VersePhraseExplanation
Mat 2:6who will shepherd my people IsraelMicah speaks of this ruler as a shepherd. This means he will lead and care for the people. Alternate Translation: "who will lead my people Israel as a shepherd leads his sheep"
Mat 3:3Make ready the way of the LordGet the road ready for the Lord. Doing this represents being prepared to hear the Lord's message when he comes. People do this by repenting of their sins. Alternate Translation: "Prepare to hear the Lord's message when he comes" or "Repent and be ready for the Lord to come"
Mat 3:7You offspring of vipers, whoThis is a metaphor. Here "offspring" means "having the characteristic of." Vipers are a kind of dangerous snakes and represent evil. This can be stated as a separate sentence. Alternate Translation: "You evil poisonous snakes! Who" or "You are evil like poisonous snakes! Who"
Mat 3:8Bear fruit worthy of repentanceThe phrase "bear fruit" is a metaphor referring to a person's actions. Alternate Translation: "Let your actions show that you have truly repented"
Mat 3:10Already the ax has been placed against the root of the trees. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fireThis metaphor means God is ready to punish sinners. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "God has his axe and he is ready to cut down and burn any tree that grows bad fruit" or "As a person gets his axe ready to cut down and burn a tree that grows bad fruit, God is ready to punish you for your sins"
Mat 3:11He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fireThis metaphor compares John's baptism with water to the future baptism with fire. This means John's baptism only symbolically cleanses people of their sins. The baptism by Holy Spirit and fire will truly cleanse people of their sins. If possible, use the word "baptize" in your translation to keep the comparison to John's baptism.
Mat 3:12His winnowing fork is in his hand to thoroughly clear off his threshing floorThis metaphor compares the way Christ will separate the righteous people from the unrighteous people to the way a man separates wheat grain from chaff. Alternate Translation: "Christ is like a man whose winnowing fork is in his hand"
Mat 3:12gather his wheat into the storehouse ... burn up the chaff with fire that can never be putThis is a metaphor showing how God will separate righteous people from evil people. The righteous will go to heaven like wheat into a farmer's storehouse, and God will burn the people who are like chaff with a fire that will never be put out.
Mat 4:16The people who sat in darkness have seen a great lightHere "darkness" is a metaphor for not knowing the truth about God. And "light" is a metaphor for God's true message that saves people from their sin.
Mat 4:19I will make you fishers of menThis metaphor means Simon and Andrew will teach people God's true message, so others will also follow Jesus. Alternate Translation: "I will teach you to gather men to me like you used to gather fish"
Mat 5:6those who hunger and thirst for righteousnessThis metaphor describes people who strongly desire to do what is right. Alternate Translation: "those who desire to live right as much as they desire food and drink"
Mat 5:13You are the salt of the earthPossible meanings are 1) just as salt makes food good, disciples of Jesus influence the people of the world so that they will be good. Alternate Translation: "You are like salt for the people of the world" or 2) just as salt preserves food, disciples of Jesus keep people from becoming totally corrupt. Alternate Translation: "As salt is for food, you are for the world"
Mat 5:13if the salt has lost its tastePossible meanings are 1) "if the salt has lost its power to do things that salt does" or 2) "if the salt has lost its flavor."
Mat 5:14You are the light of the worldThis means Jesus' followers bring the message of God's truth to all the people who do not know God. Alternate Translation: "You are like a light for the people of the world"
Mat 5:16Let your light shine before peopleThis means a disciple of Jesus should live in such a way that others can learn about God's truth. Alternate Translation: "Let your lives be like a light that shines before people"
Mat 5:28everyone who looks on a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heartThis metaphor indicates that a man who lusts after a woman is as guilty of adultery as a man who actually commits the act of adultery.
Mat 5:34it is the throne of GodBecause God reigns from heaven, Jesus speaks of heaven as if it were a throne. Alternate Translation: "it is from here that God rules"
Mat 5:35it is the footstool for his feetThis metaphor means the earth also belongs to God. Alternate Translation: "it is like a footstool where a king rests his feet"
Mat 6:2do not sound a trumpet before yourselfThis metaphor means to do something that purposefully gets people's attention. Alternate Translation: "do not draw attention to yourself like someone who plays a loud trumpet in a crowd"
Mat 6:3do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doingThis is a metaphor for total secrecy. Just as hands usually work together and each can be said to "know" what the other is doing at all times, you should not let even those closest to you know when you are giving to the poor.
Mat 6:12debtsA debt is what one person owes another. This is a metaphor for sins.
Mat 6:12our debtorsA debtor is a person who owes a debt to another person. This is a metaphor for those who have sinned against us.
Mat 6:20store up for yourselves treasures in heavenThis is a metaphor that means do good things on earth so God will reward you in heaven.
Mat 6:22The eye is the lamp of the body ... how great is that darknessThis compares healthy eyes that allow a person to see to diseased eyes that cause a person to be blind. This is a metaphor referring to spiritual health. Often Jewish people used the phrase "bad eye" to refer to greed. The meaning is that if a person is completely devoted to God and sees or considers things the way God does, then he is doing what is right. If a person is greedy for more, then he is doing what is evil.
Mat 6:22The eye is the lamp of the bodyThis metaphor means the eyes allow a person to see just as a lamp helps a person see in the dark. Alternate Translation: "Like a lamp, the eye allows you to see things clearly"
Mat 6:23The eye is the lamp of the body ... how great is that darknessThis compares healthy eyes that allow a person to see to diseased eyes that cause a person to be blind. This is a metaphor referring to spiritual health. Often Jewish people used the phrase "bad eye" to refer to greed. The meaning is that if a person is completely devoted to God and sees or considers things the way God does, then he is doing what is right. If a person is greedy for more, then he is doing what is evil.
Mat 6:23if your eye is badThis does not refer to magic. Jewish people often used this as a metaphor for someone who is greedy.
Mat 7:3the tiny piece of straw that is in your brother's eyeThis is a metaphor that refers to the less important faults of a fellow believer.
Mat 7:3the log that is in your own eyeThis is a metaphor for a person's most important faults. A log could not literally go into a person's eye. Jesus is exaggerating to emphasize that a person should pay attention to his own more important faults before he deals with another person's less important faults.
Mat 7:6dogs ... hogsJews considered these animals dirty, and God told the Jews not to eat them. They are metaphors for wicked people who do not value holy things. It would be best to translate these words literally.
Mat 7:6pearlsThese are similar to round, valuable stones or beads. They are a metaphor for the knowledge of God or precious things in general.
Mat 7:7Ask ... Seek ... KnockThese are metaphors for praying to God. The verb form shows that we are to keep praying until he answers. If your language has a form for continuing to do something over and over, use it here.
Mat 7:13Enter through the narrow gate ... few who find itThis is an image of people traveling on a road and going through a gate into a kingdom. One kingdom is easy to enter; the other is hard to enter.
Mat 7:14Enter through the narrow gate ... few who find itThis is an image of people traveling on a road and going through a gate into a kingdom. One kingdom is easy to enter; the other is hard to enter.
Mat 7:15who come to you in sheep's clothing but are truly ravenous wolvesThis metaphor means that false prophets will pretend they they are good and want to help people, but they are really evil and will do people harm.
Mat 7:16By their fruits you will know themThis metaphor refers to a person's actions. Alternate Translation: "Just as you know a tree by the fruit that grows on it, you will know false prophets by how they act"
Mat 7:17every good tree produces good fruitJesus continues to use the metaphor of fruit to refer to good prophets who produce good works or words.
Mat 7:17the bad tree produces bad fruitJesus continues to use the metaphor of fruit to refer to bad prophets who produce evil works.
Mat 7:19Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fireJesus continues to use fruit trees as a metaphor to refer to false prophets. Here, he only states what will happen to the bad trees. It is implied that the same thing will happen to the false prophets.
Mat 7:20you will recognize them by their fruitsThe word "their" can refer to either the prophets or the trees. This metaphor implies that the fruit of trees and the deeds of prophets both reveal whether they are good or bad. If possible, translate this in a way so that it can refer to both trees and prophets.
Mat 8:22leave the dead to bury their own deadJesus does not mean literally that dead people will bury other dead people. Possible meanings of "the dead": 1) it is a metaphor for those who will soon die, or 2) it is a metaphor for those who do not follow Jesus and are spiritually dead. The main point is that a disciple must not let anything delay him from following Jesus.
Mat 10:6lost sheep of the house of IsraelThis is a metaphor comparing the entire nation of Israel to sheep who have strayed from their shepherd.
Mat 10:8Freely you have received, freely giveHere "received" is a metaphor that represents being made able to do things, and "give" is a metaphor that represents doing things for others. Alternate Translation: "Freely you have received the ability to do these things, freely do them for others" or "Freely I have made you able to do these things, freely do them for others"
Mat 10:25the master of the houseJesus is using this as a metaphor for himself.
Mat 10:25his householdThis is a metaphor for Jesus' disciples.
Mat 10:26there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not be knownBoth of these statements mean the same thing. Being concealed or hidden represents being kept secret, and being revealed represents being made known. Jesus is emphasizing that God will make all things known. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "God will reveal the things that people hide"
Mat 10:39findsThis is a metaphor for "keeps" or "saves." Alternate Translation: "tries to keep" or "tries to save"
Mat 10:39will lose itThis does not mean the person will die. It is a metaphor that means the person will not experience spiritual life with God. Alternate Translation: "will not have true life"
Mat 10:39who loses his lifeThis does not mean to die. It is a metaphor that means a person considers obeying Jesus more important than his own life. Alternate Translation: "who denies himself"
Mat 10:39will find itThis metaphor means the person will experience spiritual life with God. Alternate Translation: "will find true life"
Mat 11:7a reed being shaken by the windPossible meanings are 1) Jesus mean the literal plants by the Jordan River or 2) Jesus is using a metaphor to mean a kind of person. Alternate Translation: "a man who easily changes his mind and is like a reed blowing back and forth in the wind"
Mat 11:10prepare your way before youThis is a metaphor that means the messenger will prepare the people to receive the Messiah's message.
Mat 11:25to little childrenJesus compares ignorant people to little children. Jesus is emphasizing that many of those who believe him either are not well educated or do not think of themselves as wise.
Mat 11:28who labor and are heavy burdenedJesus speaks of people being discouraged in their attempts to obey all the laws as if those laws were heavy burdens and the people were laboring to carry them. Alternate Translation: "who are discouraged from trying so hard" or "Who are discouraged from trying so hard to obey the laws perfectly"
Mat 11:29Take my yoke on youJesus continues the metaphor. Jesus is inviting the people to become his disciples and follow him.
Mat 12:27your sonsJesus was speaking to the Pharisees. The phrase "your sons" refers to their followers. This was a common way of referring to those who follow teachers or leaders. Alternate Translation: "your followers"
Mat 12:30the one who does not gather with me scattersJesus is using a metaphor that refers to a person either gathering the flock of sheep to a shepherd or making them scatter away from the shepherd. Jesus means that a person is either helping to make people become disciples of Jesus or he is making people reject Jesus.
Mat 12:34You offspring of vipersHere "offspring" means "having the characteristic of." Vipers are poisonous snakes that are dangerous and represent evil. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Matthew 3:7](../03/07.md).
Mat 12:35The good man from the good treasure of his heart produces what is good, and the evil man from the evil treasure of his heart produces what is evilJesus speaks about the "heart" as if it were a container that a person fills with good or evil things. This is a metaphor that means what a person says reveals what the person is truly like. If you want to keep this imagery, see the UDB. You can also translate the literal meaning. Alternate Translation: "A man who is truly good will speak good things, and the man who is truly evil will speak evil things"
Mat 12:39adulterous generationHere "adulterous" is a metaphor for people who are not faithful to God. Alternate Translation: "unfaithful generation" or "godless generation"
Mat 12:44to my house from which I cameThis is a metaphor for the person in whom the unclean spirit was living. Alternate Translation: "to the place I left"
Mat 12:44that house swept out and put in orderAgain, "house" is a metaphor for the person in whom the unclean spirit was living. Here, "swept out and put in order" suggests that no one is living in the house. Jesus means when an unclean spirit leaves a person, the person must invite the Holy Spirit to live in him or else the demon will come back.
Mat 12:49here are my mother and my brothersThis is a metaphor that means Jesus' disciples belong to Jesus' spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family.
Mat 12:50that person is my brother, and sister, and motherThis is a metaphor meaning that those who obey God belong to Jesus' spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family.
Mat 13:13they do not seeHere "see" represents understanding. Alternate Translation: "they do not understand"
Mat 13:13they do not hearHere "hear" represents listening well. Alternate Translation: "they do not listen well" or "they do not pay attention"
Mat 13:15For this people's heart ... I would heal themIn 13:15 God describes the people of Israel as if they have physical diseases that cause them to be unable to learn, to see, and to hear. God wants them to come to him so he will heal them. This is all a metaphor describing the people's spiritual condition. It means the people are stubborn and refuse to receive and understand God's truth. If they would, then they would repent and God would forgive them and welcome them back as his people. If the meaning is clear, keep the metaphor in your translation.
Mat 13:15I would heal themhave me heal them. This means God would heal them spiritually by forgiving their sins and receiving them again as his people. Alternate Translation: "have me receive them again"
Mat 13:19the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heartJesus speaks of Satan causing the person to forget what he has heard as if Satan were a bird snatching the seed from the ground. Alternate Translation: "The evil one causes him to forget the message that he has heard just as a bird snatches away seed from the ground"
Mat 13:20receives it with joyBelieving the word is spoken of as receiving it. Alternate Translation: "joyfully believes it"
Mat 13:21yet he has no root in himself and he endures for a whileYet he has shallow roots and only lasts for a little while. The root represents what makes a person continue to believe God's message. Alternate Translation: "But like a plant that does not grow deep roots, he only endures for a little while"
Mat 13:21he quickly falls awayHere "falls away" means stops believing. Alternate Translation: "immediately he falls away" or "he quickly stops believing the message"
Mat 13:22the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the wordJesus speaks about the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches distracting a person from obeying God's word as if they were weeds that could wind around a plant and keep it from growing. Alternate Translation: "as weeds prevent good plants from growing, the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches keep this person from listening to God's word"
Mat 13:22he becomes unfruitfulThe person is spoken of as if he were a plant. Being unfruitful represents being unproductive. Alternate Translation: "he becomes unproductive" or "he does not do what God wants"
Mat 13:23He bears fruit and makes a cropThe person is spoken of as if he were a plant. Alternate Translation: "Like a healthy plant that bears a crop of fruit, he is productive"
Mat 13:42furnace of fireThis is a metaphor for the fires of hell. If the term "furnace" is not known, "oven" can be used. Alternate Translation: "fiery furnace"
Mat 13:50furnace of fireThis is a metaphor for the fires of hell. If the term "furnace" is not known, "oven" can be used. See how you translated this in [Matthew 13:42](./42.md). Alternate Translation: "fiery furnace"
Mat 15:13Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted upThis is a metaphor. Jesus means that the Pharisees do not actually belong to God, so God will remove them.
Mat 15:14blind guides ... both will fall into a pitJesus uses another metaphor to describe the Pharisees. Jesus means that the Pharisees do not understand God's commands or how to please him. Therefore, they cannot teach others how to please God.
Mat 15:24to the lost sheep of the house of IsraelThis is a metaphor comparing the entire nation of Israel to sheep who have gone away from their shepherd. See how you translated this in [Matthew 10:6](../10/06.md).
Mat 15:27even the little dogs eat some of the crumbs that fall from their masters' tablesThe woman responds by using the same imagery as Jesus used in the proverb he just spoke. She means non-Jews should be able to have a small amount of the good things Jews are throwing away.
Mat 16:4An evil and adulterous generationHere "adulterous" is a metaphor for people who are not faithful to God. See how you translated this in [Matthew 12:39](../12/39.md). Alternate Translation: "An unfaithful generation" or "A godless generation"
Mat 16:6the yeast of the Pharisees and SadduceesHere "yeast" is a metaphor that refers to evil ideas and wrong teaching. Translate as "yeast" here and do not explain its meaning in your translation. This meaning will be made clear in 16:12.
Mat 16:11the yeast of the Pharisees and SadduceesHere "yeast" represents evil ideas and wrong teaching. Translate as "yeast" and do not explain the meaning in your translation. In 16:12 the disciples will understand the meaning.
Mat 16:18upon this rock I will build my churchHere "build my church" is a metaphor for uniting the people who believe in Jesus into a community. Possible meanings are 1) "this rock" represents Peter, or 2) "this rock" represents the truth that Peter had just said in [Matthew 16:16](./16.md).
Mat 16:18The gates of Hades will not prevail against itHere "Hades" is spoken of as if it were a city surrounded by walls with gates that keep dead people in and other people out. Here "Hades" represents death, and its "gates" represent its power. Possible meanings are 1) "the powers of death will not overcome my church" or 2) "my church will break down the power of death the way an army breaks into a city."
Mat 16:19the keys of the kingdom of heavenKeys are objects that are used to lock or unlock doors. Here they represent authority.
Mat 16:19bind on earth shall be bound in heaven ... loose on earth shall be loosed in heavenThis metaphor means that God in heaven will approve of what Peter allows or forbids on earth.
Mat 16:23Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to meJesus means that Peter is acting like Satan because Peter is trying to prevent Jesus from accomplishing what God sent him to do. Alternate Translation: "Get behind me, because you are acting like Satan! You are a stumbling block to me" or "Get behind me, Satan! I call you Satan because you are a stumbling block to me"
Mat 16:24follow meFollowing Jesus here represents being one of his disciples. Alternate Translation: "be my disciple" or "be one of my disciples"
Mat 16:24and follow meFollowing Jesus here represents obeying him. Alternate Translation: "and obey me"
Mat 16:25will lose itThis does not mean the person must necessarily die. It is a metaphor that means the person will consider obeying Jesus as being more important than his own life.
Mat 16:25will find itThis metaphor means the person will experience spiritual life with God. Alternate Translation: "will find true life"
Mat 18:7stumbling blocks ... those stumbling blocks come ... the person through whom those stumbling blocks comeHere "stumbling" is a metaphor for sin. Alternate Translation: "things that cause people to sin ... things come that cause people to sin ... any person who causes others to sin"
Mat 18:9causes you to stumbleHere "stumble" is a metaphor for sin. Alternate Translation: "causes you to sin"
Mat 18:18bind ... bound ... release ... releasedThis metaphor means that God in heaven will approve of what the disciples allow or forbid on earth. See how you translated similar phrases in [Matthew 16:19](../16/19.md).
Mat 19:5the two will become one fleshThis is a metaphor that emphasizes the unity of a husband and a wife. Alternate Translation: "they will become like one person"
Mat 19:6So they are no longer two, but one fleshThis is a metaphor that emphasizes the unity of a husband and a wife. Alternate Translation: "So a husband and wife are no longer like two persons, but they are like one person"
Mat 19:8For your hardness of heartThe phrase "hardness of heart" is a metaphor that means "stubbornness." Alternate Translation: "Because of your stubbornness" or "Because you are stubborn"
Mat 19:12eunuchs who made themselves eunuchsPossible meanings are 1) "men who have made themselves eunuchs by removing their private parts" or 2) "men who choose to remain unmarried and sexually pure."
Mat 19:21you will have treasure in heavenThe phrase "treasure in heaven" is a metaphor that refers to a reward from God. Alternate Translation: "God will reward you in heaven"
Mat 20:28to give his life as a ransom for manyJesus' life being a "ransom" is a metaphor for his being punished in order to set people free from being punished for their own sins. Alternate Translation: "to give his life as a substitute for many" or "to give his life as a substitute to set many free"
Mat 20:33that our eyes may be openedThe men speak of becoming able to see as if there eyes were to be opened. Because of Jesus' previous question, we understand that they were expressing their desire. Alternate Translation: "we want you to open our eyes" or "we want to be able to see"
Mat 21:13a den of robbersJesus uses a metaphor to scold the people for buying and selling items in the temple. Alternate Translation: "like a place where robbers hide"
Mat 21:29he changed his mindThis refers to the son reconsidering his thoughts and deciding to act differently from how he had said he would act.
Mat 21:42The stone which the builders rejected has been made the cornerstoneJesus is quoting from the Psalms. This is a metaphor that means the religious leaders, like builders, will reject Jesus, but God will make him the most important in his kingdom, like the cornerstone in a building.
Mat 21:44Whoever falls on this stone will be broken to piecesHere, "this stone" is the same stone as in [Matthew 21:42](./42.md). This is a metaphor that means the Christ will destroy anyone who rebels against him. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "The stone will break into pieces anyone who falls on it"
Mat 23:4they bind heavy burdens that are difficult to carry, and then they put them on people's shoulders. But they themselves will not move a finger to carry themHere "bind heavy burdens ... put them on people's shoulders" is a metaphor for the religious leaders making many difficult rules and making the people obey them. And "will not move a finger" is an idiom that means the religious leaders will not help the people. Alternate Translation: "they make you obey many rules that are difficult to follow. But they do nothing at all to help the people follow the rules"
Mat 23:13General Information:Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven as if it were a house, the door into which the Pharisees have shut from the outside so that neither they nor anyone else can enter the house. If you do not keep the metaphor of the house, be sure to change all instances of "shut" and "enter." Also, since the words "kingdom of heaven," which refer to God, who lives in heaven, occur only in Matthew, try to use your language's word for "heaven" in your translation.
Mat 23:13You shut the kingdom of heaven against people ... you do not enter it ... neither do you allow those about to enter to do soJesus is speaking of the kingdom of heaven, which is God ruling over his people, as if it were a house, the door into which the Pharisees have shut from the outside so that neither they nor anyone else can enter the house. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is found only in the book of Matthew. If possible, use your language's word for "heaven" in your translation. Alternate Translation: "You make it impossible for people to enter the kingdom of heaven ... you do not enter it ... neither do you allow those about to enter to do so" or "You prevent people from accepting God, who lives in heaven, as king ... you do not accept him as king ... and you make it impossible for those about to accept him as king to do so"
Mat 23:16blind guides ... blind foolsThe Jewish leaders were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand God's truth. See how you translated "blind guides" in [Matthew 15:14](../15/14.md).
Mat 23:16is bound to his oathis tied to his oath. The phrase "bound to his oath" is a metaphor for being required to do what one has said he would do in an oath. Alternate Translation: "must do what he promised to do"
Mat 23:17blind guides ... blind foolsThe Jewish leaders were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand God's truth. See how you translated "blind guides" in [Matthew 15:14](../15/14.md).
Mat 23:18is bound to his oathis tied to his oath. Being required to do what one has said he would do in an oath is spoken of as if he is tied to the oath. Alternate Translation: "must do what he promised to do"
Mat 23:19blind peopleThe Jewish leaders were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand God's truth.
Mat 23:24You blind guidesJesus uses this metaphor to describe the Pharisees. Jesus means that the Pharisees do not understand God's commands or how to please him. Therefore, they cannot teach others how to please God. See how you translated this metaphor in [Matthew 15:14](../15/14.md).
Mat 23:24you who strain out a gnat but swallow a camelBeing careful to follow the less important laws and ignoring the more important laws is as foolish as being careful not to swallow the smallest unclean animal but eating the meat of the largest unclean animal. Alternate Translation: "you are as foolish as a person who strains out a gnat that falls into his drink but swallows a camel"
Mat 23:25For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgenceThis is a metaphor that means the scribes and Pharisees appear pure on the outside to others, but on the inside they are wicked.
Mat 23:26You blind PhariseeThe Pharisees were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand God's truth.
Mat 23:26Clean first the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside may become clean alsoThis is a metaphor that means that if they would become pure in their inner being, then the result is that they would be pure on the outside as well.
Mat 23:32You also fill up the measure of your fathersJesus uses this as a metaphor meaning the Pharisees will complete the wicked behavior that their forefathers started when they killed the prophets. Alternate Translation: "You also finish the sins your ancestors began"
Mat 23:37your childrenJesus is speaking to Jerusalem as if it is a woman and the people are her children. Alternate Translation: "your people" or "your inhabitants"
Mat 24:4Be careful that no one leads you astray ... and will lead many astrayHere "leads you astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate Translation: "Be careful that no one deceives you ... and will deceive many people"
Mat 24:5Be careful that no one leads you astray ... and will lead many astrayHere "leads you astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate Translation: "Be careful that no one deceives you ... and will deceive many people"
Mat 24:8the beginning of birth painsThis refers to the pains a woman feels before giving birth to a child. This metaphor means these wars, famines, and earthquakes are just the beginning of the events that will lead to the end of the age.
Mat 24:11and lead many astrayHere "lead ... astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate Translation: "and deceive many people"
Mat 24:33at the very gatesclose to the gates. Jesus uses the imagery of a king or important official getting close to the gates of a walled city. It is a metaphor meaning the time for Jesus to come is soon.
Mat 24:43the thiefJesus is saying he will come when people are not expecting him, not that he will come to steal.
Mat 25:33He will place the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his leftThis is a metaphor that means the Son of Man will separate all people. He will put the righteous people at his right side, and he will put the sinners at his left side.
Mat 26:31the shepherd ... sheep of the flockThese are metaphors that refer to Jesus and the disciples.
Mat 26:39let this cup pass from meJesus speaks of the work that he must do, including dying on the cross, as if it were a bitter liquid that God has commanded him to drink from a cup. The word "cup" is an important word in the New Testament, so try to use an equivalent for that in your translation.
Mat 26:42if this cannot pass away unless I drink itif the only way this can pass away is if I drink it. Jesus speaks of the work that he must do as if it were a bitter liquid that God has commanded him to drink.
Mat 26:42if thisHere "this" refers to the cup and the contents within it, a metaphor for suffering, as in [Matthew 26:39](./39.md)).
Mat 26:42unless I drink itunless I drink from it or "unless I drink from this cup of suffering." Here "it" refers to the cup and the contents within it, a metaphor for suffering, as in [Matthew 26:39](./39.md)).
Mrk 1:2will prepare your wayDoing this represents preparing the people for the Lord's arrival. Alternate Translation: "will prepare the people for your arrival"
Mrk 1:3Make ready the way of the LordGet the road ready for the Lord. Doing this represents being prepared to hear the Lord's message when he comes. People do this by repenting of their sins. Alternate Translation: "Prepare to hear the Lord's message when he comes" or "Repent and be ready for the Lord to come"
Mrk 1:5The whole country of Judea and all the people of JerusalemThe words "whole country" are a metaphor for the people who live in the country and a generalization that refers to a great number of people, not to every single person. Alternate Translation: "Many people from Judea and Jerusalem"
Mrk 1:7the strap of his sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untieJohn is comparing himself to a servant to show how great Jesus is. Alternate Translation: "I am not even worthy to do the lowly task of removing his shoes"
Mrk 1:8but he will baptize you with the Holy SpiritThis metaphor compares John's baptism with water to the future baptism with the Holy Spirit. This means John's baptism only symbolically cleanses people of their sins. The baptism by the Holy Spirit will truly cleanse people of their sins. If possible, use the same word for "baptize" here as you used for John's baptism to keep the comparison between the two.
Mrk 1:17I will make you fishers of menThis metaphor means Simon and Andrew will teach people God's true message, so others will also follow Jesus. Alternate Translation: "I will teach you to gather men to me like you gather fish"
Mrk 1:40you can make me cleanIn biblical times, a person who had any of certain skin diseases was considered unclean until his skin had healed enough that he was no longer contagious. Alternate Translation: "you can heal me"
Mrk 1:45began to spread the news widelyHere "spread the news widely" is a metaphor for telling people in many places about what had happened. Alternate Translation: "began to tell people in many places about what Jesus had done"
Mrk 2:5SonThe word "Son" here shows Jesus cared for the man as a father cares for a son. Alternate Translation: "My son"
Mrk 3:5by their hardness of heartThis metaphor describes how the Pharisees were unwilling to have compassion on the man with the withered hand. Alternate Translation: "because they were unwilling to have compassion on the man"
Mrk 3:24cannot standThis phrase is a metaphor meaning that the people will no longer be united and they will fall. Alternate Translation: "cannot endure" or "will fall"(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
Mrk 3:26is not able to standThis is a metaphor meaning he will fall and cannot endure. Alternate Translation: "will cease to be united" or "cannot endure and has come to an end" or "will fall and has come to an end"
Mrk 3:35that person is my brother, and sister, and motherThis is a metaphor that means Jesus' disciples belong to Jesus' spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family. Alternate Translation: "that person is like a brother, sister, or mother to me"
Mrk 4:12they look, but do not seeJesus speaks of people understanding what they see as actually seeing. Alternate Translation: "they look and do not understand"
Mrk 4:12they would turnturn to God. Here "turn" is a metaphor for "repent." Alternate Translation: "they would repent"
Mrk 4:16These are the onesAnd some people are like the seeds. Jesus begins to explain how some people are like the seeds that fell on the rocky soil.
Mrk 4:17They have no root in themselvesThis is a comparison to the young plants that have very shallow roots. This metaphor means that the people were first excited when they received the word, but they were not strongly devoted to it. Alternate Translation: "And they are like the young plants that have no roots"
Mrk 4:17endureIn this parable, "endure" means "believe." Alternate Translation: "continue in their belief"
Mrk 4:17they stumbleIn this parable, "stumble" means "stop believing God's message"
Mrk 4:18The others are the ones that were sown among the thornsJesus begins to explain how some people are like the seeds that fell among the thorns. Alternate Translation: "And other people are like the seeds that were sown among the thorns"
Mrk 4:19enter in and choke the wordAs Jesus continues to talk about people who are like the seeds that fell among the thorns, he explains what the desires and worries do to the word in their lives. Alternate Translation: "enter in and choke God's message in their lives like thorns choke young plants"
Mrk 4:20those that were sown in the good soilJesus begins to explain how some people are like the seeds that were sown in good soil. Alternate Translation: "like the seeds that were sown in the good soil"
Mrk 4:24for the measure you usePossible meanings are 1) Jesus is talking about a literal measure and giving generously to others or 2) this is a metaphor in which Jesus speaks of "understanding" as if it were "measuring."
Mrk 5:9He answered him, "My name is Legion, for we are many."One spirit was speaking for many here. He spoke of them as if they were a legion, a Roman army unit of about 6,000 soldiers. Alternate Translation: "And the spirit said to him, 'Call us an army, for many of us are inside the man.'"
Mrk 6:12turn away from their sinsHere "turn away from" is a metaphor that means to stop doing something. Alternate Translation: "stop sinning" or "repent of their sins"
Mrk 6:52their hearts were hardenedHaving a hard heart represents being too stubborn to understand. Alternate Translation: "they were too stubborn to understand"
Mrk 7:27Let the children first be fed. For it is not right ... throw it to the dogsHere Jesus speaks about the Jews as if they are children and the Gentiles as if they are dogs. Alternate Translation: "Let the children of Israel first be fed. For it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the Gentiles, who are like dogs"
Mrk 8:15yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of HerodHere Jesus is speaking to his disciples in a metaphor they do not understand. Jesus is comparing the Pharisees' and Herod's teachings to yeast, but you should not explain this when you translate it because the disciples themselves did not understand it.
Mrk 8:33Get behind me, Satan! You are not settingJesus means that Peter is acting like Satan because Peter is trying to prevent Jesus from accomplishing what God sent him to do. Alternate Translation: "Get behind me, because you are acting like Satan! You are not setting"
Mrk 8:34follow meFollowing Jesus here represents being one of his disciples. Alternate Translation: "be my disciple" or "be one of my disciples"
Mrk 8:34follow meFollowing Jesus here represents obeying him. Alternate Translation: "obey me"
Mrk 8:38in this adulterous and sinful generationJesus speaks of this generation as "adulterous," meaning that they are unfaithful in their relationship with God. Alternate Translation: "in this generation of people who have committed adultery against God and are very sinful" or "in this generation of people who are unfaithful to God and are very sinful"
Mrk 9:35If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of allHere the words "first" and "last" are opposites of one another. Jesus speaks of being the "most important" as being "first" and of being the "least important" as being "last." Alternate Translation: "If anyone wants God to consider him to be the most important person of all, he must consider himself to be the least important of all"
Mrk 9:41gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to ChristJesus speaks about giving someone a cup of water as an example of how one person may help another. This is a metaphor for helping someone in any way.
Mrk 9:43to enter into lifeDying and then beginning to live eternally is spoken of as entering into life. Alternate Translation: "to enter into eternal life" or "to die and begin to live forever"
Mrk 9:45to enter into lifeDying and then beginning to live eternally is spoken of as entering into life. Alternate Translation: "to enter into eternal life" or "to die and begin to live forever"
Mrk 9:49everyone will be salted with fireThis can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "God will salt everyone with fire" or "Just as salt purifies a sacrifice, God will purify everyone by allowing them to suffer"
Mrk 9:49will be salted with fireHere "fire" is a metaphor for suffering, and putting salt on people is a metaphor for purifying them. So "will be salted with fire" is a metaphor for being purified through suffering. Alternate Translation: "will be made pure in the fire of suffering" or "will suffer in order to be purified as a sacrifice is purified with salt"
Mrk 9:50Have salt among yourselvesJesus speaks of doing good things for one another as if good things were salt that people possess. Alternate Translation: "Do good to each other, like salt adds flavor to food"
Mrk 10:8they are no longer two, but one fleshThis is a metaphor to illustrate their close union as husband and wife. Alternate Translation: "the two people are like one person" or "they are no longer two, but together they are one body"
Mrk 10:14for the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like themThe kingdom belonging to people represents the kingdom including them. Alternate Translation: "the kingdom of God includes people who are like them" or "because only people like them are members of the kingdom of God"
Mrk 10:17to inherit eternal lifeHere the man speaks of "receiving" as if it were "inheriting." This metaphor is used to emphasize the importance of receiving. Also, "inherit" here does not mean that someone has to die first. Alternate Translation: to receive eternal life"
Mrk 10:21One thing you lackThere is one thing you are missing. Here "lack" is a metaphor for needing to do something. Alternate Translation: "One thing you need to do" or "There is one thing you have not yet done" or
Mrk 10:24Children, howMy children, how. Jesus is teaching them as a father would teach his children. Alternate Translation: "My friends, how"
Mrk 10:31are first will be last, and the last firstHere the words "first" and "last" are opposites of one another. Jesus speaks of being the "important" as being "first" and of being the "unimportant" as being "last." Alternate Translation: "are important will be unimportant, and those who are unimportant will be important"
Mrk 10:38drink the cup which I will drinkHere "cup" refers to what Jesus must suffer. Suffering is often referred to as drinking from a cup. Alternate Translation: "drink the cup of suffering that I will drink" or "drink from the cup of suffering that I will drink from"
Mrk 10:38endure the baptism with which I will be baptizedHere "baptism" and being baptized represent suffering. Just as water covers a person during baptism, suffering will overwhelm Jesus. Alternate Translation: "endure the baptism of suffering which I will suffer"
Mrk 10:44to be firstThis is a metaphor for being the most important. Alternate Translation: "to be the most important"
Mrk 11:10the highestHere heaven is spoken of as "the highest." Alternate Translation: "the highest heaven" or "heaven"
Mrk 11:17But you have made it a den of robbersJesus compares the people to robbers and the temple to a robbers' den. Alternate Translation: "But you are like robbers who have made my house into a robbers' den"
Mrk 12:11it is marvelous in our eyesHere "in our eyes" stands for seeing, which is a metaphor for the people's opinion. Alternate Translation: "we have seen it and think that it is marvelous" or "we think that it is wonderful"
Mrk 12:13to trap himHere the author describes tricking Jesus as "trapping him." Alternate Translation: "to trick him"
Mrk 12:25riseWaking and getting up from sleep is a metaphor for becoming alive after having been dead.
Mrk 12:36until I make your enemies your footstoolIn this quote, God speaks of defeating enemies as making them into a footstool. Alternate Translation: "until I completely defeat your enemies"
Mrk 12:40They also devour widows' housesHere Jesus describes the scribes' cheating of widows and stealing of their houses as "devouring" their houses. Alternate Translation: "They also cheat widows in order to steal their houses from them"
Mrk 13:8These are the beginnings of birth painsJesus speaks of these disasters as the beginnings of birth pains because more severe things will happen after them. Alternate Translation: "These events will be like the first pains a woman suffers when she is about to bear a child"
Mrk 13:14the abomination of desolationThis phrase is from the book of Daniel. His audience would have been familiar with this passage and the prophecy about the abomination entering the temple and defiling it. Alternate Translation: "the shameful thing that defiles the things of God"
Mrk 13:27the four windsThe whole earth is spoken of as "the four winds," which refer to the four directions: north, south, east, and west. Alternate Translation: "the north, south, east, and west" or "all parts of the earth"
Mrk 13:31my words will never pass awayJesus speaks of words not losing their power as if they were something that will never physically die. Alternate Translation: "my words will never lose their power"
Mrk 13:36find you sleepingHere Jesus speaks of not being ready as "sleeping." Alternate Translation: "find you not ready for his return"
Mrk 14:33deeply troubledThe word "deeply" refers to Jesus being greatly troubled in his soul. Alternate Translation: "extremely troubled"
Mrk 14:38that you do not enter into temptationJesus speaks of being tempted as if it were entering into a physical place. Alternate Translation: "that you are not tempted"
Mrk 14:40for their eyes were heavyHere the author speaks of a sleepy person having a hard time keeping his eyes open as having "heavy eyes." Alternate Translation: "for they were so sleepy they were having a hard time keeping their eyes open"
Mrk 14:56brought false testimony against himHere speaking false testimony is described as if it were a physical object that someone can carry. Alternate Translation: "accused him by speaking false testimony against him"
Mrk 14:57brought false testimony against himHere speaking false testimony is described as if it were a physical object that someone can carry. Alternate Translation: "accused him by speaking false testimony against him"
Mrk 14:62comes with the clouds of heavenHere the clouds are described as accompanying Jesus when he returns. Alternate Translation: "when he comes down through the clouds in the sky"
Mrk 15:11stirred up the crowdThe author speaks of the chief priests rousing or urging the crowd as if the crowd were a bowl of something that they were stirring. Alternate Translation: "roused the crowd" or "urged the crowd"
Mrk 15:19bent their kneesA person who kneels bends his knees, so those who kneel are sometimes said to "bend their knees." Alternate Translation: "kneeled" or "knelt"
Mrk 15:33darkness came over the whole landHere the author describes it becoming dark outside as if the darkness were a wave that moved over the land. Alternate Translation: "the whole land became dark"
Mrk 15:42evening had comeHere evening is spoken of as if it were something that is able to "come" from one place to another. Alternate Translation: "it had become evening" or "it was evening"
Luk 1:12fear fell on himFear is described as if it was something that attacked or overpowered Zechariah.
Luk 1:16Many of the people of Israel will be turned to the Lord their GodHere "be turned" is a metaphor for a person repenting and worshiping the Lord. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "He will cause many of the people of Israel to repent and worship the Lord their God"
Luk 1:17turn the heartsThe heart is spoken of as if it is something that can be turned to go in a different direction. This refers to changing someone's attitude toward something.
Luk 1:42the fruit of your wombMary's baby is spoken of as if it is the fruit that a plant produces. Alternate Translation: "the baby in your womb" or "the baby you will bear"
Luk 1:52raised up those of low conditionIn this word picture, people who are important are higher than people who are less important. Alternate Translation: "has has made humble people important" or "has given honor to people whom others have not honored"
Luk 1:65All these matters were spread throughout all the hill country of JudeaThe phrase "these matters were spread" is a metaphor for people talking about them. The passive verb here can also be translated in active form. Alternate Translation: "All these matters were talked about by people throughout all the hill country of Judea" or "People throughout the hill country of Judea talked about all these matters"
Luk 1:66stored them in their heartsThinking often about things that have happened is spoken of as putting those things safely in their hearts. Alternate Translation: "thought carefully about these matters" or "thought a lot about these events"
Luk 1:69He has raised up a horn of salvation for usThe horn of an animal is a symbol of its power to defend itself. To raise up here is to bring into existence or to enable to act. The Messiah is spoken of as if he were a horn with the power to save Israel. Alternate Translation: "He has brought to us someone with the power to save us"
Luk 1:76to prepare his pathsThis is a metaphor that means that John will prepare the people to listen to and believe the Lord's message.
Luk 1:78the sunrise from on high ... to shine onLight is often a metaphor for truth. Here, the spiritual truth the Savior will provide is spoken of as if it is a sunrise that lights up the earth.
Luk 1:79the sunrise from on high ... to shine onLight is often a metaphor for truth. Here, the spiritual truth the Savior will provide is spoken of as if it is a sunrise that lights up the earth.
Luk 1:79those who sit in darknessDarkness is here a metaphor for the absence of spiritual truth. Here, people who lack spiritual truth are spoken of as if they are sitting in darkness. Alternate Translation: "people who do not know the truth"
Luk 1:79guide our feet into the path of peaceHere "guide" is a metaphor for teaching, and "path of peace" is a metaphor for living at peace with God. The phrase "our feet" is a synecdoche that represents the whole person. Alternate Translation: "teach us how to live at peace with God"
Luk 2:13a great, heavenly armyThe word "heavenly army" here could refer to a literal army of angels, or it could be a metaphor for an organized group of angels. Alternate Translation: "a large group of angels from heaven"
Luk 2:19treasuring them in her heartA person who thinks is something is very valuable or precious is "treasuring" it. Mary considered the things she was told about her son to be very precious. Alternate Translation: "carefully remembering them" or "joyfully remembering them"
Luk 2:32A light for revelation to the GentilesThis metaphor means that the child will help people to understand God's will. The Gentiles understanding God's will is spoken of as if it were people using physical light to see a solid object. You may need to make explicit what it is that the Gentiles will see. Alternate Translation: "This child will enable the Gentiles to understand God's will as light allows people to see clearly"
Luk 2:34this child is appointed for the downfall and rising up of many people in IsraelThe words "downfall" and "rising up" express turning away from God and drawing closer to God. Alternate Translation: "this child will cause many people in Israel to fall away from God or to rise closer to God"
Luk 3:2the word of God cameThe writer speaks of God's message as though it were a person who moved toward those who heard it. Alternate Translation: "God spoke his message"
Luk 3:4Make ready the way of the LordGet the road ready for the Lord. Doing this represents preparing to hear the Lord's message when he comes. People do this by repenting of their sins. Alternate Translation: "Prepare to hear the Lord's message when he comes" or "Repent and be ready for the Lord to come"
Luk 3:5Every valley will be filled ... every mountain and hill will be made lowWhen people prepare the road for an important person who is coming, they cut down the high places and fill in the low places so that the road will be level. This is part of the metaphor started in the previous verse.
Luk 3:7You offspring of vipersThis is a metaphor. Here "offspring" means "having the characteristic of." Vipers are poisonous snakes that are dangerous and represent evil. Alternate Translation: "You evil poisonous snakes" or "You are evil, like poisonous snakes
Luk 3:8produce fruits that are worthy of repentanceIn this metaphor, a person's behavior is compared to fruit. Just as a plant is expected to produce fruit that is appropriate for that kind of plant, a person who says that he has repented is expected to live righteously. Alternate Translation: "produce the kind of fruit that shows that you have repented" or "do the good things that show that you have turned away from your sin"
Luk 3:16He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fireThis metaphor compares literal baptism that brings a person into contact with water to a spiritual baptism that brings them into contact with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Luk 3:16fireHere the word "fire" may refer to 1) judgment or 2) purification. It is preferred to leave it as "fire"
Luk 3:17His winnowing fork is in his handHe is holding a winnowing fork because he is ready. John speaks of the Christ coming to judge people as if he were a farmer who is ready to separate wheat grain from chaff. Alternate Translation: "He is ready to judge people like a farmer who is ready"
Luk 4:18he anointed meIn the Old Testament, ceremonial oil was poured on a person when they were given power and authority to do a special task. Jesus uses this metaphor to refer to the Holy Spirit being on him to prepare him for this work. Alternate Translation: "the Holy Spirit is upon me to empower me" or "the Holy Spirit gave me power and authority"
Luk 4:25when the sky was shut upThis is a metaphor. The sky is pictured as a ceiling that was closed, and so no rain would fall from it. Alternate Translation: "when no rain fell down from the sky" or "when there was no rain at all"
Luk 5:10you will catch menThe image of catching fish is being used as a metaphor for gathering people to follow Christ. Alternate Translation: "you will fish for people" or "you will gather people for me" or "you will bring people to be my disciples"
Luk 5:35the bridegroom will be taken away from themJesus is comparing himself to the bridegroom, and the disciples to the wedding attendants. He does not explain the metaphor, so the translation should explain it only if necessary.
Luk 5:39drinking old wine ... wants the newThis metaphor contrasts the old teaching of the religious leaders against the new teaching of Jesus. The point is that people who are used to the old teaching are not willing to listen to the new things that Jesus is teaching.
Luk 6:38A generous amount—pressed down, shaken together and spilling over—will pour into your lapJesus speaks either of God or of people giving generously as if he were speaking of a generous grain merchant. Alternate Translation: "God will pour into your lap a generous amount—pressed down, shaken together and spilling over" or "Like a generous grain merchant who presses down the grain and shakes it together and pours in so much grain that it spills over, they will give generously to you"
Luk 6:39blind personThe person who is "blind" is a metaphor for a person who has not been taught as a disciple.
Luk 6:41the tiny piece of straw that is in your brother's eyeThis is a metaphor that refers to the less important faults of a fellow believer.
Luk 6:41the log that is in your own eyeThis is a metaphor for a person's most important faults. A log could not literally go into a person's eye. Jesus exaggerates to emphasize that a person should pay attention to his own more important faults before he deals with another person's less important faults.
Luk 6:43General Information:People can tell if a tree is good or bad, and what type of tree it is, by the fruit it produces. Jesus uses this as an unexplained metaphor—we know what kind of person someone is when we see his actions.
Luk 6:45General Information:Jesus compares the thoughts of a person to his good or evil treasure. When a good person has good thoughts, he engages in good actions. When an evil person thinks evil thoughts, he engages in evil actions.
Luk 6:45the good treasure of his heartHere the good thoughts of a person are spoken of as if they are treasures stored in the heart of that person, and "his heart" is a metonym for the person's inner being. Alternate Translation: "the good things he keeps deep inside himself" or "the good things he values very intensely"
Luk 6:45produces what is goodProducing what is good is a metaphor for doing what is good. Alternate Translation: "does what is good"
Luk 6:45the evil treasure of his heartHere the evil thoughts of a person are spoken of as if they are evil things stored in the heart of that person, and "his heart" is a metonym the person's inner being. Alternate Translation: "the evil things he keeps deep inside himself" or "the evil things he values very intensely" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
Luk 7:24A reed shaken by the windPossible meanings of this metaphor are 1) a person who easily changes his mind, as reeds are easily moved by the wind, or 2) a person who talks a lot but does not say anything important, as reeds rattle when the wind blows.
Luk 7:28among those born of womenamong those to whom a woman has given birth. This is a metaphor that refers to all people. Alternate Translation: "of all the people who have ever lived"
Luk 8:12takes awayIn the parable this was a metaphor of a bird snatching away the seeds. Try to use words in your language that keep that image.
Luk 8:14they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not matureThis metaphor refers to the way weeds cut off light and nutrients from plants and keep them from growing. Alternate Translation: "as weeds prevent good plants from growing, the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life keep these people from becoming mature"
Luk 8:14their fruit does not maturethey do not bear ripe fruit. Mature fruit is a metaphor for good works. Alternate Translation: "so like a plant that does not produce mature fruit, they do not produce good works"
Luk 8:15bear fruit with patient enduranceproduce fruit by enduring patiently or "produce fruit by continued effort." Fruit is a metaphor for good works. Alternate Translation: "like healthy plants that produce good fruit, they produce good works by persevering"
Luk 8:21My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do itThis metaphor expresses that the people who were coming to listen to Jesus were as important to him as his own family was. Alternate Translation: "Those who hear the word of God and obey it are like a mother and brothers to me"
Luk 9:23come after mefollow me. Coming after Jesus represents being one of his disciples. Alternate Translation: "be my disciple" or "be one of my disciples"
Luk 9:23follow meFollowing Jesus here represents obeying him. Alternate Translation: "obey me"
Luk 9:48in my name, welcomes meThis metaphor could also be stated as a simile. Alternate Translation: "in my name, it is like he is welcoming me"
Luk 9:60Leave the dead to bury their own deadJesus does not mean literally that dead people will bury other dead people. Possible meanings of "the dead" are 1) it is a metaphor for those who will soon die, or 2) it is a metaphor for those who do not follow Jesus and are spiritually dead. The main point is that a disciple must not let anything delay him from following Jesus.
Luk 10:2The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are fewThere is a big crop, but not enough workers to bring it in. Jesus means there are many people ready to enter God's kingdom, but there are not enough disciples to go teach and help the people.
Luk 10:19authority to tread on serpents and scorpionsauthority to trample on snakes and crush scorpions. Possible meanings are 1) snakes and scorpions are a metaphor for evil spirits. Alternate Translation: "the right to defeat evil spirits" or 2) this refers to actual snakes and scorpions.
Luk 11:9knockTo knock at a door is to hit it a few times to let a person inside the house know you are standing outside. It can also be translated using the way people in your culture show that they have arrived, such as "call out" or "cough" or "clap." Here, it means a person should keep praying to God until he answers.
Luk 11:17fallscrashes down and is destroyed. This image of the house collapsing refers to the destruction of a family when the members fight each other.
Luk 11:21When a strong man ... man's possessionsThis speaks about Jesus defeating Satan and his demons as if Jesus was a stronger man who takes what belongs to a strong man.
Luk 11:22When a strong man ... man's possessionsThis speaks about Jesus defeating Satan and his demons as if Jesus was a stronger man who takes what belongs to a strong man.
Luk 11:24my house from which I cameThis refers to the person in which he used to live. Alternate Translation: "the person in whom I used to live"
Luk 11:33General Information:Verses 33-36 are a metaphor where Jesus speaks of his teaching as "light" that he wants his disciples to obey and share with others. He speaks of people who do not know or accept his teaching as being in "darkness."
Luk 11:34Your eye is the lamp of the bodyIn this part of the metaphor, the things they saw Jesus do provided understanding just as an eye provides light for the body. Alternate Translation: "Your eye is like the lamp of the body"
Luk 11:39General Information:Jesus begins to speak to the Pharisee using a metaphor. He compares the way they clean cups and bowls to how they clean themselves.
Luk 11:39but the inside of you is filled with greed and evilThis part of the metaphor contrasts the careful way they clean the outside of the dishes with the way they ignore their own internal condition.
Luk 11:46you put people under burdens that are hard to carryyou put burdens on people that are too heavy and they cannot carry them. Jesus speaks about someone giving people many rules as if the person were giving them heavy things to carry. Alternate Translation: "you burden people by giving them too many rules to follow"
Luk 11:52you have taken away the key of knowledge ... hinder those who are enteringJesus speaks about God's truth as if it were in a house that the teachers refuse to enter and will not let others have the key to enter either. This means the teachers do not truly know God, and they prevent others from knowing him as well.
Luk 11:54trying to trap him in his own wordsThis means they wanted Jesus to say something wrong so that they could accuse him.
Luk 12:1Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisyJust as yeast spreads through a whole lump of bread dough, their hypocrisy was spreading through the whole community. Alternate Translation: "Guard yourself against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, which is like yeast" or "Be careful that you do not become hypocrites like the Pharisees. Their evil behavior influences everyone just as yeast affects a lump of dough"
Luk 12:25add a cubit to his lifespanThis is a metaphor because a cubit is a measure of length, rather than of time. The image is of a person's life stretched out as if it were a board, a rope, or some other physical object.
Luk 12:28If God so clothes the grass in the field, whichIf God clothes the grass in the field like that, and it or "If God gives the grass in the field such beautiful clothing, and it." God making the grass beautiful is spoken of as if God were putting beautiful clothes on the grass. Alternate Translation: "If God makes the grass in the field beautiful like this, and it"
Luk 12:32little flockJesus is calling his disciples a flock. A flock is a group of sheep or goats that a shepherd cares for. As a shepherd cares for his sheep, God cares for Jesus' disciples. Alternate Translation: "small group" or "dear group"
Luk 12:33Make for yourselves purses ... treasure in the heavensThe purses and treasure in the heavens are the same thing. They both represent God's blessing in heaven.
Luk 12:49I came to cast fire upon the earthI came to throw fire on the earth or "I came to set the earth on fire." Possible meanings are 1) Jesus has come to judge people or 2) Jesus has come to purify believers or 3) Jesus has come to cause division among people.
Luk 12:50I have a baptism to be baptized withHere "baptism" refers to what Jesus must suffer. Just as water covers a person during baptism, suffering will overwhelm Jesus. Alternate Translation: "I must go through a baptism of terrible suffering" or "I must be overwhelmed by suffering as a person being baptized is covered by water"
Luk 13:16whom Satan boundJesus compares people tying animals to the way Satan restricted the woman with this disease. Alternate Translation: "whom Satan kept crippled by her illness" or "whom Satan bound with this disease"
Luk 13:22General Information:Jesus responds to a question by using a metaphor about entering God's kingdom.
Luk 13:24Struggle to enter through the narrow doorWork hard to go through the narrow doorway. Jesus is speaking about the entrance to God's kingdom as if it were a small doorway to a house. Since Jesus is talking to a group, the "you" implied in this command is plural.
Luk 13:25the owner of the houseThis refers to the owner of the house with the narrow door in the previous verses. This is a metaphor for God as the ruler of the kingdom.
Luk 13:28will be first ... will be lastBeing first represents being important or honored. Alternate Translation: "will be the most important ... will be the least important" or "God will honor ... God will shame"
Luk 13:29be seated at a table in the kingdom of GodIt was common to speak of the joy in God's kingdom as a feast. Alternate Translation: "they will feast in the kingdom of God"
Luk 13:30will be first ... will be lastBeing first represents being important or honored. Alternate Translation: "will be the most important ... will be the least important" or "God will honor ... God will shame"
Luk 13:32that foxJesus was calling Herod a fox. A fox is a small wild dog. Possible meanings are 1) Herod was not much of a threat at all 2) Herod was deceptive.
Luk 13:34the way a hen gathers her brood under her wingsThis describes how a hen protects her young from harm by covering them with her wings.
Luk 13:35your house is abandonedThis is a prophecy about something that would happen soon. It means that God has stopped protecting the people of Jerusalem, so enemies can attack them and drive them away. Possible meanings are 1) God will abandon them. Alternate Translation: "God will abandon you" or 2) their city will be empty. Alternate Translation: "your house will be abandoned"
Luk 14:27carry his own crossJesus does not mean every Christian must be crucified. The Romans often made people carry their own crosses before they crucified them as a sign of their submission to Rome. This metaphor means they must submit to God and be willing to suffer in any way to be Jesus' disciples.
Luk 14:34Salt is goodSalt is useful. Jesus is teaching a lesson about those who want to be his disciple.
Luk 15:24my son was dead, and now he is aliveThis metaphor speaks of the son being gone as if he were dead. Alternate Translation: "it is as if my son were dead and became alive again" or "I felt like my son had died, but he is now alive"
Luk 15:24He was lost, and now he is foundThis metaphor speaks of the son being gone as if he were lost. Alternate Translation: "It is as if my son were lost and now I found him" or "My son was lost and has returned home"
Luk 15:30devoured your livingFood is a metaphor for money. After one eats food, the food is no longer there and there is nothing to eat. The money that the brother had received was no longer there and there was no more to spend. Alternate Translation: "wasted all your wealth" or "thrown away all your money"
Luk 15:32this brother of yours was dead, and is now aliveThis metaphor speaks of the brother being gone as if he were dead. See how you translated this phrase in [Luke 15:24](./24.md). Alternate Translation: "it was as if this brother of yours were dead and became alive again" or "this brother of yours had died, but he is now alive"
Luk 15:32he was lost, and has now been foundThis metaphor speaks of the son being gone as if he were lost. See how you translated this phrase in [Luke 15:24](./24.md). Alternate Translation: "it is as if he were lost and now I found him" or "he was lost and has returned home"
Luk 16:8the children of lightHere "light" is a metaphor for everything godly. Alternate Translation: "the people of God" or "godly people"
Luk 17:22The days are coming whenThe idea of days days coming represents something being soon. Alternate Translation: "A time is coming when" or "Soon"
Luk 18:18inherit eternal lifereceive life that does not end. The term "inherit" usually refers to the property that a man left to his children when he dies. Therefore, this metaphor may mean he understood himself to be a child of God and desired for God to give him eternal life.
Luk 19:21You take up what you did not put inThis was probably a proverb. A person who takes out of storage or out of a bank things that he did not put in is a metaphor for someone who benefits from other people's hard work. Alternate Translation: "You take out what you did not put in" or "You are like a person how takes out what other people put in"
Luk 19:21you reap what you did not sowThis was probably a proverb. A person who harvests food that someone else has planted is a metaphor for someone who benefits from other people's hard work. Alternate Translation: "you are like a person who reaps the fruit of what other people sowed"
Luk 19:46a den of robbersJesus speaks of the temple as if it were a place where thieves come together. Alternate Translation: "a place where thieves hide"
Luk 20:10sent him away empty-handedAn empty hand is a metaphor for "nothing." Alternate Translation: "sent him away without paying him" or "sent him away without the grapes"
Luk 20:11sent him away empty-handedHaving an empty hand is a metaphor for having nothing. Alternate Translation: "sent him away without paying him" or "sent him away without any grapes"
Luk 20:17The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstoneThis is the first of three metaphors in a prophecy from the book of Psalms. This one refers to the Messiah as if he were a stone that builders chose not to use, but that God made the most important stone.
Luk 20:18Every one who falls ... broken to piecesThis second metaphor speaks of people who reject the Messiah as if they fall over a stone and are injured.
Luk 20:18But on whomever it fallsBut whomever that stone falls on. This third metaphor speaks about the Messiah judging those who reject him as if he were a large stone that would crush them.
Luk 20:43until I make your enemies your footstoolThe Messiah's enemies are spoken of as if they were furniture on which he would rest his feet. This was an image of submission. Alternate Translation: "until I make your enemies like a footstool for you" or "until I conquer your enemies for you"
Luk 20:47They also devour widows' housesThey also eat up widows' houses. The scribes are spoken of as if they were hungry animals that eat up the widows' houses. The word "houses" is a synecdoche for both where the widow lives and all the possessions she puts in her home. Alternate Translation: "They also take away from widows all their possessions"
Luk 21:24trampled by the GentilesThis metaphor speaks of Jerusalem as if the people of other nations was walking on it and crushing it down with their feet. This refers to domination. Alternate Translation: "conquered by the Gentiles" or "destroyed by the other nations"
Luk 21:34are not burdenedJesus here speaks of the following sins as if they were a physical weight that a person had to carry.
Luk 21:35on the face of the whole earthThe surface of the earth is spoken of as if it was the face of a person. That is, the outward part. Alternate Translation: "on the surface of the whole earth" or "on the entire earth"
Luk 22:26the youngestOlder people were respected in that culture. The leaders were usually older people and were called "elders." The youngest person would be the least likely to lead, and the least important. Alternate Translation: "the least important"
Luk 22:31sift you as wheatThis means that Satan wanted to test the disciples to find something wrong. Alternate Translation: "test you like someone passes grain through a sieve"
Luk 22:32After you have turned back againHere "turned back again" is a metaphor for starting to believe in someone again. Alternate Translation: "After you start believing in me again" or "After you start serving me again"
Luk 22:42remove this cup from meJesus refers to what he will soon experience as if it were a cup of bitter liquid that he would have to drink. Alternate Translation: "allow me to not drink from this cup" or "allow me to not experience what is about to happen"
Luk 23:1before PilateTo appear before someone means to enter into their authority. Alternate Translation: "to be judged by Pilate"
Luk 23:31the tree is greenThe green tree is a metaphor for something that is good. If your language has a similar metaphor, you should use it here.
Luk 23:31it is dryThe dry wood is a metaphor for something that will be useful only to burn.
Luk 23:54the Sabbath was about to beginFor the Jews, the day began at sunset. Alternate Translation: "it was soon going to be sunset, the start of the Sabbath"
Luk 24:32Was not our heart burning ... scriptures?They use a question to emphasize how amazed they were about their encounter with Jesus. The intense feelings they had while talking to Jesus are spoken of as if they were a fire burning inside them. Alternate Translation: "Our hearts were burning ... scriptures."
Luk 24:49you are clothed with powerGod's power will cover them in the same way that clothes cover a person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "you receive power"
Jhn 1:5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome itHere "light" is a metaphor for what is true and good. Here "darkness" is a metaphor what is false and evil. Alternate Translation: "The truth is like a light shining into a dark place, and no one in the dark place could put out the light"
Jhn 1:7testify about the lightHere "light" is a metaphor for the revelation of God in Jesus. Alternate Translation: "show how Jesus is like the true light of God"
Jhn 1:9The true lightHere light is a metaphor that represents Jesus as the one who both reveals the truth about God and is himself that truth.
Jhn 1:12children of GodThe word "children" is a metaphor that represents our relationship to God, which is like children to a father.
Jhn 1:23Make the way of the Lord straightHere the word "way" is used as a metaphor. Alternate Translation: "Prepare yourselves for the Lord's arrival the same way that people prepare the road for an important person to use"
Jhn 1:27me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untieUntying sandals was the work of a slave or servant. These words are a metaphor for the most unpleasant work of a servant. Alternate Translation: "me, whom I am not worthy to serve in even the most unpleasant way" or "me. I am not even worthy to untie the strap of his sandal"
Jhn 1:29Lamb of GodThis is a metaphor that represents God's perfect sacrifice. Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" because he was sacrificed to pay for people's sins.
Jhn 1:36Lamb of GodThis is a metaphor that represents God's perfect sacrifice. Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" because he was sacrificed to pay for people's sins. See how you translated this same phrase in [John 1:29](./29.md).
Jhn 2:17consumeThe word "consume" points to the metaphor of "fire." Jesus' love for the temple is like a fire that burns within him.
Jhn 3:3kingdom of GodThe word "kingdom" is a metaphor for the rule of God. Alternate Translation: "place where God rules"
Jhn 3:5born of water and the SpiritThere are two possible meanings: 1) "baptized in water and in the Spirit" or 2) "born physically and spiritually"
Jhn 3:5enter into the kingdom of GodThe word "kingdom" is a metaphor for the rule of God in one's life. Alternate Translation: "experience the rule of God in his life"
Jhn 3:19The light has come into the worldThe word "light" is a metaphor for God's truth that is revealed in Jesus. Jesus speaks of himself in the third person. If your language does not allow people to speak of themselves in the third person, you may need to specify who the light is. The "world" is a metonym for all of the people who live in the world. Alternate Translation: "The one who is like a light has revealed God's truth to all people" or "I, who am like a light, have come into the world"
Jhn 3:19men loved the darknessHere "darkness" is a metaphor for evil.
Jhn 3:29The bride belongs to the bridegroomHere the "bride" and "bridegroom" are metaphors. Jesus is like the "bridegroom" and John is like the friend of the "bridegroom."
Jhn 4:10living waterJesus uses the metaphor "living water" to refer to the Holy Spirit who works in a person to transform and bring new life.
Jhn 4:14the water that I will give him will become a fountain of water in himHere the word "fountain" is a metaphor for life-giving water. Alternate Translation: "the water that I will give him will become like a spring of water in him"
Jhn 4:34My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his workHere "food" is a metaphor that represents "obeying God's will." Alternate Translation: "Just as food satisfies a hungry person, obeying God's will is what satisfies me"
Jhn 4:35look up and see the fields, for they are already ripe for harvestThe words "fields" and "ripe for harvest" are metaphors. The "fields" represent people. The words "ripe for harvest" mean that people are ready to receive the message of Jesus, like fields that are ready to be harvested. Alternate Translation: "look up and see the the people! They are ready to believe my message, like crops in the fields that are ready for people to harvest them"
Jhn 4:36and gathers fruit for everlasting lifeHere "fruit for everlasting life" is a metaphor that represents people who believe Christ's message and receive eternal life. Alternate Translation: "and the people who believe the message and receive eternal life are like the fruit that a harvester gathers"
Jhn 4:37One sows, and another harvestsThe words "sows" and "harvests" are metaphors. The one who "sows" shares the message of Jesus. The one who "harvests" helps the people to receive the message of Jesus. Alternate Translation: "One person plants the seeds, and another person harvests the crops"
Jhn 5:35John was a lamp that was burning and shining, and you were willing to rejoice in his light for a whileHere "lamp" and "light" are metaphors. John taught the people about God and this was like a lamp shining its light into the dark. Alternate Translation: "John taught you about God and this was like a lamp shining its light. And for a while what John said made you happy"
Jhn 5:38You do not have his word remaining in youJesus speaks of people living according to God's word as if they were houses and God's word were a person that lived in houses. Alternate Translation: "You do not live according to his word" or "You do not obey his word"
Jhn 6:27has set his seal on himTo "set a seal" on something means to place a mark on it to show to whom it belongs. This means that the Son belongs to the Father and that the Father approves of him in every way.
Jhn 6:32it is my Father who is giving you the true bread from heavenThe "true bread" is a metaphor for Jesus. Alternate Translation: "The Father gives to you the Son as the true bread from heaven"
Jhn 6:35I am the bread of lifeThrough metaphor, Jesus compares himself with bread. Just as bread is necessary for our physical life, Jesus is necessary for our spiritual life. Alternate Translation: "Just as food keeps you alive physically, I can give you spiritual life"
Jhn 6:41I am the breadJust as bread is necessary for our physical life, Jesus is necessary for our spiritual life. See how you translated this in [John 6:35](./35.md). Alternate Translation: "I am the one who is like true bread"
Jhn 6:48I am the bread of lifeJust as bread is necessary for our physical life, Jesus is necessary for our spiritual life. See how you translated this in [John 6:35](./35.md). Alternate Translation: "Just like food that keeps you alive physically, I can give you spiritual life that lasts forever"
Jhn 6:50This is the breadHere "bread" is a metaphor that points to Jesus who is the one who gives spiritual life just as bread sustains physical life. Alternate Translation: "I am like the true bread"
Jhn 6:53eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his bloodHere the phrases "eat the flesh" and "drink his blood" are metaphors that show how trusting in Jesus, the Son of Man, is like receiving spiritual food and drink. Alternate Translation: "receive the Son of Man just like you receive food and drink"
Jhn 6:54Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting lifeThe phrases "eats my flesh" and "drinks my blood" are metaphors. Just as one requires food and drink in order to have physical life, those who trust in Jesus will have spiritual life. Alternate Translation: "whoever trusts me for their spiritual food and drink will have eternal life"
Jhn 6:54my flesh is true food ... my blood is true drinkThe words "true food" and "true drink" are metaphors that mean Jesus provides spiritual food and drink to those who trust in him. Receiving Jesus in faith provides everlasting life the same way food and drink nourish the physical body. Alternate Translation: "I am truly spiritual food and drink"
Jhn 6:55my flesh is true food ... my blood is true drinkThe words "true food" and "true drink" are metaphors that mean Jesus provides spiritual food and drink to those who trust in him. Receiving Jesus in faith provides everlasting life the same way food and drink nourish the physical body. Alternate Translation: "I am truly spiritual food and drink"
Jhn 6:58This is the bread that has come down from heavenThe "bread" is a metaphor for Jesus, who has come from heaven. Alternate Translation: "I am like bread that has come from heaven"
Jhn 6:58He who eats this breadThis is a metaphor. Those who trust in Jesus for their spiritual life are like those who rely on physical bread or food for their physical lives. Alternate Translation: "Whoever trusts in me"
Jhn 6:66no longer walked with himJesus went from one place to another by walking, so it is literally true that they did not walk where and when he walked, but the reader should also be able to understand that this metaphor indicates that they no longer wanted to hear what he had to say.
Jhn 7:12he leads the crowds astrayHere "leads ... astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate Translation: "he deceives the people"
Jhn 7:37If anyone is thirstyHere the word "thirsty" is a metaphor that means one's great desire for the things of God, just as one "thirsts" for water. Alternate Translation: "Those who desire the things of God like a thirty man desires water"
Jhn 7:37let him come to me and drinkThe word "drink" is a metaphor that means to receive the spiritual life that Jesus provides. Alternate Translation: "let him come to me and quench his spiritual thirst"
Jhn 7:38rivers of living water will flowThe "rivers of living water" is a metaphor that represents the life that Jesus provides for those who are spiritually "thirsty." Alternate Translation: "spiritual life will flow like rivers of water"
Jhn 7:38living waterPossible meanings are 1) "water that gives life" or 2) "water that causes people to live."
Jhn 8:12I am the light of the worldHere the "light" is a metaphor for the revelation that comes from God. Alternate Translation: "I am the one who gives light to the world"
Jhn 8:12will not walk in the darknessTo "walk in darkness" is a metaphor for living a sinful life. Alternate Translation: "will not live as if he were in the darkness of sin"
Jhn 8:12light of lifeThe "light of life" is a metaphor for the truth from God that gives spiritual life. Alternate Translation: "truth that brings eternal life"
Jhn 8:34is the slave of sinHere the word "slave" is a metaphor. This implies that "sin" is like a master for the one who sins. Alternate Translation: "is like a slave to sin"
Jhn 8:44the father of liesHere "father" is a metaphor for the one who originates all lies. Alternate Translation: "he is the one who created all lies in the beginning"
Jhn 9:4day ... NightHere "day" and "night" are metaphors. Jesus is comparing the time when people can do God's work to daytime, the time when people normally work, and nighttime to when they cannot do God's work.
Jhn 9:5light of the worldHere "light" is a metaphor for the true revelation of God. Alternate Translation: "the one who shows what is true just as light allows people to see what is in the darkness"
Jhn 9:22he would be thrown out of the synagogueHere "be thrown out of the synagogue" is a metaphor for no longer being allowed to go into the synagogue and no longer belonging to the group of people who attend services at the synagogue. Alternate Translation: "he would not be allowed to go into the synagogue" or "he would no longer belong to the synagogue"
Jhn 9:39so that those who do not see may see and so that those who see may become blindHere "seeing" and "blindness" are metaphors. Jesus distinguishes between people who are spiritually blind and physically blind. Alternate Translation: "so that those who are blind spiritually, but who want to see God, can see him, and those who already falsely think they can see God will remain in their blindness"
Jhn 9:41If you were blind, you would have no sinHere "blindness" is a metaphor for not knowing God's truth. Alternate Translation: "If you wanted to know God's truth, you would be able to receive your sight.
Jhn 9:41but now you say, 'We see,' so your sin remainsHere "seeing" is a metaphor for knowing God's truth. Alternate Translation: "Since you falsely think that you already know God's truth, you will remain blind"
Jhn 10:6this parableThis is an illustration from the work of shepherds, using metaphors. The "shepherd" is a metaphor for Jesus. The "sheep" represent those who follow Jesus, and the "strangers" are the Jewish leaders, including the Pharisees, who try to deceive the people.
Jhn 10:7I am the gate of the sheepHere "gate" is a metaphor that means Jesus provides access into the sheepfold where God's people dwell in his presence. Alternate Translation: "I am like the gate that the sheep use to enter into the sheepfold"
Jhn 10:8a thief and a robberThese words are metaphors. Jesus calls those teachers "a thief and a robber" because their teachings were false, and they were trying to lead God's people while not understanding the truth. As a result, they deceived the people.
Jhn 10:9I am the gateHere "gate" is a metaphor. By referring to himself as "the gate," Jesus is showing that he offers a true way to enter the kingdom of God. Alternate Translation: "I myself am like that gate"
Jhn 10:11I am the good shepherdHere "good shepherd" is a metaphor that represents Jesus. Alternate Translation: "I am like a good shepherd"
Jhn 10:12The hired servantThe "hired servant" is a metaphor that represents the Jewish leaders and teachers. Alternate Translation: "The one who is like a hired servant"
Jhn 10:12abandons the sheep and ... does not care for the sheepHere the word "sheep" is a metaphor that represents God's people. Like a hired servant who abandons the sheep, Jesus says that the Jewish leaders and teachers do not care for God's people.
Jhn 10:13abandons the sheep and ... does not care for the sheepHere the word "sheep" is a metaphor that represents God's people. Like a hired servant who abandons the sheep, Jesus says that the Jewish leaders and teachers do not care for God's people.
Jhn 10:14I am the good shepherdHere the "good shepherd" is a metaphor for Jesus. Alternate Translation: "I am like a good shepherd"
Jhn 10:16I have other sheepHere "other sheep" is a metaphor for followers of Jesus who are not Jews.
Jhn 10:16one flock and one shepherdHere "flock" and "shepherd" are metaphors. All of Jesus's followers, Jews and non-Jews, will be like one flock of sheep. He will be like a shepherd who cares for all of them.
Jhn 10:26not my sheepThe word "sheep" is a metaphor for the followers of Jesus. Alternate Translation: "not my followers" or "not my disciples"
Jhn 10:27My sheep hear my voiceThe word "sheep" is a metaphor for the followers of Jesus. The metaphor of Jesus as the "shepherd" is also implied. Alternate Translation: "Just as sheep obey the voice of their true shepherd, my followers heed my voice"
Jhn 10:35the word of God cameJesus speaks of God's message as though it were a person who moved toward those who heard it. Alternate Translation: "God spoke his message"
Jhn 11:9If someone walks in the daytime, he will not stumble, because he sees by the light of this worldPeople who walk in the light of the day can see well and do not stumble. "Light" is a metaphor for "truth." Jesus is implying that people who live according to truth will be able to successfully do the things that God wants them to do"
Jhn 11:10if he walks at nightHere "night" is a metaphor that refers to one's walking without God's light.
Jhn 12:24unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies ... it will bear much fruitHere "a grain of wheat" or "seed" is a metaphor for Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Just as a seed is planted and grows again into a plant that will bear much fruit, so will many people trust in Jesus after he is killed, buried, and raised back to life.
Jhn 12:35The light will still be with you for a short amount of time. Walk while you have the light, so that darkness does not overtake you. He who walks in the darkness does not know where he is goingHere "light" is a metaphor for Jesus' teachings which reveal the truth of God. To "walk in darkness" is a metaphor that means to live without God's truth. Alternate Translation: "My words are like a light to you, to help you understand how to live as God wants you to. I will not be with you much longer. You need to follow my instructions while I am still with you. If you reject my words, it will be like walking in darkness and you cannot see where you are going"
Jhn 12:36While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may be sons of lightThe "light" is a metaphor for the teachings of Jesus which reveal the truth of God. "sons of light" is a metaphor for those who accept the message of Jesus and live according to God's truth. Alternate Translation: "While I am with you, believe what I teach so that God's truth will be in you"
Jhn 12:40and turnHere "turn" is a metaphor for "repent." Alternate Translation: "and they would repent"
Jhn 12:46I have come as a lightHere the "light" is a metaphor for Jesus' example. Alternate Translation: "I have come to show the truth"
Jhn 12:46may not remain in the darknessHere "darkness" is a metaphor for living in ignorance of God's truth. Alternate Translation: "may not continue to be spiritually blind"
Jhn 13:10He who is bathed has no need, except to wash his feetHere "bathed" is a metaphor that means that God has cleansed a person spiritually. Alternate Translation: "If anyone has already received God's forgiveness, he now only needs to receive cleansing from his daily sins"
Jhn 14:4the wayThis is a metaphor that has these possible meanings 1) "the way to God" or 2) "the one who takes people to God."
Jhn 14:6the truthThis is a metaphor that has these possible meanings 1) "the true person" or 2) "the one who speaks true words about God."
Jhn 14:6the lifeThis is a metaphor that means Jesus can give life to people. Alternate Translation: "the one who can make people alive"
Jhn 15:1I am the true vineHere the "true vine" is a metaphor. Jesus compares himself to a vine or a vine stem. He is the source of life that causes people to live in a way that pleases God. Alternate Translation: "I am like a vine that produces good fruit"
Jhn 15:1my Father is the gardenerThe "gardener" is a metaphor. A "gardener" is a person who takes care of the vine to ensure it is as fruitful as possible. Alternate Translation: "my Father is like a gardener"
Jhn 15:2He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruitHere "every branch" represents people, and "bear fruit" represents living in a way that pleases God.
Jhn 15:3You are already clean because of the message that I have spoken to youThe implied metaphor here is the "clean branches" that have already been "pruned." Alternate Translation: "It is as if you have already been pruned and are clean branches because you have obeyed what I have taught you"
Jhn 15:5I am the vine, you are the branchesThe "vine" is a metaphor that represents Jesus. The "branches" is a metaphor that represent those who trust in Jesus and belong to him. Alternate Translation: "I am like a vine, and you are like branches that are attached to the vine"
Jhn 15:5he bears much fruitThe implied metaphor here is the fruitful branch that represents the believer who pleases God. Just as a branch that is attached to the vine will bear much fruit, those who stay joined to Jesus will do many things that please God. Alternate Translation: "you will bear much fruit"
Jhn 15:6he is thrown away like a branch and dries upHere the implied metaphor is the unfruitful branch that represents those who do not stay joined to Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "the vinedresser throws him away like a branch and it dries up"
Jhn 15:8that you bear much fruitHere "fruit" is a metaphor for living to please God. Alternate Translation: "when you live in a way that pleases him"
Jhn 15:16go and bear fruitHere "fruit" is a metaphor that represents a life that is pleasing to God. Alternate Translation: "live lives that please God"
Jhn 18:11the cupHere "cup" is a metaphor that refers to the suffering that Jesus must endure.
Jhn 19:26Woman, see, your sonHere the word "son" is a metaphor. Jesus wants his disciple, John, to be like a son to his mother. Alternate Translation: "Woman, here is the man who will act like a son to you"
Jhn 19:27See, your motherHere the word "mother" is a metaphor. Jesus wants his mother to be like a mother to his disciple, John. Alternate Translation: "Think of this woman as if she were your own mother"
Jhn 21:15Feed my lambsHere "lambs" is a metaphor for those persons who love Jesus and follow him. Alternate Translation: "Feed the people I care for"
Jhn 21:16Take care of my sheepHere "sheep" is a metaphor for those who love and follow Jesus. Alternate Translation: "Care for the people I care for"
Jhn 21:17Feed my sheepHere "sheep" is a metaphor that represents those who belong to Jesus and follow him. Alternate Translation: "Care for the people I care for"
Act 1:20Let his field be made desolatePossible meanings are 1) that the word "field" refers to the field where Judas died or 2) that the word "field" refers to Judas's dwelling place and is a metaphor for his family line.
Act 2:20the moon to bloodThis means that the moon will appear to be red like blood. Alternate Translation: "the moon will appear to be red"
Act 2:24freeing him from the pains of deathPeter speaks of dying as if death were a person who ties people up with painful ropes and holds them captive. He speaks of God ending Christ's death as if God broke the ropes that held Chist and set Christ free. Alternate Translation: "ending the pains of death"
Act 2:35until I make your enemies the stool for your feetThis means that God will completely defeat the Messiah's enemies and make them subject to him. Alternate Translation: "until I make you victorious over all of your enemies"
Act 3:15Founder of lifeThis refers to Jesus. Possible meanings are 1) "the one who gives people eternal life" or 2) "the ruler of life" or 3) "the founder of life" or 4) "the one who leads people to life"
Act 3:19and turnand turn to the Lord. Here "turn" is a metaphor for starting to obey the Lord. Alternate Translation: "and start obeying the Lord"
Act 3:26turning every one of you from your wickednessHere "turning ... from" is a metaphor for causing someone stop doing something. Alternate Translation: "causing every one of you to stop doing wicked things" or "causing every one of you to repent from your wickedness"
Act 4:11Jesus Christ is the stone ... which has been made the head cornerstonePeter is quoting from the Psalms. This is a metaphor that means the religious leaders, like builders, rejected Jesus, but God will made him the most important in his kingdom, as a cornerstone in a building is important.
Act 5:28you have filled Jerusalem with your teachingTeaching many people in a city is spoken of as if they were filling the city with a teaching. Alternate Translation: "you have taught many people in Jerusalem about him" or "you have taught about him throughout the Jerusalem"
Act 6:7word of God continued to spreadThe writer speaks of the growing number of people who believed the word as if the word of God itself were covering a larger area. Alternate Translation: "the number of people who believed the word of God increased" or "the number of people who believed the message from God increased"
Act 7:39pushed him away from themselvesThis metaphor emphasizes their rejection of Moses. Alternate Translation: "they rejected him as their leader"
Act 8:23in the poison of bitternessHere "in the poison of bitterness" is a metaphor for being very envious. It speaks of envy as if it tastes bitter and poisons the person who is envious. Alternate Translation: "very envious"
Act 8:23in the bonds of sinThe phrase "bonds of sin" is spoken of as if sin can restrain Simon and keep him a prisoner. It is metaphor that means Simon is not able to stop himself from sinning. Alternate Translation: "because you continue sinning you are like a prisoner" or "you are like a prisoner to sin"
Act 9:31walking in the fear of the LordWalking here is a metaphor for "living." Alternate Translation: "living in obedience to the Lord" or "continuing to honor the Lord"
Act 9:35and they turned to the LordHere "turned to the Lord" is a metaphor for starting to obey the Lord. Alternate Translation: "and they repented of their sins and started obeying the Lord"
Act 10:38God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with powerThe Holy Spirit and God's power are spoken of as if they are something that can be poured out onto a person.
Act 10:45poured outThe Holy Spirit is spoken of as if he were something that could be poured out upon people. It implies a generous amount. Alternate Translation: "generously given"
Act 11:21turned to the LordHere "turned to the Lord" is a metaphor for starting to obey the Lord. Alternate Translation: "and they repented of their sins and began to obey the Lord"
Act 12:24the word of God increased and multipliedThe word of God is spoken of as if it was a living plant that was able to grow and reproduce. Alternate Translation: "the message of God spread to more places and more people believed in him"
Act 13:8tried to turn the proconsul away from the faithHere "to turn ... away from" is a metaphor for convincing someone to not do something. Alternate Translation: "attempted to persuade the governor not to believe the gospel message"
Act 13:45filled with jealousyHere jealousy is spoken of as if it were something that could fill up a person. Alternate Translation: "became very jealous"
Act 13:46Seeing you push it away from yourselvesTheir rejection of the word of God is spoken of as if it were something they pushed away. Alternate Translation: "Since you reject the word of God"
Act 13:47as a lightHere the truth about Jesus that Paul was preaching is spoken of as if it were a light that allowed people to see.
Act 14:2stirred up the minds of the GentilesCausing the Gentiles to become angry is spoken of as if calm waters were disturbed.
Act 14:15turn from these useless things to a living GodHere "turn from ... to" is a metaphor meaning to stop doing one thing and start doing something else. Alternate Translation: "stop worshiping these false gods that cannot help you, and instead begin to worship the living God"
Act 14:16to walk in their own waysWalking in a way, or walking on a path, is a metaphor for living one's life. Alternate Translation: "to live their lives the way they wanted to" or "to do whatever they wanted to do"
Act 14:27he had opened a door of faith for the GentilesGod's enabling the Gentiles to believe is spoken of as if he had opened a door that had prevented them from entering into faith. Alternate Translation: "God had made it possible for the Gentiles to believe"
Act 15:3They brought great joy to all the brothersTheir message causing the brothers to be joyful is spoken of as if "joy" were an object that they brought to the brothers. Alternate Translation: "What they said caused their fellow believers to rejoice"
Act 15:9making their hearts clean by faithGod's forgiving the Gentile believers' sins is spoken as though he literally cleaned their hearts. Here "heart" stands for the person's inner being. Alternate Translation: "forgiving their sins because they believed in Jesus"
Act 15:16I will build again the tent of David, which has fallen down ... its ruins againThis speaks of God's again choosing one of David's descendants to rule over his people as though he were setting up a tent again after it fell down.
Act 15:17the remnant of men may seek the LordThis speaks about people wanting to obey God and learn more about him as if they were literally looking for him.
Act 15:19who turn to GodA person who starts obeying God is spoken of as if the person is physically turning towards God.
Act 15:28to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary thingsThis speaks about laws that people need to obey as if they were objects that people carry on their shoulders.
Act 15:32strengthened themHelping someone to depend even more on Jesus is spoken of as if they were making them physically stronger.
Act 15:33After they had spent some time thereThis speaks about time as if it were a commodity that a person could spend. The word "they" refers to Judas and Silas. Alternate Translation: "After they stayed there for a while"
Act 15:41strengthening the churchesEncouraging the believers in the churches is spoken of as though Paul and Silas were making the believers physically stronger. The word "churches" refers to the groups of believers in Syria and Cilicia. Alternate Translation: "encouraging the believers in the churches" or "helping the community of believers to depend even more in Jesus"
Act 16:5the churches were strengthened in the faithThis speaks of helping someone to believe more confidently as if it were making them physically stronger.
Act 16:14The Lord opened her heart to pay attentionFor the Lord to cause someone to pay attention and believe a message is spoken of as if he were opening a person's heart. Alternate Translation: "The Lord caused her to listen well and to believe"
Act 16:17the way of salvationHow a person can be saved is spoken of here as if it were a way or path that a person walks on. Alternate Translation: "how God can save you"
Act 17:3He was opening the scripturesPossible meanings are 1) to explain the scriptures in a way that people can understand is spoken of as if Paul were opening something so people can see what is inside of it) or 2) Paul was literally opening a book or scroll and reading from it.
Act 17:5being moved with jealousyThe feeling of jealousy is spoken of as if jealousy were actually moving the person. Alternate Translation: "feeling very jealous" or "feeling very angry"
Act 17:13went there and stirred upThis speaks about their agitating people as though it were a person stirring a liquid and causing the things at the bottom of the liquid to rise to the surface. Alternate Translation: "went there and agitated" or "went there and disturbed"
Act 17:18What is this babblerThe word "babbler" was used to refer to birds picking up seeds as food. It refers negatively to a person who only knows a little bit of information. The philosophers said Paul had bits of information which were not worth listening to. Alternate Translation: "What is this uneducated person"
Act 17:20For you bring some strange things to our earsPaul's teachings about Jesus and the resurrection are spoken of as an object that a person can bring to another person. Here "ears" refers to what they hear. Alternate Translation: "For you teachings some things that we have never heard before"
Act 17:21spent their time in nothing but either telling or listeningHere "time" is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could spend. Alternate Translation: "used their time doing nothing but either telling or listening" or "were always doing nothing but telling or listening"
Act 17:27so that they should search for God and perhaps they may feel their way toward him and find himHere "search for God" represents desiring to know him, and "feel their way toward him and find him" represents praying and having a relationship with him. Alternate Translation: "so that they should want to know God and perhaps pray to him and become one of his people"
Act 17:29are God's offspringBecause God created everyone, all people are spoken of as if they were God's literal children.
Act 18:23After having spent some time thereThis speaks about "time" as if it were a commodity that a person could spend. Alternate Translation: After staying there for a while"
Act 18:26the way of GodHow God wants people to live is spoken of as if it were a road that a person travels.
Act 19:9some Jews were hardened and disobedientTo stubbornly refuse to believe is spoken of as though the people were becoming hard and unable to move. Alternate Translation: "some Jews were stubborn and did not believe" or "some Jews stubbornly refused to accept and obey the message"
Act 19:9to speak evil of the Way before the crowdWhat Christ wants people to believe is spoken of as though it were a road that a person travels. The phrase, "the Way," seems to have been a title for Christianity at the time. Alternate Translation: "to speak evil about Christianity to the crowd" or "to speak to the crowd evil things about those who follow Christ and who obey his teaching about God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [Acts 9:2](../09/02.md))
Act 19:26turned away many peoplePaul's stopping people from worshiping idols is spoken of as though Paul were literally turning the people in a different direction. Alternate Translation: "caused many people to stop worshiping the local gods"
Act 19:28they were filled with angerThis speaks of the craftsmen as though they were containers. Here "anger" is spoken of as if it were the contents that fill a container. Alternate Translation: "they became very angry"
Act 19:34with one voiceThe shouting together of the people at the same time is spoken of as though they were speaking with one voice. Alternate Translation: "in unison" or "together"
Act 20:3After he had spent three months thereAfter he had stayed there three months. This speaks about time as if it were something a person could spend.
Act 20:9who fell into a deep sleepThis speaks about sleep as if it were a deep hole into which a person could fall. Alternate Translation: "who slept soundly" or "who became more and more tired until finally he was sleeping soundly"
Act 20:16so that he would not spend any timeThis speaks about "time" as if it were a commodity that a person could spend or use up. Alternate Translation: "so that he would not have to remain for a time" or "so that he would not have a delay"
Act 20:18how I always spent my time with youThis speaks about time as if it were something that a person could spend. Alternate Translation: "how I always conducted myself when I was with you"
Act 20:19lowliness of mindThis speaks about something humble as if it were low to the ground. The word "mind" stands for a person's inner attitude. Alternate Translation: "humility" or "humbleness"
Act 20:24if only I may finish the race and complete the ministry that I received from the Lord JesusThis speaks about Paul's "race" and "ministry" as if they are objects that Jesus gives and Paul receives. Here "race" and "ministry" mean basically the same thing. Paul repeats this for emphasis. Alternate Translation: "so that I may complete the work that the Lord Jesus has commanded me to do"
Act 20:24finish the racePaul speaks about completing the work that Jesus has commanded him to do as if he were running a race.
Act 20:28the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be careful to shepherd the church of GodBelievers are likened to a "flock" of sheep here. Church leaders are entrusted by God with the care of the community of believers just as a shepherd would care for his flock of sheep and protect them from wolves. Alternate Translation: "the group of believers the Holy spirit has entrusted to you. Be sure to take care of the church of God"
Act 20:28the church of God, which he purchased with his own bloodThe shedding of the "blood" of Christ here is likened to a payment to God for our sins. Alternate Translation: "the people Christ saved from their sins by shedding his blood on the cross"
Act 20:29vicious wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flockThis is a picture of people who teach false doctrine and who harm the community of believers as though they were wolves that eat the sheep of the flock. Alternate Translation: "many enemies will come among you and try to harm the community of believers"
Act 20:30in order to draw away the disciples after themA false teacher convincing believers to start believing his false teaching is spoken of as if he were leading sheep away from the flock to follow him. Alternate Translation: "in order to convince people who are disciples of Christ to become his disciples instead"
Act 20:31be on guardbe awake and alert or "watch out." Christian leaders being alert about anyone that may harm the community of believers is spoken of as if they were guards in an army watching out for the enemy army.
Act 20:32which is able to build you upA person's faith becoming stronger is spoken of as if the person were a wall and someone were building him higher and stronger. Alternate Translation: "which is able to make become stronger and stronger in your faith"
Act 20:32the inheritanceThe blessings that God gives believers is spoken of as if they were money or property that a child inherits from his father.
Act 21:5When our days there were overThis speaks about days as if they were something that a person could spend. Alternate Translation: "When the seven days were over" or "When it was time to leave"
Act 21:13breaking my heartTo make someone sad or to discourage someone is spoken of as if it were a heart being broken. Here "heart" stands for a person's emotions. Alternate Translation: "discouraging me" or "making me very sad"
Act 21:21not to follow the old customsTo obey the old customs is spoken of as if the customs were leading them and the people follow behind. Alternate Translation: "not to obey the old customs" or "not to practice the old customs"
Act 21:24follow the lawThis speaks of obeying the law as if the law were a leader and the people follow behind it. Alternate Translation: "obey the law" or "live a life that conforms to the law of Moses and other Jewish customs"
Act 21:27stirred up the whole crowdInciting people to become very angry at Paul is spoken of as if they stirred up the crowd's emotions. Alternate Translation: "caused a large number of people to be very angry at Paul"
Act 22:16wash away your sinsAs washing one's body removes dirt, calling on the name of Jesus for forgiveness cleanses one's inner being from sin. Alternate Translation: "ask forgiveness for your sins"
Act 23:3whitewashed wallThis refers to a wall that was painted white to make it look clean. Paul told Ananias that just as a wall can be painted to look clean so Ananias appeared to look morally clean, but he was really full of evil intent. Alternate Translation: "whitepainted wall"
Act 23:14We have put ourselves under a great curse, to eat nothing until we have killed PaulTo make a vow and to ask God to curse them if they do not fulfill their vow is spoken of as if the curse were an object that they carry on their shoulders. Alternate Translation: "We have sworn to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. We asked God to curse us if we do not do what we promised to do"
Act 24:5this man to be a pestThis speaks of Paul as if he were a plague that spreads from one person to another. Alternate Translation: "this man to be a trouble maker"
Act 24:12I did not stir up a crowdStir up here is a metaphor for agitating people into unrest, just as stirring a liquid agitates it. Alternate Translation: "I did not provoke the crowd"
Act 25:2The chief priest and the prominent Jews brought accusations against PaulThis speaks about accusations as if they were an object that a person could bring to someone else. Alternate Translation: "The chief priest and the important Jews accused Paul to Festus"
Act 25:7they brought many serious chargesCharging a person with a crime is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could bring to court. Alternate Translation: "they spoke against Paul many serious things"
Act 25:15brought charges against this manTo charge someone in court is spoken of as if it were an object that a person brings to court. Alternate Translation: "spoke to me against this man"
Act 25:16to hand over anyoneHere "hand over" represents sending someone to people who will punish or kill him. Alternate Translation: "let someone punish anyone" or "to condemn anyone to death"
Act 26:6of my certain hope in the promise made by God to our fathersThis speaks about a promise as if it were something a person could look for and see. Alternate Translation: "I am waiting expectantly for God to do what he promised our forefathers he would do"
Act 26:6the promise ... sought to receiveThis speaks about a promise as if it were an object that can be received.
Act 26:7the promise ... sought to receiveThis speaks about a promise as if it were an object that can be received.
Act 26:14It is hard for you to kick a goadFor Paul to resist Jesus and to persecute believers is spoken of as if he were an ox kicking at the sharp stick that a person uses to prod (or "goad") the animal. It means that Paul is only harming himself. Alternate Translation: "You will only harm yourself like an ox kicking a goad"
Act 26:18to open their eyesHelping people to understand the truth is spoken of as if a person were literally helping someone to open his eyes.
Act 26:18to turn them from darkness to lightHelping someone to stop doing what is evil and to start trusting and obeying God is spoken of as if the person is literally leading someone out of a dark place into a place of light.
Act 26:18to turn them ... from the power of Satan to GodHelping someone to stop obeying Satan and to start obeying God is spoken of as if a person were literally turning a person and taking them from the place where Satan rules and leading him to the place where God rules.
Act 26:18the inheritanceThe blessings that Jesus gives to those who believe in him are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that children receive from their father.
Act 26:18sanctified by faith in meJesus choosing some people to belong to him is spoken of as if he literally set them apart from other people.
Act 26:20turn to GodTo start trusting God is spoken of as if a person turns to start walking toward God. Alternate Translation: "trust in God"
Act 26:23he would proclaim lighthe would proclaim the message about the light. To tell people about how God saves people is spoken of as if a person were speaking about the light. Alternate Translation: "he would proclaim the message about how God saves people"
Act 26:26in a cornerThis means doing something in secret as if a person went and did something in the corner of a room where no one can see him. Alternate Translation: "in a dark place" or "in secret"
Act 27:12to spend the winter thereThis speaks about the season of winter as if it were a commodity that someone can spend. Alternate Translation: "to stay there for the cold season"
Act 28:2offered to us not just ordinary kindnessBeing kind to someone is spoken of as if it were an object that someone offers. Alternate Translation: "were not only very kind to us"
Act 28:6they changed their mindsTo think differently about a situation is spoken of as if a person is changing his mind. Alternate Translation: "they thought again"
Act 28:15he thanked God and took courageTaking courage is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could take. Alternate Translation: "this encouraged him, and he thanked God"
Act 28:27For the heart of this people has become dullPeople who stubbornly refuse to understand what God is saying or doing are spoken of as if their heart is dull. Here "heart" is a metonym for the mind.
Act 28:27with their ears they hardly hear, and they have shut their eyesPeople who stubbornly refuse to understand what God is saying or doing are spoken of as if they are unable to hear and are shutting their eyes so that they will see.
Act 28:27turn againTo start obeying God is spoken of as though the person were physically turning toward God.
Act 28:28this salvation of God has been sent to the GentilesGod's message about how he saves people is spoken of as if it were an object that is sent. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "God is sending his messengers to the Gentiles to tell them about how he will save them"
Rom 1:13in order to have a harvest among youThe word "harvest" is a metaphor that represents people in Rome whom Paul wants to believe the gospel. Alternate Translation: "that more people among you might trust in Jesus"
Rom 1:14I am a debtor both toUsing the metaphor "debtor," Paul speaks of his duty to serve God as if he owed God a financial debt. Alternate Translation: "I must take the gospel to"
Rom 1:20For his invisible qualities ... have been clearly seenPaul speaks of people understanding God's invisible qualities as if people have seen those qualities. This can be translated in active form. Alternate Translation: "For people have clearly understood God's invisible qualities, namely his eternal power and divine nature"
Rom 1:21their senseless hearts were darkenedHere "darkness" is a metaphor that represents the people's lack of understanding. Here "hearts" is a metonym for a person's mind or inner being. Alternate Translation: "they became unable to understand what God wanted them to know"
Rom 2:5But it is to the extent of your hardness and unrepentant heartPaul uses a metaphor to compare a person who refuses to obey God to something hard, like a stone. He also uses the metonym "heart" to represent the person's mind or inner being. Alternate Translation: "It is because you refuse to listen and repent"
Rom 2:5you are storing up for yourself wrathThe phrase "storing up" implies a metaphor that usually refers to a person gathering his treasures and putting them in a safe place. Paul says, instead of treasures, that the person is gathering God's punishment. The longer they go without repenting, the more severe the punishment. Alternate Translation: "you are making your punishment worse"
Rom 2:17rest upon the lawThe phrase "rest upon the law" represents believing that they can become righteous by obeying the law. Alternate Translation: "rely on the law of Moses"
Rom 2:20a teacher of little childrenHere Paul compares those who do not know anything about the law to very small children. Alternate Translation: "and you teach those who do not know the law"
Rom 3:13The poison of snakes is under their lipsHere "poison of snakes" is a metaphor that is used to represent the great harm of the evil words that the people speak. The word "lips" refers to the words of the people. Alternate Translation: "Their evil words injure people just like the poison of a venomous snake"
Rom 4:14heirsThe people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member.
Rom 4:16in order that the promise may rest on graceHere "the promise may rest on grace" represents God giving what he promised because of his grace. Alternate Translation: "so that what he promised might be a free gift" or "so that his promise would be because of his grace"
Rom 6:2We who died to sin, how can we still live in it?Here "died to sin" means that those who follow Jesus are now like dead people who cannot be affected by sin. Paul uses this rhetorical question to add emphasis. Alternate Translation: "We are now like dead people on whom sin has no effect! So we certainly should not keep on sinning!"
Rom 6:4We were buried, then, with him through baptism into deathHere Paul speaks of a believer's baptism in water as if it were a death and burial. Alternate Translation: "When someone baptized us, it is just like that person buried us with Christ in the tomb"
Rom 6:5become united with him in the likeness of his death ... be united with his resurrectionPaul compares our union with Christ to death. Those who are joined with Christ in death will share in his resurrection. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "died with him ... come back to life with him"
Rom 6:6our old man was crucified with himThe "old man" is a metaphor that refers to the person before he believes in Jesus. Paul describes our old sinful person as dying on the cross with Jesus when we believe in Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "our sinful person died on the cross with Jesus"
Rom 6:6we should no longer be enslaved to sinSlavery to sin is a metaphor meaning having such a strong desire to sin that one is unable to stop himself from sinning. It is as if sin controls the person. Alternate Translation: "we should no longer be controlled by sin"
Rom 6:11dead to sinJust as one cannot force a corpse to do anything, sin has no power to force believers to dishonor God. Alternate Translation: "as if you were dead to the power of sin"
Rom 6:17For you were slaves of sinSlavery of sin is a metaphor meaning having such a strong desire to sin that one is unable to stop himself from sinning. It is as if sin controls the person. Alternate Translation: "you were like slaves of sin" or "you were controlled by sin"
Rom 6:18you have been made slaves of righteousnessSlavery of righteousness is a metaphor meaning having a strong desire to do what is right. It is as if righteousness controls the person. Alternate Translation: "you have been made like slaves of righteousness" or "you are now controlled by righteousness"
Rom 6:20you were free from righteousnessHere "free from righteousness" is a metaphor for not having to do what is righteous. The people were living as though they thought that they did not have to do what was right. Alternate Translation: "it was as though you were free from righteousness" or "you behaved as though you did not have to do what was right" or
Rom 6:22But now that you have been made free from sinBeing "free from sin" is a metaphor for being able not to sin. Alternate Translation: "But now that God has made you able not to sin"
Rom 6:22and are enslaved to GodBeing "enslaved" to God is a metaphor for being able to serve and obey God. Alternate Translation: "and God has made you able to serve him"
Rom 6:22you have your fruit for sanctificationHere "fruit" is a metaphor for "result" or "benefit." Alternate Translation: "the benefit is your sanctification" or "the benefit is that you live in a holy way"
Rom 7:2the married woman is bound by law to the husbandHere "bound by law to the husband" is a metaphor for a woman being united to her husband according to the law of marriage. Alternate Translation: "according to the law, the married woman is united to the husband"
Rom 7:4we might produce fruit for GodHere "fruit" is a metaphor for actions that please God. Alternate Translation: "we might be able to do things pleasing to God"
Rom 7:5to bear fruit for deathHere "fruit" is a metaphor for a "result of one's actions" or "outcome of one's actions." Alternate Translation: "which resulted in spiritual-death" or "the outcome of which was our own spiritual death"
Rom 7:10The commandment that was to bring life turned out to be death for mePaul speaks of God's condemnation as if it resulted primarily in physical death. Alternate Translation: "God gave me the commandment so I would live, but it killed me instead"
Rom 7:11it killed mePaul speaks of God's condemnation on sinners as if it resulted primarily in physical death. Alternate Translation: "it separated me from God"
Rom 7:22the inner manThis is the newly-revived spirit of a person who trusts in Christ.
Rom 7:24this body of deathThis is a metaphor that means a body that will experience physical death.
Rom 7:25So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind. However, with the flesh I serve the principle of sinThe mind and flesh are used here to show how they compare to serve either God's law or the principle of sin. With the mind or intellect one can choose to please and obey God and with the flesh or physical nature to serve sin. Alternate Translation: "My mind chooses to please God, but my flesh chooses to obey sin"
Rom 8:2has set you free from the law of sin and deathBeing free from the law of sin and death is a metaphor for not being controlled by the law of sin and death. Alternate Translation: "has caused the law of sin and death to no longer control you"
Rom 8:4we who walk not according to the fleshWalking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. The flesh is an idiom for sinful human nature. Alternate Translation: "we who do not obey our sinful desires"
Rom 8:12we are debtorsPaul is speaking of obedience as if it were paying back a debt. Alternate Translation: "we need to obey"
Rom 8:13but if by the Spirit you put to death the body's actionsPaul speaks of the "old man," crucified with Christ, as the person who is responsible for his sinful desires. Alternate Translation: "but if by the power of the Holy Spirit you stop obeying your sinful desires"
Rom 8:17heirs of GodPaul speaks of the Christian believers as if they will inherit property and wealth from a family member. Alternate Translation: "we also will one day receive what God has promised us"
Rom 8:17we are joint heirs with ChristPaul speaks of the Christian believers as if they will inherit property and wealth from a family member. God will give to us what he gives to Christ. Alternate Translation: "we will also receive what God has promised us and Christ together"
Rom 8:21from slavery to decayHere being in slavery to decay is a metaphor for being certain to decay. Alternate Translation: "from being like a slave to decay"
Rom 8:21that it will be brought into the freedom of the glory of the children of GodFreedom here is in contrast with slavery to decay. It is a metaphor meaning that the creation will not decay. Alternate Translation: "that it will become gloriously free from decay like the children of God"
Rom 8:22For we know that the whole creation groans and labors in pain together even nowThe creation is compared to a woman groaning while giving birth to a baby. Alternate Translation: "For we know that everything that God created wants to be free and groans for it like a woman giving birth"
Rom 9:4They have adoptionHere Paul uses the metaphor of "adoption" to indicate that the Israelites are like God's children. Alternate Translation: "They have God as their father"
Rom 9:8children of GodThis is a metaphor that refers to people who are spiritual descendants, those who have faith in Jesus.
Rom 9:15For he says to MosesPaul speaks about God's talking with Moses as if it is being done in the present time. Alternate Translation: "For God said to Moses"
Rom 9:16nor because of him who runsPaul speaks of a person who does good things in order to gain God's favor as if that person were running a race.
Rom 9:20Will what has been molded say ... daily use?Paul uses the potter's right to make any kind of container he wants from the clay as a metaphor for the creator's right to do whatever he wants with his creation. Paul asks these questions to emphasize his point.
Rom 9:21Will what has been molded say ... daily use?Paul uses the potter's right to make any kind of container he wants from the clay as a metaphor for the creator's right to do whatever he wants with his creation. Paul asks these questions to emphasize his point.
Rom 9:22containers of wrath ... containers of mercyPaul speaks of people as if they were containers. Alternate Translation: "people who deserve wrath ... people who deserve mercy"
Rom 9:23containers of wrath ... containers of mercyPaul speaks of people as if they were containers. Alternate Translation: "people who deserve wrath ... people who deserve mercy"
Rom 9:23the riches of his glory uponPaul compares God's wonderful actions here to great "riches." Alternate Translation: "his glory, which is of great value, upon"
Rom 11:8God has given them a spirit of dullness, eyes so that they should not see, and ears so that they should not hearThis is a metaphor about the fact that the people are spiritually dull. They are not able to hear or receive spiritual truth.
Rom 11:9a stumbling blockA "stumbling block" is anything that causes a person to trip so that he falls down. Here it represents something that tempts a person to sin. Alternate Translation: "something that tempts them to sin"
Rom 11:16If the firstfruits are reserved, so is the lump of doughPaul is speaking of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Israelites' ancestors, as if they were the first grain or "firstfruits" to be harvested. He is also speaking of the Israelites who are descendants of those men as if they were a "lump of dough" that they made from the grain. Alternate Translation: "If Abraham is counted as the first of what has been offered to God, all of our ancestors who followed should also be counted as God's possession"
Rom 11:16If the root is reserved, so are the branchesPaul is speaking of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Israelites' ancestors, as if they were the root of a tree, and the Israelites who are descendants of those men, as if they were the tree's "branches."
Rom 11:16reservedThe people always dedicated to God the first crops that they harvested. Here "firstfruits" stands for the first people to believe in Christ.
Rom 11:17But if some of the branches were broken offHere Paul refers to the Jews who rejected Jesus as "broken branches." You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "But if someone broke off some of the branches"
Rom 11:17were grafted in among themHere Paul speaks of the Gentile Christians as if they were "grafted branches." You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "God attached you to the tree among the remaining branches"
Rom 11:17the rich root of the olive treeHere "the rich root" is a metaphor that refers to the promises of God.
Rom 11:18do not boast over the branchesHere "the branches" is a metaphor that stands for the Jewish people. Alternate Translation: "do not say you are better than the Jewish people God has rejected"
Rom 11:18it is not you who supports the root, but the root that supports youAgain Paul implies that the Gentile believers are branches. God saves them only because of the covenant promises that he made to the Jews.
Rom 11:19Branches were broken offHere "branches" refers to the Jews who rejected Jesus and whom God has now rejected. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "God broke branches off"
Rom 11:19I might be grafted inPaul uses this phrase to refer to the Gentile believers whom God has accepted. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "he might attach me in"
Rom 11:20but you stand firm because of your faithPaul speaks of the Gentile believers remaining faithful as if they were standing firm and no one could move them. Alternate Translation: "but you remain because of your faith"
Rom 11:21For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare youHere the "natural branches" refers to the Jewish people who rejected Jesus. Alternate Translation: "Since God did not spare those unbelieving Jews, who grew up like a tree's natural branches that came from the root, then know, if you do not believe, he will not spare you either
Rom 11:22the Jews who fellDoing what is wrong is spoken of as if it is falling down. Alternate Translation: "the Jews who have done wrong" or "the Jews who have refused to trust in Christ"
Rom 11:22Otherwise you also will be cut offPaul again uses the metaphor of a branch, which God can "cut off" if he needs to. Here "cut off" is a metaphor for rejecting someone. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "Otherwise God will cut you off" or "Otherwise God will reject you"
Rom 11:23will be grafted inPaul speaks of the Jews as if they were branches that could be grafted back into a tree if they start to believe in Jesus. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "God will graft them back in"
Rom 11:24For if you were cut out of what is by nature a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into a good olive tree, how much more will these Jews, who are the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree?Paul continues speaking of the Gentile believers and Jews as if they were branches of a tree. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "For if God had cut you out of what is by nature a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature had grafted you into a good olive tree, how much more will he graft these Jews, who are the natural branches, into their own olive tree?"
Rom 11:24branchesPaul is speaking of the Jews and Gentiles as if they were branches. The "natural branches" represent the Jews, and the "grafted branches" represent the Gentile believers.
Rom 11:25a partial hardening has occurred in IsraelPaul speaks of "hardening" or stubbornness as if it were a hardening of physical organs in the body. Some Jews have refused to accept salvation through Jesus. Alternate Translation: "many people of Israel continue to be stubborn"
Rom 11:26He will remove ungodlinessPaul speaks of ungodliness as if it were an object that someone could remove, perhaps like someone removes a garment.
Rom 11:27I will take away their sinsHere Paul speaks of sins as if they were objects that someone could take away. Alternate Translation: "I will remove the burden of their sins"
Rom 11:29For the gifts and the call of God are unchangeablePaul speaks of the spiritual and material blessings that God promised to give his people as if they were gifts. The call of God refers to the fact that God called the Jews to be his people. Alternate Translation: "For God never changed his mind about what he has promised to give them, and about how he has called them to be his people"
Rom 11:32God has shut up all into disobedienceGod has treated people who disobey him like prisoners who are unable to escape from prison. Alternate Translation: "God has made prisoners of those who disobey him. Now they cannot stop disobeying God"
Rom 12:2Do not be conformed to this worldPossible meanings are 1) "Do not behave as the world behaves" or 2) "Do not think the way the world does."
Rom 12:4we have many members in one bodyPaul refers to all the believers in Christ as if they were different parts of the human body. He does this to illustrate that although believers may serve Christ in different ways, each person belongs to Christ and serves in an important way.
Rom 12:5are individually members of each otherPaul speaks of the believers as if God had physically joined them together like the parts of the human body. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "God has joined each believer together with all other believers"
Rom 12:6We have different gifts according to the grace that was given to usPaul speaks of believers' different abilities as being free gifts from God. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "God has freely given each of us the ability to do different things for him"
Rom 12:20heap coals of fire on his headPaul speaks of the blessings that the enemies will receive as if someone were pouring hot coals on their heads. Possible meanings are 1) "make the person who harmed you feel badly about how he has mistreated you" or 2) "give God a reason to judge your enemy more harshly."
Rom 13:7fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is dueHere paying fear and honor is a metaphor for fearing and honoring those who deserve to be feared and honored. Alternate Translation: "Fear those who deserve to be feared, and honor those who deserved to be honored" or "Respect those whom you ought to respect, and honor those whom you ought to honor"
Rom 13:11you know the time, that it is already time for you to awake out of sleepPaul speaks of the need for the Roman believers to change their behavior as if they needed to wake up from being asleep.
Rom 13:12The night has advancedPaul speaks of the time when people do evil deeds as night. Alternate Translation: "The sinful time is almost over" or "It is as though the night is almost finished"
Rom 13:12the day has come nearPaul speaks of the time when people do what is right as the day. Alternate Translation: "the time of righteousness will begin soon" or "it is as though it will soon be day"
Rom 13:12Let us therefore put aside the works of darknessPaul speaks of of "works of darkness" as if they are clothing that a person puts aside. Here to "put aside" means to stop doing something. Here "darkness" is a metaphor for evil. Alternate Translation: "Let us therefore stop doing the evil things that people do in the dark"
Rom 13:12let us put on the armor of lightHere "light" is a metaphor for what is good and right. Paul speaks of doing what is right as if it were putting on armor to protect one's self. Alternate Translation: "let us start doing what is right. Doing this will protect us from what is evil like armor protects a solider"
Rom 13:13Let us walk appropriately, as in the dayPaul speaks of living as true believers as if one were walking while it is day. Alternate Translation: "Let us walk in a visible way knowing that everyone can see us"
Rom 13:14put on the Lord Jesus ChristPaul speaks of accepting the moral nature of Christ as if he were our outer clothing that people can see.
Rom 14:4It is before his own master that he stands or fallsPaul speaks of God as if he were a master who owned servants. Alternate Translation: "Only the master can decide if he will accept the servant or not"
Rom 14:4But he will be made to stand, for the Lord is able to make him standPaul speaks of the servant who is acceptable to God as if he were being "made to stand" instead of falling. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "But the Lord will accept him because he is able to make the servant acceptable"
Rom 14:15you are no longer walking in lovePaul speaks of the behavior of believers as if it were a walk. Alternate Translation: "then you are no longer showing love"
Rom 15:16the offering of the Gentiles might become acceptablePaul speaks of his preaching the gospel as if he, as a priest, were making an offering to God. Alternate Translation: "the Gentiles might please God when they obey him"
Rom 15:20in order that I might not build upon another man's foundationPaul speaks of his ministry work as if he were building a house on a foundation. Alternate Translation: "in order that I might not be simply continuing the work that someone else already started. I do not want to be like a man who builds a house on someone else's foundation"
Rom 15:28made sure that they have received what was collectedPaul speaks of the money he is taking to Jerusalem as if it were a fruit that was collected for them. Alternate Translation: "and have safely delivered this offering to them"
Rom 16:5firstfruit of Asia to ChristPaul speaks of Epaenetus as if he were a fruit that he harvested. Alternate Translation: "first person in Asia to believe in Jesus"
Rom 16:13his mother and minePaul speaks of the mother of Rufus as if she were his own mother. Alternate Translation: "his mother, whom I also think of as my mother"
Rom 16:17Turn away from themTurn away here is an metaphor for "refuse to listen." Alternate Translation: "Do not listen to them"
Rom 16:20The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feetThe phrase "crush under your feet" refers to complete victory over an enemy. Here Paul speaks of the victory over Satan as if the Roman believers were trampling an enemy under their feet. Alternate Translation: "Soon God will give you peace and complete victory over Satan"
Rom 16:25to make you standPaul speaks here of having strong faith as if a person were standing, instead of falling. Alternate Translation: "to make your faith strong"
Rom 16:25according to the revelation of the mystery that had been kept secret for long agesPaul says that God has revealed previously hidden truths to the believers. He speaks of these truths as if they were a secret. You can translate this in an active form. Alternate Translation: "because God has revealed to us believers the secret that he was keeping for a long time"
1Co 1:4because of the grace of God that Christ Jesus gave to youPaul speaks of grace as though it were a physical object that Jesus gives Christians as a gift. Alternate Translation: "because Christ Jesus has made it possible for God to be kind to you"
1Co 1:23a stumbling blockJust as a person can stumble over a block on a road, so the message of salvation through the crucifixion of the Christ keeps Jews from believing in Jesus. Alternate Translation: "not acceptable" or "very offensive"
1Co 3:1as to little children in ChristThe Corinthians are compared to children very young in age and understanding. Alternate Translation: "as to very young believers in Christ"
1Co 3:2I fed you milk, not solid foodThe Corinthians can understand only easy truths like babies who can drink only milk. They are not mature enough to understand greater truths like older children who now can eat solid food.
1Co 3:6I plantedThe knowledge of God is compared to a seed which must be planted in order to grow. Alternate Translation: "When I preached God's word to you, I was like one who plants seeds in a garden"
1Co 3:6Apollos wateredAs seeds need water, faith needs further teaching in order for it to grow. Alternate Translation: "and when Apollos continued to teach you God's word, he was like one who waters a garden"
1Co 3:6but God gave the growthAs plants grow and develop, so faith and knowledge in God also grow and become deeper and stronger. Alternate Translation: "but God caused you to grow" or "but just as God causes plants to grow, he causes you to grow spiritually"
1Co 3:8he who plants and he who waters are onePaul speaks of telling people the good news and teaching those who have accepted it as if they were planting and watering plants.
1Co 3:9You are God's gardenPossible meanings are 1) being God's garden represents belonging to God. Alternate Translation: "You are like a garden that belongs to God" or 2) being God's garden represents God causing us to grow. Alternate Translation: "You are like a garden that God makes grow"
1Co 3:9God's buildingPossible meanings are 1) being God's building represents belonging to God. Alternate Translation: "and you are like a building that belongs to God" or 2) being God's building represents God causing us to become what he wants. Alternate Translation: "and you are like a building that God is constructing"
1Co 3:10I laid a foundationPaul equates his teaching of faith and salvation in Jesus Christ to laying a foundation for a building.
1Co 3:10another is building on itPaul is referring to the person or people who are teaching the Corinthians at that time as if they are carpenters who are constructing the building above the foundation.
1Co 3:12Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or strawThe building materials used to build a new building are being compared to the spiritual values used to build a person's behavior and activities during his lifetime. Alternate Translation: "Whether a person builds with valuable materials that will last or with cheap materials that burn easily"
1Co 3:13for the daylight will reveal itThe "daylight" here is a metaphor for the time when God will judge everyone. When God shows everyone what these teachers have done, it will be like the sun has come up to reveal what happened during the night.
1Co 3:13For it will be revealed in fire. The fire will test the quality of what each one had doneJust as fire will reveal the strengths or destroy the weaknesses of a building, God's fire will judge man's efforts and activities. Alternate Translation: "God will use fire to show the quality of his work"
1Co 4:5He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the purposes of the heartHere "bring to light the hidden things of darkness" is a metaphor for making known to everyone things that were done in secret. Here "heart" is a metonym for people's thoughts and intentions. Alternate Translation: "Like a light that shines on things in darkness, God will show what people have secretly done and what they secretly planned"
1Co 4:9has put us apostles on displayGod has displayed the apostles just like prisoners at the end of a Roman military parade, who are humiliated before their execution.
1Co 4:9like men sentenced to deathGod put the apostles on display like men who are about to be executed.
1Co 4:14children ... fatherBecause Paul had led them to Christ, he is like a father to the Corinthians.
1Co 4:15children ... fatherBecause Paul had led them to Christ, he is like a father to the Corinthians.
1Co 5:5hand this man over to SatanHanding the man over to Satan represents not allowing the man to be part of their group so that Satan would be allowed to harm him. Alternate Translation: "make this man leave your group so that Satan can harm him"
1Co 5:5for the destruction of the fleshPossible meanings are 1) "flesh" refers to his physical body. Alternate Translation: "so that Satan may harm his body" or 2) "flesh" is a metaphor for the sinful nature. Alternate Translation: "so that his sinful nature will be destroyed" or "so that he will not continue to live according to his sinful nature"
1Co 5:6Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole loaf?Just as a little yeast spreads throughout a whole loaf of bread, so can a little sin impact the entire fellowship of believers.
1Co 5:7Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificedAs the Passover lamb covered the sins of Israel by faith each year, so did Christ's death cover the sins of all who trust in Christ by faith for eternity. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "the Lord has sacrificed Christ, our Passover lamb"
1Co 6:9inheritReceiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
1Co 6:15Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?The word translated as "members" refers to parts of a body. Our belonging to Christ is spoken of as if we were parts of his body. We belong to him so much that even our bodies belong to him. Paul uses this question to remind the people of something they should already know. Alternate Translation: "You should know that your bodies belong to Christ"
1Co 6:18Run away fromPaul speaks of a person rejecting sexual sin as if that person were running away from danger. Alternate Translation: "Get away from"
1Co 6:19temple of the Holy SpiritA temple is dedicated to divine beings, and it is also where they dwell. In the same way, each Corinthian believer's body is like a temple because the Holy Spirit is present within them.
1Co 7:15In such cases, the brother or sister is not bound to their vowsHere "brother" and "sister" refers to a Christian husband or wife. Here "not bound to their vows" is a metaphor that mean the person is not obligated to do what they vowed to do. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "In such cases, God does not require the believing spouse to continue to obey the marriage vow"
1Co 7:37But if he is standing firm in his heartHere "standing firm" is a metaphor for deciding something with certainty. Here "heart" is metonym for a person's mind or thoughts. Alternate Translation: "But if he has decided firmly in his own mind"
1Co 7:39A woman is bound to her husbandHere "bound" is a metaphor for a close relationship between people in which they support each other emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Here it means the union of marriage. Alternate Translation: "A woman is married to her husband" or "A woman is united with her husband"
1Co 8:1Knowledge puffs upKnowledge puffs people up. Here "puffs up" is a metaphor for making someone proud. The abstract noun "knowledge" can be expressed with the verb "know." Alternate Translation: "Knowledge makes people proud" or "People who think that they know a lot become proud"
1Co 8:1love builds upBuilding people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. Alternate Translation: "love strengthens people" or "when we love people, we strengthen them"
1Co 9:19I am free from allFree from all here is an idiom meaning the ability to live without thinking of what one must do for others. Alternate Translation: "I am able to live without serving others"
1Co 9:24run the racePaul compares living the Christian life and working for God to running a race and being an athlete. As in a race, the Christian life and work require strict discipline on the part of the runner, and, as in a race, the Christian has a specific goal.
1Co 9:24run to win the prizePaul is speaking of the reward God will give his faithful people as if it were a prize given for an athletic contest.
1Co 9:25a wreath that is perishable ... one that is imperishableA wreath is a bunch of leaves twisted together. Wreaths were given as prizes to athletes who won games and races. Paul speaks of eternal life as if it were a wreath that would never dry up.
1Co 9:26I do not run without purpose or box by beating the airHere "running" and "boxing" are both metaphors for living the Christian life and serving God. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate Translation: "I know very well why I am running, and I know what I am doing when I box"
1Co 10:14run away from idolatryPaul is speaking of the practice of worshiping idols as if it were a physical thing like a dangerous animal. Alternate Translation: "do all you can to get away from worshiping idols"
1Co 10:16The cup of blessingPaul is speaking of God's blessing as though it were the wine in the cup used in the ritual of the Lord's Supper.
1Co 10:23not everything builds people upBuilding people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated "builds up" in [1 Corinthians 8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate Translation: "not everything strengthens people" or "some things do not strengthen people"
1Co 11:28examinePaul speaks of a person looking at his relationship to God and how he has been living his life as if that person is looking over something he wants to buy. See how "test the quality" is translated in [1 Corinthians 3:13](../03/12.md).
1Co 11:31examinePaul speaks of a person looking at his relationship to God and how he has been living his life as if that person is looking over something he wants to buy. See how this is translated in [1 Corinthians 11:28](./27.md).
1Co 12:2you were led astray to idols who could not speak, in whatever ways you were led by themHere "led astray" is a metaphor for being persuaded to do something wrong. Being led astray to idols represents being wrongly persuaded to worship idols. The phrases "were led astray" and "you were led by them" can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "you were persuaded in some way to worship idols who cannot speak" or "you believed lies somehow and so you worshiped idols who cannot speak"
1Co 13:1I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbalI have become like instruments that make loud, annoying sounds
1Co 14:3to build them upBuilding people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated "builds up" in [1 Corinthians 8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate Translation: "to strengthen them"
1Co 14:4builds upBuilding people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. See how you translated "builds up" in [1 Corinthians 8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate Translation: "strengthens people"
1Co 14:12try to excel in the gifts that build up the churchPaul speaks of the church as if it were a house that one could build and of the work of building the church as if it were something one could harvest. Alternate Translation: "to succeed greatly in making God's people more able to serve God"
1Co 14:14my mind is unfruitfulThe mind not understanding what is being prayed and, therefore, receiving no benefit from the prayer is spoken of as if the "mind is unfruitful." Alternate Translation: "I do not understand it in my mind" or "my mind does not benefit from the prayer, because I do not understand the words I am saying"
1Co 14:17the other person is not built upBuilding people up represents helping them become mature and strong in their faith. This can be stated in active form. See how you translated "builds up" in [1 Corinthians 8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate Translation: "the other person is not strengthened" or "what you say does not strengthen any outsider who might hear you"
1Co 14:20do not be children in your thinkingHere "children" is a metaphor for being spiritually immature. Alternate Translation: "do not think like children"
1Co 15:1on which you standPaul is speaking of the Corinthians as if they were a house and the gospel as if it were the foundation on which the house was standing.
1Co 15:10the grace of God that is with mePaul speaks of the work he was able to do because God was kind to him as if that grace were actually doing the work. Alternate Translation: Possible meanings are 1) this is literally true, and God actually did the work and kindly used Paul as a tool or 2) Paul is using a metaphor and saying that God was kind to let Paul do the work and to make Paul's work have good results.
1Co 15:20who is the firstfruitsHere "firstfruits" is a metaphor, comparing Christ to the first of the harvest, which would be followed by the rest of the harvest. Christ was the first to be raised from the dead. Alternate Translation: "who is like the first part of the harvest"
1Co 15:23who is the firstfruitsHere "firstfruits" is a metaphor, comparing Christ to the first of the harvest, which would be followed by the rest of the harvest. Christ was the first to be raised from the dead. Alternate Translation: "who is like the first part of the harvest"
1Co 15:31Every day I face death!Here "face death" represents knowing that he might die soon. He knew that some people wanted to kill him because they did not like what he was teaching.AT: "Every day I risk my life!"
1Co 15:32I fought with beasts at EphesusPaul is referring to something that he actually did. Possible meanings are 1) Paul was speaking figuratively about his arguments with learned pagans or other conflicts with people who wanted to kill him or 2) he was actually put into the arena to fight against dangerous animals.
1Co 15:36What you sow will not start to grow unless it diesA seed will not grow unless it is first buried underground. In the same way, a person has to die before God can resurrect him.
1Co 15:37What you sow is not the body that will bePaul uses the metaphor of the seed again to say that God will resurrect the dead body of the believer, but that body will not appear as it was.
1Co 15:50flesh and bloodThose who inhabit a body that is doomed to die.
1Co 15:50inheritReceiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
1Co 15:53must put onPaul is speaking of God making our bodies so they will never die again as if God were putting new clothes on us.
1Co 15:58be steadfast and immovablePaul speaks of someone who lets nothing stop him from carrying out his decisions as if he could not be physically moved. Alternate Translation: "be determined"
1Co 15:58Always abound in the work of the LordPaul speaks of efforts made in working for the Lord as if they were objects that a person could acquire more of. Alternate Translation: "Always work for the Lord faithfully"
1Co 16:9a wide door has openedPaul speaks of the opportunity God has given him to win people to the gospel as if it were a door that God had opened so he could walk through it.
1Co 16:13Be watchfulPaul speaks of people being aware of what is happening as if they were guards keeping watch over a city or vineyard. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate Translation: "Be careful whom you trust" or "Watch out for danger"
1Co 16:13stand fast in the faithPaul speaks of people continuing to believe in Christ according to his teaching as if they were soldiers refusing to retreat when the enemy attacks. Possible meanings are 1) "keep strongly believing what we have taught you" or 2) "keep strongly trusting in Christ"
1Co 16:13act like menIn the society in which Paul and his audience lived, men usually provided for families by doing the heavy work and fighting against invaders. This can be stated more clearly. Alternate Translation: "be responsible"
2Co 1:5For just as the sufferings of Christ abound for our sakePaul speaks of Christ's sufferings as if they were objects that could increase in number. Alternate Translation: "For just as Christ suffered greatly for our sake"
2Co 1:5our comfort aboundsPaul speaks of comfort as if it were an object that could increase in size.
2Co 1:8We were so completely crushed beyond our strengthPaul and Timothy refer to their emotions of despair being like a heavy weight they have to carry.
2Co 1:9we had the sentence of death on usPaul and Timothy are comparing their feeling of despair to that of someone condemned to die. Alternate Translation: "we were in despair like someone who is condemned to die"
2Co 1:10a deadly perilPaul compares his feeling of despair as a result of the troubles that they experienced to a deadly peril or terrible danger. Alternate Translation: "despair"
2Co 1:22he set his seal on usPaul speaks of God showing that we belong to him as if God had put a mark on us as a sign that we belong to him. Alternate Translation: "he has put his mark of ownership on us" or "he has shown that we belong to him"
2Co 1:22the Spirit ... as a guaranteeThe Spirit is spoken of as if he was a partial downpayment toward eternal life.
2Co 2:12A door was opened to me by the Lord ... to preach the gospelPaul speaks of his opportunity to preach the gospel as if it were a door through which he was allowed to walk. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "The Lord opened a door to me ... to preach the gospel" or "The Lord gave me the opportunity ... to preach the gospel"
2Co 2:14God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphPaul speaks of God as if he were a victorious general leading a victory parade and of himself and his coworkers as those who take part in that parade. Possible meanings are 1) "God, who in Christ always causes us to share in his triumph" or 2) "God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph as those over whom he as gained victory"
2Co 2:14Through us he spreads the sweet aroma of the knowledge of him everywherePaul speaks of the knowledge of Christ as if it were incense that has a pleasing smell. Alternate Translation: "He causes the knowledge of Christ to spread to everyone who hears us, just as the sweet smell of burning incense spreads to everyone near it"
2Co 2:15we are to God the sweet aroma of ChristPaul speaks of his ministry as if it were a burnt offering that someone offers to God.
2Co 2:16it is an aromathe knowledge of Christ is an aroma. This refers back to [2 Corinthians 2:14](./14.md), where Paul speaks of the knowledge of Christ as if it were incense that has a pleasing smell.
2Co 3:2You yourselves are our letter of recommendationPaul speaks of the Corinthians as if they are a letter of recommendation. That they have become believers serves to validate Paul's ministry to others. Alternate Translation: "You yourselves are like our letter of recommendation"
2Co 3:3you are a letter from ChristPaul clarifies that Christ is the one who has written the letter. Alternate Translation: "you are a letter that Christ has written"
2Co 3:3tablets of human heartsPaul speaks of their hearts as if they are flat pieces of stone or clay upon which people engraved letters.
2Co 3:9the service of righteousness abound in gloryPaul speaks of "the service of righteousness" as if it were an object that could produce or multiply another object. He means that "the service of righteousness" is far more glorious than the law, which also had glory.
2Co 3:11that which was passing awayThis refers to "the service of condemnation," which Paul speaks of as if it were an object capable of disappearing. Alternate Translation: "that which was becoming useless"
2Co 3:14But their minds were closedBut their minds were hardened. Paul speaks of the minds of the Israelite people as objects that could be closed or made hard. This expression means that they were unable to understand what they saw. Alternate Translation: "But the Israelites could not understand what they saw"
2Co 3:14when they read the old covenant, that same veil remainsJust as the Israelites could not see the glory on Moses' face because he covered his face with a veil, there is a spiritual veil that prevents people from understanding when they read the old covenant.
2Co 3:16when a person turns to the LordHere "turns to" is a metaphor that means to become loyal to someone. Alternate Translation: "when a person starts to worship the Lord" or "when a person starts to trust in the Lord"
2Co 3:18with unveiled faces, see the glory of the LordUnlike the Israelites who could not see God's glory reflected on Moses' face because he had covered it with a veil, there is nothing to prevent believers from seeing and understanding God's glory.
2Co 4:2in the sight of GodThis refers to God's presence. God's understanding and approval of Paul's truthfulness is referred to as God being able to see them. Alternate Translation: "before God" or "with God as witness"
2Co 4:3But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishingThis refers back to [2 Corinthians 3:14-16](../03/14.md), where Paul explained that there is a spiritual veil that prevents people from understanding when they read the old covenant. In the same way, people are not able to understand the gospel.
2Co 4:4the god of this world has blinded their unbelieving mindsPaul speaks of their minds as if they had eyes, and their inability to understand as their minds being unable to see. Alternate Translation: "the god of this world has prevented unbelievers from understanding"
2Co 4:4they are not able to see the light of the gospel of the glory of ChristAs the Israelites could not see God's glory that shined on Moses' face because he covered it with a veil
2Co 4:6He has shone ... to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GodHere the word "light" refers to the ability to understand. Just as God created light, he also creates understanding for believers. Alternate Translation: "He has shone ... to enable us to understand the glory of God"
2Co 4:6the glory of God in the presence of Jesus Christthe glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Just as God's glory shone upon Moses' face
2Co 4:7we have this treasure in jars of clayPaul speaks of the gospel as if it were a treasure and their bodies as if they were breakable jars made out of clay. This emphasizes that they are of little value compared to the worth of the gospel that they preach.
2Co 4:10We always carry in our body the death of JesusPaul speaks of his sufferings as if they are an experience of the death of Jesus. Alternate Translation: "We are often in danger of dying, as Jesus died" or "We always suffer in such a way that we experience the death of Jesus"
2Co 4:11We who are alive are always carrying around in our body the death of JesusCarrying the death of Jesus represents being in danger of dying because of being loyal to Jesus. Alternate Translation: "For those of us who are alive, God is always leading us to face death because we are joined to Jesus" or "People are always causing us who are alive to be in danger of dying because we are joined to Jesus"
2Co 4:15thanksgiving may increasePaul speaks of thanksgiving as if it were an object that could become larger by itself. Alternate Translation: "more and more people may give thanks"
2Co 4:17this momentary, light affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of gloryPaul speaks of his sufferings and the glory that God will give him as if they were objects that can be weighed. The glory far outweighs the suffering.
2Co 4:17that exceeds all measurementThe glory that Paul will experience is so heavy that no one can measure it. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "that no one can measure"
2Co 5:1if the earthly dwelling that we live in is destroyed, we have a building from GodHere a temporary "earthly dwelling" is a metaphor for a person's physical body. Here a permanent "building from God" is a metaphor for the new body that God will give believers after they die.
2Co 5:2longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwellingThe words "our heavenly dwelling" means the same thing as "building from God." Paul speaks of the new body that believers receive after they die as if it were both a building and a piece of clothing that a person can put on.
2Co 5:4while we are in this tentPaul speaks of the physical body as if it were a "tent."
2Co 5:4being burdenedPaul refers to the difficulties that the physical body experiences as if they were heavy objects that are difficult to carry.
2Co 5:4We do not want to be unclothed ... we want to be clothedPaul speaks of the body as if it were clothing. Here "to be unclothed" refers to the death of the physical body; "to be clothed" refers to having the resurrection body that God will give.
2Co 5:4so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by lifePaul speaks of life as if it were an animal that eats "what is mortal." The physical body that will die will be replaced by a resurrection body that will live forever.
2Co 5:5who gave us the Spirit as a guarantee of what is to comeThe Spirit is spoken of as if he were a partial down payment toward eternal life. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Corinthians 1:22](../01/21.md).
2Co 5:6while we are at home in the bodyPaul speaks of the physical body as if it were a place where a person dwells. Alternate Translation: "while we are living in this earthly body"
2Co 5:7we walk by faith, not by sightHere "walk" is a metaphor for "live" or "behave." Alternate Translation: "we live according to faith, not according to what we see"
2Co 5:17he is a new creationPaul speaks of the person who believes in Christ as if God had created a new person. Alternate Translation: "he is a new person"
2Co 6:3We do not place a stumbling block in front of anyonePaul speaks of anything that would prevent a person from trusting in Christ as if it were a physical object over which that person trips and falls. Alternate Translation: "We do not want to do anything that will prevent people from believing our message"
2Co 6:7We have the armor of righteousness for the right hand and for the leftPaul speaks of their righteousness as if it is weapons that they use to fight spiritual battles.
2Co 6:11our heart is wide openPaul speaks of his great affection for the Corinthians as having a heart that is open. Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's emotions. Alternate Translation: "we love you very much"
2Co 6:12You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own heartsPaul speaks of the Corinthians lack of love for him as if their hearts were squeezed into a tight space. Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's emotions.
2Co 6:13open yourselves wide alsoPaul urges the Corinthians to love him as he has loved them. Alternate Translation: "love us back" or "love us much as we have loved you"
2Co 6:14be tied together withPaul speaks of working together toward a common purpose as if it were two animals tied together to pull a plow or cart. Alternate Translation: "team up with" or "have a close relationship with"
2Co 6:16we are the temple of the living GodPaul refers to all Christians as forming a temple for God to dwell in. Alternate Translation: "we are like a temple where the living God dwells"
2Co 7:2Make room for usThis refers back to what Paul said in [2 Corinthians 6:11-13](../06/11.md) about them opening their hearts to him. Alternate Translation: "Make room for us in your hearts" or "Love us and accept us"
2Co 7:3you are in our heartsPaul speaks of his and his associates' great love for the Corinthians as if they held them in their hearts. Alternate Translation: "you are very dear to us"
2Co 7:4I overflow with joyPaul speaks of joy as if it is a liquid that fills him until he overflows. Alternate Translation: "I am extremely joyful"
2Co 7:12in the sight of GodThis refers to God's presence. God's understanding and approval of Paul's truthfulness is referred to as God being able to see them. See how you translated this in [2 Corinthians 4:2](../04/01.md). Alternate Translation: "before God" or "with God as witness"
2Co 8:2the abundance of their joyPaul speaks of joy as if it were a physical object that could increase in size or quantity.
2Co 8:7make sure that you excel in this act of gracePaul speaks of the Corinthian believers as if they should produce physical goods. Alternate Translation: "make sure you do well in giving for the believers in Jerusalem"
2Co 8:9Even though he was rich, for your sakes he became poorPaul speaks of Jesus before his incarnation as being rich, and of his becoming human as becoming poor.
2Co 8:9through his poverty you might become richPaul speaks of the Corinthians becoming spiritually rich as a result of Jesus becoming human.
2Co 9:6the one who sows ... reap a blessingPaul uses the image of a farmer sowing seeds to describe the results of giving. As a farmer's harvest is based on how much he sows, so will God's blessings be little or much based on how generously the Corinthians give.
2Co 9:8God is able to make all grace overflow for youGrace is spoken of as if it were a physical object of which a person can have more than he can use. As a person gives financially to other believers, God also gives to the giver everything he needs. Alternate Translation: "God is able to give you more than you need"
2Co 9:10will also supply and multiply your seed for sowingPaul speaks of the Corinthians' possessions as if they are seeds and of giving to others as if they were sowing seeds. Alternate Translation: "will also supply and multiply your possessions so that you can sow them by giving them to others"
2Co 9:10He will increase the harvest of your righteousnessPaul compares the benefits that the Corinthians will receive from their generosity to that of a harvest. Alternate Translation: "God will bless you even more for your righteousness"
2Co 9:12but is also overflowing into many acts of thanksgiving to GodPaul speaks of the Corinthian believers' act of service as if it were a liquid of which there is more than a container can hold. Alternate Translation: "It also causes many deeds for which people will thank God"
2Co 10:3we do not wage war ... we fightPaul speaks of his trying to persuade the Corinthians to believe him and not the false teachers as if he were fighting a physical war. These words should be translated literally.
2Co 10:4we do not wage war ... we fightPaul speaks of his trying to persuade the Corinthians to believe him and not the false teachers as if he were fighting a physical war. These words should be translated literally.
2Co 10:4the weapons we fight with ... bring to nothing misleading argumentsPaul speaks of godly wisdom showing human wisdom to be false as if it were a weapon with which he was destroying an enemy stronghold. Alternate Translation: "the weapons we fight with ... show people that what our enemies say is completely wrong"
2Co 10:5rises up against the knowledge of GodPaul speaks of arguments as if they were a wall standing high against an army. The words "rises up" mean "stands tall," not that the "high thing" is floating up into the air. Alternate Translation: "people use so they will not have to know who God is"
2Co 10:5We take every thought captive into obedience to ChristPaul speaks of people's thoughts as if they were enemy soldiers whom he captures in battle. Alternate Translation: "We show how all the false ideas those people have are wrong and teach the people to obey Christ"
2Co 10:8to build you up and not to destroy youPaul speaks of helping the Corinthians to know Christ better as if he were constructing a building. Alternate Translation: "to help you become better followers of Christ and not to discourage you so you stop following him"
2Co 10:12they measure themselves by one anotherPaul is speaking of goodness as though it were something whose length people could measure. Alternate Translation: "they look at each other and try to see who is better"
2Co 10:13General Information:Paul speaks of the authority he has as if it were a land over which he rules, those things over which he has authority as being within the borders or "limits" of his land, and those things not under his authority as being beyond the "limits."
2Co 10:13limits that reach as far as youPaul speaks of the authority he has as if it were a land over which he rules. Alternate Translation: "and you are within the border of our authority"
2Co 11:2I promised you in marriage to one husband. I promised to present you as a pure virgin to ChristPaul speaks of his care for the Corinthian believers as if he had promised another man that he would prepare his daughter to marry him and he is most concerned that he be able to keep his promise to the man. Alternate Translation: "I was like a father who promised to present his daughter to one husband. I promised to keep you as a pure virgin so I could give you to Christ"
2Co 11:3your thoughts might be led astray awayPaul speaks of thoughts as if they were animals that people could lead along the wrong path. Alternate Translation: "someone might cause you to believe lies"
2Co 11:12in order that I may take away the claimPaul speaks of a false claim that his enemies state as if it were something that he can carry way. Alternate Translation: "so that I might make it impossible"
2Co 11:14an angel of lightHere "light" is a metaphor for righteousness. Alternate Translation: "an angel of righteousness"
2Co 11:20enslaves youPaul uses exaggeration when he speaks of some people forcing others to obey rules as if they were forcing them to be slaves. Alternate Translation: "makes you follow rules they have thought of"
2Co 11:20he consumes youPaul speaks of the super-apostles' taking people's material resources as if they were eating the people themselves. Alternate Translation: "he takes all your property"
2Co 11:28there is the daily pressure on me of my anxietyPaul knows that God will hold him responsible for how well the churches obey God and speaks of that knowledge as if it were a heavy object pushing him down. Alternate Translation: "I know that God will hold me accountable for the spiritual growth of all the churches, and so I always feel like a heavy object is pushing me down"
2Co 11:29Who is weak, and I am not weak?The word "weak" is probably a metaphor for a spiritual condition, but no one is sure what Paul is speaking of, so it is best to use the same word here. Alternate Translation: "I am weak whenever anyone else is weak."
2Co 11:29has been caused to stumblePaul speaks of sin as if it were tripping over something and then falling. Alternate Translation: "has been led to sin" or "has thought that God would permit him to sin because of something that someone else did"
2Co 11:29I do not burnPaul speaks of being angry about sin as if he had a fire inside his body. Alternate Translation: "I am not angry about it"
2Co 12:7a thorn in the fleshHere Paul's physical problems are compared to a thorn piercing his flesh. Alternate Translation: " an affliction" or "a physical problem"
2Co 12:9the power of Christ might reside on mePaul speaks of Christ's power as if it were a tent built over him. Possible meanings are 1) "people might see that I have the power of Christ" or 2) "I might truly have the power of Christ."
2Co 12:15I will most gladly spend and be spentPaul speaks of his work and his physical life as if it were money that he or God could spend. Alternate Translation: "I will gladly do any work and gladly allow God to permit people to kill me"
2Co 12:19In the sight of GodPaul speaks of God knowing everything Paul does as if God were physically present and observed everything Paul said and did. Alternate Translation: "Before God" or "With God as witness" or "In the presence of God"
2Co 12:19for your strengtheningto strengthen you. Paul speaks of knowing how to obey God and desiring to obey him as if it were physical growth. Alternate Translation: "so that you would know God and obey him better"
2Co 13:10so that I may build you up, and not tear you downPaul speaks of helping the Corinthians to know Christ better as if he were constructing a building. See how you translated a similar phrase in [2 Corinthians 10:8](../10/07.md). Alternate Translation: "to help you become better followers of Christ and not to discourage you so you stop following him"
Gal 1:6you are turning away so quickly from himHere "turning away ... from him" is a metaphor for started to doubt or no longer trust God. Alternate Translation: "you are so quickly starting to doubt him"
Gal 1:6you are turning to a different gospelHere "turning to" is a metaphor that means to start to believe something. Alternate Translation: "you are instead starting to believe a different gospel"
Gal 2:9built up the churchThey were men who taught people about Jesus and convinced people to believe in Jesus.
Gal 3:1It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly displayed as crucifiedPaul speaks of his clear teaching of Jesus being crucified as if he had put on public display a picture of Jesus being crucified. And he speaks of the Galatians having heard his teaching as if they had seen the picture. Alternate Translation: "You yourselves heard the clear teaching about Jesus being crucified"
Gal 3:7children of AbrahamThis represents people whom God views as he viewed Abraham. Alternate Translation: "righteous in the same way as Abraham"
Gal 3:10All who rely on ... the law are under a curseBeing under a curse represents being cursed. Here it refers to being eternally punished. "Those who rely on ... the law are cursed" or "God will eternally punish those who rely on ... the law"
Gal 3:18inheritanceReceiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were an inheritance of property and wealth from a family member, and eternal blessings and redemption.
Gal 3:23we were held captive under the law, imprisonedThe way the law controlled us is spoken of as if the law were a prison guard holding us as captives. Alternate Translation: "the law controlled us like a prison guard"
Gal 3:27have clothed yourselves with ChristPossible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor meaning that they have been united to Christ. Alternate Translation: "have become united with Christ" or "belong to Christ" or 2) this is a metaphor meaning that they have become like Christ. Alternate Translation: "have become like Christ"
Gal 3:29heirsThe people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member.
Gal 4:3when we were childrenHere "children" is a metaphor for being spiritually immature. Alternate Translation: "when we were like children"
Gal 4:3we were enslaved to the elemental principles of the worldHere "enslaved" is a metaphor being unable to stop one's self from doing something. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "the elemental principles of the world controlled us" or "we had to obey the elemental principles of the world as if we were slaves"
Gal 4:5redeemPaul uses the metaphor of a person buying back lost property or buying the freedom of a slave as a picture of Jesus paying for his people's sins by dying on the cross.
Gal 4:7heirThe people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member.
Gal 4:9how is it that you are turning back to ... principles?Here "turning back to" is a metaphor for starting to pay attention to something again. This is the first of two rhetorical questions. Alternate Translation: "you should not start paying attention to ... principles." or "you should not be concerned with ... principles."
Gal 4:9Do you want to be enslaved all over again?Here being "enslaved" is a metaphor for being obligated to obey certain rules or customs. Alternate Translation: "Do you want to have to obey rules again like a slave has to obey his master?" or "It seems that you want to be controlled all over again!"
Gal 4:19My little childrenThis is a metaphor for disciples or followers. Alternate Translation: "You who are disciples because of me"
Gal 4:19I am in the pains of childbirth for you until Christ is formed in youPaul uses childbirth as a metaphor for his concern about the Galatians. Alternate Translation: "I am in pain as though I were a woman having to give birth to you, and I will continue to be in pain until Christ truly controls you"
Gal 4:24she gives birth to children who are slavesPaul treats the law as if it were a person. Alternate Translation: "The people under this covenant are like slaves who have to obey the law"
Gal 4:25she is in slavery with her childrenHagar is a slave and her children are slaves with her. Alternate Translation: "Jerusalem, like Hagar, is a slave, and her children are slaves with her"
Gal 4:29according to the fleshThis refers to Abraham's becoming Ishmael's father by taking Hagar as a wife. Alternate Translation: "by means of human action" or "because of what people did"
Gal 5:1Stand firmStanding firm here represents being determined not to change. How they are not to change can be stated clearly. Alternate Translation: "Do not give in to the arguments of people who teach something else" or "Be determined to stay free"
Gal 5:1do not again be put under the control of a yoke of slaveryHere being under control of a yoke of slavery represents being obligated to obey the law. Alternate Translation: "do not live like one who is under the control of a yoke of slavery to the law"
Gal 5:4You are cut off from ChristHere "cut off" is a metaphor for separation from Christ. Alternate Translation: "You have ended your relationship with Christ" or "You are no longer united with Christ"
Gal 5:11the stumbling block of the cross has been removedStumbling represents sinning, and a stumbling block represents something that causes people to sin. In this case the sin is to reject the truth of the teaching that in order to be made right with God, people only need to believe that Jesus died on the cross for us. Alternate Translation: "the teaching about the cross that causes people to reject the truth has been removed" or "there is nothing in the teaching about Jesus dying on the cross that would lead people to reject the teaching"
Gal 5:12castrate themselvesPossible meanings are 1) literal, to cut off their male organs so as to become eunuchs or 2) metaphorical, completely withdraw from the Christian community.
Gal 5:13you were called to freedomIt is implied that Christ has set believers free from the old covenant. Here freedom from the old covenant is a metaphor for not being obligated to obey it. Alternate Translation: "You were called to freedom from the old covenant" or "Christ has chosen you to not be obligated to the old covenant"
Gal 5:16walk by the SpiritWalking is a metaphor for living. Alternate Translation: "conduct your life in the power of the Holy Spirit" or "live your life in dependence on the Spirit"
Gal 5:21inheritReceiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
Gal 5:22the fruit of the Spirit is love ... self-controlHere "fruit" here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Alternate Translation: "what the Spirit produces is love ... self-control" or "the Spirit produces in God's people love ... self-control"
Gal 5:23the fruit of the Spirit is love ... self-controlHere "fruit" here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Alternate Translation: "what the Spirit produces is love ... self-control" or "the Spirit produces in God's people love ... self-control"
Gal 5:25walk by the SpiritWalk here is a metaphor for living every day. Alternate Translation: "allow the Holy Spirit to guide us so we do things that please and honor God"
Gal 6:7for whatever a man plants, that he will also gather inPlanting represents doing things that end in some kind of result, and gathering in represents experiencing the results of what one has done. Alternate Translation: "for just as a farmer gathers in the fruit of whatever kind of seeds he plants, so everyone experiences the results of whatever he does"
Gal 6:8plants seed to his own sinful naturePlanting seeds is a metaphor for doing deeds that will have consequences later. In this case, the person is doing sinful actions because of his sinful nature. Alternate Translation: "plants seed according to what he wants because of his sinful nature" or "does the things he wants to do because of his sinful nature"
Gal 6:8will gather in destructionGod punishing the person is spoken of as if the person were harvesting a crop. Alternate Translation: "will receive punishment for what he did"
Gal 6:8plants seed to the SpiritPlanting seeds is a metaphor for doing deeds that will have consequences later. In this case, the person is doing good actions because he is listening to God's Spirit. Alternate Translation: "does the things God's Spirit loves"
Eph 1:1who are faithful in Christ JesusIn Christ Jesus and similar expressions are metaphors that frequently occur in the New Testament letters. They express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.
Eph 1:3in ChristPossible meanings 1) the phrase "in Christ" refers to what Christ has done. Alternate Translation: "through Christ" or "through what Christ has done" or 2) "in Christ" is a metaphor referring to our close relationship with Christ. Alternate Translation: "by uniting us with Christ" or "because we are united with Christ"
Eph 1:7riches of his gracePaul speaks of God's grace as if it were material wealth. Alternate Translation: "greatness of God's grace" or "abundance of God's grace"
Eph 1:13were sealed with the promised Holy SpiritWax was placed on a letter and stamped with a symbol representing the person who wrote the letter. Paul uses this custom as a picture to show how God has used the Holy Spirit to assure us that we belong to him. Alternate Translation: "God has sealed you with the Holy Spirit that he promised"
Eph 1:14the guarantee of our inheritanceReceiving what God has promised is spoken of as though one inherits property or wealth from a family member. Alternate Translation: "the guarantee that we will receive what God has promised"
Eph 1:18inheritanceReceiving what God has promised believers, is spoken of as if one were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
Eph 1:22head ... his bodyJust as with a human body, the head rules all things pertaining to its body, so Christ is the head of the church body.
Eph 1:22head over all thingsHere "head" refers to the leader or the one who is in charge. Alternate Translation: "ruler over all things"
Eph 1:23head ... his bodyJust as with a human body, the head rules all things pertaining to its body, so Christ is the head of the church body.
Eph 2:1you were dead in your trespasses and sinsThis shows how sinful people are unable to obey God in the same way a dead person is unable to respond physically.
Eph 2:3children of wrathpeople with whom God is angry
Eph 2:11Gentiles in the fleshThis refers to people who were not born Jewish.
Eph 2:12strangers to the covenants of the promisePaul speaks to the Gentile believers as if they had been foreigners, kept out of the land of God's covenant and promise.
Eph 2:13you who once were far away from God have been brought near by the blood of ChristNot belonging to God due to sin is spoken of as being far away from God. Belonging to God because of the blood of Christ is spoken of as being brought near to God. Alternate Translation: "you who once did not belong to God now belong to God because of the blood of Christ"
Eph 2:15one new mana single new people, the people of redeemed humanity
Eph 2:16putting to death the hostilityStopping their hostility is spoken of as if he killed their hostility. By dying on the cross Jesus eliminated the reason for Jews and Gentiles to be hostile toward each other. Neither are now required to live according to the law of Moses. Alternate Translation: "stopping them from hating one another"
Eph 2:19you Gentiles ... God's householdPaul is again speaking of the spiritual condition of Gentiles after they become believers as he would speak about foreigners becoming citizens of a different nation.
Eph 2:20You have been built on the foundationPaul speaks of God's people as if they were a building. Christ is the cornerstone, the apostles are the foundation, and the believers are the structure.
Eph 2:21the whole building fits together and grows as a templePaul continues to speak of Christ's family as if it were a building. In the same way a builder fits stones together while building, so Christ is fitting us together.
Eph 2:21In him ... in the Lord ... in himIn Christ ... in the Lord Jesus ... in Christ These metaphors express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.
Eph 2:22In him ... in the Lord ... in himIn Christ ... in the Lord Jesus ... in Christ These metaphors express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.
Eph 2:22you also are being built together as a dwelling place for God in the SpiritThis describes how believers are being put together to become a place where God will permanently live through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Eph 3:6fellow members of the bodyThe church is often referred to as the body of Christ.
Eph 3:8unsearchableunable to be completely known
Eph 3:8riches of ChristPaul speaks of the truth about Christ and the blessings he brings as if they were material wealth.
Eph 3:10the many-sided nature of the wisdom of GodGod's complex wisdom
Eph 3:17that you will be rooted and grounded in his lovePaul speaks of their faith as if it were a tree that has deep roots or a house built on a solid foundation. Alternate Translation: "that you will be like a firmly rooted tree and a building built on stone"
Eph 3:18the width, the length, the height, and the depthPossible meanings are 1) these words describe the greatness of God's wisdom, Alternate Translation: "how very wise God is" or 2) these word describe the intensity of Christ's love for us. Alternate Translation: "how much Christ loves us"
Eph 4:1walk worthily of the callingWalking is a common way to express the idea of living one's life.
Eph 4:4one bodyThe church is often referred to as the body of Christ.
Eph 4:12for the building up of the body of ChristPaul is speaking of people who grow spiritually as if they were doing exercises to increase the strength of their physical bodies.
Eph 4:14be childrenPaul refers to believers who have not grown spiritually as if they were children who have had very little experience in life. Alternate Translation: "be like children"
Eph 4:14tossed back and forth ... carried away by every wind of teachingThis speaks of a believer who has not become mature and follows wrong teaching as if that believer were a boat that the wind is blowing in different directions on the water.
Eph 4:15into him who is the head ... makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in lovePaul uses the human body to describe how Christ causes believers to work together in harmony as the head of a body causes the body parts to work together to grow healthy.
Eph 4:16into him who is the head ... makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in lovePaul uses the human body to describe how Christ causes believers to work together in harmony as the head of a body causes the body parts to work together to grow healthy.
Eph 4:18They are darkened in their understandingThey no longer think or reason clearly. Alternate Translation: "They have darkened their thoughts" or "They are not able to understand"
Eph 4:19have handed themselves over to sensualityPaul speaks of these people as if they were objects that they themselves were giving to other people, and he speaks of the way they want to satisfy their physical desires as if it were the person to whom they give themselves. Alternate Translation: "only want to satisfy their physical desires"
Eph 4:22to put off what belongs to your former manner of lifePaul is speaking of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing. Alternate Translation: "to stop living according to your former manner of life"
Eph 4:22to put off the old manPaul is speaking of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing. Alternate Translation: "to stop living as your former self did"
Eph 4:22that is corrupt because of its deceitful desiresPaul speaks of the sinful human nature as if it were a dead body falling apart in its grave.
Eph 4:30for it is by him that you were sealed for the day of redemptionThe Holy Spirit assures believers that God will redeem them. Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit as if he were a mark that God puts on believers to show that he owns them. Alternate Translation: "for he is the seal that assures you that God will redeem you on the day of redemption" or "for he is the one who assures you that God will redeem you on the day of redemption" or
Eph 4:31Put away all bitterness, rage, angerPut away here is a metaphor for not continuing to have certain attitudes or behaviors. Alternate Translation: "You must not allow these things to be part of your life: bitterness, rage, anger"
Eph 5:2walk in loveWalking is a common way to express the idea of living one's life. Alternate Translation: "live a life of love" or "always love each other"
Eph 5:5inheritanceReceiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
Eph 5:8For you were once darknessJust as one cannot see in the dark, so people who love to sin lack spiritual understanding.
Eph 5:8but now you are light in the LordJust as one can see in the light, so people whom God has saved understand how to please God.
Eph 5:8Walk as children of lightWalking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate Translation: "Live as people who understand what the Lord wants them to do"
Eph 5:9the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truthFruit here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Alternate Translation: "the result of living in the light is good work, right living, and truthful behavior"
Eph 5:11Do not associate with the unfruitful works of darknessPaul speaks of the useless, sinful things that unbelievers do as if they are evil deeds people do in the dark so no one will see them. Alternate Translation: "Do not do useless, sinful things with unbelievers"
Eph 5:11unfruitful worksactions that do nothing good, useful, or profitable. Paul is comparing evil actions to an unhealthy tree that produces nothing good.
Eph 5:11expose themSpeaking against the works of darkness is spoken of as bringing them out into the light so that people can see them. Alternate Translation: "bring them out into the light" or "uncover them" or "show and tell people how wrong these actions are"
Eph 5:14anything that becomes visible is lightpeople can clearly see everything that comes into the light. Paul makes this general statement in order to imply that God's Word shows people's actions to be good or bad. The Bible often speaks of God's truth as if it were light that could reveal the character of something.
Eph 5:14Christ will shine on youChrist will enable an unbeliever to understand how evil his deeds are and how Christ will forgive him and give him new life, just as light shows what actually is there that darkness hid.
Eph 5:16Redeem the timeUsing time wisely is spoken of as if it were redeeming the time. Alternate Translation: "Do the best things you can with your time" or "Use time wisely" or "Put time to its best use"
Eph 5:23the head of the wife ... the head of the churchThe word "head" represents the leader.
Eph 5:25for her ... make her holy ... cleansed herPaul speaks of the assembly of believers as though it were a woman whom Jesus will marry. Alternate Translation: "for us ... make us holy ... cleansed us"
Eph 5:26having cleansed her by the washing of water with the wordPossible meanings are 1) Paul is referring to God making Christ's people clean by God's word and through water baptism in Christ or 2) Paul speaks of God making us spiritually clean from our sins by the message as if God were making our bodies clean by washing them with water.
Eph 5:26for her ... make her holy ... cleansed herPaul speaks of the assembly of believers as though it were a woman whom Jesus will marry. Alternate Translation: "for us ... make us holy ... cleansed us"
Eph 5:27without stain or wrinklePaul speaks of the church as though it were a garment that is clean and in good condition. He uses the same idea in two ways to emphasize the church's purity.
Eph 5:30we are members of his bodyHere Paul speaks of the close union of believers with Christ as if they were part of his own body, for which he would naturally care.
Eph 6:11Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the scheming plans of the devilChristians should use all the resources God gives to stand firmly against the devil just as a soldier puts on armor to protect himself from enemy attacks.
Eph 6:13Therefore put on the whole armor of GodChristians should use the protective resources God gives them in fighting the devil in the same way a soldier puts on armor to protect himself against his enemies.
Eph 6:13so that you may be able to stand in this time of evilThe words "stand firm" represent successfully resisting or fighting something. Alternate Translation: "so that you may be able to resist evil"
Eph 6:14Stand, thereforeThe words "stand" represents successfully resisting or fighting something. See how you translated "stand firm" in [Ephesians 6:13](./13.md). "So resist evil"
Eph 6:14the belt of truthTruth holds everything together for a believer just as a belt holds the clothing of a soldier together.
Eph 6:14the breastplate of righteousnessPossible meanings are 1) the gift of righteousness covers a believer's heart just as a breastplate protects the chest of a soldier or 2) our living as God wants us, gives us a clear conscience that protects our hearts the way a breastplate protects a soldier's chest.
Eph 6:15Then as shoes for your feet, put on the readiness to proclaim the gospel of peaceJust as a soldier wears shoes to give him solid footing, the believer must have solid knowledge of the gospel of peace in order to be ready to proclaim it.
Eph 6:16In all circumstances take up the shield of faithThe believer must use the faith that God gives for protection when the devil attacks, just as a soldier uses a shield to protect him from enemy attacks.
Eph 6:16the flaming arrows of the evil oneThe attacks of the devil against a believer are like flaming arrows shot at a soldier by an enemy.
Eph 6:17take the helmet of salvationSalvation given by God protects the believer's mind just as a helmet protects the head of a soldier.
Eph 6:17the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of GodThe writer speaks of God's instructions to his people as if they were a sword that his people could use to fight an enemy,
Php 1:9may aboundPaul speaks of love as if it were objects that people could obtain more of. Alternate Translation: "may increase"
Php 1:11you also will be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus ChristBeing filled with something is a metaphor that represents being characterized by it or by habitually doing it. Possible meanings of "fruit of righteousness" are that 1) it is a metaphor that represents righteous behavior. Alternate Translation: "you also will habitually do what is righteous because Jesus Christ enables you" or 2) it is a metaphor that represents good deeds as a result of being righteous. Alternate Translation: "you also will habitually do good works because Jesus makes you righteous"
Php 1:13my chains in Christ came to lightChains in Christ here is a metonym for being in prison for the sake of Christ. "Came to light" is a metaphor for "became known." Alternate Translation: "It became known that I am in prison for the sake of Christ"
Php 1:21to live is ChristHere pleasing and serving Christ is spoken of as Paul's only purpose for living. Alternate Translation: "to go on living is an opportunity to please Christ"
Php 1:21to die is gainHere death is spoken of as "gain." Possible meanings for "gain" are 1) Paul's death will help spread the message of the gospel or 2) Paul will be in a better situation.
Php 1:22that means fruitful labor for meThe word "fruit" here refers to the good results of Paul's work. Alternate Translation: "that means I will be able to work and my work will produce good results" or "then I will have more chances to encourage people to believe in Christ"
Php 1:23For I am hard pressed between the twoPaul speaks of how hard it is for him to choose between living and dying as if two heavy objects, like rocks or logs, were pushing on him from opposite sides at the same time. Your language might prefer the objects to pull rather than push. Alternate Translation: "I am under tension. I do not know if I should choose to live or to die"
Php 1:27with one mind striving togetherstriving together with one mind. Agreeing with one another is spoken of as having one mind. Alternate Translation: "agreeing with one another and striving together"
Php 2:2make my joy fullPaul speaks here of joy as if it were a container that can be filled. Alternate Translation: "cause me to rejoice greatly"
Php 2:6he did not consider his equality with God as something to hold on toHere "equality" refers to "equal status" or "equal honor." Holding onto equality with God represents demanding that he continue to be honored as God is honored. Christ did not do that. Though he did not cease to be God, he ceased to act as God. Alternate Translation: "he did not think that he had to have the same status as God"
Php 2:7he emptied himselfPaul speaks of Christ as if he were a container in order to say that Christ refused to act with his divine powers during his ministry on earth.
Php 2:8became obedient to the point of deathPaul speaks of death here in a figurative way. The translator can understand "to the point of death" either as a metaphor of location (Christ went all the way to death) or as a metaphor of time (Christ was obedient even until the time that he died).
Php 2:9above every nameThe name is more important, more to be praised than any other name.
Php 2:11to the glory of God the FatherHere the word "to" expresses result: "with the result that they will praise God the Father"
Php 2:15so that you may shine as lights in the worldLight represents goodness and truth. Shining as lights in the world represents living in a good and righteous way so that people in the world can see that God is good and true. Alternate Translation: "so that you will be like lights in the world"
Php 2:16Hold tightly to the word of lifeHold tightly represents firmly believing. Alternate Translation: "Continue to firmly believe the word of life"
Php 2:16runThe scriptures often use the image of walking to represent conducting one's life. Running is living life intensively.
Php 2:17But even if I am being poured out as an offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you allPaul speaks of his death as if he were a drink offering which is poured upon the animal sacrifice to honor God. What Paul means is that he would gladly die for the Philippians if that would make them more pleasing to God. Alternate Translation: "But, even if the Romans kill me and it is as if my blood pours out as an offering, I will be glad and rejoice with you all if my death will make your faith and obedience more pleasing to God"
Php 2:25fellow worker and fellow soldierHere Paul is speaking of Epaphroditus as if he were a soldier. He means that Epaphroditus is trained and is dedicated to serving God, no matter how great the hardship he must suffer. Alternate Translation: "fellow believer who works and struggles along with us"
Php 2:30he came near deathPaul here speaks of death as if it were a place that one could go to.
Php 2:30fill up what you could not do in service to mePaul speaks of his needs as if they were a container that Epaphroditus filled with good things for Paul.
Php 3:2dogsThe word "dogs" was used by the Jews to refer to those who were not Jews. They were considered unclean. Paul speaks of the false teachers as though they were dogs, to insult them. If you have a different animal in your culture that is considered unclean or whose name is used as an insult, you could use this animal instead.
Php 3:7whatever things were a profit for mePaul is referring here to the praise he received for being an eager Pharisee. He speaks of this praise as if he had viewed it in the past as a businessman's profit. Alternate Translation: "anything that other Jews praised me for"
Php 3:7I have considered them as lossPaul speaks of that praise as if he were now viewing it as a business loss instead of a profit. In other words, Paul says that all his religious acts of righteousness are worthless before Christ.
Php 3:8I count all things to be lossPaul is continuing the business metaphor from [Philippians 3:7](./07.md), saying it is worthless to trust in anything other than Christ. Alternate Translation: "I consider everything to be worthless"
Php 3:12I may grasp that for which I was grasped by Christ JesusReceiving spiritual things from Christ is spoken of as if Paul could grasp them with his hands. And, Jesus choosing Paul to belong to him is spoken of as if Jesus grasped Paul with his hands. This can be stated in an active form. Alternate Translation: "I may receive these things because that is why Jesus claimed me as his own"
Php 3:13I myself have yet grasped itReceiving spiritual things from Christ is spoken of as if Paul could grasp them with his hands. Alternate Translation: "all these things belong to me yet"
Php 3:13I forget what is behind and strain for what is aheadLike a runner in a race is no longer concerned about the part of the race that is completed but only focuses on what is ahead, Paul speaks of setting aside his religious works of righteousness and only focusing on the race of life that Christ has set before him to complete. Alternate Translation: "I do not care what I have done in the past; I only work as hard as I can on what is ahead"
Php 3:14I press on toward the goal to win the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ JesusAs a runner presses onward to win the race, Paul presses onward in serving and living in obedience to Christ. Alternate Translation: "I do all I can to be like Christ, like a runner racing to the finish line, so that I may belong to him, and God may call me to himself after I die"
Php 3:14the upward callingPossible meanings are that Paul speaks of living eternally with God as if God were to call Paul to ascend 1) to heaven as Jesus did or 2) the steps to the podium where winners of races received prizes, as a metaphor for meeting God face to face and receiving eternal life.
Php 3:18Many are walkingA person's behavior is spoken of as if that person were walking along a path. Alternate Translation: "Many are living" or "Many are conducting their lives"
Php 3:19their god is their stomachHere "stomach" refers to a person's desires for physical pleasure. Calling it their god means that they want these pleasures more than they want to obey God. Alternate Translation: "they desire food and other physical pleasures more than they desire to obey God"
Php 4:3true companionThis metaphor is from farming, where two animals would be bound to the same yoke, and so they work together. Alternate Translation: "fellow worker"
Php 4:14in my difficultiesPaul speaks of his hardships as if they were a place that he was in. Alternate Translation: "when things became difficult"
Php 4:17I seek the fruit that increases to your creditPaul is speaking of the Philippians' gift as if it were a person's bank account that increases more and more. In this case, it is God who acknowledges the good things done by the Philippian believers. Paul wants the Philippians to give gifts so they can receive spiritual blessings. Alternate Translation: "I do want to see God give you more and more spiritual blessings"
Php 4:18They are a sweet-smelling aroma, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to GodPaul speaks of the gift from the Philippian church as if it were a sacrifice offered to God on an altar. Paul implies that the church's gift is very pleasing to God, like the sacrifices that the priests burned, which had a smell that pleased God. Alternate Translation: "I assure you these gifts are very pleasing to God, like an acceptable sacrifice"
Col 1:6This gospel is bearing fruit and is growingFruit here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Alternate Translation: "This gospel is having good results, more and more" or "This gospel is having increasing results"
Col 1:8your love in the SpiritPaul speaks of the Holy Spirit as if he were a place in which the believers were located. Alternate Translation: "how the Holy Spirit has enabled you to love believers"
Col 1:9that you will be filled with the knowledge of his willPaul speaks of the Colossian believers as though they were containers. Alternate Translation: "that God will fill you with what you need to know so that you can do his will"
Col 1:10that you will walk worthily of the LordWalking here signifies behavior in life. Alternate Translation: "that you will live the way God expects you to"
Col 1:10will bear fruitPaul is speaking of the Colossian believers as if they were trees or plants. As a plant grows and bears fruit, so also believers are to keep getting to know God better and doing good deeds.
Col 1:11into all perseverance and patiencePaul speaks of the Colossian believers as if God would move them into a location of perseverance and patience. In reality, he is praying that they will never stop trusting in God and that they will be completely patient as they honor him.
Col 1:12inheritanceReceiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
Col 1:12in lightThis idea is opposite to the idea of the dominion of darkness in the next verse. Alternate Translation: "in the glory of his presence"
Col 1:13the dominion of darknessDarkness here is a metaphor for evil. Alternate Translation: "the evil forces that controlled us"
Col 1:14In his Son we have redemptionPaul often speaks as if the believers were "in" Jesus Christ or "in" God. Alternate Translation: "By means of his Son we have redemption"
Col 1:15The Son is the image of the invisible GodHere "image" does not mean a representation of something that is visible. Instead, "image" here means that by knowing the Son, we learn what God the Father is like.
Col 1:15He is the firstbornThe Son is the firstborn. The expression "firstborn Son" does not refer to Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. Instead, it refers to the Son's position as the eternal Son of God the Father. In this sense, "firstborn" is a metaphor meaning "most important." Jesus is the most important and the unique "Son" of God. He is God. The word "Son" shows Jesus' intimate relationship with the Father. That relationship cannot be understood until and unless you use your language's words for "son" and "father."
Col 1:18He is the head of the body, the churchPaul speaks of Jesus' position over the church as if he were the head on the human body. As the head rules the body, so does Jesus rule the church.
Col 1:22to present you holy, blameless, and above reproach before himPaul is describing the Colossians as though Jesus had physically cleaned them, put them in clean clothes, and brought them to stand before God the Father.
Col 1:22before himThis expression of location stands for "in God's view" or "in God's mind"
Col 1:24I fill up in my fleshPaul speaks of his body as if it were a container that could hold suffering.
Col 1:24for the sake of his body, which is the churchPaul often speaks of the church, the group of all Christian believers, as if it were Christ's body.
Col 1:25to fulfill the word of GodThis means to bring about the purpose of God's gospel message, which is that it be preached and believed. "Word of God" here is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate Translation: "to be obedient to what God has instructed"
Col 1:27the riches of the glory of this secret truthPaul speaks of the value of this secret truth about God as if it were a treasure of material wealth. "riches"
Col 1:27Christ in youPaul speaks of the believers as if they were actual containers in which Christ is present. This is one of his ways of expressing the union of the believers with Christ.
Col 1:28completeBeing complete is a metaphor for being spiritually mature. Alternate Translation: "spiritually mature"
Col 2:2all the riches of full assurance of understandingPaul speaks of a person who is completely sure that the good news is true as though that person were rich in physical things.
Col 2:3the treasures of wisdom and knowledgePaul speaks of God's wisdom and knowledge as if they were material wealth. Alternate Translation: "the very precious wisdom and knowledge"
Col 2:6walk in himWalking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. The words "in him" refer to being in close relationship with Christ and so doing what pleases him. Alternate Translation: "live your lives the way he wants you to" or "live so that people can see that you belong to him"
Col 2:7Be rooted in himPaul speaks of a person with true faith in Christ as if that person were a tree growing in solid ground with deep roots.
Col 2:7be built on himPaul speaks of a person with true faith in Christ as if that person were a building that has a strong foundation.
Col 2:7abound in thanksgivingPaul speaks of thanksgiving as if it were objects that a person could obtain more of. Alternate Translation: "be very thankful to God"
Col 2:8captures youPaul speaks of the way a person can believe false teachings (because they believe false things or love the wrong things) as if someone had physically caught and held that person by force.
Col 2:8empty deceitPaul speaks of false ideas that produce nothing and so are without value as though they are containers with nothing in them.
Col 2:10You have been filled in himPaul speaks of people as though they were containers into which God has placed Christ. Alternate Translation: "You are made complete in Christ"
Col 2:10who is the head over every power and authorityChrist is the ruler over every other ruler
Col 2:11In him you were also circumcisedPaul is speaking of those who belong to Christ as if they were inside Christ's body. This can also be made active. Alternate Translation: "When you joined the church in baptism, God circumcised you"
Col 2:11a circumcision not done by humansWith this metaphor, Paul says that God has made Christian believers acceptable to himself in a way that reminded him of circumcision, the ceremony through which Hebrew male babies were added to the community of Israel.
Col 2:12You were buried with him in baptismPaul speaks of being baptized and joining the assembly of believers as if it were being buried with Christ. This can be made active. Alternate Translation: "God buried you with Christ when you joined the church in baptism"
Col 2:12in him you were raised upWith this metaphor, Paul speaks of the new spiritual life of believers that God made possible by making Christ come alive again. This can be made active. Alternate Translation: "because you have joined yourself to Christ, God raised you up" or "in him God caused you to live again"
Col 2:13When you were deadPaul speaks of unresponsiveness to God as if it were death. Alternate Translation: "When you Colossian believers were unable to respond to God"
Col 2:13you were dead ... he made you aliveWith this metaphor Paul speaks of coming into new spiritual life as if it were coming back to life physically.
Col 2:14He canceled the written record of debts that stood against usPaul speaks of the way God forgives our sins as if it were the way a person, to whom many people owe money or goods, destroys the record of that debt so they do not have to pay him back.
Col 2:15made a public spectacle of themIn Roman times, it was common practice for the Roman armies to have a victory parade when they returned home, displaying all the prisoners they had captured and goods they had obtained. God was victorious over the evil powers and authorities.
Col 2:17a shadow of the things to comeA shadow gives only a vague idea of the shape and nature of an object. In a similar way, religious traditions such as the law of Moses can only partially show the reality of Jesus Christ.
Col 2:18Let no one ... judge you out of your prizeHere Paul refers to false teachers as if they were corrupt judges at an athletic contest who would unjustly disqualify the believers from winning the prizes they deserve, and he speaks of Christ saving a person as if Christ were giving a prize to the winner of such a contest. Alternate Translation: "Let no one ... disqualify you from winning a prize"
Col 2:18enters into the things he has seenHere Paul speaks about people who claim to have dreams and visions from God and who talk proudly about them.
Col 2:18puffed upHere a person who boasts is spoken of as if he were an object into which someone had blown air to make it larger than it should be.
Col 2:18his fleshly thinkingHere the idea of flesh stands for the sinful human nature. "the sinful thoughts he naturally thinks"
Col 2:19He does not hold on to the headA person not trusting in Christ is spoken of has if they do not hold firmly to the head. Christ is spoken of as if he were the head of a body. Alternate Translation: "He does not firmly grasp Christ, who is like the head of a body" or "He does not cling to Christ, who is like the head of a body"
Col 2:19It is from the head that the whole body throughout its joints and ligaments is supplied and held togetherPaul speaks of the church, which is ruled and empowered by Christ, as if it were a human body. Alternate Translation: "It is from the head that God supplies the whole body throughout its joints and ligaments and holds it together"
Col 2:20If you died together with Christ to the elements of the worldWith this metaphor, Paul speaks of a believer as a person who is spiritually united with Christ: as Christ died, so the believer has spiritually died; as Christ has come back to life, so the believer has come back to spiritual life, that is, to responsiveness to God.
Col 3:3For you have diedAs Christ actually died, so God counts the Colossian believers as having died with Christ.
Col 3:7It is in these things that you also once walkedPaul speaks of the way a person behaves as if it were a road or path a person walks on. Alternate Translation: "These are the things you used to do"
Col 3:7when you lived in themPossible meanings are 1) "when you practiced these things" or 2) "when you lived among the people who disobey God"
Col 3:9you have taken off the old man with its practices, and you have put on the new manHere Paul is speaking of a Christian's rejecting his old sinful life as if it were an old garment that he takes off in order to put on a new garment. It was very common for Israelites such as Paul to speak of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing.
Col 3:10you have taken off the old man with its practices, and you have put on the new manHere Paul is speaking of a Christian's rejecting his old sinful life as if it were an old garment that he takes off in order to put on a new garment. It was very common for Israelites such as Paul to speak of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing.
Col 3:12put on a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patienceThe "heart" is a metaphor for feelings and attitudes. Here it is spoken of as if it has certain feelings and attitudes, and as if it were clothing to wear. Alternate Translation: "have a merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient heart" or "be merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient"
Col 3:14have love, which is the bond of perfectionHere "bond of perfection" is a metaphor for something that causes perfect unity among people. Alternate Translation: "love one another because it will unite you perfectly together.
Col 3:16Let the word of Christ live in youPaul speaks of Christ's word as if it were a person capable of living inside other people. "Word of Christ" here is a metonym for the teachings of Christ. Alternate Translation: "Be obedient to the instructions of Christ" or "Always trust Christ's promises"
Col 3:17through himPossible meanings are 1) because he has done great deeds or 2) because he has made it possible for people to speak to God and so give him thanks.
Col 3:24inheritanceReceiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
Col 4:3God would open a doorOpening a door for someone is a metaphor for giving that person the opportunity to do something. Alternate Translation: "God would provide opportunities"
Col 4:5Walk in wisdom toward those outsideThe idea of walking is often used for the idea of conducting one's life. Alternate Translation: "Live in such a way that those who are not believers will see that you are wise"
Col 4:5redeem the timeTo "redeem" something means to restore it to it's rightful owner. Here time is spoken of as something that can be restored and used to serve God. Alternate Translation: "do the best things you can with your time" or "put the time to its best use"
Col 4:6Let your words always be with grace. Let them be seasoned with saltFood with salt is a metaphor for words that teach others and that others enjoy hearing. Alternate Translation: "Let your conversation always be gracious and attractive"
Col 4:8may encourage your heartsThe heart was thought to be the center of many emotions. Alternate Translation: "may encourage you"
1Th 1:8has rung outHere Paul speaks of the Christian witness produced by the Thessalonian believers as if it were a bell that was rung or a musical instrument that was being played.
1Th 1:9They tell how you turned to God from the idols to serve the living and true GodHere "turned to ... from" is a metaphor that means to start being loyal to one person and stop being loyal to someone else. Alternate Translation: "They tell how you stopped worshiping idols and started serving the living and true God"
1Th 2:8We were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own livesPaul speaks of the gospel message and his life and the lives of those with him as if they were a physical object that one could share with others. Alternate Translation: "We were pleased not only to tell you the gospel of God but also to spend time with you and to help you"
1Th 2:11as a father deals with his own childrenPaul compares how he encouraged the Thessalonians to a father gently teaching his children how to behave.
1Th 2:12to walk in a manner that is worthy of GodWalk here is an metaphor for "live." Alternate Translation: "live so that people will think well of God"
1Th 2:16they always fill up their own sinsPaul speaks as though someone can fill a container with their own sins as with liquid.
1Th 3:9before our GodPaul speaks as if he and his companions were physically in God's presence. He is probably referring to the activity of praying.
1Th 3:11direct our way to youPaul speaks as if he wants God to show him and his companions the route to take to visit the Thessalonian Christians. He means that he wants God to make it possible for them to do so.
1Th 3:12increase and abound in lovePaul speaks of love as an object that one could obtain more of.
1Th 4:1you must walkHere "walk" is an expression for the way one is to live. Alternate Translation: "you ought to live"
1Th 4:2through the Lord JesusPaul speaks of his instructions as if they were given by Jesus himself.
1Th 4:11live quietlyPaul uses the word "quietly" as a metaphor to describe living at peace in one's community and not causing strife. Alternate Translation: "live in a calm and orderly way"
1Th 4:11work with your handsThis is a metaphor for living a productive life. Alternate Translation: "work at your own jobs to earn what you need to live"
1Th 4:12walk properlyHere "walk" is a metaphor for "live" or "behave." Alternate Translation: "behave properly"
1Th 4:12before outsidersPaul speaks of those who do not believer in Christ as if they are outside of a place away from the believers. Alternate Translation: "in the sight of those who do not believe in Christ"
1Th 5:4are not in darknessPaul speaks of evil and ignorance about God as if they were darkness. Alternate Translation: "you are not unknowing, like people who live in the dark"
1Th 5:5For you are all sons of the light and sons of the dayPaul speaks of the truth as if it were light and day. Alternate Translation: "For you know the truth, like people who live in the light, like people during the day"
1Th 5:5We are not sons of the night or the darknessPaul speaks of evil and ignorance about God as if they were darkness. Alternate Translation: We are not unknowing, like people who live in the darkness, like people at night"
1Th 5:6let us not sleep as the rest doPaul speaks of spiritual unawareness as if it were sleep. Alternate Translation: "let us not be like others who are not aware that Jesus is coming back"
1Th 5:6keep watch and be soberPaul describes spiritual awareness as the opposite of sleep and drunkenness.
1Th 5:7For those who sleep do so at nightJust as when people sleep and do not know what is happening, so the people of this world do not know that Christ will return.
1Th 5:7those who get drunk do so at nightPaul is stating that it is at night when people become drunk, so when people are unaware of Christ's return they do not live a self-controlled life.
1Th 5:8we belong to the dayPaul speaks of knowing the truth about God as belonging to the day. Alternate Translation: "we know the truth" or "we have received the light of truth"
1Th 5:8we must stay soberPaul compares being sober to exercising self-control. Alternate Translation: "let us exercise self-control"
1Th 5:8put on faith and love as a breastplateAs a soldier would put on a breastplate to protect his body, a believer who lives by faith and love will find protection. Alternate Translation: "protect ourselves with faith and love" or "protect ourselves by trusting Christ and loving him"
1Th 5:8the hope of salvation for our helmetAs a helmet protects a soldier's head, assurance of salvation protects the believer. Alternate Translation: "protect ourselves by being certain that Christ will save us"
1Th 5:11build each other upHere "build" is a metaphor that means encourage. Alternate Translation: "encourage each other"
1Th 5:21Hold on to what is goodPaul speaks of messages from the Holy Spirit as if they were objects that one could grasp in his hands.
2Th 1:6for God to return affliction to those who afflict you, and relief to youHere "to return" is a metaphor that means to cause someone to experience the same thing they did to someone else. Alternate Translation: "for God to afflict those who afflict you, and to relieve you"
2Th 1:7for God to return affliction to those who afflict you, and relief to youHere "to return" is a metaphor that means to cause someone to experience the same thing they did to someone else. Alternate Translation: "for God to afflict those who afflict you, and to relieve you"
2Th 2:3the son of destructionPaul speaks of destruction as a person who bore a son whose goal is to totally destroy everything. Alternate Translation: "the one who destroys everything he can"
2Th 2:11God is sending them a work of error so that they would believe a liePaul is speaking of God allowing something to happen to people as if he is sending them something. Alternate Translation: "God is allowing the man of lawlessness to deceive them"
2Th 2:13as the firstfruits for salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truthBeing among the first people to be saved is spoken of as if the Thessalonian believers are "firstfruits." This can also be stated to remove the abstract nouns "salvation," "sanctification," "belief," and "truth." Alternate Translation: "to be among the first people who believe what is true, and whom God has saved and set apart for himself by his Spirit"
2Th 2:15hold tightly to the traditionsHere "traditions" refers to the truths of Christ that Paul and the other apostles taught. Paul speaks of them as if his readers could hold on to them with their hands. Alternate Translation: "remember the traditions" or "believe the truths"
2Th 3:1that the word of the Lord may rush and be glorified, as it also is with youPaul speaks of God's word spreading as if it were running from place to place. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "that more and more people will soon hear our message about our Lord Jesus and honor it, as happened with you"
2Th 3:5to the love of God and to the endurance of ChristPaul speaks of God's love and Christ's endurance as if they were destinations on a path. Alternate Translation: "how much God loves you and how much Christ has endured for you"
2Th 3:11some walk idlyHere "walk" stands for behavior in life. Alternate Translation: "some live idle lives" or "some are lazy"
1Ti 1:2true son in the faithPaul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though they were father and son. This shows Paul's sincere love and approval of Timothy. It is also likely that Timothy was converted to Christ by Paul, and so this is why Paul considered him like his own child. Alternate Translation: "who is truly like a son to me"
1Ti 1:6Some people have missed the markPaul speaks of faith in Christ as if it were a target at which to aim. Paul means that some people are not fulfilling the purpose of their faith, which is to love as he just explained in 1:5.
1Ti 1:12he placed me into servicePaul speaks of the task of serving God as if it were a place that one could be placed in. Alternate Translation: "he assigned me to serve him" or "he appointed me as his servant"
1Ti 1:14the grace of our Lord overflowedPaul speaks of God's grace as if it were a liquid that could fill a container and spill out of the top when the container is full. Alternate Translation: "God showed me much grace"
1Ti 1:14that is in Christ JesusThis speaks about Jesus as if he were a container that holds a liquid. Here "in Christ Jesus" refers to having a relationship with Jesus. Alternate Translation: "that Christ Jesus enables me to give to God because I am united to him"
1Ti 1:18I am placing this command before youPaul speaks of his instructions as if he could physically put them in front of Timothy. Alternate Translation: "I am entrusting you with this command" or "This is what I am commanding you"
1Ti 1:18my childPaul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though Paul is the father and Timothy is the child. It is also likely that Timothy was converted to Christ by Paul, and so this is why Paul considered him like his own child. Alternate Translation: "who is truly like my child"
1Ti 1:18fight the good fightPaul speaks about Timothy working for the Lord as if he were a soldier fighting a battle. Alternate Translation: "continue to work hard for the Lord"
1Ti 1:19some have shipwrecked their faithPaul speaks of these people's faith as if it were a ship that could be wrecked at sea. He means that they have ruined their faith and no longer believe in Jesus. You should use this or a similar metaphor if it will be understood in the project language.
1Ti 1:20whom I gave over to SatanPaul speaks as if he physically handed these men to Satan. This probably means that Paul rejected them from the community of believers. Since they are no longer a part of the community, Satan can have power of them and harm them.
1Ti 2:4to come to the knowledge of the truthPaul speaks of learning the truth about God as if it were a place to which people could be brought. Alternate Translation: "to know and accept what is true"
1Ti 3:6fall into condemnation as the devilPaul speaks of the experience of being condemned for having done wrong as if it were a hole that a person could fall into. Alternate Translation: "have God condemn him as he condemned the devil"
1Ti 3:7those outsidethose outside of the church. Paul speaks of the church as though it were a place, and of unbelievers as though they were physically outside of it. Alternate Translation: "those who are not Christians"
1Ti 3:7he does not fall into disgrace and the trap of the devilPaul speaks of disgrace and the devil causing someone to sin as if they were a hole or a trap into which a person falls. Here "fall into" means to experience. Alternate Translation: "nothing causes him shame before the unbelievers and so that the devil does not cause him to sin"
1Ti 3:8should be dignified, not double-talkersPaul speaks about these people as if they were "double-talkers" or could say two things at once. He means the person says one thing but mean something else. Alternate Translation: "should act properly and mean what they say"
1Ti 3:9They should keep the revealed truth of the faithThey must continue to believe the true message God revealed to us and that we believe. This refers to a truth that had existed for some time but that God was showing to them at that moment. Paul speaks of true teaching about God as if it were an object that a person could keep with himself.
1Ti 3:9faith with a clean consciencePaul speaks of a person's knowledge that he has done no wrong as if that knowledge or conscience were clean. Alternate Translation: "faith, knowing they have tried their hardest to do what is right"
1Ti 3:15so that you may know how to behave in the household of GodPaul speaks of the group of believers as if they were a family. Possible meanings are 1) Paul is referring only to Timothy's behavior in the church. Alternate Translation: "so that you may know how to conduct yourself as a member of God's family" or 2) Paul is referring to the believers' in general. Alternate Translation: "so that you all may know how to conduct yourselves as members of God's family"
1Ti 3:15which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truthPaul speaks of the believers bearing witness to the truth about Christ as if they were a pillar and a base supporting a building. This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate Translation: "which is the church of the living God. And, by keeping and teaching God's truth, these members of the church support the truth just as a pillar and base support a building"
1Ti 4:1leave the faithPaul speaks of people ceasing to trust in Christ as if they were physically leaving a place or an object. Alternate Translation: "stop trusting in Jesus"
1Ti 4:2Their own consciences will be brandedPossible meanings are 1) Paul is speaking of people who can no longer tell that they are doing wrong as if their minds are ruined like skin that someone has burned with a hot iron or 2) Paul is speaking of these people as if Satan had put a mark on these people with a hot iron to indicate that they belong to him.
1Ti 4:6If you place these things before the brothersPaul speaks of his instructions as if they were objects that could be physically presented to the believers. Here, to place before means to instruct or to remind. Alternate Translation: "If you help the believers remember these things"
1Ti 4:6you are being nourished by the words of faith and by the good teaching that you have followedPaul speaks of God's word and its teaching as if it could physically feed Timothy and make him strong. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "the words of faith and the good teaching that you have followed are causing you to trust more strongly in Christ"
1Ti 4:7loved by old womenThis is probably an expression that means "silly" or "absurd." Paul is not purposely insulting women in his reference to "old women." Instead, he and his audience knew that men die younger than women, so there are more women than men whose minds have become feeble due to old age.
1Ti 4:14Do not neglect the gift that is in youPaul speaks of Timothy as if he were a container that could hold God's gifts. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate Translation: "Do not neglect your spiritual gift"
1Ti 4:15Care for these things. Be in themPaul speaks of God's gifts to Timothy as if he could physically be in them. Alternate Translation: "Do all these things and live according to them"
1Ti 4:15so that your progress may be evident to all peoplePaul speaks of Timothy's increasing ability to serve God as if it were a physical object that others could look at. Alternate Translation: "so other people will know that you are serving God better and better"
1Ti 5:6is deadPaul speaks about people who do not seek to please God as if they were dead. Alternate Translation: "is like a dead person, she does not respond to God"
1Ti 5:15turned aside after SatanPaul speaks of living in faithfulness to Christ as if it were a path to be followed. This means the woman stopped obeying Jesus and started obeying Satan. Alternate Translation: "left the path of Christ to follow Satan" or "decided to obey Satan instead of Christ"
1Ti 5:16so that the church will not be weighed downPaul speaks of the community having to help more people than they are able as if they were carrying too much weight on their backs. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "so that the church will not have more work to do than they can" or "so that the Christian community will not have to help widows whose families could provide for them"
1Ti 5:17those who work with the word and in teachingPaul speaks about the word as if it is an object that a person can work with. Alternate Translation: "those who preach and teach God's word"
1Ti 5:18You shall not put a muzzle on an ox while it treads the grainPaul is using this quotation as a metaphor meaning that church leaders deserve to receive payment from the Christian community for their work.
1Ti 5:19Do not receive an accusationPaul speaks of accusations as if they were objects that could be physically accepted by people. Alternate Translation: "Do not accept as true any accusation that someone speaks"
1Ti 5:22Do not share in the sins of another personPaul speaks of someone's sin as if it were an object that could be shared with others. Alternate Translation: "do not join in another person's sin" or "do not participate when another person sins"
1Ti 5:24But some sins follow laterBut some sins follow people later. Paul speaks of sins as if they were moving. Possible meanings are 1) Timothy and the Christian community will not know about certain sins until later or 2) God will not judge some sins until the final judgment.
1Ti 5:25but even the others cannot be hiddenPaul speaks of sins as if they were objects that someone could hide. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "but people will later find out about even the good deeds that are not obvious"
1Ti 6:1Let all who are under the yoke as slavesPaul speaks of people working as slaves as if they are oxen carrying a yoke. Alternate Translation: "Let all who are working as slaves"
1Ti 6:4He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and argumentsPaul speaks of people who feel compelled to engage in useless arguments as if they were ill. Such people greatly desire to argue, and they do not really want to find a way to agree. Alternate Translation: "all he wants to do is argue" or "he craves arguments"
1Ti 6:5They have lost the truthHere the word "They" refers to anyone who teaches anything that does not agree with the teaching of Jesus. The phrase "have lost the truth" represents ignoring it or forgetting it. Alternate Translation: "They have ignored the truth" or "They have forgotten the truth"
1Ti 6:9to become wealthy fall into temptation, into a trapPaul speaks about those who let the temptation of money cause them to sin as if they are animals that have fallen into a hole that a hunter has used as a trap. Alternate Translation: "to become wealthy will encounter more temptation than they can resist, and they will be like an animal in a trap
1Ti 6:9They fall into many foolish and harmful passionsThis continues the trap metaphor. This means that their foolish and harmful passions will overcome them. Alternate Translation: "And as an animal falls into a hunter's trap, they will fall into many foolish and harmful passions"
1Ti 6:9into whatever else makes people sink into ruin and destructionPaul speaks about those that let sin destroy them as if they are a boat that sinks under the water. Alternate Translation: "into other kinds of evil that ruin and destroy people as if they were a boat sinking under the water"
1Ti 6:10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evilPaul speaks of the cause of evil as if it were a plant root. Alternate Translation: "This happens because loving money is a cause of all kinds of evil"
1Ti 6:10have been mislead away from the faithPaul speaks of wrong desires as if they were evil guides who intentionally guide people down the wrong path. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "have let their desires lead them away from the truth" or "have stopped believing the truth"
1Ti 6:10have pierced themselves with much griefPaul speaks about grief as if it were a sword that a person uses to stab themselves. Alternate Translation: "have caused themselves to be very sorrowful"
1Ti 6:11flee from these thingsPaul speaks of these temptations and sins as if they were things that a person could physically run away from. Alternate Translation: "completely avoid these things"
1Ti 6:11Pursue righteousnessRun after or "Chase." Paul speaks of righteousness and other good qualities as if they were things that a person could run after. This metaphor is the opposite of "flee from." It means to try your best to obtain something. Alternate Translation: "Seek to gain" or "Do your best to act in"
1Ti 6:12Fight the good fight of faithHere Paul speaks about a person continuing in faith as if they are an athlete fighting to win a contest or a warrior fighting a battle. Alternate Translation: "Try your hardest to obey Christ's teachings with as much energy as an athlete uses in a contest"
1Ti 6:12Take hold of the everlasting lifeThis continues the metaphor. Paul speaks about a person receiving eternal life as if they are a victorious athlete or warrior taking their prize. Alternate Translation: "Take eternal life as your reward as a victorious athlete takes his prize"
1Ti 6:14without spot or blameThe word "spot" is a metaphor for moral fault. Possible meanings are 1) Jesus will not find fault with Timothy or blame him for doing wrong or 2) other people will not find fault with Timothy or blame him for doing wrong.
1Ti 6:18be rich in good worksPaul speaks of spiritual blessings as if they were earthly wealth. Alternate Translation: "serve and help others in many ways"
1Ti 6:19they will store up for themselves a good foundation for what is to comeHere Paul speaks about God's blessings that he gives in heaven as if they are riches that a person is storing away for later use. And, the certainty of these blessings that people will never lose is spoke of as if they were the foundation of a building. Alternate Translation: "it will be as though they were storing up for themselves many things that God will give them"
1Ti 6:19take hold of real lifeThis recalls the sports metaphor of [1 Timothy 6:12](./11.md), where the prize is something that the winner can actually hold in his hands. Here the "prize" is "real" life.
1Ti 6:21they have missed the faithPaul speaks of faith in Christ as if it were a target at which to aim. Alternate Translation: "they have not understood or believed the true faith"
2Ti 1:1of the life that is in Christ JesusPaul speaks of "the life" as if it were an object inside of Jesus. This refers to the life people receive as a result of belonging to Christ Jesus. Alternate Translation: "of the life that we receive as a result of belonging to Christ Jesus"
2Ti 1:2beloved childdear child or "child whom I love. Here "child" is a term of great love and approval. It is also likely that Timothy was converted to Christ by Paul, and so this is why Paul considered him like his own child. Alternate Translation: "who is like my beloved child"
2Ti 1:3with a clean consciencePaul speaks of his conscience as if it could be physically clean. This means that a person does not feel guilty because he has always tried to do what was right. Alternate Translation: "knowing I have tried my hardest to do what is right"
2Ti 1:4I may be filled with joyPaul speaks of himself as if he were a container that someone could fill. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I may be full of joy" or "I may have complete joy"
2Ti 1:5faith, which lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that it lives in you alsoPaul is speaking of their faith as if it were something that was alive and lived in them. Paul means they have the same sort of faith. This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate Translation: "faith. Lois, your grandmother, and Eunice, your mother, first had genuine faith, and I am confident that you have genuine faith as well"
2Ti 1:6to rekindle the giftPaul speaks about Timothy's need to start using his gift again as if he were restarting a fire. Alternate Translation: "to start using again the gift"
2Ti 1:8share in suffering for the gospelPaul speaks of suffering as if it were an object that could be shared or distributed among people. Alternate Translation: "suffer with me for the gospel"
2Ti 1:10God's salvation has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ JesusPaul speaks of salvation as if it were an object that could uncovered and shown to people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "God has shown how he will save us by sending our Savior Christ Jesus"
2Ti 1:10who put an end to deathPaul speaks of death as if it were an independent process instead of the event of people dying. Alternate Translation: "who destroyed death" or "who made it possible for people not to remain dead forever"
2Ti 1:10brought life that never ends to light through the gospelPaul speaks of teaching about eternal life as if it were an object that could be brought from darkness into light so that people could see it. Alternate Translation: "taught what life that never ends is by preaching the gospel"
2Ti 1:12to keep that which I have entrusted to himPaul is using a metaphor of a person leaving something with another person who is supposed to protect it until he gives it back to the first person. Possible meanings are 1) Paul is trusting Jesus to help him remain faithful, or 2) Paul is trusting that Jesus will ensure that people continue spreading the gospel message.
2Ti 1:15turned away from meThis is a metaphor that means they stopped helping Paul. They abandoned Paul because the authorities had thrown him into prison. Alternate Translation: "have stopped helping me"
2Ti 1:18to find mercy from himPaul speaks of mercy as if it were an object that could be found.
2Ti 2:1my childHere "child" is a term of great love and approval. It is also likely that Timothy was converted to Christ by Paul, and so this is why Paul considered him like his own child. Alternate Translation: "who is like my child"
2Ti 2:1be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ JesusPaul speaks about the motivation and determination that God's grace allows believers to have. Alternate Translation: "let God use the grace he gave you through your relationship to Christ Jesus to make you strong"
2Ti 2:2entrust them to faithful peoplePaul speaks of his instructions to Timothy as if they were objects that Timothy could give to other people and trust them to use correctly. Alternate Translation: "commit them" or "teach them"
2Ti 2:4while entangledPaul speaks of this distraction as if it were a net that tripped people up as they were walking.
2Ti 2:6It is necessary that the hardworking farmer receive his share of the crops firstThis is the third metaphor Paul gives Timothy about working. The reader should understand that Christ's servants need to work hard.
2Ti 2:8from David's seedThis is a metaphor that means Jesus descended from David. Alternate Translation: "who is a descendant of David"
2Ti 2:9the word of God is not boundHere "bound" speaks of what happens to a prisoner, and the phrase is a metaphor that means no one can stop God's message. This can be translated in active form. Alternate Translation: "no one can put the word of God in prison" or "no one can stop the word of God"
2Ti 2:10may obtain the salvation that is in Christ JesusPaul speaks of salvation as if it were an object that could be physically grasped. Alternate Translation: "will receive salvation from Christ Jesus"
2Ti 2:14before GodPaul speaks of God's awareness of Paul as if he is in God's physical presence. This implies that God will be Timothy's witness. Alternate Translation: "in God's presence" or "with God as your witness"
2Ti 2:15a workerPaul presents the idea of Timothy correctly explaining God's word as if he were a skilled workman. Alternate Translation: "like a workman" or "like a worker"
2Ti 2:16which leads to more and more godlessnessPaul speaks of this kind of talk as if it were something that could physically move to another location, and he speaks of godlessness as if it were that new location. Alternate Translation: "which causes people to become more and more ungodly"
2Ti 2:18who have gone astray from the truthHere "gone astray from the truth" is a metaphor for no longer believing or teaching what is true. Alternate Translation: "who have started saying things that are not true"
2Ti 2:19General Information:Just as precious and common containers can be used for honorable ways in a wealthy house, any person who turns to God can be used by God in honorable ways in doing good works.
2Ti 2:19the firm foundation of God standsPossible meanings are 1) "God's truth is like a firm foundation" or 2) "God has established his people like a building on a firm foundation" or 3) "God's faithfulness is like a firm foundation." In any case, Paul speaks of this idea as if it were a building's foundation laid in the ground.
2Ti 2:19depart from unrighteousnessPaul speaks of unrighteousness as if it were a place from which one could leave. Alternate Translation: "stop being evil" or "stop doing wrong things"
2Ti 2:20containers of gold and silver ... containers of wood and clayHere "containers" is a general word for bowls, plates, and pots, which people put food or drink into or on. If your language does not have a general word, use the word for "bowls" or "pots." Paul is using this as a metaphor to describe different types of people.
2Ti 2:21cleans himself from dishonorable usePossible meanings are 1) "separates himself from dishonorable people" or 2) "makes himself pure." In any case, Paul speaks of this process as if it were a person washing himself.
2Ti 2:21he is an honorable containerPaul speaks about this person as if he were an honorable container. Alternate Translation: "he is like the container that is useful for special occasions" or "he is like the container that is useful for activities good people do in public"
2Ti 2:21He is set apartHe is not set apart physically or in the sense of location, but instead to fulfill a purpose. Some versions translate this "sanctified," but the text signals the essential idea of being set apart.
2Ti 2:22Flee youthful lustsPaul speaks about youthful lusts as if they are a dangerous person or animal that Timothy should run away from. Alternate Translation: "Completely avoid youthful lusts" or "Absolutely refuse to do the wrong things that young people strongly desire to do"
2Ti 2:22Pursue righteousnessHere "Pursue" means the opposite of "Flee." Paul speaks of righteousness as if it is an object that Timothy should run towards because it will do him good. Alternate Translation: "Try your best to obtain righteousness" or "Seek after righteousness"
2Ti 2:22out of a clean heartHere "clean" is a metaphor for something pure or sincere. And, "heart" here is a metonym for "thoughts" or "emotions." Alternate Translation: "with a sincere mind" or "with sincerity"
2Ti 2:23they give birth to argumentsPaul speaks of ignorant questions as if they were women giving birth to children. Alternate Translation: "they cause arguments"
2Ti 2:25God may perhaps give them repentancePaul speaks of repentance as if it were an object that God could give people. Alternate Translation: "God may give them the opportunity to repent"
2Ti 2:26They may become sober againPaul speaks of sinners learning to think correctly about God as if they were drunk people becoming sober again. Alternate Translation: "They may think correctly again"
2Ti 2:26leave the devil's trapPaul speaks of the devil's ability to convince Christians to sin as if it were a trap. Alternate Translation: "stop doing what the devil wants"
2Ti 2:26after they have been captured by him for his willConvincing Christians to sin is spoken of as if the devil had physically captured them and made them his slaves. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "after he has deceived them into obeying his will"
2Ti 3:5They will have a shape of godliness, but they will deny its powerPaul speaks of godliness, the habit of honoring God, as if it were a physical object that had a shape and had physical power. Alternate Translation: "They will appear to honor God, but they way they act will show that they do not really believe in God's power"
2Ti 3:5Turn away from these peopleTurn away here is a metaphor for avoiding someone. Alternate Translation: "Avoid these people"
2Ti 3:6who are heaped up with sinsPaul speaks of the attraction of sin as if sin were heaped up on the backs of these women. Possible meanings are 1) "who sin often" or 2) "who feel terrible guilt because they continue to sin." The idea is that these men can easily influence these women because the women are unable to stop sinning.
2Ti 3:6are led away by various desiresPaul speaks about these various desires as if they could lead another person away. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "they desire to sin in various ways rather than obey Christ"
2Ti 3:8stood againstPaul speaks of those who argue against someone as if they were standing against them. Alternate Translation: "opposed"
2Ti 3:9they will not advance very farPaul uses an expression about physical movement to mean that the false teachers will not have much success among the believers. Alternate Translation: "they will not have much success"
2Ti 3:10you have followed my teachingPaul speaks of giving close attention to these things as if one were physically following them as they moved. Alternate Translation: "you have observed my teaching" or "you have payed close attention to my teaching"
2Ti 3:11Out of them all, the Lord rescued mePaul speaks of God having stopped him from suffering these hardships and dangers as if God had carried him out of a physical location.
2Ti 3:13leading others and themselves astrayHere, to lead someone astray is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate Translation: "deceiving themselves and others" or "believing lies and teaching lies"
2Ti 3:14remain in the things that you have learnedPaul speaks of biblical instruction as if it were a place that Timothy could stay in. Alternate Translation: "do not forget what you learned" or "continue doing what you have learned"
2Ti 4:3they will heap up for themselves teachers according to their own desiresPaul speaks of people obtaining many teachers as if it were putting them into a heap or pile. Alternate Translation: "they will listen to many teachers who assure them that there is nothing wrong with their sinful desires"
2Ti 4:4They will turn their hearing away from the truthPaul speaks about people no longer paying attention as if they were physically turning away so they cannot hear. Alternate Translation: "They will no longer pay attention to the truth"
2Ti 4:4they will turn aside to mythsPaul speaks about people starting to pay attention to myths as if they were physically turning towards them to listen. Alternate Translation: "they will pay attention to teachings that are not true"
2Ti 4:5be sober-mindedPaul wants his readers to think correctly about everything, and he speaks about them as if he wanted them to be sober, that is, not drunk with wine. Alternate Translation: "think clearly"
2Ti 4:6I am already being poured outPaul speaks of his readiness to die as if he were a cup of wine ready to be poured out as a sacrifice to God.
2Ti 4:7I have competed in the good contestPaul speaks of his hard work as if he had been an athlete competing for a prize. Alternate Translation: "I have done my best"
2Ti 4:7I have finished the racePaul speaks of his life of service to God as if he had been running a race on foot. Alternate Translation: "I have completed what I needed to do"
2Ti 4:7I have kept the faithPaul speaks of his trust in Christ and his obedience to God as if they were a valuable object that he kept in his possession. Possible meanings are 1) "I have been faithful in doing my ministry" or 2) "I have kept the teachings about what we believe from any error"
2Ti 4:8crown of righteousnessPossible meanings are 1) the crown is the prize that God gives to people who have lived the right way or 2) the crown is a metaphor for righteousness. Just as the judge of a race gives a crown to the winner, when Paul finishes his life, God will declare that Paul is righteous.
2Ti 4:14displayed many evil deeds against mePaul speaks of doing evil deeds as if they were put on display. Alternate Translation: "did many evil things to me"
2Ti 4:14The Lord will repay him according to his deedsPaul speaks of punishment as if it were payment. Alternate Translation: "The Lord will punish him for what he has done"
2Ti 4:17the Lord stood by mePaul is speaking as if the Lord had physically stood with him. Alternate Translation: "the Lord helped me"
2Ti 4:17I was rescued out of the lion's mouthPaul is speaking about danger as if he had been threatened by a lion. This danger could have been physical, spiritual, or both. Alternate Translation: "I was rescued from great danger"
Tit 1:3he revealed his wordPaul speaks of God's message as if it were an object that could be visibly shown to people. Alternate Translation: "He caused me to understand his message"
Tit 1:4a true sonThough Titus was not Paul's biological son, they share a common faith in Christ. Thus, in Christ, Paul considers Titus as his own son. Alternate Translation: "you are like a son to me"
Tit 1:7God's household managerPaul speaks of the church as if it were God's household and the overseer as if he were a servant in charge of managing the household.
Tit 1:9hold tightly toPaul speaks of devotion to the Christian faith as if it were grasping the faith with one's hands. Alternate Translation: "be devoted to" or "know well"
Tit 1:10empty talkers and deceiversThis phrase describes the rebellious people mentioned in the previous phrase. Here "empty" is a metaphor for useless, and "empty talkers" are people who say useless or foolish things. Alternate Translation: "people who say useless things and deceive others"
Tit 1:12evil beastsThis metaphor compares the Cretans to dangerous wild animals.
Tit 1:14turn away from the truthPaul speaks of the truth as if it were an object that one could turn away from or avoid. Alternate Translation: "reject the truth"
Tit 1:15to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is purePaul speaks of sinners as if they were physically dirty. Alternate Translation: "if people are morally defiled and do not believe, they cannot do anything pure"
Tit 2:3or being slaves to much wineA person who cannot control themselves and drinks too much wine is spoken of as if the person were a slave to the wine. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "and not drinking too much wine" or "and not addicted to wine"
Tit 2:14to redeem us from all lawlessnessPaul speaks of Jesus as if he were setting slaves free from their evil master.
Tit 3:5washing of new birthPaul is probably speaking of God's forgiveness for sinners as if he were physically washing them. He is also speaking of sinners who become responsive to God as if they had been born again.
Tit 3:6richly poured the Holy Spirit on usIt is common for New Testament writers to speak of the Holy Spirit as a liquid that God can pour out in large amounts. Alternate Translation: "gave the Holy Spirit to us generously"
Tit 3:7we might become heirs with the certain hope of eternal lifeThe people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member.
Tit 3:11has turned from the right wayPaul speaks of someone who makes errors as if he were leaving the path on which he had been walking.
Phm 1:2our fellow soldierPaul speaks here of Archippus as if they were both soldiers in an army. He means that Archippus works hard, as Paul himself works hard, to spread the gospel. Alternate Translation: "our fellow spiritual warrior" or "who also fights the spiritual battle with us"
Phm 1:10my child Onesimusmy son Onesimus. Paul speaks of the way he is friends with Onesimus as if it were the way a father and his son love each other. Onesimus was not Paul's actual son, but he received spiritual life when Paul taught him about Jesus, and Paul loved him. Alternate Translation: "my spiritual son Onesimus"
Phm 1:10whom I have fathered in my chainsHere "fathered" is a metaphor that means Paul converted Onesimus to Christ. Alternate Translation: "who became my spiritual son when I taught him about Christ and he received new life while I was in my chains" or "who became like a son to me while I was in my chains"
Phm 1:16in both the fleshboth as a man. Paul is referring to Onesimus' being a trustworthy servant.
Phm 1:20refresh my heart in ChristHere "refresh" is a metaphor for comfort or encourage. Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's feelings, thoughts, or inner being. How Paul wanted Philemon refresh his heart can be made explicit. Alternate Translation: "encourage me in Christ" or "comfort me in Christ" or "refresh my heart in Christ by accepting Onesimus kindly"
Heb 1:2to be the heir of all thingsThe author speaks of the Son as if he will inherit wealth and property from his Father. Alternate Translation: "to possess all things"
Heb 1:3he had made cleansing for sinsThe author speaks of forgiving sins as if it were making a person clean. Alternate Translation: "he had made it possible for God to forgive our sins"
Heb 1:4he has inheritedThe author speaks of receiving honor and authority as if he were inheriting wealth and property from his father. Alternate Translation: "he has received"
Heb 1:6the firstbornThis means Jesus. The author refers to him as the "firstborn" to emphasize the Son's importance and authority over everyone else. It does not imply that there was a time before Jesus existed or that God has other sons like Jesus. Alternate Translation: "his honored Son, his only Son"
Heb 1:7He is the one who makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of firePossible meanings are 1) "God has made his angels to be spirits who serve him with power like flames of fire" or 2) God makes the wind and flames of fire his messengers and servants. In the original language the word for "angel" is the same as "messenger," and the word for "spirits" is the same as "wind." With either possible meaning, the point is that the angels serve the Son because he is superior.
Heb 1:9has anointed you with the oil of joy more than your companionsHere "oil of joy" refers to the joy that the Son felt when God honored him. Alternate Translation: "has honored you and made you more joyful than anyone else"
Heb 1:10you laid the earth's foundationThe author speaks of God creating the earth as if he built a building on a foundation. Alternate Translation: "you created the earth"
Heb 1:12your years do not endPeriods of time are used to represent God's eternal existence. Alternate Translation: "your life will never end"
Heb 1:13until I make your enemies a stool for your feetChrist's enemies are spoken of as if they will become an object on which a king rests his feet. This image represents defeat and dishonor for his enemies.
Heb 1:14for those who will inherit salvationReceiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. Alternate Translation: "for those whom God will save"
Heb 2:1so that we do not drift away from itPossible meanings for this metaphor are 1) people who stop believing in God's word are spoken of as if they were drifting away, like a boat drifts from its position in the water. Alternate Translation: "so that we do not stop believing it" or 2) people who stop obeying God's words are spoken of as if they were drifting away, like a boat drifts from its position in the water. Alternate Translation: "so that we do not stop obeying it"
Heb 2:7a little lower than the angelsThe author speaks of people being less important than angels as if the people are standing in a position that is lower than the angels' position. Alternate Translation: "less important than the angels"
Heb 2:7you crowned him with glory and honorThe gifts of glory and honor are spoken of as if they were a wreath of leaves placed on the head of a victorious athlete. Alternate Translation: "you have given them great glory and honor"
Heb 2:8You put everything in subjection under his feetThe author speaks of humans having control over everything as if they have stepped on everything with their feet. Alternate Translation: "You have given them control over everything"
Heb 2:9he might taste deathThe experience of death is spoken of as if it were food that people can taste. Alternate Translation: "he might experience death" or "he might die"
Heb 2:10bring many sons to gloryThe gift of glory is spoken of here as if it were a place to which people could be brought. Alternate Translation: "save many sons"
Heb 2:10the leader of their salvationPossible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor in which the writer speaks of salvation as if it were a destination and of Jesus as the person who goes before the people on the road and leads them to salvation. Alternate Translation: "the one who leads people to salvation" or 2) the word translated here as "leader" can mean "founder" and the author speaks of Jesus as the one who establishes salvation, or makes it possible for God to save people. Alternate Translation: "the one who makes their salvation possible"
Heb 2:10completeBecoming mature and completely trained is spoken of as if a person were made complete, perhaps complete in all his body parts.
Heb 2:13the children ... the children of GodThis speaks about those who believe in Christ as if they were children. Alternate Translation: "those who are like my children ... those who are like children to God"
Heb 2:14the children ... the children of GodThis speaks about those who believe in Christ as if they were children. Alternate Translation: "those who are like my children ... those who are like children to God"
Heb 2:15This was so that he would free all those who through fear of death lived all their lives in slaveryThe fear of death is spoken of as if it were slavery. Taking away someone's fear is spoken of as it were freeing that person from slavery. Alternate Translation: "This was so he might free all people. For we lived like slaves because we were afraid of dying"
Heb 2:16the seed of AbrahamDescendants of Abraham are spoken of as if they were his seed. Alternate Translation: "the descendants of Abraham"
Heb 3:1holy brothersHere "brothers" refer to fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate Translation: "holy brothers and sisters" or "my holy fellow believers"
Heb 3:2in God's houseThe Hebrew people to whom God revealed himself are spoken of as if they were a literal house. Alternate Translation: "to all of God's people"
Heb 3:4the one who built everythingGod's acts of creating the world are spoken of as if he had built a house.
Heb 3:5in God's entire houseThe Hebrew people to whom God revealed himself are spoken of as if they were a literal house. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 3:2](./02.md).
Heb 3:6in charge of God's houseThis speaks about God's people as if they were a literal house. Alternate Translation: "who rules over God's people"
Heb 3:6We are his houseThis speaks of God's people as if they are a literal house. Alternate Translation: "We are God's people"
Heb 3:10They have not known my waysThis speaks of a manner of conducting one's life as if it were a way or a path. Alternate Translation: "They have not understood how I want them to conduct their lives"
Heb 3:11They will never enter my restThe peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate Translation: "They will never enter the place of rest" or "I will never allow them to experience my blessings of rest"
Heb 3:12brothersHere this refers to fellow Christians including males and females. Alternate Translation: "brothers and sisters" or "fellow believers"
Heb 3:18they would not enter his restThe peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate Translation: "they would not enter the place of rest" or "they would not experience his blessings of rest"
Heb 4:1none of you might seem to have failed to reach the promise left behind for you to enter God's restGod's promise is spoken of as if it were a gift that God left behind when he visited the people. Alternate Translation: "none of you fail to enter into God's rest, which he promised to us" or "God will allow you all to enter into his rest as he promised us"
Heb 4:1to enter God's restThe peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate Translation: "to enter the place of rest" or "to experience God's blessings of rest"
Heb 4:3we who have believed enter that restThe peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate Translation: "we who have believed will enter the place of rest" or "we who have believed will experience God's blessings of rest"
Heb 4:3They will never enter my restThe peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that he can give, and as if they were a place to which people could go. Alternate Translation: "They will never enter the place of rest" or "They will never experience my blessings of rest"
Heb 4:3from the foundation of the worldThe author speaks of the world as if it were a building set on a foundation. Alternate Translation: "at the beginning of the world"
Heb 4:7if you hear his voiceGod's commands to Israel are spoken of as if he had given them in an audible voice. See how you translated this in [Hebrews 3:7-8](../03/07.md). Alternate Translation: "if you hear God speaking"
Heb 4:8if Joshua had given them restThe peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were rest that Joshua could give. Alternate Translation: "if Joshua had brought the Israelites to the place where God would give them rest" or "if the Israelites during the time of Joshua had experienced God's blessings of rest"
Heb 4:9a Sabbath restEternal peace and security are spoken of as if they were the Sabbath day, the Jewish day of worship and rest from working. Alternate Translation: "an eternal rest"
Heb 4:10he who enters into God's restThe peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they are a place to enter. Alternate Translation: "the person who enters into God's place of rest" or "the person who experiences God's blessings of rest"
Heb 4:11let us be eager to enter that restThe peace and security provided by God are spoken of as if they were a place to enter. Alternate Translation: "we should also do everything we can to rest with God where he is"
Heb 4:11will fall into the kind of disobedience that they didDisobedience is spoken of as if it were a hole that a person could physically fall into by accident. This passage can be reworded so that the abstract noun "disobedience" is expressed as the verb "disobey." Alternate Translation: "will disobey in the same way as they did"
Heb 4:12sharper than any two-edged swordA two-edged sword can easily cut through a person's flesh. God's word is very effective in showing what is in a person's heart and thoughts.
Heb 4:12It pierces even to the division of soul from spirit, and joints from marrowThis continues speaking about God's word as if it were a sword. Here the sword is so sharp that it can cut through and divide parts of the human that are very difficult or even impossible to divide. This means that there is nothing inside us that we can hide from God.
Heb 4:13everything is bare and openThis speaks about all things as if they were a person standing bare, or a box that is open. Alternate Translation: "everything is completely exposed"
Heb 4:13to the eyes of the one to whom we must give accountGod is spoken of as if he had eyes. Alternate Translation: "to God, who will judge how we have lived"
Heb 4:14let us firmly hold to our beliefsBelief and trust are spoken of as if they were objects that a person could grasp firmly. Alternate Translation: "let us continue to believe confidently in him"
Heb 4:16we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of needHere "mercy" and "grace" are spoken of as if they were objects that can be given or can be found. Alternate Translation: "God may be merciful and gracious and help us in time of need"
Heb 5:2is subject to weaknessThe high priest's own weakness is spoken of as if it were a another person who rules over him. Alternate Translation: "is spiritually weak" or "is weak against sin"
Heb 5:4takes this honorHonor is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could grasp in his hands.
Heb 5:11you have become dull in hearingThe ability to understand and obey is spoken of as if it were the ability to listen. And the ability to listen is spoken of as if it were a metal tool that becomes dull with use. Alternate Translation: "you have trouble understanding it"
Heb 5:12You need milkTeaching about God that is easy to understand is spoken of as if it were milk, the only food that infants can take. Alternate Translation: "You have become like babies and can drink only milk"
Heb 5:12milk, not solid foodTeaching about God that is difficult to understand is spoken of as if it were solid food, suitable for adults. Alternate Translation: "milk instead of solid food that adults can eat"
Heb 5:13because he is still a little childSpiritual maturity is compared with the kind of food that a growing child eats. Solid food is not for a tiny baby, and that is a figure describing a young Christian who only learns simple truths; but later, more solid food is given to the little child, just as when a person matures he can learn about matters that are more difficult.
Heb 6:1let us leave the beginning of the message of Christ and move forward to maturityThis speaks about the basic teachings as if they were the beginning of a journey and the mature teachings as if they were the end of a journey. Alternate Translation: "let us stop only discussing what we first learned and start understanding more mature teachings as well"
Heb 6:1Let us not lay again the foundation ... of faith in GodBasic teachings are spoken of as if they were a building whose construction begins by laying a foundation. Alternate Translation: "Let us not repeat the basic teachings ... of faith in God"
Heb 6:1dead worksSinful deeds are spoken of as if they belonged to the world of the dead.
Heb 6:2nor the foundation of teaching ... eternal judgmentBasic teachings are spoken of as if they were a building whose construction begins by laying a foundation. Alternate Translation: "nor the basic teachings ... eternal judgment"
Heb 6:4those who were once enlightenedUnderstanding is spoken of as if it were illumination. Alternate Translation: "those who once understood the message about Christ"
Heb 6:4who tasted the heavenly giftExperiencing salvation is spoken of as if it were tasting food. Alternate Translation: "who experienced God's saving power"
Heb 6:4who were sharers of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit, who comes to believers, is spoken of as if he were an object that people could share. Alternate Translation: "who received the Holy Spirit"
Heb 6:5who tasted God's good wordLearning God's message is spoken of as if it were tasting food. Alternate Translation: "who learned God's good message"
Heb 6:6they crucify the Son of God for themselves againWhen people turn away from God, it is as though they crucify Jesus again. Alternate Translation: "it is like they crucify for themselves the very Son of God again"
Heb 6:8is near to a curseThis speaks of "curse" as if it were a place to which a person could draw near. Alternate Translation: "is in danger of God cursing it"
Heb 6:12inherit the promisesReceiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. Alternate Translation: "receive what God promised them"
Heb 6:17to the heirs of the promiseThe people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member. Alternate Translation: "to those who would receive what he promised"
Heb 6:18we, who have fled for refugeBelievers, who trust in God for him to protect them, are spoken of as if they were running to a safe place. Alternate Translation: "we, who have trusted him"
Heb 6:18will have a strong encouragement to hold firmly to the hope set before usTrust in God is spoken of as if encouragement were an object that could be presented to a person and that person could hold on to it. Alternate Translation: "will continue to trust in God just has he encouraged us to do"
Heb 6:19as a secure and reliable anchor for the soulJust as an anchor keeps a boat from drifting in the water, Jesus keeps us secure in God's presence. Alternate Translation: "that causes us to live securely in God's presence"
Heb 6:19the inner placeThis was the most holy place in the temple. It was thought to be the place where God was most intensely present among his people. In this passage, this place stands for heaven and God's throne room.
Heb 7:5they, too, have come from Abraham's bodyThis is a way of saying that they were descendants of Abraham. Alternate Translation: "they, too, are descendants of Abraham"
Heb 7:6the one who had the promisesThe things that God promised to do for Abraham are spoken of as if they were objects that he could possess. Alternate Translation: the one to whom God had spoken his promises"
Heb 7:8is testified that he lives onIt is never explicitly written in scripture that Melchizedek dies. The author of Hebrews speaks of this absence of information about Melchizedek's death in scripture as if it were a positive statement that he is still alive. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "scripture shows that he lives on"
Heb 7:9Levi ... was in the body of his ancestorSince Levi had not been born yet, the author speaks of him as still being in Abraham's body. In this way, the author argues that Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham.
Heb 7:10Levi ... was in the body of his ancestorSince Levi had not been born yet, the author speaks of him as still being in Abraham's body. In this way, the author argues that Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham.
Heb 7:18the former regulation is set asideHere "set aside" is a metaphor for making something invalid. This can be stated in active form. AT "God made the commandment invalid"
Heb 7:19through which we come near to GodWorshiping God and having his favor are spoken of coming near to him. Alternate Translation: "and because of this hope we approach God" or "and because of this hope we worship God"
Heb 7:26has become higher than the heavensGod has raised him up to the highest heavens. The author speaks of possessing more honor and power than anyone else as if it were position that is up above all things. Alternate Translation: "God has given him more honor and power than anyone else"
Heb 8:5shadow of the heavenly thingsThe author speaks of the earthly temple, which is a copy of the heavenly temple, as if it were a shadow.
Heb 8:8the house of Israel and with the house of JudahThe people of Israel and Judah are spoken of as if they were houses. Alternate Translation: "the people of Israel and with the people of Judah"
Heb 8:9I took them by their hand to lead them out of the land of EgyptThis metaphor represents God's great love and concern. Alternate Translation: "I led them out of Egypt like a father leads his young child"
Heb 8:10the house of IsraelThe people of Israel are spoken of as if they were a house. Alternate Translation: "the people of Israel"
Heb 8:10I will put my laws into their mindsGod's requirements are spoken of as if they were objects that could be placed somewhere. People's ability to think is spoken of as if it were a place. Alternate Translation: "I will enable them to understand my laws"
Heb 9:9are not able to perfect the worshiper's conscienceThe writer speaks of a person's conscience as if it were an object that could be made better and better until it was without fault. A person's conscience is his knowledge of right and wrong. It is also his awareness of whether or not he has done wrong. If he knows he has done wrong, we say that he feels guilty. Alternate Translation: "are not able to make the worshiper free from guilt"
Heb 9:12most holy placeGod's presence in heaven is spoken of as if it were the most holy place, the innermost room in the tabernacle.
Heb 9:14blemishThis is a small sin or moral fault spoken of here as if it were a small, unusual spot or defect on Christ's body.
Heb 9:14cleanseHere "cleanse" stands for the action of relieving our consciences from guilt for the sins we have committed.
Heb 9:14dead worksSinful deeds are spoken of as if they belonged to the world of the dead.
Heb 9:15inheritanceReceiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
Heb 9:22almost everything is cleansed with bloodMaking something acceptable to God is spoken of as if it were cleansing that thing. This idea can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "the priests use blood to cleanse almost everything"
Heb 9:26to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himselfDoing away with sin represents having God forgive it. Alternate Translation: "to cause God to forgive sins by sacrificing himself" or "to sacrifice himself so that God can forgive sin"
Heb 9:28to take away the sinsThe act of making us innocent rather than guilty for our sins is spoken of as if our sins were physical objects that Christ could carry away from us. Alternate Translation: "so that God would forgive the sins"
Heb 10:1the law is only a shadow of the good things to comeThis speaks about the law as if it were a shadow. The author means the law is not the good things that God had promised. It only hints at the good things that God is going to do.
Heb 10:2the worshipers would have been cleansedHere being cleansed represents no longer being guilty of sin. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "the sacrifices would have taken away their sin" or "God would have made them no longer guilty of sin"
Heb 10:4For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sinsSins are spoken of as if they were objects that animal blood could sweep away as it flowed. Alternate Translation: "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to cause God to forgive sins"
Heb 10:11can never take away sinsThis speaks of "sins" as if they are an object that a person can take away. Alternate Translation: "can never cause God to forgive sins"
Heb 10:13until his enemies are made a stool for his feetThe humiliation of Christ's enemies is spoken of as if they were made a place for him to rest his feet. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "until God humiliates Christ's enemies and they become like a stool for his feet"
Heb 10:19brothersHere this means all believers in Christ whether male or female. Alternate Translation: "brothers and sisters" or "fellow believers"
Heb 10:19the most holy placeThis means the presence of God, not the most holy place in the old tabernacle.
Heb 10:20through the curtainThe curtain in the earthly temple represents the separation between people and God's true presence.
Heb 10:21the house of GodThis speaks about God's people as if they were a literal house. Alternate Translation: "all the people of God"
Heb 10:23Let us also hold tightly to the confession of our hopeHere "hold tightly" is a metaphor that refers to a person determining to do something and refusing to stop. The abstract nouns "confession" and "expectation" can be translated as verbs. Alternate Translation: "Let us be determined to continue confessing the things that we confidently expect from God"
Heb 10:23without waveringBeing uncertain about something is spoken of as if he were wavering or leaning from side to side. Alternate Translation: "without being unsure" or "without doubting"
Heb 10:25as you see the day coming closerA future time is spoken of as if it were an object coming closer to the speaker. Here "the day" refers to when Jesus will return. Alternate Translation: "as you know that Christ will return soon"
Heb 10:26after we have received the knowledge of the truthKnowledge of the truth is spoken of as if it were an object that could be given by one person to another. Alternate Translation: "after we have learned the truth"
Heb 10:27a fury of fire that will consume God's enemiesGod's fury is spoken of as if it were fire that would burn up his enemies.
Heb 10:29has trampled underfoot the Son of GodDisregarding Christ and scorning him are spoken of as if someone had walked on him. Alternate Translation: "has rejected the Son of God"
Heb 10:30Vengeance belongs to meVengeance is spoken of as if it were an object that belongs to God, who has the right to do as he wishes with what he owns. God has the right to take vengeance on his enemies.
Heb 10:30I will pay backGod taking vengeance is spoken of as if he were paying back the harmful things that someone has done to others.
Heb 10:31to fall into the handsReceiving God's full punishment is spoken of as if the person falls into God's hands. Here "hands" refers to God's power to judge. Alternate Translation: "to receive God's full punishment"
Heb 10:32after you were enlightenedLearning the truth is spoken of as if God shined a light on the person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "after you learned the truth about Christ"
Heb 10:34a better and everlasting possessionGod's eternal blessings are spoken of as a "possession."
Heb 10:35do not throw away your confidence, which has a great rewardA person no longer having confidence is spoken of as if the person were to throw confidence away, like a person would discard something worthless. The abstract noun "confidence" can be translated with the adjective "confident" or the adverb "confidently." Alternate Translation: "do not stop being confident, because you will receive a great reward for being confident" or "do not stop confidently trusting in God, who will reward you greatly"
Heb 10:39who turn back to destructionA person who loses courage and faith are spoken of as if he were stepping back in fear from something. And "destruction" is spoken of as if it were a destination. Alternate Translation: "who stop trusting God, which will cause him to destroy us"
Heb 10:39for keeping our soulLiving eternally with God is spoken of as if it were keeping one's soul. Here "soul" refers to the whole person. Alternate Translation: ", which will result in us living with God forever"
Heb 11:4Abel still speaksReading the scriptures and learning about Abel's faith is spoken of as if Abel himself were still speaking. Alternate Translation: "we still learn from what Abel did"
Heb 11:5see deathThis speaks of death as if it were an object that people can see. It means to experience death. Alternate Translation: "die"
Heb 11:6that anyone coming to GodWanting to worship God and belong to his people is spoken of as if the person is literally coming to God. Alternate Translation: "that anyone who wants to belong to God"
Heb 11:6those who seek himThose who learn about God and make an effort to obey him are spoken of as if they were seeking to find him.
Heb 11:7became an heir of the righteousnessNoah is spoken of as if he were to inherit property and wealth from a family member. Alternate Translation: "received from God the righteousness"
Heb 11:8that he was to receive as an inheritanceThe land that God promised to give Abraham's descendants is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that Abraham was to receive. Alternate Translation: "that God would give him"
Heb 11:9fellow heirsheirs together. This speaks about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as if they were heirs that would receive an inheritance from their father.
Heb 11:13without receiving the promisesThis speaks of promises as if they are objects that a person receives. Alternate Translation: "without receiving what God had promised them"
Heb 11:13after seeing and greeting them from far offFuture promised events are spoken of as if they were travelers arriving from far away. Alternate Translation: "after learning what God will do in the future"
Heb 11:26following ChristObeying Christ is spoken of as if it were following him down a path.
Heb 11:26fixing his eyes on his rewardFully concentrating on achieving a goal is spoken of as if a person were staring at an object and refusing to look away. Alternate Translation: "doing what he knew would earn him a reward in heaven"
Heb 11:33They stopped the mouths of lions, extinguished the power of fire, escaped the edge of the swordThese are some of the ways God saved believers from death. Alternate Translation: "Lions did not eat them, fire did not burn them, their enemies did not kill them. They"
Heb 11:34They stopped the mouths of lions, extinguished the power of fire, escaped the edge of the swordThese are some of the ways God saved believers from death. Alternate Translation: "Lions did not eat them, fire did not burn them, their enemies did not kill them. They"
Heb 12:1we are surrounded by such a large cloud of witnessesThe writer speaks about the Old Testament believers as if they were a cloud that surrounded the present-day believers. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "such a large cloud of witnesses surrounds us" or "there are so many examples of faithful people about whom we learn in the scriptures"
Heb 12:1let us lay aside every weight and easily entangling sinHere "weight" and "easily entangling sin" are spoken of as if a person could take them off himself and put them down.
Heb 12:1every weightAttitudes or habits that keep believers from trusting and obeying God are spoken of as if they were loads that would make it difficult for a person to carry while running.
Heb 12:1easily entangling sinSin is spoken of as if it were a net or something else that can trip people up and make them fall. Alternate Translation: "sin that makes obeying God difficult"
Heb 12:1Let us patiently run the race that is placed before usFollowing Jesus is spoken of as if it were running a race. Alternate Translation: "Let us continue obeying what God has commanded us, just like a runner keeps going until the race is over"
Heb 12:2For the joy that was placed before himThe joy that Jesus would experience is spoken of as if God the Father had placed it before him as a goal to reach.
Heb 12:4to the point of bloodResisting opposition so much that one dies for it is spoken of as if one reached a certain place where he would die.
Heb 12:8then you are illegitimate and not his sonsThose whom God does not discipline are spoken of as if they are sons born to a man and a woman who are not married each other.
Heb 12:10so that we can share in his holinessThis metaphor speaks of "holiness" as if it were an object that can be shared among people. Alternate Translation: "so that we may become holy as God is holy"
Heb 12:11it produces the peaceful fruit of righteousnessFruit here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Alternate Translation: "it produces the peaceful result of righteousness" or "it produces righteousness, which results in peace"
Heb 12:12strengthen your hands that hang down and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feetPossibly this continues the metaphor about the race in [Hebrews 12:1](./01.md). It is in this way that the author speaks about living as Christians and helping others.
Heb 12:13strengthen your hands that hang down and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feetPossibly this continues the metaphor about the race in [Hebrews 12:1](./01.md). It is in this way that the author speaks about living as Christians and helping others.
Heb 12:13straight pathsLiving so as to honor and please God is spoken of as if it were a straight path to follow.
Heb 12:13what is lame will not be sprainedIn this metaphor of running a race, "lame" represents another person in the race who is hurt and wants to quit. This, in turn, represent the Christians themselves. Alternate Translation: "whoever is weak and wants to quit will not sprain his ankle"
Heb 12:13will not be sprainedSomeone who stops obeying God is spoken of as if he injured his foot or ankle on a path. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "will not sprain his ankle"
Heb 12:13rather be healedThis can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "instead become strong" or "instead God will heal him"
Heb 12:14Pursue peace with everyoneHere the abstract noun "peace" is spoken of as if it were something that a person must chase after and can be translated with an adverb. Alternate Translation: "Try to live peacefully with everyone"
Heb 12:15that no root of bitterness grows up to cause trouble, so that many do not become polluted by itHateful or resentful attitudes are spoken of as if they were a plant bitter to the taste. Alternate Translation: "that no one becomes like a bitter root, which when it grows causes trouble and harms many people"
Heb 12:22Mount ZionThe writer speaks of Mount Zion, the temple mount in Jerusalem, as if it were heaven itself, the residence of God.
Heb 12:23the firstbornThis speaks of believers in Christ as if they were firstborn sons. This emphasizes their special place and privilege as God's people.
Heb 12:25if we turn away from the one who is warningDisobeying God is spoken of as if a person were changing direction and walking away from him. Alternate Translation: "if we disobey the one who is warning"
Heb 12:29our God is a consuming fireGod is spoken of here as if he were a fire that can burn up anything.
Heb 13:9Do not be carried away by various strange teachingsBeing persuaded by various teachings is spoken of as if a person were being carried away by a force. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Do not let others persuade you to believe their various strange teachings"
Heb 13:9it is good that the heart should be strengthened by grace, not by foods that do not help those who walk by themThis can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "we become stronger when we think of how God has been kind to us, but we do not become stronger by obeying rules about food"
Heb 13:9those who walk by themLiving is spoken of as if it were walking. Alternate Translation: "those who live by them" or "those who regulate their lives by them"
Heb 13:13Let us therefore go to him outside the campObeying Jesus is spoken of as if a person were leaving the camp to go out where Jesus is.
Heb 13:13bearing his shameDisgrace is spoken of as if it were an object that had to be carried in one's hands or on one's back. Alternate Translation: "while allowing others to insult us just like people insulted him"
Heb 13:15sacrifices of praisePraise is spoken of as if it were a sacrifice of animals or incense.
Heb 13:15praise that is the fruit of lips that acknowledge his namePraise is spoken of as if it were fruit produced by the lips of people. Alternate Translation: "praise that is produced by the lips of those who acknowledge his name"
Heb 13:16with such sacrificesDoing good and helping others is spoken of as if they were sacrifices on an altar.
Heb 13:17keep watch over your soulsThe believers' souls, that is, the believers' spiritual well-being, are spoken of as if they were objects or animals that guards could keep watch over.
Heb 13:18we are persuaded that we have a clean conscienceHere "clean" stands for being free from guilt. Alternate Translation: "we are certain that we have no guilt"
Heb 13:20the great shepherd of the sheepChrist in his role of leader and protector of those who believe in him is spoken of as if he were a shepherd of sheep.
Jas 1:8is double-mindedThe word "double-minded" refers to a person's thoughts when he is unable to make a decision. Alternate Translation: "cannot decide if he will follow Jesus or not"
Jas 1:8unstable in all his waysHere this person is spoken of as if he cannot stay on one path but instead goes from one to another.
Jas 1:9boast of his high positionSomeone whom God has honored is spoken of as if he were standing in a high place.
Jas 1:11its beauty perishesA flower no longer being beautiful is spoken of as if its beauty dies. Alternate Translation: "and it is no longer beautiful"
Jas 1:11in the middle of his journeyA rich man's activities in daily life are spoken of as if they are a journey that he is making. This metaphor implies that he is giving no thought to his coming death, and that it will takes him by surprise.
Jas 1:12receive the crown of lifeEternal life is spoken of as if it were a wreath of leaves placed on the head of a victorious athlete. Alternate Translation: "receive eternal life as his reward"
Jas 1:17the Father of lightsGod, the creator of all the lights in the sky (sun, moon, and stars), is said to be their "Father."
Jas 1:18give us birthGod, who brought us eternal life, is spoken of as if he had given us birth.
Jas 1:21take off all sinful filth and abundant amounts of evilSin and evil are spoken of here as if they were clothing that could be taken off. Alternate Translation: "stop doing all filthy sins and stop doing abundant amounts of evil"
Jas 1:21sinful filthHere "filth," that is, dirt, stands for sin and evil.
Jas 1:21receive the implanted wordThe expression "implant" means to place one thing inside of another. Here God's word is spoken of as if it were a plant made to grow inside believers. Alternate Translation: "obey the message God has spoken to you"
Jas 1:27before our God and Fatherdirected to God
Jas 1:27to keep oneself unstained by the worldSin in the world is spoken of as something dirty that can stain a person. Alternate Translation: "to not allow the evil in the world to cause oneself to sin"
Jas 2:1hold to faith in our Lord Jesus ChristBelieving in Jesus Christ is spoken of as if it were an object that one could hold onto.
Jas 2:5be rich in faithHaving much faith is spoken of as being wealthy or rich. The object of faith may have to be specified. Alternate Translation: "have strong faith in Christ"
Jas 2:5heirsThe people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member.
Jas 2:10except that he stumbles ... the whole lawStumbling is falling down while one is trying to walk. Disobeying one point of the law is spoken of as if it were stumbling while walking.
Jas 2:17faith by itself, if it does not have works, is deadJames speaks of faith as if it were alive if one does good works, and of faith as if it were dead if one does not do good deeds. This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "faith" and "works." Alternate Translation: "a person who says he believes God, but does not do what God commands, does not really believe God"
Jas 2:21justified by worksJames speaks of works as if they were objects that one can own. Alternate Translation: "justified by doing good deeds"
Jas 2:23it was counted to him as righteousnessGod regarded his faith as righteousness. Abraham's faith and righteousness were treated as if they were able to be counted as having value.
Jas 2:25justified by worksJames speaks of works as something to possess.
Jas 2:26For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is deadJames is speaking of faith without works as if it were a dead body without the spirit.
Jas 3:2stumbleSinning is spoken of as if it were stumbling while walking. Alternate Translation: "fail" or "sin"
Jas 3:6a world of sinfulness set among our body partsThe enormous effects of sinful speaking are spoken of as if they were a world by themselves.
Jas 3:6It stains the whole bodySinful speaking is spoken of metaphorically as if it stained one's body. And becoming unacceptable to God is spoken of as if it were dirt on the body.
Jas 3:6sets on fire the course of lifeThe phrase "course of life" refers to a person's entire life. Alternate Translation: "it ruins a person's entire life"
Jas 3:8But no human being can tame the tongueJames speaks of the tongue as if it were a wild animal. Here "tongue" represents a person's desire to speak evil thoughts.
Jas 3:8It is a restless evil, full of deadly poisonJames speaks of the harm that people can cause by what they say as if the tongue were an evil and poisonous creature that can kill people. Alternate Translation: "It is like a restless and evil creature, full of deadly poison" or "It is like a restless and evil creature that can kill people with its venom"
Jas 3:17full of mercy and good fruitsHere "good fruits" refer to kind things that people do for others as a result of having wisdom from God. Alternate Translation: "full of mercy and good deeds"
Jas 3:18The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace among those who make peacePeople making peace is spoken of as if they were sowing seeds, and righteousness is spoken of as if it were the fruit that grows up as a result of making peace. Alternate Translation: "The result of making peace is righteousness" or "Those who work peacefully to help people live in peace produce righteousness"
Jas 4:4You adulteresses!James speaks of believers as being like wives who sleep with men other than their husbands. Alternate Translation: "You are not being faithful to God!"
Jas 4:8Come close to GodHere the idea of coming close stands for becoming honest and open with God.
Jas 4:8double-mindedThe word "double-minded" refers to a person who cannot make a firm decision about something. Alternate Translation: "double-minded people" or "people who cannot decide if you want to obey God or not"
Jas 4:10Humble yourselves before the LordBe humble toward God. Actions done with God in mind are often spoken of as being done in his physical presence.
Jas 4:10he will lift you upJames indicates that God will honor the humble person by saying God will pick that person up off the ground physically from where that person had prostrated himself in humility. Alternate Translation: "he will honor you"
Jas 4:14For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then disappearsJames speaks of people as if they were a mist that appears and then quickly goes away. Alternate Translation: "You live for only a short amount of time, and then you die"
Jas 5:3fireThe idea of fire here is meant to lead people to remember that fire often stands for God's punishment that will come on all the wicked.
Jas 5:4the cries of the harvesters have gone into the ears of the Lord of hostsThe shouts of the harvesters are spoken of as if they could be heard in heaven. Alternate Translation: "the Lord of hosts has heard the cries of the harvesters"
Jas 5:4into the ears of the Lord of hostsGod is spoken of as if he had ears as humans have.
Jas 5:5You have fattened your hearts for a day of slaughterHere people are viewed as if they were cattle, luxuriously fed on grain so they would become fattened to be slaughtered for a feast. However, no one will feast at the time of judgment. Alternate Translation: "Your greed has only prepared you for harsh eternal judgment"
Jas 5:7the farmerJames makes an analogy using farmers and believers to teach what it means to be patient.
Jas 5:9the judge is standing at the doorJames compares Jesus, the judge, to a person about to walk through a door to emphasize how soon Jesus will return to judge the world. Alternate Translation: "the judge is coming soon"
Jas 5:12so you do not fall under judgmentBeing condemned is spoken of as if one had fallen, crushed by the weight of something heavy. Alternate Translation: "so God will not punish you"
Jas 5:16The prayer of a righteous person is very strong in its workingPrayer is presented as if it were an object that was strong or powerful. Alternate Translation: "When the person who obeys God prays, God will do great things"
Jas 5:19if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone brings him backA believer who stops trusting in God and obeying him is spoken of as if he were a sheep that wandered away from the flock. The person who persuades him to trust in God again is spoken of as if he were a shepherd who went to search for the lost sheep. Alternate Translation: "whenever anyone stops obeying God, and another person helps him start obeying again"
Jas 5:20will cover over a great number of sinsPossible meanings are 1) the person who brings back the disobedient brother will have his sins forgiven or 2) the disobedient brother, when he returns to the Lord, will have his sins forgiven. Sins are spoken of as if they were objects that God could cover so that he would not see them, so that he would forgive them.
1Pe 1:1the foreigners of the dispersionPeter speaks of his readers as people who live away from their homes in many different countries.
1Pe 1:4inheritanceReceiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
1Pe 1:4will not perish, will not become stained, and will not fade awayPeter uses three similar phrases to describe the inheritance as something that is perfect and eternal.
1Pe 1:7This is for the proving of your faithIn the same way in which fire refines gold, hardships test how well believers trust in Christ.
1Pe 1:13the grace that will be brought to youHere God's way of dealing kindly with believers is spoken of as if it were an object that he will bring to them.
1Pe 1:17go through the time of your journeyPeter speaks of his readers as if they were people living in a foreign land away from their home. Alternate Translation: "use the time you are living away from your true home"
1Pe 1:20he has been revealed to youPeter does not mean that his readers actually saw Christ, but that they learned the truth about him.
1Pe 1:22pureHere the idea of cleanliness refers to being acceptable to God.
1Pe 1:23born again, not from perishable seed, but from imperishable seedPossible meanings are that Peter speaks of the word of God either 1) as the seed of a plant that grows and produces new life in believers or 2) as the tiny cells inside a man or woman that combine to cause a baby to grow inside the woman.
1Pe 2:1Therefore put aside all evil, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slanderThese sinful actions are spoken of as if they were objects that people could throw away. The word "Therefore" here refers back to everything that Peter has said about being holy and obedient. Alternate Translation: "So then, get rid of everything that is evil, and hypocrisy, and envy, and all slander" or "So then, stop being evil, or being deceptive, or being hypocritical, or envying, or slandering"
1Pe 2:2As newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milkPeter speaks of his readers as if they were babies. Babies requires very pure food, which they can digest easily. In the same way, believers need pure teaching from God's word. Alternate Translation: "Just as babies long for their mother's breast milk, so you must yearn for pure spiritual milk"
1Pe 2:2pure spiritual milkPeter speaks of the word of God as if it were spiritual milk that nourished children.
1Pe 2:2growPeter speaks of believers advancing in knowledge of God and faithfulness to him as if they were children growing up.
1Pe 2:3if you have tasted that the Lord is kindHere to taste means to experience something personally. Alternate Translation: "if you have experienced the Lord's kindness toward you"
1Pe 2:4General Information:Peter begins to tell a metaphor about Jesus and the believers being living stones.
1Pe 2:4Come to him who is a living stonePeter speaks of Jesus as if he were a stone in a building. Alternate Translation: "Come to him who is like a stone in a building, but alive, not a dead stone"
1Pe 2:5You also are ... being built up to be a spiritual houseJust as people used stones to build the temple in the Old Testament, believers are the materials that God is using to build a house in which he will live.
1Pe 2:6Scripture contains thisThe scriptures are spoken of as if they were a container. This passage refers to the words that a person reads in scripture. Alternate Translation: "This is what a prophet wrote in the scriptures long ago"
1Pe 2:6a cornerstoneThe prophet speaks of the Messiah as the most important stone in a building.
1Pe 2:7the stone that was rejected ... has become the head of the cornerThis is a metaphor that means people, like builders, rejected Jesus, but God has made him the most important stone in a building.
1Pe 2:9from darkness into his marvelous lightHere "darkness" refers to their condition as sinful people who did not know God, and "light" refers to their condition as people who do know God and practice righteousness. Alternate Translation: "from a life of sin and ignorance of God to a life of knowing and pleasing him"
1Pe 2:11to abstain from fleshly desiresHere the idea of flesh refers to the sinful nature of humanity in this fallen world. Alternate Translation: "to not to give in to sinful desires"
1Pe 2:16as a covering for wickednessPeter speaks of their condition as free people as something that they should not use to hide sinful behavior. Alternate Translation: "as an excuse to do wicked things"
1Pe 2:21for you to follow in his stepsso that you would follow his footprints. Peter speaks of following Jesus' example in the way that they suffer as if one were walking on the same path that Jesus had taken. Alternate Translation: "so that you would imitate his behavior"
1Pe 2:25the shepherd and guardian of your soulsPeter speaks of Jesus as if he were a shepherd. Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus protects those who trust in him.
1Pe 3:4which is precious before GodPeter speaks of God's opinion of a person as if that person were standing directly in front of him. Alternate Translation: "which God considers to be precious"
1Pe 3:6You are now her childrenPeter says that believing women who act as Sarah acted can be thought of as if they were her actual children.
1Pe 3:7wives according to understanding, as with a weaker container, a womanPeter speaks of women as if they were containers, as men are sometimes also spoken of. The abstract noun "understanding" can also be translated as a verb. Alternate Translation: "wives, understanding that the woman is the weaker partner"
1Pe 3:7heirs of the grace of lifeEternal life is often spoken of as if it were something that people inherit.
1Pe 3:9Do not pay back evil for evil or insult for insultPeter speaks of responding to the actions of another person as remitting payment for those actions. Alternate Translation: "Do not do evil to someone who does evil to you or insult someone who insults you"
1Pe 3:9that you might inherit a blessingPeter speaks of receiving God's blessing as receiving an inheritance. Alternate Translation: "that you might receive God's blessing as your permanent possession"
1Pe 3:10see good daysHere experiencing good things is spoken of as seeing good things. The word "days" refers to one's lifetime. Alternate Translation: "experience good things during life"
1Pe 3:11Let him turn away from what is badHere "turn away" is a metaphor that means to stop doing something. Alternate Translation: "Let him stop doing what is bad"
1Pe 3:15set apart the Lord Christ in your hearts as holyThe phrase "set apart the Lord Christ ... as holy" is a metaphor for acknowledging Christ's holiness. Here "hearts" is a metonym for the "inner person." Alternate Translation: "acknowledge within yourselves that the Lord Christ is holy" or "honor the Lord Christ as holy within yourselves"
1Pe 3:18so that he would bring us to GodPeter probably means here that Christ died in order to create a close relationship between us and God.
1Pe 3:18He was put to death in the fleshHere "flesh" refers to Christ's body; Christ was physically put to death. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "People put Christ to death physically"
1Pe 4:1arm yourselves with the same intentionThe phrase "arm yourselves" makes readers think of soldiers who get their weapons ready for battle. It also pictures "the same intention" as a weapon or perhaps as a piece of armor. Here this metaphor means that believers should be determined in their mind to suffer as Jesus did. Alternate Translation: "prepare yourselves with the same thoughts that Christ had"
1Pe 4:7is comingThe end that will happen soon is spoken of as if it is physically coming closer in distance. Alternate Translation: "will soon happen"
1Pe 4:12the testing in the fire that has happened to youIn the same way that fire refines gold, trials test and refine a person's faith.
1Pe 4:17household of GodThis phrase refers to believers, whom Peter speaks of as God's family.
1Pe 5:2Be shepherds of God's flockPeter speaks of the believers as a flock of sheep and the elders as the shepherds who care for them.
1Pe 5:3Do not act as a master over the people ... Instead, be an exampleElders are to lead by example and not act toward the people as a harsh master would toward his servants.
1Pe 5:4Then when the Chief Shepherd is revealedPeter speaks of Jesus as if he were a shepherd who had authority over all other shepherds. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "When Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, appears" or "When God reveals Jesus, the Chief Shepherd"
1Pe 5:4an unfading crown of gloryHere the word "crown" represents the reward that someone receives as a symbol of victory. The word "unfading" means that it is eternal. Alternate Translation: "a glorious prize that will last forever"
1Pe 5:5clothe yourselves with humilityPeter speaks of having the moral quality of humility as putting on a piece of clothing. Alternate Translation: "act humbly toward each other" or "act with humility"
1Pe 5:7Cast all your anxiety on himPeter speaks of anxiety as if it were a heavy burden that a person places on God, rather than carrying it himself. Alternate Translation: "Trust him with everything that worries you" or "Let him take care of all the things that trouble you"
1Pe 5:9your communityPeter speaks of fellow believers as members of the same community. Alternate Translation: "your fellow believers"
1Pe 5:10establish you, and strengthen youThese two expressions have similar meanings, that is, that God will enable the believers to trust in him and to obey him regardless of any suffering they may experience.
1Pe 5:12Stand in itThe word "it" refers to "the true grace of God." Being strongly committed to this grace is spoken of as standing firmly in one place, refusing to move. Alternate Translation: "Remain strongly committed to it"
1Pe 5:13my sonPeter speaks of Mark as if he is his spiritual son. Alternate Translation: "my spiritual son" or "who is like a son to me"
2Pe 1:2May grace and peace increasePeter speaks of peace as if it were an object that could increase in size or numbers.
2Pe 1:4having escaped the corruption in the world that is caused by evil desiresPeter speaks of people not suffering from the corruption that wicked desires cause as if they were escaping from that corruption. The word "corruption" is an abstract noun that can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate Translation: "and so that the wicked desires in this world will no longer corrupt you"
2Pe 1:8you will not be barren or unfruitfulPeter speaks of a person who does not possess these qualities as if he is a field that will not produce a crop. This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate Translation: "you will produce and be fruitful" or "you will be effective"
2Pe 1:9is so nearsighted that he is blindPeter speaks of a person who does not possess these qualities as if he were a nearsighted or blind person because he does not understand their value. Alternate Translation: "is like a shortsighted person who cannot see their importance"
2Pe 1:10you will not stumbleHere the word "stumble" refers either to 1) committing sin. Alternate Translation: "you will not practice sinful behavior" or 2) becoming unfaithful to Christ. Alternate Translation: "you will not become unfaithful to Christ"
2Pe 1:13to stir you up by way of reminderHere the word "stir" means to awaken someone from sleep. Peter speaks of causing his readers to think about these things as if he were waking them from sleep. Alternate Translation: "to remind you of these things so that you will think about them"
2Pe 1:13as long as I am in this tent ... the putting off of my tent will be soonPeter speaks of his body as if it were a tent that he is wearing and will take off. Being in his body represents being alive, and taking it off represents dying. Alternate Translation: "as long as I am in this body ... I will soon take off this body" or "as long as I am alive ... I will die soon"
2Pe 1:14as long as I am in this tent ... the putting off of my tent will be soonPeter speaks of his body as if it were a tent that he is wearing and will take off. Being in his body represents being alive, and taking it off represents dying. Alternate Translation: "as long as I am in this body ... I will soon take off this body" or "as long as I am alive ... I will die soon"
2Pe 1:15after my departurePeter speaks of his death as if he were leaving one place to go to another. Alternate Translation: "after my death" or "after I die"
2Pe 1:19the morning star rises in your heartsPeter speaks of Christ as the "morning star," which indicates that daybreak and the end of darkness is near. Christ will bring light into the hearts of believers, ending all doubt and bringing full understanding of who he is. Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's minds. Alternate Translation: "Christ shines his light into your hearts like the morning star shines its light into the world"
2Pe 1:21men spoke from God when they were carried along by the Holy SpiritPeter speaks of the Holy Spirit helping the prophets to write what God wanted them to write as if the Holy Spirit was carrying them from one place to another. Alternate Translation: "men spoke from God as the Holy Spirit directed them"
2Pe 2:1the master who bought themThe word "master" here refers to a person who owns slaves. Peter speaks of Jesus as the owner of people whom he has bought, the price being his death.
2Pe 2:4in chains of lower darknessPossible meanings are 1) "in chains in a very dark place" or 2) "in very deep darkness that imprisons them like chains."
2Pe 2:11bring insulting judgments against themThe idea that angels could accuse them is spoken of as if they could attack them using accusations as weapons.
2Pe 2:12these unreasoning animals are naturally made for capture and destruction.Just as animals cannot reason, these men cannot be reasoned with. Alternate Translation: "these false teachers are like unreasoning animals who are made to be captured and destroyed"
2Pe 2:13They are stains and blemishesThe words "stains" and "blemishes" share similar meanings. Peter speaks of the false teachers as if they were stains on a garment that cause shame for those who wear it. Alternate Translation: "They are like stains and blemishes on clothes, which cause disgrace"
2Pe 2:15the right wayRight behavior that honors God is spoken of as if it were a path to follow.
2Pe 2:17These men are springs without waterSprings flowing with water promise refreshment for thirsty people, but "springs without water" will leave the thirsty disappointed. In the same way, false teachers, although they promise many things, are unable to do what they promise.
2Pe 2:17mists driven by a stormWhen people see storm clouds, they expect rain to fall. When the winds from the storm blow the clouds away before the rain can fall, the people are disappointed. In the same way, false teachers, although they promise many things, are unable to do what they promise.
2Pe 2:18people who try to escape ... promise freedom ... slaves of corruptionPeter speaks of people who live sinfully as if they are slaves to sin who need to be released from their captivity.
2Pe 2:19people who try to escape ... promise freedom ... slaves of corruptionPeter speaks of people who live sinfully as if they are slaves to sin who need to be released from their captivity.
2Pe 2:19They promise freedom to them, but they themselves are slaves of corruptionFreedom here is an idiom for the ability to live exactly as one wants. Alternate Translation: "They promise to give them the ability to live exactly as they want to live, but they themselves cannot escape their own sinful desires"
2Pe 2:19For a man is a slave to whatever overcomes himPeter speaks of a person as a slave when anything has control over that person, and that thing as the master of that person. Alternate Translation: "For if something has control over a person, that person becomes like a slave to that thing"
2Pe 2:21the way of righteousnessPeter speaks of life as a "way" or path. This phrase refers to living a life that is according to God's will.
2Pe 2:21turn away from the holy commandmentHere "turn away from" is a metaphor that means to stop doing something. Alternate Translation: "stop obeying the holy commandment"
2Pe 3:1to stir up your sincere mindPeter speaks of causing his readers to think about these things as if he were waking them from sleep. Alternate Translation: "to cause you to think pure thoughts"
2Pe 3:14spotlessHere this stands for "faultless."
2Pe 3:17so that you are not led astray by the deceit of lawless peopleHere "led astray" is a metaphor for being persuaded to do something wrong. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "so that lawless people do not deceive you and cause you do something wrong"
2Pe 3:17you lose your own faithfulnessFaithfulness is spoken of as if it were a possession that believers could lose. Alternate Translation: "you stop being faithful"
2Pe 3:18grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus ChristHere growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord represents experiencing his grace more and knowing him more. The abstract noun "grace" can be expressed with the phrase "act kindly." Alternate Translation: "receive more of the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and know him more" or "be more aware of how our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ acts kindly toward you, and know him better"
1Jn 1:5in him there is no darkness at allThis is a metaphor that means that God never sins and is not evil in any way. Cultures that associate evil with darkness may be able to keep the idea of darkness without explaining the metaphor. Alternate Translation: "in him there is nothing that is evil"
1Jn 1:6walk in darknessHere "walk" is a metaphor for how a person lives or behaves. Here "darkness" is a metaphor for "evil." Alternate Translation: "do what is evil"
1Jn 1:7walk in the light as he is in the lightHere "walk" is a metaphor for how a person lives or behaves. Here "light" is a metaphor for "good" or "right." Alternate Translation: "do what is good as God is perfectly good" or "do what is right as God is perfectly right"
1Jn 1:8the truth is not in usThe truth is spoken of as if it were an object that could be inside believers. Alternate Translation: "we do not believe what God says is true"
1Jn 1:10his word is not in usWord here is a metonym for "message." Obeying and honoring God's word is spoken of as if his word were inside the believers. Alternate Translation: "we do not understand God's word nor obey what he says"
1Jn 2:1ChildrenJohn was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. Alternate Translation: "My dear children in Christ" or "You who are as dear to me as my own children"
1Jn 2:4the truth is not in himThe truth is spoken of as if it were an object that could be inside the believers. Alternate Translation: "he does not believe what God says is true"
1Jn 2:5By this we know that we are in himThe phrase "we are in him" means that the believer has fellowship with God. Alternate Translation: "When we obey what God says, we can be certain that we have fellowship with him" or "By this we know that are joined to God"
1Jn 2:6remains in GodTo remain in God means to continue to have fellowship with God. Alternate Translation: "continues to have fellowship with God" or "stays joined to God"
1Jn 2:6should himself also walk just as he walkedConducting one's life is spoken of as if it were walking on a path. Alternate Translation: "must live as he lived" or "should also obey God just as Jesus Christ did"
1Jn 2:8the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shiningHere "darkness" is a metaphor for "evil" and "light" is a metaphor for "good." Alternate Translation: "because you are ceasing to do evil and you are doing more and more good"
1Jn 2:9he is in the lightHere to be "in the light" is a metaphor for doing what is right. Alternate Translation: "he does what is right"
1Jn 2:9is in the darknessHere to be "in the darkness" is a metaphor for doing what is evil. Alternate Translation: "does what is evil"
1Jn 2:10there is no occasion for stumbling in himnothing will cause him to stumble. The word "stumbling" is a metaphor that means to fail spiritually or morally. Alternate Translation: "nothing will cause him to sin" or "he will not fail to do what is pleasing to God"
1Jn 2:11is in the darkness and walks in the darknessHere "walk" is a metaphor for how a person lives or behaves. Here to be "in the darkness" and "walks in the darkness" mean the same thing. This brings attention to how evil it is to hate a fellow believer. Alternate Translation: "does what is evil"
1Jn 2:11he does not know where he is goingThis is a metaphor for the believer who is not living as a Christian should be living. Alternate Translation: "he does not know what he should do"
1Jn 2:11the darkness has blinded his eyesthe darkness has made him unable to see. Darkness is a metaphor for sin or evil. Alternate Translation: "sin has made it impossible for him to understand the truth"
1Jn 2:12you, dear childrenJohn was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](./01.md). Alternate Translation: "you, my dear children in Christ" or "you who are as dear to me as my own children"
1Jn 2:13I am writing to you, fathersThe word "fathers" here is possibly a metaphor referring to mature believers. Alternate Translation: "I am writing to you, mature believers"
1Jn 2:13young menThis possibly refers to those who are no longer new believers but are growing in spiritual maturity. Alternate Translation: "young believers"
1Jn 2:13overcomeThe writer is speaking of the believers' refusal to follow Satan and of their frustrating his plans as if it were a matter of conquering him.
1Jn 2:14you are strongHere "strong" refers not to believers' physical strength, but to their faithfulness to Christ.
1Jn 2:14the word of God remains in youWord of God here is a metonym for the message from God. The writer refers to the believers' increased faithfulness to Christ and knowledge of him as if he were speaking of God's word existing in them. Alternate Translation: "God's message continues to teach you" or "you know the word of God"
1Jn 2:15If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in himA person cannot love this world and all that dishonors God and love the Father at the same time.
1Jn 2:20But you have an anointing from the Holy OneJohn speaks of the Holy Spirit as if he were "an anointing" that the people have received from Jesus. The abstract noun "anointing" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate Translation: "But the Holy One has anointed you" or "But Jesus Christ, the Holy One, has given you his Spirit"
1Jn 2:26those who would lead you astrayHere "lead you astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate Translation: "those who want to deceive you" or "those who want to make you believe lies about Jesus Christ"
1Jn 2:27remain in himTo remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:5-6](./04.md). Alternate Translation: "continue to have fellowship with him" or "stay joined with him"
1Jn 2:28dear childrenJohn was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](./01.md). Alternate Translation: "my dear children in Christ" or "you who are as dear to me as my own children"
1Jn 3:7Dear childrenJohn was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate Translation: "My dear children in Christ" or "You who are as dear to me as my own children"
1Jn 3:7do not let anyone lead you astrayHere "lead you astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate Translation: "do not let anyone fool you" or "do not let anyone deceive you"
1Jn 3:9God's seedThis speaks of the Holy Spirit, whom God gives to believers and who makes them able to resist sin and do what pleases God as if he were a physical seed that is planted in the earth and grows. This is sometimes referred to as the new nature. Alternate Translation: "the Holy Spirit"
1Jn 3:14we have passed out of death into lifeThe conditions of living and of being dead are spoken of as if they were physical locations from which a person could leave and go to. The abstract nouns "life" and "death" can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate Translation: "we are no longer spiritually dead but are spiritually alive"
1Jn 3:15Anyone who hates his brother is a murdererJohn speaks of a person who hates another believer as if he were a murderer. Since people commit murder because they hate other people, God considers anyone who hates to be as guilty as someone who kills a person. Alternate Translation: "Whoever hates another believer is as guilty as someone who kills a person"
1Jn 3:18My dear childrenJohn was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate Translation: "My dear children in Christ" or "You who are as dear to me as my own children"
1Jn 3:22do the things that are pleasing before himGod's opinion is spoken of as if it depends on what he sees happen in front of himself. Alternate Translation: "we do what pleases him"
1Jn 3:24remains in him, and God remains in himThe close union of believers is expressed by the terms "remains in him." See how "remains in God" was translated in [1 John 2:5-6](../02/04.md).
1Jn 4:4dear childrenJohn was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate Translation: "my dear children in Christ" or "you who are as dear to me as my own children"
1Jn 4:7born from GodThis is a metaphor which means someone has a relationship to God like a child to his father.
1Jn 4:8The person who does not love does not know God, for God is loveThe phrase "God is love" a metaphor which means "the character of God is love." Alternate Translation: "Those who do not love their fellow believers do not know God because the character of God is to love people"
1Jn 4:12God remains in us ... we remain in him and he in usTo remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:5-6](../02/04.md). Alternate Translation: "God continues to have fellowship with us ... we continue to have fellowship with God and he continues to have fellowship with us" or "God stays joined to us ... we stay joined to God and he stays joined to us"
1Jn 4:13God remains in us ... we remain in him and he in usTo remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:5-6](../02/04.md). Alternate Translation: "God continues to have fellowship with us ... we continue to have fellowship with God and he continues to have fellowship with us" or "God stays joined to us ... we stay joined to God and he stays joined to us"
1Jn 4:15God remains in him and he in GodTo remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:5-6](../02/04.md). Alternate Translation: "God continues to have fellowship with him and he continues to have fellowship with God" or "God stays joined to him and he stays joined to God
1Jn 4:16God is loveThis is a metaphor which means "the character of God is love." See how you translated this in [1 John 4:8](./07.md).
1Jn 4:16remains in God, and God remains in himTo remain in someone means to continue to have fellowship with him. See how you translated "remains in God" in [1 John 2:5-6](../02/04.md). Alternate Translation: "continues to have fellowship with God, and God continues to have fellowship with him" or "stays joined with God, and God stays joined with him"
1Jn 5:12The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have lifeBeing in a close relationship to the Son is spoken of as having the Son. Alternate Translation: "He who believes in the Son of God has eternal life. He who does not believe in the Son of God does not have eternal life"
1Jn 5:19the whole world lies in the power of the evil oneLying in someone's power represents being controlled or ruled by him. Alternate Translation: "the whole world is controlled by the evil one"
1Jn 5:21ChildrenJohn was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate Translation: "My dear children in Christ" or "You who are as dear to me as my own children"
2Jn 1:1to the chosen lady and her childrenThis probably refers to a congregation and the believers that belong to it.
2Jn 1:6This is the commandment, just as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in itConducting our lives according to God's commands is spoken of as if we were walking in them. The word "it" refers to love. "And he has commanded you, since you first believed, to love one another"
2Jn 1:13The children of your chosen sisterHere John speaks of this other church as if it were a sister to the readers' church and the believers that are a part of that church as if they were that church's children. This emphasizes that all believers are a spiritual family.
3Jn 1:3you walk in truthWalking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate Translation: "you are living your life according to God's truth"
3Jn 1:4my childrenJohn speaks of those he taught to believe in Jesus as though they were his children. This emphasizes his love and concern for them. It could also be that he himself led them to the Lord. Alternate Translation: "my spiritual children"
Jud 1:4who have changed the grace of our God into sensualityGod's grace is spoken of as if it were a thing that could be changed into something horrible. Alternate Translation: "who teach that God's grace permits one to continue to live in sexual sin"
Jud 1:8pollute their bodiesThis metaphor says that their sin makes their bodies—that is, their actions—unacceptable the way garbage in a stream makes the water undrinkable.
Jud 1:11walked in the way of CainWalked in the way here is a metaphor for "lived in the same way as." Alternate Translation: "lived the same way Cain lived"
Jud 1:12hidden reefsReefs are large rocks that are very close to the surface of water in the sea. Because sailors cannot see them, they are very dangerous. Ships can easily be destroyed if they hit these rocks.
Jud 1:12twice dead, torn up by the rootsA tree that someone has uprooted is a metaphor for death.
Jud 1:12torn up by the rootsLike trees that have been completely pulled out of the ground by their roots, the ungodly people have been separated from God, who is the source of life.
Jud 1:13violent waves in the seaAs the sea's waves are blown by a strong wind, so the ungodly people are easily moved in many directions.
Jud 1:13foaming out their own shameAs wind causes wild waves to stir up dirty foam—so these men, through their false teaching and actions, shame themselves. Alternate Translation: "and just as waves bring up foam and dirt, these men pollute others with their shame"
Jud 1:13They are wandering starsThose who studied the stars in ancient times noticed that what we call planets do not move the way that stars do. Alternate Translation: "They are like moving stars"
Jud 1:18will follow their own ungodly desiresThese people are spoken of as if their desires were kings who ruled over them. Alternate Translation: "are never able to stop dishonoring God by doing the evil things they wish to do"
Jud 1:18will follow their own ungodly desiresUngodly desires are spoken of as if they were a path that a person will follow.
Jud 1:19are worldlythink as other ungodly people think, they value the things that unbelievers value
Jud 1:20build yourselves upBecoming increasingly able to trust in God and obey him is spoken of as if it were the process of constructing a building.
Jud 1:21Keep yourselves in God's loveRemaining able to receive God's love is spoken of as if one were keeping oneself in a certain place.
Jud 1:23snatching them out of the fireThe picture is that of pulling people from a fire before they start to burn. Alternate Translation: "doing for them whatever needs to be done to keep them from dying without Christ. This is like pulling them from the fire"
Jud 1:24to cause you to stand before his glorious presenceHis glory is brilliant light that represents his greatness. Alternate Translation: "and to allow you to enjoy and worship his glory"
Jud 1:24glorious presence without blemish and withHere sin is spoken of as if it were dirt on one's body or a flaw on one's body. Alternate Translation: "glorious presence, where you will be without sin and have"
Rev 1:4who is to comeExisting in the future is spoken of as coming.
Rev 1:8the alpha and the omegaThese are first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Possible meanings are 1) "the one who began all things and who ends all things" or 2) "the one who has always lived and who always will live." If unclear to readers you may consider using the first and last letters of your alphabet. Alternate Translation: "the A and the Z" or "the first and the last"
Rev 1:8who is to comeExisting in the future is spoken of as coming.
Rev 1:13son of manThis expression describes a human figure, someone who looks human.
Rev 1:18I have the keys of death and of HadesHaving the power over something is spoken of as having the keys to it. The implied information is that he can give life to those who have died and let them out of Hades. Alternate Translation: "I have the power over death and over Hades" or "I have the power to give life to people who have died and to let them out of Hades"
Rev 2:3you have not grown wearyBeing discouraged is spoken of as being tired. Alternate Translation: "you have not become discouraged" or "you have not quit"
Rev 2:4you have left behind your first loveTo stop doing something is spoken of as leaving it behind. Love is spoken of as if it is an object that can be left behind. AT "you have stopped loving me as you did at the beginning"
Rev 2:5from where you have fallenNo longer loving as much as they used to is spoken of as haven fallen. Alternate Translation: "how much you have changed" or "how much you used to love me"
Rev 2:7Let the one who has an ear listenBeing willing to listen is spoken of as having an ear. Alternate Translation: "Let the one who is willing to listen, listen" or "If you are willing, listen"
Rev 2:9a synagogue of SatanPeople who gather to obey or honor Satan are spoken of as if they were a synagogue, a place of worship and teaching for the Jews.
Rev 2:10the crown of lifePossible meanings are 1) "a crown that shows that I have given you eternal life" or 2) "true life as a prize like a winner's crown"
Rev 2:11Let the one who has an earBeing willing to listen is spoken of as having an ear. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7](./07.md). Alternate Translation: "Let the one who is willing to listen, listen" or "If you are willing, listen"
Rev 2:13you hold on tightly to my nameName here is a metonym for the person. Firmly believing is spoken of as holding on tightly. Alternate Translation: "you firmly believe in me"
Rev 2:14who hold tightly to the teaching of Balaam, whoPossible meanings are 1) "who teach what Balaam taught; he" or 2) "who do what Balaam taught; he."
Rev 2:14who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of IsraelSomething that leads people to sin is spoken of as a stone in the road that people stumble on. Alternate Translation: "who showed Balak how to cause the people of Israel to sin"
Rev 2:17Let the one who has an ear listenBeing willing to listen is spoken of as having an ear. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7](./07.md). Alternate Translation: "Let the one who is willing to listen, listen" or "If you are willing, listen"
Rev 2:20the woman Jezebel, whoJesus spoke of a certain woman in their church as if she were Queen Jezebel, because she did the same kinds of sinful things that Queen Jezebel had done long before that time. Alternate Translation: "the woman who is just like Jezebel and"
Rev 2:22those who commit adultery with her into great sufferingJesus speaks of causing people to suffer as throwing them into suffering. Alternate Translation: "I will make those who commit adultery with her to suffer greatly"
Rev 2:23her childrenJesus spoke of her followers as if they were her children. Alternate Translation: 'her followers" or "the people who do what she teaches"
Rev 2:24everyone who does not hold this teachingBelieving a teaching is spoken of as holding the teaching. Alternate Translation: "everyone who does not believe this teaching"
Rev 2:24deep thingsSecret things are spoken of as if they were deep. Alternate Translation: "secret things"
Rev 2:27He will rule them with an iron rodRuling harshly is spoken of as ruling with an iron rod. Alternate Translation: "He will rule them harshly as if striking them with an iron stick"
Rev 2:29Let the one who has an ear listenBeing willing to listen is spoken of as having an ear. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7](./07.md). Alternate Translation: "Let the one who is willing to listen, listen" or "If you are willing, listen"
Rev 3:1alive ... deadObeying and honoring God is spoken of as being alive; disobeying and dishonoring him is spoken of as being dead.
Rev 3:2Wake up and strengthen what remains, but is about to dieThe good deeds done by the believers in Sardis are spoken of as if they were alive but in danger of dying. Alternate Translation: "Wake up and complete the work that remains, or what you have done will become worthless" or "Wake up. If you do not finish what you have started to do, your previous work will have been useless"
Rev 3:2Wake upBeing alert to danger is spoken of as waking up. Alternate Translation: "Be alert" or "Be careful"
Rev 3:3if you do not wake upBeing alert to danger is spoken of as waking up. See how you translated "wake up" on [Revelation 3:2](./02.md). Alternate Translation: "If you are not alert" or "If you are not careful"
Rev 3:4have not stained their clothesJesus speaks of sin in a person's life as if it were dirty clothes. Alternate Translation: "have not made their lives sinful like dirty clothes"
Rev 3:4will walk with mePeople commonly spoke of living as "walking." Alternate Translation: "will live with me"
Rev 3:4dressed in whiteWhite clothes represent a pure life without sin. Alternate Translation: "and they will be dressed in white, which shows that they are pure"
Rev 3:6Let the one who has an ear listenBeing willing to listen is spoken of as having an ear. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate Translation: "Let the one who is willing to listen, listen" or "If you are willing, listen"
Rev 3:9synagogue of SatanPeople who gather to obey or honor Satan are spoken of as if they were in a synagogue, a place of worship and teaching for the Jews. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:9](../02/09.md).
Rev 3:10is comingExisting in the future is spoken of as coming.
Rev 3:11Hold to what you haveContinuing to believe firmly in Christ is spoken of as if it were holding something tightly. Alternate Translation: "Continue to believe firmly"
Rev 3:11crownA crown was a wreath, originally of olive branches or laurel leaves, that was put on the head of a victorious athlete. Here "crown" stands for a reward. See how you translated "crown" in [Revelation 2:10](../02/10.md).
Rev 3:13Let the one who has an earBeing willing to listen is spoken of as having an ear. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate Translation: "Let the one who is willing to listen, listen" or "If you are willing, listen"
Rev 3:15you are neither cold nor hotThe writer speaks of the Laodiceans as if they were water. Possible meanings are 1) "cold" and hot" represent two extremes of spiritual interest or love for God, where "cold" is to be completely against God, and to be "hot" is to be zealous to serve him, or 2) "cold" and "hot" both refer to water that is useful for drinking or for cooking or healing, respectively. Alternate Translation: "you are like water that is neither cold nor hot"
Rev 3:16I am about to vomit you out of my mouthRejecting them is spoken of as vomiting them out of the mouth. Alternate Translation: "I will reject you as I would spit out lukewarm water"
Rev 3:17you are most miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and nakedJesus speaks of their spiritual condition as if he were speaking about their physical condition. Alternate Translation: "You are like people who are most miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked"
Rev 3:20I am standing at the door and am knockingJesus speaks about wanting people to relate to him as if he wanted them to invite him into their home. Alternate Translation: "I am like one standing at the door and knocking"
Rev 3:20and will eat with himThis represents being together as friends.
Rev 3:22Let the one who has an ear listenBeing willing to listen is spoken of as having an ear. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate Translation: "Let the one who is willing to listen, listen" or "If you are willing, listen"
Rev 4:1an open door in heavenThis expression stands for the ability that God gave John to see into heaven, at least by means of a vision.
Rev 4:6a sea of glassHow it was like glass or a sea can be stated clearly. Possible meanings are 1) a sea is spoken of as if it were glass. Alternate Translation: "a sea that was as smooth as glass" or 2) glass if spoken of as if it were a sea. Alternate Translation: "glass that was spread out like a sea"
Rev 4:8who is to comeExisting in the future is spoken of as coming.
Rev 5:5The LionThe king is spoken of as if he were a lion because a lion is very strong.
Rev 5:5the Root of DavidThe descendant is spoken of as if David's family were a tree and he were a root of that tree. Alternate Translation: "the Descendant of David"
Rev 6:9because of the word of God and the testimony which they heldHere "Word of God" is a metonym for the message from God and "held" is a metaphor. Possible meanings are 1) holding the testimony refers to believing God's word and testimony. Alternate Translation: "because of the teachings of scripture and what they taught about Jesus Christ" or "because they believed the word of God, which is his testimony" or 2) holding the testimony refers to testifying about the word of God. Alternate Translation: "because they testified about the word of God"
Rev 6:11brothers and sistersChristians are often spoken of as being one another's brothers and sisters. Alternate Translation: "fellow Christians" or "fellow believers"
Rev 6:17has comeExisting now is spoken of as having come.
Rev 7:14They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the LambBeing made righteous by the blood of the Lamb is spoken of as washing their robes in his blood. Alternate Translation: "They have been made righteous by washing their robes white in his blood"
Rev 7:15will spread his tent over themwill put his tent up over them. Protecting them is spoken of as if he were giving them shelter to live under. Alternate Translation: "will shelter them" or "will protect them"
Rev 7:15For the Lamb ... will be their shepherdThe elder speaks of the Lamb's care for his people as if it were a shepherd's care for his sheep. Alternate Translation: "For the Lamb ... will be like a shepherd to them" or "For the Lamb ... will care for them as a shepherd cares for his sheep"
Rev 7:16The sun will not beat downThe sun's heat is compared to punishment that causes people to suffer. Alternate Translation: "The sun will not burn them" or "The sun will not make them weak"
Rev 7:17For the Lamb ... will be their shepherdThe elder speaks of the Lamb's care for his people as if it were a shepherd's care for his sheep. Alternate Translation: "For the Lamb ... will be like a shepherd to them" or "For the Lamb ... will care for them as a shepherd cares for his sheep"
Rev 7:17he will guide them to springs of living waterThe elder speaks of what gives life as if it were springs of fresh water. Alternate Translation: "he will guide them like a shepherd guiding his sheep to fresh water" or "he will guide them to life like a shepherd guiding his sheep to living water"
Rev 8:11became wormwoodThe bitter taste of the water is spoken of as if it were wormwood. Alternate Translation: "became bitter like wormwood" or "became bitter"
Rev 8:12a third of the sun was struckCausing something bad to happen to the sun is spoken of as striking, or hitting, it. This can be stated with an active verb. Alternate Translation: "a third of the sun changed" or "God changed a third of the sun"
Rev 9:12there are still two disasters to comeExisting in the future is spoken of as coming.
Rev 10:1He was robed in a cloudJohn speaks of the angel as if he were wearing a cloud as his clothing. This expression may be understood as metaphor. However, because very unusual things were often seen in visions, it might be understood as a literally true statement in its context.
Rev 11:5fire ... devours their enemiesFire burning and killing people is spoken of as if it were an animal that could eat them up. Alternate Translation: "fire ... will destroy their enemies" or "fire ... will completely burn up their enemies"
Rev 11:6to close up the sky so that no rain will fallJohn speaks of the sky as if it had a door that can be opened to let rain fall or closed to stop the rain. Alternate Translation: "to keep rain from falling from the sky"
Rev 11:6to strike the earth with every kind of plagueJohn speaks of the plagues as if they were a stick that someone could hit the earth with. Alternate Translation: "to cause all kinds of trouble to occur on earth"
Rev 11:11a breath of life from God will enter themThe ability to breathe is spoken of as if it were something that can go into people. Alternate Translation: "God will cause the two witnesses to breathe again and live"
Rev 11:11Great fear will fall on those who see themFear is spoken of as if it is a object that can fall on people. Alternate Translation: "Those who see them will be extremely afraid"
Rev 11:14The third woe is coming quicklyExisting in the future is spoken of as coming. Alternate Translation: "The third woe will happen soon"
Rev 11:18your wrath has comeExisting in the present is spoken of as having come. Alternate Translation: "You are ready to show your anger"
Rev 11:18The time has comeExisting in the present is spoken of as having come. Alternate Translation: "The time is right" or "Now is the time"
Rev 12:5rule all the nations with an iron rodRuling harshly is spoken of as ruling with an iron rod. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 2:27](../02/27.md).
Rev 12:10Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his ChristGod saving people by his power is spoken of as if his salvation and power were things that have come. God's ruling and Christ's authority are also spoken of as if they have come. Alternate Translation: "Now God has saved his people by his power, God rules as king, and his Christ has all authority"
Rev 12:10our brothersFellow believers are spoken of as if they were brothers. Alternate Translation: "our fellow believers"
Rev 12:12He is filled with terrible angerThe devil is spoken of as if he were a container, and anger is spoken of as if it were a liquid that could be in him. Alternate Translation: "He is terribly angry"
Rev 13:9If anyone has an earBeing willing to listen is spoken of as having an ear. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate Translation: "Let the one who is willing to listen, listen" or "If you are willing, listen"
Rev 14:4follow the Lamb wherever he goesDoing what the Lamb does is spoken of as following him. Alternate Translation: "they do whatever the Lamb does" or "they obey the Lamb"
Rev 14:4bought out of mankind as firstfruitsFirstfruits here is a metaphor for the first offering to be made to God in celebration of harvest. Alternate Translation: "purchased out of the midst of the rest of mankind as a special celebration of salvation"
Rev 14:7the hour of his judgment has comeHere "the hour" represents the time that has been chosen for something, and the hour having "come" is a metaphor for now being the chosen time. The idea of "judgment" can be expressed with a verb. Alternate Translation: "now is the time that God has chosen for judgment" or "it is now the time for God to judge people"
Rev 14:8Fallen, fallen is Babylon the greatThe angel speaks of Babylon having been destroyed as if it had fallen. Alternate Translation: "Babylon the great has been destroyed"
Rev 14:15the time to reap has comeExisting in the present is spoken of as having come.
Rev 15:2sea of glassHow it was like glass or a sea can be stated clearly. Possible meanings are 1) a sea is spoken of as if it were glass. Alternate Translation: "a sea that was as smooth as glass" or 2) glass if spoken of as if it were a sea. See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:6](../04/06.md). Alternate Translation: "glass that was spread out like a sea"
Rev 16:9the power over these plaguesThis refers to the power to inflict these plagues on people, and the power to stop the plagues.
Rev 16:10darkness covered its kingdomHere "darkness" is spoken of as if it were something like a blanket. Alternate Translation: "it became dark in all his kingdom" or "all of his kingdom became dark"
Rev 16:15keeping his garments onLiving the right way is spoken of as keeping one's clothes on. Alternate Translation: "doing what is right, like keeping his clothes on"
Rev 17:2her sexual immoralityThis may well have a double meaning: sexual immorality among people and also the worship of false gods.
Rev 17:10Five kings have fallenThe angel speaks of dying as falling. Alternate Translation: "Five kings have died"
Rev 17:10the other has not yet come; when he comesNot having existed yet is spoken of as not yet having come. Alternate Translation: "the other has not yet become king; when he becomes king"
Rev 17:10he can remain only for a little whileThe angel speaks of someone continuing to be king as if he were remaining in a place. Alternate Translation: "he can be king only for a little while"
Rev 17:11it is going to destructionThe certainty of what will happen in the future is spoken of as if the beast were going to it. Alternate Translation: "it will certainly be destroyed" or "God will surely destroy it"
Rev 17:15The waters you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languagesHere "are" stands for "represent."
Rev 17:16they will devour her fleshDestroying her completely is spoken of as eating all her flesh. "They will destroy her completely"
Rev 17:18isHere "is" stands for "represents."
Rev 18:2Fallen, fallen is Babylon the greatThe angel speaks of Babylon having been destroyed as if it had fallen. See how you translated this in [Revelation 14:8](../14/08.md).
Rev 18:5Her sins have piled up as high as heavenThe voice speaks of Babylon's sins as if they were objects that could form a pile. Alternate Translation: "Her sins are so many they are like a pile that reaches heaven"
Rev 18:6Pay her back as she has paid others backThe voice speaks of punishment as if it were payment. Alternate Translation: "Punish her as she has punished others"
Rev 18:6repay her doubleThe voice speaks of punishment as if it were payment. Alternate Translation: "punish her twice as much"
Rev 18:6in the cup she mixed, mix double the amount for herThe voice speaks of causing others to suffer as preparing strong wine for them to drink. Alternate Translation: "prepare for her the wine of suffering that is twice as strong as what she made for others" or "make her suffer twice as much as she made others suffer"
Rev 18:7I am not a widowShe implies that she will not be dependent on other people.
Rev 18:7I will never see mourningExperiencing mourning is spoken of as seeing mourning. Alternate Translation: "I will never mourn"
Rev 18:8her plagues will comeExisting in the future is spoken of a coming.
Rev 18:8She will be consumed by fireBeing burned up by fires is spoken of as being eaten up by fire. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Fire will completely burn her up"
Rev 18:10your punishment has comeExisting in the present is spoken of as having come.
Rev 18:14The fruitFruit here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Alternate Translation: "The result"
Rev 18:16the great city that was dressed in fine linenThroughout this chapter, Babylon is spoken of as if it were a woman. The merchants speak of Babylon as being dressed in fine linen because its people were dressed in fine linen. Alternate Translation: "the great city, which was like a woman dressed in fine linen" or "the great city, whose women were dressed in fine linen"
Rev 18:21Babylon, the great city, will be thrown down with violence and will not be seen anymoreGod will completely destroy the city. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "God will violently throw down Babylon, the great city, and it will no longer exist"
Rev 18:23your merchants were the princes of the earthThe angel speaks of important and powerful people as if they were princes. Alternate Translation: "your merchants were like princes of the earth" or "your merchants were the most important men in the world"
Rev 19:2the great prostituteHere John refers to the city of Babylon whose wicked people rule over all the people of the earth and lead them to worship false gods. He speaks of the wicked people of Babylon as if they were a great prostitute.
Rev 19:7wedding celebration of the Lamb ... his bride has made herself readyHere John speaks of the joining of Jesus and his people together forever as if it were a wedding celebration.
Rev 19:7has comeExisting in the present is spoken of as having come.
Rev 19:7his bride has made herself readyJohn speaks of God's people as if they were a bride who has gotten ready for her wedding.
Rev 19:8She was permitted to be dressed in bright and clean fine linenHere "she" refers to the people of God. John speaks of the righteous acts of God's people as if they were a bright and clean dress that a bride wears on her wedding day. You can state this in active form. Alternate Translation: "God allowed her to wear a dress of bright and clean fine linen"
Rev 19:9the wedding feast of the LambHere the angel speaks of the joining of Jesus and his people forever as if it were a wedding feast.
Rev 19:10who hold the testimony about JesusHere holding stands for believing in or announcing. Alternate Translation: "who speak the truth about Jesus"
Rev 19:15rule them with an iron rodJohn speaks of the rider's power as if he were ruling with an iron rod. See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:5](../12/05.md).
Rev 19:15He tramples in the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God AlmightyJohn speaks of the rider's destroying his enemies as if they were grapes that a person tramples in a winepress. Here "wrath" refers to God's punishment of evil persons. Alternate Translation: "He crushes his enemies according to the judgment of God Almighty, just as a person crushes grapes in a winepress"
Rev 21:6the alpha and the omegaThese are first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Possible meanings are 1) "the one who began all things and who ends all things" or 2) "the one who has always lived and who always will live." If these are unclear to readers, you may consider using the first and last letters of your alphabet. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:8](../01/08.md). Alternate Translation: "the A and the Z" or "the first and the last"
Rev 21:6To the one who thirsts ... water of lifeGod speaks of a person's desire for eternal life as if it were thirst and of that person receiving eternal life as if he were drinking life-giving water.
Rev 21:22Lord God ... and the Lamb are its templeThe temple represented God's presence. This means the new Jerusalem does not need a temple because God and the Lamb will live there.
Rev 21:23its lamp is the LambHere the glory of Jesus, the Lamb, is spoken of as if it were a lamp that gives light to the city.
Rev 22:1the water of lifeEternal life is spoken of as if it were provided by life-giving water. See how you translated this in [Revelation 21:6](../21/06.md).
Rev 22:13the alpha and the omegaThese are first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Possible meanings are 1) "the one who began all things and who ends all things" or 2) "the one who has always lived and who always will live." If unclear to readers you may consider using the first and last letters of your alphabet. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:8](../01/08.md). Alternate Translation: "the A and the Z" or "the first and the last"
Rev 22:14those who wash their robesBecoming righteous is spoken of as if it were washing one's clothing. See how you translated as similar phrase in [Revelation 7:14](../07/14.md). Alternate Translation: "those who have become righteous, as if they have washed their robes"
Rev 22:15are the dogsIn that culture the dog was an unclean, despised animal. Here the word "dogs" is derogatory and refers to people who are wicked.
Rev 22:16the root and the descendant of DavidThe words "root" and "descendant" mean basically the same thing. Jesus speaks of being a "descendant" as if he were a "root" that grew out of David. Together the words emphasize that Jesus belongs to the family of David.
Rev 22:16the bright morning starJesus speaks of himself as if he were the bright star that sometimes appears early in the morning and indicates that a new day is about to begin. See how you translated "morning star" in [Revelation 2:28](../02/28.md).
Rev 22:17the BrideBelievers are spoken of as if they were a bride about to be married to her groom, Jesus.
Rev 22:17Whoever is thirsty ... the water of lifeA person's desire for eternal life is spoken of as if it were thirst and of that person receiving eternal life as if he were drinking life-giving water.
Rev 22:17the water of lifeEternal life is spoken of as if it were provided by life-giving water. See how you translated this in [Revelation 21:6](../21/06.md).