VersePhraseExplanation
Gen 1:16to rule the dayThe lights that controlled the day are spoken of as if they were a human ruler that controlled what people do. Alternate Translation: "to direct the daytime as a ruler directs a group of people" or "to mark the times of the day"
Gen 4:7But if you do not ... you must rule over itGod speaks of sin as if it were a person. Alternate Translation: "But if you do not do what is right, you will desire to sin even more, and then you will do sinful things. You must refuse to obey it"
Gen 4:7you must rule over itYahweh speaks of Cain's desire to sin as if it were a person over whom Cain should rule. Alternate Translation: "you must control it so you do not sin"
Gen 4:11which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's bloodGod speaks of the earth as if it were a person who could drink Abel's blood. Alternate Translation: "which is soaked with your brother's blood"
Gen 4:12it will not yield to you its strengthThe ground is personified as if it were a person who loses strength. Alternate Translation: "the ground will not produce much food for you"
Gen 19:19I cannot escape to the mountains, because the disaster will overtake me, and I will dieBeing unable to get far enough away from Sodom when God destroys the city is spoken of as if "disaster" is a person that will chase and catch up with Lot. Alternate Translation: "My family and I will certainly die when God destroys the people of Sodom, because the mountains are too far away for us to get there safely"
Gen 30:33My integrity will testify for me later onThe word "integrity" means "honesty." This speaks about integrity as if it were a person who could testify for or against another person. Alternate Translation: "And later you will know if I have been honest with you or not"
Gen 31:44let it be for a witnessHere the word "witness" does not refer to a person, but it is used figuratively and refers to the covenant that Jacob and Laban are making. The covenant is spoken of as if it were a person who is there when they agree to act peacefully to one another.
Gen 31:48This pile is a witness between me and youThe stones do not actually bear witness as a person. Alternate Translation: "This pile will be a reminder between me and you"
Gen 31:52This pile is a witness, and the pillar is a witnessThese piles of stones were to act as a remembrance and a boundary marker for Jacob and Laban regarding their peace agreement. They are spoken of as if they are human witnesses.
Gen 37:7my bundle rose and stood upright ... your bundles came around and bowed downHere the bundles of grain are standing and kneeling as if they were people. These bundle represent Joseph and his brothers.
Exo 1:10war breaks outHere war is spoken of as a person that is able to act.
Exo 2:23their pleas went up to GodThe cries of the Israelites are spoken of as if they were a person and were able to travel up to where God is. Alternate Translation: "God heard their pleas"
Exo 3:9the shouts of the people of Israel have come to meHere the word "shouts" are spoken of as if they were persons who are capable of moving on their own. Alternate Translation: "I have heard the cries of the people of Israel"
Exo 14:3The wilderness has closed in on themPharaoh speaks of the wilderness as a person who has trapped the Israelites.
Exo 15:7You sent out your wrathMoses speaks of God's wrath as if it were a servant that God sent out to do something. Alternate Translation: "You showed your wrath" or "You acted according to your wrath"
Exo 15:8By the blast of your nostrilsMoses speaks of God as if God had a nose, and he speaks of the wind as if God blew the wind from his nose. Alternate Translation: "You blew on the sea and"
Exo 15:12the earth swallowed themMoses personifies the earth as if it could swallow or devour with it's mouth. Alternate Translation: "the earth devoured them"
Exo 15:14terror will seize the inhabitants of PhilistiaMoses speaks of terror as if it were a person that could forcefully grab hold of someone and make them extremely afraid. Alternate Translation: "the inhabitants of Philistia will be afraid"
Exo 23:8bribe blinds ... pervertsHere a "bribe" is described as if it were a person. Alternate Translation: "bribe discredits ... undermines"
Exo 24:10Under his feetThis speaks of God as if he had human feet.
Exo 37:9The cherubim spread out their wings upward and overshadowedBezalel placed the statues of the cherubim as if they were real cherubim which were spreading their wings and overshadowing the atonement lid. Alternate Translation: "They placed the winged creatures so that their wings touched each other and spread out over"
Lev 25:2the land must be made to keep a Sabbath for YahwehThe land is spoken of as if it were a person that could obey the Sabbath by resting. Just as the people had to rest every seventh day, people were to honor God by not farming the land every seventh year. Alternate Translation: "you must obey the Sabbath law by letting the land rest every seventh year for Yahweh" or "you must obey Yahweh's Sabbath by not farming the land every seventh year"
Lev 25:21I will command my blessing to come upon youGod speaks of his blessing as if it were a person that could obey him. Alternate Translation: "I will send my blessing on you" or "I will bless you"
Lev 26:34Then the land will enjoy its SabbathsThe people were supposed to obey the Sabbath law by not farming the land every seventh year. God speaks about this as if the land were a person that would obey the Sabbath law and rest. Alternate Translation: "Then the land will rest according to the Sabbath law" or "Then, as required by the Sabbath law, the land will not be farmed"
Lev 26:35it will have restGod speaks about the land not being farmed as if it were a person that would rest. Alternate Translation: "it will not be farmed"
Lev 26:38your enemies' land will itself devour youYahweh speaks about the enemies' land as if it were a wild animal that would eat the Israelites. The word "devour" emphasizes that most of the Israelites will die there. Alternate Translation: "you will die in your enemies' land"
Lev 26:43so it will be pleased with its SabbathsYahweh speaks about the land as if it were a person who is happy about resting, because no one will be planting seed or growing crops on it. This will allow the land to become more fertile. Alternate Translation: "so it will benefit from the Sabbaths"
Num 5:19this bitter water that can bring a curseHere the bitter water is described as being able to bring a curse. This means that when the woman drinks the water it cause her to be unable to bear children, if she is guilty. Alternate Translation: "this bitter water can be a curse to you"
Num 10:33The ark of the covenant of Yahweh went before themThe group of Levites carrying the ark of the covenant went before the people of Israel as the traveled. Alternate Translation: "Men carried the ark of the covenant of Yahweh before them as they traveled"
Num 10:35Whenever the ark set outHere the ark is spoken of as if were a person traveling. The ark was really being carried by men. Alternate Translation: "Whenever the people carrying the ark set out"
Num 10:36Whenever the ark stoppedHere the ark is spoken of as if were a person traveling. The ark was really being carried by men. Alternate Translation: "Whenever the people carrying the ark stopped"
Num 26:10The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them upHere the earth is spoken of as if it were a person opening its mouth and eating something. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh caused the earth to split open, and the men fell in the hole"
Num 26:10fire devoured 250 menHere the fire is spoken of as if it were a large animal devouring something. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh caused a fire that killed 250 men"
Num 32:23Be sure that your sin will find you outMoses speaks of sin as if it were a person who will condemn the guilty person. This means that the people cannot escape the punishment that their sin deserves. Alternate Translation: "Know for sure that Yahweh will punish you for your sin"
Deu 8:15thirsty groundThis phrase describes the ground as being thirsty just like a person is thirsty when he needs water. Alternate Translation: "dry ground"
Deu 11:6earth opened its mouth and swallowed them upYahweh causing the land to split open so that the people fell in is spoken of as if the land had a mouth and the ability to swallow people.
Deu 11:11drinks water of the rain of the heavensThe land receiving and absorbing a lot of rain is spoken of as if the land were drinking the water. Alternate Translation: "the rain from the sky gives it plenty of water"
Deu 24:4You must not cause the land to become guiltyThe land is spoken of as if it could sin. Alternate Translation: "You must not spread guilt around in the land"
Deu 28:22These will pursue youMoses speaks of the bad things that would happen to the Israelites as if they were people or animals who would chase after the Israelites. Alternate Translation: "You will suffer from them"
Deu 31:17Many disasters and troubles will find themThis describes the disasters and troubles as if they were human. Alternate Translation: "They will experience many disasters and troubles"
Deu 31:17Have these disasters not come upon us ... midst?This describes the disasters and troubles as if they were human. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "These disasters are destroying me ... midst."
Deu 31:21When many evils and troubles come upon this peopleHere evils and troubles are described as if they were human and could find people. Alternate Translation: "When this people experiences many evils and troubles"
Deu 31:21this song will testify before them as a witnessThis speaks of the song as if it were a human witness testifying in court against Israel.
Deu 32:25terror will do soYahweh speaks of being afraid as if it were a person who comes into a house and kills those who live in it. Alternate Translation: "you will die because you are afraid"
Jos 8:2her kingThe word "her" refers to the city of Ai. Cities were often spoken of as if they were women. Alternate Translation: "its king" or "their king"
Jos 10:12Sun ... moonJoshua commands the sun and moon as if these were people.
Jos 11:23the land had rest from the warsThe people no longer fighting wars is spoken of as if the land were a person who rested from war. Alternate Translation: "the people no longer fought wars in the land" or "there was peace in the land"
Jos 14:15Then the land had rest from warThe people no longer fighting wars is spoken of as if the land were a person who rested from war. See how you translated this phrase in [Joshua 11:23](../11/23.md). Alternate Translation: "Then the people no longer fought wars in the land"
Jos 24:27this stone will be a testimony ... It has heard all the wordsThe stone that Joshua set up is spoken of as if it were a person who heard what was spoken and would be able to testify about what was said.
Jdg 5:5The mountains quakedThis probably refers to earthquakes and gives the impression that the mountains quaked because they were very afraid of Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "The mountains trembled in fear"
Jdg 5:20From heaven the stars fought, from their paths across the heavens they fought against SiseraYahweh helping the Israelite to defeat Sisera and his army is spoken of as if the stars themselves fought against Sisera and his army. This may refer to Yahweh using natural elements, specifically rain storms, to defeat Sisera.
Jdg 16:17my strength will leave meSamson speaks about his strength as if it were a person who could leave him. Alternate Translation: "I will not be strong any more"
Jdg 16:19his strength had left himHere Samson's strength is described as if it were a person who could leave him. Alternate Translation: "his strength was gone" or "he was no longer strong"
Jdg 20:42But the fighting overtook themThis speaks about fighting as if it were a person who could overtake someone. Alternate Translation: "But the soldiers of Israel caught up to them" or "But they were not able to escape the fighting"
1Sa 6:18The great stone ... remains a witnessThe stone is referred to as if it is a person who can see. Alternate Translation: "The great stone ... is still there, and people remember what happened on it"
1Sa 10:7do whatever your hand finds to doHere Samuel speaks of Saul's hand as if it were a person trying to find things. Alternate Translation: "do whatever you think is right to do"
1Sa 10:10the Spirit of God rushed upon himSamuel speaks as if the Spirit of Yahweh were a person running up to Saul and taking complete control of him. See how you translated this in [1 Samuel 10:6](./05.md). Alternate Translation: "the Spirit of Yahweh took complete control of him"
1Sa 14:20Every Philistine's sword was against his fellow countrymenThe swords are spoken of as if they were living people. Alternate Translation: "The Philistine soldiers were striking each other with their swords"
2Sa 1:9great suffering has taken hold of meSaul's suffering is spoken of as something terrible that has grabbed hold of him. Alternate Translation: "I am suffering terribly"
2Sa 1:22the sword of Saul did not return emptySaul's sword is spoken of as if it were a living thing that could return on its own. Rather than return empty, it was carrying the blood of Saul's enemies that it killed.
2Sa 16:12the misery unleashed on meHere David speaks of misery as if it were a dangerous animal that the Benjamite unleashed on him.
2Sa 18:8more men were consumed by the forest than by the swordHere "the forest" is described as if it were alive and could act. "The sword" refers to David's soldiers who fought with swords. Alternate Translation: "dangerous things in the forest killed more men than David's soldiers killed with their swords"
2Sa 22:6The cords of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death trapped meDavid speaks about death and Sheol as if they are people who are trying to trap him as a hunter traps an animal. These phrases have similar meanings and are used for emphasis.
2Sa 22:7his earsDavid speaks of Yahweh as if he had ears.
2Sa 22:9his nostrils ... his mouthDavid speaks of Yahweh as if he had these humans parts.
2Sa 22:10under his feetDavid speaks of God as having feet like humans.
2Sa 22:14The Most High shouted. He shot arrowsDavid describes Yahweh doing these actions a person would do.
2Sa 22:15The Most High shouted. He shot arrowsDavid describes Yahweh doing these actions a person would do.
2Sa 22:28your eyes are against the proudHere the metonym "your eyes" refers to what Yahweh sees. This means Yahweh watches the proud person.
1Ki 18:38licked upThe fire is compared to a thirsty person drinking water.
1Ch 14:17David's fame went out into all landsPeople in every land hearing of David's reputation is spoken of as if David's fame traveled to those lands. Alternate Translation: "People far away heard about David's fame"
1Ch 16:27Splendor and majesty are in his presenceThe author speaks as if splendor and majesty are people who can stand before a king.
1Ch 16:27Strength and joy are in his placeThe author speaks as if strength and joy are people who can be in Yahweh's sanctuary.
1Ch 16:31Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoicePossible meanings are 1) the heavens and the earth are spoken of as if they have emotions like people. Alternate Translation: "Let it be as if the heavens are glad and the earth rejoices" or 2) "the heavens" and "the earth" are metonyms for those who dwell in those places. Alternate Translation: "Let those who live in the heavens be glad and let those who live on the earth rejoice"
1Ch 16:32Let the fields be joyful, and all that is in themLet the fields and all that is in them be joyful. The author speaks as if the fields and the animals that live in them have emotions like people. Alternate Translation: "Let it be as if the fields themselves and all the animals that live in them are rejoicing"
1Ch 16:33let the trees in the forest shout for joyThis speaks about the trees as if they were people who could shout for joy.
2Ch 7:14heal their landHere land that does not produce much is spoken of as though it were sick. Alternate Translation: "make their land good again" or "make their land produce good crops"
2Ch 12:12Yahweh's anger turned away from him, so as not to destroy him completelyYahweh no longer being angry with Rehoboam is spoken of as if Yahweh's anger were a person who turned away from Rehoboam. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh was no longer angry with him and so did not destroy him completely"
2Ch 30:8so that his fierce anger may turn away from youThe author writes of anger as if it were a person that can turn away from people. God's anger turning away from them represents him no longer being angry with them. Alternate Translation: "so that he will no longer be angry with you"
2Ch 36:21until the land should have enjoyed its Sabbath restsThe people were supposed to obey the Sabbath law by not farming the land every seventh year. This phrase speaks about this as if the land were a person that would obey the Sabbath law and rest. Alternate Translation: "until the land had rested according to the Sabbath law" or "until, as required by the Sabbath law, no one had farmed the land"
2Ch 36:21It observed its Sabbath for as long as it lay abandonedThe word "it" refers to the land. The land is spoken of as if it were a person who observed the Sabbath. Alternate Translation: "The requirements of the Sabbath law were fulfilled as long as the land lay abandoned"
Neh 6:17Tobiah's letters cameHere Tobiah's letters are personified as coming by themselves, when they were actually brought by messengers. Alternate Translation: "Tobiah sent letters" or "Tobiah sent many messengers with letters"
Neh 9:32hardship ... has come on us ... everything that has come on usThe phrase "come on us" speaks of bad things that happen as if they are people who cause harm. Alternate Translation: "harm ... we have suffered ... everything we have suffered"
Neh 9:33hardship ... has come on us ... everything that has come on usThe phrase "come on us" speaks of bad things that happen as if they are people who cause harm. Alternate Translation: "harm ... we have suffered ... everything we have suffered"
Est 4:14relief and rescue will rise up for the Jews from another placeHere "relief" and "rescue" are spoken of as if they are living things that can rise up. Alternate Translation: "someone else will rise up from another place and rescue the Jews"
Job 3:3May the day on which I was born perish, the nightJob speaks of that day and night as if they were people. Alternate Translation: "I wish that I had never been born"
Job 3:3the night that saidHere the night is spoken of as if it were a person who could speak. The translator may choose, however, to translate it in a less metaphorical way. Alternate Translation: "the night about which people said"
Job 3:5May darkness and the shadow of death claim it for their ownHere darkness and the shadow of death are spoken of as if they were people who could claim something as their own possession. The word "it" refers to the day of Job's birth.
Job 3:5terrify itterrify that day. The day is spoken of as if it were a person who could be terrified by the darkness.
Job 3:6may thick darkness seize itThis darkness is again spoken of as if it were a person who could grasp and hold the night. Alternate Translation: "may thick darkness make it disappear"
Job 3:6May it not rejoiceThe word "it" refers to the night of Job's birth or conception. The night of Job's conception is spoken of as if it were a person who should not rejoice. Alternate Translation: "May that night vanish from the calendar"
Job 3:6may it not come into the numberThat night is spoken of as if it were a person who could walk. Alternate Translation: "may no one count it in the number"
Job 3:7may that night be barrenThe night of Job's birth is spoken of as if it were a woman. Alternate Translation: "may no child be born on that night"
Job 3:9May that day look for light, but find noneThe day of Job's birth is spoken of as if it were a person looking for something. Alternate Translation: "May that day hope for light, but have none"
Job 3:9neither may it see the eyelids of the dawnThe dawn is spoken of as if it had eyelids as a person has. Alternate Translation: "nor see the first light of the dawn"
Job 3:10because it did not hide trouble from my eyesThe day of Job's birth is spoken of here as if it were a person who could hide something.
Job 5:16injustice shuts her own mouthPeople who say unjust things are spoken of as if they were the injustice itself, who must stop speaking. Alternate Translation: "It is as though injustice shut her own mouth"
Job 6:4the terrors of God have arranged themselves in array against meJob speaks of the terrible things that have happened to him as if they were soldiers that God had lined up to attack him all at once. Alternate Translation: "God has caused all the terrible things that could happen to happen to me all at once"
Job 6:16because of the snow that hides itself in themThis speaks of the snow melting and the water going into the streambed as if the snow were hiding in the streambed. Alternate Translation: "because the snow melts and goes into them"
Job 8:18that place will deny him and say, 'I never saw you.'The garden is spoken of as if it had human ability to speak. The garden immediately forgets that he existed.
Job 9:25my days flee awayThis pictures the days of Job's life as being able to run away like a person.
Job 9:25they see no good anywhereThis pictures the days of Job's life as being able to see like a person.
Job 9:31my own clothes would be disgusted with meJob's clothing is spoken of as if it would have a negative response to Job after God plunged him into a ditch. Alternate Translation: "I would be too filthy for my own clothing"
Job 11:14did not let unrighteousness live in your tentsUnrighteousness living represents people doing unrighteous things. Alternate Translation: "and you did not allow the members of your household to do unrighteous things"
Job 14:9even if it only smells waterThis describes the dead stump as if it could smell water to represent water being near it. Alternate Translation: "even if only a little water is near it"
Job 14:9send out branches like a plantThe tree sending out branches represents branches growing on the tree. Alternate Translation: "branches will start growing on it like a plant"
Job 15:5your iniquity teaches your mouthThis describes "iniquity" as if it were a teacher and Job's mouth is described as if it is learning. This means that his speech is greatly influenced by his iniquity. Alternate Translation: "your iniquity is like a teacher and your mouth is like its student" or "it is because of your sin that you speak the way you do"
Job 16:8which itself is a witness against meJob describes the shriveling of his body as if it were an accuser against him. Alternate Translation: "and people think that shows me to be a sinner"
Job 16:8the leanness of my body rises up against me, and it testifies againstJob describes the thinness of his body as if it were accuser against him. Alternate Translation: "They see how thin my body is, and they think that proves that I am guilty"
Job 16:18let my cry have no resting placeJob speaks of wanting everyone to know what happened to him as if his "cry" were a person that never stopped testifying to what happened to him and never rested. Alternate Translation: "let everyone hear about what has happened to me"
Job 17:1the grave is ready for meThis phrase describes "the grave" as if it is a person who will receive Job as a guest. Alternate Translation: "soon I will be dead and buried"
Job 18:11they will chase him at his heelsThis speaks of the things that terrify the wicked person as if they were enemies who chased him. Alternate Translation: "it will be as if the terrors will chase him all around"
Job 20:3a spirit from my understanding answers meThis "spirit" or thought is spoken of as if it were a person that could answer Zophar. Alternate Translation: "I have a thought from my understanding, and now I know what I wanted to know"
Job 26:11The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his rebukePeople thought of heaven or the sky as resting on pillars. Job speaks as though the pillars are humans that shake in fear when God is angry. Alternate Translation: "The pillars that hold up heaven shake in fear when God rebukes them" or "The pillars that hold up the sky shake like people who are afraid when God rebukes them"
Job 27:21it sweeps him out of his placeJob speaks of the wind blowing the wicked man out of his house as if the wind were a person sweeping dust out of a house with a broom. Alternate Translation: "the wind sweeps him out of his place like a woman who sweeps dirt out of a house" or "the wind easily blows him out of his place"
Job 27:22General Information:In verses 22-23 Job speaks of the wind as if it were a person attacking the wicked person.
Job 27:22It throws itself at himHere the phrase "throws itself at him" represents the wind blowing strong against him like an attacker. Alternate Translation: "It blows strong against him like someone attacking him"
Job 27:22he tries to flee out of its handHere "hand" represents the power or control that the wind has over the wicked man. Alternate Translation: "he tries to flee out of its control"
Job 28:4places that are forgotten by anyone's footThe foot is spoken of as if it is a person who can remember. Alternate Translation: "places where people no longer walk" or "where no one ever walks"
Job 28:14The deep waters ... say, 'It is not in me'; the sea says, 'It is not with me.'The deep waters and the sea are presented as if they are people that can speak. Alternate Translation: "Wisdom is not in the deep waters under the earth, nor is it in the sea"
Job 28:22Destruction and Death sayHere "Destruction" and "Death" are spoken of as if they are living things who can speak.
Job 30:16many days of suffering have laid hold on meJob speaks of his continuous suffering as if the days of suffering have grabbed hold of him. Alternate Translation: "I suffer many days, and the suffering does not end"
Job 30:17the pains that gnaw at me take no restJob speaks of his constant pain as if it were alive and biting him and refuses to rest. Alternate Translation: "the pains that cause me to suffer do not stop" or "I am in constant pain"
Job 30:27My heart is troubled and does not restJob speaks of his heart as if it were a person. Alternate Translation: "I am troubled in my heart and the feeling does not end"
Job 31:26the moon walkingHere "walking" represents moving slowly. Alternate Translation: "the moon moving across the sky"
Job 31:38If my land ever cries out against me, and its furrows weep togetherJob speaks of being guilty as if his land were a person who cries out against Job because of the wrong Job has done to the land. Alternate Translation: "If I have done wrong concerning my land" or "If I have stolen my land from someone"
Job 36:17judgment and justice have laid hold of youElihu speaks of God judging Job and giving him justice as if judgment and justice were people that have laid hold of Job. Alternate Translation: "God has brought you to judgment and given you justice"
Job 38:7when the morning stars sang togetherThe morning stars are spoken of as singing like people sing. Possible meanings are: 1) the "morning stars" are the same as the "sons of God" in the next line or 2) "the morning stars" refer to stars in the sky.
Job 38:11when I said to itwhen I said to the sea. Yahweh speaks to the sea as though it were a person.
Job 38:11to the pride of your wavesto the power of your waves. The waves are spoken of as if they could have pride. The abstract noun "pride" can be translated as the adjective "proud." Alternate Translation: "to your proud waves" or "to your powerful waves"
Job 38:12given orders to the morningYahweh describes the morning as being able to receive orders and know things like a person.
Job 38:19the resting place of lightthe dwelling of light. Light is spoken of as having a resting place from which it comes forth each day.
Job 38:20to their places of workto their territory. Light and darkness are spoken of as being led out and back each day to accomplish Yahweh's purposes.
Job 38:28General Information:Rain, dew, ice, and frost are spoken of as though they could be born like people are.
Job 38:30The waters hide themselves and become like stoneThe waters are spoken of as being able to hide. During the winter the ice hides the water underneath it.
Job 38:35Here we areThis pictures the lightning bolts as servants saying they are ready to follow commands.
Job 39:6whose home I have made in the ArabahYahweh describes the donkey as though he were a person that had a house. "I gave him the Arabah as a place to live"
Job 39:7laughs in scornYahweh describes the donkey as though he were a person. The donkey laughs because those in the city have to hear loud noise, but he lives in a quiet place.
Job 39:25he says, 'AhaThe word "Aha" is a sound people make when they discover something. The horse makes a sound because he has discovered the battle.
Job 40:20the hills provide him with foodThe hills are spoken of as if they were people capable of giving him food. Alternate Translation: "food grows on the hills for him"
Job 41:29he laughs at the whirring flight of a spearThe person throwing the spear hopes that the spear will kill Leviathan, but the writer speaks as if Leviathan knows the spear will not kill him and so laughs.
Job 41:34he is king over all the sons of prideLeviathan is spoken of as if he were a person who is able to become king and be proud. Alternate Translation: "Leviathan has more reason to be proud than anyone else on earth"
Psa 16:11joy resides in your presenceThe writer speaks of "joy" as if it were a person.
Psa 17:3my mouth will not transgressHere the mouth is spoken of as if it were capable of acting on its own. It also represents the words that a person speaks. Alternate Translation: "I will not tell lies or sin with my words"
Psa 18:5The cords of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death trapped meHere "Sheol," the place of the dead, and "death" are spoken of as if they were people who could surround and trap him. These two clauses have similar meanings and the idea is repeated for emphasis. Alternate Translation: "I felt trapped and thought I was going to die"
Psa 18:6my call for help went into his presenceHere David speaks of his "call for help" as if it were a person who could come into the presence of Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "I prayed to him"
Psa 18:9thick darkness was under his feetThough Yahweh does not actually have feet, the Psalmist gives him human characteristics. Alternate Translation: "thick darkness was beneath him"
Psa 18:10wings of the windHere the Psalmist speaks of the wind as if it had wings like an angel.
Psa 18:15at the blast of the breath of your nostrilsThough God does not have human physical characteristics as described here, this pictures his mighty strength. The wind is spoken of here as if it came as a mighty blast from God's nostrils.
Psa 19:1the skies make his handiwork knownThe skies are described as if they were a teacher. Alternate Translation: "The skies seem to make God's handiwork known to us"
Psa 19:2speech pours outWhat is beautiful about creation is compared to speaking, as if creation were a person. Then those words are compared to water that flows everywhere. Alternate Translation: "creation is like a person speaking to everyone"
Psa 19:4their words go outThe words are described as if they were people who go out with a message. Alternate Translation: "the words that creation speaks are like people who go out"
Psa 19:13let them not rule over meSins are described as if they were a king that could rule over someone. Alternate Translation: "do not let my sins become like a king who rules over me"
Psa 25:6for they have always existedHere "they" personifies God's compassion and covenant faithfulness. Alternate Translation: "for that is how you have always been"
Psa 25:21May integrity and uprightness preserve meThis speaks about "integrity" and "uprightness" as if they were persons who could keep another person safe. These abstract nouns can be stated as adjectives. Alternate Translation: "May being honest and doing what is right preserve me" or "Preserve me, Lord, because I am honest and do what is right"
Psa 31:5Into your handsGod is spirit, but he is here spoken of as if he has hands. Here "your hands" refers to Yahweh's care. Alternate Translation: "Into your care"
Psa 34:21Evil will kill the wickedEvil is described as if it were a man who can kill people. Alternate Translation: "The evil deeds of wicked people will kill them"
Psa 35:8Let destruction overtake them by surpriseDestruction is spoken of as if it was a dangerous animal that would suddenly attack them. Alternate Translation: "Let them be destroyed suddenly" or "Let them be surprised because you destroy them suddenly"
Psa 40:11let your covenant faithfulness and your trustworthiness always preserve meHere "covenant faithfulness" and "trustworthiness" are spoken of as if they were living people who could protect the writer. Alternate Translation: "I want your covenant faithfulness and your trustworthiness to always preserve"
Psa 40:12have caught up with meThe writer's iniquities are spoken of as if they were his enemies who were harming him.
Psa 41:8An evil disease ... to himHis enemies speak of "disease" as if it were a person who has captured him. Alternate Translation: "He is sick with a fatal disease"
Psa 42:7Deep calls to deep at the noise of your waterfallsThe word "deep" refers to deep waters, which here are likely the streams rushing down Mount Hermon. The writer speaks of them as if they are people calling out to one another as they hear the sound of their own descent from the mountain.
Psa 45:15They will be led by gladness and rejoicingThis phrase describes "gladness and rejoicing" as a person who leads others to celebrate. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Gladness and rejoicing will lead them" or "They will proceed with gladness and rejoicing"
Psa 48:6Trembling took hold of them thereThe writer speaks of the kings' fear as if it were a person who caused the kings and their armies to tremble. Alternate Translation: "There they trembled with fear"
Psa 48:11Let Mount Zion be gladThe writer speaks of Mount Zion as if it were a person who could be glad. The phrase refers to the people who live in Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "Let those who live on Mount Zion be glad"
Psa 49:14death will be their shepherdThe writer speaks of men dying by personifying death as a shepherd who leads them into the grave. Alternate Translation: "death will take them away as a shepherd leads away sheep to be slaughtered"
Psa 49:14their bodies will be consumed in SheolThe writer speaks of Sheol, the place of the dead, as if it were a person or animal. He speaks of the decay of dead bodies as if Sheol were eating them. Alternate Translation: "their bodies will decompose in the grave"
Psa 49:15God will redeem my life from the power of SheolThe writer speaks of Sheol as if it were a person who has power over those who die. From the context, it is implied that this power refers to consuming the bodies of the dead.
Psa 55:10they go about on its wallsviolence and strife go about on her walls.
Psa 55:10iniquity and mischief are in the middle of itIniquity and mischief are spoken of as if they were people. This can be expressed by telling about the people who do iniquity and mischief. Alternate Translation: "people do iniquity and cause mischief in the middle of the city" or "people do sinful things and cause trouble in it"
Psa 55:11Wickedness is in the middle of itWickedness is spoken of as if it were a person. This can be expressed by telling about the people who do wicked things. Alternate Translation: "People do wicked things in the middle of the city" or "people destroy things in the city"
Psa 55:11oppression and deceit do not leave its streetsOppression and deceit are spoken of as if they were people. This can be expressed by telling about the people who oppress and deceive others. Alternate Translation: "People oppress and deceive others in the city streets, and they do not leave" or "People are always oppressing and deceiving others in the city streets"
Psa 55:15Let death come suddenly on themDeath is spoken of as if it were a person that could attack people. Alternate Translation: "Let my enemies die suddenly"
Psa 57:8I will wake up the dawnThe dawn is spoken of as if it were alive, and getting up before dawn happens is spoken of as waking it up. The purpose of getting up before dawn is to praise God. Alternate Translation: "I will get up before dawn" or "I will get up before the sun rises"
Psa 58:4a deaf adder that stops up its earsAn adder that does not respond to a charmer's music is spoken of as as if it could put something in its ears so that it will not hear. Alternate Translation: "an adder that does not listen"
Psa 65:1For you, God in Zion, our praise waitsThis speaks of praise as if it were a person who could act on its own. Alternate Translation: "To you alone, God in Zion, we will offer our praise"
Psa 65:3Iniquities prevail against usDavid speaks about iniquity as if it were a person that is able to defeat or oppress. Alternate Translation: "It is as if our own sins were defeating us"
Psa 65:11You crown the year with your goodnessHere the "year" is given the human quality of wearing a crown. Alternate Translation: "You have honored the year with a good harvest"
Psa 65:12the hills are clothed with joyThe writer speaks of the beauty of the hills as if they were joyful people, and of joy as if it were clothing. Alternate Translation: "the hills are like people wearing joy" or "the hills are like joyful people"
Psa 65:13they shout for joy, and they singThe pastures, hills and valleys are so bountiful, that they seem to shout and sing for joy. Alternate Translation: "they are like joyful singing people"
Psa 66:19the voice of my prayerHere the author's prayer is given the personal quality of having a voice. Alternate Translation: "my prayer"
Psa 67:6The earth has yielded its harvestHere the writer speaks of "the earth" as if it has chosen to provide a harvest to the people. Alternate Translation: "We have reaped a bountiful harvest from our crops"
Psa 69:9the zeal of your house has eaten me upThe writer speaks of his zeal for God's temple as if it was a wild animal that devours the writer. Alternate Translation: "the zeal I have for your house consumes me"
Psa 69:15the deep swallow me upThe writer speaks of the deep as if it was a deadly animal that was about to eat him. Alternate Translation: "the deep waters swallow me up like a dangerous animal"
Psa 69:15Do not let the pit shut its mouth on meHere the "pit" is spoken of as if it has a mouth like a person and could eat the writer. Alternate Translation: "Do not let the pit consume me" or "Do not let the pit of death close over me"
Psa 69:34Let heaven and earth praise him ... the seasHere heaven and earth and the seas are spoken of as if they are people who are able to praise God.
Psa 74:13You divided the sea by your strengthAsaph is speaking of God as if God had a physical body. "You are so strong you were able to make dry land in the middle of the sea."
Psa 77:9Had his anger shut off his compassionAsaph speaks of anger as if it were a person shutting a door to keep another person, compassion, from coming out, Alternate Translation: "Had God stopped showing us compassion because he was angry with us"
Psa 77:16The waters saw you ... they were afraid ... the depths trembledAsaph speaks of the water as if it were a person who saw something that terrified him.
Psa 77:17The clouds poured down waterAsaph speaks of the clouds as if they were people pouring water out of containers. Alternate Translation: "Much rain fell" or "It rained very hard"
Psa 77:18thunderous voiceThis is personification, referring to the thunder as the voice of God. Alternate Translation: "voice, which was as loud as thunder" or "very loud voice"
Psa 77:19your footprintsAsaph is speaking of Yahweh as if Yahweh was a person with feet. While this is personification, it should be translated literally, if possible.
Psa 78:21his anger attacked IsraelThe writer speaks of Yahweh punishing Israel when he was angry as if his anger were a person who attacked Israel. Alternate Translation: "because he was angry, he attacked Israel"
Psa 78:23he commanded the skiesAsaph speaks of the skies as if they were a person who could hear and obey God's commands. Alternate Translation: "he spoke to the sky"
Psa 78:31God's anger attacked themGod was angry and attacked them. See how "his anger attacked Israel" is translated in [Psalms 78:21](./021.md).
Psa 78:49The fierceness of his anger lashed out against themAsaph speaks of God's fierceness as if it were a person who could attack another person. Alternate Translation: "He was angry with them, so he suddenly and fiercely attacked them"
Psa 78:49He sent wrath, fury, and trouble like agents who bring disasterAsaph speaks of wrath, fury, and trouble as though they are people God can send to do his work for him. Alternate Translation: "He was so angry that he wanted to harm the Egyptians, so he made trouble for them and brought them to disaster"
Psa 85:13Righteousness will go before him and make a way for his footstepsGod doing what is right everywhere he goes is spoken of as if righteousness were a person who goes ahead of God and prepares a path for God to walk.
Psa 88:18My only acquaintance is the darknessThis speaks about darkness as if it were a person that could be friends with someone else. The writer is emphasizing that he feels completely alone. Alternate Translation: "Everywhere I go it is dark"
Psa 89:12Tabor and Hermon rejoice in your nameTabor is a mountain southwest of the sea of Galilee and Hermon is a mountain northeast of the sea of Galilee. The writer describes these mountains as if they were persons who could rejoice. Alternate Translation: "It is as if Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon were rejoicing in your name"
Psa 89:37the moon, the faithful witness in the skyThe moon is spoken of as if it were a person who witnesses God making this promise to David. Alternate Translation: "the moon, which is like a faithful witness in the sky"
Psa 91:6or of the plague that roamsThe psalmist speaks of illness as if it were a person who went about at night killing other people. Alternate Translation: "You will not be afraid of dying from illness"
Psa 91:10no affliction will come near your homeThe psalmist speaks of people who afflict others as though they were the harm they cause. Alternate Translation: "no one will be able to harm your family"
Psa 93:3have lifted up their voice; the oceans' waves crash and roarThe psalmist speaks of the ocean as if it were a person who could speak. Alternate Translation: "have made a mighty noise because their waves crash and roar"
Psa 96:6Splendor and majesty are in his presenceThe psalmist speaks as if splendor and majesty are people who can stand before a king. Alternate Translation: "Everyone knows of his splendor and majesty"
Psa 96:11Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoicePossible meanings are 1) the heavens and the earth are spoken of as if they have emotions like people. Alternate Translation: "Let it be as if the heavens are glad and the earth rejoices" or 2) "the heavens" and "the earth" are metonyms for those who dwell in those places. Alternate Translation: "Let those who live in the heavens be glad and let those who live on the earth rejoice"
Psa 96:12Let the fields rejoice and all that is in themLet the fields and all that is in them rejoice. The psalmist speaks as if "the fields" and the animals that live in them have emotions like people. Alternate Translation: "Let it be as if the fields themselves and all the animals that live in them are rejoicing"
Psa 96:12let all the trees in the forest shout for joyThis speaks about the trees as if they were people who could shout for joy. Alternate Translation: "let it be as if all the trees in the forest shout for joy"
Psa 97:1let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be gladThe earth and the coastlands are said to have emotions like people. Alternate Translation: "Rejoice and be glad every person on the earth and near the seas"
Psa 97:3Fire goes before himThe psalmist speaks as if fire were a person walking before King Yahweh and telling people that the king was coming.
Psa 97:4the earth sees and tremblesThe writer speaks of the earth as if it were a person who sees what Yahweh does and trembles in fear. Alternate Translation: "like a person, the earth sees and trembles"
Psa 97:6The skies declare his justicePossible meanings are 1) the psalmist speaks as if the skies are Yahweh's messengers who declare that Yahweh is just. Alternate Translation: "Everyone can see that God is just, the same way that everyone can see the skies" or 2) the skies refer to the beings that live in the heavens. Alternate Translation: "All those who live in heaven declare that Yahweh is just"
Psa 98:7Let the sea shout and everything in itThe psalmist speaks as if the sea were a person who could shout to God. Alternate Translation: "Let it be as if the sea and everything in it shout"
Psa 98:8Let the rivers clap their hands, and let the mountains shout for joyThe psalmist speaks as if the rivers and mountains were people who could clap and shout. Alternate Translation: "Let it be as though the rivers are clapping their hands and mountains were shouting for joy"
Psa 101:3it will not cling to meDavid describes "evil" as if it were something unable to cling to him. This means that he would avoid evil things and people doing evil things. Alternate Translation: "I will completely avoid evil"
Psa 104:4He makes the winds his messengersPossible meanings are 1) he causes the wind to be able to carry a message like a messenger, "He makes the winds to be like his messengers" or 2) "He makes his messengers swift like the wind"
Psa 104:4flames of fire his servantsPossible meanings are 1) "he causes flames of fire to be like his servants." He causes fire to serve him like a servant would or 2) "he makes his servants to be like flames of fire"and
Psa 104:7they fledHere the psalmist speaks about the waters receding as if they fled like an animal after hearing Yahweh's voice. The word "fled" means to run away quickly. Alternate Translation: "rushed away"
Psa 104:8The mountains rose, and the valleys spread outHere the psalmist speaks of God causing the mountains and valleys to move and change as if they chose to move themselves. They are described this way to emphasize God's power.
Psa 104:9a boundary for them that they will not crossHere the psalmist speaks of God causing the waters not to cross the boundary that he created for them as if the waters themselves chose not to cross it. They are described this way to emphasize God's authority over them. Alternate Translation: "a boundary for them that they cannot cross"
Psa 104:19the sun knows its timeHere David describes the sun as if it knows what time of day it is. Alternate Translation: "he made the sun to set when it is time"
Psa 106:17The earth opened and swallowed upHere how the ground opens up and buries the people is being compared to how a creature swallows something. Alternate Translation: "The earth opened and buried"
Psa 107:20He sent his word and healed themHere David describes Yahweh speaking as sending his words as if they were a messenger. Possible meanings are 1) "He commanded for them to be healed and they were healed" or 2) "He encouraged them and healed them"
Psa 108:2Wake up, lute and harpHere David describes playing his instruments as waking them up from sleep. Alternate Translation: "I will praise you by playing the lute and the harp"
Psa 108:2I will wake up the dawnHere David is describing the dawn waking up like a person waking up in the morning. Alternate Translation: "I will be praising you when the dawn comes"
Psa 110:2from the womb of the dawn ... like the dewDavid describes the dew as a baby to whom the dawn gives birth. Alternate Translation: "in the morning ... like the dew"
Psa 110:3from the womb of the dawn ... like the dewDavid describes the dew as a baby to whom the dawn gives birth. Alternate Translation: "in the morning ... like the dew"
Psa 114:3The sea looked and fledThe writer speaks of the Sea of Reeds as if it were a person who fled away as Yahweh led the people of Israel through on dry ground. Alternate Translation: "It was as though the sea looked and fled"
Psa 114:3the Jordan turned backThe writer speaks of the Jordan River as if it were a person who retreated as Yahweh led the people of Israel through on dry ground. Alternate Translation: "it was as though the Jordan retreated"
Psa 114:4The mountains skipped like rams, the hills skipped like lambsThe writer speaks of the mountains and hills as if they are alive. He is probably speaking of an earthquake when he describes their fear at the presence of Yahweh as if they were jumping like rams and lambs. Alternate Translation: "It was as if the mountains shook like jumping rams and the hills shook like jumping lambs"
Psa 114:6skip like rams ... skip like lambsThe writer speaks of the mountains and hills as if they are alive. He is probably speaking of an earthquake when he describes their fear at the presence of Yahweh as if they were jumping like rams and lambs. See how you translated similar phrases in [Psalms 114:3-4](./003.md). Alternate Translation: "shake like jumping rams ... shake like jumping lambs"
Psa 114:7Tremble, earthPossible meanings are 1) the writer is speaking to the earth as if it were a person and commands it to tremble with fear before God or 2) the word "earth" is a metonym for those who live on the earth. Alternate Translation: "Tremble, everyone one earth"
Psa 116:3The cords of death surrounded meThe writer speaks of death as if it were a person who could capture him and bind him with ropes. See how you translated this in [Psalms 18:4](../018/004.md). Alternate Translation: "I felt like I was about to die"
Psa 116:3the snares of Sheol confronted meThe writer speaks of "Sheol," the place of the dead, as if it were a person who could trap him with snares. Alternate Translation: "I felt as if I were ready to enter the grave"
Psa 116:19in your midst, JerusalemThe writer speaks to Jerusalem as though it were a person. Alternate Translation: "in Jerusalem"
Psa 118:18he has not handed me over to deathThe writer speaks of death as if it were a person under whose power Yahweh could place the writer. Alternate Translation: "he has not allowed me to die" or "he has not allowed my enemies to kill me"
Psa 119:24they are my counselorsGod's decrees are spoken of as if they were people. Alternate Translation: "they are like wise counselors to me" or "they give me wise counsel"
Psa 119:91all things are your servantsAll created things are spoken of as if they were persons who can serve God. Alternate Translation: "all things serve you" or "all things obey your commands"
Psa 119:133do not let any sin rule meThe writer speaks of sin as if it were a person who has authority over him. Possible meanings are 1) "do not let me habitually commit any sin" or 2) "do not let sinful men rule me"
Psa 119:143distress and anguish have found meThe psalmist speaks of distress and anguish as if they were people. Alternate Translation: "I have become distressed and anguished" or "my body and my mind are suffering"
Psa 132:13Zion ... her ... herThe author writes as though the city of Zion were a woman.
Psa 132:14Zion ... her ... herThe author writes as though the city of Zion were a woman.
Psa 132:15Connecting Statement:God continues to speak about the city of Zion as if Zion was a woman.
Psa 137:5If I ignore the memory of you, JerusalemThe writer speaks as if Jerusalem is listening to him. Alternate Translation: "If I act as if I did not remember you, Jerusalem" or "If I try to forget you, Jerusalem"
Psa 140:11may evil hunt down the violent manHere evil is spoken of as if it were someone taking revenge on another person.
Psa 141:1come quickly to meThe psalmist speaks as if Yahweh were a person who needed to come from another place to help him. What the psalmist wanted Yahweh to do can be stated clearly. Alternate Translation: "come quickly to help me"
Psa 143:7my spirit faintsHere the "spirit" refers to the whole person. Alternate Translation: "I am weak" or "I am very discouraged"
Psa 147:12Jerusalem ... ZionThe writer speaks to Jerusalem, which he also calls Zion, as if it were a person. The names of the city are metonyms for the people who live in it. Alternate Translation: "people of Jerusalem ... people of Zion"
Psa 147:15his command runs very swiftlyThe writer describes God's command as if it were a messenger that moves quickly to deliver God's message.
Psa 148:3Praise him, sun and moonThe writer speaks to the sun and moon as if they were people and commands them to praise Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "Praise Yahweh, sun and moon, as people do"
Psa 148:3praise him, all you shining starsThe writer speaks to the shining stars as if they were people and commands them to praise Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "Praise Yahweh, shining stars, as people do"
Psa 148:4Praise him, highest heavenThe phrase "highest heaven" is an idiom that refers to heaven itself. The writer speaks to heaven as if it were a person and commands it to praise Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "Praise Yahweh, highest heaven, as people do"
Psa 148:4you waters that are above the skyThe writer speaks to "the waters that are above the sky" as if they are people and commands them to praise Yahweh. The verbal phrase can be supplied from the previous line. Alternate Translation: "praise him, you waters that are above the sky, as people do"
Psa 148:8fire and hail, snow and clouds, stormy windThe writer speaks to these natural phenomena as if they are people and commands them to praise Yahweh.
Psa 148:9Connecting Statement:The writer continues to speak to things that are not human as if they were people and commands them to praise Yahweh.
Pro 1:12Let us swallow ... like Sheol takes awayThis speaks of the grave as if it were a person that swallows humans and takes them down to the place of the dead.
Pro 1:20General Information:In 1:20-1:33 Wisdom is spoken of as if it were a woman speaking to the people.
Pro 1:20Wisdom cries aloudIf your language does not allow you to treat wisdom as a woman shouting to the people in the city, you might try something like "Grandmother Wisdom cries aloud" or "Honored Miss Wisdom cries aloud" or "Wisdom is like a woman who cries aloud"
Pro 1:23General Information:Wisdom continues to speak.
Pro 1:28Connecting Statement:Wisdom continues speaking.
Pro 2:11Discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard youThis speaks of "discretion" and "understanding" as if they were persons who could watch over someone else. Both statements mean basically the same thing. Alternate Translation: "Because you think carefully and understand what is right and wrong you will be safe"
Pro 2:12They will rescue you from the way of evilThey refers to discretion and understanding, which are spoken of as if they were persons who could rescue someone else. Alternate Translation: "You will know to stay away from what is evil"
Pro 2:16Wisdom and discretion will save youThe writer speaks of wisdom and discretion as if they were people who save the one who possesses them. Alternate Translation: "If you have wisdom and discretion, you will save yourself"
Pro 3:3Do not let covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness ever leave youThe writer speaks of "covenant faithfulness" and "trustworthiness" as if they were people who could leave someone. The abstract nouns "faithfulness" and "trustworthiness" can be stated as "faithful" and "trustworthy." And, the negative command can be stated positively. Alternate Translation: "Always be trustworthy and be faithful to the covenant"
Pro 3:15General Information:The author speaks of wisdom as if it were a woman.
Pro 3:16She has length of days in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honorThe writer speak of the benefits that one gains from having wisdom as if wisdom were a woman who held these qualities in her hands and offered them to people. Alternate Translation: "Wisdom gives a person length of days and riches and honor"
Pro 3:17Her ways are ways of kindness and all her paths are peaceThe writer speaks of wisdom as if it were a woman and of the benefits that wisdom gives a person as if wisdom were leading that person along a path. Alternate Translation: "Wisdom will always treat you kindly and give you peace"
Pro 4:6do not abandon wisdom and she will watch over you; love her and she will keep you safeThe writer speaks of wisdom as if it were a woman who protects the person who is faithful to her.
Pro 4:8Cherish wisdom and she will exalt youThe writer speaks of wisdom as if it were a woman and of wisdom giving great honor to a person as if wisdom lifted that person to a high position. Alternate Translation: "If you cherish wisdom, she will give you great honor"
Pro 4:8she will honor you when you embrace herThe writer speaks of wisdom as if it were a woman and of a person valuing wisdom as if the person placed his arms around her. Alternate Translation: "if you love wisdom greatly, wisdom will cause people to honor you"
Pro 5:22A wicked person will be seized by his own iniquitiesThe writer speaks of a wicked person being unable to avoid the consequences of his iniquities as if those iniquities were people who capture the wicked person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "A wicked person's own iniquities will seize him" or "A wicked person will be unable to avoid the consequences of his iniquities"
Pro 6:15his disaster will overtake himThis implies that the disaster is chasing him like a person or an animal, and that it will catch him soon. Alternate Translation: "his disaster will catch him"
Pro 7:4Say to wisdom, "You are my sisterHere wisdom is spoken of as if it were a person. Alternate Translation: "Value wisdom as you would love your sister"
Pro 7:4call understanding your kinsmanHere the quality of understanding is spoken of as if it were a kinsman or relative. Alternate Translation: "treat understanding as you would treat your kinsman"
Pro 8:1General Information:In chapter 8 wisdom is spoken of as a woman who teaches people how to be wise.
Pro 8:1Does not Wisdom call out?Here wisdom is imagined as a woman. If a language does not allow this kind of metaphor, other possible translations are: 1) "Is not wisdom like a woman who calls out?" 2) "Does not a woman named Wisdom call out?"
Pro 8:3she calls outThis continues to refer to Wisdom, personified as a woman.
Pro 8:12I, Wisdom, live with PrudencePrudence is also represented here as a person.
Pro 8:14I am insightHere Wisdom is spoken of as if she were insight. Alternate Translation: "I have insight"
Pro 8:24General Information:Wisdom continues to speak.
Pro 8:26I was born ... I was thereThis is wisdom speaking about herself.
Pro 8:27I was born ... I was thereThis is wisdom speaking about herself.
Pro 8:28General Information:Wisdom continues to speak.
Pro 8:30I was beside himThis is still wisdom speaking. Wisdom now says she was right next to Yahweh, implying that she was his assistant in creating the world.
Pro 8:32listen to meThis is still wisdom talking about herself.
Pro 8:35finds me ... hate meThis is still wisdom talking about herself.
Pro 8:36finds me ... hate meThis is still wisdom talking about herself.
Pro 9:1General Information:These verses begin a parable in which wisdom is imagined to be a woman who is giving good advice to people.
Pro 9:1Wisdom has builtThe writer speaks about wisdom as if it were a woman who has built her own house.
Pro 9:3General Information:These verses begin to give the message of Wisdom, who is personified as a woman.
Pro 9:11through meWisdom, personified as a woman, continues to speak here.
Pro 9:13General Information:These verses begin to describe foolishness, which is also personified as a woman.
Pro 9:13The woman of foolishnessIt is possible to translate "foolishness" as a description such as "A foolish woman." However, if a language allows wisdom to be personified, as in the previous part of this chapter, it may also allow foolishness to be personified. Alternate Translation: "The woman Foolishness"
Pro 10:12love covers overLove acts like a person who quiets trouble between people instead of stirring it up.
Pro 13:6Righteousness protects thoseRighteousness represents a way of life approved by Yahweh. This quality acts like a person who protects. Alternate Translation: "A way of life approved by Yahweh protects"
Pro 13:6wickedness turns away those who commit sinHere "wickedness" represents an evil conduct of life. This quality acts like a person who turns away those who commit sin. Alternate Translation: "wickedness turns sinners away from a successful path" or "wickedness ruins sinners' lives"
Pro 13:21Disaster runs after sinnersDisaster is given human characteristics like the ability to run. Alternate Translation: "Sinners have trouble wherever they go"
Pro 14:33sheThe word "she" refers to wisdom.
Pro 16:26The laborer's appetite works for himThe writer speaks of the appetite as if it were a person who works on behalf of the laborer. This means that the person who labors is motivated by his desire to eat. Alternate Translation: "The laborer works to satisfy his appetite"
Pro 16:26his hunger urges him onThe writer speaks of "hunger" as if it were a person who urges the laborer to continue working. Alternate Translation: "he keeps on working because he is hungry"
Pro 17:13evil will never leave his houseHere "evil" is spoken of as if it were a person who would not leave the man's house. Here the word "house" may be taken literally, but it is also a metonym for his family. Alternate Translation: "bad things will continue to happen to him and his family" or "bad things will never stop happening to him and his family"
Pro 18:1quarrels with all sound judgmentThis speaks of a person disagreeing with sound judgment as if "sound judgment" were a person he fought with. Alternate Translation: "he disagrees with all sound judgment"
Pro 18:3contempt comes with him—along with shame and reproachHere "contempt," "shame," and "reproach" are spoken of as if they are people who accompany a wicked man. Possible meanings are 1) people show contempt towards the wicked man and cause him to feel shame and reproach. Alternate Translation: "people feel contempt for him along with shame and reproach" or 2) the wicked man shows contempt for others and causes them to feel shame and reproach. Alternate Translation: "he shows his contempt for other people and causes them to feel shame and reproach"
Pro 19:15Laziness throws a person into a deep sleepThis speaks of how laziness causes a person to sleep a lot as if laziness forcefully throws the person into sleep. Alternate Translation: "Laziness makes a person sleep a lot" or "A lazy person sleeps a lot"
Pro 21:7The violence of the wicked will drag them awayThe writer speaks as though violence were a person who could drag other people away. God will punish wicked people who harm their innocent neighbors.
Pro 21:10The appetite of the wicked craves evilThe writer speaks of a person's appetite, the physical desire for food and drink, as if it were a person who could desire something. The word "wicked" is a nominal adjective that refers to evil people, and the word "evil" is a nominal adjective that refers to evil deeds. Alternate Translation: "Evil people desire to do evil deeds just as they desire to eat and drink"
Pro 21:25The desire of the lazy kills himThe writer speaks of what a person wants as if it were a person who could kill a lazy person. Here the lazy person wants to be idle and not work. Alternate Translation: "A lazy person only wants to be idle, and because of that he will die" or "A lazy person will die because he does not want to work"
Pro 23:21slumber will clothe them with ragsThe word "slumber" is an exaggeration for a person spending so much time enjoying food and drink that he does not do necessary work. This activity is spoken of as if it were a parent putting clothes on a child. Alternate Translation: "because they spend so much time eating and drinking, they will do no work and so will become poor"
Pro 24:16wicked people are brought down by calamityThe writer speaks as if "calamity" were a person who could do bad things to other people. These words can be translated in active form. Alternate Translation: "God will use calamity to bring down the wicked people"
Pro 24:25gifts of goodness will come to themGifts are spoken of as if they were people who could move by themselves. The abstract noun "goodness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate Translation: "people will give them good gifts"
Pro 24:34poverty comes marching upon youSome translations read, "poverty comes upon you like a robber." Poverty is spoken of as if it were a person or animal that can attack a lazy person.
Pro 29:15The rod and reproof give wisdomThe writer speaks as if a rod and reproof were people who could give wisdom as a physical gift. Alternate Translation: "If a parent uses the rod on his child and reproves him, the child will become wise" or "If parents discipline their child and tell him when he has done wrong, the child will learn to live wisely"
Pro 30:16land that is never satisfied with waterLand that is no longer producing food because there has been no rain is spoken of as if it were a person who does not have enough water to drink.
Ecc 1:5hurries back to the placeThis speaks of how the sun sets at the end of the day and is soon ready to rise again, as if it were a person that quickly ran from the place where it sets to the place from which it rises. Alternate Translation: "quickly returns to the place" or "quickly goes to the place"
Ecc 2:3I let my mind guide me with wisdomHere the author speaks of using the wisdom that he had been taught to guide himself as if this wisdom were a person who guided him. Alternate Translation: "I thought about the things that wise people had taught me"
Ecc 4:10sorrow follows the one who is alone when he fallsHere sorrow is spoken of as if it were a person that could follow someone else. Alternate Translation: "the one who is alone when he falls is sorrowful"
Ecc 5:12but the wealth of a rich person does not allow him to sleep wellbut the wealth of a rich person keeps him awake at night. This speaks of a rich person not being able to sleep because he is worried about his money as if his money were a person that would not allow him to sleep. Alternate Translation: "but rich people do not sleep well because they worry about their money"
Ecc 7:12gives life to whoever has itThis speaks of how wisdom helps to preserve a person's life as if it gave life to that person. When a person is wise he makes good decisions that help him to live a more prosperous and longer life. Alternate Translation: "preserves a person's life" or "helps a person to make good decisions and to live a longer life"
Ecc 8:8wickedness will not rescue those who are its slavesThis speaks of wickedness as if it were a master who had slaves. Alternate Translation: "evil people will not be saved by doing what is evil"
Ecc 9:1whether love or hate will come to someoneThis speaks of "love" and "hate" as if they are people that may come to visit someone else. Alternate Translation: "whether someone will experience love or hate"
Ecc 10:1a little folly can overpower wisdom and honorThis speaks of how a person acting foolishly can ruin his reputation as if his "folly" and "wisdom and honor" were people and that his folly overpowered his wisdom and honor. Alternate Translation: "committing a little folly can ruin a person's wisdom and honor"
Sng 2:7will not awaken or arouse love until she pleasesHere "love" is spoken of as if it were a person asleep that does not want to be awakened. This is a metaphor that represents the man and woman who do not want to be disturbed until they are finished making love. Alternate Translation: "will not disturb us until we have finished making love"
Sng 2:13The fig tree ripens her green figsThe tree is spoken of as if it were actively causing its fruit to ripen. This is a collective singular and can be translated as a plural. Alternate Translation: "The figs on the trees are becoming ripe"
Sng 3:5will not awaken or arouse love until she pleasesHere "love" is spoken of as if it were a person asleep that does not want to be awakened. This is a metaphor that represents the man and woman who do not want to be disturbed until they are finished making love. Alternate Translation: "will not disturb us until we have finished making love"
Sng 4:16Awake, north wind; come, south wind; blowThe woman speaks to the north wind and the south wind as though they were people. Alternate Translation: "I wish the north wind and south wind would come and blow"
Isa 3:9The look on their faces witnesses against themExpressions of arrogance on people's faces are spoken of as if the expressions were persons who could testify against the proud people. Alternate Translation: "The prideful looks on their faces show that they oppose Yahweh"
Isa 3:26she will be alone and sit upon the groundIsaiah speaks of the people of Jerusalem, whom no one will save from their enemies, as if they were the city itself and as if they were a woman who sits on the ground because all her friends have deserted her.
Isa 10:24the AssyrianIsaiah speaks of the king of Assyria and his army as if he were one man. Alternate Translation: "the king of Assyria and his army"
Isa 12:1your wrath has turned awayGod's wrath is spoken of as if it were a person that could turn away and leave. It means that God has stopped being angry. Alternate Translation: "You are no longer angry with me"
Isa 13:8pain and agony will seize themPeople suddenly feeling terrible pain and sorrow is spoken of as if the pains and sorrows were people who grab them. Alternate Translation: "they will suddenly feel terrible pain and agony"
Isa 14:8Even the cypress trees rejoice over you with the cedars of LebanonIsaiah speaks of the trees as if they were people who could rejoice. This emphasizes that it is such a great thing that God has stopped the king of Babylon that even nature would rejoice if it could. Alternate Translation: "It will be as if even the cyprus trees and the cedars of Lebanon rejoice over you"
Isa 14:9Sheol below is eager to meet youSheol is spoken of as if it were a person who is eager to meet his guests. This implies that the king dies. Alternate Translation: "Sheol is like a host eager to meet you"
Isa 14:9It arouses the dead for you, all the kings of the earthit wakes up the dead for you, all the kings of the earth. Sheol is spoken of as if it were a person that could wake up those who are in it. Alternate Translation: "All the dead kings of the earth in Sheol wake up to greet you"
Isa 14:23I will also make herThe word "her" refers to the city of Babylon. Cities were often spoken of as if they were women. Alternate Translation: "I will also make it"
Isa 19:1the idols of Egypt quake before himThe idols are described as having feelings of fear as Yahweh approaches. Alternate Translation: "the idols of Egypt tremble in fear before Yahweh"
Isa 19:3The spirit of Egypt will be weakened from within. I will destroy his adviceThe nation of Egypt is spoken of here as if it was a person.
Isa 19:14into her midstHere "her" refers to Egypt. Nations are sometimes spoken of as if they were women. Alternate Translation: "within Egypt"
Isa 23:4for the sea has spoken, the mighty one of the sea ... nor brought up young womenPossible meanings are 1) Yahweh describes the city of Tyre as a mother who speaks about the people who live in the city as her children, or 2) Yahweh is describing the Mediterranean Sea as speaking. The people of Tyre considered the sea their god and father. In either meaning the speaker mourns because its children are destroyed.
Isa 24:23Then the moon will be ashamed, and the sun disgracedThe sun and the moon are described as a person who is ashamed of being in front of someone with greater power. In the presence of Yahweh, the light of the moon and sun will seem less bright.
Isa 26:21the earth will uncover her bloodshed, and will no longer conceal her slainYahweh revealing all murders that have happened on the earth so that he can punish the murderers is spoken of as if the earth itself will reveal everyone who has been murdered.
Isa 30:22You will say to them, "Get out of here."This speaks of the idols as if they could hear and get up and leave a place. Yahweh means that the people will no longer need or want the idols.
Isa 32:13the once joyful housesHere the houses are described as joyful because of the joyful people in them. Alternate Translation: "your houses where you were once joyful"
Isa 32:16justice will reside ... righteousness will liveIsaiah describes "justice" and "righteousness" as a person who lives in these places. This means the people who live in these places will do what is just and right. Alternate Translation: "people will act justly in the wilderness and people will act righteously in the fertile fields
Isa 33:9The land mourns and withers awayThis speaks of the land becoming dry as if it were a person mourning. Alternate Translation: "The land becomes dry and its plants wither away"
Isa 33:14trembling has seized the godless onesThis speaks of the godless people trembling as if their trembling were an enemy that had seized them. Alternate Translation: "the godless ones are overwhelmed with trembling"
Isa 34:1The earth and all that fills it must listen, the world, and all things that come from itHere the earth is spoken of as being required to listen to Yahweh to emphasize that it is under Yahweh's authority. These two parallel phrases are metonyms for all the people who live in the world. Alternate Translation: "In all places everywhere on earth, everyone must listen to what I say"
Isa 34:7Their land will be drunk with bloodThis describes the amount of blood that will soak into the ground by comparing the land to a drunk person. Alternate Translation: "Their land will be soaked with blood"
Isa 34:7their dust made fat with fatnessHere "dust" means the dirt on the ground. This describes the amount of fat that will soak into the dirt by comparing it to a person that has become fat from eating so much animal fat. Alternate Translation: "the dirt will be full of the fat of the animals"
Isa 35:1The wilderness and the Arabah will be glad; and the desert will rejoiceThese two phrases have basically the same meaning. These places are described as being glad, like a person is glad, because they have received water and are blossoming. Alternate Translation: "It will be like the wilderness and the Arabah are glad and the desert will rejoice"
Isa 35:2and rejoice with joy and singingThis speaks of the desert as if it were happy and singing like a person. Alternate Translation: "it will be as though everything is rejoicing and singing"
Isa 35:7the thirsty groundHere the dry ground is described as being thirsty. Alternate Translation: "the dry ground"
Isa 35:10gladness and joy will overtake themThis speaks of the people being overwhelmed by gladness and joy by giving these emotions the human quality of being able to overtake someone by force. Alternate Translation: "they will be overwhelmed by joy and gladness"
Isa 35:10sorrow and sighing will flee awayThis speaks of the people no longer being sorrowful and sighing by giving these emotions the human ability to run away. Alternate Translation: "they will no longer be sorrowful and sighing"
Isa 40:2Speak tenderly to JerusalemThe prophet speaks of Jerusalem as if it were a woman whom Yahweh has forgiven. As such, Jerusalem represents the people who live in that city. Alternate Translation: Speak tenderly to the people of Jerusalem"
Isa 40:9Go up on a high mountain, Zion, bearer of good newsThe writer speaks of Zion as if it were a messenger who declares good news from a mountain top.
Isa 40:9Jerusalem. You who bring good newsThe writer speaks of Jerusalem as if it were a messenger who declares good news.
Isa 43:6say to the north ... to the southYahweh speaks to "the north" and "the south" as if commanding the nations in those locations.
Isa 43:20wild animals of the field will honor me, the jackals and the ostrichesHere animals honor Yahweh as if they were people.
Isa 46:13my salvation does not waitYahweh speaks of saving his people soon as if his salvation were a person who does not wait to act. The abstract noun "salvation" can be translated with a verb. Alternate Translation: "I will not wait to save you"
Isa 49:14But Zion saidThe word "Zion" is another name for Jerusalem. Isaiah speaks of the city as if it were a woman who complains that Yahweh has forgotten her.
Isa 49:16General Information:Yahweh continues speaking to Zion.
Isa 49:19General Information:Yahweh continues speaking to Zion as if it were a woman.
Isa 49:21General Information:Yahweh continues speaking to Zion as if it were a woman.
Isa 49:22General Information:Yahweh continues speaking to Zion as if it were a woman. He explains how she is able to have so many children.
Isa 49:23General Information:Yahweh continues speaking to Zion as if it were a woman.
Isa 49:24General Information:Yahweh continues speaking to Zion as if it were a woman.
Isa 51:3her waste places ... her wilderness ... her desert plainsThe word "her" refers to Zion. Cities are often spoken of as if they were women.
Isa 51:9Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, arm of YahwehPeople urgently ask Yahweh's arm to help them as if his arm were a person. If it would be odd to speak to the arm, this can be addressed directly to Yahweh instead. Alternate Translation: "Awake, awake, Yahweh, and clothe your arm with strength"
Isa 51:11gladness and joy will overtake themThis speaks of the people being overwhelmed by gladness and joy by giving these emotions the human quality of being able to overtake someone. Alternate Translation: "they will be overwhelmed by joy and gladness" or "they will be extremely glad and joyful"
Isa 51:11sorrow and mourning will flee awayThis speaks of the people no longer being sorrowful and mourning by speaking of these emotions as if they could run away. Alternate Translation: "they will no longer be sorrowful and mourning"
Isa 52:9you ruins of JerusalemIsaiah speaks of the ruins of Jerusalem as if they were a person that could rejoice. This represents the people of Jerusalem who were defeated. Alternate Translation: "you people who live among the ruins of Jerusalem"
Isa 55:11so also my word ... it will achieve the purpose for which I sent itYahweh speaks of his word as if it were a person whom he sends out as his messenger to accomplish a task.
Isa 55:12the mountains and the hills will break out in joyful shouts before you, and all the trees of the fields will clap their handsYahweh speaks of the mountains, hills, and trees as if they were people with voices and hands, celebrating as Yahweh rescues his people.
Isa 59:2your sins have made him hide his face from youFace represents being present and looking upon. Alternate Translation: "your sins have made him turn away from you"
Isa 59:12our sins testify against usIsaiah describes the sins as a person who goes before God to declare that the people are guilty.
Isa 59:14Justice ... righteousness ... truth ... right ... TrustworthinessThese are ideas that Isaiah describes as acting like persons.
Isa 59:15Justice ... righteousness ... truth ... right ... TrustworthinessThese are ideas that Isaiah describes as acting like persons.
Isa 59:16his righteousness sustained himRighteousness here is a quality that acts like a person. The word can be translated as an adjective. Alternate Translation: "he did right as he always would do"
Isa 60:17I will appoint peace as your governors, and justice your rulersYahweh describes "peace" and "justice" as human rulers. This means there will be complete peace and justice in the land of Israel.
Isa 64:9look at us allIsaiah asks Yahweh to pay attention to their situation.
Jer 2:19Your wickedness rebukes you, and your faithlessness punishes youBoth of these phrases mean that their punishment is the result of their wicked behavior. Alternate Translation: "Because you have been wicked and unfaithful, I will punish you"
Jer 2:35surely his anger has turned away from meHere anger is spoken of as if it were a person that could turn away from Israel. Its turning represents Yahweh's stopping be angry with Israel. Alternate Translation: "surely Yahweh has stopped being angry with me"
Jer 4:10the sword is striking against their lifeHere enemies being ready to kill people is spoken of as if the sword was a person striking at people. Alternate Translation: "our enemies are ready to slaughter us with their swords"
Jer 4:17against her all aroundThe word "her" refers to Jerusalem. Jerusalem was often spoken of as if it were a woman.
Jer 4:18your conduct and your deeds have done these things to youHere "conduct" and "deeds" are spoken of as if they are people that could do things. These abstract nouns can be expressed with the phrase "what you have done." Alternate Translation: "These things are happening to you because of what you have done"
Jer 4:28the land will mourn, and the heavens above will darkenJeremiah emphasizes Yahweh's judgment by saying that the earth itself expresses great sorrow.
Jer 5:7Your sonsYahweh is speaking to Jerusalem as though she were a woman who had children. Jerusalem's "sons" represent the people of Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "The people of Jerusalem"
Jer 6:2The daughter of Zion, the beautiful and delicate womanZion is another name for Jerusalem. Yahweh speaks of Jerusalem as though it were a woman. He speaks of it as a daughter to show his love for Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "My dear Zion, which is like a beautiful and delicate woman" or "My dear Zion"
Jer 6:6Cut her treesGod says this to the army that will attack Jerusalem. The word "her" refers to Jerusalem; cities were often spoken of as if they were women. Alternate Translation: "Cut down the trees outside of Jerusalem"
Jer 9:21For death has come through our windows ... young men in the city squaresThe people of Judah will compare death to a person who can climb in windows to attack the people inside and attacks people in the palaces, streets, and city squares.
Jer 10:10The earth quakes at his angerThis speaks of the earth shaking as an emotional response to Yahweh's anger, when actually Yahweh causes the earth to quake. Alternate Translation: "The earth quakes when he is angry"
Jer 10:15they will perish at the time of their punishmentThis speaks of the final destruction of the idols. Alternate Translation: "there will be a time when God will destroy them"
Jer 12:7of her ... she sets herself ... with her ... hate herHere Yahweh refers to his people as a female by using feminine pronouns. Alternate Translation: "of their ... they set themselves ... with their ... hate them"
Jer 12:8of her ... she sets herself ... with her ... hate herHere Yahweh refers to his people as a female by using feminine pronouns. Alternate Translation: "of their ... they set themselves ... with their ... hate them"
Jer 14:7our iniquities testify against usHere their "iniquities" are spoken of as if they were people who testified against them about their wrong doing. Alternate Translation: "our iniquities give evidence of our wrongdoing"
Jer 15:18refusing to be healedThis speaks of Jeremiah's wound as if it were a person that refuses to be healed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "that will not heal"
Jer 17:8It will not fear the heat when it comes ... It is not anxious in a year of droughtYahweh speaks of a tree that draws its water from a stream being unaffected by heat and drought as if the tree were unafraid of these things. Alternate Translation: "The heat will not affect it when it comes ... No harm is caused to it in a year of drought"
Jer 17:11those riches will abandon himThe riches are spoken of as if they were servants who would abandon their owner. Alternate Translation: "he will lose his wealth"
Jer 18:13The virgin Israel has committed a horrible actIt was common to refer to nations as if they were women. Yahweh speaks of Israel being pure and faithful towards him as if she were a virgin and of Israel being unfaithful to him as if she had "committed a horrible act." Alternate Translation: "Israel, who is like a virgin, has done something horrible"
Jer 23:20Yahweh's wrath will not return until itYahweh's wrath is spoken of as if it were alive and could act on its own. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will not stop being angry until he"
Jer 24:10sword, famine, and plagueThese things are spoken of as if they were living things that could attack the people of Jerusalem.
Jer 25:32disaster is going out from nation to nationYahweh speaks of great disasters happening in each nation as if "disaster" were a person who goes from nation to nation. Alternate Translation: "great disasters are going to happen in one nation after another"
Jer 31:4virgin IsraelIt was common to refer to nations as if they were women. However, "virgin" makes a person think about a young woman who has never married and so has never had the opportunity to be faithless to her husband. Therefore, calling Israel a virgin is an ironic use of language. See how you translated this in [Jeremiah 18:13](../18/13.md). Alternate Translation: "Israel, who falsely pretends to be fully devoted to me" or "my faithless people Israel"
Jer 31:16Hold your voice back from weeping and your eyes from tearsThe voice and eyes are spoken of as if they were people whom Rachel needed to keep from moving. Alternate Translation: "Stop weeping aloud and stop crying tears"
Jer 32:31from before my faceThe face is a metonym for the person's presence. Alternate Translation: "from my presence" or "completely"
Jer 42:16The famine that you are worrying about will pursue you to EgyptThe Israelites experiencing famine even in Egypt is spoken of as if famine would chase after them. Alternate Translation: "You worry about famine in Israel but if you go to Egypt you will suffer from famine there"
Jer 44:29my words will certainly attack you with disasterYahweh causing disaster on the people as he promised is spoken of as if his word would attack them. Alternate Translation: "what I have said will happen and you will have a disaster"
Jer 47:5How can it rest ... along the seaHere Jeremiah is speaking. He continues speaking of the sword of Yahweh as if it were a person who could rest. Yahweh punishing the Philistines by sending the army of the north is spoken of as if Yahweh were striking the people with a sword.
Jer 47:6sword of Yahweh! How long will it be until you become silent? Go back to your scabbard! Stop and be silent.The Philistines speak to the sword of Yahweh as if it were a person who could hear them. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh, you who are holding your sword! When will you stop striking us with your sword? Stop your sword and put it back in its scabbard!"
Jer 47:6How can it rest ... along the seaHere Jeremiah is speaking. He continues speaking of the sword of Yahweh as if it were a person who could rest. Yahweh punishing the Philistines by sending the army of the north is spoken of as if Yahweh were striking the people with a sword.
Jer 47:7How can it rest ... along the seaHere Jeremiah is speaking. He continues speaking of the sword of Yahweh as if it were a person who could rest. Yahweh punishing the Philistines by sending the army of the north is spoken of as if Yahweh were striking the people with a sword.
Jer 48:11Moab has felt secure since he was young ... He is ... his wine ... send himHere Yahweh speaks of Moab as if it were a man. Here it represents the people of Moab. All occurrences of "he," "his," and "him" in 48:11-12 can be stated as "they," "their," or "them." Alternate Translation: "Even from their earliest times, the people of Moab have always felt secure ... They are ... their wine ... send them"
Jer 48:12Moab has felt secure since he was young ... He is ... his wine ... send himHere Yahweh speaks of Moab as if it were a man. Here it represents the people of Moab. All occurrences of "he," "his," and "him" in 48:11-12 can be stated as "they," "their," or "them." Alternate Translation: "Even from their earliest times, the people of Moab have always felt secure ... They are ... their wine ... send them"
Jer 51:18they will perish at the time of their punishmentThis speaks of the final destruction of the idols. Alternate Translation: "there will be a time when God will destroy them"
Jer 51:44out from his mouth what he swallowedYahweh compares all the sacrifices and offerings to Bel to things he ate.
Jer 51:48the heavens and the earthHeaven and earth are viewed as if they were people.
Lam 1:1SheThe writer of Lamentations writes about the city of Jerusalem as if it were a woman.
Lam 1:2She weeps and wails ... and her tears cover her cheeksThe author describes Jerusalem as having emotions like a human being. The city also stands for her inhabitants. Alternate Translation: "Those who live in her weep and wail ... and their tears cover their cheeks"
Lam 1:3General Information:In these verses, Jerusalem and Judah are spoken of as if they were women.
Lam 1:3She lives ... findsHere the kingdom of Judah is described as a woman. "She" also stands for the citizens of Judah. Alternate Translation: "Her people live ... they find"
Lam 1:3All her pursuers overtook her in her desperationThis speaks of the people of Judah being captured by their enemies as if they were a woman who was captured by those pursuing her.
Lam 1:4General Information:The city of Zion is spoken of as if it were a woman. In Lamentations, Zion and Jerusalem are names used to refer to the same city.
Lam 1:4The roads of Zion mournThe author speaks of the roads that lead to Zion mourning as if they were human beings.
Lam 1:4All her gates are desolateThe word "her" refers to Zion. Alternate Translation: "All of Zion's gates are empty"
Lam 1:4Her virgins are sorrowful and she herself is in complete distressHere the people of Zion being distressed are spoken of as if they were a woman in distress. Alternate Translation: "Zion's virgins are sorrowful, and its people despairing"
Lam 1:5Yahweh has afflicted her for her many sinsThis speaks of Yahweh punishing the people of Zion for their sins as if they were a woman that Yahweh was punishing. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has afflicted her people because of the sins they have committed"
Lam 1:6General Information:The city of Zion is spoken of as if it were a woman. In Lamentations, Zion and Jerusalem are names used to refer to the same city.
Lam 1:6daughter of ZionThis is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman.
Lam 1:8General Information:The city of Jerusalem is spoken of as if it were a woman. In Lamentations, Zion and Jerusalem are names used to refer to the same city.
Lam 1:8Jerusalem sinned greatlyThis describes Jerusalem as a woman who sinned, while it also stands for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "The people of Jerusalem sinned greatly"
Lam 1:8her nakednessher naked. Jerusalem is described as a woman whose private parts have been exposed to everyone to shame her.
Lam 1:9Look at my affliction, YahwehPossible meanings are that 1) the author of Lamentations now talks directly to Yahweh or 2) Jerusalem is described as talking to Yahweh like a person.
Lam 1:10She has seenThe word "She" refers to Jerusalem.
Lam 1:11her peopleThe word "her" refers to Jerusalem which is described as if it were a woman. Alternate Translation: "her inhabitants" or "the people of the city"
Lam 1:11Look, Yahweh, and consider meHere Jerusalem speaks directly to Yahweh.
Lam 1:12Is it nothing to youHere Jerusalem continues to speak, but now to people who pass by instead of to Yahweh.
Lam 1:13General Information:In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself.
Lam 1:13he has sent fire into my bones, and it has conquered themThis speaks of Yahweh punishing Jerusalem as if Jerusalem were a person that Yahweh were punishing with fire. Alternate Translation: "he has sent a painful punishment into my inner being, and it has destroyed me" or "he has sent a destructive punishment into the middle of Jerusalem, and it has destroyed the city"
Lam 1:13He has spread a net for my feetThis speaks of Yahweh punishing Jerusalem as if Jerusalem were a person that Yahweh had set a trap for. This refers to a type of trap usually used to catch an animal.
Lam 1:15General Information:In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself.
Lam 1:16General Information:In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself. In Lamentations, Zion and Jerusalem are names used to refer to the same city.
Lam 1:17Zion has spread her hands wideHere Jerusalem no longer speaks about herself; instead the author describes Jerusalem. He speaks of Zion as if it were a woman that lifts up her hands to ask for help. Alternate Translation: "Zion has reached out for help"
Lam 1:18General Information:In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself.
Lam 1:20General Information:In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself.
Lam 1:20Look, Yahweh, for I am in distressJerusalem continues to talk about herself as if she were a woman, but now talks directly to Yahweh.
Lam 1:21General Information:In this section Jerusalem is portrayed as a woman speaking about herself.
Lam 1:21They have heard my groaningPeople have heard my groaning. Jerusalem continues to speak as if she were a woman.
Lam 2:1the daughter of Zion ... the daughter of JudahThese are poetic names for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. Translate "the daughter of Zion" as you did in [Lamentations 1:6](../01/06.md).(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
Lam 2:2the daughter of Zion ... the daughter of JudahThese are poetic names for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. Translate "the daughter of Zion" as you did in [Lamentations 1:6](../01/06.md).(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
Lam 2:4in the tent of the daughter of ZionThe "daughter of Zion" is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. The phrase "tent of the daughter of Zion" speaks of Jerusalem as a "tent" emphasizing that it is the home of those who live there. Alternate Translation: "who live in Jerusalem"
Lam 2:5daughter of JudahThis is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. Alternate Translation: "Judah"
Lam 2:8daughter of ZionThis is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman.
Lam 2:8He has made the ramparts and wall to lament; together they wasted awayThe walls and ramparts are spoken of as if they were people who lamented and died. Alternate Translation: "Because he has destroyed the ramparts and walls, they are like people who lament and have lost their strength"
Lam 2:10daughter of ZionThis is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman.
Lam 2:13daughter of Jerusalem ... virgin daughter of ZionThese are poetic names for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman. "Zion" is another name for Jerusalem.
Lam 2:15the daughter of JerusalemThis is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman.
Lam 2:18the daughter of ZionThis is a poetic name for Jerusalem, which is spoken of here as if it were a woman.
Lam 3:18My endurance has perished and so has my hope in YahwehThe author speaks as if his ability to endure more suffering and his hope that Yahweh will help him were living beings that have died. Alternate Translation: "I cannot endure anymore suffering and I can no longer hope that Yahweh will help me"
Lam 4:21daughter of EdomThe people of the land of Edom are spoken of as if they were a woman. They were Israel's enemy.
Lam 4:22Daughter of ZionThe people of Jerusalem are spoken of as if they were a woman.\
Ezk 5:5I have placed herJerusalem is referred to as "her" and "she."
Ezk 5:17Plague and blood will pass through youSickness and violent death are spoken of as if they were soldiers going through the city killing everyone they could. Alternate Translation: "Many people will die of disease, and many others will die in war"
Ezk 7:3the end is upon youThe "end" is spoken of as if it were a robber attacking the people. Alternate Translation: "your life is finished"
Ezk 7:6The end has woken up against youThe judgment that is coming is treated as if it were an enemy waking up from sleep.
Ezk 7:26Disaster upon disaster will comeDisaster is spoken of as if it could move by itself. Alternate Translation: "One disaster after another will happen"
Ezk 17:7This vine turned its roots toward the eagleYahweh speaks of the vine as if it were able to behave like a person and intentionally turned its roots toward the other eagle to receive nourishment from it. Alternate Translation: "The roots of the vine grew toward the eagle"
Ezk 17:24Then all the trees of the field will know that I am YahwehYahweh speaks of trees as if they are people who can know about him. The trees represent the nations and the people who live in them.
Ezk 21:5It will no longer hold backThis speaks of Yahweh not holding back his sword from attacking people as if his sword were a person that was no longer holding itself back from attacking. Alternate Translation: "and I will not put it back in its sheath again" or "I will not hold back from attacking people"
Ezk 21:7the news that is comingThis speaks of the "news" as if it were a person that was soon coming to them. Alternate Translation: "the news that they will soon hear"
Ezk 21:10The coming sword hates every such rodHere the "sword" is personified as coming to attack the people. This speaks of the king not being able to resist the "sword", as if the "sword" were hating the king's scepter. Alternate Translation: "the sword will overpower his scepter like that of any other ruler" or "for the king will not be able to resist when the sword is brought against him"
Ezk 21:12that sword has come against my people! It is against allThis speaks of Yahweh's sword attacking his people as if the sword itself were the attacker. Alternate Translation: "I will use my sword to kill my people! I will bring it against all"
Ezk 23:25your survivors will be devoured by fireThis speaks of the survivors being burned by fire as if the fire were an animal attacking and eating them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "your survivors will be burned by fire" or "fire will burn your survivors"
Ezk 24:7She has set it on the smooth rock; she has not poured it out on the ground to cover it with dustThis personifies Jerusalem as a person who murdered the people and chose where to put their blood. Alternate Translation: "They were murdered on the smooth rocks; not on the dirt where the dust would hide their blood" or "Their blood fell on the smooth rocks; it did not fall on the ground where the dust would cover it"
Ezk 25:9starting at his citiesHere the city of Moab is spoken of with the masculine pronoun "his." Alternate Translation: "starting at its cities"
Ezk 26:5She will becomeThe city of Tyre is spoken of here as if it were a woman. Alternate Translation: "Tyre will become" or "It will become"
Ezk 26:18you are no longer in your placeThe destruction of Tyre is spoken of as if it was a person who had died. Alternate Translation: "you have departed" or "you exist no more"
Ezk 26:20then I will bring you down to the people of ancient times, like the others who have gone down into the pit; for I will make you live in the lowest realms of the earth as in ruins of ancient timesWhat Yahweh would do to Tyre is compared to people going to the grave and cities falling into ruin.
Ezk 29:10I will give the land of Egypt over to desolation and wasteI will put Egypt into the power of desolation and waste. Desolation and waste are spoken of as if they were people who could be given power over Egypt. Alternate Translation: "I will cause Egypt to become a desolate waste"
Ezk 30:18the day will hold back its lightThe day is spoken of as if it were able to keep its own light from shining. Alternate Translation: "the day will be dark"
Ezk 35:2Mount Seir and prophesy against itthe mountain of Seir. Yahweh tells Ezekiel to speak to Mount Seir as if it could hear him. The message is for all of the people of Edom. Alternate Translation: "Mount Seir and prophesy against it because of what the people of Edom have done"
Ezk 35:3Behold! I am against you, Mount Seir, and I will strike you with my hand and make you a desolation and a wasteYahweh tells Ezekiel to speak to Mount Seir as if it could hear him. The message is for all of the people of Edom. Alternate Translation: "Listen, Mount Seir, I will strike you with my hand and make you a desolation and a waste because of what your people did"
Ezk 35:6bloodshed will pursue youHere "bloodshed" is a metonym for killing. Yahweh speaks of bloodshed as if it were a person who could chase them. Alternate Translation: "your enemies will chase you down and kill you you"
Ezk 35:10You have saidThe word "You" refers to the mountain of Seir. Ezekiel is to speak to the mountain as if it can hear him. The message is for the people of Edom. Alternate Translation: "Your people said"
Ezk 35:14I will make you a desolationHere "you" refers to Mount Seir, but the message is for the people of Edom. The abstract noun "desolation" can be stated as an adjective. Alternate Translation: "Because of what your people did I will make you desolate"
Ezk 36:1prophesy to the mountains of IsraelGod wants Ezekiel to speak to the mountains as if they were people. The message is for the people of Israel.
Ezk 36:15Nor will I allow you to hear the insults of the nations any longerThis speaks of the mountains as if they were able to hear when people insult them. Alternate Translation: "I will no longer allow the other nations to insult you"
Ezk 36:15you will no longer have to bear the shame of the peoplesExperiencing shame is spoken of as if the mountains could bear shame. Alternate Translation: "the peoples will no longer cause you to feel ashamed"
Ezk 36:29I will summon the grainI will call the grain to come. This phrase presents the grain as a servant of Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "I will cause there to be grain in the land of Israel"
Dan 2:13So the decree went outThe decree is spoken of as if it was alive and able to go out by itself. Alternate Translation: "So the king issued a command" or "So the king gave a command"
Dan 4:22Your greatness has grownThis phrase is using the word "grown" as a way of saying the king's greatness has increased. Alternate Translation: "Your greatness has increased"
Dan 4:36my sanity returned to meHere his sanity is spoken of as if it was able to return by its own power. Alternate Translation: "I became sane again"
Dan 4:36my majesty and splendor returned to meHere his majesty and splendor are spoken of as if they were able to return by their own power. Alternate Translation: "I regained my majesty and my splendor again"
Dan 6:18sleep fled from himSleep is spoken of as if it could run away from the king. Alternate Translation: "he did not sleep at all that night"
Dan 8:10It became so large as to engage in warHere the horn is given qualities of a person and is engaging in war.
Dan 8:10it trampled on themHere the horn is given qualities of a person that tramples on the stars and on the army.
Dan 8:11General Information:The horn is given qualities of a person.
Dan 8:25he will make deceit prosperHere "deceit" is spoken of as if it is a person who will prosper. Alternate Translation: "the amount of deception will increase"
Dan 11:25He will wake up his power and his heartPower and heart (that is, courage) are spoken of as if they were people whom someone could wake up in order to make them act. Alternate Translation: "He will make himself powerful and will become courageous"
Hos 2:22The earth will answer the grain, the new wine and the oil, and they will answer JezreelThe land will meet the need for grain, new wine, and olive oil. These things will also meet the needs of Jezreel. The land and these products are spoken of as if they were people who could meet the needs of others.
Hos 4:11sexual promiscuity, wine, and new wine, which have taken away their understandingThe people of Israel are pursuing sex outside of marriage and drinking too much wine. In doing these activities they have forgotten Yahweh's commands. These actions are spoken of here as if they were someone who could prevent other people from understanding the importance of obeying Yahweh.
Hos 4:12their walking sticks give them propheciesIdol worshipers used walking sticks to help them predict the future. The walking sticks are spoken of here as if they were people who spoke prophecies.
Hos 4:12a mind of promiscuity has misled themWorshiping the idols and sleeping with the temple prostitutes has developed in the people of Israel the desire to always sin against Yahweh in these ways. Here "mind" is spoken of as if it were a separate person who was able to convince the people to disobey Yahweh.
Hos 5:5The pride of Israel testifies against himThis describes "pride" as a person who testifies against the people of Israel in court. Their prideful attitude and behavior show that they are guilty of no longer obeying Yahweh.
Hos 5:7Now the new moon festivals will devour them with their fieldsThe people of Israel were supposed to celebrate during the new moon. Here this expression seems to describe the new moon festival as a beast that will eat the people and their fields. However, it is hard to interpret this expression; many versions translate it without making much sense of it. However, the overall meaning is certainly that God will punish the people for their unfaithfulness to him.
Hos 7:10The pride of Israel testifies against himThis describes "pride" as a person who testifies against the people of Israel in court. This means their prideful attitude and behavior show that they are guilty of no longer obeying Yahweh.
Hos 9:2But the threshing floor and the winepress will not feed themThis describes the threshing floor and the winepress as if they were humans that can feed someone. This means that the harvest will not provide enough grain for threshing to meet the needs of the people, and that it will not provide the grapes for pressing to make enough wine.
Hos 9:4it will not come into the house of YahwehThe unclean food is spoken of as if it were able to go places by itself. Of course, people actually had to take it with them.
Hos 13:14Where, death, are your plagues? Where, Sheol, is your destruction?Yahweh speaks to "death" and "Sheol" as if they were people. Yahweh uses questions to say that he will destroy the people soon. Alternate Translation: "Now I will cause plagues and let the people of Israel die. I will destroy them and send them to Sheol."
Jol 2:7They run like mighty warriors ... climb the walls like soldiersThe army of locusts acts as real soldiers do.
Jol 2:10The earth shakes in front of them, the heavens trembleJoel speaks of the earth and heavens as if they were people who are shaking with fear. This can be translated as either a hyperbole, that the army is so frightening that even things that are not alive are afraid, or as metonymy, that the earth and the heavens are metonyms for the beings who live there. Alternate Translation: "Everyone on earth and in the heavens is very afraid"
Amo 3:9see what great confusion is in herThe word "her" refers to the city of Samaria. Cities were often spoken of as if they were women.
Amo 3:15The houses of ivory will perishGod speaks of the houses being destroyed as if they were alive and would die. Alternate Translation: "The houses of ivory will be destroyed" or "The houses of ivory will collapse"
Mic 6:1Arise and state your case before the mountains; let the hills hear your voiceYahweh speaks as if he is in court and the mountains and hills are the judges. He commands the people of Israel to tell the judges why they have done what they did.
Mic 6:1the mountains ... the hills ... enduring foundations of the earthMicah is speaking to these things as if they are humans. Micah is using the mountains, hills, and foundations of the earth as an eternal witness against his people's idolatry.
Mic 6:2the mountains ... the hills ... enduring foundations of the earthMicah is speaking to these things as if they are humans. Micah is using the mountains, hills, and foundations of the earth as an eternal witness against his people's idolatry.
Nam 3:15It will devour you as young locusts devour everythingThe word "It" refers to the "sword," which is personified as eating those whom it kills. The soldiers using their swords to kill everyone in Nineveh is compared with the way that a swarm of locusts eats every plant in its path. Alternate Translation: "Your enemies' swords will kill all of you, just as easily as a swarm of locusts devours everything in its path"
Hab 2:5For wine is a betrayer of the arrogant young manYahweh speaks of how a person's judgment is impaired by drinking too much wine as if wine were a person who betrays the one who drinks it. Alternate Translation: "For the arrogant young man does not get from wine what he wants"
Hab 2:11For the stones will cry out from the wall, and the rafters of timber will answer themHere the materials with which the man has built his house are personified as witnesses of the crimes that he has committed. If your culture uses different materials to build houses, you can consider using those materials here.
Hab 3:6the everlasting hills bowed downThe hills being flattened like level ground is spoken of as if they were people who bow down before Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "the everlasting hills collapsed"
Hab 3:10The mountains saw you and twisted in painThe effects that Yahweh's presence has on the mountains is spoken of as if the mountains were people who writhe in pain. This may refer either to the mountains shaking from an earthquake or to the water from the storm eroding the sides of the mountains as the streams flow down.
Hag 1:11I have summoned a drought upon the landRain not falling for a long time is spoken of as if Yahweh had told a person to come and make the land dry. Alternate Translation: "I have kept the rain from falling on the land"
Zec 9:3built herself a strongholdHere the city of Tyre is pictured as a woman. Alternate Translation: "built a strong fortress" or "built a high wall"
Zec 11:2Lament, cypress trees, for the cedar trees have fallenCypress trees are spoken of as if they could grieve like a human. Alternate Translation: "If the trees were people, they would cry out in sorrow. The cypress trees stand alone because the cedars have burned and fallen"
Zec 11:2Lament, you oaks of Bashan, for the strong forest has gone down.The oaks of Bash are spoken of as if they could grieve like a human. Alternate Translation: "If the oak trees in Bashan were people, they would wail, for their thick forests are gone"
Zec 12:2surrounding herHere "her" refers to the city of Jerusalem. It was common in Hebrew to speak of a city or country as if it were a woman.
Zec 13:7Sword! Rouse yourself against my shepherdYou, sword! Go and attack my shepherd. Here Yahweh speaks to a sword as if it were a person. Here it represents enemies. Alternate Translation: "You, enemies! Go and attack my shepherd"