Micah 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 3:3
Make ready the way of the Lord
Get 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 3:7
You offspring of vipers, who
This 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 3:8
Bear fruit worthy of repentance
The phrase "bear fruit" is a metaphor referring to a person's actions. Alternate Translation: "Let your actions show that you have truly repented"
Mat 3:10
Already 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 fire
This 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 3:11
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire
This 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 3:12
His winnowing fork is in his hand to thoroughly clear off his threshing floor
This 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 3:12
gather his wheat into the storehouse ... burn up the chaff with fire that can never be put
This 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 4:16
The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light
Here "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 4:19
I will make you fishers of men
This 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 5:6
those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
This 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 5:13
You are the salt of the earth
Possible 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 5:13
if the salt has lost its taste
Possible 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 5:14
You are the light of the world
This 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 5:16
Let your light shine before people
This 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 5:28
everyone who looks on a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart
This 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 5:34
it is the throne of God
Because God reigns from heaven, Jesus speaks of heaven as if it were a throne. Alternate Translation: "it is from here that God rules"
Mat 5:35
it is the footstool for his feet
This metaphor means the earth also belongs to God. Alternate Translation: "it is like a footstool where a king rests his feet"
Mat 6:2
do not sound a trumpet before yourself
This 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 6:3
do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing
This 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 6:12
debts
A debt is what one person owes another. This is a metaphor for sins.
Mat 6:12
our debtors
A debtor is a person who owes a debt to another person. This is a metaphor for those who have sinned against us.
Mat 6:20
store up for yourselves treasures in heaven
This is a metaphor that means do good things on earth so God will reward you in heaven.
Mat 6:22
The eye is the lamp of the body ... how great is that darkness
This 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 6:22
The eye is the lamp of the body
This 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 6:23
The eye is the lamp of the body ... how great is that darkness
This 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 6:23
if your eye is bad
This does not refer to magic. Jewish people often used this as a metaphor for someone who is greedy.
Mat 7:3
the tiny piece of straw that is in your brother's eye
This is a metaphor that refers to the less important faults of a fellow believer.
Mat 7:3
the log that is in your own eye
This 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 7:6
dogs ... hogs
Jews 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 7:6
pearls
These are similar to round, valuable stones or beads. They are a metaphor for the knowledge of God or precious things in general.
Mat 7:7
Ask ... Seek ... Knock
These 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 7:13
Enter through the narrow gate ... few who find it
This 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 7:14
Enter through the narrow gate ... few who find it
This 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 7:15
who come to you in sheep's clothing but are truly ravenous wolves
This 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 7:16
By their fruits you will know them
This 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 7:17
every good tree produces good fruit
Jesus continues to use the metaphor of fruit to refer to good prophets who produce good works or words.
Mat 7:17
the bad tree produces bad fruit
Jesus continues to use the metaphor of fruit to refer to bad prophets who produce evil works.
Mat 7:19
Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire
Jesus 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 7:20
you will recognize them by their fruits
The 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 8:22
leave the dead to bury their own dead
Jesus 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 10:6
lost sheep of the house of Israel
This is a metaphor comparing the entire nation of Israel to sheep who have strayed from their shepherd.
Mat 10:8
Freely you have received, freely give
Here "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 10:25
the master of the house
Jesus is using this as a metaphor for himself.
Mat 10:25
his household
This is a metaphor for Jesus' disciples.
Mat 10:26
there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not be known
Both 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 10:39
finds
This is a metaphor for "keeps" or "saves." Alternate Translation: "tries to keep" or "tries to save"
Mat 10:39
will lose it
This 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 10:39
who loses his life
This 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 10:39
will find it
This metaphor means the person will experience spiritual life with God. Alternate Translation: "will find true life"
Mat 11:7
a reed being shaken by the wind
Possible 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 11:10
prepare your way before you
This is a metaphor that means the messenger will prepare the people to receive the Messiah's message.
Mat 11:25
to little children
Jesus 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 11:28
who labor and are heavy burdened
Jesus 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 11:29
Take my yoke on you
Jesus continues the metaphor. Jesus is inviting the people to become his disciples and follow him.
Mat 12:27
your sons
Jesus 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 12:30
the one who does not gather with me scatters
Jesus 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 12:34
You offspring of vipers
Here "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 12:35
The 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 evil
Jesus 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 12:39
adulterous generation
Here "adulterous" is a metaphor for people who are not faithful to God. Alternate Translation: "unfaithful generation" or "godless generation"
Mat 12:44
to my house from which I came
This is a metaphor for the person in whom the unclean spirit was living. Alternate Translation: "to the place I left"
Mat 12:44
that house swept out and put in order
Again, "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 12:49
here are my mother and my brothers
This is a metaphor that means Jesus' disciples belong to Jesus' spiritual family. This is more important than belonging to his physical family.
Mat 12:50
that person is my brother, and sister, and mother
This 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 13:13
they do not see
Here "see" represents understanding. Alternate Translation: "they do not understand"
Mat 13:13
they do not hear
Here "hear" represents listening well. Alternate Translation: "they do not listen well" or "they do not pay attention"
Mat 13:15
For this people's heart ... I would heal them
In 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 13:15
I would heal them
have 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 13:19
the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart
Jesus 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 13:20
receives it with joy
Believing the word is spoken of as receiving it. Alternate Translation: "joyfully believes it"
Mat 13:21
yet he has no root in himself and he endures for a while
Yet 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 13:21
he quickly falls away
Here "falls away" means stops believing. Alternate Translation: "immediately he falls away" or "he quickly stops believing the message"
Mat 13:22
the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word
Jesus 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 13:22
he becomes unfruitful
The 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 13:23
He bears fruit and makes a crop
The 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 13:42
furnace of fire
This is a metaphor for the fires of hell. If the term "furnace" is not known, "oven" can be used. Alternate Translation: "fiery furnace"
Mat 13:50
furnace of fire
This 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 15:13
Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up
This is a metaphor. Jesus means that the Pharisees do not actually belong to God, so God will remove them.
Mat 15:14
blind guides ... both will fall into a pit
Jesus 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 15:24
to the lost sheep of the house of Israel
This 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 15:27
even the little dogs eat some of the crumbs that fall from their masters' tables
The 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 16:4
An evil and adulterous generation
Here "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 16:6
the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees
Here "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 16:11
the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees
Here "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 16:18
upon this rock I will build my church
Here "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 16:18
The gates of Hades will not prevail against it
Here "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 16:19
the keys of the kingdom of heaven
Keys are objects that are used to lock or unlock doors. Here they represent authority.
Mat 16:19
bind on earth shall be bound in heaven ... loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven
This metaphor means that God in heaven will approve of what Peter allows or forbids on earth.
Mat 16:23
Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me
Jesus 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 16:24
follow me
Following Jesus here represents being one of his disciples. Alternate Translation: "be my disciple" or "be one of my disciples"
Mat 16:24
and follow me
Following Jesus here represents obeying him. Alternate Translation: "and obey me"
Mat 16:25
will lose it
This 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 16:25
will find it
This metaphor means the person will experience spiritual life with God. Alternate Translation: "will find true life"
Mat 18:7
stumbling blocks ... those stumbling blocks come ... the person through whom those stumbling blocks come
Here "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 18:9
causes you to stumble
Here "stumble" is a metaphor for sin. Alternate Translation: "causes you to sin"
Mat 18:18
bind ... bound ... release ... released
This 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 19:5
the two will become one flesh
This is a metaphor that emphasizes the unity of a husband and a wife. Alternate Translation: "they will become like one person"
Mat 19:6
So they are no longer two, but one flesh
This 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 19:8
For your hardness of heart
The phrase "hardness of heart" is a metaphor that means "stubbornness." Alternate Translation: "Because of your stubbornness" or "Because you are stubborn"
Mat 19:12
eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs
Possible 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 19:21
you will have treasure in heaven
The phrase "treasure in heaven" is a metaphor that refers to a reward from God. Alternate Translation: "God will reward you in heaven"
Mat 20:28
to give his life as a ransom for many
Jesus' 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 20:33
that our eyes may be opened
The 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 21:13
a den of robbers
Jesus uses a metaphor to scold the people for buying and selling items in the temple. Alternate Translation: "like a place where robbers hide"
Mat 21:29
he changed his mind
This refers to the son reconsidering his thoughts and deciding to act differently from how he had said he would act.
Mat 21:42
The stone which the builders rejected has been made the cornerstone
Jesus 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 21:44
Whoever falls on this stone will be broken to pieces
Here, "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 23:4
they 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 them
Here "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 23:13
General 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 23:13
You shut the kingdom of heaven against people ... you do not enter it ... neither do you allow those about to enter to do so
Jesus 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 23:16
blind guides ... blind fools
The 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 23:16
is bound to his oath
is 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 23:17
blind guides ... blind fools
The 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 23:18
is bound to his oath
is 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 23:19
blind people
The Jewish leaders were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand God's truth.
Mat 23:24
You blind guides
Jesus 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 23:24
you who strain out a gnat but swallow a camel
Being 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 23:25
For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence
This is a metaphor that means the scribes and Pharisees appear pure on the outside to others, but on the inside they are wicked.
Mat 23:26
You blind Pharisee
The Pharisees were spiritually blind. Although they thought of themselves as teachers, they were unable to understand God's truth.
Mat 23:26
Clean first the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside may become clean also
This 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 23:32
You also fill up the measure of your fathers
Jesus 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 23:37
your children
Jesus is speaking to Jerusalem as if it is a woman and the people are her children. Alternate Translation: "your people" or "your inhabitants"
Mat 24:4
Be careful that no one leads you astray ... and will lead many astray
Here "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 24:5
Be careful that no one leads you astray ... and will lead many astray
Here "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 24:8
the beginning of birth pains
This 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 24:11
and lead many astray
Here "lead ... astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate Translation: "and deceive many people"
Mat 24:33
at the very gates
close 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 24:43
the thief
Jesus is saying he will come when people are not expecting him, not that he will come to steal.
Mat 25:33
He will place the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left
This 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 26:31
the shepherd ... sheep of the flock
These are metaphors that refer to Jesus and the disciples.
Mat 26:39
let this cup pass from me
Jesus 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 26:42
if this cannot pass away unless I drink it
if 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 26:42
if this
Here "this" refers to the cup and the contents within it, a metaphor for suffering, as in [Matthew 26:39](./39.md)).
Mat 26:42
unless I drink it
unless 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 1:2
will prepare your way
Doing this represents preparing the people for the Lord's arrival. Alternate Translation: "will prepare the people for your arrival"
Mrk 1:3
Make ready the way of the Lord
Get 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 1:5
The whole country of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem
The 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 1:7
the strap of his sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie
John 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 1:8
but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit
This 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 1:17
I will make you fishers of men
This 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 1:40
you can make me clean
In 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 1:45
began to spread the news widely
Here "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 2:5
Son
The word "Son" here shows Jesus cared for the man as a father cares for a son. Alternate Translation: "My son"
Mrk 3:5
by their hardness of heart
This 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 3:24
cannot stand
This 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 3:26
is not able to stand
This 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 3:35
that person is my brother, and sister, and mother
This 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 4:12
they look, but do not see
Jesus speaks of people understanding what they see as actually seeing. Alternate Translation: "they look and do not understand"
Mrk 4:12
they would turn
turn to God. Here "turn" is a metaphor for "repent." Alternate Translation: "they would repent"
Mrk 4:16
These are the ones
And some people are like the seeds. Jesus begins to explain how some people are like the seeds that fell on the rocky soil.
Mrk 4:17
They have no root in themselves
This 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 4:17
endure
In this parable, "endure" means "believe." Alternate Translation: "continue in their belief"
Mrk 4:17
they stumble
In this parable, "stumble" means "stop believing God's message"
Mrk 4:18
The others are the ones that were sown among the thorns
Jesus 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 4:19
enter in and choke the word
As 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 4:20
those that were sown in the good soil
Jesus 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 4:24
for the measure you use
Possible 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 5:9
He 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 6:12
turn away from their sins
Here "turn away from" is a metaphor that means to stop doing something. Alternate Translation: "stop sinning" or "repent of their sins"
Mrk 6:52
their hearts were hardened
Having a hard heart represents being too stubborn to understand. Alternate Translation: "they were too stubborn to understand"
Mrk 7:27
Let the children first be fed. For it is not right ... throw it to the dogs
Here 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 8:15
yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod
Here 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 8:33
Get behind me, Satan! You are not setting
Jesus 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 8:34
follow me
Following Jesus here represents being one of his disciples. Alternate Translation: "be my disciple" or "be one of my disciples"
Mrk 8:34
follow me
Following Jesus here represents obeying him. Alternate Translation: "obey me"
Mrk 8:38
in this adulterous and sinful generation
Jesus 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 9:35
If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all
Here 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 9:41
gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ
Jesus 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 9:43
to enter into life
Dying 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 9:45
to enter into life
Dying 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 9:49
everyone will be salted with fire
This 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 9:49
will be salted with fire
Here "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 9:50
Have salt among yourselves
Jesus 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 10:8
they are no longer two, but one flesh
This 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 10:14
for the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like them
The 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 10:17
to inherit eternal life
Here 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 10:21
One thing you lack
There 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 10:24
Children, how
My children, how. Jesus is teaching them as a father would teach his children. Alternate Translation: "My friends, how"
Mrk 10:31
are first will be last, and the last first
Here 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 10:38
drink the cup which I will drink
Here "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 10:38
endure the baptism with which I will be baptized
Here "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 10:44
to be first
This is a metaphor for being the most important. Alternate Translation: "to be the most important"
Mrk 11:10
the highest
Here heaven is spoken of as "the highest." Alternate Translation: "the highest heaven" or "heaven"
Mrk 11:17
But you have made it a den of robbers
Jesus 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 12:11
it is marvelous in our eyes
Here "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 12:13
to trap him
Here the author describes tricking Jesus as "trapping him." Alternate Translation: "to trick him"
Mrk 12:25
rise
Waking and getting up from sleep is a metaphor for becoming alive after having been dead.
Mrk 12:36
until I make your enemies your footstool
In this quote, God speaks of defeating enemies as making them into a footstool. Alternate Translation: "until I completely defeat your enemies"
Mrk 12:40
They also devour widows' houses
Here 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 13:8
These are the beginnings of birth pains
Jesus 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 13:14
the abomination of desolation
This 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 13:27
the four winds
The 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 13:31
my words will never pass away
Jesus 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 13:36
find you sleeping
Here Jesus speaks of not being ready as "sleeping." Alternate Translation: "find you not ready for his return"
Mrk 14:33
deeply troubled
The word "deeply" refers to Jesus being greatly troubled in his soul. Alternate Translation: "extremely troubled"
Mrk 14:38
that you do not enter into temptation
Jesus speaks of being tempted as if it were entering into a physical place. Alternate Translation: "that you are not tempted"
Mrk 14:40
for their eyes were heavy
Here 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 14:56
brought false testimony against him
Here 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 14:57
brought false testimony against him
Here 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 14:62
comes with the clouds of heaven
Here the clouds are described as accompanying Jesus when he returns. Alternate Translation: "when he comes down through the clouds in the sky"
Mrk 15:11
stirred up the crowd
The 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 15:19
bent their knees
A person who kneels bends his knees, so those who kneel are sometimes said to "bend their knees." Alternate Translation: "kneeled" or "knelt"
Mrk 15:33
darkness came over the whole land
Here 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 15:42
evening had come
Here 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 1:12
fear fell on him
Fear is described as if it was something that attacked or overpowered Zechariah.
Luk 1:16
Many of the people of Israel will be turned to the Lord their God
Here "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 1:17
turn the hearts
The 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 1:42
the fruit of your womb
Mary'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 1:52
raised up those of low condition
In 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 1:65
All these matters were spread throughout all the hill country of Judea
The 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 1:66
stored them in their hearts
Thinking 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 1:69
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
The 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 1:76
to prepare his paths
This is a metaphor that means that John will prepare the people to listen to and believe the Lord's message.
Luk 1:78
the sunrise from on high ... to shine on
Light 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 1:79
the sunrise from on high ... to shine on
Light 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 1:79
those who sit in darkness
Darkness 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 1:79
guide our feet into the path of peace
Here "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 2:13
a great, heavenly army
The 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 2:19
treasuring them in her heart
A 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 2:32
A light for revelation to the Gentiles
This 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 2:34
this child is appointed for the downfall and rising up of many people in Israel
The 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 3:2
the word of God came
The 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 3:4
Make ready the way of the Lord
Get 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 3:5
Every valley will be filled ... every mountain and hill will be made low
When 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 3:7
You offspring of vipers
This 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 3:8
produce fruits that are worthy of repentance
In 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 3:16
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire
This 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 3:16
fire
Here the word "fire" may refer to 1) judgment or 2) purification. It is preferred to leave it as "fire"
Luk 3:17
His winnowing fork is in his hand
He 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 4:18
he anointed me
In 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 4:25
when the sky was shut up
This 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 5:10
you will catch men
The 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 5:35
the bridegroom will be taken away from them
Jesus 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 5:39
drinking old wine ... wants the new
This 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 6:38
A generous amount—pressed down, shaken together and spilling over—will pour into your lap
Jesus 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 6:39
blind person
The person who is "blind" is a metaphor for a person who has not been taught as a disciple.
Luk 6:41
the tiny piece of straw that is in your brother's eye
This is a metaphor that refers to the less important faults of a fellow believer.
Luk 6:41
the log that is in your own eye
This 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 6:43
General 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 6:45
General 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 6:45
the good treasure of his heart
Here 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 6:45
produces what is good
Producing what is good is a metaphor for doing what is good. Alternate Translation: "does what is good"
Luk 6:45
the evil treasure of his heart
Here 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 7:24
A reed shaken by the wind
Possible 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 7:28
among those born of women
among 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 8:12
takes away
In 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 8:14
they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature
This 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 8:14
their fruit does not mature
they 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 8:15
bear fruit with patient endurance
produce 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 8:21
My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it
This 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 9:23
come after me
follow me. Coming after Jesus represents being one of his disciples. Alternate Translation: "be my disciple" or "be one of my disciples"
Luk 9:23
follow me
Following Jesus here represents obeying him. Alternate Translation: "obey me"
Luk 9:48
in my name, welcomes me
This metaphor could also be stated as a simile. Alternate Translation: "in my name, it is like he is welcoming me"
Luk 9:60
Leave the dead to bury their own dead
Jesus 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 10:2
The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few
There 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 10:19
authority to tread on serpents and scorpions
authority 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 11:9
knock
To 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 11:17
falls
crashes down and is destroyed. This image of the house collapsing refers to the destruction of a family when the members fight each other.
Luk 11:21
When a strong man ... man's possessions
This speaks about Jesus defeating Satan and his demons as if Jesus was a stronger man who takes what belongs to a strong man.
Luk 11:22
When a strong man ... man's possessions
This speaks about Jesus defeating Satan and his demons as if Jesus was a stronger man who takes what belongs to a strong man.
Luk 11:24
my house from which I came
This refers to the person in which he used to live. Alternate Translation: "the person in whom I used to live"
Luk 11:33
General 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 11:34
Your eye is the lamp of the body
In 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 11:39
General 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 11:39
but the inside of you is filled with greed and evil
This 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 11:46
you put people under burdens that are hard to carry
you 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 11:52
you have taken away the key of knowledge ... hinder those who are entering
Jesus 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 11:54
trying to trap him in his own words
This means they wanted Jesus to say something wrong so that they could accuse him.
Luk 12:1
Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy
Just 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 12:25
add a cubit to his lifespan
This 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 12:28
If God so clothes the grass in the field, which
If 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 12:32
little flock
Jesus 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 12:33
Make for yourselves purses ... treasure in the heavens
The purses and treasure in the heavens are the same thing. They both represent God's blessing in heaven.
Luk 12:49
I came to cast fire upon the earth
I 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 12:50
I have a baptism to be baptized with
Here "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 13:16
whom Satan bound
Jesus 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 13:22
General Information:
Jesus responds to a question by using a metaphor about entering God's kingdom.
Luk 13:24
Struggle to enter through the narrow door
Work 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 13:25
the owner of the house
This 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 13:28
will be first ... will be last
Being 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 13:29
be seated at a table in the kingdom of God
It 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 13:30
will be first ... will be last
Being 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 13:32
that fox
Jesus 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 13:34
the way a hen gathers her brood under her wings
This describes how a hen protects her young from harm by covering them with her wings.
Luk 13:35
your house is abandoned
This 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 14:27
carry his own cross
Jesus 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 14:34
Salt is good
Salt is useful. Jesus is teaching a lesson about those who want to be his disciple.
Luk 15:24
my son was dead, and now he is alive
This 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 15:24
He was lost, and now he is found
This 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 15:30
devoured your living
Food 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 15:32
this brother of yours was dead, and is now alive
This 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 15:32
he was lost, and has now been found
This 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 16:8
the children of light
Here "light" is a metaphor for everything godly. Alternate Translation: "the people of God" or "godly people"
Luk 17:22
The days are coming when
The idea of days days coming represents something being soon. Alternate Translation: "A time is coming when" or "Soon"
Luk 18:18
inherit eternal life
receive 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 19:21
You take up what you did not put in
This 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 19:21
you reap what you did not sow
This 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 19:46
a den of robbers
Jesus speaks of the temple as if it were a place where thieves come together. Alternate Translation: "a place where thieves hide"
Luk 20:10
sent him away empty-handed
An empty hand is a metaphor for "nothing." Alternate Translation: "sent him away without paying him" or "sent him away without the grapes"
Luk 20:11
sent him away empty-handed
Having 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 20:17
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone
This 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 20:18
Every one who falls ... broken to pieces
This second metaphor speaks of people who reject the Messiah as if they fall over a stone and are injured.
Luk 20:18
But on whomever it falls
But 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 20:43
until I make your enemies your footstool
The 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 20:47
They also devour widows' houses
They 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 21:24
trampled by the Gentiles
This 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 21:34
are not burdened
Jesus here speaks of the following sins as if they were a physical weight that a person had to carry.
Luk 21:35
on the face of the whole earth
The 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 22:26
the youngest
Older 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 22:31
sift you as wheat
This means that Satan wanted to test the disciples to find something wrong. Alternate Translation: "test you like someone passes grain through a sieve"
Luk 22:32
After you have turned back again
Here "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 22:42
remove this cup from me
Jesus 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 23:1
before Pilate
To appear before someone means to enter into their authority. Alternate Translation: "to be judged by Pilate"
Luk 23:31
the tree is green
The green tree is a metaphor for something that is good. If your language has a similar metaphor, you should use it here.
Luk 23:31
it is dry
The dry wood is a metaphor for something that will be useful only to burn.
Luk 23:54
the Sabbath was about to begin
For the Jews, the day began at sunset. Alternate Translation: "it was soon going to be sunset, the start of the Sabbath"
Luk 24:32
Was 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 24:49
you are clothed with power
God'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 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it
Here "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 1:7
testify about the light
Here "light" is a metaphor for the revelation of God in Jesus. Alternate Translation: "show how Jesus is like the true light of God"
Jhn 1:9
The true light
Here light is a metaphor that represents Jesus as the one who both reveals the truth about God and is himself that truth.
Jhn 1:12
children of God
The word "children" is a metaphor that represents our relationship to God, which is like children to a father.
Jhn 1:23
Make the way of the Lord straight
Here 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 1:27
me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie
Untying 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 1:29
Lamb of God
This 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 1:36
Lamb of God
This 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 2:17
consume
The word "consume" points to the metaphor of "fire." Jesus' love for the temple is like a fire that burns within him.
Jhn 3:3
kingdom of God
The word "kingdom" is a metaphor for the rule of God. Alternate Translation: "place where God rules"
Jhn 3:5
born of water and the Spirit
There are two possible meanings: 1) "baptized in water and in the Spirit" or 2) "born physically and spiritually"
Jhn 3:5
enter into the kingdom of God
The 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 3:19
The light has come into the world
The 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 3:19
men loved the darkness
Here "darkness" is a metaphor for evil.
Jhn 3:29
The bride belongs to the bridegroom
Here the "bride" and "bridegroom" are metaphors. Jesus is like the "bridegroom" and John is like the friend of the "bridegroom."
Jhn 4:10
living water
Jesus uses the metaphor "living water" to refer to the Holy Spirit who works in a person to transform and bring new life.
Jhn 4:14
the water that I will give him will become a fountain of water in him
Here 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 4:34
My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work
Here "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 4:35
look up and see the fields, for they are already ripe for harvest
The 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 4:36
and gathers fruit for everlasting life
Here "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 4:37
One sows, and another harvests
The 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 5:35
John was a lamp that was burning and shining, and you were willing to rejoice in his light for a while
Here "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 5:38
You do not have his word remaining in you
Jesus 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 6:27
has set his seal on him
To "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 6:32
it is my Father who is giving you the true bread from heaven
The "true bread" is a metaphor for Jesus. Alternate Translation: "The Father gives to you the Son as the true bread from heaven"
Jhn 6:35
I am the bread of life
Through 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 6:41
I am the bread
Just 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 6:48
I am the bread of life
Just 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 6:50
This is the bread
Here "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 6:53
eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood
Here 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 6:54
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life
The 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 6:54
my flesh is true food ... my blood is true drink
The 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 6:55
my flesh is true food ... my blood is true drink
The 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 6:58
This is the bread that has come down from heaven
The "bread" is a metaphor for Jesus, who has come from heaven. Alternate Translation: "I am like bread that has come from heaven"
Jhn 6:58
He who eats this bread
This 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 6:66
no longer walked with him
Jesus 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 7:12
he leads the crowds astray
Here "leads ... astray" is a metaphor for persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate Translation: "he deceives the people"
Jhn 7:37
If anyone is thirsty
Here 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 7:37
let him come to me and drink
The 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 7:38
rivers of living water will flow
The "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 7:38
living water
Possible meanings are 1) "water that gives life" or 2) "water that causes people to live."
Jhn 8:12
I am the light of the world
Here 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 8:12
will not walk in the darkness
To "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 8:12
light of life
The "light of life" is a metaphor for the truth from God that gives spiritual life. Alternate Translation: "truth that brings eternal life"
Jhn 8:34
is the slave of sin
Here 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 8:44
the father of lies
Here "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 9:4
day ... Night
Here "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 9:5
light of the world
Here "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 9:22
he would be thrown out of the synagogue
Here "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 9:39
so that those who do not see may see and so that those who see may become blind
Here "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 9:41
If you were blind, you would have no sin
Here "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 9:41
but now you say, 'We see,' so your sin remains
Here "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 10:6
this parable
This 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 10:7
I am the gate of the sheep
Here "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 10:8
a thief and a robber
These 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 10:9
I am the gate
Here "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 10:11
I am the good shepherd
Here "good shepherd" is a metaphor that represents Jesus. Alternate Translation: "I am like a good shepherd"
Jhn 10:12
The hired servant
The "hired servant" is a metaphor that represents the Jewish leaders and teachers. Alternate Translation: "The one who is like a hired servant"
Jhn 10:12
abandons the sheep and ... does not care for the sheep
Here 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 10:13
abandons the sheep and ... does not care for the sheep
Here 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 10:14
I am the good shepherd
Here the "good shepherd" is a metaphor for Jesus. Alternate Translation: "I am like a good shepherd"
Jhn 10:16
I have other sheep
Here "other sheep" is a metaphor for followers of Jesus who are not Jews.
Jhn 10:16
one flock and one shepherd
Here "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 10:26
not my sheep
The word "sheep" is a metaphor for the followers of Jesus. Alternate Translation: "not my followers" or "not my disciples"
Jhn 10:27
My sheep hear my voice
The 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 10:35
the word of God came
Jesus 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 11:9
If someone walks in the daytime, he will not stumble, because he sees by the light of this world
People 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 11:10
if he walks at night
Here "night" is a metaphor that refers to one's walking without God's light.
Jhn 12:24
unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies ... it will bear much fruit
Here "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 12:35
The 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 going
Here "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 12:36
While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may be sons of light
The "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 12:40
and turn
Here "turn" is a metaphor for "repent." Alternate Translation: "and they would repent"
Jhn 12:46
I have come as a light
Here the "light" is a metaphor for Jesus' example. Alternate Translation: "I have come to show the truth"
Jhn 12:46
may not remain in the darkness
Here "darkness" is a metaphor for living in ignorance of God's truth. Alternate Translation: "may not continue to be spiritually blind"
Jhn 13:10
He who is bathed has no need, except to wash his feet
Here "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 14:4
the way
This is a metaphor that has these possible meanings 1) "the way to God" or 2) "the one who takes people to God."
Jhn 14:6
the truth
This is a metaphor that has these possible meanings 1) "the true person" or 2) "the one who speaks true words about God."
Jhn 14:6
the life
This is a metaphor that means Jesus can give life to people. Alternate Translation: "the one who can make people alive"
Jhn 15:1
I am the true vine
Here 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 15:1
my Father is the gardener
The "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 15:2
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit
Here "every branch" represents people, and "bear fruit" represents living in a way that pleases God.
Jhn 15:3
You are already clean because of the message that I have spoken to you
The 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 15:5
I am the vine, you are the branches
The "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 15:5
he bears much fruit
The 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 15:6
he is thrown away like a branch and dries up
Here 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 15:8
that you bear much fruit
Here "fruit" is a metaphor for living to please God. Alternate Translation: "when you live in a way that pleases him"
Jhn 15:16
go and bear fruit
Here "fruit" is a metaphor that represents a life that is pleasing to God. Alternate Translation: "live lives that please God"
Jhn 18:11
the cup
Here "cup" is a metaphor that refers to the suffering that Jesus must endure.
Jhn 19:26
Woman, see, your son
Here 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 19:27
See, your mother
Here 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 21:15
Feed my lambs
Here "lambs" is a metaphor for those persons who love Jesus and follow him. Alternate Translation: "Feed the people I care for"
Jhn 21:16
Take care of my sheep
Here "sheep" is a metaphor for those who love and follow Jesus. Alternate Translation: "Care for the people I care for"
Jhn 21:17
Feed my sheep
Here "sheep" is a metaphor that represents those who belong to Jesus and follow him. Alternate Translation: "Care for the people I care for"
Act 1:20
Let his field be made desolate
Possible 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 2:20
the moon to blood
This means that the moon will appear to be red like blood. Alternate Translation: "the moon will appear to be red"
Act 2:24
freeing him from the pains of death
Peter 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 2:35
until I make your enemies the stool for your feet
This 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 3:15
Founder of life
This 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 3:19
and turn
and turn to the Lord. Here "turn" is a metaphor for starting to obey the Lord. Alternate Translation: "and start obeying the Lord"
Act 3:26
turning every one of you from your wickedness
Here "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 4:11
Jesus Christ is the stone ... which has been made the head cornerstone
Peter 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 5:28
you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching
Teaching 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 6:7
word of God continued to spread
The 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 7:39
pushed him away from themselves
This metaphor emphasizes their rejection of Moses. Alternate Translation: "they rejected him as their leader"
Act 8:23
in the poison of bitterness
Here "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 8:23
in the bonds of sin
The 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 9:31
walking in the fear of the Lord
Walking here is a metaphor for "living." Alternate Translation: "living in obedience to the Lord" or "continuing to honor the Lord"
Act 9:35
and they turned to the Lord
Here "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 10:38
God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power
The Holy Spirit and God's power are spoken of as if they are something that can be poured out onto a person.
Act 10:45
poured out
The 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 11:21
turned to the Lord
Here "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 12:24
the word of God increased and multiplied
The 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 13:8
tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith
Here "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 13:45
filled with jealousy
Here jealousy is spoken of as if it were something that could fill up a person. Alternate Translation: "became very jealous"
Act 13:46
Seeing you push it away from yourselves
Their 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 13:47
as a light
Here the truth about Jesus that Paul was preaching is spoken of as if it were a light that allowed people to see.
Act 14:2
stirred up the minds of the Gentiles
Causing the Gentiles to become angry is spoken of as if calm waters were disturbed.
Act 14:15
turn from these useless things to a living God
Here "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 14:16
to walk in their own ways
Walking 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 14:27
he had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles
God'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 15:3
They brought great joy to all the brothers
Their 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 15:9
making their hearts clean by faith
God'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 15:16
I will build again the tent of David, which has fallen down ... its ruins again
This 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 15:17
the remnant of men may seek the Lord
This speaks about people wanting to obey God and learn more about him as if they were literally looking for him.
Act 15:19
who turn to God
A person who starts obeying God is spoken of as if the person is physically turning towards God.
Act 15:28
to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things
This speaks about laws that people need to obey as if they were objects that people carry on their shoulders.
Act 15:32
strengthened them
Helping someone to depend even more on Jesus is spoken of as if they were making them physically stronger.
Act 15:33
After they had spent some time there
This 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 15:41
strengthening the churches
Encouraging 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 16:5
the churches were strengthened in the faith
This speaks of helping someone to believe more confidently as if it were making them physically stronger.
Act 16:14
The Lord opened her heart to pay attention
For 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 16:17
the way of salvation
How 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 17:3
He was opening the scriptures
Possible 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 17:5
being moved with jealousy
The feeling of jealousy is spoken of as if jealousy were actually moving the person. Alternate Translation: "feeling very jealous" or "feeling very angry"
Act 17:13
went there and stirred up
This 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 17:18
What is this babbler
The 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 17:20
For you bring some strange things to our ears
Paul'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 17:21
spent their time in nothing but either telling or listening
Here "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 17:27
so that they should search for God and perhaps they may feel their way toward him and find him
Here "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 17:29
are God's offspring
Because God created everyone, all people are spoken of as if they were God's literal children.
Act 18:23
After having spent some time there
This speaks about "time" as if it were a commodity that a person could spend. Alternate Translation: After staying there for a while"
Act 18:26
the way of God
How God wants people to live is spoken of as if it were a road that a person travels.
Act 19:9
some Jews were hardened and disobedient
To 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 19:9
to speak evil of the Way before the crowd
What 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 19:26
turned away many people
Paul'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 19:28
they were filled with anger
This 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 19:34
with one voice
The 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 20:3
After he had spent three months there
After he had stayed there three months. This speaks about time as if it were something a person could spend.
Act 20:9
who fell into a deep sleep
This 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 20:16
so that he would not spend any time
This 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 20:18
how I always spent my time with you
This 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 20:19
lowliness of mind
This 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 20:24
if only I may finish the race and complete the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus
This 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 20:24
finish the race
Paul speaks about completing the work that Jesus has commanded him to do as if he were running a race.
Act 20:28
the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be careful to shepherd the church of God
Believers 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 20:28
the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood
The 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 20:29
vicious wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock
This 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 20:30
in order to draw away the disciples after them
A 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 20:31
be on guard
be 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 20:32
which is able to build you up
A 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 20:32
the inheritance
The blessings that God gives believers is spoken of as if they were money or property that a child inherits from his father.
Act 21:5
When our days there were over
This 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 21:13
breaking my heart
To 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 21:21
not to follow the old customs
To 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 21:24
follow the law
This 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 21:27
stirred up the whole crowd
Inciting 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 22:16
wash away your sins
As 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 23:3
whitewashed wall
This 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 23:14
We have put ourselves under a great curse, to eat nothing until we have killed Paul
To 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 24:5
this man to be a pest
This 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 24:12
I did not stir up a crowd
Stir 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 25:2
The chief priest and the prominent Jews brought accusations against Paul
This 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 25:7
they brought many serious charges
Charging 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 25:15
brought charges against this man
To 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 25:16
to hand over anyone
Here "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 26:6
of my certain hope in the promise made by God to our fathers
This 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 26:6
the promise ... sought to receive
This speaks about a promise as if it were an object that can be received.
Act 26:7
the promise ... sought to receive
This speaks about a promise as if it were an object that can be received.
Act 26:14
It is hard for you to kick a goad
For 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 26:18
to open their eyes
Helping people to understand the truth is spoken of as if a person were literally helping someone to open his eyes.
Act 26:18
to turn them from darkness to light
Helping 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 26:18
to turn them ... from the power of Satan to God
Helping 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 26:18
the inheritance
The 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 26:18
sanctified by faith in me
Jesus choosing some people to belong to him is spoken of as if he literally set them apart from other people.
Act 26:20
turn to God
To start trusting God is spoken of as if a person turns to start walking toward God. Alternate Translation: "trust in God"
Act 26:23
he would proclaim light
he 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 26:26
in a corner
This 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 27:12
to spend the winter there
This 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 28:2
offered to us not just ordinary kindness
Being 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 28:6
they changed their minds
To think differently about a situation is spoken of as if a person is changing his mind. Alternate Translation: "they thought again"
Act 28:15
he thanked God and took courage
Taking 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 28:27
For the heart of this people has become dull
People 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 28:27
with their ears they hardly hear, and they have shut their eyes
People 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 28:27
turn again
To start obeying God is spoken of as though the person were physically turning toward God.
Act 28:28
this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles
God'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 1:13
in order to have a harvest among you
The 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 1:14
I am a debtor both to
Using 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 1:20
For his invisible qualities ... have been clearly seen
Paul 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 1:21
their senseless hearts were darkened
Here "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 2:5
But it is to the extent of your hardness and unrepentant heart
Paul 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 2:5
you are storing up for yourself wrath
The 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 2:17
rest upon the law
The 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 2:20
a teacher of little children
Here 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 3:13
The poison of snakes is under their lips
Here "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 4:14
heirs
The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member.
Rom 4:16
in order that the promise may rest on grace
Here "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 6:2
We 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 6:4
We were buried, then, with him through baptism into death
Here 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 6:5
become united with him in the likeness of his death ... be united with his resurrection
Paul 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 6:6
our old man was crucified with him
The "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 6:6
we should no longer be enslaved to sin
Slavery 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 6:11
dead to sin
Just 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 6:17
For you were slaves of sin
Slavery 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 6:18
you have been made slaves of righteousness
Slavery 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 6:20
you were free from righteousness
Here "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 6:22
But now that you have been made free from sin
Being "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 6:22
and are enslaved to God
Being "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 6:22
you have your fruit for sanctification
Here "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 7:2
the married woman is bound by law to the husband
Here "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 7:4
we might produce fruit for God
Here "fruit" is a metaphor for actions that please God. Alternate Translation: "we might be able to do things pleasing to God"
Rom 7:5
to bear fruit for death
Here "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 7:10
The commandment that was to bring life turned out to be death for me
Paul 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 7:11
it killed me
Paul speaks of God's condemnation on sinners as if it resulted primarily in physical death. Alternate Translation: "it separated me from God"
Rom 7:22
the inner man
This is the newly-revived spirit of a person who trusts in Christ.
Rom 7:24
this body of death
This is a metaphor that means a body that will experience physical death.
Rom 7:25
So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind. However, with the flesh I serve the principle of sin
The 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 8:2
has set you free from the law of sin and death
Being 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 8:4
we who walk not according to the flesh
Walking 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 8:12
we are debtors
Paul is speaking of obedience as if it were paying back a debt. Alternate Translation: "we need to obey"
Rom 8:13
but if by the Spirit you put to death the body's actions
Paul 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 8:17
heirs of God
Paul 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 8:17
we are joint heirs with Christ
Paul 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 8:21
from slavery to decay
Here being in slavery to decay is a metaphor for being certain to decay. Alternate Translation: "from being like a slave to decay"
Rom 8:21
that it will be brought into the freedom of the glory of the children of God
Freedom 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 8:22
For we know that the whole creation groans and labors in pain together even now
The 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 9:4
They have adoption
Here 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 9:8
children of God
This is a metaphor that refers to people who are spiritual descendants, those who have faith in Jesus.
Rom 9:15
For he says to Moses
Paul 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 9:16
nor because of him who runs
Paul speaks of a person who does good things in order to gain God's favor as if that person were running a race.
Rom 9:20
Will 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 9:21
Will 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 9:22
containers of wrath ... containers of mercy
Paul speaks of people as if they were containers. Alternate Translation: "people who deserve wrath ... people who deserve mercy"
Rom 9:23
containers of wrath ... containers of mercy
Paul speaks of people as if they were containers. Alternate Translation: "people who deserve wrath ... people who deserve mercy"
Rom 9:23
the riches of his glory upon
Paul compares God's wonderful actions here to great "riches." Alternate Translation: "his glory, which is of great value, upon"
Rom 11:8
God has given them a spirit of dullness, eyes so that they should not see, and ears so that they should not hear
This is a metaphor about the fact that the people are spiritually dull. They are not able to hear or receive spiritual truth.
Rom 11:9
a stumbling block
A "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 11:16
If the firstfruits are reserved, so is the lump of dough
Paul 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 11:16
If the root is reserved, so are the branches
Paul 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 11:16
reserved
The people always dedicated to God the first crops that they harvested. Here "firstfruits" stands for the first people to believe in Christ.
Rom 11:17
But if some of the branches were broken off
Here 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 11:17
were grafted in among them
Here 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 11:17
the rich root of the olive tree
Here "the rich root" is a metaphor that refers to the promises of God.
Rom 11:18
do not boast over the branches
Here "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 11:18
it is not you who supports the root, but the root that supports you
Again Paul implies that the Gentile believers are branches. God saves them only because of the covenant promises that he made to the Jews.
Rom 11:19
Branches were broken off
Here "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 11:19
I might be grafted in
Paul 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 11:20
but you stand firm because of your faith
Paul 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 11:21
For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you
Here 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 11:22
the Jews who fell
Doing 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 11:22
Otherwise you also will be cut off
Paul 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 11:23
will be grafted in
Paul 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 11:24
For 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 11:24
branches
Paul 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 11:25
a partial hardening has occurred in Israel
Paul 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 11:26
He will remove ungodliness
Paul speaks of ungodliness as if it were an object that someone could remove, perhaps like someone removes a garment.
Rom 11:27
I will take away their sins
Here 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 11:29
For the gifts and the call of God are unchangeable
Paul 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 11:32
God has shut up all into disobedience
God 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 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world
Possible meanings are 1) "Do not behave as the world behaves" or 2) "Do not think the way the world does."
Rom 12:4
we have many members in one body
Paul 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 12:5
are individually members of each other
Paul 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 12:6
We have different gifts according to the grace that was given to us
Paul 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 12:20
heap coals of fire on his head
Paul 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 13:7
fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due
Here 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 13:11
you know the time, that it is already time for you to awake out of sleep
Paul speaks of the need for the Roman believers to change their behavior as if they needed to wake up from being asleep.
Rom 13:12
The night has advanced
Paul 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 13:12
the day has come near
Paul 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 13:12
Let us therefore put aside the works of darkness
Paul 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 13:12
let us put on the armor of light
Here "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 13:13
Let us walk appropriately, as in the day
Paul 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 13:14
put on the Lord Jesus Christ
Paul speaks of accepting the moral nature of Christ as if he were our outer clothing that people can see.
Rom 14:4
It is before his own master that he stands or falls
Paul 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 14:4
But he will be made to stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand
Paul 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 14:15
you are no longer walking in love
Paul speaks of the behavior of believers as if it were a walk. Alternate Translation: "then you are no longer showing love"
Rom 15:16
the offering of the Gentiles might become acceptable
Paul 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 15:20
in order that I might not build upon another man's foundation
Paul 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 15:28
made sure that they have received what was collected
Paul 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 16:5
firstfruit of Asia to Christ
Paul speaks of Epaenetus as if he were a fruit that he harvested. Alternate Translation: "first person in Asia to believe in Jesus"
Rom 16:13
his mother and mine
Paul 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 16:17
Turn away from them
Turn away here is an metaphor for "refuse to listen." Alternate Translation: "Do not listen to them"
Rom 16:20
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet
The 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 16:25
to make you stand
Paul speaks here of having strong faith as if a person were standing, instead of falling. Alternate Translation: "to make your faith strong"
Rom 16:25
according to the revelation of the mystery that had been kept secret for long ages
Paul 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 1:4
because of the grace of God that Christ Jesus gave to you
Paul 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 1:23
a stumbling block
Just 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 3:1
as to little children in Christ
The Corinthians are compared to children very young in age and understanding. Alternate Translation: "as to very young believers in Christ"
1Co 3:2
I fed you milk, not solid food
The 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 3:6
I planted
The 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 3:6
Apollos watered
As 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 3:6
but God gave the growth
As 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 3:8
he who plants and he who waters are one
Paul speaks of telling people the good news and teaching those who have accepted it as if they were planting and watering plants.
1Co 3:9
You are God's garden
Possible 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 3:9
God's building
Possible 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 3:10
I laid a foundation
Paul equates his teaching of faith and salvation in Jesus Christ to laying a foundation for a building.
1Co 3:10
another is building on it
Paul 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 3:12
Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw
The 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 3:13
for the daylight will reveal it
The "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 3:13
For it will be revealed in fire. The fire will test the quality of what each one had done
Just 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 4:5
He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the purposes of the heart
Here "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 4:9
has put us apostles on display
God has displayed the apostles just like prisoners at the end of a Roman military parade, who are humiliated before their execution.
1Co 4:9
like men sentenced to death
God put the apostles on display like men who are about to be executed.
1Co 4:14
children ... father
Because Paul had led them to Christ, he is like a father to the Corinthians.
1Co 4:15
children ... father
Because Paul had led them to Christ, he is like a father to the Corinthians.
1Co 5:5
hand this man over to Satan
Handing 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 5:5
for the destruction of the flesh
Possible 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 5:6
Do 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 5:7
Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed
As 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 6:9
inherit
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
1Co 6:15
Do 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 6:18
Run away from
Paul speaks of a person rejecting sexual sin as if that person were running away from danger. Alternate Translation: "Get away from"
1Co 6:19
temple of the Holy Spirit
A 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 7:15
In such cases, the brother or sister is not bound to their vows
Here "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 7:37
But if he is standing firm in his heart
Here "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 7:39
A woman is bound to her husband
Here "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 8:1
Knowledge puffs up
Knowledge 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 8:1
love builds up
Building 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 9:19
I am free from all
Free 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 9:24
run the race
Paul 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 9:24
run to win the prize
Paul is speaking of the reward God will give his faithful people as if it were a prize given for an athletic contest.
1Co 9:25
a wreath that is perishable ... one that is imperishable
A 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 9:26
I do not run without purpose or box by beating the air
Here "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 10:14
run away from idolatry
Paul 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 10:16
The cup of blessing
Paul 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 10:23
not everything builds people up
Building 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 11:28
examine
Paul 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 11:31
examine
Paul 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 12:2
you were led astray to idols who could not speak, in whatever ways you were led by them
Here "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 13:1
I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal
I have become like instruments that make loud, annoying sounds
1Co 14:3
to build them up
Building 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 14:4
builds up
Building 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 14:12
try to excel in the gifts that build up the church
Paul 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 14:14
my mind is unfruitful
The 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 14:17
the other person is not built up
Building 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 14:20
do not be children in your thinking
Here "children" is a metaphor for being spiritually immature. Alternate Translation: "do not think like children"
1Co 15:1
on which you stand
Paul 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 15:10
the grace of God that is with me
Paul 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 15:20
who is the firstfruits
Here "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 15:23
who is the firstfruits
Here "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 15:31
Every 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 15:32
I fought with beasts at Ephesus
Paul 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 15:36
What you sow will not start to grow unless it dies
A 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 15:37
What you sow is not the body that will be
Paul 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 15:50
flesh and blood
Those who inhabit a body that is doomed to die.
1Co 15:50
inherit
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
1Co 15:53
must put on
Paul is speaking of God making our bodies so they will never die again as if God were putting new clothes on us.
1Co 15:58
be steadfast and immovable
Paul 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 15:58
Always abound in the work of the Lord
Paul 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 16:9
a wide door has opened
Paul 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 16:13
Be watchful
Paul 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 16:13
stand fast in the faith
Paul 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 16:13
act like men
In 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 1:5
For just as the sufferings of Christ abound for our sake
Paul 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 1:5
our comfort abounds
Paul speaks of comfort as if it were an object that could increase in size.
2Co 1:8
We were so completely crushed beyond our strength
Paul and Timothy refer to their emotions of despair being like a heavy weight they have to carry.
2Co 1:9
we had the sentence of death on us
Paul 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 1:10
a deadly peril
Paul 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 1:22
he set his seal on us
Paul 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 1:22
the Spirit ... as a guarantee
The Spirit is spoken of as if he was a partial downpayment toward eternal life.
2Co 2:12
A door was opened to me by the Lord ... to preach the gospel
Paul 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 2:14
God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph
Paul 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 2:14
Through us he spreads the sweet aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere
Paul 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 2:15
we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ
Paul speaks of his ministry as if it were a burnt offering that someone offers to God.
2Co 2:16
it is an aroma
the 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 3:2
You yourselves are our letter of recommendation
Paul 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 3:3
you are a letter from Christ
Paul clarifies that Christ is the one who has written the letter. Alternate Translation: "you are a letter that Christ has written"
2Co 3:3
tablets of human hearts
Paul speaks of their hearts as if they are flat pieces of stone or clay upon which people engraved letters.
2Co 3:9
the service of righteousness abound in glory
Paul 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 3:11
that which was passing away
This 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 3:14
But their minds were closed
But 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 3:14
when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains
Just 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 3:16
when a person turns to the Lord
Here "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 3:18
with unveiled faces, see the glory of the Lord
Unlike 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 4:2
in the sight of God
This 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 4:3
But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing
This 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 4:4
the god of this world has blinded their unbelieving minds
Paul 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 4:4
they are not able to see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ
As the Israelites could not see God's glory that shined on Moses' face because he covered it with a veil
2Co 4:6
He has shone ... to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
Here 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 4:6
the glory of God in the presence of Jesus Christ
the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Just as God's glory shone upon Moses' face
2Co 4:7
we have this treasure in jars of clay
Paul 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 4:10
We always carry in our body the death of Jesus
Paul 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 4:11
We who are alive are always carrying around in our body the death of Jesus
Carrying 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 4:15
thanksgiving may increase
Paul 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 4:17
this momentary, light affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory
Paul 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 4:17
that exceeds all measurement
The 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 5:1
if the earthly dwelling that we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God
Here 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 5:2
longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling
The 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 5:4
while we are in this tent
Paul speaks of the physical body as if it were a "tent."
2Co 5:4
being burdened
Paul refers to the difficulties that the physical body experiences as if they were heavy objects that are difficult to carry.
2Co 5:4
We do not want to be unclothed ... we want to be clothed
Paul 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 5:4
so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life
Paul 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 5:5
who gave us the Spirit as a guarantee of what is to come
The 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 5:6
while we are at home in the body
Paul 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 5:7
we walk by faith, not by sight
Here "walk" is a metaphor for "live" or "behave." Alternate Translation: "we live according to faith, not according to what we see"
2Co 5:17
he is a new creation
Paul speaks of the person who believes in Christ as if God had created a new person. Alternate Translation: "he is a new person"
2Co 6:3
We do not place a stumbling block in front of anyone
Paul 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 6:7
We have the armor of righteousness for the right hand and for the left
Paul speaks of their righteousness as if it is weapons that they use to fight spiritual battles.
2Co 6:11
our heart is wide open
Paul 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 6:12
You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own hearts
Paul 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 6:13
open yourselves wide also
Paul 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 6:14
be tied together with
Paul 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 6:16
we are the temple of the living God
Paul 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 7:2
Make room for us
This 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 7:3
you are in our hearts
Paul 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 7:4
I overflow with joy
Paul speaks of joy as if it is a liquid that fills him until he overflows. Alternate Translation: "I am extremely joyful"
2Co 7:12
in the sight of God
This 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 8:2
the abundance of their joy
Paul speaks of joy as if it were a physical object that could increase in size or quantity.
2Co 8:7
make sure that you excel in this act of grace
Paul 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 8:9
Even though he was rich, for your sakes he became poor
Paul speaks of Jesus before his incarnation as being rich, and of his becoming human as becoming poor.
2Co 8:9
through his poverty you might become rich
Paul speaks of the Corinthians becoming spiritually rich as a result of Jesus becoming human.
2Co 9:6
the one who sows ... reap a blessing
Paul 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 9:8
God is able to make all grace overflow for you
Grace 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 9:10
will also supply and multiply your seed for sowing
Paul 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 9:10
He will increase the harvest of your righteousness
Paul 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 9:12
but is also overflowing into many acts of thanksgiving to God
Paul 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 10:3
we do not wage war ... we fight
Paul 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 10:4
we do not wage war ... we fight
Paul 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 10:4
the weapons we fight with ... bring to nothing misleading arguments
Paul 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 10:5
rises up against the knowledge of God
Paul 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 10:5
We take every thought captive into obedience to Christ
Paul 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 10:8
to build you up and not to destroy you
Paul 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 10:12
they measure themselves by one another
Paul 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 10:13
General 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 10:13
limits that reach as far as you
Paul 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 11:2
I promised you in marriage to one husband. I promised to present you as a pure virgin to Christ
Paul 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 11:3
your thoughts might be led astray away
Paul 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 11:12
in order that I may take away the claim
Paul 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 11:14
an angel of light
Here "light" is a metaphor for righteousness. Alternate Translation: "an angel of righteousness"
2Co 11:20
enslaves you
Paul 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 11:20
he consumes you
Paul 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 11:28
there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety
Paul 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 11:29
Who 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 11:29
has been caused to stumble
Paul 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 11:29
I do not burn
Paul speaks of being angry about sin as if he had a fire inside his body. Alternate Translation: "I am not angry about it"
2Co 12:7
a thorn in the flesh
Here Paul's physical problems are compared to a thorn piercing his flesh. Alternate Translation: " an affliction" or "a physical problem"
2Co 12:9
the power of Christ might reside on me
Paul 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 12:15
I will most gladly spend and be spent
Paul 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 12:19
In the sight of God
Paul 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 12:19
for your strengthening
to 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 13:10
so that I may build you up, and not tear you down
Paul 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 1:6
you are turning away so quickly from him
Here "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 1:6
you are turning to a different gospel
Here "turning to" is a metaphor that means to start to believe something. Alternate Translation: "you are instead starting to believe a different gospel"
Gal 2:9
built up the church
They were men who taught people about Jesus and convinced people to believe in Jesus.
Gal 3:1
It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly displayed as crucified
Paul 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 3:7
children of Abraham
This represents people whom God views as he viewed Abraham. Alternate Translation: "righteous in the same way as Abraham"
Gal 3:10
All who rely on ... the law are under a curse
Being 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 3:18
inheritance
Receiving 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 3:23
we were held captive under the law, imprisoned
The 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 3:27
have clothed yourselves with Christ
Possible 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 3:29
heirs
The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member.
Gal 4:3
when we were children
Here "children" is a metaphor for being spiritually immature. Alternate Translation: "when we were like children"
Gal 4:3
we were enslaved to the elemental principles of the world
Here "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 4:5
redeem
Paul 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 4:7
heir
The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member.
Gal 4:9
how 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 4:9
Do 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 4:19
My little children
This is a metaphor for disciples or followers. Alternate Translation: "You who are disciples because of me"
Gal 4:19
I am in the pains of childbirth for you until Christ is formed in you
Paul 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 4:24
she gives birth to children who are slaves
Paul 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 4:25
she is in slavery with her children
Hagar 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 4:29
according to the flesh
This 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 5:1
Stand firm
Standing 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 5:1
do not again be put under the control of a yoke of slavery
Here 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 5:4
You are cut off from Christ
Here "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 5:11
the stumbling block of the cross has been removed
Stumbling 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 5:12
castrate themselves
Possible 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 5:13
you were called to freedom
It 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 5:16
walk by the Spirit
Walking 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 5:21
inherit
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
Gal 5:22
the fruit of the Spirit is love ... self-control
Here "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 5:23
the fruit of the Spirit is love ... self-control
Here "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 5:25
walk by the Spirit
Walk 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 6:7
for whatever a man plants, that he will also gather in
Planting 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 6:8
plants seed to his own sinful nature
Planting 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 6:8
will gather in destruction
God punishing the person is spoken of as if the person were harvesting a crop. Alternate Translation: "will receive punishment for what he did"
Gal 6:8
plants seed to the Spirit
Planting 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 1:1
who are faithful in Christ Jesus
In 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 1:3
in Christ
Possible 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 1:7
riches of his grace
Paul 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 1:13
were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit
Wax 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 1:14
the guarantee of our inheritance
Receiving 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 1:18
inheritance
Receiving what God has promised believers, is spoken of as if one were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
Eph 1:22
head ... his body
Just as with a human body, the head rules all things pertaining to its body, so Christ is the head of the church body.
Eph 1:22
head over all things
Here "head" refers to the leader or the one who is in charge. Alternate Translation: "ruler over all things"
Eph 1:23
head ... his body
Just as with a human body, the head rules all things pertaining to its body, so Christ is the head of the church body.
Eph 2:1
you were dead in your trespasses and sins
This shows how sinful people are unable to obey God in the same way a dead person is unable to respond physically.
Eph 2:3
children of wrath
people with whom God is angry
Eph 2:11
Gentiles in the flesh
This refers to people who were not born Jewish.
Eph 2:12
strangers to the covenants of the promise
Paul speaks to the Gentile believers as if they had been foreigners, kept out of the land of God's covenant and promise.
Eph 2:13
you who once were far away from God have been brought near by the blood of Christ
Not 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 2:15
one new man
a single new people, the people of redeemed humanity
Eph 2:16
putting to death the hostility
Stopping 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 2:19
you Gentiles ... God's household
Paul 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 2:20
You have been built on the foundation
Paul 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 2:21
the whole building fits together and grows as a temple
Paul 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 2:21
In him ... in the Lord ... in him
In 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 2:22
In him ... in the Lord ... in him
In 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 2:22
you also are being built together as a dwelling place for God in the Spirit
This describes how believers are being put together to become a place where God will permanently live through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Eph 3:6
fellow members of the body
The church is often referred to as the body of Christ.
Eph 3:8
unsearchable
unable to be completely known
Eph 3:8
riches of Christ
Paul speaks of the truth about Christ and the blessings he brings as if they were material wealth.
Eph 3:10
the many-sided nature of the wisdom of God
God's complex wisdom
Eph 3:17
that you will be rooted and grounded in his love
Paul 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 3:18
the width, the length, the height, and the depth
Possible 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 4:1
walk worthily of the calling
Walking is a common way to express the idea of living one's life.
Eph 4:4
one body
The church is often referred to as the body of Christ.
Eph 4:12
for the building up of the body of Christ
Paul is speaking of people who grow spiritually as if they were doing exercises to increase the strength of their physical bodies.
Eph 4:14
be children
Paul 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 4:14
tossed back and forth ... carried away by every wind of teaching
This 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 4:15
into him who is the head ... makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love
Paul 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 4:16
into him who is the head ... makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love
Paul 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 4:18
They are darkened in their understanding
They no longer think or reason clearly. Alternate Translation: "They have darkened their thoughts" or "They are not able to understand"
Eph 4:19
have handed themselves over to sensuality
Paul 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 4:22
to put off what belongs to your former manner of life
Paul 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 4:22
to put off the old man
Paul is speaking of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing. Alternate Translation: "to stop living as your former self did"
Eph 4:22
that is corrupt because of its deceitful desires
Paul speaks of the sinful human nature as if it were a dead body falling apart in its grave.
Eph 4:30
for it is by him that you were sealed for the day of redemption
The 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 4:31
Put away all bitterness, rage, anger
Put 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 5:2
walk in love
Walking 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 5:5
inheritance
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
Eph 5:8
For you were once darkness
Just as one cannot see in the dark, so people who love to sin lack spiritual understanding.
Eph 5:8
but now you are light in the Lord
Just as one can see in the light, so people whom God has saved understand how to please God.
Eph 5:8
Walk as children of light
Walking 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 5:9
the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth
Fruit 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 5:11
Do not associate with the unfruitful works of darkness
Paul 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 5:11
unfruitful works
actions that do nothing good, useful, or profitable. Paul is comparing evil actions to an unhealthy tree that produces nothing good.
Eph 5:11
expose them
Speaking 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 5:14
anything that becomes visible is light
people 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 5:14
Christ will shine on you
Christ 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 5:16
Redeem the time
Using 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 5:23
the head of the wife ... the head of the church
The word "head" represents the leader.
Eph 5:25
for her ... make her holy ... cleansed her
Paul 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 5:26
having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word
Possible 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 5:26
for her ... make her holy ... cleansed her
Paul 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 5:27
without stain or wrinkle
Paul 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 5:30
we are members of his body
Here 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 6:11
Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the scheming plans of the devil
Christians 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 6:13
Therefore put on the whole armor of God
Christians 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 6:13
so that you may be able to stand in this time of evil
The words "stand firm" represent successfully resisting or fighting something. Alternate Translation: "so that you may be able to resist evil"
Eph 6:14
Stand, therefore
The words "stand" represents successfully resisting or fighting something. See how you translated "stand firm" in [Ephesians 6:13](./13.md). "So resist evil"
Eph 6:14
the belt of truth
Truth holds everything together for a believer just as a belt holds the clothing of a soldier together.
Eph 6:14
the breastplate of righteousness
Possible 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 6:15
Then as shoes for your feet, put on the readiness to proclaim the gospel of peace
Just 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 6:16
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith
The 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 6:16
the flaming arrows of the evil one
The attacks of the devil against a believer are like flaming arrows shot at a soldier by an enemy.
Eph 6:17
take the helmet of salvation
Salvation given by God protects the believer's mind just as a helmet protects the head of a soldier.
Eph 6:17
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
The 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 1:9
may abound
Paul speaks of love as if it were objects that people could obtain more of. Alternate Translation: "may increase"
Php 1:11
you also will be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ
Being 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 1:13
my chains in Christ came to light
Chains 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 1:21
to live is Christ
Here 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 1:21
to die is gain
Here 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 1:22
that means fruitful labor for me
The 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 1:23
For I am hard pressed between the two
Paul 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 1:27
with one mind striving together
striving 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 2:2
make my joy full
Paul speaks here of joy as if it were a container that can be filled. Alternate Translation: "cause me to rejoice greatly"
Php 2:6
he did not consider his equality with God as something to hold on to
Here "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 2:7
he emptied himself
Paul 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 2:8
became obedient to the point of death
Paul 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 2:9
above every name
The name is more important, more to be praised than any other name.
Php 2:11
to the glory of God the Father
Here the word "to" expresses result: "with the result that they will praise God the Father"
Php 2:15
so that you may shine as lights in the world
Light 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 2:16
Hold tightly to the word of life
Hold tightly represents firmly believing. Alternate Translation: "Continue to firmly believe the word of life"
Php 2:16
run
The scriptures often use the image of walking to represent conducting one's life. Running is living life intensively.
Php 2:17
But 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 all
Paul 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 2:25
fellow worker and fellow soldier
Here 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 2:30
he came near death
Paul here speaks of death as if it were a place that one could go to.
Php 2:30
fill up what you could not do in service to me
Paul speaks of his needs as if they were a container that Epaphroditus filled with good things for Paul.
Php 3:2
dogs
The 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 3:7
whatever things were a profit for me
Paul 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 3:7
I have considered them as loss
Paul 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 3:8
I count all things to be loss
Paul 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 3:12
I may grasp that for which I was grasped by Christ Jesus
Receiving 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 3:13
I myself have yet grasped it
Receiving 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 3:13
I forget what is behind and strain for what is ahead
Like 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 3:14
I press on toward the goal to win the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus
As 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 3:14
the upward calling
Possible 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 3:18
Many are walking
A 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 3:19
their god is their stomach
Here "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 4:3
true companion
This metaphor is from farming, where two animals would be bound to the same yoke, and so they work together. Alternate Translation: "fellow worker"
Php 4:14
in my difficulties
Paul speaks of his hardships as if they were a place that he was in. Alternate Translation: "when things became difficult"
Php 4:17
I seek the fruit that increases to your credit
Paul 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 4:18
They are a sweet-smelling aroma, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God
Paul 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 1:6
This gospel is bearing fruit and is growing
Fruit 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 1:8
your love in the Spirit
Paul 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 1:9
that you will be filled with the knowledge of his will
Paul 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 1:10
that you will walk worthily of the Lord
Walking here signifies behavior in life. Alternate Translation: "that you will live the way God expects you to"
Col 1:10
will bear fruit
Paul 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 1:11
into all perseverance and patience
Paul 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 1:12
inheritance
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
Col 1:12
in light
This idea is opposite to the idea of the dominion of darkness in the next verse. Alternate Translation: "in the glory of his presence"
Col 1:13
the dominion of darkness
Darkness here is a metaphor for evil. Alternate Translation: "the evil forces that controlled us"
Col 1:14
In his Son we have redemption
Paul often speaks as if the believers were "in" Jesus Christ or "in" God. Alternate Translation: "By means of his Son we have redemption"
Col 1:15
The Son is the image of the invisible God
Here "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 1:15
He is the firstborn
The 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 1:18
He is the head of the body, the church
Paul 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 1:22
to present you holy, blameless, and above reproach before him
Paul 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 1:22
before him
This expression of location stands for "in God's view" or "in God's mind"
Col 1:24
I fill up in my flesh
Paul speaks of his body as if it were a container that could hold suffering.
Col 1:24
for the sake of his body, which is the church
Paul often speaks of the church, the group of all Christian believers, as if it were Christ's body.
Col 1:25
to fulfill the word of God
This 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 1:27
the riches of the glory of this secret truth
Paul speaks of the value of this secret truth about God as if it were a treasure of material wealth. "riches"
Col 1:27
Christ in you
Paul 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 1:28
complete
Being complete is a metaphor for being spiritually mature. Alternate Translation: "spiritually mature"
Col 2:2
all the riches of full assurance of understanding
Paul speaks of a person who is completely sure that the good news is true as though that person were rich in physical things.
Col 2:3
the treasures of wisdom and knowledge
Paul speaks of God's wisdom and knowledge as if they were material wealth. Alternate Translation: "the very precious wisdom and knowledge"
Col 2:6
walk in him
Walking 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 2:7
Be rooted in him
Paul speaks of a person with true faith in Christ as if that person were a tree growing in solid ground with deep roots.
Col 2:7
be built on him
Paul speaks of a person with true faith in Christ as if that person were a building that has a strong foundation.
Col 2:7
abound in thanksgiving
Paul speaks of thanksgiving as if it were objects that a person could obtain more of. Alternate Translation: "be very thankful to God"
Col 2:8
captures you
Paul 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 2:8
empty deceit
Paul speaks of false ideas that produce nothing and so are without value as though they are containers with nothing in them.
Col 2:10
You have been filled in him
Paul speaks of people as though they were containers into which God has placed Christ. Alternate Translation: "You are made complete in Christ"
Col 2:10
who is the head over every power and authority
Christ is the ruler over every other ruler
Col 2:11
In him you were also circumcised
Paul 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 2:11
a circumcision not done by humans
With 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 2:12
You were buried with him in baptism
Paul 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 2:12
in him you were raised up
With 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 2:13
When you were dead
Paul speaks of unresponsiveness to God as if it were death. Alternate Translation: "When you Colossian believers were unable to respond to God"
Col 2:13
you were dead ... he made you alive
With this metaphor Paul speaks of coming into new spiritual life as if it were coming back to life physically.
Col 2:14
He canceled the written record of debts that stood against us
Paul 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 2:15
made a public spectacle of them
In 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 2:17
a shadow of the things to come
A 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 2:18
Let no one ... judge you out of your prize
Here 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 2:18
enters into the things he has seen
Here Paul speaks about people who claim to have dreams and visions from God and who talk proudly about them.
Col 2:18
puffed up
Here 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 2:18
his fleshly thinking
Here the idea of flesh stands for the sinful human nature. "the sinful thoughts he naturally thinks"
Col 2:19
He does not hold on to the head
A 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 2:19
It is from the head that the whole body throughout its joints and ligaments is supplied and held together
Paul 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 2:20
If you died together with Christ to the elements of the world
With 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 3:3
For you have died
As Christ actually died, so God counts the Colossian believers as having died with Christ.
Col 3:7
It is in these things that you also once walked
Paul 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 3:7
when you lived in them
Possible meanings are 1) "when you practiced these things" or 2) "when you lived among the people who disobey God"
Col 3:9
you have taken off the old man with its practices, and you have put on the new man
Here 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 3:10
you have taken off the old man with its practices, and you have put on the new man
Here 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 3:12
put on a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience
The "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 3:14
have love, which is the bond of perfection
Here "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 3:16
Let the word of Christ live in you
Paul 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 3:17
through him
Possible 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 3:24
inheritance
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
Col 4:3
God would open a door
Opening a door for someone is a metaphor for giving that person the opportunity to do something. Alternate Translation: "God would provide opportunities"
Col 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward those outside
The 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 4:5
redeem the time
To "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 4:6
Let your words always be with grace. Let them be seasoned with salt
Food 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 4:8
may encourage your hearts
The heart was thought to be the center of many emotions. Alternate Translation: "may encourage you"
1Th 1:8
has rung out
Here 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 1:9
They tell how you turned to God from the idols to serve the living and true God
Here "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 2:8
We were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives
Paul 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 2:11
as a father deals with his own children
Paul compares how he encouraged the Thessalonians to a father gently teaching his children how to behave.
1Th 2:12
to walk in a manner that is worthy of God
Walk here is an metaphor for "live." Alternate Translation: "live so that people will think well of God"
1Th 2:16
they always fill up their own sins
Paul speaks as though someone can fill a container with their own sins as with liquid.
1Th 3:9
before our God
Paul speaks as if he and his companions were physically in God's presence. He is probably referring to the activity of praying.
1Th 3:11
direct our way to you
Paul 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 3:12
increase and abound in love
Paul speaks of love as an object that one could obtain more of.
1Th 4:1
you must walk
Here "walk" is an expression for the way one is to live. Alternate Translation: "you ought to live"
1Th 4:2
through the Lord Jesus
Paul speaks of his instructions as if they were given by Jesus himself.
1Th 4:11
live quietly
Paul 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 4:11
work with your hands
This is a metaphor for living a productive life. Alternate Translation: "work at your own jobs to earn what you need to live"
1Th 4:12
walk properly
Here "walk" is a metaphor for "live" or "behave." Alternate Translation: "behave properly"
1Th 4:12
before outsiders
Paul 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 5:4
are not in darkness
Paul 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 5:5
For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day
Paul 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 5:5
We are not sons of the night or the darkness
Paul 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 5:6
let us not sleep as the rest do
Paul 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 5:6
keep watch and be sober
Paul describes spiritual awareness as the opposite of sleep and drunkenness.
1Th 5:7
For those who sleep do so at night
Just 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 5:7
those who get drunk do so at night
Paul 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 5:8
we belong to the day
Paul 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 5:8
we must stay sober
Paul compares being sober to exercising self-control. Alternate Translation: "let us exercise self-control"
1Th 5:8
put on faith and love as a breastplate
As 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 5:8
the hope of salvation for our helmet
As 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 5:11
build each other up
Here "build" is a metaphor that means encourage. Alternate Translation: "encourage each other"
1Th 5:21
Hold on to what is good
Paul speaks of messages from the Holy Spirit as if they were objects that one could grasp in his hands.
2Th 1:6
for God to return affliction to those who afflict you, and relief to you
Here "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 1:7
for God to return affliction to those who afflict you, and relief to you
Here "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 2:3
the son of destruction
Paul 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 2:11
God is sending them a work of error so that they would believe a lie
Paul 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 2:13
as the firstfruits for salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth
Being 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 2:15
hold tightly to the traditions
Here "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 3:1
that the word of the Lord may rush and be glorified, as it also is with you
Paul 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 3:5
to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ
Paul 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 3:11
some walk idly
Here "walk" stands for behavior in life. Alternate Translation: "some live idle lives" or "some are lazy"
1Ti 1:2
true son in the faith
Paul 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 1:6
Some people have missed the mark
Paul 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 1:12
he placed me into service
Paul 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 1:14
the grace of our Lord overflowed
Paul 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 1:14
that is in Christ Jesus
This 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 1:18
I am placing this command before you
Paul 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 1:18
my child
Paul 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 1:18
fight the good fight
Paul 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 1:19
some have shipwrecked their faith
Paul 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 1:20
whom I gave over to Satan
Paul 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 2:4
to come to the knowledge of the truth
Paul 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 3:6
fall into condemnation as the devil
Paul 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 3:7
those outside
those 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 3:7
he does not fall into disgrace and the trap of the devil
Paul 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 3:8
should be dignified, not double-talkers
Paul 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 3:9
They should keep the revealed truth of the faith
They 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 3:9
faith with a clean conscience
Paul 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 3:15
so that you may know how to behave in the household of God
Paul 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 3:15
which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth
Paul 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 4:1
leave the faith
Paul 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 4:2
Their own consciences will be branded
Possible 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 4:6
If you place these things before the brothers
Paul 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 4:6
you are being nourished by the words of faith and by the good teaching that you have followed
Paul 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 4:7
loved by old women
This 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 4:14
Do not neglect the gift that is in you
Paul 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 4:15
Care for these things. Be in them
Paul 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 4:15
so that your progress may be evident to all people
Paul 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 5:6
is dead
Paul 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 5:15
turned aside after Satan
Paul 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 5:16
so that the church will not be weighed down
Paul 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 5:17
those who work with the word and in teaching
Paul 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 5:18
You shall not put a muzzle on an ox while it treads the grain
Paul is using this quotation as a metaphor meaning that church leaders deserve to receive payment from the Christian community for their work.
1Ti 5:19
Do not receive an accusation
Paul 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 5:22
Do not share in the sins of another person
Paul 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 5:24
But some sins follow later
But 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 5:25
but even the others cannot be hidden
Paul 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 6:1
Let all who are under the yoke as slaves
Paul speaks of people working as slaves as if they are oxen carrying a yoke. Alternate Translation: "Let all who are working as slaves"
1Ti 6:4
He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and arguments
Paul 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 6:5
They have lost the truth
Here 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 6:9
to become wealthy fall into temptation, into a trap
Paul 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 6:9
They fall into many foolish and harmful passions
This 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 6:9
into whatever else makes people sink into ruin and destruction
Paul 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 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil
Paul 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 6:10
have been mislead away from the faith
Paul 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 6:10
have pierced themselves with much grief
Paul 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 6:11
flee from these things
Paul 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 6:11
Pursue righteousness
Run 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 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith
Here 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 6:12
Take hold of the everlasting life
This 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 6:14
without spot or blame
The 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 6:18
be rich in good works
Paul speaks of spiritual blessings as if they were earthly wealth. Alternate Translation: "serve and help others in many ways"
1Ti 6:19
they will store up for themselves a good foundation for what is to come
Here 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 6:19
take hold of real life
This 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 6:21
they have missed the faith
Paul 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 1:1
of the life that is in Christ Jesus
Paul 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 1:2
beloved child
dear 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 1:3
with a clean conscience
Paul 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 1:4
I may be filled with joy
Paul 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 1:5
faith, which lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that it lives in you also
Paul 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 1:6
to rekindle the gift
Paul 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 1:8
share in suffering for the gospel
Paul 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 1:10
God's salvation has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus
Paul 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 1:10
who put an end to death
Paul 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 1:10
brought life that never ends to light through the gospel
Paul 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 1:12
to keep that which I have entrusted to him
Paul 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 1:15
turned away from me
This 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 1:18
to find mercy from him
Paul speaks of mercy as if it were an object that could be found.
2Ti 2:1
my child
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 child"
2Ti 2:1
be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus
Paul 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 2:2
entrust them to faithful people
Paul 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 2:4
while entangled
Paul speaks of this distraction as if it were a net that tripped people up as they were walking.
2Ti 2:6
It is necessary that the hardworking farmer receive his share of the crops first
This is the third metaphor Paul gives Timothy about working. The reader should understand that Christ's servants need to work hard.
2Ti 2:8
from David's seed
This is a metaphor that means Jesus descended from David. Alternate Translation: "who is a descendant of David"
2Ti 2:9
the word of God is not bound
Here "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 2:10
may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus
Paul speaks of salvation as if it were an object that could be physically grasped. Alternate Translation: "will receive salvation from Christ Jesus"
2Ti 2:14
before God
Paul 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 2:15
a worker
Paul 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 2:16
which leads to more and more godlessness
Paul 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 2:18
who have gone astray from the truth
Here "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 2:19
General 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 2:19
the firm foundation of God stands
Possible 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 2:19
depart from unrighteousness
Paul 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 2:20
containers of gold and silver ... containers of wood and clay
Here "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 2:21
cleans himself from dishonorable use
Possible 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 2:21
he is an honorable container
Paul 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 2:21
He is set apart
He 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 2:22
Flee youthful lusts
Paul 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 2:22
Pursue righteousness
Here "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 2:22
out of a clean heart
Here "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 2:23
they give birth to arguments
Paul speaks of ignorant questions as if they were women giving birth to children. Alternate Translation: "they cause arguments"
2Ti 2:25
God may perhaps give them repentance
Paul 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 2:26
They may become sober again
Paul 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 2:26
leave the devil's trap
Paul 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 2:26
after they have been captured by him for his will
Convincing 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 3:5
They will have a shape of godliness, but they will deny its power
Paul 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 3:5
Turn away from these people
Turn away here is a metaphor for avoiding someone. Alternate Translation: "Avoid these people"
2Ti 3:6
who are heaped up with sins
Paul 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 3:6
are led away by various desires
Paul 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 3:8
stood against
Paul speaks of those who argue against someone as if they were standing against them. Alternate Translation: "opposed"
2Ti 3:9
they will not advance very far
Paul 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 3:10
you have followed my teaching
Paul 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 3:11
Out of them all, the Lord rescued me
Paul speaks of God having stopped him from suffering these hardships and dangers as if God had carried him out of a physical location.
2Ti 3:13
leading others and themselves astray
Here, 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 3:14
remain in the things that you have learned
Paul 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 4:3
they will heap up for themselves teachers according to their own desires
Paul 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 4:4
They will turn their hearing away from the truth
Paul 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 4:4
they will turn aside to myths
Paul 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 4:5
be sober-minded
Paul 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 4:6
I am already being poured out
Paul 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 4:7
I have competed in the good contest
Paul speaks of his hard work as if he had been an athlete competing for a prize. Alternate Translation: "I have done my best"
2Ti 4:7
I have finished the race
Paul 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 4:7
I have kept the faith
Paul 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 4:8
crown of righteousness
Possible 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 4:14
displayed many evil deeds against me
Paul speaks of doing evil deeds as if they were put on display. Alternate Translation: "did many evil things to me"
2Ti 4:14
The Lord will repay him according to his deeds
Paul speaks of punishment as if it were payment. Alternate Translation: "The Lord will punish him for what he has done"
2Ti 4:17
the Lord stood by me
Paul is speaking as if the Lord had physically stood with him. Alternate Translation: "the Lord helped me"
2Ti 4:17
I was rescued out of the lion's mouth
Paul 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 1:3
he revealed his word
Paul 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 1:4
a true son
Though 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 1:7
God's household manager
Paul 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 1:9
hold tightly to
Paul 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 1:10
empty talkers and deceivers
This 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 1:12
evil beasts
This metaphor compares the Cretans to dangerous wild animals.
Tit 1:14
turn away from the truth
Paul speaks of the truth as if it were an object that one could turn away from or avoid. Alternate Translation: "reject the truth"
Tit 1:15
to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure
Paul 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 2:3
or being slaves to much wine
A 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 2:14
to redeem us from all lawlessness
Paul speaks of Jesus as if he were setting slaves free from their evil master.
Tit 3:5
washing of new birth
Paul 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 3:6
richly poured the Holy Spirit on us
It 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 3:7
we might become heirs with the certain hope of eternal life
The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member.
Tit 3:11
has turned from the right way
Paul speaks of someone who makes errors as if he were leaving the path on which he had been walking.
Phm 1:2
our fellow soldier
Paul 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 1:10
my child Onesimus
my 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 1:10
whom I have fathered in my chains
Here "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 1:16
in both the flesh
both as a man. Paul is referring to Onesimus' being a trustworthy servant.
Phm 1:20
refresh my heart in Christ
Here "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 1:2
to be the heir of all things
The author speaks of the Son as if he will inherit wealth and property from his Father. Alternate Translation: "to possess all things"
Heb 1:3
he had made cleansing for sins
The 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 1:4
he has inherited
The author speaks of receiving honor and authority as if he were inheriting wealth and property from his father. Alternate Translation: "he has received"
Heb 1:6
the firstborn
This 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 1:7
He is the one who makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire
Possible 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 1:9
has anointed you with the oil of joy more than your companions
Here "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 1:10
you laid the earth's foundation
The author speaks of God creating the earth as if he built a building on a foundation. Alternate Translation: "you created the earth"
Heb 1:12
your years do not end
Periods of time are used to represent God's eternal existence. Alternate Translation: "your life will never end"
Heb 1:13
until I make your enemies a stool for your feet
Christ'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 1:14
for those who will inherit salvation
Receiving 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 2:1
so that we do not drift away from it
Possible 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 2:7
a little lower than the angels
The 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 2:7
you crowned him with glory and honor
The 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 2:8
You put everything in subjection under his feet
The 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 2:9
he might taste death
The 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 2:10
bring many sons to glory
The 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 2:10
the leader of their salvation
Possible 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 2:10
complete
Becoming mature and completely trained is spoken of as if a person were made complete, perhaps complete in all his body parts.
Heb 2:13
the children ... the children of God
This 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 2:14
the children ... the children of God
This 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 2:15
This was so that he would free all those who through fear of death lived all their lives in slavery
The 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 2:16
the seed of Abraham
Descendants of Abraham are spoken of as if they were his seed. Alternate Translation: "the descendants of Abraham"
Heb 3:1
holy brothers
Here "brothers" refer to fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate Translation: "holy brothers and sisters" or "my holy fellow believers"
Heb 3:2
in God's house
The 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 3:4
the one who built everything
God's acts of creating the world are spoken of as if he had built a house.
Heb 3:5
in God's entire house
The 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 3:6
in charge of God's house
This speaks about God's people as if they were a literal house. Alternate Translation: "who rules over God's people"
Heb 3:6
We are his house
This speaks of God's people as if they are a literal house. Alternate Translation: "We are God's people"
Heb 3:10
They have not known my ways
This 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 3:11
They will never enter my rest
The 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 3:12
brothers
Here this refers to fellow Christians including males and females. Alternate Translation: "brothers and sisters" or "fellow believers"
Heb 3:18
they would not enter his rest
The 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 4:1
none of you might seem to have failed to reach the promise left behind for you to enter God's rest
God'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 4:1
to enter God's rest
The 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 4:3
we who have believed enter that rest
The 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 4:3
They will never enter my rest
The 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 4:3
from the foundation of the world
The author speaks of the world as if it were a building set on a foundation. Alternate Translation: "at the beginning of the world"
Heb 4:7
if you hear his voice
God'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 4:8
if Joshua had given them rest
The 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 4:9
a Sabbath rest
Eternal 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 4:10
he who enters into God's rest
The 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 4:11
let us be eager to enter that rest
The 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 4:11
will fall into the kind of disobedience that they did
Disobedience 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 4:12
sharper than any two-edged sword
A 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 4:12
It pierces even to the division of soul from spirit, and joints from marrow
This 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 4:13
everything is bare and open
This 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 4:13
to the eyes of the one to whom we must give account
God is spoken of as if he had eyes. Alternate Translation: "to God, who will judge how we have lived"
Heb 4:14
let us firmly hold to our beliefs
Belief 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 4:16
we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need
Here "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 5:2
is subject to weakness
The 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 5:4
takes this honor
Honor is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could grasp in his hands.
Heb 5:11
you have become dull in hearing
The 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 5:12
You need milk
Teaching 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 5:12
milk, not solid food
Teaching 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 5:13
because he is still a little child
Spiritual 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 6:1
let us leave the beginning of the message of Christ and move forward to maturity
This 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 6:1
Let us not lay again the foundation ... of faith in God
Basic 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 6:1
dead works
Sinful deeds are spoken of as if they belonged to the world of the dead.
Heb 6:2
nor the foundation of teaching ... eternal judgment
Basic 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 6:4
those who were once enlightened
Understanding is spoken of as if it were illumination. Alternate Translation: "those who once understood the message about Christ"
Heb 6:4
who tasted the heavenly gift
Experiencing salvation is spoken of as if it were tasting food. Alternate Translation: "who experienced God's saving power"
Heb 6:4
who were sharers of the Holy Spirit
The 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 6:5
who tasted God's good word
Learning God's message is spoken of as if it were tasting food. Alternate Translation: "who learned God's good message"
Heb 6:6
they crucify the Son of God for themselves again
When 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 6:8
is near to a curse
This 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 6:12
inherit the promises
Receiving 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 6:17
to the heirs of the promise
The 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 6:18
we, who have fled for refuge
Believers, 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 6:18
will have a strong encouragement to hold firmly to the hope set before us
Trust 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 6:19
as a secure and reliable anchor for the soul
Just 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 6:19
the inner place
This 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 7:5
they, too, have come from Abraham's body
This is a way of saying that they were descendants of Abraham. Alternate Translation: "they, too, are descendants of Abraham"
Heb 7:6
the one who had the promises
The 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 7:8
is testified that he lives on
It 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 7:9
Levi ... was in the body of his ancestor
Since 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 7:10
Levi ... was in the body of his ancestor
Since 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 7:18
the former regulation is set aside
Here "set aside" is a metaphor for making something invalid. This can be stated in active form. AT "God made the commandment invalid"
Heb 7:19
through which we come near to God
Worshiping 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 7:26
has become higher than the heavens
God 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 8:5
shadow of the heavenly things
The author speaks of the earthly temple, which is a copy of the heavenly temple, as if it were a shadow.
Heb 8:8
the house of Israel and with the house of Judah
The 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 8:9
I took them by their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt
This metaphor represents God's great love and concern. Alternate Translation: "I led them out of Egypt like a father leads his young child"
Heb 8:10
the house of Israel
The people of Israel are spoken of as if they were a house. Alternate Translation: "the people of Israel"
Heb 8:10
I will put my laws into their minds
God'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 9:9
are not able to perfect the worshiper's conscience
The 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 9:12
most holy place
God's presence in heaven is spoken of as if it were the most holy place, the innermost room in the tabernacle.
Heb 9:14
blemish
This 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 9:14
cleanse
Here "cleanse" stands for the action of relieving our consciences from guilt for the sins we have committed.
Heb 9:14
dead works
Sinful deeds are spoken of as if they belonged to the world of the dead.
Heb 9:15
inheritance
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
Heb 9:22
almost everything is cleansed with blood
Making 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 9:26
to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself
Doing 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 9:28
to take away the sins
The 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 10:1
the law is only a shadow of the good things to come
This 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 10:2
the worshipers would have been cleansed
Here 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 10:4
For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins
Sins 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 10:11
can never take away sins
This 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 10:13
until his enemies are made a stool for his feet
The 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 10:19
brothers
Here this means all believers in Christ whether male or female. Alternate Translation: "brothers and sisters" or "fellow believers"
Heb 10:19
the most holy place
This means the presence of God, not the most holy place in the old tabernacle.
Heb 10:20
through the curtain
The curtain in the earthly temple represents the separation between people and God's true presence.
Heb 10:21
the house of God
This speaks about God's people as if they were a literal house. Alternate Translation: "all the people of God"
Heb 10:23
Let us also hold tightly to the confession of our hope
Here "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 10:23
without wavering
Being 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 10:25
as you see the day coming closer
A 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 10:26
after we have received the knowledge of the truth
Knowledge 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 10:27
a fury of fire that will consume God's enemies
God's fury is spoken of as if it were fire that would burn up his enemies.
Heb 10:29
has trampled underfoot the Son of God
Disregarding Christ and scorning him are spoken of as if someone had walked on him. Alternate Translation: "has rejected the Son of God"
Heb 10:30
Vengeance belongs to me
Vengeance 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 10:30
I will pay back
God taking vengeance is spoken of as if he were paying back the harmful things that someone has done to others.
Heb 10:31
to fall into the hands
Receiving 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 10:32
after you were enlightened
Learning 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 10:34
a better and everlasting possession
God's eternal blessings are spoken of as a "possession."
Heb 10:35
do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward
A 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 10:39
who turn back to destruction
A 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 10:39
for keeping our soul
Living 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 11:4
Abel still speaks
Reading 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 11:5
see death
This speaks of death as if it were an object that people can see. It means to experience death. Alternate Translation: "die"
Heb 11:6
that anyone coming to God
Wanting 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 11:6
those who seek him
Those who learn about God and make an effort to obey him are spoken of as if they were seeking to find him.
Heb 11:7
became an heir of the righteousness
Noah is spoken of as if he were to inherit property and wealth from a family member. Alternate Translation: "received from God the righteousness"
Heb 11:8
that he was to receive as an inheritance
The 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 11:9
fellow heirs
heirs together. This speaks about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as if they were heirs that would receive an inheritance from their father.
Heb 11:13
without receiving the promises
This speaks of promises as if they are objects that a person receives. Alternate Translation: "without receiving what God had promised them"
Heb 11:13
after seeing and greeting them from far off
Future 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 11:26
following Christ
Obeying Christ is spoken of as if it were following him down a path.
Heb 11:26
fixing his eyes on his reward
Fully 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 11:33
They stopped the mouths of lions, extinguished the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword
These 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 11:34
They stopped the mouths of lions, extinguished the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword
These 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 12:1
we are surrounded by such a large cloud of witnesses
The 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 12:1
let us lay aside every weight and easily entangling sin
Here "weight" and "easily entangling sin" are spoken of as if a person could take them off himself and put them down.
Heb 12:1
every weight
Attitudes 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 12:1
easily entangling sin
Sin 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 12:1
Let us patiently run the race that is placed before us
Following 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 12:2
For the joy that was placed before him
The joy that Jesus would experience is spoken of as if God the Father had placed it before him as a goal to reach.
Heb 12:4
to the point of blood
Resisting opposition so much that one dies for it is spoken of as if one reached a certain place where he would die.
Heb 12:8
then you are illegitimate and not his sons
Those 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 12:10
so that we can share in his holiness
This 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 12:11
it produces the peaceful fruit of righteousness
Fruit 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 12:12
strengthen your hands that hang down and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet
Possibly 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 12:13
strengthen your hands that hang down and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet
Possibly 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 12:13
straight paths
Living so as to honor and please God is spoken of as if it were a straight path to follow.
Heb 12:13
what is lame will not be sprained
In 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 12:13
will not be sprained
Someone 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 12:13
rather be healed
This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "instead become strong" or "instead God will heal him"
Heb 12:14
Pursue peace with everyone
Here 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 12:15
that no root of bitterness grows up to cause trouble, so that many do not become polluted by it
Hateful 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 12:22
Mount Zion
The writer speaks of Mount Zion, the temple mount in Jerusalem, as if it were heaven itself, the residence of God.
Heb 12:23
the firstborn
This speaks of believers in Christ as if they were firstborn sons. This emphasizes their special place and privilege as God's people.
Heb 12:25
if we turn away from the one who is warning
Disobeying 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 12:29
our God is a consuming fire
God is spoken of here as if he were a fire that can burn up anything.
Heb 13:9
Do not be carried away by various strange teachings
Being 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 13:9
it is good that the heart should be strengthened by grace, not by foods that do not help those who walk by them
This 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 13:9
those who walk by them
Living is spoken of as if it were walking. Alternate Translation: "those who live by them" or "those who regulate their lives by them"
Heb 13:13
Let us therefore go to him outside the camp
Obeying Jesus is spoken of as if a person were leaving the camp to go out where Jesus is.
Heb 13:13
bearing his shame
Disgrace 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 13:15
sacrifices of praise
Praise is spoken of as if it were a sacrifice of animals or incense.
Heb 13:15
praise that is the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name
Praise 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 13:16
with such sacrifices
Doing good and helping others is spoken of as if they were sacrifices on an altar.
Heb 13:17
keep watch over your souls
The 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 13:18
we are persuaded that we have a clean conscience
Here "clean" stands for being free from guilt. Alternate Translation: "we are certain that we have no guilt"
Heb 13:20
the great shepherd of the sheep
Christ 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 1:8
is double-minded
The 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 1:8
unstable in all his ways
Here this person is spoken of as if he cannot stay on one path but instead goes from one to another.
Jas 1:9
boast of his high position
Someone whom God has honored is spoken of as if he were standing in a high place.
Jas 1:11
its beauty perishes
A flower no longer being beautiful is spoken of as if its beauty dies. Alternate Translation: "and it is no longer beautiful"
Jas 1:11
in the middle of his journey
A 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 1:12
receive the crown of life
Eternal 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 1:17
the Father of lights
God, the creator of all the lights in the sky (sun, moon, and stars), is said to be their "Father."
Jas 1:18
give us birth
God, who brought us eternal life, is spoken of as if he had given us birth.
Jas 1:21
take off all sinful filth and abundant amounts of evil
Sin 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 1:21
sinful filth
Here "filth," that is, dirt, stands for sin and evil.
Jas 1:21
receive the implanted word
The 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 1:27
before our God and Father
directed to God
Jas 1:27
to keep oneself unstained by the world
Sin 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 2:1
hold to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ
Believing in Jesus Christ is spoken of as if it were an object that one could hold onto.
Jas 2:5
be rich in faith
Having 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 2:5
heirs
The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member.
Jas 2:10
except that he stumbles ... the whole law
Stumbling 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 2:17
faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead
James 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 2:21
justified by works
James speaks of works as if they were objects that one can own. Alternate Translation: "justified by doing good deeds"
Jas 2:23
it was counted to him as righteousness
God regarded his faith as righteousness. Abraham's faith and righteousness were treated as if they were able to be counted as having value.
Jas 2:25
justified by works
James speaks of works as something to possess.
Jas 2:26
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead
James is speaking of faith without works as if it were a dead body without the spirit.
Jas 3:2
stumble
Sinning is spoken of as if it were stumbling while walking. Alternate Translation: "fail" or "sin"
Jas 3:6
a world of sinfulness set among our body parts
The enormous effects of sinful speaking are spoken of as if they were a world by themselves.
Jas 3:6
It stains the whole body
Sinful 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 3:6
sets on fire the course of life
The phrase "course of life" refers to a person's entire life. Alternate Translation: "it ruins a person's entire life"
Jas 3:8
But no human being can tame the tongue
James speaks of the tongue as if it were a wild animal. Here "tongue" represents a person's desire to speak evil thoughts.
Jas 3:8
It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison
James 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 3:17
full of mercy and good fruits
Here "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 3:18
The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace among those who make peace
People 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 4:4
You 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 4:8
Come close to God
Here the idea of coming close stands for becoming honest and open with God.
Jas 4:8
double-minded
The 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 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord
Be humble toward God. Actions done with God in mind are often spoken of as being done in his physical presence.
Jas 4:10
he will lift you up
James 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 4:14
For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then disappears
James 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 5:3
fire
The 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 5:4
the cries of the harvesters have gone into the ears of the Lord of hosts
The 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 5:4
into the ears of the Lord of hosts
God is spoken of as if he had ears as humans have.
Jas 5:5
You have fattened your hearts for a day of slaughter
Here 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 5:7
the farmer
James makes an analogy using farmers and believers to teach what it means to be patient.
Jas 5:9
the judge is standing at the door
James 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 5:12
so you do not fall under judgment
Being 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 5:16
The prayer of a righteous person is very strong in its working
Prayer 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 5:19
if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone brings him back
A 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 5:20
will cover over a great number of sins
Possible 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 1:1
the foreigners of the dispersion
Peter speaks of his readers as people who live away from their homes in many different countries.
1Pe 1:4
inheritance
Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member.
1Pe 1:4
will not perish, will not become stained, and will not fade away
Peter uses three similar phrases to describe the inheritance as something that is perfect and eternal.
1Pe 1:7
This is for the proving of your faith
In the same way in which fire refines gold, hardships test how well believers trust in Christ.
1Pe 1:13
the grace that will be brought to you
Here God's way of dealing kindly with believers is spoken of as if it were an object that he will bring to them.
1Pe 1:17
go through the time of your journey
Peter 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 1:20
he has been revealed to you
Peter does not mean that his readers actually saw Christ, but that they learned the truth about him.
1Pe 1:22
pure
Here the idea of cleanliness refers to being acceptable to God.
1Pe 1:23
born again, not from perishable seed, but from imperishable seed
Possible 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 2:1
Therefore put aside all evil, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander
These 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 2:2
As newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk
Peter 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 2:2
pure spiritual milk
Peter speaks of the word of God as if it were spiritual milk that nourished children.
1Pe 2:2
grow
Peter speaks of believers advancing in knowledge of God and faithfulness to him as if they were children growing up.
1Pe 2:3
if you have tasted that the Lord is kind
Here to taste means to experience something personally. Alternate Translation: "if you have experienced the Lord's kindness toward you"
1Pe 2:4
General Information:
Peter begins to tell a metaphor about Jesus and the believers being living stones.
1Pe 2:4
Come to him who is a living stone
Peter 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 2:5
You also are ... being built up to be a spiritual house
Just 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 2:6
Scripture contains this
The 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 2:6
a cornerstone
The prophet speaks of the Messiah as the most important stone in a building.
1Pe 2:7
the stone that was rejected ... has become the head of the corner
This is a metaphor that means people, like builders, rejected Jesus, but God has made him the most important stone in a building.
1Pe 2:9
from darkness into his marvelous light
Here "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 2:11
to abstain from fleshly desires
Here 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 2:16
as a covering for wickedness
Peter 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 2:21
for you to follow in his steps
so 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 2:25
the shepherd and guardian of your souls
Peter speaks of Jesus as if he were a shepherd. Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus protects those who trust in him.
1Pe 3:4
which is precious before God
Peter 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 3:6
You are now her children
Peter says that believing women who act as Sarah acted can be thought of as if they were her actual children.
1Pe 3:7
wives according to understanding, as with a weaker container, a woman
Peter 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 3:7
heirs of the grace of life
Eternal life is often spoken of as if it were something that people inherit.
1Pe 3:9
Do not pay back evil for evil or insult for insult
Peter 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 3:9
that you might inherit a blessing
Peter speaks of receiving God's blessing as receiving an inheritance. Alternate Translation: "that you might receive God's blessing as your permanent possession"
1Pe 3:10
see good days
Here 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 3:11
Let him turn away from what is bad
Here "turn away" is a metaphor that means to stop doing something. Alternate Translation: "Let him stop doing what is bad"
1Pe 3:15
set apart the Lord Christ in your hearts as holy
The 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 3:18
so that he would bring us to God
Peter probably means here that Christ died in order to create a close relationship between us and God.
1Pe 3:18
He was put to death in the flesh
Here "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 4:1
arm yourselves with the same intention
The 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 4:7
is coming
The end that will happen soon is spoken of as if it is physically coming closer in distance. Alternate Translation: "will soon happen"
1Pe 4:12
the testing in the fire that has happened to you
In the same way that fire refines gold, trials test and refine a person's faith.
1Pe 4:17
household of God
This phrase refers to believers, whom Peter speaks of as God's family.
1Pe 5:2
Be shepherds of God's flock
Peter speaks of the believers as a flock of sheep and the elders as the shepherds who care for them.
1Pe 5:3
Do not act as a master over the people ... Instead, be an example
Elders are to lead by example and not act toward the people as a harsh master would toward his servants.
1Pe 5:4
Then when the Chief Shepherd is revealed
Peter 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 5:4
an unfading crown of glory
Here 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 5:5
clothe yourselves with humility
Peter 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 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him
Peter 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 5:9
your community
Peter speaks of fellow believers as members of the same community. Alternate Translation: "your fellow believers"
1Pe 5:10
establish you, and strengthen you
These 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 5:12
Stand in it
The 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 5:13
my son
Peter speaks of Mark as if he is his spiritual son. Alternate Translation: "my spiritual son" or "who is like a son to me"
2Pe 1:2
May grace and peace increase
Peter speaks of peace as if it were an object that could increase in size or numbers.
2Pe 1:4
having escaped the corruption in the world that is caused by evil desires
Peter 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 1:8
you will not be barren or unfruitful
Peter 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 1:9
is so nearsighted that he is blind
Peter 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 1:10
you will not stumble
Here 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 1:13
to stir you up by way of reminder
Here 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 1:13
as long as I am in this tent ... the putting off of my tent will be soon
Peter 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 1:14
as long as I am in this tent ... the putting off of my tent will be soon
Peter 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 1:15
after my departure
Peter 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 1:19
the morning star rises in your hearts
Peter 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 1:21
men spoke from God when they were carried along by the Holy Spirit
Peter 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 2:1
the master who bought them
The 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 2:4
in chains of lower darkness
Possible meanings are 1) "in chains in a very dark place" or 2) "in very deep darkness that imprisons them like chains."
2Pe 2:11
bring insulting judgments against them
The idea that angels could accuse them is spoken of as if they could attack them using accusations as weapons.
2Pe 2:12
these 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 2:13
They are stains and blemishes
The 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 2:15
the right way
Right behavior that honors God is spoken of as if it were a path to follow.
2Pe 2:17
These men are springs without water
Springs 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 2:17
mists driven by a storm
When 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 2:18
people who try to escape ... promise freedom ... slaves of corruption
Peter speaks of people who live sinfully as if they are slaves to sin who need to be released from their captivity.
2Pe 2:19
people who try to escape ... promise freedom ... slaves of corruption
Peter speaks of people who live sinfully as if they are slaves to sin who need to be released from their captivity.
2Pe 2:19
They promise freedom to them, but they themselves are slaves of corruption
Freedom 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 2:19
For a man is a slave to whatever overcomes him
Peter 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 2:21
the way of righteousness
Peter speaks of life as a "way" or path. This phrase refers to living a life that is according to God's will.
2Pe 2:21
turn away from the holy commandment
Here "turn away from" is a metaphor that means to stop doing something. Alternate Translation: "stop obeying the holy commandment"
2Pe 3:1
to stir up your sincere mind
Peter 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 3:14
spotless
Here this stands for "faultless."
2Pe 3:17
so that you are not led astray by the deceit of lawless people
Here "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 3:17
you lose your own faithfulness
Faithfulness is spoken of as if it were a possession that believers could lose. Alternate Translation: "you stop being faithful"
2Pe 3:18
grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Here 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 1:5
in him there is no darkness at all
This 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 1:6
walk in darkness
Here "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 1:7
walk in the light as he is in the light
Here "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 1:8
the truth is not in us
The 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 1:10
his word is not in us
Word 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 2:1
Children
John 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 2:4
the truth is not in him
The 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 2:5
By this we know that we are in him
The 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 2:6
remains in God
To 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 2:6
should himself also walk just as he walked
Conducting 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 2:8
the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining
Here "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 2:9
he is in the light
Here to be "in the light" is a metaphor for doing what is right. Alternate Translation: "he does what is right"
1Jn 2:9
is in the darkness
Here to be "in the darkness" is a metaphor for doing what is evil. Alternate Translation: "does what is evil"
1Jn 2:10
there is no occasion for stumbling in him
nothing 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 2:11
is in the darkness and walks in the darkness
Here "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 2:11
he does not know where he is going
This 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 2:11
the darkness has blinded his eyes
the 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 2:12
you, dear children
John 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 2:13
I am writing to you, fathers
The word "fathers" here is possibly a metaphor referring to mature believers. Alternate Translation: "I am writing to you, mature believers"
1Jn 2:13
young men
This possibly refers to those who are no longer new believers but are growing in spiritual maturity. Alternate Translation: "young believers"
1Jn 2:13
overcome
The 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 2:14
you are strong
Here "strong" refers not to believers' physical strength, but to their faithfulness to Christ.
1Jn 2:14
the word of God remains in you
Word 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 2:15
If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him
A person cannot love this world and all that dishonors God and love the Father at the same time.
1Jn 2:20
But you have an anointing from the Holy One
John 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 2:26
those who would lead you astray
Here "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 2:27
remain in him
To 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 2:28
dear children
John 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 3:7
Dear children
John 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 3:7
do not let anyone lead you astray
Here "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 3:9
God's seed
This 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 3:14
we have passed out of death into life
The 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 3:15
Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer
John 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 3:18
My dear children
John 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 3:22
do the things that are pleasing before him
God'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 3:24
remains in him, and God remains in him
The 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 4:4
dear children
John 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 4:7
born from God
This is a metaphor which means someone has a relationship to God like a child to his father.
1Jn 4:8
The person who does not love does not know God, for God is love
The 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 4:12
God remains in us ... we remain in him and he in us
To 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 4:13
God remains in us ... we remain in him and he in us
To 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 4:15
God remains in him and he in God
To 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 4:16
God is love
This is a metaphor which means "the character of God is love." See how you translated this in [1 John 4:8](./07.md).
1Jn 4:16
remains in God, and God remains in him
To 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 5:12
The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life
Being 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 5:19
the whole world lies in the power of the evil one
Lying in someone's power represents being controlled or ruled by him. Alternate Translation: "the whole world is controlled by the evil one"
1Jn 5:21
Children
John 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 1:1
to the chosen lady and her children
This probably refers to a congregation and the believers that belong to it.
2Jn 1:6
This is the commandment, just as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it
Conducting 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 1:13
The children of your chosen sister
Here 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 1:3
you walk in truth
Walking 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 1:4
my children
John 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 1:4
who have changed the grace of our God into sensuality
God'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 1:8
pollute their bodies
This metaphor says that their sin makes their bodies—that is, their actions—unacceptable the way garbage in a stream makes the water undrinkable.
Jud 1:11
walked in the way of Cain
Walked in the way here is a metaphor for "lived in the same way as." Alternate Translation: "lived the same way Cain lived"
Jud 1:12
hidden reefs
Reefs 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 1:12
twice dead, torn up by the roots
A tree that someone has uprooted is a metaphor for death.
Jud 1:12
torn up by the roots
Like 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 1:13
violent waves in the sea
As the sea's waves are blown by a strong wind, so the ungodly people are easily moved in many directions.
Jud 1:13
foaming out their own shame
As 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 1:13
They are wandering stars
Those 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 1:18
will follow their own ungodly desires
These 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 1:18
will follow their own ungodly desires
Ungodly desires are spoken of as if they were a path that a person will follow.
Jud 1:19
are worldly
think as other ungodly people think, they value the things that unbelievers value
Jud 1:20
build yourselves up
Becoming increasingly able to trust in God and obey him is spoken of as if it were the process of constructing a building.
Jud 1:21
Keep yourselves in God's love
Remaining able to receive God's love is spoken of as if one were keeping oneself in a certain place.
Jud 1:23
snatching them out of the fire
The 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 1:24
to cause you to stand before his glorious presence
His glory is brilliant light that represents his greatness. Alternate Translation: "and to allow you to enjoy and worship his glory"
Jud 1:24
glorious presence without blemish and with
Here 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 1:4
who is to come
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming.
Rev 1:8
the alpha and the omega
These 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 1:8
who is to come
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming.
Rev 1:13
son of man
This expression describes a human figure, someone who looks human.
Rev 1:18
I have the keys of death and of Hades
Having 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 2:3
you have not grown weary
Being discouraged is spoken of as being tired. Alternate Translation: "you have not become discouraged" or "you have not quit"
Rev 2:4
you have left behind your first love
To 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 2:5
from where you have fallen
No 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 2:7
Let the one who has an ear listen
Being 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 2:9
a synagogue of Satan
People 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 2:10
the crown of life
Possible 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 2:11
Let the one who has an ear
Being 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 2:13
you hold on tightly to my name
Name here is a metonym for the person. Firmly believing is spoken of as holding on tightly. Alternate Translation: "you firmly believe in me"
Rev 2:14
who hold tightly to the teaching of Balaam, who
Possible meanings are 1) "who teach what Balaam taught; he" or 2) "who do what Balaam taught; he."
Rev 2:14
who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel
Something 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 2:17
Let the one who has an ear listen
Being 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 2:20
the woman Jezebel, who
Jesus 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 2:22
those who commit adultery with her into great suffering
Jesus 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 2:23
her children
Jesus spoke of her followers as if they were her children. Alternate Translation: 'her followers" or "the people who do what she teaches"
Rev 2:24
everyone who does not hold this teaching
Believing a teaching is spoken of as holding the teaching. Alternate Translation: "everyone who does not believe this teaching"
Rev 2:24
deep things
Secret things are spoken of as if they were deep. Alternate Translation: "secret things"
Rev 2:27
He will rule them with an iron rod
Ruling 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 2:29
Let the one who has an ear listen
Being 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 3:1
alive ... dead
Obeying and honoring God is spoken of as being alive; disobeying and dishonoring him is spoken of as being dead.
Rev 3:2
Wake up and strengthen what remains, but is about to die
The 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 3:2
Wake up
Being alert to danger is spoken of as waking up. Alternate Translation: "Be alert" or "Be careful"
Rev 3:3
if you do not wake up
Being 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 3:4
have not stained their clothes
Jesus 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 3:4
will walk with me
People commonly spoke of living as "walking." Alternate Translation: "will live with me"
Rev 3:4
dressed in white
White clothes represent a pure life without sin. Alternate Translation: "and they will be dressed in white, which shows that they are pure"
Rev 3:6
Let the one who has an ear listen
Being 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 3:9
synagogue of Satan
People 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 3:10
is coming
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming.
Rev 3:11
Hold to what you have
Continuing to believe firmly in Christ is spoken of as if it were holding something tightly. Alternate Translation: "Continue to believe firmly"
Rev 3:11
crown
A 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 3:13
Let the one who has an ear
Being 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 3:15
you are neither cold nor hot
The 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 3:16
I am about to vomit you out of my mouth
Rejecting 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 3:17
you are most miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked
Jesus 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 3:20
I am standing at the door and am knocking
Jesus 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 3:20
and will eat with him
This represents being together as friends.
Rev 3:22
Let the one who has an ear listen
Being 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 4:1
an open door in heaven
This expression stands for the ability that God gave John to see into heaven, at least by means of a vision.
Rev 4:6
a sea of glass
How 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 4:8
who is to come
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming.
Rev 5:5
The Lion
The king is spoken of as if he were a lion because a lion is very strong.
Rev 5:5
the Root of David
The 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 6:9
because of the word of God and the testimony which they held
Here "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 6:11
brothers and sisters
Christians are often spoken of as being one another's brothers and sisters. Alternate Translation: "fellow Christians" or "fellow believers"
Rev 6:17
has come
Existing now is spoken of as having come.
Rev 7:14
They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb
Being 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 7:15
will spread his tent over them
will 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 7:15
For the Lamb ... will be their shepherd
The 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 7:16
The sun will not beat down
The 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 7:17
For the Lamb ... will be their shepherd
The 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 7:17
he will guide them to springs of living water
The 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 8:11
became wormwood
The bitter taste of the water is spoken of as if it were wormwood. Alternate Translation: "became bitter like wormwood" or "became bitter"
Rev 8:12
a third of the sun was struck
Causing 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 9:12
there are still two disasters to come
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming.
Rev 10:1
He was robed in a cloud
John 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 11:5
fire ... devours their enemies
Fire 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 11:6
to close up the sky so that no rain will fall
John 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 11:6
to strike the earth with every kind of plague
John 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 11:11
a breath of life from God will enter them
The 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 11:11
Great fear will fall on those who see them
Fear 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 11:14
The third woe is coming quickly
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming. Alternate Translation: "The third woe will happen soon"
Rev 11:18
your wrath has come
Existing in the present is spoken of as having come. Alternate Translation: "You are ready to show your anger"
Rev 11:18
The time has come
Existing in the present is spoken of as having come. Alternate Translation: "The time is right" or "Now is the time"
Rev 12:5
rule all the nations with an iron rod
Ruling 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 12:10
Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ
God 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 12:10
our brothers
Fellow believers are spoken of as if they were brothers. Alternate Translation: "our fellow believers"
Rev 12:12
He is filled with terrible anger
The 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 13:9
If anyone has an ear
Being 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 14:4
follow the Lamb wherever he goes
Doing what the Lamb does is spoken of as following him. Alternate Translation: "they do whatever the Lamb does" or "they obey the Lamb"
Rev 14:4
bought out of mankind as firstfruits
Firstfruits 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 14:7
the hour of his judgment has come
Here "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 14:8
Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great
The angel speaks of Babylon having been destroyed as if it had fallen. Alternate Translation: "Babylon the great has been destroyed"
Rev 14:15
the time to reap has come
Existing in the present is spoken of as having come.
Rev 15:2
sea of glass
How 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 16:9
the power over these plagues
This refers to the power to inflict these plagues on people, and the power to stop the plagues.
Rev 16:10
darkness covered its kingdom
Here "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 16:15
keeping his garments on
Living the right way is spoken of as keeping one's clothes on. Alternate Translation: "doing what is right, like keeping his clothes on"
Rev 17:2
her sexual immorality
This may well have a double meaning: sexual immorality among people and also the worship of false gods.
Rev 17:10
Five kings have fallen
The angel speaks of dying as falling. Alternate Translation: "Five kings have died"
Rev 17:10
the other has not yet come; when he comes
Not 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 17:10
he can remain only for a little while
The 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 17:11
it is going to destruction
The 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 17:15
The waters you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages
Here "are" stands for "represent."
Rev 17:16
they will devour her flesh
Destroying her completely is spoken of as eating all her flesh. "They will destroy her completely"
Rev 17:18
is
Here "is" stands for "represents."
Rev 18:2
Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great
The 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 18:5
Her sins have piled up as high as heaven
The 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 18:6
Pay her back as she has paid others back
The voice speaks of punishment as if it were payment. Alternate Translation: "Punish her as she has punished others"
Rev 18:6
repay her double
The voice speaks of punishment as if it were payment. Alternate Translation: "punish her twice as much"
Rev 18:6
in the cup she mixed, mix double the amount for her
The 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 18:7
I am not a widow
She implies that she will not be dependent on other people.
Rev 18:7
I will never see mourning
Experiencing mourning is spoken of as seeing mourning. Alternate Translation: "I will never mourn"
Rev 18:8
her plagues will come
Existing in the future is spoken of a coming.
Rev 18:8
She will be consumed by fire
Being 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 18:10
your punishment has come
Existing in the present is spoken of as having come.
Rev 18:14
The fruit
Fruit here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Alternate Translation: "The result"
Rev 18:16
the great city that was dressed in fine linen
Throughout 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 18:21
Babylon, the great city, will be thrown down with violence and will not be seen anymore
God 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 18:23
your merchants were the princes of the earth
The 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 19:2
the great prostitute
Here 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 19:7
wedding celebration of the Lamb ... his bride has made herself ready
Here John speaks of the joining of Jesus and his people together forever as if it were a wedding celebration.
Rev 19:7
has come
Existing in the present is spoken of as having come.
Rev 19:7
his bride has made herself ready
John speaks of God's people as if they were a bride who has gotten ready for her wedding.
Rev 19:8
She was permitted to be dressed in bright and clean fine linen
Here "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 19:9
the wedding feast of the Lamb
Here the angel speaks of the joining of Jesus and his people forever as if it were a wedding feast.
Rev 19:10
who hold the testimony about Jesus
Here holding stands for believing in or announcing. Alternate Translation: "who speak the truth about Jesus"
Rev 19:15
rule them with an iron rod
John 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 19:15
He tramples in the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty
John 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 21:6
the alpha and the omega
These 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 21:6
To the one who thirsts ... water of life
God 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 21:22
Lord God ... and the Lamb are its temple
The temple represented God's presence. This means the new Jerusalem does not need a temple because God and the Lamb will live there.
Rev 21:23
its lamp is the Lamb
Here the glory of Jesus, the Lamb, is spoken of as if it were a lamp that gives light to the city.
Rev 22:1
the water of life
Eternal 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 22:13
the alpha and the omega
These 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 22:14
those who wash their robes
Becoming 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 22:15
are the dogs
In that culture the dog was an unclean, despised animal. Here the word "dogs" is derogatory and refers to people who are wicked.
Rev 22:16
the root and the descendant of David
The 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 22:16
the bright morning star
Jesus 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 22:17
the Bride
Believers are spoken of as if they were a bride about to be married to her groom, Jesus.
Rev 22:17
Whoever is thirsty ... the water of life
A 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 22:17
the water of life
Eternal 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).