Make ready the way of the Lord ... make his paths straight
These two phrases mean the same thing.
Mat 4:16
to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, upon them has a light arisen
This basically has the same meaning as the first part of the sentence. Here "those who sat in the region and shadow of death" is a metaphor. It represents those who did not know God. These people were in danger of dying and being separated from God forever.
Mat 6:24
for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other
Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that a person cannot love and be devoted both to God and money at the same time.
Mat 8:17
took our sickness and bore our diseases
Matthew is quoting the prophet Isaiah. These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that he healed all of our diseases. Alternate Translation: "healed those who were sick and made them well"
Mat 10:27
What I tell you in the darkness, say in the daylight, and what you hear softly in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops
Both of these statements mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that the disciples should tell everyone what he tells the disciples in private. Alternate Translation: "Tell people in the daylight what I tell you in the darkness, and proclaim upon the housetops what you hear softly in your ear"
Mat 11:30
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light
Both of these phrases mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that it is easier to obey him than it is the Jewish law. Alternate Translation: "For what I place on you, you will be able to carry because it is light"
Mat 12:20
He will not break any bruised reed; he will not quench any smoking flax
Both of these statements mean the same thing. They are metaphors emphasizing that God's servant will be gentle and kind. Both "bruised reed" and "smoking flax" represent weak and hurting people. If the metaphor is confusing, you could translate the literal meaning. Alternate Translation: "He will be kind to weak people, and he will be gentle to those who are hurting"
Mat 13:13
Though they are seeing, they do not see; and though they are hearing, they do not hear, or understand.
Jesus uses this parallelism to tell and emphasize to the disciples that the crowd refuses to understand God's truth.
Mat 13:14
While hearing you will hear, but you will in no way understand; while seeing you will see, but you will in no way perceive
This begins a quote from the prophet Isaiah about the unbelieving people of Isaiah's day. Jesus uses this quote to describe the very crowd that was listening to him. These statements are again parallel and emphasize that the people refused to understand God's truth.
Mat 13:16
But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear
Both of these statements mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that they have pleased God because they have believed what Jesus has said and done.
Mat 13:34
All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; and he said nothing to them without a parable
Both sentences mean the same thing. They are combined to emphasize that Jesus taught the crowds only with parables.
Mat 21:44
But anyone on whom it falls will be crushed
This means basically the same thing as the previous sentence. It is a metaphor that means the Christ will have the final judgment and will destroy everyone who rebels against him.
Mat 24:7
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom
Both of these mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that people everywhere will fight each other.
Mat 24:31
from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other
Both of these mean the same thing. They are idioms that mean "from everywhere." Alternate Translation: "from all over the world"
Mat 24:50
on a day that the servant does not expect and at an hour that he does not know
Both of these statements mean the same thing. They emphasize that the master will come when the servant is not expecting him.
Mat 25:24
You reap where you did not sow, and you harvest where you did not scatter
The words "reap where you did not sow" and "harvest where you did not scatter" mean the same thing. They refer to a farmer who gathers crops that other people have planted. The servant uses this metaphor to accuse the master of taking what rightfully belongs to others.
Mat 25:26
I reap where I have not sowed and harvest where I have not scattered
The words "reap where I have not sowed" and "harvest where I have not scattered" mean the same thing. They refer to a farmer who gathers crops that people who work for him have planted. See how you translated this in [Matthew 25:24](./24.md), where the servant uses these words to accuse the farmer. The readers should understand that the farmer is acknowledging that he does indeed gather what others have planted but is saying that he is right to do so.
Mrk 1:3
Make ready the way of the Lord ... make his paths straight
These two phrases mean the same thing.
Mrk 3:4
to do good on the Sabbath day or to do harm ... to save a life or to kill
These two phrases are similar in meaning, except that the second is more extreme.
Mrk 4:22
nothing is hidden ... nothing is secret
there is nothing that is hidden ... there is nothing that is secret Both of the phrases have the same meaning. Jesus is emphasizing that everything that is secret will be made known.
Mrk 6:50
Be courageous! ... Do not be afraid!
These two sentences are similar in meaning, emphasizing to his disciples that they did not need to be afraid. They can be combined into one if necessary. Alternate Translation: "Do not fear me!"
Mrk 8:17
Do you not yet perceive? Do you not understand?
These questions have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that they do not understand. This can be written as one question or as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Do you not yet understand?" or "You should perceive and understand by now the things I say and do."
Mrk 10:14
Permit the little children to come to me, and do not forbid them
These two clauses have similar meanings, repeated for emphasis. In some languages it is more natural to emphasize this in another way. Alternate Translation: "Be sure to allow the little children to come to me"
Mrk 11:28
By what authority do you do these things, and who gave you the authority to do them?
Possible meanings: 1) Both of these questions have the same meaning and are asked together to strongly question Jesus' authority and so can be combined. Alternate Translation: "Who gave you authority to do these things?" 2) They are two separate questions, the first asking about the nature of the authority and the second about who gave it to him.
Mrk 14:46
laid hands on him and seized him
These two phrases have the same meaning to emphasize that they seized Jesus. Alternate Translation: "grabbed Jesus and seized him" or "seized him"
Luk 1:71
our enemies ... all who hate us
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are repeated to emphasize how strongly their enemies are against them.
Luk 1:72
his holy covenant, the oath that he spoke
These two phrases refer to the same thing. They are repeated to show the seriousness of God's promise to Abraham.
Luk 1:73
his holy covenant, the oath that he spoke
These two phrases refer to the same thing. They are repeated to show the seriousness of God's promise to Abraham.
Luk 7:31
I compare ... What are they like
These are two ways of saying that this is a comparison.
Luk 12:2
nothing hidden that will not be known
This means the same thing as the first part of the sentence in order to emphasize its truth. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "people will learn about everything that others try to hide"
Luk 13:18
what can I compare it to?
This is basically the same as the previous question. Some languages can use both questions, and some would use only one.
Luk 18:16
Permit the little children to come to me, and do not forbid them
These two sentences have similar meaning and they are combined for emphasis. Some languages emphasize in a different way. Alternate Translation: "You must certainly allow the children to come to me"
Luk 20:38
he is not the God of the dead, but of the living
These two sentences have similar meaning said twice for emphasis. Some languages have different ways of showing emphasis. Alternate Translation: "the Lord is the God of living people only"
Jhn 3:17
For God did not send the Son into the world in order to condemn the world, but in order to save the world through him
These two clauses mean nearly the same thing, said twice for emphasis, first in the negative and then in the positive. Some languages may indicate emphasis in a different way. Alternate Translation: God's real reason for sending his Son into the world was to save it"
Act 1:20
Let his field be made desolate, and do not let even one person live there
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words.
Act 4:26
The kings of the earth set themselves together, and the rulers gathered together against the Lord
These two lines mean basically the same thing. The two lines emphasize the combined effort of the earth's rulers to oppose God.
Act 18:9
Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent
The Lord is giving one command in two different ways to emphasize that Paul should certainly continue preaching. Alternate Translation: "You must not be afraid and, instead, continue to speak and not become silent"
Act 28:26
but not understand ... but will not perceive
Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that the Jewish people will not understand God's plan.
Rom 2:8
disobey the truth but obey unrighteousness
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second intensifies the first.
Rom 2:19
that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness
Here "the blind" and "those who walk in darkness" represent people who do not understand the law. Alternate Translation: "that because you teach the law, you yourself are like a guide to blind people, and you are like a light to people who are lost in the dark"
Rom 2:29
he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart
These two phrases have similar meanings. The first phrase, "he is a Jew who is one inwardly," explains the second phrase, "circumcision is that of the heart."
Rom 3:4
That you might be shown to be righteous in your words, and that you might prevail when you come into judgment
These two phrases have very similar meanings. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "Everyone must acknowledge that what you say is true, and you will always win your case when anyone accuses you"
Rom 4:7
whose lawless deeds are forgiven ... whose sins are covered ... against whom the Lord will not count sin
The same concept is stated in three different ways. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "the Lord has forgiven those who have broken the law ... whose sins the Lord has covered ... whose sins the Lord will not count"
Rom 4:8
whose lawless deeds are forgiven ... whose sins are covered ... against whom the Lord will not count sin
The same concept is stated in three different ways. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "the Lord has forgiven those who have broken the law ... whose sins the Lord has covered ... whose sins the Lord will not count"
Rom 10:18
Their sound has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.
Both of these statements mean basically the same thing and Paul uses them for emphasis. The word "their" refers to the sun, moon, and stars. Here they are described as human messengers that tell people about God. This refers to how their existence shows God's power and glory. You can make explicit that Paul is quoting Scripture here. Alternate Translation: "As the Scriptures record, 'The sun, moon, and the stars are proof of God's power and glory, and everyone in the world sees them and knows the truth about God.'"
Rom 12:19
Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that God will avenge his people. Alternate Translation: "I will certainly avenge you"
1Co 1:27
God chose ... wise. God chose ... strong
Paul repeats many of the same words in two sentences that mean almost the same thing to emphasize the difference between God's way of doing things and how people think God should do them.
1Co 4:9
God has put us apostles on display
Paul expresses two ways how God has put his apostles on display for the world to see.
1Co 14:21
By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are used together for emphasis.
1Co 14:24
he would be convicted by all he hears. He would be judged by all that is said
Paul says basically the same thing twice for emphasis. Alternate Translation: "he would realize that he is guilty of sin because he hears what you are saying"
1Co 15:50
flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Neither does what is perishable inherit what is imperishable
Possible meanings are 1) the two sentences mean the same thing. Alternate Translation: "human beings who will surely die cannot inherit the permanent kingdom of God" or 2) the second sentence finishes the thought begun by the first. Alternate Translation: "weak human beings cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Neither do those who will certainly die inherit a kingdom that will last forever"
1Co 16:13
Be watchful, stand fast in the faith, act like men, be strong
Paul is describing what he wants the Corinthians to do as if he was giving four commands to soldiers in war. These four commands mean almost the same thing and are used for emphasis.
2Co 1:3
the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort
These two phrases express the same idea in two different ways. Both phrases refer to God.
2Co 6:16
I will dwell among them and walk among them.
This is an Old Testament quotation speaks of God being with the people in two different ways. The words "dwell among" speak of living where others live, while the words "walk among" speak of being with them as they go about their lives. Alternate Translation: "I will be with them and help them"
2Co 10:12
they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with each other
Paul is saying much the same thing twice.
2Co 12:21
did not repent of the impurity and sexual immorality and lustful indulgence
Possible meanings are 1) Paul is saying almost the same thing three times for emphasis. Alternate Translation: "did not stop commiting the sexual sins that they practiced" or 2) Paul is speaking of three different sins.
Php 1:27
that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel
The phrases "standing firm in one spirit" and "with one mind striving together" share similar meanings and emphasize the importance of unity.
Php 2:16
I did not run in vain or labor in vain
The phrases "run in vain" and "labor in vain" here mean the same thing. Paul uses them together to emphasize how hard he has worked to help people believe in Christ. Alternate Translation: "I did not work so hard for nothing"
Php 4:12
how to be well-fed or to be hungry, and how to have an abundance or to be in need
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them to emphasize that he has learned how to be content in any situation.
Col 1:22
blameless, and above reproach
Paul uses two words that mean almost the same thing to emphasize the idea of perfection. Alternate Translation: "perfect"
Heb 1:5
You are my son ... I have become your father
These two phrases mean essentially the same thing.
Heb 5:5
You are my Son; today I have become your Father
These two phrases mean essentially the same thing. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 1:5](../01/05.md).
Jas 4:8
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded
These are two phrases in parallel with each other.
Jas 4:9
Let your laughter turn into sadness and your joy into gloom
This is saying the same thing in different ways for emphasis. The abstract nouns "laughter," "sadness," "joy," and "gloom" can be translated as verbs or adjectives. Alternate Translation: "Stop laughing and be sad. Stop being joyful and be gloomy"
1Pe 3:10
to love life and see good days
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the desire to have a good life.
1Pe 3:10
stop his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit
The words "tongue" and "lips" refer to the person who is speaking. These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the command not to lie. Alternate Translation: "stop saying evil and deceitful things"
1Pe 3:14
Do not fear what they fear. Do not be troubled
These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that believers should not be afraid of those who persecute them. Alternate Translation: "Do not be afraid of what people might do to you"
1Pe 4:7
be of sound mind, and be sober in your thinking
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Peter uses them to emphasize the need to think clearly about life since the end of the world is near.
1Pe 4:14
the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God
Both of these refer to the Holy Spirit. Alternate Translation: "the Spirit of glory, who is the Spirit of God" or "the glorious Spirit of God"
1Jn 1:1
which we have seen ... we have looked at
This is repeated for emphasis. Alternate Translation: "which we ourselves have seen"
1Jn 1:9
to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. John uses them to emphasize that God will surely forgive our sins. Alternate Translation: "and will completely forgive us of what we have done wrong"
Rev 9:15
for that hour, that day, that month, and that year
These words are used to show that there is a specific, chosen time and not just any time. Alternate Translation: "for that exact time"
Rev 21:3
The dwelling place of God is with human beings, and he will live with them
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that God will, indeed, live among men.
Rev 21:6
the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize God's eternal nature.
Rev 21:11
like a very precious jewel, like a stone of crystal-clear jasper
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the brilliance of Jerusalem by naming a specific jewel.
Rev 22:13
the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end
These three phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that Jesus has and will exist for all time.