Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech
This is a sign of friendship and that Abraham agrees to make covenant with Abimelech.
Gen 24:2
Put your hand under my thigh
Abraham 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 24:9
put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master
This was to show that he would certainly do what he was swearing to do.
Gen 24:26
bowed down
This is a sign of humility before God.
Gen 24:48
I bowed down
This is a sign of humility before God.
Gen 24:52
he bowed himself down
Bowing down before God is an expression of worship to him.
Gen 24:65
So she took her veil, and covered herself
So 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 27:29
bow down
This means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.
Gen 28:18
poured oil upon the top of it
This 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 31:13
where you anointed a pillar
Jacob poured oil on the pillar to dedicate it to God.
Gen 33:3
He bowed
Here the word "bow" means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.
Gen 33:6
bowed down
This is a sign of humility and respect before another person.
Gen 35:2
change your clothes
Putting on a new clothes was a sign that they had made themselves clean before approaching God.
Gen 35:14
He poured out a drink offering over it and poured oil on it
This is a sign that he is dedicating the pillar to God.
Gen 41:42
Pharaoh took off his signet ring ... gold chain on his neck
All of these actions symbolize that Pharaoh is giving Joseph the authority to do everything that Joseph planned.
Gen 41:43
He had him ride in the second chariot which he possessed
This act makes clear to the people that Joseph is second only to Pharaoh.
Gen 41:43
Bend the knee
Bow down and honor Joseph. To bend the knee and bow down was a sign of honor and respect.
Gen 41:45
He gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, as a wife
Priests in Egypt were the highest and most privileged caste. This marriage signifies Joseph's place of honor and privilege.
Gen 42:6
bowed down to him with their faces to the ground
This is a way of showing respect.
Gen 43:26
bowed down before him
This is a way of showing honor and respect.
Gen 43:28
They prostrated themselves and bowed down
These 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 44:13
Then they tore their clothes
The word "they" refers to the brothers. Tearing clothes was a sign of great distress and sorrow.
Gen 44:14
they bowed before him
they fell before him. This is a sign of the brothers wanting the lord to be merciful to them.
Gen 47:29
put your hand under my thigh
This act is a sign of making a serious promise. See how you translated this in [Genesis 24:2](../24/02.md).
Gen 48:12
between Israel's knees
When 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 48:12
then he bowed with his face to the earth
Joseph bowed down to show honor to his father.
Gen 48:13
Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand
Joseph 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 48:14
his right hand and laid it upon Ephraim's head
Placing the right hand on Ephraim's head was the sign that he would receive the greater blessing.
Gen 48:18
Put your right hand upon his head
The right hand was the sign of the greater blessing which the oldest son was supposed to receive.
Gen 49:8
bow down
This means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.
Gen 50:18
lay facedown before him
They lay down with their faces toward the ground. This is a sign of humility and respect for Joseph.
Exo 4:31
they bowed their heads
Possible meanings are 1) "they bowed their heads in awe" or 2) "they bowed down low in reverence."
Exo 9:29
spread my hands out to Yahweh
This symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. Alternate Translation: "lift up my hands and pray to Yahweh"
Exo 9:33
spread out his hands to Yahweh
This 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 18:7
bowed down, and kissed him
These symbolic acts were the normal way that people showed great respect and devotion in that culture.
Lev 1:4
lay his hand on the head
This 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 3:2
lay his hand on the head
This 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 3:8
lay his hand on the head
This 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 3:13
lay his hand on the head
This 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 4:4
lay his hand on its head
This 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 4:15
will lay their hands on the head
This 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 4:24
lay his hand on the head
This 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 4:29
lay his hand on the head
This 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 4:33
lay his hand on the head
This 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 7:30
may be waved as a wave offering before Yahweh
Raising up the offering is a symbolic gesture that shows that the person is dedicating the sacrifice to Yahweh.
Lev 8:6
washed them with water
This is a symbolic action. It is a ritually cleaning that prepares them to become priests.
Lev 8:14
laid their hands on the head
This 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 8:18
laid their hands on the head
This 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 8:22
laid their hands on the head
This 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 8:27
waved them
This is a symbolic action that dedicates the offering to Yahweh.
Lev 9:24
lay facedown
lay with their faces to the ground. This is a sign respect and honor.
Lev 10:6
Do not let your hair on your heads hang loosely, and do not tear your clothes
Yahweh is telling Aaron and his sons not to show any outward signs of grief or mourning.
Lev 16:21
he must put that sinfulness on the head of the goat
Aaron'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 19:32
You must rise
Standing up in front of someone is a sign of respect.
Lev 22:15
that they have raised high and presented
The 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 24:14
All who heard him must lay their hands on his head
They were to put their hands on his head to show that he was the guilty one.
Num 8:7
Sprinkle the water of atonement on them
Moses sprinkling water on them was symbolic of their atonement. Alternate Translation: "Sprinkle on their the water that symbolizes atonement"
Num 8:10
the people of Israel must lay their hands on the Levites
The 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 8:12
The Levites must place their hands on the heads of the bulls
This 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 14:5
lay facedown
lay 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 14:6
tore their clothes
Tearing one's clothes was a gesture indicating the person is very troubled and is mourning.
Num 16:4
he lay facedown
This 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 16:22
lay facedown
This shows that Moses and Aaron were humbling themselves before God.
Num 16:45
lay down with their faces to the ground
This indicates that Moses and Aaron are humbling themselves before God.
Num 18:19
an everlasting covenant of salt
a 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 20:6
lay facedown
This indicates that Moses and Aaron are humbling themselves before God.
Num 22:31
Balaam lowered his head and lay facedown
This indicates that Balaam is humbling himself before the angel.
Num 24:4
he bows down
This is an act of humility.
Num 24:10
struck his hands together in anger
This was a sign of great frustration and anger.
Num 24:16
bows down
This is a sign of submission to God.
Num 25:2
bowed down
This was an act of worship.
Num 27:18
lay your hand on him
This is a sign of dedicating someone to God's service. Alternate Translation: "lay your hand on him to appoint him"
Num 27:23
He laid his hands on him
The laying on of hands was a way of setting a person apart to do a special task for God.
Deu 14:1
Do not cut yourselves, nor shave any part of your face for the dead
These 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 5:14
Joshua lay facedown on the ground to worship
This was an act of worship.
Jos 5:15
Take off your sandals from your feet
This was an act of reverence.
Jos 7:6
tore his garments ... put dust on their heads and lay facedown on the ground in front of the ark of Yahweh
They did these things to show God how sad and distressed they were.
Jdg 2:12
bowed down to them
This is an act of worship and giving honor to someone.
Jdg 3:20
The king got up out of his seat
Standing up was a sign of honoring God will listening to his message.
Jdg 9:8
to anoint a king over them
Here, 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 9:15
to anoint me as king over you
To anoint someone with oil is a symbolic action that appoints a person to be king. Alternate Translation: "to appoint me as your king"
Jdg 11:35
he tore his clothes
This is an act that shows mourning or great sadness. Alternate Translation: "he tore his clothes from grief"
Jdg 13:20
lay facedown on the ground
lay with their faces to the ground. This is a sign of respect and honor, but it also shows their fear of Yahweh.
Rut 3:4
uncover his feet
This means to remove the cloak or blanket covering his feet so that they would be exposed to the cold.
2Sa 1:2
with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head
In this culture, tearing one's own clothes and putting dirt on one's head was an act of mourning.
2Sa 1:2
he lay facedown on the ground and prostrated himself
This was an act of showing submission to David, who was now the king of Israel.
2Sa 1:11
David tore his clothes ... the men with him did the same
David and his men tore their clothes as a sign of mourning for the death of King Saul.
2Sa 2:4
anointed David king
In this symbolic act, they poured oil on David's head to show that he was selected to be the king.
2Sa 2:7
anointed me king
In this symbolic act, they poured oil on David's head to show that he was selected to be the king.
2Sa 3:31
Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth
These were symbolic actions to demonstrate their grief and sadness.
2Sa 4:12
cut off their hands and feet and hung them up
These were symbolic actions to show contempt for the men.
2Sa 4:12
they took the head of Ishbosheth and buried it in the grave
This 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 5:3
They anointed David king over Israel
To "anoint" is a symbolic act to show that they recognized that God had chosen David as king.
2Sa 13:19
put ashes on her head and tore her robe. She put her hands on her head
These 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 13:31
tore his clothes, and lay on the floor
He did these things to show that he was extremely sad. Alternate Translation: "tore his clothes, and threw himself on the floor grieving"
2Sa 13:31
with their clothes torn
They did this to show their sadness and to mourn with their king. Alternate Translation: "and tore their clothes, mourning with the king"
2Sa 14:4
she lay facedown on the ground
She 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 14:22
Joab lay facedown on the ground
Joab did this to honor the king and show his gratitude.
2Sa 14:33
bowed low to the ground before the king
Absalom is showing respect to the king. Alternate Translation: "bowed low to the ground to honor the king"
2Sa 15:1
with fifty men to run before him
These men would run in front of the chariot to honor Absalom. Alternate Translation: "with fifty men to run before him to honor him"
2Sa 15:5
put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him
This action is a friendly greeting. Alternate Translation: "greet him as a friend by embracing him and kissing him"
2Sa 15:30
his head covered
This is a sign of mourning and shame. Alternate Translation: "his head covered in mourning"
2Sa 15:32
with his coat torn and earth on his head
This 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 18:28
He bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground
He 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 19:4
The king covered his face
This is a way to express grief and mourning. Alternate Translation: "The king showed his grief by covering his face"
2Sa 23:1
anointed by the God of Jacob
Anointing was done by pouring oil on a person's head. This was done to choose who would serve God as king or priest.
2Sa 24:20
bowed to the king with his face to the ground
He was showing deep respect and honor to the king.
1Ki 22:11
With these you will push the Arameans until they are consumed
The 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 2:12
tore them into two pieces
People 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 4:37
Then she lay facedown on the ground at his feet and bowed to the ground
The 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 5:7
he tore his clothes
Often people would rip their clothes if they were in great distress. Alternate Translation: "he ripped his clothes to show his distress"
2Ki 6:30
he tore his clothes
The king ripped his outer garment to show his distress. Alternate Translation: "he tore his clothes in grief"
2Ki 6:30
he had sackcloth underneath, against his skin
By 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 10:15
If it is, give me your hand
If 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 11:12
anointed him
The 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 11:14
Athaliah tore her clothes
She tore her clothes to express that she was very upset and angry.
2Ki 22:11
he tore his clothes
This is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness.
2Ki 22:19
torn your clothes
This is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness.
1Ch 11:3
They anointed David king over Israel
To "anoint" is a symbolic act to show that they recognized that God had chosen David as king.
1Ch 21:16
having a drawn sword in his hand raised over Jerusalem
The 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 21:16
clothed in sackcloth, lay facedown on the ground
These were symbols of repentance.
1Ch 21:21
with his face to the ground
This 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 21:27
the angel put his sword back into its sheath
The 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 29:20
prostrated themselves before the king
This 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 6:12
spread out his hands
raised his hands. This was to show that he was praying.
2Ch 6:13
he spread out his hands toward the heavens
Solomon 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 6:29
he spreads out his hands toward this temple
This 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 6:32
prays toward this house
Praying toward Yahweh's temple shows that one is praying to Yahweh.
2Ch 6:34
they pray to you toward this city ... and toward the house
Praying toward Jerusalem and the temple shows that they are praying to Yahweh.
2Ch 6:38
that they pray toward their land
This 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 7:3
they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the stone pavement
This is a position of humility and worship. Alternate Translation: "they lay down on the ground with their faces touching the stone pavement"
2Ch 7:21
will hiss
This is how they would show that they are shocked by what happened to the temple
2Ch 18:10
you will push the Arameans until they are consumed
The 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 20:18
bowed his head with his face to the ground ... fell down before Yahweh
These acts of worship that express humility and submission to God.
2Ch 23:11
put the crown on him
This is a symbolic act to show that they are making him king.
2Ch 23:11
gave him the covenant decrees
The 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 23:11
anointed him
This was a symbolic act to show that he was chosen by God to be the king.
2Ch 23:13
Athaliah tore her clothes
This was a symbolic action to show her great distress.
2Ch 25:14
bowed down ... burned incense
These are symbolic acts of worship.
2Ch 34:19
he tore his clothes
This is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness. Alternate Translation: "he tore his clothes because he was very upset"
2Ch 34:27
torn your clothes
This is a symbolic action that indicates intense grief or sadness.
Neh 5:13
I shook out the fold of my robe
I 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 2:17
set the royal crown on her head
The king did this to show that he was making her his queen.
Est 3:2
knelt ... prostrated
These acts represent submission to the authority of Haman.
Est 3:5
did not kneel and bow down
Mordecai showed disrespect for Haman's status in the government by not doing these actions.
Est 4:1
tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes
These acts are signs of severe sadness. Alternate Translation: "tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes to show his grief"
Est 4:16
fast for me ... will fast
Fasting 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 5:9
Mordecai neither rose up
Rising was a sign of respect. Mordecai did not give Haman special respect.
Est 6:12
with his head covered
People often covered their head to show that they were either extremely sad or ashamed.
Job 1:20
tore his robe, shaved his head
These were ritual mourning actions, symbolizing deep grief.
Job 2:12
tore his robe
This was a sign of mourning.
Job 2:12
threw dust into the air and upon his own head
These were signs of mourning.
Job 9:13
the helpers of Rahab bow beneath him
Here "bow beneath him" symbolizes submission or defeat. Alternate Translation: "he crushes the helpers of Rahab"
Job 11:13
had reached out with your hands toward God
This is a symbolic action representing asking God for help. Alternate Translation: "had made an appeal and prayed to God"
Job 15:25
he has reached out with his hand against God
he has shook his fist against God. This is a sign of aggression.
Job 16:4
shake my head
This is an action that shows disapproval.
Job 17:6
they spit in my face
people 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 21:5
lay your hand upon your mouth
cover 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 27:23
It claps its hands at him in mockery
Clapping 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 27:23
it hisses him out of his place
The 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 29:8
rose and stood for me
This is a symbol of respect. It can be stated clearly. Alternate Translation: "rose and stood respectfully for me"
Job 29:9
The princes used to refrain from talking when I came
This was a sign of respect.
Job 29:9
they would lay their hand on their mouths
They did this to show that they would not speak. This was a sign of their respect for Job.
Job 31:27
so that my mouth has kissed my hand
Here "my mouth" represents Job. This is a sign of love and devotion. Alternate Translation: "so that I have kissed my hand"
Job 42:6
I repent in dust and ashes
Sitting in dust and ashes is a symbolic act showing the person is sorry.
Psa 2:12
Kiss the son
People 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 3:7
For you will hit all my enemies on the jaw
This 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 10:5
he snorts at all his enemies
People 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 20:5
we will raise banners
we 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 21:3
you placed on his head a crown of purest gold
To place a crown on a person's head is a symbol of making him a king.
Psa 22:7
they shake their heads at me
This describes an action used to mock someone.
Psa 22:27
will bow down before you
This is a sign of giving honor and respect to someone.
Psa 26:6
I wash my hands in innocence
This seems to refer to a ritual washing of hands in water to symbolize freedom from sin and guilt.
Psa 28:2
I lift up my hands toward your most holy place
Lifting up hands is a symbol of worship. The writer is not worshiping the holy place, but Yahweh who lives in the holy place.
Psa 35:13
with my head bowed on my chest
This was a symbol of prayer. "with my head bent down in prayer"
Psa 35:14
I bent down
This was a symbol of pain and suffering.
Psa 35:16
they grind their teeth at me in rage
This is a sign of anger and hate. "they made grinding noises with their teeth at me"
Psa 44:20
spread out our hands to a strange god
Spreading 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 68:31
reach out with her hands to God
This is a symbolic action that represents worship to God. Alternate Translation: "lift up her hands to praise God"
Psa 69:10
I wept and did not eat food
The fact that the writer was fasting indicates that he was sad about the way people treated God's temple.
Psa 69:11
I made sackcloth my clothing
Wearing rough, cheap clothing was a symbol of mourning over sin.
Psa 88:9
I spread out my hands to you
I lift up my hands to you. This is an action that shows that he totally depends on God.
Psa 89:13
right hand is high
To raise the right hand high into the air is a gesture that indicates power.
Psa 89:19
I have set a crown on a mighty one
To 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 89:20
with my holy oil have I anointed him
Here to pour oil on someone's head is a sign that God is appointing the person to be king.
Psa 89:39
You have desecrated his crown on the ground
To 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 95:6
kneel
put both knees on the ground, often to show submission
Psa 112:10
he will grind his teeth in rage
The grinding of teeth is an expression of extreme anger. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Psalms 35:16](../035/016.md).
Psa 113:7
out of the dirt ... from the ash heap
Sitting in dirt and ashes represents either poverty or despair.
Psa 118:16
The right hand of Yahweh is exalted
Here, 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 119:132
Turn to me
To turn towards someone means to pay attention to that person. Alternate Translation: "Pay attention to me"
Psa 134:2
Lift up your hands
This is how people prayed or praised God.
Psa 138:2
I will bow down
Bowing down is a symbolic action that represents worship and giving honor. Alternate Translation: "I will worship you"
Psa 140:9
raise their heads
This is a sign of being arrogant. Alternate Translation: "are arrogant"
Psa 146:8
who are bowed down
This action is a sign of distress or mourning.
Pro 10:10
He who winks the eye
Winking the eye represents a secretive sign for being cruel to someone else. Alternate Translation: "He who makes a signal with a gesture"
Pro 14:19
bow down
This means to bend over to humbly express respect and submission toward someone.
Ecc 4:5
The fool folds his hands and does not work
To 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 9:8
Let your clothes be always white and your head anointed with oil
Wearing white clothes and anointing one's head with oil were both signs of gladness and celebration.
Isa 2:6
they shake hands with sons of foreigners
Clasping 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 5:15
Man will be forced to bend down
Bending down often symbolizes being humiliated.
Isa 15:2
All their heads are shaved bare and all their beards are cut off
They do this to show their extreme sadness. AT" "They will all shave their heads and cut off their beards and grieve"
Isa 15:3
they wear sackcloth
They do this to show their extreme sadness. Alternate Translation: "they wear sackcloth and mourn"
Isa 16:1
Send rams to the ruler of the land
The Moabites will send rams to the king of Judah so that he might protect them from the enemy army.
Isa 22:12
for shaved heads
This was a sign of mourning and repenting.
Isa 32:11
put on sackcloth around your waists
This is an act of grieving or mourning. Alternate Translation: "put sackcloth around waists as you grieve"
Isa 36:22
with their clothes torn
Hezekiah'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 37:1
he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth
This is a sign of mourning and distress. Alternate Translation: "he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth because he was very distressed"
Isa 37:2
all covered with sackcloth
This is a sign of mourning and distress.
Isa 37:22
shakes her head
This is a gesture of scorn.
Jer 2:37
with your hands on your head
This is a symbol of shame.
Jer 4:8
wrap yourself in sackcloth
People 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 6:26
put on sackcloth and roll in ashes
People 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 7:29
Cut off your hair and shave yourself, and throw away your hair
This would be done as a sign of mourning.
Jer 13:18
for your splendid crowns have fallen from your heads
A 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 14:3
they cover their heads
In biblical times, people would wear a headcovering to show that they were ashamed.
Jer 14:4
The plowmen are ashamed and cover their heads
In biblical times, people would wear a headcovering to show that they were ashamed.
Jer 16:6
no one will ... cut themselves or shave their heads for them
Cutting oneself and shaving one's head were symbolic actions that expressed strong grief, especially when a loved one died.
Jer 18:17
I will show them my back, and not my face
I 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 21:9
falling on his knees before
This symbolic act represents surrender. Alternate Translation: "surrendering to"
Jer 25:34
Roll about in the dust
This is a sign of sorrow, mourning or distress.
Jer 32:33
They turned their backs to me instead of their faces
One 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 36:24
nor did they tear their clothes
People tore their cloths when they were extremely sad. Alternate Translation: "nor did they mourn by tearing their clothes"
Jer 47:5
Baldness
The 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 47:5
cut yourself in mourning
The cutting of one's skin was another practice done by the idol worshipers when they mourn the dead.
Jer 48:27
shook your head at him
This is a symbolic action that shows feeling of scorn or disgust towards someone.
Jer 48:37
For every head is bald and every beard shaved. Incisions are on every hand, and sackcloth is around their waists
These are all things that the people of Moab did when they were mourning or expressing deep sorrow.
Jer 49:17
tremble and hiss
The word "hiss" refers to a sound that shows horror or awe. Alternate Translation: "shake from fear and gasp"
Lam 2:10
sit on the ground in silence
Often people would sit on the ground to show they were mourning. Alternate Translation: "sit on the ground, mourning in silence"
Lam 2:10
They have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth
These are actions of mourning. Alternate Translation: "To show their mourning, they have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth"
Lam 2:10
have bowed their heads to the ground
This is an action of mourning. Alternate Translation: "have sorrowfully bowed their heads to the ground"
Lam 2:15
clap their hands ... hiss and shake their heads
These actions are used to mock and insult others. Alternate Translation: "mock you by clapping their hands ... hiss and shake their heads"
Lam 2:16
grind their teeth
This action shows a person's anger and that they are mocking others.
Lam 2:19
Lift up your hands to him
This was an action often performed while praying. Alternate Translation: "Lift up your hands to him in prayer"
Ezk 4:3
set your face against it
This 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 4:7
Set your face toward Jerusalem that is under siege
This 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 6:2
set your face against the mountains of Israel
This 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 6:2
set your face against the mountains of Israel
The 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 13:17
set your face against the daughters
This 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 14:8
I will set my face against that man
Yahweh 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 15:7
I will set my face against them
Yahweh 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 17:18
reached out with his hand to make a promise
This 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 18:6
lift up his eyes to the idols
The 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 18:12
he lifts up his eyes to the idols
The 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 18:15
he does not lift up his eyes to the idols
The 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 20:5
I ... raised my hand to swear an oath
Here "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 20:15
I myself also raised my hand to swear an oath
Here "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 20:23
I myself also lifted up my hand to swear
Here "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 20:42
I have lifted up my hand to swear
Here "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 20:46
set your face toward the southern lands
This 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 21:2
set your face toward Jerusalem
This 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 21:2
set your face toward Jerusalem
Jerusalem 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 21:12
slap your thigh
In 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 21:14
hit your two hands together
This 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 21:17
hit my two hands together
clap my hands. Here clapping hands is a sign of triumph. Alternate Translation: "clap my hands in triumph"
Ezk 22:13
With my hand I have struck
I 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 24:17
do not veil your facial hair
In 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 25:2
set your face against the people of Ammon
This 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 25:2
set your face against the people of Ammon
Ammon 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 25:6
You have clapped your hands and stamped your feet
These actions are ways to show strong emotions. In this case the people are cheering and showing their contempt against Israel.
Ezk 27:30
they will cast dust up on their heads. They will roll about in ashes
These are expressions of grieving and mourning.
Ezk 27:31
They will shave their heads bald for you and bind themselves with sackcloth
These are expressions of grieving and mourning.
Ezk 27:36
hiss at you
Hissing was making a whistling sound through the teeth. It may have been out of dismay, grief, or surprise.
Ezk 28:21
set your face against Sidon
Sidon 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 29:2
set your face against Pharaoh
This 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 35:2
set your face against Mount Seir
Mount 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 36:7
I myself will lift up my hand to swear
Here "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 38:2
set your face toward Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince ... Tubal
This 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 44:12
I will lift up my hand to swear an oath
In 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 47:14
I lifted up my hand and swore
In 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 2:46
fell on his face
This symbolic act showed that the king was honoring Daniel. Alternate Translation: "lay down with his face on the ground"
Dan 3:5
prostrate yourselves to
stretch yourselves out on the ground face down in worship of
Dan 3:7
prostrated themselves to
They did this to worship the statue. Alternate Translation: "stretched themselves out on the ground face down in worship of"
Dan 3:10
prostrate himself to
The people would do this to worship the statue. Alternate Translation: "stretch himself out on the ground face down in worship of"
Dan 3:12
prostrate themselves
They would do this to worship the statue. Alternate Translation: "stretch themselves out on the ground face down in worship"
Dan 3:14
prostrate yourselves to
The three men would not do this to worship the statue. Alternate Translation: "stretch yourselves out on the ground face down in worship of"
Dan 3:15
prostrate yourselves to
stretch yourselves out on the ground face down in worship of"
Dan 3:18
prostrate ourselves to
People would do this to worship their gods. Alternate Translation: "stretch ourselves out on the ground face down in worship of"
Dan 3:28
prostrate themselves to
People would do this to worship their gods. Alternate Translation: "stretch themselves out on the ground face down in honor of"
Dan 6:18
he went through the night fasting
This symbolic act showed that the king was worried about Daniel.
Dan 8:17
prostrated myself on the ground
This is an act of worship in which someone lies flat on the ground.
Dan 9:3
fasting, wearing sackcloth, and sitting in ashes
These are symbolic acts of repentance and sorrow.
Dan 9:25
the anointed one
Anointing is a symbolic act to show that someone is chosen. Alternate Translation: "the person that God anoints" or "the person that God chooses"
Hos 3:1
Love her just as I, Yahweh, love the people of Israel
By loving the adulterous woman, Hosea will be an example of Yahweh's love for Israel.
Amo 8:10
have baldness on every head
A person shaves his head to show that he is grieving. Alternate Translation: "cause you all to shave your heads"
Mic 1:10
I roll myself in the dust
People 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 1:16
Shave your head and cut off your hair
Israelites 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 7:16
They will put their hands on their mouths
They do this to show that they are ashamed of what they have done.
Nam 2:7
beating on their breasts
Beating one's breast was a gesture used to express great mourning.
Nam 3:6
I will throw disgusting filth on you
The 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 2:9
I myself will shake my hand over them
Raising 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 11:4
General 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 11:15
General 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.