VersePhraseExplanation
Mat 3:3Make ready the way of the Lord ... make his paths straightThese two phrases mean the same thing.
Mat 4:16to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, upon them has a light arisenThis 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 6:24for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the otherBoth 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 8:17took our sickness and bore our diseasesMatthew 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 10:27What I tell you in the darkness, say in the daylight, and what you hear softly in your ear, proclaim upon the housetopsBoth 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 11:30For my yoke is easy and my burden is lightBoth 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 12:20He will not break any bruised reed; he will not quench any smoking flaxBoth 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 13:13Though 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 13:14While hearing you will hear, but you will in no way understand; while seeing you will see, but you will in no way perceiveThis 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 13:16But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hearBoth 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 13:34All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; and he said nothing to them without a parableBoth sentences mean the same thing. They are combined to emphasize that Jesus taught the crowds only with parables.
Mat 21:44But anyone on whom it falls will be crushedThis 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 24:7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdomBoth of these mean the same thing. Jesus is emphasizing that people everywhere will fight each other.
Mat 24:31from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the otherBoth of these mean the same thing. They are idioms that mean "from everywhere." Alternate Translation: "from all over the world"
Mat 24:50on a day that the servant does not expect and at an hour that he does not knowBoth of these statements mean the same thing. They emphasize that the master will come when the servant is not expecting him.
Mat 25:24You reap where you did not sow, and you harvest where you did not scatterThe 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 25:26I reap where I have not sowed and harvest where I have not scatteredThe 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 1:3Make ready the way of the Lord ... make his paths straightThese two phrases mean the same thing.
Mrk 3:4to do good on the Sabbath day or to do harm ... to save a life or to killThese two phrases are similar in meaning, except that the second is more extreme.
Mrk 4:22nothing is hidden ... nothing is secretthere 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 6:50Be 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 8:17Do 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 10:14Permit the little children to come to me, and do not forbid themThese 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 11:28By 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 14:46laid hands on him and seized himThese two phrases have the same meaning to emphasize that they seized Jesus. Alternate Translation: "grabbed Jesus and seized him" or "seized him"
Luk 1:71our enemies ... all who hate usThese two phrases mean basically the same thing and are repeated to emphasize how strongly their enemies are against them.
Luk 1:72his holy covenant, the oath that he spokeThese two phrases refer to the same thing. They are repeated to show the seriousness of God's promise to Abraham.
Luk 1:73his holy covenant, the oath that he spokeThese two phrases refer to the same thing. They are repeated to show the seriousness of God's promise to Abraham.
Luk 7:31I compare ... What are they likeThese are two ways of saying that this is a comparison.
Luk 12:2nothing hidden that will not be knownThis 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 13:18what 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 18:16Permit the little children to come to me, and do not forbid themThese 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 20:38he is not the God of the dead, but of the livingThese 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 3:17For God did not send the Son into the world in order to condemn the world, but in order to save the world through himThese 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 1:20Let his field be made desolate, and do not let even one person live thereThese two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words.
Act 4:26The kings of the earth set themselves together, and the rulers gathered together against the LordThese two lines mean basically the same thing. The two lines emphasize the combined effort of the earth's rulers to oppose God.
Act 18:9Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silentThe 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 28:26but not understand ... but will not perceiveBoth of these phrases mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that the Jewish people will not understand God's plan.
Rom 2:8disobey the truth but obey unrighteousnessThese two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second intensifies the first.
Rom 2:19that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darknessHere "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 2:29he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heartThese 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 3:4That you might be shown to be righteous in your words, and that you might prevail when you come into judgmentThese 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 4:7whose lawless deeds are forgiven ... whose sins are covered ... against whom the Lord will not count sinThe 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 4:8whose lawless deeds are forgiven ... whose sins are covered ... against whom the Lord will not count sinThe 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 10:18Their 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 12:19Vengeance belongs to me; I will repayThese two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that God will avenge his people. Alternate Translation: "I will certainly avenge you"
1Co 1:27God chose ... wise. God chose ... strongPaul 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 4:9God has put us apostles on displayPaul expresses two ways how God has put his apostles on display for the world to see.
1Co 14:21By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangersThese two phrases mean basically the same thing and are used together for emphasis.
1Co 14:24he would be convicted by all he hears. He would be judged by all that is saidPaul 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 15:50flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Neither does what is perishable inherit what is imperishablePossible 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 16:13Be watchful, stand fast in the faith, act like men, be strongPaul 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 1:3the Father of mercies and the God of all comfortThese two phrases express the same idea in two different ways. Both phrases refer to God.
2Co 6:16I 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 10:12they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with each otherPaul is saying much the same thing twice.
2Co 12:21did not repent of the impurity and sexual immorality and lustful indulgencePossible 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 1:27that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospelThe phrases "standing firm in one spirit" and "with one mind striving together" share similar meanings and emphasize the importance of unity.
Php 2:16I did not run in vain or labor in vainThe 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 4:12how to be well-fed or to be hungry, and how to have an abundance or to be in needThese two phrases mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them to emphasize that he has learned how to be content in any situation.
Col 1:22blameless, and above reproachPaul uses two words that mean almost the same thing to emphasize the idea of perfection. Alternate Translation: "perfect"
Heb 1:5You are my son ... I have become your fatherThese two phrases mean essentially the same thing.
Heb 5:5You are my Son; today I have become your FatherThese two phrases mean essentially the same thing. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 1:5](../01/05.md).
Jas 4:8Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-mindedThese are two phrases in parallel with each other.
Jas 4:9Let your laughter turn into sadness and your joy into gloomThis 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 3:10to love life and see good daysThese two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the desire to have a good life.
1Pe 3:10stop his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceitThe 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 3:14Do not fear what they fear. Do not be troubledThese 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 4:7be of sound mind, and be sober in your thinkingThese 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 4:14the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of GodBoth 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 1:1which we have seen ... we have looked atThis is repeated for emphasis. Alternate Translation: "which we ourselves have seen"
1Jn 1:9to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousnessThese 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 9:15for that hour, that day, that month, and that yearThese words are used to show that there is a specific, chosen time and not just any time. Alternate Translation: "for that exact time"
Rev 21:3The dwelling place of God is with human beings, and he will live with themThese two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that God will, indeed, live among men.
Rev 21:6the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the endThese two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize God's eternal nature.
Rev 21:11like a very precious jewel, like a stone of crystal-clear jasperThese two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the brilliance of Jerusalem by naming a specific jewel.
Rev 22:13the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the endThese three phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that Jesus has and will exist for all time.