prophets
Here the evil teaching of the priests and false prophets is spoken of as if it were something filthy that ruined the land. Alternate Translation: "evil has come from the prophets"
Jer 23:17
everyone walking in the stubbornness of his own heart says
Here "heart" refers to their desires. To follow those desires is spoken of as walking in them. Alternate Translation: "everyone stubbornly does whatever they desire to do"
Jer 23:19
there is a storm coming from Yahweh ... His fury is going out ... a tempest is whirling about
These three phrases all refer to a great storm that is a metaphor for Yahweh's anger. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh's anger is coming like a great storm, going out with fury and whirling like a tempest"
Jer 23:19
It is whirling around the heads of the wicked
Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were a windstorm whirling around the wicked. Alternate Translation: "It is coming upon the wicked like a windstorm"
Jer 23:33
You are the burden
Here "burden" means a heavy load. This is a metaphor that means they annoy Yahweh and he no longer wants to put up with them. Alternate Translation: "You are a burden that I am tired of carrying"
Jer 23:39
I am about to pick you up and throw you away from me
Yahweh speaks of sending these priests and false prophets into exile as if they were an object that he was going to throw far away. Alternate Translation: "I am about to drive you away from me"
Jer 24:6
I will build them up, and not tear them down
Yahweh speak of the exiles as a building which Yahweh will build and not tear down. Alternate Translation: "I will help them flourish in the land, and not ruin them"
Jer 24:6
I will plant them, and not uproot them
Yahweh speak of the exiles as plants which Yahweh will plant in good soil and not pull out. Alternate Translation: "I will establish them in the land, and not remove them"
Jer 25:5
Let each man turn from his wicked way and the corruption of his practices
Jeremiah speaks of people who stop committing an action as if those people were turning away from that action.
Jer 25:6
do not walk after other gods
Jeremiah speaks of a person being devoted to a god as if the person were walking behind the god. Alternate Translation: "do not become devoted to other gods"
Jer 25:14
I will repay them for their deeds and the works of their hands
Yahweh speaks of punishing the people of the nations for what they have done as if he were paying them back.
Jer 25:15
Take this cup of the wine of fury
Yahweh speaks of his extreme anger as if it were wine that fills a cup. Alternate Translation: "Take this cup of wine that represents my fury"
Jer 25:16
they will drink and then stagger about and rant madly
Yahweh speaks of the people being terrified about his fury as if they were drunk from drinking the wine from the cup.
Jer 25:17
Connecting Statement:
This passage continues the metaphor of Yahweh's extreme anger as wine that he causes the people of the nations to drink from a cup.
Jer 25:19
Connecting Statement:
This passage continues the metaphor of Yahweh's extreme anger as wine that he causes the people of the nations to drink from a cup.
Jer 25:22
Connecting Statement:
This passage continues the metaphor of Yahweh's extreme anger as wine that he causes the people of the nations to drink from a cup.
Jer 25:24
Connecting Statement:
This passage continues the metaphor of Yahweh's extreme anger as wine that he causes the people of the nations to drink from a cup.
Jer 25:27
Connecting Statement:
This passage continues the metaphor of Yahweh's extreme anger as wine that he causes the people of the nations to drink from a cup.
Jer 25:30
Yahweh will roar
Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh shouting very loudly as if he were roaring like a lion.
Jer 25:30
he will roar mightily against his fold
Jeremiah speaks of Yahweh as if he were a lion and his people were a flock of sheep. The people will be helpless when Yahweh comes to punish them, as sheep are helpless when a lion attacks.
Jer 25:32
a great storm is beginning from the farthest parts of the earth
Possible meanings for this metaphor are 1) Yahweh speaks of Babylonian army and the destruction that it will cause as if it were a great storm or 2) Yahweh speaks of his great anger as if it were a great storm that causes much destruction.
Jer 25:34
shepherds
Yahweh speaks of the leaders of Israel as if they were shepherds who are responsible for protecting and caring for the people, who, implicitly, are spoken of as if they are the sheep.
Jer 25:34
you leaders of the flock
This phrase also refers to the leaders of Israel who are responsible to care for the people, who are spoken of as if they were a flock of sheep. Alternate Translation: "you leaders of the people"
Jer 25:34
you will be scattered when you fall like fine pottery
Yahweh speaks of the leaders of Israel being destroyed as if they are pieces of pottery that shatter when they fall to the ground. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "you will fall like fine pottery and your shattered pieces will scatter on the ground"
Jer 25:36
Yahweh is destroying their pastures
Yahweh speaks of the nation in which the leaders think that they live peacefully as if it were the "pastures" in which they care for the sheep
Jer 25:37
So the peaceful pastures will be devastated
Yahweh continues to speak of the leaders of Israel as if they were shepherds. Here he speaks of the nation as the "pastures" in which they think they live peacefully.
Jer 25:38
Like a young lion, he has left his den
Yahweh punishing his people in his extreme wrath is spoken of as if Yahweh were a lion who leaves his den in search of prey.
Jer 26:2
cities of Judah
The word "cities" is a metonym for the people who live in the city. Alternate Translation: "people from the cities of Judah"
Jer 26:3
each man will turn from his wicked ways
Yahweh speaks of a person's lifestyle as if it were a "way" or path along which the person walks. Alternate Translation: "each man will stop his wicked way of living"
Jer 26:18
Zion will become a plowed field ... and the hill of the temple will become a thicket
Zion and "the hill of the temple" refer to the same place. When a farmer plows a field, he turns over all the dirt and uproots all the plants that are growing there. A thicket is so full of bushes that no one can use it for anything. These two metaphors cannot be literally true at the same time, but they emphasize that Yahweh will allow the invaders to completely destroy the temple area.
Jer 27:8
that does not put its neck under the yoke of the king
Being the king's slave is spoken of as being an animal on to the shoulders of which the king puts a yoke so it can do heavy work. Alternate Translation: "and whose people do not willingly become slaves of the king"
Jer 27:11
the nation that places its neck under the yoke of the king
Being the king's slave is spoken of as being an animal onto the shoulders of which the king puts a yoke so it can do heavy work. See how similar words are translated in [Jeremiah 27:8](./08.md). Alternate Translation: "the nation whose people willingly becomes slaves of the king"
Jer 28:2
I have broken the yoke imposed by the king of Babylon
Hananaiah speaks of the people being in slavery as if they were oxen on which the Babylonians had put yokes to make them do heavy work. Alternate Translation: "I have made it so you are no longer slaves of the king of Babylon" or "I have set you free from slavery to the king of Babylon"
Jer 28:11
I will break from off the neck of every nation the yoke imposed by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon
Hananaiah speaks of the people being in slavery as if they were oxen on which the Babylonians had put yokes to make them do heavy work. Alternate Translation: "I will make it so all nations are no longer slaves of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon" or "I will set every nation free from slavery to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon"
Jer 28:14
I have placed a yoke of iron on the neck of all of these nations to serve Nebuchadnezzar
Yahweh speaks of making nations to be slaves of Nebuchadnezzar as if he were putting yokes on oxen to make them do heavy work. Alternate Translation: "I have made all of these nations slaves, and they will have to serve Nebuchadnezzar"
Jer 30:3
days are coming ... when I will restore the fortunes
Future time is spoken of as if the "days are coming." See how you translated this metaphor in [Jeremiah 7:32](../07/32.md). Alternate Translation: "in the future ... I will restore the fortunes" or "there will be a time ... when I will restore the fortunes"
Jer 30:8
I will break the yoke off your neck, and I will shatter your chains
Being a slave is spoken of as wearing a yoke like an animal and wearing chains like a prisoner.
Jer 30:12
Your injury is incurable; your wound is infected ... no remedy for your wound
This means that Yahweh has punished them so severely that there is no one who can help them.
Jer 30:13
Your injury is incurable; your wound is infected ... no remedy for your wound
This means that Yahweh has punished them so severely that there is no one who can help them.
Jer 30:14
All of your lovers
Yahweh describes the people of Israel as an unfaithful wife who takes lovers other than her husband. Here "lovers" refers to other nations. The Israelites allied with them and worshiped their gods instead of relying on Yahweh.
Jer 30:14
I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy
Yahweh has treated his people like he would treat his enemy.
Jer 30:14
the discipline of a cruel master
Yahweh has treated his people like a cruel master would treat a rebellious slave.
Jer 30:16
So everyone who consumes you will be consumed
Destroying the nation is spoken of as consuming or eating it. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "So those who destroy you, their enemies will destroy them" or "So I will destroy everyone who destroys you"
Jer 30:23
See, the tempest of Yahweh, his fury, has gone out
This speaks of God's anger and punishment as if it were a storm. This emphasizes his power and ability to destroy wicked people.
Jer 31:9
I will be a father to Israel, and Ephraim will be my firstborn
Here "Ephraim" is another name for "Israel." Alternate Translation: "I will be like a father to the people of Israel, and they will be like my firstborn child"
Jer 31:12
on the heights of Zion
on Zion, the high place or "on Mount Zion." Being on top of a hill is a metaphor for being happy. If your language associates mountain tops with sadness, it would be best to leave out the metaphor.
Jer 31:21
Come back, virgin Israel!
God is referring to a changed Israel.
Jer 31:22
waver
Possible meanings are 1) be unable to decide what to do or 2) often go off the correct path, a metaphor for disobeying Yahweh.
Jer 31:27
days are coming ... when I will sow
Future time is spoken of as if the "days are coming." See how you translated this metaphor in [Jeremiah 7:32](../07/32.md). Alternate Translation: "in the future ... I will sow" or "there will be a time ... when I will sow"
Jer 31:28
in order to build them up and to plant them
Yahweh speaks of the Israelites as if they were a house or a food crop. Alternate Translation: "in order to make them strong and many"
Jer 31:31
days are coming ... when I will establish
Future time is spoken of as if the "days are coming." See how you translated this metaphor in [Jeremiah 7:32](../07/32.md). Alternate Translation: "in the future ... I will establish" or "there will be a time ... when I will establish"
Jer 31:32
I took them by their hand
as a loving husband would hold the hand of his wife as they walk
Jer 31:38
days are coming ... when the city will be rebuilt
Future time is spoken of as if the "days are coming." See how you translated this metaphor in [Jeremiah 7:32](../07/32.md). Alternate Translation: "in the future ... the city will be rebuilt" or "there will be a time ... when the city will be rebuilt"
Jer 31:40
The city will not be pulled up or overthrown again
The city is spoken of as if it were a plant that someone could pull out of the ground or a building that someone could break down. This can be translated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I will not allow anyone to pull up or overthrow the city again" or "No one will tear the city down or destroy it again"
Jer 32:3
I am about to give over this city into the hand of the king of Babylon
Yahweh speaks of the city as if it were a small object that one person could give to another. The word "hand" is a metonym for the power or control that the hand exercises. Alternate Translation: "I am about to put this city under the control of the king of Babylon" or "I am about to allow the king of Babylon to do whatever he wants with this city"
Jer 32:22
land flowing with milk and honey
land where milk and honey flow. God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. See how you translated this in [Jeremiah 11:5](../11/05.md). Alternate Translation: "land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops"
Jer 32:24
The siege mounds have reached up to the city to capture it
The large piles of dirt and rocks that the enemy built around the city so they could stand on them and attack it are spoken of as if they were the attackers themselves reaching out to capture the city. Alternate Translation: "The enemy's seige mounds are so close to the city that the enemy will be able to capture the city"
Jer 32:30
since their youth
A person being young is a metaphor for the people of Israel first becoming a nation. Alternate Translation: "from the time they were young" or "from the time that they became a nation"
Jer 32:40
I will set honor for me in their hearts
Honor is spoken of as if it were a solid object put in a container from which no one can remove it. Alternate Translation: "I will cause them to always honor me"
Jer 32:41
I will faithfully plant them in this land
Yahweh speaks of having his people live in the land forever as if he were planting plants in a garden. Alternate Translation: "I will permanently settle the Israelites in this land"
Jer 33:14
Days are coming ... when I will do
Future time is spoken of as if the "Days are coming." See how you translated this metaphor in [Jeremiah 7:32](../07/32.md). Alternate Translation: "In the future ... I will do" or "There will be a time ... when I will do"
Jer 33:15
I will make a righteous branch to grow for David
Yahweh speaks of a descendant of David as if he were a branch off of a tree trunk. Alternate Translation: "I will cause a righteous man to come from and bring glory to the line of David"
Jer 33:16
this is what she will be called
Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem as if the town were a woman. This can be translated in active form. Alternate Translation: "this is what they will call her" or "this is what I will call the town"
Jer 34:17
am going to make you a horrible thing in the sight of every kingdom on earth
Here "sight" represents judgment or evaluation. The word "kingdom" is a metonym for the people who live in the kingdom. Alternate Translation: "I am going to make the people in every kingdom on earth think that you are horrible"
Jer 35:15
let no one walk any longer after other gods
Walking after a god is a metaphor for obeying the laws of that god.
Jer 36:3
his wicked way
Yahweh speaks of a person's lifestyle as if it were a "way" or path along which the person walks. See how you translated this in [Jeremiah 18:11](../18/11.md). Alternate Translation: "his wicked way of living"
Jer 36:7
from his wicked way
Yahweh speaks of a person's lifestyle as if it were a "way" or path along which the person walks. See how you translated this in [Jeremiah 18:11](../18/11.md). Alternate Translation: "his wicked way of living"
Jer 38:16
seeking your life
This phrase represents wanting or trying to kill someone. See how this phrase is translated in [Jeremiah 11:21](../11/21.md). Alternate Translation: "trying to kill you"
Jer 38:22
Your feet are now sunk into the mud
The king is now helpless.
Jer 42:10
I will build you and not tear you down
Yahweh refers to the people of Israel like a wall that can be built or torn down. Alternate Translation: "I will cause you to prosper and I will not destroy you"
Jer 42:10
I will plant you and not pull you up
Yahweh uses another example to express how he will cause the people of Israel to prosper and not be destroyed. He refers to them like a plant in the same way he referred to them as a wall.
Jer 42:10
I will turn back the disaster that I have brought on you
A disaster is here spoken of as something that a person can put onto someone else. Alternate Translation: "I will prevent the disaster that I have caused to happen to you"
Jer 42:17
the disaster that I will bring on them
Causing a disaster is spoken of as if disaster were an object that is brought to a person. Alternate Translation: "the disaster that I will cause to happen to them"
Jer 42:18
my wrath and my fury were poured out on the inhabitants of Jerusalem
Yahweh punishing people because he is very angry is spoken of as if wrath and fury were liquids that he poured out on the people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I became very angry and punished the people of Jerusalem"
Jer 42:18
in the same way my fury will be poured out on you
Yahweh punishing people because he is very angry is spoken of as if fury were a liquid that he pours out on the people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I will became very angry and punish you"
Jer 44:2
all the disasters that I brought on Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah
Causing disasters is spoken of as if disasters were an object that can be put on something. Alternate Translation: "all the disaster that I caused to happen to Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah"
Jer 44:5
or turn from their wickedness in burning incense to other gods
To stop doing something is spoken of as if it were physically turning away from something. Alternate Translation: "or to stop behaving wickedly by burning incense to other gods"
Jer 44:6
my fury and my wrath were poured out
Becoming angry and punishing people is spoken of as if fury and wrath were liquids there could be poured on people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I became very angry and punished them"
Jer 44:6
kindled a fire
Yahweh becoming angry and punishing the people of Judah is spoken of as his fury and wrath were a fire. Alternate Translation: "my fury and wrath were like a fire" or "my punishment was like a fire"
Jer 44:7
Why are you causing yourselves to be cut off from among Judah ... and babies?
Being separated from the people of Judah is spoken of as if the people are cut off from Judah the way a person may cut off a branch from a vine or cut off a piece of cloth. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Why are you causing me to remove you from the people of Judah ... and babies?" or "You are causing me to remove you from the people of Judah ... and babies."
Jer 44:10
nor do they walk in them
Obeying the laws is spoken of as if it were walking in the laws. Alternate Translation: "nor do they obey them" or "nor do you obey them"
Jer 44:11
to bring disaster to you
Causing disaster to happen is spoken of as if disaster were an object that can be brought to someone. Alternate Translation: "to cause disaster to happen to you"
Jer 45:5
your life as your plunder everywhere you will go
Allowing Baruch to escape and remain alive is spoken of as if his life were plunder that he would take after a battle. Alternate Translation: "but wherever you go, I will protect you and allow you to live"
Jer 46:10
The sword will devour
Yahweh punishing and killing his enemies is spoken of as if he would use a sword to kill them.
Jer 46:10
For there will be a sacrifice
Yahweh avenging himself by causing the Egyptians to lose in battle against the Babylonians is spoken of as if the Egyptian army would be a sacrifice to Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "For the Egyptians will be like a sacrifice"
Jer 46:11
virgin daughter of Egypt
The people of Egypt are spoken of as if they were the virgin daughter of Egypt. Alternate Translation: "people of Egypt"
Jer 46:12
for soldier stumbles against soldier; both of them fall together
Soldiers dying in battle is spoken of as if they were stumbling and falling down. Alternate Translation: "for your soldiers die in battle"
Jer 46:20
Egypt is a very beautiful young cow
The nation of Egypt, which was very strong and prosperous, is spoken of as if it were a beautiful young cow. Alternate Translation: "Egypt is like a very beautiful heifer"
Jer 46:20
but a stinging insect
The enemy army coming to attack the Egyptians is spoken of as if the army were an insect that stings. Alternate Translation: "but a powerful army like a stinging insect"
Jer 46:21
the day of their disaster is coming against them
This speaks of a day as if it travels and arrives in a location. Alternate Translation: "they will experience disaster on that day"
Jer 46:23
They will cut down the forests ... although it is very dense
This continues speaking of the enemy army attacking the Egyptians as if the army were woodcutters cutting down trees. Alternate Translation: "The enemy army will kill many Egyptians like woodcutters cutting down a forest ... even though there are very many trees"
Jer 46:24
The daughter of Egypt will be made ashamed
The people of Egypt are spoken of as if they were the daughter of Egypt. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "The enemy army will humiliate the people of Egypt"
Jer 47:2
they will overflow the land
This continues speaking of the army from the north as an overflowing river. Alternate Translation: "like an overflowing river, the army from the north will destroy the land"
Jer 47:4
For the day is coming that will devastate all of the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre
This speaks of a day as if it were something that travels and arrives in a place. Alternate Translation: "For on that day, the enemy army will devastate all of the Philistines and cut off from Tyre"
Jer 47:4
to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every survivor who wants to help them
Removing someone is spoken of as if they were cut off the way a person may cut a branch from a tree or a piece of cloth from a garment. Alternate Translation: "to remove anyone who may want to help Tyre and Sidon"
Jer 47:6
sword of Yahweh
Yahweh punishing the Philistines by sending the army from the north is spoken of as if Yahweh were striking them with a sword.
Jer 48:9
Give wings to Moab, for she must certainly fly away
Helping the people is spoken of as if they would put wings on the people so that could fly away. Alternate Translation: "Help the people of Moab to escape as if you were giving them wings to fly away"
Jer 48:12
I will send him those who will tip him over and pour out all his pots and shatter his jars
The enemy army defeating the people of Moab and taking them as captives is spoken of as if the people of Moab are wine and someone will come and pour them out and break the wine jars. Alternate Translation: "I will send an army that will destroy them as if they were pouring out wine and breaking the jars"
Jer 48:15
its finest young men have gone down to the place of slaughter
The best men of Moab going to battle and being killed is spoken of as if they were animals taken to a place to be slaughtered. Alternate Translation: "their fine young men will all be slaughtered" or "the enemy army will kill all of the finest men of Moab"
Jer 48:16
calamity is hurrying quickly
Something terrible happening soon is spoken of as if calamity were something that could move quickly to a place. Alternate Translation: "terrible things will happen very soon"
Jer 48:18
you daughter living in Dibon
The people of Dibon are spoken of as if they were the daughter of Dibon. Alternate Translation: "you people living in Dibon"
Jer 48:26
Make him drunk
Here people experiencing Yahweh's punishment is spoken of as if they were drunk on wine, acting foolishly so that people laugh at them. Alternate Translation: "I will cause you to be like a drunk person"
Jer 48:26
Let Moab wallow in his vomit ... an object for laughter
Yahweh continues speaking of the people of Moab as if they were a drunk person. Alternate Translation: "Now the people of Moab will be like a person who wallows in his vomit ... an object for laughter
Jer 48:27
Let Moab wallow in his vomit ... an object for laughter
Yahweh continues speaking of the people of Moab as if they were a drunk person. Alternate Translation: "Now the people of Moab will be like a person who wallows in his vomit ... an object for laughter
Jer 48:32
vine of Sibmah! Your branches passed ... your wine
The town of Sibmah had many vineyards. Here, Yahweh speaks to the people of Sibmah as if there were a grapevine. Alternate Translation: "people of Sibmah, who are like a grapevine with branches that passed ... your wine"
Jer 48:32
The destroyers have attacked your summer fruit and your wine
Yahweh continues speaking of the people of Sibmah as if they were a grapevine. Alternate Translation: "The destroyers have attacked you and have taken the fruit from your vineyards and your wine"
Jer 49:2
days are coming ... when I will
Future time is spoken of as if the "days are coming." See how you translated this in [Jeremiah 7:32](../07/32.md). Alternate Translation: "in the future ... I will" or "there will be a time ... when I will"
Jer 49:2
when I will sound the signal for battle
Yahweh causing an army to attack is spoken of as if he would sound the signal for the battle to start. Alternate Translation: "when I will cause the enemy army to sound the signal for battle"
Jer 49:3
daughters of Rabbah
Possible meanings are 1) "daughters" represent the women who live in Rabbah. Alternate Translation: "women of Rabbah" or 2) all the people in general are spoken of as if they are the daughters of Rabbah. Alternate Translation: "people of Rabbah"
Jer 49:4
faithless daughter
Here, the people of Ammon are spoken of as if they were a daughter. Alternate Translation: "faithless people" or "rebellious people"
Jer 49:10
But I have stripped Esau bare
Yahweh causing an enemy army to come and take everything is spoken of as if Yahweh stripped all the clothes off of Esau. Alternate Translation: "But I have sent an army to take everything away from Esau"
Jer 49:20
They will certainly be dragged away, even the smallest flock
This continues speaking of Yahweh punishing the people of Edom as if he would come like a lion and attack the sheep. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "He will drag them away, even the smallest flock"
Jer 49:20
even the smallest flock
Here the youngest and weakest people of Edom are spoken of as if they are the smallest flock of sheep. Alternate Translation: "even the weakest and the smallest people"
Jer 49:20
Their pasturelands will be turned into ruined places
Here the land of Edom is spoken of as if it were pasturelands for flocks. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "He will turn their pasturelands into ruined places" or "He will completely get rid of the people who live there"
Jer 49:21
At the sound of their falling the earth shakes
The loud sound of Edom being destroyed is spoken of as if Edom were a large object that shakes the earth when it falls. Alternate Translation: "When enemies come and destroy Edom, the noise will be extremely loud, with the result that the earth will shake"
Jer 49:23
They melt away
A person being afraid is spoken of as if the person were melting. Alternate Translation: "They are very afraid"
Jer 49:26
its young men will fall in its plazas
They young men being killed is spoken of as if they will fall. Alternate Translation: "enemies will kill the young men of Damascus in its plazas"
Jer 49:32
Then I will scatter to every wind
Here "every wind" represents the nations. Alternate Translation: "Then I will send to nations in all different directions"
Jer 49:36
I will bring the four winds from the four corners of the heavens
Here "winds" represents nations. And the nations are a synecdoche representing the armies from those nations. Causing armies to come from all directions is spoken of as if Yahweh will cause wind to blow from all directions Alternate Translation: "I will bring your enemies from every direction to attack you"
Jer 49:36
to all of those winds
Here "winds" represents "nations." Alternate Translation: "to all those nations"
Jer 49:37
those who seek their lives
Seeking a person's life represents wanting or desiring to kill someone. Alternate Translation: "those who want to kill them"
Jer 49:37
I will bring disaster against them
Yahweh causing people to experience disaster is spoken of as if he would bring disaster against them. Alternate Translation: "I will cause them to experience disaster" or "I will cause terrible things to happen to them"
Jer 50:4
seek Yahweh their God
Seeking Yahweh their God represents either 1) asking God for help or 2) thinking about God and obeying him.
Jer 50:6
My people have been a lost flock
The people of Israel are spoken of as if they were a group of sheep that was lost. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate Translation: "My people have been like a lost flock of sheep"
Jer 50:6
Their shepherds
The leaders of Israel are spoken of as if they were the shepherds of people. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate Translation: "Their leaders were like shepherds who"
Jer 50:7
devoured them
Attacking the people of Israel is spoken of as if a wild animal ate them. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate Translation: "devoured them like a wild animal would eat its prey"
Jer 50:7
Yahweh, the hope of their ancestors
Yahweh is spoken of as the source of their trust. The abstract noun "hope" can be stated as an action. Alternate Translation: "the one whom their ancestors confidently expected to help them"
Jer 50:17
Israel is a sheep scattered and driven away by lions
Yahweh speaks of Israel as if it were a sheep that was trying to escape from hungry lions. This metaphor can be stated as a simile and in active form. Alternate Translation: "Israel is like a sheep that lions scattered and drove away"
Jer 50:17
devoured him
The destruction of Israel by Assyria is spoken of as if Israel were a sheep that Assyria ate.
Jer 50:17
broke his bones
The destruction of Israel by Nebuchadnezzar is spoken of if it were a sheep which had its bones crushed by a lion. Alternate Translation: "destroyed Israel"
Jer 50:19
he will graze on Carmel and Bashan
Israel is spoken of as if they were sheep that eat grass. Alternate Translation: "they will eat food that grows in Carmel and Bashan"
Jer 50:23
How the hammer of all the lands has been cut apart and destroyed
The army of Babylon is spoken of as if it were a hammer. The destruction of this army is spoken of as if the hammer was to be cut up and destroyed. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate Translation: "The mighty army of Babylon that conquered all the nations is like a hammer that will be broken into pieces and destroyed"
Jer 50:24
I have set a trap for you and you were taken
The destruction of Babylon is spoken of as if Yahweh had caught them in a trap like an animal. Alternate Translation: "I set a trap and caught you in it as a hunter catches an animal" or "You people of Babylon, I have set a trap for you"
Jer 50:26
Open her granaries
Here "granaries" represent where Babylon stored its treasures. Alternate Translation: "Raid the places where her treasures are stored"
Jer 50:27
Kill all her bulls. Send them down to the place of slaughter
Possible meaning of "bulls" is 1) soldiers or 2) strong young men. Killing them is spoken of as taking them to a place of slaughter.
Jer 50:29
Do to her by the measure she has used
The evil things the Babylonians did to Israel are spoken of as if Babylon measured them. Alternate Translation: "Measure out punishment for her with the same amount she used to punish Israel"
Jer 50:32
it will devour everything around him
Fire burning the cities of Babylon is spoken of as if the fire were an animal that ate them.
Jer 50:34
He will truly plead their case
Yahweh is spoken of as if he were a lawyer who represents the people of Israel in court.
Jer 50:41
are being stirred up from the farthest parts of the earth
Being "stirred up" represents being urged to take action. Alternate Translation: "are preparing to come from the most distant places on earth"
Jer 50:43
Anguish seized him
Feeling great anguish is spoken of as if anguish grabs the king of Babylon. Alternate Translation: "He felt terrible anguish"
Jer 50:45
They will certainly be dragged away, even the smallest flock
This continues speaking of Yahweh punishing the people of Babylon as if he would come like a lion and attack the sheep. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "He will drag them away, even the smallest flock"
Jer 50:45
even the smallest flock
Here the youngest and weakest people of Babylon are spoken of as if they were the smallest flock of sheep. Alternate Translation: "even the youngest and weakest"
Jer 50:45
Their pasturelands will be turned into ruined places
Here the land of Babylonia is spoken of as if it were pasturelands for flocks. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "He will turn their pasturelands into ruined places" or "He will completely destroy the people who live there"
Jer 50:46
At the sound of conquered Babylon the earth shakes
This phrase compares the fall of the once powerful nation of Babylon to the extremely loud noise of an earthquake. Alternate Translation: "The fall of Babylon will sound like a mighty earthquake"
Jer 51:2
scatter her and devastate her land ... they will come against her
The word "her," a metaphor that refers to Babylon as if it were a woman, is also a metonym for the people who live in Babylon. Alternate Translation: "separate the people who live there from each other, send them in different directions, and make their land empty ... foreigners will attack the people of Babylon"
Jer 51:5
their land is filled with offenses committed against the Holy One of Israel
The land in which they live is spoken of as if it were a container and their offenses as if they were solid objects that could fill the container. The abstract noun "offenses" can be translated as a verb. Alternate Translation: "they have offended the Holy One of Israel everywhere throughout the land"
Jer 51:6
in her iniquity
Babylon is spoken of as if it were a woman. The word "iniquity" is a metonym for God punishing the people for their iniquity. Alternate Translation: "when Yahweh punishes Babylon"
Jer 51:6
will repay all of it to her
Babylon is spoken of as if it were a woman, and the iniquity of the people is spoken of as if Yahweh needed to pay back a debt. The word "her," meaning Babylon, is a metonym for the people of Babylon. Alternate Translation: "will punish the Babylonians as much as they deserve"
Jer 51:7
Babylon was a golden cup in the hand of Yahweh that made all the world drunk
The word "world" is a metonym for the people living in the nations surrounding Babylon. Possible meanings are 1) Making those people drunk could be a metaphor for Yahweh punishing those nations by allowing Babylon to conquer them. Alternate Translation: "Babylon was a strong nation that Yahweh used to punish all the people of the surrounding nations severely" or 2) It could be a metaphor for those nations joining Babylon in worshiping idols and being violent. Alternate Translation: "Babylon was a rich and powerful nation, and other nations wanted to become sinful just like it"
Jer 51:7
Babylon was a golden cup in the hand of Yahweh
Babylon being a powerful nation that Yahweh used for his own purposes is spoken of as if Babylon were a golden cup in his hand. Here "hand" represents Yahweh's power.
Jer 51:7
nations drank her wine and became insane
Possible meanings are 1) "Babylon defeated and destroyed other nations" or 2) "nations enjoyed her riches and power and became evil."
Jer 51:9
For her guilt reaches up to the heavens; it is piled up to the clouds
Guilt is spoken of as if it were an object that could be made into a pile. The words "to the heavens" and "to the clouds" are an exaggeration for something that is very high. Alternate Translation: "For Babylon is so very guilty"
Jer 51:13
The thread of your life is now cut short
The people's lives are spoken of as if they were threads that God could cut. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Your lives will be ended quickly"
Jer 51:16
When he thunders, there is the roar of waters in the heavens
These phrases compare the voice of Yahweh to the loud sound made by thunder and rain.
Jer 51:19
Israel is the tribe of his inheritance
This speaks of Israel belonging to Yahweh as if it were something that Yahweh gained through inheritance. Alternate Translation: "The tribe of Israel belongs to him"
Jer 51:20
With you I will smash
Yahweh speaks of punishing people as if he were smashing them with a hammer. Alternate Translation: "With you I will punish"
Jer 51:22
With you I will smash
Yahweh speaks of punishing people as if he were smashing them with a hammer. See how you translated this in [Jeremiah 51:20](./20.md). Alternate Translation: "With you I will punish"
Jer 51:25
I will ... roll you down from the cliffs
Yahweh stops speaking of Babylon as a mountain and speaks of it as a building that he is breaking down and throwing away.
Jer 51:25
I will ... make you a burned-out mountain
Yahweh speaks of Babylon as no longer being the great "mountain of destruction" but now a mountain that he has destroyed. Alternate Translation: "I will ... make you a pile of useless rocks"
Jer 51:30
her homes are on fire, the bars of her gates are broken
The city is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate Translation: "the homes in the city are on fire, the bars of the city gates are broken"
Jer 51:33
It is time to trample her down
Yahweh punishing the daughter of Babylon is spoken of as if he were trampling and threshing grain on a threshing floor. Alternate Translation: "It is time to punish her"
Jer 51:33
the time of harvest will come to her
The harvest is a metaphor for the result of the actions that the people did before. Babylon will experience the result of its people's sins. Alternate Translation: "God will punish her for her sins"
Jer 51:34
General Information:
The speaker speaks as if he were a woman. The woman is a metaphor for the city of Jerusalem, which in turn is a metonym for the people of Jerusalem.
Jer 51:34
has made me an empty pot
Babylon has taken everything from Israel.
Jer 51:34
he has swallowed me
Jerusalem compares its destruction to being swallowed.
Jer 51:34
he has filled his stomach with my delicious foods
This continues to speak of Babylon as if it were a monster. This states in another way the previous idea that Babylon has taken everything from Israel. Here "foods" represents all the good things that were there before.
Jer 51:34
he has spit me out
Nebuchadnezzar took what he wanted and spit out what he did not want. Alternate Translation: "he has vomited me up"
Jer 51:36
I am about to plead your case and bring about vengeance
Yahweh defending his people is spoken of as if he were a lawyer pleading their case in court. Alternate Translation: "I will be like your lawyer to defend you and I will bring about vengeance"
Jer 51:42
The sea ... roaring waves
Babylon's enemies have overcome her. "Waves" represent many people groups overcoming Babylon. The words "sea" and "water" often represent the nations.
Jer 51:44
the nations will no longer flow
The many nations that come to Babylon to sacrifice to Bel is spoken of as a river that moves along. Alternate Translation: "the people of other nations will no longer come in large groups"
Jer 51:47
days are coming ... when I will punish
Future time is spoken of as if the "days are coming." See how you translated this metaphor in [Jeremiah 7:32](../07/32.md). Alternate Translation: "in the future ... I will punish" or "there will be a time ... when I will punish"
Jer 51:47
I will punish the carved idols of Babylon
Removing the idols of Babylon is spoken of as if Yahweh would punish the idols. Alternate Translation: "I will remove the carved idols of Babylon"
Jer 51:51
reproach has covered our faces
The speakers' reaction to people expressing disapproval of them is spoken of as if it were a cover placed over the speakers' faces. Alternate Translation: "our faces show that we are hurt because others disapprove of us" or "we cover our faces in shame because others disapprove of us"
Jer 51:52
days are coming ... when I will punish
Future time is spoken of as if the "days are coming." See how you translated this metaphor in [Jeremiah 7:32](../07/32.md). Alternate Translation: "in the future ... I will punish" or "there will be a time ... when I will punish"
Jer 51:52
I will punish her carved idols
Removing or destroying idols is spoken of as if Yahweh would punish the idols. Alternate Translation: "I will destroy her carved idols" or "I will remove her carved idols"
Jer 52:2
what was evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. Alternate Translation: "what was evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil"
Lam 1:1
is now sitting all alone
This speaks of the city of Jerusalem being empty, as if it were a woman who was sitting alone. Alternate Translation: "is now empty"
Lam 1:1
She was a princess among the nations
This speaks of Jerusalem being honored as if it were a princess. Alternate Translation: "She was like a princess among the nations"
Lam 1:2
None of her lovers comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her
This speaks of the people groups that had been faithful to Jerusalem betraying Jerusalem, as if the people groups were Jerusalem's lovers and friends.
Lam 1:9
She has become unclean beneath her skirts
According to the Law of Moses, a woman was considered unclean during her monthly bleeding. This speaks of Jerusalem being unclean, as if it were a menstruating woman. Alternate Translation: "Jerusalem has become unclean, as when a woman is unclean beneath her skirts"
Lam 1:9
unclean
A person who God considers to be spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Lam 1:14
The yoke of my transgressions ... They are knit together and placed upon my neck
This speaks of the people of Jerusalem's sins as if they were a yoke bearing a heavy burden that Yahweh had placed on their necks. Also, this can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "My transgressions are like a yoke that he has bound together with his hands and placed upon my neck"
Lam 1:15
an assembly
Here the enemy army attacking Jerusalem is spoken of as if it were a meeting of people who have come together in order to accuse and condemn someone. Alternate Translation: "a great army"
Lam 1:15
The Lord has trampled ... in the winepress
Here the judgment of God is described as if Jerusalem were grapes on which he had trampled in order to squeeze out the juice. Alternate Translation: "It is as though the Lord has trampled upon the virgin daughter of Judah in a winepress"
Lam 1:15
the virgin daughter of Judah
This is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. The word "virgin" suggests that this woman is pure.
Lam 1:16
for a comforter is far from me, one who restores my life
This speaks of Jerusalem having no one to comfort her as if she did have a comforter, but that he was far away. The word "comforter" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate Translation: "for there is no one to comfort me and restore my life"
Lam 1:17
unclean
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Lam 1:20
my stomach churns
The word "churn" means to move around violently, normally in a circular rotation. This does not mean the stomach is literally churning, but describes how the woman, representing Jerusalem, feels. Alternate Translation: "my insides ache" or "my stomach hurts"
Lam 2:1
The Lord has covered the daughter of Zion under the cloud of his anger
This speaks of the Lord's anger against Jerusalem (Zion) as if it were a dark cloud. Possible meanings are 1) God is threatening to harm the people of Jerusalem or 2) God has already harmed the people.
Lam 2:1
He has thrown the splendor of Israel down from heaven to earth
The phrase "the splendor of Israel" refers to Jerusalem. This passage speaks of the people of Jerusalem losing favor with the Lord as if he threw them out of his presence. The phrase "from heaven to earth" is a great distance used to represent how much they lost favor with the Lord. Alternate Translation: "Jerusalem, the splendor of Israel, has lost all favor with the Lord" or "Jerusalem has lost all favor with the Lord"
Lam 2:1
He has not remembered his footstool
This is a reference to the Lord having considered Jerusalem his "footstool" in the past, which symbolized that he had authority over them and that they were submissive to him. This speaks of the Lord disregarding Jerusalem as his footstool as if he did not remember them. Alternate Translation: "He disregarded Jerusalem as his footstool"
Lam 2:1
not remembered
This speaks of the Lord not paying attention to Jerusalem as if he did not remember them. Alternate Translation: "disregarded" or "paid no attention to"
Lam 2:2
swallowed up
This speaks of the Lord completely destroying the towns as if he were an animal who ate them. Alternate Translation: "completely destroyed"
Lam 2:3
he has cut off every horn of Israel
This speaks of the Lord taking away Israel's strength as if he were cutting off its horns. The word "horn" refers to an animal horn, not a musical instrument. Alternate Translation: "he has taken away all of Israel's strength"
Lam 2:4
he has poured out his wrath like fire
This speaks of the Lord's wrath as if it were a liquid that he were pouring out on the people. His wrath is also compared to a "fire" to emphasize how destructive it is. Alternate Translation: "in his anger he has destroyed everything like a blazing fire"
Lam 2:5
swallowed up
This speaks of the Lord completely destroying Israel as if he were animal who ate them. See how you translated this in [Lamentations 2:2](./02.md). Alternate Translation: "completely destroyed"
Lam 2:8
He has stretched out the measuring line
This speaks of preparing to destroy the wall as if he measured it before he destroyed it, so that he knew how much to destroy. Alternate Translation: "It is as though he has measured the wall"
Lam 2:11
my stomach churns
The word "churn" means to move around violently, normally in a circular rotation. This does not mean the stomach is literally churning, but describes how the author feels. Alternate Translation: "my insides ache" or "my stomach hurts"
Lam 2:11
my inner parts are poured out to the ground
The author speaks of feeling grief in his inner being as if his inner body parts had fallen out of his body onto the ground. Alternate Translation: "my entire inner being is in grief"
Lam 2:12
their lives are poured out on the bosom of their mothers
This speaks of the children dying as if their lives were a liquid that was being poured out. Alternate Translation: "they slowly die in the arms of their mothers"
Lam 2:16
We have swallowed her up
Here the people speak of destroying Jerusalem as if they were an animal swallowing its food. Alternate Translation: "We have completely destroyed Jerusalem"
Lam 2:18
Make your tears flow down like a river
This speaks of the people crying so much that their tears would flow like a river. Alternate Translation: "Cry many, many tears"
Lam 2:20
the fruit of their wombs
This speaks of children having come from their mother as if they were fruit that came from her womb. Alternate Translation: "their children that they have given birth to" or "their own children"
Lam 3:1
who has seen misery
Here "has seen" represents has experienced. Alternate Translation: "who has experienced misery" or "who has suffered"
Lam 3:2
caused me to walk in darkness rather than light
Here "darkness" represents suffering. Alternate Translation: "caused me to suffer terribly with no hope, like a person walking in darkness rather than light"
Lam 3:5
He built up siege works against me
Possible meanings are 1) the author speaks of God causing bad things to happen to him as if he were a city and God was an enemy that built up siege works against him. Alternate Translation: "God attacked me like an enemy army that sets up siege works around a city" or 2) the author speaks of God causing the enemy army to attack Jerusalem as if God were the enemy. Alternate Translation: "God caused the enemy army to build up siege works against me"
Lam 3:5
surrounded me with bitterness and hardship
This represents God causing him to experience much bitterness and hardship. Alternate Translation: "caused me to experience much bitterness and hardship" or "caused me to suffer and have many problems"
Lam 3:5
bitterness
Here "bitterness" represents suffering.
Lam 3:6
He made me live in dark places, like those who died long ago
Here "dark places" is a metaphor for suffering. The author compares the intensity of his suffering to the intensity of the darkness that those who died long ago experience. Alternate Translation: "The suffering that he causes me is intense like the darkness of the grave" or "He makes me suffer terribly, as if I were in the darkness of those who died long ago"
Lam 3:7
He built a wall around me and I cannot escape. He made my chains heavy
This represents the continuing suffering. Like a person who cannot escape from prison, the author cannot make his suffering stop. Alternate Translation: "My suffering continues. It is as though he has built a wall around me and put heavy chains on me, and I cannot escape"
Lam 3:9
He blocked my path
The author speaks of God causing him to continue to suffer as if God was preventing him from escaping the suffering by blocking his path. Alternate Translation: "It is as though he blocked my path"
Lam 3:9
he made my paths crooked
Crooked paths do not lead people to where they want to go. Here they represent unsuccessful ways of escaping suffering. Alternate Translation: "it is as though he has made my paths crooked" or "I have tried to make the suffering stop, but God has prevented me, like one who prevents another from escaping by making his paths crooked"
Lam 3:13
He pierced my kidneys with the arrows of his quiver
The author speaks of the deep grief he feels as if God had shot his kidneys with an arrow. Alternate Translation: "My grief is great. It is as if he pierced my kidneys with the arrows of his quiver"
Lam 3:13
my kidneys
The kidneys are abdominal organs that move urine into the bladder. They are a metaphor for a person's emotions. Alternate Translation: "deep into my body" or 2) "my heart"
Lam 3:15
He filled me with bitterness
Here "bitterness" represents suffering. It is referred to as if it were something that could fill the speaker. Alternate Translation: "He has caused me to suffer very much"
Lam 3:15
forced me to drink wormwood
Wormwood is the bitter juice from the leaves and flowers of a certain plant. Drinking that bitter juice represents suffering. Alternate Translation: "it is as though he forced me to drink something very bitter"
Lam 3:16
He has made my teeth grind with gravel
Possible meanings are 1) the author speaks of God humiliating him as if God had forced him to chew gravel. Alternate Translation: "He has humiliated me, like someone who forces another to chew gravel" or 2) the author speaks of God humiliating him as if God had pushed his face down into the gravel on the ground. Alternate Translation: "He has humiliated me, like someone who pushes another man's face down into the gravel"
Lam 3:16
he made me cower in the ashes
The author speaks of God humiliating him as if God had pushed him down into the ashes of a fire on the ground.
Lam 3:23
they are new every morning
The word "they" refers to God's steadfast love and compassions. Their being new represents God continuing to act according to them. Alternate Translation: "every morning he treats us again with steadfast love and compassion"
Lam 3:24
Yahweh is my inheritance
When God gave each tribe of Israel their land, he called it an inheritance. The author speaks of Yahweh being all he needs as if Yahweh were the inheritance that he had received. Alternate Translation: "Because Yahweh is with me, I have everything I need"
Lam 3:25
the one who seeks him
Possible meanings for "seeks him" are 1) asking God for help or 2) wanting to know God.
Lam 3:27
that he bear the yoke in his youth
Here "bear the yoke" represents suffering. The abstract noun "his youth" can be expressed with the word "young." Alternate Translation: "that he suffer while he is young"
Lam 3:28
when it is laid upon him
when the yoke is laid upon him. Here the yoke represents suffering. Alternate Translation: "when he suffers"
Lam 3:30
Let him offer his cheek to the one who strikes him
The word "him" refers to anyone who is suffering and who waits for Yahweh. Here "offer his cheek" represents allowing someone to strike his cheek. Alternate Translation: "Let him allow people to hit him on the face"
Lam 3:30
let him be filled to the full with reproach
The author speaks of a person as if he were a container and reproach were a liquid. Being filled with reproach represents being reproached much. The implication is that he should be patient when this happens. Alternate Translation: "let him be insulted much" or "let him be patient when people reproach him"
Lam 3:34
To crush underfoot
Here "crush underfoot" represents abusing and mistreating people. Alternate Translation: "To abuse" or "To mistreat"-
Lam 3:38
both calamities and the good come
Here "come" represents happening. Also, the nominal adjective "the good" can be stated as "good things." Alternate Translation: "both calamities and good things happen"
Lam 3:40
let us return to Yahweh
Here "return to Yahweh" represents submitting to him again. Alternate Translation: "let us submit to Yahweh again"
Lam 3:41
Let us lift up our hearts and our hands
Here "lift up our hearts" represents praying sincerely. It was customary for the Israelites to raise their hands when praying to God. Alternate Translation: "Let us pray sincerely with lifted hands" or "Let us lift up our hands and pray sincerely"
Lam 3:43
You have covered yourself with anger
Here anger is spoken of as if it were a garment that God has put on. Hebrew often spoke of emotions as if they were clothing. Alternate Translation: "You have been angry"
Lam 3:43
you have not spared
Here "spared" represents having pity. Alternate Translation: "you have not had pity on us"
Lam 3:44
You have covered yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can pass through
This represents God refusing to listen to the people's prayer. Alternate Translation: "You refuse to listen to our prayers. It is as though you put a cloud between us and you so that our prayers cannot get to you"
Lam 3:48
My eyes flow with streams of tears
Here the author speaks of the great amount of his tears as if they were streams. He uses exaggeration to show that he is very sad and has cried much. Alternate Translation: "Tears flow from my eyes like water flowing in a river"
Lam 3:52
I have been hunted like a bird by those who were my enemies
The author speaks of people looking for him in order to kill him as if he were an animal that they were hunting. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "My enemies have looked for me in order to kill me like people who hunt for a bird"
Lam 3:54
I have been cut off
Being "cut off" often represents being killed. Here it represents dying very soon. Alternate Translation: "I am about to die"
Lam 3:58
you defended my case, you saved my life
The author speaks of God keeping him from being killed by his enemies as if God had defended him in court as a lawyer defends someone, and kept him from being killed. Alternate Translation: "you saved my life from my enemies. It is as though you defended me in court"
Lam 3:58
you defended my case
Here "defended my case" represents arguing for him. Alternate Translation: "you argued my case for me"
Lam 3:59
judge my case
Here God is no longer pictured as a lawyer, but as the judge. It can be stated clearly that he wanted God to judge in his favor. Alternate Translation: "make a decision about me, and show my enemies that I am right"
Lam 3:62
The lips and the accusations ... come against me all the day
The author speaks of his enemies accusing him all day as if their accusations were soldiers that come to attack him all day. Alternate Translation: "My enemies speak against me and accuse me through the whole day"
Lam 3:64
Pay back to them, Yahweh, according to what they have done
Here "Pay back to them" represents punishing them. What they have done can be stated clearly. Alternate Translation: "Punish them, Yahweh, according to what they have done" or "Yahweh, they have made me suffer, so please make them suffer"
Lam 4:1
The gold has become tarnished; how the purest gold has changed
The people of Jerusalem are spoken of as if they were gold that is no longer shiny, and therefore no longer valuable. Alternate Translation: "The people of Jerusalem are like gold that is no longer shiny. They are like pure gold that is no longer beautiful"
Lam 4:1
The holy stones are scattered at the corner of every street
This may refer to the temple being destroyed and its stones scattered throughout the city. It may also be a metaphor for the people being scattered.
Lam 4:2
sons of Zion
Here people of a city are spoken of as if they were the sons of the city. Possible meanings are 1) this refers to only the young men of Jerusalem or 2) this refers to all the people of Jerusalem.
Lam 4:2
they are worth no more than clay jars, the work of the potter's hands
The author speaks of the precious sons of Zion as if they were considered to be inexpensive clay jars. Alternate Translation: "people consider them to be as worthless as the clay jars that potters make"
Lam 4:7
Her leaders were purer than snow, whiter than milk
Possible meanings are 1) Jerusalem's leaders were beautiful to look at because they were physically healthy or 2) the leaders were morally pure as new snow and milk are pure white.
Lam 4:11
he poured out his fierce anger
God's punishing his people is spoken of as if his anger were a burning hot liquid that he poured out on them. Alternate Translation: "because of his fierce anger, he punished his people" or "in fierce anger he responded to his people"
Lam 4:14
They wandered, blind, through the streets
The priests and prophets are spoken of as if they were blind because they wandered through the streets, not knowing where to go. Alternate Translation: "They wandered through the streets like blind men"
Lam 4:14
They were so defiled by that blood
Here "defiled" represents being unacceptable to God. Because the priests and prophets murdered people, they were ritually unclean, unable to worship God or be with ordinary people.
Lam 4:17
we watched for a nation that could not rescue us
Here "watched" represents hoping. It can be stated clearly that they were hoping that a nation would come and rescue them. Alternate Translation: "we hoped for a nation to come and rescue us, but it could not rescue us"
Lam 4:18
Our end was near
Here "near" is a metaphor for "soon." Alternate Translation: "Our end would be soon" or "Our enemies would soon destroy us"
Lam 4:18
our days were numbered
Being numbered represents being so few that they could be easily counted. Alternate Translation: "we had very little time"
Lam 4:18
our end had come
The phrase "had come" means that what they had expected was now happening. Alternate Translation: "it was now the end for us" or "our enemies were attacking us"
Lam 4:20
he was the one who was captured in their pits
Here "pits" refers to the enemies' plans to capture him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "he was the one whom our enemies captured by their plans" or "our enemies made plans to capture our king, and they did capture him"
Lam 4:20
Under his shadow we will live among the nations
Here "his shadow" represents him protecting them. Alternate Translation: "Under his protection we will live among the nations" or "Though we may have to live in other nations, he will protect us"
Lam 4:21
But to you also the cup will be passed
The cup is a metonym for the wine in it. The wine is a metaphor for punishment. Alternate Translation: "But Yahweh will also punish you"
Lam 4:22
he will uncover your sins
Here the sins not being known by others are spoken of as if they are under a cover. Removing the cover represents letting other people know about them. Alternate Translation: "he will expose your sins" or "he will cause other people to know how you have sinned"
Lam 5:3
We have become orphans ... our mothers are like widows
The people of Jerusalem have no one to protect them because the men have either died in battle or have gone into exile. This speaks of the people not having their fathers and husbands present as if they had actually become orphans and widows.
Lam 5:5
we can find no rest
This speaks of being able to rest as if "rest" were an object that could be found. Alternate Translation: "we are unable to rest"
Lam 5:14
the young men have left their music
Playing music was part of the social life at the city gate. This speaks of the men no longer playing their music as if the act of playing music were a place that they left. Alternate Translation: "the young men have stopped playing their music"
Ezk 2:4
hard hearts
Rocks never change and become soft, and these people never change and become sorry when they do evil things.
Ezk 2:6
briers and thorns and ... scorpions
These words describe the people of Israel who will not treat Ezekiel kindly when he tells them what God says.
Ezk 3:7
hard hearted
This phrase suggests that the people resist God and are unwilling to obey him. The heart is used to describe the place in the body where a person decides what they want to do. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 2:4](../02/04.md).
Ezk 3:14
bitterness
Ezekiel speaks of his anger at Yahweh as if there were a bad taste in his mouth because Yahweh had forced him to eat something that tasted bad.
Ezk 3:14
for the hand of Yahweh was powerfully pressing on me
Ezekiel speaks of being sad and tired because Yahweh had commanded him to do things he did not want to do as if Yahweh were pushing him down into the ground.
Ezk 3:17
watchman
God told Ezekiel to warn the people of Israel just as a watchman would warn the people of a city if enemies were coming, so that they could prepare and be safe.
Ezk 3:20
set a stumbling block before him
Possible meanings are 1) "make something bad happen to him" or 2) "cause him to sin openly."
Ezk 4:8
I am placing bonds on you
Bonds are ropes or chains that keep a person from moving. It is not clear whether the word "bonds" is a metaphor for something Yahweh does that is as if he had bound Ezekiel or if he is using literal, physical ropes.
Ezk 4:16
the staff of bread
The supply is called a staff because some people need a staff to walk and do their work, and people need bread to live. Bread represents all kinds of food. Alternate Translation: "the supply of food"
Ezk 4:17
waste away
The phrase "waste away" is usually used of flesh or wood rotting. Here it is a metaphor for wicked people becoming thin and dying because they have no food.
Ezk 5:4
from there a fire will go out to all the house of Israel
from there a fire will spread out and burn up all the people of Israel. Yahweh speaks of how he will punish Israel as if he were going to set fire to a house and of the people of Israel as if they were the family that lives in that house but were at that time outside the house.
Ezk 5:7
have not walked in my statutes
Walking is a metaphor for the way a person lives. Alternate Translation: "have not lived according to my statutes" or "have not obeyed my statutes"
Ezk 5:16
break your staff of bread
A "staff" was something that people leaned upon to support them. This phrase is a metaphor that means removing the supply of food that the people were depending upon. See how "staff of bread" is translated in [Ezekiel 4:16](../04/16.md). Alternate Translation: "cut off your food supply"
Ezk 7:3
I am sending out my wrath on you
Wrath is spoken of as if it were an arrow that Yahweh was shooting at the people. Alternate Translation: "I am angry, and I will punish you"
Ezk 7:4
I will bring your ways upon you
The way a person lives is spoken of as a path on which one walks. Alternate Translation: "I will punish you for the things you have done"
Ezk 7:8
I will pour out my fury against you and fill up my wrath upon you
Yahweh uses the terms "pour out" and "fill up" to speak of his anger as if it were water that he poured out into a jar. These phrases emphasize that Yahweh will punish the people severely. Alternate Translation: "I will punish you severely because I am very angry"
Ezk 7:10
The rod has blossomed, arrogance has budded
Possible meanings are 1) "The people of Israel have grown very proud" or "The people of Israel have become very violent and very proud."
Ezk 7:15
while famine and plague will consume those in the city
The word "consume" is a metaphor for "totally destroy." Alternate Translation: "and most of the people in the city will die from hunger and sickness"
Ezk 7:18
terror will cover them
Terror is spoken of as if it were clothing. Alternate Translation: "everyone will see how terrified they are"
Ezk 7:23
the city is full of violence
The city is spoken of as if it were a container, and violence is spoken of as an object that can be put in a container. The abstract noun "violence" can be translated as a verb. Alternate Translation: "violence is everywhere in the city" or "many people in the city are doing violent things to others"
Ezk 8:1
the hand of the Lord Yahweh again fell upon me
This should be translated literally, as Ezekiel later sees something like a hand. Others may choose to consider the hand a metaphor for Yahweh's presence or power.
Ezk 9:9
The land is full of blood and the city full of perversions
Here "land" is spoken of as if it were a container filled with blood. Here "blood" is metonym for murder. And "city" is spoken of as if it were a container and "perversions" were the contents inside of it. Alternate Translation: "All over the land people are killing innocent people, and all over the city people are doing wicked things"
Ezk 11:3
this city is the pot, and we are the meat
The people speak of themselves as if they were good cuts of meat and of the city as if it were a pot in which the meat was stored or cooked. The metaphor suggests that they are important and safe within the city. Alternate Translation: "This city is like a pot that will protect us as a pot protects meat"
Ezk 11:5
the Spirit of Yahweh fell on me
Ezekiel speaks of the Spirit of Yahweh inspiring and empowering him to prophesy as if the Spirit of Yahweh fell upon him. Alternate Translation: "the Spirit of Yahweh empowered me"
Ezk 11:7
The people you have killed ... are the meat, and this city is the pot
Yahweh speaks of the people whom they have killed as if they were good cuts of meat and of the city as if it were a pot in which the meat was stored or cooked. See how you translated this metaphor in [Ezekiel 11:3](./03.md). Alternate Translation: "The people you have killed ... are like the meat in the pot, and this city is like the pot.
Ezk 11:11
This city will not be your cooking pot, nor will you be the meat
The people had spoken of themselves as if they were good cuts of meat and of the city as if it were a pot in which the meat was stored or cooked. Yahweh says that this is not true. See how you translated this metaphor in [Ezekiel 11:3](./03.md). Alternate Translation: "This city is not like a pot that will protect you as a pot protects meat"
Ezk 11:12
the one whose statutes you have not walked in
Yahweh speaks of obeying his statutes as if it were walking in them, like person would walk along a road. Alternate Translation: "the one whose statutes you have not obeyed"
Ezk 11:16
I have been a sanctuary for them
Yahweh speaks of dwelling among the people who are in exile as if he were a sanctuary for them. Alternate Translation: "I have been with them" or "I have been like their place of worship"
Ezk 11:19
I will give them one heart ... give them a heart of flesh
Yahweh speaks of all of the Israelites who are in exile as if they are one person, with one heart and one spirit.
Ezk 11:19
I will take out the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh
Yahweh speaks of the people being stubborn as if they had a stone heart and of their being willingly obedient as if they had a heart of flesh. He speaks of causing them to become willingly obedient as if he were exchanging those two hearts. Alternate Translation: "I will cause them to stop being stubborn and instead cause them to obey me willingly"
Ezk 11:20
they will walk in my statutes
Yahweh speaks of obeying his statutes as if it were walking in them, like a person would walk along a road. Alternate Translation: "they will obey my statutes"
Ezk 11:21
those who walk with affection toward their detestable things
Yahweh speaks of a person's conduct as if it were the person walking. Alternate Translation: "those who conduct their lives out of devotion to their detestable things"
Ezk 11:24
the vision that I had seen went up from upon me
Ezekiel speaks of the vision ending as if the vision was an object that had been upon him and then left him. Alternate Translation: "the vision that I had seen ended"
Ezk 12:2
they have eyes to see but they do not see ... they have ears to hear but do not listen
People being unable to understand Yahweh's message and what he is doing is spoken of as if the people were unable physically to see and hear.
Ezk 12:3
Perhaps they will begin to see
People being able to understand Yahweh's message and what he is doing is spoken of as if the people were able physically to see.
Ezk 12:6
have set you as a sign
Here the word "sign" refers to something that communicates a special warning to those who see it. Yahweh speaks of Ezekiel and his actions as being this warning. Alternate Translation: "have made you to be a warning"
Ezk 12:11
I am a sign to you
Here the word "sign" refers to something that communicates a special warning to those who see it. Ezekiel speaks of himself and his actions as being this warning. Alternate Translation: "I am a warning to you"
Ezk 12:13
I will spread out my net over him and he will be caught in my snare
Yahweh speaks of enabling the Chaldeans to capture the prince as if he himself were catching the prince in a trap that he had set.
Ezk 13:10
General Information:
In these verses, Yahweh speaks of the false security that the prophets have given to the people by speaking of peace as if the prophets had built a poorly-constructed wall and covered it over with white paint in order to make it look good.
Ezk 13:10
they led my people astray
Yahweh speaks of the prophets deceiving the people and getting them to believe lies as if the prophets had led the people away from the path upon which they should have been walking.
Ezk 13:10
they are building a wall that they will paint with whitewash
Here "a wall" stands for peace and security that the false prophets told the people that Yahweh was promising to give them.
Ezk 13:11
I will send hailstones to make it fall down, and a windstorm wind to break it down
Yahweh refers to the judgment that he will send upon the people as if it were a severe storm that breaks down the wall.
Ezk 13:13
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak of the false security that the prophets have given to the people by speaking of peace as if the prophets had built a poorly-constructed wall and covered it over with white paint in order to make it look good.
Ezk 13:13
I will bring a windstorm ... completely destroy it.
Yahweh refers to the judgment that he will send upon the people as if it were a severe storm that breaks down the wall.
Ezk 13:14
you will be annihilated in the middle of it all
The phrase "in the middle of it all" refers to the stones of the wall that Yahweh will break down. He speaks of destroying the people in his judgment as if the wall would crush them to death when he breaks it down. Alternate Translation: "all of its stones will crush you to death"
Ezk 13:15
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak of the false security that the prophets have given to the people by speaking of peace as if the prophets had built a poorly-constructed wall and covered it over with white paint in order to make it look good.
Ezk 13:18
used to hunt down people
Yahweh speaks of these women using beauty, mystery, and lies to deceive people as if the people were animals that the women hunted down and trapped with their charms. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "that they use to hunt down people"
Ezk 13:20
the magic charms that you have used to ensnare the people's lives as if they were birds
Yahweh speaks of these women using their magic charms to deceive people as if the people were birds that the women trapped with those charms.
Ezk 13:22
turn from his way
To stop doing something is referred to as turning in a different direction. Alternate Translation: "stop what he is doing"
Ezk 14:3
have taken their idols into their hearts
Yahweh speaks of the elders committing themselves to worshiping idols as if the elders had "taken their idols into their hearts." Alternate Translation: "have devoted themselves to idols"
Ezk 14:3
have put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their own faces
Yahweh speaks of the idols that the elders worship as if they were blocks over which the elders stumble, and of being determined to worship those idols as if they had placed those stumbling blocks in front of their faces. Alternate Translation: "have resolutely determined to worship the things that lead to iniquity"
Ezk 14:4
who takes his idols into his heart
Yahweh speaks of the people committing themselves to worshiping idols as if they had taken their idols into their hearts. See how you translated this metaphor in [Ezekiel 14:3](./03.md). Alternate Translation: "who devotes himself to idols"
Ezk 14:4
who puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face
Yahweh speaks of the idols that people worship as if they were blocks over which the people stumble, and of being determined to worship those idols as if they had placed those stumbling blocks in front of their faces. See how you translated this metaphor in [Ezekiel 14:3](./03.md). Alternate Translation: "who resolutely determines to worship the things that lead to iniquity"
Ezk 14:7
who takes his idols into his heart
Yahweh speaks of the people committing themselves to worshiping idols as if they had taken their idols into their hearts. See how you translated this metaphor in [Ezekiel 14:3](./03.md). Alternate Translation: "who devotes himself to idols"
Ezk 14:7
puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his own face
Yahweh speaks of the idols that people worship as if they were blocks over which the people stumble, and of being determined to worship those idols as if they had placed those stumbling blocks in front of their faces. See how you translated this metaphor in [Ezekiel 14:3](./03.md). Alternate Translation: "who resolutely determines to worship the things that lead to iniquity"
Ezk 14:8
make him a sign and a proverb
Here the word "sign" refers to something that communicates a special warning to those who see it. The word proverb refers to what people will say about that sign when they see it. Alternate Translation: "I will make that man to be a warning and a proverb"
Ezk 14:8
I will cut him off from the midst of my people
Yahweh speaks of causing a person no longer to belong to his people as if he were cutting that person off from the people, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate Translation: "I will cause him no longer to belong to my people"
Ezk 14:11
will no longer wander away from following me
Yahweh speaks of the people no longer worshiping him as if they were to wander away from him and no longer follow him. Alternate Translation: "will no longer stop worshiping me"
Ezk 14:13
break the staff of its bread
Yahweh speaks of the supply of bread as if it were a staff. The word "bread" represents all kinds of food. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 4:16](../04/16.md). Alternate Translation: "end the supply of its food"
Ezk 14:13
cut off both man and beast from the land
Yahweh speaks of killing people and animals as if he were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate Translation: "kill both man and beast in the land"
Ezk 14:17
cut off both man and beast from it
Yahweh speaks of killing people and animals as if it were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate Translation: "kill both man and beast in the land"
Ezk 14:19
pour out my fury
Yahweh speaks of expressing his fury as if his fury were a liquid that he pours out from a container. Alternate Translation: "I will express my fury"
Ezk 14:19
cut off both man and beast
Yahweh speaks of killing people and animals as if he were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate Translation: "kill both man and beast"
Ezk 14:21
to cut off both man and beast from her
Yahweh speaks of killing people and animals as if it were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. The word "her" refers to Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "to kill both man and beast in Jerusalem"
Ezk 15:7
Though they come out from the fire, yet the fire will consume them
Yahweh speaks of the punishment that he will afflict upon the people as if it were a fire that burns them.
Ezk 15:7
the fire will consume them
Yahweh speaks of fire burning things as if the fire consumed them. Alternate Translation: "the fire will destroy them"
Ezk 16:1
General Information:
In this chapter, Yahweh speaks about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful bride. He describes her growth from infancy to adulthood. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:3
your father was an Amorite, and your mother was a Hittite
The Amorites and Hittites were both pagan people groups who lived in the land before the people of Israel conquered it. Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem's father and mother belonging to these people groups to express that she was born into idolatry.
Ezk 16:4
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were an infant. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:6
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were an infant. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:7
you became the jewel of jewels
Here the woman, who represents Jerusalem, is spoken of as if she had become the finest of all jewels, that is, as if she had become the most beautiful of all women.
Ezk 16:8
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were a young woman. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:9
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were a young woman. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:13
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were a young woman. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:15
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were a young woman. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:15
acted like a prostitute
Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem as if the city were an unfaithful wife who sleeps with other men in exchange for payment.
Ezk 16:15
you poured out your acts of prostitution
Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem's immoral actions as if they were liquids and of committing those actions repeatedly as if it were pouring those liquids from a container. Alternate Translation: "you repeatedly committed your acts of prostitution"
Ezk 16:17
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:20
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:23
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:25
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:25
at the head of every road
Yahweh speaks of the beginning of a road as if it were its head. Alternate Translation: "at the beginning of every road"
Ezk 16:27
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:27
cut off your food
Yahweh speaks of stopping the supply of food as if it were cutting off the food. Alternate Translation: "stop your food supply"
Ezk 16:27
the daughters of the Philistines
Here Yahweh speaks of the cities of Philistia as if they were the daughters of the Philistines. The cities represent the people who live there. Alternate Translation: "the Philistine people"
Ezk 16:31
at the head of every street
Yahweh speaks of the beginning of a street as if it were its head. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 16:25](./25.md). Alternate Translation: "at the beginning of every street"
Ezk 16:32
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:35
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:36
you have poured out your lust
Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem's lust as if it were liquid and of committing actions repeatedly to gratify that lust as if it were pouring that liquid from a container. Alternate Translation: "you repeatedly committed actions to gratify your lust"
Ezk 16:38
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:40
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. He speaks about enemy soldiers as her lovers. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:43
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:44
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:45
Your mother was a Hittite, and your father was an Amorite
The Amorites and Hittites were both pagan people groups who lived in the land before the people of Israel conquered it. Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem's father and mother belonging to these people groups to express that she was born into idolatry. See how you translated these phrases in [Ezekiel 16:3](./03.md).
Ezk 16:46
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:47
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:47
You not only walked in their ways
The way a person lives is spoken of as if the person were walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "You not only acted like them"
Ezk 16:49
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:49
arrogant in her leisure, careless and unconcerned about anything
Yahweh describes Sodom as a rich woman who has more than enough food and lives in security.
Ezk 16:51
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:53
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:56
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:57
the daughters of Edom and to all the daughters of the Philistines
Here Yahweh speaks of the cities of Edom and Philistia as if they were the daughters of Edom and of the Philistines. The cities represent the people who live there. Alternate Translation: "the Edomite people and to all the Philistine people"
Ezk 16:59
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 16:60
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were his unfaithful wife. The city represents the people who live there.
Ezk 17:14
so the kingdom might become lowly and not lift itself up
The kingdom being small and weak is spoken of as if it were lowly and being large and powerful as if it lifted itself up. Alternate Translation: "so the kingdom might remain small and not become great"
Ezk 17:20
I will spread my net out over him, and he will be caught in my hunting net
Yahweh speaks of enabling the enemy army to capture the king as if he were trapping the king in a net.
Ezk 17:22
General Information:
Yahweh resumes the parable that he had told in [Ezekiel 17:1](./01.md) and speaks about Jerusalem as if it were a branch that he plants on the mountains of Israel.
Ezk 17:24
General Information:
Yahweh continues to speak about Jerusalem as if the city were a branch that he plants on the mountains of Israel and of other nations as if they were other trees.
Ezk 18:9
that man walks in my statutes
Yahweh speaks of a person obeying his statutes as if the statutes were a path in which the person walks. Alternate Translation: "that man obeys my statutes"
Ezk 18:17
walks according to my statutes
Yahweh speaks of obeying his statutes as if his statutes were a path in which the person walks. Alternate Translation: "obeys my statutes"
Ezk 18:19
Why does the son not bear the iniquity of his father?
Yahweh speaks of a person being responsible for or guilty of iniquity as if the iniquity were an object that the person carries. Alternate Translation: "Why is the son not responsible for the iniquity of his father?" or "Why is the son not guilty of the iniquity of his father?"
Ezk 18:23
not in his turning away from his way
Yahweh speaks of a person's lifestyle or behavior as if it were a way on which the person walks. The idiom "to turn away" from something means to stop doing that thing. Alternate Translation: "not in his ceasing to live the way that he lives"
Ezk 18:28
he has seen
Yahweh speaks of the person thinking about and understanding something as if the person were seeing it. Alternate Translation: "he has considered" or "he has understood"
Ezk 18:29
The way of the Lord is not fair ... How is my way not fair ... It is your ways that are not fair
Actions or behaviors are spoken of as if they were a way or path that a person travels. Alternate Translation: "The Lord does not act fairly ... How do I not act fairly ... It is you who do not act fairly"
Ezk 18:30
according to his ways
Yahweh speaks of a person's actions as if the person were walking along a path. Alternate Translation: "according to his actions"
Ezk 18:30
turn away from all your transgressions so that they will not be stumbling blocks of iniquity against you
Yahweh speaks of "transgressions" causing people to rebel against him as if they were blocks over which the people stumble.
Ezk 18:31
Throw away from yourselves all of the transgressions that you have committed
Yahweh speaks of the people determining to stop committing transgressions as if the transgressions were objects, such as clothing, that they removed and threw away. Alternate Translation: "Get rid of all of the transgressions that you have committed"
Ezk 19:1
General Information:
Yahweh tells Ezekiel to speak to the people of Israel. He tells a story where the nation of Israel is a lioness and some of the past kings in the kingdom of Judah are her cubs.
Ezk 19:5
General Information:
Yahweh continues to describe the nation of Israel as a lioness and the kings of the kingdom of Judah as her cubs.
Ezk 19:8
General Information:
Yahweh continues to describe the nation of Israel as a lioness and the kings of the kingdom of Judah as her cubs.
Ezk 19:10
General Information:
Yahweh speaks of the nation of Israel as though it was the mother of the leaders of Israel. Here he begins to tell a story where she is a prosperous vine.
Ezk 19:12
General Information:
Yahweh continues to tell a story in which the nation of Israel is a vine.
Ezk 19:13
in a land of drought and thirst
The very dry land is spoken of as if it were thirsty. Alternate Translation: "in a very dry land of drought"
Ezk 19:14
General Information:
Yahweh continues to tell a story in which the nation of Israel is a vine.
Ezk 20:6
It was flowing with milk and honey
It was a land where plenty of milk and honey flowed. Yahweh speaks of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. Alternate Translation: "It was land that was excellent for raising livestock and growing crops"
Ezk 20:6
the most beautiful ornament among all the lands
The lands in which people live are spoken of as if they are jewelry or other things that are pleasant to look at. Alternate Translation: "the most beautiful of all lands"
Ezk 20:7
the detestable things from before his eyes
Yahweh speaks of the people worshiping the detestable things as if they had placed those idols in front of their eyes. Alternate Translation: "the detestable things that he worships"
Ezk 20:7
Do not make yourselves unclean
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Ezk 20:8
the detestable things from before his eyes
Yahweh speaks of the people worshiping the detestable things as if they had placed those idols in front of their eyes. Alternate Translation: "the detestable things that he worshiped"
Ezk 20:8
to pour out my fury upon them
Yahweh speaks of expressing his fury by punishing them as if his fury were a liquid that he poured out on them. Alternate Translation: "to act against them in my fury"
Ezk 20:9
in the eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "in the opinion" or "in the judgment"
Ezk 20:13
They did not walk in my statutes
Yahweh speaks of obeying his statutes as if the statutes were a path along which a person walks. Alternate Translation: "They did not obey my statutes"
Ezk 20:13
I would pour out my fury upon them
Yahweh speaks of expressing his fury by punishing them as if his fury were a liquid that he poured out on them. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 20:8](./08.md). Alternate Translation: "I would act against them in my fury"
Ezk 20:15
a land flowing with milk and honey
a land where plenty of milk and honey flowed. Yahweh speaks of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 20:6](./06.md). Alternate Translation: "a land that was excellent for raising livestock and growing crops"
Ezk 20:15
the most beautiful ornament among all the lands
The lands in which people live are spoken of as if they are jewelry or other things that are pleasant to look at. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 20:6](./06.md). Alternate Translation: "the most beautiful of all lands"
Ezk 20:16
did not walk in my statutes
Yahweh speaks of obeying his statutes as if they were a path along which a person walks. Alternate Translation: "did not obey my statutes"
Ezk 20:18
Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers, ... walk in my statutes
Yahweh speaks of a person obeying statutes as if the statutes were paths along with a person walks. Alternate Translation: "Do not obey the statutes of your parents ... obey my statutes"
Ezk 20:19
Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers, ... walk in my statutes
Yahweh speaks of a person obeying statutes as if the statutes were paths along with a person walks. Alternate Translation: "Do not obey the statutes of your parents ... obey my statutes"
Ezk 20:21
They did not walk in my statutes
Yahweh speaks of a person obeying his statutes as if the statutes were a path along which the person walks. Alternate Translation: "They did not obey my statutes"
Ezk 20:21
to pour out my fury upon them
Yahweh speaks of expressing his fury by punishing them as if his fury were a liquid that he poured out on them. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 20:8](./08.md). Alternate Translation: "to act against them in my fury"
Ezk 20:30
Why do you make yourselves unclean
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Ezk 20:33
fury that will be poured out on you
Yahweh speaks of expressing his fury as if the fury were a liquid that he pours on on the people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "fury that I will pour out on you" or "I will express my fury towards you"
Ezk 20:37
I will cause you to pass under my rod
This refers to the practice of a shepherd counting and inspecting his sheep as the sheep walked under his staff. Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh will count his people whom he gathers from the nations to ensure that they are all present. Alternate Translation: "I will count you carefully as a shepherd counts his sheep" or 2) Yahweh will inspect each person as they pass under his staff in order to separate the faithful from the unfaithful. Alternate Translation: "I will inspect you carefully as a shepherd inspects his sheep"
Ezk 20:40
the firstfruits of your tribute
Yahweh speaks of the best things among all that they give to him as if they were "firstfruits." Alternate Translation: "the best of your contributions"
Ezk 20:41
I will accept you like fragrant incense
Yahweh speaks of his people worshiping him as they should as if the people themselves were the incense offering.
Ezk 20:43
you defiled yourselves
A person who is not acceptable for God's purposes is spoken of as if the person were defiled.
Ezk 20:43
you will despise yourselves in your own eyes
Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "you will hate yourselves"
Ezk 21:3
I will draw my sword from its sheath and cut off both the righteous person and the wicked person from you
This speaks of Yahweh causing these people to die as if he actually killed them with his own sword. Alternate Translation: "I am opposed to you, and it will be as though I pull my sword from its sheath to kill both the righteous and the wicked people among you"
Ezk 21:4
my sword will go out from its sheath against
This speaks of Yahweh causing these people to die as if he actually killed them with his own sword. Alternate Translation: "it will be as though I pull my sword from its sheath and strike"
Ezk 21:5
that I, Yahweh, have drawn my sword from its sheath
This speaks of Yahweh causing people to die as if he actually killed them with his own sword. Alternate Translation: "it is as though I, Yahweh, have struck people with my sword"
Ezk 21:7
Every spirit will grow faint
This speaks of people becoming fearful in their spirits as if their spirits were about to faint. Alternate Translation: "Everyone will be fearful in their inner being"
Ezk 21:9
A sword! A sword! It will be sharpened and polished!
This passage describes the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for an enemy army that Yahweh will use to attack Jerusalem. This metaphor begins here and continues through [Ezekiel 21:17](./17.md).
Ezk 21:10
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to describe the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for the enemy army that Yahweh will use to attack Jerusalem.
Ezk 21:12
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to describe the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for the enemy army that Yahweh will use to attack Jerusalem.
Ezk 21:12
They are thrown against the sword with my people
This speaks of the leaders of Israel being killed with a sword as if they are thrown against the sword. Alternate Translation: "They are killed with the sword along with my people" or "The sword will kill them along with my people"
Ezk 21:14
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to describe the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for the enemy army that Yahweh will use to attack Jerusalem.
Ezk 21:15
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to describe the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for the enemy army that Yahweh will use to attack Jerusalem.
Ezk 21:15
to melt their hearts
This speaks of causing the people to be so terrified that it is as if their hearts were melting. Alternate Translation: "to fill them with terror" or "to cause them to be terrified"
Ezk 21:15
set the sword for slaughter
Here the sword of Yahweh represents men with swords that are to attack Jerusalem. Also, the word "slaughter" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate Translation: "placed soldiers armed with swords at their gates, ready to slaughter the people"
Ezk 21:15
it is grasped for slaughter
The sword of Yahweh represents the men with swords that are to attack Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "released to slaughter the people"
Ezk 21:23
in the eyes of the ones in Jerusalem
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "in the thoughts of the people in Jerusalem"
Ezk 21:28
A sword, a sword is drawn! It is sharpened for the slaughter
This refers to the sword of Yahweh which is a metaphor for the soldiers that Yahweh uses to kill a large number of people who have been disobedient to him. Alternate Translation: "Swords! My soldiers have drawn their swords! They are sharpened for the slaughter"
Ezk 21:29
empty visions
This speaks of visions being false and meaningless as if they were empty containers. Alternate Translation: "visions that are not true" or "false visions"
Ezk 21:30
Return the sword to its sheath
Later the sword will be put back in its sheath. This speaks of the soldiers withdrawing from attacking Jerusalem, by saying that Yahweh's sword is put back in its sheath. Alternate Translation: "But later the soldiers will return their swords to their sheaths, for the time of slaughter will be over"
Ezk 21:31
I will pour out my indignation on you
This speaks of Yahweh punishing the Babylonians because of his indignation against them as if his indignation were a liquid that he poured out of a container upon them. Alternate Translation: "I will punish you because of indignation against you" or "Out of my anger I will punish you"
Ezk 21:31
I will fan the fire of my rage against you
This compares Yahweh's rage to a consuming fire. Alternate Translation: "I will bring my rage upon you like a blazing fire" or "I will punish you in my fierce anger"
Ezk 22:3
that pours out blood in her midst
The word "blood" is a metonym for murder. Alternate Translation: "where many people murder their neighbors"
Ezk 22:3
unclean
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Ezk 22:4
by the blood that you have poured out
This speaks of murdering people as pouring out blood. Alternate Translation: "because you murdered innocent people"
Ezk 22:4
unclean
A person whom God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Ezk 22:6
to pour out blood
This speaks of murdering people as pouring out blood. Alternate Translation: "to murder people"
Ezk 22:10
unclean
A person whom God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. Women were considered to be unclean during their menstrual period.
Ezk 22:12
to pour out blood
This speaks of murdering people as pouring out blood. Alternate Translation: "to murder people"
Ezk 22:12
you have forgotten me
Refusing to obey Yahweh is like forgetting that he exists.
Ezk 22:15
uncleanness
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Ezk 22:16
So you will become unclean in the eyes of the nations
Here the "nations" refer to the people who live in those places. The "eyes" represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "So the nations will consider you unclean"
Ezk 22:18
has become dross to me
Dross is the impurities that are left over after silver or gold has been purified in a furnace. Here Yahweh speaks of the people being worthless to him as if they were dross. Alternate Translation: "has become as worthless to me as dross"
Ezk 22:18
All of them are the leftovers of bronze and tin ... like the dross of silver in your furnace
Yahweh continues to speaks about how the people have become worthless to him as if they were dross. Alternate Translation: "All of them are as worthless as the leftover of bronze and tin, and iron and lead that remain after you melt silver in the furnace"
Ezk 22:20
General Information:
God continues to describe his punishment of the people of Israel in Jerusalem as if they were metals that he was melting and purifying in a furnace.
Ezk 22:21
I will gather you and blow on you the fire of my wrath
This is the image of a person gathering the metals in the furnace and blowing the fire to make it hotter. Yahweh speaks of the greatness of his wrath as if it were a fire that he was blowing to make it hotter. Alternate Translation: "I will gather you, and my wrath will be like a fire that I will blow on you"
Ezk 22:22
have poured out my wrath on you
God speaks of punishing the people as if his wrath were a liquid that he would pour on them. Alternate Translation: "have punished you in my anger"
Ezk 22:24
not been cleansed
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Ezk 22:26
They hide their eyes from my Sabbaths
This speaks of the people ignoring and not observing the Sabbath and if they were hiding their eyes from the Sabbath" Alternate Translation: "They ignore my Sabbaths"
Ezk 22:28
Her prophets have painted them over with whitewash
This speaks of the prophets trying to hide these sins as if they were something that they could paint over with whitewash. Alternate Translation: "It is like her prophets have painted over their sins with whitewash" or "Their prophets try to hide these evil things"
Ezk 22:30
General Information:
Yahweh compares the leaders of Jerusalem to a wall and himself to an invading army.
Ezk 22:30
a man from them who would build up a wall
This speaks of a man who would take responsibility to pray for the people and to lead them to repentance as if that man were to build a wall to protect the people from Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "a man from among them who would act like he built a wall"
Ezk 22:30
stand before me in its breach
Its "breach" refers to a gap in the wall. This speaks of the man defending the people before Yahweh as if he were a warrior standing in the breach to defend the city.
Ezk 22:31
pour out my indignation upon them
This speaks of Yahweh punishing the people as if his indignation were a liquid that he poured out on them. Alternate Translation: "I will punish the people because of my indignation for them" or "I will punish the people because of my anger against them"
Ezk 22:31
I will finish them with the fire of my indignation
This speaks of how harsh Yahweh's judgement is by comparing it to a fire. Here destroying the people is referred to as "finishing" them. Alternate Translation: "I will destroy them with my wrath which is as intense as a blazing fire" or "I will destroy them with my wrath"
Ezk 23:1
General Information:
Yahweh speaks of how the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria have been unfaithful to him in a metaphor in which he refers to them as two prostitutes. This metaphor continues through [Ezekiel 23:34](./33.md).
Ezk 23:4
Their names mean this: Oholah means Samaria, and Oholibah means Jerusalem
Oholah represents Samaria, and Oholibah represents Jerusalem. In this metaphor Samaria is spoken of as if it were Oholah and Jerusalem is spoken of as if it were Oholibah. This speaks of how these cities were unfaithful to Yahweh as if they were unfaithful wives.
Ezk 23:5
General Information:
Yahweh continues his metaphor in which he speaks of the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes. This metaphor continues through [Ezekiel 23:34](./33.md).
Ezk 23:7
unclean
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Ezk 23:8
General Information:
Yahweh continues his metaphor in which he speaks of the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes. This metaphor continues through [Ezekiel 23:34](./33.md).
Ezk 23:8
to pour out their promiscuous behavior on her
This speaks of the men acting promiscuously towards her as if their promiscuous behavior were a large amount of water that they were pouring out on her. Alternate Translation: "to act promiscuously towards her" or "to act lustfully towards her"
Ezk 23:11
General Information:
Yahweh continues his metaphor in which he speaks of the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes. This metaphor continues through [Ezekiel 23:34](./33.md).
Ezk 23:13
unclean
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 23:7](./07.md).
Ezk 23:14
General Information:
Yahweh continues his metaphor in which he speaks of the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes. This metaphor continues through [Ezekiel 23:34](./33.md).
Ezk 23:16
General Information:
Yahweh continues his metaphor in which he speaks of the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes. This metaphor continues through [Ezekiel 23:34](./33.md).
Ezk 23:17
unclean
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 23:7](./07.md).
Ezk 23:18
General Information:
Yahweh continues his metaphor in which he speaks of the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes. This metaphor continues through [Ezekiel 23:34](./33.md).
Ezk 23:20
General Information:
Yahweh continues his metaphor in which he speaks of the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes. This metaphor continues through [Ezekiel 23:34](./33.md).
Ezk 23:22
General Information:
Yahweh continues his metaphor in which he speaks of the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes. This metaphor continues through [Ezekiel 23:34](./33.md).
Ezk 23:24
General Information:
Yahweh continues his metaphor in which he speaks of the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes. This metaphor continues through [Ezekiel 23:34](./33.md).
Ezk 23:25
For I will set my jealous anger on you, and they will deal with you in fury
Here Yahweh speaks of causing the armies to attack them because he is angry with them as if his anger where something that he was placing upon them. Alternate Translation: Because I am very jealous for you, I will cause them to act furiously towards you"
Ezk 23:26
General Information:
Yahweh continues his metaphor in which he speaks of the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes. This metaphor continues through [Ezekiel 23:34](./33.md).
Ezk 23:27
You will not lift up your eyes toward them with longing
This is a way to refer to a person turning their head to look at something. Here looking represents desire. Alternate Translation: "You will not look toward them with longing" or "You will not desire these things"
Ezk 23:28
General Information:
Yahweh continues his metaphor in which he speaks of the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes. This metaphor continues through [Ezekiel 23:34](./33.md).
Ezk 23:30
General Information:
Yahweh continues his metaphor in which he speaks of the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes. This metaphor continues through [Ezekiel 23:34](./33.md).
Ezk 23:30
unclean
A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 23:7](./07.md).
Ezk 23:31
so I will put her cup of punishment into your hand
This refers to Oholibah's punishment that she will receive as if it were a cup of wine. Alternate Translation: "so I will cause you to be punished in the same way as your sister"
Ezk 23:32
General Information:
Yahweh continues his metaphor in which he speaks of the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes. This metaphor continues through [Ezekiel 23:34](./33.md).
Ezk 23:33
General Information:
Yahweh continues his metaphor in which he speaks of the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes.
Ezk 23:33
You will be filled with drunkenness and sorrow
This speaks of being very drunk and full of sorrow as if drunkenness and sorrow were things that filled her body. Alternate Translation: "You will become very drunk and very sad"
Ezk 23:33
the cup of your sister Samaria
Oholibah's sister Oholah represents Samaria. Samaria is called by it's name but still referred to as a sister. The cup is a symbol for the punishment that she received. Alternate Translation: "for this is the same cup of punishment that your sister, who represents Samaria, drank"
Ezk 23:35
thrown me away behind your back
Yahweh speaks of Oholibah rejecting him as if he were an object that she had thrown behind her back and forgotten. Alternate Translation: "rejected me"
Ezk 23:38
unclean
A person or thing God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 23:7](./07.md).
Ezk 23:40
General Information:
Yahweh again refers to the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes.
Ezk 23:42
General Information:
Yahweh continues to refer to the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes.
Ezk 23:43
General Information:
Yahweh continues to refer to the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria as if they were two prostitutes.
Ezk 24:6
a cooking pot
Yahweh continues to compare Jerusalem to a cooking pot. Alternate Translation: "it is like a cooking pot"
Ezk 24:11
uncleanness
A person whom God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean.
Ezk 24:12
She has become weary
Here the word "she" refers to the cooking pot. This is the cooking pot that is metaphorical for Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "Jerusalem has become tired"
Ezk 24:23
you will melt away
Here "melt away" is a metaphor for wasting away and dying. Alternate Translation: "you will become very thin and slowly die"
Ezk 24:24
So Ezekiel will be a sign for you
Here the word "sign" refers to something that communicates a special warning to those who see it. Yahweh speaks of Ezekiel and his actions as being this warning. See how you translated this metaphor in [Ezekiel 12:6](../12/06.md). Alternate Translation: "So Ezekiel will be a warning for you"
Ezk 24:25
which is their joy, their pride
The abstract nouns "joy" and "pride" can be translated as noun phrases. Alternate Translation: "which is what they are joyful about and what they are proud of"
Ezk 24:27
You will be a sign for them
Here the word "sign" refers to something that communicates a special warning to those who see it. Yahweh speaks of Ezekiel and his actions as being this warning. See how you translated this metaphor in [Ezekiel 12:6](../12/06.md). Alternate Translation: "You will be a warning for them"
Ezk 25:4
I am giving you to a people in the east as their possession
This speaks of the enemy army conquering the land of Ammon and taking possession of the land and everything in it as if the enemy were taking the people of Ammon as their possession. It is not implied here that the enemy took the people of Ammon as slaves. Alternate Translation: "I will cause an army from a land that is east of you to come and conquer you"
Ezk 25:7
I will strike you with my hand
I will hit you with my powerful hand. Here Yahweh speaks of punishing the people as if he were literally hitting them with his hand. Alternate Translation: "I will punish you"
Ezk 25:10
I will give them up as a possession
Here Yahweh speaks of allowing the armies from the east to conquer Ammon as if Ammon were a possession that he was giving them. Alternate Translation: "I will allow the armies to conquer them"
Ezk 25:13
I will strike Edom with my hand
Here Yahweh speaks of punishing the people as if he were literally hitting them with his hand. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 25:7](./07.md). Alternate Translation: "I will punish Edom"
Ezk 26:2
The gates of the people are broken
The people of Tyre use these words to refer to Jerusalem as if it were a city gate through which traders from the surrounding nations pass. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Armies have broken down the gates of the people"
Ezk 26:14
I will make you a bare rock
This metaphor describes the results after Yahweh completely destroys Tyre. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 26:4](./04.md).
Ezk 26:14
you will become a place where nets are spread out to dry
This metaphor also describes the results after Yahweh destroys Tyre. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 26:5](./05.md).
Ezk 26:16
They will clothe themselves with trembling
This metaphor represents the princes trembling enough to seem like it was their clothing.
Ezk 26:20
stand in the land of the living
This represents being restored to the city's former existence.
Ezk 27:4
General Information:
The city of Tyre is described here and in the following verses as if it were a beautiful ship.
Ezk 27:6
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre. The city of Tyre continues to be described as if it were a beautiful ship.
Ezk 27:8
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre. The city of Tyre continues to be described as if it were a beautiful ship.
Ezk 27:25
you were filled up, heavily laden with cargo
Tyre's abundance is spoken of as if it was a ship that was full of cargo.
Ezk 27:26
General Information:
The city of Tyre is described here and in the following verses as if it were a wrecked ship.
Ezk 27:28
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre. The city of Tyre continues to be described as if it were a wrecked ship.
Ezk 27:31
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre. The city of Tyre continues to be described as if it were a wrecked ship.
Ezk 27:34
Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message to Tyre. The city of Tyre continues to be described as if it were a wrecked ship.
Ezk 28:2
I will sit in the seat of the gods
I will sit on the throne of the gods. Here sitting in the seat of the gods represents claiming to be in the same exalted position as if he were one of the gods.
Ezk 28:9
in the hand of
Here being in the hand of someone represents being under their control. Alternate Translation: "under the control of"
Ezk 28:14
the fiery stones
the stones of fire. Possible meanings are 1) a metaphor for the colorful and bright stones mentioned in [Ezekiel 28:13](./13.md) or 2) other fiery stones on the "holy mountain of God"
Ezk 28:16
you were filled with violence
Yahweh speaks of the king of Tyre as if he were a container that was filled up with violence. The king is a synecdoche for himself and his people The abstract noun "violence" can be translated using the adjective "violent." Alternate Translation: "you and your people became completely violent" or "you and your peoplewere completely violent"
Ezk 28:16
the fiery stones
the stones of fire. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 28:14](./14.md). Possible meanings are 1) a metaphor for the colorful and bright stones mentioned in [Ezekiel 28:13](./11.md) or 2) other fiery stones on the "holy mountain of God."
Ezk 28:23
blood in your streets
Here "blood" refers to the blood of the people of Sidon and represents those whom their enemies would kill.
Ezk 28:24
pricking briars and painful thorns for the house of Israel from all those around her who despise her people
Here the briars and thorns represent what would cause suffering and pain. Alternate Translation: "people anywhere around the house of Israel who wound them like briars, hurt them like thorns, and despise them"
Ezk 29:6
they have been a reed stalk
The word "they" refers to the inhabitants of Egypt. A reed stalk is unreliable because it is easily broken. Yahweh speaks of them as a reed stalk because the people of Israel relied on the Egyptians to help them in war, but the Egyptians did not help them. Alternate Translation: "they have been as unreliable as a reed stalk"
Ezk 29:7
When they took hold of you in their hand
God speaks of Israel relying on Egypt as if they were taking hold of a reed stalk in order to use it as a crutch. Alternate Translation: "When they relied on you"
Ezk 29:7
you caused their legs to be unsteady
Because Egypt did not help the Israelites, the Israelites could not defend themselves against their enemy, the Babylonians. God speaks of the Israelites being unable to defend themselves as if their legs were unsteady. Alternate Translation: "you caused them to be like people whose legs are unsteady"
Ezk 29:8
I will cut off both man and beast from you
Here "cut off man and beast" is a metaphor for destroying the people and animals. God would do this by causing the enemy army to do it.
Ezk 29:14
I will restore the fortunes of Egypt
The phrase "fortunes of Egypt" is a metaphor for the people of Egypt who had been taken away to other countries. Alternate Translation: "I will bring back the people of Egypt"
Ezk 29:14
a lowly kingdom
Here "lowly" represents unimportant. Alternate Translation: "an unimportant kingdom"
Ezk 29:15
the lowliest of the kingdoms
Here "lowliest" represents least important. Alternate Translation: "the least important of the kingdoms"
Ezk 29:15
it will not be lifted up any more among the nations
Here "be lifted up" represents becoming important. Alternate Translation: "it will not become important again among the nations"
Ezk 29:15
I will diminish them
I will make them small. Here "diminish them" represents making Egypt weak or unimportant.
Ezk 29:18
he and his army received no payment from Tyre
Here "payment" represents the valuable things that Nebuchadnezzar's army would steal from Tyre as a reward for defeating it. God speaks of these things as if they were what God would pay them for working for him. Alternate Translation: "he and his army did not get any valuable things from Tyre as reward"
Ezk 29:19
I am giving the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon
Yahweh speaks of causing the army of Babylon to defeat Egypt as if God were giving Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar. Alternate Translation: "I will cause the army of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, to defeat Egypt"
Ezk 29:19
that will be his army's wages
God speaks of these things that Nebuchadnezzar's army would take as if they were what God would pay them for working for him. Alternate Translation: "his army will receive those things as if they were payment"
Ezk 30:3
a day of clouds
Dark storm clouds represent danger and fear. Alternate Translation: "It will be like a day with dark clouds" or "It will be frightening like a day with dark clouds"
Ezk 30:6
the pride of her strength will go down
This represents Egypt no longer being proud of their strength. The reason that they will not be proud is that they will no longer be strong. Alternate Translation: "Egypt will no longer be proud about being strong" or "Egypt will no longer have the strength that they were so proud of" (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
Ezk 30:7
their cities will be among all the ruined cities
Being "among" the ruined cities represents being ruined like the ruined cities of other countries. Alternate Translation: "their cities will be ruined like the cities of other countries"
Ezk 30:12
I will sell the land into the hand of wicked men
Yahweh will give the Babylonians control over Egypt just as a person who sells something gives the one who buys it control over that thing. Alternate Translation: "I will give control of the land to wicked men"
Ezk 30:13
I will put terror on the land of Egypt
Here "put terror on the land" represents causing the people of the land to be very afraid. Alternate Translation: "I will make the people of Egypt very afraid"
Ezk 30:15
For I will pour out my fury on Pelusium
Here "pour out my fury" represents punishing the people because of his great anger. Alternate Translation: "For I will act in great anger against Pelusium" or "Because I am so angry, I will punish Pelusium severely"
Ezk 30:15
cut off the multitude of Thebes
Here "cut off" represents killing the people. Alternate Translation: "kill the very large number of people in Thebes"
Ezk 30:18
when I break the yoke of Egypt there
The word "yoke" here refers to Egypt's power to oppress people. Alternate Translation: "when I stop Egypt from oppressing people" or "when I end Egypt's power to cruelly control other nations"
Ezk 30:18
the pride of her strength will be finished
This represents Egypt no longer being proud of their strength. The reason that they will not be proud is that they will no longer be strong. Alternate Translation: "Egypt will no longer be proud about being strong" or "Egypt will no longer have the strength that they were so proud of" (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
Ezk 30:18
There will be a cloud covering her
Possible meanings are 1) the dark cloud represents how sad the people of Egypt will feel. Alternate Translation: "It will be as if there is a cloud over Egypt" or 2) there will be a cloud of dust over Egypt from everything that is destroyed. Alternate Translation: "A cloud of dust will be over Egypt"
Ezk 31:15
I covered the deep waters over it
The word "covered" possibly refers to putting on clothes for mourning. Alternate Translation: "I made the water from the springs mourn for the cedar" or "it was as though the springs that watered it mourned for it"
Ezk 32:3
So I will spread my net over you in the assembly of many peoples
God's punishment of Pharaoh is spoken of as if the king were the river monster caught in a net. Alternate Translation: "So I will gather many peoples and throw my net over you"
Ezk 32:7
when I extinguish you
It was common to speak of a person's life as if it were a lamp that could be put out. Alternate Translation: "When I destroy you"
Ezk 32:7
I will cover the heavens
Yahweh speaks of making the stars dark as if he were putting a cover over the sky. Alternate Translation: "I will make everything in the sky go dark"
Ezk 32:9
when I bring about your collapse among the nations
The nation of Egypt, symbolized by its king, is spoken of as if it were a building that was collapsing. Alternate Translation: "when nations hear about the way I destroyed you"
Ezk 32:10
on the day of your downfall
The idea of falling down ("downfall") represents dying. Alternate Translation: "when I destroy you"
Ezk 32:15
in her ... over her
It was normal in biblical language to represent countries and lands as if they were women. Alternate Translation: "in it ... over it"
Ezk 32:16
in her ... over her
It was normal in biblical language to represent countries and lands as if they were women. Alternate Translation: "in it ... over it"
Ezk 32:19
General Information:
Yahweh continues speaking to Ezekiel. He speaks of the people of Egypt as if they were a woman.
Ezk 32:22
Assyria is there with all her assembly
The land of Assyria is represented as a woman. Alternate Translation: "The people of Assyria and all its army are there in Sheol"
Ezk 32:24
who carry their own shame
Shame is spoken of as if it were an object that one could carry where he goes. Alternate Translation: "who feel ashamed" or "who are now disgraced"
Ezk 32:25
They set a bedroll for Elam and all her multitudes
Space being made in Sheol for the dead is spoken of as if the dead were given beds to lie on. Alternate Translation: "They gave beds to Elam and all its people"
Ezk 32:27
their iniquities over their bones
The warriors' iniquities cover their bodies, although one would expect that their shields would cover them in death.
Ezk 32:27
in the land of the living
The time during which these warriors were living is spoken of as if it were a place. Alternate Translation: "while they were alive"
Ezk 32:30
They carry their own shame
Shame is spoken of as if it were an object that one could carry where he goes. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 32:25](./25.md). Alternate Translation: "who feel ashamed" or "who are now disgraced"
Ezk 33:9
he might turn back from it, and if he does not turn back from his way
A person no longer behaving in a certain way is spoken of as if he physically turns and goes back on a path. Alternate Translation: "he might stop doing bad things, and if he does not stop doing bad things"
Ezk 33:10
Our transgressions and our sins are on us
Possible meanings are 1) "on us" is a metaphor that means they feel guilty for their transgressions and sins or 2) "on us" is a metaphor that means they realize that Yahweh is punishing them for their transgressions and sins.
Ezk 33:10
we are decaying in them
we are rotting away because of them. Being destroyed because of sin is spoken of as if the person's flesh were rotting. Alternate Translation: "they are destroying us" or "they are killing us"
Ezk 33:11
if the wicked repents from his way
Here "way" represents how a person behaves. Alternate Translation: "if the wicked person stops doing bad things"
Ezk 33:15
walks in the statutes that give life
Acting or behaving in a certain way is spoken of as if it were walking. Alternate Translation: "lives according to the laws that give life"
Ezk 33:17
The way of the Lord ... your ways that are not fair
Behaviors or actions is spoken of as if they were a way or road on which a person travels. Alternate Translation: "What the Lord does ... the things you do that are not fair"
Ezk 33:18
turns away from his righteousness
No longer doing something is spoken of as if it were physically turning away from something. Alternate Translation: "stops doing what is right"
Ezk 33:19
turns away from his wickedness
No longer doing something is spoken of as if it were physically turning away from something. Alternate Translation: "stops doing wicked things"
Ezk 33:24
he inherited the land
Yahweh giving the land to Abraham is spoken of as if Abraham inherited the land. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh gave him the land"
Ezk 34:1
General Information:
In chapter 34, Yahweh speaks of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep and the leaders of Israel were the shepherds that were supposed to care for the flock but have not.
Ezk 34:2
the shepherds of Israel
The leaders of Israel are spoken as if they were shepherds. They were supposed to take care of their people like shepherds take care of their flock. Alternate Translation: "the leaders of Israel who are like shepherds"
Ezk 34:2
are shepherding themselves
The leaders taking care of themselves instead of the people are spoken of as if they were shepherding themselves. AT "are feeding and taking care of themselves"
Ezk 34:3
You eat the fatty portions ... dress in wool
This continues speaking of the leaders of Israel as if they were bad shepherds that kill the best animals in their flock for food and clothing. Alternate Translation: "You are like shepherds who eat the fatty portions ... dress in wool"
Ezk 34:4
General Information:
Yahweh continues speaking of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep and the leaders of Israel as if they were shepherds who have not cared for the flock.
Ezk 34:7
General Information:
Yahweh continues speaking of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep and the leaders of Israel as if they were shepherds who have not cared for the flock.
Ezk 34:9
General Information:
Yahweh continues speaking of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep and the leaders of Israel as if they were shepherds who have not cared for the flock.
Ezk 34:11
General Information:
Yahweh continues speaking of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep. Here he speaks of himself as if he were their shepherd and will take care of them.
Ezk 34:11
I will put them in pastures ... every settlement in the land
Yahweh bringing his people back from exile to their land so that he can care for them and keep them safe is spoken of as if he were their shepherd who puts his flock in a place where there is plenty of land, food, and water.
Ezk 34:12
on the day of clouds and darkness
on the cloudy and dark day. Disasters are spoken of as if they were a day of darkness. Alternate Translation: "when terrible disasters happened to them"
Ezk 34:13
I will put them in pastures ... every settlement in the land
Yahweh bringing his people back from exile to their land so that he can care for them and keep them safe is spoken of as if he were their shepherd who puts his flock in a place where there is plenty of land, food, and water.
Ezk 34:14
General Information:
Yahweh continues speaking of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep. Here he speaks of himself as their shepherd who will take care of them.
Ezk 34:17
General Information:
Yahweh continues speaking of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep and of himself as their shepherd.
Ezk 34:20
General Information:
Yahweh continues speaking of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep and of himself as their shepherd.
Ezk 34:20
the fat sheep and the thin ones
The leaders and strong people in Israel are spoken of as if they were fat and strong animals in the flock. The poor and weak people in Israel are spoken of as if they were the thin and weak animals in the flock.
Ezk 34:22
General Information:
Yahweh continues speaking of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep and of himself as their shepherd.
Ezk 34:23
He will shepherd them
The descendant of David who will be king over the people of Israel is spoken of as if he would be their shepherd.
Ezk 34:25
General Information:
Yahweh continues speaking of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep.
Ezk 34:27
when I break the bars of their yoke
Slavery is spoken of as if it were a yoke that people wear like some animals. Alternate Translation: "when I free them from being slaves"
Ezk 34:31
For you are my sheep, the flock of my pasture
This speaks of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep and Yahweh is their shepherd.
Ezk 35:5
you poured them out into the hands of the sword
Possible meanings of this metaphor are 1) "you gave them over to their enemies who killed them with swords" or 2) "you killed them with swords."
Ezk 35:7
when I cut off from it anyone who passes through and returns again
Possible meanings are 1) "cut off" is a metaphor that means to destroy. Alternate Translation: "I will destroy anyone who enters it or leaves it" or 2) "cut off" is a metaphor that means to stop someone from doing something. Alternate Translation: "I will make it so that people do not travel back and forth through it"
Ezk 35:12
they have been given over to us to devour
The people of Mount Seir taking the land of Israel and using it for themselves is spoken of as if they were wild animals that would devour the mountains of Israel. Alternate Translation: "they are here for us to devour"
Ezk 35:15
As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the people of Israel because of its desolation
This speaks of the land that Yahweh gave to the Israelites as their inheritance. Alternate Translation: "As you rejoiced when I made the land of the Israelites desolate"
Ezk 36:5
in the fire of my fury
This speaks of Yahweh's fury as if it were a fire. Yahweh loves Israel very much, so he becomes jealous and angry when other nations mock it. Alternate Translation: "because of my intense jealousy" or "because of my very strong anger"
Ezk 36:7
that the nations that surround you will certainly carry their own shame
The people experiencing shame are spoken of as if they will carry their shame. Alternate Translation: "that people will certainly mock the nations that surround you"
Ezk 36:12
They will possess you, and you will be their inheritance
The people living in the mountains and land of Israel permanently is spoke of as if the people would inherit them. Alternate Translation: "They will possess you permanently"
Ezk 36:13
You devour men
Not enough food growing in Israel so that people die is spoken of as if the mountains of Israel were devouring the people. Alternate Translation: "You cause many people to die"
Ezk 36:14
you will not consume people any longer
Not enough food growing in Israel so that people die is spoken of as if the mountains of Israel were consuming the people. Alternate Translation: "you will no longer cause the people to die"
Ezk 36:18
I poured out my fury against them
Yahweh punishing people because he is angry is spoken of as if his fury were a liquid that he poured out. Alternate Translation: "I did things to them that showed how angry I was"
Ezk 36:18
for their pollution of it by their idols
The people worshiping idols is spoken of as if the idols made the land physically dirty. Alternate Translation: "because they defiled the land with their idols"
Ezk 36:25
I will sprinkle pure water on you so you will be purified from all of your impurities, and I will purify you from all of your idols
Yahweh forgiving the people and causing them to no longer sin is spoken of as if he would cleanse them with water. The phrase "you will be purified" can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I will purify you as if I were sprinkling you with pure water, and I will cause you to stop worshiping idols"
Ezk 36:26
I will give you a new heart and a new spirit in your innermost parts, and I will take away the heart of stone from your flesh. For I will give you a heart of flesh
Yahweh causing the people to no longer be stubborn but to love and serve Yahweh is spoken of as if he will take away their old heart and give them a new heart and spirit.
Ezk 36:26
the heart of stone
This speaks of people being stubborn as if their hearts were made of stone. See how you translated "stone heart" in [Ezekiel 11:19](../11/19.md). Alternate Translation: "the heart that is as hard as stone"
Ezk 36:26
a heart of flesh
People being willing to serve Yahweh is spoken of as if their hearts were soft like flesh. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 11:19](../11/19.md). Alternate Translation: "a heart that is soft like flesh"
Ezk 36:27
enable you to walk in my statutes
A person acting or behaving in a certain way is spoken of is if it were a person walking. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 11:20](../11/20.md). Alternate Translation: "enable you to obey my statutes"
Ezk 36:29
For I will save you from all of your uncleanness
Something that is unacceptable to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. Alternate Translation: "For I will save you from everything that made me reject you"
Ezk 36:29
I will no longer put famine upon you
Yahweh causing a famine in the land is spoken of as if he put famine on the people. Alternate Translation: "I will no longer cause there to be a famine" or "I will no longer cause there to be no food"
Ezk 36:30
you will no longer bear the shame of famine among the nations
Experiencing shame is spoken of as if the people had to carry the shame. Alternate Translation: "the nations will no longer make you feel ashamed because you suffer from famine"
Ezk 36:37
to increase them like a flock of people
Yahweh causing the people to multiply greatly and quickly is spoken of as if they were a flock of sheep. Sheep multiply very quickly. Alternate Translation: "to make them multiply like a flock of sheep" or "to make the people multiply quickly like sheep"
Ezk 36:38
so will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people
This speaks of the people of Israel as if they were a flock of sheep. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "so will the great number of people be who will be living in the cities that are now ruined but the people will rebuild"
Ezk 37:11
We have been cut off
The people being destroyed and removed from their land is spoken of as if they had been cut off like a person would cut off a branch or piece of cloth. Alternate Translation: "Our nation is destroyed"
Ezk 37:12
I will open your graves and lift you out from them
Yahweh restoring the people and bringing them back to their land is spoken of as if he will bring them back to life again.
Ezk 37:24
one shepherd over them
This speaks of a king ruling a people as if he were a shepherd leading sheep. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 34:23](../34/23.md).
Ezk 37:24
will walk according to my decrees
This speaks of acting or behaving in a certain way as if it were a person walking. Alternate Translation: "will live as I have commanded"
Ezk 38:4
set hooks in your jaw
Here "hooks in your jaw" represents God's control over Gog. People put hooks in the mouths of animals so that they could lead the animals wherever they wanted.
Ezk 38:18
my wrath will mount up in my anger
Here "mount up" means "rise up" and expresses that his wrath will increase. The words "wrath" and "anger" mean the same thing and emphasize how intense his anger will be. Alternate Translation: "my anger will greatly increase" or "I will be very angry with you"
Ezk 38:19
in the fire of my anger
The intensity of Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it were as hot as fire. Alternate Translation: "because my anger was intense"
Ezk 38:21
General Information:
Yahweh continues giving Ezekiel his message about Gog. He speaks of the people of Gog as if they were one man.
Ezk 39:2
I will turn you and lead you on
God speaks of leading Gog as if Gog was an animal.
Ezk 39:3
I will knock your bow out of your left hand and make the arrows fall from your right hand.
Knocking Gog's bow and arrows out of his hands is spoken of as if God is destroying Gog's military power.
Ezk 39:4
I will give you to the birds of prey and the wild beasts of the fields for food
The scavengers eating the corpses is spoken of as if Yahweh was giving food to them.
Ezk 39:21
I will set my glory among the nations
Yahweh speaks of his glory as if he will place it in the middle of the nations where they can see it. Alternate Translation: "I will make the nations see my glory"
Ezk 39:24
their uncleanness and their sins
This speaks of the people's disgusting behavior as if they were physically unclean. Here "uncleanness" means basically the same as "sins." Alternate Translation: "their disgusting behavior and their sins" or "their sins"
Ezk 39:29
when I pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel
Here to give the Spirit abundantly is spoken of as to "pour out" the Spirit. Alternate Translation: "when I generously give my Spirit to the house of Israel"
Ezk 43:7
the corpses of their kings
The idols that the people's kings worshiped are spoken of as if they are corpses because the idols are not alive. Alternate Translation: "the lifeless idols that their kings worshiped"
Ezk 43:9
the corpses of their kings
The idols that the people's kings worshiped are spoken of as if they are corpses because the idols are not alive. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 43:7](./07.md). Alternate Translation: "the lifeless idols that their kings worshiped"
Ezk 44:10
went far from me ... wandered away from me, going after their idols
The way a person lives is spoken of as walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "stopped worshiping me ... stopped doing what I wanted them to do. Instead, they worshiped their idols"
Ezk 44:12
became stumbling blocks for sin for the house of Israel
A person who causes another person to sin is spoken of as if he were something on a path over which people stumble. Alternate Translation: "became people who caused the house of Israel to sin"
Ezk 48:14
this firstfruits
this land which is the firstfruits. Here "firstfruits" probably means the best things among all the offerings set aside to give to God. This land is spoken of in that way, as land set aside for Yahweh's use.
Dan 2:8
you see how firm my decision is about this
A decision that will not be changed is spoken of as something firm. Alternate Translation: "you see that I will not change my decision about this"
Dan 3:13
filled with anger and rage
Nebuchadnezzar's anger and rage were so intense that they are spoken of as if they had filled him up. Here "anger" and "rage" mean about the same thing and are used to emphasize how upset the king was. Alternate Translation: "extremely angry"
Dan 3:19
Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage
The king was so angry that rage is spoken of as if it were filling him up. Alternate Translation: "Nebuchadnezzar became extremely angry"
Dan 3:28
they set aside my command
Not obeying the king's command is spoken of as if they had physically moved it away from them. Alternate Translation: "they ignored my command"
Dan 4:27
Turn away from your iniquities
Here rejecting iniquity is spoken of as turning away from it. Alternate Translation: "Reject your iniquities"
Dan 5:23
You have lifted yourself up against the Lord
To rebel against God is spoken of as raising oneself up against him. Alternate Translation: "You have rebelled against the Lord"
Dan 5:27
you are weighed in the scales and are found lacking
Judging the worthiness of the king to rule is spoken of as weighing him. This means that the king is not worthy to rule. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "God has examined your worthiness to rule, and he has found that you are not worthy"
Dan 7:10
A river of fire flowed out from before him
The quick way in which fire came from the presence of God is spoken of as if it was water flowing in a river. Alternate Translation: "Fire poured out in front of him like water in a river"
Dan 7:23
It will devour ... it into pieces
This does not mean the fourth kingdom will destroy the planet, but that it will brutally attack, conquer, and destroy all other kingdoms on earth.
Dan 8:12
The horn will throw truth down to the ground
The horn ignoring truth and godliness is spoken of as if it will throw truth to the ground. Alternate Translation: "The horn will reject the truth"
Dan 8:26
seal up the vision
The angel speaks about the vision as if it were a scroll that could be closed with a wax seal. This prevented anyone from seeing the contents until the seal was broken. Alternate Translation: "close and seal up what you have written about the vision" or "do not tell anyone about the vision now"
Dan 9:3
to seek him
Those who want to know Yahweh and please him are spoken of as if they are literally seeking to find Yahweh.
Dan 9:7
To you, Lord, belongs righteousness
Being righteous is spoken of as if "righteousness" were an object that belongs to Yahweh. The abstract noun "righteousness" can be stated as "righteous." Alternate Translation: "Lord, you are righteous"
Dan 9:7
To us today, however, belongs shame on our faces—for the people
Being ashamed is spoken of as if "shame" were an object that belongs to people. The abstract noun "shame" can be stated as "ashamed." Alternate Translation: "But as for us, we are ashamed of what we have done—the people"
Dan 9:9
To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness
Having these traits is spoken of as if they belonged to the Lord. Alternate Translation: "The Lord our God is compassionate and forgives"
Dan 9:11
have been poured out on us
The abundance of the curse and the oath are spoken of as if they were poured out like water. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "you have brought upon us"
Dan 9:17
make your face shine on
The writer speaks of Yahweh acting favorably as if Yahweh's face shone a light. Alternate Translation: "act kindly toward" or "act with favor toward"
Dan 9:26
Its end will come with a flood
The army will destroy the city and the holy place just as a flood destroys things.
Dan 10:8
a ruined look
Someone's unhealthy, pale face is spoken of as if it were a ruined building. Alternate Translation: "pale"
Dan 11:3
A mighty king will rise up
The idea of rising up or standing is often used for someone who becomes powerful. Alternate Translation: "A mighty king will begin to reign"
Dan 11:6
her arm's strength ... his arm
Here "arm" stands for power.
Dan 11:7
a branch from her roots
This family is spoken of as if it were a tree. The roots represent ancestors, and the branch represents a descendant. Alternate Translation: "a descendant of her ancestors" or "one of her descendants"
Dan 11:12
will be lifted up
Being lifted up represents the idea of becoming very proud. Alternate Translation: "will become very proud"
Dan 11:14
many will rise against the king
Here the idea of rising up represents rebelling. Alternate Translation: "many people will rebel against the king"
Dan 11:14
Sons of the violent
This expression stands for violent people.
Dan 11:14
they will stumble
Here stumbling represents failing. Alternate Translation: "they will not succeed"
Dan 11:16
destruction will be in his hand
Here "destruction" represents the power to destroy. Also, the power to destroy is spoken of as if it were something that someone could hold in his hand. Alternate Translation: "he will have power to destroy anything"
Dan 11:20
someone will rise up in his place
Rising up in a king's place represents becoming king in place of the previous king. Alternate Translation: "another man will become king of the North instead of that king"
Dan 11:20
he will be broken
Here "he" refers to the new king. Being broken represents dying. Alternate Translation: "the new king will die"
Dan 11:20
but not in anger
Possible meanings are 1) no one was angry at the king, or 2) that the occasion and cause of the king's death were kept secret.
Dan 11:25
heart
Here this represents courage.
Dan 11:25
he will not stand
Not standing represents being defeated. Alternate Translation: "the king of the South will be defeated" or "his army will be defeated"
Dan 11:26
His army will be swept away like a flood
Here the severe defeat of an army is spoken of as a flood of water that completely sweeps it away. Alternate Translation: "The enemy will completely defeat his army" or "His enemy will completely destroy his army as a flood destroys everything in its path"
Dan 11:27
with their hearts set on evil against each other
Here "heart" represents a person's desires. Desires are spoken of here as if they were an object that someone could set or place in a certain position. Alternate Translation: "each determined to do evil to the other"
Dan 11:31
They will take away the regular burnt offering
Taking away the offering represents preventing people from offering it. Alternate Translation: "They will stop the priests from presenting the regular burnt offering"
Dan 11:33
they will stumble by the sword and by flame
Here "stumble" is a metaphor that represents experiencing a disaster of one kind or another, including death itself. Here "sword" represents battles and warfare, and "flame" represents fire. Alternate Translation: "they will die in battle and by burning to death"
Dan 11:33
they will stumble into captivity and into being robbed for days
Here "stumble" is a metaphor that represents experiencing a disaster of one kind or another, including death itself. The phrase "being robbed" can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "they will become slaves and their enemies will rob them of their possessions for days"
Dan 11:34
will join themselves
Here "join themselves" represents "come to help." Alternate Translation: "will come to help them"
Dan 11:35
Some of the wise will stumble
Here "stumble" represents experiencing a disaster of one kind or another, including death itself.
Dan 11:35
refining
This refers to the purifying of metal by melting it in a fire. When God makes his people more faithful to himself, this is spoken of as if they were metal that a worker was making more pure by putting it into fire.
Dan 11:35
cleansing
This refers to making people, places, or objects suitable for God's use by separating them from sin and other forms of evil. It speaks of evil as if it were physical dirtiness that could be removed by washing.
Dan 11:35
purifying
This idea is very similar to refining, discussed earlier. Metal that is refined can also be said to be purified.
Dan 11:36
lift himself up
Here this represents becoming very proud.
Dan 11:36
make himself great
Here this represents pretending to be very important and powerful.
Dan 11:36
until the wrath is completed
This phrase pictures God as storing up his wrath until his storeroom is completely full of it and he is ready to act according to it. Alternate Translation: "until God is completely angry with him" or "until God is angry enough to take action against him"
Dan 11:40
will storm against him
Violently attacking with an army is spoken of as if a storm happened. Alternate Translation: "will attack him like a violent storm" or "will violently attack him"
Dan 11:40
flood them
When an army overruns a country, it is spoken of as if a flood occurred. See how you translated this in [Daniel 11:10](./10.md).
Dan 11:42
He will extend his hand into lands
Here "hand" represents power and control. Alternate Translation: "He will extend his control over various lands"
Dan 12:3
those who turn many to righteousness
This refers to those who help others understand that they are separated from God, as if they were changing the direction in which they were going. Alternate Translation: "those who teach others to live righteously"
Dan 12:9
for the words are shut up and sealed
The vision that was given to Daniel was not to be explained. The book was sealed and no one could access it. Alternate Translation: "for you are to close up and seal the words you have written"
Hos 1:2
great prostitution
Here "prostitution" represents the people being unfaithful to God.
Hos 1:4
the house of Jehu
Here "house" means "family," including Jehu's descendants.
Hos 1:4
the house of Israel
This expression refers to kingdom of Israel.
Hos 2:2
your mother
Here "mother" refers to the nation of Israel.
Hos 2:2
for she is not my wife
Yahweh is stating that Israel, spoken of here as a woman, is no longer acting like a wife to Yahweh. Instead Israel has turned away from following and worshiping him.
Hos 2:2
neither am I her husband
Yahweh can no longer be in relationship with the nation of Israel as a husband would be to his wife.
Hos 2:2
her acts of adultery
A wife who is adulterous leaves her husband to sleep with another man. This is how Israel was acting toward Yahweh.
Hos 2:2
from between her breasts
This imagery suggests that Israel is relying on the idols and not Yahweh.
Hos 2:3
I will strip her naked and show her nakedness as on the day that she was born
Yahweh will no longer protect and provide for Israel because the nation has turned away from him. In Israel, husbands were obliged by law to provide clothes for their wives. Not to do so was a sign that a man was rejecting his wife. The full meaning of this may be made clear.
Hos 2:3
I will make her die from thirst
Here "thirst" refers to the need to worship and rely on Yahweh, not idols, or Israel will not be able to survive as a nation.
Hos 2:4
for they are children of prostitution
The Israelites are acting like they do not belong to Yahweh. Just as their parents did not worship God, Neither do they.
Hos 2:5
For their mother has been a prostitute
The previous generation who sought out other gods were considered prostitutes for they were unfaithful to Yahweh.
Hos 2:6
Therefore I will build up a hedge to block her way with thorns. I will build up a wall against her so she cannot find her way
This passage indicates that Yahweh will prevent his people from finding success and prosperity, becuase they continue to worship idols.
Hos 2:7
Then she will say, "I will return to my first husband, for it was better for me then than it is now."
Israel will return to Yahweh not because of their love for him, but because they are disappointed by their worship of Baal.
Hos 2:10
Then I will strip her naked in the sight of her lovers
This means God will humiliate the people of Israel in front of the other nations nearby. See how you translated this in [Hosea 2:3](./03.md).
Hos 2:12
These are the wages that my lovers gave me
This refers to payment that Israel received from the false gods or Baals. This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate Translation: "that these were the wages that her lovers had given to her"
Hos 2:12
make them a forest
Yahweh will destroy the vineyards and fruit trees by allowing other trees and weeds to grow among them.
Hos 2:15
She will answer me there as she did in the days of her youth, as in the days that she came out of the land of Egypt
Yahweh hopes that the nation of Israel will repent and again choose to worship him as their God.
Hos 2:16
My husband
This means the people of Israel will love and be faithful to Yahweh just as a wife is to a husband.
Hos 2:16
My Baal
Baal means "master" and also refers to the false god that the Canaanites worship.
Hos 2:19
I will promise to be your husband forever
Yahweh will be like the husband, and Israel will be like Yahweh's wife.
Hos 2:22
Jezreel
Here the name of this valley stands for all the people of Israel.
Hos 2:23
I will plant her for myself in the land
When God makes his people safe and prosperous in their land again, they are spoken of if they were agricultural crops. Alternate Translation: "I will take care of the Israelite people as a farmer plants his crops and takes care of them"
Hos 4:1
Yahweh has a lawsuit against the inhabitants of the land
Yahweh stating that the people of Israel have sinned against him and broken his covenant is spoken of as if Yahweh were accusing them in court.
Hos 4:2
The people have broken all bounds
Here "bounds" stands for the limits of what the law allows. Alternate Translation: "The people have disobeyed the law in every possible way"
Hos 4:5
You priests will stumble
Here "stumble" means to disobey God or even to stop trusting him.
Hos 4:5
I will destroy your mother
Here "mother" refers to the nation of Israel. See how you translated this in [Hosea 2:2](../02/02.md).
Hos 4:12
has misled
has convinced the people to sin
Hos 4:14
So this people who does not understand will be thrown down
Yahweh will destroy the nation of Israel because they do not understand or obey God's commandments.
Hos 4:16
How can Yahweh bring them to pasture like lambs in a meadow?
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he cannot continue to take care of the people because they are stubborn. Yahweh no longer taking care of his people is spoken of as if he were a shepherd that could not take his lambs into the field to eat because they are stubborn. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will not shepherd a rebellious people." or "Therefore Yahweh will not continue to take care of them."
Hos 4:19
The wind will wrap her up in its wings
Here "wind" represents God's judgment and anger against the nation of Israel. Yahweh will allow the enemy army to defeat the people of Israel and take them as captives.
Hos 5:2
The rebels stand deep in slaughter
Here "rebels" refers to all of those people who had turned away from Yahweh, and "deep in slaughter" could refer to the murder of innocent people, or to the slaughter of animals offered to pagan idols.
Hos 5:10
I will pour my wrath on them like water
Yahweh's wrath against Judah will be like a large stream of water that destroys them. In the scriptures, emotions and moral qualities are often spoken of as if they were liquids.
Hos 5:11
walked after idols
Here "walked" represents the idea of worshiping.
Hos 5:13
When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound
Both Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel) and Judah (the southern kingdom of Israel) realized that they were in danger.
Hos 5:14
will tear
As a lion tears apart the animal it is eating, so Yahweh will tear his people away from their homes and country.
Hos 5:15
seek my face
Try to come into God's presence by means of worship and sacrifice. Alternate Translation: "ask me to pay attention to them"
Hos 6:5
So I have cut them to pieces by the prophets
Through his prophets, Yahweh has pronounced destruction on the rebellious nation. The destruction, here called "cutting to pieces," is as sure as the condemnation.
Hos 6:11
harvest
Here "harvest" represents God's final judgment on Israel and Judah.
Hos 7:1
I want to heal Israel
Making Israel obedient to God again and receivers of his blessing is spoken of as if it were healing.
Hos 7:2
their deeds surround them
The people's evil deeds are probably spoken of here as if they were other people ready to accuse them of their crimes.
Hos 7:4
They are all adulterers
The people committed spiritual adultery by worshiping idols and being unfaithful to Yahweh. They were probably also being unfaithful to their husbands or wives by sleeping with other people.
Hos 7:6
Their anger smolders
The word "smolders" means something is burning slowly without a flame. Alternate Translation: "Their anger grows slowly and quietly"
Hos 7:7
they devour those who rule over them
This seems to mean that the court officials kill their kings.
Hos 7:9
but he does not know it
However, this "old age" is clearly a way of saying that the northern kingdom is getting weaker and weaker, because the nation does not know it is "old."
Hos 7:10
nor have they sought him
Israel's lack of interest in Yahweh is spoken of as if he was lost and they were not trying to find him. Alternate Translation: "nor have they tried to get him to pay attention to them"
Hos 7:12
I will spread my net over them
This is a way to catch birds. Yahweh continues to compare the people of Israel to doves. When they go to Egypt or Assyria for help, Yahweh will punish them.
Hos 7:14
they turn away from me
Here no longer worshiping God is spoken of as turning away from him. Alternate Translation: "they no longer worship me"
Hos 7:15
Though I trained them and strengthened their arms
This may be a military metaphor, in which God training the Israelites to love him and obey him is spoken of as if he had been training their men for war.
Hos 8:1
An eagle is coming over the house of Yahweh
The eagle, a bird of prey, is sometimes used to represent the enemies of Israel. Alternate Translation: "As an eagle hunts another animal, the enemies of Israel are coming to capture my people"
Hos 8:1
broken my covenant
Here "broken" represents "disobeyed," "violated."
Hos 8:5
My anger is burning against these people
Anger is often spoken of as if it were a fire. Alternate Translation: "I am very angry with these people"
Hos 8:7
For the people sow the wind and reap the whirlwind
To sow or plant the wind is to act in useless or destructive ways. To reap the whirlwind is to suffer disaster from one's own actions.
Hos 8:7
If it does come to maturity, foreigners will devour it
If any of Israel's actions do happen to result in something good, Israel's enemies will come and take it from them.
Hos 8:8
Israel is swallowed up
swallowed means to be defeated and taken into exile. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "The enemies of Israel have taken the Israelites away to other lands"
Hos 8:9
Ephraim has hired lovers for herself
Ephraim's alliances with other nations are spoken of as if they had paid them to become prostitutes for Ephraim. Alternate Translation: "The people of Israel have tried to pay other nations to protect them"
Hos 9:3
unclean food
This is food that the Israelites would normally refuse to eat because it would make them unacceptable to Yahweh.
Hos 9:6
As for their treasures of silver—sharp briers will possess them
Briers growing in the places where Israelites stored their silver is spoken of as if the briers were human enemies that would take the Israelite's precious possessions for themselves. Alternate Translation: "Sharp briers will grow where they store their treasures of silver"
Hos 9:8
The prophet is the watchman for my God over Ephraim
A "watchman" watches outside his city to see if danger is coming. The prophet warning the people when they are sinning and are in danger of having his God punish them is spoken of as if he were a watchman for the city. Alternate Translation: "The prophet is like a watchman for God over Ephraim"
Hos 9:8
a bird snare is on all of his paths
A "bird snare" is a trap used to catch a bird. This means the people of Israel do whatever they can to stop God's prophet. Alternate Translation: "the people set a trap for him wherever he goes" or "the people do all they can to harm him"
Hos 9:12
when I turn away from them
When God stops helping the northern kingdom, it will be as if he physically turned away from them.
Hos 9:13
I have seen Ephraim, just like Tyre, planted in a meadow
This speaks of the people being in a safe place as if they were a tree planted in a peaceful meadow. Alternate Translation: "The nation of Israel was once beautiful and pleasant like the city of Tyre, like a tree that someone plants in a meadow"
Hos 9:16
Ephraim is diseased, and their root is dried up; they bear no fruit
Yahweh speaks of the people of Israel as if they were a diseased tree that does not produce fruit and is ready to be cut down. This is a statement that the people have become weak, and that soon their enemies will come and defeat them.
Hos 10:1
Israel is a luxuriant vine that produces his fruit
Israel is spoken of as a vine that was very fruitful. For a while the people prospered and were strong.
Hos 10:4
So justice springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of a field
What they people called justice in their laws and legal decisions is spoken of as if it were a plant sprouting up. Alternate Translation: "So their decisions are not just; instead, they are harmful"
Hos 10:9
there you have remained
This passage probably means that the people of the present time continue to act in the same ways that their ancestors did at Gibeah. Alternate Translation: "and you think just as they did"
Hos 10:11
Ephraim is a trained heifer that loves to thresh
A heifer loves to thresh because they can walk around freely without a yoke. Yahweh means that he has allowed the people of Israel to be free and have a pleasant life.
Hos 10:11
I will put a yoke on her fair neck. I will put a yoke on Ephraim
Here "yoke" refers to suffering and slavery. Yahweh has been kind to the people of Israel, but the people have been unfaithful to him. So he will punish them and send them away as slaves.
Hos 10:11
Judah will plow; Jacob will pull the harrow by himself
Here "Judah" refers to the people of the southern kingdom and "Jacob" is the people of the northern kingdom. This means God will cause difficult times for both kingdoms.
Hos 10:12
Sow righteousness for yourselves, and reap the fruit of covenant faithfulness
Righteousness and covenant faithfulness are spoken of as if they were crops that could be sown and harvested. The abstract nouns "righteousness" and "faithfulness" can be stated as "right" and "faithful." Alternate Translation: "Plow, now, and do what is right, and you will reap the fruit of faithful love"
Hos 10:12
Break up your unplowed ground
When the ground is "unplowed" it is not ready to be planted. Yahweh means he wants the people to repent so they can start doing what is right.
Hos 10:13
You have plowed wickedness; you reaped injustice
Wickedness and injustice are spoken of as if they were crops that could be sown and harvested.
Hos 10:13
You have eaten the fruit of deception
The result of deception are spoken of as if they were a food that could be eaten. Alternate Translation: "You now suffer the consequences of having deceived each other"
Hos 11:1
When Israel was a young man
Yahweh is speaking about the people of Israel as if they were a young man. Yahweh is referring to when he first started his relationship with the nation.
Hos 11:1
I called my son out of Egypt
son refers to the people of God the Father. Alternate Translation: "I led my son out of Egypt"
Hos 11:3
it was I who taught Ephraim to walk
Yahweh refers to Israel as a small child whom he taught to walk.
Hos 11:10
They will follow Yahweh
Worshiping and honoring Yahweh is spoken of as if it were following him
Hos 12:2
Yahweh also has a lawsuit against Judah
Yahweh stating that the people of Judah have sinned against him and broken his covenant is spoken of as if Yahweh were accusing them in court. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Hosea 4:1](../04/01.md).
Hos 12:8
I have found wealth
Becoming wealthy by trading is spoken of as finding wealth. Alternate Translation: "I have made much money"
Hos 12:14
will turn back on him his disgrace
The idea of making someone suffer the results of his own actions is spoken of as if those actions were objects that were thrown back at him. Alternate Translation: "will make him suffer from his own disgraceful actions"
Hos 13:1
He exalted himself in Israel
Here "exalting" means to make oneself important.
Hos 13:1
but he became guilty because of Baal worship, and he died
When the people of Ephraim began worshiping Baal, they grew weak, and their enemies defeated them. Here "died" refers to the nation growing weak.
Hos 13:6
your heart became lifted up
Becoming arrogant is spoken of as one's heart being lifted up. Alternate Translation: "you became proud" (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
Hos 13:12
has been stored up
The northern kingdom's iniquity and guilt are spoken of as if they were objects that could be kept for a purpose.
Hos 13:13
Pains of childbirth will come on him
Here Yahweh speaks of the suffering the people of Israel will suffer as if it were the pains of child birth.
Hos 13:13
but he is an unwise son, for when it is time to be born, he does not come out of the womb
Yahweh now describes the people of Israel as the baby to which the mother is giving birth. The baby is unwise because it does not want to be born. The people do not want to repent and obey Yahweh.
Hos 13:14
Compassion is hidden from my eyes
Not to think about having compassion is spoken of as if compassion were hidden so that it cannot be seen. The abstract noun "compassion" can be translated with an adjective. Alternate Translation: "I have no compassion for them" or "I will not be compassionate towards them"
Hos 13:15
his brothers
This expression seems to stand for the nations around the northern kingdom, especially Judah, the southern kingdom.
Hos 13:15
an east wind will come; the wind of Yahweh
A wind from the east was very hot and destructive. Here it refers to the armies from the east that Yahweh will send to destroy the people of Israel.
Hos 13:15
Ephraim's spring will dry up, and his well will have no water
Hosea continues to describe how God will punish the people of Israel. Here water represents life, vitality, and strength.
Hos 13:15
his storehouse
This refers to all of the peoples' possessions.
Hos 14:1
for you have fallen because of your iniquity
Sinning is spoken of here as if it were falling.
Hos 14:4
I will heal their turning away
Stopping the people from turning away from God is spoken of as if he were healing them.
Hos 14:4
their turning away
The failure of the people to obey God is spoken of as if they had physically turned away from him.
Hos 14:7
The people who live in his shade will return
The people of Israel will once again live protected by God. Israel is spoken of as living in his shade.
Hos 14:8
from me comes your fruit
Here "fruit" represents every good thing that comes from Yahweh.
Hos 14:9
For the ways of Yahweh are right, and the righteous will walk in them
Yahweh's commandments are spoken of as ways to walk in.
Hos 14:9
stumble
Disobeying Yahweh is spoken of as if it were stumbling while walking.
Jol 1:6
a nation
The locust swarm is like an invading army.
Jol 1:10
the ground is mourning
Here the land is spoken of as if it were a person. These words could also be seen as a metonym for the people who are mourning or even as hyperbole, that the famine is so bad that even things that are not alive are mourning. Alternate Translation: "the farmers are mourning"
Jol 2:2
a large and mighty army
The words "large" and "mighty" share similar meanings here and emphasize that the army will be very strong. The word "army" could possibly be 1) a metaphor for a swarm of locusts or 2) referring to a human army.
Jol 2:3
A fire is consuming everything in front of it
A fire destroys everything as it moves, and the "army" ([Joel 2:2](./02.md)), whether of humans or of locusts, destroys everything as it moves.
Jol 2:3
behind it a flame is burning
After a wall of flame goes through dry land and burns the dryest and smallest fuel, there will still be flames as the larger and less dry fuel burns,
Jol 2:17
your inheritance
Here the people of Israel are spoken of as God's inheritance. Alternate Translation: "your special people"
Jol 2:28
I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh
Yahweh speaks of the Spirit as if he were speaking of water. AT" "I will give my Spirit generously to all flesh"
Jol 3:13
Put in the sickle ... the winepress is full
Possible meanings are that Yahweh speaks of completely destroying the nations as if 1) he were harvesting all the grapes and all the grain or 2) he were harvesting quickly, while the grain and grapes are ripe.
Jol 3:13
Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe
Yahweh speaks of making war against the nations as if he were using a sharp tool to harvest a field of ripe crops. If your readers will not understand the word "sickle," you may use the word for any sharp tool that your people use for harvesting.
Jol 3:13
Put in the sickle
Swing the sickle to cut the grain. This is a metaphor for a soldier using a sword to kill people, but it is best to use the word for a sharp tool used in harvesting.
Jol 3:13
Come, crush the grapes, for the winepress is full
Yahweh speaks of the nations as if they were many grapes in a winepress, ready for people to crush them by stepping on them. Alternate Translation: "Come, completely destroy the nations, for they are many, and they are helpless to resist you"
Jol 3:13
The vats overflow, for their wickedness is enormous
Yahweh speaks of the nations' wickedness as if it were the juice that flows from the winepress into storage containers, and more juice flows into the vats than they can contain.
Jol 3:16
Yahweh will roar
Possible meanings are 1) "Yahweh will roar like a lion" or 2) "Yahweh will roar like thunder."
Jol 3:16
Yahweh will be a shelter for his people, and a fortress for the people of Israel
Both of these phrases mean Yahweh will protect his people. A fortress is a strong shelter used to protect people during war. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will be a strong fortress for his people, the people of Israel"
Jol 3:18
the hills will flow with milk
milk will flow from the hills. The land being very fertile is spoken of as if the hills would flow with milk. Alternate Translation: "on the hills your cattle and goats will produce plenty of milk"
Amo 1:2
Yahweh will roar
The author speaks of the voice of Yahweh as if it sounded like the roar of a lion or the roar of thunder.
Amo 1:4
I will send a fire into the house of Hazael
Here Yahweh speaks of his judgment against the house of Hazael as if it were a consuming fire.
Amo 1:4
it will devour the fortresses of Ben Hadad
Here Yahweh's judgment is spoken of as if it were a fire that was consuming the fortresses.
Amo 1:5
cut off the man
Here to "cut off" means either to destroy or to drive away, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. Alternate Translation: "destroy the man" or "drive away the man"
Amo 1:7
it will devour her fortresses
Here Yahweh's judgment is spoken of as if it were a fire that was consuming the fortresses.
Amo 1:8
cut off the man
Here to "cut off" means either to destroy or to drive away, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. Alternate Translation: "destroy the man" or "drive away the man"
Amo 1:10
it will devour her fortresses
Here Yahweh's judgment is spoken of as if it were a fire that was consuming the fortresses.
Amo 1:12
it will devour the palaces of Bozrah
Here Yahweh's judgment is spoken of as if it were a fire that was consuming the palaces.
Amo 1:14
it will devour the palaces
Here Yahweh's judgment is spoken of as if it were a fire that was consuming the palaces.
Amo 1:14
with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind
The fighting against the people of Ammon is spoken of as if it were a violent storm. Alternate Translation: "and the fighting will be like a great storm"
Amo 2:4
Their lies
This expression here probably refers to worshiping false gods or idols. Alternate Translation: "Their worship of idols"
Amo 2:4
go astray ... walked
Worshiping false gods is spoken of as if people were walking behind them.
Amo 2:5
it will devour the fortresses of Jerusalem
Here Yahweh's judgment is spoken of as if it were a fire that was consuming the fortresses.
Amo 3:6
If disaster overtakes a city,
Something terrible happening to a city is spoken of as if disaster overtakes it.
Amo 3:15
the large houses will vanish
the large houses will exist no more. Here "vanish" represents being destroyed. Alternate Translation: "the large houses will be destroyed"
Amo 4:1
you cows of Bashan, you who are in the mountain of Samaria
Amos speaks to the women of Israel who live in Samaria as if they were well-fed cows. Alternate Translation: "you wealthy women who live in the mountains of Samaria, you who are like the well-fed cows of Bashan"
Amo 4:1
you who crush the needy
Hear "crush" is a metaphor that represents treating people badly. The phrase "the needy" refers to people who need help. Alternate Translation: "you who treat needy people badly" or "you who hurt needy people"
Amo 4:2
the days will come on you when they will take you away with hooks
A time in the future when bad things will happen to the people is spoken of as if those days will attack the people. The word "they" refers to their enemies. Alternate Translation: "There will be a time when your enemies will take you away with hooks"
Amo 4:6
you have not returned to me
Returning to God represents submitting again to him. Alternate Translation: "you have not submitted again to me"
Amo 4:8
you have not returned to me
Returning to God represents submitting again to him. See how you translated this in [Amos 4:6](./06.md). Alternate Translation: "you have not submitted again to me"
Amo 4:10
you have not returned to me
Returning to God represents submitting again to him. See how you translated this in [Amos 4:6](./06.md). Alternate Translation: "you have not submitted again to me"
Amo 4:11
You were like a burning stick snatched out of the fire
God speaks of those who survived the plague and war as if they were a burning stick that someone pulled out of a fire. Alternate Translation: "Some of you survived, like a burning stick that someone pulls out of a fire"
Amo 4:13
treads on the high places of the earth
God ruling over all the earth is spoken of as if he walks on the highest places of the earth. Alternate Translation: "rules over all the earth" or "rules over even the highest places of the earth"
Amo 5:2
The virgin Israel has fallen ... no one to raise her up
The phrase "The virgin Israel" represents the nation of Israel. The nation of Israel being destroyed and having no other nation to help them become strong again is spoken of as if it were a young woman who has fallen and has no one to raise her up. Alternate Translation: "The nation of Israel is like a woman who has fallen ... no one to help her get up"
Amo 5:4
Seek me
Here "Seek me" represents asking God for help. Alternate Translation: "Ask me for help"
Amo 5:5
Do not seek Bethel
Here "seek Bethel" represents going to Bethel to ask for help. Alternate Translation: "Do not go to Bethel to ask for help"
Amo 5:5
Bethel will become nothing
Here "become nothing" represents being destroyed. Alternate Translation: "Bethel will be completely destroyed" or "enemies will completely destroy Bethel"
Amo 5:6
Seek Yahweh
Here "Seek Yahweh" represents asking him for help. Alternate Translation: "Ask Yahweh for help" or "Ask me, Yahweh, for help"
Amo 5:6
It will devour
The word "it" refers to the fire, and "devour" represents destroying everything. God destroying everything is spoken of as if a fire were to destroy everything. Alternate Translation: "It will destroy everything" or "He will destroy everything"
Amo 5:7
turn justice into a bitter thing
Here "a bitter thing" represents actions that harm people, and "turn justice into a bitter thing" represents harming people rather than doing for them what is just. Alternate Translation: "say that they are doing what is just, but instead they harm people" or "refuse to do what is just and harm people instead"
Amo 5:7
throw righteousness down to the ground
This represents treating righteousness as if it were worthless. Alternate Translation: "treat righteousness as though it were as unimportant as dirt" or "you despise what is righteous"
Amo 5:8
calls for the waters ... on the surface of the earth
This represents God causing the sea water to fall on the earth as rain. Alternate Translation: "he takes the waters of the sea and makes them rain down on the surface of the earth"
Amo 5:14
Seek good and not evil
Here "Seek good" represents choosing to do what good. "Good" and "evil" represent good actions and evil actions. Alternate Translation: "Choose to do what is good and not what is evil"
Amo 5:18
It will be darkness and not light
Here "darkness" represents a time when disasters happen, and "light" represents a time when good things happen. Alternate Translation: "It will be a time of darkness and disaster, not of light and blessing" or "On that day there will be disasters, not blessings"
Amo 5:23
Remove from me the noise of your songs
This speaks of the noise of songs as if it could be put somewhere else. It represents stopping singing. Alternate Translation: "Stop singing your noisy songs"
Amo 6:3
to those who put off the day of disaster
Refusing to believe that Yahweh will cause disaster is spoken of as if the "day of disaster" were an object the people could put far from themselves. Alternate Translation: "to those who refuse to believe that I will cause them to experience disaster"
Amo 6:12
Yet you have turned justice into poison
Distorting what is just is spoken of as if the leaders "turned justice into poison." Alternate Translation: "Yet you distort what is just" or "But you make laws that hurt innocent people"
Amo 7:8
I will put a plumb line among my people Israel
Judging the people and determining they are wicked is spoken of as if the Israelites were a wall, and Yahweh determines the wall is not straight by using a plumb line. Alternate Translation: "my people Israel are wicked. They are like a wall that is not straight up and down"
Amo 7:17
an unclean land
A land full of people that are unacceptable to God is spoken of as if the land were physically unclean. Here it means a land other than Israel. Alternate Translation: "a foreign land"
Amo 8:4
you who trample
Harming people is spoken of as if it were stomping on people. Alternate Translation: "you who harm" or "you who oppress"
Amo 8:10
a bitter day to its end
Terrible and sad things happening during a day is spoken of as if the day had a bitter taste. Alternate Translation: "everything that happens at that time will cause you great sorrow"
Amo 8:11
the days are coming
This speaks of a future time as if "days are coming." Alternate Translation: "there will be a time" or "in the future"
Amo 8:11
when I will send a famine in the land ... but for hearing the words of Yahweh
Yahweh refusing to give messages when the people want to hear from him is spoken of as if there would be a famine of his words. Alternate Translation: "when I will cause something like a famine in the land ... but for hearing the words of Yahweh"
Amo 9:6
He calls for the waters of the sea ... on the surface of the earth
This represents God causing the sea water to fall on the earth as rain. See how you translated this in [Amos 5:8](../05/08.md). Alternate Translation: "He takes the waters of the sea and makes them rain down on the surface of the earth"
Amo 9:10
Disaster will not overtake or meet us
Experiencing disaster is spoken of as disaster could overtake or meet someone. Alternate Translation: "We will not experience disaster" or "Bad things will not happen to us"
Amo 9:11
I will raise up the tent of David that has fallen
Causing the people of Israel to be great again is spoken of as if David's kingdom were a tent that fell down and Yahweh will set it back up. Alternate Translation: "David's kingdom will be like tent that has fallen down, but I will raise it back up again"
Amo 9:13
the days will come ... when the plowman
A future time is spoken of as if "days will come." Alternate Translation: "there will be a time ... when the plowman" or "in the future ... the plowman"
Amo 9:15
I will plant them upon their land, and they will never again be uprooted from the land
Bringing the people back to their land and keeping them safe from enemies is spoken of as if Israel were a plant that Yahweh would put in the ground and not let anyone pull the plant up from the ground. Alternate Translation: "I will cause them to live in the land forever like a plant that is never uprooted"
Oba 1:2
I will make you small among the nations
Something that is insignificant is spoken of as if it is of small size, and can easily be overlooked. Alternate Translation: "I will make you insignificant among the nations"
Oba 1:16
as you have drunk
The punishment that Judah received from the enemy nations is spoken of as if a bitter liquid that they drank. Alternate Translation: "as you have drunk suffering" or "as I have punished you"
Oba 1:16
so will all the nations drink continually
Yahweh's punishment of the other nations is spoken of as if it was a bitter liquid that he will cause them to drink continually. Alternate Translation: "so all the nations will drink in suffering continually" or "so I will punish all of the nations without stopping"
Oba 1:16
They will drink and swallow and it will be as though they had never existed
Yahweh continues the metaphor of drinking punishment. Here "swallow" expresses that they will fully experience the punishment, with the result that it will destroy them completely. Alternate Translation: "They will drink in my punishment fully until they cease to exist" or "I will continue to punish them fully until I completely destroy them"
Oba 1:17
house of Jacob will be a fire ... Joseph a flame
Yahweh speaks of the houses of Jacob and Joseph as if they were fire because they will destroy Esau like a fire that quickly and completely burns up straw.
Oba 1:18
house of Jacob will be a fire ... Joseph a flame
Yahweh speaks of the houses of Jacob and Joseph as if they were fire because they will destroy Esau like a fire that quickly and completely burns up straw.
Jon 1:14
do not lay upon us the guilt of his death
please do not blame us for his death or "do not consider us guilty when this man dies." The author speaks of "guilt" as if it were an object that can be placed on top of a person. It refers to making that person accountable for their actions.
Jon 2:2
from the belly of Sheol
from the center of Sheol or "from the deep part of Sheol." Possible meanings are 1) Jonah was speaking as being in the belly of the whale was being in Sheol or 2) Jonah believed that he was about to die and go to Sheol or 3) He spoke as if he already had died and gone there.
Jon 2:6
the earth with its bars closed upon me forever
Jonah used a metaphor to compare the earth to a prison. Alternate Translation: "the earth was like a prison that was about to lock me in forever"
Jon 2:6
Yet you brought up my life from the pit
Jonah speaks of the place of the dead as if it were a pit. Alternate Translation: "But you saved my life from the place of the dead" or "But you saved me from the place where the dead people are"
Jon 2:7
then my prayer came to you, to your holy temple
Jonah speaks as if his prayers could travel to God and his temple. Alternate Translation: "then you in your holy temple heard my prayer"
Jon 3:10
they turned from their evil ways
The author speaks of the people stop sinning as if they turned their back to an object.
Jon 3:10
God changed his mind about the punishment that he had said he would do to them
Here God deciding not to do the punishment he had planned is spoken of is if he changed his mind. Alternate Translation: "God changed his thinking about the punishment that he had said he would do to them" or "God decided not to punish them as he had said he would"
Mic 1:3
he will come down and tread on the high places of the earth
Micah speaks as if Yahweh were a mighty soldier coming down from heaven and beginning to march on top of the mountains.
Mic 1:4
The mountains will melt under him; the valleys will break apart, like wax before fire, like waters that are poured down a steep place
Micah speaks as if Yahweh were a hot, solid object that melted the earth as it moved. Alternate Translation: "He will crush the mountains and the valleys as he marches over them; he will destroy them, and they will completely disappear"
Mic 1:6
Samaria ... her stones ... her foundations ... her carved figures ... her gifts that she received ... her idols ... she gathered her gifts ... they will become
Yahweh speaks of Samaria as if the city were a woman. Alternate Translation: "Samaria ... its stones ... the foundations of the buildings in the city ... the carved figures in the city ... the gifts that people gave to the temple in the city ... the idols in the city ... the people of the city became rich ... the gifts will become"
Mic 1:7
Samaria ... her stones ... her foundations ... her carved figures ... her gifts that she received ... her idols ... she gathered her gifts ... they will become
Yahweh speaks of Samaria as if the city were a woman. Alternate Translation: "Samaria ... its stones ... the foundations of the buildings in the city ... the carved figures in the city ... the gifts that people gave to the temple in the city ... the idols in the city ... the people of the city became rich ... the gifts will become"
Mic 1:7
Since she gathered her gifts from the wages of prostitutes, they will become the wages of prostitutes again
Yahweh speaks of the people giving gifts to idols as if the people were hiring prostitutes. When the Assyrians destroy Samaria, they will take to Assyria the gifts the people of Samaria gave to their idols and give them as gifts to their own idols.
Mic 1:9
For her wound is incurable
Here "her" refers to the city of Samaria. This means nothing can stop the enemy army from destroying the people who live there.
Mic 1:9
for it has come to Judah
Micah uses contagious disease as a metaphor for the army that Yahweh has sent to judge Samaria. Here "it" refers to the "wound," that is, to the army that God will use to punish Samaria.
Mic 2:3
from which you will not remove your necks
Yahweh speaks of punishing the people as if he were putting a yoke around their necks. Alternate Translation: "from which you will not be able to escape"
Mic 2:6
reproaches must not come
Reproach is spoken of as if it were a robber chasing a person. It can be translated as a verb. Alternate Translation: "we will not allow you to reproach us"
Mic 2:8
You strip the robe, the garment, from those who pass by unsuspectingly
Possible meanings are 1) the wicked rich people are literally stealing robes from the poor or 2) creditors are keeping the outer garments of the poor who come to borrow money and give the garment as assurance they will repay.
Mic 3:1
you who tear off their skin, their flesh from their bones ... just like meat in a cauldron
A butcher cutting up animals into meat is a metaphor for the leaders being cruel to the poor.
Mic 3:2
you who tear off their skin, their flesh from their bones ... just like meat in a cauldron
A butcher cutting up animals into meat is a metaphor for the leaders being cruel to the poor.
Mic 3:3
you who tear off their skin, their flesh from their bones ... just like meat in a cauldron
A butcher cutting up animals into meat is a metaphor for the leaders being cruel to the poor.
Mic 3:4
He will hide his face from you
Hiding the face is a metaphor for refusing to listen. Alternate Translation: "He will turn his face away from you and cover it" or "You will see that he has no desire to help you"
Mic 3:5
who lead my people astray
Walking on a good path is a metaphor for obeying God. Going astray from the path is a metaphor for disobeying God, in this case perhaps without knowing it. Alternate Translation: "who lead my people to disobey me"
Mic 3:5
if one gives them something to eat, they proclaim, 'Peace.'
Micah is using a metaphor to describe a situation that actually happens. The phrase "something to eat" is an ironic way of speaking of a small payment. Alternate Translation: "they tell people who pay them even a small amount that things will go well for those people."
Mic 3:5
if he puts nothing in their mouths, they dedicate themselves to wage war on him
Micah is using a metaphor to describe a situation that actually happens. The phrase "puts nothing in their mouths" is an ironic exaggeration for not giving what they want. Alternate Translation: "they do all they can to destroy people who pay them too little"
Mic 3:6
it will be night for you ... the day will be dark on them
Darkness is a metaphor for Yahweh not speaking to the prophets.
Mic 3:8
I am full of power by the Spirit of Yahweh, and am full of justice and might
Micah speaks of himself as if he were a container into which Yahweh were pouring a liquid. Alternate Translation: "the Spirit of Yahweh has given me power, justice, and might" or "the Spirit of Yahweh has enabled me to be strong, to declare what justice is, and to be mighty"
Mic 3:10
You build Zion with blood and Jerusalem with iniquity
Blood here is a metonym for murder, and "Zion" and "Jerusalem" are spoken of as if they were buildings. Micah speaks of the rich murdering people and sinning in other ways as if those activities were the bricks and wood with which people use to build houses. Alternate Translation: "You commit murder and other horrible sins as you work to make Zion and Jerusalem great" or "You commit murder as you worship in Zion, and you commit other sins as you get rich in Jerusalem"
Mic 3:12
Zion will become a plowed field ... and the hill of the temple will become a thicket
Zion and "the hill of the temple" refer to the same place. When a farmer plows a field, he turns over all the dirt and uproots all the plants that are growing there. A thicket is so full of bushes that no one can use it for anything. These two metaphors cannot be literally true at the same time, but they emphasize that Yahweh will allow the invaders to completely destroy the temple area.
Mic 4:1
the mountain ... other mountains
Yahweh making the temple mount higher than all other mountains and hills is a metaphor for making his temple the most important place on earth.
Mic 4:1
peoples will stream to it
A stream flows continually to one place from many directions. Many people come to the temple mount from different directions. Alternate Translation: "the people of the nations will flow like a stream to it" or "the people of the nations will go to it"
Mic 4:2
He will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths
Here "his ways" and "his paths" refer to what God wants the people to do. "Walk" means they will obey what he says.
Mic 4:2
from Zion the law will go out, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem
The law and the word going out is a metaphor for people hearing it and then being messengers to tell other people about it in other places. Alternate Translation: "people will listen to the law in Zion and go out and tell others; they will listen to the word of Yahweh in Jerusalem and go out and tell others"
Mic 4:5
the peoples walk ... in the name of their god ... we will walk in the name of Yahweh
Walking on a path is a metaphor for living one's life. Walking in the name of someone is a metaphor for worshiping and obeying. Alternate Translation: "the peoples ... worship and obey their god ... we will worship and obey Yahweh"
Mic 4:8
watchtower for the flock
The people of Jerusalem protecting the other people in surrounding areas is spoken of as if they were a shepherd in a watchtower watching over his flock.
Mic 4:8
daughter of Zion ... daughter of Jerusalem
The people who live in a place are spoken of as if the place is a mother and they are the daughter. Alternate Translation: "people who live in Zion ... people who live in Jerusalem"
Mic 4:13
Arise and thresh, daughter of Zion, for I will make your horn to be iron, and I will make your hooves to be bronze
Yahweh speaks of the people of Zion as if they were strong oxen about to thresh wheat and their enemies were the wheat.
Mic 4:13
I will make your horn to be iron, and I will make your hooves to be bronze
If your reader is not familiar with oxen or iron or bronze, you can remove the metaphor. Alternate Translation: "for I will make you able to defeat and destroy every enemy"
Mic 5:1
daughter of soldiers
The people of a city are spoken of as if they were a woman. The soldiers are attacking the city. Alternate Translation: "people of the city, whom soldiers are attacking"
Mic 5:4
He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of Yahweh
A shepherd, who feeds and protects his sheep, is a metaphor for the ruler, who will provide for and protect the people of Israel. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will give him the strength to lead his people"
Mic 5:5
seven shepherds and eight leaders over men
Here "shepherds" is a metonym for "rulers," another way of saying "leaders over men." The phrase "seven ... and eight" is an idiom for "more than enough." Alternate Translation: "enough, even more than enough, rulers" or "more than enough shepherds and leaders over men"
Mic 5:6
They will shepherd the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in its entrances
The sword is a metonym for killing in war. Here the Israelites ruling over the Assyrians is spoken of ironically as if they were killing sheep instead of herding them. The land of Assyria is a metonym for the people who live there. The entrances to cities were where official business took place. Alternate Translation: "They will make war against the people of Assyria, and they will rule the cities of the land of Nimrod"
Mic 5:14
will uproot your Asherah poles
Yahweh speaks of Asherah poles as if they were trees that he would pull out of the ground. Alternate Translation: "will pull your Asherah poles out of the ground"
Mic 6:4
house of bondage
A house is a metaphor for a place in which one lives for a long time. The abstract noun "bondage" can be translated as "to be slaves." Alternate Translation: "the place where you were slaves for a long time"
Mic 6:9
Pay attention to the rod, and to the one who has put it in place
Here "rod" refers to the enemy army with which Yahweh, who "has put it in place," will discipline his people.
Mic 6:12
The rich men are full of violence
Rich men are spoken of as if they were containers, and people treating each other violently is spoken of as if it were a liquid that could be put into a container. Alternate Translation: "The rich men act violently toward everyone" or "The rich men act violently all the time"
Mic 6:13
I will strike you with a terrible blow
Yahweh striking his people with blows is a metaphor for him punishing them. Alternate Translation: "I have punished you severely"
Mic 6:14
your emptiness will remain inside you
A person or thing being hungry is spoken of as if it were something that could be put in a container, and the people are spoken of as if they were containers. Alternate Translation: "You will be hungry, and you will not be able to eat enough to satisfy yourself"
Mic 6:16
You walk by their advice
Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate Translation: "You do what Omri and Ahab told the people to do"
Mic 7:1
I have become like the gathering of summer fruit, and like the grapes that have been gleaned
Micah speaks of looking for faithful people but being unable to find any as if he were a person looking for food after the harvesters have taken it all. The idea of a person wanting to gather fruit can be stated clearly. Alternate Translation: "I have become like someone looking for fruit after the gathering of summer fruit, like a gleaner after the grapes have been gleaned"
Mic 7:1
no grape cluster ... no ripe early fig
Micah speaks of faithful, upright people as if they were fruit that is good to eat.
Mic 7:2
to shed blood
Blood is a metaphor for the death of innocent people. Alternate Translation: "to kill innocent people"
Mic 7:7
General Information:
In verse 8 Micah begins speaking as if he were one woman speaking to her enemy, another woman. This is perhaps the daughter of Zion ([Micah 1:13](../01/13.md)), who represents the people of Israel, speaking to the "daughter of soldiers" ([Micah 5:1](../05/01.md)), who represents the nations which attacked Israel. All commands and instances of "you" are feminine singular.
Mic 7:8
fall ... rise
These words are metaphors for suffering from disaster and then recovering.
Mic 7:8
sit in darkness
These words are a metaphor for suffering from disaster.
Mic 7:9
General Information:
Micah continues the poem that began in [Micah 7:8](./07.md), speaking as if he were one woman speaking to her enemy, another woman. This is perhaps the daughter of Zion ([Micah 1:13](../01/13.md)), who represents the people of Israel, speaking to the "daughter of soldiers" ([Micah 5:1](../05/01.md)), who represents the nations which attacked Israel.
Mic 7:9
I will bear his rage
Rage is spoken of as if it were a solid object that Yahweh was forcing Micah to carry. Alternate Translation: "I will suffer because he is angry with me"
Mic 7:9
he pleads my cause
Yahweh is spoken of as if he were defending Micah in court. Alternate Translation: "he defends me against those who harm me"
Mic 7:9
He will bring me to the light
Bringing Micah from darkness ([Micah 7:8](./08.md)) to light is a metaphor for ending the suffering from disaster and enabling him to live well.
Mic 7:10
General Information:
Micah continues and ends the poem that began in [Micah 7:8](./07.md), speaking as if he were one woman speaking to her enemy, another woman. This is perhaps the daughter of Zion ([Micah 1:13](../01/13.md)), who represents the people of Israel, speaking to the "daughter of soldiers" ([Micah 5:1](../05/01.md)), who represents the nations which attacked Israel.
Mic 7:13
because of the fruit of their actions
Fruit is a metaphor for the results of an earlier action. Alternate Translation: "because of the results of what they have done"
Mic 7:14
Shepherd your people with your rod, the flock of your inheritance
Micah is praying to Yahweh, asking him to protect his people of Israel again. Here "rod" refers to God's leadership and guidance, as a shepherd uses a stick to guide and protect his sheep.
Mic 7:14
They live alone in a thicket, in the midst of a pastureland
Micah speaks of his people as if they were wild animals hiding in bushes instead of livestock grazing in fields with much grass to eat.
Mic 7:16
The nations
The word "nations" is a metonym for the people who live in many nations. Alternate Translation: "The people of the nations nearby"
Mic 7:17
their dens
The people are spoken of as if they were animals, because animals live in "dens." Alternate Translation: "their homes" or "their hiding places"
Mic 7:19
you will trample our iniquities under your feet. You will throw all our sins into the depths of the sea
Iniquity and sin are spoken of as if they were solid objects. Alternate Translation: "You will treat our iniquities and sins as if they were not important"
Nam 1:2
General Information:
Nahum begins to describe Yahweh coming to judge his enemies and to save his people. The vision is full of metaphorical language and uses different kinds of parallelism.
Nam 1:5
the hills melt
Possible meanings are 1) the earthquake causing the hills to crumble to pieces is spoken of as if the hills were melting or 2) the water from the storms coursing down the hills and causing them to erode is spoken of as if the hills were melting.
Nam 1:6
His wrath is poured out like fire
Nahum speaks of Yahweh's anger as if it were a liquid that he pours out and which burns like fire. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "He pours out his wrath like fire" or "He expresses his fierce anger"
Nam 1:7
a stronghold ... those who take refuge in him
Nahum speaks of Yahweh as if he were a place where people can be safe from those who wish to harm them, and of those who trust Yahweh to protect them as if they were taking refuge inside that safe place.
Nam 1:8
with an overwhelming flood
Nahum speaks of Yahweh destroying his enemies in such a way that they will be powerless to avoid death as if Yahweh caused them to drown in a great flood of water.
Nam 1:10
they will become tangled up like thornbushes
Possible meanings for this metaphor are 1) the people who plot against Yahweh will not be able to free themselves from the trouble that Yahweh will bring upon them, like a person who is tangled up in thornbushes cannot easily free himself or 2) just as thornbushes burn more quickly when they are tangled together, Yahweh will quickly destroy those who plot against him.
Nam 1:10
they will be saturated in their own drink
Nahum speaks of those who plot against Yahweh suffering the consequences of their plans as if they were completely drunk with alcohol.
Nam 1:10
they will be completely devoured by fire like dry stubble
Nahum speaks of Yahweh completely destroying those who plot against him as if fire would burn them up like fire burns up dry stubble. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "fire will completely devour them like it devours dry stubble"
Nam 1:10
devoured by fire
Nahum speaks of fire burning something completely as if the fire were devouring that thing. Alternate Translation: "burned up by fire"
Nam 1:12
they will nevertheless be sheared
Yahweh speaks of destroying the people of Nineveh as if the were sheep that he will shear. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I will nevertheless shear them" or "I will nevertheless destroy them"
Nam 1:13
Now will I break that people's yoke from off you; I will break your chains
Yahweh speaks of freeing Judah from Assyrian oppression as if he were breaking the yoke and chains that the Assyrians had placed on them. Alternate Translation: "Now I will free you from that people and they will no longer oppress you"
Nam 1:14
I will cut off the carved figures and the cast metal figures from the houses of your gods
Yahweh speaks of destroying the Assyrian idols as if he were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. The word "house" is a metonym for the temples in which the people worshiped these idols. Alternate Translation: "I will destroy the carved figures and the cast metal figures that are in the temples of your gods"
Nam 1:15
he is completely cut off
Nahum speaks of the people of Nineveh being completely destroyed as if they had been cut off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "he is completely destroyed" or "Yahweh has completely destroyed him"
Nam 2:1
The one who will dash you to pieces
The word "you" refers to Nineveh. Nahum speaks of an army or military leader destroying Nineveh as if he were to shatter Nineveh like one would shatter a clay pot. Alternate Translation: "The one who will destroy you"
Nam 2:2
destroyed their vine branches
Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor in which the Assyrians taking away Israel's possessions by force is spoken of as if Israel were a vine whose branches the Assyrians had stripped bare. Alternate Translation: "robbed them of all of their possession, like one would strip bare vine branches" or 2) the words "vine branches" are a synecdoche for the agricultural fields throughout the nation. Alternate Translation: "destroyed their fields of crops"
Nam 2:5
The one who will dash you to pieces
The word "you" refers to Nineveh. Nahum speaks of an army or military leader destroying Nineveh as if he were to shatter Nineveh like one would shatter a clay pot. See how you translated this in [Nahum 2:1](./01.md). Alternate Translation: "The one who will destroy you"
Nam 2:10
Everyone's heart melts
Nahum speaks of the people losing courage as if their hearts melt like wax. Alternate Translation: "Everyone loses courage"
Nam 2:11
General Information:
In these verses, Nahum speaks of the people of Nineveh as if they were a group of lions, and of the city Nineveh as if it were their den. The metaphor speaks of the way in which the Assyrians would conquer other people and take their possessions as their own as if they were lions hunting prey and bringing the dead animals back to their den.
Nam 2:13
I will cut off your prey from your land
Yahweh speaks of the people of Nineveh as if they were lions who preyed upon the nations. Possible meanings are 1) the word "prey" is a metonym for the things that they have taken from those upon whom they preyed, and Yahweh speaks of taking those things away from them as if it were cutting off their prey. Alternate Translation: "I will take away from your land all the things that you took from others" or 2) Yahweh speaks of the nations whom the people of Nineveh had plundered as if they were Nineveh's prey, and preventing Nineveh from plundering any more nations as if he were cutting off their prey. Alternate Translation: "I will stop you from preying upon any other nation"
Nam 3:4
the lustful actions of the beautiful prostitute
Nahum speaks of Nineveh causing other nations to be subject to her as if the city were a prostitute who seduces men with her beauty.
Nam 3:4
the expert in witchcraft
Nahum speaks of Nineveh causing other nations to be subject to her as if the city were a witch who casts a spells on others.
Nam 3:5
I will raise up your skirt over your face and show your private parts to the nations
This refers to the practice of publicly humiliating prostitutes by stripping them naked in front of the community. This continues the metaphor of Yahweh speaking of the city of Nineveh as if it were a prostitute. Alternate Translation: "I will publicly humiliate you, as one would humiliate a prostitute by raising up her skirt over her face and showing her private parts to all the people"
Nam 3:8
whose defense was the ocean, whose wall was the sea itself
These two phrases share similar meanings. The words "ocean" and "sea" both refer to the Nile River, which ran near the city. Nahum speaks of the Nile as if it were the wall that protected the city. Alternate Translation: "which had the Nile river as its defenses, as some cities have a wall for theirs"
Nam 3:10
at the head of every street
The beginning of a street is spoken of as if it were the head. Also, "every" is a generalization that means many places all over the city. Alternate Translation: "on every street corner" or "in the streets all over the city"
Nam 3:11
You also will become drunk
Here the word "You" refers to Nineveh. Nahum speaks of the people of Nineveh suffering and dying in battle as if they had become drunk from drinking too much wine.
Nam 3:13
the people among you are women
In this ancient culture, women were not warriors for a number of reasons, including their being generally weaker physically than men. Here Nahum speaks of Nineveh's warriors losing their strength and courage to fight as if the people in the city were all women. Alternate Translation: "your people are all like women who are weak and cannot defend themselves"
Nam 3:13
the gates of your land have been opened wide to your enemies
Possible meanings are 1) if "fortresses" in v. 12 refers to the Nineveh's defenses, then "the gates of your land" refers to the gates in the walls around Nineveh. Alternate Translation: "the gates of your city are wide open for your enemies to attack" or 2) if "fortresses" in v. 12 refers to the fortified cities that were situated along Assyria's borders, then "the gates of your land" is a metaphor in which those cities are spoken of as if they were gates that prevented enemy armies from entering the land. Alternate Translation: "your land is defenseless before your enemies because they have destroyed the cities that protected your borders"
Nam 3:13
fire has devoured their bars
Possible meanings are 1) if "fortresses" in v. 12 refers to the Nineveh's defenses, then "their bars" refers to the bars that locked the gates in the walls around Nineveh. Alternate Translation: "fire has destroyed the bars that lock your city gates" or 2) if "fortresses" in v. 12 refers to the fortified cities that were situated along Assyria's borders, then "their bars" is a metaphor in which those cities are spoken of as if they were locked gates that prevented enemy armies from entering the land. Alternate Translation: "the cities on your borders can no longer protect you, just as gates can no longer protect a city when fire has destroyed their bars"
Nam 3:13
fire has devoured
Nahum speaks of fire burning up and destroying as if fire were eating. Alternate Translation: "fire has destroyed" or "fire has burned up"
Nam 3:15
Fire will devour you there
Nahum speaks of fire burning and destroying as if it were eating. Alternate Translation: "Fire will destroy you there" or "Your enemies will burn you with fire there"
Nam 3:18
Your people are scattered on the mountains
Nahum speaks of the people of Nineveh as if they were sheep that scatter after the shepherds have died. Alternate Translation: "Your people are scattered like sheep on the mountains"
Nam 3:19
No healing is possible for your wounds. Your wounds are severe
Nahum speaks of the certainty of the destruction of Nineveh and the defeat of its king as if the king had suffered an incurable wound.
Hab 1:4
the law is weakened
Habakkuk speaks of people not obeying or enforcing the law as if they had made the law weak and unable to act. Alternate Translation: "no one enforces the law"
Hab 1:4
the wicked surround the righteous
Habakkuk speaks of wicked people causing righteous people to suffer injustice as if the wicked people surrounded the righteous people.
Hab 1:4
false justice goes out
Habakkuk speaks of judges giving decisions that they say are just but that are not as if "false justice" were going out to the people. Alternate Translation: "judges give verdicts that are not just"
Hab 1:7
their judgment and splendor proceed from themselves
The word "splendor" represents their pride in how they view themselves. Yahweh speaks of their opinion of themselves as if the qualities of judgment and splendor came from them. Alternate Translation: "because they are prideful, they decide for themselves what judgment looks like"
Hab 1:8
they fly like an eagle hurrying to eat
Yahweh speaks of how quickly the Chaldeans move in order to conquer their enemies as if they were flying, like an eagle flies swiftly to capture its prey.
Hab 1:9
their multitudes go like the desert wind
Yahweh speaks of how quickly the Chaldeans move as if they were a strong wind that blows in the desert.
Hab 1:11
the wind will rush on
Yahweh speaks of how swiftly the Chaldean army moves from one city to the next as it conquers each one as if it were a wind that blows swiftly along.
Hab 1:12
Rock
Habakkuk speaks of Yahweh being the one who protects him and keeps him safe as if he were a rock upon which Habakkuk could stand in order to be out of his enemies' reach.
Hab 1:13
Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than they are?
Habakkuk speaks of wicked people destroying others as if the wicked were swallowing them. Alternate Translation: "Why are you silent while the wicked destroy those more righteous than they are?"
Hab 1:15
He brings all of them up with a fishhook ... in his dragnet
Habakkuk speaks of the Chaldeans conquering people easily as if the people were fish that the Chaldeans catch with fishhooks and fishnets.
Hab 1:16
he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet
Habakkuk speaks of the weapons that the Chaldeans use to conquer people and nations as if the weapons were fishing nets that they use to catch fish. Alternate Translation: "they offer sacrifices and burn incense to the weapons that they use in battle"
Hab 1:17
keep emptying his net
Habakkuk speaks of the Chaldeans preparing to conquer more nations as if they were fishermen who empty their nets so that they can use them to catch more fish.
Hab 2:2
so that the one reading them might run
Possible meanings are 1) that the message is easy enough to read that a messenger can read it as he runs from place to place proclaiming the message. Alternate Translation: "so that the one reading the tablets might be able to run as he reads" or 2) this is a metaphor in which Yahweh speaks of reading something very quickly as if the person who reads it is running. Alternate Translation: "so that the one reading the tablets might be able to read quickly"
Hab 2:3
the vision ... will finally speak
Yahweh speaks of the events in the vision happening as if the vision were a person who speaks. Alternate Translation: "the vision ... will finally happen" or "the vision ... will finally come true"
Hab 2:3
Though it delays, wait for it. For it will surely come and will not tarry
Yahweh speaks of the events of the vision taking a long time to happen as if the vision were a person who does not arrive soon at his destination.
Hab 2:4
General Information:
Yahweh continues to answer Habakkuk. Here he speaks of the Chaldeans as if they were one prideful, drunken man who can never have enough.
Hab 2:4
is puffed up
Yahweh speaks of the person who is prideful as if the person were "puffed up." Alternate Translation: "is very prideful"
Hab 2:5
so that he will not abide
Here the word "abide" refers to dwelling in a home and is a metaphor for having no place to rest. Alternate Translation: "so that he will not be able to rest"
Hab 2:5
enlarges his desire like the grave and, like death, is never satisfied
Yahweh speaks of there always being more people to die as if "the grave" and "death" were people who are never satisfied with eating. In the same way, this person always wants more and is never satisfied.
Hab 2:6
General Information:
Yahweh continues to answer Habakkuk and to speak of the Chaldeans as if they were one man.
Hab 2:6
For how long will you increase the weight of the pledges you have taken?
The Chaldeans robbing the people of the nations of their wealth is spoken of as if the Chaldeans were a person who forces others to give him pledges and to pay him what they do not owe. Alternate Translation: "For how long will you make yourself rich by extorting others?"
Hab 2:7
the ones biting at you
The Hebrew word translated here as "the ones biting" can also mean "the ones paying interest" or "debtors." In this context, the word probably has both meanings. The phrase is a metaphor in which those whom the man has oppressed and made debtors by forcing them to give him pledges will now oppress him, which is spoken of as if they were biting him.
Hab 2:7
rise up ... awaken
The people of the nations beginning to act against the Chaldeans is spoken of as if they were to "rise up" and to "awaken" from sleep.
Hab 2:9
General Information:
Yahweh continues to answer Habakkuk and to speak of the Chaldeans as if they were one man.
Hab 2:9
the one who carves out evil gains
A person making a profit by violent means is spoken of as if he were "carving out" gains from something.
Hab 2:9
the one who carves out evil gains for his house
Possible meanings are 1) the word "house" is a metaphor in which the Babylonian empire is spoken of as if it were a house that the man builds by means of profits that he gained through violence. Alternate Translation: "the one who builds his house with riches that he gained through violence" or 2) the word "house" is a metonym for "family" and the man has made his family rich through violence. Alternate Translation: "the one who makes his family rich by violent means"
Hab 2:9
so he can set his nest on high to keep himself safe from the hand of evil
The person who builds his house is spoken of as if he were a bird that builds its nest in a high place. The man thinks that his house is secure and free from danger, just as predators are unable to reach the nest.
Hab 2:10
You have devised shame for your house
Here to "devise shame" means that the plans that the man devised have resulted in shame. One possible meaning is that the word "house" is a metaphor in which the Babylonian empire is spoken of as if it were a house that the man has built. Alternate Translation: "By your plans, you have brought shame on the house that you have built" Another possibility is that the word "house" is a metonym for "family." Alternate Translation: "By your plans, you have brought shame on your family"
Hab 2:10
cutting off many people
Killing many people is spoken of as if it were cutting those people off, like one would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate Translation: "killing many people"
Hab 2:12
General Information:
Yahweh continues to answer Habakkuk and to speak of the Chaldeans as if they were one man.
Hab 2:15
General Information:
Yahweh continues to answer Habakkuk and to speak of the Chaldeans as if they were one man.
Hab 2:15
the one who forces his neighbors to drink ... you make them drunk
The way that the Chaldeans cruelly treated other nations is spoken of as if they were a man who forces his neighbors to become drunk so that he can humiliate them.
Hab 2:16
You will be filled with shame instead of glory
The Chaldeans passionately pursuing their own glory is spoken of as if they were eating or drinking it greedily and excessively. Instead of attaining glory, they will find only shame. Alternate Translation: "You will bring shame upon yourself instead of the glory that you seek"
Hab 2:16
Drink
Others treating the Chaldeans the way that the Chaldeans had treated others is spoken of as if the Chaldeans were to drink the wine that they had forced others to drink. Alternate Translation: "Drink from the cup" or "Drink the wine"
Hab 2:16
The cup in Yahweh's right hand is coming around to you
Yahweh punishing the Chaldeans is spoken of as if he were forcing them to drink wine from a cup that he holds in his hand. Yahweh's right hand represents his power.
Hab 2:16
disgrace will cover your glory
The Chaldeans experiencing disgrace instead of glory is spoken of as if disgrace were an object that covers the glory that they thought they had. Alternate Translation: "disgrace will replace your glory" or "people will disgrace you instead of honor you"
Hab 2:17
General Information:
Yahweh continues to answer Habakkuk and to speak of the Chaldeans as if they were one man.
Hab 2:17
The violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you
The Chaldeans being punished for the violence done to Lebanon is spoken of as if their violent actions were a person who will overpower them.
Hab 2:17
the destruction of animals will terrify you
The Chaldeans being punished for destroying the animals in Lebanon is spoken of as if their destruction were a person who will terrify them.
Hab 2:18
General Information:
Yahweh continues to answer Habakkuk and to speak of the Chaldeans as if they were one man.
Hab 3:2
revive your work
Habakkuk speaks of Yahweh doing again the things that he has done in the past as if Yahweh were to cause his work to live again. Alternate Translation: "bring your work back to life" or "what you did before, do again"
Hab 3:3
General Information:
Habakkuk begins to describe his vision of Yahweh coming to judge his enemies and to save his people. The vision continues through [Habakkuk 3:15](./14.md). It is full of metaphorical language and uses different kinds of parallelism.
Hab 3:4
two-pronged rays flash from his hand
Habakkuk speaks of flashes of lightning as if they were two-pronged weapons that Yahweh holds in his hand.
Hab 3:6
His path is everlasting
Possible meanings are 1) the words "His path" may be a metaphor that speaks of Yahweh and his actions as a path on which he walks. Alternate Translation: "He is everlasting" or 2) Habakkuk speaks of the path upon which Yahweh walks in the vision as being everlasting, indicating that this is the same path that Yahweh had taken in ancient times. Alternate Translation: "He walks along an ancient path"
Hab 3:10
the deep sea raised a shout
The loud noises that the sea makes as the wind and storm pass over it are spoken of as if the sea were a person who begins to shout loudly. Alternate Translation: "the deep sea became loud"
Hab 3:10
It lifted up its waves
The level of the water in the sea rising and the storm winds causing waves in the sea is spoken of as if the sea were a person who lifts its waves. Alternate Translation: "Waves began to form in the sea"
Hab 3:11
The sun and moon stood still
The sun and moon not moving in the sky is spoken of as if they were people who stopped walking and stood still. Alternate Translation: "The sun and moon stopped moving"
Hab 3:12
you have threshed the nations
Yahweh punishing the people of the nations is spoken of as if he threshed the nations. Threshing refers to the practice of having an ox or some other animal trample upon grain stalks in order to crush them and remove the grain.
Hab 3:14
You have pierced the head of his warriors with his own arrows
The word "his" refers to the leader of the Chaldeans. Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor in which the warriors are spoken of as if they were a body and the leader were the head. Alternate Translation: "You have killed with his own spear the one who leads the warriors" or 2) the word "head" refers to the heads of each of the warriors. Alternate Translation: "With the leader's own spear, you have pierced the heads of each of his warriors"
Hab 3:15
heaped up the great waters
Yahweh causing the waters to surge is spoken of as if he heaped the water up into piles. Alternate Translation: "caused the great waters to surge"
Hab 3:17
though the flock is cut off from the fold
The word "flock" may refer to sheep or goats, or both. The word "fold" refers to the fenced-in area where shepherds keep their flock. Habakkuk speaks of the flock dying as if someone were to cut off the flock, as a person would cut a branch from a tree. Alternate Translation: "though all the flock dies and the folds are empty"
Hab 3:19
he makes my feet like the deer's. He makes me go forward on my high places
Habakkuk speaks of Yahweh keeping him safe and enabling him to survive during difficult times as if Yahweh were to make him as sure-footed as a deer that can climb easily on rugged and dangerous mountain sides.
Zep 1:3
cut off
Destroying is spoken of as if it were cutting something off from what it was a part of. Alternate Translation: "destroy"
Zep 1:4
cut off
Destroying is spoken of as if it were cutting something off from what it was a part of. See how you translated this in [Zephaniah 1:3](./03.md). Alternate Translation: "destroy"
Zep 1:6
neither seek Yahweh nor ask for his guidance
Seeking Yahweh represents either 1) asking God for help or 2) thinking about God and obeying him. Alternate Translation: "do not think about Yahweh or ask him to guide them"
Zep 1:7
Yahweh has prepared the sacrifice and set apart his guests
The people of Judah are spoken of as Yahweh's sacrifice, and the enemy nations are spoken of as his guests who would eat the sacrifice. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has prepared the people of Judah as a sacrifice, and invited the enemy nations as his guests"
Zep 1:11
cut off
Destroying is spoken of as if it were cutting something off from what it was a part of. See how you translated this in [Zephaniah 1:3](./03.md). Alternate Translation: "destroyed"
Zep 1:12
I will search Jerusalem with lamps
Yahweh speaks of knowing about all people of Jerusalem as if he had searched for them with lamps.
Zep 1:18
the fire of his jealousy
Here "fire" refers to the intensity of Yahweh's anger. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate Translation: "his jealousy is as intense as a fire"
Zep 2:3
Seek Yahweh
Seeking Yahweh represents either 1) asking God for help or 2) thinking about God and obeying him.
Zep 2:4
they will uproot Ekron
The defeat of Ekron is spoken of as if it was a tree that was pulled from the ground and thrown away. Alternate Translation: "they will take the people of Ekron away as if uprooting a tree"
Zep 3:3
Her princes are roaring lions in her midst
Lions roar to chase other animals away from the prey they have caught. The princes of Jerusalem are spoken of as if they were roaring lions who were keeping the prey for themselves. Alternate Translation: "Jerusalem's royalty are as greedy as roaring lions"
Zep 3:3
Her judges are evening wolves who leave nothing to be gnawed upon in the morning
Wolves are especially hungry before they hunt at night. The judges are spoken of as if they were hungry wolves. Alternate Translation: "Her judges are as greedy as hungry wolves that leave nothing for anyone else"
Zep 3:5
he will dispense his justice
Yahweh's just treatment of every person is spoken of as if he was handing out a commodity. Alternate Translation: "he will treat people justly"
Zep 3:8
I rise up to seize the prey
Yahweh's judgment on the nations is spoken of as if he was an hungry animal that attacked a smaller animal. Alternate Translation: "I will rise up and destroy them as an animal seizes its prey"
Zep 3:8
in the fire of my jealousy ... consumed
Yahweh's jealousy is here spoken of as if it were fire that could consume something. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate Translation: "my jealousy will consume all the earth as a fire"
Zep 3:12
they will find refuge in the name of Yahweh
Yahweh's protection of this remnant is spoke of as if he was a refuge or a fortress. Here "name of Yahweh" refers to his person. Alternate Translation: "they will come to Yahweh and he will help them"
Zep 3:13
they will graze and lie down
Yahweh speaks of his provision for the people of Israel as if they are a flock of sheep that grazes and rests in safety.
Zep 3:16
Do not let your hands falter
To feel weak or helpless is spoken of as if their hands became physically weak. Here "hands" represents the whole person. Alternate Translation: "Do not become weak"
Zep 3:17
a mighty one to save you
he is mighty and will save you. Yahweh is spoken of as a mighty warrior. Alternate Translation: "he is a mighty warrior and will give you victory"
Zep 3:18
no longer bear any shame for it
Here shame is spoken of as if it was a heavy thing that a person had to carry. Alternate Translation: "no longer be ashamed because of it"
Zep 3:19
I will rescue the lame and gather up the outcast
Here the Israelites who suffered in exile are spoken of as if they were lame and outcast sheep. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate Translation: "I will rescue and bring together the remnant of Israel who are like lame and outcast sheep"
Hag 1:6
the wage earner earns money only to put it into a bag full of holes
Not earning enough money to buy necessary goods is spoken of as if the person were losing the money that falls out through holes in the money bag. Alternate Translation: "the money the worker earns is gone before he finishes buying everything he needs"
Hag 1:9
I blew it away
The people not being able to find what they were looking for is spoken of as if Yahweh had blown on dust so it would go away. Alternate Translation: "I made sure there was nothing there for you to find"
Hag 1:10
the heavens withhold the dew from you
The dew that appears at night is spoken of as if it formed in the sky and fell like rain. The sky is spoken of as if it were a person who refused to give a present or a parent who refused to feed his child. Alternate Translation: "the sky does not allow the dew to fall" or "no dew forms"
Hag 2:6
I will ... shake the heavens ... the earth ... the sea ... the dry land ... every nation
The words "I will shake the earth" could be translated as "I will cause an earthquake," and that earthquake would shake "the sea" as well as "the dry land," a merism for the entire earth. Yahweh speaks of the heavens and every nation as if they also were solid objects that he could shake.
Hag 2:7
I will ... shake the heavens ... the earth ... the sea ... the dry land ... every nation
The words "I will shake the earth" could be translated as "I will cause an earthquake," and that earthquake would shake "the sea" as well as "the dry land," a merism for the entire earth. Yahweh speaks of the heavens and every nation as if they also were solid objects that he could shake.
Hag 2:7
I will fill this house with glory
Yahweh speaks of glory as if it were a solid or liquid that could be put into a container, the temple. Possible meanings are 1) the temple will become very beautiful. Alternate Translation: "I will make this house very beautiful" or 2) the "precious things" that "every nation will bring" include much silver and gold and other forms of wealth. Alternate Translation: "I will have people bring many beautiful things into this house"
Hag 2:21
I will shake the heavens and the earth
The words "I will shake the earth" could be translated as "I will cause an earthquake." Yahweh speaks of the heavens as if they also were solid objects that he could shake. See how these ideas are translated in [Haggai 2:6](./06.md).(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
Zec 1:3
Turn to me ... and I will return to you
Yahweh speaks of having a change of attitude toward another person as if it were turning or returning. The people turning to Yahweh means that they will again be devoted to him and worship him, while Yahweh returning to the people means that he will again bless them and help them.
Zec 1:4
Turn from your evil ways and wicked practices
No longer doing certain actions is spoken of as if it were turning away from those actions. The phrases "evil ways" and "wicked practices" mean basically the same thing. Alternate Translation: "Stop doing all of your wicked actions"
Zec 1:11
all the earth sits still and is at rest
There being peace and quiet in the world is spoken of as if the earth were a person who is still and resting. Possible meanings are 1) this is a good thing that means that there is peace between nations or 2) this is a bad thing that means that there is no war because nations are helpless to fight against a stronger nation that has subdued them.
Zec 1:16
I have returned to Jerusalem with mercies
Possible meanings are 1) although Yahweh had left Jerusalem when the people had gone into exile, he will now return to Jerusalem when they have come back from exile or 2) Yahweh speaks of having a change of attitude towards the people of Jerusalem and again blessing them and helping them as if he were returning to the city. Alternate Translation: "I will once again show mercy towards Jerusalem"
Zec 1:21
so that no man would lift up his head
The nations oppressing the people of Judah severely is spoken of as if no person in Judah was able to raise his head. Alternate Translation: "and caused them to suffer greatly"
Zec 1:21
to cast down the horns of the nations that lifted up a horn against the land of Judah
Yahweh speaks of the nations using their military power to conquer Judah as if the nations had lifted up their horns. He speaks of these four craftsmen destroying the military power of these nations as if the craftsmen threw those horns to the ground. Alternate Translation: "to destroy the power of the nations who used their military might against the land of Judah"
Zec 2:5
I ... will become for her a wall of fire around her
People built walls around their cities for protection. Here Yahweh speaks of protecting Jerusalem as if he himself were a wall of fire around the city. Alternate Translation: "I ... will protect the city, like a wall of fire around it"
Zec 2:7
you who live with the daughter of Babylon
The phrase "daughter of Babylon" refers to the city of Babylon. Yahweh speaks of the city as if it were a daughter. Alternate Translation: "you who live in Babylon"
Zec 2:10
Sing for joy, daughter of Zion
Zion is the same as "Jerusalem." The prophet speaks of the city as if it is a daughter. Possible meanings are 1) Zechariah personifies the city as a person who can sing. Alternate Translation: "Sing for joy, Zion" or 2) the phrase "daughter of Zion" is a metonym for the people who live in the city. Alternate Translation: "Sing for joy, people of Zion"
Zec 2:11
great nations will join themselves to Yahweh
Zechariah speaks of the people of great nations becoming Yahweh's people and worshiping him as if they were joining themselves to Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "the people of great nations will become the people of Yahweh"
Zec 2:12
Yahweh will inherit Judah as his rightful possession
Zechariah speaks of Yahweh claiming Judah as his own land as if Judah were something that Yahweh inherits as a permanent possession. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will claim Judah as his rightful possession"
Zec 2:13
he has been roused
Zechariah speaks of Yahweh beginning to act as if someone had roused Yahweh from inactivity. It is implied that this action refers to his returning to Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "he is coming"
Zec 3:2
a brand pulled from the fire
A brand is a burning piece of wood. The angel of Yahweh speaks of Joshua being rescued from captivity in Babylon as if he were a piece of wood that someone pulls from a fire before the wood is completely burned.
Zec 3:8
my servant the Branch
The word "Branch" refers to a messianic figure that would serve as king over Yahweh's people. Yahweh speaks of this person as if he were a branch that grows out from a tree. Since the word "Branch" is a title, it should be translated with an equivalent word in your language.
Zec 3:9
There are seven eyes on this single stone
The sides or facets of the stone that reflect light are spoken of as if they are eyes. Alternate Translation: "There are seven sides on this single stone"
Zec 4:7
What are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain
This is a metaphor in which Yahweh speaks of the obstacles that Zerubbabel will face as if they were a large mountain. He asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that these obstacles pose no threat to Zerubbabel's success. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You are nothing, great mountain! Zerubbabel will cause you to become a plain" or "Although obstacles may appear as large as mountains, Zerubbabel will overcome them as easily as one walks upon level ground"
Zec 5:3
every thief will be cut off ... everyone who swears a false oath will be cut off
Yahweh removing these people from the land is spoken of as if he were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will cut off every thief ... Yahweh will cut off everyone who swears a false oath" or "Yahweh will remove every thief from the land ... Yahweh will remove from the land everyone who swears a false oath"
Zec 5:4
consume its timber and stones
The curse destroying the houses of the thief and of the one who swears falsely is spoken of as if the curse would consume the building materials that people had used to build the houses. Alternate Translation: "destroy its wood and stones" or "completely destroy it"
Zec 6:12
his name is Branch
The word "Branch" refers to a messianic figure that would serve as king over Yahweh's people. Yahweh speaks of this person as if he were a branch that grows out from a tree. Since the word "Branch" is a title, it should be translated with an equivalent word in your language. See how you translated this name in [Zechariah 3:8](../03/08.md).
Zec 6:12
He will grow up where he is
The phrase "grow up" refers to the growth of a plant, and so continues the metaphor of this person as a "Branch." This likely refers to this person appearing or coming into power as the one who would supervise the rebuilding of the temple.
Zec 7:11
set their shoulders stubbornly
This is an image of an ox refusing to allow its owner to put a yoke on its shoulders. This metaphor represents the people being stubborn. Alternate Translation: "became stubborn"
Zec 7:11
They stopped up their ears so they would not hear
This is an image of people putting something into their ears so they would not hear the message from Yahweh. This metaphor represents the people not being willing to hear and obey. Alternate Translation: "They refused to listen"
Zec 7:14
I will scatter them with a whirlwind
Yahweh speaks of how he will scatter the people as if a whirlwind were scattering everything in its path. Alternate Translation: "I will scatter them as a whirlwind scatters things"
Zec 8:6
If something seems impossible in the eyes of
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "If something does not appear to be possible to"
Zec 8:6
in my eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "to me"
Zec 8:12
the earth will give its produce; the skies will give their dew
The earth and skies are spoken of as if they were persons giving what is needed.
Zec 8:21
seek Yahweh of hosts
Those who want to know Yahweh and please him are spoken of as if they are literally seeking to find Yahweh.
Zec 9:8
I will camp around my land
God is speaking about himself as if he were an army that was protecting his land. Alternate Translation: "I will protect my land"
Zec 9:11
the pit where there is no water
This dry pit represents the exile in Babylon.
Zec 9:12
Return to the stronghold
Jerusalem is spoken of as a place of safety. Alternate Translation: "Come back to your nation where you will be safe"
Zec 9:13
I have bent Judah as my bow
The people of Judah are referred to as if they were a bow carried by God into battle. Here "Judah" refers to the people of that nation. Alternate Translation: "I will cause the people of Judah to be like my bow"
Zec 9:13
filled my quiver with Ephraim
Yahweh speaks of the people of Israel, the northern kingdom, as if they were arrows that he would shoot at his enemies. A quiver is a bag that holds a soldier's arrows.
Zec 9:15
will devour
To completely defeat enemies is spoken of as devouring them as a wild animal eats its prey. Alternate Translation: "will completely defeat"
Zec 9:16
They are the jewels of a crown
The people of Israel are spoken of as if they were the expensive jewels in the crown of a king that show how glorious he is. Alternate Translation: "They will be like beautiful stones in a crown"
Zec 10:3
My wrath burns against the shepherds
Here "the shepherds" represent the leaders of God's people. The intensity of Yahweh's anger is spoken of as if it was a blazing fire. Alternate Translation: "My anger toward the shepherds of my people is as intense as a fire" or "I am very angry with the leaders of my people"
Zec 10:3
it is the male goats—the leaders—that I will punish
Male goats are typically more dominant than female goats. Here "male goats" represents the oppressive leaders of God's people.
Zec 10:3
make them like his warhorse in battle
Yahweh changes the metaphor for his people from defenseless sheep to a mighty war horse. He speaks of his people as if they were a strong horse in battle. Alternate Translation: "will cause them to be strong like war horses in battle"
Zec 10:4
From Judah will come the cornerstone
The cornerstone will come from Judah. The most important ruler is spoken of as if he where the main foundation stone of a building. Alternate Translation: "One of the descendants of Judah will become the most important ruler"
Zec 10:4
from him will come the tent peg
the tent peg will come from him. The tent pegs held the ropes that supported tents in which people lived. Here the most important ruler is spoken of as if he where the main peg that holds a tent in place. Alternate Translation: "the leader who will hold the nation together will come from Judah"
Zec 10:4
from him will come the war bow
the war bow will come from him. Here the most important ruler is spoken of as if he where the a war bow that was used in battle. Alternate Translation: "the military leader will come from Judah"
Zec 10:6
I had not cast them off
This speaks of the people as a torn or dirty garment that Yahweh took off and threw away. This symbolizes rejection. Alternate Translation: "I had not rejected them"
Zec 10:9
I sowed them among the peoples
The exile of the people is spoken of as if they were seed that Yahweh had planted in a distant land.
Zec 10:11
I will pass through the sea of their affliction
Scripture often refers to the sea as an image of many troubles and hardships. Here Yahweh speaks of himself accompanying the people to help them go through these afflictions. Alternate Translation: "I will go with them and help them as they go through their many afflictions"
Zec 11:1
Open your doors, Lebanon, that fire may devour
Not resisting what is about to happen is spoken of as if Lebanon were opening its doors. Here "Lebanon" is a metonym that represents the people of Lebanon. Alternate Translation: "People of Lebanon, get ready, because fire will devour" or "People of Lebanon, do not try to stop the fire that will devour"
Zec 11:1
fire may devour your cedars
Fire completely burning up the cedars is spoken of as if the fire would devour the cedars. Alternate Translation: "fire may completely destroy your cedars" or "fire may completely burn up your cedars"
Zec 12:1
who stretched out the skies
This is a metaphor that speaks of the sky as if it were like a scroll that is rolled up and needs to be stretched out. Alternate Translation: "the one who created the sky"
Zec 12:1
laid the foundation of the earth
This is a metaphor that speaks of the earth as if it were a building with a foundation. Alternate Translation: "put all the earth into place"
Zec 12:2
I am about to make Jerusalem into a cup ... to stagger about
Yahweh using Jerusalem to punish the surrounding peoples is spoken of as if Yahweh would make Jerusalem a cup full of an alcoholic drink that will cause the surrounding peoples to get drunk and stagger. Alternate Translation: "Soon it will be like I make Jerusalem into a cup ... to stagger about"
Zec 12:3
I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples
Yahweh using Jerusalem to punish the surrounding peoples is spoken of as if he would make Jerusalem a heavy stone. Alternate Translation: "It will be like I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples"
Zec 12:4
Over the house of Judah I will open my eyes
Opening eyes over someone here is a metaphor for wanting to do good things for that person. Alternate Translation: "I will do good things for the house of Judah" or "I will protect the house of Judah"
Zec 12:6
will consume all the surrounding peoples
Completely destroying the peoples is spoken of as if the people of Judah will "devour" them. Alternate Translation: "will destroy the surrounding peoples"
Zec 12:10
I will pour out a spirit of compassion and pleading on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem
Causing the people to be compassionate and to plead is spoken of as if the spirit were a liquid that Yahweh would pour on them. Alternate Translation: "I will cause the house of David and inhabitants of Jerusalem to have mercy on others and to pray to me for mercy"
Zec 13:1
a spring will be opened ... for their sin and impurity
Forgiving the people's sins is spoken of as if a spring of water will wash away their sins. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "it will be like a spring opens ... to cleanse their sin and impurity"
Zec 13:2
I will cut off the names of the idols from the land
Causing the people to no longer mention the names of idols is spoken of as if Yahweh would "cut off the names of the idols from the land." Alternate Translation: "I will cause the people to no longer mention the names of the idols"
Zec 13:2
I will remove the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land
The prophets may refer to "false prophets." The spirit of impurity is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. Alternate Translation: "I will also remove from the land the false prophets and their evil spirits"
Zec 13:7
my shepherd
This speaks of a servant of Yahweh as if he were a shepherd. Alternate Translation: "my servant who is like a shepherd"
Zec 13:7
the flock will scatter
The people of God are spoken of as if they were sheep. Alternate Translation: "my people will run away like sheep"
Zec 13:8
that two-thirds of it will be cut off! Those people will perish; only one-third will remain there
People being killed is spoken of as if they are cut off like cloth is cut from a garment or a branch is cut from a plant. Alternate Translation: "that two out of every three people will die! Only one person out of three will remain in the land"
Zec 13:9
I will bring that third through the fire
Metal is passed through fire in order to purify or harden it. This expression serves here as a metaphor for exposing the people to suffering in order that they may become more faithful to God.
Zec 13:9
refine them as silver is refined; I will test them as gold is tested
Refining refers to making precious metals such as silver more pure. Metals such as silver and gold are tested in order to discover how pure or strong they are. Both refining and testing are here metaphors for making the people more faithful to God.
Zec 14:1
A day for Yahweh is coming when your plunder will be divided in your midst
A future time is spoken of as if "a day is coming." The phrase "will be divided" can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Soon Yahweh will judge you, and he will allow your enemies to take all of your possessions and divide if for themselves while you watch"
Zec 14:18
A plague from Yahweh will attack the nations
Causing people to suffer from a plague is spoken of as if the plague would attack the people like an army. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will cause a plague among the people of the nations"
Mal 1:3
his inheritance
Here "inheritance" stands for the region that Esau's descendants, the nation of Edom, occupied.
Mal 1:7
polluted bread
Here "polluted" describes anything that is not suitable to sacrifice to God.
Mal 1:7
polluted you
This expression refers to insulting God by giving him unsuitable sacrifices.
Mal 2:3
I will spread dung on your faces
Here "dung on your faces" stands for disgrace. Alternate Translation: "I will most certainly put you in deep disgrace; it will be as bad as if I had spread dung on your faces"
Mal 2:3
he will take you away with it
Possible meanings of this expression are 1) God will punish the unfaithful priests by killing them and causing their bodies to be carried away on the piles of animal dung, or 2) God will punish the unfaithful priests in such a horrible way that it will be as if their bodies had been carried away with the animal dung.
Mal 2:5
My covenant with him was life and peace
Here the intended results of the covenant are spoken of as if they were the covenant itself. Alternate Translation: "The purpose of my covenant with Levi was for the priests to live in prosperity and peace"
Mal 2:6
He walked with me
Here walking stands for living, conducting one's life in a certain way.
Mal 2:6
in peace and uprightness
Here the idea of location stands for the manner in which Levi lived. Alternate Translation: "peacefully and uprightly"
Mal 2:6
he turned many away from sin
Here persuading people to stop sinning is spoken of as if it were turning them away from sin. Alternate Translation: "he persuaded many people to stop sinning"
Mal 2:6
lips
Here "lips" stands for a person's ability to speak.
Mal 2:7
For a priest's lips should keep knowledge
Here knowledge is spoken of as if it were an object that a priest could keep. In this passage, the idea of "keep knowledge" implies communicating true knowledge about God.
Mal 2:8
you have turned away from the true path
The right way to behave is spoken of as if it were the right path to follow, and abandoning right conduct is spoken of as if it were turning away from that path.
Mal 2:8
You have caused many to stumble
Disobeying God is spoken of as if it were stumbling.
Mal 2:9
before all the people
This spatial idea stands for the people's awareness of the priests' evil behavior.
Mal 2:9
kept my ways
Here "ways" stands for "desires" and "behavior." These ways are spoken of as if they were things that could be kept by people. Alternate Translation: "followed my desires in how you should live"
Mal 2:9
shown partiality
Here the habit of favoring some people more than others is spoken of as if it were a thing that could be shown to others. Alternate Translation: "made people aware that you favor some people more than others
Mal 2:12
May Yahweh cut off from the tents of Jacob the man who
Destroying something is often spoken of as it were cutting it off from something else. Alternate Translation: "May Yahweh destroy anyone in the tents of Jacob who" or "May Yahweh kill anyone in the community of Israel who"
Mal 2:12
the tents of Jacob
Here "tents of Jacob" stands for the community of Israel.
Mal 2:14
a witness between you and the wife of your youth
Here a witness to an agreement between two people is thought of as standing between them in order to testify about what they agreed to, in case a dispute arises between the two people. This sentence also was meant to remind the people that Yahweh would punish any Israelite who broke the covenant of marriage.
Mal 2:17
You have wearied Yahweh
Yahweh is spoken of as if human behavior could make him tired, but God cannot grow weary in a physical or emotional sense. This statement probably means that Yahweh has become offended or exasperated. Alternate Translation: "You have offended Yahweh"
Mal 2:17
in the eyes
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate Translation: "in the opinion" or "in the judgment"
Mal 3:1
he will prepare the way before me
Here getting people ready to welcome Yahweh is spoken of as if a road were being cleared for Yahweh to travel on.
Mal 3:2
be able to stand
Here standing represents resisting someone's attack or accusations.
Mal 3:3
he will purify the sons of Levi
Forgiving the sons of Levi and persuading them not to sin any longer is spoken of as if it were purifying metal. Alternate Translation: "he will correct the sons of Levi and forgive them for having sinned"
Mal 3:3
the sons of Levi
Here "sons" refers to descendants. The male descendants of Levi were the priests and workers in the temple.
Mal 3:7
From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my ordinances and have not kept them
Disobeying God's ordinances is spoken of as if it were turning away from them. Alternate Translation: "You have disobeyed my ordinances ever since the days of your ancestors"
Mal 3:7
Return to me, and I will return to you
Here loving each other and being faithful to each other is spoken of as if it were returning to each other. Alternate Translation: "Love me and honor me, and I will always help you"
Mal 3:10
my house
Here "house" stands for the temple. Alternate Translation: "my temple"
Mal 3:10
and test me now in this ... if I do not open to you the windows of heaven
Here the command "test me" stands for something that the people can do and should do: "if you test me." This can be divided into two sentences also. Alternate Translation: "And if you test me ... I will open up the windows of heaven" or "And you should test me ... If you do, I will open up the windows of heaven"
Mal 3:12
All the nations will call you blessed
Here to be called blessed stands for being blessed. Alternate Translation: "All the nations will know that you have been blessed"
Mal 3:13
Your words against me have been strong
Here "strong" stands for "harsh" or "terrible." And "Your words" stands for "What you have said." Alternate Translation: "What you have said about me is terrible"
Mal 3:14
walked mournfully before Yahweh of hosts
Here "walk mournfully" stands for "behave in a sorrowful manner," probably in order to indicate sorrow over their sins.
Mal 3:14
before Yahweh of hosts
Here this expression refers to God being aware of what the people were doing.
Mal 3:15
we call the arrogant blessed
Here to be called "blessed" stands for being blessed. Alternate Translation: "we say that the arrogant are blessed"
Mal 4:1
the day is coming, burning like a furnace
The disaster occurring at this time is spoken of as if the day itself were burning. God's judgment is often spoken of as if it were a fire.
Mal 4:1
all the arrogant and all the evildoers will become stubble
These people are spoken of as if they will become dried-up plants fit only for being burned. It is common for the Bible to speak of people as if they were plants or trees. Alternate Translation: "all the arrogant and all the evildoers will burn up like dry plants"
Mal 4:2
wings
It was common in the Ancient Near East to speak of the sun as if it had wings, with which it moved across the sky. Possible meanings are 1) the sun's life-giving rays of light are spoken of as if they were its wings or 2) the wings are said to cover God's people so as to give them peace and safey.
Mal 4:3
you will trample down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet
Here the victory of God's people is spoken of as if they were walking over the burned bodies of their enemies.
Mal 4:5
the coming of the great and fearful day of Yahweh
Here the occurrence of this day is spoken of as if it were coming. Alternate Translation: "before the great and fearful day of Yahweh happens"
Mal 4:6
He will turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers
Here changing how people think is spoken of as if it were turning their hearts.