Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote EXO front intro b4pp הָ⁠אָבְנָ֑יִם 1 # Introduction to Exodus

## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of Exodus

1. Israel in Egypt; preparing to depart from slavery (1–12)

* First genealogy (1:1–6)
* Israel as slaves in Egypt (1:7–22)
* Moses’ history to the time of the Exodus (2:1–4:26)
* Israel suffers in Egypt (4:27–6:13)
* Second genealogy (6:14–27)
* Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh (6:28–7:25)
* The plagues (8:1–11:10)

1. Instructions for celebrating the Passover (12:1–30)
2. From Egypt to Mount Sinai (12:31–18:27)

* The Passover; preparing to leave Egypt; leaving Egypt (12:31–50, 13:1–22)
* Journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai (14:1–18:27)

1. Mount Sinai and the Law (19-40)

* Preparing for the covenant (19:1–25)
* The Ten Commandments (20:1–17)
* The covenant described (20:18–23:33)
* The people agree to the covenant; Moses returns to Mount Sinai (24:1–18)
* Design of the tabernacle and its furnishings; what was required of those who serve in it; tabernacle functions (25:1–31:18)
* The golden calf; Moses prays for the people (32:1–33:22)
* The covenant described again (34:1–35)
* Making of the ark and its furnishings (35:1–38:31) and priestly garments (39:1–43, 40:1–33)
* The cloud (40:34–38)

### What is the book of Exodus about?

Exodus continues the story of the previous book, Genesis. The first half of Exodus is about how Yahweh made Abraham’s descendants into a nation. This nation, which would be called “Israel,” was meant to belong to Yahweh and worship him. The second half of Exodus describes how God gave the Israelites his law through Moses. The law of Moses told the Israelites how to obey and worship Yahweh properly.

The book of Exodus tells how the Israelites were to build the tabernacle. The tabernacle was a tent where Yahweh would be among his people. The Israelites worshiped and sacrificed animals to Yahweh at the tabernacle. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/tabernacle]])

### How should the title of this book be translated?

“Exodus” means “exit” or “departure.” Translators may translate this title in a way that can communicate its subject clearly, for example, “About the Israelites Leaving Egypt” or “How the Israelites Left the Land of Egypt.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

### Who wrote the book of Exodus?

The writers of both the Old and New Testaments present Moses as being very involved with writing the book of Exodus. Since ancient times, both Jews and Christians have thought that Moses wrote Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

### Why did Moses write so much about God delivering or rescuing the people of Israel?

Moses wrote much about God rescuing his people from the Egyptians to show that Yahweh is very powerful. Egypt was the most powerful nation at that time, but Yahweh was still able to free the Israelites from the Egyptians. Also, by rescuing the Israelites, Yahweh showed that he had chosen them as his people, and they should worship him.

### How does the book of Exodus show the fulfillment of the promises given to Abraham?

The book of Exodus shows God beginning to fulfill his promise to Abraham. In Genesis, God promised Abraham that he would have many descendants and that they would become a large nation. When God rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians, he took them to Mount Sinai. There he made a covenant with them, and they became the nation that belonged to Yahweh.

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

### What was the Jewish Passover?

The Jewish Passover was a religious festival. Yahweh commanded the Israelites to celebrate it every year. Passover was a time to remember how God rescued Israel from the Egyptians. The first Passover meal was eaten in the evening just before they left Egypt.

### What was the law of Moses to the people of Israel?

The law of Moses instructed the people of Israel about what Yahweh required them to do as his people. In the law, God told the people how they should live so that they would honor him. He also instructed them about their need to offer animal sacrifices. God required these sacrifices so that he could forgive their sins and continue living among them. The law also described the duties of the priests and told how to build the tabernacle.

### What did it mean that Israel was to be a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” ([19:6](../19/06.md) ULT)?

Israel was a holy nation because Yahweh separated them from all other nations to belong to him. They were to honor and worship him only. This made them different from all the other nations of the world. These other nations worshiped many false gods.

## Part 3: Important Translation Issues

### Thus says Yahweh

This phrase is used many times in the Old Testament to introduce Yahweh’s speech. Your team should pick a standard translation. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more.

### Pharaoh’s stubborn heart

Between chapters 4–14 there are 18 cases where Pharaoh’s heart is described as strong (11x), heavy (6x), or hard (1x), and one case where the Egyptians’ hearts are described as strong. These are metaphors for being stubborn, that is, being unwilling to obey Yahweh or even to do what is clearly in his own and Egypt’s best interest. Many cultures have similar metaphors, but not all will use the same body part. Within these cases, six times there is a neutral description that Pharaoh was stubborn without saying anyone made him so ([7:13](../07/13.md), [7:14](../07/14.md), [7:22](../07/22.md), [8:19](../08/19.md), [9:7](../09/07.md), [9:35](../09/35.md)); three times Pharaoh makes himself stubborn ([8:15](../08/15.md), [8:32](../08/32.md), [9:34](../09/34.md)); and ten times Yahweh makes Pharaoh/the Egyptians stubborn ([4:21](../04/21.md), [7:3](../07/03.md), [9:12](../09/12.md), [10:1](../10/01.md), [10:20](../10/20.md), [10:27](../10/27.md), [11:10](../11/10.md), [14:4](../14/04.md), [14:8](../14/08.md), [14:17](../14/17.md)).

### Why are the details of the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus 25–32 repeated in Exodus 35–40?

In Exodus 25–32, God describes exactly how the tabernacle was to be built. The details were repeated in Exodus 35–40. This showed that the people were to be careful to do exactly as God commanded.

### Are the events in the order that they actually happened?

Most, but not all, of the events in the book of Exodus are told in the order that they actually happened. Translators may need to make it clear when the events are in an unusual order.

### What does it mean that God “lived” among his people?

The book of Exodus presents God as living in the tabernacle among the nation of Israel. God is everywhere, but he lived among the Israelites in a special way. God dwelled with the Israelites because they belonged to him. He promised to lead them and bless them. In return, the people were to worship him and honor him. EXO 1 intro cj55 ​ וַ⁠יֵּ֥לֶךְ 0 # Exodus 01 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

This chapter is intended to form a smooth transition from the last chapter of the book of Genesis.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Israel’s growth

Israel grew in number. This was in fulfillment of the covenant God made with Abraham. It also caused the Egyptians great concern that there would be more Israelites than Egyptians, because the Egyptians would be unable to defend themselves against such a large number of people. Pharaoh also tried to kill all of the male babies so they would not become soldiers who fought against him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/fulfill]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

### End of the famine

It is obvious that some time has passed since the beginning of the famine which brought the Israelites into Egypt. Yahweh appears to be punishing the Hebrews for not returning to the Promised Land, but instead, choosing to stay in Egypt. No return attempt is recorded to have been made. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promisedland]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “All of the descendants of Jacob were 70 in number”

This number included both Jacob’s children and grandchildren. It may cause confusion, but it is important to remember Jacob only had 12 sons. EXO 1 1 851f ​writing-background ​ 1 Verses 1–7 are background information for the story. If your language has a way of structuring background information, consider using it for these verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) EXO 1 1 g89k figs-metonymy ​וּ⁠בֵית֖⁠וֹ 1 household Here, **house** refers to all of the people who live together, usually a large family with servants. Alternate translation: “and his household” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 1 1 fxbx figs-go הַ⁠בָּאִ֖ים… בָּֽאוּ 1 The words translated as **came in** could also be translated as “went in.” Use whichever form is most natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 1 1 e65z ​translate-names יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל… יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 **​Jacob** and **Israel** are two names for the same man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 1 5 fv84 translate-numbers ​שִׁבְעִ֣ים 1 seventy in number “70 in number” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 1 6 sh42 ​grammar-connect-time-sequential וַ⁠יָּ֤מָת 1 Jacob and his sons spent the rest of their lives in Egypt and died there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) EXO 1 6 g5qg ​ וְ⁠כָל־אֶחָ֔י⁠ו 1 all his brothers **All his brothers** includes ten older brothers and one younger brother. If your language has different words for those, you can say, “his ten older brothers and his younger brother” EXO 1 6 8g2k ​figs-possession אֶחָ֔י⁠ו 1 This an instance of the possessive of social relationship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 1 7 9uwr ​figs-metonymy וּ⁠בְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל 1 This is the first of many times in this book that **sons of Israel** refers to the Israelite nation or people. Alternate translation: “And the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 1 7 2ccy ​figs-doublet פָּר֧וּ וַֽ⁠יִּשְׁרְצ֛וּ וַ⁠יִּרְבּ֥וּ וַ⁠יַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ 1 All of these verbs mean similar things and are used together to emphasize that the Israelite people became very numerous. If your language doesn’t have as many words that mean the same thing, you can use fewer words and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “multiplied and became extremely numerous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) EXO 1 7 uo65 ​ פָּר֧וּ… וַ⁠יִּרְבּ֥וּ… וַ⁠תִּמָּלֵ֥א הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ 1 Compare your translation of **fruitful … and multiplied … and the land was filled** here to Genesis 1:28; ​9:1, 7; and especially Genesis 35:11, where God renamed Jacob to be called Israel. EXO 1 7 nk2l figs-metaphor ​פָּר֧וּ 1 were fruitful The birth of children to the Israelites is spoken of as if they were plants that were producing fruit. Alternate translation: “had many children” or “gave birth to many children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 1 7 r2f1 figs-activepassive וַ⁠תִּמָּלֵ֥א הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ אֹתָֽ⁠ם 1 the land was filled with them This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they filled the land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 1 7 3tcv ​figs-idiom בִּ⁠מְאֹ֣ד מְאֹ֑ד 1 Here the same word is used twice to emphasize how many the Israelite people had become. If your language does not repeat words like this, express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “with much power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 1 7 piq4 writing-participants ​אֹתָֽ⁠ם 1 with them Here, **them** refers to the Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 1 8 6y05 writing-newevent ​וַ⁠יָּ֥קָם 1 This sentence introduces a new event in the story. If your language marks this with particular discourse features, apply them here. (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 1 8 470t writing-participants מֶֽלֶךְ־חָדָ֖שׁ 1 ​The story begins with the new king. Your language may have a specific way to introduce new events or new characters in a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 1 8 t6jd figs-metonymy וַ⁠יָּ֥קָם מֶֽלֶךְ־חָדָ֖שׁ עַל־מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 arose over Egypt Here, **Egypt** refers to the place and the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “And a new king began to rule over the Egyptians and the country of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 1 8 04cx figs-metonymy ​לֹֽא־יָדַ֖ע אֶת־יוֹסֵֽף 1 Here, **Joseph** refers to both the person Joseph and to all of the good things that he did for Egypt. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 1 9 tf59 ​writing-participants ​וַ⁠יֹּ֖אמֶר 1 He said to his people “And the king said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 1 9 aku3 ​figs-exclamations הִנֵּ֗ה 1 Here, **behold** draws special attention to what is about to be said. Use a way of drawing people’s attention that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Listen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) EXO 1 9 x65i figs-possession ​עַמּ֑⁠וֹ 1 his people The people are spoken of as if they belonged to the king. This is an instance of the possessive of social relationship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 1 9 t7s1 ​עַמּ֑⁠וֹ 1 There is some ambiguity as to whom exactly Pharaoh was addressing. It could have been: 1) the people who lived in Egypt, the Egyptians or 2) some group of “his people” like his advisors, generals, nobles, or friends and family. Even if option 1 is meant, it is quite possible that he actually spoke to some smaller group of representatives, as in option 2. EXO 1 9 jik8 מִמֶּֽ⁠נּוּ 1 Use a way that is natural in your language to compare non-specific sizes of groups of people. Alternate translation: “more than we are” EXO 1 9 njuf figs-quotemarks הִנֵּ֗ה 1 Beginning from **behold** to the end of [verse 10](../01/10.md) is a direct quote of what the king said. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 1 10 hiq4 figs-exclusive ​נִֽתְחַכְּמָ֖ה… שֹׂ֣נְאֵ֔י⁠נוּ… בָּ֖⁠נוּ 1 let us The word **us** is inclusive and refers to the king and his people, the Egyptians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) EXO 1 10 8wvb grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical ​פֶּן־יִרְבֶּ֗ה וְ⁠הָיָ֞ה כִּֽי־תִקְרֶ֤אנָה מִלְחָמָה֙ 1 The king suggests a combination of two hypothetical events: 1. There are even more Israelites, 2. There is a battle. These are followed by a series of undesirable consequences: 3. The Israelites join an enemy, 4. The Israelites attack the Egyptians, 5. The Israelites leave Egypt. While the series of consequences is also technically hypothetical, the king’s language indicates that if 1-2 happen, then 3-5 are certain. Use language that makes it clear that the first two events are hypothetical, and that the next three are consequences that could be expected if the first two events happen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]]) EXO 1 10 jc1h ​ וְ⁠עָלָ֥ה מִן־הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ 1 leave the land “and he leaves Egypt” EXO 1 10 ni77 figs-quotemarks הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ 1 After this phrase, the direct quote of what the king said comes to an end. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 1 11 y2mi ​ ​שָׂרֵ֣י 1 taskmasters Egyptians whose job it was to force the Israelites to do hard work. EXO 1 11 o926 ​ מִסִּ֔ים 1 Here the plural means groups. Alternative translation: “work crews” EXO 1 11 l9lj ​לְמַ֥עַן עַנֹּת֖⁠וֹ בְּ⁠סִבְלֹתָ֑⁠ם 1 to oppress them with hard labor “to force the Israelites to do hard work for the Egyptians” EXO 1 11 pkz4 ​translate-unknown ​עָרֵ֤י מִסְכְּנוֹת֙ 1 store cities These were places where the leaders put away food and other important things to keep them safe. Alternative translation: “cities in which to put away things to keep them safe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 1 11 dy34 ​figs-possession ​עָרֵ֤י מִסְכְּנוֹת֙ 1 The possessive is objective; storage of goods is what occurs in the cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 1 12 c1fy ​grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְ⁠כַ⁠אֲשֶׁר֙ יְעַנּ֣וּ אֹת֔⁠וֹ כֵּ֥ן יִרְבֶּ֖ה וְ⁠כֵ֣ן יִפְרֹ֑ץ 1 This sentence expresses a result that is opposite of what the king expected. If your language has a way to express something happening that was opposite of what was expected, use that structure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) EXO 1 12 pdfk figs-abstractnouns וַ⁠יָּקֻ֕צוּ 1 “And they were afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) EXO 1 12 qgzz figs-metonymy מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 Here, **face** figuratively means the presence of a person. The phrase means that the Egyptians were afraid of the Israelites’ existence in the country. Alternate translation: “whenever they saw an Israelite” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 1 13 j1q6 ​figs-abstractnouns וַ⁠יַּעֲבִ֧דוּ מִצְרַ֛יִם אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּ⁠פָֽרֶךְ 1 made…work rigorously Here, **rigor** is a noun used to modify the verb **enslaved**. **Rigor** could refer either to how hard the work was or how unkindly the Egyptians treated the Israelites. Alternate translation: “And the Egyptians made the sons of Israel work very hard” or “And the Egyptians harshly made the sons of Israel work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) EXO 1 14 mx6v figs-metaphor ​וַ⁠יְמָרְר֨וּ 1 made their lives bitter The difficult lives of the Israelites are spoken of as if they were bitter food that was difficult to eat. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 1 14 jre2 figs-abstractnouns בַּ⁠עֲבֹדָ֣ה קָשָׁ֗ה 1 **Slavery** is an abstract noun modified by **hard**. Alternative translation: “by making them work hard as slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) EXO 1 14 cuq7 ​translate-unknown ​בְּ⁠חֹ֨מֶר֙ 1 mortar This was a wet glue or mud put between bricks or stones that held them together when it dried. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 1 14 h5dx ​translate-unknown וּ⁠בִ⁠לְבֵנִ֔ים 1 **Bricks** are hardened rectangular blocks of mud, clay etc., used for building. (Source: Wiktionary) The clay or mud was hardened either in the sun or by heating it to higher temperatures in other ways. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 1 14 gzq7 ​ ​אֵ֚ת כָּל־עֲבֹ֣דָתָ֔⁠ם אֲשֶׁר־עָבְד֥וּ בָ⁠הֶ֖ם בְּ⁠פָֽרֶךְ׃ 1 All their required work was hard “the Egyptians made them work very hard” or “the Egyptians forced them to work very hard” See how you translated this in [verse 13](../01/13.md) EXO 1 14 5nzx ​writing-participants וַ⁠יְמָרְר֨וּ…בָ⁠הֶ֖ם 1 These pronouns refer to the Egyptians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 1 14 acj5 ​writing-participants חַיֵּי⁠הֶ֜ם…עֲבֹ֣דָתָ֔⁠ם…עָבְד֥וּ 1 These pronouns refer to the Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 1 15 yoaj ​writing-newevent וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 This sentence introduces a new event in the story. If your language marks this with particular discourse features, apply them here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 1 15 hhw1 ​ ​לַֽ⁠מְיַלְּדֹ֖ת 1 midwives **Midwives** were women who helped a pregnant woman give birth to a baby. EXO 1 15 h8f8 translate-names ​שִׁפְרָ֔ה…פּוּעָֽה 1 Shiphrah…Puah These are Hebrew women’s names. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 1 15 h59t writing-participants ​שִׁפְרָ֔ה…פּוּעָֽה 1 The midwives are introduced here as new participants in the story. Use your language’s way to introduce new characters in a story.​ (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 1 16 4wwz ​ וַ⁠יֹּ֗אמֶר 1 In the UST, **And the king said**, is combined with “spoke” from [verse 15](../01/15.md), because the verb for “say” is used twice before he speaks. This may be strange in some languages. If it would be unnatural to say that the king spoke or said twice, you may leave one off. EXO 1 16 yovg figs-quotemarks בְּ⁠יַלֶּדְ⁠כֶן֙ אֶת־הָֽ⁠עִבְרִיּ֔וֹת וּ⁠רְאִיתֶ֖ן עַל־הָ⁠אָבְנָ֑יִם אִם־בֵּ֥ן הוּא֙ וַ⁠הֲמִתֶּ֣ן אֹת֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠אִם־בַּ֥ת הִ֖יא וָ⁠חָֽיָה 1 This is a direct quote of what the king said. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 1 16 5lke ​figs-youdual בְּ⁠יַלֶּדְ⁠כֶן֙…וּ⁠רְאִיתֶ֖ן…וַ⁠הֲמִתֶּ֣ן 1 The king is speaking to the two midwives, so the form of **you** is plural. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual or plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/​figs-youdual]]) EXO 1 16 h3mb figs-metonymy עַל־הָ⁠אָבְנָ֑יִם 1 on the birthstool Women sat on this short stool as they gave birth. Therefore, it is associated with birth. Alternate translation: “as they give birth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 1 16 nms7 grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical ​אִם־בֵּ֥ן הוּא֙ וַ⁠הֲמִתֶּ֣ן אֹת֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠אִם־בַּ֥ת הִ֖יא וָ⁠חָֽיָה 1 ​These two statements are hypothetical conditions (starting at **if**) with instructions for what the midwives should do in each situation (starting at **then**). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]]) EXO 1 17 gy7k grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַ⁠תִּירֶ֤אןָ 1 Use a conjunction or other language structure that expresses contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) EXO 1 18 y9g5 ​ ​לַֽ⁠מְיַלְּדֹ֔ת 1 midwives These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby. See how you translated this in [Exodus 1:15](../01/15.md). EXO 1 18 00l4 figs-quotemarks מַדּ֥וּעַ עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן הַ⁠דָּבָ֣ר הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה וַ⁠תְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ אֶת־הַ⁠יְלָדִֽים 1 This is a direct quote of the king’s question. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 1 18 y73k ​figs-quotations וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר לָ⁠הֶ֔ן מַדּ֥וּעַ עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן הַ⁠דָּבָ֣ר הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה וַ⁠תְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ אֶת־הַ⁠יְלָדִֽים 1 This could be translated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “and he asked them why they were letting the sons live.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 1 18 q1sy מַדּ֥וּעַ עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן הַ⁠דָּבָ֣ר הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה וַ⁠תְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ אֶת־הַ⁠יְלָדִֽים 1 Why have you done this, and let the baby boys live? Alternate translation: “Why have you not killed the baby boys?” EXO 1 18 8onv ​figs-youdual עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן 1 This **you** is plural. The king is speaking to the two midwives. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual or plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/​figs-youdual]]) EXO 1 19 7t6z figs-quotemarks כִּ֣י לֹ֧א כַ⁠נָּשִׁ֛ים הַ⁠מִּצְרִיֹּ֖ת הָֽ⁠עִבְרִיֹּ֑ת כִּֽי־חָי֣וֹת הֵ֔נָּה בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם תָּב֧וֹא אֲלֵ⁠הֶ֛ן הַ⁠מְיַלֶּ֖דֶת וְ⁠יָלָֽדוּ 1 This is a direct quote of the midwives’ response. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 1 19 9gqe grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י לֹ֧א כַ⁠נָּשִׁ֛ים הַ⁠מִּצְרִיֹּ֖ת הָֽ⁠עִבְרִיֹּ֑ת כִּֽי־חָי֣וֹת הֵ֔נָּה בְּ⁠טֶ֨רֶם תָּב֧וֹא אֲלֵ⁠הֶ֛ן הַ⁠מְיַלֶּ֖דֶת וְ⁠יָלָֽדוּ 1 The midwives give a reason, **the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women**, and then they expand on that reason, **for they are lively** (or energetic), with the result that **before the midwife comes to them, they have given birth.**  (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 1 19 0ppa figs-synecdoche וַ⁠תֹּאמַ֤רְןָ הַֽ⁠מְיַלְּדֹת֙ 1 It may not make sense in your language to say that multiple people said something, so you may need to translate it in the singular (see UST). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 1 19 2ivn הַֽ⁠מְיַלְּדֹת֙ 1 These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby. See how you translated this in [Exodus 1:15](../01/15.md). EXO 1 20 eh25 ​ ​לַֽ⁠מְיַלְּדֹ֑ת 1 midwives These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby. See how you translated this in [Exodus 1:15](../01/15.md). EXO 1 20 h133 figs-doublet וַ⁠יִּ֧רֶב הָ⁠עָ֛ם וַ⁠יַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ מְאֹֽד 1 The people increased in numbers These words mean similar things and are used together to emphasize their numeric growth. If your language doesn’t have as many words that mean the same thing, you can use fewer words and express the emphasis in another way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) EXO 1 20 0wpb ​grammar-connect-logic-result ​וַ⁠יֵּ֥יטֶב אֱלֹהִ֖ים לַֽ⁠מְיַלְּדֹ֑ת 1 This phrase is more logically connected to the statements in verse 21. It describes the result of the midwives fearing God with a general statement. You may need to rearrange vs 20-21 so that the reason (vs 21) comes before both the general and specific results. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 1 21 3q9e ​grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠יְהִ֕י כִּֽי־יָֽרְא֥וּ הַֽ⁠מְיַלְּדֹ֖ת אֶת־הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 This is the reason for what God did. You may need to rearrange vs 20-21 so that the reason (vs 21) comes before both the general and specific results. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 1 21 pbve ​grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠יַּ֥עַשׂ לָ⁠הֶ֖ם בָּתִּֽים 1 This describes the result of the midwives fearing God with a specific statement. You may need to rearrange vs 20-21 so that the reason (vs 21) comes before both the general and specific results. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 1 21 jx9c בָּתִּֽים 1 he gave them families “households” EXO 1 22 ld1j figs-explicit כָּל־הַ⁠בֵּ֣ן הַ⁠יִּלּ֗וֹד הַ⁠יְאֹ֨רָ⁠ה֙ תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔⁠הוּ 1 You must throw every son…into the river This order was given in order to drown the male children. The full meaning of this may be made explicit. Alternate translation: “You must dispose of each new baby boy in the river so he will drown” or “Drown each baby boy in the river when he is born” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 1 22 a6b2 figs-quotations וַ⁠יְצַ֣ו פַּרְעֹ֔ה לְ⁠כָל־עַמּ֖⁠וֹ לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר כָּל־הַ⁠בֵּ֣ן הַ⁠יִּלּ֗וֹד הַ⁠יְאֹ֨רָ⁠ה֙ תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔⁠הוּ וְ⁠כָל־הַ⁠בַּ֖ת תְּחַיּֽוּ⁠ן 1 From **You shall** to the end of the verse is a direct quote of Pharaoh’s speech. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. However, it could be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “And Pharaoh commanded all of his people to throw every baby boy into the river, but to let every girl live.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 1 22 stag figs-youdual תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔⁠הוּ…תְּחַיּֽוּ⁠ן 1 The uses of the word **you** here refer to all the Egyptians. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/​figs-youdual]]) EXO 2 intro rwf3 0 # Exodus 02 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter


### Covenant
God begins to relate to the Israelites based on his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.


### Moses’ heritage
In the first part of this chapter, Pharaoh’s daughter recognizes Moses as being a Hebrew, but in the last part of this chapter, the Midianites believe him to be an Egyptian.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Identification of participants
- Moses is the only participant named in most of this chapter. This is because many of the participants play very minor roles and because this part of the story is focusing on Moses’ life.

### Ironic situations
- While Pharaoh tried to diminish the power of the Israelites by killing all of their baby boys, God used Pharaoh’s own daughter to save Moses.


- Moses believes he is meant to be the rescuer of his people, but they reject him. Ultimately, Moses was correct, but God had not yet sent him for that mission. EXO 2 1 wvj9 writing-newevent ​וַ⁠יֵּ֥לֶךְ 1 Now A new scene begins here; that may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 2 1 riy7 writing-participants אִ֖ישׁ…בַּת 1 These are new participants. They remain unnamed until [Exodus 6:20](../06/20.md) where they are identified as Amram and Jochebed. For now it is best to leave them unnamed in your language, if possible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 2 1 40u9 figs-idiom וַ⁠יִּקַּ֖ח אֶת־בַּת־לֵוִֽי 1 This is an idiom for marrying. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 2 2 s49k ט֣וֹב 1 Alternative translations: “pleasing,” “fine,” or “healthy” (UST) EXO 2 2 q4c0 grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠תֵּ֤רֶא…וַֽ⁠תִּצְפְּנֵ֖⁠הוּ 1 Hiding the boy was a result of seeing that he was good. Alternative translation: “Since she saw … she hid him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 2 2 00k4 translate-numbers שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה 1 3 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 2 3 t2gj translate-unknown תֵּ֣בַת גֹּ֔מֶא 1 papyrus basket This is a basket made from a tall grass that grows by the Nile River in Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 2 3 tn3y figs-explicit וַ⁠תַּחְמְרָ֥⁠ה בַ⁠חֵמָ֖ר וּ⁠בַ⁠זָּ֑פֶת 1 sealed it with bitumen and pitch You could explicitly state that this was to keep out water. Alternate translation: “spread tar on it to keep water from getting into it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 2 3 wpb6 translate-unknown וַ⁠תַּחְמְרָ֥⁠ה 1 sealed This means that she applied a waterproof coating. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 2 3 ym3k translate-unknown בַ⁠חֵמָ֖ר 1 bitumen This is a sticky black paste made from petroleum. It can be used to keep out water. Alternate translation: “with tar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 2 3 v825 translate-unknown וּ⁠בַ⁠זָּ֑פֶת 1 pitch This is a sticky brown or black paste that can be made from tree sap or from petroleum. Therefore, **pitch** would include not only bitumen but also plant-based resins. It too can be used to keep out water. Alternate translation: “and with tar” or “and with resin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 2 3 y8gq translate-unknown בַּ⁠סּ֖וּף 1 reeds These **reeds** were a type of tall grass that grew in flat, wet areas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 2 4 av8b וַ⁠תֵּתַצַּ֥ב אֲחֹת֖⁠וֹ מֵ⁠רָחֹ֑ק 1 at a distance This means she stood far enough away so that she would not be noticed, but close enough to see the ark. Use a word that expresses this sort of distance in your language. EXO 2 4 9m7y figs-abstractnouns מֵ⁠רָחֹ֑ק 1 This probably means somewhere in the reeds where she could see the basket, but no one would see her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) EXO 2 4 4d7n figs-kinship אֲחֹת֖⁠וֹ 1 Here, the actions of **his sister** show that she is older. If your languages uses a different term for siblings based on their relative ages and/or the gender of the siblings use one that means “a boy’s older sister.” See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-kinship]])
EXO 2 4 z1cy grammar-connect-logic-goal לְ⁠דֵעָ֕ה מַה־יֵּעָשֶׂ֖ה לֽ⁠וֹ 1 This is her purpose in being close by. Alternative translation: “in order to learn what would happen to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) EXO 2 5 1vls figs-go וַ⁠תֵּ֤רֶד 1 **Came down** may be literal or figurative, as important places are often considered to be in a higher place. This means she came from her home, probably Pharaoh’s palace. If a perspective is required for Pharaoh’s daughter, you may choose go or come as works best in your language. “Come” is better as the scene is at the river and she comes to the scene location. However, you also need to consider your language’s way of introducing new participants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 2 5 y26h writing-participants וַ⁠תֵּ֤רֶד בַּת־פַּרְעֹה֙ 1 The **daughter of Pharaoh** is introduced here as a new participant. Along with choosing come or go as mentioned in the previous note, you may need to mark her introduction in a particular way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 2 5 3van writing-participants וְ⁠נַעֲרֹתֶ֥י⁠הָ 1 These women are introduced here as new participants; however they are not mentioned again after this verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 2 5 im0d figs-metaphor עַל־יַ֣ד הַ⁠יְאֹ֑ר 1 **Hand** is a metaphor for “side,” which in this case can be translated as the shore or bank (UST) of the river. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 2 5 bi7s וְ⁠נַעֲרֹתֶ֥י⁠הָ 1 her attendants These were the young women whose job it was to be with her and make sure nothing bad happened to her. EXO 2 5 am7g writing-participants וַ⁠תִּקָּחֶֽ⁠הָ 1 It is not clear who is meant by **she** here, either Pharaoh’s daughter or the servant. It is likely that Pharaoh’s daughter stays the subject. Alternative translation: “and she took the ark from her slave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 2 6 g9n6 figs-exclamations וְ⁠הִנֵּה 1 Behold The word **behold** signals the surprising information that follows. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) EXO 2 6 tyub grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠תַּחְמֹ֣ל עָלָ֔י⁠ו 1 The text does not state exactly what caused her to have compassion on the baby. If a reason must be provided in your language it should be connected to either his crying (this is the better option) or that he was a “good” baby [verse 2](../02/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 2 6 jg0d figs-quotemarks מִ⁠יַּלְדֵ֥י הָֽ⁠עִבְרִ֖ים זֶֽה 1 This is a direct quote. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. It seems to have been said loud enough for the baby’s sister to hear. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 2 7 3zvu figs-quotemarks וְ⁠קָרָ֤אתִי לָ⁠ךְ֙ אִשָּׁ֣ה מֵינֶ֔קֶת מִ֖ן הָ⁠עִבְרִיֹּ֑ת וְ⁠תֵינִ֥ק לָ֖⁠ךְ אֶת־הַ⁠יָּֽלֶד 1 This is a direct quote of the baby’s sister. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 2 7 x5ja וְ⁠קָרָ֤אתִי לָ⁠ךְ֙ אִשָּׁ֣ה מֵינֶ֔קֶת מִ֖ן הָ⁠עִבְרִיֹּ֑ת 1 This is a suggestive question. The child’s sister is hopeful that Pharaoh’s daughter does not have a plan yet for the baby beyond saving his life. However, it is still a true question, for without Pharaoh’s daughter’s permission, the child’s sister will not be able to fetch the woman. If your language has a way of forming questions that are also suggestions, use it here. EXO 2 7 psb2 figs-possession אֲחֹת⁠וֹ֮…בַּת־פַּרְעֹה֒ 1 These are both the possessive of social relationship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 2 7 d7aj מֵינֶ֔קֶת…וְ⁠תֵינִ֥ק 1 nurse **To nurse** means to feed with milk from the breast. EXO 2 7 tqq9 grammar-connect-logic-goal וְ⁠תֵינִ֥ק לָ֖⁠ךְ אֶת־הַ⁠יָּֽלֶד 1 This is the purpose of the sister’s proposal. Alternative translation: “And she could nurse the infant for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) EXO 2 8 ab1m figs-go לֵ֑כִי…וַ⁠תֵּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 The girl left Pharaoh’s daughter to go to the child’s mother. The girl was almost certainly on foot. Use verbs of motion that express this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 2 8 2456 figs-quotemarks לֵ֑כִי 1 This is a direct quote. Pharaoh’s daughter commands the baby’s sister. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 2 8 lyyj figs-possession בַּת־פַּרְעֹ֖ה…אֵ֥ם הַ⁠יָּֽלֶד 1 These are both the possessive of social relationship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 2 9 lmko figs-possession בַּת־פַּרְעֹ֗ה 1 This is the possessive of social relationship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 2 9 u554 writing-participants לָ֣⁠הּ 1 The child’s mother is reintroduced as a participant. Alternative translation: “to the baby’s mother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 2 9 xp5x figs-quotemarks הֵילִ֜יכִי אֶת־הַ⁠יֶּ֤לֶד הַ⁠זֶּה֙ וְ⁠הֵינִקִ֣⁠הוּ לִ֔⁠י וַ⁠אֲנִ֖י אֶתֵּ֣ן אֶת־שְׂכָרֵ֑⁠ךְ 1 This is a direct quote. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 2 9 mogg שְׂכָרֵ֑⁠ךְ 1 This refers to payment that Pharaoh’s daughter would give to the mother in exchange for her service of nursing the baby. EXO 2 9 hqsa figs-explicit וַ⁠תִּקַּ֧ח…וַ⁠תְּנִיקֵֽ⁠הוּ 1 The mother’s acceptance of the deal is implied. You could make it explicit, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 2 10 zj8h grammar-connect-time-sequential וַ⁠יִגְדַּ֣ל הַ⁠יֶּ֗לֶד וַ⁠תְּבִאֵ֨⁠הוּ֙ 1 she brought him An unspecified amount of time is designated by this. He would have stayed with his mother at least until he was weaned (no longer drinking his mother’s milk). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) EXO 2 10 ta4r figs-possession לְ⁠בַת־פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 This is the possessive of social relationship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 2 10 j7n1 וַֽ⁠יְהִי־לָ֖⁠הּ לְ⁠בֵ֑ן 1 he became her son “and he became the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter” EXO 2 10 h7to grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וַֽ⁠יְהִי־לָ֖⁠הּ לְ⁠בֵ֑ן וַ⁠תִּקְרָ֤א שְׁמ⁠וֹ֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 These events were likely simultaneous, because her act of naming him may have been what made him become **as a son to her**. Consider using a conjunction that does not make a great separtion between these events. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) EXO 2 10 nh2m מֹשֶׁ֔ה וַ⁠תֹּ֕אמֶר כִּ֥י מִן־הַ⁠מַּ֖יִם מְשִׁיתִֽ⁠הוּ 1 Because I drew him from the water Translators may add a footnote that says, “The name Moses sounds like the Hebrew word that means ‘draw out.’” EXO 2 10 ityq figs-quotations וַ⁠תֹּ֕אמֶר כִּ֥י מִן־הַ⁠מַּ֖יִם מְשִׁיתִֽ⁠הוּ 1 This is a direct quote. It could be stated indirectly. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. Alternate translation: “because she said she draw him out of the water” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 2 10 yax4 translate-names מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 drew him **Moses** - (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 2 11 tyol grammar-connect-time-sequential וַ⁠יְהִ֣י׀ בַּ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ⁠הֵ֗ם וַ⁠יִּגְדַּ֤ל מֹשֶׁה֙ וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֣א 1 A significant amount of time has passed; later texts state that Moses was 40 years old at this point. Alternative translation: “Many years later, once Moses was grown, he went out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) EXO 2 11 p7gx writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִ֣י׀ בַּ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ⁠הֵ֗ 1 This introduces a new event in the story. In your language, use a phrase that indicates a new event occurring after significant time has passed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 2 11 917y figs-go וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֣א 1 The UST supplies a probable location that he **went out** from; it could also have been simply out from the Egyptian area or out to the work area or cities. Use go or come as appropriate in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 2 11 swn3 מַכֶּ֥ה אִישׁ־עִבְרִ֖י 1 striking a Hebrew “hitting a Hebrew” or “beating a Hebrew” EXO 2 12 m9bn figs-merism וַ⁠יִּ֤פֶן כֹּה֙ וָ⁠כֹ֔ה 1 He looked this way and that way These two opposite directions have the combined meaning of “everywhere.” Alternate translation: “He looked all around” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 2 12 rmgn figs-metonymy וַ⁠יַּךְ֙ 1 The context makes clear that Moses struck the Egyptian hard enough or repeatedly until Moses killed him. Consider using a word that indicates a deadly blow. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 2 13 qn45 figs-go וַ⁠יֵּצֵא֙ 1 He went out See how you translated this in [Exodus 2:11](../02/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 2 13 83e6 translate-ordinal הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֔י 1 The ordinal number here could mean “the next day” (UST) or simply on some day following the events of the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 2 13 rgn1 figs-exclamations וְ⁠הִנֵּ֛ה 1 behold Here, **behold** shows that Moses was surprised by what he saw. You can use a word in your language that will give this meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) EXO 2 13 i4d6 לָֽ⁠רָשָׁ֔ע 1 the one who was in the wrong Based on Moses’s question, this means the aggressor or the man wrongfully attacking his neighbor. Alternate translation: “the man who was guilty of starting the fight” EXO 2 13 duob figs-quotemarks לָ֥⁠מָּה תַכֶּ֖ה רֵעֶֽ⁠ךָ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 2 14 qb2n figs-rquestion מִ֣י שָֽׂמְ⁠ךָ֞ לְ⁠אִ֨ישׁ שַׂ֤ר וְ⁠שֹׁפֵט֙ עָלֵ֔י⁠נוּ 1 Who made you a leader and judge over us? The man used this question to rebuke Moses for intervening in the fight. Alternate translation: “You are not our leader and have no right to judge us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 2 14 afne figs-quotemarks מִ֣י שָֽׂמְ⁠ךָ֞ לְ⁠אִ֨ישׁ שַׂ֤ר וְ⁠שֹׁפֵט֙ עָלֵ֔י⁠נוּ הַ⁠לְ⁠הָרְגֵ֨⁠נִי֙ אַתָּ֣ה אֹמֵ֔ר כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָרַ֖גְתָּ אֶת־הַ⁠מִּצְרִ֑י 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 2 14 k6s5 figs-irony הַ⁠לְ⁠הָרְגֵ֨⁠נִי֙ אַתָּ֣ה אֹמֵ֔ר כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָרַ֖גְתָּ אֶת־הַ⁠מִּצְרִ֑י 1 Are you planning to kill me as you killed that Egyptian? The man used a question here to be sarcastic. Alternate translation: “We know that you killed an Egyptian yesterday. You had better not kill me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]] EXO 2 14 7qmk figs-rquestion הַ⁠לְ⁠הָרְגֵ֨⁠נִי֙ אַתָּ֣ה אֹמֵ֔ר כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָרַ֖גְתָּ אֶת־הַ⁠מִּצְרִ֑י 1 The man asks a question that is intended to make a statement. Alternate translation: “Do you think you can kill me without anyone finding out? We know what you did to the Egyptian” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 2 14 d2ja הַ⁠לְ⁠הָרְגֵ֨⁠נִי֙ אַתָּ֣ה אֹמֵ֔ר 1 “Are you planning to kill me” or “Are you threatening to kill me” EXO 2 14 lyqh figs-aside אָכֵ֖ן נוֹדַ֥ע הַ⁠דָּבָֽר 1 It is likely this is something Moses said to himself, that is, he thought it to himself rather than speaking to the men in front of him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]]) EXO 2 14 vfw5 figs-quotations וַ⁠יֹּאמַ֔ר אָכֵ֖ן נוֹדַ֥ע הַ⁠דָּבָֽר 1 It may be clearer to present as an indirect quotation what was likely a thought Moses had. Alternative translation (as indirect quotation): “because he thought that everyone knew what he had done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 2 15 yutr וַ⁠יְבַקֵּ֖שׁ לַ⁠הֲרֹ֣ג אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֑ה 1 Pharaoh most likely delegated this task. Alternative translation: “and he sought to have Moses killed” (note that the passive form will not work in every language), see UST EXO 2 15 l5rc figs-metonymy מִ⁠פְּנֵ֣י 1 His **face** means his presence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 2 15 otsl וַ⁠יֵּ֥שֶׁב…וַ⁠יֵּ֥שֶׁב 1 These are the same verb. There are three possible interpretations: 1. Moses lived in Midian. He sat by this well one day. This may have been the well for the town he lived in. 2. Moses lived in Midian. His home was by this well. 3. Moses was a wanderer. He was in Midian and sat by this well when the next event occurred. EXO 2 16 shg5 writing-background וּ⁠לְ⁠כֹהֵ֥ן מִדְיָ֖ן שֶׁ֣בַע בָּנ֑וֹת 1 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters This sentence is background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) EXO 2 16 pjzc writing-newevent וּ⁠לְ⁠כֹהֵ֥ן מִדְיָ֖ן שֶׁ֣בַע בָּנ֑וֹת 1 This sentence is used to mark a transition. However, the last clause of the previous verse (“and he sat down by a well”) seems to be related to this new scene so you may want to make your transition there as is done in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 2 16 cfe5 writing-participants שֶׁ֣בַע בָּנ֑וֹת וַ⁠תָּבֹ֣אנָה 1 The **daughters** are new participants. Indicate that in a way that is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 2 16 sm8f figs-go וַ⁠תָּבֹ֣אנָה 1 The perspective of the narrative is set at the well. The daughters came from elsewhere to the well. They were probably on foot. Here each language will need to choose the appropriate word. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 2 16 v5yk figs-possession וּ⁠לְ⁠כֹהֵ֥ן מִדְיָ֖ן שֶׁ֣בַע בָּנ֑וֹת 1 This is the possessive of social relationship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 2 16 esdm translate-numbers שֶׁ֣בַע 1 7 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 2 16 i2jh וַ⁠תִּדְלֶ֗נָה 1 drew water This means that they brought up water from a well. EXO 2 16 g1e6 translate-unknown הָ֣⁠רְהָטִ֔ים 1 troughs These were a long, narrow, open containers for animals to eat or drink out of. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 2 16 p3uo figs-possession צֹ֥אן אֲבִי⁠הֶֽן 1 There are two possessives here: 1) **their father** is the possessive of social relationship; 2) **the flock of … father** is the possessive of ownership. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 2 17 k5yc figs-go וַ⁠יָּבֹ֥אוּ 1 A group of men came. They may not have been far away before coming and driving the women away. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 2 17 zksv writing-participants הָ⁠רֹעִ֖ים 1 These are new, very brief, participants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 2 17 z17m grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַ⁠יָּ֤קָם 1 helped them Use an expression that communicates that what Moses did was unexpected. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) EXO 2 18 omzv figs-go וַ⁠תָּבֹ֕אנָה 1 The daughters came from the well to their father, probably on foot. You can use come or go. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 2 18 7t7t translate-names רְעוּאֵ֖ל 1 **Reuel**, a name or perhaps a title, is used of the man only here and in Numbers 10:29. He is otherwise called “Jethro.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 2 18 95f3 writing-participants רְעוּאֵ֖ל 1 The priest of Midian was mentioned in [v. 16](../02/16.md) in a background statement but is a new participant starting here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 2 18 tiqh figs-possession אֲבִי⁠הֶ֑ן 1 This is a possessive of social relationship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 2 18 lukb figs-quotations וַ⁠יֹּ֕אמֶר מַדּ֛וּעַ מִהַרְתֶּ֥ן בֹּ֖א הַ⁠יּֽוֹם 1 This is a direct quote. You could use an indirect quotation such as “and he asked how they were able to return so quickly that day.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 2 18 44at figs-go בֹּ֖א 1 Alternative translation: “in returning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 2 19 r01g figs-quotemarks אִ֣ישׁ מִצְרִ֔י הִצִּילָ֖⁠נוּ מִ⁠יַּ֣ד הָ⁠רֹעִ֑ים וְ⁠גַם־דָּלֹ֤ה דָלָה֙ לָ֔⁠נוּ וַ⁠יַּ֖שְׁקְ אֶת־הַ⁠צֹּֽאן 1 This is a direct quote. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 2 19 3g80 אִ֣ישׁ מִצְרִ֔י 1 Jethro’s daughters assume Moses was Egyptian. When you translate it, you should be clear that this refers to Moses. EXO 2 19 hvb4 ​figs-metonymy מִ⁠יַּ֣ד 1 **Hand** figuratively refers to the power, control, or actions of the shepherds. Alternative translation: “from the strength of” or “from the harm of” or see UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 2 19 6gvb figs-idiom ​דָּלֹ֤ה דָלָה֙ 1 The repeated word expresses surprise or emphasizes the magnitude of Moses’ act of kindness to the women. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 2 20 x73j figs-possession בְּנֹתָ֖י⁠ו 1 This is a possessive of social relationship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 2 20 x9yb figs-rquestion וְ⁠אַיּ֑⁠וֹ לָ֤⁠מָּה זֶּה֙ עֲזַבְתֶּ֣ן אֶת־הָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ 1 Why did you leave the man? These questions are a mild rebuke to the daughters for not inviting Moses into their home according to the normal hospitality of that culture. Alternate translation: “You should not have left this man at the well!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 2 20 p6xh figs-quotemarks וְ⁠אַיּ֑⁠וֹ לָ֤⁠מָּה זֶּה֙ עֲזַבְתֶּ֣ן אֶת־הָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ קִרְאֶ֥ן ל֖⁠וֹ וְ⁠יֹ֥אכַל לָֽחֶם׃ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 2 20 mb8w writing-participants ל֖⁠וֹ 1 **Him** refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 2 20 hal8 figs-synecdoche לָֽחֶם 1 **Bread** is used to refer to food in general. Alternative translation: “food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 2 21 zvr1 וַ⁠יּ֥וֹאֶל מֹשֶׁ֖ה לָ⁠שֶׁ֣בֶת אֶת־הָ⁠אִ֑ישׁ 1 Moses agreed to stay with the man “Moses agreed to live with Reuel” EXO 2 21 y3q7 translate-names צִפֹּרָ֥ה 1 Zipporah **Zipporah** is Reuel’s (Jethro’s) daughter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 2 21 4j8b figs-possession בִתּ֖⁠וֹ 1 This is a possessive of social relationship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 2 22 l3xg figs-quotemarks גֵּ֣ר הָיִ֔יתִי בְּ⁠אֶ֖רֶץ נָכְרִיָּֽה 1 Only this portion is a quotation. As a possibility for clarity, the UST includes both speech events as one quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 2 22 n5b1 translate-names גֵּרְשֹׁ֑ם 1 Gershom This is Moses’ son. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 2 22 f76m translate-names גֵּרְשֹׁ֑ם 1 His name, **Gershom**, sounds somewhat like the Hebrew for “a stranger here.” You may consider using a footnote to explain that. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 2 22 q7d8 גֵּ֣ר הָיִ֔יתִי בְּ⁠אֶ֖רֶץ נָכְרִיָּֽה 1 resident in a foreign land “stranger in a foreign land” EXO 2 23 fjkt writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִי֩ בַ⁠יָּמִ֨ים הָֽ⁠רַבִּ֜ים הָ⁠הֵ֗ם 1 This introduces a new section and series of events. A large amount of time went by. According to Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7:30, Moses was in Midian 40 years. Alternative translation: “This is what happened during the many days Moses was in Midian.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 2 23 1kw0 writing-background וַ⁠יְהִי֩ בַ⁠יָּמִ֨ים הָֽ⁠רַבִּ֜ים הָ⁠הֵ֗ם 1 Verses 23-25 give a summary of what happened in Egypt and with the Israelites and God while Moses was in exile. These verses give background information to set the scene. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) EXO 2 23 csg2 וַ⁠יֵּאָנְח֧וּ 1 groaned They **groaned** because of their sorrow and misery. Alternate translation: “sighed deeply” EXO 2 23 x84a figs-personification וַ⁠תַּ֧עַל שַׁוְעָתָ֛⁠ם 1 their pleas went up to God The cries of the Israelites are spoken of as if they were a person and were able to travel up to where God is. Alternate translation: “and their cries arose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) EXO 2 24 sja4 figs-idiom וַ⁠יִּזְכֹּ֤ר אֱלֹהִים֙ 1 God called to mind his covenant This was a customary way of saying that God thought about what He had promised. Alternate translation: “and God recalled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 3 intro n6ze 0 # Exodus 03 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

This chapter records one of the most important events in the history of the Israelite people: the revelation of the name Yahweh at the burning bush. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])

## Special concepts in this chapter

### God’s holiness

God is so holy that people could not look upon him without dying. This is why Moses covered his eyes. It is also why he took off his shoes. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

### Yahweh

The name Yahweh is sacred in the Hebrew religion. It is the personal name of God, which he revealed to Moses. It is by this name that he is known. Yahweh means “I am.” Some translations use all capitals to set this apart, “I AM.” Great care must be taken in translating the phrase “I am that I am.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/yahweh]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Participants

“The angel of Yahweh,” “Yahweh,” and “God” all appear to be speaking to Moses and interacting with him from the burning bush. Furthermore, God says that his name is “I AM.” (See note above on Yahweh and I AM.) Yahweh and God are the same while there is speculation about who the angel of Yahweh is. EXO 3 1 gqvh writing-newevent וּ⁠מֹשֶׁ֗ה הָיָ֥ה רֹעֶ֛ה 1 This phrase brings the story focus back to Midian and Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 3 1 oqcr writing-background וּ⁠מֹשֶׁ֗ה הָיָ֥ה רֹעֶ֛ה אֶת־צֹ֛אן יִתְר֥וֹ חֹתְנ֖⁠וֹ כֹּהֵ֣ן מִדְיָ֑ן וַ⁠יִּנְהַ֤ג אֶת־הַ⁠צֹּאן֙ אַחַ֣ר הַ⁠מִּדְבָּ֔ר וַ⁠יָּבֹ֛א אֶל־הַ֥ר הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים חֹרֵֽבָ⁠ה׃ 1 Verse 1 provides immediate background context, setting the scene for Moses’ interaction with Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) EXO 3 1 jv7b figs-possession צֹ֛אן יִתְר֥וֹ 1 This is an ownership possessive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 3 1 1p00 figs-possession חֹתְנ֖⁠וֹ 1 This is a possessive of social relationship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 3 1 l7x6 figs-possession כֹּהֵ֣ן מִדְיָ֑ן 1 This is a possessive of social relationship. Jethro is a priest who serves the Midianites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 3 1 v97t figs-go וַ⁠יָּבֹ֛א אֶל 1 “and he arrived at” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 3 1 p27s figs-possession הַ֥ר הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 This is an associative possessive. This mountain was associated with God in some way. In [Exodus 3:12](../03/12.md) God tells Moses that he and the Israelites will serve him on this mountain. Later in the story, this promise is fulfilled, and it is where God makes his covenant with Israel and gives them the 10 Commandments. So it may have been called the mountain of God in retrospect (as Moses probably wrote this book sometime after the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness). However, it is possible that the mountain was already associated with God’s presence or worship somehow before Moses went there with the flock. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 3 2 p0nt וַ֠⁠יֵּרָא מַלְאַ֨ךְ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֵלָ֛י⁠ו בְּ⁠לַבַּת־אֵ֖שׁ מִ⁠תּ֣וֹךְ הַ⁠סְּנֶ֑ה 1 This is a summary of what happened. The next few verses tell the story of how this happened and how Moses discovered what was happening. EXO 3 2 x5ci ​ ​יְהֹוָ֥ה 1 Yahweh This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this. EXO 3 2 d3tf grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְ⁠הִנֵּ֤ה הַ⁠סְּנֶה֙ בֹּעֵ֣ר בָּ⁠אֵ֔שׁ וְ⁠הַ⁠סְּנֶ֖ה אֵינֶ֥⁠נּוּ אֻכָּֽל 1 behold The word **behold** here shows that Moses saw something that was very different from what he expected. He expected the bush to be burnt up completely by the fire. Consider using an interjection in your language that expresses that the next thing is a surprise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) EXO 3 2 3bvb figs-metonymy אֻכָּֽל 1 **Being consumed** means being eaten completely until gone. In the case of fire, this is a metonym for burning completely until gone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 3 3 fpww figs-quotemarks אָסֻֽרָה־נָּ֣א וְ⁠אֶרְאֶ֔ה אֶת־הַ⁠מַּרְאֶ֥ה הַ⁠גָּדֹ֖ל הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה מַדּ֖וּעַ לֹא־יִבְעַ֥ר הַ⁠סְּנֶֽה 1 This is a direct quote. It’s not specified who Moses spoke to; he may have been alone or with a group of shepherds or his family. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 3 4 ue8v writing-participants יְהוָ֖ה… אֱלֹהִ֜ים 1 These terms both refer to the same being since God’s name is Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 3 5 60ah figs-quotemarks אַל־תִּקְרַ֣ב הֲלֹ֑ם שַׁל־נְעָלֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ מֵ⁠עַ֣ל רַגְלֶ֔י⁠ךָ כִּ֣י הַ⁠מָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ עוֹמֵ֣ד עָלָ֔י⁠ו אַדְמַת־קֹ֖דֶשׁ הֽוּא 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 3 5 prv9 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י הַ⁠מָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ עוֹמֵ֣ד עָלָ֔י⁠ו אַדְמַת־קֹ֖דֶשׁ הֽוּאכִּ֣י הַ⁠מָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ עוֹמֵ֣ד עָלָ֔י⁠ו אַדְמַת־קֹ֖דֶשׁ הֽוּא 1 set apart This is the reason Moses must stop coming close to the burning bush and take off his sandals. Your language may need to put the reason before the commands, as in, “The place on which you are standing, it is holy ground, so you must not come close to here. Take your sandals off from on your feet.”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 3 6 sxk8 אָנֹכִי֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י אָבִ֔י⁠ךָ אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵ⁠אלֹהֵ֣י יַעֲקֹ֑ב 1 the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob All of these men worshiped the same God. Alternate translation: “the God of your father, of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob” EXO 3 6 3qwa figs-quotemarks אָנֹכִי֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י אָבִ֔י⁠ךָ אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵ⁠אלֹהֵ֣י יַעֲקֹ֑ב 1 This a direct quotation. The UST continues the quotation from verse 5 rather than including an additional “he said.” This may be more natural in some languages. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 3 6 l5sy ​ אָבִ֔י⁠ךָ 1 your father Possible meanings are (1) “your ancestor” or (2) “your father.” If it means “your ancestor,” then the phrases following it clarify who “your father” refers to: it refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. If it means “your father,” then it refers to Moses’s own father. It most cases it will be best to translate it as “your father,” i.e. Amram, Moses’s father. EXO 3 6 lfbb ​grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠יַּסְתֵּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ פָּנָ֔י⁠ו כִּ֣י יָרֵ֔א מֵ⁠הַבִּ֖יט אֶל־הָ⁠אֱלֹהִֽים 1 Reason: **for he was afraid from staring toward God** Result: **And Moses hid his face** Some languages may need to put the reason before the result. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]] and [Exodus 33:20](../33/20.md)) EXO 3 7 nl33 figs-quotemarks וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה 1 After this phrase a direct quote begins that continues through the end of [verse 10](../03/10.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 3 7 xoz0 figs-idiom רָאֹ֥ה רָאִ֛יתִי 1 The repetition of **see** expresses the intensity, certainty, or clarity of Yahweh’s seeing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 3 7 tpk0 figs-possession אֶת־עֳנִ֥י עַמִּ֖⁠י 1 There are two possessives here. 1) “affliction of … people”: This is an event-related possessive where the people are the objects of affliction. They are treated badly as slaves. 2) “my people”: This one is more difficult as it involves both ownership and the possessive of social relationship. God views his people as his possession, and he is also in relationship with them as their God because they are descended from Abraham, though at this time they may not know God as theirs. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 3 7 p3tx figs-metonymy מִ⁠פְּנֵ֣י נֹֽגְשָׂ֔י⁠ו 1 **Faces** refers to the whole person or the presence of the person(s) who were oppressing the Israelites. If this image is used in your language, you may translate it. If a similar image is used, you may consider using it. If neither is the case, you may omit the word “face” and translate the meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 3 7 xx7r נֹֽגְשָׂ֔י⁠ו 1 taskmasters “his oppressors” EXO 3 7 ofxt כִּ֥י 1 The conjunction is probably functioning modally here, intensifying the expression of Yahweh’s knowledge. Your translation should express Yahweh’s knowing with certainty or strength. EXO 3 7 mfn2 figs-collectivenouns נֹֽגְשָׂ֔י⁠ו…מַכְאֹבָֽי⁠ו 1 These pronouns, **him** and **his**, refer to the Israelites as a group in the singular. They agree with “people” as a collective noun in [3:6](../03/06.md). Some languages may have to use plural pronouns. Others may have to match the pronoun’s gender to the grammatical gender of the word for “people” in their language. If necessary, change “him” to “them” or change “his” to “hers” or “its” (depending on grammatical gender of “people”.) Alternate translation: “those who oppress them…their anguish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 3 7 hkcj figs-possession מַכְאֹבָֽי⁠ו 1 This is an event-related possessive where the people (as a group: **his**) are the subjects of anguish. Your translation should express that they are in deep mental and emotional distress (anguish). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 3 7 ui28 figs-explicit מַכְאֹבָֽי⁠ו 1 It is implied that they are in deep mental and emotional distress (anguish) because they are treated badly as slaves. You may make this explicit. Alternate translation: “his anguish from his slavery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 3 8 9ia8 grammar-connect-logic-result וָ⁠אֵרֵ֞ד לְ⁠הַצִּיל֣⁠וֹ׀ מִ⁠יַּ֣ד מִצְרַ֗יִם וּֽ⁠לְ⁠הַעֲלֹת⁠וֹ֮ מִן־הָ⁠אָ֣רֶץ הַ⁠הִוא֒ אֶל־אֶ֤רֶץ טוֹבָה֙ וּ⁠רְחָבָ֔ה אֶל־אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָ֑שׁ אֶל־מְק֤וֹם הַֽ⁠כְּנַעֲנִי֙ וְ⁠הַ֣⁠חִתִּ֔י וְ⁠הָֽ⁠אֱמֹרִי֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠פְּרִזִּ֔י וְ⁠הַ⁠חִוִּ֖י וְ⁠הַ⁠יְבוּסִֽי׃ 1 Verse 8 contains God’s intended result from his acts of seeing and hearing, expressed in both verses 7 and 9. You may need to expressly mark this, for instance by introducing verse 8 with something like “therefore,” and verse 9 with something like “again, because.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 3 8 xy36 figs-go וָ⁠אֵרֵ֞ד 1 God is figuratively expressing that he is descending from heaven to earth to intervene. God is always everywhere, but this means his special attention will be directed to this situation. Use whatever form of come or go is appropriate in your language for this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 3 8 nahb figs-collectivenouns לְ⁠הַצִּיל֣⁠וֹ…וּֽ⁠לְ⁠הַעֲלֹת⁠וֹ֮ 1 Here, **him** refers in the singular to the Israelites as a group. It is agreeing with “people” as a collective noun in [3:6](../03/06.md). Some languages may have to use plural pronouns. Others may have to match the pronoun’s gender to the grammatical gender of the word for “people” in their language. See what you did in the [previous verse](../03/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 3 8 8afv figs-metaphor מִ⁠יַּ֣ד 1 Someone’s **hand** is a common metaphor for power and control. Use a similar image if your language has one. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 3 8 djbz figs-possession מִ⁠יַּ֣ד מִצְרַ֗יִם 1 This is a possessive where the Egyptians are the subject of **the hand**, which means power. The Egyptians used their power and control to oppress the Israelites. Use a phrase in your language that expresses the idea of a group of people having power. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 3 8 mqyp figs-parallelism אֶל־אֶ֤רֶץ טוֹבָה֙ וּ⁠רְחָבָ֔ה אֶל־אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָ֑שׁ 1 There are multiple levels of parallelism here. First, the statements, **to a good and wide land** and **to a land flowing with milk and honey** are in parallel with each other. Within each of those, **good** and **wide** are in parallel with each other and also **milk** and **honey** are in parallel with each other. Each of these levels is meant to reinforce and expand on one another. These are not examples of synonymous parallelism, and each part of the statement should be translated. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 3 8 37fp figs-metonymy חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָ֑שׁ 1 Here, **milk** is a metonym for domestic animals and the food products obtained from them; **honey** is a metonym for the food obtained from growing plants. See UST and [the next note]([[rc://en/tn/help/exo/03/08/pxy8]]) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 3 8 pxy8 figs-metaphor אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָ֑שׁ 1 a land flowing with milk and honey God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. If this metaphor makes sense in your language, you may translate it, if your language has metaphors that mean a land is good for producing healthy livestock and good crops, you may consider using those. If neither is the case, you may translate the meaning. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 3 8 dtz9 ​זָבַ֥ת 1 flowing with “full of” or “with an abundance of” EXO 3 8 q94i figs-metonymy חָלָ֖ב 1 milk Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. Alternate translation: “food from livestock” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 3 8 l1as figs-metonymy וּ⁠דְבָ֑שׁ 1 honey Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. Alternate translation: “food from crops” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 3 9 a2kf grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠עַתָּ֕ה 1 This functions as a discourse marker expressing logical conclusion. “Therefore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 3 9 tp2v figs-exclamations הִנֵּ֛ה 1 This is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation, or you can use an alternate translation like “certainly.” ​(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) EXO 3 9 uup9 figs-personification צַעֲקַ֥ת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בָּ֣אָה אֵלָ֑⁠י 1 the shouts of the people of Israel have come to me Here, **the cry** is spoken of as if it were a person who is capable of moving on his own. Alternate translation: “I have heard the cries of the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) EXO 3 9 gwou figs-abstractnouns רָאִ֨יתִי֙ אֶת־הַ⁠לַּ֔חַץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִצְרַ֖יִם לֹחֲצִ֥ים אֹתָֽ⁠ם 1 Here, **oppression** is an abstract noun which you could translate as a verb if you cannot use this form in your language. Alternate translation: “I have seen how the Egyptians are oppressing them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) EXO 3 10 y4m1 grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠עַתָּ֣ה 1 **And now** functions as a discourse marker expressing logical conclusion. “Therefore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 3 10 spwh figs-quotemarks מִ⁠מִּצְרָֽיִם 1 After this phrase, the direct quote of what the Yahweh said starting in [3:7](../03/07.md) ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 3 11 y8cr figs-rquestion מִ֣י אָנֹ֔כִי כִּ֥י אֵלֵ֖ךְ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְ⁠כִ֥י אוֹצִ֛יא אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִ⁠מִּצְרָֽיִם 1 Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh…Egypt? Moses uses this question to tell God that he, Moses, is not the right person for the task. Alternate translation: See UST (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 3 11 ax7w figs-quotemarks מִ֣י אָנֹ֔כִי כִּ֥י אֵלֵ֖ךְ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְ⁠כִ֥י אוֹצִ֛יא אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִ⁠מִּצְרָֽיִם 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 3 12 ykp3 figs-quotemarks כִּֽי־אֶֽהְיֶ֣ה עִמָּ֔⁠ךְ וְ⁠זֶה־לְּ⁠ךָ֣ הָ⁠א֔וֹת כִּ֥י אָנֹכִ֖י שְׁלַחְתִּ֑י⁠ךָ בְּ⁠הוֹצִֽיאֲ⁠ךָ֤ אֶת־הָ⁠עָם֙ מִ⁠מִּצְרַ֔יִם תַּֽעַבְדוּ⁠ן֙ אֶת־הָ֣⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים עַ֖ל הָ⁠הָ֥ר הַ⁠זֶּֽה 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 3 12 xugf figs-youdual תַּֽעַבְדוּ⁠ן֙ 1 If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/​figs-youdual]]) EXO 3 13 8izv figs-quotemarks הִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֣י בָא֮ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וְ⁠אָמַרְתִּ֣י לָ⁠הֶ֔ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י אֲבוֹתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם שְׁלָחַ֣⁠נִי אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֑ם וְ⁠אָֽמְרוּ־לִ֣⁠י מַה־שְּׁמ֔⁠וֹ מָ֥ה אֹמַ֖ר אֲלֵ⁠הֶֽם 1 This is a direct quotation containing two second-level quotes within it. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 3 13 lqms grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical הִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֣י בָא֮ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וְ⁠אָמַרְתִּ֣י לָ⁠הֶ֔ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י אֲבוֹתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם שְׁלָחַ֣⁠נִי אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֑ם וְ⁠אָֽמְרוּ־לִ֣⁠י מַה־שְּׁמ֔⁠וֹ 1 Moses presents God with a hypothetical situation here. The three events (**go, say, say**) are part of one hypothetical event. You should translate this in a way that makes it clear that this is a future, not-yet-real event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]]) EXO 3 13 jq42 הִנֵּ֨ה 1 **Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. In this case, Moses uses it to introduce what he views as a probable future occurrence. Alternative translation: “Now” EXO 3 13 0n81 figs-go בָא֮ 1 In your language, use **go** or “come” as makes most sense for Moses’ hypothetical action of going from the mountain to where the Israelites are. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 3 13 m9uy figs-quotesinquotes אֱלֹהֵ֥י אֲבוֹתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם שְׁלָחַ֣⁠נִי אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֑ם 1 This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation inside a quotation. However, you may also choose to translate it as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “that the God of their fathers has sent me to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 3 13 ru0a figs-metaphor אֱלֹהֵ֥י אֲבוֹתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם 1 Here, **fathers** figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “The God of your ancestors” or “The God whom your ancestors worshiped” (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 3 13 vfsk figs-quotemarks מַה־שְּׁמ֔⁠וֹ 1 This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation inside a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 3 13 bkei grammar-connect-logic-result מָ֥ה אֹמַ֖ר אֲלֵ⁠הֶֽם 1 Moses is asking God what he should do as a result of the hypothetical situation he presented. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 3 14 cli8 אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶֽהְיֶ֑ה 1 God said to Moses, “I AM THAT I AM.” This is God’s response to Moses’s question about God’s name. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “God said to Moses, ‘Tell them that God says his name is “I AM THAT I AM.”’” EXO 3 14 b6vk אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶֽהְיֶ֑ה 1 I AM THAT I AM Possible meanings are (1) this whole sentence is God’s name or (2) God is not telling his name but something about himself. By saying this, God is teaching that he is eternal; he has always lived and always will live. EXO 3 14 s62u אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה…אֶֽהְיֶ֑ה…אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה 1 I AM Languages that do not have an equivalent to the verb “am” may need to render this as “I LIVE” or “I EXIST.” EXO 3 14 t745 וַ⁠יֹּ֗אמֶר 1 This is still God speaking. It may make more sense to omit this in some languages. EXO 3 14 70ge figs-quotesinquotes אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה שְׁלָחַ֥⁠נִי אֲלֵי⁠כֶֽם 1 This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation inside a quotation. However, you may also choose to translate it as an indirect quotation as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 3 15 897b וַ⁠יֹּאמֶר֩ ע֨וֹד אֱלֹהִ֜ים אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה 1 As God is still speaking, it may make more sense to omit this in some languages. EXO 3 15 7aoa figs-quotemarks אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה 1 After this phrase, a direct quotation begins that continues until [the end of chapter 3 at verse 22](../03/22.md). This quotation contains four levels as God tells Moses to tell the Israelite elders a specific message from God. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 3 15 l962 figs-quotesinquotes יְהוָ֞ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתֵי⁠כֶ֗ם אֱלֹהֵ֨י אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֛ק וֵ⁠אלֹהֵ֥י יַעֲקֹ֖ב שְׁלָחַ֣⁠נִי אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֑ם זֶה־שְּׁמִ֣⁠י לְ⁠עֹלָ֔ם וְ⁠זֶ֥ה זִכְרִ֖⁠י לְ⁠דֹ֥ר דֹּֽר 1 This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. It may be possible to translate it as an indirect quotation, but you will need to be careful to correctly change the pronoun persons. Alternative translation: “You must tell the Israelites that Yahweh, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, sent you to them. This is his name forever, and this is his memorial from generation to generation.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 3 15 2klc figs-metaphor אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתֵי⁠כֶ֗ם 1 Here, **fathers** figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “the God of your ancestors” or “the God whom your ancestors worshiped” (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 3 15 ixcb figs-merism לְ⁠דֹ֥ר דֹּֽר 1 The repetition of **generation** means something like “to each and every generation,” which means for all people at all times. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 3 16 ec3v figs-quotemarks יְהוָ֞ה 1 General Information: This begins a second-level quotation that continues until the end of [verse 17](../03/17.md). It contains a third-level quotation that begins at “I have certainly” and also continues to the end of verse 17. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. The closing marks for both the second and third-level quotations should not occur until the end of verse 17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 3 16 35pw figs-metaphor אֱלֹהֵ֤י אֲבֹֽתֵי⁠כֶם֙ 1 Here, **fathers** figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “the God of your ancestors” or “the God whom your ancestors worshiped” (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 3 16 xqy9 אַבְרָהָ֛ם יִצְחָ֥ק וְ⁠יַעֲקֹ֖ב 1 the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were three of the Israelites’ ancestors. They all worshiped the same God. EXO 3 16 dvsz figs-quotemarks פָּקֹ֤ד פָּקַ֨דְתִּי֙ 1 This begins a third-level quotation that continues until the end of [verse 17](../03/17.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening third-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation that is within a quotation. The closing marks for both the second-level and third-level quotations should not occur until the end of verse 17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 3 16 efhh figs-idiom פָּקֹ֤ד פָּקַ֨דְתִּי֙ 1 The Hebrew word meaning **attended,** visited, or observed is repeated here for emphasis. This word often means God is coming to take action. Translate this phrase in a way that communicates God’s focused, caring observation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 3 16 fv77 figs-youdual אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם 1 I have indeed observed you The word **you** refers to the people of Israel. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 3 16 55jm figs-activepassive הֶ⁠עָשׂ֥וּי 1 In some languages you may not be able to translate this in the passive form. Alternative translation: see UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 3 16 4vgc figs-metonymy בְּ⁠מִצְרָֽיִם 1 The phrase **in Egypt** is a metonym for the Egyptian oppressors. Alternative translation: “by the Egyptians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 3 17 c54k figs-quotesinquotes אַעֲלֶ֣ה אֶתְ⁠כֶם֮ מֵ⁠עֳנִ֣י מִצְרַיִם֒ אֶל־אֶ֤רֶץ הַֽ⁠כְּנַעֲנִי֙ וְ⁠הַ֣⁠חִתִּ֔י וְ⁠הָֽ⁠אֱמֹרִי֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠פְּרִזִּ֔י וְ⁠הַ⁠חִוִּ֖י וְ⁠הַ⁠יְבוּסִ֑י אֶל־אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָֽשׁ 1 This is a fourth-level quotation. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer three levels. Alternatively, it can be translated as an indirect quotation, see UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 3 17 eloj figs-quotemarks וּ⁠דְבָֽשׁ 1 If you are using direct quotations, at the end of this verse you should have three closing markers. In English, it looks like ’ ” ’ (without spaces). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 3 17 r8mg figs-idiom אַעֲלֶ֣ה 1 Regardless of the geographic realities, to **bring up** does not primarily have a literal meaning. Rather, it means to bring the Israelites into a better situation. God promised to bring them up from their low status as slaves to a place where they would be the masters of a good land. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 3 17 wyvt figs-metonymy חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָֽשׁ 1 Here, **milk** is a metonym for domestic animals and the food products obtained from them; **honey** is a metonym for the food obtained from growing plants. See UST and [the next note]([[rc://en/tn/help/exo/03/08/pwn5]]) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 3 17 pwn5 figs-metaphor ​אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָֽשׁ 1 a land flowing with milk and honey God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. See how you translated this in [Exodus 3:8](../03/08.md) at [[rc://en/tn/help/exo/03/08/pxy8]]. Alternate translation: “a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” or “a land where milk and honey flow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 3 17 za9l זָבַ֥ת 1 flowing with “full of” or “with an abundance of” EXO 3 17 rtr5 figs-metonymy ​חָלָ֖ב 1 milk Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. Alternate translation: “food from livestock” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 3 17 msf8 figs-metonymy ​וּ⁠דְבָֽשׁ 1 honey Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. Alternate translation: “food from crops” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 3 18 cy2z figs-idiom וְ⁠שָׁמְע֖וּ 1 **Listen** often means “hear and do/obey.” Alternative translation: “heed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 3 18 j24k writing-participants לְ⁠קֹלֶ֑⁠ךָ…אַתָּה֩ 1 They will listen to you The word **you** refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 3 18 9na8 figs-synecdoche לְ⁠קֹלֶ֑⁠ךָ 1 This phrase means the elders will listen to the message Moses brings from God. Alternative translation: “to your message” or “to my message which you tell them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 3 18 r74o figs-possession וְ⁠זִקְנֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל 1 This is a possessive of social relationship. Alternative translation: “elders in charge of the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 3 18 eep7 figs-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל 1 **Israel** is a collective noun that refers to all the Israelites. Alternative translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 3 18 ot9r figs-metonymy מִצְרַ֗יִם 1 Here, **Egypt** refers to the Egyptian nation. Alternate translation: “of the Egyptians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 3 18 idp7 figs-youdual וַ⁠אֲמַרְתֶּ֤ם 1 General Information: If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 3 18 i47o figs-exclusive עָלֵ֔י⁠נוּ…נֵֽלֲכָה…וְ⁠נִזְבְּחָ֖ה 1 These instances of **us** are exclusive; they include Moses, the elders, and all the Israelites, but exclude the king of Egypt. If your language makes this distinction, verify that you used the correct form. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) EXO 3 18 4eal translate-numbers שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת 1 “3” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 3 19 qf46 figs-metonymy ​וְ⁠לֹ֖א בְּ⁠יָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה 1 unless his hand is forced The word **hand** is a metonym for the power of the owner of the hand. Possible meanings are (1) “only if he sees that he has no power to do anything else,” where the “hand” belongs to Pharaoh; where the “hand” belongs to Yahweh, (2) “only if I force him to let you go” or (3) “not even if I force him to let you go.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] EXO 3 20 nuzx grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠שָׁלַחְתִּ֤י 1 God says this will be a result of the king of Egypt’s stubbornness. Alternate translation: “Therefore I will send out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 3 20 yds5 figs-metonymy וְ⁠שָׁלַחְתִּ֤י אֶת־יָדִ⁠י֙ 1 I will reach out with my hand and attack Here, **hand** refers to God’s power. Alternate translation: “I will use my strength” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 3 20 dzsp figs-metonymy מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 **Egypt** refers to both the land and the people group, and then, by extension, to Pharaoh as well. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 3 20 c9a3 מִצְרַ֔יִם…בְּ⁠קִרְבּ֑⁠וֹ 1 Here, **him** refers to Egypt as a collective. EXO 3 20 6dw3 grammar-connect-time-sequential וְ⁠אַחֲרֵי־כֵ֖ן 1 Here the sequential nature of these happenings is emphasized. Consider using a stronger sequential connective term than usual here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) EXO 3 20 ay53 writing-participants יְשַׁלַּ֥ח 1 Here, **he** refers to the Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 3 20 awxs figs-youdual אֶתְ⁠כֶֽם 1 Here, **you** refers to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 3 21 btwc figs-idiom חֵ֥ן…בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 **In the eyes of the Egyptians** is an idiom for the Egyptian’s feelings. **Favor** means those feelings are positive. Taken together, this means that when the Egyptians see the Israelites (Hebrews) leaving Egypt, they will gladly help them (because they want them to leave so badly due to the Egyptians suffering under God’s judgment). If your language has the same or a similar idiom, you can translate or use it. Otherwise, you can translate the meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 3 21 82wf figs-possession בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 This is a part-whole possessive. Also, if your language uses a specific form of the possessive for things one cannot lose, it would be appropriate to use that form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 3 21 s45u הָֽ⁠עָם־הַ⁠זֶּ֖ה 1 “you” EXO 3 21 uz3c figs-youdual תֵֽלֵכ֔וּ⁠ן…תֵלְכ֖וּ 1 If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 3 21 19sl figs-go תֵֽלֵכ֔וּ⁠ן…תֵלְכ֖וּ 1 “leave” or “go out” or “come out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 3 21 89u7 figs-doublenegatives לֹ֥א …רֵיקָֽם 1 The double negative, **not … emptily** is used to mean “full.” Alternate translation: “[go] with many things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) EXO 3 21 kt7b figs-litotes לֹ֥א תֵלְכ֖וּ רֵיקָֽם 1 will not go empty-handed This phrase is used to emphasize the opposite meaning. Alternate translation: “you will go with your hands full of good things” or “you will go with many valuable things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) EXO 3 22 w2av וּ⁠מִ⁠גָּרַ֣ת בֵּיתָ֔⁠הּ 1 any women staying in her neighbors’ houses **Sojourning** means living somewhere other than one’s native land, usually temporarily. It is unclear both who the sojourning (visiting) women are and in whose house they are sojourning, leaving several possibilities. Most translations that make a decision about who they are identify both the temporary resident and her host home as Egyptian. This makes sense as the Israelites will be plundering the Egyptians. If it is possible to leave this ambiguous in your translation, that would be best. EXO 3 22 474q figs-youdual וְ⁠שַׂמְתֶּ֗ם עַל־בְּנֵי⁠כֶם֙ וְ⁠עַל־בְּנֹ֣תֵי⁠כֶ֔ם וְ⁠נִצַּלְתֶּ֖ם 1 Each of these is a plural **you.** If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 3 22 h38j figs-quotemarks מִצְרָֽיִם 1 After this phrase, the direct quote of Yahweh’s word starting in [verse 15](../03/15.md) ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 intro kap5 0 # Exodus 04 General Notes

## Potential Translation Issues

### Quotations

* There is a difficult transition between [4:4](../04/04.md) and [4:5](../04/05.md) because the quotation stops in the middle to inject a bit of narrative. When it resumes in [4:5](../04/05.md), the sentence seems incomplete (even if merged directly with the quotation fragment in [4:4](../04/04.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])* Yahweh’s instructions to Moses are complex and there are up to four levels of quotations in this chapter. Translators will need to decide if some of these need to become indirect quotations (if that is possible in their language) and take great care to use the proper quotation markings in the proper location.

### Order of events

* The order of events is not always clear. In [4:14](../04/14.md) Yahweh tells Moses that Aaron is coming to meet him, but Yahweh telling Aaron to go meet Moses in the wilderness is not recorded until [4:27](../04/27.md).
* The timing of the events in [4:18](../18/.md)\-[4:27](../04/23.md), especially verse 18-19 and 27, in relation to the rest of the events of the chapter is unclear.

### Thus says Yahweh

The first of over 400 occurrences throughout the Old Testament of a standard phrase used to introduce direct, authoritative instruction from Yahweh occurs in [4:22](../04/22.md). It occurs ten times in the book of Exodus; nine of these are between chapters 4–11. It would be good for your team to have a standard way to translate this that makes it clear that the words that come next are directly from God. If your language has a standard way of introducing a new message from your leader that alerts the hearers that these are the words of the leader, that would be a good phrase to consider.

### Yahweh’s attempt to kill someone

The encounter recorded from [4:24](../04/24.md) to [4:26](../04/26.md) is one of the strangest and most difficult passages in the entire book. Difficulties include:

* To whom do the pronouns refer? Masculine pronouns are used throughout the section, but there are two possible antecedents, Moses (who is not named in the narrative) and Zipporah’s son (who was presumably also Moses’ son, but this is how he is referred to in this text. For why, see below on why Yahweh did this). Most commentators believe the pronouns refer to Moses.
* Circumcision is described in fairly graphic detail. Different cultures will need to approach this differently. Some may have terms for circumcision, while others may be comfortable translating mostly literally, and others will need to use euphemisms or other strategies to translate. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/circumcise]])* The meaning of the phrase **a bridegroom of blood** (ULT) is unknown.
* Why did Yahweh attack Moses? Many commentators conclude that Moses had neglected to circumcise one of his sons because it displeased Zipporah, and Yahweh was holding Moses responsible before he returned to lead the Israelites (who should have been circumcised). When Zipporah repented by circumcising the son herself and touching the foreskin to Moses’ feet, Yahweh relents. These conclusions should help inform translation but should not be made explicit in the text.

## Study concepts in this chapter

### Moses does not understand

Although Moses believes in Yahweh, he does not trust in him. This is because Moses lacks understanding. Moses tries to believe the things he is asked to do are done by his own power. Yahweh is trying to get Moses to trust that these things are Yahweh’s doing. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])

### Children of God

This chapter introduces the concept that Israel, the people group, is the chosen people of God and God’s firstborn son. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/elect]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/firstborn]])

### Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart

Scholars are divided over how to understand this statement. There is debate over whether Pharaoh plays an active or passive role in the hardening of his own heart. Translators should simply follow the text. In Exodus 4-14 there are ten statements that Yahweh hardens Pharaoh’s heart, and ten statements that Pharaoh hardens his own heart. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 4 1 j4yg וַ⁠יַּ֤עַן מֹשֶׁה֙ וַ⁠יֹּ֔אמֶר 1 if they do not believe Here, **answered and said** is a Hebrew expression which does not convey any extra information. Unless your language naturally uses a similar structure, it is better to translate one verb and omit the other. Alternate translation: “Moses answered” EXO 4 1 b3xv figs-quotemarks וְ⁠הֵן֙ לֹֽא־יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ לִ֔⁠י וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִשְׁמְע֖וּ בְּ⁠קֹלִ֑⁠י כִּ֣י יֹֽאמְר֔וּ לֹֽא־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֖י⁠ךָ יְהוָֽה 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 1 neto figs-quotesinquotes לֹֽא־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֖י⁠ךָ יְהוָֽה 1 This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. However, you could translate it as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh has not appeared to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 4 1 327j וְ⁠הֵן֙ 1 This is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation, or you can use an alternate translation like “Listen to me.” EXO 4 2 87dl writing-participants אֵלָ֛י⁠ו…וַ⁠יֹּ֖אמֶר 1 “Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 2 r3f9 figs-quotemarks מ⁠זה בְ⁠יָדֶ֑⁠ךָ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 2 p8sg figs-quotemarks מַטֶּֽה 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 3 jgir figs-quotemarks הַשְׁלִיכֵ֣⁠הוּ אַ֔רְצָ⁠ה 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 3 zycd figs-metonymy מִ⁠פָּנָֽי⁠ו 1 Here, “face” figuratively represents the snake itself. Alternative translation: “from the snake” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 4 4 g6bk וֶ⁠אֱחֹ֖ז בִּ⁠זְנָב֑⁠וֹ 1 take it by the tail “and pick it up by the tail” or “and grasp it by the tail” EXO 4 4 mqpc figs-quotemarks שְׁלַח֙ יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֔ וֶ⁠אֱחֹ֖ז בִּ⁠זְנָב֑⁠וֹ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 4 bzmp grammar-connect-time-sequential שְׁלַח֙ יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֔ וֶ⁠אֱחֹ֖ז בִּ⁠זְנָב֑⁠וֹ 1 This direct quotation is interrupted by Moses obeying Yahweh. This is probably a tightly ordered sequence of events where Yahweh paused and then continued speaking immediately after Moses obeyed. The quote resumes in [verse 5](../04/05.md) and there is more discussion there about how to handle the resumption.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) EXO 4 4 m86n וַ⁠יְהִ֥י לְ⁠מַטֶּ֖ה 1 became a staff “and it turned into a rod” or “and it changed into a staff” EXO 4 5 l4tn figs-quotemarks לְמַ֣עַן יַאֲמִ֔ינוּ כִּֽי־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֛י⁠ךָ יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתָ֑⁠ם אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵ⁠אלֹהֵ֥י יַעֲקֹֽב 1 This continues the direct quotation from the first part of [verse 4](../04/04.md). It may be more natural to reorganize verses four and five to keep the quote together. If you rearrange like this, Moses picking up the snake/staff should come after the full quotation. However, it is better to do something similar to the UST, which restates that Yahweh is speaking and provides some implied directives from Yahweh to make a complete sentence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 5 m4fk figs-ellipsis לְמַ֣עַן יַאֲמִ֔ינוּ כִּֽי־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֛י⁠ךָ יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתָ֑⁠ם אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵ⁠אלֹהֵ֥י יַעֲקֹֽב 1 This quote is not a complete sentence; the UST provides a clarification. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) EXO 4 5 9iok writing-participants יַאֲמִ֔ינוּ…אֲבֹתָ֑⁠ם 1 These pronouns refer either to the Israelites or to the Israelite elders. God had instructed Moses to gather and speak to the elders; if you make this participant explicit, elders is a better option. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 5 oqi5 writing-participants אֵלֶ֛י⁠ךָ 1 This refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 5 jr8m אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתָ֑⁠ם אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵ⁠אלֹהֵ֥י יַעֲקֹֽב 1 the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were three of their ancestors. They all worshiped the same God. EXO 4 6 0hre figs-quotemarks הָֽבֵא־נָ֤א יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֙ בְּ⁠חֵיקֶ֔⁠ךָ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 6 ep52 figs-exclamations וְ⁠הִנֵּ֥ה 1 behold This word is used to create an exclamation, showing surprise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) EXO 4 6 pw7g figs-simile כַּ⁠שָּֽׁלֶג 1 as white as snow The word **like** (ULT) or “as” (UST) here is used to compare how Moses’ hand looked. You may not have a word for snow in your language. If so, consider an alternative that describes something very white. You may need to make the whiteness explicit. Alternate translation: “like wool” or “that made it look white like the sand on the beach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) EXO 4 7 kv9r figs-quotemarks הָשֵׁ֤ב יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֙ אֶל־חֵיקֶ֔⁠ךָ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 7 prr9 figs-exclamations וְ⁠הִנֵּה 1 This word is used to create an exclamation, showing surprise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) EXO 4 8 q9qb figs-exclamations וְ⁠הָיָה֙ 1 Yahweh’s speech resumes here and continues through the end of [verse 9](../04/09.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 8 well figs-personification וְ⁠לֹ֣א יִשְׁמְע֔וּ לְ⁠קֹ֖ל הָ⁠אֹ֣ת הָ⁠רִאשׁ֑וֹן וְ⁠הֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ לְ⁠קֹ֖ל הָ⁠אֹ֥ת הָ⁠אַחֲרֽוֹן 1 Here the **sign**s are spoken of as if they had a **voice** with which they could speak. If this imagery would not make sense in your language, you may need to translate this in a way that makes explicit that the signs are meant to be proof that God sent Moses. Alternative translation: “and are not convinced that God has appeared to you by seeing the first sign, then they will be convinced by seeing the second sign.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) EXO 4 8 gxlg writing-participants יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ…יִשְׁמְע֔וּ…וְ⁠הֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ 1 These pronouns refer either to the Israelites or to the Israelite elders. God had instructed Moses to gather and speak to the elders; if you make this participant explicit, elders is the better option, but be sure to do the same as you did in [verse 5](../04/05.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 8 lsb3 לֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ…וְ⁠הֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ 1 pay attention “they do not acknowledge… then they will acknowledge” or “they do not accept… then they will accept” EXO 4 9 q82r writing-participants יַאֲמִ֡ינוּ…יִשְׁמְעוּ⁠ן֙ 1 These pronouns refer either to the Israelites or to the Israelite elders. God had instructed Moses to gather and speak to the elders; if you make this participant explicit, elders is the better option, but be sure to do the same as you did in [verse 5](../04/05.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 9 2hna figs-quotemarks וְ⁠הָי֥וּ לְ⁠דָ֖ם בַּ⁠יַּבָּֽשֶׁת 1 After this phrase, the direct quote of Yahweh’s speech from the previous verse ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 10 aazp figs-quotemarks בִּ֣י אֲדֹנָ⁠י֒ לֹא֩ אִ֨ישׁ דְּבָרִ֜ים אָנֹ֗כִי גַּ֤ם מִ⁠תְּמוֹל֙ גַּ֣ם מִ⁠שִּׁלְשֹׁ֔ם גַּ֛ם מֵ⁠אָ֥ז דַּבֶּרְ⁠ךָ אֶל־עַבְדֶּ֑⁠ךָ כִּ֧י כְבַד־פֶּ֛ה וּ⁠כְבַ֥ד לָשׁ֖וֹן אָנֹֽכִי 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 10 t8i9 בִּ֣י 1 This word is used by a speaker to beg a superior to allow him to speak. Alternate translation: “Please” EXO 4 10 w12a לֹא֩ אִ֨ישׁ דְּבָרִ֜ים אָנֹ֗כִי גַּ֤ם מִ⁠תְּמוֹל֙ גַּ֣ם מִ⁠שִּׁלְשֹׁ֔ם 1 have never been eloquent “I have never been an excellent speaker” EXO 4 10 opes אִ֨ישׁ דְּבָרִ֜ים 1 This expression means “a man who uses words well,” in other words, an eloquent man who can speak well and convincingly. EXO 4 10 pk0l figs-merism גַּ֤ם מִ⁠תְּמוֹל֙ גַּ֣ם מִ⁠שִּׁלְשֹׁ֔ם 1 This phrase simply means “in the past.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 4 10 wsl4 figs-123person עַבְדֶּ֑⁠ךָ 1 Moses refers to himself as God’s servant to lower his status before God (and perhaps by doing so to make his argument of inability stronger). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) EXO 4 10 bv64 figs-doublet כְבַד־פֶּ֛ה וּ⁠כְבַ֥ד לָשׁ֖וֹן 1 I am slow of speech and slow of tongue These phrases mean basically the same thing. Moses uses them to emphasize that he is not a good speaker. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) EXO 4 10 zm3y figs-metonymy לָשׁ֖וֹן 1 slow of tongue Here, **tongue** refers to Moses’ ability to speak. Alternate translation: “speech” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 4 11 xpgf figs-quotemarks וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֵלָ֗י⁠ו 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues to the end of the [next verse](…/04/12.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 11 ks2m figs-rquestion מִ֣י שָׂ֣ם פֶּה֮ לָֽ⁠אָדָם֒ 1 Who is it who made man’s mouth? Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the Creator who makes it possible for people to speak. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am the one who created the human mouth and the ability to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 4 11 e1y6 figs-rquestion מִֽי־יָשׂ֣וּם אִלֵּ֔ם א֣וֹ חֵרֵ֔שׁ א֥וֹ פִקֵּ֖חַ א֣וֹ עִוֵּ֑ר 1 Who makes a man mute or deaf or seeing or blind? Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the one who decides if people can speak and hear, and if they can see. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, make people able to speak, or hear, or to see, or to be blind!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 4 11 uq7j figs-rquestion הֲ⁠לֹ֥א אָנֹכִ֖י יְהוָֽה 1 Is it not I, Yahweh? Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he alone makes these decisions. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am the one who does this!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 4 12 kkr1 figs-metonymy וְ⁠אָנֹכִי֙ אֶֽהְיֶ֣ה עִם־פִּ֔י⁠ךָ 1 I will be with your mouth Here, **mouth** refers to Moses’ ability to speak. Alternate translation: “I will give you the ability to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 4 12 5dxg figs-quotemarks תְּדַבֵּֽר 1 After this phrase, the direct quote from the previous verse ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 13 zy9m figs-quotemarks בִּ֣י אֲדֹנָ֑⁠י שְֽׁלַֽח־נָ֖א בְּ⁠יַד־תִּשְׁלָֽח 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 13 brer בִּ֣י 1 This word is used by a speaker to beg a superior to allow him to speak. See what you did in [verse 10](../04/10.md). Alternate translation: “Please” EXO 4 13 s8nl שְֽׁלַֽח־נָ֖א בְּ⁠יַד־תִּשְׁלָֽח 1 In translating this phrase, it is important to make clear that Moses is asking Yahweh to send someone else. Here he is not accepting Yahweh’s commission. EXO 4 13 8ta6 figs-synecdoche בְּ⁠יַד 1 This phrase means “by a person.” The figure is of a person taking Yahweh’s message in his hand to the Israelites and Pharaoh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 4 14 uy2v figs-idiom וַ⁠יִּֽחַר־אַ֨ף יְהוָ֜ה 1 This is an idiom meaning that Yahweh is angry. Alternate translation: “Yahweh became angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 4 14 ifax writing-participants וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 “and Yahweh said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 14 zn40 figs-quotemarks בְּ⁠מֹשֶׁ֗ה וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 After this phrase a direct quote begins that continues until the end of [verse 17](../04/17.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 14 okko figs-rquestion הֲ⁠לֹ֨א אַהֲרֹ֤ן אָחִ֨י⁠ךָ֙ הַ⁠לֵּוִ֔י 1 Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to suggest an alternative to Moses. Alternative translation: “I know you have a brother, Aaron the Levite.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 4 14 e0js figs-kinship אָחִ֨י⁠ךָ֙ 1 His **brother** Aaron was three years older than Moses (see [Exodus 7:7](../07/07.md)), which may be important for translating “brother” in some languages. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-kinship]]) EXO 4 14 y5ed figs-idiom דַבֵּ֥ר יְדַבֵּ֖ר 1 In Hebrew, the word **speak** is repeated. This means he speaks well. English cannot convey this by doubling, so the meaning of the repetition was translated in the ULT in this case. If your language can say something like “speaking speaks” to mean “speaks well,” consider it; otherwise, translate the meaning similarly to the ULT or UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 4 14 8q64 הִנֵּה 1 **Behold** is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows. If your language has a term that functions in that way (“Listen!” or “Look!” or “Pay Attention!”), use it here. EXO 4 14 ettp figs-go יֹצֵ֣א 1 Yahweh says Aaron is coming from Egypt to Midian to find Moses. He is probably on foot. Depending on the language, the required form of go or come may vary. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 4 14 8kn8 grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠שָׂמַ֥ח 1 Aaron will be glad because he sees Moses. Consider a conjunction or other form that expresses result as in the UST or alternative translation: “and because he sees you, he will have joy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 4 14 ew4h figs-metonymy בְּ⁠לִבּֽ⁠וֹ 1 he will be glad in his heart Here, **heart** refers to inner thoughts and emotions. If the heart is not a body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s thoughts and emotions, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 4 15 u97f figs-metaphor הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֖ים 1 put the words to say into his mouth Words here are spoken of as if they were something that can be physically placed in a person’s mouth. Alternate translation: “the message that he is to repeat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 4 15 q9cf figs-metonymy וְ⁠אָנֹכִ֗י אֶֽהְיֶ֤ה עִם־פִּ֨י⁠ךָ֙ וְ⁠עִם־פִּ֔י⁠הוּ 1 I will be with your mouth The word **mouth** here represents Moses’ and Aaron’s choice of words. Alternate translation: “And I will be with you as you speak and with him as he speaks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 4 15 v57x figs-youdual אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם…תַּעֲשֽׂוּ⁠ן 1 with his mouth These refer to Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual form if you have one or, if not, use a plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 4 16 mnsp figs-simile לְ⁠פֶ֔ה 1 This phrase compares Aaron to a mouth, because he will be the one to actually vocalize to the Israelites and Pharaoh what Moses tells him to say. Alternate translation: “the one to say what you tell him to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) EXO 4 16 gn5v figs-simile תִּֽהְיֶה־לּ֥⁠וֹ לֵֽ⁠אלֹהִֽים 1 you will be to him like me, God The word **like** here means Moses would represent the same authority to Aaron as God did to Moses. Alternate translation: “you will speak to Aaron with the same authority with which I speak to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) EXO 4 17 0h45 figs-quotemarks תַּעֲשֶׂה־בּ֖⁠וֹ אֶת־הָ⁠אֹתֹֽת 1 After this phrase, the direct quote of Yahweh ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 17 6brk figs-explicit הַ⁠מַּטֶּ֥ה הַ⁠זֶּ֖ה 1 Yahweh assumes that Moses will know that by **this staff,** he means the one that Moses said he had in his hand in [v. 2](../04/02.md), and with which God told him to do a miracle in vv. [3](../04/03.md)–[4](../04/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])


EXO 4 18 j2ix writing-participants יֶ֣תֶר 1 Jethro is reintroduced as a participant in the narrative here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 18 cbop figs-go וַ⁠יֵּ֨לֶךְ 1 Because the setting has shifted back to Jethro’s home, some languages may need to use “come” here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 4 18 b6mf figs-kinship חֹֽתְנ֗⁠וֹ 1 father-in-law This refers to the father of Moses’ wife. Some languages may use a different term for the husband’s or wife’s father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-kinship]]) EXO 4 18 wlit writing-participants וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר 1 “and Moses said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 18 7zke writing-participants ל⁠וֹ֙ 1 “to Jethro” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 18 uvqk figs-quotemarks אֵ֣לֲכָה נָּ֗א וְ⁠אָשׁ֨וּבָה֙ אֶל־אַחַ֣⁠י אֲשֶׁר־בְּ⁠מִצְרַ֔יִם וְ⁠אֶרְאֶ֖ה הַ⁠עוֹדָ֣⁠ם חַיִּ֑ים 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 18 67yz figs-metonymy אַחַ֣⁠י 1 “my relatives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 4 18 gq2g figs-idiom וְ⁠אֶרְאֶ֖ה הַ⁠עוֹדָ֣⁠ם 1 Later in the Bible we are told that Moses was in Midian for 40 years. Moses’ request may have been literal or an idiom that meant he wanted to know how they were doing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 4 18 yay3 figs-explicit לֵ֥ךְ לְ⁠שָׁלֽוֹם 1 This is a phrase of assent and blessing. It may be necessary for some languages to explicitly add, “Yes,” to the beginning of Jethro’s response. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 4 18 i807 figs-quotemarks לֵ֥ךְ לְ⁠שָׁלֽוֹם 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 19 wwr8 grammar-connect-time-sequential וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֤ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה֙ 1 The timing and situation for Yahweh speaking to Moses here is not specified. Some conjecture that it was part of the narrative of the encounter with Yahweh from the previous verses but placed after his request to Jethro for an unknown reason. Another speculation is that Moses delayed returning to Egypt (either by his own choice, Yahweh’s instructions, or someone else delaying him) and Yahweh came and told him again (the UST explicitly offers this optional translation). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) EXO 4 19 aosm figs-quotemarks לֵ֖ךְ שֻׁ֣ב מִצְרָ֑יִם כִּי־מֵ֨תוּ֙ כָּל־הָ֣⁠אֲנָשִׁ֔ים הַֽ⁠מְבַקְשִׁ֖ים אֶת־נַפְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 19 clfj הַֽ⁠מְבַקְשִׁ֖ים אֶת־נַפְשֶֽׁ⁠ךָ 1 This means they were seeking to end his life, that is, to kill him. Alternate translation: see UST. EXO 4 20 fua6 writing-participants בָּנָ֗י⁠ו 1 Moses’ second son is not introduced until [18:4](../18/.04.md) but had already been born before they left Midian. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 20 zi5m writing-participants וַ⁠יָּ֖שָׁב אַ֣רְצָ⁠ה מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 It is clear from [verse 24](../04/24.md) and [25](../04/25.md) that his family went with him, so you may need to translate as “they returned.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 20 47k5 grammar-connect-time-sequential וַ⁠יָּ֖שָׁב אַ֣רְצָ⁠ה מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 After the incident on the road in verses [24](../04/24.md)-[26](../04/26.md), Moses’ family is not mentioned again until [18:2](../18/02.md) which says that Moses sent them back, so a translation similar to the UST which only commits to the family starting on the way to Egypt may be better. This option has the further benefit of allowing for the several events that happen before Moses gets to Egypt. The ULT’s “towards” is another way of giving space in the translation for the next several events. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) EXO 4 20 768n figs-explicit מַטֵּ֥ה הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 The phrase the staff of God refers to the staff that God told Moses to take with him in v. [17](../04/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 4 20 7e3s figs-explicit מַטֵּ֥ה הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 The book describes this staff as **the staff of God** because God appointed it as his instrument so that Moses could do miraculous works through it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Make sure your translation does not lead people to think the staff was a magic wand or shaman’s staff that had its own power, or power from Moses, or that the staff gave Moses the ability to command God. In every instance where miracles happened, God told Moses to do something with the staff, Moses obeyed, and then God caused a miracle. Alternate translation: “the staff that God had told him to bring because God intended to work powerfully through it when Moses stretched it out.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 4 21 lva8 figs-quotemarks בְּ⁠לֶכְתְּ⁠ךָ֙ 1 This begins a direct quotation that continues to the end of [4:23](../04/23.md). It contains up to fourth-level quotations. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 21 oajf רְאֵ֗ה 1 Most translations and interpretations of the verb **see** take it to mean something like “see that you do.” EXO 4 21 0gqf figs-metaphor כָּל־הַ⁠מֹּֽפְתִים֙ אֲשֶׁר־שַׂ֣מְתִּי בְ⁠יָדֶ֔⁠ךָ 1 Here the miracles are spoken of as if they were items Moses could carry. In part, this may be because the three signs already given to Moses involved the use of his hand. Alternative translation: “all the wonders I have authorized you to perform” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 4 21 kdsb figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה 1 This time while **before the face of** still has the standard figurative meaning of “in the presence of,” it is a much more literal use here. Moses is to actually do the miracles in front of Pharaoh so he can see them. Alternative translation: “so Pharaoh can see them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 4 21 ovma grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַ⁠אֲנִי֙ אֲחַזֵּ֣ק 1 Referring to himself in the opening of this sentence serves to emphasize a contrast in what might be expected and what will happen. Translate this in a way that clearly contrasts the performance of miracles before Pharaoh (which might be expected to lead to him releasing the Israelites) with what Yahweh says he will do. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) EXO 4 21 uvoh figs-metaphor וַ⁠אֲנִי֙ אֲחַזֵּ֣ק אֶת־לִבּ֔⁠וֹ 1 This means that God will make him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart would be made stronger. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. Alternate translation: “But as for me, I will cause Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 4 21 uudz grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠לֹ֥א יְשַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־הָ⁠עָֽם 1 Make it clear in your translation that this is a result of God hardening Pharaoh’s heart. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 4 22 ftde כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה 1 This is the first of hundreds of occurrences throughout the Old Testament of a standard phrase used to introduce direct, authoritative instruction from Yahweh. It would be good for your team to have a standard way to translate this that makes it clear that the words that come next are directly from God. If your language has a standard way of introducing a new message from your rulers that alerts the hearers that these are the words of the rulers, that would be a good phrase to consider. EXO 4 22 zb2e figs-quotesinquotes כֹּ֚ה 1 **Thus** begins a second-level quotation that continues until the end of [4:23](../04/23.md). It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer level, the first level. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 4 22 teyy figs-quotesinquotes כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה 1 This begins a second-level quotation that continues until the end of [4:23](../04/23.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. However, you may want to translate this as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the levels of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “that Yahweh says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 4 22 kud7 figs-quotemarks בְּנִ֥⁠י 1 This is the beginning of a third-level quotation that continues until the end of [4:23](../04/23.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening third-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation within a quotation. (If you chose to translate, “Thus says Yahweh,” as an indirect quote, this will be a second- level quotation.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 22 1od0 figs-metaphor בְּנִ֥⁠י בְכֹרִ֖⁠י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ 1 Some languages may need to change the metaphor here into a simile. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 4 22 pt4n figs-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 Israel is my son The word **Israel** here represents all the people of Israel as a group. It is important to keep the singular reference to Israel as son, rather than change it to something like ‘the Israelites are my children,’ because God is making a particular contrast here between his son and Pharaoh’s son. Some languages may not be able to use “Israel” as a collective noun and may need to choose a translation like “the nation of Israel” or “the Israelite nation.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 4 22 8oc8 figs-metonymy יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 The Israelite nation is often referred to simply by the name of the patriarch. For alternative translation see: [[rc://en/tn/help/exo/04/22/pt4n]] (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 4 23 syar figs-quotemarks שַׁלַּ֤ח אֶת־בְּנִ⁠י֙ וְ⁠יַֽעַבְדֵ֔⁠נִי 1 This is a fourth-level quotation. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer levels. (If you chose to translate “Thus says Yahweh” as an indirect quote, this will be a third-level quotation.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 23 0pc4 figs-quotations וָ⁠אֹמַ֣ר אֵלֶ֗י⁠ךָ שַׁלַּ֤ח אֶת־בְּנִ⁠י֙ וְ⁠יַֽעַבְדֵ֔⁠נִי וַ⁠תְּמָאֵ֖ן 1 The fourth-level quotation here may be a good one to translate as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the levels of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “and I told you to let my son go that he may serve me. But you have refused” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 4 23 k7mh figs-metaphor בְּנִ⁠י֙ 1 you have refused to let him go Yahweh continues to metaphorically speak of Israel as **my son.** See what you did at [[rc://en/tn/help/exo/04/22/1od0]]. Alternative translation: “the Israelite nation which is like a son to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 4 23 u825 figs-pronouns וְ⁠יַֽעַבְדֵ֔⁠נִי…לְ⁠שַׁלְּח֑⁠וֹ 1 The pronouns **he** and **him** agree with “son.” What you use may depend on how you translated son at [[rc://en/tn/help/exo/04/23/k7mh]]. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]]) EXO 4 23 2g32 הִנֵּה֙ 1 This is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows. Alternative translation: “Know this” EXO 4 23 re11 בִּנְ⁠ךָ֖ 1 I will certainly kill your son, your firstborn This refers to the actual son of Pharaoh. EXO 4 23 ubcw figs-quotemarks בִּנְ⁠ךָ֖ בְּכֹרֶֽ⁠ךָ 1 After this phrase, the three levels of direct quotations end bringing a complete close to all quotations that started in verses [21](../04/21.md) and [22](../04/22.md). If you are using direct quotations, at the end of this verse you should have three closing markers, third level, second level and first level. In English, it looks like **” ’ ”** (without spaces). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 24 sp6h writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִ֥י 1 Yahweh met Moses and tried to kill him This introduces a new event. Mark the transition in a natural way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 4 24 p820 writing-participants וַ⁠יִּפְגְּשֵׁ֣⁠הוּ…הֲמִיתֽ⁠וֹ 1 Here, it is not clear who **him** refers to. Most commentators believe it refers to Moses, but it could refer to the son, though that is less likely. If it is necessary to choose for your translation, use Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 24 3xy0 writing-participants הֲמִיתֽ⁠וֹ 1 Here, **he** refers to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 25 m1la translate-names צִפֹּרָ֜ה 1 Zipporah This is the name of Moses’s wife. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 4 25 sftg writing-participants צִפֹּרָ֜ה 1 Zipporah is introduced here as a new participant. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 25 a36h translate-unknown צֹ֗ר 1 flint knife This was a knife with a sharpened stone blade. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 4 25 nkxn translate-unknown עָרְלַ֣ת 1 The**foreskin** is the retractable fold of skin which covers and protects the end of the penis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 4 25 l6sr figs-euphemism לְ⁠רַגְלָ֑י⁠ו 1 to his feet It is possible that the word **feet** may have been a more respectful way to refer to the genital area of the body. However, that possibility is not high enough that you should translate it either literally as genitals or with another euphemism meaning genitals in your language. If you have a word that means primarily feet or legs, but could in some cases also euphemistically mean genitals, you may consider it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) EXO 4 25 3g3x figs-quotemarks כִּ֧י חֲתַן־דָּמִ֛ים אַתָּ֖ה לִֽ⁠י 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 25 b2t3 figs-metaphor כִּ֧י חֲתַן־דָּמִ֛ים אַתָּ֖ה לִֽ⁠י 1 you are a bridegroom to me by blood The meaning of this metaphor is unclear. It was probably a known saying in that culture. Alternate translation: “you are related to me by this blood” or “you are my husband because of blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 4 26 ceqk grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠יִּ֖רֶף 1 As a result of Zipporah’s action. Consider a conjunction or other form that expresses result as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 4 26 o4zt writing-participants וַ⁠יִּ֖רֶף 1 “Yahweh relented” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 26 4l5u writing-participants מִמֶּ֑⁠נּוּ 1 As in [4:24](../04/24.md) this could mean either Moses or the son, but most commentators think it is still Moses. The UST uses “anyone” to preserve ambiguity. Alternative translation: “from Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 26 r8hj figs-quotations חֲתַ֥ן דָּמִ֖ים 1 This is a unique quotation because Zipporah probably does not speak again; rather, the quotation refers back to her statement in [4:25](../04/25.md). Your language may handle this sort of quotation in a special way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 4 26 abmg figs-quotemarks חֲתַ֥ן דָּמִ֖ים לַ⁠מּוּלֹֽת 1 It is not clear if the quotation includes **because of the circumcision** or if that is a comment explaining the quotation. Translations are divided in where they end the quotation, but most exclude **because of the circumcision** and it is best to follow that unless a locally respected translation includes it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 27 xk6b writing-newevent וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר 1 Yahweh said to Aaron You may want to add a word that marks the beginning of a new part of the story, as the UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 4 27 qxpc writing-participants אַהֲרֹ֔ן 1 **Aaron** is introduced as a new participant. Some languages may mark this in some way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 27 221t figs-quotemarks לֵ֛ךְ לִ⁠קְרַ֥את מֹשֶׁ֖ה הַ⁠מִּדְבָּ֑רָ⁠ה 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 4 27 wy4n figs-possession בְּ⁠הַ֥ר הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 at the mountain of God See how you translated this in [3:1](../03/01.md), consult this this note: [[rc://en/tn/help/exo/03/01/p27s]] (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 4 27 tfn2 translate-symaction וַ⁠יִּשַּׁק 1 This was a traditional way of greeting which showed love. You can make this explicit as the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) EXO 4 28 ad9x שְׁלָח֑⁠וֹ…צִוָּֽ⁠הוּ 1 These are a bit awkward to translate in English, so the UST adds more information. Other languages may not have the same difficulty. EXO 4 28 b429 writing-participants שְׁלָח֑⁠וֹ…צִוָּֽ⁠הוּ 1 he had sent him to say The words **he** refers to Yahweh, and **him** refers to Moses. Alternative translation: “Yahweh sent Moses…Yahweh commanded Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 29 y8o3 writing-newevent וַ⁠יֵּ֥לֶךְ 1 This begins a new event which you may need to mark in your translation with a transitional word like the UST’s “When.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 4 30 bm2x figs-metonymy לְ⁠עֵינֵ֥י הָ⁠עָֽם 1 in the sight of the people This means he did the signs so they could see them. Alternative translation: “in their sight” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 4 30 x1v3 writing-participants הָ⁠עָֽם 1 Context suggests that **people** refers to the leaders gathered in [4:29](../04/29.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 31 8n78 writing-participants הָ⁠עָ֑ם 1 Context suggests that **people** refers to the leaders gathered in [4:29](../04/29.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 4 31 q1er פָקַ֨ד…בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל 1 had observed the Israelites “saw the Israelites” or “was concerned about the Israelites” EXO 4 31 g83a translate-symaction וַֽ⁠יִּקְּד֖וּ וַ⁠יִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ 1 they bowed their heads Alternative translations: “they bowed their heads in awe” or “they bowed down low in reverence.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) EXO 5 intro kea2 0 # Exodus 05 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### A slave’s work
The Egyptians were known for making their slaves do a lot of work. The Israelite slaves were forced to make a specific number of bricks every day. In this chapter, they were required not only to make these bricks, but also to gather straw, one of the raw materials, in order to make these bricks.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “Let my people go”
This is a very important statement. Moses does not seek permission to leave, asking Pharaoh to “let go” of the Hebrew people. Instead, he demands that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

### Titles
The leaders are given different titles in this chapter. The ULT uses “taskmasters” and “foremen.” Many cultures will not have these types of titles. Generic expressions like “Egyptian leaders” and “Hebrew leaders” may be necessary. EXO 5 1 q0zv writing-newevent וְ⁠אַחַ֗ר בָּ֚אוּ מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֔ן וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֖וּ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 This time phrase, **and afterward**, marks a transition in the narrative. Alternative translation: “After that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 5 1 q9kn grammar-connect-time-sequential וְ⁠אַחַ֗ר בָּ֚אוּ מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֔ן וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֖וּ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 After these things happened It is unclear how long Moses and Aaron waited until they went to see Pharoah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) EXO 5 1 cudx figs-go בָּ֚אוּ 1 In this instance, depending on how they have to set scenes, some languages may need to use “came in.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 5 1 7l1y writing-participants פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 Pharaoh is reintroduced as a participant in the narrative for the first time since chapter two. Some languages may need to mark his reintroduction in a particular way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 5 1 3l2v figs-quotemarks כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל שַׁלַּח֙ אֶת־עַמִּ֔⁠י וְ⁠יָחֹ֥גּוּ לִ֖⁠י בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּֽר 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 1 ckml figs-quotemarks שַׁלַּח֙ אֶת־עַמִּ֔⁠י וְ⁠יָחֹ֥גּוּ לִ֖⁠י בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּֽר 1 This is a second-level direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 1 lu3i כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ 1 This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information. EXO 5 1 u2vt וְ⁠יָחֹ֥גּוּ 1 festival for me This is a celebration to worship Yahweh. Alternative translation: “so they can worship me with eating and drinking” EXO 5 2 v4c1 grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר 1 Why should I…let Israel go? The result here is exactly as God has said; therefore, a contrastive transition word is reasonable but not required given the immediate human context. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) EXO 5 2 fq6i figs-quotemarks מִ֤י יְהוָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶשְׁמַ֣ע בְּ⁠קֹל֔⁠וֹ לְ⁠שַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל לֹ֤א יָדַ֨עְתִּי֙ אֶת־יְהוָ֔ה וְ⁠גַ֥ם אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֹ֥א אֲשַׁלֵּֽחַ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 2 lqwt מִ֤י יְהוָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶשְׁמַ֣ע בְּ⁠קֹל֔⁠וֹ לְ⁠שַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל 1 This is not a rhetorical question, though Pharaoh may have spoken with contempt. Pharaoh would have considered himself a go. The Egyptians had several gods, and most people groups were assumed to have their own gods. Therefore, Pharaoh had truly not heard of Yahweh (who has just told his name to Moses). EXO 5 2 wpff figs-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל…יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 Here the nation is spoken of as an individual. Alternative translation: “the nation of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 5 2 c653 figs-metonymy בְּ⁠קֹל֔⁠וֹ 1 listen to his voice This represent the words God spoke. Alternate translation: “listen to what he says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 5 2 6xjp וְ⁠גַ֥ם 1 This functions to strengthen Pharaoh’s statement about his decision. Alternative translation: “and most definitely” EXO 5 3 08ny writing-participants וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ 1 It may not make sense in all languages for multiple people to speak. Since Aaron was appointed as Moses’ spokesman, consider the alternative translation: “Aaron replied” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 5 3 3li7 figs-quotemarks אֱלֹהֵ֥י הָ⁠עִבְרִ֖ים נִקְרָ֣א עָלֵ֑י⁠נוּ נֵ֣לֲכָה נָּ֡א דֶּרֶךְ֩ שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת יָמִ֜ים בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּ֗ר וְ⁠נִזְבְּחָה֙ לַֽ⁠יהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֔י⁠נוּ פֶּ֨ן־יִפְגָּעֵ֔⁠נוּ בַּ⁠דֶּ֖בֶר א֥וֹ בֶ⁠חָֽרֶב 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 3 y9ip אֱלֹהֵ֥י הָ⁠עִבְרִ֖ים 1 God of the Hebrews This term is also used for Yahweh, the Israelites’ God. EXO 5 3 kclj figs-exclusive עָלֵ֑י⁠נוּ נֵ֣לֲכָה…וְ⁠נִזְבְּחָה֙…יִפְגָּעֵ֔⁠נוּ 1 Here, **us** (or “we” in UST) refers to the Hebrew people (the Israelites). It exclude Pharaoh and his people. Some languages may need to consider whether to use an inclusive or exclusive form. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) EXO 5 3 gfs5 figs-metonymy בֶ⁠חָֽרֶב 1 or with the sword Here, **sword** represents war or an attack by enemies. Alternate translation: “cause our enemies to attack us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 5 4 cb7w figs-quotemarks לָ֚⁠מָּה מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֔ן תַּפְרִ֥יעוּ אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֖ם מִ⁠מַּֽעֲשָׂ֑י⁠ו לְכ֖וּ לְ⁠סִבְלֹתֵי⁠כֶֽם 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 4 kl1i figs-rquestion לָ֚⁠מָּה מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֔ן תַּפְרִ֥יעוּ אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֖ם מִ⁠מַּֽעֲשָׂ֑י⁠ו 1 why are you taking the people from their work? Pharaoh uses this question to express his anger towards Moses and Aaron for taking the Israelites away from their work. Alternate translation: “Stop distracting the people from doing their work!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 5 4 fiw9 figs-rquestion לְכ֖וּ לְ⁠סִבְלֹתֵי⁠כֶֽם 1 This **your** could refer to Moses and Aaron, or it could mean “all you Israelite people.” The second meaning is more likely. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual or plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 5 5 nqbe figs-aside וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 It is unusual for the same speaker to be reintroduced like this. Some translations omit the repetition, but there is another option. This statement may be more connected to the next couple of verses, so it might be appropriate to make a minor break before this verse. Pharaoh may have been more commenting to himself, or he only thought this statement silently, and it led to his next actions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]]) EXO 5 5 todi הֵן 1 This is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. EXO 5 5 c53k figs-youdual וְ⁠הִשְׁבַּתֶּ֥ם 1 Here, **you** means Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual form (if you have one) or plural (if not) form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 5 6 ar9m אֶת־הַ⁠נֹּגְשִׂ֣ים בָּ⁠עָ֔ם וְ⁠אֶת־שֹׁטְרָ֖י⁠ו 1 Pharaoh may have sent a messenger or messengers to the taskmasters and officers or spoken to one or a few representatives of them at his court rather than speaking to them directly. Alternative translation: “Pharaoh gave an order for the taskmasters among the people and officers that said,” EXO 5 6 zd4m הַ⁠נֹּגְשִׂ֣ים 1 taskmasters **Taskmasters** were Egyptians whose job it was to force the Israelites to do hard work. These are probably the same as the “overseers” of labor gangs from [Exodus 1:11](../01/11.md), but here the term is harsher. Alternative translation: “oppressors” EXO 5 6 8opu שֹׁטְרָ֖י⁠ו 1 **Officers** were probably Israelite slaves who were in charge of the other Israelites but who answered to the Egyptian taskmasters. EXO 5 6 dxih לֵ⁠אמֹֽר 1 This is a way of introducing a direct quotation in Hebrew; most translations can omit it without harm. EXO 5 7 k6io figs-youdual לֹ֣א תֹאסִפ֞וּ⁠ן 1 This command was given to multiple people; if your language distinguishes between singular and plural forms when giving commands, make sure this is a plural form. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 5 7 1pw9 figs-quotemarks לֹ֣א תֹאסִפ֞וּ⁠ן 1 Verses 7-9 are a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate the start here with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of the quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 7 p9nx figs-idiom כִּ⁠תְמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם 1 you must no longer give This is a Hebrew idiom meaning “in the past.” Alternative translation: “as before” or “as previously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 5 8 izkf figs-youdual תָּשִׂ֣ימוּ 1 If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 5 8 ro25 translate-unknown הַ⁠לְּבֵנִ֜ים 1 **Bricks** are hardened clay blocks for building. See how you translated in [1:14][../01/14.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 5 8 dlzx figs-idiom תְּמ֤וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁם֙ 1 This is a Hebrew idiom meaning “in the past.” See how you translated this in [5:7](../05/07md) Alternative translation: “before” or “previously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 5 8 vd10 figs-quotemarks נֵלְכָ֖ה נִזְבְּחָ֥ה לֵ⁠אלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 This is a second-level direct quotation. It is a quote of Moses and Aaron. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 9 5nz5 figs-idiom וְ⁠אַל־יִשְׁע֖וּ בְּ⁠דִבְרֵי־שָֽׁקֶר 1 Here words are spoken of as if they could be looked upon. Alternative translation: as UST or “and not listen to words that are lies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 5 10 ozzn writing-newevent וַ⁠יֵּ֨צְא֜וּ 1 This begins a new scene, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 5 10 x4bi נֹגְשֵׂ֤י 1 taskmasters **Taskmasters** were Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in [5:6](../05/6.md). See [[rc://en/tn/help/exo/05/06/zd4m]] EXO 5 10 0nqn כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 This is the same quote form as is used for when Yahweh gives a direct command. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information. EXO 5 10 4joe figs-quotations וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֥וּ אֶל־הָ⁠עָ֖ם לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 It might be helpful in some languages to translate **thus says Pharaoh** as an indirect quote so that his conveyed command is not a quote within a quote. Alternate translation: “and told the people that Pharaoh says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 5 10 mkom figs-quotesinquotes אֵינֶ֛⁠נִּי 1 This is a the beginning of a second-level quotation that continues until the end of verse 11. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the start of a quotation within a quotation. However, you could also translate this as an indirect quote. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 5 10 7zfp grammar-connect-logic-contrast אֵינֶ֛⁠נִּי נֹתֵ֥ן לָ⁠כֶ֖ם תֶּֽבֶן 1 The structure of this phrase and the one that opens [the next verse](../05/11.md) create a strong contrast between what **I** (Pharaoh) and **you** (you all, the Israelites) will do. Translate this in a way that emphasizes, if possible, the contrast between “I” and “you.” Alternative translation: “It is not I who will give you straw.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) EXO 5 10 si2e figs-metonymy אֵינֶ֛⁠נִּי 1 Pharaoh does not physically give the Israelites straw. Rather, he had commanded his servants take straw that belongs to Pharaoh and give it to the Israelites. Now he told his servants to stop providing straw. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 5 10 gb4d figs-youdual לָ⁠כֶ֖ם 1 I will no longer give you **You**is plural and refers to the Israelite people. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 5 11 ewg6 grammar-connect-logic-contrast אַתֶּ֗ם לְכ֨וּ קְח֤וּ לָ⁠כֶם֙ תֶּ֔בֶן מֵ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר תִּמְצָ֑אוּ 1 The structure of this phrase serves as the opposing side of the contrast Pharaoh sets up in the last phrase. By explicitly using a pronoun with a command, he is emphasizing who will go get straw. If possible, translate this in a way that emphasizes the contrast between “I” and “you.” See [[rc://en/tn/help/exo/05/10/7zfp]] for more info. Alternative translation: “Rather, it is you yourselves who must go get straw from wherever you might find it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) EXO 5 11 xe4i figs-youdual אַתֶּ֗ם 1 you can find…your workload Here, **you** is plural and refers to the Israelite people. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 5 11 w918 figs-rpronouns אַתֶּ֗ם…לָ⁠כֶם֙ 1 You yourselves must go The repetition of **you** emphasizes that the Egyptians will no longer help the slaves. Alternative translation: see UST (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) EXO 5 11 g5vb figs-doublenegatives כִּ֣י אֵ֥ין נִגְרָ֛ע מֵ⁠עֲבֹדַתְ⁠כֶ֖ם דָּבָֽר 1 your workload will not be reduced This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “for you must continue to make the same number of bricks as before” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) EXO 5 11 ucrc figs-quotemarks כִּ֣י אֵ֥ין נִגְרָ֛ע מֵ⁠עֲבֹדַתְ⁠כֶ֖ם דָּבָֽר 1 After this phrase (at the end of the verse), the direct quotes end. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level (and second-level if you made both levels direct quotes) quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 12 s9dk figs-hyperbole בְּ⁠כָל־אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 throughout all the land of Egypt This is a generalization used to show the extra effort Israel made to meet Pharaoh’s demands. Alternate translation: “to many places throughout Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) EXO 5 12 q7y7 translate-unknown קַ֖שׁ 1 stubble **Stubble** is the part of a plant that is left over after harvest. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 5 13 th6x וְ⁠הַ⁠נֹּגְשִׂ֖ים 1 taskmasters **Taskmasters** were Egyptians whose job it was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in [Exodus 5:6](../05/06.md). EXO 5 13 ikkf writing-participants וְ⁠הַ⁠נֹּגְשִׂ֖ים 1 The change of subject is emphasized here. If your language has a way of specifically focusing on the actor in a narrative, use it here. See the UST for how that is done in English. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 5 13 8ye4 figs-quotemarks כַּלּ֤וּ מַעֲשֵׂי⁠כֶם֙ דְּבַר־י֣וֹם בְּ⁠יוֹמ֔⁠וֹ כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר בִּ⁠הְי֥וֹת הַ⁠תֶּֽבֶן 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 13 a5ja דְּבַר־י֣וֹם בְּ⁠יוֹמ֔⁠וֹ 1 **Day by day** means “daily.” Alternative translation: “the daily task” EXO 5 14 h4uo נֹגְשֵׂ֥י 1 **Taskmasters** are Egyptians whose job it was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in [Exodus 5:6](../05/06.md). EXO 5 14 unbc figs-activepassive וַ⁠יֻּכּ֗וּ שֹֽׁטְרֵי֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 The text does not specify who beat the officers. It was probably either the taskmasters or someone the taskmasters ordered to beat the officers. If your language cannot express this with the passive, you can make the taskmasters the subject. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 5 14 eq22 figs-rquestion מַדּ֡וּעַ לֹא֩ כִלִּיתֶ֨ם חָקְ⁠כֶ֤ם לִ⁠לְבֹּן֙ כִּ⁠תְמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם גַּם־תְּמ֖וֹל גַּם־הַ⁠יּֽוֹם 1 Why have you not produced all the bricks required of you…in the past? The taskmasters used this question to show they were angry with the lack of bricks. Alternate translation: “You are not producing enough bricks, either yesterday or today, as you did in the past!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 5 14 767c figs-quotemarks מַדּ֡וּעַ לֹא֩ כִלִּיתֶ֨ם חָקְ⁠כֶ֤ם לִ⁠לְבֹּן֙ כִּ⁠תְמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם גַּם־תְּמ֖וֹל גַּם־הַ⁠יּֽוֹם 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 14 oh6o figs-youdual כִלִּיתֶ֨ם חָקְ⁠כֶ֤ם 1 Here, **you** and **your** are plural. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. However, also see [[rc://en/tn/help/exo/05/14/emq7]]. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 5 14 emq7 figs-synecdoche כִלִּיתֶ֨ם חָקְ⁠כֶ֤ם 1 cried out Here, **you** and **your** do not simply refer to the officers; they refer to the groups of Israelite workers the officers are in charge of. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 5 14 liz8 figs-idiom כִּ⁠תְמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם 1 This is a Hebrew idiom meaning “in the past.” Here it specifically refers to the time before the Egyptians stopped giving the Israelites straw. See how you translated this in [5:7](../05/07md) Alternative translation: “before” or “previously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 5 14 zklg גַּם־תְּמ֖וֹל גַּם־הַ⁠יּֽוֹם 1 This time expression refers to more recent days, ones since the Egyptians stopped providing the straw to the Israelites. EXO 5 15 bk9h writing-newevent וַ⁠יָּבֹ֗אוּ 1 This begins a new scene, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. The officers have gone to where Pharaoh is. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 5 15 thlj figs-go וַ⁠יָּבֹ֗אוּ 1 You will need to decide if go or come is the better translation in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 5 15 en1t figs-quotemarks לָ֧⁠מָּה 1 This begins a direct quote that continues to the end of the [next verse](../05/16.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 15 m2nz figs-123person לַ⁠עֲבָדֶֽי⁠ךָ 1 Here, the Israelite officers use the term **your servants** to refer to themselves in the third person as a way of showing humility. It is also possible that they mean to include all the Israelites. Either option is valid if your language must state who is meant by “your servants.” Alternate translation: “to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) EXO 5 16 yeql figs-activepassive תֶּ֗בֶן אֵ֤ין נִתָּן֙ לַ⁠עֲבָדֶ֔י⁠ךָ 1 The text does not specify who is not giving them straw. From context, the taskmasters and, by implication, Pharaoh himself are the ones not doing this. If your language cannot express this with the passive, you can make the taskmasters or Pharaoh the subject. Alternative translation: “You are not giving your servants any straw.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 5 16 qp5j figs-123person לַ⁠עֲבָדֶ֔י⁠ךָ…עֲבָדֶ֛י⁠ךָ 1 Here, the Israelite officers use the term **your servants** to refer to themselves in the third person as a way of showing humility. It is also possible that they mean to include all the Israelites. Either option is valid if your language must state who is meant by “your servants.” Alternate translation: “to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) EXO 5 16 hsa6 writing-participants אֹמְרִ֥ים 1 they are still telling us, ‘Make bricks!’ **They** refers to the Egyptian taskmasters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 5 16 3xl3 figs-quotemarks וּ⁠לְבֵנִ֛ים…עֲשׂ֑וּ 1 **Make bricks** is a second-level direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 16 m0go וְ⁠הִנֵּ֧ה 1 This is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows. EXO 5 16 xrly figs-activepassive עֲבָדֶ֛י⁠ךָ מֻכִּ֖ים 1 The text does not specify who beat the officers. It was probably either the taskmasters or someone the taskmasters ordered to beat the officers. If your language cannot express this with the passive, you can make the taskmasters the subject. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 5 16 ff2k figs-euphemism וְ⁠חָטָ֥את עַמֶּֽ⁠ךָ 1 The Israelites are indirectly accusing Pharaoh of doing wrong. To translate this, consider polite or indirect ways of making accusations in your culture. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) EXO 5 16 l7sn וְ⁠חָטָ֥את 1 “but it is the wrong-doing of” EXO 5 17 2vso figs-youdual אַתֶּ֖ם…אַתֶּ֣ם 1 These uses of **you** are plural. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 5 17 5t4m figs-exclamations נִרְפִּ֥ים אַתֶּ֖ם נִרְפִּ֑ים 1 Pharaoh repeats himself for emphasis. In your translation, make sure the idea of laziness or idleness is repeated or strengthened in a way that is natural. Alternative translation: “You are extremely lazy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) EXO 5 17 a8o2 figs-quotemarks נֵלְכָ֖ה נִזְבְּחָ֥ה לַֽ⁠יהוָֽה 1 Here the king is quoting another person’s speech. This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 18 68ax figs-activepassive וְ⁠תֶ֖בֶן לֹא־יִנָּתֵ֣ן לָ⁠כֶ֑ם 1 You can translate this in active voice if needed. The subject could be “I” (as in Pharaoh) or “we” (as in the Egyptians or Pharaoh and his taskmasters) or “my people.” See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 5 18 z6wt figs-youdual לָ⁠כֶ֑ם…תִּתֵּֽנּוּ 1 This means all the Israelites or the officers as representatives of all the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 5 19 x6pp grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠יִּרְא֞וּ שֹֽׁטְרֵ֧י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל אֹתָ֖⁠ם בְּ⁠רָ֣ע לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר לֹא־תִגְרְע֥וּ מִ⁠לִּבְנֵי⁠כֶ֖ם דְּבַר־י֥וֹם בְּ⁠יוֹמֽ⁠וֹ 1 You may need to reorder the events in this verse in your language to put the reason before the result. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 5 19 i3ot figs-quotemarks לֹא־תִגְרְע֥וּ מִ⁠לִּבְנֵי⁠כֶ֖ם דְּבַר־י֥וֹם בְּ⁠יוֹמֽ⁠וֹ 1 This is a direct quotation of what Pharaoh said. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation of another person’s speech. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 19 l9d2 figs-rpronouns אֹתָ֖⁠ם 1 when they were told Here the officers are both the subject and object, because they are thinking about their own situation. Different languages have different methods of marking this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) EXO 5 19 603u וַ⁠יִּרְא֞וּ…אֹתָ֖⁠ם בְּ⁠רָ֣ע לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר 1 “knew that they were in trouble, because the king said” or “perceived themselves in danger, because the king said” EXO 5 20 ve3z writing-newevent וַֽ⁠יִּפְגְּעוּ֙ 1 palace A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 5 20 60cj writing-participants וַֽ⁠יִּפְגְּעוּ֙…לִ⁠קְרָאתָ֑⁠ם בְּ⁠צֵאתָ֖⁠ם 1 Here, **they** and **them** refer to the officers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 5 21 jsbv figs-quotemarks יֵ֧רֶא יְהוָ֛ה עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠יִשְׁפֹּ֑ט אֲשֶׁ֧ר הִבְאַשְׁתֶּ֣ם אֶת־רֵיחֵ֗⁠נוּ בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֤י פַרְעֹה֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠עֵינֵ֣י עֲבָדָ֔י⁠ו לָֽ⁠תֶת־חֶ֥רֶב בְּ⁠יָדָ֖⁠ם לְ⁠הָרְגֵֽ⁠נוּ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 21 kv0v יֵ֧רֶא יְהוָ֛ה עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠יִשְׁפֹּ֑ט 1 They used this form to curse Moses and Aaron. EXO 5 21 4lou figs-youdual עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠יִשְׁפֹּ֑ט 1 **You** refers to Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual or plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 5 21 j3zp figs-metaphor הִבְאַשְׁתֶּ֣ם אֶת־רֵיחֵ֗⁠נוּ בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֤י פַרְעֹה֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠עֵינֵ֣י עֲבָדָ֔י⁠ו 1 you have made us offensive The Egyptians responded to the Israelites the same way they would respond to a foul odor. Alternate translation: “you have caused Pharaoh and his servants to hate us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 5 21 d592 figs-metonymy חֶ֥רֶב בְּ⁠יָדָ֖⁠ם 1 have put a sword in their hand to kill us Here, **a sword into their hand** is a metonym for “a reason in their mind.” The Israelites are afraid that the Egyptians will feel that they are doing the right thing if they kill the Israelites, because Moses and Aaron are making demands to the king and because the Egyptians view the Israelites as lazy and dangerous. Alternate translation: “them a reason to think they would be right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 5 22 pm0l figs-quotemarks וַ⁠יֹּאמַ֑ר 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues to the end of the chapter. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 5 22 g4d5 figs-rquestion לָ֥⁠מָּה זֶּ֖ה שְׁלַחְתָּֽ⁠נִי 1 Lord, why have you caused trouble for this people? This question shows how disappointed Moses was that the Egyptians were treating the Israelites even more harshly now. He is expressing that he thinks God has caused the opposite of what he promised to happen. Alternate translation: “You sent me to rescue them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 5 23 v2k2 figs-metonymy בִּ⁠שְׁמֶ֔⁠ךָ 1 to speak to him in your name Here, **in your name** indicates that Moses delivers Yahweh’s message. Alternate translation: “for you” or “your message for him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 5 23 fzir figs-idiom וְ⁠הַצֵּ֥ל לֹא־הִצַּ֖לְתָּ 1 In Hebrew, **rescued** is repeated for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 5 23 ce6s figs-idiom עַמֶּֽ⁠ךָ 1 After this phrase, the direct quote of Moses that began in the [previous verse](../05/22.md) ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 6 intro we5k 0 # Exodus 06 General Notes

## Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Repetition of events:

Most of the content of this chapter is very similar to the events and dialogue in chapters 3-4. For consistency, translators should consult the decisions they made there while keeping in mind that this narrative is not exactly the same. Also, verses 10-12 and verses 28-30 are very similar to each other. These events are probably a recommissioning of Moses. After his first encounter with Pharaoh went very poorly and the Israelites seem to reject God, reminds Moses of God’s promises and power.

### Referring to God

A name for God (**Yahweh**) and a title for God (**El Shaddai**) are mentioned in this chapter ([6:2](../06/02.md)\-[6:3](../06/03.md)). The precise meaning of El Shaddai is not known, but most scholars think it means something like “almighty.” Translators who have worked on Genesis may find confusing the statement that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did not know Yahweh as the name of God.

### Other possible translation difficulties:

With little explanation, a large portion of the chapter is devoted to the genealogy of Moses and Aaron. Some of the people in the genealogy lived much longer than is normal for humans today. If translators are not familiar with the lengths of people’s lives in the early days of the world (as recorded in Genesis, especially chapter 5), this may cause confusion.

## Study concepts in this chapter

### Promised Land

According to the covenant Yahweh made with Abraham, Egypt is not the home of the Hebrew people. Their home is the Promised Land in Canaan. The people are to return home to their land. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promisedland]])

### “Let my people go”

This is a very important statement. Moses is not asking Pharaoh to “let go” of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

### God and his people

In verse 7, note mention of a very important biblical theme of God being “your God” and the special relationship that his people have with him. EXO 6 1 ip5i figs-quotemarks עַתָּ֣ה תִרְאֶ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה לְ⁠פַרְעֹ֑ה כִּ֣י בְ⁠יָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙ יְשַׁלְּחֵ֔⁠ם וּ⁠בְ⁠יָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה יְגָרְשֵׁ֖⁠ם מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 6 1 lu95 grammar-connect-time-sequential עַתָּ֣ה 1 This refers to future events starting very soon. Alternative translation: “Starting soon” or “Very soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) EXO 6 1 ece6 figs-metonymy בְ⁠יָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙…וּ⁠בְ⁠יָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה 1 my strong hand **Hand** is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: “by a strong power … and by a strong power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 6 1 7wm5 figs-metonymy בְ⁠יָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙…וּ⁠בְ⁠יָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה 1 It is not clear in the text whose **hand** is referred to here. The options are: (1) Both refer to God’s hand (forcing Pharaoh’s actions), (2) Both refer to Pharaoh’s hand (forcing the Israelites out), (3) They don’t refer to the same person’s hand; the first refers to God’s and the second to Pharaoh’s. The UST has followed (1) which is the most common interpretation. Alternate translation: (1) “by my strong hand … and by my strong hand” or (2) “by his strong hand … and by his strong hand” or (3) “by my strong hand … and by his strong hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 6 1 4m4g figs-parallelism כִּ֣י בְ⁠יָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙ יְשַׁלְּחֵ֔⁠ם וּ⁠בְ⁠יָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה יְגָרְשֵׁ֖⁠ם מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ 1 These two phrases mean similar things. God says the same thing twice, in similar ways, for emphasis. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that might be confusing for your readers. Instead, if it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “I will force him to let my people leave the land” However, there is a slight difference in meaning, and you could also choose to bring that out in your translation. The second phrase intensifies the first by portraying Pharaoh as not merely letting the Israelites go, but as forcing them to leave the land. Alternate translation: “I will force him to let them go, in fact, I will force him to force them to leave his land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 6 1 sdon מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ 1 “from Egypt” EXO 6 2 5m1a writing-newevent וַ⁠יְדַבֵּ֥ר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַ⁠יֹּ֥אמֶר אֵלָ֖י⁠ו 1 There is a transition here. Before this verse, Yahweh was answering Moses’ question more directly. At the beginning of this verse, Yahweh is reintroduced as “God” because he begins to make a clarifying statement about himself and his relationship with the Israelites and their ancestors as well as his plans for the Israelites. Much of this section repeats what Yahweh has already told Moses. You may want to consider a section break before this verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 6 2 kcty figs-quotemarks וַ⁠יְדַבֵּ֥ר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַ⁠יֹּ֥אמֶר אֵלָ֖י⁠ו 1 After this phrase a direct quote begins that continues until the end of [verse 8](../06/08.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 6 3 l81y translate-transliterate בְּ⁠אֵ֣ל שַׁדָּ֑י 1 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob This is a title for God that many scholars think means “almighty.” You will need to decide if you will transliterate the term into your language or translate the meaning. Either approach has broad support. Alternative translation: “as the strongest God of all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]]) EXO 6 3 m27p figs-activepassive וּ⁠שְׁמִ֣⁠י יְהוָ֔ה לֹ֥א נוֹדַ֖עְתִּי לָ⁠הֶֽם 1 I was not known to them This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “but they did not know me by my name Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 6 3 e36z וּ⁠שְׁמִ֣⁠י יְהוָ֔ה לֹ֥א נוֹדַ֖עְתִּי לָ⁠הֶֽם 1 This statement is very difficult to understand as God’s name, Yahweh, is used throughout Genesis, including by Abraham and others. There are many theories about what it means; the view followed by the UST is that now God is revealing to the Israelites a fuller meaning of his divine name than what Abraham and others knew. Alternate translation: “but my name Yahweh was not understood by them” EXO 6 4 zxvc figs-quotations לָ⁠תֵ֥ת לָ⁠הֶ֖ם אֶת־אֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן 1 This is the content of the covenant promise from God to his people. Some languages may need to make this part a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “ I said, ‘I will give you the land of Canaan’ ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 6 4 gkkc figs-parallelism אֶ֥רֶץ מְגֻרֵי⁠הֶ֖ם אֲשֶׁר־גָּ֥רוּ בָֽ⁠הּ 1 These two phrases mean similar things. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “the land they lived in as temporary residents”; otherwise, “the land that was not their home but where they lived as foreigners” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 6 5 l3yc נַאֲקַת֙ 1 groaning This means making sad sounds because of pain and suffering. EXO 6 5 0l2p וָ⁠אֶזְכֹּ֖ר אֶת־בְּרִיתִֽ⁠י 1 **I have remembered my covenant** means God is going to take action. Alternative translation: “I will keep my promise” EXO 6 6 rgh0 grammar-connect-logic-result לָ⁠כֵ֞ן 1 God is now telling Moses to deliver a message to the Israelites of what God is going to do because of everything that he said in verses 2-5. The reason-result relationship is strongly marked here, so translations should make sure to use a connector that marks verse 6-8 as a result of verses 2-5. Alternate translation: “Because of this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 6 6 yv14 לָ⁠כֵ֞ן אֱמֹ֥ר לִ⁠בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֘ל 1 say to the Israelites This is a command from Yahweh to Moses. Alternate translation: “So Yahweh told Moses to say to the Israelites” EXO 6 6 yg2d figs-quotemarks אֲנִ֣י 1 This begins a second-level quotation that continues to the end of Yahweh’s speech at the close of [verse 8](../06/08.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 6 6 we3z figs-youdual אֶתְ⁠כֶ֗ם…אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם…אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙ 1 **You** refers to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 6 6 oqnw figs-synecdoche מִ⁠תַּ֨חַת֙ סִבְלֹ֣ת מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 This refers to all the hard work the Egyptians made the Israelites do. Alternate translation: “from the hard work the Egyptians force you to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 6 6 xyn4 figs-metaphor בִּ⁠זְר֣וֹעַ נְטוּיָ֔ה 1 **Arm** here is a figurative way of referring to God’s power, influence, and capacity for action. **Outstretched** means that he is using that power. Alternate translation: “by my great strength” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 6 6 efx1 וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁפָטִ֖ים 1 Here, the term **judgments** refers to the plagues that God is about to send to harm Egypt and the Egyptians. Each plague is a response to Pharaoh’s stubbornness. Alternate translation: “and by [greatly] harming the Egyptians” EXO 6 7 o3lb figs-youdual אֶתְ⁠כֶ֥ם…לָ⁠כֶ֖ם…וִֽ⁠ידַעְתֶּ֗ם…אֱלֹ֣הֵי⁠כֶ֔ם…אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם 1 Here every occurrence of **you** refers to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 6 7 14ev figs-synecdoche מִ⁠תַּ֖חַת סִבְל֥וֹת מִצְרָֽיִם 1 This refers to all the hard work the Egyptians forced upon the Israelites. See what you did in the previous verse at [[rc://en/tn/help/exo/06/07/oqnw]]. Alternate translation: “from the hard work the Egyptians force you to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 6 8 h9ho figs-youdual אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙…לָ⁠כֶ֛ם 1 Here, every occurrence of **you** refers to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 6 8 g9ru translate-symaction נָשָׂ֨אתִי֙ אֶת־יָדִ֔⁠י 1 I swore This is an action that signifies making an oath. Raising the hand may not have the same meaning in your culture so you may need to use a different symbolic oath-taking action in your translation, or simply translate the meaning. Alternate translation: “I promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) EXO 6 8 i3vj מוֹרָשָׁ֖ה 1 This means the Israelites will own the land. Alternate translation: “as your own land” EXO 6 8 ipnm figs-quotemarks אֲנִ֥י יְהוָֽה 1 After this phrase, the direct quote of Yahweh ends. Both the first-level and second-level quotes end. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level and second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation and a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 6 9 aalj grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠לֹ֤א שָֽׁמְעוּ֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה מִ⁠קֹּ֣צֶר ר֔וּחַ וּ⁠מֵ⁠עֲבֹדָ֖ה קָשָֽׁה 1 In some languages it will be necessary to put the reason for the people not listening before the result. Alternate translation: “but because of shortness of spirit and because of hard service, they did not listen to Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 6 9 0jc7 מִ⁠קֹּ֣צֶר ר֔וּחַ 1 Here, the people’s **spirit** is spoken of as something that could be measured. By calling it “short,” the author is saying they did not have very much motivation or hope. Alternate translation: “because they had no hope” EXO 6 10 tpw4 לֵּ⁠אמֹֽר 1 This is used to mark the beginning of a direct quotation. It can be omitted if it is unnatural. EXO 6 11 pi7a figs-quotemarks בֹּ֣א דַבֵּ֔ר אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֖ה מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרָ֑יִם וִֽ⁠ישַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 6 11 fxf2 figs-quotations וִֽ⁠ישַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ 1 This is an indirect quote; in some languages you will have to make it a direct quote. Be careful to change the third-person pronouns to second-person pronouns if you do this. Alternate translation: “saying, ‘You must let the sons of Israel go from your land’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 6 12 rsag figs-quotemarks הֵ֤ן בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לֹֽא־שָׁמְע֣וּ אֵלַ֔⁠י וְ⁠אֵיךְ֙ יִשְׁמָעֵ֣⁠נִי פַרְעֹ֔ה וַ⁠אֲנִ֖י עֲרַ֥ל שְׂפָתָֽיִם 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 6 12 h7o0 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה 1 Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. There may also be a hint of impudence in Moses’ attitude that is conveyed by saying he **before the face of Yahweh** Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” or “boldly to Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 6 12 iiui הֵ֤ן 1 **Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation, or you can use an alternate translation like “as you know.” EXO 6 12 k7hl figs-rquestion הֵ֤ן בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לֹֽא־שָׁמְע֣וּ אֵלַ֔⁠י וְ⁠אֵיךְ֙ יִשְׁמָעֵ֣⁠נִי פַרְעֹ֔ה 1 If the Israelites have not listened to me, why will Pharaoh listen to me, since I am not good at speaking? Moses asked this question hoping God would change His mind about using Moses. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Since the Israelites did not listen to me, neither will Pharaoh!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 6 12 4iul figs-rquestion הֵ֤ן בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לֹֽא־שָׁמְע֣וּ אֵלַ֔⁠י וְ⁠אֵיךְ֙ יִשְׁמָעֵ֣⁠נִי פַרְעֹ֔ה 1 Moses is presenting a reasoned argument: since this, then probably that. Use a natural way of expressing such arguments in your language. Alternate translation: “Since the sons of Israel have not listened to me, why would you think Pharaoh would listen to me?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 6 12 k3br figs-metaphor וַ⁠אֲנִ֖י עֲרַ֥ל שְׂפָתָֽיִם 1 This is a metaphor that means that Moses was not a good speaker. It is somewhat crude; your translation of this phrase could convey that Moses spoke impolitely. Alternate translation: “And I do not speak well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 6 13 9o6g וַ⁠יְצַוֵּ⁠ם֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְ⁠אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֖ה 1 This phrase is somewhat difficult to translate. Here, **command** could also be translated as “charge” or “commission.” Another difficulty is knowing to whom the command is directed: is it to Moses and Aaron or are they to give the command to Pharaoh and the Israelites, thus **to** could be translated as “for” or “regarding” Alternate translations: “and he charged them regarding the sons of Israel and regarding Pharaoh” or “and he gave them a command for the sons of Israel and for Pharaoh” or “and he gave them a commission to the sons of Israel and to Pharaoh” EXO 6 14 hh3z writing-background אֵ֖לֶּה 1 Verses 14-27 are background information. If your language marks background information with particular discourse features, use them here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) EXO 6 14 h195 figs-metonymy רָאשֵׁ֣י 1 the heads of their fathers’ houses Here, “heads” refers to the original ancestors of the clan. Alternate translation: “the ancestors of ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 6 14 wv89 translate-names רְאוּבֵ֜ן… יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל… חֲנ֤וֹךְ וּ⁠פַלּוּא֙ חֶצְר֣וֹן וְ⁠כַרְמִ֔י… רְאוּבֵֽן 1 Hanok, Pallu, Hezron, and Karmi These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 6 15 c1ni translate-names שִׁמְע֗וֹן יְמוּאֵ֨ל וְ⁠יָמִ֤ין וְ⁠אֹ֨הַד֙ וְ⁠יָכִ֣ין וְ⁠צֹ֔חַר וְ⁠שָׁא֖וּל…שִׁמְעֽוֹן 1 Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar, and Shaul These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 6 16 k64h translate-names לֵוִי֙…גֵּרְשׁ֕וֹן וּ⁠קְהָ֖ת וּ⁠מְרָרִ֑י…לֵוִ֔י 1 Gershon…Merari These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 6 16 m36f translate-numbers שֶׁ֧בַע וּ⁠שְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים וּ⁠מְאַ֖ת 1 137 years old “one hundred thirty-seven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 6 17 alm8 translate-names גֵרְשׁ֛וֹן לִבְנִ֥י וְ⁠שִׁמְעִ֖י 1 Amram…Uzziel These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 6 18 gzm3 translate-names קְהָ֔ת עַמְרָ֣ם וְ⁠יִצְהָ֔ר וְ⁠חֶבְר֖וֹן וְ⁠עֻזִּיאֵ֑ל…קְהָ֔ת 1 These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 6 18 qu41 translate-numbers שָׁלֹ֧שׁ וּ⁠שְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים וּ⁠מְאַ֖ת 1 133 years old “one hundred thirty-three” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 6 19 p5sz translate-names מְרָרִ֖י מַחְלִ֣י וּ⁠מוּשִׁ֑י 1 These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 6 20 ni1l translate-names עַמְרָ֜ם…יוֹכֶ֤בֶד…אַהֲרֹ֖ן…מֹשֶׁ֑ה…עַמְרָ֔ם 1 These are the names of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 6 20 mh02 figs-kinship דֹּֽדָת⁠וֹ֙ 1 This word specifically means father’s sister. Some languages will have a term that is specific in this way, and translators should use it. Alternate translation: see UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-kinship]]) EXO 6 20 ti6q translate-numbers שֶׁ֧בַע וּ⁠שְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים וּ⁠מְאַ֖ת 1 137 years “one hundred thirty-seven years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 6 21 f3yr translate-names יִצְהָ֑ר קֹ֥רַח וָ⁠נֶ֖פֶג וְ⁠זִכְרִֽי׃ 1 Izhar…Korah…Zichri These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 6 22 n7cl translate-names עֻזִּיאֵ֑ל מִֽישָׁאֵ֥ל וְ⁠אֶלְצָפָ֖ן וְ⁠סִתְרִֽי 1 Uzziel…Mishael…Sithri These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 6 23 n1xh translate-names אַהֲרֹ֜ן…אֱלִישֶׁ֧בַע…עַמִּינָדָ֛ב…נַחְשׁ֖וֹן…נָדָב֙…אֲבִיה֔וּא…אֶלְעָזָ֖ר…אִֽיתָמָֽר 1 Nadab…Ithamar These are the names of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 6 24 7oae translate-names קֹ֔רַח אַסִּ֥יר וְ⁠אֶלְקָנָ֖ה וַ⁠אֲבִיאָסָ֑ף 1 These are the names of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 6 24 i6o7 translate-names הַ⁠קָּרְחִֽי 1 This was the name of the clan of people descended from Korah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 6 25 zvg2 translate-names וְ⁠אֶלְעָזָ֨ר…אַהֲרֹ֜ן…פּֽוּטִיאֵל֙…פִּֽינְחָ֑ס 1 Phinehas These are the names of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 6 25 fck8 figs-metonymy רָאשֵׁ֛י 1 These were the heads of the fathers’ houses The word “heads” here represents family leaders. Alternate translation: “These were the leaders of the families” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 6 26 dqm8 figs-quotemarks ⁠הֶ֔ם הוֹצִ֜יאוּ אֶת־בְּנֵ֧י יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל מֵ⁠אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם עַל־צִבְאֹתָֽ⁠ם 1 This is a direct quotation of what Yahweh said earlier. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation of a previous remark. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 6 26 ft6y translate-unknown עַל־צִבְאֹתָֽ⁠ם 1 by their groups of fighting men The term **hosts** refers to a large group of people often organized into groups for war. Alternate translation: “by their groups” or “by their divisions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 6 27 o7xp grammar-connect-logic-goal לְ⁠הוֹצִ֥יא 1 This expresses their goal when they spoke to Pharaoh. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) EXO 6 28 xssl writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִ֗י בְּ⁠י֨וֹם 1 This marks a transition from the record of the genealogy back to the narrative. Consider placing a section break at the start of this verse. Alternate translation: “One day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 6 29 7s2n figs-quotemarks לֵּ⁠אמֹ֖ר 1 Here, **saying** is used to mark the beginning of a direct quotation. It can be omitted if unnatural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 6 29 vogm figs-quotemarks אֲנִ֣י יְהוָ֑ה דַּבֵּ֗ר אֶל־פַּרְעֹה֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרַ֔יִם אֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י דֹּבֵ֥ר אֵלֶֽי⁠ךָ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 6 30 zyqs figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה 1 Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. There may also be a hint of impudence in Moses’ attitude that is conveyed by saying he spoke before **the face of Yahweh**. See how you translated this in [6:12](../06/12.md) Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” or “boldly to Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 6 30 nf3w figs-rquestion הֵ֤ן אֲנִי֙ עֲרַ֣ל שְׂפָתַ֔יִם וְ⁠אֵ֕יךְ יִשְׁמַ֥ע אֵלַ֖⁠י פַּרְעֹֽה 1 I am not good…why will Pharaoh listen to me? Moses asks this question hoping to change God’s mind about sending him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Behold, I am not a good speaker. Pharaoh will certainly not listen to me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 6 30 qvxf figs-quotemarks הֵ֤ן אֲנִי֙ עֲרַ֣ל שְׂפָתַ֔יִם וְ⁠אֵ֕יךְ יִשְׁמַ֥ע אֵלַ֖⁠י פַּרְעֹֽה 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 6 30 y4g2 הֵ֤ן 1 **Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation, or you can use an alternate translation like “as you know.” EXO 6 30 18l8 figs-metaphor אֲנִי֙ עֲרַ֣ל שְׂפָתַ֔יִם 1 This is a metaphor that means that Moses thought he was not a good speaker. It is somewhat crude, and your translation of this phrase could convey that Moses spoke impolitely. See how you translated this in [6:12](../06/12.md) Alternate translation: “And I always fail to speak well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 7 intro r9we 0 # Exodus 07 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Miracles
When Yahweh had Moses perform miracles, Pharaoh’s men were able to copy these miracles. It is unknown how they were able to do this, but since it was not from Yahweh, they were probably done under some evil power. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/miracle]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])

### Pharaoh’s hard heart
Pharaoh’s heart is often described as hard, strong, or heavy in this chapter. This means that his heart was not open or willing to understand Yahweh’s instructions.

### “Let my people go”
This is a very important statement. Moses is not asking Pharaoh to “let go” of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people.

## Possible translation difficulties in this chapter include:
- Moses as God to Pharaoh
- A number of difficult terms: prophet, signs, wonders, miracles, sorcerers, magicians, magic, judgments, canals, reservoirs
- The use of “heart” to refer to the seat of will and emotion
- Up to third-level quotations

EXO 7 1 4vak figs-quotemarks מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues to the end of [verse 5](../07/05.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 7 1 gy1t רְאֵ֛ה 1 This is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows. Alternative translation: “Listen carefully” EXO 7 1 dn1s figs-metaphor נְתַתִּ֥י⁠ךָ אֱלֹהִ֖ים לְ⁠פַרְעֹ֑ה 1 I have made you like a god This means Moses would represent the same authority to Pharaoh as God did to Moses. See how you translated the very similar phrase in [Exodus 4:16](../04/16.md), see [this note]([[rc://en/tn/help/exo/04/16/gn5v]]). Alternate translation: “I will cause Pharaoh to consider you as a god” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 7 1 z163 figs-metaphor וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֥ן אָחִ֖י⁠ךָ יִהְיֶ֥ה נְבִיאֶֽ⁠ךָ 1 This phrase compares Aaron to a prophet, because he will be the one actually to proclaim to Pharaoh what Moses tells him. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 4:16](../04/16.md), see [this note]([[rc://en/tn/help/exo/04/16/mnsp]]). Alternate translation: “and Aaron your brother will act like your prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 7 2 l44v figs-kinship אָחִ֨י⁠ךָ֙ 1 Aaron is older than Moses. Some languages will use a different term for the sibling relationship based on gender and age order. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-kinship]]) EXO 7 2 hdwo figs-quotations וְ⁠שִׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ 1 Some languages may need to make this a direct quote. If so, be sure to mark it as a second-level quotation, subordinate to Yahweh’s main speech. Alternative translation: “saying, ‘You must let the sons of Israel go from your land’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 7 2 204o מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ 1 “Egypt” EXO 7 3 adsq figs-metaphor אַקְשֶׁ֖ה אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 This means God will make him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were hard. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [Exodus 4:21](../04/21.md), but note the slightly different metaphor there: the heart being strong vs. hard. Alternate translation: “will cause Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 7 3 vtt1 figs-doublet אֶת־אֹתֹתַ֛⁠י וְ⁠אֶת־מוֹפְתַ֖⁠י 1 many signs…many wonders The words **signs** and **wonders** mean basically the same thing. God uses them to emphasize the greatness of what he will do in Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) EXO 7 4 ar0l figs-youdual אֲלֵ⁠כֶם֙ 1 Here, **you** means Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual form (if you have one) or plural form (if not) here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 7 4 e2kv figs-metonymy יָדִ֖⁠י 1 put my hand on The words **my hand** represent God’s great power. Alternate translation: “my power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 7 4 0r0r figs-metonymy בְּ⁠מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 **On Egypt** refers to the land and everything in it, including people, animals, and plants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 7 4 nilu אֶת־צִבְאֹתַ֜⁠י אֶת־עַמִּ֤⁠י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ 1 These phrases refer to the Israelites in three different ways; they do not refer to three different groups of people. **Armies** is the same word translated “hosts” in [Exodus 6:26](../06/26.md). Alternate translation: “the armies of my Israelite people” EXO 7 5 cg3n grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠יָדְע֤וּ מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ כִּֽי־אֲנִ֣י יְהוָ֔ה 1 This is the result of God rescuing the Israelites. In some languages the result will have to be placed after the cause, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 7 5 npd6 figs-metonymy בִּ⁠נְטֹתִ֥⁠י אֶת־יָדִ֖⁠י עַל 1 reach out with my hand on This phrase represents God’s great power. Alternate translation: “when I show my powerful acts against” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 7 5 dguc grammar-connect-logic-goal וְ⁠הוֹצֵאתִ֥י אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִ⁠תּוֹכָֽ⁠ם 1 The goal of God’s powerful acts was to rescue the Israelites. Alternate translation: “so that I bring the sons of Israel out from their midst” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) EXO 7 5 8576 figs-quotemarks מִ⁠תּוֹכָֽ⁠ם 1 At the end of this verse, the direct quote that began in [verse 1](../07/01.md) ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. Note that the UST is reordered. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 7 6 iii5 figs-parallelism וַ⁠יַּ֥עַשׂ…עָשֽׂוּ 1 This repetition emphasizes the statement. Some languages can use repetition for emphasis; others will need to use another way of expressing emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 7 7 liir writing-background וּ⁠מֹשֶׁה֙ בֶּן־שְׁמֹנִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְ⁠אַֽהֲרֹ֔ן בֶּן־שָׁלֹ֥שׁ וּ⁠שְׁמֹנִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה בְּ⁠דַבְּרָ֖⁠ם אֶל־פַּרְעֹֽה 1 This verse contains background information. If your language marks background information with particular discourse features, use them here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) EXO 7 7 g7i5 translate-numbers שְׁמֹנִ֣ים…שָׁלֹ֥שׁ וּ⁠שְׁמֹנִ֖ים 1 Aaron eighty-three years old “eighty … eighty-three” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 7 7 9ou3 figs-idiom בֶּן־שְׁמֹנִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה…בֶּן־שָׁלֹ֥שׁ וּ⁠שְׁמֹנִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה 1 This is an idiom that refers to their age. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 7 8 pwph writing-newevent וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה 1 This verse marks the beginning of new sections, both major and minor. The major story of the plagues and Exodus itself unfolds from here until after Pharaoh’s army is defeated at the Red Sea.  The next minor event is the miracle of the rods becoming snakes. Either by using particular forms that your language uses to mark transitions or by making a section break and heading, this transition should be marked for readers.  (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 7 8 p2kf לֵ⁠אמֹֽר 1 Here, **saying** marks the beginning of a direct quote and is often omitted in translation when such a construction is unnatural in the target language. See UST. EXO 7 9 b0jl figs-quotemarks כִּי֩ יְדַבֵּ֨ר אֲלֵ⁠כֶ֤ם פַּרְעֹה֙ לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר תְּנ֥וּ לָ⁠כֶ֖ם מוֹפֵ֑ת וְ⁠אָמַרְתָּ֣ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן קַ֧ח אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֛ וְ⁠הַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ לִ⁠פְנֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה יְהִ֥י לְ⁠תַנִּֽין 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 7 9 jt9z figs-quotations כִּי֩ יְדַבֵּ֨ר אֲלֵ⁠כֶ֤ם פַּרְעֹה֙ לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר תְּנ֥וּ לָ⁠כֶ֖ם מוֹפֵ֑ת וְ⁠אָמַרְתָּ֣ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן קַ֧ח אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֛ וְ⁠הַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ לִ⁠פְנֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה יְהִ֥י לְ⁠תַנִּֽין 1 When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Do a miracle,’ then you will say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh, so that it may become a snake.’ The two quotations in this verse could be stated as indirect quotes. Alternate translation: “When Pharaoh tells you to do a miracle, then you will tell Aaron to take his staff and throw it down before Pharaoh so that it may become a snake” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 7 9 ye9j figs-quotemarks תְּנ֥וּ לָ⁠כֶ֖ם מוֹפֵ֑ת 1 This is a second-level direct quotation. If you did not decide to make it an indirect quotation, it may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 7 9 r0tp figs-quotemarks קַ֧ח אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֛ וְ⁠הַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ לִ⁠פְנֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה יְהִ֥י לְ⁠תַנִּֽין 1 This is a second-level direct quotation. The second level may end after **Pharaoh.** If you did not decide to make it an indirect quotation, it may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 7 9 p3xh לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר 1 Here, **saying** marks the beginning of a direct quote and is often omitted in translation when such a construction is unnatural in the target language. See UST. EXO 7 9 ms5o figs-youdual אֲלֵ⁠כֶ֤ם…לָ⁠כֶ֖ם 1 These are plural, referring to Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual form (if you have one) or plural form (if not) here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 7 9 6hfg figs-quotesinquotes תְּנ֥וּ לָ⁠כֶ֖ם מוֹפֵ֑ת 1 This is a second-level quotation. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer level. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 7 9 s5a9 קַ֧ח אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֛ וְ⁠הַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ לִ⁠פְנֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה יְהִ֥י לְ⁠תַנִּֽין 1 This is a second-level quotation. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer level. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 7 9 ogk9 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה 1 Although **before the face of** still has the standard figurative meaning of “in the presence of,” it is a much more literal use here. Moses and Aaron are to actually do the miracles in front of Pharaoh so that Pharaoh can see them. Alternative translation: “so Pharaoh can see it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 7 10 4q7r figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י פַרְעֹ֛ה וְ⁠לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י עֲבָדָ֖י⁠ו 1 This time, while **before the face of** still has the standard figurative meaning of “in the presence of,” it is a much more literal use here. Aaron actually does this right in front of Pharaoh and his servants so they could watch what happens. Alternative translation: “where Pharaoh and his servants could see it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 7 10 3dkq עֲבָדָ֖י⁠ו 1 **His servants** probably refers to important advisors that would be in the king’s court, and does not refer common servants. EXO 7 11 mqde לַֽ⁠חֲכָמִ֖ים וְ⁠לַֽ⁠מְכַשְּׁפִ֑ים…חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י 1 Here, **magicians** probably describes both **wise men and sorcerers** rather than being a third group. See translationWords articles for each term. EXO 7 12 u6np וַ⁠יִּבְלַ֥ע 1 swallowed up “ate up” or “devoured” EXO 7 12 m0kw grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַ⁠יִּבְלַ֥ע מַטֵּֽה־אַהֲרֹ֖ן אֶת־מַטֹּתָֽ⁠ם 1 This is a surprising and amusing twist which was not what the magicians expected. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) EXO 7 12 prnp figs-personification מַטֵּֽה…מַטֹּתָֽ⁠ם 1 It may be necessary in some languages to translate the word **staff** as “snake” since it had turned into one. This may be true if it would not make sense in the target language to say (because it is not living) that a staff swallowed or ate something. It may also be not make sense in some languages to speak of the snakes as staffs once transformed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) EXO 7 13 g42f figs-metaphor וַ⁠יֶּחֱזַק֙ לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 Pharaoh’s heart was hardened Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were **strong**. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [Exodus 4:21](../04/21.md), but note that this is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn, as many others in this part of the narrative do). Alternate translation: “Pharaoh was still defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 7 13 2fve כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה 1 Because Yahweh’s prediction precedes this event, some languages may need to place the reference to that prediction before the statement that it was fulfilled. See UST. EXO 7 14 d27r figs-metaphor כָּבֵ֖ד לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 Pharaoh’s heart is hard Yahweh speaks of Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude as if Pharaoh’s heart were heavy. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. This is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn as many others in this part of the narrative do). See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:13](../07/13.md), but note the slightly different metaphor there: the heart being heavy vs strong. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh is defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 7 14 qiyx writing-newevent וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר 1 A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 7 14 t79b figs-quotemarks מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues to the end of [verse 18](../07/18.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 7 15 ecby הִנֵּה֙ 1 This is used to draw attention to information that follows. EXO 7 15 c5np יֹצֵ֣א הַ⁠מַּ֔יְמָ⁠ה 1 when he goes out to the water There are various theories as to what Pharaoh went down to the Nile to do, but there is no need to speculate or specify in the translation. EXO 7 16 yqp7 וְ⁠אָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗י⁠ו 1 Say to him “Say to Pharaoh” EXO 7 16 i4yt figs-quotemarks יְהוָ֞ה 1 This begins a second-level quotation that continues until the end of [verse 18](../07/18.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 7 16 uvxe figs-possession אֱלֹהֵ֤י הָ⁠עִבְרִים֙ 1 Yahweh claimed the Hebrews (Israelites) as his own. They worshiped him. This is a possessive of social relationship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 7 16 d16q figs-quotesinquotes שַׁלַּח֙ אֶת־עַמִּ֔⁠י וְ⁠יַֽעַבְדֻ֖⁠נִי בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּ֑ר וְ⁠הִנֵּ֥ה לֹא־שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ עַד־כֹּֽה 1 This is a third-level quotation. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer levels. Alternatively, you could translate it as an indirect quotation as in the UST. If you do this, take care to adjust the pronoun person (second/third) as appropriate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 7 16 cwox וְ⁠הִנֵּ֥ה 1 **Behold** is used to draw attention to the information that follows. In some languages, it will not be translated. EXO 7 17 j1ev כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה 1 strike the water This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information. EXO 7 17 mywj figs-quotesinquotes בְּ⁠זֹ֣את 1 This begins a third-level quotation that continues until the end of verse 18. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer levels. It is possible that the third-level quote actually ends before **Behold,** in which case, in the rest of the quote **I** refers to Moses, not Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 7 17 jjm3 הִנֵּ֨ה 1 **Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. Alternate translation: “Look at this” EXO 7 18 bsjn grammar-connect-logic-result וּ⁠בָאַ֣שׁ הַ⁠יְאֹ֑ר 1 **The river will stink** will happen because the fish die. Alternate translation: “and because of that the river will stink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 7 18 nx0q grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠נִלְא֣וּ מִצְרַ֔יִם לִ⁠שְׁתּ֥וֹת מַ֖יִם מִן־הַ⁠יְאֹֽר 1 In some languages you will need to put the reason before the result. Alternative translation: “In order to find water to drink from the river, the Egyptians will exhaust themselves.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 7 18 350i figs-rpronouns וְ⁠נִלְא֣וּ מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 Here, **themselves** refers back to the subject (**the Egyptians**) to indicated that the Egyptians are the object of the verb as well. Different languages have different methods of marking this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) EXO 7 18 grwh figs-quotemarks מִן־הַ⁠יְאֹֽר 1 After this phrase, the direct quote of Yahweh’s commands ends. Depending on your decisions about the embedded quotation levels, you may have up to three levels of quotations that need to be closed here. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with closing quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation and quotations within quotations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 7 19 jima figs-quotemarks אֱמֹ֣ר אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֡ן קַ֣ח מַטְּ⁠ךָ֣ וּ⁠נְטֵֽה־יָדְ⁠ךָ֩ עַל־מֵימֵ֨י מִצְרַ֜יִם עַֽל־נַהֲרֹתָ֣⁠ם׀ עַל־יְאֹרֵי⁠הֶ֣ם וְ⁠עַל־אַגְמֵי⁠הֶ֗ם וְ⁠עַ֛ל כָּל־מִקְוֵ֥ה מֵימֵי⁠הֶ֖ם וְ⁠יִֽהְיוּ־דָ֑ם וְ⁠הָ֤יָה דָם֙ בְּ⁠כָל־אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם וּ⁠בָ⁠עֵצִ֖ים וּ⁠בָ⁠אֲבָנִֽים 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 7 19 9o1q figs-quotemarks קַ֣ח מַטְּ⁠ךָ֣ וּ⁠נְטֵֽה־יָדְ⁠ךָ֩ עַל־מֵימֵ֨י מִצְרַ֜יִם עַֽל־נַהֲרֹתָ֣⁠ם׀ עַל־יְאֹרֵי⁠הֶ֣ם וְ⁠עַל־אַגְמֵי⁠הֶ֗ם וְ⁠עַ֛ל כָּל־מִקְוֵ֥ה מֵימֵי⁠הֶ֖ם וְ⁠יִֽהְיוּ־דָ֑ם 1 This is a second-level direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 7 19 ysi7 figs-merism עַֽל־נַהֲרֹתָ֣⁠ם׀ עַל־יְאֹרֵי⁠הֶ֣ם וְ⁠עַל־אַגְמֵי⁠הֶ֗ם וְ⁠עַ֛ל כָּל־מִקְוֵ֥ה מֵימֵי⁠הֶ֖ם 1 This list is meant to expand on and reinforce the idea of all of the water in Egypt. You should translate the list in such a way that the locations of the blood are not limited to these specific places, but to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 7 19 wxp2 בְּ⁠כָל־אֶ֣רֶץ 1 throughout all “in every part of” EXO 7 19 msxp figs-possession וּ⁠בָ⁠עֵצִ֖ים וּ⁠בָ⁠אֲבָנִֽים 1 This possessive show composition. Alternate translation: “and in containers made from wood and in containers made from stone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 7 20 zy18 figs-explicit בַּ⁠יְאֹ֔ר 1 in the river The name of the river may be made explicit. Alternate translation: “in the Nile River” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 7 20 mj8v figs-metonymy לְ⁠עֵינֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה וּ⁠לְ⁠עֵינֵ֖י עֲבָדָ֑י⁠ו 1 This means in their sight. Alternate translation: “in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 7 22 6njd translate-unknown חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י 1 See how you translated this term in [7:11](../07/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 7 22 qdc7 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יֶּחֱזַ֤ק לֵב־פַּרְעֹה֙ 1 Pharaoh’s heart was hardened Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. This is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn as many others in this part of the narrative do). See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:13](../07/13.md). Alternate translation: “Pharaoh was still defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 7 22 sbic כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה 1 Because Yahweh’s prediction precedes this event, some languages may need to place the reference to that prediction before the statement that it was fulfilled. See UST and how you handled this in [7:13](../07/13.md) where the same sentence appears. EXO 7 23 atdk figs-idiom וְ⁠לֹא־שָׁ֥ת לִבּ֖⁠וֹ גַּם־לָ⁠זֹֽאת 1 This is an idiom meaning Pharaoh did not think about the meaning of the miracle he had just seen. Alternate translation: “And he did not consider what even this meant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 7 24 m6zn figs-hyperbole כָל־מִצְרַ֛יִם 1 All the Egyptians The word **all** here is a generalization that means “many.” At the least, the upper class would have sent their slaves to dig for them. Alternate translation: “Many of the Egyptians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) EXO 7 25 93t8 writing-newevent וַ⁠יִּמָּלֵ֖א 1 A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 7 25 5ma1 figs-idiom וַ⁠יִּמָּלֵ֖א שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים 1 This is an idiom meaning seven days later. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 7 25 8aut translate-numbers שִׁבְעַ֣ת 1 “7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 8 intro ww1y 0 # Exodus 08 General Notes
## Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

- the exact insects in plagues 3-4 are not certain, translation teams will need to decide what insects they can use for each
- Pharaoh makes his own heart heavy, that is, he determines to be proud and resist Yahweh twice in this chapter
- the Israelites’ sacrifices are spoken of as an abomination to the Egyptians but it is not specified how or why that is


### Lifting up the hand and staff:
In the next few chapters God will instruct Moses and/or Aaron to raise his hand and/or staff. The narrative will then record that whoever will raise his hand and/or staff. The instruction and the action do not always match exactly. God may say raise your hand and the narrative may say Moses raised his staff. These are not conflicting reports. Translators should understand that the hand and the staff are always understood together. They are one unit and they can both be mentioned or they can be mentioned separately. In each case, Moses or Aaron raises his hand with the staff in it. This fact is merely expressed differently.


## Special concepts in this chapter

### Pharaoh’s hard heart
Pharaoh’s heart is often described as hard in this chapter. This means that his heart was not open or willing to understand Yahweh’s instructions. When his heart was hardened, it became less and less receptive to Yahweh.

### Let my people go

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh for permission to “let go” of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people. EXO 8 1 tf7b figs-quotations בֹּ֖א 1 This begins a direct quote that continues until the end of [verse 4](../08/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 8 1 v6ll כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה 1 This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information. EXO 8 1 lndc figs-quotesinquotes כֹּ֚ה 1 This begins a second-level quote that continues until the end of [verse 4](../08/04.md). It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer level. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 8 1 kure figs-quotesinquotes שַׁלַּ֥ח 1 This begins a third-level quote that continues until the end of [verse 4](../08/04.md). It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer levels. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 8 2 s7y1 figs-ellipsis לְ⁠שַׁלֵּ֑חַ 1 What Pharaoh is to **let go** is not specified, but “my people” or “the Israelites” are the understood object. Alternate translation: “to let the Israelites go” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) EXO 8 2 aei8 הִנֵּ֣ה 1 **Behold** is an interjection meant to focus the attention of the listener on what comes next, in this case a dire warning. Alternate translation: “look out” EXO 8 3 5zo6 figs-merism בְּ⁠בֵיתֶ֔⁠ךָ וּ⁠בַ⁠חֲדַ֥ר מִשְׁכָּבְ⁠ךָ֖ וְ⁠עַל־מִטָּתֶ֑⁠ךָ וּ⁠בְ⁠בֵ֤ית עֲבָדֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠עַמֶּ֔⁠ךָ וּ⁠בְ⁠תַנּוּרֶ֖י⁠ךָ וּ⁠בְ⁠מִשְׁאֲרוֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ 1 This long list means “everywhere in Egypt.” It is presented in this way for rhetorical effect, that is, to convince Pharaoh of how bad this plague will be so he will obey. You should translate the list in such a way that the frogs’ location is not limited to these specific places. The list should imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 8 4 okok figs-quotemarks 1 Up to three levels of quotes end at the end of this verse. Depending on how many levels you chose to mark as direct quotations, you should indicate them ending here with closing second-level (and third-level) quotation mark(s) or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of quotations and quotations within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 5 wll3 figs-quotemarks אֱמֹ֣ר אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן נְטֵ֤ה אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֙ בְּ⁠מַטֶּ֔⁠ךָ עַל־הַ֨⁠נְּהָרֹ֔ת עַל־הַ⁠יְאֹרִ֖ים וְ⁠עַל־הָ⁠אֲגַמִּ֑ים וְ⁠הַ֥עַל אֶת־הַֽ⁠צְפַרְדְּעִ֖ים עַל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level opening and closing quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 5 ley6 figs-quotations וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮ אֶל־מֹשֶׁה֒ אֱמֹ֣ר אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן 1 It may be helpful to translate this first quotation indirectly to avoid having two levels of quotations in this verse. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh told Moses to say to Aaron” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 8 5 5myy figs-quotemarks נְטֵ֤ה אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֙ בְּ⁠מַטֶּ֔⁠ךָ עַל־הַ֨⁠נְּהָרֹ֔ת עַל־הַ⁠יְאֹרִ֖ים וְ⁠עַל־הָ⁠אֲגַמִּ֑ים וְ⁠הַ֥עַל אֶת־הַֽ⁠צְפַרְדְּעִ֖ים עַל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 This is a second-level direct quotation (if you chose to make **Say to Aaron** a direct quotation). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with second-level opening and closing quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation inside a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 5 1qzz יָדְ⁠ךָ֙ בְּ⁠מַטֶּ֔⁠ךָ 1 See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff. EXO 8 5 z19q figs-merism עַל־הַ֨⁠נְּהָרֹ֔ת עַל־הַ⁠יְאֹרִ֖ים וְ⁠עַל־הָ⁠אֲגַמִּ֑ים 1 This list is meant to convey the idea of all the water in Egypt where frogs might live. You should translate the list in such a way that the locations are not limited to these specific places. The list should imply universality. This is made clear in [8:6](../08/06.md).(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 8 6 wf3a figs-explicit וַ⁠יֵּ֤ט אַהֲרֹן֙ 1 It is implied that Moses told Yahweh’s instructions to Aaron. You may choose to make this explicit as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 8 6 3t7n figs-explicit יָד֔⁠וֹ 1 It is implied that Aaron was holding his staff as instructed. You may choose to make this explicit. See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff. Alternate translation: “his hand holding his staff” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 8 6 j1w7 figs-synecdoche וַ⁠יֵּ֤ט אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶת־יָד֔⁠וֹ עַ֖ל מֵימֵ֣י 1 Aaron would not have been able to reach his hand over all the water in Egypt. He likely stretched his hand over some nearby portion of the Nile symbolizing all the water of Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 8 6 drmg figs-explicit וַ⁠תַּ֨עַל֙ 1 [Verse 3](../08/03.md) has specified from where the frogs will come. Here it is implied, but you may make it explicit as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 8 6 rxze figs-collectivenouns הַ⁠צְּפַרְדֵּ֔עַ 1 There were so many frogs that the text uses the collective singular. If that does not make sense in your language, you may simply use the plural as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 8 6 j83d figs-metaphor וַ⁠תַּ֨עַל֙ הַ⁠צְּפַרְדֵּ֔עַ וַ⁠תְּכַ֖ס אֶת־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 This means that there were frogs everywhere in Egypt. The image is like that of a blanket smothering the entire country. (Or more directly, like one giant, nation-sized frog sitting on top of the entire land). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 8 7 5yzg translate-unknown הַֽ⁠חֲרְטֻמִּ֖ים בְּ⁠לָטֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 See how you translated these in [7:11](../07/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 8 8 mhn3 וַ⁠יִּקְרָ֨א פַרְעֹ֜ה לְ⁠מֹשֶׁ֣ה וּֽ⁠לְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֗ן 1 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron “Then Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron” or “And the king summoned Moses and Aaron” EXO 8 8 nfe3 figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּקְרָ֨א פַרְעֹ֜ה לְ⁠מֹשֶׁ֣ה וּֽ⁠לְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֗ן וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 It is implied that Moses and Aaron came between being called and Pharaoh speaking to them. You may need to make that explicit. Alternate translation: “And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and after they came he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 8 8 pc7e figs-quotemarks הַעְתִּ֣ירוּ אֶל־יְהוָ֔ה וְ⁠יָסֵר֙ הַֽ⁠צְפַרְדְּעִ֔ים מִמֶּ֖⁠נִּי וּ⁠מֵֽ⁠עַמִּ֑⁠י וַ⁠אֲשַׁלְּחָה֙ אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֔ם וְ⁠יִזְבְּח֖וּ לַ⁠יהוָֽה 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 8 tx3t figs-quotations אֶל־יְהוָ֔ה וְ⁠יָסֵר֙ הַֽ⁠צְפַרְדְּעִ֔ים מִמֶּ֖⁠נִּי וּ⁠מֵֽ⁠עַמִּ֑⁠י 1 In some languages you may have to make the content of Pharaoh’s prayer to Yahweh a direct quote. Note that this will make it a second-level quotation and you will need to mark it with second-level quotation markings if your language uses them. Alternate translation: “to Yahweh saying, ‘Please take away the frogs from Pharaoh and from his people.’ ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 8 8 qku4 grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical וַ⁠אֲשַׁלְּחָה֙ אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֔ם וְ⁠יִזְבְּח֖וּ לַ⁠יהוָֽה 1 This promise is conditional on the frogs going away. Alternate translation: “Once the frogs are gone, I will let the people go, and they may sacrifice to Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]]) EXO 8 9 bm7x figs-quotemarks הִתְפָּאֵ֣ר עָלַ⁠י֒ לְ⁠מָתַ֣י׀ אַעְתִּ֣יר לְ⁠ךָ֗ וְ⁠לַ⁠עֲבָדֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ וּֽ⁠לְ⁠עַמְּ⁠ךָ֔ לְ⁠הַכְרִית֙ הַֽ⁠צֲפַרְדְּעִ֔ים מִמְּ⁠ךָ֖ וּ⁠מִ⁠בָּתֶּ֑י⁠ךָ רַ֥ק בַּ⁠יְאֹ֖ר תִּשָּׁאַֽרְנָה 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 9 khfd figs-irony הִתְפָּאֵ֣ר עָלַ⁠י֒ 1 Moses speaks with false humility here. He is ironically pointing out Pharaoh’s powerlessness before Yahweh. Alternate translation: “You can choose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) EXO 8 9 g0lu figs-merism לְ⁠ךָ֗ וְ⁠לַ⁠עֲבָדֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ וּֽ⁠לְ⁠עַמְּ⁠ךָ֔…מִמְּ⁠ךָ֖ וּ⁠מִ⁠בָּתֶּ֑י⁠ךָ 1 These lists mean “for everyone” and “from everywhere” (in Egypt). This makes clear that Moses will ask for a complete end of the plague. You should translate the list in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics, but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 8 10 g5e7 figs-quotemarks לְ⁠מָחָ֑ר 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 10 tvjo figs-quotemarks כִּ⁠דְבָ֣רְ⁠ךָ֔ 1 A direct quote begins here that continues to the end of the next verse. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 10 ofw3 grammar-connect-logic-goal לְמַ֣עַן תֵּדַ֔ע כִּי־אֵ֖ין כַּ⁠יהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 This knowledge is the goal of Yahweh’s granting a respite from the frogs. In some languages you may need to place this at the end of [verse 11](../08/11.md) after Moses says the frogs will leave. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) EXO 8 10 8120 figs-exclusive אֱלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 Here, **our** refers to the Israelites’ God, excluding Pharaoh and the Egyptians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) EXO 8 11 zwqo figs-merism מִמְּ⁠ךָ֙ וּ⁠מִ⁠בָּ֣תֶּ֔י⁠ךָ וּ⁠מֵ⁠עֲבָדֶ֖י⁠ךָ וּ⁠מֵ⁠עַמֶּ֑⁠ךָ 1 This list means “from everywhere and everyone” (in Egypt). This shows that the end of the plague will be as complete as its extent. You should translate the list in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics, but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 8 11 ttyr figs-quotemarks רַ֥ק בַּ⁠יְאֹ֖ר תִּשָּׁאַֽרְנָה 1 After this phrase, the direct quote of Moses that started in the previous verse ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 12 jjv2 שָׂ֥ם 1 “Yahweh had set” EXO 8 12 nxyi writing-newevent וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֥א מֹשֶׁ֛ה וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֖ן 1 A minor scene shift occurs here and may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 8 13 80ei figs-merism מִן־הַ⁠בָּתִּ֥ים מִן־הַ⁠חֲצֵרֹ֖ת וּ⁠מִן־הַ⁠שָּׂדֹֽת 1 This list means “from everywhere” (in Egypt). This makes clear that there was a complete end of the plague. You should translate the list in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics, but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 8 14 a03n חֳמָרִ֣ם חֳמָרִ֑ם 1 Literally, “piles piles.” Repetition is used in Hebrew to emphasize how many or how big they were. EXO 8 15 lv2n figs-metaphor וְ⁠הַכְבֵּד֙ אֶת־לִבּ֔⁠וֹ 1 he hardened his heart Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if he made his own heart heavy. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:14](../07/14.md), but note, there, that the state of Pharaoh’s heart is reported, whereas here, Pharaoh makes his own heart heavy. Alternate translation: “and Pharaoh determined to be defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 8 15 b47h כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה 1 just as Yahweh had said that he would do “just as Yahweh had said Pharaoh would do” EXO 8 16 7tgc writing-newevent וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮ 1 A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. This is the start of the third plague sequence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 8 16 s5gh figs-quotations אֱמֹר֙ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֔ן נְטֵ֣ה אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֔ וְ⁠הַ֖ךְ אֶת־עֲפַ֣ר הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ וְ⁠הָיָ֥ה לְ⁠כִנִּ֖ם בְּ⁠כָל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. However, it may be helpful to translate one of the parts as an indirect quotation so that you do not have to have two levels of quotations here. Alternate translation: see UST or “[And Yahweh told Moses] to tell Aaron” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 8 16 xh9e figs-quotemarks נְטֵ֣ה אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֔ וְ⁠הַ֖ךְ אֶת־עֲפַ֣ר הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ וְ⁠הָיָ֥ה לְ⁠כִנִּ֖ם בְּ⁠כָל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 This is a second-level direct quotation (unless you translated one portion as an indirect quotation). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level (or first-level) quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation (within a quotation). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 16 joxz נְטֵ֣ה אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֔ וְ⁠הַ֖ךְ 1 This is one action or motion but it is described with the two verbs that occur throughout this section of plague judgment. EXO 8 16 4kyj מַטְּ⁠ךָ֔ 1 This is Aaron’s staff. See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff. EXO 8 16 w5el translate-unknown לְ⁠כִנִּ֖ם 1 We do not know exactly what this word means. It is probably a tiny (as in dust-particle size) biting insect. You should choose a different insect here than in the next plague ([8:21](../08/21.md)-8:31). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 8 17 8zno וַ⁠יֵּט֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן אֶת־יָד֤⁠וֹ בְ⁠מַטֵּ֨⁠הוּ֙ וַ⁠יַּךְ֙ אֶת־עֲפַ֣ר הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ 1 Again, this is one action or motion but it is described with the two verbs that occur throughout this section of plague judgment. See how you translated it in the [previous verse](../08/16.md). EXO 8 17 l784 יָד֤⁠וֹ בְ⁠מַטֵּ֨⁠הוּ֙ 1 See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff. EXO 8 17 nhgt translate-unknown הַ⁠כִּנָּ֔ם …כִנִּ֖ים 1 Again, we do not know this term for certain, so see how you translated it in [8:16](../08/16.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 8 17 grs3 figs-gendernotations בָּ⁠אָדָ֖ם 1 This includes women and children. Alternate translation: “people” or “mankind” or “humans” See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) EXO 8 17 grg5 figs-hyperbole כָּל־עֲפַ֥ר הָ⁠אָ֛רֶץ …בְּ⁠כָל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 This extraordinary statement is used to emphasize the extent and severity of the plague. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) EXO 8 18 9iqc translate-unknown הַ⁠חַרְטֻמִּ֧ים בְּ⁠לָטֵי⁠הֶ֛ם 1 See how you translated these in [7:11](../07/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 8 18 ii85 translate-unknown הַ⁠כִּנִּ֖ים …הַ⁠כִּנָּ֔ם 1 See how you translated this term in [8:16](../08/16.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 8 18 mnj5 figs-gendernotations בָּ⁠אָדָ֖ם 1 This includes women and children. Alternate translation: “people” or “mankind” or “humans” See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) EXO 8 19 22be translate-unknown הַֽ⁠חַרְטֻמִּים֙ 1 See how you translated this term in [7:11](../07/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 8 19 lk2k figs-synecdoche אֶצְבַּ֥ע אֱלֹהִ֖ים הִ֑וא 1 This is the finger of God The words “finger of God” represent the power of God. Alternate translation: “This is the powerful work of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 8 19 z1w2 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יֶּחֱזַ֤ק לֵב־פַּרְעֹה֙ 1 Pharaoh’s heart was hardened Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:13](../07/13.md). This is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn as many others in this part of the narrative do). Alternate translation: “Pharaoh was still defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 8 19 rp3i writing-participants אֲלֵ⁠הֶ֔ם 1 It is possible that **them** refers to the magicians here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 8 19 gjgg כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה 1 Some languages will need to place this before the thing that Yahweh predicted, as in the UST. EXO 8 20 j5n8 וְ⁠הִתְיַצֵּב֙ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה 1 stand in front of Pharaoh “and present yourself to Pharaoh” EXO 8 20 frfn writing-newevent וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה 1 A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. This is the beginning of the fourth plague sequence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 8 20 syv2 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה 1 Here, **face** figuratively means the presence of a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 8 20 2g25 הִנֵּ֖ה 1 This is used to draw attention to important information that is next. In some languages and translation styles it will make the most sense to omit this, as in the UST. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully” EXO 8 20 uypa figs-quotations כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה 1 This phrase opens a direct quote which continues until the end of [verse 23](../08/23.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. However, you may also consider making the opening portion an indirect quote so that you do not have a quote inside of a quote for the next verses. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 8 20 eqd2 כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה 1 Let my people go This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information. EXO 8 20 a7l7 figs-quotemarks שַׁלַּ֥ח 1 This phrase opens a second-level direct quote which continues until the end of [verse 23](../08/23.md), unless you made **thus says Yahweh** an indirect quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 20 fgl3 grammar-connect-logic-goal וְ⁠יַֽעַבְדֻֽ⁠נִי 1 This is the purpose of the people being let go. Alternate translation: “so they can serve me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) EXO 8 21 hitq הִנְ⁠נִי֩ 1 This is used to draw attention to important information that is next. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully” EXO 8 21 hwcl translate-collectivenouns הֶ⁠עָרֹ֑ב…הֶ֣⁠עָרֹ֔ב 1 This is a collective singular noun that refers to a great number of swarming, biting insects. Alternate translation: “swarms of flies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-collectivenouns]]) EXO 8 21 2g9v translate-unknown הֶ⁠עָרֹ֑ב…הֶ֣⁠עָרֹ֔ב 1 These are probably the large common flies that bother humans and livestock. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 8 21 foli figs-merism בְּ⁠ךָ֜ וּ⁠בַ⁠עֲבָדֶ֧י⁠ךָ וּֽ⁠בְ⁠עַמְּ⁠ךָ֛ וּ⁠בְ⁠בָתֶּ֖י⁠ךָ…בָּתֵּ֤י מִצְרַ֨יִם֙…וְ⁠גַ֥ם הָ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה 1 This long list means, “everywhere in Egypt.” It is presented in this way for rhetorical effect, that is, to convince Pharaoh of how bad this plague will be so he will obey. You should translate the list in such a way that the flies’ location is not limited to these specific places, but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]] EXO 8 22 mv8w grammar-connect-logic-result לְ⁠בִלְתִּ֥י הֱיֽוֹת־שָׁ֖ם עָרֹ֑ב 1 General Information: This is the result of Yahweh treating the land of Goshen differently. Alternate translation: “by keeping the swarm from there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 8 22 apum translate-collectivenouns עָרֹ֑ב 1 This is a collective singular noun that refers to a great number of swarming, biting insects. See how you translated this in [8:21](../08/21.md). Alternate translation: “swarms of flies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-collectivenouns]]) EXO 8 22 85hp translate-unknown עָרֹ֑ב 1 These are probably the large common flies that bother humans and livestock. See how you translated this in [8:21](../08/21.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 8 22 refq grammar-connect-logic-goal לְמַ֣עַן תֵּדַ֔ע כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה בְּ⁠קֶ֥רֶב הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ 1 This is the goal of treating the Israelites differently. In some languages you may need to put this phrase the beginning of the verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) EXO 8 22 a28h אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה בְּ⁠קֶ֥רֶב הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ 1 Here, **am** could be connecting **I** and **Yahweh** or it could be connecting **I, Yahweh** and **in the middle of the land**. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am in the middle of the land” EXO 8 23 8fsp figs-abstractnouns פְדֻ֔ת 1 This is a noun derived from a verb meaning “to buy back.” Very broadly it can mean “to save or rescue.” See the next note regarding textual variants for more information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) EXO 8 23 tf4j translate-textvariants פְדֻ֔ת 1 Many translations follow the Septuagint here, which uses the word “division.” A minor change to the Hebrew would also produce the word translated “treat differently” in the [previous verse](../08/22.md). Alternate translation: “a division” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) EXO 8 23 u4gs עַמִּ֖⁠י 1 Yahweh’s people, that is, the Israelites. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” EXO 8 23 rg2c עַמֶּ֑⁠ךָ 1 Pharaoh’s people, that is, the Egyptians. Alternate translation: “the Egyptians” EXO 8 23 9c85 figs-quotemarks לְ⁠מָחָ֥ר יִהְיֶ֖ה הָ⁠אֹ֥ת הַ⁠זֶּֽה׃ 1 After this phrase, the three levels of direct quotations of Yahweh that started in [8:20](../08/20.md) ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with closing first-level, second-level, and third-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of quotations. You may not have three levels if you made any level an indirect quote. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 24 gw3c figs-explicit וַ⁠יַּ֤עַשׂ יְהוָה֙ כֵּ֔ן 1 The UST supplies a brief sentence filling in the gap between Yahweh’s command to Moses and the onset of the plague. Some languages will need something like that to make the progression of events clear. Alternate translation: “Moses obeyed the instructions Yahweh gave him and Pharaoh responded as Yahweh had said he would. And Yahweh did so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 8 24 lk5s writing-newevent וַ⁠יַּ֤עַשׂ יְהוָה֙ כֵּ֔ן 1 There is a minor scene change here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 8 24 ut0f translate-unknown עָרֹ֣ב 1 There are probably the large common flies that bother humans and livestock. See how you translated this in [8:21](../08/21.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 8 24 dg0k translate-go וַ⁠יָּבֹא֙ 1 Some languages may need to translate this as going rather than coming. Alternate translation: “and … went” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 8 24 97aq figs-merism בֵּ֥יתָ⁠ה פַרְעֹ֖ה וּ⁠בֵ֣ית עֲבָדָ֑י⁠ו 1 This means “to everyone everywhere” (in Egypt) as made explicit in the next statement. This makes clear that the insects were throughout the land. You should translate this in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics, but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 8 24 nd6e figs-activepassive תִּשָּׁחֵ֥ת הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ מִ⁠פְּנֵ֥י הֶ⁠עָרֹֽב 1 the land was ruined because of the swarms of flies This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The swarms of flies devastated the land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 8 24 ngue figs-metonymy מִ⁠פְּנֵ֥י הֶ⁠עָרֹֽב 1 Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of the insects. Alternate translation: “because the insects were everywhere” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 8 25 e7l0 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וַ⁠יִּקְרָ֣א 1 This happened during the plague. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) EXO 8 25 ciy5 figs-quotemarks לְכ֛וּ זִבְח֥וּ לֵֽ⁠אלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֖ם בָּ⁠אָֽרֶץ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 25 gj2w figs-youdual לֵֽ⁠אלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֖ם 1 Here, **your** is plural. it could refer either to Moses and Aaron or to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual form (if you have one) if your team decides it means Moses and Aaron, otherwise use a plural form. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 8 26 tvnj figs-quotemarks וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֗ה 1 After this phrase a direct quote begins that continues until the end of [8:27](../08/27.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 26 9x8p תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת מִצְרַ֔יִם…תּוֹעֲבַ֥ת מִצְרַ֛יִם 1 We do not know what about their sacrificing was an **abomination** to the Egyptians. The same term is used in Genesis 43:32 and 46:34 to describe the Egyptians’ feelings about eating with Hebrews and about the Hebrew profession of shepherding, respectively. Translators should attempt to convey the strong negative feelings that would be provoked in the Egyptians without speculating as to the cause. EXO 8 26 43cl figs-exclusive נִזְבַּ֖ח …אֱלֹהֵ֑י⁠נוּ …נִזְבַּ֞ח …יִסְקְלֻֽ⁠נוּ 1 Here, **we, our,** and **us** should all be translated as exclusive (if your language makes that distinction). Pharaoh and the Egyptians are not included. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) EXO 8 26 i7dy figs-rquestion וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִסְקְלֻֽ⁠נוּ 1 will they not stone us? Moses asks this question to show Pharaoh that the Egyptians would not allow the Israelites to worship Yahweh by making a sacrifice repugnant to them. Alternate translation: “they will certainly stone us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 8 26 gy7d figs-metonymy לְ⁠עֵינֵי⁠הֶ֖ם 1 right before their eyes This is a figurative way of saying “where they can see.” Alternate translation: “in their sight” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 8 27 ju3u figs-exclusive נֵלֵ֖ךְ…וְ⁠זָבַ֨חְנוּ֙…אֱלֹהֵ֔י⁠נוּ…אֵלֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 Here, **we, our,** and **us** should all be translated as exclusive (if your language makes that distinction). Pharaoh and his people are not included. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) EXO 8 27 clc3 figs-quotemarks אֵלֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 After this phrase, the direct quote of Moses’ argument to Pharaoh ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 28 p3pd figs-quotemarks אָנֹכִ֞י אֲשַׁלַּ֤ח אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙ וּ⁠זְבַחְתֶּ֞ם לַ⁠יהוָ֤ה אֱלֹֽהֵי⁠כֶם֙ בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּ֔ר רַ֛ק הַרְחֵ֥ק לֹא־תַרְחִ֖יקוּ לָ⁠לֶ֑כֶת הַעְתִּ֖ירוּ בַּעֲדִֽ⁠י 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 28 qxes figs-youdual אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙ …אֱלֹֽהֵי⁠כֶם֙ …תַרְחִ֖יקוּ 1 If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 8 28 mla2 אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙ 1 “the Israelites” EXO 8 28 hnud figs-idiom הַרְחֵ֥ק…תַרְחִ֖יקוּ 1 In Hebrew, **far** is repeated to emphasize (with **not**) that they are absolutely not to go too far. If your language does not use repeating words like this, express the emphasis in another way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 8 29 kgkx figs-quotemarks הִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֜י יוֹצֵ֤א מֵֽ⁠עִמָּ⁠ךְ֙ וְ⁠הַעְתַּרְתִּ֣י אֶל־יְהוָ֔ה וְ⁠סָ֣ר הֶ⁠עָרֹ֗ב מִ⁠פַּרְעֹ֛ה מֵ⁠עֲבָדָ֥י⁠ו וּ⁠מֵ⁠עַמּ֖⁠וֹ מָחָ֑ר רַ֗ק אַל־יֹסֵ֤ף פַּרְעֹה֙ הָתֵ֔ל לְ⁠בִלְתִּי֙ שַׁלַּ֣ח אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֔ם לִ⁠זְבֹּ֖חַ לַֽ⁠יהוָֽה 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 8 29 3hwq הִנֵּ֨ה 1 This is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation. Alternate translation: “Know this” EXO 8 29 jirm translate-unknown הֶ⁠עָרֹ֗ב 1 These are probably the large common flies that bother humans and livestock. See how you translated this in [8:21](../08/21.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 8 29 yvcl figs-123person מִ⁠פַּרְעֹ֛ה …פַּרְעֹה֙ 1 Moses may be using the third person to refer to Pharaoh to show respect, because the king appears to be relenting. If use of the third person is not a way of showing respect in your culture or is not a valid way of addressing an individual at all, you may need to change the form. Alternate translation: “from you ... you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) EXO 8 29 la3z figs-merism מִ⁠פַּרְעֹ֛ה מֵ⁠עֲבָדָ֥י⁠ו וּ⁠מֵ⁠עַמּ֖⁠וֹ 1 This list means “from everywhere and everyone” (in Egypt). This shows that the end of the plague will be as complete as its extent. You should translate the list in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics, but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 8 29 bf85 figs-doublenegatives אַל־יֹסֵ֤ף פַּרְעֹה֙ הָתֵ֔ל לְ⁠בִלְתִּי֙ שַׁלַּ֣ח אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֔ם 1 you must not deal deceitfully any more by not letting our people go This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “you must begin to deal truthfully with us and let our people go” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) EXO 8 29 hh4q רַ֗ק אַל־יֹסֵ֤ף פַּרְעֹה֙ הָתֵ֔ל 1 But you must not deal deceitfully “But you must not deceive us” or “But you must not lie to us” EXO 8 30 49le writing-newevent וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֥א מֹשֶׁ֖ה 1 There is a minor scene shift here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 8 31 rj50 translate-unknown הֶ⁠עָרֹ֔ב 1 These are probably the large common flies that bother humans and livestock. See how you translated this in [8:21](../08/21.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 8 31 2ifs figs-merism מִ⁠פַּרְעֹ֖ה מֵ⁠עֲבָדָ֣י⁠ו וּ⁠מֵ⁠עַמּ֑⁠וֹ 1 This list means “from everyone and everywhere” (in Egypt). This makes clear that there was a complete end of the plague. You should translate the list in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics, but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 8 31 mb4r figs-hyperbole לֹ֥א נִשְׁאַ֖ר אֶחָֽד 1 This extreme statement emphasizes how thoroughly Yahweh removed the insects from the land. Alternate translation: “There was not a single one of these insects left in the whole land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) EXO 8 32 sb5l figs-metaphor וַ⁠יַּכְבֵּ֤ד פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶת־לִבּ֔⁠וֹ 1 Pharaoh hardened his heart Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if he made his own heart heavy. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [8:15](../08/15.md). Alternate translation: “Pharaoh determined to be defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 9 intro hqw8 0 # Exodus 09 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Pharaoh’s hard heart

Pharaoh’s heart is often described as hard in this chapter. This means that his heart was not open or willing to understand Yahweh’s instructions. When his heart was hardened, it became less and less receptive to Yahweh.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Let my people go

This is a very important statement. Moses is not ask Pharaoh to “let go” of the Hebrew people. Instead, he is demanding that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people. EXO 9 1 se3f writing-newevent וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ 1 General Information: A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. This is the beginning of the fifth plague sequence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 9 1 38fo figs-quotemarks אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues to the end of [9:4](../09/04.md) and contains two more levels of quotes. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 9 1 0hcz figs-quotemarks אֵלָ֗י⁠ו 1 After this phrase, a second-level direct quote begins which continues to the end of [9:4](../09/04.md) and contains one more level of quotes. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 9 1 fo4o figs-quotesinquotes וְ⁠דִבַּרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗י⁠ו כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽ⁠עִבְרִ֔ים 1 You may want to translate the quote beginning with **Thus says Yahweh** as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the levels of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “and say to him that Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 9 1 w0lg כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ 1 This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information. EXO 9 1 x4bd עַמִּ֖⁠י 1 “the Israelites” EXO 9 2 l7ld figs-parallelism כִּ֛י אִם־מָאֵ֥ן אַתָּ֖ה לְ⁠שַׁלֵּ֑חַ וְ⁠עוֹדְ⁠ךָ֖ מַחֲזִ֥יק בָּֽ⁠ם 1 if you refuse to let them go, if you still keep them back These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “If you continue refusing to let them go” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 9 3 fltr הִנֵּ֨ה 1 This is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows. Alternate translation: “look out” EXO 9 3 ume2 figs-metonymy יַד־יְהוָ֜ה הוֹיָ֗ה בְּ⁠מִקְנְ⁠ךָ֙ 1 then Yahweh’s hand will be on your cattle Here, **hand** represents Yahweh’s power to afflict their animals with disease. Alternate translation: “Then the power of Yahweh will afflict your livestock” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 9 3 cjt9 figs-123person יַד־יְהוָ֜ה 1 This is part of the reported speech that Yahweh wants Moses to say to Pharaoh. Therefore, you could change the third person **the hand of Yahweh** to first person if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “My hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) EXO 9 3 tn3z figs-youdual בְּ⁠מִקְנְ⁠ךָ֙ 1 on your cattle While the word **your** here is not plural, the next verse shows that it refers to all the people of Egypt who owned cattle. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, you may want to use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 9 3 v8ur figs-merism בַּ⁠סּוּסִ֤ים בַּֽ⁠חֲמֹרִים֙ בַּ⁠גְּמַלִּ֔ים בַּ⁠בָּקָ֖ר וּ⁠בַ⁠צֹּ֑אן 1 This long list is meant to reinforce the universal effects of the coming plague. It is presented in this way for rhetorical effect, that is, to convince Pharaoh of how bad this plague will be so he will obey. You should translate the list in such a way that it is not limiting, but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]] EXO 9 3 2kqc figs-collectivenouns בַּ⁠בָּקָ֖ר …וּ⁠בַ⁠צֹּ֑אן 1 These (**cattle** and **flock**) are collective singular nouns which refer to groups of animals. Alternate translation: “on your bulls and cows and on your sheep and goats” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 9 3 3ud8 figs-metaphor כָּבֵ֥ד 1 Here, the plague is spoken of as if it weighed a lot. This means it would be very bad. Alternate translation: “severe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 9 4 x12r figs-123person יְהוָ֔ה 1 This is part of the reported speech that Yahweh wants Moses to say to Pharaoh. Therefore you could change the third person **Yahweh** to first person if it would be clearer in your language. You should do the same as you did in the [previous verse](../09/04.md). Alternate translation: “I” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) EXO 9 4 c9ob figs-possession מִקְנֵ֣ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל…מִקְנֵ֣ה מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 This means the livestock owned by the two groups. Alternate translation: “the livestock that the Israelites own… the livestock that the Egyptians own” or “the livestock belonging to the Israelites ... the livestock belonging to the Egyptians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 9 4 lp3t figs-metonymy יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 Israel’s cattle Here, **Israel** refers to the Israelites. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 9 4 u60c figs-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 Here, **Israel** is used as a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 9 4 fs25 figs-metonymy מִקְנֵ֣ה מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 Egypt’s cattle Here, **Egypt** refers to the Egyptians. Alternate translation: “the livestock of the Egyptian people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 9 4 2310 דָּבָֽר 1 “animal” EXO 9 4 xk5d מִ⁠כָּל־לִ⁠בְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 “which belongs to any of the sons of Israel” EXO 9 4 cbsz figs-quotemarks וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָמ֛וּת מִ⁠כָּל־לִ⁠בְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל דָּבָֽר 1 After this phrase, the three levels of direct quotes of Yahweh ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with closing quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of levels of quotations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 9 5 vqz2 וַ⁠יָּ֥שֶׂם יְהוָ֖ה מוֹעֵ֣ד 1 fixed a time “And Yahweh made an appointed time” EXO 9 5 7jof לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר 1 This marks the beginning of a direct quotation. It can be omitted in translation if your language does not use a similar form. However, in this sentence it is the only verb related to speech, so you may need to translate it similarly to the way the UST does.
. EXO 9 5 dh4h figs-quotemarks מָחָ֗ר יַעֲשֶׂ֧ה יְהוָ֛ה הַ⁠דָּבָ֥ר הַ⁠זֶּ֖ה בָּ⁠אָֽרֶץ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 9 5 pxb1 figs-123person יְהוָ֛ה 1 Yahweh is speaking here. Therefore you could change the third person **Yahweh** to first person if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) EXO 9 6 1ztr figs-explicit וַ⁠יַּ֨עַשׂ יְהוָ֜ה 1 It is implied that Moses went and spoke to Pharaoh as directed. You may need to make that explicit in your translation in some languages. Alternate translation: “Moses did as Yahweh had commanded. And Yahweh did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 9 6 cx5i figs-hyperbole כֹּ֖ל מִקְנֵ֣ה 1 All the cattle of Egypt died This is exaggerated to emphasize the seriousness of the event. There were still some animals alive that were afflicted by later plagues. However, it may be best to translate this with the word “all.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) EXO 9 6 iccg מִקְנֵ֣ה מִצְרָ֑יִם…וּ⁠מִ⁠מִּקְנֵ֥ה בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 This means the livestock owned by the two groups. Alternate translation: “the livestock that the Egyptians owned … But from the livestock that the Israelites owned” or “the livestock belonging to the Egyptians ... But from the livestock belonging to the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) EXO 9 6 gy7t figs-metonymy מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 cattle of Egypt Here, **Egypt** refers to the Egyptians. Alternate translation: “the Egyptian peoples’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 9 6 6ewa figs-metonymy בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 Here, **sons** figuratively means descendants. The phrase speaks of all of the Israelites as descendants of the patriarch Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Alternate translation: “the Israelite peoples’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 9 6 i0bl figs-litotes וּ⁠מִ⁠מִּקְנֵ֥ה בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֹא־מֵ֥ת אֶחָֽד 1 This emphatic negative statement could be stated positively. Alternate translation: “But every single one of the Israelites’ livestock lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) EXO 9 7 md84 וְ⁠הִנֵּ֗ה 1 behold **Behold** is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows. Alternate translation: “and listen” EXO 9 7 rtny figs-litotes לֹא־מֵ֛ת מִ⁠מִּקְנֵ֥ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל עַד־אֶחָ֑ד 1 This emphatic negative statement could be stated positively. Alternate translation: “every single one of the Israelites’ livestock was alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) EXO 9 7 kkuc figs-metonymy יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 Here, **Israel** refers to the Israelites. Alternate translation: “of the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 9 7 sfor figs-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 Here, **Israel** is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 9 7 j51j figs-metaphor וַ⁠יִּכְבַּד֙ לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 his heart was stubborn Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were heavy. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. This is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn as many others in this part of the narrative do). See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:14](../07/14.md). Alternate translation: “But Pharaoh was defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 9 8 brm6 writing-newevent וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮ 1 kiln A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. This is the start of the sixth plague scene.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 9 8 ik2i figs-quotemarks אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְ⁠אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹן֒ 1 After this phrase a direct quote begins. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 9 8 luhg figs-youdual לָ⁠כֶם֙…חָפְנֵי⁠כֶ֔ם 1 **You** and **your** refer to both Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use dual form (if you have one) or plural forms (if not) here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 9 8 51op קְח֤וּ לָ⁠כֶם֙ מְלֹ֣א חָפְנֵי⁠כֶ֔ם 1 “Each of you fill both your hands with” EXO 9 8 u5wn פִּ֖יחַ כִּבְשָׁ֑ן 1 “ash from a furnace” or “ash produced by a furnace” EXO 9 8 gk7f figs-collectivenouns פִּ֖יחַ 1 Here, **ash** is singular. For some languages you may need to make it plural as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 9 8 gu1v הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֖יְמָ⁠ה 1 “toward the sky” EXO 9 8 p795 figs-metonymy לְ⁠עֵינֵ֥י פַרְעֹֽה 1 This means in his sight. Alternate translation: “in the sight of Pharaoh” or “so Pharaoh sees it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 9 9 d2v3 translate-unknown לִ⁠שְׁחִ֥ין פֹּרֵ֛חַ אֲבַעְבֻּעֹ֖ת 1 fine This is a condition where the skin is red and hot, the skin breaks, and blood and puss come out. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 9 9 jlh0 figs-gendernotations הָ⁠אָדָ֜ם 1 This includes women and children. Alternate translation: “people” or “mankind” or “humans” See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) EXO 9 9 eyc7 הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֗ה 1 to break out on “wild and domestic animals” or “wild animals and livestock” EXO 9 10 wdcn figs-collectivenouns פִּ֣יחַ 1 Here, **ash** is singular. For some languages you may need to make it plural as in the UST. See how you translated this in the [previous verse](../09/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 9 10 dp3l פִּ֣יחַ הַ⁠כִּבְשָׁ֗ן 1 “ash from a furnace” or “ash produced by a furnace” See how you translated this in the [previous verse](../09/09.md). EXO 9 10 ufpn figs-metonymy וַ⁠יַּֽעַמְדוּ֙ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה 1 Here, **before the face of** means in Pharaoh’s presence. Alternate translation: “and stood in Pharaoh’s presence” See how you translated a similar statement in the [previous verse](../09/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 9 10 xmbw הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יְמָ⁠ה 1 “toward the sky” See how you translated this in the [previous verse](../09/09.md). EXO 9 10 jhzb translate-unknown שְׁחִין֙ אֲבַעְבֻּעֹ֔ת פֹּרֵ֕חַ 1 This is a condition where the skin is red and hot, the skin breaks, and blood and puss come out. See how you translated this in the [previous verse](../09/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 9 10 7q2q figs-gendernotations בָּ⁠אָדָ֖ם 1 This includes women and children. See how you translated this in the [previous verse](../09/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) EXO 9 10 iftm וּ⁠בַ⁠בְּהֵמָֽה 1 “and on wild and domestic animals” or “and on wild animals and livestock” See how you translated this in the [previous verse](../09/09.md). EXO 9 11 jrc3 הַֽ⁠חַרְטֻמִּ֗ים …בַּֽ⁠חֲרְטֻמִּ֖ם 1 See how you translated **magicians** in [7:11](../07/11.md). EXO 9 11 dxsx figs-metonymy לַ⁠עֲמֹ֛ד לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י מֹשֶׁ֖ה 1 Here, **before the face of** means in Moses’ presence. Alternate translation: “to stand in Moses’ presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 9 11 k9uu figs-metaphor מִ⁠פְּנֵ֣י הַ⁠שְּׁחִ֑ין 1 Here, **the face of** means the existence of or perhaps pain from the boils. Alternate translation: “because of the boils” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 9 11 lpmq translate-unknown הַ⁠שְּׁחִ֑ין…הַ⁠שְּׁחִ֔ין 1 This is a condition where the skin is red and hot, the skin breaks, and blood and puss comes out. See how you translated this in [9:9](../09/09.md). However, this time only **boils** is used, without the description (“bursting blisters”) that is in the previous two verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 9 12 p5m5 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יְחַזֵּ֤ק יְהוָה֙ אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart This means God made him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart was strong. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md). Alternate translation: “But Yahweh caused Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 9 13 ifs8 writing-newevent וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. This is the beginning of the seventh plague sequence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 9 13 zsvl figs-quotemarks וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 After this phrase a direct quote begins that continues until the end of [9:19](../09/19.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 9 13 zmrt figs-metonymy וְ⁠הִתְיַצֵּ֖ב לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה 1 Here, **before the face of** means in Pharaoh’s presence. Alternate translation: “and stand in Pharaoh’s presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 9 13 56cj figs-quotations וְ⁠אָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗י⁠ו כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽ⁠עִבְרִ֔ים 1 After **and say to him**, a second-level quote begins which continues until the end of [9:19](../09/19.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. However, it may be useful to translate this short quote frame as an indirect quotation as the UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 9 13 9ha6 כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ 1 This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information. EXO 9 13 zi15 figs-quotemarks שַׁלַּ֥ח 1 **Let** is the first word of a third-level direct quote which continues until the end of [9:19](../09/19.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening third-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a third-level quotation. If you chose to make the second level an indirect quote, this may only be a second-level quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 9 14 z68b grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י 1 Here, **For** means something like “I am warning you that unless you do this.” Alternate translation: “Otherwise,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) EXO 9 14 n6wq figs-synecdoche אֲנִ֨י שֹׁלֵ֜חַ אֶת־כָּל־מַגֵּפֹתַ⁠י֙ אֶֽל־לִבְּ⁠ךָ֔ 1 on you yourself Here, **to your heart** is a synecdoche that means that even Pharaoh will be hurt by the plagues. Alternate translation: “I am about to send all my plagues against you personally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 9 15 9m72 grammar-connect-condition-contrary כִּ֤י עַתָּה֙ שָׁלַ֣חְתִּי אֶת־יָדִ֔⁠י וָ⁠אַ֥ךְ אוֹתְ⁠ךָ֛ וְ⁠אֶֽת־עַמְּ⁠ךָ֖ בַּ⁠דָּ֑בֶר וַ⁠תִּכָּחֵ֖ד מִן־הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ 1 This verse presents two things that God could have done but did not do to the Egyptians. This is to set up the reason he gives in the [next verse](../09/16.md). Be sure that it is clear in your translation that these are hypothetical past events. See the note regarding Yahweh’s stated goals in the next verse. Some languages may need to reverse the order of these verses to put Yahweh’s goals before his non-action. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]]) EXO 9 15 a3l8 figs-metonymy שָׁלַ֣חְתִּי אֶת־יָדִ֔⁠י וָ⁠אַ֥ךְ אוֹתְ⁠ךָ֛ 1 reached out with my hand and attacked you Here, **my hand** refers to God’s power. Alternate translation: “I could have used my power to attack you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 9 15 hgfx figs-metaphor וָ⁠אַ֥ךְ אוֹתְ⁠ךָ֛ וְ⁠אֶֽת־עַמְּ⁠ךָ֖ בַּ⁠דָּ֑בֶר 1 Here, **a plague** is spoken about as if it were something that could be used to hit someone. Alternate translation: “and caused you and your people to suffer from a plague” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 9 16 7mjz grammar-connect-logic-goal וְ⁠אוּלָ֗ם בַּ⁠עֲב֥וּר זֹאת֙ הֶעֱמַדְתִּ֔י⁠ךָ בַּ⁠עֲב֖וּר הַרְאֹתְ⁠ךָ֣ אֶת־כֹּחִ֑⁠י וּ⁠לְמַ֛עַן סַפֵּ֥ר שְׁמִ֖⁠י בְּ⁠כָל־הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ׃ 1 The statements from **to show** to the end of the verse are Yahweh’s stated goals, and thus, his reasons for not yet destroying Egypt and Pharaoh. You will need to translate, **However, for this reason I appointed you: in order** in a way that connects with the [previous verse](../09/15.md) in an action-goal manner. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) EXO 9 16 nec7 figs-metonymy וּ⁠לְמַ֛עַן סַפֵּ֥ר שְׁמִ֖⁠י בְּ⁠כָל־הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ 1 so that my name may be proclaimed throughout all the earth Here, **my name** represents Yahweh’s reputation. Alternate translation: “and so that people everywhere will know who I am” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 9 17 h3ed figs-metaphor עוֹדְ⁠ךָ֖ מִסְתּוֹלֵ֣ל בְּ⁠עַמִּ֑⁠י 1 lifting yourself up against my people Pharaoh’s opposition to letting the Israelites go to worship Yahweh is spoken of as if he were raising himself up as a barrier to them. Alternate translation: “You are still blocking my people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 9 17 sdav figs-rpronouns מִסְתּוֹלֵ֣ל 1 Here, Pharaoh fills two different roles in the sentence. Different languages have different methods of marking this. Translate this in a way that conveys that Pharaoh is making Pharaoh (himself) proud (metaphorically expressed as Pharaoh making Pharaoh (himself) the obstacle in the Israelites’ way to freedom as discussed in the previous note.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) EXO 9 17 r1wv מִסְתּוֹלֵ֣ל 1 Here, **you** is Pharaoh. EXO 9 17 zfhb בְּ⁠עַמִּ֑⁠י 1 Here, **my people** are the Israelites. EXO 9 18 fnd2 הִנְ⁠נִ֤י 1 Listen! “Pay attention to the important thing I am about to tell you” EXO 9 18 716v כָּ⁠עֵ֣ת…אֲשֶׁ֨ר לֹא־הָיָ֤ה כָמֹ֨⁠הוּ֙ 1 “at this time. There has never been anything like this” EXO 9 19 5h0u figs-metonymy שְׁלַ֤ח הָעֵז֙ אֶֽת־מִקְנְ⁠ךָ֔ וְ⁠אֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְ⁠ךָ֖ בַּ⁠שָּׂדֶ֑ה 1 The form of address here is singular; Moses is speaking directly to Pharaoh. However, the next two verses make it clear that Pharaoh’s servants heard and understood this warning to be for them as well. In this sense Pharaoh represents the Egyptians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 9 19 eo52 וְ⁠יָרַ֧ד עֲלֵ⁠הֶ֛ם הַ⁠בָּרָ֖ד 1 “the hail will come down on” EXO 9 19 4329 figs-gendernotations כָּל־הָ⁠אָדָ֨ם 1 Here, **man** means humans and includes men, women, and children. Alternate translation: “everyone” or “anyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) EXO 9 19 itlv וְ⁠הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֜ה 1 This includes domestic and wild animals. EXO 9 19 f80e figs-explicit וָ⁠מֵֽתוּ 1 The people and animals **will die** because they are hurt fatally by the hail. You may need to make this explicit. Alternate translation: “and the hail will kill them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 9 19 5z5d figs-quotemarks וָ⁠מֵֽתוּ 1 Up to three levels of direct quotation (depending on your earlier decision about converting a level to an indirect quotation) end at the end of this verse. You should indicate that ending here with closing first-level, second-level, and third-level (if required) quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of quotations within quotations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 9 20 dp8j figs-explicit הַ⁠יָּרֵא֙ 1 As in some other occasions, Moses’ conversation with Pharaoh is not recorded. You may need to make explicit the fact that he did as Yahweh instructed. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 9 20 p3nz הַ⁠יָּרֵא֙ אֶת־דְּבַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה מֵֽ⁠עַבְדֵ֖י פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 “Those of Pharaoh’s servants who feared Yahweh’s warning” EXO 9 21 6gcx וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־שָׂ֛ם לִבּ֖⁠וֹ אֶל 1 Here, **set his heart** means he believed or thought something was true. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. Alternate translation: “but whoever did not respect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 9 22 vtfl writing-newevent וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה 1 A minor scene shift occurs here and may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 9 22 zwvk יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֙ 1 See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff. EXO 9 22 h9cr figs-gendernotations הָ⁠אָדָ֣ם 1 This includes women and children. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) EXO 9 22 r0g4 הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֗ה 1 This includes domestic and wild animals. EXO 9 23 7538 מַטֵּ⁠הוּ֮ 1 See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff. EXO 9 25 vnpj figs-merism מֵ⁠אָדָ֖ם וְ⁠עַד־בְּהֵמָ֑ה 1 This is a figure of speech used to emphasize the extent and severity of the hail. Alternate translation: “every living thing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 9 25 ft0o figs-gendernotations מֵ⁠אָדָ֖ם 1 This includes women and children. Alternate translation: “from people” or “from mankind” or “from humans” See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) EXO 9 25 apbl בְּהֵמָ֑ה 1 This includes domestic and wild animals. EXO 9 27 fu9c writing-newevent וַ⁠יִּשְׁלַ֣ח פַּרְעֹ֗ה 1 to summon A minor scene shift occurs here and may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 9 27 sh1x חָטָ֣אתִי 1 Some commentators suggest translating **sinned** more literally, that is “missed the mark,” because Pharaoh is probably not admitting a moral failure, but instead, admitting that he misjudged. EXO 9 27 joxy הַ⁠צַּדִּ֔יק…הָ⁠רְשָׁעִֽים 1 Many commentators suggest that Pharaoh is using these terms in a narrow, legal sense and only referring to this instance. That is, he is saying something like “I’ve lost this round in court.” See UST. EXO 9 27 6p2i וְ⁠עַמִּ֖⁠י 1 **My people** refers to the Egyptians. EXO 9 28 r0cs figs-litotes וְ⁠לֹ֥א תֹסִפ֖וּ⁠ן לַ⁠עֲמֹֽד 1 This negative statement strengthens the force of Pharaoh’s statement that he will let the people go. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) EXO 9 29 ajz3 וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָי⁠ו֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 Moses said to him “And Moses said to Pharaoh” EXO 9 29 b787 translate-symaction אֶפְרֹ֥שׂ אֶת־כַּפַּ֖⁠י אֶל־יְהוָ֑ה 1 spread my hands out to Yahweh This symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. Alternate translation: “I will pray to Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) EXO 9 30 tn94 grammar-connect-condition-contrary וְ⁠אַתָּ֖ה וַ⁠עֲבָדֶ֑י⁠ךָ 1 honor Yahweh God This phrase is shifted to the beginning of the sentence to mark focus on Pharaoh and his servants because, despite Yahweh demonstrating his power, they are not yet afraid of him. If your language has a form or discourse feature that draws contrastive focus to participants, use it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]]) EXO 9 30 srx4 figs-metonymy מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י יְהוָ֥ה 1 Here, **face** means presence or power. Alternate translation: “of Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 9 31 p1v8 translate-unknown וְ⁠הַ⁠פִּשְׁתָּ֥ה…וְ⁠הַ⁠פִּשְׁתָּ֖ה 1 flax **Flax** is a plant that produces fibers that can be made into linen cloth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 9 31 lzar translate-unknown אָבִ֔יב 1 This means the seeds at the top of the stalk were developing but still green. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 9 31 9xjc גִּבְעֹֽל 1 “was flowering” EXO 9 32 jmq3 translate-unknown וְ⁠הַ⁠כֻּסֶּ֖מֶת 1 spelt **Spelt** is a kind of wheat. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 9 33 fa2j translate-symaction וַ⁠יִּפְרֹ֥שׂ כַּפָּ֖י⁠ו אֶל־יְהוָ֑ה 1 spread out his hands to Yahweh This symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 9:29](../09/29.md). Alternate translation: “lifted up his hands toward Yahweh and prayed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) EXO 9 34 ke5k figs-metaphor וַ⁠יַּכְבֵּ֥ד לִבּ֖⁠וֹ 1 hardened his heart Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if he made his own heart heavy. This time his servants do the same. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [8:15](../08/15.md). Alternate translation: “Pharaoh determined to be defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 9 34 nz0e וַ⁠יֹּ֣סֶף לַ⁠חֲטֹ֑א 1 This statement is from the author’s perspective. Therefore, unlike in [9:27](../09/27.md), **sin** should be translated with the word your language uses for “sin.” EXO 9 34 ooed וַ⁠יַּכְבֵּ֥ד לִבּ֖⁠וֹ ה֥וּא וַ⁠עֲבָדָֽי⁠ו 1 “and he caused his heart to be heavy. His servants did also” or “and he caused his heart to be heavy. His servants did the same” EXO 9 35 yxt8 figs-metaphor וַֽ⁠יֶּחֱזַק֙ לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 The heart of Pharaoh was hardened Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:13](../07/13.md). This is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn as many others in this part of the narrative do). Alternate translation: “Pharaoh was still defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 9 35 6cbh figs-metaphor כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה בְּ⁠יַד־מֹשֶֽׁה 1 This is similar to [9:12](../09/12.md). In this case, what Yahweh said is figuratively spoken of as if it were something that could be held in someone’s hand. This means that Moses delivered a message from Yahweh that Pharaoh would be stubborn. It is not clear if this message was given to the Israelites or if this refers to Moses’ statement to Pharaoh in [9:30](../09/30.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 10 intro s5g1 0 # Exodus 10 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Pharaoh’s hard heart

Pharaoh’s heart is often described as hard in this chapter. This means that his heart was not open or willing to understand Yahweh’s instructions. When his heart was hardened, it became less and less receptive to Yahweh.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Let my people go

This is a very important statement. Moses does not ask Pharaoh to “let go” of the Hebrew people. Instead, he demands that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people. EXO 10 1 w4pw figs-metaphor כִּֽי־אֲנִ֞י הִכְבַּ֤דְתִּי אֶת־לִבּ⁠וֹ֙ וְ⁠אֶת־לֵ֣ב עֲבָדָ֔י⁠ו 1 for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants This means God made Pharaoh and his servants stubborn. Their stubborn attitude is spoken of as if their hearts were heavy. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md), but note that the metaphor is slightly different here. Alternate translation: “for I have caused Pharaoh and his servants to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 10 2 zg4c הִתְעַלַּ֨לְתִּי֙ בְּ⁠מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 various signs “I mocked Egypt” EXO 10 3 2614 וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֗י⁠ו 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until near the end of [10:6](../10/06.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 10 3 4b3a וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֗י⁠ו כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽ⁠עִבְרִ֔ים 1 It may be helpful to turn the introductory quotation into an indirect quotation so that you do not have to use quotes within quotes. Alternate translation: “and told him that Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, said thus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 10 3 vze4 כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ 1 This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information. EXO 10 3 cicf figs-metonymy עַד־מָתַ֣י מֵאַ֔נְתָּ לֵ⁠עָנֹ֖ת מִ⁠פָּנָ֑⁠י 1 Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of Yahweh. Particularly, it means the presence of his judgment (the plagues). Alternate translation: “Until when will you refuse to be humble when I judge you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 10 4 ge67 הִנְ⁠נִ֨י 1 listen **Behold me** adds emphasis to what is said next. Alternate translation: “beware” EXO 10 4 uwtp figs-collectivenouns אַרְבֶּ֖ה 1 **Locust** is a singular noun referring to the group as one. Alternate translation: “locusts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 10 5 zu5r figs-parallelism וְ⁠כִסָּה֙ אֶת־עֵ֣ין הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ וְ⁠לֹ֥א יוּכַ֖ל לִ⁠רְאֹ֣ת אֶת־הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ 1 hail These parallel statements have a similar meaning. They are used to emphasize the great number of locusts that are coming. In some languages this will not have the same rhetorical effect, and you will need to use another device to emphasize the statement. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 10 5 rdav וְ⁠כִסָּה֙ אֶת־עֵ֣ין הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ 1 “And it will cover the land from sight” EXO 10 5 oj3i figs-collectivenouns וְ⁠כִסָּה֙…וְ⁠אָכַ֣ל…וְ⁠אָכַל֙ 1 Here the pronoun **it** agrees in number with the collective singular “locust” in the previous verse. Insects are often referred to without gender in English, but you will need to use whatever number, gender, and/or noun class is required in your language to agree with the word for “locust” that you used in the [previous verse](../10/04.md). See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 10 6 ir5l figs-hyperbole עַל־הָ֣⁠אֲדָמָ֔ה 1 nothing ever seen This could either mean **on the earth** (planet) or “on the land” (Egypt). Either way, it is meant to emphasize an extremely long time, meaning never. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) EXO 10 6 4mno figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּ֥פֶן 1 [Verse 3](../10/03.md) says that Aaron came in to see the king with Moses. It is implied that he left with him as well. You may make this explicit if it would help your readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 10 7 xn8j figs-rquestion עַד־מָתַי֙ יִהְיֶ֨ה זֶ֥ה לָ֨⁠נוּ֙ לְ⁠מוֹקֵ֔שׁ 1 How long will this man be a menace to us? Pharaoh’s servants ask this question to show Pharaoh that he is stubbornly causing the destruction of Egypt. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “We cannot allow this man to continue to bring trouble to us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 10 7 jqbh figs-gendernotations הָ֣⁠אֲנָשִׁ֔ים 1 Here, **men** may be literal or it may refer to the Israelites, including the women and children. In [verse 10](../10/10.md) the king rejects the idea of letting the women and children go, and in [verse 11](../10/11.md) he specifically says that the men can go. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) EXO 10 7 xdm5 figs-rquestion הֲ⁠טֶ֣רֶם תֵּדַ֔ע כִּ֥י אָבְדָ֖ה מִצְרָֽיִם 1 Do you not yet realize that Egypt is destroyed? Pharaoh’s servants ask this question to bring Pharaoh to recognize what he refuses to see. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should realize that Egypt is destroyed!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 10 7 c6pr figs-activepassive כִּ֥י אָבְדָ֖ה מִצְרָֽיִם 1 that Egypt is destroyed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that these plagues have destroyed Egypt” or “that their God has destroyed Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 10 8 8ukg figs-activepassive וַ⁠יּוּשַׁ֞ב אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֤ה וְ⁠אֶֽת־אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “And a servant brought Moses and Aaron back to Pharaoh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 10 8 6733 מִ֥י וָ⁠מִ֖י 1 “Who all” EXO 10 9 fnnl figs-exclusive נֵלֵ֑ךְ…נֵלֵ֔ךְ 1 **We** means the Israelites and does not include Pharaoh or the Egyptians. Use an exclusive form here if your language has this distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) EXO 10 10 hjc9 יְהִ֨י כֵ֤ן יְהוָה֙ עִמָּ⁠כֶ֔ם כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר אֲשַׁלַּ֥ח אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠אֶֽת־טַפְּ⁠כֶ֑ם 1 if I ever let you go and your little ones go **May Yahweh be with you** is usually a blessing but is almost certainly not here. It likely means something like “It will take Yahweh’s power to make me let you and your children go,” or “May Yahweh be as favorable to you as I am to the idea of letting your children go.” Pharaoh is saying that it will take Yahweh to make him do what Moses wants, but he does not think that will happen. Alternate translation: “It will be clear that Yahweh is with you if I let you and your children go” EXO 10 10 w8x4 רְא֕וּ כִּ֥י רָעָ֖ה נֶ֥גֶד פְּנֵי⁠כֶֽם 1 The phrase **for evil is before your faces** could either be a warning from Pharaoh that Moses’ actions will lead to evil for the Israelites, or it could mean that Pharaoh thinks the Israelites plan something that he considers evil. **Faces** is a metonym for the whole person. Alternate translations: “I see that you plan evil” or “Be careful! Your actions will have bad consequences” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 10 11 pkm4 הַ⁠גְּבָרִים֙ 1 Then Moses and Aaron were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence This interjection clarifies who may go. Alternate translation: “the leaders” EXO 10 11 vdjk figs-metonymy מֵ⁠אֵ֖ת פְּנֵ֥י פַרְעֹֽה 1 Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of Pharaoh. Alternate translation: “from his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 10 12 kchn writing-newevent וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה 1 There is a minor scene change here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 10 12 7fa6 יָדְ⁠ךָ֜ 1 See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff. EXO 10 12 qikq figs-collectivenouns בָּֽ⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה 1 **Locust** is a singular noun referring to the group as one. See how you translated this in [10:4](../10/04.md). Alternate translation: “locusts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 10 12 gzwa figs-collectivenouns וְ⁠יַ֖עַל …וְ⁠יֹאכַל֙ 1 Here, the pronoun **it** agrees in number with the collective singular “locust.” See how you translated this in [10:5](../10/05.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 10 13 xqsz מַטֵּ⁠הוּ֮ 1 See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff. EXO 10 13 vee8 ר֥וּחַ קָדִים֙ 1 The wind blew from east to west. EXO 10 13 85bf figs-collectivenouns הָ⁠אַרְבֶּֽה 1 See how you translated this in [10:4](../10/04.md). Alternate translation: “locusts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 10 14 kuuu figs-collectivenouns הָֽ⁠אַרְבֶּ֗ה …אַרְבֶּה֙ 1 See how you translated this in [10:4](../10/04.md). Alternate translation: “locusts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 10 15 b3h5 figs-collectivenouns וַ⁠יְכַ֞ס …וַ⁠יֹּ֜אכַל 1 so that it was darkened Here the pronoun **it** agrees in number with the collective singular “locust.” See how you translated this in [10:5](../10/05.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 10 15 2eo5 וַ⁠יְכַ֞ס אֶת־עֵ֣ין כָּל־הָ⁠אָרֶץ֮ 1 See how you translated this in [10:5](../10/05.md). EXO 10 15 ill1 figs-parallelism וַ⁠יֹּ֜אכַל אֶת־כָּל־עֵ֣שֶׂב הָ⁠אָ֗רֶץ וְ⁠אֵת֙ כָּל־פְּרִ֣י הָ⁠עֵ֔ץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹתִ֖יר הַ⁠בָּרָ֑ד וְ⁠לֹא־נוֹתַ֨ר כָּל־יֶ֧רֶק בָּ⁠עֵ֛ץ וּ⁠בְ⁠עֵ֥שֶׂב הַ⁠שָּׂדֶ֖ה בְּ⁠כָל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 These parallel statements reinforce one another. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 10 16 ty9f figs-youdual אֱלֹֽהֵי⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠לָ⁠כֶֽם 1 Here, **you** and **your** are plural. These could refer either to Moses and Aaron or to all the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 10 17 953e שָׂ֣א 1 “take away” EXO 10 17 ttog אַ֣ךְ הַ⁠פַּ֔עַם…רַ֖ק 1 Pharaoh could either be desperate and using **just this once ... only** to attempt to make his request as small as possible to increase the chances of it being granted, or he could be still too proud to admit guilt beyond this single incident (which is probably his bold statement about Yahweh being with the Israelites in [10:10](../10/10.md)). The former seems more likely given that he terms this plague “this death.” If your culture has a way of making a request seem as small as possible, you may want to use it to translate Pharaoh’s request. EXO 10 17 kd6d figs-youdual אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֑ם 1 this time Here, **your** is plural. This could refer either to Moses and Aaron or to all the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 10 17 doeg figs-metonymy הַ⁠מָּ֥וֶת הַ⁠זֶּֽה 1 The word **death** here refers to the destruction by the locusts of all plants in Egypt, which would eventually lead to the deaths of people, because there would be no crops. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 10 17 nn2b figs-explicit הַ⁠מָּ֥וֶת הַ⁠זֶּֽה 1 take this death away from me The word **death** here refers to the destruction by the locusts of all plants in Egypt, which would eventually lead to the deaths of people because there would be no crops. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “this destruction that will lead to our deaths” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 10 18 p9hz וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֖א 1 Moses and Aaron were summoned to the king in [10:16](../10/16.md) so some translations will need to say that they both left. EXO 10 19 xhsv רֽוּחַ־יָם֙ חָזָ֣ק מְאֹ֔ד 1 “a very strong west wind” or “a very strong wind from the west” EXO 10 19 mdp5 וַ⁠יִּשָּׂא֙ אֶת־הָ֣⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה 1 picked up the locusts “and it moved the locusts upwards” EXO 10 19 2cpb figs-collectivenouns הָ֣⁠אַרְבֶּ֔ה …אַרְבֶּ֣ה 1 See how you translated this in [10:4](../10/04.md). Alternate translation: “the locusts … of the locusts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]]) EXO 10 19 q8aj figs-collectivenouns וַ⁠יִּתְקָעֵ֖⁠הוּ 1 Here, the first **it** refers to the wind, the second agrees in number with the collective singular “locust.” See how you translated this in [10:5](../10/05.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-collectivenouns]] EXO 10 20 dw1d figs-metaphor וַ⁠יְחַזֵּ֥ק יְהוָ֖ה אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart This means God made him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md). Alternate translation: “But Yahweh caused Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 10 21 x6xk writing-newevent וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה 1 A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. This is the start of the third plague sequence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 10 21 utyz יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֙ 1 See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff. EXO 10 21 m38s figs-metaphor מִצְרָ֑יִם וְ⁠יָמֵ֖שׁ חֹֽשֶׁךְ 1 darkness that may be felt This is a somewhat puzzling construction which describes the darkness. Most English translations take it as a passive, which restated actively means, “people will feel the darkness,” meaning metaphorically what is expressed in different ways in the UST and the alternate translation here. Another option is to view the Hebrew verb form as causative and translate as such: “and the darkness will cause people to feel,” meaning people will have to feel where they are going because they will not be able to see. A final option would be a personification of darkness such that the darkness gropes around, filling in every place in the land. Alternate translation: “Egypt — an extremely oppressive darkness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 10 22 z4ge יָד֖⁠וֹ 1 See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff. EXO 10 22 vbzj translate-numbers שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת 1 “for 3” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 10 23 2cqx figs-metonymy לֹֽא־רָא֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶת־אָחִ֗י⁠ו 1 This phrase means that people could not see the people who lived closest to them, whether or not that person was literally their brother. Alternate translation: “No one could see the people who lived with them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 10 23 7ud1 figs-gendernotations אִ֣ישׁ …אִ֥ישׁ 1 Here, **man** refers to any human in general. Alternate translation: “person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) EXO 10 23 qstu translate-numbers שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת 1 “for 3” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 10 24 4jkp figs-quotemarks לְכוּ֙ עִבְד֣וּ אֶת־יְהוָ֔ה רַ֛ק צֹאנְ⁠כֶ֥ם וּ⁠בְקַרְ⁠כֶ֖ם יֻצָּ֑ג גַּֽם־טַפְּ⁠כֶ֖ם יֵלֵ֥ךְ עִמָּ⁠כֶֽם 1 This is a direct quote of what the king said. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 10 24 vp7b figs-youdual לְכוּ֙ עִבְד֣וּ … צֹאנְ⁠כֶ֥ם וּ⁠בְקַרְ⁠כֶ֖ם …טַפְּ⁠כֶ֖ם …עִמָּ⁠כֶֽם 1 Every instance of **you** and **your**, as well as the imperative verb forms in this verse, are plural. They refer to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 10 25 hnt5 figs-quotemarks וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of [10:26](10:26). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 10 25 rsr4 figs-metonymy גַּם־אַתָּ֛ה תִּתֵּ֥ן בְּ⁠יָדֵ֖⁠נוּ זְבָחִ֣ים וְ⁠עֹל֑וֹת 1 The construction here is difficult. Based on context, Moses is probably not saying that Pharaoh needs to provide his own animals to the Israelites. He is asking Pharaoh to let the Israelites take their own animals. **Give in our hands** means to take with them, by whatever means, which may include holding a rope in the hand to lead the animals or any other means of herding the animals. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 10 25 cj78 figs-metonymy זְבָחִ֣ים וְ⁠עֹל֑וֹת 1 Here, **sacrifices and burnt offerings** refers to the animals of their flocks and herds that they must take. Alternate translation: “animals for sacrifices and burnt offerings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 10 25 bjy0 וְ⁠עָשִׂ֖ינוּ לַ⁠יהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 Here, **do** means “do the sacrifices and burnt offerings.” Alternate translation: “and we will make those sacrifices and burnt offerings to Yahweh our God” EXO 10 25 7gzr figs-exclusive בְּ⁠יָדֵ֖⁠נוּ …וְ⁠עָשִׂ֖ינוּ …אֱלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 Here, **we** and **us** refers to the Israelites (same group as the speaker’s) while excluding Pharaoh and the Egyptians (listeners’ group). If your language distinguishes between forms of we and us based on who is included, be sure to use the one appropriate to the described group. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) EXO 10 26 k0pi figs-exclusive מִקְנֵ֜⁠נוּ …עִמָּ֗⁠נוּ …נִקַּ֔ח …אֱלֹהֵ֑י⁠נוּ וַ⁠אֲנַ֣חְנוּ …נֵדַ֗ע …נַּעֲבֹד֙ …בֹּאֵ֖⁠נוּ 1 Here, **we, our,** and **us** each refers to the Israelites (same group as the speaker’s) while excluding Pharaoh and the Egyptians (listeners’ group). If your language distinguishes between forms of we, our, and us based on who is included, be sure to use the one appropriate to the described group. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) EXO 10 26 ys4v figs-activepassive לֹ֤א תִשָּׁאֵר֙ פַּרְסָ֔ה 1 This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “We cannot leave behind a single animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 10 26 v9uc figs-synecdoche פַּרְסָ֔ה 1 a hoof Here the word **hoof** refers to the entire animal. Alternate translation: “a single animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 10 26 uiom שָֽׁמָּ⁠ה 1 The destination is unspecified. Previous context suggests it would be at the mountain of God (see [3:1](../03/01.md), especially [3:12](../03/12.md), and [4:27](../04/27.md)) which would take three days to travel to (see [3:18](../03/18.md) and [5:3](../05/03.md)). EXO 10 27 n588 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יְחַזֵּ֥ק יְהוָ֖ה אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart This means God made him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md). Alternate translation: “But Yahweh caused Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 10 27 mv8t וְ⁠לֹ֥א אָבָ֖ה לְ⁠שַׁלְּחָֽ⁠ם 1 he would not let them go “and Pharaoh would not consent to let them go” EXO 10 28 4d1y figs-rpronouns הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְ⁠ךָ֗ 1 Here, the listener, Moses, fills two different roles in the sentence. He is the person told to look (subject) and he himself is what he is told to look at (object). Different languages have different methods of marking this. Alternate translation: “You watch yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) EXO 10 28 lcz2 figs-explicit תָּמֽוּת 1 Be careful about one thing Pharaoh means he will have Moses killed. You may choose to make this explicit as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 10 28 te45 figs-synecdoche פָּנַ֔⁠י …פָנַ֖⁠י 1 you see my face Here, **face** refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: see UST (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 10 29 h1jf figs-idiom כֵּ֣ן דִּבַּ֑רְתָּ 1 You yourself have spoken With these words, Moses emphasizes that Pharaoh has spoken the truth. Alternate translation: “What you have said is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 10 29 rg18 figs-synecdoche פָּנֶֽי⁠ךָ 1 Here, **face** refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 11 intro pu3u 0 # Exodus 11 General Notes


Chapter 11 is a transition point in the book. The previous nine plagues (in their three sequences of three) have come to an end and the last plague, the death of the firstborn, is about to occur, along with the Passover and the Exodus itself. It is difficult to know if the events in chapter 11 all are recorded in the order in which they happened. For translation, you should follow the order of the text if it will not confuse your readers.

It may be helpful to think that after the end of chapter 10, Yahweh spoke to Moses immediately, before he actually left Pharaoh’s presence (v. [1](../11/01.md)-[2](../11/02.md)). [Verse 3](../11/03.md) is a comment suggesting that the Egyptians will be willing to do as the Israelites are told to ask them to do in [v. 2](../11/02.md). In verses [4](../11/04.md)-[7](../11/07.md) Moses gives Pharaoh and his officials a message from Yahweh that Yahweh is giving to Moses right at that moment. At the end of [v. 8](../11/08.md) Moses leaves Pharaoh’s presence (completing the interaction from the [end of ch. 10](../10/28.md)). [Verse 9](../11/09.md) may either be Yahweh telling Moses what is going to happen, or it could be part of the summary that occurs in [v. 10](../11/10.md). Verse 10 summarizes what has happened in chs. 5-10 (especially the plagues in chs. 7-10) in preparation for the great last plague.


## Special concepts in this chapter

### Pharaoh’s hard heart

Pharaoh’s heart is often described as hard in this chapter. This means that his heart was not open or willing to understand Yahweh’s instructions. When his heart was hardened, it became less and less receptive to Yahweh.

### Let my people go

In the previous chapters, Moses did not ask Pharaoh’s permission for the Hebrew people to leave. Instead, he demanded that Pharaoh free the Hebrew people. In this chapter, the same wording is used to refer to Pharaoh “allowing” the Hebrew people to leave Egypt. EXO 11 1 6qgc figs-quotemarks אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of [11:2](../11/02.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 11 1 5ktt grammar-connect-time-sequential כְּ⁠שַׁ֨לְּח֔⁠וֹ…יְגָרֵ֥שׁ 1 These verbs (**lets go** and **drive away**) are meant to immediately follow one another. When you translate, make sure they are almost simultaneous in time; the letting go happens and then immediately the driving away happens. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) EXO 11 1 iocd כָּלָ֕ה גָּרֵ֛שׁ יְגָרֵ֥שׁ 1 The wording here is very forceful. Use strong words, forms, or phrasing when you are translating. EXO 11 1 i87h figs-youdual אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם…אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם 1 he will let you go from here Each occurrence of the word **you** in this verse is plural and refers to Moses and the rest of the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 11 2 2s6a figs-aside דַּבֶּר־נָ֖א בְּ⁠אָזְנֵ֣י הָ⁠עָ֑ם וְ⁠יִשְׁאֲל֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ׀ מֵ⁠אֵ֣ת רֵעֵ֗⁠הוּ וְ⁠אִשָּׁה֙ מֵ⁠אֵ֣ת רְעוּתָ֔⁠הּ כְּלֵי־כֶ֖סֶף וּ⁠כְלֵ֥י זָהָֽב 1 In this verse the author interjects a comment about the situation. Some translations choose to put the verse in parenthesis to indicate this. You may mark it in a way that is natural to your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]]) EXO 11 2 t14c נָ֖א 1 Here, **now** conveys urgency, indicating that Moses should speak soon, without delaying for other things. If you have a way of giving a command that shows that it is important for someone to do it quickly, it would be better to translate in that way than in a way that means “now” in a time sense (versus earlier or later). EXO 11 2 nlsk בְּ⁠אָזְנֵ֣י הָ⁠עָ֑ם 1 “so the people hear you” or “when all the people are listening” EXO 11 2 0w6r כְּלֵי־כֶ֖סֶף וּ⁠כְלֵ֥י זָהָֽב 1 These could be any sort of thing made from silver or gold (for instance: utensils, cups, pitchers, plates, candleholders), not just jewelry. EXO 11 2 4l0a וְ⁠יִשְׁאֲל֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ׀ מֵ⁠אֵ֣ת רֵעֵ֗⁠הוּ וְ⁠אִשָּׁה֙ מֵ⁠אֵ֣ת רְעוּתָ֔⁠הּ כְּלֵי־כֶ֖סֶף וּ⁠כְלֵ֥י זָהָֽב 1 [Exodus 3:22](../03/22.md) contains similar instructions; see how you translated there. EXO 11 2 jyqa figs-quotemarks זָהָֽב 1 At the end of this verse, the direct quote of Yahweh that started in the previous verse ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 11 3 hng9 figs-idiom חֵ֥ן הָ⁠עָ֖ם בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 Here, **in the eyes of the Egyptians** is an idiom for the Egyptian’s feelings or opinion. **Favor** means those feelings are positive. Taken together, this means that when the Egyptians see the Israelites leaving Egypt, they will gladly help them. (Because the Egyptians have suffered under Gods judgment, the Egyptians want so badly to see them leave). If your language has the same or a similar idiom, you can translate or use it. Otherwise, you can translate the meaning. See how you translated this in [3:21](../03/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 11 3 1et2 figs-idiom בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֥י עַבְדֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה וּ⁠בְ⁠עֵינֵ֥י הָ⁠עָֽם 1 Here, **in the eyes of the servants of Pharaoh and in the eyes of the people** is an idiom for their feelings or opinions. If your language has the same or a similar idiom, you can translate or use it. Otherwise, you can translate the meaning. See how you translated a similar idiom in [3:21](../03/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 11 3 12gp וַ⁠יִּתֵּ֧ן יְהוָ֛ה אֶת־חֵ֥ן הָ⁠עָ֖ם בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 [Exodus 3:21](../03/21.md) contains a related phrase; see how you translated it there. EXO 11 4 sewb figs-quotemarks וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of [11:8](../11/08.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 11 4 kpb5 כֹּ֖ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה 1 midnight This quotation form is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information. EXO 11 4 vyvr figs-quotemarks כֹּ֖ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה 1 After this phrase, a second-level direct quote begins which continues until the end of [11:7](../11/07.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 11 5 hv8k בְּכוֹר֮ …מִ⁠בְּכ֤וֹר …בְּכ֣וֹר …בְּכ֥וֹר 1 All the firstborn … the firstborn of Pharaoh … the firstborn of the slave girl … the firstborn of the cattle The “firstborn” always refers to the oldest male offspring. EXO 11 5 k42h figs-merism מִ⁠בְּכ֤וֹר פַּרְעֹה֙ הַ⁠יֹּשֵׁ֣ב עַל־כִּסְא֔⁠וֹ עַ֚ד בְּכ֣וֹר הַ⁠שִּׁפְחָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר אַחַ֣ר הָ⁠רֵחָ֑יִם וְ⁠כֹ֖ל בְּכ֥וֹר בְּהֵמָֽה 1 who sits on his throne This is a merism. First, two extremes are mentioned: the highest of society (**Pharaoh, who sits on his throne**) and the lowest (**the slave girl who is behind the mill**). Then the animals (**beasts**) are added making it a three- item list of parts of society and even economy to show the totality of the coming judgment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 11 5 hr1x אֲשֶׁ֖ר אַחַ֣ר הָ⁠רֵחָ֑יִם 1 who is behind the handmill grinding it “who is grinding at the handmill” or “who is behind the handmill grinding grain” EXO 11 6 hui7 figs-merism אֲשֶׁ֤ר כָּמֹ֨⁠הוּ֙ לֹ֣א נִהְיָ֔תָה וְ⁠כָמֹ֖⁠הוּ לֹ֥א תֹסִֽף 1 This is a merism that uses the extremes of past and future to emphasize the concept of “never.” Alternate translation: “such as has never been and never will be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 11 7 b60a figs-idiom לֹ֤א יֶֽחֱרַץ…לְשֹׁנ֔⁠וֹ 1 This means make an unfriendly noise. Alternate translation: “will not growl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 11 7 t61i figs-youdual תֵּֽדְע֔וּ⁠ן 1 Here, **you** is plural. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 11 7 fl78 אֲשֶׁר֙ יַפְלֶ֣ה יְהוָ֔ה בֵּ֥ין מִצְרַ֖יִם וּ⁠בֵ֥ין יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 9:4](../09/04.md). EXO 11 7 wicm figs-quotemarks יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 After this phrase, the second-level direct quote ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 11 8 9zor translate-symaction וְ⁠הִשְׁתַּֽחֲוּוּ־לִ֣⁠י 1 This does not mean to bow for worshiping. **They will bow to** Moses to beg him to leave. They will do this to show how desperate they will be for Moses and the Israelites to go. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) EXO 11 8 l678 figs-explicit וְ⁠הִשְׁתַּֽחֲוּוּ־לִ֣⁠י 1 **They will bow to** Moses to beg him to leave. They will do this to show how desperate they will be for Moses and the Israelites to go. If this action would not mean the same thing in your culture, you may need to make the reason they are bowing explicit. Alternate translation: “and they will bow down to me to beg” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 11 8 4b8i figs-metaphor וְ⁠כָל־הָ⁠עָ֣ם אֲשֶׁר־בְּ⁠רַגְלֶ֔י⁠ךָ 1 Here, the people are figuratively pictured as below Moses, as his followers. The reference to **feet** also can mean they go the same place he goes, again, meaning “follower.” If your language uses a similar image to mean follower, you can translate the image; if not, you may use another image from your culture or translate the meaning. Alternate translation: “and all the people who are following you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 11 8 ria5 figs-explicit וְ⁠אַחֲרֵי־כֵ֖ן אֵצֵ֑א 1 After that I will go out This means that Moses and the Israelites will leave Egypt. Alternate translation: “After that I will leave here” or “After that I will go out from Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 11 8 awcj figs-quotemarks אֵצֵ֑א 1 After this phrase, the direct quote ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 11 8 76oj figs-idiom בָּ⁠חֳרִי־אָֽף 1 This is an idiom meaning that Moses is angry. Alternate translation: “enraged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 11 9 xk4l figs-quotemarks לֹא־יִשְׁמַ֥ע אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֖ם פַּרְעֹ֑ה לְמַ֛עַן רְב֥וֹת מוֹפְתַ֖⁠י בְּ⁠אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 11 10 2cqt writing-endofstory וּ⁠מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֗ן עָשׂ֛וּ אֶת־כָּל־הַ⁠מֹּפְתִ֥ים הָ⁠אֵ֖לֶּה לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה וַ⁠יְחַזֵּ֤ק יְהוָה֙ אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְ⁠לֹֽא־שִׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵ⁠אַרְצֽ⁠וֹ 1 This verse is summarizing and wrapping up the story of the plagues. If your language has a way of summarizing information at the end of a story, try to translate this verse (and possibly verse 9 - see the the introductory notes to this chapter) in this way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]]) EXO 11 10 um4u figs-metaphor וַ⁠יְחַזֵּ֤ק יְהוָה֙ אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart This means God made him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md). Alternate translation: “But Yahweh caused Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 12 intro fd2f 0 # Exodus 12 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

The events of this chapter are known as the Passover. They are remembered in the celebration of Passover. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/passover]])
1. Instruction v. 1-28
- v. 1-20: Yahweh gives instructions
- v. 1-11: how to eat this Passover
- v. 12-13: description of the plague
- v. 14-20: directions for future celebration of Passover
- v. 21-28: Moses repeats Yahweh’s instructions to Israelites
2. Narrative v. 29-42: Passover and Exodus
3. Instruction v. 43-49: which foreigners may eat Passover
4. Summary Narrative v. 50-51

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Unleavened bread
The concept of unleavened bread is introduced in this chapter. Its significance stems from its connection to the events in this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/unleavenedbread]])

### Ethnic segregation
The Hebrew people were to be separate from the rest of the world. Because of this, they separated themselves from other people groups. At this time, these foreigners were looked upon as unholy. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])


## Potential translation issues:

### Passover


### Pronoun usage
In the long quotation (verses 3-20) that Yahweh tells Moses and Aaron to convey to the Israelites, he speaks of them in the third person (“they must”) in [verses 3](../12/03.md)–4 and [verses 7](../12/07.md)–8 and to them in the second person (“you must”) for all the rest of the instruction. Some languages may need to keep the pronoun person consistent throughout the quotation.


### You plural
In this chapter, almost every occurrence of “you” or “your” is plural. Each one refers to all the Israelites. Those that are not will be marked. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form throughout unless otherwise noted. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 12 2 z785 figs-quotemarks הַ⁠חֹ֧דֶשׁ הַ⁠זֶּ֛ה לָ⁠כֶ֖ם רֹ֣אשׁ חֳדָשִׁ֑ים 1 For you, this month will be the start of months, the first month of the year to you The start of this verse is the beginning of a direct quote which continues until the end of [verse 20](../12/20.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 12 2 gtgb figs-parallelism הַ⁠חֹ֧דֶשׁ הַ⁠זֶּ֛ה לָ⁠כֶ֖ם רֹ֣אשׁ חֳדָשִׁ֑ים רִאשׁ֥וֹן הוּא֙ לָ⁠כֶ֔ם לְ⁠חָדְשֵׁ֖י הַ⁠שָּׁנָֽה 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the month in which the events of this chapter take place will be the beginning of their calendar year. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 12 3 8rfd figs-youdual דַּבְּר֗וּ 1 The command here is to both Moses and Aaron. If your language uses a different form if two are people addressed, use a dual form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 12 2 uy4w translate-hebrewmonths רִאשׁ֥וֹן הוּא֙ לָ⁠כֶ֔ם לְ⁠חָדְשֵׁ֖י הַ⁠שָּׁנָֽה 1 the first month of the year The first month of the Hebrew calendar includes the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. It marks when Yahweh rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]]) EXO 12 3 nu6r figs-quotemarks לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר בֶּ⁠עָשֹׂ֖ר 1 After **saying**, a second level direct quotation begins which continues until the end of [verse 20](../12/20.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. **Saying** is used to mark the beginning of a quote. Many times it can be omitted in translation if the target language does not use a similar structure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 12 3 jjw0 וְ⁠יִקְח֣וּ לָ⁠הֶ֗ם אִ֛ישׁ שֶׂ֥ה לְ⁠בֵית־אָבֹ֖ת שֶׂ֥ה לַ⁠בָּֽיִת 1 This seems to be indicating that if multiple families live in one house, the man who is the leader of the family group that lives there should take one lamb for that whole household. Alternate translation: “the father of each household must take a lamb for his household, one per household” EXO 12 3 d1f5 שֶׂ֥ה לַ⁠בָּֽיִת 1 “one lamb per house” EXO 12 3 qzct שֶׂ֥ה…שֶׂ֥ה 1 This word literally means, “of the flock,” and could also be translated as a sheep or a goat. Here, the ULT uses **lamb** (a young sheep), because [verse 5](../12/05.md) specifies that it must be one year old. “Kid” (a young goat) would be equally valid as verse 5 also says that it could be either a sheep or a goat. You may translate it as whatever would be most familiar of sheep or goat—preferably a word that means a young sheep or goat. EXO 12 4 xzn3 figs-explicit וְ⁠אִם־יִמְעַ֣ט הַ⁠בַּיִת֮ מִ⁠הְיֹ֣ת מִ⁠שֶּׂה֒ 1 If the household is too small for a lamb This means that there are not enough people in the family to eat an entire lamb. Alternate translation: “If there are not enough people in the household to eat an entire lamb” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 12 4 067d וּ⁠שְׁכֵנ֛⁠וֹ הַ⁠קָּרֹ֥ב אֶל־בֵּית֖⁠וֹ בְּ⁠מִכְסַ֣ת נְפָשֹׁ֑ת 1 This phrase could either mean simply a neighbor that lives nearby or it could refer to a family of similar size, or of the right size to split a lamb with. EXO 12 4 fu2g figs-gendernotations אִ֚ישׁ 1 the man and his next door neighbor This refers to each person, whether man, woman, or child. Alternate translation: “each family member” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) EXO 12 6 lz76 בֵּ֥ין הָ⁠עַרְבָּֽיִם 1 twilight This refers to the time of evening after the sun has set but while there is still some light. EXO 12 7 cjt7 עַל־שְׁתֵּ֥י הַ⁠מְּזוּזֹ֖ת וְ⁠עַל־הַ⁠מַּשְׁק֑וֹף עַ֚ל הַ⁠בָּ֣תִּ֔ים 1 on the two side doorposts and on the tops of the doorframes of the houses “on the sides and top of the way into the house” EXO 12 8 uxn6 מְרֹרִ֖ים 1 bitter herbs These are small plants that have a strong and usually bad taste. EXO 12 9 ny3a אַל־תֹּאכְל֤וּ מִמֶּ֨⁠נּוּ֙ נָ֔א 1 Do not eat it raw “Do not eat the lamb or goat uncooked” EXO 12 11 ks7d חֲגֻרִ֔ים 1 belt **Belts** are strips of leather or fabric for tying around the waist. EXO 12 11 nzw2 וַ⁠אֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם אֹת⁠וֹ֙ בְּ⁠חִפָּז֔וֹן 1 eat it hurriedly “And you must eat it quickly” EXO 12 11 r789 figs-explicit פֶּ֥סַח ה֖וּא לַ⁠יהוָֽה 1 It is Yahweh’s Passover Here the word **it** refers to eating the animal on the tenth day of the month. Alternate translation: “This observance is Yahweh’s Passover” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 12 12 sa5n figs-abstractnouns וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־אֱלֹהֵ֥י מִצְרַ֛יִם אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה שְׁפָטִ֖ים 1 I will bring punishment on all the gods of Egypt This can be stated with a verbal form as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) EXO 12 13 tywz figs-abstractnouns לְ⁠מַשְׁחִ֔ית 1 This can be stated with a verbal form as in the UST. Alternate translation: “to destroy you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) EXO 12 13 3912 figs-activepassive וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִֽהְיֶ֨ה בָ⁠כֶ֥ם נֶ֨גֶף֙ 1 This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “and I will not put the plague on you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 12 13 ox3l figs-metonymy בְּ⁠אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 Yahweh is going to strike the people and animals who live in **the land of Egypt**. Alternate translation: “on everything living in the land of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 12 14 4wsd וְ⁠הָיָה֩ הַ⁠יּ֨וֹם הַ⁠זֶּ֤ה 1 Verses 14-[20](../12/20.md) are instructions for the Israelites’ future celebration of the Passover. If your language makes a distinction between near and far future events or between near and general commands, you may need to make clear that these verses primarily have a later application. EXO 12 14 usns translate-hebrewmonths הַ⁠יּ֨וֹם הַ⁠זֶּ֤ה 1 **This day** means the tenth day of the first month of every year. On this day every year, they must celebrate the Passover. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]]) EXO 12 15 xsb9 אַ֚ךְ 1 “Surely” or “Indeed” EXO 12 15 i9n3 figs-metaphor וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֞ה הַ⁠נֶּ֤פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִוא֙ מִ⁠יִּשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 that person must be cut off from Israel The metaphor **cut off** has at least three possible meanings. The following alternate translations express those: (1) “he must be sent away” or (2) “he will no longer be considered to be one of the people of Israel” or (3) “he must be killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 12 15 88wc figs-activepassive וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֞ה הַ⁠נֶּ֤פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִוא֙ מִ⁠יִּשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 The metaphor **cut off** has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form. Who will cut off that person is also not specified, it could be the Israelites or Yahweh. The following alternate translations express those: (1) “the people of Israel must send him away” or (2) “I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel” or (3) “the people of Israel must kill him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 12 15 eqzu grammar-collectivenouns מִ⁠יִּשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 **Israel** is a collective noun referring to the nation or people group. Alternate translation: “from the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) EXO 12 16 bzj6 figs-activepassive וּ⁠בַ⁠יּ֤וֹם הָ⁠רִאשׁוֹן֙ מִקְרָא־קֹ֔דֶשׁ וּ⁠בַ⁠יּוֹם֙ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔י מִקְרָא־קֹ֖דֶשׁ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָ⁠כֶ֑ם 1 an assembly that is set apart to me This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “And on the first day and on the seventh day, you shall have an assembly of holiness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 12 16 63ed translate-ordinal וּ⁠בַ⁠יּ֤וֹם הָ⁠רִאשׁוֹן֙…וּ⁠בַ⁠יּוֹם֙ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔י 1 **First** and **seventh** are ordinal numbers. Alternate translation: “And on day one of the month ... and on day seven of the month” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 12 16 l7pj figs-activepassive כָּל־מְלָאכָה֙ לֹא־יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה בָ⁠הֶ֔ם 1 No work will be done on these days This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You will do no work on these days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 12 16 qr65 figs-activepassive ה֥וּא לְ⁠בַדּ֖⁠וֹ יֵעָשֶׂ֥ה לָ⁠כֶֽם 1 That must be the only work that may be done by you This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that must be the only work that you do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 12 17 r3qj translate-unknown צִבְאוֹתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם 1 armed group by armed group The term **hosts** refers to a large group of people, often organized into groups for war. See how you translated this in [Exodus 6:26](../06/26.md). Alternate translation: “your groups” or “your divisions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 12 18 7oat translate-ordinal בָּ⁠רִאשֹׁ֡ן בְּ⁠אַרְבָּעָה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֤וֹם לַ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ֙…עַ֠ד י֣וֹם הָ⁠אֶחָ֧ד וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֛ים לַ⁠חֹ֖דֶשׁ 1 **First**, **fourteenth**, and **twenty-first** are ordinal numbers. Alternate translation: “In month one, on day fourteen ... until day twenty-one of the month” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 12 18 l57q translate-ordinal בָּ⁠רִאשֹׁ֡ן בְּ⁠אַרְבָּעָה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֤וֹם לַ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ֙…עַ֠ד י֣וֹם הָ⁠אֶחָ֧ד וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֛ים לַ⁠חֹ֖דֶשׁ 1 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 12 18 m475 translate-hebrewmonths בָּ⁠רִאשֹׁ֡ן בְּ⁠אַרְבָּעָה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֤וֹם לַ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ֙ 1 the fourteenth day in the first month This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The fourteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]]) EXO 12 18 uss3 translate-hebrewmonths י֣וֹם הָ⁠אֶחָ֧ד וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֛ים לַ⁠חֹ֖דֶשׁ 1 the twenty-first day of the month This is near the middle of April on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]]) EXO 12 19 aej1 figs-activepassive שְׂאֹ֕ר לֹ֥א יִמָּצֵ֖א בְּ⁠בָתֵּי⁠כֶ֑ם 1 no yeast must be found in your houses This can be stated in active form. Note that the UST is much more accurate to the meaning here as the alternate translation in this note could suggest to someone that you must simply hide the yeast very well. Alternate translation: “no one must be able to find any yeast in your houses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 12 19 vy72 figs-metaphor וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֞ה הַ⁠נֶּ֤פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִוא֙ מֵ⁠עֲדַ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 must be cut off from the community of Israel The metaphor **cut off** has at least three possible meanings. The following alternate translations express those: (1) “that person must be sent away” or (2) “that person will no longer be considered to be one of the people of Israel” or (3) “that person must be killed” See how you translated **cut off** in [Exodus 12:15](../12/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 12 19 cwvs figs-activepassive וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֞ה הַ⁠נֶּ֤פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִוא֙ מֵ⁠עֲדַ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 The metaphor **cut off** has at least three possible meanings. Who will cut off that person is also not specified, it could be the Israelites or Yahweh. They can be expressed in active form. See how you translated **cut off** in [Exodus 12:15](../12/15.md). The following alternate translations express those: (1) “the people of Israel must send that person away” or (2) “I will no longer consider that person to be one of the people of Israel” or (3) “the people of Israel must kill that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 12 20 407n figs-quotemarks מַצּֽוֹת 1 After this phrase, the direct quote of Yahweh’s commands to Moses and Aaron for the Israelites ends (two levels). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with closing second-level and first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of quotations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 12 21 y9qt writing-newevent 1 summoned A new scene begins at this verse, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 12 21 4hw6 figs-quotemarks וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵ⁠הֶ֑ם 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of [12:27](../12/27.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 12 22 qwv1 translate-unknown אֲגֻדַּ֣ת אֵז֗וֹב 1 hyssop **Hyssop** is a woody plant with small leaves that can be used for sprinkling liquids. If this plant is unknown, you can use a descriptor phrase. Alternate translation: “part of a plant with small branches and many leaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 12 22 c1cf אֶל־הַ⁠מַּשְׁקוֹף֙ וְ⁠אֶל־שְׁתֵּ֣י הַ⁠מְּזוּזֹ֔ת 1 the top of the doorframe and the two doorposts “on the sides and top of the way into the house.” See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 12:7](../12/07.md). EXO 12 22 vdlj figs-gendernotations לֹ֥א…אִ֥ישׁ 1 Here, **man** includes women and children. Alternate translation: “no person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) EXO 12 23 uu61 figs-synecdoche וּ⁠פָסַ֤ח יְהוָה֙ עַל־הַ⁠פֶּ֔תַח 1 pass over your door Here the word **door** implies the entire house. This means that God will spare the Israelites in houses with blood on the door frames. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh will pass over the house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 12 23 onpu עַל־הַ⁠מַּשְׁק֔וֹף וְ⁠עַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֣י הַ⁠מְּזוּזֹ֑ת 1 “on the sides and top of the way into the house” See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 12:7](../12/07.md). EXO 12 24 v7z5 הַ⁠דָּבָ֣ר הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה 1 this event These words refer to the Passover or Festival of Unleavened Bread. Observing the Passover was an act of worshiping Yahweh. EXO 12 24 bzm0 figs-youcrowd לְ⁠ךָ֥ וּ⁠לְ⁠בָנֶ֖י⁠ךָ 1 Here, **you** and **your** are singular but they refer to the whole nation. You may need to continue to use a plural form of “you,” if your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]]) EXO 12 24 ch73 figs-gendernotations וּ⁠לְ⁠בָנֶ֖י⁠ךָ 1 Here, **sons** includes everyone. Alternate translation: see UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) EXO 12 25 l8ls הָ⁠עֲבֹדָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּֽאת 1 this act of worship These words refer to the Passover or Festival of Unleavened Bread. Observing the Passover was an act of worshiping Yahweh. EXO 12 26 9bx1 figs-gendernotations בְּנֵי⁠כֶ֑ם 1 This refers to all children, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) EXO 12 26 odj0 figs-quotesinquotes אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֖ם…מָ֛ה הָ⁠עֲבֹדָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֖את לָ⁠כֶֽם 1 After **you**, a second-level quotation begins. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation.
However, you may want to translate this as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the layers of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “to you what this ritual means to you,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 12 27 qft1 figs-quotemarks זֶֽבַח־פֶּ֨סַח ה֜וּא לַֽ⁠יהוָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר פָּ֠סַח עַל־בָּתֵּ֤י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ בְּ⁠מִצְרַ֔יִם בְּ⁠נָגְפּ֥⁠וֹ אֶת־מִצְרַ֖יִם וְ⁠אֶת־בָּתֵּ֣י⁠נוּ הִצִּ֑יל 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 12 27 t779 figs-explicit וְ⁠אֶת־בָּתֵּ֣י⁠נוּ הִצִּ֑יל 1 He set our households free This means that Yahweh spared the Israelites’ firstborn sons. Alternate translation: “He did not kill the firstborn sons in our houses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 12 28 r5cj כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהוָ֛ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֥ה וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֖ן כֵּ֥ן עָשֽׂוּ 1 as Yahweh had commanded Moses and Aaron “everything that Yahweh told Moses and Aaron to do” EXO 12 29 rvg9 1 The next few verses are the climax of this part of Exodus. A number of literary features mark it out. First, it is specially introduced with **and so it happened,** which is used to mark major breaks in the narrative. Second, it uses repetition: **firstborn** is repeated four times in verse 29 so that the reader cannot possibly miss what is happening. **Night** is repeated in verse 29, 30, and 31. **Got up/get up** is repeated in verse 30 and 31. In verses 31 and 32 “also” occurs five times (it is translated as “both” once in the ULT). Third, the places of both **Pharaoh** and **the captive** are elaborated on to slow the pace and create a vivid mental image for the reader. In verse 30 there is the listing of sorts of people who got up; note the use of the double negative for emphasis. Your translation should attempt to use the same or similar literary features of your own language that slow down the pace, create vivid imagery, and emphasize that this is a climax point. EXO 12 29 zm1l figs-merism מִ⁠בְּכֹ֤ר פַּרְעֹה֙ הַ⁠יֹּשֵׁ֣ב עַל־כִּסְא֔⁠וֹ עַ֚ד בְּכ֣וֹר הַ⁠שְּׁבִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הַ⁠בּ֑וֹר וְ⁠כֹ֖ל בְּכ֥וֹר בְּהֵמָֽה 1 at midnight This is a merism used to indicate that there was no person or household excluded from Yahweh’s judgment. It both speaks of extreme parts of society and then makes this into a list by including the animals. Alternate translation: “the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on the throne and the firstborn of the captive who was in the house of the pit and the firstborn of everyone in between was struck; even all the firstborn of the beasts were struck” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 12 29 uj6u בְּכוֹר֮…מִ⁠בְּכֹ֤ר…בְּכ֣וֹר…בְּכ֥וֹר 1 all the firstborn in the land of Egypt…all the firstborn of cattle In theses usages, **firstborn** always refers to the oldest male offspring. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 11:5](../11/05.md). EXO 12 29 g9z1 עַ֚ד בְּכ֣וֹר הַ⁠שְּׁבִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הַ⁠בּ֑וֹר 1 the firstborn of the person in prison “to the firstborn of people in the house of the pit” This refers to prisoners in general and not to a specific person in prison. EXO 12 30 gt4w figs-doublenegatives כִּֽי־אֵ֣ין בַּ֔יִת אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֵֽין־שָׁ֖ם מֵֽת׃ 1 for there was not a house where there was not someone dead This double negative emphasizes the positive. Alternate translation: “because someone was dead in every house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) EXO 12 31 j8k5 figs-youdual אַתֶּ֖ם…כְּ⁠דַבֶּרְ⁠כֶֽם 1 Here, Pharaoh speaking is to both Moses and Aaron. If your language uses a different form if two are people addressed, use a dual form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 12 33 j5u4 figs-explicit כֻּלָּ֥⁠נוּ מֵתִֽים 1 We will all die The Egyptians were afraid that they would die if the Israelites did not leave Egypt. Alternate translation: “We will all die if you do not leave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 12 34 diw8 figs-activepassive מִשְׁאֲרֹתָ֛⁠ם צְרֻרֹ֥ת בְּ⁠שִׂמְלֹתָ֖⁠ם עַל־שִׁכְמָֽ⁠ם 1 Their kneading bowls were already tied up in their clothes and on their shoulders This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They tied up their bread- making bowls in their clothes and placed them on their shoulders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 12 36 679h figs-idiom אֶת־חֵ֥ן הָ⁠עָ֛ם בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֥י מִצְרַ֖יִם 1 Here, **in the eyes of the Egyptians** is an idiom for the Egyptian’s feelings or opinion. **Favor** means that those feelings are positive. Taken together, this means that when the Egyptians saw the Israelites leaving Egypt, they gladly helped them (because they wanted them to leave so badly due to the Egyptians suffering under God’s judgment). If your language has the same or a similar idiom, you can translate or use it. Otherwise, you can translate the meaning. See how you translated this in [3:21](../03/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 12 37 n1ha translate-names מֵ⁠רַעְמְסֵ֖ס 1 Rameses **Rameses** was a major Egyptian city where grain was stored. See how you translated this in [Exodus 1:11](../01/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 12 37 u81l translate-numbers כְּ⁠שֵׁשׁ־מֵא֨וֹת אֶ֧לֶף 1 They numbered about 600,000 men “about six hundred thousand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 12 39 pva6 figs-activepassive כִּֽי־גֹרְשׁ֣וּ מִ⁠מִּצְרַ֗יִם 1 they had been driven out of Egypt This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “because the Egyptians had driven them out of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 12 40 qsi5 translate-numbers שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים…וְ⁠אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת 1 430 years “four hundred thirty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 12 41 d8yh translate-numbers שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים…וְ⁠אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת 1 430 years “four hundred thirty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 12 41 xlf4 translate-unknown צִבְא֥וֹת 1 Yahweh’s armed groups The term **hosts** refers to a large group of people, often organized into groups for war. See how you translated this in [Exodus 6:26](../06/26.md). Alternate translation: “your groups” or “your divisions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 12 42 w6mj לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה שִׁמֻּרִ֛ים לְ⁠כָל־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְ⁠דֹרֹתָֽ⁠ם 1 all the Israelites throughout their people’s generations You could combine **for all the sons of Israel to observe for Yahweh throughout their generations** into one noun phrase as subject. Alternate translation: “for all the sons of Israel throughout their generations to observe for Yahweh” EXO 12 43 zwac figs-quotemarks וְ⁠אַהֲרֹ֔ן 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of [12:49](../12/49.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 12 44 n9wn וְ⁠כָל־עֶ֥בֶד אִ֖ישׁ 1 every Israelite’s slave “But any slave of an Israelite” EXO 12 44 7fp2 grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical וּ⁠מַלְתָּ֣ה אֹת֔⁠וֹ אָ֖ז 1 This is a hypothetical situation. You will need to use whatever form your language uses to mark something as potentially true. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]]) EXO 12 44 70e8 figs-yousingular וּ⁠מַלְתָּ֣ה 1 Here **you** is singular. It refers to a specific man and his slave. It might make more sense to use the third person here. Alternate translation: “if he circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]]) EXO 12 46 j242 figs-activepassive בְּ⁠בַ֤יִת אֶחָד֙ יֵאָכֵ֔ל 1 The food must be eaten in one house This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must eat it in one house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 12 46 iovj figs-youcrowd לֹא־תוֹצִ֧יא 1 Here, **you** is singular, however it is used to address a crowd, so you may need to translate it using a plural form if your languages uses one. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]]) EXO 12 48 j7ob grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical וְ⁠כִֽי־יָג֨וּר אִתְּ⁠ךָ֜ גֵּ֗ר וְ⁠עָ֣שָׂה פֶסַח֮ לַ⁠יהוָה֒ 1 This is a two-part hypothetical situation. It describes the circumstance and desire of the sojourner, the next portion says what he must do. You will need to use whatever form your language uses to mark something as potentially true. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]]) EXO 12 48 9dh9 figs-youcrowd אִתְּ⁠ךָ֜ 1 Here, **you** is singular, however it is used to address a crowd, so you may need to translate it using a plural form if your languages uses one. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]]) EXO 12 48 h7k9 figs-activepassive הִמּ֧וֹל ל֣⁠וֹ כָל־זָכָ֗ר 1 all his male relatives must be circumcised This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone must circumcise all males in his household” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 12 48 n3fz grammar-connect-logic-goal הִמּ֧וֹל ל֣⁠וֹ כָל־זָכָ֗ר וְ⁠אָז֙ יִקְרַ֣ב לַ⁠עֲשֹׂת֔⁠וֹ 1 The sojourner will be circumcised in order to **draw near to keep** the Passover. Some languages may need to place the purpose clause first. Alternate translation: “in order draw near to keep it all his males must be circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) EXO 12 48 hi4z figs-metonymy כְּ⁠אֶזְרַ֣ח הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ 1 the people who were born in the land Here, **land** refers to Canaan—which is the land that the Israelites will soon live in. The expression **a native of the land** means a person who is a native Israelite. Alternate translation: “those who are Israelites by birth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 12 48 f9ti figs-doublenegatives וְ⁠כָל־עָרֵ֖ל לֹֽא־יֹ֥אכַל בּֽ⁠וֹ 1 no uncircumcised person may eat This can be stated in positive terms. Alternate translation: “And only a circumcised person may eat it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) EXO 12 51 e3z3 וַ⁠יְהִ֕י בְּ⁠עֶ֖צֶם הַ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה 1 It came about This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. EXO 12 51 tyj3 translate-unknown צִבְאֹתָֽ⁠ם 1 by their armed groups The term **hosts** refers to a large group of people often organized into groups for war. See how you translated this in [Exodus 6:26](../06/26.md). Alternate translation: “your groups” or “your divisions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 13 intro g9qi 0 # Exodus 13 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

1. Instruction v. 1-2: First mention of setting apart the firstborn v. 3-10: Reiteration of the Passover instructions from [12:14-20](../12/14.md) and [24-27](../12/24.md), with a focus on telling to Yahweh’s deeds to the future generations of Israelites v. 11-13: More details on setting apart the firstborn v. 14-16: Reiteration of purpose: telling to future generations
2. Narrative v. 17-22: Some details of the exodus

## Special concepts in this chapter

* There are several concepts that will be important to understand and translate with care (some have already been encountered in Exodus). They are: set apart, sign, symbol, redemption, and sacrifice.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

* There are a number of names of people groups and places in this chapter. However, many have been translated in earlier passages.
* Transporting the bones of Joseph may be an unknown concept in some places.
* It may take some time to decide on a good translation for the pillars of fire and cloud that lead the Israelites. EXO 13 2 de3u figs-quotemarks קַדֶּשׁ־לִ֨⁠י כָל־בְּכ֜וֹר פֶּ֤טֶר כָּל־רֶ֨חֶם֙ בִּ⁠בְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בָּ⁠אָדָ֖ם וּ⁠בַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֑ה לִ֖⁠י הֽוּא 1 Set apart to me…every firstborn male This entire verse is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 13 3 8jzb figs-quotemarks אֶל־הָ⁠עָ֗ם 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of [verse 16](../13/16.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 13 3 en1s figs-metaphor מִ⁠בֵּ֣ית עֲבָדִ֔ים 1 the house of slavery Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. Alternate translation: “the place where you were slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 13 3 yjy5 figs-metonymy בְּ⁠חֹ֣זֶק יָ֔ד 1 Yahweh’s strong hand Here, **hand** refers to power. See how you translated “strong hand” in [Exodus 6:1](../06/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 13 3 c6ee figs-activepassive וְ⁠לֹ֥א יֵאָכֵ֖ל חָמֵֽץ 1 No bread with yeast may be eaten This can be stated in active form, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 13 4 y1f3 translate-hebrewmonths הָ⁠אָבִֽיב 1 the month of Aviv This is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]]) EXO 13 4 76uy translate-names הָ⁠אָבִֽיב 1 **Aviv** is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 13 5 x89s וְ⁠הָיָ֣ה כִֽי־יְבִֽיאֲ⁠ךָ֣ יְהוָ֡ה אֶל־אֶ֣רֶץ…וְ⁠עָבַדְתָּ֛ אֶת־הָ⁠עֲבֹדָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּ֖את בַּ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ הַ⁠זֶּֽה 1 you must observe this act of worship When the Israelites live in Canaan, they must celebrate the Passover on this day each year. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 12:25](../12/25.md). EXO 13 5 u37l figs-metaphor לַ⁠אֲבֹתֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ 1 Here, **fathers** figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “to your ancestors” (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 13 5 6287 אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָ֑שׁ 1 The same description occurs in [Exodus 3:8](../03/08.md). See how you translated it there and in the several notes for it. EXO 13 6 vwy9 translate-numbers שִׁבְעַ֥ת 1 For seven days “7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 13 6 mde6 translate-ordinal הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔י 1 “7th” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 13 7 n41m figs-activepassive מַצּוֹת֙ יֵֽאָכֵ֔ל 1 Bread without yeast must be eaten This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must eat unleavened bread” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 13 7 zm8p translate-numbers שִׁבְעַ֣ת 1 “7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 13 7 le33 figs-activepassive וְ⁠לֹֽא־יֵרָאֶ֨ה לְ⁠ךָ֜ חָמֵ֗ץ 1 no bread with yeast may be seen among you This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you may not have any bread with yeast among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 13 7 c9kr figs-activepassive וְ⁠לֹֽא־יֵרָאֶ֥ה לְ⁠ךָ֛ שְׂאֹ֖ר 1 No yeast may be seen with you This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You may not have any yeast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 13 7 dmv1 בְּ⁠כָל־גְּבֻלֶֽ⁠ךָ 1 within any of your borders “inside any of the borders of your land” EXO 13 8 qum9 figs-quotesinquotes בַּ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠ה֖וּא לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר בַּ⁠עֲב֣וּר זֶ֗ה עָשָׂ֤ה יְהוָה֙ לִ֔⁠י בְּ⁠צֵאתִ֖⁠י מִ⁠מִּצְרָֽיִם 1 On that day you are to say to your children, ‘This is because of what Yahweh did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ The quotation can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “on that day that this is because of what Yahweh did for you when you came out of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 13 9 p21h figs-parallelism וְ⁠הָיָה֩ לְ⁠ךָ֨ לְ⁠א֜וֹת עַל־יָדְ⁠ךָ֗ וּ⁠לְ⁠זִכָּרוֹן֙ בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֔י⁠ךָ 1 This will be a reminder for you on your hand, and a reminder on your forehead These are two different types of physical reminders so people will not forget something important. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 13 9 s7zg figs-metaphor לְ⁠ךָ֨ לְ⁠א֜וֹת עַל־יָדְ⁠ךָ֗ 1 a reminder for you on your hand Moses speaks of celebrating the festival as if it were an object one could tie around their hands to remind them of what Yahweh had done. Alternate translation: “like something you tie around your hand as a reminder” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 13 9 mru4 figs-metaphor ⁠לְ⁠זִכָּרוֹן֙ בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֔י⁠ךָ 1 a reminder on your forehead Moses speaks of celebrating the festival as if it were an object one could tie on their foreheads to remind them of what Yahweh had done. Alternate translation: “like something you tie around your head as a reminder” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 13 9 b6ny figs-metonymy לְמַ֗עַן תִּהְיֶ֛ה תּוֹרַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה בְּ⁠פִ֑י⁠ךָ 1 so the law of Yahweh may be in your mouth Here, **in your mouth** refers to the words that they speak. Alternate translation: “so you may always be speaking of the law of Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 13 9 w5rm figs-metonymy בְּ⁠יָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה 1 strong hand Here, **hand** refers to power. See how you translated “strong hand” in [Exodus 6:1](../06/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 13 10 rxel figs-merism מִ⁠יָּמִ֖ים יָמִֽימָ⁠ה 1 “for all time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 13 11 e886 figs-metaphor וְ⁠לַֽ⁠אֲבֹתֶ֑י⁠ךָ 1 Here, **fathers** figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “to your ancestors” (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 13 11 iqh5 וּ⁠נְתָנָ֖⁠הּ לָֽ⁠ךְ 1 when he gives the land to you “when he gives the land of the Canaanites to you” EXO 13 12 mqgs וְ⁠הַעֲבַרְתָּ֥ 1 This is a deliberate word-play with [Exodus 12:12](../12/12.md) and [Exodus 12:23](../12/23.md) because these memorial sacrifices are to be reminders of what happened at the first Passover. It would be good to make a similar word-play in your translation, if possible, but following the meaning as in the UST is fine. EXO 13 13 lwv5 figs-explicit בְ⁠שֶׂ֔ה…וַ⁠עֲרַפְתּ֑⁠וֹ 1 Every firstborn of a donkey You may need to make explicit that either the **lamb** or **donkey** must be killed, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 13 13 0xw3 לֹ֥א תִפְדֶּ֖ה 1 “you do not ransom the donkey” EXO 13 14 s8cm figs-quotesinquotes כִּֽי־יִשְׁאָלְ⁠ךָ֥ בִנְ⁠ךָ֛ מָחָ֖ר לֵ⁠אמֹ֣ר מַה־זֹּ֑את וְ⁠אָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֔י⁠ו 1 When your son asks you later, ‘What does this mean?’ then you are to tell him The first quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “when your son asks you later what this means, then you are to tell him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 13 14 qr7q figs-metonymy בְּ⁠חֹ֣זֶק יָ֗ד 1 strong hand Here, **hand** represents God’s actions or works. See how you translated this in [Exodus 6:1](../06/01.md). Alternate translation: “With his powerful works” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 13 14 rcz7 figs-metaphor מִ⁠בֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים 1 the house of slavery Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. See how you translated this in [Exodus 13:3](../13/03.md). Alternate translation: “from the place where you were slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 13 15 fgvg figs-metaphor כִּֽי־הִקְשָׁ֣ה פַרְעֹה֮ לְ⁠שַׁלְּחֵ⁠נוּ֒ 1 This means he was stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if he were hard. Alternate translation: “that when Pharaoh resisted letting us go” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 13 15 atxz figs-merism מִ⁠בְּכֹ֥ר אָדָ֖ם וְ⁠עַד־בְּכ֣וֹר בְּהֵמָ֑ה 1 This is a figure of speech used to emphasize the extent of the plague. Alternate translation: “whether he was a person or an animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 13 16 bse4 figs-parallelism וְ⁠הָיָ֤ה לְ⁠אוֹת֙ עַל־יָ֣דְ⁠כָ֔ה וּ⁠לְ⁠טוֹטָפֹ֖ת בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֑י⁠ךָ 1 become a reminder on your hands, and a reminder on your forehead This expresses two ways to remember the importance of the passover event. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 13:9](./09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 13 16 3kt7 figs-metonymy בְּ⁠חֹ֣זֶק יָ֔ד 1 Here, **hand** represents God’s actions or works. See how you translated this in [Exodus 6:1](../06/01.md). Alternate translation: “with his powerful works” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 13 17 92x6 writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִ֗י 1 This marks the transition from instruction to narrative. You should mark the resumption of the narrative in a natural way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 13 17 pum6 grammar-connect-condition-contrary וְ⁠לֹא־נָחָ֣⁠ם אֱלֹהִ֗ים דֶּ֚רֶךְ אֶ֣רֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים כִּ֥י קָר֖וֹב ה֑וּא 1 The route on which God took the Israelites was not the expected route. In some languages you may need to put the portion that describes the expectation first. Alternate translation: “although it was nearby, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]]) EXO 13 17 upop grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical פֶּֽן־יִנָּחֵ֥ם הָ⁠עָ֛ם בִּ⁠רְאֹתָ֥⁠ם מִלְחָמָ֖ה וְ⁠שָׁ֥בוּ מִצְרָֽיְמָ⁠ה 1 In some languages you may need to put the reason before the hypothetical result. Alternate translation: “When they see war, they may repent and return to Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]]) EXO 13 17 5vck יִנָּחֵ֥ם 1 “turn back” EXO 13 18 c4tw וַ⁠חֲמֻשִׁ֛ים 1 The meaning of this term (**by fives**) is uncertain. Many English translations opt for something like “prepared for battle” because this seems to be the meaning in Numbers 32:17 and the related verses in Joshua 1:14 and 4:12. Because of what the previous verse said about war, it may mean that they went out in formation—like an army would march—but perhaps not armed. Alternate translation: “And … in formation like an army” EXO 13 19 cxyk וַ⁠יִּקַּ֥ח מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת־עַצְמ֥וֹת יוֹסֵ֖ף עִמּ֑⁠וֹ 1 See Joshua 24:32 regarding the burial of Jospeh’s bones. EXO 13 19 dnlp פָּקֹ֨ד יִפְקֹ֤ד אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם וְ⁠הַעֲלִיתֶ֧ם אֶת־עַצְמֹתַ֛⁠י מִ⁠זֶּ֖ה אִתְּ⁠כֶֽם 1 This is an almost exact quote of what Joseph said in Genesis 50:25; reference your translation there when translating this. EXO 13 20 7v94 מִ⁠סֻּכֹּ֑ת וַ⁠יַּחֲנ֣וּ בְ⁠אֵתָ֔ם 1 “from a place named Succoth and they camped at a place named Etham” EXO 13 20 xq5d translate-names בְ⁠אֵתָ֔ם 1 camped at Etham Etham was possibly located south of the route heading towards the Philistines, at the border of the wilderness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 13 21 yi2p figs-metonymy וַֽ⁠יהוָ֡ה הֹלֵךְ֩ לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֨ם 1 Here, **before their faces** means “in front of the people.” Alternate translation: “And Yahweh led them by going in front of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 13 21 jnv8 בְּ⁠עַמּ֤וּד עָנָן֙…בְּ⁠עַמּ֥וּד אֵ֖שׁ 1 pillar of cloud…pillar of fire “in a cloud in the shape of a column … in a fire in the shape of a column” EXO 13 21 6pzk לְ⁠הָאִ֣יר לָ⁠הֶ֑ם 1 “to be light for them” EXO 13 21 i7yl grammar-connect-logic-result אֵ֖שׁ לְ⁠הָאִ֣יר לָ⁠הֶ֑ם לָ⁠לֶ֖כֶת יוֹמָ֥ם וָ⁠לָֽיְלָה 1 They could travel by either day or night because God provided light at night. You could reorder the cause and effect if that is more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “fire. They could go by day or by night because he was light to them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])


EXO 13 22 iiuj עַמּ֤וּד הֶֽ⁠עָנָן֙ יוֹמָ֔ם וְ⁠עַמּ֥וּד הָ⁠אֵ֖שׁ לָ֑יְלָה 1 “the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night” EXO 13 22 qxks figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י הָ⁠עָֽם 1 Here, **from the face of the people** means “from in front of the people” where they could see it. Alternate translation: “from where they could see it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 14 intro jq4u 0 # Exodus 14 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

This chapter contains an important event in the history of Israel known as the “parting of the sea of reeds (Red Sea).”
Throughout this chapter and chapter 15, the word “sea” is used. The context shows that this is the sea of reeds (Red Sea). Since the text does not explicitly say that though, the ULT will only say “sea.” In your translation, it may help people to be more specific than the text, if just using “sea” is confusing.


## Special concepts in this chapter

### Pharaoh’s hard heart

Pharaoh’s heart is often described as hard in this chapter. This means that his heart was not open or willing to understand Yahweh’s instructions. When his heart was hardened, it became less and less receptive to Yahweh.

### Pharaoh’s chariots
These chariots were a fighting force. Pharaoh took an army to kill the Hebrew people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Rhetorical Questions
The Israelites asked a few rhetorical questions of Moses. These questions were not really directed at Moses, but at Yahweh. This showed their lack of faith in Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]]) EXO 14 2 5f0c figs-quotemarks דַּבֵּר֮ 1 This verse begins a direct quote which continues into [verse 4](../13/04.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 14 2 mb4e translate-names פִּ֣י הַחִירֹ֔ת…מִגְדֹּ֖ל…בַּ֣עַל צְפֹ֔ן 1 Pi Hahiroth…Migdol…Baal Zephon These are locations on Egypt’s eastern border. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 14 2 74vg figs-quotations בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וְ⁠יָשֻׁ֗בוּ וְ⁠יַחֲנוּ֙ לִ⁠פְנֵי֙ פִּ֣י הַחִירֹ֔ת בֵּ֥ין מִגְדֹּ֖ל וּ⁠בֵ֣ין הַ⁠יָּ֑ם לִ⁠פְנֵי֙ בַּ֣עַל צְפֹ֔ן 1 The portion after **that** could be translated as a direct quotation. That would make a second-level direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the sons of Israel, ‘Turn and camp before the face of Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before the face of Baal Zephon.’ ”
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 14 2 c9r8 figs-youdual תַחֲנ֖וּ 1 You are to camp Here, **you** is plural and refers to Moses and the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) EXO 14 3 c81b figs-quotations וְ⁠אָמַ֤ר פַּרְעֹה֙ לִ⁠בְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל נְבֻכִ֥ים הֵ֖ם בָּ⁠אָ֑רֶץ סָגַ֥ר עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֖ם הַ⁠מִּדְבָּֽר 1 Pharaoh will say about the Israelites, ‘They are wandering in the land. The wilderness has closed in on them.’ This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh will say that the Israelites are confused in the land and the wilderness has closed in on them”
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 14 3 tz6j figs-personification סָגַ֥ר עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֖ם הַ⁠מִּדְבָּֽר 1 The wilderness has closed in on them Pharaoh speaks of **the wilderness** as a person who has trapped the Israelites. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “It is as if the wilderness is closing in on them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) EXO 14 4 dv62 figs-metaphor וְ⁠חִזַּקְתִּ֣י אֶת־לֵב־פַּרְעֹה֮ 1 I will harden Pharaoh’s heart This means God will make him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md). Alternate translation: “But I will cause Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 14 4 tw2m וְ⁠רָדַ֣ף אַחֲרֵי⁠הֶם֒ 1 he will pursue them “and Pharaoh will pursue the Israelites” EXO 14 4 d5x1 figs-activepassive וְ⁠אִכָּבְדָ֤ה 1 I will get honor If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “And people will glorify me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 14 4 a7m2 figs-ellipsis וְ⁠אִכָּבְדָ֤ה בְּ⁠פַרְעֹה֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־חֵיל֔⁠וֹ 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “And I will be glorified because of what I do to Pharaoh and to all his army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) EXO 14 4 dms1 figs-explicit וַ⁠יַּֽעֲשׂוּ־כֵֽן 1 So the Israelites camped as they were instructed This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “So the Israelites turned and camped as Yahweh had instructed them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 14 5 t4cn figs-activepassive וַ⁠יֻּגַּד֙ לְ⁠מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 When the king of Egypt was told This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Then someone told the king of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 14 5 it5s בָרַ֖ח 1 had fled “had run away” EXO 14 5 k67b figs-metonymy וַ֠⁠יֵּהָפֵךְ לְבַ֨ב פַּרְעֹ֤ה וַ⁠עֲבָדָי⁠ו֙ אֶל־הָ⁠עָ֔ם 1 the minds of Pharaoh and his servants turned against the people Here, **heart** refers to their attitudes towards the Israelites. Alternate translation: “and Pharaoh and his servants changed their attitude about the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 14 5 go8u figs-activepassive וַ֠⁠יֵּהָפֵךְ לְבַ֨ב פַּרְעֹ֤ה וַ⁠עֲבָדָי⁠ו֙ אֶל־הָ⁠עָ֔ם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “and Pharaoh and his servants turned their hearts to the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 14 5 wljw אֶל־הָ⁠עָ֔ם 1 “against the Israelites” EXO 14 5 v236 figs-rquestion מַה־זֹּ֣את עָשִׂ֔ינוּ כִּֽי־שִׁלַּ֥חְנוּ אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵ⁠עָבְדֵֽ⁠נוּ 1 What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us. They asked this question to show they thought they had done a foolish thing. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “We should not have let the Israelites go free from working for us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 14 5 2juz figs-quotemarks מַה־זֹּ֣את עָשִׂ֔ינוּ כִּֽי־שִׁלַּ֥חְנוּ אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵ⁠עָבְדֵֽ⁠נוּ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 14 5 9075 grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 This is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) EXO 14 7 ry11 translate-numbers וַ⁠יִּקַּ֗ח שֵׁשׁ־מֵא֥וֹת רֶ֨כֶב֙ בָּח֔וּר 1 He took six hundred chosen chariots “He took 600 of his best chariots” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 14 7 74cg וְ⁠שָׁלִשִׁ֖ם 1 The precise meaning of this term is not known. Alternate translations: “and officers” or “and shield-bearers” or “and three men” EXO 14 8 a1r1 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יְחַזֵּ֣ק יְהֹוָ֗ה אֶת־לֵ֤ב פַּרְעֹה֙ 1 Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh This means God made him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart were strong. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md). Alternate translation: “And Yahweh caused Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 14 8 3bki בְּ⁠יָ֥ד רָמָֽה 1 “boldly” or “defiantly” EXO 14 9 929n כָּל־סוּס֙ רֶ֣כֶב פַּרְעֹ֔ה וּ⁠פָרָשָׁ֖י⁠ו וְ⁠חֵיל֑⁠וֹ 1 It is unclear exactly what the groupings here are. **Horses of the chariots** (probably meaning “horse-drawn chariots”) and **horsemen** could be two groups or two references to the same group. **Army** could mean another group, perhaps on foot (see [15:19](../15/19.md)), or it could be a summary grouping. Furthermore, most translations render **horses of the chariots** as “horses and chariots,” suggesting four total groups (possibly because of [v. 23](../14/23.md)). Alternate translation: “all the horse-drawn chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his foot soldiers” EXO 14 9 q0jo ⁠יַּשִּׂ֤יגוּ אוֹתָ⁠ם֙ חֹנִ֣ים 1 “the Israelites as they were camping” EXO 14 9 sb7x translate-names פִּי֙ הַֽחִירֹ֔ת…בַּ֥עַל צְפֹֽן 1 Pi Hahiroth…Baal Zephon These are places on Egypt’s eastern border. See how you translated them in [Exodus 14:2](../14/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 14 10 s1xa figs-synecdoche וּ⁠פַרְעֹ֖ה הִקְרִ֑יב 1 When Pharaoh came close Here, **Pharaoh** represents the entire Egyptian army. Alternate translation: “Then Pharaoh and his army approached” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 14 10 vyp9 וַ⁠יִּשְׂאוּ֩ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל אֶת־עֵינֵי⁠הֶ֜ם 1 “and the sons of Israel looked up” or “and the sons of Israel looked back” EXO 14 10 qcy1 וְ⁠הִנֵּ֥ה 1 they were terrified **Behold** is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows. Use a word, phrase, or structure in your language that indicates that the next information is very surprising. EXO 14 11 vzw5 figs-rquestion הַֽ⁠מִ⁠בְּלִ֤י אֵין־קְבָרִים֙ בְּ⁠מִצְרַ֔יִם לְקַחְתָּ֖⁠נוּ לָ⁠מ֣וּת בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּ֑ר 1 Is it because there were no graves in Egypt, that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? The Israelites ask this question to express their frustration and fear of dying. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “There were plenty of graveyards in Egypt for us to be buried in. You did not have to take us into the wilderness to die!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 14 11 x4n2 figs-rquestion מַה־זֹּאת֙ עָשִׂ֣יתָ לָּ֔⁠נוּ לְ⁠הוֹצִיאָ֖⁠נוּ מִ⁠מִּצְרָֽיִם 1 Why have you treated us like this, bringing us out of Egypt? The Israelites ask this question to rebuke Moses for bringing them to the desert to die. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have treated us like this by bringing us out of Egypt!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 14 12 itb2 figs-rquestion הֲ⁠לֹא־זֶ֣ה הַ⁠דָּבָ֗ר אֲשֶׁר֩ דִּבַּ֨רְנוּ אֵלֶ֤י⁠ךָ בְ⁠מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ 1 Is this not what we told you in Egypt? The Israelites ask this question to emphasize that this is what they had told Moses. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “This is exactly what we told you while we were in Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 14 12 ix25 figs-quotations בְ⁠מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר חֲדַ֥ל מִמֶּ֖⁠נּוּ וְ⁠נַֽעַבְדָ֣ה אֶת־מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 We said to you, ‘Leave us alone, so we can work for the Egyptians.’ The portion following **saying** can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “in Egypt? We told you to leave us alone so we could work for the Egyptians.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 14 13 phy1 figs-abstractnouns וּ⁠רְאוּ֙ אֶת־יְשׁוּעַ֣ת יְהוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה לָ⁠כֶ֖ם הַ⁠יּ֑וֹם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **salvation** with a verb. Alternate translation: “and see that Yahweh will save you, he will do that for you today” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) EXO 14 13 5j05 figs-quotemarks אֶל־הָ⁠עָם֮ 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of [verse 14](../14/14.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 14 13 rrd4 לֹ֥א תֹסִ֛יפוּ לִ⁠רְאֹתָ֥⁠ם ע֖וֹד עַד־עוֹלָֽם 1 provide for you This statement is very extended for emphasis on its certainty. Alternate translation: “you will not see them again forever” EXO 14 14 vcdc figs-rpronouns יְהוָ֖ה יִלָּחֵ֣ם 1 The form **Yahweh himself** is reflexive, emphasizing what Yahweh will do in contrast to what the Israelites will do. Alternate translation: “As for Yahweh, he will fight” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) EXO 14 14 0r44 תַּחֲרִישֽׁוּ⁠ן 1 Here, **silent** could mean “still.” The Israelites’ lack of action is in contrast to Yahweh’s fighting. It is not a total lack of motion or sound. Alternate translation: “you will not fight” EXO 14 15 zsgk figs-quotemarks אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 Why are you, Moses, continuing to call out to me? After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of [verse 18](../14/18.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 14 15 a727 figs-rquestion מַה־תִּצְעַ֖ק אֵלָ֑⁠י 1 Why are you, Moses, continuing to call out to me? Moses apparently had been praying to God for help, so God uses this question to compel Moses to act. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not call out to me any longer, Moses.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 14 16 stla הָרֵ֣ם אֶֽת־מַטְּ⁠ךָ֗ וּ⁠נְטֵ֧ה אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֛ 1 divide it in two See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding **hand** and **staff**. EXO 14 16 t3e4 וּ⁠בְקָעֵ֑⁠הוּ 1 divide it in two “and divide the sea into two parts” EXO 14 17 z5ub וַ⁠אֲנִ֗י הִנְ⁠נִ֤י 1 Be aware **Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. In this case Yahweh is drawing attention to his next actions. Alternate translation: “Look at what I will do” EXO 14 17 qd3l figs-metaphor מְחַזֵּק֙ אֶת־לֵ֣ב מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 I will harden the Egyptians’ hearts This means God will make them stubborn. Their stubborn attitude is spoken of as if their hearts were strong. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md). Alternate translation: “I will cause the Egyptians to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 14 17 asz9 וְ⁠יָבֹ֖אוּ אַחֲרֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 so they will go after them “so that the Egyptians will go into the sea after the Israelites” EXO 14 17 hjyh figs-ellipsis וְ⁠אִכָּבְדָ֤ה בְּ⁠פַרְעֹה֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־חֵיל֔⁠וֹ בְּ⁠רִכְבּ֖⁠וֹ וּ⁠בְ⁠פָרָשָֽׁי⁠ו 1 so they will go after them Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. See how you translated a similar phrase in [verse 4](../14/04.md) Alternate translation: “And I will be glorified because of what I do to Pharaoh, all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) EXO 14 17 5bbz figs-activepassive וְ⁠אִכָּבְדָ֤ה 1 so they will go after them If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “And people will glorify me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 14 18 ytnm figs-activepassive בְּ⁠הִכָּבְדִ֣⁠י 1 so they will go after them If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “when I cause people to glorify me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 14 18 cji1 figs-ellipsis בְּ⁠הִכָּבְדִ֣⁠י בְּ⁠פַרְעֹ֔ה בְּ⁠רִכְבּ֖⁠וֹ וּ⁠בְ⁠פָרָשָֽׁי⁠ו 1 so they will go after them Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. See how you translated a similar phrase in [verse 4](../14/04.md) Alternate translation: “when I get glory because of what I do to Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen” or “when I show my glory by what I do to Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) EXO 14 19 hsih figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵי֙ מַחֲנֵ֣ה…מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 so they will go after them Here, **face** means “front.” Alternate translation: “in front of the camp of … from in front of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 14 19 ysv9 grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 so they will go after them This is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) EXO 14 20 jyz2 grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 so one side did not come near the other This is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) EXO 14 20 c4u5 וַ⁠יְהִ֤י הֶֽ⁠עָנָן֙ וְ⁠הַ⁠חֹ֔שֶׁךְ וַ⁠יָּ֖אֶר אֶת־הַ⁠לָּ֑יְלָה 1 so one side did not come near the other “and the cloud became dark and light all night” EXO 14 21 qbzp וַ⁠יֵּ֨ט מֹשֶׁ֣ה אֶת־יָד⁠וֹ֮ עַל־הַ⁠יָּם֒ 1 east wind See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff. EXO 14 21 dfx5 בְּ⁠ר֨וּחַ קָדִ֤ים 1 east wind An **east wind** originates in the east and blows towards the west. EXO 14 21 f9zh figs-activepassive וַ⁠יִּבָּקְע֖וּ הַ⁠מָּֽיִם 1 the waters were divided This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh divided the waters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 14 24 iz9t translate-unknown בְּ⁠אַשְׁמֹ֣רֶת הַ⁠בֹּ֔קֶר 1 He caused panic among the Egyptians This is the last third of the night. It is approximately the three hours before sunrise. Alternate translation: “very early in the morning” or “in the time before the sun rises” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 14 24 1ljq מַחֲנֵ֣ה מִצְרַ֔יִם…מַחֲנֵ֥ה מִצְרָֽיִם 1 He caused panic among the Egyptians “the army of the Egyptians … the army of the Egyptians” EXO 14 25 qdp8 figs-quotemarks אָנ֨וּסָה֙ מִ⁠פְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כִּ֣י יְהוָ֔ה נִלְחָ֥ם לָ⁠הֶ֖ם בְּ⁠מִצְרָֽיִם 1 Their chariot wheels were clogged This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 14 25 qzkw figs-metonymy מִ⁠פְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 Their chariot wheels were clogged Here, **the face of Israel** means the presence of Israel. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 14 26 dfg1 figs-quotemarks נְטֵ֥ה אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ עַל־הַ⁠יָּ֑ם וְ⁠יָשֻׁ֤בוּ הַ⁠מַּ֨יִם֙ עַל־מִצְרַ֔יִם עַל־רִכְבּ֖⁠וֹ וְ⁠עַל־פָּרָשָֽׁי⁠ו 1 Yahweh said to Moses, “Reach out with your hand…and their horsemen.” This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) EXO 14 26 p5ds figs-quotations וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה נְטֵ֥ה אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ עַל־הַ⁠יָּ֑ם וְ⁠יָשֻׁ֤בוּ הַ⁠מַּ֨יִם֙ עַל־מִצְרַ֔יִם עַל־רִכְבּ֖⁠וֹ וְ⁠עַל־פָּרָשָֽׁי⁠ו׃ 1 Yahweh said to Moses, “Reach out with your hand…and their horsemen.” This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Yahweh told Moses to reach out with his hand over the sea so that the waters would come back onto the Egyptians, their chariots, and their horsemen.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 14 26 pw8g נְטֵ֥ה אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ עַל־הַ⁠יָּ֑ם 1 Yahweh said to Moses, “Reach out with your hand…and their horsemen.” See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff. EXO 14 26 d46y writing-pronouns עַל־רִכְבּ֖⁠וֹ וְ⁠עַל־פָּרָשָֽׁי⁠ו 1 Yahweh said to Moses, “Reach out with your hand…and their horsemen.” Here, **his** refers to Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Alternate translation: “on Pharaoh’s chariots, and on Pharaoh’s horsemen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) EXO 14 27 wn3q וַ⁠יֵּט֩ מֹשֶׁ֨ה אֶת־יָד֜⁠וֹ עַל־הַ⁠יָּ֗ם 1 The Egyptians fled into the sea See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff. EXO 14 27 1klz figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנ֥וֹת בֹּ֨קֶר֙ 1 The Egyptians fled into the sea Here, **before the face of** means “before the occurrence of.” Alternate translation: “before it was morning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 14 27 h64r figs-metaphor וַ⁠יְנַעֵ֧ר יְהוָ֛ה אֶת־מִצְרַ֖יִם בְּ⁠ת֥וֹךְ הַ⁠יָּֽם 1 Yahweh drove the Egyptians Here, Yahweh is pictured as acting towards the Egyptians as if they were dirt or dust on his clothing that he shakes to be rid of them. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh threw the Egyptians back into the middle of the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 14 28 o9qo figs-litotes לֹֽא־נִשְׁאַ֥ר בָּ⁠הֶ֖ם עַד־אֶחָֽד 1 Yahweh drove the Egyptians This negative statement is meant to strongly convey the idea that all the Egyptians were gone. Alternate translation: “Every one of them was gone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) EXO 14 30 zvbe grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 out of the hand of the Egyptians This is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) EXO 14 30 e2lf figs-metonymy מִ⁠יַּ֣ד מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 out of the hand of the Egyptians Here, **hand** refers to power. Alternate translation: “from the Egyptians’ power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 14 30 p5zw עַל־שְׂפַ֥ת הַ⁠יָּֽם 1 on the seashore “on the land along the edge of the sea” EXO 14 31 o1oc grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל 1 on the seashore This is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) EXO 14 31 np6s figs-metonymy אֶת־הַ⁠יָּ֣ד הַ⁠גְּדֹלָ֗ה 1 on the seashore Here, **hand** refers to power. Alternate translation: “the great power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 15 intro ni4b 0 # Exodus 15 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Verses 1b-18 and 21b of chapter 15 verses are poetry. They are a song of praise to Yahweh because he defeated and destroyed the Egyptian army ([Exodus 14:26-28](../14/26.md).). Translating poetry should be done by someone who is a skilled poet in the target language. Because the forms of poetry are so different in different languages, a translation that is good poetry in the target language may seem very different from the original poem. The structure may look quite different. The poet will be well served by looking at the entire poem from multiple perspectives. He will need to know the meaning of the poem, the themes and discourse structure of the poem, and the feelings that the poem is supposed to create in the reader at each point (UST, tNotes). He will need to understand how that was accomplished by the original form and structure (ULT). Then he will need to compose the translated poem using forms and structures that have the same or similar meaning, themes, discourse elements, and feelings.

### Structure

This song follows a basic AB structure which is given to us in verse 1b-c and 21b-c:

* A - praise to Yahweh - he is magnificent (expressed in various words)
* B - because he defeats our enemies

The song can be divided into three major sections, each of which is patterned as: AB(a)b. Each section starts with an AB portion which is characterized by fewer verbs (or participles, how to express) (especially the A portion). The section then elaborates on each. Note that there are other possible analyses of the structure of the poem.

Here is an outline of the structure according to this model:

* Section 1 (see alternate breakdown below):
* 1b: A “Let me sing to Yahweh, for he has triumphantly triumphed;”
* 1c: B “the horse and the one riding it he threw into the sea.”
* 2-3: a
* 4-5: b
* Section 2:
* 6a: A
* 6b: B
* 7a: a “And in the abundance of your majesty”
* 7a-10: b  “you overthrow those who rise up against you…”
* Section 3:
* 11: A
* 12: B
* 13a: a (possibly) “In your covenant loyalty”
* 13a-17: b
* 18: finale

Alternate breakdown of section 1: it is possible to view 1b-c as the introduction and divide verse 2 such that:

* 2a: A “Yah is my strength and my song”
* 2b: B “and he has become my salvation”
* 2c-3: a
* 4-5: b

### Themes:

There are several images and themes that are throughout the song as well as some that are throughout an individual section.

* “High” versus “low”: Yahweh is high, while his enemies are low.
* The following words are all related to the idea of being high or rising up: **triumph** ([v1](../15/01.md)), **exalt** ([v2](../15/02.md)), **majestic** ([v6](../15/06.md), [v11](../15/11.md)), **majesty** ([v7](../15/07.md)), and **the mountain of** \[Yahweh’s\] **possession** ([v17](../15/17.md)). In the last case Yahweh’s people are brought to a high place with him.
* In contrast, his enemies are low. Note in [verse 7](../15/07.md), Yahweh overthrows those who **rise up against** \[him\]. Ideas of being low are as follows: **sank** ([v4](../15/04.md), [v10](../15/19.md)), **deeps** ([v5](../15/05.md)), **descended into the depths** ([v5](../15/05.md)), **melted away** ([v15](../15/15.md)), and **fall on them** ([v16](../15/16.md)).
* The strength of Yahweh in [verses 2](../15/02.md), [6](../15/06.md), and [13](../15/13.md).
* The effectiveness of Yahweh’s hand versus the enemy's hand. Yahweh’s hand (and arm) is effective in [verses 6](../15/06.md), [12](../15/12.md), [16](../15/16.md), and [17](../15/17.md) but the enemy’s hand is ineffective despite his boasting in [verse 9](../15/09.md).
* There is parallel imagery near the end of each section. The enemy is compared three times by simile to a heavy, inert object. In [verses 5](../15/05.md) and [16](../15/16.md) that is a **stone**, in [verse 10](../15/10.md) that is **lead**.
* More parallel imagery occurs at the end of sections one ([v5](../15/05.md)) and two ([v10](../15/10.md)): that of the enemy sinking in the water and being covered by it.
* In sections two and three the water ([v8](../15/08.md)) and the other peoples ([v16](../15/16.md)) are made still by Yahweh.
* Section two begins and ends with **majestic** ([v6](../15/06.md), [v10](../15/10.md)) and that word is picked up in the beginning of section three ([v11](../15/11.md)).
* In section two ([v9](../15/09.md)), the enemies seek to **dispossess** (or disinherit) the Israelites; in section three ([v16](../15/16.md)), the Israelites come to live in the land of Yahweh’s **possession** (or inheritance).
* In [verse 11](../15/11.md), three themes for the third section are introduced. These are each expanded on in that section.
* **Holiness** occurs again in [verses 13](../15/13.md) and [16](../15/16.md)
* **Fear** is vividly described in [verses 14-16](../15/14.md) (shake, terror, panic, trembling, melted away, dread)
* Yahweh **does miracles** to protect and build a home for his people
* [Verses 14](../15/14.md)-16a are a chiasm, a complex parallel structure where concepts are repeated in reverse order:
* A: 14a: peoples (nations) *become* afraid
* B: 14b: *inhabitants* of Philistia are afraid
* C: 15a: *rulers* of Edom are afraid
* C': 15b: *rulers* of Moab are afraid
* B': 15c: *inhabitants* of Canaan are afraid
* A': 16a: people *become* afraid
* In section three, there is another parallel structure:
* [v13](../15/13.md): you led this people => [v16](../15/16.md): your people pass by
* v13: this people you redeemed => v16: this people you acquired (or purchased or ransomed)
* v13: you led them to the home => [v17](../15/17.md): you will bring them … \[to\] the place … you made
* v13: of your holiness => v17: the holy place

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The Israelite’s discontent
In [verse 24](../15/24.md) the word **murmur** is introduced for the first time. This is a very strong term for “grumble” or “complain” that is used to describe the Israelites’ attitude throughout their time in the wilderness. It occurs several times in Exodus and Numbers.

### Yahweh’s laws

In verses [24-26](../15/24.md), there is an introductory revelation of the requirement that Israel keep the covenant by obeying the law of Moses. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]]) EXO 15 1 kw29 figs-explicit גָאֹ֣ה גָּאָ֔ה 1 he has triumphed gloriously It can be stated explicitly over whom Yahweh triumphed. Alternate translation: “he has achieved a glorious victory over the army of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 15 1 bpyj גָאֹ֣ה גָּאָ֔ה 1 he has triumphed gloriously “he is highly exalted” or “he is extremely high” or “he is exaltedly exalted” EXO 15 1 f6ue figs-metaphor ס֥וּס וְ⁠רֹכְב֖⁠וֹ רָמָ֥ה בַ⁠יָּֽם 1 the horse and its rider he has thrown into the sea Moses sang about God causing the sea to cover and drown the horse and rider as if God had thrown them into the sea. Alternate translation: “he has made the horse and rider drown in the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 1 cr5u figs-genericnoun ס֥וּס וְ⁠רֹכְב֖⁠וֹ 1 the horse and its rider This refers to all or many of the Egyptian horses and riders that were chasing the Israelites. Alternate translation: “the horses and their riders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) EXO 15 1 ex3p וְ⁠רֹכְב֖⁠וֹ 1 rider Here, **rider** could either refer to a person who sits on a horse or who travels in a chariot that a horse is pulling. EXO 15 2 pb23 figs-metonymy עָזִּ֤⁠י…יָ֔הּ 1 Yahweh is my strength Possible meanings are (1) “Yahweh is the one who gives me strength” or (2) “Yahweh is the strong one who protects me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 15 2 vk6l figs-metonymy וְ⁠זִמְרָת֙ יָ֔הּ 1 song Moses calls Yahweh his song because Yahweh is the one he sings about. Alternate translation: “the one I sing about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 15 2 kbv7 figs-metonymy וַֽ⁠יְהִי־לִ֖⁠י לִֽ⁠ישׁוּעָ֑ה 1 he has become my salvation Moses calls Yahweh his salvation because Yahweh saved him. Alternate translation: “he has saved me” or “he is the one who saves me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 15 2 rgtu figs-parallelism זֶ֤ה אֵלִ⁠י֙ וְ⁠אַנְוֵ֔⁠הוּ אֱלֹהֵ֥י אָבִ֖⁠י וַ⁠אֲרֹמְמֶֽ⁠נְהוּ 1 he has become my salvation These lines are expressing very similar ideas for emphasis. If that is a normal way to make an emphatic (poetic) statement or if it would be understood in your language you can translate in a similar way. If, however, repetition like this would create a different meaning, find a structure in your language that would fit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 15 3 p1d5 figs-metaphor יְהוָ֖ה אִ֣ישׁ מִלְחָמָ֑ה 1 Yahweh is a warrior Moses calls Yahweh a **man of war** because he powerfully fought against the Egyptians and won. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is like a warrior” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 4 pc8d figs-parallelism מַרְכְּבֹ֥ת פַּרְעֹ֛ה וְ⁠חֵיל֖⁠וֹ יָרָ֣ה בַ⁠יָּ֑ם וּ⁠מִבְחַ֥ר שָֽׁלִשָׁ֖י⁠ו טֻבְּע֥וּ בְ⁠יַם־סֽוּף 1 He has thrown Pharaoh’s chariots and army into the sea These lines are synonymous parallels where the second strengthens what is said in the first. Alternate translation: “He threw all of Pharaoh’s army into the sea, including the chariots; even his chosen officers sank in the sea of reeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 15 4 p8w6 figs-metaphor מַרְכְּבֹ֥ת פַּרְעֹ֛ה וְ⁠חֵיל֖⁠וֹ יָרָ֣ה בַ⁠יָּ֑ם 1 He has thrown Pharaoh’s chariots and army into the sea Moses sings about Yahweh causing the sea to cover Pharaoh’s chariots and army as if Yahweh had thrown them into the sea. Alternate translation: “He has made Pharaoh’s chariot riders and army drown in the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 5 5dlx figs-parallelism תְּהֹמֹ֖ת יְכַסְיֻ֑⁠מוּ יָרְד֥וּ בִ⁠מְצוֹלֹ֖ת כְּמוֹ־אָֽבֶן׃ 1 they went down into the depths like a stone These lines are synonymous parallels where the second clarifies what is said in the first. Alternate translation: “The deeps covered them; because they had descended into the depths like a stone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 15 5 nqe4 figs-simile יָרְד֥וּ בִ⁠מְצוֹלֹ֖ת כְּמוֹ־אָֽבֶן 1 they went down into the depths like a stone Just ***like a stone*** does not float but sinks to the bottom of the sea, the enemy soldiers sank to the bottom of the sea. Alternate translation: “they went down into the deep water like a stone sinking to the bottom of the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) EXO 15 6 5es4 figs-parallelism יְמִֽינְ⁠ךָ֣ יְהוָ֔ה נֶאְדָּרִ֖י בַּ⁠כֹּ֑חַ יְמִֽינְ⁠ךָ֥ יְהוָ֖ה תִּרְעַ֥ץ אוֹיֵֽב׃ 1 Your right hand, Yahweh, is glorious in power These lines are synonymous parallels where the second takes the abstract idea in the first and makes it concrete (though still with poetic imagery). Alternate translation: “Yahweh, you show how majestic in power your right hand is by shattering the enemy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 15 6 x1fz figs-metonymy יְמִֽינְ⁠ךָ֣ יְהוָ֔ה נֶאְדָּרִ֖י בַּ⁠כֹּ֑חַ 1 Your right hand, Yahweh, is glorious in power Moses speaks of Yahweh as if Yahweh had hands. The **right hand** refers to Yahweh’s power or the things Yahweh does powerfully. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, your power is glorious” or “Yahweh, what you do is gloriously powerful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 15 6 p1u6 figs-metonymy יְמִֽינְ⁠ךָ֥ יְהוָ֖ה תִּרְעַ֥ץ אוֹיֵֽב 1 your right hand, Yahweh, has shattered the enemy Moses speaks of Yahweh as if Yahweh had hands. The **right hand** refers to Yahweh’s power. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, your power has shattered the enemy” or “Yahweh, by your power you have shattered the enemy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 15 6 rmd4 figs-metaphor תִּרְעַ֥ץ אוֹיֵֽב 1 has shattered the enemy Moses speaks of the enemy as if it were fragile and could be **shattered** like glass or pottery. Alternate translation: “completely destroys the enemy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 7 i2x4 figs-parallelism תַּהֲרֹ֣ס קָמֶ֑י⁠ךָ תְּשַׁלַּח֙ חֲרֹ֣נְ⁠ךָ֔ יֹאכְלֵ֖⁠מוֹ כַּ⁠קַּֽשׁ 1 those who rose up against you These lines are synonymous parallels where the second takes the abstract idea in the first portion (**you overthrow those who rise up against you**) and makes it concrete (though still with poetic imagery). Alternate translation: “you overthrow those who rise up against you by sending out your heat to devour them like stubble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 15 7 kmv4 figs-abstractnouns וּ⁠בְ⁠רֹ֥ב גְּאוֹנְ⁠ךָ֖ 1 those who rose up against you If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns **abundance** and **majesty** as an adverb and adjective respectively. Alternate translation: “You are abundantly majestic and” or "Because you are abundantly majestic” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) EXO 15 7 nd3t figs-metaphor קָמֶ֑י⁠ךָ 1 those who rose up against you Rebelling against Yahweh is spoken of as rising up against him. Alternate translation: “those who rebel against you” or “your enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 7 kst4 חֲרֹ֣נְ⁠ךָ֔ 1 You sent out your wrath “your wrath” or “your fury” EXO 15 7 glq7 figs-personification תְּשַׁלַּח֙ חֲרֹ֣נְ⁠ךָ֔ 1 You sent out your wrath Moses speaks of Yahweh’s wrath (literally **heat**) as if it were a servant that Yahweh sent out to do something. Alternate translation: “You show your wrath” or “You acted according to your wrath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) EXO 15 7 a5x7 figs-metaphor יֹאכְלֵ֖⁠מוֹ כַּ⁠קַּֽשׁ׃ 1 it consumed them like stubble Moses speaks of God’s wrath as if it were fire that could completely burn up things. His enemies were completely destroyed like stubble in a fire. Alternate translation: “it completely destroys your enemies like a fire that burns up straw” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 7 guap figs-simile יֹאכְלֵ֖⁠מוֹ כַּ⁠קַּֽשׁ 1 By the blast of your nostrils Here the enemies (or **those who rise up against** Yahweh) are pictured as if they were a highly flammable piece of dried grass. Alternate translation: “it devoured the enemy as if they were stubble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) EXO 15 8 ic8v figs-personification וּ⁠בְ⁠ר֤וּחַ אַפֶּ֨י⁠ךָ֙ 1 By the blast of your nostrils Moses speaks of God as if God had a nose, and he speaks of the wind as if God blew the wind from his nose. Alternate translation: “You blew on the sea and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) EXO 15 8 qg9g figs-activepassive וּ⁠בְ⁠ר֤וּחַ אַפֶּ֨י⁠ךָ֙ נֶ֣עֶרְמוּ מַ֔יִם נִצְּב֥וּ כְמוֹ־נֵ֖ד נֹזְלִ֑ים 1 By the blast of your nostrils This can be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: “The blast of your nostrils piled the waters up and made the flowing waters stand upright in a heap” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 15 8 467e figs-parallelism נֶ֣עֶרְמוּ מַ֔יִם נִצְּב֥וּ כְמוֹ־נֵ֖ד נֹזְלִ֑ים קָֽפְא֥וּ תְהֹמֹ֖ת בְּ⁠לֶב־יָֽם 1 By the blast of your nostrils These lines are synonymous parallels where each line means basically the same thing, but each gives the reader a different poetic image. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 15 8 uevt figs-metaphor בְּ⁠לֶב־יָֽם 1 By the blast of your nostrils The center or deepest part of the sea is spoken of as if the sea had a **heart**. Alternate translation: “in the center of the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 9 d8nk figs-activepassive תִּמְלָאֵ֣⁠מוֹ נַפְשִׁ֔⁠י 1 my desire will be satisfied on them This can be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: “I will satisfy my desire on them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 15 9 lu0e תּוֹרִישֵׁ֖⁠מוֹ יָדִֽ⁠י 1 my hand will destroy them The meaning of this phrase is unclear. The word translated **dispossess** could also mean ”possess” or ”inherit.” What seems clear is that the Egyptians plan to use their power to prevent the Israelites from possessing good things. Whether this is a reference back to **plunder** earlier in the verse, or to recapturing them as slaves, or to taking over the Israelites’ place in the land of Goshen, or of keeping them from reaching the promised land (of Yahweh’s possession, see [verse 17](../15/17.md) regarding where Yahweh will bring his people), or something else is not so clear. **Dispossess** was chosen rather than another term because the verb is in a causative form here. Alternate translation: “my hand will possess them” or “my hand will inherit them” EXO 15 9 sm77 figs-metonymy תּוֹרִישֵׁ֖⁠מוֹ יָדִֽ⁠י 1 my hand will destroy them Here **hand** is used figuratively of the Egyptians’ power (that is, their military strength). Alternate translation: “my power will dispossess them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 15 10 yrj5 figs-metaphor נָשַׁ֥פְתָּ בְ⁠רוּחֲ⁠ךָ֖ 1 But you blew with your wind Moses spoke about God making the wind blow as if God blew the wind through his nose or mouth. Alternate translation: “But you made the wind blow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 10 f7d3 figs-simile צָֽלֲלוּ֙ כַּֽ⁠עוֹפֶ֔רֶת בְּ⁠מַ֖יִם אַדִּירִֽים 1 sank like lead in the mighty waters **Lead** is a heavy metal that is commonly used to make things sink in water. It is used here to show how fast God’s enemies were destroyed. Alternate translation: “sank as fast as a heavy piece of metal in the deep turbulent waters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) EXO 15 11 wq2s figs-rquestion מִֽי־כָמֹ֤⁠כָה בָּֽ⁠אֵלִם֙ יְהוָ֔ה 1 Who is like you, Yahweh, among the gods? Moses uses this question to show how great God is. Alternate translation: “O Yahweh, no one is like you among the gods!” or “Yahweh, none of the gods is like you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 15 11 pp57 figs-rquestion מִ֥י כָּמֹ֖⁠כָה נֶאְדָּ֣ר בַּ⁠קֹּ֑דֶשׁ נוֹרָ֥א תְהִלֹּ֖ת עֹ֥שֵׂה פֶֽלֶא 1 Who is like you,…doing miracles? Moses uses this question to show how great God is. Alternate translation: “No one is like you. No one is majestic in holiness as you are, no one is honored in praises as you are, and no one does miracles as you do!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 15 12 cid8 figs-metonymy יְמִ֣ינְ⁠ךָ֔ 1 with your right hand The phrase **right hand** represents the strong power of God. Alternate translation: “with your strong power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 15 12 bkg2 figs-metaphor נָטִ֨יתָ֙ יְמִ֣ינְ⁠ךָ֔ 1 You reached out with your right hand Moses speaks about God causing something to happen as if God reached out with his hand. Alternate translation: “With your strong power you made it happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 12 g7bv figs-personification תִּבְלָעֵ֖⁠מוֹ אָֽרֶץ 1 the earth swallowed them Moses personifies the earth as if it could swallow or devour with it’s mouth. Alternate translation: “the earth devoured them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) EXO 15 13 cvea figs-parallelism נָחִ֥יתָ בְ⁠חַסְדְּ⁠ךָ֖ עַם־ז֣וּ גָּאָ֑לְתָּ נֵהַ֥לְתָּ בְ⁠עָזְּ⁠ךָ֖ 1 the earth swallowed them These lines are structural parallels where the lines are saying similar things but the parallelism is more in the construction of the lines. **In your** is repeated and the concepts of **led** and **guided** are very similar to one another. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 15 14 qlpy figs-parallelism 1 tremble Verses 14-16a form a complex parallel structure where things are repeated in reverse. (See the [introduction to chapter 15](../15/intro.md) and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 15 14 zi1m יִרְגָּז֑וּ⁠ן 1 tremble This means to shake because you are afraid. EXO 15 14 uqf7 figs-personification חִ֣יל אָחַ֔ז יֹשְׁבֵ֖י פְּלָֽשֶׁת 1 terror will seize the inhabitants of Philistia Moses speaks of **terror** as if it were a person that could forcefully grab hold of someone and make them extremely afraid. Alternate translation: “the inhabitants of Philistia will be afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) EXO 15 15 qyix figs-personification אֵילֵ֣י מוֹאָ֔ב יֹֽאחֲזֵ֖⁠מוֹ רָ֑עַד 1 terror will seize the inhabitants of Philistia Moses speaks of **trembling** as if it were a person that could forcefully grab hold of someone and make them extremely afraid. Alternate translation: “the leaders of Moab will be afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) EXO 15 15 ya48 figs-metaphor נָמֹ֕גוּ 1 will melt away Moses uses the phrase, **melted away,** to speak of people becoming weak because of their fear. Alternate translation: “became weak from fear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 16 nk67 figs-doublet תִּפֹּ֨ל עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֤ם אֵימָ֨תָ⁠ה֙ וָ⁠פַ֔חַד 1 Terror and dread will fall on them **Terror and dread** form a doublet meaning “very afraid.” Alternate translation: “They will become very afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) EXO 15 16 kbt5 figs-metaphor תִּפֹּ֨ל עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֤ם אֵימָ֨תָ⁠ה֙ וָ⁠פַ֔חַד 1 Terror and dread will fall on them **Terror and dread** are pictured as physical objects that could **fall on** people. The image might be of them crushing people or being a heavy weight that people struggle under (however, the image is not specified). It means that the people will feel the emotions of terror and dread very strongly. Alternate translation: “They will be overwhelmed with feelings of terror and dread” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 16 t2yp figs-metonymy בִּ⁠גְדֹ֥ל זְרוֹעֲ⁠ךָ֖ 1 Because of your arm’s power God’s arm represents his great strength. Alternate translation: “Because of your great strength” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 15 16 umm7 figs-simile יִדְּמ֣וּ כָּ⁠אָ֑בֶן 1 they will become as still as a stone Possible meanings are (1) “They will be silent like stone” or (2) “They will be motionless as stone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) EXO 15 17 n5i5 figs-explicit תְּבִאֵ֗⁠מוֹ וְ⁠תִטָּעֵ֨⁠מוֹ֙ 1 You will bring them Where God would bring them can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “You will take your people to Canaan and plant them there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 15 17 u26j figs-go תְּבִאֵ֗⁠מוֹ 1 You will bring them Since Moses was not already in Canaan, some languages would use “take” rather than **bring.** Alternate translation: “You will take them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) EXO 15 17 t6wg figs-metaphor וְ⁠תִטָּעֵ֨⁠מוֹ֙ בְּ⁠הַ֣ר 1 plant them on the mountain Moses speaks about God giving his people the land to live in as if they were a plant that God was planting. Alternate translation: “settle them on the mountain of” or “let them live on the mountain of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 17 p7kb בְּ⁠הַ֣ר נַחֲלָֽתְ⁠ךָ֔ 1 the mountain of your inheritance This refers to Mount Zion in the land of Canaan. EXO 15 17 ie26 figs-metaphor בְּ⁠הַ֣ר נַחֲלָֽתְ⁠ךָ֔ 1 of your inheritance Moses speaks about God promising to give his people **the mountain** forever as if he were giving it to them as an inheritance. Alternate translation: “on the mountain that you have given them as an inheritance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 17 ytz3 figs-metonymy כּוֹנְנ֥וּ יָדֶֽי⁠ךָ׃ 1 that your hands have built The phrase **your hands** refers to God’s power. Alternate translation: “that you have built by your power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 15 18 4t2l יְהוָ֥ה׀ יִמְלֹ֖ךְ לְ⁠עֹלָ֥ם וָ⁠עֶֽד 1 that your hands have built “Yahweh reigns forever and ever” EXO 15 20 g7s6 translate-names מִרְיָ֨ם 1 Miriam…Aaron Miriam was the older sister of Moses and Aaron. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 15 20 gam2 translate-unknown הַ⁠תֹּ֖ף …בְּ⁠תֻפִּ֖ים 1 tambourine This is a musical instrument like a small drum that also has pieces of metal around the side that make a sound when shaken. Alternate translation: “timbrel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 15 20 4f9k figs-hyperbole וַ⁠תֵּצֶ֤אןָ כָֽל־הַ⁠נָּשִׁים֙ אַחֲרֶ֔י⁠הָ בְּ⁠תֻפִּ֖ים וּ⁠בִ⁠מְחֹלֹֽת 1 tambourine Here, **all** may be a generalization, it may not have been every woman. It could be better to translate as a restrictive clause as in the UST. Alternate translation: “and every woman who went out after her had a tambourine and danced” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) EXO 15 21 f6m3 figs-explicit גָאֹ֣ה גָּאָ֔ה 1 he has triumphed gloriously It can be stated explicitly over whom Yahweh triumphed. See how you translated this in [Exodus 15:1](../15/01.md). Alternate translation: “he has achieved a glorious victory over the army of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 15 21 hvu1 figs-metaphor ס֥וּס וְ⁠רֹכְב֖⁠וֹ רָמָ֥ה בַ⁠יָּֽם 1 The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea Miriam sang about God causing the sea to cover and drown the horse and rider as if God had thrown them into the sea. See how you translated this in [Exodus 15:1](../15/01.md). Alternate translation: “he has made the horse and rider drown in the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 22 iw9n grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ 1 Moses led Israel The word **Israel** represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Moses led the Israelite people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) EXO 15 22 c7pe translate-names מִדְבַּר־שׁ֑וּר 1 wilderness of Shur We do not know the exact locations of this place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 15 23 a9pv translate-names מָרָ֔תָ⁠ה 1 Marah We do not know the exact locations of this place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 15 24 n64m וַ⁠יִּלֹּ֧נוּ הָ⁠עָ֛ם עַל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה 1 complained to Moses and said **Murmur** is a very strong term for “grumble” or “complain” that is used to describe the Israelites’ attitude throughout their time in the wilderness. It occurs several times in Exodus and Numbers. Alternate translation: “And the people were unhappy and told Moses” or “And the people angrily told Moses” EXO 15 26 l2hx figs-123person לְ⁠ק֣וֹל׀ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗י⁠ךָ 1 the voice of Yahweh your God Yahweh is speaking about his own voice. Alternate translation: “to my voice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) EXO 15 26 86p8 figs-metonymy לְ⁠ק֣וֹל׀ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗י⁠ךָ 1 the voice of Yahweh your God Yahweh’s voice represents what he says. Alternate translation: “to what I say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 15 26 sq5x figs-metaphor וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּשָׁ֤ר בְּ⁠עֵינָי⁠ו֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה 1 do what is right in his eyes The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “and do what Yahweh considers to be right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 26 4e63 figs-metaphor וְ⁠הַֽאֲזַנְתָּ֙ לְ⁠מִצְוֺתָ֔י⁠ו 1 do what is right in his eyes The **ear** represents listening and listening represents obeying. Alternate translation: “and you carefully obey his commands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 26 m4cn figs-metaphor כָּֽל־הַ⁠מַּֽחֲלָ֞ה אֲשֶׁר־שַׂ֤מְתִּי בְ⁠מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ לֹא־אָשִׂ֣ים עָלֶ֔י⁠ךָ 1 I will put on you none of the diseases God speaks of causing people to have diseases as putting diseases on them. Alternate translation: “I will not cause any of you to have the diseases that I cause the Egyptians to have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 15 27 did8 translate-names אֵילִ֔מָ⁠ה 1 Elim This is an oasis in the desert, a place with water and shade trees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 15 27 ark9 translate-numbers 1 twelve “twelve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 15 27 p64y translate-numbers וְ⁠שִׁבְעִ֣ים 1 seventy “and seventy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 16 intro nkd7 0 # Exodus 16 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Complaints
After complaining about the water, the Israelites complained that they had less food than in Egypt. This is intended to show their ungratefulness and their sinful view of Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

### Prohibition against storing food
The people were not allowed to store the food, called manna, that Yahweh provided to them. This is because they were to trust in Yahweh to provide for their needs every day. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])

### Sabbath
This is the first recorded celebration of the Sabbath rest. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]])

## Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Bread as food
Yahweh speaks of the food that he will send as if it were bread. The manna he gave them was perhaps not literally bread. The Israelites would eat this food every day, just as they had eaten bread every day before this. Alternate translations: “food” or “food like bread” (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/bread]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

### Chronology
[Verses 34](../../exo/16/34.md)-36 are written from a much later perspective. Translators will need to find a way to show that this portion gives background information from a much later point (at least 40 years).

### Ark of the covenant
Related to the chronology issue, although the covenant has not yet been made, it is referenced in [Exodus 16:34](../../exo/16/34.md). This is probably an editorial comment made after these events. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

### Wilderness of Sin
Sin is the name of a part of the Sinai Wilderness. It is the description of a place, and it has nothing to do with sinning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 16 1 gw67 translate-names סִ֔ין 1 wilderness of Sin The word **Sin** here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness. It is not the English word “sin.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 16 1 h44x translate-hebrewmonths בַּ⁠חֲמִשָּׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר יוֹם֙ לַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֔י 1 on the fifteenth day of the second month This time coincides with the end of April and the beginning of May on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]]) EXO 16 1 u2aq translate-ordinal בַּ⁠חֲמִשָּׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר יוֹם֙ לַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֔י 1 on the fifteenth day of the second month “on day 15 of the second month” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 16 2 h938 figs-hyperbole וַיִּלּ֜וֹנוּ כָּל־עֲדַ֧ת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל 1 The whole community of Israelites complained Here, **all** is a generalization. Alternate translation: “And many of the community of the sons of Israel murmured” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) EXO 16 2 nx6f וַיִּלּ֜וֹנוּ 1 complained “And … were angry and spoke” EXO 16 3 nwy6 figs-hypo מִֽי־יִתֵּ֨ן מוּתֵ֤⁠נוּ 1 If only we had died This is a way of saying that they wished that they had died. It is a hypothetical past statement. Alternate translation: “We wish that we had died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]]) EXO 16 3 g1n1 figs-metonymy בְ⁠יַד־יְהוָה֙ 1 by Yahweh’s hand The phrase **the hand of Yahweh** represents Yahweh’s action. Alternate translation: “by Yahweh’s action” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 16 4 kls5 figs-metaphor מַמְטִ֥יר לָ⁠כֶ֛ם לֶ֖חֶם מִן־הַ⁠שָּׁמָ֑יִם 1 I will rain down bread from heaven for you God speaks of food coming down from heaven as if it were rain. Alternate translation: “make bread come down from heaven like rain” or “make bread fall to you from the sky” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 16 4 yew5 בְּ⁠תוֹרָתִ֖⁠י 1 my law “in my instruction” EXO 16 5 p1f6 וְ⁠הָיָה֙ בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שִּׁשִּׁ֔י וְ⁠הֵכִ֖ינוּ 1 It will come about on the sixth day, that they “It will happen on the sixth day that they will prepare” or “On the sixth day they will prepare” EXO 16 5 cl74 translate-ordinal בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שִּׁשִּׁ֔י 1 on the sixth day “on day 6” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 16 5 t5il מִשְׁנֶ֔ה 1 twice two times EXO 16 7 zb21 figs-rquestion וְ⁠נַ֣חְנוּ מָ֔ה כִּ֥י תלונו עָלֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 Who are we for you to complain against us? Moses and Aaron used this question to show the people that it was foolish to complain against them. Alternate translation: “We are not powerful enough for you to complain against us.” or “It is foolish to complain against us, because we cannot do what you want.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 16 8 pn4e figs-rquestion וְ⁠נַ֣חְנוּ מָ֔ה 1 Who are Aaron and I? Moses used this question to show the people that he and Aaron did not have the power to give them what they wanted. Alternate translation: “Aaron and I cannot give you what you want.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 16 8 vdr8 figs-explicit וְ⁠נַ֣חְנוּ מָ֔ה לֹא־עָלֵ֥י⁠נוּ תְלֻנֹּתֵי⁠כֶ֖ם כִּ֥י עַל־יְהוָֽה 1 Your complaints are not against us; they are against Yahweh The people were complaining against Moses and Aaron, who were Yahweh’s servants. So by complaining against them, the people were really complaining against Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Your complaints are not really against us; they are against Yahweh, because we are his servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 16 9 7jpf figs-quotesinquotes וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֔ן אֱמֹ֗ר אֶֽל־כָּל־עֲדַת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל קִרְב֖וּ 1 Your complaints are not against us; they are against Yahweh There are two layers of quotes here. You may want to translate one or the other as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the layers of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “And Moses told Aaron to tell all of the congregation of the sons of Israel, “Approach” or “And Moses told Aaron, “Tell all of the congregation of the sons of Israel to approach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) EXO 16 10 q4ax וַ⁠יְהִ֗י 1 It came about This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. The important event here is the people seeing Yahweh’s glory. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. EXO 16 10 b6rp וְ⁠הִנֵּה֙ 1 behold The word **behold** here shows that the people saw something interesting. EXO 16 13 aas8 וַ⁠יְהִ֣י 1 It came about…that This phrase is used here to mark an important part of the events. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. EXO 16 13 eu1x translate-unknown הַ⁠שְּׂלָ֔ו 1 quails These are small, plump birds. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 16 14 k5lb translate-unknown כַּ⁠כְּפֹ֖ר 1 like frost Frost is frozen dew that forms on the ground. It is very fine. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 16 14 jern figs-simile כַּ⁠כְּפֹ֖ר 1 like frost The original readers knew what frost is like, so this phrase would help them understand what the flakes were like. Alternate translation: “that looked like frost” or “that was fine like frost” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) EXO 16 16 gotf אִ֖ישׁ לְ⁠פִ֣י אָכְל֑⁠וֹ 1 omer “according to how much each will eat” EXO 16 16 fqp9 translate-bvolume עֹ֣מֶר 1 omer 2 liters (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]]) EXO 16 16 mnwy עֹ֣מֶר לַ⁠גֻּלְגֹּ֗לֶת מִסְפַּר֙ נַפְשֹׁ֣תֵי⁠כֶ֔ם אִ֛ישׁ לַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּ⁠אָהֳל֖⁠וֹ תִּקָּֽחוּ 1 omer “take an omer per person according to how many people are in the gatherer’s tent” EXO 16 20 itjo וַ⁠יָּ֥רֻם תּוֹלָעִ֖ים 1 omer “and it decayed with worms” EXO 16 21 jd5t אִ֖ישׁ כְּ⁠פִ֣י אָכְל֑⁠וֹ 1 omer “everyone according to how much they would eat” or “everyone according to how many people they had to feed” EXO 16 22 nrx8 writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִ֣י 1 It came about that This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. Verses 16:22-30 tell about what the people did concerning the manna on the sixth and seventh days of the week. If your language has a way for marking this as a new part of the story, you could consider using it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 16 22 xk6x translate-ordinal בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שִּׁשִּׁ֗י 1 on the sixth day “on day 6” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 16 22 zj1u מִשְׁנֶ֔ה 1 twice “two times as much” EXO 16 22 f4j9 לֶ֨חֶם֙ 1 bread This refers to the bread that appeared as thin flakes on the ground each morning. EXO 16 23 wc4a שַׁבָּת֧וֹן שַׁבַּת־קֹ֛דֶשׁ לַֽ⁠יהוָ֖ה 1 a solemn rest “is a day to stop working completely and dedicate to Yahweh” EXO 16 24 y4d9 וְ⁠לֹ֣א הִבְאִ֔ישׁ 1 did not become foul “And it did not smell rotten” EXO 16 25 pr1p כִּֽי־שַׁבָּ֥ת הַ⁠יּ֖וֹם לַ⁠יהוָ֑ה 1 today is a day reserved as a Sabbath to honor Yahweh “today is a Sabbath, a day to honor Yahweh by not working” EXO 16 26 jv77 translate-ordinal וּ⁠בַ⁠יּ֧וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֛י 1 but the seventh day “but on day seven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 16 27 qf14 וְ⁠לֹ֖א מָצָֽאוּ 1 they found none “but they did not find any manna” EXO 16 28 e1vx figs-rquestion עַד־אָ֨נָה֙ מֵֽאַנְתֶּ֔ם לִ⁠שְׁמֹ֥ר מִצְוֺתַ֖⁠י וְ⁠תוֹרֹתָֽ⁠י 1 How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? God used this question to scold the people because they did not obey his laws. Alternate translation: “You people still do not keep my commandments and laws!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 16 28 q41d figs-youcrowd מֵֽאַנְתֶּ֔ם 1 General Information: Yahweh speaks to Moses, but the word **you** refers to the people of Israel in general. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]]) EXO 16 28 vnq7 לִ⁠שְׁמֹ֥ר מִצְוֺתַ֖⁠י וְ⁠תוֹרֹתָֽ⁠י 1 to keep my commandments and my laws “to obey my commandments and my laws” EXO 16 29 p22l figs-metaphor כִּֽי־יְהוָה֮ נָתַ֣ן לָ⁠כֶ֣ם הַ⁠שַּׁבָּת֒ 1 Yahweh has given you the Sabbath Yahweh speaks about teaching people to rest on the Sabbath as if the Sabbath were a gift. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, have taught you to rest on the Sabbath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 16 29 dt58 translate-ordinal בַּ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠שִּׁשִּׁ֖י…בַּ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִֽי 1 sixth day…two days…seventh day “on day 6 … on day 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 16 29 y8wf לֶ֣חֶם 1 bread This refers to the bread that appeared as thin flakes on the ground each morning. EXO 16 29 5i2z יוֹמָ֑יִם 1 bread “for 2 days” EXO 16 31 r1a5 translate-unknown כְּ⁠זֶ֤רַע גַּד֙ לָבָ֔ן 1 coriander seed **Coriander** is an herb also known as cilantro. People eat both the leaves and seeds. People dry the seeds and grind them into a powder and put it in food to give it flavor. Alternate translation: “like a small white seed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 16 31 vrl4 כְּ⁠צַפִּיחִ֥ת 1 wafers **Wafers** are very thin biscuits or crackers. EXO 16 33 7lup figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה 1 wafers Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 16 34 x9vr writing-background 1 wafers Verses 34-36 provide a later commentary on the chapter. If your language has a way of marking background information you may want to use it starting from verse 34 or verse 35. You may want to leave verse 34 more connected to verse 33 even though it references the **Covenant** which has not been given yet. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) EXO 16 34 jzcz figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הָ⁠עֵדֻ֖ת 1 wafers Here, **face** figuratively represents being near the **Covenant.** Alternate translation: “near the Covenant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 16 36 g8ns translate-bvolume וְ⁠הָ⁠עֹ֕מֶר עֲשִׂרִ֥ית הָ⁠אֵיפָ֖ה הֽוּא 1 Now an omer is a tenth of an ephah An omer and an ephah are both containers for measuring volume. The original readers would have known how much an ephah was. This sentence would help them know how much an omer was.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]]) EXO 16 36 a9uh translate-fraction וְ⁠הָ⁠עֹ֕מֶר עֲשִׂרִ֥ית הָ⁠אֵיפָ֖ה הֽוּא 1 Now an omer is a tenth of an ephah For languages that do not use fractions, this can be reworded. Alternate translation: “Now ten omers equal one ephah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) EXO 17 intro f12q 0 # Exodus 17 General Notes
## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Rhetorical Questions
Moses uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. The purpose of these questions is to convince people of their sin. Likewise, the people’s rhetorical question showed their ignorance. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Wilderness of Sin
Sin is the name of a part of the Sinai Wilderness. It is not the description of a place, and it has nothing to do with sinning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])


### Naming
As in the last couple of chapters, places and things are named for what happens in that location. In this chapter is Massah (which means “test”), Meribah (“arguing”), and an alter named “Yahweh is my Banner” because Yahweh will be at war with the Amalekites forever. EXO 17 1 jzz5 writing-newevent וַ֠⁠יִּסְעוּ כָּל־עֲדַ֨ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל 1 wilderness of Sin A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 17 1 h1li translate-names סִ֛ין 1 wilderness of Sin The word “Sin” here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness. It is not the English word “sin.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 16:1](../16/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 17 1 e7jv figs-metonymy עַל־פִּ֣י יְהוָ֑ה 1 wilderness of Sin Here, **mouth** is a refers figuratively to Yahweh’s commands (that is, what he says to do). Alternate translation: “at the command of Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 17 1 j1fm translate-names בִּ⁠רְפִידִ֔ים 1 Rephidim **Rephidim** means “the resting place,” a place to rest on long journeys through the wilderness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 17 2 hr9b figs-rquestion מַה־תְּרִיבוּ⁠ן֙ עִמָּדִ֔⁠י מַה־תְּנַסּ֖וּ⁠ן אֶת־יְהוָֽה 1 Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh? Moses uses these questions to scold the people. Alternate translation: “You should not quarrel with me! You should not test Yahweh!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 17 3 cz24 figs-rquestion לָ֤⁠מָּה זֶּה֙ הֶעֱלִיתָ֣⁠נוּ מִ⁠מִּצְרַ֔יִם לְ⁠הָמִ֥ית אֹתִ֛⁠י וְ⁠אֶת־בָּנַ֥⁠י וְ⁠אֶת־מִקְנַ֖⁠י בַּ⁠צָּמָֽא 1 To kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? The people use this question to accuse Moses of wanting to kill them. Alternate translation: “You only brought us out here to kill us and our children and cattle by not letting us have any water to drink!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 17 6 nspc figs-metonymy לְ⁠פָנֶ֨י⁠ךָ 1 To kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? Here, **before your face** means “in front of”. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 17 7 x5an translate-names מַסָּ֖ה 1 Massah **Massah** is a place in the desert whose name means “testing” in Hebrew. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 17 7 hw7y translate-names וַ⁠יִּקְרָא֙ 1 Meribah **Meribah** is a place in the desert whose name means “complaining” in Hebrew. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 17 7 m55e אִם־אָֽיִן 1 Meribah In some languages it may be unnatural to explicitly have the negative option included in this question or to have it at the end. It may be omitted or relocated in the question if that is the case. EXO 17 8 nyt1 writing-newevent וַ⁠יָּבֹ֖א עֲמָלֵ֑ק 1 Rephidim A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

EXO 17 8 hi3u grammar-collectivenouns עֲמָלֵ֑ק…יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 Rephidim **Amalek** and **Israel** are both collective nouns that refer to the nations (people groups) descended from that individual. Alternate translation: “the Amalekites … the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]]) EXO 17 8 srdq writing-participants עֲמָלֵ֑ק 1 Rephidim **Amalek** or the Amalekites are a completely new participant in the story which you may need to point out in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 17 8 rv14 translate-names בִּ⁠רְפִידִֽם 1 Rephidim **Rephidim** was the name of a place in the desert. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 17 9 iktn translate-names יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ 1 Rephidim This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 17 9 0oi0 writing-participants יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ 1 Rephidim **Joshua** is a completely new participant in the story which you may need to point out in your translation. He is a major character. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 17 10 ca3g figs-synecdoche וַ⁠יַּ֣עַשׂ יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֤ר אָֽמַר־ל⁠וֹ֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה לְ⁠הִלָּחֵ֖ם בַּ⁠עֲמָלֵ֑ק 1 So Joshua fought Amalek **Joshua** represents himself and the Israelites that he led into battle. Alternate translation: “And, as Moses instructed, Joshua and the men he chose fought against the Amalekites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 17 10 wy51 translate-names וְ⁠ח֔וּר 1 Hur Hur was a friend of Moses and Aaron. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 17 10 itcx writing-participants וְ⁠ח֔וּר 1 Hur **Hur** is a new participant in the story which you may need to point out in your translation. However, he is a very minor character. He only appears in this passage and once much later in the book, so you may not need to highlight him at all. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) EXO 17 11 x5ex figs-synecdoche וְ⁠גָבַ֣ר יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל…וְ⁠גָבַ֥ר עֲמָלֵֽק 1 Israel was winning…Amalek would begin to win The words “Israel” and “Amalek” represent the fighters from those groups. Alternate translation: “the Israelite fighters were winning … the Amalekite fighters would begin to win” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 17 12 hxt8 figs-metonymy וִ⁠ידֵ֤י מֹשֶׁה֙ כְּבֵדִ֔ים 1 hands became heavy The author writes of Moses’ arms becoming tired as if his hands became heavy. Alternate translation: “And Moses’ arms became tired” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 17 12 js2p מִ⁠זֶּ֤ה אֶחָד֙ וּ⁠מִ⁠זֶּ֣ה אֶחָ֔ד 1 hands became heavy “one on one side, and one on the other” EXO 17 13 plp3 figs-metonymy לְ⁠פִי־חָֽרֶב 1 with the sword The sword represents battle. Alternate translation: “in the battle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 17 14 c5rl figs-metaphor מָחֹ֤ה אֶמְחֶה֙ אֶת־זֵ֣כֶר עֲמָלֵ֔ק 1 I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek God speaks of destroying Amalek as if he were removing people’s memory of Amalek. When a group of people is completely destroyed, there is nothing to remind people about them. Alternate translation: “I will completely destroy Amalek” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 17 14 jm77 figs-metonymy עֲמָלֵ֔ק 1 Amalek This refers to the Amalekites. Alternate translation: Amalekites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 17 14 n42j figs-metonymy מִ⁠תַּ֖חַת הַ⁠שָּׁמָֽיִם 1 Amalek This phrase is used to represent all people everywhere. Alternate translation: “from all people every where” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 17 15 fneg נִסִּֽ⁠י 1 Amalek **Banner** is something lifted up high, perhaps like a flag, that people can see from a distance and follow. Alternate translation: “is my military standard” or “is my guidon” EXO 17 16 lr14 כִּֽי־יָד֙ עַל־כֵּ֣ס יָ֔הּ 1 Amalek The Hebrew here is very difficult and there are a variety of opinions regarding the meaning. Questions include: 1) Whose hand is referred to? Amalek’s, Yahweh’s, or Moses’? 2) What is the hand on (or against)? Yahweh’s throne or banner? 3) What is the meaning of the preposition meaning on, against, or above? What does that signify? Rebellion, or taking an oath, or holding onto a symbol of power? If there is another translation in your region, it may be best to simply follow the interpretation it gives. Alternate translation: “Because a hand was on the throne of Yah” or “Because a hand was on the banner of Yah” EXO 17 16 sw1q מִלְחָמָ֥ה לַ⁠יהוָ֖ה בַּֽ⁠עֲמָלֵ֑ק 1 Amalek This phrase has no verbs in Hebrew. You may need to translate the noun **war** as a verb. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will make war with Amalek” or “Yahweh will war against Amalek” EXO 18 intro t8g2 0 # Exodus 18 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Leadership lessons
Jethro taught Moses an important leadership lesson in this chapter. Many scholars look at this chapter for important leadership lessons. Moses delegated some of his responsibilities to other godly men so that he would not become worn out by all the demands made of him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]])


## Possible translation difficulties
### Order of events
The timing of the events in [verse 2](../18/02.md) is not clear and whatever their timing, may be difficult to translate. The question is: Is Jethro’s **taking** Zipporah related to the past event of Moses sending her back to him at some otherwise unmentioned point in time, or is Jethro’s **taking** related to his coming to meet Moses in [verse 5](../18/05.md).

### Verse 11
[Verse 11](../18/11.md) is difficult in the original and requires interpretation.

### God and Yahweh
For this chapter God, who is named Yahweh, is mostly referred to as God instead by his name as is usual in much of the rest of the book. Translations should not suggest that they are not different beings.

### Kinship: Father-in-law
Jethro is the father of Moses’ wife. Some languages may make a distinction between that and a woman’s father-in-law. If that is the case, note it in verses: 1-2, 5-8, 12, 14-15, 17, 24, and 27. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-kinship]])


### Participant reference
Jethro is often referred to simply as the father-in-law of Moses in this chapter. He is also named explicitly an unusually high number of times (it would be more usual to have more pronouns referring to him). This is likely to emphasize his familial ties and authority (or honored status). Some languages may need to use alter the way he is referred to for naturalness or to convey the same sense of familial ties and authority (or honored status). EXO 18 1 nl86 figs-kinship חֹתֵ֣ן מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 Moses’ father-in-law This refers to the father of the wife of Moses. Some languages may have a different term for a man’s father-in-law than for a woman’s. Note also in verses: 2, 5-8, 12, 14-15, 17, 24, and 27. Alternate translation: “the father of the wife of Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-kinship]]) EXO 18 2 zw6h וַ⁠יִּקַּ֗ח יִתְרוֹ֙ חֹתֵ֣ן מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶת־צִפֹּרָ֖ה אֵ֣שֶׁת מֹשֶׁ֑ה 1 took Zipporah, Moses’ wife Possible meanings are (1) Jethro took Zipporah to Moses, or (2) Jethro had earlier welcomed back Zipporah. EXO 18 2 chy6 figs-explicit אַחַ֖ר שִׁלּוּחֶֽי⁠הָ 1 after he had sent her home This is something Moses had done earlier. The full meaning of the can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “after Moses had sent her home to her father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 18 3 khs1 וְ⁠אֵ֖ת שְׁנֵ֣י בָנֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 and her two sons This is the ending of the sentence that begins with the words **Jethro…took Zipporah** in [verse 2](../18/02.md). Possible meanings are (1) Jethro took Zipporah and her two sons to Moses, or (2) Jethro had earlier welcomed back Zipporah and her two sons. EXO 18 3 k4mb translate-names גֵּֽרְשֹׁ֔ם 1 Gershom This is a son of Moses and Zipporah, whose name means “foreigner.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 18 4 xi35 translate-names אֱלִיעֶ֑זֶר 1 Eliezer This is a son of Moses and Zipporah, whose name means “God is the one who helps me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 18 4 z2km figs-metonymy מֵ⁠חֶ֥רֶב פַּרְעֹֽה 1 Pharaoh’s sword This represents being killed by Pharaoh or Pharaoh’s army. Alternate translation: “from being killed by Pharaoh” or “from being killed by Pharaoh’s army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 18 5 203e וּ⁠בָנָ֥י⁠ו 1 where he was camped “with his sons” EXO 18 7 s5p2 translate-symaction וַ⁠יִּשְׁתַּ֨חוּ֙ וַ⁠יִּשַּׁק־ל֔⁠וֹ 1 bowed down, and kissed him These symbolic acts were the normal way that people showed great respect and devotion in that culture. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) EXO 18 8 rkq2 figs-metonymy עַ֖ל אוֹדֹ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל 1 for Israel’s sake The word **Israel** represents the Israelite people. Alternate translation: “in order to help the Israelite people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 18 8 a1ra figs-metaphor כָּל־הַ⁠תְּלָאָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר מְצָאָ֣תַ⁠ם 1 all the hardships that had come to them Moses writes of hardships happening to them as if hardships had come to them. Alternate translation: “all the hardships that had happened to them” or “how they had many hard experiences” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 18 9 wp1p figs-metonymy מִ⁠יַּ֥ד מִצְרָֽיִם 1 the hand of the Egyptians The hand represents the power of someone to do something. Alternate translation: “the power of the Egyptians” or “from what the Egyptians were doing to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 18 10 nrv7 figs-metonymy מִ⁠יַּ֥ד מִצְרַ֖יִם וּ⁠מִ⁠יַּ֣ד פַּרְעֹ֑ה…מִ⁠תַּ֖חַת יַד־מִצְרָֽיִם 1 the hand of the Egyptians…the hand of Pharaoh The hand represents the power of someone to do something. Alternate translation: “from the power of the Egyptians and from the power of Pharaoh … from the power of the Egyptians” or “from what the Egyptians and Pharaoh were doing to you … from what the Egyptians were doing to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 18 11 kmk7 כִּ֣י בַ⁠דָּבָ֔ר 1 the hand of the Egyptians…the hand of Pharaoh **Because of the matter** probably refers back to Yahweh’s rescue of Israel. Alternate translation: “because of what he did” EXO 18 11 ljj6 אֲשֶׁ֥ר זָד֖וּ עֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 the hand of the Egyptians…the hand of Pharaoh The most natural referent for **they** is **the gods**, who, perhaps through their agents (Pharaoh and the Egyptians), fought against Yahweh and oppressed the Israelites. This would connect back to [Exodus 12:12](../12/12.md) where Yahweh declares that he is bring judgment on the gods of Egypt. You may need to make some part of this explicit. Alternate translation: “in which they proudly fought Yahweh by oppressing Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 18 12 voi9 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הָ⁠אֱלֹהִֽים 1 the hand of the Egyptians…the hand of Pharaoh Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of God. In this case it likely means that this was a worship event. Alternate translation: “in the presence of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 18 13 4plh writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִי֙ מִֽ⁠מָּחֳרָ֔ת 1 the hand of the Egyptians…the hand of Pharaoh A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) EXO 18 13 ano2 translate-symaction וַ⁠יֵּ֥שֶׁב מֹשֶׁ֖ה לִ⁠שְׁפֹּ֣ט 1 the hand of the Egyptians…the hand of Pharaoh Sitting was symbolic of having a position of authority. Alternate translation: “Moses sat down as a judge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) EXO 18 13 wzea מִן־הַ⁠בֹּ֖קֶר עַד־הָ⁠עָֽרֶב 1 the hand of the Egyptians…the hand of Pharaoh “all day” EXO 18 14 bax5 figs-rquestion מָֽה־הַ⁠דָּבָ֤ר הַ⁠זֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אַתָּ֤ה עֹשֶׂה֙ לָ⁠עָ֔ם 1 What is this that you are doing with the people? Jethro uses this question to show Moses that what he was doing was not good. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not be doing all of this for the people!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 18 14 b5wj figs-rquestion מַדּ֗וּעַ אַתָּ֤ה יוֹשֵׁב֙ לְ⁠בַדֶּ֔⁠ךָ וְ⁠כָל־הָ⁠עָ֛ם נִצָּ֥ב עָלֶ֖י⁠ךָ מִן־בֹּ֥קֶר עַד־עָֽרֶב 1 Why is it that you sit alone…from morning until evening? Jethro used this question to show Moses that he was doing too much. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not sit alone, and all the people position themselves next to you from morning till evening!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 18 14 cfd1 figs-metonymy אַתָּ֤ה יוֹשֵׁב֙ לְ⁠בַדֶּ֔⁠ךָ 1 you sit alone The word **sit** here is a metonym for “judge.” Judges would sit while they listened to people’s complaints. Alternate translation: “do you judge alone” or “are you the only one who judges the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 18 14 tiqs figs-explicit נִצָּ֥ב עָלֶ֖י⁠ךָ 1 you sit alone The people came to be near Moses so that they could get a chance for him to hear their petitions. You could state that explicitly if it would be more clear. Alternate translation: “petition you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 18 18 jtd2 נָבֹ֣ל תִּבֹּ֔ל 1 You will surely wear yourselves out “You will surely make yourself very tired” EXO 18 18 h91b figs-metaphor כָבֵ֤ד מִמְּ⁠ךָ֙ 1 This burden is too heavy for you Jethro speaks of the hard work that Moses is doing as if it were a physical burden that Moses was carrying. Alternate translation: “is too hard for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 18 19 pug7 אִיעָ֣צְ⁠ךָ֔ 1 you advice “I will guide you” or “I will instruct you” EXO 18 19 v8i9 figs-metaphor וִ⁠יהִ֥י אֱלֹהִ֖ים עִמָּ֑⁠ךְ 1 God will be with you Jethro speaks of God helping Moses as if God would be with Moses. Alternate translation: “God will help you” or “God will give you wisdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 18 19 w4r8 figs-metaphor וְ⁠הֵבֵאתָ֥ אַתָּ֛ה אֶת־הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֖ים אֶל־הָ⁠אֱלֹהִֽים 1 you bring their disputes to him Jethro speaks of Moses telling God about their disputes as if they were something that Moses was bringing to God. Alternate translation: “and you tell God about their disputes” or and “you tell God what they are arguing about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 18 20 w3vf figs-metaphor וְ⁠הוֹדַעְתָּ֣ לָ⁠הֶ֗ם אֶת־הַ⁠דֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ יֵ֣לְכוּ בָ֔⁠הּ 1 You must show them the way to walk Jethro speaks of living or behaving like walking. Alternate translation: “You must show them how to live” or “You must show them how to behave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 18 21 p5ap וְ⁠אַתָּ֣ה תֶחֱזֶ֣ה 1 Furthermore, you must choose “As for you, search out” or “You must also search out” EXO 18 21 n936 figs-metaphor וְ⁠שַׂמְתָּ֣ עֲלֵ⁠הֶ֗ם 1 You must put them over people Jethro speaks of giving them authority over people as putting them over people. Alternate translation: “You must give them authority over people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 18 21 8vv7 writing-pronouns וְ⁠שַׂמְתָּ֣ עֲלֵ⁠הֶ֗ם 1 You must put them over people Here, **them** refers to the Israelites. Moses is placing the good men in charge of groups of Israelites. Alternate translation: “And you must appoint these men over the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) EXO 18 21 d2hv translate-numbers שָׂרֵ֤י אֲלָפִים֙ שָׂרֵ֣י מֵא֔וֹת שָׂרֵ֥י חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים וְ⁠שָׂרֵ֥י עֲשָׂרֹֽת 1 leaders in charge of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and of tens Possible meanings are (1) these numbers represent the exact amount of people in each group. Alternate translation: “leaders in charge of groups of 1,000 people, groups of 100 people, groups of 50 people, and groups of 10 people” or (2) these numbers are not exact, but represent groups of people of various sizes. Alternate translation: “leaders in charge of very small groups, small groups, large groups, and very large groups” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 18 22 y5n2 figs-metaphor כָּל־הַ⁠דָּבָ֤ר הַ⁠גָּדֹל֙ יָבִ֣יאוּ אֵלֶ֔י⁠ךָ 1 the difficult cases they will bring to you Jethro speaks of telling Moses about the difficult cases as bringing him the difficult cases. Alternate translation: “the difficult cases they will tell you about” or “when there are difficult cases, they will tell you about them so you can judge them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 18 22 vnvh וְ⁠הָקֵל֙ מֵֽ⁠עָלֶ֔י⁠ךָ 1 the difficult cases they will bring to you This is a command. Alternate translation: “Make your work less” or “Lessen your work” EXO 18 22 u42p figs-metaphor וְ⁠הָקֵל֙ מֵֽ⁠עָלֶ֔י⁠ךָ וְ⁠נָשְׂא֖וּ אִתָּֽ⁠ךְ 1 they will carry the burden with you Jethro speaks of the hard work that they would do as if it were something that they would carry and make lighter for Moses by helping him. Alternate translation: “Lessen your work by having them do the hard work with you” or “Make your work easier by having them help you do the hard work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 18 23 wyq4 וְ⁠יָֽכָלְתָּ֖ עֲמֹ֑ד 1 endure “then you will not wear yourself out” EXO 18 23 bt5p ⁠גַם֙ כָּל־הָ⁠עָ֣ם הַ⁠זֶּ֔ה עַל־מְקֹמ֖⁠וֹ יָבֹ֥א בְ⁠שָׁלֽוֹם 1 endure Here, getting **to their place** could mean each person’s home tent or it could mean the whole group gets to the promised land. If you cannot leave it ambiguous it would be best to indicate something like “harmony in the camp.” Alternate translation: “all these people will live in harmony” EXO 18 25 n2ws figs-metaphor רָאשִׁ֖ים עַל־הָ⁠עָ֑ם 1 heads over the people Moses writes of the leaders of people as if they were the head of a body. Alternate translation: “leaders over the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 18 25 tb18 figs-explicit אַנְשֵׁי־חַ֨יִל֙ 1 capable men What sort of ability they had can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “men who were able to lead” or “men who were able to judge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 18 25 iqn8 translate-numbers שָׂרֵ֤י אֲלָפִים֙ שָׂרֵ֣י מֵא֔וֹת שָׂרֵ֥י חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים וְ⁠שָׂרֵ֥י עֲשָׂרֹֽת 1 leaders in charge of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens Possible meanings are (1) these numbers represent the exact amount of people in each group. Alternate translation: “leaders in charge of groups of 1,000 people, groups of 100 people, groups of 50 people, and groups of 10 people” or (2) these numbers are not exact, but represent groups of people of various sizes. Alternate translation: “leaders in charge of very small groups, small groups, large groups, and very large groups” See how you translated this in [Exodus 18:21](../18/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 18 26 abx4 וְ⁠שָׁפְט֥וּ אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֖ם בְּ⁠כָל־עֵ֑ת 1 judged the people in normal circumstances “They judged the people most of the time” or “They judged the people in all regular circumstances” EXO 18 26 z7j4 figs-metaphor אֶת־הַ⁠דָּבָ֤ר הַ⁠קָּשֶׁה֙ יְבִיא֣וּ⁠ן אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 The difficult cases they brought to Moses The author writes of telling Moses about the difficult cases as bringing him the difficult cases. Alternate translation: “They told Moses about the difficult cases” or “When there were difficult cases, they told Moses about them so that he would judge them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 18 26 ve8h הַ⁠דָּבָ֥ר הַ⁠קָּטֹ֖ן 1 the small cases “easy case” EXO 19 intro ck7e 0 # Exodus 19 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### “A kingdom of priests”
The function of the priests was to intercede for the people. The Levites were the only priests in Israel; this is a metaphor indicating that the nation was to intercede for the world as a whole. They were also to be holy, or set apart, from the rest of the world. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])

### Revealing the Law
The events of this chapter are concerned with preparing the people to receive the law of Moses. The people go through all of this to prepare themselves for the law, which show the great importance of this event for Israel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]]) EXO 19 1 r5tj translate-hebrewmonths 1 In the third month…on the same day This means they arrived at the wilderness on the first day of the month just as they left Egypt on the first day of the month. The first day of the third month on the Hebrew calendar is near the middle of May on Western calendars. Alternate translation: “In the third month…on the first day of the month” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 19 1 xw7p 1 had gone out from “had left” EXO 19 2 nk51 translate-names 1 Rephidim This is an area on the edge of the wilderness of Sinai where the people of Israel had been camping. See how you translated this name in [Exodus 17:1](../17/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 19 3 s2qt figs-metonymy 1 the house of Jacob The word “house” here represents Jacob’s family and descendants. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Jacob” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 19 3 f4qw 1 the house of Jacob, the people of Israel The phrase “the people of Israel” explains what “the house of Jacob” means. EXO 19 4 z9i6 figs-you 1 You have seen The word **you** here refers to the Israelites. Yahweh is telling Moses what to tell the Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 19 4 b7ph figs-metaphor 1 I carried you on eagles’ wings God speaks of caring for his people while they traveled as if he were an eagle and carried them on his wings. Alternate translation: “I helped you travel like an eagle that carries her babies on her wings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 19 5 th35 1 obediently listen to my voice Obediently can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “listen to my voice and obey me” EXO 19 5 c767 figs-metonymy 1 my voice God’s voice represents what he says. Alternate translation: “what I say” or “my words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 19 5 fh8e 1 keep my covenant “do what my covenant requires you to do” EXO 19 5 ifv6 1 special possession “treasure” EXO 19 6 gm9s figs-metaphor 1 a kingdom of priests God speaks of his people as if they were priests. Alternate translation: “a kingdom of people who are like priests” or “a kingdom of people who do what priests do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 19 7 c5tq figs-metaphor 1 set before them all these words The author writes of Moses telling people things as if he were setting the words before them. AT “told them all these words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 19 7 zqk1 1 all these words that Yahweh had commanded him “all that Yahweh had commanded him” EXO 19 8 ljf5 figs-go 1 Moses came to report Where Moses went can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “Moses went back up the mountain to report” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 19 8 rwx6 figs-metonymy 1 the people’s words The word “words” refers to what the people said. Alternate translation: “what the people said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 19 10 ie7y 1 you must set them apart to me This probably means “tell them to dedicate themselves to me” or “tell them to purify themselves for me.” EXO 19 10 j891 1 their garments “their clothes” or “what they are wearing” EXO 19 11 d6tm figs-you 1 Be ready This was a command to the people of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 19 12 lg7u 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 19 12 d48p 1 set boundaries “make a boundary.” This was either a mark or some kind of barrier. EXO 19 12 kis1 figs-activepassive 1 Whoever touches the mountain will surely be put to death This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: “You must surely put to death any person who touches the mountain” or “You must surely kill anyone who touches the mountain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 19 12 ibe7 1 Whoever touches “Any person who touches” or “Anyone who touches” EXO 19 13 l9ak 1 such a person “a person who does that” or “a person who touches the mountain” EXO 19 13 k35k figs-activepassive 1 he must certainly be stoned or shot This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must certainly stone or shoot him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 19 13 vw19 1 shot This refers to being killed by someone who shoots arrows from a bow or stones from a slingshot. EXO 19 13 ng41 1 a long blast “a long, loud sound” EXO 19 15 bw2p figs-euphemism 1 do not go near your wives This is a polite way of talking about sleeping with their wives. Alternate translation: “do not sleep with your wives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) EXO 19 16 fvt8 1 All the people…trembled “All the people…shook with fear” EXO 19 18 m1b5 1 Yahweh descended “Yahweh came down” EXO 19 18 a8p7 1 like the smoke of a furnace This shows that it was a very large amount of smoke. Alternate translation: “like the smoke from a very large fire” EXO 19 18 np1s translate-unknown 1 furnace an oven that can be made extremely hot (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 19 19 m8ae 1 grew louder and louder “continued to become louder and louder” EXO 19 19 f5e6 figs-metonymy 1 in a voice The word “voice” here refers to a sound that God made. Possible meanings are (1) “by speaking loudly like thunder” or (2) “by speaking” or (3) “by causing thunder to sound” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 19 20 v7mh 1 he summoned Moses “he commanded Moses to come up” EXO 19 21 d2qm figs-metaphor 1 not to break through God spoke about walking past the boundary as if they might break down a barrier and walk through it. See how you translated “set bounds” in [Exodus 19:12](../19/12.md). Alternate translation: “not to go beyond the boundary” or “not to go through the barrier”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 19 24 w8lx 1 get down “go down” EXO 19 24 bk6p figs-metaphor 1 break through the barrier God spoke about walking past the boundary as if they might break down a barrier and walk through it. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 19:21](../19/21.md). Alternate translation: “go beyond the boundary” or “go through the barrier” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 20 intro x7vt 0 # Exodus 20 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

The instructions recorded in this chapter are commonly known as the “ten commandments.”

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Covenant
Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness is now based on the covenant he made with Abraham as well as the covenant he is making with Moses. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenantfaith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]]) EXO 20 2 qg71 1 house of slavery “place where you were slaves” EXO 20 3 r9h3 1 You must have no other gods before me “You must not worship any other gods but me” EXO 20 4 rkn1 1 nor the likeness “and you must not make the likeness” EXO 20 5 ka3i 1 You must not bow down to them or worship them The word “them” refers to carved figures or idols. EXO 20 5 r6zh 1 jealous God wants his people to worship only him. EXO 20 5 w4cs 1 punish the ancestors’ wickedness by bringing punishment on the descendants God will punish people for the sin of their parents. EXO 20 5 s2ia translate-ordinal 1 to the third and the fourth generation “to generations 3 and 4.” This refers to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alternate translation: “even on the grandchildren and great-grandchildren (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 20 6 u9nc figs-abstractnouns 1 I show covenant faithfulness to thousands of those who love me The abstract noun “faithfulness” can be stated as “faithfully” or “faithful.” Alternate translation: “I faithfully love thousands of those who love me” or “I am faithful to the covenant with thousands of those who love me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) EXO 20 6 yw38 figs-explicit 1 to thousands of those who love me The word “thousands” is a metonym for a number too many to count. Alternate translation: “forever to those who love me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 20 7 t3k2 1 take the name of Yahweh your God “use the name of Yahweh your God” EXO 20 7 gcz2 1 in vain “carelessly” or “without proper respect” EXO 20 7 sl6g figs-doublenegatives 1 I will not hold guiltless This double-negative can be stated as a positive. Alternate translation: “I will certainly consider guilty” or “I will certainly punish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) EXO 20 8 kwn7 1 set it apart “set it apart for a special purpose” EXO 20 9 sad1 1 do all your work “do all your usual duties” EXO 20 10 t1ky figs-metonymy 1 within your gates Cities often had walls around them to keep out enemies, and gates for people to go in and out. Alternate translation: “within your community” or “inside your city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 20 11 vw1f translate-ordinal 1 on the seventh day “on day seven.” Here “seventh” is the ordinal number for “7.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 20 11 s8ds 1 blessed the Sabbath day Possible meanings are that (1) God caused the Sabbath day to produce good results, or (2) God said that the Sabbath day was good. EXO 20 14 wyv9 1 You must not commit adultery “You must not have sex with anyone other than your spouse” EXO 20 16 zix8 1 must not give false testimony “must not speak a false report” or “must not tell lies about someone” EXO 20 17 vt9t 1 must not covet “must not strongly want to have” or “must not want to take” EXO 20 18 swq3 1 voice of the trumpet “sound of the trumpet” EXO 20 18 nm52 1 the mountain smoking “smoke coming from the mountain” EXO 20 18 lmt5 1 they trembled “they shook with fear” EXO 20 18 h53m 1 stood far off “stood far away” or “stood at a distance” EXO 20 20 slb8 1 so that the honor of him may be in you, and so that you do not sin “so that you will honor him and not sin” EXO 20 21 lts1 1 Moses approached “Moses went closer to” EXO 20 22 tq2f 1 This is what you must tell the Israelites “Tell the Israelites this” EXO 20 22 r6jh 1 You yourselves have seen that I have talked with you from heaven “You have heard me speak to you from heaven” EXO 20 23 hi91 1 You will not make for yourselves other gods alongside me “You must not make idols as other gods instead of me” EXO 20 23 qm44 1 gods of silver or gods of gold “gods made out of silver or gold” or “idols made out of silver or gold” EXO 20 24 pf1i 1 earthen altar an altar made of materials from the ground, such as stone, soil, or clay EXO 20 24 ge89 figs-metonymy 1 cause my name to be honored Here “name” is a metonym for God’s being. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “choose for you to honor me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 20 26 qm1b 1 You must not go up to my altar on steps “Do not build steps up to the altar and go up to it on those steps” EXO 20 26 h2qd 1 your nakedness “your private parts” EXO 21 intro dnd3 0 # Exodus 21 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Covenant with Moses
Although the covenant Yahweh made with Moses began in the previous chapter, it formally begins with the statement, “Now these are the decrees that you must set before them.” The law of Moses was a major part of this covenant. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

### Slavery
This passage does not condone slavery as an acceptable practice. However, it does impose some restrictions on the practice.

### Justice in society
The rules and law of this chapter are not intended to be followed by every society. Israel was God’s chosen nation and was required to live in a special way. These laws concerned creating a just society and a holy nation. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/elect]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]]) EXO 21 1 b3g4 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 21 1 hhf7 1 you must set before them “you must give them” or “you must tell them” EXO 21 2 di5z 1 General Information: Yahweh tells Moses his laws for the people of Israel. EXO 21 3 ln3r figs-explicit 1 If he came by himself, he must go free by himself What “by himself” means can be stated clearly. Some languages require that the additional condition, that he marries while a slave, be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “If he became a slave while he had no wife, and if he marries while he is a slave, the master need only free the man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 21 3 pfn3 1 by himself “alone” or “without a wife” EXO 21 3 e467 1 if he is married “if he was married when he became a slave” or “if he came as a married man” EXO 21 5 yj8x 1 plainly says “clearly says” EXO 21 5 jqh4 1 I will not go out free “I do not want my master to set me free” EXO 21 6 z8x1 1 bore his ear through “put a hole in his ear” EXO 21 6 xpd3 1 awl a pointed tool used to make a hole EXO 21 6 k6ev 1 for life “until the end of his life” or “until he dies” EXO 21 8 p8se 1 has designated “has chosen” EXO 21 8 t2zf figs-activepassive 1 he must let her be bought back This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he must allow her father to buy her back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 8 bi4y 1 has no right to sell “has no authority to sell” EXO 21 8 h7f7 1 he has treated her deceitfully “he has deceived her” EXO 21 9 w99z 1 designates her as a wife for his son “decides that she is the one who will be his son’s wife” EXO 21 10 rxk4 figs-doublenegatives 1 he must not diminish her food, clothing, or her marital rights This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “he must give the first wife the same food, clothing, and marital rights she had before” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) EXO 21 10 q2gt 1 must not diminish her food “must not take away her food” or “must not give her less food” EXO 21 10 np9b figs-euphemism 1 or her marital rights This includes things that a husband must do for his wife, including sleeping with her. Alternate translation: “and he must continue to sleep with her as before” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) EXO 21 12 gks4 1 strikes a man “hits a man” or “attacks a man” EXO 21 12 su6b figs-activepassive 1 that person must surely be put to death This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must certainly execute that person” or “you must certainly kill that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 13 h4ka 1 did not do it with premeditation “did not plan to do it” or “did not do it on purpose” EXO 21 13 gme9 figs-explicit 1 I will fix a place to where he can flee The purpose of choosing a place can be stately clearly here. Alternate translation: “I will choose a place that he can run away to be safe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 21 14 st5h 1 according to a cunning plan “after thinking carefully about it” EXO 21 14 abx6 1 must take him The word “him” refers to the one who killed his neighbor. EXO 21 14 bcc6 figs-activepassive 1 so that he may die This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that you can kill him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 15 y3hd figs-activepassive 1 Whoever hits his father or mother must surely be put to death This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If anyone hits his father or mother, you must surely put him to death” or “You must surely kill anyone who hits his father or mother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 15 qh2j 1 must surely “must certainly” EXO 21 16 iu81 figs-activepassive 1 that kidnapper must be put to death This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must kill that kidnapper” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 17 h8qf figs-activepassive 1 Whoever curses his father or his mother must surely be put to death This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must surely kill anyone who curses his father or his mother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 18 hk3c figs-activepassive 1 is confined to his bed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “cannot get out of bed” or “has to stay in bed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 19 c7rv 1 he recovers “he gets better” EXO 21 19 fa8t 1 staff This is a stick that can be leaned on for support while walking. EXO 21 19 xg6c figs-explicit 1 the loss of his time This refers to a situation when someone cannot work to earn money. You can express this clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “the time he could not work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 21 19 ws14 1 pay for his complete recovery “pay his medical costs” or “pay for his costs for healing” EXO 21 20 te41 1 as a result of the blow “because of the injury” or “because his master hit him” EXO 21 20 h4eg figs-activepassive 1 that man must surely be punished This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must certainly punish that man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 21 r65u figs-explicit 1 for he will have suffered the loss of the servant You can express clearly in the translation that the servant was valuable to his master. Alternate translation: “because he has already lost his servant who was valuable to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 21 22 a6av 1 she miscarries “her baby dies in her womb” or “her baby is born too soon and dies” EXO 21 22 cn4h figs-activepassive 1 the guilty man must surely be fined This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must certainly fine the guilty man” or “the guilty man must pay a fine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 22 v5ye 1 as the judges determine “what the judges decide” EXO 21 23 x2ek figs-explicit 1 you must give a life for a life This means that if she is hurt, the person who hurt her must be hurt in the same way. Alternate translation: “he must give his life for her life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 21 24 c5bq figs-explicit 1 an eye for an eye This means that if she is hurt, the person who hurt her must be hurt in the same way. Alternate translation: “his eye for her eye” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 21 26 i8cg 1 If a man Here “man” refers to the owner of a slave. EXO 21 26 bmc1 1 in compensation “as payment.” Compensation is what someone does for another person or gives to another person to make up for what he has caused that person to lose. EXO 21 28 sp6w 1 an ox gores “an ox injures with its horns” EXO 21 28 qk3u figs-activepassive 1 the ox must surely be stoned This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must stone the ox to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 28 q2gv figs-activepassive 1 its flesh must not be eaten This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must not eat its flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 28 d4li figs-activepassive 1 the ox’s owner must be acquitted This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must acquit the ox’s owner” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 29 nzn1 figs-activepassive 1 its owner also must be put to death This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must also kill its owner” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 30 t5rs figs-explicit 1 If a payment is required for his life If the ox’s owner can pay a fine to save his own life, then he must pay whatever the judges decide. The full meaning of this can be stated clearly. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if the owner of the bull can pay a fine to save his own life, he must pay the full amount that the judges say that he must pay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 31 kg25 1 has gored “has injured with its horns” EXO 21 32 qzv3 translate-bmoney 1 thirty shekels of silver “330 grams of silver.” A shekel weighed eleven grams. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) EXO 21 32 wm9a figs-activepassive 1 the ox must be stoned This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must kill the ox by stoning it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 33 fd4p 1 opens a pit “uncovers a hole in the ground” or “takes a cover off a hole in the ground” EXO 21 34 b48a figs-explicit 1 repay the loss The owner must be paid for the loss of his animal. Alternate translation: “pay the owner for the dead animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 21 34 j8qz figs-explicit 1 will become his The one who paid for the loss of the animal will become the owner of the dead animal and can do what he wants with it. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “will belong to the owner of the pit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 21 35 z9ug 1 divide its price “divide the money” or “divide the money they receive” EXO 21 36 fkx2 figs-activepassive 1 if it was known This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if people knew” or “if the owner knew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 21 36 v64b 1 a habit of goring in time past “had gored other animals before” EXO 21 36 ix8h figs-explicit 1 its owner has not kept it in This means that the owner did not keep his ox securely inside a fence. This can be clearly stated in the translation. Alternate translation: “its owner did not keep it inside a fence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 21 36 dcv2 figs-explicit 1 he must surely pay ox for ox The owner of the ox that killed must give an ox to the man who lost his ox. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “the owner of the ox that killed must surely give a living ox to the owner of the ox that died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 22 intro f9vb 0 # Exodus 22 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Justice in society
The rules and laws of this chapter are not intended to be followed by every society. Israel was God’s chosen nation and was required to live in a special way. These laws concerned creating a just society and a holy nation. In this chapter, the purpose of these laws often focuses on minimizing the people’s desire for vengeance. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/elect]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/avenge]]) EXO 22 1 syx5 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel. EXO 22 2 mt43 figs-activepassive 1 If a thief is found This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If anyone finds a thief” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 22 2 e98x 1 breaking in “using force to come into a house” EXO 22 2 gt5f figs-activepassive 1 if he is struck so that he dies This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if anyone strikes the thief so that he dies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 22 2 fq57 1 no guilt for murder will attach to anyone on his account “no one will be guilty of murdering him” EXO 22 3 vym5 1 if the sun has risen before he breaks in “if it is light before he breaks in” or “if he breaks in and it is after sunrise” EXO 22 3 nl2i 1 guilt for murder will attach to the person who kills him “the person who kills him will be guilty of murder” EXO 22 3 f4w4 1 make restitution “pay for what he stole” EXO 22 3 c5yl figs-activepassive 1 he must be sold for his theft This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: “you must sell him as a slave in order to pay for what he stole” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 22 4 k926 figs-activepassive 1 If the stolen animal is found alive in his possession This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If they find that he still has the live animal that he stole” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 22 4 g5kg 1 pay back double pay two animals for every animal that he took EXO 22 5 j24t 1 If a man grazes his livestock “If a man lets his animals eat plants” EXO 22 5 ty82 1 it grazes “it eats plants” EXO 22 5 jrb3 1 he must make restitution “he must pay back the owner of that field” EXO 22 6 x6aj 1 If a fire breaks out and spreads in thorns “If someone starts a fire and it spreads in thorns” EXO 22 6 i4ma 1 spreads in thorns “moves along the ground through dry plants” EXO 22 6 u1pa 1 stacked grain This is grain that has been cut and tied in bundles. “bundled grain” or “harvested grain” EXO 22 6 r2cf 1 standing grain This is grain that has not been cut, but it is ready to be harvested. EXO 22 6 w6ku 1 a field is consumed “fire consumes a field” or “fire destroys a field” EXO 22 6 j398 1 must surely make restitution “must certainly pay for the grain that the fire destroyed” EXO 22 7 jw3v 1 for safe keeping “to watch over it” or “to keep it safe” EXO 22 7 na9h figs-activepassive 1 if it is stolen This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if someone steals it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 22 7 z7zu 1 thief someone who steals something EXO 22 7 x2sh figs-activepassive 1 if the thief is found This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if you find the thief” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 22 8 lwg5 1 come before the judges to see whether “come before the judges so that they can find out if” EXO 22 8 f774 figs-idiom 1 has put his own hand on his neighbor’s property This is an idiom. If you have a way of saying this in your language, you can use it here. Alternate translation: “has stolen his neighbor’s property” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 22 9 p7ab 1 the claim of both parties must come before the judges The judges must listen to both people who claim that item belongs to them and the judges will decide who is guilty. EXO 22 11 gl7t figs-activepassive 1 an oath to Yahweh must be taken by them both Only the man who is accused of stealing the animal must swear the oath. The owner of the lost animal must accept the oath that has been sworn. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the man who was caring for the animal must swear an oath before Yahweh and the owner must accept that oath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 22 12 yw3w figs-activepassive 1 But if it was stolen from him This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But if someone stole the animal from him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 22 13 b313 figs-activepassive 1 If an animal was torn in pieces This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But if a wild beast tore the animal in pieces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 22 13 pc6i figs-activepassive 1 He will not have to pay for what was torn This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He will not have to pay for the animal that the wild beast destroyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 22 14 h8yw 1 must surely make restitution “must certainly repay with another animal” or “must certainly pay the owner for the animal” EXO 22 15 g3zw figs-activepassive 1 if the animal was hired This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if someone rented the animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 22 15 r792 figs-explicit 1 it will be paid for by its hiring fee The one who borrowed the animal will not have to pay the owner anything more than the hiring or rental fee. This fee will pay for the loss of the animal. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “the money that someone paid to rent the animal will cover the loss of the animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 22 15 f9w9 1 hiring fee “rental fee” or “money paid to rent the animal” EXO 22 16 a8s8 1 a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged “a man persuades a virgin who is not engaged that she wants to sleep with him” EXO 22 16 th2m 1 not engaged “not promised to be married” EXO 22 16 g24h figs-euphemism 1 if he lies with her Lying with someone is a euphemism for having sex. Alternate translation: “if he has sex with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) EXO 22 16 x33y 1 bride wealth “dowry” or “bride price” EXO 22 17 y2xz 1 him, he These pronouns refer back to the man who seduced the virgin. EXO 22 19 y3qy figs-euphemism 1 Whoever lies with an animal This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “Whoever has sexual relations with an animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) EXO 22 20 n4nh figs-activepassive 1 Yahweh must be completely destroyed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, you must completely destroy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 22 21 kr35 1 wrong a foreigner “mistreat a foreigner” or “cheat a foreigner” EXO 22 22 djh3 figs-doublenegatives 1 You must not mistreat any widow or fatherless child This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “You must treat all widows and fatherless children fairly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) EXO 22 22 v3i8 1 widow “woman whose husband has died” EXO 22 22 l2ih 1 fatherless child “orphan” or “child with no parents” EXO 22 24 sx9h figs-metonymy 1 I will kill you with the sword To be killed “with the sword” is a metonym that means a person will die violently, or perhaps fighting in a war. Alternate translation: “you will die a violent death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 22 25 v5je 1 a moneylender “one who lends money” EXO 22 25 g3ry 1 charge him interest “charge him extra money for borrowing” or “charge him extra money for the loan” EXO 22 26 vsk2 1 garment in pledge “coat as collateral” or “coat as a guarantee to repay the loan” EXO 22 27 wi2m 1 only covering “only coat” or “only garment to keep him warm” EXO 22 27 x7zb figs-rquestion 1 What else can he sleep in? This question adds emphasis. You can translate it as a strong statement. Alternate translation: “He will have nothing to wear while he sleeps!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 22 28 eel2 1 You must not blaspheme me, God “Do not insult God” or “Do not speak evil about God” EXO 22 28 tdj6 1 nor curse a ruler “and do not ask God to do bad things to a ruler” EXO 22 29 p8nk figs-doublenegatives 1 You must not hold back offerings This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “You must bring all of your offerings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) EXO 22 29 m4yq 1 give to me the firstborn of your sons “dedicate your firstborn sons to me” EXO 22 30 cya6 1 do the same with “dedicate to me the firstborn of” EXO 22 30 j345 translate-numbers 1 For seven days This can be written as a numeral. Alternate translation: “For 7 days after they are born” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 22 30 m4wq translate-numbers 1 the eighth day This can be written as a numeral. Alternate translation: “day number 8” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 22 30 l9vh 1 give them to me “dedicate them to me” EXO 23 intro hk5t 0 # Exodus 23 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Justice in society
The rules and laws of this chapter are not intended to be followed by every society. Israel was God’s chosen nation and was required to live in a special way. These laws concerned creating a just society and a holy nation. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/elect]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])

### Celebrations of feasts and festivals
The people of Israel were required to celebrate certain feasts and festivals. These were part of the law of Moses and some are described in this chapter. Their purpose was to worship Yahweh and to remember the great things Yahweh has done for them. EXO 23 1 we1y 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel. EXO 23 1 y1a3 1 dishonest witness This is the same as a lying or false witness. EXO 23 2 nqz9 1 nor may you bear witness “and you also must not speak” EXO 23 2 z6ej figs-metaphor 1 siding with the crowd This is a metaphor that describes one’s agreeing with a group of people as if he actually walked over and stood with that group. Alternate translation: “doing what the crowd wants” or “agreeing with the majority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 23 2 tnv2 1 pervert justice do illegal or immoral actions that result in a unjust ruling EXO 23 4 faf4 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel. EXO 23 6 gr9g 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel. EXO 23 6 z2al 1 Do not thrust aside justice for your poor in his lawsuit “Do not decide to treat a poor man unjustly in legal matters” EXO 23 6 vh76 1 lawsuit Here, this refers to any matter that a court decides. EXO 23 7 mf4w 1 I will not acquit the wicked “I will not find the wicked not guilty” or “I will not say of wicked people that they are innocent” EXO 23 8 gh3v figs-personification 1 bribe blinds…perverts Here a “bribe” is described as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “bribe discredits…undermines” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) EXO 23 9 mzu9 1 the life of a foreigner “the kind of life a stranger lives in a foreign land” EXO 23 10 usn5 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel. EXO 23 10 rt7h 1 its produce “the food its plants produce” EXO 23 11 vr1l 1 unplowed uncultivated, untilled EXO 23 11 b5q6 1 fallow in its natural state, not used for to grow food EXO 23 11 s4wv figs-explicit 1 so that the poor among your people may eat The poor can eat any food that grows on its own in a field that is not cultivated. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “so the poor among your people may harvest and eat any food that grows on its own in that field” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 23 12 v36j 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel. EXO 23 12 ij92 1 your ox and your donkey “your work animals” EXO 23 12 gpu1 figs-activepassive 1 any foreigner may rest and be refreshed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “any foreigner may rest and regain his strength” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 23 13 ldn8 1 Pay attention to “Do” or “Obey” EXO 23 13 x5tf figs-metonymy 1 mention the names of other gods This represents praying to other gods. Alternate translation: “pray to other gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 23 14 kp1j 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel. EXO 23 15 bu7n translate-hebrewmonths 1 Aviv This is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. See how you translated this in [Exodus 13:4](../13/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 23 15 tx1v figs-doublenegatives 1 not appear before me empty-handed Here understatement is used to emphasize that the Israelites must bring a suitable offering to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “come to me without a proper offering” or “always bring an offering to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) EXO 23 16 tnz1 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel. EXO 23 16 z4k4 1 You must observe “You must honor” or “You must celebrate” EXO 23 16 pnx4 1 Festival of Ingathering This festival celebrated the final harvesting of all the crops for the year. EXO 23 17 t5xj figs-explicit 1 All your males must appear before the Lord Yahweh Here to “appear” means to gather for worship. Alternate translation: “All the men must gather to worship the Lord Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 23 18 rqs4 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel. EXO 23 18 qgx1 1 fat from the sacrifices The fat was burned as an offering to Yahweh and was never eaten. EXO 23 19 h3gs 1 the choicest firstfruits “the best and first produce of the harvest” EXO 23 19 u7bk 1 You must not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk This was a magical fertility practice among the Canaanites, which the Israelites were not permitted to participate in. EXO 23 20 e5sr 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel. EXO 23 21 pm7x 1 Be attentive to him “Listen to him” EXO 23 21 p5y3 1 Do not provoke him, for he will not pardon “If you provoke him, he will not pardon” EXO 23 21 p4jv figs-metonymy 1 My name is on him Here “name” refers to God’s authority. Alternate translation: “He has my authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 23 22 z1gn figs-metonymy 1 If you indeed obey his voice Here “voice” represents what the angel says. Alternate translation: “If you carefully obey what he says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 23 22 y9bm figs-parallelism 1 an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries These two phrases mean the same thing and are used for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 23 23 ap6k 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel. EXO 23 24 a1d5 figs-explicit 1 You must not…do as they do The Israelites must not live as the people who worship other gods. Alternate translation: “You must not…live as the people who worship those gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 23 25 t3ir figs-merism 1 he will bless your bread and water This is a merism that means food and drink. Alternate translation: “he will bless your food and drink” or “he will bless you by giving you food and drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) EXO 23 25 ydl4 figs-123person 1 he will bless…I will remove Yahweh switched between the first and third pronoun to refer to himself. Here both “he” and “I” refer to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) EXO 23 26 i9uj 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel. EXO 23 26 q4gz figs-doublenegatives 1 No woman will be barren or will miscarry her young in your land This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Every woman will be able to become pregnant and give birth to healthy babies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) EXO 23 26 i1r9 1 miscarry to have a pregnancy end early and unexpectedly EXO 23 28 cg7i 1 hornets a flying insect that can sting people and cause pain EXO 23 29 i9aq 1 or the land would become abandoned “because no one would be living in the land” EXO 23 30 zyl3 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses his laws for the people of Israel. EXO 23 33 d1fp figs-metaphor 1 this will surely become a trap for you This means worshiping other gods will lead the people of Israel to certain destruction as if they were an animal caught in a hunter’s trap. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 24 intro b83l 0 # Exodus 24 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Moses’ covenant
The people of Israel promise to obey the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. Their continued blessings were contingent upon their obedience to this covenant. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

### God’s holiness
Because Yahweh is perfectly holy, he can only be approached in a certain way. Because of this, only Moses was allowed near Yahweh. This is also why Yahweh is described as a “devouring fire.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]]) EXO 24 1 c97i translate-names 1 Nadab…Abihu These are men’s names. See how you translated these names in [Exodus 6:23](../06/23.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 24 1 nm3t translate-numbers 1 seventy of Israel’s elders “70 of Israel’s elders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 24 3 cg32 figs-idiom 1 with one voice This is an idiom that means the people were in complete agreement. Alternate translation: “together” or “in agreement” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 24 4 h7gg 1 foot of the mountain “base of the mountain” or “bottom of the mountain” EXO 24 6 l5ia 1 Moses took half of the blood and put it into basins Moses collected half of the blood in basins in order to splash it on the people in [Exodus 24:8](../24/08.md). This would confirm the people’s participation in the covenant between the people of Israel and God. EXO 24 6 f7dh 1 he sprinkled the other half onto the altar Here the altar represents God. This would confirm God’s participation in the covenant between God and the people of Israel. EXO 24 7 axt9 figs-activepassive 1 We will be obedient This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “We will obey everything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 24 8 h9ff figs-explicit 1 Then Moses took the blood This refers to the blood that Moses had put into the bowls. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Then Moses took the blood that was in the bowls” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 24 9 uz7y translate-names 1 Nadab…Abihu These are men’s names. See how you translated these names in [Exodus 6:23](../06/23.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 24 10 ic4s figs-personification 1 Under his feet This speaks of God as if he had human feet. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) EXO 24 10 je5k 1 a pavement made of sapphire stone “a pavement made of blue stones called sapphires” EXO 24 10 q8sn 1 pavement a hard surface for walking or riding EXO 24 10 pm87 translate-unknown 1 sapphire stone This is a gemstone that is blue in color. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 24 10 zd6u figs-simile 1 as clear as the sky itself This is a simile. Alternate translation: “as clear as the sky is when there are no clouds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) EXO 24 11 jds6 figs-metonymy 1 God did not lay a hand on the Israelite leaders This means that God did not harm the leaders. Alternate translation: “God did not harm the Israelite leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 24 12 dx4f figs-explicit 1 tablets of stone and the law and commandments God had written the law and commandments on the tablets of stone. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “two stone slabs on which I have written all the laws” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 24 13 gv5e 1 with his assistant Joshua “with Joshua who assisted him” or “with Joshua who helped him” EXO 24 14 qiy4 1 wait for us “wait for Joshua and me” EXO 24 14 uc7r translate-names 1 Hur Hur was a man who was a friend of Moses and Aaron. See how you translated this name in [Exodus 17:10](../17/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 24 16 j2s5 figs-metonymy 1 Yahweh’s glory This was the brilliant light of God’s presence. Alternate translation: “The brilliant light showing God’s presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 24 17 e4n6 figs-simile 1 like a devouring fire This means the glory of Yahweh was very large and seemed to burn brightly like a fire. Alternate translation: “like a big fire burning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) EXO 24 17 k5lj figs-metaphor 1 in the eyes of the Israelites Their eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents their thoughts or judgment about they saw. Alternate translation: “to the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 24 18 h1wy translate-numbers 1 forty days and forty nights “40 days and 40 nights” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 25 intro t23a 0 # Exodus 25 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### The tent of meeting
This chapter gives specific instructions regarding the building of a tent where Moses would meet Yahweh and the ark would be stored. This would eventually become the tabernacle. It was to be considered a very holy place. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/tabernacle]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]]) EXO 25 2 r5yr figs-idiom 1 who is motivated by a willing heart This is an idiom that indicates a person’s desire to give an offering. Alternate translation: “who wants to give an offering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 25 2 k78q figs-you 1 You must receive The word **you** refers to Moses and the leaders. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 25 3 s2ls 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 25 4 c1qn 1 blue, purple, and scarlet material Possible meanings are (1) “material that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet,” probably wool yarn, or (2) “blue, purple and scarlet dye” to dye the linen. EXO 25 4 c958 1 scarlet bright red EXO 25 6 i6gp translate-unknown 1 spices dried plants that people grind into a powder and put in oil or food to give it a nice smell or flavor (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 25 7 mg4f translate-unknown 1 onyx a valuable stone that has layers of white and black, red or brown. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 25 7 aks5 figs-activepassive 1 precious stones to be set This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “precious stones for someone to set” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 25 7 c3hk 1 precious stones “valuable gems” or “treasured gems” EXO 25 8 d3vm 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 25 9 w4sc 1 tabernacle Here this word means the same thing as the word “sanctuary” in verse 8. EXO 25 9 c9qe figs-you 1 You must make it Here **you** is plural and refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 25 9 m1np figs-you 1 show you in the plans “show you in the design” or “show you in the pattern.” Here **you** is singular and refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 25 10 n7j1 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 25 10 cs23 translate-bdistance 1 two and a half cubits…one cubit and a half A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.5 cubits…1.5 cubits” or “115 centimeters…almost 69 centimeters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) EXO 25 12 e59p 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 25 12 wbq8 1 cast four rings of gold Casting was a process in which gold was melted, poured into a mold that was in the shape of a ring, and then allowed to harden. EXO 25 14 f2kz 1 in order to carry the ark “so that you can carry the ark” EXO 25 15 k67p 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 25 17 c675 1 atonement lid This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. EXO 25 17 ast8 translate-bdistance 1 two and a half cubits…a cubit and a half A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.5 cubits…1.5 cubits” or “115 centimeters…69 centimeters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) EXO 25 18 hfw6 1 hammered gold “beaten gold” EXO 25 19 rgn8 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 25 19 j38e 1 atonement lid This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:17](../25/17.md). EXO 25 19 b4l9 figs-activepassive 1 They must be made This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must make them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 25 21 lm1p figs-you 1 You must put Here **you** refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 25 22 hl6e 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to speak to Moses. EXO 25 22 zu9u figs-you 1 It is at the ark that I will meet with you “I will meet with you at the ark.” In 25:22 the word **you** is singular and refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 25 22 wq9w 1 atonement lid This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:17](../25/17.md). EXO 25 23 b11v 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 25 23 t312 translate-bdistance 1 two cubits…one cubit…a cubit and a half A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2 cubits…1 cubit…1.5 cubits” or “92 centimeters…46 centimeters…69 centimeters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) EXO 25 25 b6j8 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 25 25 awi7 1 one handbreadth wide a measurement of 7 to 8 centimeters EXO 25 25 bit8 1 frame for it “frame for the table” EXO 25 26 y64j 1 feet were “legs are” EXO 25 27 jdh4 figs-activepassive 1 The rings must be attached This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must attach the rings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 25 27 q5w8 1 in order to carry “so you can carry” EXO 25 28 d7jz 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 25 28 l4fk figs-activepassive 1 so that the table may be carried with them This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that you may carry the table with them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 25 29 v78d figs-activepassive 1 to be used to pour out drink offerings This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that you may use them to pour out drink offerings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 25 30 uth7 1 bread of the presence This bread represented the presence of God. EXO 25 31 kc3q 1 hammered gold “beaten gold.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:18](../25/18.md). EXO 25 31 g25l figs-activepassive 1 The lampstand is to be made This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Make the lampstand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 25 31 fq45 figs-activepassive 1 Its cups, its leafy bases, and its flowers are to be all made of one piece with it This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Make its cups, its leafy bases, and its flowers all of one piece with the lampstand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 25 33 nag2 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand ([Exodus 25:31-32](./31.md)). EXO 25 33 i7bh 1 almond blossoms white or pink flowers that have five petals EXO 25 34 ji3x 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand ([Exodus 25:31-32](./31.md)). EXO 25 35 lg8l 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand ([Exodus 25:31-32](./31.md)). EXO 25 35 n5ed figs-activepassive 1 made as one piece with it This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must make them as one piece with the lampstand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 25 36 z9wy 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. Yahweh is describing the lampstand ([Exodus 25:31-32](./31.md)). EXO 25 37 m2i7 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. EXO 25 37 dfn6 1 for them to give light from it “so they shine light from it” EXO 25 38 l5w8 figs-activepassive 1 The tongs and their trays must be made of pure gold This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Make the tongs and their trays of pure gold” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 25 39 ff5p translate-bweight 1 one talent A talent weighs about thirty-three kilograms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]]) EXO 25 39 ff8n 1 its accessories the tongs and the trays EXO 25 40 l7je figs-activepassive 1 you are being shown on the mountain This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I am showing you on the mountain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 26 intro emw7 0 # Exodus 26 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

This chapter is a continuation of the material in the previous chapter.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The tent of meeting
This chapter gives specific instructions regarding the building of a tent where Moses would meet Yahweh and the ark would be stored. This would eventually become the tabernacle. It was to be considered a very holy place. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/tabernacle]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]]) EXO 26 1 hen6 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do ([Exodus 25:1](../25/01.md)). EXO 26 1 ks8r figs-you 1 You must make Yahweh is speaking to Moses, so the word **you** is singular. Yahweh probably expected Moses to tell someone else to do the actual work, but Moses would be the one responsible for seeing that the work was done correctly. “Tell a craftsman to make” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 26 1 iww4 1 curtains These were large, heavy sections of woven cloth that were used to form the covering and dividing walls of the tabernacle. EXO 26 1 xvs7 1 scarlet wool wool dyed a deep red color EXO 26 1 n2vm 1 craftsman a person who is skilled in making beautiful objects by hand EXO 26 2 dkr6 translate-bdistance 1 twenty-eight cubits…four cubits “28 cubits…4 cubits.” A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 26 3 ba6w figs-activepassive 1 Five curtains must be joined to each other…must also be joined to each other This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Sew five curtains together to make one set, and sew the other five curtains together to make another set” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 26 4 ghz8 1 one set “one set of five curtains” EXO 26 4 zxx4 1 the second set “the second set of five curtains” EXO 26 6 sns4 1 clasps The clasps fit into the loops (verses 4 and 5) to hold the curtains together. EXO 26 7 k2mi 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. EXO 26 7 t7t3 translate-numbers 1 eleven “11” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 26 8 p423 translate-numbers 1 thirty…four “30…4” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 26 8 v7i1 translate-bdistance 1 cubits A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 26 10 j8yn 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. EXO 26 10 etf7 1 loops See how you translated these in [Exodus 26:4](./04.md). EXO 26 11 cq36 1 clasps The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:6](./06.md). EXO 26 12 x5p7 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. EXO 26 13 k4ci translate-bdistance 1 cubit A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 26 14 kii8 1 a covering of ram skins dyed red, and another covering of fine leather See how you translated similar phrases in [Exodus 25:5](../25/05.md). EXO 26 14 yz3v 1 dyed red “colored red” EXO 26 15 p38r 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 26 15 y85l 1 frames This refers to frames or panels that they made by joining together smaller pieces of wood. EXO 26 16 k4b7 translate-numbers 1 ten cubits…one and a half cubits “10 cubits…1.5 cubits” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 26 19 s45x 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. EXO 26 19 c9id 1 silver bases These were silver blocks that had a slot in them to keep the board in place. EXO 26 19 mm1h 1 pedestals The silver bases kept the wooden board off the ground. EXO 26 19 lg39 figs-activepassive 1 There must be two bases This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Put two bases” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 26 21 gag1 figs-explicit 1 and so on This means that what was said about the first two boards should be done for the rest of the boards. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “and two bases for each of the rest of the boards” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 26 22 nw4c 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 26 24 k1ec figs-activepassive 1 These frames must be separate at the bottom, but joined at the top This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Separate these frames at the bottom, but join them at the top” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 26 25 p2wu 1 silver bases These were silver blocks that had a slot in them to keep the frame in place. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:19](../26/19.md). EXO 26 25 q8xh 1 in all “total” EXO 26 25 yr6d figs-explicit 1 and so on This means that what was said about the first two frames should be done for the rest of the frames. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:21](../26/21.md). Alternate translation: “and two bases for each of the rest of the frames” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 26 26 c95e 1 General Information: Yahweh continue to tell Moses how the tabernacle was to be built. EXO 26 26 fc8p 1 crossbars These are horizontal support beams that give stability to the structure. EXO 26 27 rn67 1 the back side of the tabernacle to the west The front was on the east side of the tabernacle. EXO 26 29 x8ny 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses how the tabernacle must be constructed. EXO 26 29 ji1j 1 for them to serve as holders for the crossbars “which will hold the crossbars” or “because they will hold the crossbars” EXO 26 29 nq3m 1 crossbars These are horizontal support beams that give stability to the structure. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:26](../26/26.md). EXO 26 30 csf9 figs-activepassive 1 you were shown on the mountain This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that I have shown you here on this mountain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 26 31 yqi6 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses how the tabernacle is to be constructed. EXO 26 31 uc7w figs-you 1 You must make Yahweh is speaking to Moses, so the word **you** is singular. Yahweh probably expected Moses to tell someone else to do the actual work, but Moses would be the one responsible for seeing that the work was done correctly. “Tell a craftsman to make.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:1](../26/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 26 33 p2yq 1 clasps The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in [Exodus 26:6](./06.md). EXO 26 33 d3gm figs-explicit 1 you must bring in the ark of the testimony The ark of the testimony is the chest that contains the commandments. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “you must bring in the chest containing the commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 26 33 jc47 figs-activepassive 1 The curtain is to separate the holy place This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The curtain will separate the holy place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 26 34 v7t1 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 26 34 mli8 1 atonement lid This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:17](../25/17.md). EXO 26 34 b9m2 1 on the ark of the testimony “on the chest that contains the commandments” EXO 26 35 lv9e figs-explicit 1 The table must be on the north side This is the table that holds the bread that represents the presence of God. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Place the table for the bread of God’s presence on the north side” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 26 36 h3s1 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses how to construct the tabernacle. EXO 26 36 p5wf 1 a hanging This was a large curtain made of cloth. EXO 26 36 rr16 1 blue, purple, and scarlet material Possible meanings are (1) “yarn that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet,” probably wool yarn, or (2) “blue, purple, and scarlet dye” to dye the linen. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:4](../25/04.md). EXO 26 36 f6td 1 fine twined linen “finely twisted linen.” This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. EXO 26 36 r2fy 1 an embroiderer “a person who sews designs into cloth” or “a person who embroiders” EXO 27 intro x4f7 0 # Exodus 27 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

This chapter is a continuation of the material in the previous chapter.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The tent of meeting
This chapter gives specific instructions regarding the building of a tent where Moses would meet Yahweh and the ark would be stored. This would eventually become the tabernacle. It was to be considered a very holy place. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/tabernacle]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]]) EXO 27 1 hj65 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do ([Exodus 25:1](../25/01.md)). EXO 27 1 qj4j translate-bdistance 1 five cubits long and five cubits wide “2.2 meters long on each side” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 27 1 hbg9 translate-bdistance 1 The altar must be square and three cubits high “The altar must be square and 1.3 meters high” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 27 1 s8qy translate-bdistance 1 cubits A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 27 2 lr23 1 You must make extensions of its four corners shaped like ox horns “You must make projections that look like ox horns on its four corners” EXO 27 2 lek3 figs-activepassive 1 The horns will be made This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must make the horns” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 27 2 y4r2 1 must cover them “must cover the altar and horns” EXO 27 3 qn79 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 27 3 m4wm 1 basins bowls EXO 27 3 z5ax 1 firepans These were pans that held hot coals from the altar. EXO 27 3 j5zt 1 utensils These were any instrument, vessel, or tool that served a useful purpose. EXO 27 4 fp9m 1 You must make a grate for the altar, a network of bronze “You must make a bronze grate for the altar” EXO 27 4 hsq3 1 grate a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning EXO 27 5 v6n4 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people need to do. EXO 27 5 c5em figs-explicit 1 You must put the grate under the ledge of the altar The grate was placed inside the altar. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “You must put the grate under the rim of the altar, on the inside of the altar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 27 5 xc2t 1 grate This is a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:4](../27/04.md). EXO 27 6 wki4 figs-explicit 1 You must make poles for the altar These poles were used for carrying the altar. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “You must make poles for carrying the altar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 27 7 fb3t 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people should do. EXO 27 7 b3yx figs-activepassive 1 The poles must be put into the rings, and the poles must be on the two sides of the altar, to carry it This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must put the poles into the rings and place them on each side of the altar to carry it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 27 8 xj8e 1 planks a long, flat piece of wood that is thicker than a board EXO 27 8 t5ey figs-activepassive 1 you were shown on the mountain This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that I have shown to you here on this mountain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 27 9 y45x figs-activepassive 1 There must be hangings…courtyard This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must place hangings…courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 27 9 id4k 1 hangings of fine twined linen A “hanging” was a large curtain made of cloth. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:36](../26/36.md) EXO 27 9 v748 1 fine twined linen “finely twisted linen.” This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread EXO 27 9 ce9a translate-bdistance 1 one hundred cubits A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “44 meters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 27 10 sfg8 figs-activepassive 1 There must also be hooks…posts This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must also attach hooks…posts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 27 10 k7rb 1 posts a strong piece of wood set upright and used as a support EXO 27 11 n95e 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 27 11 gjg5 1 there must be hangings one hundred cubits long See how you translated many similar words in [Exodus 27:9](./09.md). EXO 27 11 x52h 1 there must be hangings This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “you must make hangings” EXO 27 11 nr77 1 with twenty posts, twenty bronze bases, hooks attached to the posts, and silver rods See how you translated many similar words in [Exodus 27:10](./10.md). EXO 27 12 p4u4 1 there must be a curtain This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “you must make a curtain” EXO 27 12 elw4 1 There must be ten posts This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “You must make ten posts” EXO 27 13 w2sg 1 The courtyard must also be fifty cubits long This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “Make the courtyard fifty cubits long” EXO 27 14 mzn5 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 27 14 vy7r 1 The hangings These were large curtains made of cloth. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:36](../26/36.md). EXO 27 14 z8n2 1 posts These were strong pieces of wood set upright and used as supports. See how you translated these in [Exodus 27:10](../27/10.md). EXO 27 14 gz7s 1 bases These were metal blocks that had a slot in them to keep the board in place. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:19](../26/19.md). EXO 27 14 u8nm translate-bdistance 1 fifteen cubits about seven meters (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 27 16 wv46 1 The courtyard gate must be a curtain twenty cubits long This could be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “You must make a curtain twenty cubits long to be the courtyard gate” EXO 27 16 h4tw figs-activepassive 1 The curtain must be made…fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They must make the curtain…fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer” or “Embroiderers must make the curtain…fine twined linen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 27 16 kn9u 1 blue, purple, and scarlet material and fine twined linen Possible meanings are (1) “yarn that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet,” probably wool yarn, or (2) “blue, purple, and scarlet dye” to dye the linen. EXO 27 16 g5wi 1 an embroiderer a person who sews designs into cloth EXO 27 17 wal2 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 27 18 wt7n translate-bdistance 1 one hundred cubits “100 cubits.” A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 27 18 j1zp 1 fine twined linen hangings “finely twisted linen.” This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:36](../26/36.md). EXO 27 19 w5n8 figs-activepassive 1 all the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard must be made of bronze This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “make all the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard out of bronze” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 27 19 bs7c 1 tent pegs sharp pieces of wood or metal used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground EXO 27 20 wn9n 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 27 21 ge7v 1 tent of meeting This is another name for the tabernacle. EXO 27 21 p7ru 1 ark of testimony This is the chest that contains the sacred slabs of stone on which Yahweh had written his commandments. EXO 27 21 vr7m 1 This requirement will be a lasting statute “I require that the people do this as a lasting statute” EXO 28 intro r3yx 0 # Exodus 28 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Holy garments
Because Yahweh is holy, only the priests could approach him, and when they did they must be wearing specially made clothing. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]]) EXO 28 1 bsm1 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do ([Exodus 25:1](../25/01.md)). EXO 28 1 e1xb figs-you 1 Call to yourself Here “yourself” refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 28 2 tv9h figs-you 1 You must make Here **you** refers to the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 28 2 t5gy figs-activepassive 1 garments that are set apart to me This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “garments that you will set apart to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 28 4 re79 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. EXO 28 4 tr5e 1 a coat of woven work “a coat with a design woven into it” EXO 28 4 dz5h 1 turban a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. EXO 28 4 k184 1 sash a piece of cloth that people wear around their waist or across their chest EXO 28 6 yu8u 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 28 6 u3rx 1 fine-twined linen “finely-twisted linen.” This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:36](../26/36.md). EXO 28 6 k3bj 1 skillful craftsman a person who can make beautiful objects by hand EXO 28 8 w523 figs-activepassive 1 it must be made of one piece This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they must make it in one piece” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 28 9 c4ia translate-unknown 1 onyx stones These are valuable stones that have layers of white and black, red or brown. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:7](../25/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 28 10 at1b 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 28 11 dv8k 1 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engraving on a signet “In the same way a person engraves on a seal” EXO 28 11 x1xc 1 engraver a person who cuts designs into a hard material such as wood, stone, or metal EXO 28 11 cm3f 1 signet an engraved stone used to stamp a design into a wax seal EXO 28 11 gh2r 1 settings pieces of metal that hold the stone onto the ephod EXO 28 13 hpc7 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 28 13 pi4x 1 settings These are pieces of metal that hold each stone onto the ephod. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:11](../28/11.md). EXO 28 14 e746 1 two braided chains of pure gold like cords “two chains of pure gold that are braided like cords” EXO 28 15 ta6b 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. EXO 28 15 sf8e 1 the work of a skillful workman, fashioned like the ephod “a skillful workman will make it like the ephod” EXO 28 16 cny4 translate-bdistance 1 span A span is 22 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 28 17 spd4 1 General Information: Twelve kinds of stone are listed here. Scholars are not sure which kinds of stones the Hebrew words refer to. Some translations list different stones. EXO 28 17 qp4t translate-unknown 1 precious stones “valuable gems” or “treasured gems.” See how you translated these in [Exodus 25:7](../25/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 28 17 n1ys translate-unknown 1 ruby…topaz…garnet These are precious stones. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 28 18 ga1v 1 emerald…diamond These are precious stones. EXO 28 18 a5rr 1 sapphire This is a gemstone that is blue in color. See how you translated this in [Exodus 24:10](../24/10.md). EXO 28 19 z17r 1 jacinth…agate…amethyst These are precious stones EXO 28 20 ul2e translate-unknown 1 beryl…jasper These are precious stones. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 28 20 rgf6 translate-unknown 1 onyx This is a valuable stone that has layers of white and black, red or brown. See how you translated these in [Exodus 25:7](../25/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 28 20 pw5h figs-activepassive 1 They must be mounted in gold settings This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must mount them in gold settings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 28 21 d6fa 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 28 21 x4qn figs-activepassive 1 The stones must be arranged This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must arrange the stones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 28 21 z8mw 1 signet ring A signet is an engraved stone used to stamp a design into a wax seal. Here the stone is mounted on a ring. See how you translated “signet” in [Exodus 28:11](../28/11.md). EXO 28 22 m7yl 1 chains like cords, braided work of pure gold “chains that are made of pure gold and are braided like cords.” See how you translated similar phrases in [Exodus 28:14](../28/14.md). EXO 28 25 cd3a 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 28 25 d8y3 1 braided chains “chains braided like cords.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:14](../28/14.md). EXO 28 25 a4lc figs-explicit 1 to the two settings These are two settings that enclose the stones. This can be clearly stated in the translation. Alternate translation: “to the two settings that enclose the stones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 28 27 e385 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 28 27 vw1w 1 finely-woven waistband This was a cloth belt made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:8](../28/08.md). EXO 28 28 se56 figs-activepassive 1 so that it might be attached This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that they may attach it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 28 28 wf9v figs-doublenegatives 1 the breastpiece might not become unattached from the ephod This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “the breastpiece would stay attached to the ephod” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) EXO 28 29 k21k 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 28 29 z1mz 1 he must carry the names of the people of Israel over his heart in the breastpiece This refers to the names of the tribes engraved on the twelve stones the breastplate as described in [Exodus 28:17-21](./17.md). EXO 28 29 cc97 1 over his heart “over Aaron’s heart” or “on his chest” EXO 28 30 f537 1 the Urim and the Thummim…the means for making decisions The second phrase appears to refer to the Urim and Thummim and explain their purpose. EXO 28 30 dgn9 translate-unknown 1 the Urim and the Thummim It not clear what these are. They were objects, possibly stones, that the priest used to determine somehow the will of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 28 31 jl1d 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 28 32 x42n 1 This must be the work of a weaver This can be stated as a command. Alternate translation: “A weaver must make this robe” EXO 28 32 rw96 1 a weaver “a person who weaves” or “a person who creates cloth using thread” EXO 28 33 v7gy 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people do. EXO 28 33 t9re translate-unknown 1 pomegranates A pomegranate is a round fruit with a red outer skin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 28 34 kl55 1 a golden bell and a pomegranate This phrase is repeated to show the pattern of the design on the robe. EXO 28 35 de4m figs-activepassive 1 The robe is to be on Aaron when he serves This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Aaron must wear the robe when he serves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 28 35 pf61 figs-activepassive 1 so that its sound can be heard This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that the bells make a sound” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 28 35 qtf9 figs-explicit 1 This is so that he does not die It is implied that he would die because he did not obey Yahweh. This can be stated. Alternate translation: “As a result, he will not die because of disobeying my instructions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 28 36 e8qp 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 28 36 nd2q 1 engrave on it, like the engraving on a signet “write on it in the same way a person engraves on a seal.” See how you translated similar words in [Exodus 28:11](../28/11.md) EXO 28 37 qka6 1 turban This was a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md). EXO 28 38 ee65 figs-activepassive 1 It must be on Aaron’s forehead This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Aaron must wear it on his forehead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 28 38 u19w figs-activepassive 1 The turban must be always on his forehead This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Aaron must always wear the turban on his forehead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 28 39 cp68 1 General Information: God continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 28 39 t5vj 1 turban This was a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md). EXO 28 39 yi1l 1 sash A sash is a decorative piece of cloth that a person wears around his waist or across his chest. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md). EXO 28 39 i62z 1 the work of an embroiderer An embroiderer is a person who sews designs into cloth. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:36](../26/36.md). EXO 28 40 sc7t 1 General Information: God continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 28 40 pfs2 1 sashes A sash is a decorative piece of cloth that a person wears around his waist or across his chest. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md). EXO 28 40 v2tj 1 headbands A headband is a narrow, decorative strip of cloth that is worn around the head above the eyes. EXO 28 41 xa75 figs-explicit 1 You must clothe Aaron your brother Aaron was the older brother of Moses. You can state this clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “Put these clothes on your older brother Aaron” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 28 42 vua7 1 General Information: God continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 28 42 vz62 1 undergarments These are underwear, clothing worn under the outer clothes, next to the skin. EXO 28 43 s6n2 1 tent of meeting This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:21](../27/21.md). EXO 28 43 r7y7 1 a permanent law “a law the will not end” EXO 29 intro xmd9 0 # Exodus 29 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Consecrating priests
This chapter records the process of consecrating priests. The priests were to be set apart from the rest of Israel because Yahweh is holy. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/consecrate]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “I will live among the Israelites”
As God, Yahweh is everywhere and cannot be limited to a single space. This phrase indicates that he permanently remains within Israel in a special way while they have the ark. EXO 29 1 d6gk 1 Now The word “now” marks a change in topic from garments for priests to consecrating priests. EXO 29 1 z78h 1 you must do Here **you** refers to Moses. EXO 29 1 ld5s 1 to set them apart “to set apart Aaron and his sons” EXO 29 1 dq2c 1 serve me Here “me” refers to Yahweh. EXO 29 1 cgl2 1 one young bull a male cow EXO 29 2 ptm7 figs-activepassive 1 Also take wafers without yeast rubbed with oil This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Also take wafers without yeast and rub them with oil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 29 2 r449 1 bread…cakes…wafers These are different kinds of food made from flour. EXO 29 3 u713 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to speak to Moses EXO 29 3 gm58 1 You must put them “You must put the bread, cake, and wafer” EXO 29 3 cd6m figs-explicit 1 present them with the bull and the two rams Here “present” means to offer as a sacrifice. The full meaning of this can be translated clearly. Alternate translation: “offer them to me when you sacrifice the bull and the two rams” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 29 4 a6rz 1 tent of meeting This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:21](../27/21.md). EXO 29 5 va8b 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 5 f7u7 1 coat This was a coat with a design woven into it. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md). EXO 29 5 pr4i 1 finely-woven waistband This was a cloth belt made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:8](../28/08.md). EXO 29 6 ap2x 1 turban This was a tall head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md). EXO 29 6 y59s 1 holy crown This crown is described in [Exodus 29:6](../29/06.md) as being engraved with the words “dedicated to Yahweh” and made of pure gold. EXO 29 8 s53c 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 8 v46k 1 bring his sons “bring Aaron’s sons” EXO 29 8 jtc7 1 coats These were coats with a design woven into them. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md). EXO 29 9 j3a8 1 sashes A sash is a decorative piece of cloth that people wear around their waist or across their chest. See how you translated this word in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md). EXO 29 9 bh2d 1 headbands A headband is a narrow, decorative strip of cloth that is worn around the head above the eyes. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:40](../28/40.md). EXO 29 9 r1x4 1 The work of the priesthood “the duty of being priests” EXO 29 9 ze9l figs-explicit 1 will belong to them The duty of being priests will also belong to the descendants of Aaron’s sons. You can state this clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “will belong to them and their descendants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 29 9 p7m9 1 permanent law “a law the will not end.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:43](../28/43.md). EXO 29 10 r782 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 10 p996 1 tent of meeting This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:21](../27/21.md). EXO 29 11 bf2m 1 You must kill the bull The bull offering was to be killed by Moses, not the priests, at the doorway, not inside the tent of meeting. EXO 29 11 y6kp figs-explicit 1 kill the bull Since the following verses will tell what to do with the blood from the bull, use a term for “kill” that will imply a method similar to “slitting its throat and catch the blood in a bowl.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 29 12 uxh3 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 12 c2ud 1 the horns These were projections that looked like ox horns attached to the four corners of the altar. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:2](../27/02.md). EXO 29 12 xdl5 1 the rest of the blood “the remaining blood” EXO 29 13 x2c5 1 covers the inner parts “covers the organs” EXO 29 13 nsg6 1 liver…kidneys These are organs in the body. EXO 29 14 eza8 1 But as for the bull’s flesh, as well as its skin and dung “But as for the remaining parts of the bull” EXO 29 16 hd8i 1 You must kill the ram For these consecration sacrifices for the priests, it was Moses, not Aaron or his sons, who had to kill the animals. EXO 29 17 w2nb 1 the inner parts “the organs.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 29:13](../29/13.md). EXO 29 18 s68x 1 on the altar Unlike the bull offering that was burned outside of the tent, the ram was to be burned on the inner altar. EXO 29 19 x3iv 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 20 j6b1 figs-explicit 1 Then you must kill the ram The ram was killed by cutting its throat. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “Then kill the ram by slitting its throat” or “Then kill the ram by cutting its throat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 29 21 saa8 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 21 w1aa figs-activepassive 1 Aaron will then be set apart for me This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “By doing this, you will dedicate Aaron to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 29 22 gj68 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 22 i3dc 1 inner parts…liver…kidney These refer to organs inside the body. See how you translated this in [Exodus 29:13](../29/13.md). EXO 29 23 td8w 1 Take one loaf…before Yahweh For 29:23 see how you translated similar words in [Exodus 29:2](../29/02.md). EXO 29 23 i7vx 1 that is before Yahweh “that you have placed before Yahweh” EXO 29 24 wv9l 1 General Information: God continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 24 b9bj 1 You must put these Here “these” refers to the parts of the sacrifice mentioned in the previous verses. EXO 29 25 wz3a figs-activepassive 1 it will be an offering made to me by fire This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “burn it as an offering to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 29 26 acx5 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 26 bf71 1 ram of dedication “ram that you dedicated” or “ram that you killed” EXO 29 26 c21f 1 Aaron’s ram of dedication “the ram that you used to dedicate Aaron” EXO 29 28 uc2d 1 This will be a perpetual share for Aaron and his sons “This is what Aaron and his sons will always receive from the people” EXO 29 29 la34 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 29 qru8 figs-activepassive 1 The holy garments of Aaron must also be reserved for his sons after him These garments belong to the priesthood and are not just Aaron’s personal clothing. Alternate translation: “Aaron must reserve the holy garments for his sons after him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 29 29 i5vz figs-activepassive 1 They are to be anointed in them and ordained to me in them This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They must wear the holy garments when you anoint his sons and ordain them to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 29 30 pe79 1 tent of meeting This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:21](../27/21.md). EXO 29 31 npz1 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 31 l3xk 1 the ram for the installation of the priests “the ram you killed when you installed the priests” EXO 29 31 u9kl figs-explicit 1 in a holy place This is not the same as the holy place outside of the most holy place. This refers to a place within the courtyard. Alternate translation: “at the entrance to the tent of meeting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 29 32 dp8h 1 tent of meeting This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:21](../27/21.md). EXO 29 33 qk8i figs-activepassive 1 that were given This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that you sacrificed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 29 34 rhp7 figs-activepassive 1 It must not be eaten This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “No one must eat it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 29 34 lhi8 figs-activepassive 1 because it has been set apart to me This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “because you have set it apart to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 29 35 c2si 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 35 g9pm 1 In this way, by following all that I have commanded you to do, you must treat Aaron and his sons “I have commanded you to treat Aaron and his sons this way” EXO 29 37 pq5d 1 Then the altar will be completely set apart to me “Then the altar will be most holy” EXO 29 37 qk5h 1 will be set apart to Yahweh “will also be very holy” EXO 29 38 e4r9 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 38 sli9 1 You must regularly offer on the altar every day “You must daily offer on the altar” EXO 29 40 rt1f 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 40 x6i4 translate-fraction 1 a tenth…the fourth part “1/10…1/4” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) EXO 29 40 bwg1 translate-bvolume 1 ephah An ephah is 22 liters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]]) EXO 29 40 vt6f translate-bvolume 1 hin A hin is 3.7 liters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]]) EXO 29 41 t1tt 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 41 hgt9 figs-activepassive 1 it will be an offering made to me by fire This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “it will be a burnt offering to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 29 42 j8cg 1 throughout your generations “through all the generations of your descendants.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 12:14](../12/14.md). EXO 29 42 h5r7 1 tent of meeting This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:21](../27/21.md). EXO 29 43 f1t6 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 29 43 ic8i figs-activepassive 1 the tent will be set apart for me by my glory This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “My awesome presence will dedicate the tent to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 29 45 zcs1 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 30 intro z3yc 0 # Exodus 30 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Atonement
The atonement offered by the priests was very important in the religious life of Israel. In order to offer sacrifices, the priests had to maintain ritual cleanliness by washing themselves. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/atonement]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/clean]]) EXO 30 1 r1f4 1 General Information: Yahweh tells Moses how to build the worship equipment. EXO 30 1 v8vb figs-you 1 You must make Here **you** refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 30 2 w56e figs-activepassive 1 Its horns must be made These were projections that looked like ox horns attached to the four corners of the altar. See how you translated “horns” in [Exodus 27:2](../27/02.md). Alternate translation: “You must make its horns” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 30 3 d3uu 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. EXO 30 3 ddb2 1 the incense altar “an altar to burn incense” EXO 30 4 qyg4 figs-activepassive 1 to be attached to it This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which you will attach to the altar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 30 5 r61h 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 30 6 h33c figs-explicit 1 ark of the testimony The ark is the chest that contains the commandments. This can be stated clearly in the translation. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:33](../26/33.md). Alternate translation: “the chest containing the commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 30 6 e52i 1 atonement lid This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:17](../25/17.md). EXO 30 6 vg6k figs-you 1 where I will meet with you Here **you** refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 30 7 l2rl 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. EXO 30 8 qm7i 1 throughout your generations “through all the generations of your descendants.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 12:14](../12/14.md). EXO 30 9 ckf9 1 But you must offer Though the word **you** is addressed to Moses, the instruction is given specifically to Aaron and his descendants as to when and what they are to offer on the altar of incense. EXO 30 10 ez2s 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 30 10 k6xk 1 horns These were projections that looked like ox horns attached to the four corners of the altar. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:2](../27/02.md). EXO 30 10 san2 1 throughout your generations “through all the generations of your descendants.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 12:14](../12/14.md). EXO 30 12 s73c figs-you 1 When you take Possible meanings are (1) **you** refers to just Moses or (2) **you** refers to Moses and the leaders of Israel in future generations when they take a census. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 30 12 k5p1 1 a census of the Israelites The leaders only counted the Israelite men. EXO 30 13 s69s figs-activepassive 1 Everyone who is counted This can be stated in active form. They counted only the men. Alternate translation: “Everyone you count” or “Every man you count” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 30 13 i4wk translate-bmoney 1 half a shekel of silver “1/2 a shekel of silver.” Translators may use a unit of measure that people understand and a round number: “5.5 grams of silver” or “six grams of silver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) EXO 30 13 nfp6 1 according to the weight of the shekel of the sanctuary There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time. This specified which one was to be used. EXO 30 13 id6d translate-unknown 1 twenty gerahs “20 gerahs.” A gerah is a unit that people used for measuring how much something very small weighed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 30 14 k4h9 figs-metaphor 1 from twenty years old and up Larger numbers are spoken of as being up or above smaller numbers. Alternate translation: “from twenty years old and more” or “who is twenty years old or older” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 30 15 r7fd 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 30 15 rll6 1 the people Only the men made this offering. EXO 30 15 e8xa translate-bmoney 1 the half shekel Translators may use a unit of measure that people understand and a round number: “the 5.5 grams of silver” or “the 6 grams of silver.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 3:13](../03/13.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) EXO 30 16 z6tn 1 It must be a reminder to the Israelites before me, to make atonement for your lives Possible meanings are (1) “It will remind the Israelites to make atonement for their lives” or (2) “It will remind the Israelites that they have made atonement for their lives.” EXO 30 18 ye18 figs-you 1 You must also make Here **you** refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 30 18 v88y 1 bronze basin “bronze bowl” or “bronze tub” EXO 30 18 bh82 1 a bronze stand This is what the basin would be put on. EXO 30 18 iq8n 1 a basin for washing This phrase explains what the priests were to use the large bronze basin for. EXO 30 18 m5li 1 the altar the altar of sacrifice EXO 30 19 jq26 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. EXO 30 19 ivb1 1 water in it “water in the basin” EXO 30 21 hp35 1 for Aaron and his descendants throughout their people’s generations “for Aaron and all the generations of his descendants.” See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 12:14](../12/14.md). EXO 30 22 p8n6 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. EXO 30 23 m9g7 translate-unknown 1 spices dried plants that people grind into a powder and put in oil or food to give it a nice smell or flavor. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:6](../25/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 30 23 zq43 translate-numbers 1 five hundred shekels…250 shekels “500 shekels…two hundred and fifty shekels.” A shekel is about 11 grams. Translators may use units that people know and round numbers: “5.7 kilograms…11.4 kilograms” or “six kilograms…three kilograms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) EXO 30 23 xga2 translate-unknown 1 cinnamon…cane These are sweet spices. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 30 24 p9jh translate-unknown 1 cassia This is a sweet spice. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 30 24 n38f translate-bweight 1 the weight of the shekel of the sanctuary There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time. This specified which one was to be used. See how you translated this in [Exodus 30:13](../30/13.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]]) EXO 30 24 dv89 translate-bvolume 1 one hin Translators may use units that people know and round numbers: “3.7 liters” or “four liters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) EXO 30 25 juf3 1 with these ingredients “with these items” EXO 30 25 k3s5 1 the work of a perfumer Possible meanings are (1) Moses was to have a perfumer do the work or (2) Moses was to do the work himself the way a perfumer would do it. EXO 30 25 yv9l 1 a perfumer a person who is skilled in mixing spices and oils EXO 30 26 f7k5 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 30 26 u241 figs-you 1 You must anoint Here **you** refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 30 26 d4id figs-explicit 1 ark of the testimony The ark is the chest that contains the commandments. This can be stated clearly in the translation. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:33](../26/33.md). Alternate translation: “the chest containing the commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 30 28 v5mk 1 the altar for burnt offerings “the altar on which offering were burnt” EXO 30 29 a9hr 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 30 29 np7g 1 set them apart This refers to the items listed in [Exodus 30:26-28](./26.md). EXO 30 31 k4s7 1 throughout your people’s generations “all the generations of your descendants.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 12:14](../12/14.md). EXO 30 32 w4dt 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what Moses must tell the people. EXO 30 32 rlk4 figs-activepassive 1 It must not be applied to people’s skin This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must not put the anointing oil that is dedicated to Yahweh on a person’s skin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 30 32 v3br 1 with the same formula “with the same ingredients” or “with the same items” EXO 30 33 pa53 figs-metaphor 1 that person must be cut off from his people The metaphor “cut off” has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: (1) “I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel” (2) “the people of Israel must send him away” or (3) “the people of Israel must kill him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 30 34 r3j2 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what to do. Yahweh gives the commands only to Moses: all instances of **you** are singular. However, the words “blended by a perfumer” might mean that Moses could have the perfumer take the spices, blend them, grind them, and give them to Moses so Moses could put part of the mixture in front of the ark, as in UST. EXO 30 35 as9y figs-activepassive 1 Make it into the form of incense, blended by a perfumer The phrase with “blended” can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Make it into the form of incense that a perfumer has blended” or “A perfumer must blend it into a kind of incense” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 30 35 y8yj 1 blended by a perfumer Possible meanings are (1) Moses was to have a perfumer do the work or (2) Moses was to do the work himself the way a perfumer would do it. See how you translated these words in [Exodus 30:25](../30/25.md). EXO 30 36 nz2a figs-you 1 You will grind it “You will crush it.” Here **you** refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 30 36 t8y9 figs-you 1 You will regard Here **you** is plural and refers to Moses and all the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 30 37 z4p5 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 30 37 dq6c 1 you must not make any The word **you** here refers to the people of Israel. EXO 30 37 yv1y 1 with the same formula “with the same ingredients” or “with the same items.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 30:32](../30/32.md). EXO 30 37 wh25 1 It must be most holy to you “You must consider it to be most holy” EXO 30 38 xn6v 1 perfume This is a pleasant smelling liquid a person puts on his or her body. EXO 30 38 sa1m figs-metaphor 1 must be cut off from his people The metaphor “cut off” has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: (1) “I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel” (2) “the people of Israel must send him away” or (3) “the people of Israel must kill him.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 30:33](../30/33.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 31 intro wfk7 0 # Exodus 31 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

This chapter is the end of Exodus’ recording of the law of Moses. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Sabbath
As described in this chapter, the Sabbath is more than just a day of worship or celebration. Its significance extends beyond a way to help people rest. It is a major part of the identity of the Hebrew people. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]]) EXO 31 2 m8ju figs-metonymy 1 I have called by name God speaks of choosing specific people as calling them by name. Alternate translation: “I have chosen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 31 2 hf5r translate-names 1 Bezalel…Uri…Hur These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 31 3 ayb9 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 31 3 f7sk figs-metaphor 1 I have filled Bezalel with my Spirit Yahweh speaks of giving Bezalel his Spirit as if Bezalel were a container and God’s Spirit were a liquid. Alternate translation: “I have given my Spirit to Bezalel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 31 3 r6i5 figs-abstractnouns 1 for all kinds of craftsmanship The abstract noun “craftsmanship” can be translated as “making crafts” or “making things.” Alternate translation: “for making all kinds of crafts” or “so that he can make all kinds of things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) EXO 31 6 qk4r 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 31 6 jh61 translate-names 1 Oholiab…Ahisamak These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 31 6 wcq7 1 I have put skill into the hearts of all who are wise God speaks of making people able to make things as if he were putting the ability into their hearts. Alternate translation: “I have given skill to all who are wise” or “I have made all who are wise able to make things well” EXO 31 7 jc78 1 tent of meeting This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:21](../27/21.md). EXO 31 7 m58b figs-explicit 1 ark of the testimony The ark is the chest that contains the commandments. This can be stated clearly in the translation. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:33](../26/33.md). Alternate translation: “the chest containing the commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 31 7 z5s4 1 atonement lid This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:17](../25/17.md). EXO 31 8 h84n 1 incense altar “altar to burn incense.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 30:3](../30/03.md). EXO 31 9 cvl7 1 altar for burnt offerings “altar on which offering were burnt.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 30:28](../30/28.md). EXO 31 10 hn88 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 31 11 z1u2 1 These craftsmen “These people who are skilled in making beautiful things” EXO 31 13 i1lw figs-metaphor 1 You must certainly keep Yahweh’s Sabbath days God speaks of obeying his instructions about the Sabbath as keeping the Sabbath. Alternate translation: “You must certainly obey Yahweh’s instructions about the Sabbath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 31 13 gw13 1 throughout your people’s generations “through all the generations of your descendants.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 12:14](../12/14.md). EXO 31 13 h75a figs-metaphor 1 who sets you apart for himself God speaks of choosing people to be his as setting them apart for himself. Alternate translation: “who has chosen you to be his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 31 14 g83p figs-activepassive 1 for it must be treated by you as holy This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for you must treat it as holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 31 14 mv4l figs-metaphor 1 Everyone who defiles it God speaks of treating the Sabbath with disrespect as defiling it. Alternate translation: “Everyone who treats the Sabbath with disrespect” or “Everyone who does not obey the laws about the Sabbath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 31 14 plq5 figs-activepassive 1 must surely be put to death “must surely be killed.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must surely kill” or “you must surely execute” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 31 14 fz1g figs-metaphor 1 must surely be cut off from his people The metaphor “cut off” has at least three possible meanings. They can be expressed in active form: (1) “Yahweh will no longer consider him to be one of his people” (2) “you must surely send him away” or (3) “you must surely kill him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 31 15 v4dv translate-numbers 1 but the seventh day “but day 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 31 16 iv7a 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what he must tell the people of Israel. EXO 31 16 t9hw figs-metaphor 1 must keep the Sabbath God speaks of obeying his instructions about the Sabbath as keeping the Sabbath. Alternate translation: “must obey Yahweh’s instructions about the Sabbath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 31 16 n7q2 1 They must observe it throughout their people’s generations “They and all the generations of their descendants must observe it.” See how you translated “throughout their people’s generations” in [Exodus 12:42](../12/42.md). EXO 31 16 yef8 1 lasting covenant “a covenant that will always exist.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:43](../28/43.md). EXO 31 18 xc6h figs-activepassive 1 written on by his own hand This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: “which Yahweh wrote on with his own hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 32 intro vv2w 0 # Exodus 32 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

The events of this chapter occur while Moses spoke with God and therefore happen at the same time as the events in chapters 20-31.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 32:18.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Idolatry
The making of the golden calf was considered a form of idolatry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 32 1 cfk8 figs-metaphor 1 the people saw Here understanding something is spoken of as if it were being seen. Alternate translation: “the people realized” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 32 1 k2i1 1 Come, make us an idol The word “come” strengthens the force of the command following it. The people were demanding that Aaron make an idol for them. EXO 32 1 mrb5 1 go before us “lead us” or “be our leader” EXO 32 2 p86s 1 bring them to me The word “them” refers to the golden rings. EXO 32 3 ckg2 1 All the people This refers to all the people who rejected Moses as their leader and Moses’ God as their God. EXO 32 4 uf9e 1 fashioned it with an engraving tool and he made a cast idol in the shape of a calf Aaron melted the gold and poured it into a mold that had the shape of a calf. When the gold became hard, he removed the mold, and the hardened gold had the shape of a calf. EXO 32 5 ztx4 figs-explicit 1 When Aaron saw this You may need to make explicit what he saw. “When Aaron saw what the people did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 32 6 as6u 1 to carouse in wild celebration “to have a wild party.” The people likely behaved in sexually immoral ways at the party. EXO 32 8 eua5 figs-metaphor 1 left the way that I commanded them Here God speaks of the people disobeying what he commanded them as if he had told them to walk on a certain road and they left that road. Alternate translation: “stopped doing what I commanded them to do” or “have stopped obeying what I commanded them to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 32 9 bh7c figs-metaphor 1 I have seen this people Here Yahweh compares knowing the people to seeing them. Alternate translation: “I know this people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 32 9 ffe2 figs-metaphor 1 a stiff-necked people Yahweh speaks of the people being stubborn as if they had stiff necks. Alternate translation: “a stubborn people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 32 10 fmk3 1 Now then The word “now” is used here to mark a break in what Yahweh was telling Moses. Here Yahweh tells what he will do to the people. EXO 32 10 sd9w figs-metaphor 1 My anger will burn hot against them Yahweh speaks of his anger as if it were a fire that could burn hot. Alternate translation: “My anger towards them will be terrible” or “I am extremely angry with them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 32 10 vc2u figs-you 1 from you The word **you** refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 32 11 h62e figs-metaphor 1 why does your anger burn against your people…a mighty hand? Moses used this question to try to persuade Yahweh not to be so angry with his people. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not let your anger burn against your people…a mighty hand.” or “Do not be so angry with your people…a mighty hand.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 32 11 t2cv figs-doublet 1 great power…mighty hand These two phrases share similar meanings and are combined for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) EXO 32 11 ph43 figs-metonymy 1 a mighty hand Here the word “hand” refers to the things Yahweh did. Alternate translation: “and the powerful things you did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 32 12 k26p 1 General Information: Moses continues to reason with God not to destroy Israel. EXO 32 12 r8ij figs-rquestion 1 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘He led them out…to destroy them from the face of the earth?’ Moses used this question to try to persuade God not to destroy his people. This rhetorical question can be translated with a statement. Alternate translation: If you destroy your people, the Egyptians might say, ‘He led them out…to destroy them from the face of the earth.’ (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 32 12 kzh7 1 face of the earth “from the surface of the earth” or “from the earth” EXO 32 12 fns1 1 Turn from your burning anger “Stop your burning anger” or “Stop being so angry” EXO 32 12 p1df figs-metaphor 1 your burning anger Moses speaks of God’s anger as if it were a fire that was burning. Alternate translation: “your terrible anger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 32 13 t9sa 1 Call to mind Abraham “Remember Abraham” or “Think about Abraham” EXO 32 13 p8jq 1 you swore “you made an oath” or “you solemnly promised” EXO 32 13 q1g1 figs-metaphor 1 They will inherit it forever God speaks about them possessing the land as if they would inherit it. Alternate translation: “They will possess it forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 32 15 cx7z 1 tablets of the covenant decrees These are the two stone slabs on which God had engraved his commandments. EXO 32 16 w3ua figs-parallelism 1 The tablets were God’s own work, and the writing was God’s own writing These two phrases share similar meanings. The second explains how the tablets were “God’s own work.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) EXO 32 17 cua3 figs-explicit 1 he said to Moses It is assumed that Joshua met Moses while Moses was going back to the camp. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 32 19 hr2j 1 the tablets “the two stone slabs that Yahweh had written on” EXO 32 21 du5l figs-quotations 1 Then Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people…a great sin on them?” This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Then Moses asked Aaron what the people do to him, that he have brought such a great sin on them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 32 21 np73 figs-metaphor 1 you have brought such a great sin on them Moses spoke of causing people to sin as if sin were an object and Aaron put it on them. Alternate translation: “you have caused them to sin so terribly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 32 22 z2ch figs-metaphor 1 Do not let your anger burn hot Aaron spoke of Moses’ anger as if it were a fire that could burn. “Do not be so angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 32 22 vdy2 figs-metaphor 1 they are set on doing evil Being determined to do evil is spoken of as being set on evil. Alternate translation: “they are determined to do what is evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 32 23 zn68 1 this Moses People showed disrespect by putting the word “this” before his name, as if Moses were someone they did not know and could not trust. EXO 32 24 yq7s figs-quotations 1 So I said to them, ‘Whoever has any gold, let him take it off.’ This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “So I told them that whoever had any gold should take it off” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 32 24 b3l5 1 I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf Instead of taking ownership for making the calf, Aaron claims the calf came out of the fire supernaturally. EXO 32 25 ck1f 1 were running wild “were behaving wildly” or “were not controlling themselves” EXO 32 26 jis7 figs-quotations 1 Then Moses stood at the entrance…“Whoever is on Yahweh’s side, come to me.” This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Then Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said that whoever was on Yahweh’s side should come to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 32 26 ryb5 figs-metaphor 1 Whoever is on Yahweh’s side Moses speaks of being loyal to Yahweh as being on Yahweh’s side. Alternate translation: “Whoever is loyal to Yahweh” or “Whoever serves Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 32 27 xsl3 1 go back and forth from entrance to entrance “go from side of the camp to the other, starting at one entrance to the camp and going to the entrance on the other side of the camp” EXO 32 28 at4i translate-numbers 1 three thousand of the people “3000 of the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 32 29 jzp1 1 You have been placed into Yahweh’s service This probably means “You have been chosen to serve Yahweh” or “You have become Yahweh’s servants.” EXO 32 29 c6fg figs-explicit 1 for each of you has taken action against his son and his brother The fact that they did this in obedience to God can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “for you have obeyed Yahweh and killed your sons and your brothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 32 30 r5fn 1 You have committed a very great sin They worshiped an idol. EXO 32 30 yi3e figs-metaphor 1 Perhaps I can make atonement for your sin Moses spoke of persuading God to forgive the people as if he could make atonement for their sin. Alternate translation: “Perhaps I can persuade Yahweh to forgive you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 32 32 c72y figs-metonymy 1 blot me out of the book The word “me” here refers to the name of Moses. Alternate translation: “erase my name from the book” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 32 32 ahb3 figs-explicit 1 the book that you have written What God had written in the book can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the book in which you have written the names of your people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 32 33 igb4 figs-metonymy 1 that person I will blot out of my book The phrase “that person” represents “that person’s name.” Alternate translation: “I will erase that person’s name from my book” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 32 33 qwk9 1 my book This refers to the book of Yahweh that Moses spoke of in [Exodus 32:32](../32/32.md). EXO 32 34 xn8p 1 But on the day that I punish them, I will punish them On the day that God decides to punish them, it will be clear that it is God who is judging them. EXO 32 35 ddg6 1 Yahweh sent a plague on the people This plague may have been a serious illness. Alternate translation: “Yahweh made the people very sick” EXO 32 35 wv1v 1 they had made the calf, the one that Aaron made Even though Aaron made the calf, the people were also guilty because they told Aaron to do it. Alternate translation: “they told Aaron to make the calf” EXO 33 intro g5k3 0 # Exodus 33 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Covenant
While the covenants Yahweh made may not be conditioned upon the obedience of Israel, it is clear that their conquering of the Promised Land was conditioned on their obedience to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promisedland]]) EXO 33 1 p8xp 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses of his anger. EXO 33 3 yyt4 figs-metonymy 1 that land, which is flowing with milk and honey The land was good for raising livestock and growing crops. See how you translated this in [Exodus 3:8](../03/08.md). Alternate translation: “a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 33 3 y347 1 flowing with “full of” or “with an abundance of” EXO 33 3 ck4m figs-metonymy 1 milk Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. Alternate translation: “food from livestock” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 33 3 a4ct figs-metonymy 1 honey Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. Alternate translation: “food from crops” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 33 3 ah5t 1 a stubborn people “people who refuse to change” EXO 33 4 cf7g 1 jewelry beautiful clothing as well as chains and rings with jewels in them EXO 33 5 rzr5 1 a stubborn people “people who refuse to change.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 33:3](../33/03.md). EXO 33 9 yt4f figs-metaphor 1 the pillar of cloud The cloud had the shape of a pillar. See how you translated this in [Exodus 13:22](../13/22.md). Alternate translation: “the cloud shaped like a pillar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 33 9 vam7 figs-explicit 1 would come down Where it came down from can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “would come down from the sky” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 33 11 zrb8 figs-metaphor 1 Yahweh would speak to Moses face to face Speaking directly rather than through dreams and visions, is spoken of as if Moses and God saw each other’s faces while they spoke. Alternate translation: “Yahweh would speak directly to Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 33 11 ika8 1 young man Joshua was old enough to be a soldier, but he was much younger than Moses EXO 33 12 unz8 1 See “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you” EXO 33 12 w7fs figs-idiom 1 I know you by name To know someone by name is to know them well. Alternate translation: “I know you well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 33 12 a7jr figs-idiom 1 you have also found favor in my eyes Here “found favor” is an idiom that means be approved of or that God is pleased with Moses. Here “eyes” are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing God’s evaluation. Alternate translation: “I have evaluated you and approve” or “I am pleased with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 33 13 e6vv figs-idiom 1 Now if I have found favor in your eyes Here “found favor” is an idiom that means be approved of or that God is pleased with Moses. Here “eyes” are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing God’s evaluation. Alternate translation: “Now If you are pleased with me” or “Now if you approve of me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 33 13 zi7j 1 show me your ways Possible meanings: (1) “show me what you are going to do in the future” or (2) “show me how people can do what pleases you.” EXO 33 14 gh8q figs-metonymy 1 My own presence will go God’s presence represents himself. Alternate translation: “I will go” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 33 14 hl15 figs-you 1 go with you…give you The word **you** here refers to Moses. It is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 33 14 hc5n 1 I will give you rest “I will let you rest” EXO 33 16 d36k 1 For otherwise “For if your presence does not go with us” EXO 33 16 tu8e figs-activepassive 1 how will it be known This can be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: how will people know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 33 16 cgl8 figs-rquestion 1 how will it be known…people? Moses used this question in order to emphasize that if God does not go with them, no one will know that Moses had found favor in God’s sight. Alternate translation: “no one will know…people.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) EXO 33 16 u82a 1 Will it not only be if “Will it not only be known if” EXO 33 17 aln2 figs-you 1 General Information: When Yahweh uses the word **you** in this verse, it is singular and refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 33 17 ln7y figs-idiom 1 you have found favor in my eyes Here “found favor” is an idiom that means that God is pleased with Moses. Here “eyes” are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. See how you translated this in [Exodus 33:12](../33/12.md). Alternate translation: “I am pleased with you” or “I approve of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 33 17 u2nv figs-idiom 1 I know you by name To know someone by name is to know them well. See how you translated this in [Exodus 33:12](../33/12.md). Alternate translation: “I know you well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 33 19 sx1a figs-metonymy 1 I will make all my goodness pass before you God speaks of walking past Moses so that Moses can see his goodness as if only his goodness would go past Moses. Alternate translation: “I will move past you so that you may see my goodness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 33 21 s4iy 1 See “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.” EXO 33 23 fmu8 1 you will see my back This is because Yahweh will be walking away from Moses. EXO 33 23 gw1n figs-activepassive 1 but my face will not be seen This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “but you will not see my face” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 34 intro smp6 0 # Exodus 34 General Notes
## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “He will bring the punishment for the fathers’ sin on their children”
This phrase does not mean that a child is necessarily punished for the sins of their parents. Many scholars believe that this passage indicates that a parent’s sins will have consequences that will affect their children and grandchildren. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]]) EXO 34 1 s1kv 1 tablets of stone “flat slabs of stone.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:18](../31/18.md) EXO 34 3 fk8z 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 34 3 ck6d figs-metonymy 1 Do not let anyone else be seen anywhere on the mountain Being seen doing something represents doing that. Alternate translation: “Do not let anyone else be anywhere on the mountain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 34 3 x3rx 1 No flocks or herds are even to graze in front of the mountain “Even flocks or herds are not allowed to come near the mountain to eat.” EXO 34 5 sp7f 1 stood with Moses there “stood with Moses on the mountain” EXO 34 5 r9ey figs-metonymy 1 he pronounced the name “Yahweh.” Possible meanings are (1) “he spoke the name ‘Yahweh.’” or (2) “he proclaimed who Yahweh is.” For the second meaning, “name” would represent who God is. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 34 6 fz1q figs-123person 1 Yahweh, Yahweh, God is merciful and gracious God is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am God, and I am merciful and gracious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) EXO 34 6 e1k3 1 abounding in covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness “always showing covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness” EXO 34 6 j7we figs-abstractnouns 1 abounding in covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness The abstract nouns “faithfulness” and “trustworthiness” can be stated as “faithful” and “trustworthy.” Alternate translation: “always being faithful to my covenant and always being trustworthy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) EXO 34 7 lt2j figs-abstractnouns 1 keeping covenant faithfulness for thousands of generations The abstract noun “faithfulness” can be stated as “faithfully” or “faithful.” See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 20:6](../20/06.md). Alternate translation: “faithfully loving thousands of generations” or “faithful to his covenant with thousands of generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) EXO 34 7 q7z8 figs-123person 1 But he will Yahweh is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: “But I will” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) EXO 34 7 x397 figs-123person 1 he will by no means clear the guilty Yahweh is speaking about himself. Alternate translation: “I will by no means clear the guilty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) EXO 34 7 ts1b 1 will by no means clear the guilty “will certainly not clear the guilty” or “will certainly not say that the guilty are innocent” or “will certainly not free guilty people” EXO 34 7 px85 figs-metaphor 1 He will bring the punishment for the fathers’ sin on their children Punishing people is spoken of as if punishment were an object that someone could bring on people. Alternate translation: “He will punish the children for their fathers’ sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 34 7 c3tb figs-metonymy 1 their children The word “children” represents descendants. Alternate translation: “their descendants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 34 9 mh3a figs-idiom 1 If now I have found favor in your eyes Here “found favor” is an idiom that means be approved of or that God is pleased with Moses. Here “eyes” are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. See how you translated this in [Exodus 33:12](../33/12.md). Alternate translation: “Now If you are pleased with me” or “Now if you approve of me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 34 9 hw66 figs-doublet 1 our iniquity and our sin The words “iniquity” and “sin” mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. Alternate translation: “all our sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) EXO 34 9 n6e5 figs-metaphor 1 take us as your inheritance Something that someone possesses forever is spoken of as if it were something that they had inherited. Alternate translation: “take us as the people that you possess forever” or “accept us as the people who belong to you forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 34 10 zdq6 figs-you 1 your people Here “your” refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 34 10 bj1a figs-idiom 1 it is a fearful thing that I am doing with you A fearful thing is a thing that causes people to be afraid. In this case, people will fear God when they see what he does. Alternate translation: “what I do for you will cause people to fear me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) EXO 34 10 s7uz figs-you 1 I am doing with you Here **you** refers to Moses and the people of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) EXO 34 12 b459 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. Here he tells him what Moses and the people must do. EXO 34 12 lxz8 figs-metaphor 1 they will become a trap among you People who tempt others to sin are spoken of as if they were a trap. Alternate translation: “they will tempt you to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 34 14 vmx2 figs-metonymy 1 Yahweh, whose name is Jealous The word “Jealous” here means that God is concerned to keep his honor. If his people worship other gods, he loses honor, because when his people do not honor him, other people also will not honor him. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, always guard my honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 34 14 s5sd figs-metonymy 1 whose name is Jealous, The word “name” here represents God’s character. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, who am always jealous” or “I, Yahweh, am always jealous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 34 15 f1e3 1 Connecting Statement: Yahweh continues to tell Moses how his people are to behave towards outsiders. EXO 34 15 gtd8 figs-metaphor 1 for they prostitute themselves to their gods God speaks of people worshiping other gods as if they were prostitutes going to other men. Alternate translation: “for they worship other gods” or “because they worship other gods like prostitutes who go to other men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 34 15 bj2i figs-explicit 1 you will eat some of his sacrifice The consequence of eating food that is sacrificed to another god can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “you will eat some of his sacrifice and become guilty of worshiping his gods” or “and you will prostitute yourself to his god by eating some of his sacrifice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 34 18 s1rr 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 34 18 u5be translate-numbers 1 seven days “7 days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 34 18 i5ck translate-hebrewmonths 1 in the month of Aviv This is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. See how you translated “Aviv” in [Exodus 13:4](../13/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 34 19 ly7d 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. EXO 34 20 yz8x 1 buy back Firstborn sons and firstborn donkeys belonged to Yahweh, but Yahweh did not want them sacrificed to Him. Instead, the Israelites were to sacrifice a lamb in their place. This allowed the Israelites to buy the donkeys and sons back from Yahweh. EXO 34 20 u2p5 figs-metonymy 1 No one may appear before me empty-handed God speaks of the offering as if the person was to carry it in his hands. Alternate translation: “No one may come to me without an offering” or “Everyone who comes to me must bring me an offering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 34 21 w9ed 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. EXO 34 21 swm8 1 Even at plowing time and in harvest “Even when you are preparing the soil or gathering the crops” EXO 34 22 d13l 1 Festival of Ingathering This festival was also known as the Festival of Shelters or the Festival of Booths. The idea came from the practice of the farmers living in temporary booths, or huts, out in the fields to guard the crop as it ripened. The word “Ingathering” means when they harvest their crop. EXO 34 23 zh58 1 General Information: Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do. EXO 34 25 zx2v 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 34 25 e8v2 figs-explicit 1 the blood of my sacrifice The fact that the blood is from an animal can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the blood of an animal that you sacrifice to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 34 25 k2f7 figs-explicit 1 with any yeast The fact that any yeast would be in bread can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “with bread that has yeast in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 34 28 mm6l 1 Moses was there “Moses was on the mountain” EXO 34 28 j9t4 translate-numbers 1 forty days “40 days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 34 28 wt1c 1 for forty days and nights “for forty days, both day and night” EXO 34 28 yun2 1 He wrote “Moses wrote” EXO 34 29 d9zk 1 had become radiant “had started to shine” EXO 34 31 jfb4 1 came up to him “approached him” or “went to him.” They did not go up the mountain. EXO 34 32 kt23 figs-metaphor 1 all the commands that Yahweh had given him Telling commands is spoken of as if the commands were objects that could be given. Alternate translation: “all the commands that Yahweh had told him” or “everything that Yahweh had commanded them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 34 34 fzm1 1 he would remove “Moses would remove” EXO 34 34 m1sv figs-activepassive 1 what he was commanded This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh had commanded him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 35 intro lew9 0 # Exodus 35 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Sacrifice
All of the people offered sacrifices to Yahweh. This was a form of worship and a sign of repentance from making the golden calf idol. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/worship]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]]) EXO 35 2 c559 translate-ordinal 1 the seventh day “day number seven” or “Saturday” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 35 2 zij9 figs-activepassive 1 Whoever does any work on that day must be put to death This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “You must kill anyone who does work on that day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 35 4 jdb8 1 General Information: In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in [Exodus 25:3-7](../25/03.md). EXO 35 5 h5c8 1 General Information: In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in [Exodus 25:3-7](../25/03.md). EXO 35 5 n2c8 1 Take an offering for Yahweh “Take up a collection for Yahweh” EXO 35 5 y2x6 figs-synecdoche 1 all of you who have a willing heart Here “heart” refers to the person bringing the offering. Alternate translation: “everyone who is willing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 35 6 r12v 1 General Information: In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in [Exodus 25:3-7](../25/03.md). EXO 35 7 nmv4 1 General Information: In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in [Exodus 25:3-7](../25/03.md). EXO 35 7 l5bq 1 ram skins dyed red and fine leather hides See how you translated similar phrases in [Exodus 25:5](../25/05.md). EXO 35 8 ikm4 1 General Information: In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in [Exodus 25:3-7](../25/03.md). EXO 35 9 f1dd 1 General Information: In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to make the things Yahweh commanded him in [Exodus 25:3-7](../25/03.md). EXO 35 10 c31r 1 General Information: Moses continues telling the people what God commanded them to do. EXO 35 10 dc4b 1 Every skilled man “Every man with a skill” EXO 35 11 j5t7 1 clasps The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in [Exodus 26:6](../26/06.md). EXO 35 11 syn4 1 bases These are heavy objects that rest on the ground and keep the object attached to them from moving. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:31](../25/31.md). EXO 35 12 rj7s 1 atonement lid This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:17](../25/17.md). EXO 35 13 x3tl 1 They brought “The people of Israel brought” EXO 35 13 l641 1 bread of the presence This bread represented the presence of God. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:30](../25/30.md). EXO 35 16 h116 1 bronze grate This is a frame of crossed bronze bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated “grate” in [Exodus 27:4](../27/04.md). EXO 35 17 h8zl 1 hangings These were large curtains made of cloth. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:36](../26/36.md). EXO 35 17 x54f 1 posts These were strong pieces of wood set upright and used as supports. See how you translated these in [Exodus 27:10](../27/10.md). EXO 35 17 xtm8 1 bases These were blocks that had a slot in them to keep the board in place. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:19](../26/19.md). EXO 35 18 n44r 1 tent pegs sharp pieces of wood or metal used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:19](../27/19.md). EXO 35 19 x1pc 1 finely-woven garments This was clothing made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:8](../28/08.md). EXO 35 20 w6rg figs-metonymy 1 all the tribes of Israel This refers to the people in the tribes. Alternate translation: “the people from all the tribes of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) EXO 35 21 b9wk figs-synecdoche 1 whose heart stirred him up Here “heart” refers to the person. The heart that responded to God is spoken of as if it were water stirred up by a storm. Alternate translation: “who responded to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 35 21 be9z figs-synecdoche 1 whom his spirit made willing Here “spirit” refers to the person. Alternate translation: “who was willing” or “who wanted to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 35 22 mwx8 figs-synecdoche 1 all who had a willing heart Here “heart” refers to the person. Alternate translation: “everyone who was willing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 35 22 wwp2 1 brooches, earrings, rings, and ornaments These are different kinds of jewelry. EXO 35 23 s3ky 1 Everyone who had…brought them For 35:23 see how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:4-5](../25/04.md). EXO 35 25 ebm5 1 blue, purple, or scarlet wool Possible meanings are (1) “material that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet,” probably wool yarn, or (2) “blue, purple and scarlet dye” to dye the linen. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 25:4](../25/04.md). EXO 35 26 k1gy figs-synecdoche 1 whose hearts stirred them up Here “hearts” refers to the women. The hearts of the women who responded to God are spoken of as if they were water stirred up by a storm. Alternate translation: “who responded to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 35 27 f13n 1 The leaders brought…breastpiece For 35:27 see how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:7](../25/07.md). EXO 35 28 h3a1 1 they brought spices…fragrant incense For 35:28 see how you translated many similar words in [Exodus 25:6](../25/06.md) EXO 35 29 li5z figs-synecdoche 1 whose heart was willing Here “heart” refers to the people. Alternate translation: “who was willing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 35 30 z1e2 1 Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, from the tribe of Judah See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2](../31/02.md) EXO 35 31 gse9 figs-metaphor 1 He has filled Bezalel with his Spirit God’s Spirit who gave Bezalel the ability to work is spoken of here as if he was something that filled up Bezalel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 35 31 zd74 1 filled Bezalel…craftsmanship See how you translated many similar words in [Exodus 31:3](../31/03.md) EXO 35 32 r7e3 1 to make artistic designs…bronze See how you translated many similar words in [Exodus 31:4](../31/04.md) EXO 35 33 fj6f 1 also to cut and set stones…craftsmanship See how you translated many similar words in [Exodus 31:5](../31/05.md) EXO 35 34 a1r8 1 General Information: Moses continues speaking to the people. EXO 35 34 xd67 figs-synecdoche 1 He has put it in his heart to teach Here “heart” refers to Bezalel. The ability to teach is spoken of as if it something that could be placed in a heart. Alternate translation: “He gave Bezalel the ability to teach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 35 34 ab2z translate-names 1 Oholiab son of Ahisamak, from the tribe of Dan “Oholiab” and “Ahisamak” are names of men. See how you translated these names in [Exodus 31:6](../31/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 35 35 rcv9 figs-metaphor 1 filled them with skill Skill to create beautiful objects is spoken of as if it were something that could fill up a person. Alternate translation: “made them very skillful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 35 35 me14 1 engravers a person who cuts designs into a hard material such as wood, stone, or metal EXO 35 35 u7tf 1 embroiderers people who sew designs into cloth EXO 35 35 r8zk 1 craftsmen people who are skilled in making beautiful objects by hand EXO 35 35 cw3x 1 weavers a person who creates cloth using thread EXO 35 35 a6c3 1 artistic designers a person who creates beauty with materials EXO 36 intro nz4n 0 # Exodus 36 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Tent of meeting
The tent of meeting, or tabernacle, mentioned in previous chapters is constructed in this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/tabernacle]]) EXO 36 1 ubk2 1 General Information: Moses continues speaking to the people. EXO 36 1 ds99 translate-names 1 Bezalel This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2](../31/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 36 1 tl5b translate-names 1 Oholiab This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:6](../31/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 36 1 tr3p figs-metaphor 1 to whom Yahweh has given skill and ability Here skill and ability are spoken of as if they are something that Yahweh can place inside a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 36 1 mdi4 1 according to all that Yahweh has commanded “just as Yahweh has commanded” EXO 36 2 tgn2 translate-names 1 Bezalel This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2](../31/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 36 2 wq6q translate-names 1 Oholiab This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:6](../31/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 36 2 tda7 figs-synecdoche 1 in whose mind Yahweh had given skill Here “mind” refers to the person who was made skillful by Yahweh. Alternate translation: “to whom Yahweh had given skill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) EXO 36 2 yuq8 figs-synecdoche 1 whose heart stirred within him Here “heart” refers to the person. The heart that responded to God is spoken of as if it were water stirred up by a storm. Alternate translation: “who responded to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 36 5 tni7 figs-quotations 1 The craftsmen told Moses…commanded us to do.” The can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “The craftsmen told Moses that the people were bringing much more than enough for doing the work that Yahweh has commanded them to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 36 5 pd95 1 The craftsmen told Moses “The men working on the sanctuary told Moses” EXO 36 8 kw33 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:1](../26/01.md). EXO 36 8 l7ub 1 ten curtains made from fine linen These curtains are sheets of cloth woven and sewed together so that they can hang to form a wall or tent. EXO 36 8 s2hu translate-names 1 Bezalel This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2](../31/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 36 9 p2mr 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:2](../26/02.md). EXO 36 10 z6sq 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:3](../26/03.md). EXO 36 11 yw91 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:4](../26/04.md). EXO 36 11 qh6e 1 He made Here “he” refers to Bezalel, but it includes all the men working on the sanctuary. EXO 36 11 y7vq 1 loops of blue loops of blue cloth EXO 36 11 i4ba 1 curtain These were large, heavy sections of woven cloth that were used to form the covering and dividing walls of the tabernacle. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:1](../26/01.md). EXO 36 12 k1qq 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:5](../26/05.md). EXO 36 13 z2zi 1 General Information See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:6](../26/06.md). EXO 36 13 j75x translate-numbers 1 fifty gold clasps “50 gold clasps” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 36 14 m2ac 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:7](../26/07.md). EXO 36 14 us17 translate-numbers 1 made eleven “made 11” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 36 15 fa6i 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:8](../26/08.md). EXO 36 15 ret8 translate-numbers 1 thirty cubits “30 cubits” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 36 16 wwj6 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:9](../26/09.md). EXO 36 17 qt9b 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:10](../26/10.md). EXO 36 17 jm1l translate-numbers 1 fifty loops “50 loops” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 36 18 mq1j 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:11](../26/11.md). EXO 36 18 a7mn translate-numbers 1 fifty bronze clasps “50 bronze clasps” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 36 19 p3ke 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:14](../26/14.md). EXO 36 20 t739 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:15](../26/15.md). EXO 36 21 prx5 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:16](../26/16.md). EXO 36 21 gci3 translate-bdistance 1 ten cubits…one and a half cubits “10 cubits…1.5 cubits” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) EXO 36 22 l8yx 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:17](../26/17.md). EXO 36 22 vq4m 1 two wooden pegs for joining A wooden peg is a small piece of wood sticking out beyond the end of the board so it can be secured. EXO 36 23 ev65 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:18](../26/18.md). EXO 36 24 ln2x 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:19](../26/19.md). EXO 36 24 u5ue translate-numbers 1 forty silver bases “40 silver bases” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 36 24 yx4b translate-numbers 1 twenty frames “20 frames” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 36 25 w2wz 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:20](../26/20.md). EXO 36 26 gbm9 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:21](../26/21.md). EXO 36 26 b9dy 1 and so on There will be two bases under each and every frame. EXO 36 27 a7js 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:22](../26/22.md). EXO 36 27 m6ue 1 on the west on the side that is on the west EXO 36 28 hw9c 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:23](../26/23.md). EXO 36 28 ma1f 1 for the back corners for the corners at the rear of the tabernacle EXO 36 29 u396 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:24](../26/24.md). EXO 36 30 mu5n 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:25](../26/25.md). EXO 36 30 zls4 translate-numbers 1 sixteen bases in all “16 bases in all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 36 30 r252 1 and so on There will be two bases under each and every frame. EXO 36 31 cf2p 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:26](../26/26.md). EXO 36 32 p4wd 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:27](../26/27.md). EXO 36 32 tc6s 1 to the west on the west side EXO 36 33 h94y 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:28](../26/28.md). EXO 36 33 lk9f 1 from end to end from one side of the tabernacle to the other side EXO 36 34 i17v 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:29](../26/29.md). EXO 36 35 pfc5 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:31](../26/31.md). EXO 36 36 hg2q 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:32](../26/32.md). EXO 36 37 r5ya 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:36](../26/36.md). EXO 36 37 vv61 1 He made Here “he” refers to Bezalel and those working for him. “Bezalel and his men made” EXO 36 37 neu2 1 a hanging a curtain EXO 36 38 pr67 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 26:37](../26/37.md). EXO 37 intro mt99 0 # Exodus 37 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### The ark of the covenant
The ark, mentioned in previous chapters, is constructed in this chapter. There are other furnishings of the tabernacle that are also produced in this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/tabernacle]]) EXO 37 1 byr3 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:10](../25/10.md). EXO 37 1 xz1t translate-names 1 Bezalel This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2](../31/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 37 1 ps6e translate-bdistance 1 two and a half cubits…one cubit and a half A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.5 cubits…1.5 cubits” or “115 centimeters…69 centimeters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) EXO 37 2 kb3s 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:11](../25/11.md). EXO 37 3 pb6v 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:12](../25/12.md). EXO 37 3 ut8d figs-metaphor 1 its four feet These four pieces of wood that supported the ark are spoken of as if they were human or animal feet. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 37 4 nr8y 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:13](../25/13.md). EXO 37 4 n9kr 1 He made Though “he” refers to Bezalel, “he” may include all of the workers who assisted him. EXO 37 5 v9j7 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:14](../25/14.md). EXO 37 6 liw8 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:17](../25/17.md). EXO 37 6 ba8a translate-bdistance 1 two and a half cubits…one and a half cubits A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2.5 cubits…1.5 cubits” or “115 centimeters…69 centimeters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) EXO 37 7 nhi3 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:18](../25/18.md). EXO 37 8 g96y 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:19](../25/19.md). EXO 37 8 y13s figs-activepassive 1 They were made as one piece This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He made them as one piece” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 37 9 e6na 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:20](../25/20.md). EXO 37 9 r7nm figs-personification 1 The cherubim spread out their wings upward and overshadowed Bezalel placed the statues of the cherubim as if they were real cherubim which were spreading their wings and overshadowing the atonement lid. Alternate translation: “They placed the winged creatures so that their wings touched each other and spread out over” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) EXO 37 9 zsq1 1 The cherubim faced one another and looked toward “The faces of the cherubim were towards each other, and they looked toward” EXO 37 10 ktf8 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:23](../25/23.md). EXO 37 10 fnt3 translate-bdistance 1 two cubits…one cubit…one and a half cubits A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “2 cubits…1 cubit…1.5 cubits” or “92 centimeters…46 centimeters…69 centimeters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) EXO 37 11 l2kv 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:24](../25/24.md). EXO 37 12 i1ba 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:25](../25/25.md). EXO 37 12 j4iq translate-bdistance 1 handbreadth This was the width of a man’s hand with fingers spread out. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 37 13 b56c 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:26](../25/26.md). EXO 37 13 k69z figs-metaphor 1 the four feet These four pieces of wood that supported the ark are spoken of as if they were human or animal feet. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) EXO 37 14 tc3u 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:27](../25/27.md). EXO 37 14 b3ma figs-activepassive 1 The rings were attached This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Bezalel attached the rings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 37 15 zkr8 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:28](../25/28.md). EXO 37 16 h598 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:29](../25/29.md). EXO 37 16 ui2r figs-explicit 1 dishes, spoons, the bowls, and pitchers to be used to pour out the offerings It is only the bowls and pitchers that are used to pour out the offerings. Alternate translation: “plates and cups, and also the jars and bowls which the priests will use for pouring out the offerings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 37 17 edx6 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:31](../25/31.md). EXO 37 17 wp6l 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture. EXO 37 17 s977 figs-activepassive 1 Its cups, its leafy bases, and its flowers were all made of one piece with it This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He made the cups, its leafy bases, and its flowers as one piece with the lampstand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 37 18 kuh2 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:32](../25/32.md). EXO 37 19 g1y9 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:33](../25/33.md). EXO 37 19 j6vz figs-activepassive 1 three cups made like almond blossoms This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he made the 3 cups look like almond blossoms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 37 19 cbe6 1 almond blossoms An almond blossom is a white or pink flower with five petals that grows on an almond tree. EXO 37 20 nl54 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:34](../25/34.md). EXO 37 20 bx63 figs-activepassive 1 there were four cups made like almond blossoms This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “there were 4 cups which Bezalel made to look like almond blossoms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 37 21 x1u5 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:35](../25/35.md). EXO 37 21 v3c2 figs-activepassive 1 made as one piece with it This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which he made as one piece with the lampstand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 37 22 ks9z 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:36](../25/36.md). EXO 37 23 b2jq 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:37-38](../25/37.md). EXO 37 23 r4y1 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture. EXO 37 23 njx7 1 tongs This is a tool made from two sticks of wood or metal connected at one end and used for picking up objects. EXO 37 24 uz5h 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:39](../25/39.md). EXO 37 24 arz1 translate-bweight 1 one talent “33 kilograms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]]) EXO 37 25 el8w 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 30:1-2](../30/01.md). EXO 37 25 li9d 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture. EXO 37 25 c8mg translate-bdistance 1 cubit A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 37 25 xq8k figs-activepassive 1 Its horns were made as one piece with it This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He made the horns as one piece with the altar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 37 26 ep66 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 30:3](../30/03.md). EXO 37 27 zez2 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 30:4](../30/04.md). EXO 37 27 d2v9 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture. EXO 37 27 p89d figs-activepassive 1 to be attached to it This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which they attached to the altar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 37 28 hw37 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 30:5](../30/05.md). EXO 37 29 c992 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 30:25](../30/25.md). EXO 37 29 z685 1 fragrant incense See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:6](../25/06.md). EXO 37 29 akg9 1 the work of a perfumer A perfumer is skilled in mixing spices and oils. EXO 38 intro hp86 0 # Exodus 38 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### The altar
The altar is constructed in this chapter. There are other furnishings of the tabernacle that are also produced in this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/tabernacle]])

### Materials
The list of materials being used is intended to give the reader an understanding of the scale of the tabernacle. It should fill the reader with awe concerning the power of Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 38 1 r81c 1 General Information See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:1](../27/01.md). EXO 38 1 gk19 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture. EXO 38 1 g5ex translate-bdistance 1 cubits One cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 38 2 g71x 1 General Information See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:2](../27/02.md). EXO 38 2 se9l figs-activepassive 1 The horns were made of one piece This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He made the horns as one piece” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 38 3 v73t 1 General Information See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:3](../27/03.md). EXO 38 4 rx7v 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:4](../27/04.md) and [Exodus 27:5](../27/05.md). EXO 38 4 nb1q 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture. EXO 38 4 g5rb figs-activepassive 1 to be placed under the ledge This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which they placed under the ledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 38 5 kp6w 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:4](../27/04.md). EXO 38 6 l258 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:6](../27/06.md). EXO 38 6 ihi9 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture. EXO 38 7 ys63 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:7-8](../27/07.md). EXO 38 7 wa8g 1 planks a long, flat piece of wood that is thicker than a board EXO 38 8 tqi9 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture. EXO 38 8 e6gd 1 large bronze basin with a bronze stand The stand supported the bronze basin. See how you translated this in [Exodus 30:18](../30/18.md). EXO 38 8 mdx9 figs-explicit 1 He made the basin out of mirrors The bronze came from the mirrors. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “The bronze for the basin came from the mirrors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 38 8 e1wq 1 mirrors A mirror is a piece of polished metal or glass that reflects an image. EXO 38 9 clk6 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:9](../27/09.md). EXO 38 9 j2nq 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture. EXO 38 9 i24a translate-numbers 1 one hundred “100” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 38 9 su7e translate-bdistance 1 cubits A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 38 10 nz6q 1 General Information See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:10](../27/10.md). EXO 38 10 x9jn translate-numbers 1 twenty “20” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 38 11 mp6n 1 General Information See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:11](../27/11.md). EXO 38 11 kl3h translate-numbers 1 one hundred…twenty “100…20” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 38 11 xl4c translate-bdistance 1 cubits A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 38 12 g5iz 1 General Information See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:12](../27/12.md). EXO 38 12 vuw5 translate-numbers 1 fifty…ten “50…10” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 38 13 iju3 1 General Information See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:13](../27/13.md). EXO 38 13 fw1k translate-numbers 1 fifty “50” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 38 13 jl57 translate-bdistance 1 cubits A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 38 14 n1xj 1 General Information See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:14](../27/14.md). EXO 38 14 b85e translate-numbers 1 fifteen…three “15…3” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 38 15 dlq7 1 General Information See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:15](../27/15.md). EXO 38 16 s5zf figs-activepassive 1 All the hangings around the courtyard were made of fine linen This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Bezalel and the workers made all the hangings around the courtyard with fine linen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 38 17 s5g5 1 General Information See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:17](../27/17.md). EXO 38 17 r7g6 figs-activepassive 1 The bases for the posts were made of bronze This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Bezalel and the workers made the bases for the posts out of bronze” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 38 17 va1m figs-activepassive 1 The hooks and rods for the posts were made of silver, and the covering for the tops of the posts was also made of silver This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They made the hooks, the rods for the posts, and the covering for the tops of the posts out of silver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 38 17 i3bf figs-activepassive 1 All the courtyard posts were covered with silver This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They covered the courtyard posts with silver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 38 18 hmi5 1 General Information See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:16](../27/16.md). EXO 38 18 h4ki translate-numbers 1 twenty…five “20…5” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 38 18 yf6z translate-bdistance 1 cubits A cubit is 46 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 38 18 trz5 figs-activepassive 1 The curtain was made of This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They made the curtain out of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 38 19 fjw4 1 General Information See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:17](../27/17.md). EXO 38 19 kqf3 translate-numbers 1 four “4” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 38 19 a2ix figs-activepassive 1 The covering for their tops and its rods were made of silver This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They made the covering for the tops of the posts and their rods out of silver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 38 20 ye5c 1 General Information See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 27:19](../27/19.md). EXO 38 20 p55d figs-activepassive 1 All the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard were made of bronze This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They made all of the tent pegs for the tabernacle and courtyard out of bronze” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 38 21 wqi5 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture. EXO 38 21 k2ex figs-activepassive 1 as it was taken This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which Moses instructed the Levites to write down” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 38 21 ex1t translate-names 1 Ithamar This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in [Exodus 6:23](../06/23.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 38 22 d86g translate-names 1 Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur “Bezalel” and “uri” are the name of men. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2](../31/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 38 22 i4ha 1 Yahweh had commanded Moses “everything that Yahweh told Moses to do” EXO 38 23 f93b translate-names 1 Oholiab son of Ahisamak “Oholiab” and “Ahisamak” are names of men. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:6](../31/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 38 23 wvw4 1 an engraver, as a skillful workman, and as an embroiderer “as a skilled engraver and embroiderer” EXO 38 24 tl4k figs-activepassive 1 All the gold that was used for the project This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “All the gold that the people used for the project” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 38 24 y7hy translate-numbers 1 twenty-nine talents A talent is about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “29 talents” or “about 960 kilograms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]]) EXO 38 24 tg3f translate-numbers 1 730 shekels A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: “seven hundred and thirty shekels” or “about 8 kilograms.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]]) EXO 38 24 f6sq translate-bweight 1 measured by the standard of the sanctuary shekel There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time. This specified which one was to be used. See how you translated this in [Exodus 30:13](../30/13.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]]) EXO 38 25 ni5b translate-numbers 1 one hundred talents A talent is about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “100 talents” or “about 330 kilograms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]]) EXO 38 25 gn9f translate-numbers 1 1,775 shekels A shekel is 11 grams. “one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels” or “about 20 kilograms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]]) EXO 38 25 egg4 figs-activepassive 1 The silver given by the community This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The silver which the community gave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 38 26 t2gi translate-bweight 1 one beka A beka is 1/2 a shekel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]]) EXO 38 26 fyy5 translate-bweight 1 half a shekel A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: “1/2 a shekel” or “five and a half grams” or “5 1/2 grams” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) EXO 38 26 ll8b 1 This figure was reached on the basis of every person who was counted in the census Every man who was 20 years old or older was included in the census and was required to give half a shekel. EXO 38 26 c69c translate-numbers 1 twenty years old “20 years old” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 38 27 p7r5 translate-bweight 1 One hundred talents of silver were cast A talent is about 33 kilograms. Alternate translation: “The workers cast 100 talents of silver” or “The workers cast 3,300 kilograms of silver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 38 27 n8z7 translate-numbers 1 One hundred talents “100 talents” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 38 28 k2fi translate-numbers 1 1,775 shekels “one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 38 28 ii3y translate-bmoney 1 shekels A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) EXO 38 28 nxf5 translate-names 1 Bezalel This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2](../31/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 38 29 p3mr translate-numbers 1 seventy talents and 2,400 shekels “70 talents and two thousand four hundred shekels.” This would be about 2,300 kilograms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]]) EXO 38 30 zfk8 1 General Information: Bezalel’s work crew continues to build the tabernacle and furniture. EXO 38 30 rck7 1 grate This is a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:4](../27/04.md). EXO 38 31 bvr9 1 tent pegs These are sharp bronze stakes that were used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:19](../27/19.md). EXO 39 intro mll6 0 # Exodus 39 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### The holy clothing
The special, holy clothing mentioned in previous chapters is produced in this chapter to the correct specifications. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]]) EXO 39 1 s66r 1 General Information: Bezalel’s work crew shifts to making the priestly garments. EXO 39 1 ys6l 1 they made The word “they” refers to Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other workmen. EXO 39 1 h8kg 1 as Yahweh had commanded Moses “just as Yahweh told Moses to do” EXO 39 2 b9mg 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:6](../28/06.md). EXO 39 2 ain4 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments. EXO 39 2 p5xy translate-names 1 Bezalel This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2](../31/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 39 4 c7lu 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:7](../28/07.md). EXO 39 4 pq62 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments. EXO 39 5 g75w 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:8](../28/08.md). EXO 39 5 wf2i figs-activepassive 1 it was made of one piece with the ephod, made of fine twined linen This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they made it as one piece with the ephod with fine twisted linen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 39 5 cc56 1 as Yahweh had commanded Moses “just as Yahweh told Moses to do.” See how you translated this phrase in [Exodus 39:1](../39/01.md). EXO 39 6 k7vw 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:9](../28/09.md) and [Exodus 28:11](../28/11.md). EXO 39 6 h1bz 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments. EXO 39 6 naa8 1 signet This was an engraved stone that was used to stamp a design in a wax seal. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:11](../28/11.md). EXO 39 6 ajh3 translate-numbers 1 twelve sons “12 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) EXO 39 7 ize6 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:12](../28/12.md). EXO 39 7 d24m 1 as Yahweh had commanded Moses “just as Yahweh told Moses to do.” See how you translated this phrase in [Exodus 39:1](../39/01.md). EXO 39 8 mlf6 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:15](../28/15.md). EXO 39 8 gj9p 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments. EXO 39 8 k7b6 1 He made “Bezalel made” or “Bezalel and the workers made” EXO 39 9 lkt1 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:16](../28/16.md). EXO 39 9 f4ms translate-bdistance 1 span A span is 23 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]]) EXO 39 10 xzb8 1 General Information: Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments. EXO 39 10 m54c 1 They set in it “The workers set in the breastpiece” EXO 39 10 cmv1 translate-unknown 1 ruby, a topaz, and a garnet Some languages may not have words for each of these stones. The important fact is that they were valuable and different from one another. See how you translated these in [Exodus 28:17](../28/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 39 11 qx96 translate-unknown 1 an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond Some languages may not have words for each of these stones. The important fact is that they were valuable and different from one another. See how you translated these in [Exodus 28:18](../28/18.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 39 12 kk8t translate-unknown 1 a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst Some languages may not have words for each of these stones. The important fact is that they were valuable and different from one another. See how you translated these in [Exodus 28:19](../28/19.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 39 13 l9wa translate-unknown 1 a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper Some languages may not have words for each of these stones. The important fact is that they were valuable and different from one another. See how you translated these in [Exodus 28:20](../28/20.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) EXO 39 13 h3bw figs-activepassive 1 The stones were mounted in gold settings This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They mounted the stones in gold settings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 39 14 z5va 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:21](../28/21.md). EXO 39 14 a9bw 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments. EXO 39 14 yby8 figs-activepassive 1 The stones were arranged This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The workers arranged the stones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 39 15 byz8 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:22](../28/22.md). EXO 39 16 b8m6 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:23-24](../28/23.md). EXO 39 17 w2s4 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:24](../28/24.md). EXO 39 17 v4i5 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments. EXO 39 17 lc2x 1 two braided chains “chains that are made of pure gold and are braided like cords.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:14](../28/14.md). EXO 39 18 bw76 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:25](../28/25.md). EXO 39 19 nd41 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:26](../28/26.md). EXO 39 19 del5 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments. EXO 39 20 w8wz 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:27](../28/27.md). EXO 39 20 l1dz 1 finely-woven waistband This was a cloth belt made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:8](../28/08.md). EXO 39 21 zu91 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:28](../28/28.md). EXO 39 21 uq61 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments. EXO 39 21 h1yb figs-activepassive 1 so that it might be attached This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so they could attach it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 39 21 scn8 figs-doublenegatives 1 the breastpiece might not become unattached from the ephod The double negative can be translated as a positive. Alternate translation: “the breastpiece would stay attached to the ephod” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) EXO 39 22 vdw1 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:31-32](../28/31.md). EXO 39 22 n25q 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments. EXO 39 22 p8nv translate-names 1 Bezalel This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2](../31/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) EXO 39 23 cyc1 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:32](../28/32.md). EXO 39 24 eak6 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:33](../28/33.md). EXO 39 25 sx9b 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:34-35](../28/34.md). EXO 39 25 f8t3 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments as commanded in [Exodus 28:34-35](../28/34.md). EXO 39 25 x1ww 1 bells of pure gold These were tiny bells. EXO 39 26 gtg5 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:34-35](../28/34.md). EXO 39 27 pz63 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:39](../28/39.md). EXO 39 27 rp6p 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments. EXO 39 28 um4e 1 turban This is a head covering worn by men made of a long strip of cloth wound around the head. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md). EXO 39 28 jex8 1 headbands A headband is a narrow, decorative strip of cloth that is worn around the head above the eyes. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:40](../28/40.md). EXO 39 28 c4pr figs-explicit 1 undergarments This is clothing worn under the outer clothes, next to the skin. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:42](../28/42.md). Alternate translation: “underwear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 39 29 hn5g 1 sash This is a long piece of cloth worn over the shoulder or around the waist. See how you translated this word in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md) EXO 39 30 kq33 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:36](../28/36.md). EXO 39 30 m6jj 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to make the priestly garments.. EXO 39 30 d85k 1 holy crown This was an engraved crown made of pure gold. See how you translated this in [Exodus 29:6](../29/06.md). EXO 39 31 fml2 1 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:37](../28/37.md). EXO 39 32 jh64 1 General Information: The Israelites finish making the things Yahweh commanded in [Exodus 35:4-9](../35/04.md) and [Exodus 35:10-12](../35/10.md). EXO 39 32 z1z7 figs-doublet 1 So the work on the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, was finished. The people of Israel did everything The “tabernacle” and “tent of meeting” are the same thing. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “So the people of Israel finished all of the work on the tabernacle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 39 33 y9ym 1 clasps The clasps fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in [Exodus 26:6](../26/06.md). EXO 39 33 b3q3 1 bases These are heavy objects that rest on the ground and keep the object attached to them from moving. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:31](../25/31.md). EXO 39 34 z6r6 1 the covering of ram skins dyed red, the covering of fine leather See how you translated similar phrases in this in [Exodus 25:5](../25/05.md). EXO 39 35 i7d9 1 atonement lid This is the lid that sits on top of the ark where the atonement offering was made. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:17](../25/17.md). EXO 39 36 lvq3 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to present all that they made to Moses. EXO 39 36 knn8 1 bread of the presence This bread represented the presence of God. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:30](../25/30.md). EXO 39 39 e755 1 grate This is a frame of crossed bars that held wood while burning. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:4](../27/04.md). EXO 39 40 i8lm 1 Connecting Statement: Bezalel’s work crew continues to present all that they made to Moses. EXO 39 40 m3x9 1 They brought “The people of Israel brought” EXO 39 40 ajt4 1 the tabernacle, the tent of meeting These refer to the same place. EXO 39 42 ct6k 1 Thus the people “And so the people” EXO 39 43 t26m 1 behold The word “behold” here draws attention to the information that follows. EXO 39 43 z79s 1 As Yahweh had commanded, in that way they did it “They did it in the way that Yahweh had commanded them” EXO 40 intro fa6e 0 # Exodus 40 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

This chapter is repetitive and should read as a series of instructions. It is repeated as well to show that Moses was obedient to every detail of Yahweh’s command.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “Yahweh’s glory filled the tabernacle”
This phrase indicates that Yahweh began to dwell within the tabernacle, among Israel, in a special way. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/tabernacle]]) EXO 40 2 crr5 translate-hebrewmonths 1 the first day of the first month of the new year The new year marks the time when God rescued his people from Egypt. This happens around the middle of March on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 40 3 iv52 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 40 3 l7fp 1 place the ark of the testimony in it “place the ark of the covenant decrees in the sacred chest” EXO 40 3 psu3 1 shield the ark with the curtain “put the ark behind the curtain” EXO 40 5 n4wx 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 40 5 a4xe 1 ark of the testimony This refers to the “sacred chest.” EXO 40 8 zfl6 1 General Information: Yahweh continues to tell Moses what the people must do. EXO 40 9 ce7i 1 all its furnishings “all the things that are a part of it” EXO 40 12 yiq8 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 40 12 j7ea 1 You are to bring Moses will do these things himself. EXO 40 13 bs4j figs-activepassive 1 that are set apart to me This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that you have set apart to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 40 14 w7yw 1 General Information: Yahweh continues speaking to Moses. EXO 40 15 js17 1 throughout their people’s generations “through all the generations of their descendants.” See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 12:14](../12/14.md). EXO 40 17 r6pc figs-activepassive 1 So the tabernacle was set up This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “So the people set up the tabernacle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) EXO 40 17 gzu5 translate-hebrewmonths 1 the first day of the first month This refers to exactly one year after God rescued his people from Egypt. This happens around the middle of March on Western calendars. See how you translated this in [Exodus 40:2](../40/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 40 17 wnh8 translate-ordinal 1 in the second year This is the second year after Yahweh brought his people out of Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) EXO 40 18 kk4n figs-explicit 1 Moses set up Moses was the leader. The people helped him set up the tabernacle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 40 18 c6rm 1 posts a strong piece of wood set upright and used as a support EXO 40 21 l31p 1 He brought Moses was the leader. He had workers helping him. EXO 40 21 n8r9 1 for it to shield “in front of” EXO 40 24 sw1w figs-explicit 1 He put the lampstand into the tent of meeting Moses instructed his workers to move the lampstand. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “Moses’ workmen set the lampstand inside the sacred tent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 40 26 i5gg figs-explicit 1 in front of the curtain This curtain separated the holy place from the very holy place. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “in front of the curtain that separated the holy place from the very holy place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 40 31 bf9c figs-explicit 1 washed their hands and their feet from the basin They washed with water from the basin. This can be stated clearly in the translation. Alternate translation: “washed their hands and their feet with water from the basin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) EXO 40 33 y62k וַ⁠יְצַ֣ו 1 In this way “And so” EXO 40 34 ysd8 כָּל־הַ⁠בֵּ֣ן הַ⁠יִּלּ֗וֹד הַ⁠יְאֹ֨רָ⁠ה֙ תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔⁠הוּ 1 Yahweh’s glory filled “Yahweh’s awesome presence filled” EXO 40 36 ak35 figs-activepassive לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר כָּל־הַ⁠בֵּ֣ן הַ⁠יִּלּ֗וֹד הַ⁠יְאֹ֨רָ⁠ה֙ תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔⁠הוּ וְ⁠כָל־הַ⁠בַּ֖ת תְּחַיּֽוּ⁠ן 1 was taken up from over - **saying, “You shall throw every new-born son into the river, but every daughter you shall let live.”** - A single level direct quote. While this particular instruction is very easy to rephrase as an indirect quote (in English), the use of **saying** in Hebrew suggests that this should be translated as a direct quotation if possible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]]) EXO 40 37 s8y2 figs-activepassive תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔⁠הוּ תְּחַיּֽוּ⁠ן 1 that it was lifted up - **you shall** - These are plural referring to all Pharaoh’s people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])