VersePhraseExplanation
Gen 21:27Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to AbimelechThis is a sign of friendship and that Abraham agrees to make covenant with Abimelech.
Gen 24:2Put your hand under my thighAbraham was about to ask the servant to swear to do something. Putting his hand under Abraham's thigh would show that he would certainly do what he would swear to do.
Gen 24:9put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his masterThis was to show that he would certainly do what he was swearing to do.
Gen 24:26bowed downThis is a sign of humility before God.
Gen 24:48I bowed downThis is a sign of humility before God.
Gen 24:52he bowed himself downBowing down before God is an expression of worship to him.
Gen 24:65So she took her veil, and covered herselfSo she covered her face with her veil. This is a sign of respect and modesty towards the man she will marry. The full meaning of this can be made explicit.
Gen 27:29bow downThis means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.
Gen 28:18poured oil upon the top of itThis action symbolizes that Jacob is dedicating the pillar to God. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate Translation: "poured oil on the top of it in order to dedicate the pillar to God"
Gen 31:13where you anointed a pillarJacob poured oil on the pillar to dedicate it to God.
Gen 33:3He bowedHere the word "bow" means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.
Gen 33:6bowed downThis is a sign of humility and respect before another person.
Gen 35:2change your clothesPutting on a new clothes was a sign that they had made themselves clean before approaching God.
Gen 35:14He poured out a drink offering over it and poured oil on itThis is a sign that he is dedicating the pillar to God.
Gen 41:42Pharaoh took off his signet ring ... gold chain on his neckAll of these actions symbolize that Pharaoh is giving Joseph the authority to do everything that Joseph planned.
Gen 41:43He had him ride in the second chariot which he possessedThis act makes clear to the people that Joseph is second only to Pharaoh.
Gen 41:43Bend the kneeBow down and honor Joseph. To bend the knee and bow down was a sign of honor and respect.
Gen 41:45He gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, as a wifePriests in Egypt were the highest and most privileged caste. This marriage signifies Joseph's place of honor and privilege.
Gen 42:6bowed down to him with their faces to the groundThis is a way of showing respect.
Gen 43:26bowed down before himThis is a way of showing honor and respect.
Gen 43:28They prostrated themselves and bowed downThese words basically mean the same thing. They laid down in front of the man to show him respect. Alternate Translation: "They bowed down in front of him"
Gen 44:13Then they tore their clothesThe word "they" refers to the brothers. Tearing clothes was a sign of great distress and sorrow.
Gen 44:14they bowed before himthey fell before him. This is a sign of the brothers wanting the lord to be merciful to them.
Gen 47:29put your hand under my thighThis act is a sign of making a serious promise. See how you translated this in [Genesis 24:2](../24/02.md).
Gen 48:12between Israel's kneesWhen Joseph placed his sons on Israel's lap or knees it was a sign that Israel was adopting them. This gave the children special inheritance rights from Jacob.
Gen 48:12then he bowed with his face to the earthJoseph bowed down to show honor to his father.
Gen 48:13Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right handJoseph places the boys so that Israel will put his right hand on Manasseh. Manasseh was the oldest brother and the right hand was the sign he would receive the greater blessing.
Gen 48:14his right hand and laid it upon Ephraim's headPlacing the right hand on Ephraim's head was the sign that he would receive the greater blessing.
Gen 48:18Put your right hand upon his headThe right hand was the sign of the greater blessing which the oldest son was supposed to receive.
Gen 49:8bow downThis means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.
Gen 50:18lay facedown before himThey lay down with their faces toward the ground. This is a sign of humility and respect for Joseph.
Exo 4:31they bowed their headsPossible meanings are 1) "they bowed their heads in awe" or 2) "they bowed down low in reverence."
Exo 9:29spread my hands out to YahwehThis symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. Alternate Translation: "lift up my hands and pray to Yahweh"
Exo 9:33spread out his hands to YahwehThis symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 9:29](./29.md). Alternate Translation: "lifted up his hands toward Yahweh and prayed"
Exo 18:7bowed down, and kissed himThese symbolic acts were the normal way that people showed great respect and devotion in that culture.
Lev 1:4lay his hand on the headThis is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself through the animal to Yahweh, so that God will forgive the person's sins when they kill the animal.
Lev 3:2lay his hand on the headThis is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4](../01/04.md).
Lev 3:8lay his hand on the headThis is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal.
Lev 3:13lay his hand on the headThis is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4](../01/04.md).
Lev 4:4lay his hand on its headThis is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4](../01/04.md).
Lev 4:15will lay their hands on the headThis is a symbolic action that identifies the people with the animal they are offering. In this way the people are offering themselves to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Leviticus 1:4](../01/04.md).
Lev 4:24lay his hand on the headThis is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4](../01/04.md).
Lev 4:29lay his hand on the headThis is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4](../01/04.md).
Lev 4:33lay his hand on the headThis is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4](../01/04.md).
Lev 7:30may be waved as a wave offering before YahwehRaising up the offering is a symbolic gesture that shows that the person is dedicating the sacrifice to Yahweh.
Lev 8:6washed them with waterThis is a symbolic action. It is a ritually cleaning that prepares them to become priests.
Lev 8:14laid their hands on the headThis is a symbolic action that identifies Aaron and his sons with the animal they are offering. In this way they are offering themselves to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4](../01/04.md).
Lev 8:18laid their hands on the headThis is a symbolic action that identifies Aaron and his sons with the animal they are offering. In this way they are offering themselves to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4](../01/04.md).
Lev 8:22laid their hands on the headThis is a symbolic action that identifies Aaron and his sons with the animal they are offering. In this way the they are offering themselves to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in [Leviticus 1:4](../01/04.md).
Lev 8:27waved themThis is a symbolic action that dedicates the offering to Yahweh.
Lev 9:24lay facedownlay with their faces to the ground. This is a sign respect and honor.
Lev 10:6Do not let your hair on your heads hang loosely, and do not tear your clothesYahweh is telling Aaron and his sons not to show any outward signs of grief or mourning.
Lev 16:21he must put that sinfulness on the head of the goatAaron's actions here were a symbolic transfer of the people's sin to the goat as a sign that the goat would bear the punishment for their guilt.
Lev 19:32You must riseStanding up in front of someone is a sign of respect.
Lev 22:15that they have raised high and presentedThe phrase "raised high" refers to a symbolic gesture of respect that represents offering something to Yahweh. It means basically the same thing as "presented." Alternate Translation: "that they have offered"
Lev 24:14All who heard him must lay their hands on his headThey were to put their hands on his head to show that he was the guilty one.
Num 8:7Sprinkle the water of atonement on themMoses sprinkling water on them was symbolic of their atonement. Alternate Translation: "Sprinkle on their the water that symbolizes atonement"
Num 8:10the people of Israel must lay their hands on the LevitesThe action "laying on hands" on someone was often done to dedicate them to Yahweh's work or service. Alternate Translation: "The people Israel must lay their hands on the Levites, dedicating them to me"
Num 8:12The Levites must place their hands on the heads of the bullsThis is a symbolic action that identifies the Levites with the animals being offered. In this way the person is offering himself through the animal to Yahweh.
Num 14:5lay facedownlay down with their faces touching the ground. Moses and Aaron did this to show that they were humbling themselves before God. They feared that God might punish the people for rebelling against him. Alternate Translation: "lay facedown in humility to God" or "lay facedown to pray to God"
Num 14:6tore their clothesTearing one's clothes was a gesture indicating the person is very troubled and is mourning.
Num 16:4he lay facedownThis indicates that Moses was humbling himself before God. He was afraid that God would punish the people for rebelling against God and his chosen leaders.
Num 16:22lay facedownThis shows that Moses and Aaron were humbling themselves before God.
Num 16:45lay down with their faces to the groundThis indicates that Moses and Aaron are humbling themselves before God.
Num 18:19an everlasting covenant of salta covenant made with salt. Salt represented permanence and was used in offerings and covenant meals. Alternate Translation: "a permanent covenant" or "an everlasting covenant"
Num 20:6lay facedownThis indicates that Moses and Aaron are humbling themselves before God.
Num 22:31Balaam lowered his head and lay facedownThis indicates that Balaam is humbling himself before the angel.
Num 24:4he bows downThis is an act of humility.
Num 24:10struck his hands together in angerThis was a sign of great frustration and anger.
Num 24:16bows downThis is a sign of submission to God.
Num 25:2bowed downThis was an act of worship.
Num 27:18lay your hand on himThis is a sign of dedicating someone to God's service. Alternate Translation: "lay your hand on him to appoint him"
Num 27:23He laid his hands on himThe laying on of hands was a way of setting a person apart to do a special task for God.
Deu 14:1Do not cut yourselves, nor shave any part of your face for the deadThese were ways the people groups living in Canaan showed that they were grieving over people who had died. Moses is telling the people of Israel not to act like them. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit.
Jos 5:14Joshua lay facedown on the ground to worshipThis was an act of worship.
Jos 5:15Take off your sandals from your feetThis was an act of reverence.
Jos 7:6tore his garments ... put dust on their heads and lay facedown on the ground in front of the ark of YahwehThey did these things to show God how sad and distressed they were.
Jdg 2:12bowed down to themThis is an act of worship and giving honor to someone.
Jdg 3:20The king got up out of his seatStanding up was a sign of honoring God will listening to his message.
Jdg 9:8to anoint a king over themHere, to anoint with oil is a symbolic action that represents appointing a person to be king. Alternate Translation: "to appoint a king to rule over all of them"
Jdg 9:15to anoint me as king over youTo anoint someone with oil is a symbolic action that appoints a person to be king. Alternate Translation: "to appoint me as your king"
Jdg 11:35he tore his clothesThis is an act that shows mourning or great sadness. Alternate Translation: "he tore his clothes from grief"
Jdg 13:20lay facedown on the groundlay with their faces to the ground. This is a sign of respect and honor, but it also shows their fear of Yahweh.
Rut 3:4uncover his feetThis means to remove the cloak or blanket covering his feet so that they would be exposed to the cold.
2Sa 1:2with his clothes torn and with dirt on his headIn this culture, tearing one's own clothes and putting dirt on one's head was an act of mourning.
2Sa 1:2he lay facedown on the ground and prostrated himselfThis was an act of showing submission to David, who was now the king of Israel.
2Sa 1:11David tore his clothes ... the men with him did the sameDavid and his men tore their clothes as a sign of mourning for the death of King Saul.
2Sa 2:4anointed David kingIn this symbolic act, they poured oil on David's head to show that he was selected to be the king.
2Sa 2:7anointed me kingIn this symbolic act, they poured oil on David's head to show that he was selected to be the king.
2Sa 3:31Tear your clothes, put on sackclothThese were symbolic actions to demonstrate their grief and sadness.
2Sa 4:12cut off their hands and feet and hung them upThese were symbolic actions to show contempt for the men.
2Sa 4:12they took the head of Ishbosheth and buried it in the graveThis was a symbolic act to honor Ishbosheth. This could be stated explicitly. Alternate Translation: "they honored Ishbosheth by burying his head in the grave"
2Sa 5:3They anointed David king over IsraelTo "anoint" is a symbolic act to show that they recognized that God had chosen David as king.
2Sa 13:19put ashes on her head and tore her robe. She put her hands on her headThese are acts of mourning and grief in the Israelite culture. Alternate Translation: "put ashes on her head and tore her robe to show that she was very sad. Then to show her grief, she put her hands on her head"
2Sa 13:31tore his clothes, and lay on the floorHe did these things to show that he was extremely sad. Alternate Translation: "tore his clothes, and threw himself on the floor grieving"
2Sa 13:31with their clothes tornThey did this to show their sadness and to mourn with their king. Alternate Translation: "and tore their clothes, mourning with the king"
2Sa 14:4she lay facedown on the groundShe did this to show her respect and submission to the king. Alternate Translation: "she showed her respect to the king by laying facedown on the ground"
2Sa 14:22Joab lay facedown on the groundJoab did this to honor the king and show his gratitude.
2Sa 14:33bowed low to the ground before the kingAbsalom is showing respect to the king. Alternate Translation: "bowed low to the ground to honor the king"
2Sa 15:1with fifty men to run before himThese men would run in front of the chariot to honor Absalom. Alternate Translation: "with fifty men to run before him to honor him"
2Sa 15:5put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss himThis action is a friendly greeting. Alternate Translation: "greet him as a friend by embracing him and kissing him"
2Sa 15:30his head coveredThis is a sign of mourning and shame. Alternate Translation: "his head covered in mourning"
2Sa 15:32with his coat torn and earth on his headThis is an act showing shame or repentance. Here the word "earth" means dirt. Alternate Translation: "He had torn his clothes and put dirt on his head to show that he was very sad"
2Sa 18:28He bowed himself before the king with his face to the groundHe did this to honor the king. Alternate Translation: "He bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground to honor the king"
2Sa 19:4The king covered his faceThis is a way to express grief and mourning. Alternate Translation: "The king showed his grief by covering his face"
2Sa 23:1anointed by the God of JacobAnointing was done by pouring oil on a person's head. This was done to choose who would serve God as king or priest.
2Sa 24:20bowed to the king with his face to the groundHe was showing deep respect and honor to the king.
1Ki 22:11With these you will push the Arameans until they are consumedThe prophet's actions are a symbolic metaphor that illustrates the way that Ahab would defeat the Arameans. Ahab's army will win with great strength, as a bull attacks another animal.
2Ki 2:12tore them into two piecesPeople would often tear their clothes as a sign of great sadness or grief. Alternate Translation: "ripped them in two pieces to show his great sadness"
2Ki 4:37Then she lay facedown on the ground at his feet and bowed to the groundThe woman bowed down before Elisha as a sign of great respect and appreciation. Alternate Translation: "Then she bowed in front of Elisha with her face to the ground to show him her gratitude"
2Ki 5:7he tore his clothesOften people would rip their clothes if they were in great distress. Alternate Translation: "he ripped his clothes to show his distress"
2Ki 6:30he tore his clothesThe king ripped his outer garment to show his distress. Alternate Translation: "he tore his clothes in grief"
2Ki 6:30he had sackcloth underneath, against his skinBy wearing sackcloth even for his undergarments, the king showed that he was very sad and upset. Alternate Translation: "he had sackcloth underneath his outer garment, against his skin" or "he was wearing sackcloth underneath his robe because he was very upset"
2Ki 10:15If it is, give me your handIf so, put your hand in mine or "If so, let us shake hands" In many cultures, when two people shake hands, it confirms their agreement.
2Ki 11:12anointed himThe priest poured olive oil on the head of Joash as a symbol that he was now the king. Alternate Translation: "poured some olive oil on Joash's head"
2Ki 11:14Athaliah tore her clothesShe tore her clothes to express that she was very upset and angry.
2Ki 22:11he tore his clothesThis is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness.
2Ki 22:19torn your clothesThis is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness.
1Ch 11:3They anointed David king over IsraelTo "anoint" is a symbolic act to show that they recognized that God had chosen David as king.
1Ch 21:16having a drawn sword in his hand raised over JerusalemThe angel holding a sword in his hand is a symbolic action that shows he is ready to attack Jerusalem. This is symbolic, because the judgment was sickness. Alternate Translation: "holding a sword in his hand as if ready to attack Jerusalem"
1Ch 21:16clothed in sackcloth, lay facedown on the groundThese were symbols of repentance.
1Ch 21:21with his face to the groundThis phrase describes that Ornan bowed far forward. To bow before someone is a way to show humility and respect. A deeper bow shows greater humility and respect. Alternate Translation: "bowed very low to the ground"
1Ch 21:27the angel put his sword back into its sheathThe angel putting his sword back in the sheath is a symbolic action to show that he would not continue to kill the people. Alternate Translation: the angel put his sword in its sheath to show that he would stop killing the people"
1Ch 29:20prostrated themselves before the kingThis refers to laying down on the ground before someone to show great respect. Alternate Translation: "prostrated themselves on the ground to show respect to Yahweh and the king"
2Ch 6:12spread out his handsraised his hands. This was to show that he was praying.
2Ch 6:13he spread out his hands toward the heavensSolomon lifted up his hands and held them high as he knelt on the platform to pray. Spreading out his hands toward the heavens was a way of showing that he was praying to Yahweh.
2Ch 6:29he spreads out his hands toward this templeThis was a way of showing that they were praying to the God of the temple. See how you translated "spread out his hands" in [2 Chronicles 6:12](./12.md).
2Ch 6:32prays toward this housePraying toward Yahweh's temple shows that one is praying to Yahweh.
2Ch 6:34they pray to you toward this city ... and toward the housePraying toward Jerusalem and the temple shows that they are praying to Yahweh.
2Ch 6:38that they pray toward their landThis refers to Israel. Praying toward Israel would show that they were praying to Yahweh, the God of Israel. Alternate Translation: "that they pray facing their land"
2Ch 7:3they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the stone pavementThis is a position of humility and worship. Alternate Translation: "they lay down on the ground with their faces touching the stone pavement"
2Ch 7:21will hissThis is how they would show that they are shocked by what happened to the temple
2Ch 18:10you will push the Arameans until they are consumedThe prophet's actions are a symbolic metaphor that illustrates the way that Ahab would defeat the Arameans. Ahab's army will win with great strength, as a bull attacks another animal. Alternate Translation: "With horns like these, your army will keep attacking the army of Aram like a bull attacks another animal, until you completely destroy them"
2Ch 20:18bowed his head with his face to the ground ... fell down before YahwehThese acts of worship that express humility and submission to God.
2Ch 23:11put the crown on himThis is a symbolic act to show that they are making him king.
2Ch 23:11gave him the covenant decreesThe symbolic act of giving him a scroll with the decrees shows that they expect him to obey them. It is unclear if these decrees were a portion of the law of Moses, or a separate set of rules for kings to obey. Alternate Translation: "presented to him the covenant decrees that he should obey"
2Ch 23:11anointed himThis was a symbolic act to show that he was chosen by God to be the king.
2Ch 23:13Athaliah tore her clothesThis was a symbolic action to show her great distress.
2Ch 25:14bowed down ... burned incenseThese are symbolic acts of worship.
2Ch 34:19he tore his clothesThis is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness. Alternate Translation: "he tore his clothes because he was very upset"
2Ch 34:27torn your clothesThis is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness.
Neh 5:13I shook out the fold of my robeI shook out the pockets of my robe. Many times in the Old Testament, oaths were physically demonstrated as a witness to what was promised. Nehemiah is demonstrating to the Jewish leaders what will happen if they break the promise they had made.
Est 2:17set the royal crown on her headThe king did this to show that he was making her his queen.
Est 3:2knelt ... prostratedThese acts represent submission to the authority of Haman.
Est 3:5did not kneel and bow downMordecai showed disrespect for Haman's status in the government by not doing these actions.
Est 4:1tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashesThese acts are signs of severe sadness. Alternate Translation: "tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes to show his grief"
Est 4:16fast for me ... will fastFasting was a symbolic act that the Jews did when they were praying intensely. This can be made explicit. Alternate Translation: "fast and pray for me ... will fast and pray"
Est 5:9Mordecai neither rose upRising was a sign of respect. Mordecai did not give Haman special respect.
Est 6:12with his head coveredPeople often covered their head to show that they were either extremely sad or ashamed.
Job 1:20tore his robe, shaved his headThese were ritual mourning actions, symbolizing deep grief.
Job 2:12tore his robeThis was a sign of mourning.
Job 2:12threw dust into the air and upon his own headThese were signs of mourning.
Job 9:13the helpers of Rahab bow beneath himHere "bow beneath him" symbolizes submission or defeat. Alternate Translation: "he crushes the helpers of Rahab"
Job 11:13had reached out with your hands toward GodThis is a symbolic action representing asking God for help. Alternate Translation: "had made an appeal and prayed to God"
Job 15:25he has reached out with his hand against Godhe has shook his fist against God. This is a sign of aggression.
Job 16:4shake my headThis is an action that shows disapproval.
Job 17:6they spit in my facepeople spit in my face. In this culture spitting on someone was a great insult. If spitting has a different meaning in your culture you can write this differently. Alternate Translation: "people insult me greatly, by spitting in my face"
Job 21:5lay your hand upon your mouthcover your mouth with your hand. Possible meanings are that 1) this is a response to being astonished. Alternate Translation: "cover your mouth with your hand" or 2) this is a symbol that the person will not speak. Alternate Translation: "do not say anything"
Job 27:23It claps its hands at him in mockeryClapping the hands is a way of mocking someone. Here it represents the wind making loud noises. Alternate Translation: "It makes loud noises like someone clapping his hands to mock him"
Job 27:23it hisses him out of his placeThe wind makes a noise as it blows him out of his place. It sounds like the hissing sound that people make to mock someone. Alternate Translation: "it makes a hissing noise as it causes him to leave his home" or "it blows him out of his place and makes a hissing noise like someone who hisses at him to mock him"
Job 29:8rose and stood for meThis is a symbol of respect. It can be stated clearly. Alternate Translation: "rose and stood respectfully for me"
Job 29:9The princes used to refrain from talking when I cameThis was a sign of respect.
Job 29:9they would lay their hand on their mouthsThey did this to show that they would not speak. This was a sign of their respect for Job.
Job 31:27so that my mouth has kissed my handHere "my mouth" represents Job. This is a sign of love and devotion. Alternate Translation: "so that I have kissed my hand"
Job 42:6I repent in dust and ashesSitting in dust and ashes is a symbolic act showing the person is sorry.
Psa 2:12Kiss the sonPeople would show their king that they were loyal to him by kissing him, perhaps on the feet. Alternate Translation: "Show the son that you are truly loyal to him" or "Bow down humbly before his son"
Psa 3:7For you will hit all my enemies on the jawThis was a way of insulting people. David speaks as if Yahweh would come and physically hit his enemies. Alternate Translation: "For you will insult all my enemies like someone hitting them on the jaw"
Psa 10:5he snorts at all his enemiesPeople snort at their enemies when they think that their enemies are weak and worthless. Alternate Translation: "he thinks that all his enemies are weak and worthless" or "he sneers at all his enemies"
Psa 20:5we will raise bannerswe will raise victory flags. They would do this to show that they were praising God because he gave their king victory over his enemies.
Psa 21:3you placed on his head a crown of purest goldTo place a crown on a person's head is a symbol of making him a king.
Psa 22:7they shake their heads at meThis describes an action used to mock someone.
Psa 22:27will bow down before youThis is a sign of giving honor and respect to someone.
Psa 26:6I wash my hands in innocenceThis seems to refer to a ritual washing of hands in water to symbolize freedom from sin and guilt.
Psa 28:2I lift up my hands toward your most holy placeLifting up hands is a symbol of worship. The writer is not worshiping the holy place, but Yahweh who lives in the holy place.
Psa 35:13with my head bowed on my chestThis was a symbol of prayer. "with my head bent down in prayer"
Psa 35:14I bent downThis was a symbol of pain and suffering.
Psa 35:16they grind their teeth at me in rageThis is a sign of anger and hate. "they made grinding noises with their teeth at me"
Psa 44:20spread out our hands to a strange godSpreading out the hands is a gesture that people used to worship and pray to a god. Alternate Translation: "worshiped a strange god" or "prayed to a strange god"
Psa 68:31reach out with her hands to GodThis is a symbolic action that represents worship to God. Alternate Translation: "lift up her hands to praise God"
Psa 69:10I wept and did not eat foodThe fact that the writer was fasting indicates that he was sad about the way people treated God's temple.
Psa 69:11I made sackcloth my clothingWearing rough, cheap clothing was a symbol of mourning over sin.
Psa 88:9I spread out my hands to youI lift up my hands to you. This is an action that shows that he totally depends on God.
Psa 89:13right hand is highTo raise the right hand high into the air is a gesture that indicates power.
Psa 89:19I have set a crown on a mighty oneTo place a crown on a person's head is a sign of making him king. Alternate Translation: "I have made a mighty man king"
Psa 89:20with my holy oil have I anointed himHere to pour oil on someone's head is a sign that God is appointing the person to be king.
Psa 89:39You have desecrated his crown on the groundTo push down into the ground or dust is a sign of great humiliation. Alternate Translation: "You have defiled his crown on the ground" or "You have caused his crown to fall into the dirt"
Psa 95:6kneelput both knees on the ground, often to show submission
Psa 112:10he will grind his teeth in rageThe grinding of teeth is an expression of extreme anger. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Psalms 35:16](../035/016.md).
Psa 113:7out of the dirt ... from the ash heapSitting in dirt and ashes represents either poverty or despair.
Psa 118:16The right hand of Yahweh is exaltedHere, to raise one's hand is a gesture of victory. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has exalted his right hand" or "Yahweh has raised his right hand in victory"
Psa 119:132Turn to meTo turn towards someone means to pay attention to that person. Alternate Translation: "Pay attention to me"
Psa 134:2Lift up your handsThis is how people prayed or praised God.
Psa 138:2I will bow downBowing down is a symbolic action that represents worship and giving honor. Alternate Translation: "I will worship you"
Psa 140:9raise their headsThis is a sign of being arrogant. Alternate Translation: "are arrogant"
Psa 146:8who are bowed downThis action is a sign of distress or mourning.
Pro 10:10He who winks the eyeWinking the eye represents a secretive sign for being cruel to someone else. Alternate Translation: "He who makes a signal with a gesture"
Pro 14:19bow downThis means to bend over to humbly express respect and submission toward someone.
Ecc 4:5The fool folds his hands and does not workTo fold the hands is a gesture of laziness and is another way of saying that the person refuses to work. Alternate Translation: "The fool refuses to work"
Ecc 9:8Let your clothes be always white and your head anointed with oilWearing white clothes and anointing one's head with oil were both signs of gladness and celebration.
Isa 2:6they shake hands with sons of foreignersClasping hands together is the symbol of friendship and peace. Alternate Translation: "they make peace and work together with people who are not from Israel"
Isa 5:15Man will be forced to bend downBending down often symbolizes being humiliated.
Isa 15:2All their heads are shaved bare and all their beards are cut offThey do this to show their extreme sadness. AT" "They will all shave their heads and cut off their beards and grieve"
Isa 15:3they wear sackclothThey do this to show their extreme sadness. Alternate Translation: "they wear sackcloth and mourn"
Isa 16:1Send rams to the ruler of the landThe Moabites will send rams to the king of Judah so that he might protect them from the enemy army.
Isa 22:12for shaved headsThis was a sign of mourning and repenting.
Isa 32:11put on sackcloth around your waistsThis is an act of grieving or mourning. Alternate Translation: "put sackcloth around waists as you grieve"
Isa 36:22with their clothes tornHezekiah's officials tore their clothes as a sign of mourning and distress. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate Translation: "with their clothes torn because they were extremely distressed"
Isa 37:1he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackclothThis is a sign of mourning and distress. Alternate Translation: "he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth because he was very distressed"
Isa 37:2all covered with sackclothThis is a sign of mourning and distress.
Isa 37:22shakes her headThis is a gesture of scorn.
Jer 2:37with your hands on your headThis is a symbol of shame.
Jer 4:8wrap yourself in sackclothPeople would wear sackcloth to show that they were very sad. In this context it would be to show that they were very sorry for the bad things they had done. Alternate Translation: "put on the clothes that show you are mourning"
Jer 6:26put on sackcloth and roll in ashesPeople do these things to show that they are extremely sad. Alternate Translation: "Show how sad you are by wearing sackcloth and rolling in ashes"
Jer 7:29Cut off your hair and shave yourself, and throw away your hairThis would be done as a sign of mourning.
Jer 13:18for your splendid crowns have fallen from your headsA king and queen mother wear crowns to represent their royal positions as the king and queen mother. Also, 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 will no longer be the king and queen mother, for your crowns, your pride and glory, will fall off"
Jer 14:3they cover their headsIn biblical times, people would wear a headcovering to show that they were ashamed.
Jer 14:4The plowmen are ashamed and cover their headsIn biblical times, people would wear a headcovering to show that they were ashamed.
Jer 16:6no one will ... cut themselves or shave their heads for themCutting oneself and shaving one's head were symbolic actions that expressed strong grief, especially when a loved one died.
Jer 18:17I will show them my back, and not my faceI will turn my back toward them, and not my face. Turning one's back towards someone is a symbolic action that represents rejection and turning one's face towards someone is a symbolic action that represents favor. Alternate Translation: "I will reject them and not act favorably towards them"
Jer 21:9falling on his knees beforeThis symbolic act represents surrender. Alternate Translation: "surrendering to"
Jer 25:34Roll about in the dustThis is a sign of sorrow, mourning or distress.
Jer 32:33They turned their backs to me instead of their facesOne turns one's face to someone to show that one is listening, and one's back to show that one refuses to listen. Alternate Translation: "Instead of listening carefully to me, they refused to listen at all" or "They refused to listen"
Jer 36:24nor did they tear their clothesPeople tore their cloths when they were extremely sad. Alternate Translation: "nor did they mourn by tearing their clothes"
Jer 47:5BaldnessThe shaving of the entire head or portions of the head is a sign of great sorrow practiced by idol worshipers in nations such as Philistia.
Jer 47:5cut yourself in mourningThe cutting of one's skin was another practice done by the idol worshipers when they mourn the dead.
Jer 48:27shook your head at himThis is a symbolic action that shows feeling of scorn or disgust towards someone.
Jer 48:37For every head is bald and every beard shaved. Incisions are on every hand, and sackcloth is around their waistsThese are all things that the people of Moab did when they were mourning or expressing deep sorrow.
Jer 49:17tremble and hissThe word "hiss" refers to a sound that shows horror or awe. Alternate Translation: "shake from fear and gasp"
Lam 2:10sit on the ground in silenceOften people would sit on the ground to show they were mourning. Alternate Translation: "sit on the ground, mourning in silence"
Lam 2:10They have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackclothThese are actions of mourning. Alternate Translation: "To show their mourning, they have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth"
Lam 2:10have bowed their heads to the groundThis is an action of mourning. Alternate Translation: "have sorrowfully bowed their heads to the ground"
Lam 2:15clap their hands ... hiss and shake their headsThese actions are used to mock and insult others. Alternate Translation: "mock you by clapping their hands ... hiss and shake their heads"
Lam 2:16grind their teethThis action shows a person's anger and that they are mocking others.
Lam 2:19Lift up your hands to himThis was an action often performed while praying. Alternate Translation: "Lift up your hands to him in prayer"
Ezk 4:3set your face against itThis is a command to stare at the model of the city as a symbol of punishing the city. Alternate Translation: "stare at the city" or "stare at the city so that it will be harmed"
Ezk 4:7Set your face toward Jerusalem that is under siegeThis is a command to stare at the model of Jerusalem as a symbol of punishing Jerusalem. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 4:3](./03.md). Alternate Translation: "Stare at Jerusalem that is under siege" or "Stare at Jerusalem that is under siege, so that it will be harmed"
Ezk 6:2set your face against the mountains of IsraelThis is a command to stare at the mountains as a symbol of punishing the people there. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 4:3](../04/03.md). Alternate Translation: "stare at the mountains of Israel" or "stare at the mountains of Israel so that the people there will be harmed"
Ezk 6:2set your face against the mountains of IsraelThe mountains of Israel were far away, so Ezekiel could not see them, but staring in that direction would be a symbol of harming it. Alternate Translation: "turn toward the mountains of Israel and stare" or "stare toward the mountains of Israel so that the people there will be harmed"
Ezk 13:17set your face against the daughtersThis is a command to stare at the women as a symbol of punishing them. Translate "set your face against" as you did in [Ezekiel 4:3](../04/03.md). Alternate Translation: "stare at the daughters"
Ezk 14:8I will set my face against that manYahweh speaks of being opposed to a person as if he were to set his face against that person. Alternate Translation: "I will be against that man" or "I will oppose that man"
Ezk 15:7I will set my face against themYahweh speaks of being opposed to them as if he were to set his face against them. Alternate Translation: "I will be against them" or "I will oppose them"
Ezk 17:18reached out with his hand to make a promiseThis refers to taking hold of another person's hand as a sign of friendship and agreement. Here it represents the covenant oath that he made with the king of Babylon.
Ezk 18:6lift up his eyes to the idolsThe idiom "lift up his eyes" refers to looking toward something. With reference to idols, this gesture represents worshiping or praying to idols. Alternate Translation: "worship the idols" or "pray to the idols"
Ezk 18:12he lifts up his eyes to the idolsThe idiom "lifts up his eyes" refers to looking toward something. With reference to idols, this gesture represents worshiping or praying to idols. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 18:6](./06.md). Alternate Translation: "he worships the idols" or "he prays to the idols"
Ezk 18:15he does not lift up his eyes to the idolsThe idiom "lifted up his eyes" refers to looking toward something. With reference to idols, this gesture represents worshiping or praying to idols. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 18:6](./06.md). Alternate Translation: "he does not worship the idols" or "he does not pray to the idols"
Ezk 20:5I ... raised my hand to swear an oathHere "raised my hand" is a symbolic action that shows he will truly do what he has sworn to do. Alternate Translation: "I ... solemnly swore an oath"
Ezk 20:15I myself also raised my hand to swear an oathHere "raised my hand" is a symbolic action that shows he will truly do what he has sworn to do. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 20:5](./05.md). Alternate Translation: "I myself also solemnly swore an oath"
Ezk 20:23I myself also lifted up my hand to swearHere "lifted up my hand" is a symbolic action that shows he will truly do what he has sworn to do. Alternate Translation: "I myself also solemnly swore"
Ezk 20:42I have lifted up my hand to swearHere "lifted up my hand" is a symbolic action that shows he will truly do what he has sworn to do. Alternate Translation: "I have solemnly sworn"
Ezk 20:46set your face toward the southern landsThis is a command to stare at the southern lands as a symbol of punishing the people there. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 4:3](../04/03.md). Alternate Translation: "Stare at the southern lands" or "Stare at the southern lands so that they will be harmed"
Ezk 21:2set your face toward JerusalemThis is a command to stare at Jerusalem as a symbol of punishing the people there. Alternate Translation: "stare at Jerusalem" or "stare at Jerusalem so that the people there will be harmed"
Ezk 21:2set your face toward JerusalemJerusalem was far away, so Ezekiel could not see it, but staring in that direction would be a symbol of harming it. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 6:2](../06/02.md) Alternate Translation: "Turn toward Jerusalem and stare" or "stare toward Jerusalem so that the people there will be harmed"
Ezk 21:12slap your thighIn Ezekiel's culture, slapping one's thigh was a sign of grief. Some other translation use the gesture of beating one's breast which is a sign of grief in many cultures. Alternate Translation: "beat your chests"
Ezk 21:14hit your two hands togetherThis means for him to clap his hands as a sign of his grief. Alternate Translation: "clap your hands to show that you are very sad"
Ezk 21:17hit my two hands togetherclap my hands. Here clapping hands is a sign of triumph. Alternate Translation: "clap my hands in triumph"
Ezk 22:13With my hand I have struckI have shaken my fist against or "I have clapped my hands against." This is a symbolic action that shows anger and disapproval. Alternate Translation: "I have shown my anger and disapproval against"
Ezk 24:17do not veil your facial hairIn Israel, men would shave their beards to express sorrow, then cover their faces until their facial hair grew back. Yahweh told Ezekiel not to cover his facial hair in order to show that he had not shaved his face to express his sorrow. Alternate Translation: "do not mourn by veiling your facial hair" or "do not mourn by shaving and covering your beard"
Ezk 25:2set your face against the people of AmmonThis is a command to stare at the people of Ammon as a symbol of punishing them. Alternate Translation: "stare at the people of Ammon" or "stare at the people of Ammon so that they will be harmed"
Ezk 25:2set your face against the people of AmmonAmmon was far away, so Ezekiel could not see the people there, but staring in that direction would be a symbol of harming the people. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 6:2](../06/02.md). Alternate Translation: "Turn toward the people of Ammon and stare" or "stare toward Ammon so that the people there will be harmed"
Ezk 25:6You have clapped your hands and stamped your feetThese actions are ways to show strong emotions. In this case the people are cheering and showing their contempt against Israel.
Ezk 27:30they will cast dust up on their heads. They will roll about in ashesThese are expressions of grieving and mourning.
Ezk 27:31They will shave their heads bald for you and bind themselves with sackclothThese are expressions of grieving and mourning.
Ezk 27:36hiss at youHissing was making a whistling sound through the teeth. It may have been out of dismay, grief, or surprise.
Ezk 28:21set your face against SidonSidon was far away, so Ezekiel could not see it, but staring in that direction would be a symbol of harming the people there. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 6:2](../06/02.md). Alternate Translation: "Turn toward Sidon and stare" or "stare toward Sidon so that the people there will be harmed"
Ezk 29:2set your face against PharaohThis is a command to stare at Pharaoh as a symbol of punishing him and his people. Pharaoh was far away, so Ezekiel could not see him, but staring in his direction would be a symbol of harming him and his people. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 6:2](../06/02.md). Alternate Translation: "turn toward Pharaoh and stare" or "stare toward Pharaoh so that he and his people will be harmed"
Ezk 35:2set your face against Mount SeirMount Seir was far away, so Ezekiel could not see it, but Yahweh commands him to stare in that direction as a symbol of harming the people there. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 6:2](../06/02.md). Alternate Translation: "turn toward Mount Seir and stare" or "stare toward Mount Seir so that the people there will be harmed"
Ezk 36:7I myself will lift up my hand to swearHere "lift up my hand" is a symbolic action that shows he will truly do what he has sworn to do. Alternate Translation: "I solemnly swear"
Ezk 38:2set your face toward Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince ... TubalThis is a command to stare at Gog and Magog as a symbol of punishing the people there. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Ezekiel 4:3](../04/03.md). Alternate Translation: "Stare at the land of Magog and at Gog, the chief prince ... Tubal" or "Stare at Gog, the chief prince ... Tubal, and at the land of Magog so that they will be harmed"
Ezk 44:12I will lift up my hand to swear an oathIn those days a person would raise his right hand to show that he realized that God would punish him if he did not do what he swore to do. See how you translated these words in [Ezekiel 20:6](../20/06.md). Alternate Translation: "I will solemnly swear"
Ezk 47:14I lifted up my hand and sworeIn those days a person would raise his right hand to show that he realized that God would punish him if he did not do what he swore to do.
Dan 2:46fell on his faceThis symbolic act showed that the king was honoring Daniel. Alternate Translation: "lay down with his face on the ground"
Dan 3:5prostrate yourselves tostretch yourselves out on the ground face down in worship of
Dan 3:7prostrated themselves toThey did this to worship the statue. Alternate Translation: "stretched themselves out on the ground face down in worship of"
Dan 3:10prostrate himself toThe people would do this to worship the statue. Alternate Translation: "stretch himself out on the ground face down in worship of"
Dan 3:12prostrate themselvesThey would do this to worship the statue. Alternate Translation: "stretch themselves out on the ground face down in worship"
Dan 3:14prostrate yourselves toThe three men would not do this to worship the statue. Alternate Translation: "stretch yourselves out on the ground face down in worship of"
Dan 3:15prostrate yourselves tostretch yourselves out on the ground face down in worship of"
Dan 3:18prostrate ourselves toPeople would do this to worship their gods. Alternate Translation: "stretch ourselves out on the ground face down in worship of"
Dan 3:28prostrate themselves toPeople would do this to worship their gods. Alternate Translation: "stretch themselves out on the ground face down in honor of"
Dan 6:18he went through the night fastingThis symbolic act showed that the king was worried about Daniel.
Dan 8:17prostrated myself on the groundThis is an act of worship in which someone lies flat on the ground.
Dan 9:3fasting, wearing sackcloth, and sitting in ashesThese are symbolic acts of repentance and sorrow.
Dan 9:25the anointed oneAnointing is a symbolic act to show that someone is chosen. Alternate Translation: "the person that God anoints" or "the person that God chooses"
Hos 3:1Love her just as I, Yahweh, love the people of IsraelBy loving the adulterous woman, Hosea will be an example of Yahweh's love for Israel.
Amo 8:10have baldness on every headA person shaves his head to show that he is grieving. Alternate Translation: "cause you all to shave your heads"
Mic 1:10I roll myself in the dustPeople under God's judgment are expressing their grief in a strong way. Alternate Translation: "I roll myself on the ground" or "I roll myself in the mud"
Mic 1:16Shave your head and cut off your hairIsraelites who were mourning would shave bald spots on their heads. Possible meanings are 1) "Shave larger spots than usual on your heads" or 2) "Cut off all your hair and shave your heads," stating the events in the order in which they were to occur.
Mic 7:16They will put their hands on their mouthsThey do this to show that they are ashamed of what they have done.
Nam 2:7beating on their breastsBeating one's breast was a gesture used to express great mourning.
Nam 3:6I will throw disgusting filth on youThe words "disgusting filth" refer to all kinds of garbage. Throwing garbage at a person was a sign of strong contempt. Alternate Translation: "I will show my contempt for you, like a person would throw disgusting filth at another"
Zec 2:9I myself will shake my hand over themRaising one's hand against another person is a gesture of hostility. Here it is a symbolic action that means that God will attack those who harm Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "I myself will fight against them" or "I myself will attack them"
Zec 11:4General Information:In 11:4-17 is a story about two shepherds. Possible meanings are 1) Zechariah actually became a shepherd over a flock as a symbolic act showing how Yahweh will treat his people or 2) Zechariah tells a parable that teaches how Yahweh will treat his people. Since it is uncertain which of these meanings is correct, it would be best not to specify either option in the translation.
Zec 11:15General Information:This continues the story about two shepherds that began in [Zechariah 11:4](./04.md). Possible meanings are 1) Zechariah actually became a shepherd over a flock as a symbolic act showing how Yahweh will treat his people or 2) Zechariah tells a parable that teaches how Yahweh will treat his people. Since it is uncertain which of these meanings is correct, it would be best not to specify either option in the translation.