diff --git a/en_tn_16-NEH.tsv b/en_tn_16-NEH.tsv index c99ff59a71..bbc60db3de 100644 --- a/en_tn_16-NEH.tsv +++ b/en_tn_16-NEH.tsv @@ -238,16 +238,16 @@ NEH 3 1 ald8 figs-explicit וַ⁠יָּ֡קָם אֶלְיָשִׁיב֩ הַ NEH 3 1 a37c figs-idiom וַ⁠יָּ֡קָם 1 And…rose up As in [2:18](../02/18.md), **rise up** here means to begin something. Alternate translation: “began to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 3 1 g9az translate-names אֶלְיָשִׁיב֩ 1 Eliashib This is the name of a man. It occurs about a dozen times in the book of Nehemiah. It will be helpful to your readers if you translate it consistently each time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 3 1 a39c translate-unknown הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֨ן הַ⁠גָּד֜וֹל 1 the high priest This means that Eliashib was the leader of the priests who conducted worship in the temple and performed many other religious and community functions. Alternate translation: “the priest who was in charge in the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) -NEH 3 1 a40c figs-metaphor וְ⁠אֶחָ֣י⁠ו הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֗ים 1 with his brothers the priests Here **brother** could mean Eliashib’s biological brothers, but more likely it figuratively refers to the rest of the priests. Alternate translation: “with his fellow priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 3 1 a40c figs-metaphor וְ⁠אֶחָ֣י⁠ו הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֗ים 1 with his brothers the priests Here, **brother** could mean Eliashib’s biological brothers, but more likely it figuratively refers to the rest of the priests. Alternate translation: “with his fellow priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 3 1 a43c figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּבְנוּ֙ 1 and they built It is clear from the context that they were not building something brand new. Rather, they were rebuilding the walls that had been knocked down. This expression occurs several times in this chapter. It would be helpful to your readers to translate it consistently. Alternate translation: “rebuilt.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 3 1 a45c translate-names שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠צֹּ֔אן 1 the gate of the sheep This is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Sheep Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 3 1 a47c translate-symaction הֵ֣מָּה קִדְּשׁ֔וּ⁠הוּ 1 They themselves consecrated it **Consecrate** means to set something apart for a special purpose. The Sheep Gate was the gate closest to the temple. By dedicating it to God, the priests were symbolically dedicating the entire wall to God. The rebuilt wall would define and protect the city of Jerusalem as the place from which God had chosen to start making himself famous throughout the world, as described in [1:9](../01/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) NEH 3 1 a49c figs-explicit הֵ֣מָּה קִדְּשׁ֔וּ⁠הוּ 1 They themselves consecrated it If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly that by dedicating the Sheep Gate to God, the priests were symbolically dedicating the entire wall to God. Alternate translation: “They dedicated this gate to God as a symbolic way of dedicating the entire wall.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 3 1 a51c וַֽ⁠יַּעֲמִ֖ידוּ דַּלְתֹתָ֑י⁠ו 1 and erected its doors **Its** refers to the Sheep Gate. **Erected** means “set up” or “set in place.” This expression occurs several times in this chapter. It would be helpful to your readers to translate it consistently. Alternate translation: “set the doors in place.” NEH 3 1 a7k9 figs-ellipsis וְ⁠עַד־מִגְדַּ֤ל הַ⁠מֵּאָה֙ קִדְּשׁ֔וּ⁠הוּ עַ֖ד מִגְדַּ֥ל חֲנַנְאֵֽל 1 And they consecrated it as far as the tower of the Hundred and as far as the tower of Hananel In this record of people who helped rebuild the wall, Nehemiah is writing more of a list than a narrative, so he often leaves out one or more words that a sentence normally would have in order to be complete. This sentence seems to mean, “They rebuilt the wall as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and beyond that to the Tower of Hananel. Then they dedicated that part of the wall to God as well.” You could say something like that if it would be helpful to your readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) -NEH 3 1 e1th translate-names מִגְדַּ֤ל הַ⁠מֵּאָה֙…מִגְדַּ֥ל חֲנַנְאֵֽל 1 the tower of the Hundred…the tower of Hananel These are the names of two of the towers on the Jerusalem wall. Alternate translation: “the Tower of the Hundred…the Tower of Hananel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +NEH 3 1 e1th translate-names מִגְדַּ֤ל הַ⁠מֵּאָה֙…מִגְדַּ֥ל חֲנַנְאֵֽל 1 the tower of the Hundred…the tower of Hananel These are the names of two of the towers on the Jerusalem wall. Alternate translation: “the Tower of the Hundred … the Tower of Hananel” (See: \[\[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names\]\]) NEH 3 1 r9wn translate-unknown מִגְדַּ֤ל הַ⁠מֵּאָה֙ 1 the tower of the Hundred It is not clear why this tower had this name. The tower could have been 100 cubits high (about 150 feet or about 45 meters), or 100 soldiers may have been stationed there. Since the reason is unknown, it might be best just to call this the “Tower of the Hundred.” However, if it would be confusing to your readers not to explain the meaning of the number, you suggest one of these possibilities. Alternate translation: “The Tower of the Hundred Soldiers” or “The Hundred-Cubit Tower.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 3 2 xtj9 figs-idiom וְ⁠עַל־יָד֥⁠וֹ בָנ֖וּ 1 And…built at his hand Here **at his hand** is a figurative way of saying “beside him” or “next to him.” This expression occurs several times in this chapter. It would be helpful to your readers to translate it consistently. Alternate translation: “next to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 3 2 xtj9 figs-idiom וְ⁠עַל־יָד֥⁠וֹ בָנ֖וּ 1 And…built at his hand Here, **at his hand** is a figurative way of saying “beside him” or “next to him.” This expression occurs several times in this chapter. It would be helpful to your readers to translate it consistently. Alternate translation: “next to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 3 2 qf25 figs-gendernotations אַנְשֵׁ֣י יְרֵח֑וֹ 1 men of Jericho The word **men** here can include women, and it does seem to include them in this context. Elsewhere in this chapter, [3:12](../02/12.md) tells us that “Shallum and his daughters repaired part of the wall.” So we know that both men and women worked on this project. Alternate translation: “people from Jericho” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) NEH 3 2 u2s6 translate-names יְרֵח֑וֹ 1 Jericho Jericho is the name of one of the cities in Judah. We see from this chapter that several cities and towns sent work parties to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 3 2 q84s translate-names זַכּ֖וּר בֶּן־אִמְרִֽי 1 Zaccur, the son of Imri Zaccur is the name of a man, and Imri is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -263,7 +263,7 @@ NEH 3 5 d8sa figs-ellipsis הֶחֱזִ֣יקוּ הַ⁠תְּקוֹעִ֑ים NEH 3 5 j3k4 translate-names הַ⁠תְּקוֹעִ֑ים 1 the Tekoites Tekoa is the name of one of the cities in Judah that sent a work party to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The Tekoites are the people who came from this city. Alternate translation: “some people from Tekoa” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 3 5 x484 grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְ⁠אַדִּֽירֵי⁠הֶם֙ 1 but their nobles Here Nehemiah is indicating a contrast between what these people should have done and what they actually did. You can use a word like “but” to indicate this. Alternate translation: “But the leading citizens of Tekoa” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) NEH 3 5 l7zc figs-explicit לֹא־הֵבִ֣יאוּ צַוָּרָ֔⁠ם בַּ⁠עֲבֹדַ֖ת אֲדֹנֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 did not bring their necks to the service of their lords Nehemiah does not state the reason why the nobles did not do the work, but it is implied. Alternate translation: “were too proud to do the work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 3 5 nsg3 figs-metonymy לֹא־הֵבִ֣יאוּ צַוָּרָ֔⁠ם בַּ⁠עֲבֹדַ֖ת אֲדֹנֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 did not bring their necks to the service of their lords Here the **neck** represents the entire person, and specifically the person at work. The neck is likely associated with work because in this agrarian culture, draft animals would put their necks into yokes so that they could pull plows and drag loads. Alternate translation: “were too proud to do the work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +NEH 3 5 nsg3 figs-metonymy לֹא־הֵבִ֣יאוּ צַוָּרָ֔⁠ם בַּ⁠עֲבֹדַ֖ת אֲדֹנֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 did not bring their necks to the service of their lords Here, the **neck** represents the entire person, and specifically the person at work. The neck is likely associated with work because in this agrarian culture, draft animals would put their necks into yokes so that they could pull plows and drag loads. Alternate translation: “were too proud to do the work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 3 5 r94d translate-unknown בַּ⁠עֲבֹדַ֖ת אֲדֹנֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 to the service of their lords **Lords** here most likely refers to the leaders of Judah, who had asked all the surrounding cities and towns to send work parties to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Another possibility is that the plural form of the word “lord” actually refers to God. Alternate translation: “the work that the leaders of Judah had asked them to do” or “the service of their Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 3 5 d3h9 figs-abstractnouns בַּ⁠עֲבֹדַ֖ת 1 to…service of **Service** is an abstract noun that refers to the work of rebuilding the wall. You can translate the idea behind it with a concrete noun such as “work.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) NEH 3 6 ykz8 translate-names שַׁ֨עַר הַיְשָׁנָ֜ה 1 the gate of old This is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Old Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -324,7 +324,7 @@ NEH 3 19 g2y6 translate-names שַׂ֥ר הַ⁠מִּצְפָּ֖ה 1 the admin NEH 3 19 gcc6 translate-ordinal וַ⁠יְחַזֵּ֨ק…מִדָּ֣ה שֵׁנִ֑ית 1 And…was strengthening a second section Alternate translation: “repaired another section” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) NEH 3 19 c8s5 מִ⁠נֶּ֕גֶד עֲלֹ֥ת הַ⁠נֶּ֖שֶׁק הַ⁠מִּקְצֹֽעַ 1 opposite the ascent to the armory at the angle Alternate translation: “He started from the place in front of the steps that went up to the armory, and he finished at the place where the wall bends slightly.” NEH 3 20 r638 translate-names בָּר֥וּךְ בֶּן־זבי 1 Baruch, the son of Zabbai Baruch is the name of a man, and Zabbai is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 3 20 i7kj figs-metaphor הֶחֱרָ֧ה 1 burned Here **burned** is probably a figurative way of saying that Baruch worked with great enthusiasm. You could say that as an alternate translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 3 20 i7kj figs-metaphor הֶחֱרָ֧ה 1 burned Here, **burned** is probably a figurative way of saying that Baruch worked with great enthusiasm. You could say that as an alternate translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 3 20 a53c translate-ordinal הֶחֱזִ֛יק…מִדָּ֣ה שֵׁנִ֑ית 1 strengthened a second section Alternate translation: “repaired another section” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) NEH 3 20 a55c מִן־הַ֨⁠מִּקְצ֔וֹעַ עַד־פֶּ֨תַח֙ בֵּ֣ית אֶלְיָשִׁ֔יב הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֖ן הַ⁠גָּדֽוֹל 1 from the angle as far as the opening of the house of Eliashib the high priest Alternate translation: “from the bend in the wall as far as the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest” NEH 3 21 z4b7 translate-names מְרֵמ֧וֹת בֶּן־אוּרִיָּ֛ה בֶּן־הַקּ֖וֹץ 1 Meremoth, the son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz Meremoth is the name of a man, Uriah is the name of his father, and Hakkoz is the name of his grandfather. See how you translated these names in [3:4](../03/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -340,8 +340,8 @@ NEH 3 24 ajs6 translate-names בִּנּ֛וּי בֶּן־חֵנָדָ֖ד 1 Bi NEH 3 24 k7tj מִ⁠בֵּ֣ית עֲזַרְיָ֔ה עַד־הַ⁠מִּקְצ֖וֹעַ וְ⁠עַד־הַ⁠פִּנָּֽה 1 from the house of Azariah to the bend in the wall as far as the corner Alternate translation: “from the house of Azariah to the bend in the wall as far as the bulwark” NEH 3 24 a61c translate-names עֲזַרְיָ֔ה 1 Azariah Azariah is a man, the same one mentioned in verse 23. NEH 3 25 q3r3 translate-names פָּלָ֣ל בֶּן־אוּזַי֮ 1 Palal, the son of Uzai Palal is the name of a man, and Uzai is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 3 25 dae6 figs-ellipsis מִ⁠נֶּ֣גֶד הַ⁠מִּקְצוֹעַ֒ וְ⁠הַ⁠מִּגְדָּ֗ל הַ⁠יּוֹצֵא֙ 1 from opposite the angle and the tower projecting Here again Nehemiah leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “He began at the place opposite the bend in the wall where the watchtower is taller than” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) -NEH 3 25 pt6e figs-metonymy מִ⁠בֵּ֤ית הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הָֽ⁠עֶלְי֔וֹן 1 from the upper house of the king Probably **house** figuratively means “palace” here, referring to where the king had lived. Alternate translation: “the upper palace of the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +NEH 3 25 dae6 figs-ellipsis מִ⁠נֶּ֣גֶד הַ⁠מִּקְצוֹעַ֒ וְ⁠הַ⁠מִּגְדָּ֗ל הַ⁠יּוֹצֵא֙ 1 from opposite the angle and the tower projecting Here again, Nehemiah leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “He began at the place opposite the bend in the wall where the watchtower is taller than” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +NEH 3 25 pt6e figs-metonymy מִ⁠בֵּ֤ית הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הָֽ⁠עֶלְי֔וֹן 1 from the upper house of the king Here, it is likely that **house** figuratively means palace, referring to where the king had lived. Alternate translation: “the upper palace of the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 3 25 isu9 אֲשֶׁ֖ר לַ⁠חֲצַ֣ר הַ⁠מַּטָּרָ֑ה 1 which is by the court of the guard Alternate translation: “That is near the place where the guards stayed” NEH 3 25 a63c translate-names פְּדָיָ֥ה בֶן־פַּרְעֹֽשׁ 1 Pedaiah, the son of Parosh Pedaiah is the name of a man, and Parosh is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 3 25 d1jm figs-ellipsis פְּדָיָ֥ה בֶן־פַּרְעֹֽשׁ 1 Pedaiah, the son of Parosh Once again Nehemiah leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “Next to him, Pedaiah the son of Parosh repaired a section” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) @@ -354,7 +354,7 @@ NEH 3 27 d719 translate-ordinal הֶחֱזִ֥יקוּ…מִדָּ֣ה שֵׁנ NEH 3 27 mgm7 translate-names הַ⁠תְּקֹעִ֖ים 1 the Tekoites Tekoa is the name of one of the cities in Judah that sent a work party to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The Tekoites were the people who lived there. See how you translated this name in verse [3:5](../03/05.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 3 27 j6gz מִ⁠נֶּ֜גֶד הַ⁠מִּגְדָּ֤ל הַ⁠גָּדוֹל֙ הַ⁠יּוֹצֵ֔א וְ⁠עַ֖ד חוֹמַ֥ת הָ⁠עֹֽפֶל 1 from in front of the high projecting tower even as far as the wall of the Ophel Alternate translation: “from opposite the very tall watchtower as far as the wall at Ophel Hill” NEH 3 28 wt87 figs-synecdoche הַ⁠כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים 1 The priests This does not mean all the priests. Nehemiah is using the name of the whole group to refer to part of it. Alternate translation: “a group of priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) -NEH 3 28 d5qa מֵ⁠עַ֣ל ׀ שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠סּוּסִ֗ים 1 from above the gate of horses The word **above** is used here because the houses of the priests were likely located at a higher elevation than the Horse Gate. Alternate translation: “starting at the Horse Gate” +NEH 3 28 d5qa מֵ⁠עַ֣ל ׀ שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠סּוּסִ֗ים 1 from above the gate of horses The word **above** is used here because the houses of the priests were likely to have been located at a higher elevation than the Horse Gate. Alternate translation: “starting at the Horse Gate” NEH 3 28 q9qb translate-names שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠סּוּסִ֗ים 1 the gate of horses This is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Horse Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 3 28 d5uv figs-idiom אִ֖ישׁ לְ⁠נֶ֥גֶד בֵּיתֽ⁠וֹ 1 a man to the front of his house Here **a man** means “each one.” Alternate translation: “Each one repaired the section in front of his own house.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 3 29 n271 translate-names צָד֥וֹק בֶּן־אִמֵּ֖ר 1 Zadok, the son of Immer Zadok is the name of a man, and Immer is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -364,7 +364,7 @@ NEH 3 29 x9q4 translate-names שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠מִּזְרָֽח 1 the gat NEH 3 30 a65c translate-ordinal הֶחֱזִ֜יק…מִדָּ֣ה שֵׁנִ֑י 1 strengthened a second section Alternate translation: “repaired another section” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) NEH 3 30 r5y4 translate-names חֲנַנְיָ֣ה בֶן־שֶׁלֶמְיָ֗ה 1 Hananiah, the son of Shelemiah Hananiah is the name of a man, and Shelemiah is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 3 30 a67c translate-names וְ⁠חָנ֧וּן בֶּן־צָלָ֛ף הַ⁠שִּׁשִּׁ֖י 1 and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph Hanun is the name of a man, and Zalaph is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 3 30 nn44 translate-ordinal הַ⁠שִּׁשִּׁ֖י 1 sixth Alternate translation: “son 6” or “son number 6” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) +NEH 3 30 nn44 translate-ordinal הַ⁠שִּׁשִּׁ֖י 1 sixth Alternate translation: “son number six” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) NEH 3 30 ifp5 translate-names מְשֻׁלָּם֙ בֶּן־בֶּ֣רֶכְיָ֔ה 1 Meshullam, the son of Berechiah Meshullam is the name of a man, and Berechiah is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 3 30 bv3t נֶ֖גֶד נִשְׁכָּתֽ⁠וֹ 1 in front of his chamber Alternate translation: “in front of the rooms where he stayed” NEH 3 31 d33p translate-names מַלְכִּיָּה֙ 1 Malkijah Malkijah is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -380,10 +380,10 @@ NEH 4 1 rnw3 writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִ֞י 1 And it happened that Nehemia NEH 4 1 vfu4 translate-names סַנְבַלַּ֗ט 1 Sanballat This is a man’s name. See how you translated this in [2:10](../02/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 4 1 a71c figs-parallelism וַ⁠יִּ֣חַר ל֔⁠וֹ וַ⁠יִּכְעַ֖ס הַרְבֵּ֑ה 1 And it burned him, and he was very angry These two phrases mean similar things. Nehemiah uses the repetition to emphasize how angry Sanballat was. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases and say something like “he became furiously angry” or “he became very angry.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) NEH 4 1 s6td figs-metaphor וַ⁠יִּ֣חַר ל֔⁠וֹ וַ⁠יִּכְעַ֖ס 1 it burned him, and he was very angry Here Nehemiah says that Sanballat’s anger was a fire that burned inside of him. Alternate translation: “he became furious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-phenom]]) -NEH 4 2 v3qv figs-metaphor וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר ׀ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י 1 And he spoke before the face of Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. The expression means that Sanballat was speaking personally to the other people who are named. Alternate translation: “He said to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) -NEH 4 2 a73c figs-metaphor אֶחָ֗י⁠ו 1 his brothers Here **brother** likely refers figuratively to Sanballat’s fellow officials. Alternate translation: “the other provincial officials” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 4 2 v3qv figs-metaphor וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר ׀ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י 1 And he spoke before the face of Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. The expression means that Sanballat was speaking personally to the other people who are named. Alternate translation: “He said to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 4 2 a73c figs-metaphor אֶחָ֗י⁠ו 1 his brothers Here, **brother** likely refers figuratively to Sanballat’s fellow officials. Alternate translation: “the other provincial officials” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 4 2 a75c figs-synecdoche וְ⁠חֵיל֙ שֹֽׁמְר֔וֹן 1 and the army of Samaria Sanballat was not speaking to the entire army. Nehemiah is figuratively using all of something to mean part of it. He is referring to the officers of the army by the name of the entire army. Alternate translation: “the army officers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) -NEH 4 2 d5n2 figs-rquestion מָ֛ה הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֥ים הָ⁠אֲמֵלָלִ֖ים עֹשִׂ֑ים הֲ⁠יַעַזְב֨וּ לָ⁠הֶ֤ם הֲ⁠יִזְבָּ֨חוּ֙ הַ⁠יְכַלּ֣וּ בַ⁠יּ֔וֹם 1 What are the feeble Jews doing? Will they restore for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish in a day? Sanballat actually is making a series of statement, not asking a series of questions. He does not expect the officials and officers to tell him what the Jews are doing and whether they will succeed. Instead, he is using the question form to mock the Jews. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the ideas in his questions as a series of statements. Alternate translation: “These feeble Jews can accomplish nothing. They will never restore the city for themselves. They will not offer sacrifices. They will not finish the work any time soon.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +NEH 4 2 d5n2 figs-rquestion מָ֛ה הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֥ים הָ⁠אֲמֵלָלִ֖ים עֹשִׂ֑ים הֲ⁠יַעַזְב֨וּ לָ⁠הֶ֤ם הֲ⁠יִזְבָּ֨חוּ֙ הַ⁠יְכַלּ֣וּ בַ⁠יּ֔וֹם 1 What are the feeble Jews doing? Will they restore for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish in a day? Sanballat actually is making a series of statements, not asking a series of questions. He does not expect the officials and officers to tell him what the Jews are doing and whether they will succeed. Instead, he is using the question form to mock the Jews. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the ideas in his questions as a series of statements. Alternate translation: “These feeble Jews can accomplish nothing. They will never restore the city for themselves. They will not offer sacrifices. They will not finish the work any time soon.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) NEH 4 2 r9lb הֲ⁠יִזְבָּ֨חוּ֙ 1 Will they sacrifice? The meaning of this phrase is not entirely clear. It could be that Sanballat is speaking of the Jews offering sacrifices to try to entice God to make their project successful. Alternate translation: “They will not get their God to help them.” NEH 4 2 uk3w figs-idiom הַ⁠יְכַלּ֣וּ בַ⁠יּ֔וֹם 1 Will they finish in a day? In this context, the expression “day” means “a short time.” Alternate translation: “any time soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 4 2 hr7v figs-personification הַ⁠יְחַיּ֧וּ אֶת־הָ⁠אֲבָנִ֛ים מֵ⁠עֲרֵמ֥וֹת הֶ⁠עָפָ֖ר וְ⁠הֵ֥מָּה שְׂרוּפֽוֹת 1 Will they bring to life the stones from the piles of rubble after they were burned? Here Sanballat is speaking of stones as if they could come to life and stand up straight to form the wall. Alternate translation: “They will not be able to rebuild the city walls from useless stones that were burned and turned into rubble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) @@ -392,15 +392,15 @@ NEH 4 3 alw5 translate-names וְ⁠טוֹבִיָּ֥ה הָ⁠עַמֹּנִ֖ NEH 4 3 b24b גַּ֚ם 1 Yes This word indicates that Tobiah agrees with Sanballat and that he is going to say something to support him. Alternate translation: “That’s right!” NEH 4 3 da2t figs-hyperbole אֲשֶׁר־הֵ֣ם בּוֹנִ֔ים אִם־יַעֲלֶ֣ה שׁוּעָ֔ל וּ⁠פָרַ֖ץ חוֹמַ֥ת אַבְנֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 If only a fox went up on what they are building, then he would break down their wall of stones Tobiah probably does not believe that the wall would really fall down if a fox walked along the top of it. He is exaggerating to mock the work the Jews are doing. You could use a non-figurative expression in your translation instead, such as, “It wouldn’t take much to make that wall fall over.” However, Tobiah’s expression is so colorful that you may want to retain it, but be sure that your readers understand he is exaggerating. Alternate translation: “Tobiah made fun of the Jews by saying, ‘That wall they are building is so weak that if a fox climbed up on it, the stones would fall to the ground’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) NEH 4 4 buk3 figs-explicit שְׁמַ֤ע אֱלֹהֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ 1 Hear, our God Nehemiah starts talking directly to God at this point in the book. The implication is that he heard about what Sanballat and Tobiah were saying, and in response, he prayed the prayer that is recorded here in 2:4-5. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “When I heard about what they were saying, I prayed and said, ‘Listen, our God’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 4 4 a77c figs-aside שְׁמַ֤ע אֱלֹהֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ 1 Hear, our God Nehemiah’s prayer here is a particular type of aside. In an aside, someone who is speaking to or about one person or group will pause and speak confidentially to somebody else about them. Often an aside is spoken to the audience of a work about someone who is being addressed within the work. But in this case, Nehemiah pauses from addressing the audience that is hearing his story to speak confidentially to God in prayer about two of the characters in the story. If it would be clearer in your language, you could show this is a prayer is distinct from the story by making it a direct quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]]) -NEH 4 4 ae62 figs-abstractnouns הָיִ֣ינוּ בוּזָ֔ה 1 we are a contempt The abstract noun **contempt** refers to the way Sanballat and Tobiah regarded the Jews, which led them to make fun of them. You can translate the idea behind this term with a verb like “mocking.” Alternate translation: “our enemies are mocking us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +NEH 4 4 a77c figs-aside שְׁמַ֤ע אֱלֹהֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ 1 Hear, our God Nehemiah’s prayer here is a particular type of aside. In an aside, someone who is speaking to or about one person or group will pause and speak confidentially to somebody else about them. Often an aside is spoken to the audience of a work about someone who is being addressed within the work. But in this case, Nehemiah pauses from addressing the audience that is hearing his story; he speaks confidentially to God in prayer about two of the characters in the story. If it would be clearer in your language, you could show this is a prayer is distinct from the story by making it a direct quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]]) +NEH 4 4 ae62 figs-abstractnouns הָיִ֣ינוּ בוּזָ֔ה 1 we are a contempt The abstract noun **contempt** refers to the way Sanballat and Tobiah regarded the Jews, which led them to make fun of the Jews. You can translate the idea behind this term with a verb like “mocking.” Alternate translation: “our enemies are mocking us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) NEH 4 4 z6nz figs-idiom וְ⁠הָשֵׁ֥ב חֶרְפָּתָ֖⁠ם אֶל־רֹאשָׁ֑⁠ם 1 and cause their taunts to return on their heads! **Return on his head** is an idiom that means that what a person expected to happen to someone else happens to them instead. Alternate translation: “Make them people whom others will mock” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 4 4 pgh8 figs-abstractnouns וּ⁠תְנֵ֥⁠ם לְ⁠בִזָּ֖ה בְּ⁠אֶ֥רֶץ שִׁבְיָֽה 1 And give them for plunder in a land of captivity As in [1:2](../01/02.md), the abstract noun **captivity** refers to a conquering army forcing all or some of a captured population to move to a different place. You can translate the idea behind it with verbs such as “capture” and “force.” Alternate translation: “Allow their enemies to capture them and force them to go to a foreign land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) NEH 4 5 mc9p figs-parallelism וְ⁠אַל־תְּכַס֙ עַל־עֲוֺנָ֔⁠ם וְ⁠חַטָּאתָ֖⁠ם מִ⁠לְּ⁠פָנֶ֣י⁠ךָ אַל־תִּמָּחֶ֑ה 1 And do not cover over their iniquity, and do not wipe out their sin from before your face These two phrases mean similar things. Nehemiah uses the repetition to emphasize how guilty Sanballat and Tobiah are for opposing the work that God has sent him to do. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “do not ever forgive them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) NEH 4 5 zz8h figs-metaphor וְ⁠אַל־תְּכַס֙ עַל־עֲוֺנָ֔⁠ם 1 Do not cover over their iniquity Nehemiah speaks of a person’s sins as if they were an object that could be physically hidden. Alternate translation: “do not forgive their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 4 5 k9rw figs-metaphor וְ⁠חַטָּאתָ֖⁠ם…אַל־תִּמָּחֶ֑ה 1 and do not wipe out their sin Nehemiah speaks of a person’s sins as if they were something written that could be erased. Alternate translation: “do not forget their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -NEH 4 5 a79c figs-metaphor מִ⁠לְּ⁠פָנֶ֣י⁠ךָ 1 from before your face Here **face** figuratively means the action of seeing or a person’s notice or attention. A person can see what is in front of their face, so in this case the expression means, “from where you can see it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) -NEH 4 5 mbi1 כִּ֥י הִכְעִ֖יסוּ לְ⁠נֶ֥גֶד הַ⁠בּוֹנִֽים 1 for they have provoked anger before the front of the builders This expression could mean a number of things: (1) They have caused others to be angry at the people who are rebuilding the wall. This third possibility seems the most likely, since Nehemiah is praying that what these men are trying to do to others will happen to them. His prayer is presumably not that the builders or God will make Sanballat and Tobiah angry, but that the other nations they are trying to recruit will turn against them. Alternate translation: “they have caused others to be angry at the people who are rebuilding the wall” (2) Sanballat and Tobiah have made the builders angry by mocking them. Alternate translation: “they have made the builders become angry” (3) They have made God angry by opposing the work he has commanded Nehemiah to do. Alternate translation: “they have made you become angry” +NEH 4 5 a79c figs-metaphor מִ⁠לְּ⁠פָנֶ֣י⁠ךָ 1 from before your face Here, **face** figuratively means the action of seeing or a person’s notice or attention. A person can see what is in front of their face, so in this case the expression means, “from where you can see it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 4 5 mbi1 כִּ֥י הִכְעִ֖יסוּ לְ⁠נֶ֥גֶד הַ⁠בּוֹנִֽים 1 for they have provoked anger before the front of the builders This expression could mean one of the following three things: (1) It could mean that they have caused others to be angry at the people who are rebuilding the wall. Alternate translation: “they have caused others to be angry at the people who are rebuilding the wall” (2) It could mean that Sanballat and Tobiah have made the builders angry by mocking them. Alternate translation: “they have made the builders become angry” (3) It could mean that they have made God angry by opposing the work he has commanded Nehemiah to do. Alternate translation: “they have made you become angry”.
This third possibility seems the most likely, since Nehemiah is praying that what these men are trying to do to others will happen to them.

NEH 4 6 r475 וַ⁠נִּבְנֶה֙ אֶת־הַ֣⁠חוֹמָ֔ה 1 So we built the wall As in chapter 3, it might be helpful to say “rebuilt.” The Jews were not building something brand new. See the note to [3:1](../03/01.md). NEH 4 6 mhm5 figs-activepassive וַ⁠תִּקָּשֵׁ֥ר כָּל־הַ⁠חוֹמָ֖ה עַד־חֶצְיָ֑⁠הּ 1 and all the wall was joined together to half its height You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “we filled in the breaks as high as halfway up the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 4 6 a81c figs-explicit וַ⁠תִּקָּשֵׁ֥ר כָּל־הַ⁠חוֹמָ֖ה עַד־חֶצְיָ֑⁠הּ 1 and all the wall was joined together It appears from the context that this likely took some time and perseverance after Sanballat and Tobiah began to mock and oppose the project. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “after some time, we filled in the breaks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -409,23 +409,23 @@ NEH 4 6 a83c figs-metaphor וַ⁠יְהִ֧י לֵ֦ב לָ⁠עָ֖ם לַ⁠ NEH 4 7 a85c writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִ֣י 1 Then it happened Nehemiah uses this phrase to introduce the next event in his story. You do not need to represent it in your translation unless your language has a similar expression that it characteristically uses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) NEH 4 7 a87c translate-names סַנְבַלַּ֡ט וְ֠⁠טוֹבִיָּה 1 Sanballat, and Tobiah This are the names of men. See how you translated them in [2:10](../02/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 4 7 a89c translate-names וְ⁠הָ⁠עַרְבִ֨ים וְ⁠הָ⁠עַמֹּנִ֜ים וְ⁠הָ⁠אַשְׁדּוֹדִ֗ים 1 and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites These are the names of people groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 4 7 a91c figs-personification עָלְתָ֤ה אֲרוּכָה֙ לְ⁠חֹמ֣וֹת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם 1 the health of the walls of Jerusalem was going up Here Nehemiah is speaking of the wall around Jerusalem as if it was a living thing that was sick because it was broken down. Nehemiah speaks of the repairs to the wall as if the wall is becoming healthy again. Alternate translation: “we were continuing to repair the walls of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) +NEH 4 7 a91c figs-personification עָלְתָ֤ה אֲרוּכָה֙ לְ⁠חֹמ֣וֹת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם 1 the health of the walls of Jerusalem was going up Here Nehemiah is speaking of the wall around Jerusalem as if it were a living thing that was sick because it was broken down. Nehemiah speaks of the repairs to the wall as if the wall is becoming healthy again. Alternate translation: “we were continuing to repair the walls of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) NEH 4 7 a93c bita-part1 עָלְתָ֤ה 1 was going up Alternate translation: “was increasing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-part1]]) NEH 4 7 a95c figs-activepassive כִּי־הֵחֵ֥לּוּ הַ⁠פְּרֻצִ֖ים לְ⁠הִסָּתֵ֑ם 1 and the breaks were beginning to be closed You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “we were continuing to … fill in the gaps” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 4 7 gsb7 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יִּ֥חַר לָ⁠הֶ֖ם מְאֹֽד 1 that…it burned them exceedingly Here Nehemiah says that the anger of these enemies was a fire that burned inside of them. Alternate translation: “they became very angry” or “they became enraged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-phenom]]) -NEH 4 8 b6im figs-metonymy לְ⁠הִלָּחֵ֣ם בִּ⁠ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם 1 to fight against Jerusalem Here **Jerusalem** refers to the people who live there. These enemies were not coming to fight against the walls and buildings. Nehemiah is describing the people of Jerusalem figuratively by reference to something associated with them, the city where they live. Alternate translation: “to fight against the people of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -NEH 4 8 a97c figs-abstractnouns וְ⁠לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת ל֖⁠וֹ תּוֹעָֽה 1 and to make confusion for it The abstract noun **confusion** refers to the way these enemies hoped that their attack would make the people of Jerusalem not know what to do. The people might disagree among themselves about whether they should keep working on the wall, or whether they should discontinue the work to appease the attackers. They might also disagree about how to defend themselves. You can translate the idea behind the term “confusion” with adjectives such as “confused” and “divided.” Alternate translation: “They wanted to make the people inside the city confused and divided.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +NEH 4 8 b6im figs-metonymy לְ⁠הִלָּחֵ֣ם בִּ⁠ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם 1 to fight against Jerusalem Here, **Jerusalem** refers to the people who live there. These enemies were not coming to fight against the walls and buildings. Nehemiah is describing the people of Jerusalem figuratively by reference to something associated with them, the city where they live. Alternate translation: “to fight against the people of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +NEH 4 8 a97c figs-abstractnouns וְ⁠לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת ל֖⁠וֹ תּוֹעָֽה 1 and to make confusion for it The abstract noun **confusion** refers to the way these enemies hoped that their attack would make the people of Jerusalem not know what to do. The people might disagree among themselves about whether they should keep working on the wall or whether they should discontinue the work to appease the attackers. They might also disagree about how to defend themselves. You can translate the idea behind the term “confusion” with adjectives such as “confused” and “divided.” Alternate translation: “They wanted to make the people inside the city confused and divided.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 4 9 vz1d וַ⁠נַּעֲמִ֨יד מִשְׁמָ֧ר עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֛ם 1 and we set up a guard on account of them “and we put men around the wall to guard the city” NEH 4 9 a99c figs-merism יוֹמָ֥ם וָ⁠לַ֖יְלָה 1 by day and by night This does not mean that some people went up on the walls to look around at various parts of the day, and others went up at certain times of night. Nehemiah is describing how he maintained a constant guard by speaking of two times when people were on duty, the day and the night, in order to include all the time in between. Alternate translation: “at all times,” otherwise “throughout the day and night” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) -NEH 4 9 ad11 figs-metaphor מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 from their faces This term could mean two different things: (1) Most likely, here “Their faces” figuratively means the front of a group. This likely means that the lookouts would see the front ranks of the army as it approached. Alternate translation: “to spot them as they approached” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]). (2) Here “their faces” could also be a figurative way of referring to the enemies and their hostile intentions toward the people doing the work. Alternate translations: “against them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +NEH 4 9 ad11 figs-metaphor מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 from their faces This term could mean two different things: (1) Here, probably “Their faces” figuratively means the front of a group. This likely means that the lookouts would see the front ranks of the army as they approached. Alternate translation: “to spot them as they approached” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]). (2) Here, “their faces” could also be a figurative way of referring to the enemies and their hostile intentions toward the people doing the work. Alternate translations: “against them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 4 10 ad13 figs-metonymy וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוּדָ֗ה 1 And Judah said Nehemiah is describing the people of Judah figuratively by reference to something associated with them, the name of their province. Alternate translation: “Then the people of Judah started saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 4 10 ad15 כָּשַׁל֙ כֹּ֣חַ הַ⁠סַּבָּ֔ל 1 the strength of the burden-bearers is failing Alternate translation: “The people who are carrying the stones are getting worn out” -NEH 4 10 vc8h וְ⁠הֶ⁠עָפָ֖ר 1 and…rubble Alternate translation: “and…burned stone” or “and…broken rock” or “and…unusable stone” +NEH 4 10 vc8h וְ⁠הֶ⁠עָפָ֖ר 1 and…rubble Alternate translation: “and … burned stone” or “and … broken rock” or “and … unusable stone” NEH 4 10 ad17 וַ⁠אֲנַ֨חְנוּ֙ לֹ֣א נוּכַ֔ל לִ⁠בְנ֖וֹת בַּ⁠חוֹמָֽה 1 And as for us, we are not able to build the wall. Alternate translation: “We are not going to be able to finish rebuilding the wall” NEH 4 11 yuc9 figs-parallelism לֹ֤א יֵדְעוּ֙ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יִרְא֔וּ עַ֛ד אֲשֶׁר־נָב֥וֹא אֶל־תּוֹכָ֖⁠ם 1 They will not know, and they will not see until when we come into their midst These two phrases mean similar things. The enemies use the repetition to emphasize how confident they are of launching a surprise attack. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “They will not be expecting an attack until we are right there,” otherwise “before they see us and know we are coming, we will rush down on them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) NEH 4 11 ad19 figs-metaphor וְ⁠לֹ֣א יִרְא֔וּ 1 and they will not see While the enemies could be referring to the Jews literally not seeing them approach, “seeing” could also be a figuratively way of describing knowledge, notice, or attention. In that case this expression would mean the same thing as “they will not know.” Alternate translation: “they will not be expecting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and
[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) NEH 4 12 ad21 figs-explicit בָּ֣אוּ 1 came The implication is that they came to Jerusalem to speak with the Jewish leaders there. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “came to Jerusalem to speak with us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 4 12 t8f2 figs-synecdoche הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים הַ⁠יֹּשְׁבִ֖ים אֶצְלָ֑⁠ם 1 the Jews dwelling beside them **Them** means the enemies Nehemiah has been talking about, so this expression likely refers to the Jews who lived near them. But it does not mean all of these Jews, just some who came to Jerusalem. Nehemiah is describing part of this group as if it were the whole group. Alternate translation: “some of the Jews who lived near our enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +NEH 4 12 t8f2 figs-synecdoche הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים הַ⁠יֹּשְׁבִ֖ים אֶצְלָ֑⁠ם 1 the Jews dwelling beside them **Them** means the enemies Nehemiah has been talking about, so this expression likely refers to the Jews who lived near Nehemiah and those helping him. But it does not mean all of these Jews, just some who came to Jerusalem. Nehemiah is describing part of this group as if it were the whole group. Alternate translation: “some of the Jews who lived near our enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 4 12 ad23 figs-explicit מִ⁠כָּל־הַ⁠מְּקֹמ֖וֹת אֲשֶׁר־תָּשׁ֥וּבוּ עָלֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 From all the places where you turn, they are on us The meaning of this Hebrew phrase is uncertain. However, one explanation that would fit the context is that these exposed Jewish communities sent representatives to Jerusalem to tell Nehemiah that they were afraid of being attacked in their villages. The “places where you return” could mean “anywhere we live,” referring to the villages, and “they are on us” could mean that the enemies could attack these undefended towns at any time. Perhaps these representatives were asking Nehemiah to release their able-bodied men from work duty and send them home so they could help defend their families and neighbors. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say something like this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Our enemies could attack us anywhere we live, so let our men return home so they can defend us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 4 12 q1mv figs-hyperbole מִ⁠כָּל־הַ⁠מְּקֹמ֖וֹת 1 From all the places where you turn This phrase likely indicates “in every direction.” The word “all” is an exaggeration for emphasis. Alternate translation: “anywhere we live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) NEH 4 13 ad25 וָֽ⁠אַעֲמִ֞יד 1 So I stationed If you follow the suggestion in the previous note for translating the last phrase in [4:12](../04/12.md), then you could show here that Nehemiah is indicating a contrast between what the representatives wanted him to do and what he actually did. Instead of scattering his forces by sending the men from other towns home, he concentrated them visibly in Jerusalem, expecting that the main attack would come there. Alternate translation: “But” or “Instead” @@ -437,16 +437,16 @@ NEH 4 14 h68n figs-explicit וָ⁠אָק֗וּם וָ⁠אֹמַ֞ר 1 Since N NEH 4 14 f9hq figs-idiom וָ⁠אָק֗וּם 1 In this context, the expression “rose up” likely is a way of saying that Nehemiah took public action, not that he had been sitting or lying down and got up. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 4 14 iy4j אֶל־הַ⁠חֹרִ֤ים וְ⁠אֶל־הַ⁠סְּגָנִים֙ 1 See how you translated these terms in [2:16](../02/16.md). Alternate translation: “to the leading citizens and the city officials” NEH 4 14 mza7 figs-synecdoche יֶ֣תֶר הָ⁠עָ֔ם 1 This does not mean all of the other people who lived in Jerusalem, but rather many of them who came to hear Nehemiah speak on this occasion. He is figuratively describing part of the people as if they were all of them. Alternate translation: “many of the other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) -NEH 4 14 ic4q figs-synecdoche אַל־תִּֽירְא֖וּ מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 Here **face** figuratively describes an entire person by reference to one part, the “face,” likely because the face shows what the person is thinking and feeling. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid of our enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +NEH 4 14 ic4q figs-synecdoche אַל־תִּֽירְא֖וּ מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 Here, **face** figuratively describes an entire person by reference to one part, the “face,” likely because the face shows what the person is thinking and feeling. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid of our enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 4 14 xyjh figs-idiom זְכֹ֔רוּ 1 In this context, **remember** does not refer to a person recalling something they have forgotten. Rather, it means, “keep in mind.” Alternate translation: “keep in mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 4 14 xgdm figs-synecdoche אֲדֹנָ֞⁠י הַ⁠גָּד֤וֹל וְ⁠הַ⁠נּוֹרָא֙ 1 Nehemiah is referring here to Yahweh, the God who promised to bless and protect the Jews as his chosen people. When he says **my**, he is using himself to represent the entire community. Alternate translation: “our great and awesome God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 4 14 x0ri figs-doublet הַ⁠גָּד֤וֹל וְ⁠הַ⁠נּוֹרָא֙ 1 Nehemiah uses this same expression in [1:5](../01/05.md). See how you translated it there. Review the note there if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “great and glorious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) -NEH 4 14 c8s7 figs-metaphor אֲחֵי⁠כֶם֙ 1 Here **brother** could mean biological brothers, but it is more likely that it refers figuratively to a person’s relatives, that is, their whole family. Alternate translation: “your families” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 4 14 c8s7 figs-metaphor אֲחֵי⁠כֶם֙ 1 Here, **brother** could mean biological brothers, but it is more likely that it refers figuratively to a person’s relatives, that is, their whole family. Alternate translation: “your families” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 4 15 puc1 writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִ֞י כַּֽ⁠אֲשֶׁר 1 Nehemiah uses this phrase to introduce the next event in his story. You do not need to represent it in your translation unless your language has a similar expression that it characteristically uses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) NEH 4 15 qxa7 figs-activepassive נ֣וֹדַֽע לָ֔⁠נוּ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “we found out about their plans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 4 15 lgih figs-explicit נ֣וֹדַֽע לָ֔⁠נוּ 1 **It** means the plan of these enemies to launch a surprise attack, as described in [4:11](../04/11.md). If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “we found out about their plans to launch a surprise attack” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 4 15 e4mc וַ⁠יָּ֥פֶר הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת־עֲצָתָ֑⁠ם 1 Alternate translation: “and God had kept them from doing what they planned.” -NEH 4 15 f236 figs-metonymy וַנָּ֤שָׁב כֻּלָּ֨⁠נוּ֙ אֶל־הַ֣⁠חוֹמָ֔ה אִ֖ישׁ אֶל־מְלַאכְתּֽ⁠וֹ 1 Here **the wall** means the work on the wall. Nehemiah is describing this work figuratively by referring to something associated with it, the wall that was the object of the work. Alternate translation: “we all went back to working on the wall.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +NEH 4 15 f236 figs-metonymy וַנָּ֤שָׁב כֻּלָּ֨⁠נוּ֙ אֶל־הַ֣⁠חוֹמָ֔ה אִ֖ישׁ אֶל־מְלַאכְתּֽ⁠וֹ 1 Here, **the wall** means the work on the wall. Nehemiah is describing this work figuratively by referring to something associated with it, the wall that was the object of the work. Alternate translation: “we all went back to working on the wall.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 4 15 g1de figs-explicit וַנָּ֤שָׁב כֻּלָּ֨⁠נוּ֙ אֶל־הַ֣⁠חוֹמָ֔ה אִ֖ישׁ אֶל־מְלַאכְתּֽ⁠וֹ 1 The implication is that when the enemies realized the Jews knew about their plans, they decided not to attack. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “They decided not to attack us, and we all went back to working on the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 4 15 doov figs-idiom אִ֖ישׁ אֶל־מְלַאכְתּֽ⁠וֹ 1 In this context, **a man** means “each person.” It does not refer only to an adult male. Alternate translation: “Each person continued doing the same work as before” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 4 16 rtac figs-idiom מִן־הַ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠ה֗וּא 1 In this context, **day** may not refer to one specific day, but rather to a more general time. Alternate translation: “from that time on” or “after that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) @@ -457,7 +457,7 @@ NEH 4 16 nf2h translate-unknown וְ⁠הַ⁠קְּשָׁת֖וֹת 1 As in [4 NEH 4 16 i7wi וְ⁠הַ֨⁠שָּׂרִ֔ים אַחֲרֵ֖י כָּל־בֵּ֥ית יְהוּדָֽה 1 This likely means that certain officials literally stood behind the workers and the guards. That is, they were inside the wall and close to it, while the guards stood right at the wall and the workers worked on it. Alternate translation: “Officers stood behind all the workers and guards” NEH 4 16 gl4t figs-explicit וְ⁠הַ֨⁠שָּׂרִ֔ים אַחֲרֵ֖י כָּל־בֵּ֥ית יְהוּדָֽה 1 The implication is that the leaders were there to give orders in case there was an attack. But it is likely that Nehemiah also wanted them to offer encouragement and maintain good morale. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Officers stood behind all the workers and guards to encourage everyone and to give orders in case there was an attack” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 4 16 ijcj וְ⁠הַ֨⁠שָּׂרִ֔ים 1 From the context here and the use of this term in [7:2](../07/02.md), it appears that these “officials” were responsible for giving commands in military situations. Alternate translation: “and officers” -NEH 4 16 d9r4 figs-metaphor כָּל־בֵּ֥ית יְהוּדָֽה 1 Here the word **house** describes all the people descended from a particular person. All of the descendants of Judah are being described figuratively as if they were one household living together. So this would ordinarily mean “the people of Judah.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]]) +NEH 4 16 d9r4 figs-metaphor כָּל־בֵּ֥ית יְהוּדָֽה 1 Here, the word **house** describes all the people descended from a particular person. All of the descendants of Judah are being described figuratively as if they were one household living together. So this would ordinarily mean “the people of Judah.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]]) NEH 4 16 p1dv figs-synecdoche כָּל־בֵּ֥ית יְהוּדָֽה 1 However, in this context, the expression is not referring to all the people of Judah. Nehemiah is figuratively describing part of the people as if they were all of them. He means all of the workers and guards. The expression helps clarify that Nehemiah is no longer speaking just of his own servants, whom had divided into two groups to serve as workers and guards. Alternate translation: “all the workers and guards” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 4 17 hgfd figs-doublet וְ⁠הַ⁠נֹּשְׂאִ֥ים בַּ⁠סֶּ֖בֶל עֹמְשִׂ֑ים 1 These two short phrases mean similar things. Nehemiah uses them together for clarity and emphasis. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “and those who carried the heavy loads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) NEH 4 17 uya2 figs-hyperbole עֹמְשִׂ֑ים בְּ⁠אַחַ֤ת יָד⁠וֹ֙ עֹשֶׂ֣ה בַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֔ה וְ⁠אַחַ֖ת מַחֲזֶ֥קֶת הַ⁠שָּֽׁלַח 1 Here **his hands** means “their hands.” This is an exaggeration. The builders and porters did not always work with only one hand. Rather, this means that they always had their weapons with them so that they would be prepared to fight off an attack. Alternate translation: “they always had their weapons with them while they were working on the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) @@ -488,8 +488,8 @@ NEH 4 23 v2e1 figs-idiom פֹשְׁטִ֖ים בְּגָדֵ֑י⁠נוּ אִ֖ NEH 5 intro k7pb 0 # Nehemiah 05 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Equality

The rich made money from the poor. The rich oppressed the poor by charging interest on loans. Because Nehemiah wanted to treat everyone fairly, he did not collect any taxes from them. This chapter also emphasizes that it was wrong to enslave a fellow Jew. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/oppress]])

### Governor
Nehemiah was a governmental leader in Jerusalem, but he was not a king. Jerusalem had a great deal of independence, but it was under the authority of the Persian king. The term “governor” reflects this idea, but a different term may be used in translation. NEH 5 1 za4u grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וַ⁠תְּהִ֨י 1 Nehemiah now relates something else that was happening even while the Jews were trying to rebuild the wall and defend themselves against their enemies. You can make this clear in your translation with an appropriate connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “Around this same time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) NEH 5 1 zmb8 figs-abstractnouns צַעֲקַ֥ת הָ⁠עָ֛ם וּ⁠נְשֵׁי⁠הֶ֖ם גְּדוֹלָ֑ה 1 **Outcry** is an abstract noun that refers to the complaints that the poorer Jews made to Nehemiah about how the wealthier and more powerful Jews were treating them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind this word with a verb such as “complain.” Since Nehemiah says this was a “great” outcry, involving many serious grievances, you could intensify the verb with an adverb such as “bitterly.” Alternate translation: “many of the men and their wives complained bitterly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -NEH 5 1 czx5 הָ⁠עָ֛ם וּ⁠נְשֵׁי⁠הֶ֖ם 1 Here **the people** seems to indicate certain men who lived in Jerusalem, since Nehemiah also mentions their wives. Alternate translation: “many of the men and their wives” -NEH 5 1 uqlp figs-metaphor אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֖ם 1 Here **brother** does not seem to mean biological brothers, but to refer figuratively to other members of the same people group. Alternate translation: “their fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 5 1 czx5 הָ⁠עָ֛ם וּ⁠נְשֵׁי⁠הֶ֖ם 1 Here, **the people** seems to indicate certain men who lived in Jerusalem, since Nehemiah also mentions their wives. Alternate translation: “many of the men and their wives” +NEH 5 1 uqlp figs-metaphor אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֖ם 1 Here, **brother** does not seem to mean biological brothers, but to refer figuratively to other members of the same people group. Alternate translation: “their fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 5 1 c3po figs-doublet אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֖ם הַ⁠יְּהוּדִֽים 1 These two short phrases mean similar things. Nehemiah uses them together to emphasize how inappropriate it was for people to treat members of their own group in the ways described. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “their fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) NEH 5 2 u19u וְ⁠יֵשׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֹמְרִ֔ים 1 Verses 2, 3, 4, and 5 do not seem to be different complaints that people brought to Nehemiah separately. Rather, the whole group seems to be complaining that because they need to get food for their families, wealthier and more powerful Jews are exploiting them. They are forcing them to take mortgages and loans and even sell their children into slavery. Nehemiah is probably depicting one speaker after another in the crowd adding details to this picture. You could suggest this to the readers of your translation by introducing these comments with a translation such as, “some of them began to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 5 2 i9kn בָּנֵ֥י⁠נוּ וּ⁠בְנֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ אֲנַ֣חְנוּ רַבִּ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “We have many children” @@ -502,46 +502,46 @@ NEH 5 4 r14f figs-explicit וְ⁠יֵשׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֹמְרִ֔ים 1 NEH 5 4 zurg figs-metonymy לָוִ֥ינוּ כֶ֖סֶף 1 **Silver** here means “money.” Nehemiah is describing money figuratively by reference to the commodity that is being used as a means of exchange, silver. Alternate translation: “We have had to borrow money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 5 4 wi16 translate-unknown לְ⁠מִדַּ֣ת הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ שְׂדֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ וּ⁠כְרָמֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 **Tribute** means “taxes” here. Alternate translation: “the taxes that the king commanded us to pay on our fields and our vineyards” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 5 5 zami grammar-connect-words-phrases וְ⁠עַתָּ֗ה 1 This term indicates that the sentence that follows is a further development of the thought from the previous sentence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) -NEH 5 5 z4ru figs-explicit כִּ⁠בְשַׂ֤ר אַחֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ בְּשָׂרֵ֔⁠נוּ כִּ⁠בְנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם בָּנֵ֑י⁠נוּ 1 Here the Jews are insisting that they are of the same Jewish descent as the other Jews and that they of the same importance as the others. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Yet our families are Jews just like the other Jew’s families, and our children are just as important to us as their children are to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 5 5 z4ru figs-explicit כִּ⁠בְשַׂ֤ר אַחֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ בְּשָׂרֵ֔⁠נוּ כִּ⁠בְנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם בָּנֵ֑י⁠נוּ 1 Here the Jews are insisting that they are of the same Jewish descent as the other Jews and that they of the same importance as the others. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Yet our families are Jews just like the other Jews' families, and our children are just as important to us as their children are to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 5 5 ff7r figs-abstractnouns כִּ⁠בְשַׂ֤ר אַחֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ בְּשָׂרֵ֔⁠נוּ כִּ⁠בְנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם בָּנֵ֑י⁠נוּ 1 These two phrases mean similar things. The people complaining to Nehemiah are using the repetition to emphasize how shameful it is for the wealthy and powerful to sell their own fellow Jews into slavery. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “And we are Jews, just like the people who are doing these things to us!” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) NEH 5 5 pcwk כִּ⁠בְשַׂ֤ר אַחֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ בְּשָׂרֵ֔⁠נוּ כִּ⁠בְנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם בָּנֵ֑י⁠נוּ 1 You could move this sentence to the end of the verse, since it is the culmination of the argument. -NEH 5 5 w1ot figs-metaphor אַחֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ 1 Here **brother** figuratively describes the Jews who are exploiting their poor and vulnerable fellow Jews. Alternate translation: “And we are Jews, just like the people who are doing these things to us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 5 5 w1ot figs-metaphor אַחֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ 1 Here, **brother** figuratively describes the Jews who are exploiting their poor and vulnerable fellow Jews. Alternate translation: “And we are Jews, just like the people who are doing these things to us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 5 5 oguf וְ⁠הִנֵּ֣ה 1 **Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use some emphatic term or expression in your language that would have this same effect. -NEH 5 5 rdp9 figs-explicit אֲנַ֣חְנוּ כֹ֠בְשִׁים אֶת־בָּנֵ֨י⁠נוּ וְ⁠אֶת־בְּנֹתֵ֜י⁠נוּ לַ⁠עֲבָדִ֗ים וְ⁠יֵ֨שׁ מִ⁠בְּנֹתֵ֤י⁠נוּ נִכְבָּשׁוֹת֙ 1 In this context, the construction **are putting** likely indicates that the poor are on the verge of selling their children into slavery. The next sentence shows that they have already done this just in some instances. It appears that in this culture, in dire situations, girls were sold before boys, perhaps because they could become either domestic servants or concubines. A concubine was a woman who was both a slave and a secondary wife to her master. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this statement that way. Alternate translation: “We are on the verge of selling our children into slavery. In fact, we have already sold some of our daughters as servants and concubines.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 5 5 z783 grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠אֵ֣ין לְ⁠אֵ֣ל יָדֵ֔⁠נוּ וּ⁠שְׂדֹתֵ֥י⁠נוּ וּ⁠כְרָמֵ֖י⁠נוּ לַ⁠אֲחֵרִֽים 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, because the second phrase gives the reason why the first phrase is true. Alternate translation: “because our creditors took the fields and vineyards we pledged as security for loans, there is nothing else we can do in this situation.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 5 5 rdp9 figs-explicit אֲנַ֣חְנוּ כֹ֠בְשִׁים אֶת־בָּנֵ֨י⁠נוּ וְ⁠אֶת־בְּנֹתֵ֜י⁠נוּ לַ⁠עֲבָדִ֗ים וְ⁠יֵ֨שׁ מִ⁠בְּנֹתֵ֤י⁠נוּ נִכְבָּשׁוֹת֙ 1 In this context, the construction **are putting** likely indicates that the poor are on the verge of selling their children into slavery. The next sentence shows that they have already done this in some instances. It appears that in this culture, in dire situations, girls were sold before boys, perhaps because they could become either domestic servants or concubines. A concubine was a woman who was both a slave and a secondary wife to her master. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this statement that way. Alternate translation: “We are on the verge of selling our children into slavery. In fact, we have already sold some of our daughters as servants and concubines.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 5 5 z783 grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠אֵ֣ין לְ⁠אֵ֣ל יָדֵ֔⁠נוּ וּ⁠שְׂדֹתֵ֥י⁠נוּ וּ⁠כְרָמֵ֖י⁠נוּ לַ⁠אֲחֵרִֽים 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases because the second phrase gives the reason why the first phrase is true. Alternate translation: “because our creditors took the fields and vineyards we pledged as security for loans, there is nothing else we can do in this situation.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 5 5 y2mq figs-idiom וְ⁠אֵ֣ין לְ⁠אֵ֣ל יָדֵ֔⁠נוּ 1 **There is nothing to God in our hand** is an idiom that means that the speaker does not have the power to do what they are describing. Alternate translation: “there is nothing else we can do in this situation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 5 5 jr7j figs-explicit וּ⁠שְׂדֹתֵ֥י⁠נוּ וּ⁠כְרָמֵ֖י⁠נוּ לַ⁠אֲחֵרִֽים 1 The implication is that when the poor could not pay back their loans, their creditors took the fields and vineyards they had pledged as collateral. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “because our creditors took the fields and vineyards we pledged as security for loans.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 5 6 xcm3 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יִּ֥חַר לִ֖⁠י מְאֹ֑ד 1 Here Nehemiah says that his anger was a fire that burned inside of him. Alternate translation: “I got very angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-phenom]]) NEH 5 6 ryx1 figs-abstractnouns כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֤ר שָׁמַ֨עְתִּי֙ אֶת־זַֽעֲקָתָ֔⁠ם וְ⁠אֵ֖ת הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֥ים הָ⁠אֵֽלֶּה 1 **Outcry** is an abstract noun that refers to complaints that the poorer Jews made to Nehemiah about how the wealthier and more powerful Jews were treating them. You can translate the idea behind this word with a verb such as “complain.” Alternate translation: “when I heard how they were complaining” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) NEH 5 6 some figs-doublet אֶת־זַֽעֲקָתָ֔⁠ם וְ⁠אֵ֖ת הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֥ים הָ⁠אֵֽלֶּה 1 These two short phrases mean similar things. They are used together to emphasize the urgency and severity of these complaints. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “everything that they were complaining about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) NEH 5 7 zk8g figs-personification וַ⁠יִּמָּלֵ֨ךְ לִבִּ֜⁠י עָלַ֗⁠י 1 Here Nehemiah is speaking about his heart as if it were a living thing that could act like a king and rule over him. However, he is not saying that his feelings commanded his actions. (He says in the previous verse that he became very angry, but in the next verse he describes acting in a careful and deliberate manner.) Instead, this means that his heart “took counsel” with him, the way a king would take counsel with advisors. In effect, Nehemiah is saying that he talked the matter over with himself. Alternate translation: “I thought hard about what to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) -NEH 5 7 wxyz figs-metaphor וַ⁠יִּמָּלֵ֨ךְ לִבִּ֜⁠י עָלַ֗⁠י 1 Here the **heart** figuratively represents the thoughts and the will. Alternate translation: “I thought hard about what to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 5 7 wxyz figs-metaphor וַ⁠יִּמָּלֵ֨ךְ לִבִּ֜⁠י עָלַ֗⁠י 1 Here, the **heart** figuratively represents the thoughts and the will. Alternate translation: “I thought hard about what to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 5 7 jawz וָ⁠אָרִ֨יבָ⁠ה֙ 1 **Contended** is a technical term that means “to bring charges.” It means to initiate a lawsuit that would require the defendants to answer for themselves publicly, in the presence of their fellow citizens. Alternate translation: “Then I brought charges” NEH 5 7 o23t הַ⁠חֹרִ֣ים…הַ⁠סְּגָנִ֔ים 1 See how you translated these terms in [2:16](../02/16.md). Alternate translation: “the leading citizens and the city officials” NEH 5 7 dy73 figs-idiom מַשָּׁ֥א…אַתֶּ֣ם נֹשִׁ֑ים 1 This expression means to charge interest when loaning money to another person. Alternate translation: “You are charging interest”
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 5 7 sn56 figs-explicit מַשָּׁ֥א אִישׁ־בְּ⁠אָחִ֖י⁠ו 1 The Law of Moses specifically forbade charging interest on a loan to a fellow Jew. So this was not just an exploitive business practice, it was a violation of God’s Law. The rich and powerful Jews would certainly have been expected to know this. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “You are charging interest on loans to your fellow Jews. You know that is forbidden in the Law of Moses.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 5 7 f66g figs-idiom אִישׁ־בְּ⁠אָחִ֖י⁠ו 1 In this context, “a man” means “each person.” It does not mean only an adult male. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 5 7 yibe figs-metaphor אִישׁ־בְּ⁠אָחִ֖י⁠ו 1 Here **brother** could conceivably include even biological brothers, but in context it likely refers figuratively to fellow Jews. Alternate translation: “to your fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 5 7 yibe figs-metaphor אִישׁ־בְּ⁠אָחִ֖י⁠ו 1 Here, **brother** could conceivably include even biological brothers, but in context it likely refers figuratively to fellow Jews. Alternate translation: “to your fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 5 7 r7yl translate-unknown וָ⁠אֶתֵּ֥ן עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֖ם קְהִלָּ֥ה גְדוֹלָֽה 1 This means that, as part of conducting the lawsuit against these wealthy and powerful Jews, Nehemiah brought together a large group of their fellow citizens to hear the charges against them. This group was the “assembly.” Alternate translation: “I put them on trial in front of their fellow citizens” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 5 7 u9u2 figs-events וָ⁠אֶתֵּ֥ן עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֖ם קְהִלָּ֥ה גְדוֹלָֽה 1 To present the events in chronological order, if that would be helpful to your readers, you could put this before the previous sentence, which describes the first charge that Nehemiah brought at this trial.
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]]) NEH 5 8 o7o9 figs-explicit אֲנַ֣חְנוּ קָ֠נִינוּ 1 **We** likely means Nehemiah and his relatives, as in 4:23. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “My relatives and I have bought back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 5 8 a1b2 figs-events קָ֠נִינוּ אֶת־אַחֵ֨י⁠נוּ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֜ים הַ⁠נִּמְכָּרִ֤ים לַ⁠גּוֹיִם֙ 1 To present the events in chronological order, if that would be helpful to your readers, you could put the information that some Jews had to sell themselves into slavery before the information that Nehemiah and his relatives bought their freedom. Alternate translation: “Whenever our Jewish relatives have had to sell themselves into slavery to people from other nations … we have been buying them back.” (See: Order of Events) NEH 5 8 o6o8 כְּ⁠דֵ֣י בָ֔⁠נוּ 1 Alternate translation: “to the best of our ability” NEH 5 8 q123 figs-doublet אַחֵ֨י⁠נוּ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֜ים 1 These two short phrases mean similar things. They are used together to emphasize that buying them back was an honorable and expected action. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “our Jewish relatives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) -NEH 5 8 bszc figs-metaphor אַחֵ֨י⁠נוּ 1 Here **brother** likely refers figuratively to fellow Jews. Alternate translation: “our fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 5 8 bszc figs-metaphor אַחֵ֨י⁠נוּ 1 Here, **brother** likely refers figuratively to fellow Jews. Alternate translation: “our fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 5 8 t5y7 figs-activepassive הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֜ים הַ⁠נִּמְכָּרִ֤ים 1 You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “our fellow Jews have had to sell themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 5 8 pzy8 figs-explicit וְ⁠גַם־אַתֶּ֛ם תִּמְכְּר֥וּ אֶת־אֲחֵי⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠נִמְכְּרוּ־לָ֑⁠נוּ 1 This means that they are selling their family members, both men and women, as slaves to their fellow Jews. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Now you are selling your own people to be slaves of your fellow Jews, so that they might later sell them back to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 5 8 kn82 figs-activepassive הַ⁠נִּמְכָּרִ֤ים לַ⁠גּוֹיִם֙ 1 This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “who people had sold as slaves to the nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 5 8 b1a1 וְ⁠גַם־אַתֶּ֛ם 1 Malkijah This is an emphatic expression. Nehemiah uses it to show how serious the offense is. If it would be clearer in your language, you could indicate this emphasis in some way in your translation. Alternate translation: “you are actually” NEH 5 8 b1a3 figs-explicit תִּמְכְּר֥וּ אֶת־אֲחֵי⁠כֶ֖ם 1 This means that the creditors were selling the debtors into slavery to recover the money they owed. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “you are actually selling your fellow Jews into slavery to get back the money they owe you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 5 8 b1a5 figs-metaphor אֲחֵי⁠כֶ֖ם 1 Here **brother** likely refers figuratively to fellow Jews. Alternate translation: “your fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 5 8 b1a5 figs-metaphor אֲחֵי⁠כֶ֖ם 1 Here, **brother** likely refers figuratively to fellow Jews. Alternate translation: “your fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 5 8 b1a7 figs-activepassive וְ⁠נִמְכְּרוּ־לָ֑⁠נוּ 1 You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “They are some of the very people we have been buying back!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 5 8 b1a9 figs-explicit וַֽ⁠יַּחֲרִ֔ישׁוּ וְ⁠לֹ֥א מָצְא֖וּ דָּבָֽר 1 The implication is that the accused said nothing because they knew that Nehemiah’s charges were true. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “They knew that these charges were true, so they were silent. They could not answer a single word.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 5 8 ecd1 figs-parallelism וַֽ⁠יַּחֲרִ֔ישׁוּ וְ⁠לֹ֥א מָצְא֖וּ דָּבָֽר 1 These two phrases mean similar things. Nehemiah uses the repetition to emphasize how completely guilty the accused people were. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “there was absolutely nothing they could say in response.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) NEH 5 9 lm7c לֹא־ט֥וֹב הַ⁠דָּבָ֖ר אֲשֶׁר־אַתֶּ֣ם עֹשִׂ֑ים 1 In this context, **good** does have a moral connotation. Nehemiah is saying more than that this is not a good idea. Alternate translation: “What you are doing is wrong!” NEH 5 9 kr1t figs-rquestion הֲ⁠ל֞וֹא בְּ⁠יִרְאַ֤ת אֱלֹהֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ תֵּלֵ֔כוּ מֵ⁠חֶרְפַּ֖ת הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֥ם אוֹיְבֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 Nehemiah is making a statement, not asking a question. He does not expect the accused to give him reasons why they should not obey God. Instead, he is using the question form to emphasize how important it is for these wealthy and powerful Jews to stop doing these wrong things. Alternate translation: “You really ought to live your life in a way that honors God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) NEH 5 9 v6ux figs-idiom הֲ⁠ל֞וֹא בְּ⁠יִרְאַ֤ת אֱלֹהֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ תֵּלֵ֔כוּ 1 In this context, **fear** does not mean to be afraid. It means to show respect and reverence, specifically by obeying instead of disobeying. Alternate translation: “live your life in a way that honors God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 5 9 b1b1 figs-idiom תֵּלֵ֔כוּ 1 Here **walk** is an idiom that describes a person’s conduct in life. Alternate translation: “live your life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +NEH 5 9 b1b1 figs-idiom תֵּלֵ֔כוּ 1 Here, **walk** is an idiom that describes a person’s conduct in life. Alternate translation: “live your life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 5 9 b1b3 מֵ⁠חֶרְפַּ֖ת הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֥ם אוֹיְבֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 This may be a reference to the way the enemies of the Jews were already mocking them, or to the way they would mock them if they learned of what was happening. It could mean both things. Alternate translation: “Otherwise, our enemies will mock us even more” NEH 5 9 s7qt figs-abstractnouns מֵ⁠חֶרְפַּ֖ת הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֥ם אוֹיְבֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 **Reproach** is an abstract noun that refers to the way the enemies of the Jews were mocking them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the same idea with a verb such as “mock.” Alternate translation: “to keep the nations who are our enemies from mocking us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) NEH 5 9 b1b5 figs-doublet הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֥ם אוֹיְבֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 These two short phrases mean similar things. Nehemiah uses them together to emphasize the identity and hostility of the people who are opposing the Jews. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “our enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) @@ -586,17 +586,17 @@ NEH 5 15 uu9k figs-doublet וְ⁠הַ⁠פַּחוֹת֩ הָ⁠רִאשֹׁנ NEH 5 15 b1g1 figs-synecdoche לְ⁠פָנַ֜⁠י 1 Here **face** figuratively describes an entire person by reference to one part of them, the “face.” Alternate translation: “before me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 5 15 b1g3 figs-metaphor הִכְבִּ֣ידוּ עַל־הָ⁠עָ֗ם 1 Here Nehemiah speaks figuratively as if these governors had been a great burden that the people were carrying, making their lives very difficult. Alternate translation: “made life very difficult for the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 5 15 b1g5 figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּקְח֨וּ מֵ⁠הֶ֜ם בְּ⁠לֶ֤חֶם וָ⁠יַ֨יִן֙ אַחַר֙ כֶּֽסֶף־שְׁקָלִ֣ים אַרְבָּעִ֔ים 1 **After** indicates that the supplies of bread and wine were in addition to the money. Nehemiah is likely describing what the former governors required of the people each day. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “They demanded that they supply them with bread and wine and forty silver shekels every day.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 5 15 w4zk translate-bmoney כֶּֽסֶף־שְׁקָלִ֣ים אַרְבָּעִ֔ים 1 In ancient times, a silver shekel weighed about 11 grams or about a third of an ounce. You could try to express this in terms of modern money values, but if you did, that could cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate over time, since those values can change from year to year. Instead, you could say something general like “forty silver coins,” or give the equivalent weight, or use the biblical term in the text and give the weight in a note. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) +NEH 5 15 w4zk translate-bmoney כֶּֽסֶף־שְׁקָלִ֣ים אַרְבָּעִ֔ים 1 In ancient times, a silver shekel weighed about 11 grams or about a third of an ounce. You could try to express this in terms of modern money values, but if you did, that could cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate over time, since those values can change from year to year. Instead, you could say something general like “40 silver coins,” or give the equivalent weight, or use the biblical term in the text and give the weight in a note. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) NEH 5 15 b1g7 translate-numbers כֶּֽסֶף־שְׁקָלִ֣ים אַרְבָּעִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “forty silver shekels” or “40 pieces of silver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) NEH 5 15 b1g9 גַּ֥ם נַעֲרֵי⁠הֶ֖ם שָׁלְט֣וּ עַל־הָ⁠עָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “Even their servants oppressed the people.” NEH 5 15 egg7 grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠אֲנִי֙ לֹא־עָשִׂ֣יתִי כֵ֔ן מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י יִרְאַ֥ת אֱלֹהִֽים 1 In this sentence, if it would be clearer in your language, you can put the reason before the result. Alternate translation: “But because of my fear of God, I did not take the food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) -NEH 5 15 b1h1 figs-metaphor מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י יִרְאַ֥ת אֱלֹהִֽים 1 Here **face** figuratively represents Nehemiah’s personal perception. “Fearing” God does not mean being afraid of God, but recognizing that God deserves respect and honor. Nehemiah is speaking of this perception figuratively, as if this recognition was always directly in front of him in a place where he could see it. He means that he was always aware of it. Alternate translation: “because I knew I needed to respect God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 5 15 b1h1 figs-metaphor מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י יִרְאַ֥ת אֱלֹהִֽים 1 Here, **face** figuratively represents Nehemiah’s personal perception. “Fearing” God does not mean being afraid of God, but recognizing that God deserves respect and honor. Nehemiah is speaking of this perception figuratively, as if this recognition was always directly in front of him in a place where he could see it. He means that he was always aware of it. Alternate translation: “because I knew I needed to respect God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 5 16 gx42 figs-metaphor בִּ⁠מְלֶ֜אכֶת הַ⁠חוֹמָ֤ה הַ⁠זֹּאת֙ הֶחֱזַ֔קְתִּי 1 Nehemiah describes himself figuratively as **holding fast to**, meaning “holding onto,” the work of rebuilding the wall. This means that he was devoted to it, and he did not pursue other interests, including ones that could have made money for him. Alternate translation: “I devoted myself to the work of rebuilding of the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 5 16 lm7t וְ⁠שָׂדֶ֖ה לֹ֣א קָנִ֑ינוּ 1 **We** likely refers to Nehemiah and his relatives, since he mentions his servants next. NEH 5 16 b1h3 figs-synecdoche וְ⁠שָׂדֶ֖ה לֹ֣א קָנִ֑ינוּ 1 Nehemiah is using the term **field** figuratively to describe any kind of real property that he and his relatives might have bought. Verse 11 shows that this could have included not just fields but also things like vineyards, olive orchards, and houses. He is describing all real property by reference to one kind, a field. Alternate translation: “My relatives and I did not buy any property” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 5 16 m3s9 figs-explicit וְ⁠שָׂדֶ֖ה לֹ֣א קָנִ֑ינוּ 1 The implication is that they could have bought property cheaply because the poor were so desperate. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “My relatives and I did not buy any property, even though we could have gotten it cheaply because the poor were so desperate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 5 16 xpb3 figs-activepassive וְ⁠כָל־נְעָרַ֔⁠י קְבוּצִ֥ים שָׁ֖ם עַל־הַ⁠מְּלָאכָֽה 1 **There** means at the wall, and **for the work** means the work of rebuilding the wall. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “I gathered all of my servants there to work on the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -NEH 5 17 j2af figs-synecdoche וְ⁠הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֨ים 1 While this expression means “the Jewish people” in most of the book, in the contexts here and in 2:16 it seems to mean “Jewish leaders.” Nehemiah is describing some members of this people group, its leaders, as if they were the whole group. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +NEH 5 17 j2af figs-synecdoche וְ⁠הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֨ים 1 While this expression means “the Jewish people” in most of the book, in the context here and in 2:16 it seems to mean “Jewish leaders.” Nehemiah is describing some members of this people group, its leaders, as if they were the whole group. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 5 17 a1g4 translate-unknown וְ⁠הַ⁠סְּגָנִ֜ים 1 See how you translated this term in [2:16](../02/16.md). Alternate translation: “city officials” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 5 17 q9x7 figs-metonymy מֵאָ֧ה וַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים אִ֗ישׁ…עַל־שֻׁלְחָנִֽ⁠י 1 Nehemiah is using the word **table** to refer to the act of feeding people. He is describing that act figuratively by reference to something associated with it, the table that the food was served on. Alternate translation: “every day I was responsible to feed 150 Jewish leaders and officials” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 5 17 w7i4 figs-explicit וְ⁠הַ⁠בָּאִ֥ים אֵלֵ֛י⁠נוּ מִן־הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֥ם אֲשֶׁר־סְבִיבֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ 1 This likely refers to Jews who lived in other countries but who came to Jerusalem. Their own communities may have sent them as representatives, or they may have come on their own for business or personal reasons. Alternate translation: “and we also fed the Jewish visitors who came from other countries around us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -606,28 +606,28 @@ NEH 5 18 sp6n translate-unknown וְ⁠צִפֳּרִים֙ 1 It is likely that NEH 5 18 b1h5 figs-ellipsis וּ⁠בֵ֨ין עֲשֶׂ֧רֶת יָמִ֛ים בְּ⁠כָל־יַ֖יִן לְ⁠הַרְבֵּ֑ה 1 Nehemiah is once again leaving out some words that a sentence would ordinarily need to be complete. To make things clearer for your readers, you express the meaning more fully. Alternate translation: “Every ten days I also had my servants bring in an abundant supply of various kinds of wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) NEH 5 18 mil3 figs-idiom וּ⁠בֵ֨ין עֲשֶׂ֧רֶת יָמִ֛ים 1 This expression means “every ten days.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 5 18 b1h7 יַ֖יִן לְ⁠הַרְבֵּ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “enough wine for everyone” -NEH 5 18 b1h9 וְ⁠עִם־זֶ֗ה לֶ֤חֶם הַ⁠פֶּחָה֙ לֹ֣א בִקַּ֔שְׁתִּי 1 As in [5:14](../05/14.md), “the bread of the governor” means “the governor’s food allowance.” The implication is that Nehemiah paid for all of the things he has just described at his own expense. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I paid for all of these things at my own expense. I did not accept the governor’s food allowance.” +NEH 5 18 b1h9 וְ⁠עִם־זֶ֗ה לֶ֤חֶם הַ⁠פֶּחָה֙ לֹ֣א בִקַּ֔שְׁתִּי 1 As in [5:14](../05/14.md), “the bread of the governor” means “the governor’s food allowance.” The implication is that, at his own expense, Nehemiah paid for all of the things he has just described. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I paid for all of these things at my own expense. I did not accept the governor’s food allowance.” NEH 5 18 b1i1 figs-abstractnouns כָֽבְדָ֥ה הָ⁠עֲבֹדָ֖ה עַל־הָ⁠עָ֥ם הַ⁠זֶּֽה 1 The abstract noun **bondage** refers to the way the people were struggling to survive in difficult times. If it would be clearer in your language, you can translate the idea behind it with a verb such as “struggle.” Alternate translation: “I knew that the people were struggling to survive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -NEH 5 18 b1i3 figs-metaphor כָֽבְדָ֥ה הָ⁠עֲבֹדָ֖ה עַל־הָ⁠עָ֥ם הַ⁠זֶּֽה 1 Here Nehemiah is speaking of ts bondage or struggle as if it were a great burden that the people were carrying, making their lives very difficult. Alternate translation: “I knew that the people were struggling to survive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 5 18 b1i3 figs-metaphor כָֽבְדָ֥ה הָ⁠עֲבֹדָ֖ה עַל־הָ⁠עָ֥ם הַ⁠זֶּֽה 1 Here Nehemiah is speaking of bondage or struggle as if it were a great burden that the people were carrying, making their lives very difficult. Alternate translation: “I knew that the people were struggling to survive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 5 18 b1i5 grammar-connect-logic-result כָֽבְדָ֥ה הָ⁠עֲבֹדָ֖ה עַל־הָ⁠עָ֥ם הַ⁠זֶּֽה 1 You can put this before Nehemiah’s statement that he did not accept the governor’s food allowance, because it gives the reason why he refused it. Alternate translation: “I knew that the people were struggling to survive, so I did not accept the governor’s food allowance.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 5 19 b1i7 figs-aside זָכְרָ⁠ה־לִּ֥⁠י אֱלֹהַ֖⁠י לְ⁠טוֹבָ֑ה 1 As in [4:4](../04/04.md), here Nehemiah speaks directly to God. You could indicate this by putting this verse in quotation marks. Review the note at 4:4 about asides like this if that would be helpful. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]]) NEH 5 19 b1i9 figs-idiom זָכְרָ⁠ה־לִּ֥⁠י…לְ⁠טוֹבָ֑ה 1 To remember someone **for good** is an idiom that means to reward someone with good things for the good that they have done. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 5 19 b1j1 figs-idiom זָכְרָ⁠ה־לִּ֥⁠י אֱלֹהַ֖⁠י לְ⁠טוֹבָ֑ה 1 In this context, **remember** means to think about someone and consider what action you can take on their behalf. Nehemiah is not suggesting that God has forgotten him. Alternate translation: “think of me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 5 19 b1j3 figs-ellipsis כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־עָשִׂ֖יתִי עַל־הָ⁠עָ֥ם הַ⁠זֶּֽה 1 Nehemiah is once again leaving out some words that a sentence would ordinarily need. He is asking God to do good things for him because of all the good things he has done for the people of Judah as their governor. Alternate translation: “reward me because of all the good that I have done for the people of Judah” (See: Ellipsis) -NEH 6 intro k4df 0 # Nehemiah 06 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

The building of the wall is completed in this chapter.

The ULT sets the lines in 6:6-7 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are part of a long quotation.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Miracle

Completing this city wall in only fifty-two days was considered proof that God had helped the Jews, especially given the opposition that they had experienced from the people in surrounding areas. +NEH 6 intro k4df 0 # Nehemiah 06 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

The building of the wall is completed in this chapter.

The ULT sets the lines in 6:6-7 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are part of a long quotation.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Miracle

Completing this city wall in only 52 days was considered proof that God had helped the Jews, especially given the opposition that they had experienced from the people in surrounding areas. NEH 6 1 c1a1 writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִ֣י 1 Nehemiah uses this phrase to introduce the next event in his story. You do not need to represent it in your translation unless your language has a similar expression that it characteristically uses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) NEH 6 1 c1a3 figs-synecdoche נִשְׁמַ֣ע 1 This means that these enemies learned somehow that the wall was finished. Perhaps someone came and told them, or perhaps they received a written report. Nehemiah figuratively uses hearing, one means of discovering things, to describe these men learning this. Alternate translation: “when our enemies learned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 6 1 c1a5 figs-activepassive כַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֣ר נִשְׁמַ֣ע…וּ⁠לְ⁠יֶ֣תֶר אֹֽיְבֵ֗י⁠נוּ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “when our enemies learned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 6 1 gd7c translate-names לְ⁠סַנְבַלַּ֣ט וְ֠⁠טוֹבִיָּה 1 These are the names of men. See how you translated them in [2:10](../02/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 6 1 bxn2 translate-names וּ⁠לְ⁠גֶ֨שֶׁם 1 This is the name of a man and his people group. See how you translated these names in [2:19](../02/19.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 6 1 vi6v figs-synecdoche בָנִ֨יתִי֙ אֶת־הַ֣⁠חוֹמָ֔ה 1 As in [4:14](../04/14.md), Nehemiah is using himself to represent the entire community that he is a part of. Alternate translation: “that we had finished rebuilding the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) -NEH 6 1 ap2q grammar-connect-logic-contrast גַּ֚ם 1 This term expresses a weak contrast between the sentence that comes before and the sentence that comes after. There was no break in the wall, except for the spaces where the doors had not yet been hung in the gates. Alternate translation: “however” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) +NEH 6 1 ap2q grammar-connect-logic-contrast גַּ֚ם 1 This term expresses a weak contrast between the sentence that comes before and the sentence that comes after. There was no break in the wall except for the spaces where the doors had not yet been hung in the gates. Alternate translation: “however” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) NEH 6 1 c1a7 figs-synecdoche עַד־הָ⁠עֵ֣ת הַ⁠הִ֔יא דְּלָת֖וֹת לֹא־הֶעֱמַ֥דְתִּי בַ⁠שְּׁעָרִֽים 1 Once again Nehemiah is using himself to represent the entire community that he is a part of. Alternate translation: “we had not yet put the doors in the gates” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 6 2 n5nu וַ⁠יִּשְׁלַ֨ח…אֵלַ֣⁠י 1 Alternate translation: “sent me a messenger to me” -NEH 6 2 c1a9 לְכָ֞⁠ה וְ⁠נִֽוָּעֲדָ֥ה יַחְדָּ֛ו 1 These enemies use the word **come** to encourage Nehemiah to accept their invitation. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the word as something other than an imperative, to make the message sound inviting. Alternate translation: “We would like to arrange to meet with you” +NEH 6 2 c1a9 לְכָ֞⁠ה וְ⁠נִֽוָּעֲדָ֥ה יַחְדָּ֛ו 1 These enemies use the word **come** to encourage Nehemiah to accept their invitation. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the word as something other than an imperative to make the message sound inviting. Alternate translation: “We would like to arrange to meet with you” NEH 6 2 rbv9 translate-names בַּ⁠כְּפִירִ֖ים בְּ⁠בִקְעַ֣ת אוֹנ֑וֹ 1 Ono is the name of a place about twenty miles from Jerusalem. It is down from the mountains towards the Mediterranean coast, so it can be described as a “valley” or “plain.” Alternate translation: “in one of the villages in the plain of Ono” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 6 2 c1b1 figs-idiom וְ⁠הֵ֨מָּה֙ חֹֽשְׁבִ֔ים לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת לִ֖⁠י רָעָֽה 1 In this context, **evil** means “harm.” Alternate translation: “they wanted to harm me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 6 2 c1b3 figs-explicit וְ⁠הֵ֨מָּה֙ חֹֽשְׁבִ֔ים לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת לִ֖⁠י רָעָֽה 1 The implication is that Nehemiah figured this out, even though in their invitation, these enemies pretended to be sincere. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “But I recognized that they were saying this because they wanted to harm me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 6 2 c1b3 figs-explicit וְ⁠הֵ֨מָּה֙ חֹֽשְׁבִ֔ים לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת לִ֖⁠י רָעָֽה 1 The implication is that Nehemiah figured this out even though in their invitation these enemies pretended to be sincere. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “But I recognized that they were saying this because they wanted to harm me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 6 3 d84v figs-synecdoche מְלָאכָ֤ה גְדוֹלָה֙ אֲנִ֣י עֹשֶׂ֔ה 1 Nehemiah is once again using himself to represent the whole community and its work of rebuilding of the wall. Alternate translation: “We are doing a great work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 6 3 c1b5 וְ⁠לֹ֥א אוּכַ֖ל לָ⁠רֶ֑דֶת 1 Nehemiah does not mean that he is physically unable to travel to Ono. He means that he cannot leave his supervision of the work for the several days it would take to travel there and back. Alternate translation: “I am not able to travel while it is going on.” NEH 6 3 c1b7 לָ⁠רֶ֑דֶת 1 Nehemiah uses the word **down** because the plain of Ono is at a lower elevation than Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “meet with you” @@ -643,7 +643,7 @@ NEH 6 6 rx5j figs-activepassive כָּת֣וּב בָּ֗⁠הּ 1 If it would NEH 6 6 wy84 figs-activepassive בַּ⁠גּוֹיִ֤ם נִשְׁמָע֙ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “The rumor in the region is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 6 6 c1c7 figs-explicit וְ⁠גַשְׁמ֣וּ אֹמֵ֔ר 1 The claim appears to be that Geshem has investigated these rumors and told Sanballat that they are true. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “and Geshem confirms that it is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 6 6 c1c9 translate-names וְ⁠גַשְׁמ֣וּ 1 Gashmu here is an alternate form of the name Geshem found in [6:1](../06/01.md). To make things clearer for your readers, you can translate the name as “Geshem” here as well. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 6 6 z81q figs-explicit אַתָּ֤ה וְ⁠הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ חֹשְׁבִ֣ים לִ⁠מְר֔וֹד עַל־כֵּ֛ן אַתָּ֥ה בוֹנֶ֖ה הַ⁠חוֹמָ֑ה 1 This means specifically that the Jews would to rebel against Artaxerxes, the Persian king, who was currently ruling them. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “you and the Jewish people are rebuilding the wall because you are planning to rebel against King Artaxerxes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 6 6 z81q figs-explicit אַתָּ֤ה וְ⁠הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ חֹשְׁבִ֣ים לִ⁠מְר֔וֹד עַל־כֵּ֛ן אַתָּ֥ה בוֹנֶ֖ה הַ⁠חוֹמָ֑ה 1 This means specifically that the Jews would rebel against Artaxerxes, the Persian king, who was currently ruling them. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “you and the Jewish people are rebuilding the wall because you are planning to rebel against King Artaxerxes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 6 6 c1d1 וְ⁠הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ 1 Here this expression means “the Jewish people,” specifically the ones living in Judah and Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Jewish people” NEH 6 6 c1d3 וְ⁠אַתָּ֗ה הֹוֶ֤ה לָ⁠הֶם֙ לְ⁠מֶ֔לֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “They are also saying that you intend to make yourself the king of the Jews.” NEH 6 7 n1rj grammar-connect-words-phrases וְ⁠גַם 1 This phrase indicates that what follows is more of the report that Sanballat claims he is hearing from the people in the surrounding countries. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could put something in your translation to indicate this. Alternate translation: “These people are also saying that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]]) @@ -656,11 +656,11 @@ NEH 6 7 c1e3 grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠עַתָּה֙ 1 This is not a NEH 6 7 c1e5 לְכָ֔⁠ה וְ⁠נִֽוָּעֲצָ֖ה יַחְדָּֽו 1 As in [6:2](../06/02.md), “come” is a word of encouragement rather than a command. Alternate translation: “So we really should meet together and talk about this” NEH 6 8 ei6j וָ⁠אֶשְׁלְחָ֤⁠ה אֵלָי⁠ו֙ 1 Alternate translation: “I sent a message back to him” NEH 6 8 ab7x figs-activepassive לֹ֤א נִֽהְיָה֙ כַּ⁠דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֖ר אַתָּ֣ה אוֹמֵ֑ר 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “I have not done any of the things you have written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -NEH 6 8 ds1y figs-metaphor כִּ֥י מִֽ⁠לִּבְּ⁠ךָ֖ אַתָּ֥ה בוֹדָֽא⁠ם 1 Here the **heart** figuratively represents someone’s thoughts and feelings. Sanballat’s thoughts and feelings, in turn, represent him as a person. Alternate translation: “you have made all this up in your own imagination” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 6 8 ds1y figs-metaphor כִּ֥י מִֽ⁠לִּבְּ⁠ךָ֖ אַתָּ֥ה בוֹדָֽא⁠ם 1 Here, the **heart** figuratively represents someone’s thoughts and feelings. Sanballat’s thoughts and feelings, in turn, represent him as a person. Alternate translation: “you have made all this up in your own imagination” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 6 8 c1e7 grammar-connect-logic-contrast כִּ֥י 1 This term expresses a contrast between the clause that comes before and the clause that comes after. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) NEH 6 9 p45k כִּ֣י כֻלָּ֗⁠ם מְיָֽרְאִ֤ים אוֹתָ֨⁠נוּ֙ 1 This likely means, “they were all trying to frighten us.” The implication is that Nehemiah recognized that this was the motive behind the letters. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I knew that they were all just trying to frighten us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 6 9 c1e9 לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “They were thinking” -NEH 6 9 b5ij figs-metaphor יִרְפּ֧וּ יְדֵי⁠הֶ֛ם מִן־הַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֖ה 1 Here **hand** figuratively represents strength, power, control, or action. Alternate translation: “The workers will stop doing the work on the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 6 9 b5ij figs-metaphor יִרְפּ֧וּ יְדֵי⁠הֶ֛ם מִן־הַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֖ה 1 Here, **hand** figuratively represents strength, power, control, or action. Alternate translation: “The workers will stop doing the work on the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 6 9 c1f1 figs-explicit יִרְפּ֧וּ יְדֵי⁠הֶ֛ם מִן־הַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֖ה 1 The implication is that the enemies expected the Jews to become so afraid of being accused of rebelling for rebuilding the wall that they would stop doing that. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The Jews will become so afraid that they will stop working on the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 6 9 c1f3 figs-explicit מִן־הַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֖ה 1 This means specifically the work on the wall. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “working on the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 6 9 c1f5 figs-activepassive וְ⁠לֹ֣א תֵעָשֶׂ֑ה 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this with an active form, and you can say who will do the action. Alternate translation: “they will never finish rebuilding it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) @@ -670,26 +670,26 @@ NEH 6 10 c1f9 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וַ⁠אֲנִי 1 Nehemiah us NEH 6 10 c1g1 בָ֗אתִי בֵּ֣ית 1 Alternate translation: “I went to visit” NEH 6 10 ybj6 translate-names שְֽׁמַֽעְיָ֧ה בֶן־דְּלָיָ֛ה בֶּן־מְהֵֽיטַבְאֵ֖ל 1 Shemaiah is the name of a man, Delaiah is the name of his father, and Mehetabel is the name of his grandfather. Alternate translation: “Shemaiah, the son of Delaiah and grandson of Mehetabel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 6 10 k8xd figs-activepassive וְ⁠ה֣וּא עָצ֑וּר 1 You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “he was not leaving his house.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -NEH 6 10 c1g3 translate-symaction וְ⁠ה֣וּא עָצ֑וּר 1 Nehemiah does not say why Shemaiah was not leaving his house. He could have been sick, or he could have been ceremonially unclean. So you might choose not to specify any reason. However, the context suggests that Shemaiah may have been trying to symbolize that it was not safe for Jewish leaders to go around in public. A man by the name of Shemaiah is listed in [10:8](../10/08.md) as one of the priests who signed the community agreement. This could be the same person, since he has access to the temple and is therefore likely a priest. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could suggest this reason explicitly. Alternate translation: “He was a priest, and he was trying to show that it was not safe for Jewish leaders to go out in public, so he was not leaving his house.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 6 10 c1g3 translate-symaction וְ⁠ה֣וּא עָצ֑וּר 1 Nehemiah does not say why Shemaiah was not leaving his house. He could have been sick or he could have been ceremonially unclean, so you might choose not to specify any reason. However, the context suggests that Shemaiah may have been trying to symbolize that it was not safe for Jewish leaders to go around in public. A man by the name of Shemaiah is listed in [10:8](../10/08.md) as one of the priests who signed the community agreement. This could be the same person since he has access to the temple and is therefore likely a priest. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could suggest this reason explicitly. Alternate translation: “He was a priest, and he was trying to show that it was not safe for Jewish leaders to go out in public, so he was not leaving his house.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 6 10 c1g5 figs-explicit נִוָּעֵד֩ אֶל־בֵּ֨ית הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֜ים אֶל־תּ֣וֹךְ הַֽ⁠הֵיכָ֗ל 1 Shemaiah seems to be proposing that he and Nehemiah move their meeting to the temple, suggesting that they are not even safe in his house. Alternate translation: “We are not safe even here. We need to go into the temple, to the sacred place inside the temple.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 6 10 c1g7 figs-parallelism אֶל־בֵּ֨ית הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֜ים אֶל־תּ֣וֹךְ הַֽ⁠הֵיכָ֗ל 1 These two phrases mean similar things. Shemaiah uses the repetition to emphasize the danger he is suggesting they are in. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “into the temple” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) NEH 6 10 c1g9 figs-metaphor בֵּ֨ית הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֜ים 1 Shemaiah is referring to the temple figuratively as the “house of God,” as if it were God’s dwelling place. Alternate translation: “the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -NEH 6 10 c1h1 וְ⁠נִסְגְּרָה֙ דַּלְת֣וֹת הַ⁠הֵיכָ֔ל 1 This means not just close the doors but lock them. Alternate translation: “and lock the doors” -NEH 6 10 c1h3 כִּ֚י בָּאִ֣ים לְ⁠הָרְגֶ֔⁠ךָ 1 Shemaiah does not say who these people are. It would be possible to say something based on what can reasonably be inferred, for example, “Your enemies have hired people to kill you.” However, the vagueness seems to be part of Shemaiah’s strategy to frighten Nehemiah. So it might be more effective to leave this indefinite. Alternate translation: “because people are trying to kill you” -NEH 6 10 c1h5 וְ⁠לַ֖יְלָה בָּאִ֥ים לְ⁠הָרְגֶֽ⁠ךָ 1 Shemaiah’s confidence in the detail of “at night” seems designed to make Nehemiah even more afraid, because this means that the killers will come in the dark when he is asleep, so he won’t be able to protect himself. It could be helpful to your readers for your translation to reflect this confidence. Alternate translation: “I know that one night they are going to come and kill you” +NEH 6 10 c1h1 וְ⁠נִסְגְּרָה֙ דַּלְת֣וֹת הַ⁠הֵיכָ֔ל 1 This means to not just close the doors but lock them. Alternate translation: “and lock the doors” +NEH 6 10 c1h3 כִּ֚י בָּאִ֣ים לְ⁠הָרְגֶ֔⁠ךָ 1 Shemaiah does not say who these people are. It would be possible to say something based on what can reasonably be inferred. For example, “Your enemies have hired people to kill you.” However, the vagueness seems to be part of Shemaiah’s strategy to frighten Nehemiah. So it might be more effective to leave this indefinite. Alternate translation: “because people are trying to kill you” +NEH 6 10 c1h5 וְ⁠לַ֖יְלָה בָּאִ֥ים לְ⁠הָרְגֶֽ⁠ךָ 1 Shemaiah’s confidence in the detail of “at night” seems designed to make Nehemiah even more afraid because this means that the killers will come in the dark when he is asleep, so he won’t be able to protect himself. It could be helpful to your readers for your translation to reflect this confidence. Alternate translation: “I know that one night they are going to come and kill you” NEH 6 11 c1h7 וָ⁠אֹמְרָ֗⁠ה 1 Alternate translation: “I responded” NEH 6 11 syw3 figs-rquestion הַ⁠אִ֤ישׁ כָּמ֨וֹ⁠נִי֙ יִבְרָ֔ח 1 Nehemiah is making a statement, not asking a question. He does not expect Shemiah to tell him whether or not he should run away. Instead, Nehemiah is using the question form to emphasize that he is not going to do what Shemaiah has suggested. If it would be clearer in your language, you can translate this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “A man like me would not run away.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) NEH 6 11 c1h8 figs-rquestion וּ⁠מִ֥י כָמ֛וֹ⁠נִי אֲשֶׁר־יָב֥וֹא אֶל־הַ⁠הֵיכָ֖ל וָ⁠חָ֑י 1 Once again Nehemiah is making a statement, not asking a question. He does not expect Shemiah to tell him whether going into the temple would save his life. Alternate translation: “A man like me would not go into the temple just to hide to stay alive.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -NEH 6 11 c1i0 figs-explicit וּ⁠מִ֥י כָמ֛וֹ⁠נִי אֲשֶׁר־יָב֥וֹא אֶל־הַ⁠הֵיכָ֖ל וָ⁠חָ֑י 1 It is not entirely clear what Nehemiah means by this. He could be saying that he should not go into the temple because he is not a priest. However, the Bible records instances of other people who were not priests going into the temple to seek sanctuary. So Nehemiah may be saying instead that because he is the governor, he is too well known to escape from assassins by hiding in the temple. You could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Besides, I am the governor, and everyone knows me, so I could not save my life by trying to hide in the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 6 11 c1i0 figs-explicit וּ⁠מִ֥י כָמ֛וֹ⁠נִי אֲשֶׁר־יָב֥וֹא אֶל־הַ⁠הֵיכָ֖ל וָ⁠חָ֑י 1 It is not entirely clear what Nehemiah means by this. He could be saying that he should not go into the temple because he is not a priest. However, the Bible records instances of other people who were not priests going into the temple to seek sanctuary. So Nehemiah may be saying instead that because he is the governor he is too well known to escape from assassins by hiding in the temple. You could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Besides, I am the governor, and everyone knows me, so I could not save my life by trying to hide in the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 6 11 c1i3 לֹ֖א אָבֽוֹא 1 Alternate translation: “I refuse to do it!” NEH 6 12 c1i5 וָ⁠אַכִּ֕ירָ⁠ה וְ⁠הִנֵּ֥ה 1 The term “behold” is used to focus attention on the words that follow. Within this episode as a whole, it creates the impression of Nehemiah suddenly realizing something that had not been clear to him before. Alternate translation: “All of a sudden I realized” NEH 6 12 c1i7 figs-explicit לֹֽא־אֱלֹהִ֖ים שְׁלָח֑⁠וֹ 1 Shemaiah seems to have been pretending that God had revealed to him prophetically that people would be coming secretly at night to kill Nehemiah. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “God had not given Shemaiah a prophetic message for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 6 12 s2sf כִּ֤י הַ⁠נְּבוּאָה֙ דִּבֶּ֣ר עָלַ֔⁠י וְ⁠טוֹבִיָּ֥ה וְ⁠סַנְבַלַּ֖ט שְׂכָרֽ⁠וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Instead, he was saying these things to hinder my work, because Tobiah and Sanballat had paid him to say them.” -NEH 6 13 c1i9 grammar-connect-logic-result לְמַ֤עַן שָׂכוּר֙ ה֔וּא לְמַֽעַן־אִירָ֥א 1 This is the reason behind the result that Nehemiah’s enemies hoped for. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The reason they had hired him was to scare me. They hoped that as a result” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 6 12 s2sf כִּ֤י הַ⁠נְּבוּאָה֙ דִּבֶּ֣ר עָלַ֔⁠י וְ⁠טוֹבִיָּ֥ה וְ⁠סַנְבַלַּ֖ט שְׂכָרֽ⁠וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Instead, he was saying these things to hinder my work because Tobiah and Sanballat had paid him to say them.” +NEH 6 13 c1i9 grammar-connect-logic-result לְמַ֤עַן שָׂכוּר֙ ה֔וּא לְמַֽעַן־אִירָ֥א 1 This is the reason why Nehemiah’s enemies had hired Shemaiah; because they wanted to cause Nehemiah to be afraid. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The reason they had hired him was to scare me. They hoped that as a result” (See: \[\[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result\]\]) NEH 6 13 c1j1 grammar-connect-logic-goal לְמַ֤עַן 1 This term introduces the purpose for the sentence contained in the verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) NEH 6 13 c1j3 grammar-connect-logic-goal וְ⁠אֶֽעֱשֶׂה־כֵּ֖ן וְ⁠חָטָ֑אתִי 1 This phrase expresses the goal for the sentence contained in the verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) -NEH 6 13 b27k figs-explicit וְ⁠אֶֽעֱשֶׂה־כֵּ֖ן וְ⁠חָטָ֑אתִי 1 It is not entirely clear why Nehemiah says it would have been a sin for him to hide in the temple, since it was a time-honored tradition in Israel to allow people to seek sanctuary there. Perhaps the explanation is that Nehemiah knew God had sent him to Judah on a special mission to help and protect the Jewish community there. And so if he had abandoned that mission to save his life, he would have been disobeying God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say something like that explicitly. Alternate translation: “They were hoping they could make me sin by abandoning my responsibilities and hiding in the temple.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 6 13 ji1g figs-metonymy וְ⁠הָיָ֤ה לָ⁠הֶם֙ לְ⁠שֵׁ֣ם רָ֔ע לְמַ֖עַן יְחָֽרְפֽוּ⁠נִי 1 Here **name** is a figurative way of referring to the fame or reputation of a person. If he hid in the temple to save his own life, Nehemiah would get a bad reputation as a coward who was concerned only for himself. Alternate translation: “this would give me a bad reputation, and they could say bad things about me to everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 6 13 b27k figs-explicit וְ⁠אֶֽעֱשֶׂה־כֵּ֖ן וְ⁠חָטָ֑אתִי 1 It is not entirely clear why Nehemiah says it would have been a sin for him to hide in the temple since it was a time-honored tradition in Israel to allow people to seek sanctuary there. Perhaps the explanation is that Nehemiah knew God had sent him to Judah on a special mission to help and protect the Jewish community there. And so, if he had abandoned that mission to save his life, he would have been disobeying God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say something like that explicitly. Alternate translation: “They were hoping they could make me sin by abandoning my responsibilities and hiding in the temple.” (See: \[\[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit\]\]) +NEH 6 13 ji1g figs-metonymy וְ⁠הָיָ֤ה לָ⁠הֶם֙ לְ⁠שֵׁ֣ם רָ֔ע לְמַ֖עַן יְחָֽרְפֽוּ⁠נִי 1 Here, **name** is a figurative way of referring to the fame or reputation of a person. If he hid in the temple to save his own life, Nehemiah would get a bad reputation as a coward who was concerned only for himself. Alternate translation: “this would give me a bad reputation, and they could say bad things about me to everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 6 13 c1j5 grammar-connect-logic-goal לְמַ֖עַן 1 This term expresses that the clause that comes after is the goal for the clause that comes before. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) NEH 6 14 c1j7 אֱלֹהַ֛⁠י 1 As in [4:4](../04/04.md) and [6:9](../06/09.md), Nehemiah records here what he prayed at the time of the events he is describing. You can indicate this by introducing these words as a prayer and presenting the prayer as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “So I prayed, ‘My God …’” NEH 6 14 nau4 figs-idiom זָכְרָ֧⁠ה…לְ⁠טוֹבִיָּ֥ה וּ⁠לְ⁠סַנְבַלַּ֖ט כְּ⁠מַעֲשָׂ֣י⁠ו אֵ֑לֶּה 1 **His** refers to both Sanballat and Tobiah. In this context, “remember” means to think about someone and consider what action you should take in their regard. Nehemiah is not suggesting that God has forgotten about Tobiah and Sanballat. Alternate translation: “treat Tobiah and Sanballat the way they deserve for what they have done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) @@ -703,8 +703,8 @@ NEH 6 16 c1k3 writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִ֗י 1 Nehemiah uses this phrase NEH 6 16 c1k5 figs-synecdoche כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֤ר שָֽׁמְעוּ֙ כָּל־א֣וֹיְבֵ֔י⁠נוּ 1 This means that these enemies learned by some means that work had been completed. Nehemiah figuratively uses hearing, one means of discovering things, to describe the enemies learning this. Alternate translation: “when all of our enemies learned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 6 16 c1k7 figs-explicit כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֤ר שָֽׁמְעוּ֙ כָּל־א֣וֹיְבֵ֔י⁠נוּ 1 This means specifically, “When all our enemies learned that we had completed the rebuilding in such a short time.” If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 6 16 c1k9 figs-parallelism וַ⁠יִּֽרְא֗וּ כָּל־הַ⁠גּוֹיִם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר סְבִֽיבֹתֵ֔י⁠נוּ וַ⁠יִּפְּל֥וּ מְאֹ֖ד בְּ⁠עֵינֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 These two phrases mean similar things. Nehemiah uses the repetition to emphasize how intimidated the people in the surrounding countries felt. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “they thought much less of themselves” or “they lost confidence in themselves,” otherwise “they became afraid and felt humiliated” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) -NEH 6 16 t54c bita-part1 וַ⁠יִּפְּל֥וּ מְאֹ֖ד בְּ⁠עֵינֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 Here **fall** is a figurative way of saying “become less.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-part1]]) -NEH 6 16 c1l1 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יִּפְּל֥וּ מְאֹ֖ד בְּ⁠עֵינֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 Here **eyes** stand for “seeing,” and “seeing” figuratively means judgment. This means that these people were no longer so great or powerful in their own estimation. Alternate translation: “they lost confidence in themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 6 16 t54c bita-part1 וַ⁠יִּפְּל֥וּ מְאֹ֖ד בְּ⁠עֵינֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 Here, **fall** is a figurative way of saying “become less.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-part1]]) +NEH 6 16 c1l1 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יִּפְּל֥וּ מְאֹ֖ד בְּ⁠עֵינֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 Here, **eyes** stand for “seeing,” and “seeing” figuratively means judgment. This means that these people were no longer so great or powerful in their own estimation. Alternate translation: “they lost confidence in themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 6 16 py4c grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠יֵּ֣דְע֔וּ כִּ֚י מֵ⁠אֵ֣ת אֱלֹהֵ֔י⁠נוּ נֶעֶשְׂתָ֖ה הַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּֽאת 1 You can put this right before the statement that the enemies were afraid and thought less of themselves, because it it is the reason that explains that result. Alternate translation: “They realized that our God had helped us complete this work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 6 16 c1l3 figs-activepassive מֵ⁠אֵ֣ת אֱלֹהֵ֔י⁠נוּ נֶעֶשְׂתָ֖ה הַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּֽאת 1 You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “our God had helped us complete this work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 6 17 c1l5 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous גַּ֣ם ׀ בַּ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ⁠הֵ֗ם 1 Nehemiah uses this phrase to introduce something else that was happening at the same time as the other events he has just described. Alternate translation: “During this time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) @@ -712,10 +712,10 @@ NEH 6 17 c1l7 figs-idiom בַּ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ⁠הֵ֗ם 1 The term * NEH 6 17 c1l9 חֹרֵ֤י יְהוּדָה֙ 1 See how you translated this term in [2:16](../02/16.md). Alternate translation: “the leading citizens of Judah” NEH 6 17 zw37 figs-explicit מַרְבִּ֞ים…אִגְּרֹ֣תֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 The implication is these citizens were sending information to Tobiah about Nehemiah. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “sent many messengers with letters to Tobiah to give him information about me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 6 17 rx81 figs-personification וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְ⁠טוֹבִיָּ֖ה בָּא֥וֹת אֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 Here Nehemiah speaks of Tobiah’s letters as if they could come on their own to the people he was answering. Alternate translation: “Tobiah sent letters” or “Tobiah sent many messengers with letters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) -NEH 6 17 c1m1 figs-explicit וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְ⁠טוֹבִיָּ֖ה בָּא֥וֹת אֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 The implication is Tobiah was sending back instructions to his allies. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Tobiah sent many messengers with letters back to them with instructions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 6 17 c1m1 figs-explicit וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְ⁠טוֹבִיָּ֖ה בָּא֥וֹת אֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 The implication is that Tobiah was sending back instructions to his allies. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Tobiah sent many messengers with letters back to them with instructions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 6 17 rcx8 translate-names טוֹבִיָּ֑ה 1 This is the name of a man. See how you translated it in [2:10](../02/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 6 18 z2uq figs-idiom כִּי־רַבִּ֣ים בִּֽ⁠יהוּדָ֗ה בַּעֲלֵ֤י שְׁבוּעָה֙ ל֔⁠וֹ 1 This means that many Judeans were “owners of oaths” to Tobiah. That is, they had sworn oaths to be loyal to him. Alternate translation: “Many people in Judah had sworn an oath to be loyal to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 6 18 c1m3 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּי־רַבִּ֣ים בִּֽ⁠יהוּדָ֗ה בַּעֲלֵ֤י שְׁבוּעָה֙ ל֔⁠וֹ 1 You can put this information last in the verse, because it is a result, and the rest of the verse gives the reason why the people swore these oaths. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 6 18 c1m3 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּי־רַבִּ֣ים בִּֽ⁠יהוּדָ֗ה בַּעֲלֵ֤י שְׁבוּעָה֙ ל֔⁠וֹ 1 You can put this information last in the verse because it is a result, and the rest of the verse gives the reason why the people swore these oaths. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 6 18 c1m5 figs-explicit כִּי־חָתָ֥ן ה֖וּא לִ⁠שְׁכַנְיָ֣ה בֶן־אָרַ֑ח 1 This statement means that Tobiah was married to the daughter of Shecaniah. The implication is that Shecaniah was a powerful and influential member of the community. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Tobiah was married to the daughter of a powerful and influential member of the community, Shecaniah the son of Arah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 6 18 rn1q translate-names לִ⁠שְׁכַנְיָ֣ה בֶן־אָרַ֑ח 1 Shecaniah is the name of a man, and Arah is the name of his father. This is probably the same Shecaniah who is mentioned in 3:29. See how you translated his name there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 6 18 c1m7 figs-explicit וִֽ⁠יהוֹחָנָ֣ן בְּנ֔⁠וֹ לָקַ֕ח אֶת־בַּת־מְשֻׁלָּ֖ם בֶּ֥ן בֶּֽרֶכְיָֽה 1 The implication is that Meshullam was another powerful and influential member of the community. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Tobiah’s son Jehohanan was married to the daughter of another powerful and influential man, Meshullam the son of Berechiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -723,7 +723,7 @@ NEH 6 18 id1x translate-names וִֽ⁠יהוֹחָנָ֣ן 1 This is the name NEH 6 18 c1m9 בְּנ֔⁠וֹ 1 **His** means that Jehohanan was the son of Tobiah. NEH 6 18 c1n1 לָקַ֕ח אֶת־בַּת 1 Alternate translation: “was married to the daughter of” NEH 6 18 y3lg translate-names מְשֻׁלָּ֖ם בֶּ֥ן בֶּֽרֶכְיָֽה 1 Meshullam is the name of a man, and Berechiah is the name of his father. He is mentioned in [3:4](../03/04.md) and [3:30](../03/30.md). See how you translated his name there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 6 19 mj72 figs-metaphor טוֹבֹתָ֗י⁠ו הָי֤וּ אֹמְרִים֙ לְ⁠פָנַ֔⁠י 1 Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. Alternate translation: “told me personally about Tobiah’s good deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 6 19 mj72 figs-metaphor טוֹבֹתָ֗י⁠ו הָי֤וּ אֹמְרִים֙ לְ⁠פָנַ֔⁠י 1 Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. Alternate translation: “told me personally about Tobiah’s good deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 6 19 c1n3 הָי֤וּ 1 **They** means the people who were loyal to Tobiah. NEH 6 19 e3zt figs-idiom וּ⁠דְבָרַ֕⁠י הָי֥וּ מוֹצִיאִ֖ים ל֑⁠וֹ 1 **Taking out** here is an idiom that means these people were “reporting” Nehemiah’s responses to Tobiah. Alternate translation: “and then told him about my responses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 7 intro qk4v 0 # Nehemiah 07 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Genealogy

The people who returned from Persia were counted according to their families. Nehemiah ensured that those who lived in Jerusalem had a completely Jewish ancestry.

### Different lists
This list is paralleled in [Ezra 2](../../ezr/02/01.md). The lists do contain some differences in numbers. This is probably due to the timing of their counting. They were likely counted at different times. @@ -739,7 +739,7 @@ NEH 7 2 ykr9 translate-names חֲנָ֣נִי 1 This is the name of a man. See NEH 7 2 zy5q translate-names חֲנַנְיָ֛ה 1 This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 7 2 iqf3 שַׂ֥ר הַ⁠בִּירָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “who was in charge of the fortress” NEH 7 2 he4e כִּי־הוּא֙ כְּ⁠אִ֣ישׁ אֱמֶ֔ת 1 **He** means Hananiah. “He was as a faithful man” is a way of saying “he was such as only a faithful man would be.” Alternate translation: “I appointed Hananiah because he was trustworthy” -NEH 7 2 dx6d figs-idiom וְ⁠יָרֵ֥א אֶת־הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים מֵ⁠רַבִּֽים 1 Here **fear** does not mean to be afraid of God, but to show God reverence and respect. Alternate translation: “because he showed God more reverence and respect than most people do.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +NEH 7 2 dx6d figs-idiom וְ⁠יָרֵ֥א אֶת־הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים מֵ⁠רַבִּֽים 1 Here, **fear** does not mean to be afraid of God, but to show God reverence and respect. Alternate translation: “because he showed God more reverence and respect than most people do.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 7 3 y2jk figs-activepassive לֹ֣א יִפָּֽתְח֞וּ שַׁעֲרֵ֤י יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Do not order the gates of Jerusalem to be opened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 7 3 n55g figs-explicit לֹ֣א יִפָּֽתְח֞וּ שַׁעֲרֵ֤י יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ 1 Hanani and Hananiah would not have opened the gates physically themselves. Rather, they would have ordered this to be done. Alternate translation: “Do not order the gates of Jerusalem to be opened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 7 3 w3hi figs-metonymy עַד־חֹ֣ם הַ⁠שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ 1 Here Nehemiah probably uses the heat of the sun to represent the light of the sun. His intent is to open the gates some time after the sun rises regardless of how hot the sun shines on any particular day. Alternate translation: “until broad daylight” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) @@ -747,14 +747,14 @@ NEH 7 3 ed9m figs-explicit עַד־חֹ֣ם הַ⁠שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ 1 The imp NEH 7 3 b2es וְ⁠עַ֨ד הֵ֥ם עֹמְדִ֛ים יָגִ֥יפוּ הַ⁠דְּלָת֖וֹת וֶ⁠אֱחֹ֑זוּ 1 **They** means the gatekeepers, and “standing” means keeping guard. Alternate translation: “Order the doors to be shut and locked while the gatekeepers are still on guard” NEH 7 3 mir9 figs-idiom וְ⁠הַעֲמֵ֗יד מִשְׁמְרוֹת֙ יֹשְׁבֵ֣י יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם אִ֚ישׁ בְּ⁠מִשְׁמָר֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠אִ֖ישׁ נֶ֥גֶד בֵּיתֽ⁠וֹ 1 In this context, **a man** means “each man.” It is likely that adult males were intended for this dangerous night duty. “A man in his watch” means that each man should take a turn, and “a man in front of his house” means that each man should keep watch in his own neighborhood. Alternate translation: “Have the men who live in Jerusalem take turns keeping watch in their own neighborhoods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 7 4 d1a5 figs-doublet וְ⁠הָ⁠עִ֞יר רַחֲבַ֤ת יָדַ֨יִם֙ וּ⁠גְדוֹלָ֔ה 1 These two short phrases mean similar things. Nehemiah uses them together to emphasize how large Jerusalem was. If it would be clearer in your language, you can combine them. Alternate translation: “The city of Jerusalem covered a large area” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) -NEH 7 4 d1a7 figs-idiom רַחֲבַ֤ת יָדַ֨יִם֙ 1 Here **hand** figuratively means “side.” The image is that if you stood in the city, there would be a lot of it on both sides of you. Alternate translation: “covered a large area” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 7 4 d1a7 figs-idiom רַחֲבַ֤ת יָדַ֨יִם֙ 1 Here, **hand** figuratively means “side.” The image is that if you stood in the city, there would be a lot of it on both sides of you. Alternate translation: “covered a large area” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 7 4 d1a9 וְ⁠הָ⁠עָ֥ם מְעַ֖ט בְּ⁠תוֹכָ֑⁠הּ 1 Alternate translation: “but not many people lived there” NEH 7 4 y6y8 figs-activepassive וְ⁠אֵ֥ין בָּתִּ֖ים בְּנוּיִֽם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “the people had not yet rebuilt the houses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 7 5 d1b1 figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּתֵּ֤ן אֱלֹהַ⁠י֙ אֶל־לִבִּ֔⁠י 1 The implication is that registering the people was a first step toward filling Jerusalem with people again, a process that Nehemiah will describe in chapter 11. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “as a first step towards filling Jerusalem with people again, God led me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 7 5 wjd3 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יִּתֵּ֤ן אֱלֹהַ⁠י֙ אֶל־לִבִּ֔⁠י 1 As in [2:12](../02/12.md), Nehemiah’s **heart** figuratively represents his thoughts and will. Alternate translation: “God inspired me” or “led me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 7 5 d1b3 grammar-connect-logic-result וָ⁠אֶקְבְּצָ֞⁠ה 1 This word indicates that what Nehemiah did was in response to the situation just described. Alternate translation: “so I gathered together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 7 5 d1b5 translate-unknown אֶת־הַ⁠חֹרִ֧ים וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠סְּגָנִ֛ים 1 See how you translated these terms in [2:16](../02/16.md). Alternate translation: “the leading citizens and the city officials” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) -NEH 7 5 d1b7 וְ⁠אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֖ם 1 In context this likely means “the other people living in the city.” +NEH 7 5 d1b7 וְ⁠אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֖ם 1 In context, this likely means “the other people living in the city.” NEH 7 5 pzu6 figs-activepassive לְ⁠הִתְיַחֵ֑שׂ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “and to register them by genealogies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 7 5 d1b9 לְ⁠הִתְיַחֵ֑שׂ 1 Alternate translation: “to be enrolled according to their family histories” NEH 7 5 avw2 translate-unknown וָֽ⁠אֶמְצָ֗א סֵ֤פֶר הַ⁠יַּ֨חַשׂ֙ הָ⁠עוֹלִ֣ים בָּ⁠רִאשׁוֹנָ֔ה 1 This means a list of the first group of Jews who had returned from exile, about a hundred years earlier. Alternate translation: “I also found a book containing the records of the first group of people who had returned to Jerusalem from the exile.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) @@ -764,7 +764,7 @@ NEH 7 6 vx13 figs-metonymy הַ⁠מְּדִינָ֗ה 1 **The province** means NEH 7 6 r578 figs-idiom הָ⁠עֹלִים֙ 1 **Went up** means “traveled from Babylon back to Judah,” since that involves going from a river valley up into the mountains. Alternate translation: “returned to Judah from Babylon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 7 6 hb7v figs-abstractnouns מִ⁠שְּׁבִ֣י הַ⁠גּוֹלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֶגְלָ֔ה נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֖ר מֶ֣לֶךְ בָּבֶ֑ל 1 **Captivity** and **exile** are abstract nouns. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind them with verbs. Alternate translation: “Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, captured their ancestors and took them away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) NEH 7 6 d1c1 figs-doublet מִ⁠שְּׁבִ֣י הַ⁠גּוֹלָ֔ה 1 **Captivity** and **exile** mean basically the same thing. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “after being taken away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) -NEH 7 6 d1c3 אִ֥ישׁ לְ⁠עִירֽ⁠וֹ 1 Here **a man** means “each one” or “each person” Alternate translation: “They went to live in the same towns where their families had lived before.” +NEH 7 6 d1c3 אִ֥ישׁ לְ⁠עִירֽ⁠וֹ 1 Here, **a man** means “each one” or “each person” Alternate translation: “They went to live in the same towns where their families had lived before.” NEH 7 7 d1c5 הַ⁠בָּאִ֣ים עִם 1 This phrase introduces a list of the men who led this group back to Judah. Alternate translation: “The leaders of this group were” NEH 7 7 mu5h translate-names זְרֻבָּבֶ֗ל יֵשׁ֡וּעַ נְחֶמְיָ֡ה עֲ֠זַרְיָה רַֽעַמְיָ֨ה נַחֲמָ֜נִי מָרְדֳּכַ֥י בִּלְשָׁ֛ן מִסְפֶּ֥רֶת בִּגְוַ֖י נְח֣וּם בַּעֲנָ֑ה 1 Zerubbabel…Jeshua…Nehemiah…Azariah…Raamiah…Nahamani…Mordecai…Bilshan…Mispereth…Bigvai…Nehum…Baanah These are the names of twelve men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 7 7 fz51 מִסְפַּ֕ר אַנְשֵׁ֖י עַ֥ם יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 In keeping with the practices of the time, the totals in the list that follows likely include just the men and not also the women and children. While all of these people were from Judah, they were from the Israelite people group. Alternate translation: “This is how many men came back from each Israelite clan and town” @@ -773,7 +773,7 @@ NEH 7 8 d1c7 figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔שׁ 1 **Sons** figurat NEH 7 8 l98v translate-names פַרְעֹ֔שׁ 1 Parosh Parosh is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 7 9 jc4a figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֣י שְׁפַטְיָ֔ה 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants” Alternate translation: “from the descendants of Shephatiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 7 9 gy8k translate-names שְׁפַטְיָ֔ה 1 Shephatiah Shephatiah is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 7 10 d1c9 figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֣י אָרַ֔ח 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants” Alternate translation: “from the descendants of Arah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 7 10 d1c9 figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֣י אָרַ֔ח 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “from the descendants of Arah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 7 10 nq9e translate-names אָרַ֔ח 1 Arah Arah is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 7 11 my8s figs-metaphor בְּנֵֽי־פַחַ֥ת מוֹאָ֛ב לִ⁠בְנֵ֥י יֵשׁ֖וּעַ וְ⁠יוֹאָ֑ב 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “from the descendants of Pahath-Moab who were descendants of Jeshua and Joab” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 7 11 v6jn translate-names פַחַ֥ת מוֹאָ֛ב…יֵשׁ֖וּעַ וְ⁠יוֹאָ֑ב 1 Pahath-Moab…Jeshua…Joab Pahath-Moab is the name of a man, and Jeshua and Joab are the names of two of his descendants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -826,7 +826,7 @@ NEH 7 38 rla1 translate-names סְנָאָ֔ה 1 Senaah Senaah is the name of a NEH 7 39 x7hb הַֽ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “This is how many men returned from each family of priests” NEH 7 39 xwy8 figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֤י יְדַֽעְיָה֙ לְ⁠בֵ֣ית יֵשׁ֔וּעַ 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “from the descendants of Jedaiah who were descendants of Jeshua” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 7 39 d1f5 translate-names יְדַֽעְיָה֙…יֵשׁ֔וּעַ 1 Jedaiah is the name of a man, and Jeshua is the name of one of his descendants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 7 39 mk8g figs-metonymy לְ⁠בֵ֣ית יֵשׁ֔וּעַ 1 Here the word **house** describes all the people descended from a particular person. The document is describing all of the descendants of Jeshua figuratively as if they were one household living together. Alternate translation: “who were descendants of Jeshua” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]]) +NEH 7 39 mk8g figs-metonymy לְ⁠בֵ֣ית יֵשׁ֔וּעַ 1 Here, the word **house** describes all the people descended from a particular person. The document is describing all of the descendants of Jeshua figuratively as if they were one household living together. Alternate translation: “who were descendants of Jeshua” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]]) NEH 7 40 d1f7 figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֣י אִמֵּ֔ר 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “from the descendants of Immer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 7 40 kd29 translate-names אִמֵּ֔ר 1 Immer Immer is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 7 41 d1f9 figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֣י פַשְׁח֔וּר 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “from the descendants of Pashhur” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) @@ -845,7 +845,7 @@ NEH 7 45 h78b figs-metaphor בְּנֵֽי־שַׁלּ֤וּם בְּנֵֽי־ NEH 7 45 wy4p translate-names שַׁלּ֤וּם…אָטֵר֙…טַלְמֹ֣ן…עַקּ֔וּב…חֲטִיטָ֖א…שֹׁבָ֑י 1 Shallum…Ater…Talmon…Akkub…Hatita…Shobai These are the names of six men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 7 46 t2j5 translate-unknown הַ⁠נְּתִינִ֑ים 1 As in [3:26](../03/26.md), the term “Nethinim” describes servants who worked in the temple. Alternate translation: “the temple servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 7 46 cd4k הַ⁠נְּתִינִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “Some of the descendants of the temple servants also returned” -NEH 7 46 d6np figs-metaphor בְּנֵי־צִחָ֥א בְנֵי־חֲשֻׂפָ֖א בְּנֵ֥י טַבָּעֽוֹת 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants” Alternate translation: “from the descendants of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 7 46 d6np figs-metaphor בְּנֵי־צִחָ֥א בְנֵי־חֲשֻׂפָ֖א בְּנֵ֥י טַבָּעֽוֹת 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “from the descendants of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 7 46 st75 translate-names צִחָ֥א…חֲשֻׂפָ֖א…טַבָּעֽוֹת 1 Ziha…Hasupha…Tabbaoth These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 7 47 mn22 figs-metaphor בְּנֵי־קֵירֹ֥ס בְּנֵי־סִיעָ֖א בְּנֵ֥י פָדֽוֹן 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” If you continue the sentence from [7:46](../07/46.md), you can just list the names of these three men. Alternate translation: “Keros, Sia, Padon,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 7 48 ln8l figs-metaphor בְּנֵי־לְבָנָ֥ה בְנֵי־חֲגָבָ֖ה בְּנֵ֥י שַׁלְמָֽי 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” If you continue the sentence from [7:46](../07/46.md), you can just list the names of these three men. Alternate translation: “Lebana, Hagaba, Shalmai,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -858,19 +858,19 @@ NEH 7 54 jat5 figs-metaphor בְּנֵי־בַצְלִ֥ית בְּנֵֽי־מ NEH 7 55 w15p figs-metaphor בְּנֵי־בַרְק֥וֹס בְּֽנֵי־סִֽיסְרָ֖א בְּנֵי־תָֽמַח 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” If you continue the sentence from [7:46](../07/46.md), you can just list the names of these three men. Alternate translation: “Barkos, Sisera, Temah,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 7 56 i1b4 figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֥י נְצִ֖יחַ בְּנֵ֥י חֲטִיפָֽא 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” If you continue the sentence from [7:46](../07/46.md), you can just list the names of these two men, and end the series in this verse. Alternate translation: “Neziah, and Hatipha.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 7 57 w9sx translate-unknown בְּנֵ֖י עַבְדֵ֣י שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה 1 By **servants of Solomon**, this document does not mean officials who served in Solomon’s court. Rather, this phrase refers to people whom Solomon first conscripted as laborers. They were descendants of the groups that were living in the land of Canaan before the Israelites occupied it. They and their descendants remained conscripted laborers under later kings. You could call these people “the laborers that King Solomon first conscripted.” Alternate translation: “laborers who had worked for the kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) -NEH 7 57 ei9x figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֖י עַבְדֵ֣י שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants” Alternate translation: “Some of the descendants of the laborers who had worked for the kingdom also returned.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 7 57 ei9x figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֖י עַבְדֵ֣י שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “Some of the descendants of the laborers who had worked for the kingdom also returned.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 7 57 xb5j figs-metaphor בְּנֵי־סוֹטַ֥י בְּנֵי־סוֹפֶ֖רֶת בְּנֵ֥י פְרִידָֽא 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “They were from the descendants of Sotai, Sophereth, Perida” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 7 57 ma7v translate-names סוֹטַ֥י…סוֹפֶ֖רֶת…פְרִידָֽא 1 Sotai…Sophereth…Perida These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 7 58 y1jl figs-metaphor בְּנֵי־יַעְלָ֥א בְנֵי־דַרְק֖וֹן בְּנֵ֥י גִדֵּֽל 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” If you continue the sentence from [7:57](../05/57.md), you can just list the names of these three men. Alternate translation: “Jaala, Darkon, Giddel,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 7 59 vwg5 figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֧י שְׁפַטְיָ֣ה בְנֵֽי־חַטִּ֗יל בְּנֵ֛י פֹּכֶ֥רֶת הַצְּבָיִ֖ים בְּנֵ֥י אָמֽוֹן 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” If you continue the sentence from [7:57](../07/57.md), you can just list the names of these four men, and end the series in this verse. Alternate translation: “Shephatiah, Hattil, Pochereth Hazzebaim, and Amon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +NEH 7 59 vwg5 figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֧י שְׁפַטְיָ֣ה בְנֵֽי־חַטִּ֗יל בְּנֵ֛י פֹּכֶ֥רֶת הַצְּבָיִ֖ים בְּנֵ֥י אָמֽוֹן 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” If you continue the sentence from [7:57](../07/57.md), you can just list the names of these four men and end the series in this verse. Alternate translation: “Shephatiah, Hattil, Pochereth Hazzebaim, and Amon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 7 60 a15h כָּל־הַ֨⁠נְּתִינִ֔ים וּ⁠בְנֵ֖י עַבְדֵ֣י שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה שְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת תִּשְׁעִ֥ים וּ⁠שְׁנָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “Altogether 392 men returned who were descendants of temple servants or of laborers who had worked for the kingdom.” NEH 7 61 bgx3 figs-idiom וְ⁠אֵ֗לֶּה הָֽ⁠עוֹלִים֙ 1 As in [7:6](../07/06.md), “went up” means “traveled from Babylon back to Judah,” since that involves going from a river valley up into the mountains. Alternate translation: “Some others returned to Judah from Babylon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 7 61 c7ta translate-names מִ⁠תֵּ֥ל מֶ֨לַח֙ תֵּ֣ל חַרְשָׁ֔א כְּר֥וּב אַדּ֖וֹן וְ⁠אִמֵּ֑ר 1 These are the names of five towns in Babylonia. Alternate translation: “who had been living in the towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon, and Immer.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 7 61 d1g9 וְ⁠לֹ֣א יָכְל֗וּ לְ⁠הַגִּ֤יד 1 Alternate translation: “They had no records to prove” NEH 7 61 d1h1 figs-parallelism בֵּית־אֲבוֹתָ⁠ם֙ וְ⁠זַרְעָ֔⁠ם אִ֥ם מִ⁠יִּשְׂרָאֵ֖ל הֵֽם 1 These two longer phrases mean similar things. The second phrase explains the meaning of the first for clarity and emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “that their ancestors had been Israelites,” otherwise “what clan they were from or who their ancestors were, whether they were really Israelites” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) NEH 7 61 d1h3 figs-doublet בֵּית־אֲבוֹתָ⁠ם֙ וְ⁠זַרְעָ֔⁠ם 1 These two short phrases mean similar things. They are used together to emphasize that accurate records would be required to prove a person’s lineage. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “what their lineage was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) -NEH 7 61 d1h5 figs-metaphor בֵּית־אֲבוֹתָ⁠ם֙ וְ⁠זַרְעָ֔⁠ם 1 Among the Israelites, the expression **father’s house** or **house of the father** originally described an extended-clan. It later came to be used more generally to refer to a larger clan within a tribe. (For example, the two expressions are used interchangeably in Exodus 6:14, “These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanok, Pallu, Hezron, and Karmi. These were the clan ancestors of Reuben.”) In this expression, the word **house** figuratively describes all the people descended from a particular person. The term views all of those descendants as if they were one household living together. Alternate translation: “what clan they were from” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]]) -NEH 7 61 d1h7 figs-metaphor וְ⁠זַרְעָ֔⁠ם 1 Here **seed** is a metaphor meaning “offspring.” It is a comparison: Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. In the Bible, the term refers most often to a person’s descendants. But here it is describing the ancestors of these people, that is, “whose seed they were.” Alternate translation: “who their ancestors were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]]) +NEH 7 61 d1h5 figs-metaphor בֵּית־אֲבוֹתָ⁠ם֙ וְ⁠זַרְעָ֔⁠ם 1 Among the Israelites, the expression **father’s house** or **house of the father** originally described an extended clan. It later came to be used more generally to refer to a larger clan within a tribe. (For example, the two expressions are used interchangeably in Exodus 6:14, “These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanok, Pallu, Hezron, and Karmi. These were the clan ancestors of Reuben.”) In this expression, the word **house** figuratively describes all the people descended from a particular person. The term views all of those descendants as if they were one household living together. Alternate translation: “what clan they were from” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]]) +NEH 7 61 d1h7 figs-metaphor וְ⁠זַרְעָ֔⁠ם 1 Here, **seed** is a metaphor meaning “offspring.” It is a comparison: Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. In the Bible, the term refers most often to a person’s descendants. But here it is describing the ancestors of these people, that is, “whose seed they were.” Alternate translation: “who their ancestors were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]]) NEH 7 62 d1h9 בְּנֵי־דְלָיָ֥ה בְנֵֽי־טוֹבִיָּ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י נְקוֹדָ֑א שֵׁ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת וְ⁠אַרְבָּעִ֥ים וּ⁠שְׁנָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “Altogether 642 men returned who were from the descendants of Delaiah, Tobiah, and Nekoda” NEH 7 62 d1i1 figs-metaphor בְּנֵי־דְלָיָ֥ה בְנֵֽי־טוֹבִיָּ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י נְקוֹדָ֑א 1 **Sons** figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “They were from the descendants of Delaiah, Tobiah, and Nekoda” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 7 62 np4h translate-names דְלָיָ֥ה…טוֹבִיָּ֖ה…נְקוֹדָ֑א 1 Delaiah…Tobiah…Nekoda These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -885,7 +885,7 @@ NEH 7 64 m2qd אֵ֗לֶּה בִּקְשׁ֧וּ כְתָבָ֛⁠ם הַ⁠מ NEH 7 64 n9vy וַ⁠יְגֹֽאֲל֖וּ מִן־הַ⁠כְּהֻנָּֽה 1 Alternate translation: “So they were not allowed to serve as priests.” NEH 7 65 av51 translate-unknown הַ⁠תִּרְשָׁ֨תָא֙ 1 This was the formal Persian title of the governor. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the title and then explain it. Alternate translation: “The Tirshatha, that is, the governor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 7 65 j9fe translate-unknown וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר הַ⁠תִּרְשָׁ֨תָא֙ לָ⁠הֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־יֹאכְל֖וּ מִ⁠קֹּ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠קֳּדָשִׁ֑ים 1 In this case, **the holy of holies** does not refer to the inmost part of the Temple. Rather, it refers to the most sacred part of the food offerings, which was reserved for the priests. Alternate translation: “told them that they would not be allowed to eat the most sacred food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) -NEH 7 65 qnn2 figs-metaphor עַ֛ד עֲמֹ֥ד הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֖ן לְ⁠אוּרִ֥ים וְ⁠תוּמִּֽים 1 Here **stand** is a figurative way of saying that a person has assumed the duties of their office. The priest means specifically the high priest, since he had the objects described. Alternate translation: “Until the high priest was once again on duty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 7 65 qnn2 figs-metaphor עַ֛ד עֲמֹ֥ד הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֖ן לְ⁠אוּרִ֥ים וְ⁠תוּמִּֽים 1 Here, **stand** is a figurative way of saying that a person has assumed the duties of their office. The priest means specifically the high priest, since he had the objects described. Alternate translation: “Until the high priest was once again on duty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 7 65 cij9 translate-unknown לְ⁠אוּרִ֥ים וְ⁠תוּמִּֽים 1 This was a pair of objects that the high priest kept in the breastpiece of his robe. It is unknown exactly what type of objects they were, but they were used to answer yes-or-no questions and to decide between two alternatives. If the priest, without looking, pulled out the Urim, that meant one answer, while if he pulled out the Thummim, that meant the other answer. If it would be clearer in your language, you could describe these objects by their function rather than by their names. Alternate translation: “and could use the sacred objects to decide their cases.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 7 66 t4xj כָּל־הַ⁠קָּהָ֖ל כְּ⁠אֶחָ֑ד אַרְבַּ֣ע רִבּ֔וֹא אַלְפַּ֖יִם שְׁלֹשׁ־מֵא֥וֹת וְ⁠שִׁשִּֽׁים 1 Alternate translation: “The total number of men who returned was 42,360” NEH 7 67 se3x מִ֠⁠לְּ⁠בַד עַבְדֵי⁠הֶ֤ם וְ⁠אַמְהֹֽתֵי⁠הֶם֙ אֵ֔לֶּה שִׁבְעַ֣ת אֲלָפִ֔ים שְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים וְ⁠שִׁבְעָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “not counting their 7,337 male and female servants” @@ -905,43 +905,43 @@ NEH 7 71 g529 figs-metaphor וּ⁠מֵֽ⁠רָאשֵׁ֣י 1 **Head** here is NEH 7 71 kzg2 translate-bmoney זָהָ֕ב דַּרְכְּמוֹנִ֖ים שְׁתֵּ֣י רִבּ֑וֹת 1 See the note about **darics** in verse [7:70](../07/70.md). Alternate translation: “20,000 gold coins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) NEH 7 71 jxn7 translate-bmoney וְ⁠כֶ֕סֶף מָנִ֖ים אַלְפַּ֥יִם וּ⁠מָאתָֽיִם 1 In ancient times, a silver mina weighed about half a kilogram or about 1.25 pounds. However, as in the case of darics, it would probably be best to say something general like “2,200 silver bars,” or give the equivalent weight, or use the biblical term and give the equivalent weight in a note. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) NEH 7 72 zg2v translate-bmoney וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֣ר נָתְנוּ֮ שְׁאֵרִ֣ית הָ⁠עָם֒ זָהָ֗ב דַּרְכְּמוֹנִים֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י רִבּ֔וֹא וְ⁠כֶ֖סֶף מָנִ֣ים אַלְפָּ֑יִם וְ⁠כָתְנֹ֥ת כֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים שִׁשִּׁ֥ים וְ⁠שִׁבְעָֽה 1 See the notes in [7:70](../07/70.md) and [7:71](../07/71.md) about “darics,” “minas,” and “tunics.” Alternate translation: “The rest of the people donated 20,000 gold coins, 2,000 silver bars, and 67 garments for the priests to wear.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) -NEH 7 73 jaj3 grammar-connect-time-sequential וַ⁠יֵּשְׁב֣וּ 1 At the end of [7:72](../07/72.md), Nehemiah stops quoting from the document about the first group of people who returned to Judah. The story now goes on to tell what happened next. You could introduce this verse with a word or phrase that indicates this. Alternate translation: “And so…dwelt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) +NEH 7 73 jaj3 grammar-connect-time-sequential וַ⁠יֵּשְׁב֣וּ 1 At the end of [7:72](../07/72.md), Nehemiah stops quoting from the document about the first group of people who returned to Judah. The story now goes on to tell what happened next. You could introduce this verse with a word or phrase that indicates this. Alternate translation: “And so … dwelt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) NEH 7 73 e7np translate-unknown הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֣ים וְ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֡ם וְ⁠הַ⁠שּׁוֹעֲרִים֩ וְ⁠הַ⁠מְשֹׁרְרִ֨ים וּ⁠מִן־הָ⁠עָ֧ם וְ⁠הַ⁠נְּתִינִ֛ים וְ⁠כָל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 Five of the groups in this list are also named in the document about the people who returned from exile: the priests (verses 39–43), the Levites (verse 43), the gatekeepers (verse 45), the singers (verse 44), and the temple servants (verses 46–56). You can use those same names for these groups here. It is not immediately clear who “some from the people” are, and why they are not included in “all Israel.” You could just say “many ordinary people.” However, there is very similar list in [10:28](../10/28.md) that names these same five groups and also describes people who dedicated themselves to following the law of God. That would unfortunately not have included all of Israel at this point, so that may be the distinction that is in view here. Alternate translation: “the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, some people who dedicated themselves to follow the law, and the rest of the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) -NEH 7 73 a2ub figs-explicit וַ⁠יֵּשְׁב֣וּ…בְּ⁠עָרֵי⁠הֶ֑ם וַ⁠יִּגַּע֙ הַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔י וּ⁠בְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּ⁠עָרֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 The rebuilding of the wall was completed that year near the end of Elul, the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar. The implication is that everyone who had come to Jerusalem to work on the wall was then allowed to return home. Within about a week, by the beginning of the seventh month, they were all back home. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “So…returned to their homes, because the rebuilding of the wall had been completed. By the beginning of the next month, they were all back home.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 7 73 a2ub figs-explicit וַ⁠יֵּשְׁב֣וּ…בְּ⁠עָרֵי⁠הֶ֑ם וַ⁠יִּגַּע֙ הַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔י וּ⁠בְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּ⁠עָרֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 The rebuilding of the wall was completed that year near the end of Elul, the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar. The implication is that everyone who had come to Jerusalem to work on the wall was then allowed to return home. Within about a week, by the beginning of the seventh month, they were all back home. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “So … returned to their homes, because the rebuilding of the wall had been completed. By the beginning of the next month, they were all back home.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 7 73 n26r translate-ordinal הַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “month seven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) NEH 8 intro w38v 0 # Nehemiah 08 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Reading of the law

During the exile, the Hebrew language was no longer spoken. Only the priests and Levites still understood it. Ezra read the book of the law to the people in Hebrew and the Levites walked among the crowd translating it into Aramaic for the people to understand. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

### Festival of Shelters

After they heard Ezra read the law of Moses, the people obeyed it by making temporary shelters for themselves with tree branches. They did this to remember that their ancestors slept in shelters when they came out of slavery in Egypt. NEH 8 1 q5ih figs-hyperbole כָל־הָ⁠עָם֙ 1 The word **all** is a generalization that indicates that everyone who was able and available came to Jerusalem for this occasion. By “the people,” Nehemiah means the groups he described in the previous verse who had come back to live in Judah and Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “The people of Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) NEH 8 1 e1a1 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֵּאָסְפ֤וּ…כְּ⁠אִ֣ישׁ אֶחָ֔ד 1 Verses 8 and 9 explain that the people had gathered for a festival, and [8:2](../08/02.md) states that this was the first day of the seventh month, which means that the people had gathered in Jerusalem for the Festival of Trumpets. In the Law of Moses, Yahweh had commanded the people to observe this celebration on this date. If it would be helpful to your readers to know why the people came together on this day, you could say that specifically. Alternate translation: “gathered in Jerusalem in a huge crowd for a special celebration known as the Festival of Trumpets.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 8 1 e1a3 figs-idiom כְּ⁠אִ֣ישׁ אֶחָ֔ד 1 **As one man** is an idiom that means “as if they were a single person,” that is, all in once place at the same time. Alternate translation: “gathered in a huge crowd” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 8 1 e1a5 translate-unknown אֶל־הָ֣⁠רְח֔וֹב 1 This means a “plaza” or “square” in the city where there were no buildings and so where public events like this could be held. Alternate translation: “in the square” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) -NEH 8 1 f6t8 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מָּ֑יִם 1 Here “face” figuratively means the front of an object. Alternate translation: “in front of the Water Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +NEH 8 1 f6t8 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מָּ֑יִם 1 Here, “face” figuratively means the front of an object. Alternate translation: “in front of the Water Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 8 1 e1a7 translate-names שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מָּ֑יִם 1 This is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. See how you translated it in [3:26](../03/26.md). Alternate translation: “the Water Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 8 1 e1a9 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ לְ⁠עֶזְרָ֣א הַ⁠סֹּפֵ֔ר לְ⁠הָבִ֗יא אֶת־סֵ֨פֶר֙ תּוֹרַ֣ת מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 **They** means the crowd, though they likely made this request to Ezra through their leaders. The implication is that they wanted him not just to bring the book forward, but to read to them from it out loud (as [8:3](../08/03.md) indicates he did). This was because they wanted to learn what was in it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The crowd had asked Ezra the scribe to read to them from a scroll that contained the Law of Moses, because they wanted to know what it commanded.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 8 1 e1b1 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ לְ⁠עֶזְרָ֣א הַ⁠סֹּפֵ֔ר לְ⁠הָבִ֗יא אֶת־סֵ֨פֶר֙ תּוֹרַ֣ת מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 Since the rest of the chapter describes arrangements that the leaders must have made in advance, the crowd did not start shouting spontaneously, once they gathered, for Ezra to come forward and read. Rather, they had made this request in advance. Alternate translation: “the crowd had asked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 8 1 e1a9 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ לְ⁠עֶזְרָ֣א הַ⁠סֹּפֵ֔ר לְ⁠הָבִ֗יא אֶת־סֵ֨פֶר֙ תּוֹרַ֣ת מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 **They** means the crowd, though they likely made this request to Ezra through their leaders. The implication is that they wanted him not just to bring the book forward, but to read to them from it out loud (as [8:3](../08/03.md) indicates he did). This was because they wanted to learn what was in it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The crowd had asked Ezra the scribe to read to them from a scroll that contained the Law of Moses because they wanted to know what it commanded.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 8 1 e1b1 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ לְ⁠עֶזְרָ֣א הַ⁠סֹּפֵ֔ר לְ⁠הָבִ֗יא אֶת־סֵ֨פֶר֙ תּוֹרַ֣ת מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 Since the rest of the chapter describes arrangements that the leaders must have made in advance, the crowd, once it gathered, did not start shouting spontaneously for Ezra to come forward and read. Rather, they had made this request in advance. Alternate translation: “the crowd had asked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 8 1 e1b3 writing-participants לְ⁠עֶזְרָ֣א הַ⁠סֹּפֵ֔ר 1 This introduces Ezra as a new character in the story. The expression “the scribe” identifies him as a teacher who had carefully studied the Law of Moses. Since he is a new participant, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could call him something like “a man named Ezra, who was a teacher of the Law of Moses.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) -NEH 8 1 e1b5 figs-explicit לְ⁠עֶזְרָ֣א הַ⁠סֹּפֵ֔ר 1 The biblical book of Ezra indicates that this man returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon thirteen years before Nehemiah did. He led many reforms in the community. But in this book, Nehemiah does not say whether Ezra had remained in the city all that time, or whether he had gone back to Babylon and had recently returned to Jerusalem again. Even if your language, in telling a story, ordinarily accounts for how a person came to be on the scene, it might be best not to try to address that question here in your translation. Even though Nehemiah seems to expect that his readers will know where Ezra had been, Nehemiah does not say specifically where he was, and so the answer is unknown. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 8 1 e1b5 figs-explicit לְ⁠עֶזְרָ֣א הַ⁠סֹּפֵ֔ר 1 The biblical book of Ezra indicates that this man returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon 13 years before Nehemiah did. He led many reforms in the community. But in this book, Nehemiah does not say whether Ezra had remained in the city all that time, or whether he had gone back to Babylon and had recently returned to Jerusalem again. Even if your language, in telling a story, ordinarily accounts for how a person came to be on the scene, it might be best not to try to address that question here in your translation. Even though Nehemiah seems to expect that his readers will know where Ezra had been, Nehemiah does not say specifically where he was, and so the answer is unknown. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 8 1 fdh4 translate-unknown אֶת־סֵ֨פֶר֙ תּוֹרַ֣ת מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 This **book** was most likely a scroll, and it most likely contained what is now known as the Torah or the “five books of Moses.” Alternate translation: “a scroll that contained the law of Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 8 1 e1b7 אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 Alternate translation: “These were the commandments that Yahweh had told Israel to follow.” -NEH 8 2 e1b9 figs-explicit עֶזְרָ֣א הַ֠⁠כֹּהֵן 1 This information serves to introduce Ezra further. In addition to being a teacher and learned student of the Law of Moses, he was also a priest whose duties would have included offering sacrifices in the temple and helping people make sure they were following the law in everyday matters. It might be helpful to your readers to explain that here, because it shows why Ezra would have been such an effective teacher for everyone on this occasion. Alternate translation: “Ezra was also a priest who served in the temple and helped people follow the law.” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 8 2 e1c1 figs-metonymy וַ⁠יָּבִ֣יא…אֶֽת־הַ⁠תּוֹרָ֞ה לִ⁠פְנֵ֤י הַ⁠קָּהָל֙ 1 Here **face** figuratively means the front of a group. Alternate translation: “He read the law out loud in front of the whole crowd.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +NEH 8 2 e1b9 figs-explicit עֶזְרָ֣א הַ֠⁠כֹּהֵן 1 This information serves to introduce Ezra further. In addition to being a teacher and learned student of the Law of Moses, he was also a priest whose duties would have included offering sacrifices in the temple and helping people make sure they were following the law in everyday matters. It might be helpful to your readers to explain that here because it shows why Ezra would have been such an effective teacher for everyone on this occasion. Alternate translation: “Ezra was also a priest who served in the temple and helped people follow the law.” (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 8 2 e1c1 figs-metonymy וַ⁠יָּבִ֣יא…אֶֽת־הַ⁠תּוֹרָ֞ה לִ⁠פְנֵ֤י הַ⁠קָּהָל֙ 1 Here, **face** figuratively means the front of a group. Alternate translation: “He read the law out loud in front of the whole crowd.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 8 2 j8yl figs-idiom מֵ⁠אִ֣ישׁ וְ⁠עַד־אִשָּׁ֔ה וְ⁠כֹ֖ל מֵבִ֣ין לִ⁠שְׁמֹ֑עַ 1 **All who were understanding to hear** is an idiom that means “everyone who could hear with understanding,” that is, “who understood what they were hearing.” This phrase likely refers to children and it would mean “children who were old enough to understand.” Alternate translation: “for the men, the women, and the children who were old enough to understand.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 8 2 e89a figs-explicit בְּ⁠י֥וֹם אֶחָ֖ד לַ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִֽי 1 Since Nehemiah does not say otherwise, the implication is that this happened in the same year that the wall was rebuilt. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “He did this on the first day of the seventh month of that same year.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 8 2 id7q translate-hebrewmonths בְּ⁠י֥וֹם אֶחָ֖ד לַ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “On day 1 of month 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) -NEH 8 3 pkz7 וַ⁠יִּקְרָא־ב⁠וֹ֩ 1 Here **it** means the book of the law of Moses. -NEH 8 3 iv9y figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֨י הָ⁠רְח֜וֹב אֲשֶׁ֣ר ׀ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מַּ֗יִם 1 Here **face** figuratively means the front of both places, the square and the gate. Alternate translation: “from the front of the square that is in front of the Water Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +NEH 8 3 pkz7 וַ⁠יִּקְרָא־ב⁠וֹ֩ 1 Here, **it** means the book of the Law of Moses. +NEH 8 3 iv9y figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֨י הָ⁠רְח֜וֹב אֲשֶׁ֣ר ׀ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מַּ֗יִם 1 Here, **face** figuratively means the front of both places, the square and the gate. Alternate translation: “from the front of the square that is in front of the Water Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 8 3 e1c3 translate-names שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מַּ֗יִם 1 This is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. See how you translated it in [3:26](../03/26.md) and [8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate translation: “the Water Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 8 3 e1c5 translate-unknown מִן־הָ⁠אוֹר֙ עַד־מַחֲצִ֣ית הַ⁠יּ֔וֹם 1 **The light** means sunrise, that is, the time of morning when the sun itself becomes visible above the horizon. “The middle of the day” means noon. Alternate translation: “from sunrise until noon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 8 3 e1c7 figs-merism מִן־הָ⁠אוֹר֙ עַד־מַחֲצִ֣ית הַ⁠יּ֔וֹם 1 Verse [8:7](../08/07.md) explains that other teachers circulated within the crowd to answer questions that people had about what Ezra was reading. It is unlikely that they did this while he was still talking. Instead, he probably paused from time to time to allow this. So this expression is actually referring to a whole time period by describing its beginning and ending, but it does not mean that the activity took place without interruption the whole time. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “throughout the morning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) NEH 8 3 e1c9 נֶ֛גֶד הָ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֥ים וְ⁠הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֖ים וְ⁠הַ⁠מְּבִינִ֑ים 1 This is the same group that was described in [8:2](../08/02.md). Many of the phrases here in verse 3 echo similar phrases in verse 2. The repetition emphasizes the importance and solemnity of this occasion. However, you do not need to repeat this phrase a second time in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. -NEH 8 3 e1d1 figs-synecdoche וְ⁠אָזְנֵ֥י כָל־הָ⁠עָ֖ם 1 Here Nehemiah uses the **ears** of the people to represent the people themselves, in the act of listening. Alternate translation: “all the people listened carefully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +NEH 8 3 e1d1 figs-synecdoche וְ⁠אָזְנֵ֥י כָל־הָ⁠עָ֖ם 1 Here, Nehemiah uses the **ears** of the people to represent the people themselves, in the act of listening. Alternate translation: “all the people listened carefully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 8 4 e1d3 figs-explicit עַֽל־מִגְדַּל־עֵץ֮ 1 As [8:5](../08/05.md) explains, this was a raised platform that allowed the large crowd to see and hear Ezra as he read. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly here. Alternate translation: “a raised wooden platform” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 8 4 e1d5 figs-explicit אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשׂ֣וּ לַ⁠דָּבָר֒ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say who built this platform, and what the purpose was. Alternate translation: “that the people had built so that they could see and hear Ezra as he read” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 8 4 e1d7 figs-metonymy אֶצְל֡⁠וֹ…עַל־יְמִינ֑⁠וֹ 1 Here **hand** is a metonym that means “side.” Alternate translation: “next to him, on his right side” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +NEH 8 4 e1d7 figs-metonymy אֶצְל֡⁠וֹ…עַל־יְמִינ֑⁠וֹ 1 Here, **hand** is a metonym that means “side.” Alternate translation: “next to him, on his right side” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 8 4 lk8k translate-names מַתִּתְיָ֡ה וְ⁠שֶׁ֡מַע וַ֠⁠עֲנָיָה וְ⁠אוּרִיָּ֧ה וְ⁠חִלְקִיָּ֛ה וּ⁠מַעֲשֵׂיָ֖ה 1 These are the names of six men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 8 4 e1d9 וּ⁠מִ⁠שְּׂמֹאל֗⁠וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and next to him, on his left side” NEH 8 4 e1e1 translate-names פְּ֠דָיָה וּ⁠מִֽישָׁאֵ֧ל וּ⁠מַלְכִּיָּ֛ה וְ⁠חָשֻׁ֥ם וְ⁠חַשְׁבַּדָּ֖נָה זְכַרְיָ֥ה מְשֻׁלָּֽם 1 These are the names of seven men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 8 5 t5lf grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠יִּפְתַּ֨ח עֶזְרָ֤א הַ⁠סֵּ֨פֶר֙ לְ⁠עֵינֵ֣י כָל־הָ⁠עָ֔ם כִּֽי־מֵ⁠עַ֥ל כָּל־הָ⁠עָ֖ם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the first phrase gives the reason for the result that is described in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “Ezra was up on the platform above the people, so they were able to see him when he opened the book.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) -NEH 8 5 yv2u figs-synecdoche לְ⁠עֵינֵ֣י כָל־הָ⁠עָ֔ם 1 Here Nehemiah uses the **eyes** of the people to represent the people themselves, in the act of observing. Alternate translation: “where all the people could see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +NEH 8 5 yv2u figs-synecdoche לְ⁠עֵינֵ֣י כָל־הָ⁠עָ֔ם 1 Here, Nehemiah uses the **eyes** of the people to represent the people themselves, in the act of observing. Alternate translation: “where all the people could see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 8 5 wqg8 translate-symaction עָֽמְד֥וּ כָל־הָ⁠עָֽם 1 The people stood up as a symbolic way of showing respect for Yahweh and his law. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the people stood up to show their respect for Yahweh and his law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) NEH 8 5 ln1z כָל־הָ⁠עָֽם 1 In this verse, **all** is not a generalization as it is in verse 1. Rather, it means “all the people who were there.” Alternate translation: “the people” NEH 8 6 x9v8 figs-explicit וַ⁠יְבָ֣רֶךְ עֶזְרָ֔א אֶת־יְהוָ֥ה הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים הַ⁠גָּד֑וֹל 1 This means that before Ezra read from the law, he prayed out loud. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Before he read from the law, Ezra prayed to Yahweh, the great God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -950,7 +950,7 @@ NEH 8 6 e1e5 figs-idiom אָמֵ֤ן ׀ אָמֵן֙ 1 As in [5:13](../05/13.md NEH 8 6 e1e7 translate-symaction בְּ⁠מֹ֣עַל יְדֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 In ancient Israel, lifted hands were the posture of prayer. By this gesture, the people showed that they were joining Nehemiah in prayer before he read from the law. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) NEH 8 6 e1e9 figs-synecdoche וַ⁠יִּקְּד֧וּ וַ⁠יִּשְׁתַּחֲוֻּ֛ לַ⁠יהוָ֖ה אַפַּ֥יִם אָֽרְצָ⁠ה 1 **Nostrils** here represent the nose, and the nose represents all of the face. Alternate translation: “they knelt down and then lay down with their faces on the ground to worship Yahweh.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 8 7 e1f1 translate-names וְ⁠יֵשׁ֡וּעַ וּ⁠בָנִ֡י וְ⁠שֵׁרֵ֥בְיָ֣ה ׀ יָמִ֡ין עַקּ֡וּב שַׁבְּתַ֣י ׀ הֽוֹדִיָּ֡ה מַעֲשֵׂיָ֡ה קְלִיטָ֣א עֲזַרְיָה֩ יוֹזָבָ֨ד חָנָ֤ן פְּלָאיָה֙ 1 These are the names of thirteen men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 8 7 e1f3 וְ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֔ם 1 This expression could mean something like, “yes, the Levites,” indicating that all of these men were Levites. That means that they were descendants of Levi and had a special assignment of helping the priests. Alternate translation: “who were Levites.” +NEH 8 7 e1f3 וְ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֔ם 1 This expression could mean something like, “yes, the Levites,” indicating that all of these men were Levites. That means that they were descendants of Levi and had a special assignment, helping the priests. Alternate translation: “who were Levites.” NEH 8 7 e1f5 figs-explicit מְבִינִ֥ים אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֖ם לַ⁠תּוֹרָ֑ה וְ⁠הָ⁠עָ֖ם עַל־עָמְדָֽ⁠ם 1 The implication is that Ezra paused regularly throughout the morning to allow this. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “explained the meaning of the Law to the people as they stood in their places in the crowd. Ezra paused regularly to allow this.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 8 8 s5er וַֽ⁠יִּקְרְא֥וּ בַ⁠סֵּ֛פֶר בְּ⁠תוֹרַ֥ת הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים מְפֹרָ֑שׁ 1 This probably indicates that each of the Levites who circulated among the crowd likely had his own written copy of the Law of Moses and used that to teach the people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Each of these Levites had his own the scroll of the law of God and read aloud from it” NEH 8 8 e1f7 מְפֹרָ֑שׁ 1 The exact meaning of this Hebrew term is unknown. This expression could mean that the Levites read loudly and clearly so that the groups they were talking to within the crowd could hear and understand them. It could also mean that they went over one section at a time with the people, after Ezra had read that section to everyone. It might also imply that the people could not understand the language in which the book of the Law was written, so the Levites needed to interpret it into the language that the people could understand. However, none of these possibilities are certain. Alternate translation: “clearly” or “one section at a time” @@ -963,11 +963,11 @@ NEH 8 9 e1g7 writing-participants נְחֶמְיָ֣ה ה֣וּא הַ⁠תִּ NEH 8 9 e1g9 figs-informremind וְ⁠עֶזְרָ֣א הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֣ן ׀ הַ⁠סֹּפֵ֡ר 1 Here the book repeats some background information to remind readers who Ezra was. Alternate translation: “Ezra, who was a priest and a scribe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) NEH 8 9 e1h1 וְ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּם֩ הַ⁠מְּבִינִ֨ים אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֜ם 1 See how you translated this phrase in [8:7](../08/07.md). Alternate translation: “The Levites who were explaining the meaning of the Law to the people.” NEH 8 9 e1h3 figs-explicit הַ⁠יּ֤וֹם קָדֹֽשׁ־הוּא֙ לַ⁠יהוָ֣ה 1 As a note to verse [8:1](../08/01.md) explains, this particular holiday was the Festival of Trumpets. If it would make things clearer for your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This is a holy day, set apart to worship Yahweh. It is the Festival of Trumpets.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 8 9 e1h5 figs-doublet הַ⁠יּ֤וֹם קָדֹֽשׁ־הוּא֙ לַ⁠יהוָ֣ה 1 These two phrases mean similar things. The leaders were reminding the people that this was one of the festival days that Yahweh had told them to set apart as special times of worship and celebration. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “This is a special day for worshipping Yahweh.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) +NEH 8 9 e1h5 figs-doublet הַ⁠יּ֤וֹם קָדֹֽשׁ־הוּא֙ לַ⁠יהוָ֣ה 1 These two phrases mean similar things. The leaders were reminding the people that this was one of the festival days that Yahweh had told them to set apart as special times of worship and celebration. If it would be clearer in your language you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “This is a special day for worshiping Yahweh.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) NEH 8 9 e1h7 grammar-connect-logic-result אַל־תִּֽתְאַבְּל֖וּ וְ⁠אַל־תִּבְכּ֑וּ 1 The leaders are saying that since this is a day for celebration, it is not appropriate for the people to be weeping. If it would be clearer in your language, you can show this connection by beginning this sentence with a word such as “so.” Alternate translation: “So do not mourn or cry.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 8 9 e1h9 figs-doublet אַל־תִּֽתְאַבְּל֖וּ וְ⁠אַל־תִּבְכּ֑וּ 1 **Mourn** and **weep** mean the same thing. The leaders use both words together to emphasize that the people should be cheerful, not sad, on a festival day. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these words in a single expression. Alternate translation: “So you should not be crying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) NEH 8 9 e1i1 grammar-connect-logic-result בוֹכִים֙ כָּל־הָ⁠עָ֔ם כְּ⁠שָׁמְעָ֖⁠ם אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הַ⁠תּוֹרָֽה 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could put this sentence first in the verse, since it gives the reason for the results that are described in the rest of the verse. Alternate translation: “The people in the crowd began to weep when they heard what was in the Law of Moses.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) -NEH 8 9 e1i3 figs-explicit בוֹכִים֙ כָּל־הָ⁠עָ֔ם כְּ⁠שָׁמְעָ֖⁠ם אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הַ⁠תּוֹרָֽה 1 The implication is that the people began to weep because they recognize that they had not been obeying what God had commanded them in the Law of Moses. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The people in the crowd began to weep when they heard what was in the Law of Moses, because they recognized that they had not been obeying what it commanded.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 8 9 e1i3 figs-explicit בוֹכִים֙ כָּל־הָ⁠עָ֔ם כְּ⁠שָׁמְעָ֖⁠ם אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הַ⁠תּוֹרָֽה 1 The implication is that the people began to weep because they recognized that they had not been obeying what God had commanded them in the Law of Moses. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The people in the crowd began to weep when they heard what was in the Law of Moses, because they recognized that they had not been obeying what it commanded.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 8 9 wky3 figs-hyperbole כָּל־הָ⁠עָ֔ם 1 This is a generalization that indicates there was great weeping among the people. Alternate translation: “the people in the crowd” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) NEH 8 10 e1i5 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר לָ⁠הֶ֡ם 1 The story does not specify who said this. However, it is probably either Nehemiah or Ezra, since they are named at the beginning of the previous verse. And since what follow are instructions for how to observe a religious occasion, it is most likely Ezra. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could suggest that. Alternate translation: “Ezra told them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 8 10 e1i7 figs-metaphor לְכוּ֩ אִכְל֨וּ מַשְׁמַנִּ֜ים וּ⁠שְׁת֣וּ מַֽמְתַקִּ֗ים 1 This could mean, “Go home” and do this, since the people would likely have their holiday meals at home. Or it could figuratively mean, “Go ahead” and do this, even though you are feeling sad. Alternate translation: “Go home and celebrate with a good meal” or “Go ahead, celebrate with a good meal.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) @@ -975,23 +975,23 @@ NEH 8 10 smq2 figs-metonymy אִכְל֨וּ מַשְׁמַנִּ֜ים וּ⁠ NEH 8 10 e1i9 figs-doublet אִכְל֨וּ מַשְׁמַנִּ֜ים וּ⁠שְׁת֣וּ מַֽמְתַקִּ֗ים 1 Eating and drinking are used together here to convey a single idea, celebrating. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them into a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Celebrate with a good meal.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) NEH 8 10 e1j1 figs-activepassive וְ⁠שִׁלְח֤וּ מָנוֹת֙ לְ⁠אֵ֣ין נָכ֣וֹן ל֔⁠וֹ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Share some of your meal with those who have not prepared anything for themselves.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 8 10 e1j3 figs-explicit וְ⁠שִׁלְח֤וּ מָנוֹת֙ לְ⁠אֵ֣ין נָכ֣וֹן ל֔⁠וֹ 1 This may actually refer to the poor and indicate that they would not be able to afford rich food and drink. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “share some of your meal with the poor, who cannot afford rich food and drink.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 8 10 e1j5 figs-doublet כִּֽי־קָד֥וֹשׁ הַ⁠יּ֖וֹם לַ⁠אֲדֹנֵ֑י⁠נוּ 1 These two phrases mean similar things. As in [8:9](../08/09.md), together they mean, “This is a special day for worshipping our Lord.” If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases like that. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) -NEH 8 10 e1j7 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי־קָד֥וֹשׁ הַ⁠יּ֖וֹם לַ⁠אֲדֹנֵ֑י⁠נוּ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could move this phrase to the beginning of the quotation, because it gives the reason for the resulting actions that are described in the rest of the quotation. You could also connect this phrase to the ones that would then follow with a word like “so,” to show the connection. Alternate translation: “Today is a holy day set apart to worship our Lord. So …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 8 10 e1j5 figs-doublet כִּֽי־קָד֥וֹשׁ הַ⁠יּ֖וֹם לַ⁠אֲדֹנֵ֑י⁠נוּ 1 These two phrases mean similar things. As in [8:9](../08/09.md), together they mean, “This is a special day for worshiping our Lord.” If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases like that. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) +NEH 8 10 e1j7 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי־קָד֥וֹשׁ הַ⁠יּ֖וֹם לַ⁠אֲדֹנֵ֑י⁠נוּ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could move this phrase to the beginning of the quotation because it gives the reason for the resulting actions that are described in the rest of the quotation. You could also connect this phrase to the ones that would then follow with a word like “so,” to show the connection. Alternate translation: “Today is a holy day set apart to worship our Lord. So …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 8 10 ach1 figs-activepassive וְ⁠אַל־תֵּ֣עָצֵ֔בוּ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this same idea with an active form, and you can say what is causing the action. Alternate translation: “You have recognized that you have not obeyed the Law of Moses, but do not let that make you sad.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 8 10 e1j9 figs-explicit כִּֽי־חֶדְוַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה הִ֥יא מָֽעֻזְּ⁠כֶֽם 1 The implication is that if a person is truly sorry for disobeying, Yahweh does not want that person to fear punishment or to grieve for the way they have offended. Instead, Yahweh wants them to be encouraged that they can live in a new way and to be happy about that. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh wants you to be happy and encouraged about living in a new way.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 8 10 sni7 figs-abstractnouns חֶדְוַ֥ת…מָֽעֻזְּ⁠כֶֽם 1 for the joy of Yahweh is your strength If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the ideas behind the abstract nouns **joy** and **strength** with adjectives. Alternate translation: “happy … encouraged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) NEH 8 11 e1k1 figs-hyperbole מַחְשִׁ֤ים לְ⁠כָל־הָ⁠עָם֙ 1 These are two overstatements that emphasize how encouraging the Levites were trying to be. **All the people** does not mean everyone in the crowd, but those who were crying. **Be silent** does not mean “say nothing” or “make no noise,” but “stop crying.” (Certainly the Levites hoped that these people would soon be talking and laughing with others at celebration meals.) Alternate translation: “encouraged the people who were weeping to stop crying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) -NEH 8 11 e1k3 grammar-connect-logic-result הַ֔סּוּ כִּ֥י הַ⁠יּ֖וֹם קָדֹ֑שׁ וְ⁠אַל־תֵּעָצֵֽבוּ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could put your translation of “for today is holy” first, since it gives the reason for the resulting actions in the other two phrases. You could also show the connection by using a word such as “so.” Alternate translation: “This is a day of celebration, so stop crying now, and do not be sad.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 8 11 e1k3 grammar-connect-logic-result הַ֔סּוּ כִּ֥י הַ⁠יּ֖וֹם קָדֹ֑שׁ וְ⁠אַל־תֵּעָצֵֽבוּ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could put your translation of “for today is holy” first since it gives the reason for the resulting actions in the other two phrases. You could also show the connection by using a word such as “so.” Alternate translation: “This is a day of celebration, so stop crying now, and do not be sad.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 8 11 sxx6 הַ֔סּוּ 1 This is a word that signals to a person that they should be quiet. If your language has a similar expression, you can use it in your translation. You could also give the meaning in this context, if that would be clearer to your readers. Alternate translation: “Shhh!” or “Stop crying, now.” NEH 8 11 fjz6 figs-activepassive וְ⁠אַל־תֵּעָצֵֽבוּ 1 Do not be grieved If you expressed the idea behind this phrase with an active form in [8:10](../08/10.md) and you said there what was causing the action, you would not need to repeat that information here. Alternate translation: “do not be sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -NEH 8 12 e1k5 grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠יֵּלְכ֨וּ כָל־הָ⁠עָ֜ם לֶ⁠אֱכֹ֤ל וְ⁠לִ⁠שְׁתּוֹת֙ וּ⁠לְ⁠שַׁלַּ֣ח מָנ֔וֹת וְ⁠לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת שִׂמְחָ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֑ה 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could put the last phrase at the beginning of the sentence, since it gives the reason for the rest of the actions. Alternate translation: “So the people celebrated by eating and drinking and sharing with the poor.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 8 12 e1k5 grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠יֵּלְכ֨וּ כָל־הָ⁠עָ֜ם לֶ⁠אֱכֹ֤ל וְ⁠לִ⁠שְׁתּוֹת֙ וּ⁠לְ⁠שַׁלַּ֣ח מָנ֔וֹת וְ⁠לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת שִׂמְחָ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֑ה 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could put the last phrase at the beginning of the sentence since it gives the reason for the rest of the actions. Alternate translation: “So the people celebrated by eating and drinking and sharing with the poor.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 8 12 e1k7 figs-explicit לֶ⁠אֱכֹ֤ל וְ⁠לִ⁠שְׁתּוֹת֙ 1 The implication is that they enjoyed the special food and drink described in [8:10](.//08/10.md). If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “eating rich foods and drinking sweet drinks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 8 12 e1k9 figs-doublet לֶ⁠אֱכֹ֤ל וְ⁠לִ⁠שְׁתּוֹת֙ 1 Eating and drinking are used together here to convey a single idea, celebrating. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them into a single phrase. Alternate translation: “celebrating with festive meals” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) NEH 8 12 e1l1 figs-explicit לֶ⁠אֱכֹ֤ל וְ⁠לִ⁠שְׁתּוֹת֙ 1 The implication is that they enjoyed the special food and drink described in [8:10](../08/10.md). If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “enjoying special meals” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 8 12 e1l3 figs-explicit וּ⁠לְ⁠שַׁלַּ֣ח מָנ֔וֹת 1 The implication is that they sent these portions to the poor, who would not have been able to afford rich food and drink, as described in [8:10](../08/10.md). If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “sharing with the poor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 8 12 z1gc figs-abstractnouns וְ⁠לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת שִׂמְחָ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֑ה 1 The abstract noun **rejoicing** can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “and to rejoice greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) NEH 8 12 e1l5 figs-explicit כִּ֤י הֵבִ֨ינוּ֙ בַּ⁠דְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹדִ֖יעוּ לָ⁠הֶֽם 1 The implication is that the leaders helped the people recognize that being able to understand Yahweh’s law should be a source of joy and encouragement to them. They should not be sad or discouraged because they had disobeyed in the past, because now they would know how to obey. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “because now that they were able to understand God’s law, they would be able to obey it in the future.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 8 12 e1l7 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֤י הֵבִ֨ינוּ֙ בַּ⁠דְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹדִ֖יעוּ לָ⁠הֶֽם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could put this phrase at the beginning of the verse, since it gives the reason for the rest of the actions that the verse describes. You could show the connection by using a word like “so” after this phrase. Alternate translation: “the people realized that they would be able to obey God’s law in the future, because now they were able to understand it. So …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 8 12 e1l7 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֤י הֵבִ֨ינוּ֙ בַּ⁠דְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹדִ֖יעוּ לָ⁠הֶֽם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could put this phrase at the beginning of the verse since it gives the reason for the rest of the actions that the verse describes. You could show the connection by using a word like “so” after this phrase. Alternate translation: “the people realized that they would be able to obey God’s law in the future because now they were able to understand it. So …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 8 12 e1l9 figs-activepassive הֵבִ֨ינוּ֙ בַּ⁠דְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹדִ֖יעוּ לָ⁠הֶֽם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “they understood God’s law when Ezra and the Levites explained it to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 8 13 uj5j translate-ordinal וּ⁠בַ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֡י 1 On the second day Alternate translations: “On day 2” or “On the next day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) NEH 8 13 e1m1 figs-activepassive נֶאֶסְפוּ֩…אֶל 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “gathered to meet with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) @@ -999,10 +999,10 @@ NEH 8 13 e1m3 figs-ellipsis רָאשֵׁ֨י הָ⁠אָב֜וֹת לְ⁠כָל NEH 8 13 e1m5 figs-metaphor רָאשֵׁ֨י 1 **Head** here is a figurative way of saying “leader.” Alternate translation: “leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 8 13 e1m7 figs-informremind עֶזְרָ֖א הַ⁠סֹּפֵ֑ר 1 Here the book repeats some background information to remind readers who Ezra was. Alternate translation: “Ezra, who was a scribe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) NEH 8 13 e1m9 grammar-connect-logic-result וּ⁠לְ⁠הַשְׂכִּ֖יל אֶל־דִּבְרֵ֥י הַ⁠תּוֹרָֽה 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could put this phrase at the beginning of the verse, since it gives the reason for the rest of the actions that the verse describes. You could show the connection by using a word like “so” after this phrase. Alternate translation: “the people realized that they needed to understand God’s law much better. So …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) -NEH 8 13 e1n1 figs-explicit וּ⁠לְ⁠הַשְׂכִּ֖יל אֶל־דִּבְרֵ֥י הַ⁠תּוֹרָֽה 1 The implication is that while the people realized this, they also realized it would not be practical for large crowds to gather in Jerusalem every day so that all the people could receive Ezra’s teaching at once. Instead, they asked the family and religious leaders in Judah to meet with Ezra and learn from him, so that they could then pass the teachings along. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The people realized that they needed to understand God’s law much better, so they asked their family and religious leaders to meet with Ezra and learn more things from him that they could then pass along.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 8 13 e1n1 figs-explicit וּ⁠לְ⁠הַשְׂכִּ֖יל אֶל־דִּבְרֵ֥י הַ⁠תּוֹרָֽה 1 The implication is that while the people realized this, they also realized it would not be practical for large crowds to gather in Jerusalem every day so that all the people could receive Ezra’s teaching at once. Instead, they asked the family and religious leaders in Judah to meet with Ezra and learn from him so that they could then pass the teachings along. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The people realized that they needed to understand God’s law much better, so they asked their family and religious leaders to meet with Ezra and learn more things from him that they could then pass along.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 8 14 e1n3 figs-idiom וַֽ⁠יִּמְצְא֖וּ כָּת֣וּב בַּ⁠תּוֹרָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֤ה יְהוָה֙ בְּ⁠יַד־מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 **Found** does not mean that these leaders were looking for something, but that they learned this as they were studying with Ezra. Alternate translation: “they learned that in the Law, Yahweh had commanded through Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 8 14 e1n5 figs-explicit וַֽ⁠יִּמְצְא֖וּ כָּת֣וּב בַּ⁠תּוֹרָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֤ה יְהוָה֙ בְּ⁠יַד־מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 Because it was already the seventh month, it seems likely that Ezra showed this passage to the leaders intentionally, because it was something they could and should obey immediately. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Ezra showed them something that Yahweh had commanded through Moses that they could do right away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 8 14 e1n7 figs-metaphor בְּ⁠יַד־מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 Here **hand** figuratively represents control and action. Alternate translation: “through Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 8 14 e1n5 figs-explicit וַֽ⁠יִּמְצְא֖וּ כָּת֣וּב בַּ⁠תּוֹרָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֤ה יְהוָה֙ בְּ⁠יַד־מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 Because it was already the seventh month, it seems likely that Ezra showed this passage to the leaders intentionally because it was something they could and should obey immediately. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Ezra showed them something that Yahweh had commanded through Moses that they could do right away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 8 14 e1n7 figs-metaphor בְּ⁠יַד־מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 Here, **hand** figuratively represents control and action. Alternate translation: “through Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 8 14 e1n9 אֲשֶׁר֩ יֵשְׁב֨וּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל בַּ⁠סֻּכּ֛וֹת בֶּ⁠חָ֖ג בַּ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִֽי 1 This refers to the commandment establishing the Festival of Tabernacles. The purpose of this festival was to remind the Israelites that their ancestors had lived in temporary shelters when they traveled through the wilderness from Egypt to Canaan. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “The people of Israel should live in temporary shelters during the Festival of Tabernacles to remind them that their ancestors lived in shelters when they traveled through the wilderness from Egypt to Canaan.” NEH 8 14 e1o1 figs-metaphor בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל 1 **Sons** here figuratively means “descendants.” In this context it includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) NEH 8 14 ur1h יֵשְׁב֨וּ…בַּ⁠סֻּכּ֛וֹת 1 As [8:15](../08/15.md) explains, these “huts” or temporary shelters were to be made from leafy tree branches. The people were supposed to live in these shelters as their home for a week. This was a way of remembering and celebrating the way Yahweh had protected their ancestors when they had only temporary shelters to live in. Alternate translation: “stay in temporary shelters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) @@ -1015,7 +1015,7 @@ NEH 8 15 f9c2 figs-synecdoche הָ⁠הָ֗ר 1 The phrase can refer either to NEH 8 15 jb2s figs-activepassive כַּ⁠כָּתֽוּב 1 as it is written If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say what is doing the action. Alternate translation: “as the Law of Moses commands us to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 8 16 e1o7 figs-ellipsis וַ⁠יֵּצְא֣וּ הָ⁠עָם֮ וַ⁠יָּבִיאוּ֒ 1 Here the story is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. The meaning is clear from the context. Alternate translation: “the people went out and got branches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) NEH 8 16 dl2y figs-idiom וַ⁠יַּעֲשׂוּ֩ לָ⁠הֶ֨ם סֻכּ֜וֹת אִ֤ישׁ עַל־גַּגּ⁠וֹ֙ 1 In this context, **a man** is an idiom that means “each person” and likely “each family.” It does not mean only an adult male. Alternate translation: “and each family built shelters on their roofs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 8 16 e1o9 figs-explicit עַל־גַּגּ⁠וֹ֙ 1 In this culture, roofs were flat and stairs led up to them from outside the house. So a shelter could stand on the flat roof and the family could use it as a temporary home. Alternate translation: “on their flat roofs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 8 16 e1o9 figs-explicit עַל־גַּגּ⁠וֹ֙ 1 In this culture, roofs were flat and were reached by stairs that led up to them from outside the house. So a shelter could stand on the flat roof and the family could use it as a temporary home. Alternate translation: “on their flat roofs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 8 16 e1p1 figs-explicit וּ⁠בְ⁠חַצְרֹ֣תֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 In this culture, houses were built around an open courtyard. So a shelter could be set up there, within the walls of the house. Alternate translation: “and in the courtyards within the walls of their homes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 8 16 krx4 figs-metaphor וּ⁠בְ⁠חַצְר֖וֹת בֵּ֣ית הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 As in [6:10](../06/10.md), here the book speaks of the temple figuratively as the “house of God,” as if it were God’s dwelling place. Alternate translation: “and in the temple courtyards” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 8 16 b74m figs-ellipsis וּ⁠בִ⁠רְח֖וֹב שַׁ֥עַר אֶפְרָֽיִם 1 Here the story is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. The meaning is clear from the context, since this same location is described in [8:1](../08/01.md) and [8:3](../08/03.md). Alternate translation: “the square in front of the Water Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) @@ -1044,24 +1044,24 @@ NEH 9 1 f1a3 figs-explicit נֶאֶסְפ֤וּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ NEH 9 1 f1a5 figs-metaphor בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ 1 **Sons** here figuratively means “descendants.” In this context it includes both men and women, and it refers specifically to the Israelites who were now living in Judah. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” or “people from all over Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) NEH 9 1 irv4 translate-symaction וּ⁠בְ⁠שַׂקִּ֔ים וַ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה עֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 The people did these things to show symbolically how sorry they were for their sins. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “The people refrained from eating, wore rough clothing, and put dust on their heads to show that they were sorry for their sins.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 1 f1a7 figs-synecdoche וַ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה עֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 **Them** in this sentence refers to the people, but it does not mean that they covered themselves entirely in dust. The story is using the whole person to refer figuratively to one part of the person, the head, which is where people in this culture put dust to express sorrow. Alternate translation: “the people … put dust on their heads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) -NEH 9 2 f1a9 figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּבָּֽדְלוּ֙ זֶ֣רַע יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל מִ⁠כֹּ֖ל בְּנֵ֣י נֵכָ֑ר 1 The Israelites were conducting this ceremony as a special act of repentance for how they and their ancestors had disobeyed God. They were acknowledging how they had failed to fulfill the special assignment God had given them of modeling the blessings of living according to his ways. So it would not have been appropriate for people from other nations to take part in the ceremony. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “The people of Israel did not allow anyone from any other nation to take part in this ceremony, because it was going to be a time of repentance for how they and their ancestors had disobeyed Yahweh.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 9 2 xbs1 figs-metaphor זֶ֣רַע יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 Here **seed** is a metaphor meaning “offspring.” It is a comparison: Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. So the term refers figuratively to a person’s descendants. Here it means the descendants of Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]]) +NEH 9 2 f1a9 figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּבָּֽדְלוּ֙ זֶ֣רַע יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל מִ⁠כֹּ֖ל בְּנֵ֣י נֵכָ֑ר 1 The Israelites were conducting this ceremony as a special act of repentance for how they and their ancestors had disobeyed God. They were acknowledging how they had failed to fulfill the special assignment God had given them of modeling the blessings of living according to his ways, so it would not have been appropriate for people from other nations to take part in the ceremony. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “The people of Israel did not allow anyone from any other nation to take part in this ceremony because it was going to be a time of repentance for how they and their ancestors had disobeyed Yahweh.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 9 2 xbs1 figs-metaphor זֶ֣רַע יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 Here, **seed** is a metaphor meaning “offspring.” It is a comparison: Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. So the term refers figuratively to a person’s descendants. Here it means the descendants of Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]]) NEH 9 2 qx58 figs-metaphor מִ⁠כֹּ֖ל בְּנֵ֣י נֵכָ֑ר 1 **Sons** here figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “all people from other nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) -NEH 9 2 vhc6 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יַּעַמְד֗וּ וַ⁠יִּתְוַדּוּ֙ עַל־חַטֹּ֣אתֵי⁠הֶ֔ם וַ⁠עֲוֺנ֖וֹת אֲבֹתֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 **Stood** here probably does not mean “standing up,” since the next verse says that they “rose up,” which probably means that they got up from kneeling. As they were showing sorrow for their sins, they would likely have knelt to worship God, as in [8:6](../08/06.md). So **stood** probably means instead that they remained in place, by implication for some time, and made a thorough confession. Alternate translation: “they remained in place as they confessed all the wrong things that they and their ancestors had done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 9 2 vhc6 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יַּעַמְד֗וּ וַ⁠יִּתְוַדּוּ֙ עַל־חַטֹּ֣אתֵי⁠הֶ֔ם וַ⁠עֲוֺנ֖וֹת אֲבֹתֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 Here, **stood** probably does not mean “standing up,” since the next verse says that they “rose up,” which probably means that they got up from kneeling. As they were showing sorrow for their sins, they would likely have knelt to worship God, as in [8:6](../08/06.md). So **stood** probably means instead that they remained in place, by implication for some time, and made a thorough confession. Alternate translation: “they remained in place as they confessed all the wrong things that they and their ancestors had done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 9 2 f1b1 figs-metaphor אֲבֹתֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 **Fathers** here figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “their ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 9 3 q5p1 translate-symaction וַ⁠יָּק֨וּמוּ֙ עַל־עָמְדָ֔⁠ם 1 **Rose up** here likely means “stood up.” As in [8:5](../08/05.md), the people would have stood up to show respect as they listened to the reading from the Law of Moses. Alternate translation: “Then the people stood up where they were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) NEH 9 3 f1b3 וַֽ⁠יִּקְרְא֗וּ בְּ⁠סֵ֨פֶר 1 The people themselves did not read from the book. “They” here likely means Ezra and the Levites, who read similarly to the crowd that gathered on the occasion described in 8:1–12. Alternate translation: “as their leaders read to them” NEH 9 3 qe6e translate-unknown בְּ⁠סֵ֨פֶר תּוֹרַ֧ת יְהוָ֛ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠הֶ֖ם 1 This is another of the various ways that this story describes a book containing the Law of Moses. Alternate translation: “from the Law of Moses” or “from the law that Yahweh had given through Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 9 3 je9t translate-unknown רְבִעִ֣ית הַ⁠יּ֑וֹם וּ⁠רְבִעִית֙ 1 In this culture the day and the night were each divided into four equal parts of three hours each. So this means that the people listened to a reading of the Law for three hours, and then they spent the next three hours in prayer and confession. Alternate translation: “for three hours, and then for another three hours” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 9 4 bc94 figs-explicit וַ⁠יָּ֜קָם עַֽל־מַֽעֲלֵ֣ה הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֗ם יֵשׁ֨וּעַ וּ⁠בָנִ֜י קַדְמִיאֵ֧ל שְׁבַנְיָ֛ה בֻּנִּ֥י שֵׁרֵבְיָ֖ה בָּנִ֣י כְנָ֑נִי 1 The name of the stairs suggests that the men listed were Levites. That is, they were descendants of Levi who had the special assignment of helping the priests. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could suggest this in your translation. Alternate translation: “Eight Levites named Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Kenani climbed up the stairs leading to the platform.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 9 4 f1b5 translate-unknown וַ⁠יָּ֜קָם עַֽל־מַֽעֲלֵ֣ה הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֗ם 1 In context, the **stairs of the Levites** seem to be stairs that led up to the platform that was built for the occasion described in chapter 8, or to another platform or platforms similar to it that allowed religious leaders to be seen and heard during large gatherings. The stairs likely had this name because they enabled the Levites to move back and forth from up on the platform to down among the people. Here they also serve as a raised platform of their own, on which the Levites can stand and be seen and heard. Alternate translation: “climbed up onto the stairs to the platform” or “the stairs that had been built for the Levites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +NEH 9 4 f1b5 translate-unknown וַ⁠יָּ֜קָם עַֽל־מַֽעֲלֵ֣ה הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֗ם 1 In context, the **stairs of the Levites** seem to be stairs that led up to the platform that was built for the occasion described in chapter 8, or to another platform or platforms similar to it that allowed religious leaders to be seen and heard during large gatherings. The stairs likely had this name because they enabled the Levites to move back and forth from up on the platform to down among the people. Here, they also serve as a raised platform of their own on which the Levites can stand and be seen and heard. Alternate translation: “climbed up onto the stairs to the platform” or “the stairs that had been built for the Levites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 9 4 f1b7 figs-idiom וַ⁠יָּ֜קָם עַֽל 1 **Rose up** in this context seems to mean that these men climbed up onto the stairs and stood on them. Alternate translation: “climbed up onto” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 9 4 f1b9 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וַ⁠יָּ֜קָם 1 It seems that in this verse the story is describing something that happened during the second three-hour period, at the same time when the people were praying and confessing. You could indicate this with an introductory phrase. Alternate translation: “While the people were doing this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) +NEH 9 4 f1b9 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וַ⁠יָּ֜קָם 1 It seems that in this verse the story is describing something that happened during the second three-hour period, at the same time as the people were praying and confessing. You could indicate this with an introductory phrase. Alternate translation: “While the people were doing this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) NEH 9 4 zl5j translate-names יֵשׁ֨וּעַ וּ⁠בָנִ֜י קַדְמִיאֵ֧ל שְׁבַנְיָ֛ה בֻּנִּ֥י שֵׁרֵבְיָ֖ה בָּנִ֣י כְנָ֑נִי 1 These are the names of eight men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 9 4 u4pu figs-explicit וַֽ⁠יִּזְעֲקוּ֙ בְּ⁠ק֣וֹל גָּד֔וֹל אֶל־יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 The implication is that they did this to offer public prayers of confession on behalf of the people, and perhaps also to guide the people to pray themselves on particular topics. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “They prayed to Yahweh their God on behalf of the people, speaking loudly so that everyone could hear them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 5 j96x הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֡ם 1 This phrase indicates that the eight men listed were Levites. If you said in your translation that the eight men listed in [8:4](../08/04.md) were also Levites, here you could say, “Eight more Levites named.” NEH 9 5 yk5b translate-names יֵשׁ֣וּעַ וְ֠⁠קַדְמִיאֵל בָּנִ֨י חֲשַׁבְנְיָ֜ה שֵׁרֵֽבְיָ֤ה הֽוֹדִיָּה֙ שְׁבַנְיָ֣ה פְתַֽחְיָ֔ה 1 These are the names of eight men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 9 5 m3eu translate-symaction ק֗וּמוּ 1 Here **rise up** seems to mean “get up from a kneeling posture.” This would have symbolized that a new part of the ceremony was beginning. The people were to move from sorrowful confession to a resolute and joyful rededication of their community to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) +NEH 9 5 m3eu translate-symaction ק֗וּמוּ 1 Here, **rise up** seems to mean “get up from a kneeling posture.” This would have symbolized that a new part of the ceremony was beginning. The people were to move from sorrowful confession to a resolute and joyful rededication of their community to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) NEH 9 5 f1c1 figs-idiom בָּרֲכוּ֙ אֶת־יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵי⁠כֶ֔ם מִן־הָ⁠עוֹלָ֖ם עַד־הָ⁠עוֹלָ֑ם 1 The Levites speak these words to the people. They are not telling the people to praise God during all the time from eternity past to eternity future. Rather, they are using an idiom, “from eternity to eternity,” to mean that Yahweh is the God who has always existed and will always exist. If it would be clearer in your language, you could put it in those terms. Alternate translation: “Praise Yahweh, your God, who has always existed and will always exist.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 9 5 tve4 figs-aside וִ⁠יבָֽרְכוּ֙ שֵׁ֣ם כְּבוֹדֶ֔⁠ךָ 1 In this sentence, the Levite who is speaking turns abruptly from addressing the people to addressing God. (“Your” in the previous sentence meant the people, while **your** here refers to God.) This is somewhat like the places earlier in the book where Nehemiah stops addressing his readers and speaks directly to God in prayer. However, here the people are meant to hear and do what is being described. So if it would be clearer in your language, you could express these as words that continue to be directed to the people, as in the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “Praise his glorious name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]]) NEH 9 5 f1c3 figs-metonymy וִ⁠יבָֽרְכוּ֙ שֵׁ֣ם כְּבוֹדֶ֔⁠ךָ 1 As in [1:9](../01/09.md), **name** is a figurative way of referring to the fame or reputation of a person. This is described by something associated with it, how well known someone’s name is and how people react to hearing it. God’s reputation, in turn, is based on what he has done and what this reveals about who he is, and so his “name” would also represent that. Alternate translation: “praise you for who you are and what you have done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) @@ -1073,40 +1073,40 @@ NEH 9 6 f1d3 figs-idiom אַתָּה־ה֣וּא יְהוָה֮ לְ⁠בַדּ NEH 9 6 f1d5 translate-unknown הַ⁠שָּׁמַיִם֩ שְׁמֵ֨י הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֜יִם 1 In the ancient Hebrew cosmology, the first phrase likely referred to the sky, which was envisioned as a solid dome above the earth (see the note to [1:9](../01/09.md)). The second phrase likely referred to the realm beyond the sky, which was understood to be the dwelling place of God. Alternate translation: “the sky and everything beyond it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 9 6 k5l3 figs-metaphor וְ⁠כָל־צְבָאָ֗⁠ם 1 **Host** means army. The “host of heaven” is likely a figurative expression for the stars, which seem like a large army in the sky. However, this phrase might refer to heavenly beings which dwell in heaven with God. Alternate translation: “and all the stars” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 9 6 f1d7 וְ⁠אַתָּ֖ה מְחַיֶּ֣ה אֶת־כֻּלָּ֑⁠ם 1 **Them** means everything living on the land and in the seas. Alternate translation: “You give life to all of these creatures” or “you are the one who created all of these living things” -NEH 9 6 f1d9 figs-metaphor וּ⁠צְבָ֥א הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֖יִם לְ⁠ךָ֥ מִשְׁתַּחֲוִֽים 1 Earlier in the sentence the **host of heaven** was a figurative way of describing the stars as if they were an army. Now here the stars themselves figuratively represent the angels of heaven. Alternate translation: “all the angels bow down and worship you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 9 6 f1d9 figs-metaphor וּ⁠צְבָ֥א הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֖יִם לְ⁠ךָ֥ מִשְׁתַּחֲוִֽים 1 Earlier in the sentence, the **host of heaven** was a figurative way of describing the stars as if they were an army. Now here, the stars themselves figuratively represent the angels of heaven. Alternate translation: “all the angels bow down and worship you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 9 7 id6f אַתָּה־הוּא֙ יְהוָ֣ה הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר בָּחַ֨רְתָּ֙ בְּ⁠אַבְרָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “You, Yahweh, are the God who chose Abram” NEH 9 7 f1e1 figs-explicit בָּחַ֨רְתָּ֙ בְּ⁠אַבְרָ֔ם 1 Abram was the ancestor of the Israelites. God chose to make him and his descendants a community that would model for the whole world the blessings of living according to his ways. The Levites mention this first because it is the very beginning of the Israelites’ history as God’s chosen people. They will describe the rest of this history, up to their present day, in the rest of their prayer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain this. Alternate translation: “chose Abram to be the ancestor of your people.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 7 f1e3 translate-names בְּ⁠אַבְרָ֔ם 1 This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 9 7 us45 figs-explicit וְ⁠הוֹצֵאת֖⁠וֹ מֵ⁠א֣וּר כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים 1 Throughout their prayer, the Levites assume that the people listening will understand the significance of the details they mention for the Israelites’ history as God’s chosen people. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could give the reason why God brought Abram out of this city. Alternate translation: “He was living among the Chaldean people in the city of Ur, but you told him to leave there and go to a land that you would give to his descendants.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 7 f1e5 translate-names מֵ⁠א֣וּר כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים 1 This is the name of a city and a people group. Alternate translation: “the city of Ur, where the Chaldean people lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 9 7 f1e7 figs-explicit וְ⁠שַׂ֥מְתָּ שְּׁמ֖⁠וֹ אַבְרָהָֽם 1 Once again the Levites assume that their listeners will understand the significance of this detail. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could give the reason why God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. Alternate translation: “You changed his name to Abraham, ‘father of a multitude,’ because he would be like a father to many nations.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 9 8 f1e9 figs-metaphor וּ⁠מָצָ֣אתָ אֶת־לְבָב⁠וֹ֮ נֶאֱמָ֣ן לְ⁠פָנֶי⁠ךָ֒ 1 Here **found** is an idiom for someone discovering something to be true. It does not mean that God was looking for something he had lost. Alternate translation: “You recognized that he was completely loyal to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 9 8 f1e9 figs-metaphor וּ⁠מָצָ֣אתָ אֶת־לְבָב⁠וֹ֮ נֶאֱמָ֣ן לְ⁠פָנֶי⁠ךָ֒ 1 Here, **found** is an idiom for someone discovering something to be true. It does not mean that God was looking for something he had lost. Alternate translation: “You recognized that he was completely loyal to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 9 8 f1f1 figs-metaphor וּ⁠מָצָ֣אתָ אֶת־לְבָב⁠וֹ֮ נֶאֱמָ֣ן לְ⁠פָנֶי⁠ךָ֒ 1 Here Abraham’s **heart** figuratively represents his thoughts and will, that is, his inner being. Alternate translation: “You recognized that he was completely loyal to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -NEH 9 8 ej7e figs-metaphor וּ⁠מָצָ֣אתָ אֶת־לְבָב⁠וֹ֮ נֶאֱמָ֣ן לְ⁠פָנֶי⁠ךָ֒ 1 Here **face** is a metaphor for a person’s perception, referring figuratively to God’s perception of Abraham. Alternate translation: “You recognized that he was completely loyal to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -NEH 9 8 f1f3 figs-idiom וְ⁠כָר֨וֹת עִמּ֜⁠וֹ הַ⁠בְּרִ֗ית 1 To **cut** a covenant is a Hebrew idiom for making a solemn agreement with a person. The expression comes from the way animals were cut into pieces during covenant ceremonies to show what the parties wanted God to do to anyone who broke the agreement. But the meaning here is idiomatic. It is not a direct reference to such a ceremony, only to the making of the covenant. Alternate translation: “you made an agreement with him” or “you made a promise to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +NEH 9 8 ej7e figs-metaphor וּ⁠מָצָ֣אתָ אֶת־לְבָב⁠וֹ֮ נֶאֱמָ֣ן לְ⁠פָנֶי⁠ךָ֒ 1 Here, **face** is a metaphor for a person’s perception, referring figuratively to God’s perception of Abraham. Alternate translation: “You recognized that he was completely loyal to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 9 8 f1f3 figs-idiom וְ⁠כָר֨וֹת עִמּ֜⁠וֹ הַ⁠בְּרִ֗ית 1 To **cut** a covenant is a Hebrew idiom for making a solemn agreement with a person. The expression comes from the way animals were cut into pieces during covenant ceremonies to show what the parties wanted God to do to anyone who broke the agreement. But the meaning here is idiomatic. It is not a direct reference to such a ceremony, but only to the making of the covenant. Alternate translation: “you made an agreement with him” or “you made a promise to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 9 8 f1f5 figs-metaphor לָ⁠תֵ֡ת אֶת־אֶרֶץ֩…לָ⁠תֵ֣ת לְ⁠זַרְע֑⁠וֹ 1 **Seed** is a metaphor meaning “offspring.” Alternate translation: “to give his descendants the land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]]) NEH 9 8 vbx8 translate-names הַ⁠כְּנַעֲנִ֨י הַ⁠חִתִּ֜י הָ⁠אֱמֹרִ֧י וְ⁠הַ⁠פְּרִזִּ֛י וְ⁠הַ⁠יְבוּסִ֥י וְ⁠הַ⁠גִּרְגָּשִׁ֖י 1 These are the names of six people groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 9 8 f1f7 figs-personification וַ⁠תָּ֨קֶם֙ אֶת־דְּבָרֶ֔י⁠ךָ 1 As in [5:13](../05/13.md), **words** means the promises that God made to Abraham, and **stand** means stay in place rather than go away. The Levites are speaking of God’s promises figuratively as if they were a living thing that could move around or not. Alternate translation: “you have kept all of your promises” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) NEH 9 8 f1f9 כִּ֥י צַדִּ֖יק אָֽתָּה 1 Alternate translation: “because you always do what is right” -NEH 9 9 p3f4 figs-merism וַ⁠תֵּ֛רֶא אֶת־עֳנִ֥י אֲבֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ בְּ⁠מִצְרָ֑יִם וְ⁠אֶת־זַעֲקָתָ֥⁠ם שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ עַל־יַם־סֽוּף 1 Here the Levites are describing how, centuries later, God rescued their ancestors, who were Abraham’s descendants, from slavery in Egypt. In this verse they describe that entire experience generally by reference to its first episode and its final episode, to include everything in between. (In [9:10](../09/10.md) and [9:11](../09/11.md) they will add further specific details.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could describe the entire experience in a single phrase here. (However, you could also explain these episodes separately. See the next two notes.) Alternate translation: “You rescued our fathers from slavery in Egypt by defeating Pharaoh.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) +NEH 9 9 p3f4 figs-merism וַ⁠תֵּ֛רֶא אֶת־עֳנִ֥י אֲבֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ בְּ⁠מִצְרָ֑יִם וְ⁠אֶת־זַעֲקָתָ֥⁠ם שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ עַל־יַם־סֽוּף 1 Here the Levites are describing how, centuries later, God rescued their ancestors, Abraham’s descendants, from slavery in Egypt. In this verse they describe that entire experience generally by reference to its first episode and its final episode, to include everything in between. (In [9:10](../09/10.md) and [9:11](../09/11.md) they will add further specific details.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could describe the entire experience in a single phrase here. (However, you could also explain these episodes separately. See the next two notes.) Alternate translation: “You rescued our fathers from slavery in Egypt by defeating Pharaoh.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) NEH 9 9 vp1y figs-abstractnouns וַ⁠תֵּ֛רֶא אֶת־עֳנִ֥י אֲבֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ בְּ⁠מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 **Affliction** is an abstract noun that refers to the way the Israelites suffered when Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, forced them to serve him as slaves. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind it with a verb such as “suffer.” Alternate translation: “you saw how badly our ancestors were suffering as slaves in Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -NEH 9 9 f1g1 figs-explicit וַ⁠תֵּ֛רֶא אֶת־עֳנִ֥י אֲבֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ בְּ⁠מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 The implication is that God not only saw how the Israelites were suffering, God was moved to action out of compassion for them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “you saw how badly our ancestors were suffering as slaves in Egypt, and so you delivered them from slavery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 9 9 f1g1 figs-explicit וַ⁠תֵּ֛רֶא אֶת־עֳנִ֥י אֲבֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ בְּ⁠מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 The implication is that God not only saw how the Israelites were suffering, but also was moved to action out of compassion for them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “you saw how badly our ancestors were suffering as slaves in Egypt, and so you delivered them from slavery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 9 f1g3 figs-metaphor אֲבֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ 1 **Fathers** here figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “our ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) -NEH 9 9 j256 figs-explicit וְ⁠אֶת־זַעֲקָתָ֥⁠ם שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ עַל־יַם־סֽוּף 1 The Levites continue to rehearse the details of Israelite history without explaining their significance because they assume their listeners will already understand this. This is a reference to something that happened after God had freed their ancestors from slavery and they had left Egypt. Pharaoh regretted letting them go and pursued them with his army. The Israelites were trapped helplessly against the shores of the Red Sea as Pharaoh’s army approached. So they cried out to God for rescue. Alternate translation: “you answered their prayer when they cried to you for help from the shores of the Red Sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 9 9 f1g5 figs-idiom וְ⁠אֶת־זַעֲקָתָ֥⁠ם שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ 1 **Heard** is an idiom that means that God both heard and answered the Israelites’ prayer, in the way described in [9:11](../09/11.md). Alternate translation: “you answered their prayer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +NEH 9 9 j256 figs-explicit וְ⁠אֶת־זַעֲקָתָ֥⁠ם שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ עַל־יַם־סֽוּף 1 The Levites continue to rehearse the details of Israelite history without explaining their significance because they assume their listeners will already understand this. This is a reference to something that happened after God had freed their ancestors from slavery and they had left Egypt. Pharaoh regretted letting them go and pursued them with his army. Helplessly trapped against the shores of the Red Sea as Pharaoh’s army approached, the Israelites cried out to God for rescue. Alternate translation: “you answered their prayer when they cried to you for help from the shores of the Red Sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 9 9 f1g5 figs-idiom וְ⁠אֶת־זַעֲקָתָ֥⁠ם שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ 1 **Heard** is an idiom that means that God both heard and answered the Israelites’ prayer in the way described in [9:11](../09/11.md). Alternate translation: “you answered their prayer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 9 9 f1g7 translate-names יַם־סֽוּף 1 This is the name of a body of water near Egypt. Alternate translation: “the Red Sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 9 10 ge61 figs-explicit וַ֠⁠תִּתֵּן אֹתֹ֨ת וּ⁠מֹֽפְתִ֜ים בְּ⁠פַרְעֹ֤ה וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־עֲבָדָי⁠ו֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־עַ֣ם אַרְצ֔⁠וֹ 1 If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain why God did this. Alternate translation: “You did amazing things that were signs to Pharaoh, his officials, and the people of Egypt that you are the one true God and that they should not have enslaved your people.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 10 s54a figs-doublet וַ֠⁠תִּתֵּן אֹתֹ֨ת וּ⁠מֹֽפְתִ֜ים 1 **Signs** and **wonders** are words that mean similar things. They both describe powerful things that God did. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these words. Alternate translation: “you did miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) -NEH 9 10 i7c3 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י יָדַ֔עְתָּ כִּ֥י הֵזִ֖ידוּ עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 **They** means Pharaoh, his officials, and the people of Egypt. **Them** means the Israelites. If it would be clearer in your language, you could put this sentence first in the verse, since it gives the reason for the results that are described in the rest of the verse. You could show the connection by using a word like “so” after this sentence. Alternate translation: “You knew that Pharaoh, his officials, and the people of Egypt were oppressing our ancestors, and so.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 9 10 i7c3 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י יָדַ֔עְתָּ כִּ֥י הֵזִ֖ידוּ עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 **They** means Pharaoh, his officials, and the people of Egypt. **Them** means the Israelites. If it would be clearer in your language, you could put this sentence first in the verse since it gives the reason for the results that are described in the rest of the verse. You could show the connection by using a word like “so” after this sentence. Alternate translation: “You knew that Pharaoh, his officials, and the people of Egypt were oppressing our ancestors, and so.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 9 10 m6zr figs-metonymy וַ⁠תַּֽעַשׂ־לְ⁠ךָ֥ שֵׁ֖ם כְּ⁠הַ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה 1 As in [9:5](../09/05.md), **name** is a figurative way of referring to the fame or reputation of a person. Alternate translation: “When you did this, you won the reputation that you sill have today” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 9 11 n7jm figs-explicit וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּם֙ בָּקַ֣עְתָּ לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 In [9:10](../09/10.md) the Levites provided more specific details about how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In this verse they focus on the details of the final episode in the deliverance experience. Still, they assume that their readers will be familiar with these details and understand their significance. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain these details more fully. Alternate translation: “When the Israelites left Egypt, Pharaoh pursued them with his army, and they were trapped by the shores of the Red Sea. But you opened up the sea in front of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 11 d1kp translate-unknown וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּם֙ 1 As in [9:9](../09/09.md), this refers to the Red Sea, a body of water near Egypt. Alternate translation: “the Red Sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) -NEH 9 11 f1g9 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 Here **face** figuratively refers the front of a group. Alternate translation: “in front of them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 9 11 f1g9 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 Here, **face** figuratively refers the front of a group. Alternate translation: “in front of them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 9 11 f1h1 וַ⁠יַּֽעַבְר֥וּ בְ⁠תוֹךְ־הַ⁠יָּ֖ם בַּ⁠יַּבָּשָׁ֑ה 1 **They** refers to the Israelites. Alternate translation: “so that they were able escape through the Red Sea by walking on dry ground” NEH 9 11 f1h3 figs-metaphor וְֽ⁠אֶת־רֹ֨דְפֵי⁠הֶ֜ם הִשְׁלַ֧כְתָּ בִ⁠מְצוֹלֹ֛ת 1 This is a figurative way of describing how that God made the waters of the Red Sea come back over the Egyptian army so that all of its soldiers were drowned. It was as if God had thrown them into deep water. Alternate translation: “but you made the waters come back and drown the army that was chasing them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 9 11 f1h5 translate-unknown רֹ֨דְפֵי⁠הֶ֜ם 1 Alternate translation: “the soldiers of the Egyptian army, who were chasing them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) -NEH 9 11 l5ar figs-simile כְּמוֹ־אֶ֖בֶן בְּ⁠מַ֥יִם עַזִּֽים 1 In this image, the Levites describe God throwing the Egyptians into the sea the way a person would throw a stone into water. The picture is that just as a stone would disappear completely under the water, the Egyptian soldiers did the same. Alternate translation: “They disappeared completely, the way a stone would that was thrown into deep water.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 9 12 n4i2 grammar-connect-logic-result וּ⁠בְ⁠עַמּ֣וּד עָנָ֔ן הִנְחִיתָ֖⁠ם יוֹמָ֑ם וּ⁠בְ⁠עַמּ֥וּד אֵשׁ֙ לַ֔יְלָה לְ⁠הָאִ֣יר לָ⁠הֶ֔ם אֶת־הַ⁠דֶּ֖רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֵֽלְכוּ־בָֽ⁠הּ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the first phrase gives the reason for the result that is described in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “To show the people the way that they should go, you sent a pillar of cloud to go ahead of them during the day and a pillar of fire to light up the way at night.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 9 11 l5ar figs-simile כְּמוֹ־אֶ֖בֶן בְּ⁠מַ֥יִם עַזִּֽים 1 In this image, the Levites describe God throwing the Egyptians into the sea the way a person would throw a stone into water. The picture is that, just as a stone would disappear completely under the water, the Egyptian soldiers did the same. Alternate translation: “They disappeared completely, the way a stone would that was thrown into deep water.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 9 12 n4i2 grammar-connect-logic-result וּ⁠בְ⁠עַמּ֣וּד עָנָ֔ן הִנְחִיתָ֖⁠ם יוֹמָ֑ם וּ⁠בְ⁠עַמּ֥וּד אֵשׁ֙ לַ֔יְלָה לְ⁠הָאִ֣יר לָ⁠הֶ֔ם אֶת־הַ⁠דֶּ֖רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֵֽלְכוּ־בָֽ⁠הּ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases since the first phrase gives the reason for the result that is described in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “To show the people the way that they should go, you sent a pillar of cloud to go ahead of them during the day and a pillar of fire to light up the way at night.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 9 12 m7vx figs-explicit וּ⁠בְ⁠עַמּ֣וּד עָנָ֔ן הִנְחִיתָ֖⁠ם יוֹמָ֑ם וּ⁠בְ⁠עַמּ֥וּד אֵשׁ֙ לַ֔יְלָה לְ⁠הָאִ֣יר לָ⁠הֶ֔ם אֶת־הַ⁠דֶּ֖רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֵֽלְכוּ־בָֽ⁠הּ 1 If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain why did this. Alternate translation: “To get from Egypt to the land you had promised them, the Israelites had to cross a trackless desert. To show them what way they should go, you went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire by night. The pillar of fire lit up the way ahead.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 13 z2ds figs-idiom וְ⁠עַ֤ל הַר־סִינַי֙ יָרַ֔דְתָּ וְ⁠דַבֵּ֥ר עִמָּ⁠הֶ֖ם 1 **Came down** is a way of saying that God appeared to the people. Since God spoke to them from heaven, he did not actually come down from heaven to earth. So this is a figurative expression. Alternate translation: “you appeared to the people of Israel at Mount Sinai, where you spoke to them from heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 9 13 f1h7 translate-names הַר־סִינַי֙ 1 This is the name of a mountain. Alternate translation: “Mount Sinai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -1115,13 +1115,13 @@ NEH 9 13 f1h9 מִשְׁפָּטִ֤ים 1 This term refers to Yahweh giving t NEH 9 14 w3q6 figs-explicit וְ⁠אֶת־שַׁבַּ֥ת קָדְשְׁ⁠ךָ֖ הוֹדַ֣עַתָ לָ⁠הֶ֑ם 1 If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain what the Sabbath was. Alternate translation: “You commanded them to set apart the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath, a special day for rest and worship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 14 f1i1 translate-names שַׁבַּ֥ת 1 This is the name of a religious observance. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 9 14 h9f4 figs-doublet וּ⁠מִצְו֤וֹת וְ⁠חֻקִּים֙ וְ⁠תוֹרָ֔ה צִוִּ֣יתָ לָ⁠הֶ֔ם 1 **Commandments**, **statutes**, and **law** mean similar things. Together they are a comprehensive description of the Law of Moses. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them in a single phrase. Alternate translation: “You told them to obey everything you had commanded,” otherwise “you gave them commands and rules and laws” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]. A doublet can involve the use of more than two words.) -NEH 9 14 f1i3 figs-metaphor בְּ⁠יַ֖ד מֹשֶׁ֥ה 1 Here **hand** figuratively represents control and action. Alternate translation: “you gave them to Moses to give to the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -NEH 9 14 f1i5 figs-metaphor עַבְדֶּֽ⁠ךָ 1 The Old Testament often describes Moses by the title “servant of Yahweh.” While Moses was also God’s servant in a more literal sense, this title is a figurative expression that indicates that God used Moses to give his Law to his people, the way a master would have a servant deliver a message. Alternate translation: “your special messenger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -NEH 9 15 f1i7 grammar-connect-logic-result וְ֠⁠לֶחֶם מִ⁠שָּׁמַ֜יִם נָתַ֤תָּה לָ⁠הֶם֙ לִ⁠רְעָבָ֔⁠ם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the first phrase gives the reason for the resulting action that is described in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “because they were hungry, you provided a special food for them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 9 14 f1i3 figs-metaphor בְּ⁠יַ֖ד מֹשֶׁ֥ה 1 Here, **hand** figuratively represents control and action. Alternate translation: “you gave them to Moses to give to the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 9 14 f1i5 figs-metaphor עַבְדֶּֽ⁠ךָ 1 The Old Testament often describes Moses by the title “servant of Yahweh.” While Moses was also God’s servant in a more literal sense, this title is a figurative expression that indicates that God used Moses to give his law to his people, the way a master would have a servant deliver a message. Alternate translation: “your special messenger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 9 15 f1i7 grammar-connect-logic-result וְ֠⁠לֶחֶם מִ⁠שָּׁמַ֜יִם נָתַ֤תָּה לָ⁠הֶם֙ לִ⁠רְעָבָ֔⁠ם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases since the first phrase gives the reason for the resulting action that is described in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “because they were hungry, you provided a special food for them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 9 15 f1i9 figs-explicit וְ֠⁠לֶחֶם מִ⁠שָּׁמַ֜יִם נָתַ֤תָּה לָ⁠הֶם֙ לִ⁠רְעָבָ֔⁠ם 1 If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain why the people were hungry. Alternate translation: “because they were hungry in the desert where no crops could grow, you provided a special food for them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 15 f1j1 translate-unknown וְ֠⁠לֶחֶם מִ⁠שָּׁמַ֜יִם 1 This is a figurative way of describing the special food that God provided for the Israelites in the desert. Because it had not grown from the ground, it was as if God had sent it from heaven. The Israelites gave this food the name “manna.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could call it by this name after providing a non-figurative description. Alternate translation: “and a special food, manna.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) -NEH 9 15 f1j3 figs-synecdoche וְ֠⁠לֶחֶם מִ⁠שָּׁמַ֜יִם 1 This expression used bread to refer figuratively to food in general. It describes all food by the name of one kind of good, bread. Alternate translation: “special food” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) -NEH 9 15 f1j5 grammar-connect-logic-result וּ⁠מַ֗יִם מִ⁠סֶּ֛לַע הוֹצֵ֥אתָ לָ⁠הֶ֖ם לִ⁠צְמָאָ֑⁠ם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the first phrase gives the reason for the resulting action that is described in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “because they were thirsty, you made water flow out of a rock for them to drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 9 15 f1j3 figs-synecdoche וְ֠⁠לֶחֶם מִ⁠שָּׁמַ֜יִם 1 This expression used bread to refer figuratively to food in general. It describes all food by the name of one kind of food, bread. Alternate translation: “special food” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +NEH 9 15 f1j5 grammar-connect-logic-result וּ⁠מַ֗יִם מִ⁠סֶּ֛לַע הוֹצֵ֥אתָ לָ⁠הֶ֖ם לִ⁠צְמָאָ֑⁠ם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases since the first phrase gives the reason for the resulting action that is described in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “because they were thirsty, you made water flow out of a rock for them to drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 9 15 f1j7 figs-explicit וּ⁠מַ֗יִם מִ⁠סֶּ֛לַע הוֹצֵ֥אתָ לָ⁠הֶ֖ם לִ⁠צְמָאָ֑⁠ם 1 If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain why the people were thirsty. Alternate translation: “because they were thirsty in the desert where there was no water, you made water flow out of a rock for them to drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 15 f1j9 וַ⁠תֹּ֣אמֶר לָ⁠הֶ֗ם לָ⁠בוֹא֙ לָ⁠רֶ֣שֶׁת 1 Alternate translation: “you commanded them to enter and occupy” NEH 9 15 f1k1 translate-symaction הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־נָשָׂ֥אתָ אֶת־יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ לָ⁠תֵ֥ת לָ⁠הֶֽם 1 In this culture, a person would raise their hand when they swore an oath. Here the Levites are describing the action of swearing an oath figuratively by referring to the gesture associated with that action, raising a hand. Alternate translation: “the land that you swore to give them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) @@ -1135,7 +1135,7 @@ NEH 9 17 f1k7 וַ⁠יְמָאֲנ֣וּ לִ⁠שְׁמֹ֗עַ 1 Alternate NEH 9 17 f1k9 figs-explicit וַ⁠יְמָאֲנ֣וּ לִ⁠שְׁמֹ֗עַ 1 This is a reference to the command that is described in [9:15](../09/15.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “they would not obey your command to enter and occupy the land of Canaan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 17 f1l1 figs-explicit וְ⁠לֹא־זָכְר֤וּ נִפְלְאֹתֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשִׂ֣יתָ עִמָּ⁠הֶ֔ם 1 The implication is that if they had done this, they would not have been afraid to go into Canaan and fight to take possession of it. They would have realized that the same God who defeated Pharaoh to deliver them from slavery could also defeat the nations living in Canaan. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “They did not remember the miracles that you had done to deliver them from Egypt, and so they were afraid that the nations that lived in Canaan would defeat them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 17 f1l3 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יַּקְשׁוּ֙ אֶת־עָרְפָּ֔⁠ם 1 As in [9:16](../09/16.md), this is a metaphor meaning that the people stubbornly refused to obey. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -NEH 9 17 gd2b figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּתְּנוּ־רֹ֛אשׁ לָ⁠שׁ֥וּב לְ⁠עַבְדֻתָ֖⁠ם בְּ⁠מִרְיָ֑⁠ם 1 The Israelites would know that this referred to their ancestors wanting to return to Egypt. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “they disobeyed God and appointed a leader to take them back to Egypt where they had been slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 9 17 gd2b figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּתְּנוּ־רֹ֛אשׁ לָ⁠שׁ֥וּב לְ⁠עַבְדֻתָ֖⁠ם בְּ⁠מִרְיָ֑⁠ם 1 The Israelites would know that this referred to their ancestors wanting to return to Egypt. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “they disobeyed God and appointed a leader to take them back to Egypt, where they had been slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 17 f1l5 figs-metaphor רֹ֛אשׁ 1 **Head** here is a figurative way of saying “leader.” Alternate translation: “leader” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 9 17 f1l7 figs-abstractnouns לָ⁠שׁ֥וּב לְ⁠עַבְדֻתָ֖⁠ם 1 **Servitude** is an abstract noun that refers to the condition of slavery that the Israelites experienced in Egypt. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind this word with a concrete noun such as “slave.” Alternate translation: “back to Egypt where they had been slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) NEH 9 17 f1l9 figs-abstractnouns אֱל֨וֹהַּ סְלִיח֜וֹת 1 **Forgiveness** is an abstract noun that represents a readiness not to hold a person’s offenses against them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind this word with a verb such as “forgive.” Alternate translation: “a God who is always ready to forgive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) @@ -1147,9 +1147,9 @@ NEH 9 17 ncd6 figs-explicit וְ⁠לֹ֥א עֲזַבְתָּֽ⁠ם 1 If it w NEH 9 18 hw32 figs-explicit אַ֗ף כִּֽי־עָשׂ֤וּ לָ⁠הֶם֙ עֵ֣גֶל מַסֵּכָ֔ה וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ זֶ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הֶעֶלְ⁠ךָ֖ מִ⁠מִּצְרָ֑יִם 1 The Levites continue to recount details of Israelite history and assume that their listeners will understand the significance of these details. This was a particularly grievous act of disobedience, which is why the Levites say “even when.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance in your translation. Alternate translation: “Even when the Israelites made an idol in the shape of a calf and gave it credit for delivering them from slavery in Egypt, right at Mount Sinai where you were giving Moses the Ten Commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 18 ind6 translate-unknown וַֽ⁠יַּעֲשׂ֔וּ נֶאָצ֖וֹת גְּדֹלֽוֹת 1 **Blasphemy** means to worship or honor something other than God as divine. The Old Testament stresses repeatedly that this is offensive and insulting to God. Alternate translation: “When they did this, they insulted you horribly.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 9 19 eqh4 וְ⁠אַתָּה֙ בְּ⁠רַחֲמֶ֣י⁠ךָ הָֽ⁠רַבִּ֔ים לֹ֥א עֲזַבְתָּ֖⁠ם בַּ⁠מִּדְבָּ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “Even so, because you are always merciful, you did not abandon them in the desert.” -NEH 9 19 x6bf grammar-connect-logic-result אֶת־עַמּ֣וּד הֶ֠⁠עָנָן לֹא־סָ֨ר מֵ⁠עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֤ם בְּ⁠יוֹמָם֙ לְ⁠הַנְחֹתָ֣⁠ם בְּ⁠הַ⁠דֶּ֔רֶךְ וְ⁠אֶת־עַמּ֨וּד הָ⁠אֵ֤שׁ בְּ⁠לַ֨יְלָה֙ לְ⁠הָאִ֣יר לָ⁠הֶ֔ם וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠דֶּ֖רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֵֽלְכוּ־בָֽ⁠הּ 1 See how you translated the similar sentence in [10:12](../10/12.md). If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the first phrase gives the reason for the result that is described in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “To show the people the way that they should go, the pillar of cloud continued to go ahead of them during the day, and the pillar of fire continued to light up the way ahead at night.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 9 19 x6bf grammar-connect-logic-result אֶת־עַמּ֣וּד הֶ֠⁠עָנָן לֹא־סָ֨ר מֵ⁠עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֤ם בְּ⁠יוֹמָם֙ לְ⁠הַנְחֹתָ֣⁠ם בְּ⁠הַ⁠דֶּ֔רֶךְ וְ⁠אֶת־עַמּ֨וּד הָ⁠אֵ֤שׁ בְּ⁠לַ֨יְלָה֙ לְ⁠הָאִ֣יר לָ⁠הֶ֔ם וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠דֶּ֖רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֵֽלְכוּ־בָֽ⁠הּ 1 See how you translated the similar sentence in [10:12](../10/12.md). If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases since the first phrase gives the reason for the result that is described in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “To show the people the way that they should go, the pillar of cloud continued to go ahead of them during the day, and the pillar of fire continued to light up the way ahead at night.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 9 20 buh1 וְ⁠רוּחֲ⁠ךָ֨ הַ⁠טּוֹבָ֔ה 1 This seems to be a reference to God in person. If your language uses capitalization or some other convention to indicate that a word is referring to God, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “your good Spirit” -NEH 9 20 e7m4 grammar-connect-logic-result וּ⁠מַנְ⁠ךָ֙ לֹא־מָנַ֣עְתָּ מִ⁠פִּי⁠הֶ֔ם וּ⁠מַ֛יִם נָתַ֥תָּה לָ⁠הֶ֖ם לִ⁠צְמָאָֽ⁠ם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of the phrases in each clause, since in both cases the first phrase gives the reason for the result that is described in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “Because they were hungry, you continued to feed them with manna, and because they were thirsty, you gave them water.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 9 20 e7m4 grammar-connect-logic-result וּ⁠מַנְ⁠ךָ֙ לֹא־מָנַ֣עְתָּ מִ⁠פִּי⁠הֶ֔ם וּ⁠מַ֛יִם נָתַ֥תָּה לָ⁠הֶ֖ם לִ⁠צְמָאָֽ⁠ם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of the phrases in each clause since in both cases the first phrase gives the reason for the result that is described in the second phrase. Alternate translation: “Because they were hungry, you continued to feed them with manna, and because they were thirsty, you gave them water.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 9 20 f1m7 translate-unknown וּ⁠מַנְ⁠ךָ֙ 1 This was the special food that Yahweh provided for the Israelites in the desert. See the note in [9:15](../09/15.md). Alternate translation: “special food” or “that special food, manna.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 9 20 qka1 לֹא־מָנַ֣עְתָּ מִ⁠פִּי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 Here the Levites describe being nourished by food by referring figuratively to something associated with it, the mouth that eats the food. If it would be clearer in your language, you could describe this more generally. Alternate translation: “you continued to feed them” NEH 9 20 gyd6 figs-litotes לֹא־מָנַ֣עְתָּ מִ⁠פִּי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 This is a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “you generously gave them manna” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) @@ -1167,37 +1167,37 @@ NEH 9 23 t5pb figs-hyperbole וּ⁠בְנֵי⁠הֶ֣ם הִרְבִּ֔יתָ NEH 9 23 f1n5 figs-metaphor וּ⁠בְנֵי⁠הֶ֣ם 1 **Sons** here figuratively means “descendants.” In this context it includes both boys and girls. Alternate translation: “and children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) NEH 9 23 f1n7 figs-explicit וַ⁠תְּבִיאֵ⁠ם֙ אֶל־הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־אָמַ֥רְתָּ לַ⁠אֲבֹתֵי⁠הֶ֖ם לָ⁠ב֥וֹא לָ⁠רָֽשֶׁת 1 This is the same **land** described in verse 15, the land of Canaan. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “You brought them back to the land of Canaan, the land that you had commanded the previous generation to enter and occupy.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 23 f1n9 figs-gendernotations לַ⁠אֲבֹתֵי⁠הֶ֖ם 1 While **fathers** figuratively means “ancestors” throughout much of this prayer, in this case the word is intended more literally. It means the previous generation of Israelites, who had disobeyed when God told them the first time to occupy the land. But since both men and women were involved in the disobedience, you could use a term that would not limit the meaning to men, if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “to the previous generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) -NEH 9 24 f1o1 figs-parallelism וַ⁠יָּבֹ֤אוּ הַ⁠בָּנִים֙ וַ⁠יִּֽירְשׁ֣וּ אֶת־הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ וַ⁠תַּכְנַ֨ע לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֜ם אֶת־יֹשְׁבֵ֤י הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ הַ⁠כְּנַ֣עֲנִ֔ים 1 These two phrases mean similar things. The Israelites of the next generation possessing the land is equivalent to Yahweh defeating its inhabitants when they fought against them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “You enabled the next generation of Israelites to defeat the people who were living in the land of Canaan so that they could occupy the land themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) +NEH 9 24 f1o1 figs-parallelism וַ⁠יָּבֹ֤אוּ הַ⁠בָּנִים֙ וַ⁠יִּֽירְשׁ֣וּ אֶת־הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ וַ⁠תַּכְנַ֨ע לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֜ם אֶת־יֹשְׁבֵ֤י הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ הַ⁠כְּנַ֣עֲנִ֔ים 1 These two phrases mean similar things. The Israelites of the next generation possessing the land is equivalent to Yahweh defeating its inhabitants when the Israelites fought against them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “You enabled the next generation of Israelites to defeat the people who were living in the land of Canaan so that they could occupy the land themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) NEH 9 24 qpd4 figs-gendernotations הַ⁠בָּנִים֙ 1 This means literally the children of the generation that refused to enter the land. But since both men and women were involved in occupying the land, you could use a term that would not limit the meaning to men, if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the next generation of Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) -NEH 9 24 it8a figs-metonymy וַ⁠תַּכְנַ֨ע לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֜ם אֶת־יֹשְׁבֵ֤י הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ 1 Here **face** figuratively means the front of a group, in this case the Israelite army that was fighting against the Canaanites. Alternate translation: “when the Israelites opposed them in battle, you defeated the people who were living in the land.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +NEH 9 24 it8a figs-metonymy וַ⁠תַּכְנַ֨ע לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֜ם אֶת־יֹשְׁבֵ֤י הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ 1 Here, **face** figuratively means the front of a group, in this case the Israelite army that was fighting against the Canaanites. Alternate translation: “when the Israelites opposed them in battle, you defeated the people who were living in the land.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 9 24 l77q figs-doublet יֹשְׁבֵ֤י הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ הַ⁠כְּנַ֣עֲנִ֔ים 1 These two phrases mean similar things. The repetition is used for clarity. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “the Canaanites who lived there,” otherwise “the people who lived here in this land, the descendants of Canaan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) NEH 9 24 vz5v figs-explicit וַֽ⁠תִּתְּנֵ֖⁠ם בְּ⁠יָדָ֑⁠ם וְ⁠אֶת־מַלְכֵי⁠הֶם֙ וְ⁠אֶת־עַֽמְמֵ֣י הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת בָּ⁠הֶ֖ם כִּ⁠רְצוֹנָֽ⁠ם 1 The Levites continue to recount details of Israelite history and assume that their listeners will understand the significance of these details. This sentence means, “You gave the Canaanites into the hands of the Israelites, that is, you gave their kings and the Canaanite people into the hands of the Israelites.” The implication is that once the Israelites had defeated the armies that the kings were leading, they could then do anything they wanted with the people who were living in the land. In other words, Yahweh gave the kings “into their hands” by defeating them, and as a result, the people were “in their hands” to do with whatever they wanted. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “You enabled them to defeat the armies that the Canaanite kings were leading, and then they could do whatever they wanted with the people of Canaan.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 9 24 v454 figs-metaphor וַֽ⁠תִּתְּנֵ֖⁠ם בְּ⁠יָדָ֑⁠ם 1 Here **hand** figuratively represents power and control. To give something into a person’s hand is to give that person control over that thing. Alternate translation: “enabled the Israelites to defeat them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 9 24 v454 figs-metaphor וַֽ⁠תִּתְּנֵ֖⁠ם בְּ⁠יָדָ֑⁠ם 1 Here, **hand** figuratively represents power and control. To give something into a person’s hand is to give that person control over that thing. Alternate translation: “enabled the Israelites to defeat them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 9 25 yzu6 וַֽ⁠יִּלְכְּד֞וּ עָרִ֣ים בְּצֻרוֹת֮ וַ⁠אֲדָמָ֣ה שְׁמֵנָה֒ 1 **They** means the Israelites who were entering Canaan. NEH 9 25 gs7a figs-metonymy וַ⁠אֲדָמָ֣ה שְׁמֵנָה֒ 1 This means land that can produce abundantly and make its inhabitants fat (as described later in this verse). The rich character of the soil is being described figuratively by something associated with it, the well-fed character of the people it sustains. Alternate translation: “fertile land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -NEH 9 25 ac3r וַ⁠יִּֽירְשׁ֡וּ 1 This means that they took possession of the things on the list that follows from people who had already built or planted them. Alternate translation: “they took possession of” -NEH 9 25 y6gx figs-activepassive בֹּר֨וֹת חֲצוּבִ֜ים 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. (This verse is not saying that the Israelites did three things, capture cities, possess houses, and dig cisterns.) Alternate translation: “cisterns that someone else had already dug” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +NEH 9 25 ac3r וַ⁠יִּֽירְשׁ֡וּ 1 This means that, from people who had already built or planted them, they took possession of the things on the list that follows. Alternate translation: “they took possession of” +NEH 9 25 y6gx figs-activepassive בֹּר֨וֹת חֲצוּבִ֜ים 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. (This verse is not saying that the Israelites did three things, captured cities, possessed houses, and dug cisterns.) Alternate translation: “cisterns that someone else had already dug” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 9 25 ke4u translate-unknown בֹּר֨וֹת 1 Cisterns are underground reservoirs where people store water. In this area they were typically hewn out of the underlying rock. Alternate translation: “water storage areas” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 9 25 f1o3 translate-unknown וְ⁠עֵ֥ץ מַאֲכָ֖ל 1 This means trees that grow things that are good to eat. In this area, these would have included both fruit and nut trees. Alternate translation: “and fruit and nut trees” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 9 25 s544 figs-metaphor וַֽ⁠יִּשְׂבְּעוּ֙ 1 It is clear from the context that this was likely true literally, but this statement could also be a figurative way of saying that just as a person who has more than enough to eat stops being concerned, so the Israelites became complacent and stopped thinking about Yahweh. Alternate translation: “and they became complacent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 9 26 t19v figs-doublet וַ⁠יַּמְר֨וּ וַֽ⁠יִּמְרְד֜וּ בָּ֗⁠ךְ 1 **Disobeyed** and **rebelled** mean similar things. The Levites use them together to emphasize how serious an offense it was for the Israelites to turn against Yahweh after he had blessed them so greatly. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these words. Alternate translation: “they turned against you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) NEH 9 26 q9sz figs-metaphor וַ⁠יַּשְׁלִ֤כוּ אֶת־תּוֹרָֽתְ⁠ךָ֙ אַחֲרֵ֣י גַוָּ֔⁠ם 1 The Levites are saying that figuratively the Israelites treated the law as if it were a worthless item that a person would toss away. Alternate translation: “They considered your law worthless and paid no attention to it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 9 26 vbj5 הֵעִ֥ידוּ בָ֖⁠ם 1 Alternate translation: “warned them about all the wrong things they were doing” -NEH 9 26 rr76 translate-unknown וַֽ⁠יַּעֲשׂ֔וּ נֶאָצ֖וֹת גְּדוֹלֹֽת 1 As in [9:18](../09/18.md), **blasphemy** means to worship or honor something other than God as divine. This is likely a reference to the way the Israelites started worshipping other gods. (That is why the prophets needed to try to “bring them back” to Yahweh.) Alternate translation: “they worshipped other gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) -NEH 9 27 v5lz figs-metaphor וַֽ⁠תִּתְּנֵ⁠ם֙ בְּ⁠יַ֣ד צָֽרֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 Here **hand** figuratively represents power and control. Alternate translation: “you allowed their enemies to defeat them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 9 26 rr76 translate-unknown וַֽ⁠יַּעֲשׂ֔וּ נֶאָצ֖וֹת גְּדוֹלֹֽת 1 As in [9:18](../09/18.md), **blasphemy** means to worship as divine or give honor to something other than God. This is likely a reference to the way the Israelites started worshiping other gods. (That is why the prophets needed to try to “bring them back” to Yahweh.) Alternate translation: “they worshiped other gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +NEH 9 27 v5lz figs-metaphor וַֽ⁠תִּתְּנֵ⁠ם֙ בְּ⁠יַ֣ד צָֽרֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 Here, **hand** figuratively represents power and control. Alternate translation: “you allowed their enemies to defeat them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 9 27 k998 וַ⁠יָּצֵ֖רוּ לָ⁠הֶ֑ם 1 **They** means the enemies, and “them” means the Israelites. Alternate translation: “The enemies of the Israelites made them suffer.” NEH 9 27 tz5a וּֽ⁠כְ⁠רַחֲמֶ֣י⁠ךָ הָֽ⁠רַבִּ֗ים 1 Alternate translation: “because of your great mercy” or “because you are very merciful” NEH 9 27 z213 translate-unknown תִּתֵּ֤ן לָ⁠הֶם֙ מֽוֹשִׁיעִ֔ים 1 This is a reference to the time in Israelite history when God sent the judges to lead the Israelite tribes in fighting back against their enemies. Alternate translation: “you sent the judges to rescue them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) -NEH 9 27 ku2m figs-metaphor וְ⁠יוֹשִׁיע֖וּ⁠ם מִ⁠יַּ֥ד צָרֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 Here **hand** figuratively represents power and control. Alternate translation: “they rescued them from their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 9 27 ku2m figs-metaphor וְ⁠יוֹשִׁיע֖וּ⁠ם מִ⁠יַּ֥ד צָרֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 Here, **hand** figuratively represents power and control. Alternate translation: “they rescued them from their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 9 28 u77m grammar-connect-logic-contrast וּ⁠כְ⁠נ֣וֹחַ לָ⁠הֶ֔ם יָשׁ֕וּבוּ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת רַ֖ע לְ⁠פָנֶ֑י⁠ךָ 1 This sentence draws a contrast between how the Israelites should have responded when God delivered them and how they actually responded. You could begin the sentence with a word like “but” or “however” or “nevertheless” to indicate this contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) NEH 9 28 ds4w figs-abstractnouns וּ⁠כְ⁠נ֣וֹחַ לָ⁠הֶ֔ם 1 **Rest** is an abstract noun that indicates that the Israelites had relief from suffering and that there was no more war in the land after they defeated their enemies. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the same idea with a different phrase. Alternate translation: “after they had defeated their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -NEH 9 28 s2tc figs-metaphor יָשׁ֕וּבוּ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת רַ֖ע לְ⁠פָנֶ֑י⁠ךָ 1 Here **face** seems to refer figuratively to a person’s opinion or judgment, by association with the way they use the eyes in their face to see things and the way their facial expression shows what they think of those things. So this would mean that the Israelites did things that Yahweh considered to be wrong. Alternate translation: “they went back to doing things that you consider wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -NEH 9 28 ml8w figs-metaphor וַ⁠תַּֽעַזְבֵ֞⁠ם בְּ⁠יַ֤ד אֹֽיְבֵי⁠הֶם֙ וַ⁠יִּרְדּ֣וּ בָ⁠הֶ֔ם 1 Here **hand** figuratively represents power and control. Alternate translation: “you allowed their enemies to defeat them, and they ruled over them harshly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 9 28 s2tc figs-metaphor יָשׁ֕וּבוּ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת רַ֖ע לְ⁠פָנֶ֑י⁠ךָ 1 Here, **face** seems to refer figuratively to a person’s opinion or judgment, by association with the way they use the eyes in their face to see things and the way their facial expression shows what they think of those things. So this would mean that the Israelites did things that Yahweh considered to be wrong. Alternate translation: “they went back to doing things that you consider wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 9 28 ml8w figs-metaphor וַ⁠תַּֽעַזְבֵ֞⁠ם בְּ⁠יַ֤ד אֹֽיְבֵי⁠הֶם֙ וַ⁠יִּרְדּ֣וּ בָ⁠הֶ֔ם 1 Here, **hand** figuratively represents power and control. Alternate translation: “you allowed their enemies to defeat them, and they ruled over them harshly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 9 28 puz2 grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠תַּֽעַזְבֵ֞⁠ם 1 This phrase indicates that the sentence it introduces explains the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “and so you left them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 9 28 t9wx figs-doublet וַ⁠יָּשׁ֨וּבוּ֙ וַ⁠יִּזְעָק֔וּ⁠ךָ 1 **They** means the Israelites. **Returned** and **cried out** mean similar things. Both terms describe how the Israelites realized that they should have remained loyal to Yahweh and that they desperately needed his help. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use one expression for both terms. Alternate translation: “The Israelites asked you again to help them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) NEH 9 28 y9f7 כְּֽ⁠רַחֲמֶ֖י⁠ךָ 1 Alternate translation: “because of your mercy” or “because you are merciful” NEH 9 29 pm9h figs-metonymy וַ⁠תָּ֨עַד בָּ⁠הֶ֜ם 1 Yahweh did not personally tell the Israelites all the wrong things they were doing. Rather, as [9:26](../09/26.md) explains by using the same expression, Yahweh sent prophets to do this. The Levites are describing the prophets figuratively by association with Yahweh, whose message they were bringing. Alternate translation: “you sent prophets to warn the Israelites about all the wrong things they were doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -NEH 9 29 un5i figs-metonymy לַ⁠הֲשִׁיבָ֣⁠ם אֶל־תּוֹרָתֶ֗⁠ךָ 1 The prophets were actually trying to make the people loyal to Yahweh himself once again, by calling them to obey Yahweh’s law. The Levites are describing Yahweh by reference to something associated with him, his law. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to make them loyal to you once again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +NEH 9 29 un5i figs-metonymy לַ⁠הֲשִׁיבָ֣⁠ם אֶל־תּוֹרָתֶ֗⁠ךָ 1 The prophets were actually trying to make the people loyal to Yahweh himself once again by calling them to obey Yahweh’s law. The Levites are describing Yahweh by reference to something associated with him, his law. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to make them loyal to you once again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 9 29 e4dt figs-idiom וְ⁠לֹא־שָׁמְע֤וּ לְ⁠מִצְוֺתֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ 1 As in [9:16](../09/16.md), **listen** in this context is an idiom that means not just to hear a command, but to obey it. If your language has a word for “listen” that also means “obey,” you could use it here. Alternate translation: “did not heed your commands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 9 29 una2 figs-metonymy וּ⁠בְ⁠מִשְׁפָּטֶ֣י⁠ךָ חָֽטְאוּ־בָ֔⁠ם 1 The people were actually sinning against Yahweh himself. The Levites are describing Yahweh by reference to something associated with him, his “judgments,” meaning the instructions in his law. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “they sinned against you by disobeying your instructions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 9 29 gh1m וּ⁠בְ⁠מִשְׁפָּטֶ֣י⁠ךָ 1 As in [9:13](../09/13.md), this term refers to Yahweh giving the Israelites instructions in the law. It may or may not include a sense of Yahweh passing sentence as a judge. Alternate translation: “And concerning your instructions” @@ -1207,19 +1207,19 @@ NEH 9 29 n3zk figs-idiom וְ⁠לֹ֥א שָׁמֵֽעוּ 1 Like **listen** e NEH 9 30 sj6k וַ⁠תִּמְשֹׁ֤ךְ עֲלֵי⁠הֶם֙ שָׁנִ֣ים רַבּ֔וֹת 1 Alternate translation: “you put up with them for a long time” NEH 9 30 gf8r figs-metonymy שָׁנִ֣ים רַבּ֔וֹת 1 This is a figurative expression for “a long time.” The Levites are describing time figuratively by referring to something associated with it, the years in which time is measured. Alternate translation: “for a long time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 9 30 hbe9 וַ⁠תָּ֨עַד בָּ֧⁠ם בְּ⁠רוּחֲ⁠ךָ֛ בְּ⁠יַד־נְבִיאֶ֖י⁠ךָ 1 As in [9:20](../09/20.md), **spirit** here seems to be a reference to God in person. If your language uses capitalization or some other convention to indicate that a word is referring to God, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “you spoke through the prophets by your Spirit to warn the Israelites about all the wrong things they were doing.” -NEH 9 30 f3le figs-metaphor בְּ⁠יַד־נְבִיאֶ֖י⁠ךָ 1 This is a figurative way of saying that God had the prophets deliver his message to the Israelites, the way a servant would carry a message in his hand. Alternate translation: “through the prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 9 30 f3le figs-metaphor בְּ⁠יַד־נְבִיאֶ֖י⁠ךָ 1 This is a figurative way of saying that God had the prophets deliver his message to the Israelites the way a servant would carry a message in his hand. Alternate translation: “through the prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 9 30 k9y7 figs-metonymy וְ⁠לֹ֣א הֶאֱזִ֑ינוּ 1 The Levites are describing the act of listening figuratively here by reference to something associated with it, the ear that hears. Alternate translation: “but they refused to listen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 9 30 n169 figs-idiom וְ⁠לֹ֣א הֶאֱזִ֑ינוּ 1 Listening in this context means not just to hear but to obey. Alternate translation: “but they refused to obey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 9 30 tqa5 figs-metaphor וַֽ⁠תִּתְּנֵ֔⁠ם בְּ⁠יַ֖ד עַמֵּ֥י הָ⁠אֲרָצֹֽת 1 Here **hand** represents power and control. See how you translated this expression in verse 27, where it occurs twice. Alternate translation: “you allowed the neighboring peoples to defeat them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 9 30 tqa5 figs-metaphor וַֽ⁠תִּתְּנֵ֔⁠ם בְּ⁠יַ֖ד עַמֵּ֥י הָ⁠אֲרָצֹֽת 1 Here, **hand** represents power and control. See how you translated this expression in verse 27, where it occurs twice. Alternate translation: “you allowed the neighboring peoples to defeat them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 9 30 ym8i grammar-connect-logic-result וַֽ⁠תִּתְּנֵ֔⁠ם 1 This word indicates that the sentence it introduces explains the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “As a result, you gave them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) NEH 9 31 neh8 grammar-connect-logic-result וּֽ⁠בְ⁠רַחֲמֶ֧י⁠ךָ 1 This sentence draws a contrast between what God could have done to the people, based on what they deserved, and what God actually did in his mercy. You could begin the sentence with a word like “but” or “however” to indicate this contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) NEH 9 31 j1rz וּֽ⁠בְ⁠רַחֲמֶ֧י⁠ךָ הָ⁠רַבִּ֛ים 1 As in [9:27](../09/27.md), alternate translation: “because you are very merciful” NEH 9 31 cl3n figs-parallelism לֹֽא־עֲשִׂיתָ֥⁠ם כָּלָ֖ה וְ⁠לֹ֣א עֲזַבְתָּ֑⁠ם 1 These two phrases do not describe separate things. They mean something similar. They describe what the people deserved for refusing to obey Yahweh. The first phrase describes what the people would have experienced in their lives. They would have been completely destroyed. The second phrase describes what they would have experienced in their relationship with Yahweh. He would have given up on them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “You did not abandon them to complete destruction.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) NEH 9 31 l7xw וְ⁠לֹ֣א עֲזַבְתָּ֑⁠ם 1 Alternate translation: “you did not give up on them” NEH 9 31 xk1s figs-doublet חַנּ֥וּן וְ⁠רַח֖וּם 1 **Gracious** and **merciful** mean similar things. The Levites use them together to emphasize that God did not punish the Israelites the way they deserved. You do not need to repeat both words in your translation if that would make the meaning less clear for your readers. Alternate translation: “very merciful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) -NEH 9 32 m4l9 grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠עַתָּ֣ה 1 This phrase indicates that the Levites believe that what they are about to ask for should be the results of what they have just described. Specifically, God helped the Israelites in the past, even though they did not deserve it, because he is merciful. And so the Levites are praying for God to be merciful and help the Israelites now, even though they do not deserve it. Alternate translation: “and that is why we are praying this now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 9 32 m4l9 grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠עַתָּ֣ה 1 This phrase indicates that the Levites believe that what they are about to ask for should be the results of what they have just described. Specifically,
because he is merciful, God helped the Israelites in the past even though they did not deserve it. And so the Levites are praying for God to be merciful and help the Israelites now even though they do not deserve it. Alternate translation: “and that is why we are praying this now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 9 32 d4hq figs-doublet הָ⁠אֵ֨ל הַ⁠גָּד֜וֹל הַ⁠גִּבּ֣וֹר וְ⁠הַ⁠נּוֹרָא֮ 1 As in [1:5](../01/05.md), **great** and **fearsome** mean similar things. “Mighty” also means something similar. The Levites use all of these words together to emphasize how much respect God deserves. You do not need to repeat all three words in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. However, there is a slight difference in meaning, and you could also bring that out in your translation. “Great” and “mighty” refer to how powerful God is objectively. “Fearsome” reflects how people should respond to God’s greatness subjectively. They should “fear” God. This does not mean that they should be afraid of him, but that they should show him respect and reverence. Alternate translation: “the God who deserves total respect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]. A doublet can involve the use of more than two words.) -NEH 9 32 r379 figs-parallelism שׁוֹמֵ֣ר הַ⁠בְּרִ֣ית וְ⁠הַ⁠חֶסֶד֒ 1 As in [1:5](../01/05.md), **covenant** and **covenant faithfulness** mean similar things. The Levites the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize how certain it is that God will keep his promises. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. However, there is a slight difference in meaning, and you could bring that out in your translation even if you combine the phrases. The “covenant” is God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their descendants. “Covenant faithfulness” is a character quality of God. He is inwardly disposed to keep all of his promises, and so he always does so faithfully. So you could say something like, “you always keep your promises faithfully because of who you are.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) +NEH 9 32 r379 figs-parallelism שׁוֹמֵ֣ר הַ⁠בְּרִ֣ית וְ⁠הַ⁠חֶסֶד֒ 1 As in [1:5](../01/05.md), **covenant** and **covenant faithfulness** mean similar things. The Levites said the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize how certain it is that God will keep his promises. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. However, there is a slight difference in meaning, and you could bring that out in your translation even if you combine the phrases. The “covenant” is God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their descendants. “Covenant faithfulness” is a character quality of God. He is inwardly disposed to keep all of his promises, and he always does so faithfully. So you could say something like, “you always keep your promises faithfully because of who you are.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) NEH 9 32 j5fk figs-metaphor אַל־יִמְעַ֣ט לְ⁠פָנֶ֡י⁠ךָ אֵ֣ת כָּל־הַ⁠תְּלָאָ֣ה 1 Here the Levites speak figuratively of something being small to mean that it is insignificant and not worthy of being noticed and addressed. Alternate translation: “do not regard our sufferings as insignificant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 9 32 ta8y figs-metonymy אַל־יִמְעַ֣ט לְ⁠פָנֶ֡י⁠ךָ אֵ֣ת כָּל־הַ⁠תְּלָאָ֣ה 1 As in [9:28](../09/28.md), **face** refers figuratively to a person’s opinion or judgment, by association with the way they use the eyes in their face to see things and the way their facial expression shows what they think of those things. So the Levites would be praying that God would not regard their suffering as insignificant. Alternate translation: “do not regard our sufferings as insignificant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 9 32 f7a5 figs-personification הַ⁠תְּלָאָ֣ה אֲֽשֶׁר־מְ֠צָאַתְ⁠נוּ 1 Here the Levites speak of the suffering that the Israelites have experienced as if it were a living thing that has looked for them and found them in order to cause them harm. Alternate translation: “the sufferings we have experienced” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) @@ -1227,9 +1227,9 @@ NEH 9 32 q7fm figs-abstractnouns הַ⁠תְּלָאָ֣ה אֲֽשֶׁר־מְ NEH 9 32 u6i9 figs-metaphor וְ⁠לַ⁠אֲבֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ 1 **Fathers** here figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “our ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 9 32 pl1f figs-explicit מִ⁠ימֵי֙ מַלְכֵ֣י אַשּׁ֔וּר עַ֖ד הַ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה 1 The implication is that the Levites are talking about the suffering that the Israelites have experienced specifically because foreign nations have conquered them, beginning with the Assyrians who first conquered the northern part of Israel. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “from the time Israel was first conquered by the Assyrian kings until now.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 32 r5ha figs-merism מִ⁠ימֵי֙ מַלְכֵ֣י אַשּׁ֔וּר עַ֖ד הַ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה 1 This is a figure of speech in which the Levites are describing an entire time period by reference to its beginning and end, in order to include everything in between. Alternate translation: “the entire time we have been under foreign domination” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) -NEH 9 33 ctq5 וְ⁠אַתָּ֣ה צַדִּ֔יק עַ֖ל כָּל־הַ⁠בָּ֣א עָלֵ֑י⁠נוּ 1 Here the word **righteous** refers to God’s actions, as a reflection of his character. Alternate translation: “we acknowledge you have done the right thing in allowing all this to happen to us” +NEH 9 33 ctq5 וְ⁠אַתָּ֣ה צַדִּ֔יק עַ֖ל כָּל־הַ⁠בָּ֣א עָלֵ֑י⁠נוּ 1 Here the word **righteous** refers to God’s actions as being a reflection of his righteous character. Alternate translation: “we acknowledge you have done the right thing in allowing all this to happen to us” NEH 9 33 ac1s figs-personification כָּל־הַ⁠בָּ֣א עָלֵ֑י⁠נוּ 1 Here the Levites speak of the suffering that the Israelites have experienced as if it were a living thing that has come up to them in order to cause them harm. Alternate translation: “everything we have suffered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) -NEH 9 33 z3i5 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי־אֱמֶ֥ת עָשִׂ֖יתָ וַ⁠אֲנַ֥חְנוּ הִרְשָֽׁעְנוּ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could put this sentence before the previous one, since it gives the reason for the results that are described in that other sentence. You could show the connection by using a word like “so” after this sentence. Alternate translation: “You have always done what you said you would do, and you have never abandoned us. But we have done many wrong things. And so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 9 33 z3i5 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי־אֱמֶ֥ת עָשִׂ֖יתָ וַ⁠אֲנַ֥חְנוּ הִרְשָֽׁעְנוּ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could place this sentence before the previous one since it gives the reason for the results that are described in that other sentence. You could show the connection by using a word like “so” after this sentence. Alternate translation: “You have always done what you said you would do, and you have never abandoned us. But we have done many wrong things. And so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 9 34 w8h1 figs-metaphor וַ⁠אֲבֹתֵ֔י⁠נוּ 1 **Fathers** here figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “our ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 9 34 fh22 figs-parallelism לֹ֥א עָשׂ֖וּ תּוֹרָתֶ֑⁠ךָ וְ⁠לֹ֤א הִקְשִׁ֨יבוּ֙ אֶל־מִצְוֺתֶ֔י⁠ךָ וּ⁠לְ⁠עֵ֣דְוֺתֶ֔י⁠ךָ 1 These two phrases mean similar things. The Levites use the repetition to confess how completely the people have disobeyed what God told them to do. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “have completely disobeyed everything you told them to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) NEH 9 34 z9gd figs-idiom וְ⁠לֹ֤א הִקְשִׁ֨יבוּ֙ אֶל 1 Not paying attention to a command, like not listening to it, is a figurative way of saying not obeying it. Alternate translation: “have disobeyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) @@ -1237,10 +1237,10 @@ NEH 9 34 x4lc figs-doublet מִצְוֺתֶ֔י⁠ךָ וּ⁠לְ⁠עֵ֣דְ NEH 9 34 z9wl וּ⁠לְ⁠עֵ֣דְוֺתֶ֔י⁠ךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַעִידֹ֖תָ בָּ⁠הֶֽם 1 As in [9:26](../09/26.md), [9:29](../09/29.md), and [9:30](../09/30), this expression means to warn someone about what they are doing. So here it is referring to “the warnings that you gave them to warn them.” You do not need to repeat the idea of “warn” twice in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “the many warnings you gave them” NEH 9 35 af8m figs-explicit וְ⁠הֵ֣ם בְּ⁠מַלְכוּתָ⁠ם֩…לֹ֣א עֲבָד֑וּ⁠ךָ 1 **Them** means the people and their leaders, as listed in [9:32](../09/32/.md) and [9:34](../09/34.md). **Serve** is another way of saying “obey.” The implied meaning is that the Israelites did not obey Yahweh even when they had a kingdom of their own, before other nations conquered them. Alternate translation: “They did not obey you even while they had a kingdom of their own.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 35 nxv9 figs-abstractnouns וּ⁠בְ⁠טוּבְ⁠ךָ֨ הָ⁠רָ֜ב אֲשֶׁר־נָתַ֣תָּ לָ⁠הֶ֗ם 1 **Goodness** is an abstract noun that refers to all the good things that God gave to the Israelites. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind it with an adjective such as “good.” Alternate translation: “even while they enjoyed the good things you gave them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -NEH 9 35 ibf9 figs-doublet וּ⁠בְ⁠אֶ֨רֶץ הָ⁠רְחָבָ֧ה וְ⁠הַ⁠שְּׁמֵנָ֛ה 1 These two terms mean similar things. They both indicate that the land gave to the Israelites was good for growing crops. There was a lot of room in it, and the soil was good. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “the fertile land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) +NEH 9 35 ibf9 figs-doublet וּ⁠בְ⁠אֶ֨רֶץ הָ⁠רְחָבָ֧ה וְ⁠הַ⁠שְּׁמֵנָ֛ה 1 These two terms mean similar things. They both indicate that the land God gave to the Israelites was good for growing crops. There was a lot of room in it, and the soil was good. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “the fertile land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) NEH 9 35 h9n5 figs-metonymy וּ⁠בְ⁠אֶ֨רֶץ…וְ⁠הַ⁠שְּׁמֵנָ֛ה 1 As in [9:25](../09/25.md), “fat” means land that can produce abundantly and feed its inhabitants well. The rich character of the soil is being described figuratively by something associated with it, the well-fed character of the people it sustains. Alternate translation: “fertile land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -NEH 9 35 z2vd figs-metaphor אֲשֶׁר־נָתַ֥תָּ לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם 1 Here **face** figuratively means the front of a person. This expression is saying that God “put this land right in front of” the Israelites, emphasizing that God enabled them to defeat their enemies to get it. It was a gift from God, not something that the Israelites got for themselves. Alternate translation: “that you freely gave to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -NEH 9 35 gdm7 figs-metaphor וְֽ⁠לֹא־שָׁ֔בוּ מִ⁠מַּֽעַלְלֵי⁠הֶ֖ם הָ⁠רָעִֽים 1 Here **turning away from** something is a figurative expression that means giving it up. Alternate translation: “they would not stop doing wrong things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 9 35 z2vd figs-metaphor אֲשֶׁר־נָתַ֥תָּ לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם 1 Here, **face** figuratively means the front of a person. This expression is saying that God “put this land right in front of” the Israelites, emphasizing that God enabled them to defeat their enemies to get it. It was a gift from God, not something that the Israelites got for themselves. Alternate translation: “that you freely gave to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 9 35 gdm7 figs-metaphor וְֽ⁠לֹא־שָׁ֔בוּ מִ⁠מַּֽעַלְלֵי⁠הֶ֖ם הָ⁠רָעִֽים 1 Here, **turning away from** something is a figurative expression that means giving it up. Alternate translation: “they would not stop doing wrong things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 9 36 q7xj הִנֵּ֛ה 1 **Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use some emphatic term or expression in your language that would have this same effect. NEH 9 36 qh7f figs-idiom הַ⁠יּ֖וֹם 1 This does not necessarily mean on this particular day, but rather at this time. Alternate translation: “This is how things are now.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 9 36 qai2 figs-metaphor לַ⁠אֲבֹתֵ֗י⁠נוּ 1 **Fathers** here figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “our ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) @@ -1257,7 +1257,7 @@ NEH 9 38 t4ag אֲנַ֛חְנוּ כֹּרְתִ֥ים אֲמָנָ֖ה 1 The NEH 9 38 xee9 figs-idiom אֲנַ֛חְנוּ כֹּרְתִ֥ים 1 As in [9:8](../09/08.md), to “cut” a covenant is a Hebrew idiom for making a solemn agreement with a person. Review the note there if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “we are making a covenant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 9 38 l6qa figs-explicit וְ⁠כֹתְבִ֑ים וְ⁠עַל֙ הֶֽ⁠חָת֔וּם שָׂרֵ֥י⁠נוּ לְוִיֵּ֖⁠נוּ כֹּהֲנֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 The implication is that the Israelites had scribes write this covenant on a scroll, the leaders wrote their names on it representing all the people, and then the Israelites sealed the document to make it official and to preserve it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “We are writing this covenant on a scroll. The community leaders, the Levites, and the priests will sign it. And then we will seal it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 9 38 wj7b שָׂרֵ֥י⁠נוּ 1 This means the community leaders. From the document itself, it appears that these included both Nehemiah as the governor (10:1) and various tribal and extended-family leaders (10:14–27). -NEH 10 intro m17y 0 # Nehemiah 10 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

This chapter concludes the passage beginning in chapter 9.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The vow

By signing this document, the people vowed or agreed to obey God, not to buy things on the Sabbath and to pay their temple tax. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/vow]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]]) +NEH 10 intro m17y 0 # Nehemiah 10 General Notes
## Structure and formatting

This chapter concludes the passage beginning in chapter 9.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The vow

By signing this document, the people vowed or agreed to obey God, not to buy things on the Sabbath, and to pay their temple tax. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/vow]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]]) NEH 10 1 ijh7 וְ⁠עַ֖ל הַ⁠חֲתוּמִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “These are the names that the leaders signed on the scroll before it was sealed.” NEH 10 1 jc8x translate-unknown נְחֶמְיָ֧ה הַ⁠תִּרְשָׁ֛תָא בֶּן־חֲכַלְיָ֖ה 1 As in [7:65](../07/65.md) and [7:70](../07/70.md), this was the formal Persian title of the governor. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the title and then explain it. Alternate translation: “Nehemiah son of Hakiliah, the Tirshatha (that is, the governor)” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 10 1 j4ny translate-names נְחֶמְיָ֧ה…בֶּן־חֲכַלְיָ֖ה וְ⁠צִדְקִיָּֽה 1 As in [1:1](../01/01.md), Nehemiah is the name of a man, and Hakaliah is the name of his father. Zedekiah is also the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -1270,20 +1270,20 @@ NEH 10 6 del4 translate-names דָּנִיֵּ֥אל גִּנְּת֖וֹן בּ NEH 10 7 yd6r translate-names מְשֻׁלָּ֥ם אֲבִיָּ֖ה מִיָּמִֽן 1 These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 10 8 mt1s translate-names מַֽעַזְיָ֥ה בִלְגַּ֖י שְׁמַֽעְיָ֑ה 1 These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 10 8 iv3c אֵ֖לֶּה הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “These are the names of the priests who signed the covenant.” -NEH 10 8 ppp7 grammar-connect-logic-result אֵ֖לֶּה הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִֽים 1 If it would be helpful to your readers, you could put this sentence at the beginning of verse 2, since it introduces the list of priests. That way the list of priests would be like the list of Levites in verses 9–13 and the list of leaders in verses 14–27. Both of those lists have an introductory phrase like this at the beginning. Alternate translation: “These are the names of the priests who signed the covenant.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 10 8 ppp7 grammar-connect-logic-result אֵ֖לֶּה הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִֽים 1 If it would be helpful to your readers, you could place this sentence at the beginning of verse 2 since it introduces the list of priests. That way the list of priests would be like the list of Levites in verses 9–13 and the list of leaders in verses 14–27. Both of those lists have an introductory phrase like this at the beginning. Alternate translation: “These are the names of the priests who signed the covenant.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 10 9 b29e וְֽ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “These are the names of the Levites who signed the covenant.” NEH 10 9 i6e3 figs-explicit וְֽ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֑ם 1 From the contexts in which the names of these men appear elsewhere in the book of Nehemiah, it seems that they were leaders of the Levites. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “These are the names of the Levites who signed the covenant. First, their leaders:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 10 9 si66 translate-names וְ⁠יֵשׁ֨וּעַ֙ בֶּן־אֲזַנְיָ֔ה 1 Jeshua is the name of a man, and Azaniah is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 10 9 pi28 translate-names בִּנּ֕וּי…חֵנָדָ֖ד 1 Binnui and Henadad are both names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 10 9 j952 figs-metaphor בִּנּ֕וּי מִ⁠בְּנֵ֥י חֵנָדָ֖ד 1 **Sons** here figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “Binnui, one of the descendants of Henadad.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 10 9 km8e translate-names קַדְמִיאֵֽל 1 Kadmiel is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 10 10 yg6h figs-metaphor וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 Here **brother** likely refers figuratively to the rest of the Levites who signed the covenant as fellow Levites of the three leaders. Alternate translation: “Next, their fellow Levites:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 10 10 yg6h figs-metaphor וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 Here, **brother** likely refers figuratively to the rest of the Levites who signed the covenant as fellow Levites of the three leaders. Alternate translation: “Next, their fellow Levites:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 10 10 cfy7 translate-names שְׁבַנְיָ֧ה הֽוֹדִיָּ֛ה קְלִיטָ֖א פְּלָאיָ֥ה חָנָֽן 1 These are the names of five men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 10 11 x5wd translate-names מִיכָ֥א רְח֖וֹב חֲשַׁבְיָֽה 1 These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 10 12 vuf7 translate-names זַכּ֥וּר שֵׁרֵֽבְיָ֖ה שְׁבַנְיָֽה 1 These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 10 13 t4nx translate-names הוֹדִיָּ֥ה בָנִ֖י בְּנִֽינוּ 1 These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 10 14 uar6 רָאשֵׁ֖י הָ⁠עָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “These are the names of the community leaders who signed the covenant.” -NEH 10 14 c75b figs-metaphor רָאשֵׁ֖י הָ⁠עָ֑ם 1 Here **head** is a figurative way of saying “leader.” Alternate translation: “community leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 10 14 c75b figs-metaphor רָאשֵׁ֖י הָ⁠עָ֑ם 1 Here, **head** is a figurative way of saying “leader.” Alternate translation: “community leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 10 14 d729 translate-names פַּרְעֹשׁ֙ פַּחַ֣ת מוֹאָ֔ב עֵילָ֥ם זַתּ֖וּא בָּנִֽי 1 These are the names of five men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 10 15 nkt2 translate-names בֻּנִּ֥י עַזְגָּ֖ד בֵּבָֽי 1 These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 10 16 dda2 translate-names אֲדֹנִיָּ֥ה בִגְוַ֖י עָדִֽין 1 These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -1298,38 +1298,38 @@ NEH 10 24 p99a translate-names הַלּוֹחֵ֥שׁ פִּלְחָ֖א שׁו NEH 10 25 t6u9 translate-names רְח֥וּם חֲשַׁבְנָ֖ה מַעֲשֵׂיָֽה 1 These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 10 26 ab18 translate-names וַ⁠אֲחִיָּ֥ה חָנָ֖ן עָנָֽן 1 These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 10 27 w9x4 translate-names מַלּ֥וּךְ חָרִ֖ם בַּעֲנָֽה 1 These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 10 28 g1a1 figs-explicit וּ⁠שְׁאָ֣ר הָ⁠עָ֡ם 1 This means everyone else in the groups that are listed next, even if they did not sign the covenant personally. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “And everyone else in the following groups, whether or not they signed their name of the scroll” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 10 28 g1a1 figs-explicit וּ⁠שְׁאָ֣ר הָ⁠עָ֡ם 1 This means everyone else in the groups that are listed next, even if they did not sign the covenant personally. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “And everyone else in the following groups, whether or not they signed their name on the scroll” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 10 28 w2rt translate-unknown הַ⁠שּׁוֹעֲרִ֨ים 1 This means the people who were responsible to open and close the gates that controlled access to the city and the temple. See how you translated this term in 7:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 10 28 f1n8 translate-unknown הַ⁠מְשֹׁרְרִ֜ים 1 As in [7:1](../07/01.md), this means vocal musicians who led in worship, in processions, and ceremonies, producing music and chants that emphasized and enhanced the occasion. Alternate translation: “the singers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 10 28 g1a3 translate-unknown הַ⁠נְּתִינִ֗ים 1 As in [3:26](../03/26.md), the term **Nethinim** describes servants who worked in the temple. Alternate translation: “the temple servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) -NEH 10 28 qej9 figs-explicit וְֽ⁠כָל־הַ⁠נִּבְדָּ֞ל מֵ⁠עַמֵּ֤י הָ⁠אֲרָצוֹת֙ אֶל־תּוֹרַ֣ת הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 This could mean one of two things. (1) It could be referring to people from other nations who had converted and become Jews. Alternate translation: “people from other nations who had become Jews and would now obey the law of God” (2) It might not be a reference to a distinct group, but rather a description of something that was true of everyone who agreed to the covenant, from any of the previously named groups. As in [9:2](../09/02.md), it would be a description of how the Israelites needed to reject the influence and practices of other people groups in order to follow the law of God faithfully. Alternate translation: “that is, everyone who resolved to reject foreign influences and obey the law of God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]].) +NEH 10 28 qej9 figs-explicit וְֽ⁠כָל־הַ⁠נִּבְדָּ֞ל מֵ⁠עַמֵּ֤י הָ⁠אֲרָצוֹת֙ אֶל־תּוֹרַ֣ת הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 This could mean one of two things. (1) It could be referring to people from other nations who had converted and become Jews. Alternate translation: “people from other nations who had become Jews and would now obey the law of God” (2) It might not be a reference to a distinct group, but rather a description of something that was true of everyone from any of the previously named groups who agreed to the covenant. As in [9:2](../09/02.md), it would be a description of how the Israelites needed to reject the influence and practices of other people groups in order to follow the law of God faithfully. Alternate translation: “that is, everyone who resolved to reject foreign influences and obey the law of God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]].) NEH 10 28 g1a5 figs-metaphor הַ⁠נִּבְדָּ֞ל מֵ⁠עַמֵּ֤י הָ⁠אֲרָצוֹת֙ 1 **Separate** is a figurative way of describing the act of rejecting an influence, as if this were a physical separation. In [9:2](../09/02.md) the separation actually was physical (only Israelites could attend that assembly), but here it would be figurative. Alternate translation: “resolved to reject foreign influences” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 10 28 g1a7 figs-idiom בְּנֵי⁠הֶ֣ם וּ⁠בְנֹתֵי⁠הֶ֑ם כֹּ֖ל יוֹדֵ֥עַ מֵבִֽין 1 Like the similar phrases in [8:2](../08/02.md) and [8:3](../08/03.md), this is likely an idiom that refers to children who could understand what the covenant was about. Alternate translation: “their children who were old enough to understand the covenant” or “all who were old enough to understand what promising to obey God meant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 10 29 l6ns figs-metaphor מַחֲזִיקִ֣ים עַל 1 Here **clinging to** is a figurative way of describing people who did not actually sign the scroll, as their leaders did, but who agreed with them and joined in the same purpose. Alternate translation: “agreed with” or “joined in the same purpose with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -NEH 10 29 x6i9 figs-metaphor אֲחֵי⁠הֶם֮ 1 Here **brother** likely means figuratively that the leaders who signed the scroll were fellow Jews of the rest of the people. Alternate translation: “their fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 10 29 l6ns figs-metaphor מַחֲזִיקִ֣ים עַל 1 Here, **clinging to** is a figurative way of describing people who did not actually sign the scroll, as their leaders did, but who agreed with them and joined in the same purpose. Alternate translation: “agreed with” or “joined in the same purpose with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 10 29 x6i9 figs-metaphor אֲחֵי⁠הֶם֮ 1 Here, **brother** likely means figuratively that the leaders who signed the scroll were fellow Jews of the rest of the people. Alternate translation: “their fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 10 29 k971 אַדִּירֵי⁠הֶם֒ 1 See how you translated this term in [2:16](../02/16.md). Alternate translation: “the leading citizens” NEH 10 29 p6ry figs-metonymy וּ⁠בָאִ֞ים בְּ⁠אָלָ֣ה וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁבוּעָ֗ה 1 Here the story describes the covenant figuratively by two things associated with it. As part of the covenant, the people swore an oath to keep its terms, and they also said that anyone who broke its terms should be cursed. (That is, God should punish them.) If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the meaning behind this figure. Alternate translation: “they made a serious agreement” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 10 29 ny6b figs-metaphor וּ⁠בָאִ֞ים בְּ⁠אָלָ֣ה וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁבוּעָ֗ה 1 **Entering** is a figurative way of saying that the people became parties to this agreement with God. The expression speaks as if the covenant were something that the people could physically go inside of, in order to become a part of it. Alternate translation: “they became parties to the covenant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 10 29 g1a9 figs-idiom לָ⁠לֶ֨כֶת֙ בְּ⁠תוֹרַ֣ת הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 As in [5:9](../05/09.md), **walk** is an idiom that describes a person’s conduct in life. Alternate translation: “to live their lives in obedience to the law of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 10 29 t8sp figs-activepassive אֲשֶׁ֣ר נִתְּנָ֔ה בְּ⁠יַ֖ד מֹשֶׁ֣ה 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “which Moses gave to the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -NEH 10 29 g1b1 figs-metaphor בְּ⁠יַ֖ד מֹשֶׁ֣ה 1 As in [9:14](../09/14.md), here **hand** figuratively represents control and action. Alternate translation: “Moses gave to the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) -NEH 10 29 g1b3 figs-metaphor מֹשֶׁ֣ה עֶֽבֶד־הָֽ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 As in [9:14](../09/14.md), Moses is called the **servant** of God. While Moses was also God’s servant in a more literal sense, this title is a figurative expression in the Old Testament that indicates that God used Moses to give his Law to his people, the way a master would have a servant deliver a message. Alternate translation: “your special messenger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 10 29 g1b1 figs-metaphor בְּ⁠יַ֖ד מֹשֶׁ֣ה 1 Here, as in [9:14](../09/14.md), **hand** figuratively represents control and action. Alternate translation: “Moses gave to the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 10 29 g1b3 figs-metaphor מֹשֶׁ֣ה עֶֽבֶד־הָֽ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 As in [9:14](../09/14.md), Moses is called the **servant** of God. While Moses was also God’s servant in a more literal sense, this title is a figurative expression in the Old Testament that indicates that God used Moses to give his Law to his people the way a master would have a servant deliver a message. Alternate translation: “your special messenger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 10 29 g1b5 figs-doublet וְ⁠לִ⁠שְׁמ֣וֹר וְ⁠לַ⁠עֲשׂ֗וֹת 1 **Keep** and **do** mean similar things. The repetition emphasizes the people’s resolve to keep God’s law. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “carefully follow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) NEH 10 29 m39f figs-doublet כָּל־מִצְוֺת֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֲדֹנֵ֔י⁠נוּ וּ⁠מִשְׁפָּטָ֖י⁠ו וְ⁠חֻקָּֽי⁠ו 1 As in [1:7](../01/07.md), **commandments**, **judgments**, and **statutes** mean basically the same thing. They refer to provisions in the Law of Moses. Here again the repetition emphasizes the people’s resolve to obey everything in God’s law. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them into a single phrase. Alternate translation: “everything Yahweh our Lord has commanded,” otherwise “the commands, rules, and laws of Yahweh our Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]. A doublet can involve the use of more than two words.) NEH 10 30 s4sx figs-parallelism וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹא־נִתֵּ֥ן בְּנֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ לְ⁠עַמֵּ֣י הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ וְ⁠אֶת־בְּנֹ֣תֵי⁠הֶ֔ם לֹ֥א נִקַּ֖ח לְ⁠בָנֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 These two phrases mean similar things. They both indicate that the Jews are promising here not to let their children marry people from the other groups living in the area. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “We promise that we will not allow any one of our children to marry someone from another people group” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) NEH 10 30 lx8c figs-exclusive נִתֵּ֥ן 1 Here and through to the end of this chapter, the pronoun “we” includes Nehemiah and the Jewish people, but not the readers of this book. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) NEH 10 30 iqq1 figs-explicit לְ⁠עַמֵּ֣י הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ 1 This refers to other people groups who live in the land and who do not worship Yahweh. The implication is that intermarriage with these groups would lead the Israelites to compromise their loyalty to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the people of this land who do not worship Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 10 31 g1b7 grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠עַמֵּ֣י הָ⁠אָ֡רֶץ הַֽ⁠מְבִיאִים֩ אֶת־הַ⁠מַּקָּח֨וֹת וְ⁠כָל־שֶׁ֜בֶר בְּ⁠י֤וֹם הַ⁠שַּׁבָּת֙ לִ⁠מְכּ֔וֹר לֹא־נִקַּ֥ח מֵ⁠הֶ֛ם בַּ⁠שַּׁבָּ֖ת 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that is described in the first phrase. Alternate translation: “If people from other groups bring goods or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy any from them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 10 31 g1b7 grammar-connect-logic-result וְ⁠עַמֵּ֣י הָ⁠אָ֡רֶץ הַֽ⁠מְבִיאִים֩ אֶת־הַ⁠מַּקָּח֨וֹת וְ⁠כָל־שֶׁ֜בֶר בְּ⁠י֤וֹם הַ⁠שַּׁבָּת֙ לִ⁠מְכּ֔וֹר לֹא־נִקַּ֥ח מֵ⁠הֶ֛ם בַּ⁠שַּׁבָּ֖ת 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that is described in the first phrase. Alternate translation: “If people from other groups bring goods or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy any from them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 10 31 g1b9 figs-explicit בַּ⁠שַּׁבָּ֖ת 1 The implication is that the Israelites are promising not to buy anything because the Sabbath is a day for rest and worship, not for buying and selling. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “on the Sabbath, we will not buy any from them, because Yahweh has told us not to buy or sell on the Sabbath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 10 31 g1c1 וּ⁠בְ⁠י֣וֹם קֹ֑דֶשׁ 1 Alternate translation: “on a festival day” or “during a festival” NEH 10 31 g1c3 figs-ellipsis וְ⁠נִטֹּ֛שׁ אֶת־הַ⁠שָּׁנָ֥ה הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֖ית 1 Here the covenant leaves out one or more words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. **Leave alone** means “leave our fields alone,” that is, do not plant or harvest any crops, and **the seventh year** means “in the seventh year.” Alternate translation: “we will not grow anything in our fields every seventh year” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) NEH 10 31 bh3h figs-explicit וְ⁠נִטֹּ֛שׁ אֶת־הַ⁠שָּׁנָ֥ה הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֖ית 1 **The seventh year** refers to the commandment in the Law of Moses to allow fields to rest one year out of every seven. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “We will leave our fields alone and not work them during the seventh year, because the law commands us not to grow any crops then.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 10 31 ek18 translate-ordinal אֶת־הַ⁠שָּׁנָ֥ה הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֖ית 1 Alternate translation: “year 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) +NEH 10 31 ek18 translate-ordinal אֶת־הַ⁠שָּׁנָ֥ה הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֖ית 1 Alternate translation: “year seven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) NEH 10 31 hf7z וְ⁠נִטֹּ֛שׁ…וּ⁠מַשָּׁ֥א כָל־יָֽד 1 This could mean one of several things. (1) As in [5:7–12](../05/07.md), it could be a promise not to charge any interest on loans to fellow Israelites. (2) It could mean that during the seventh year, no loan payments would be collected. (3) It could mean that during the seventh year, all debts would be cancelled. Alternate translation: “we will not charge interest on loans to our fellow Israelites” or “during the seventh year, we will not collect loan payments” or “during the seventh year, we will cancel all the debts of our fellow Israelites.” -NEH 10 31 ur3t figs-metonymy וּ⁠מַשָּׁ֥א כָל־יָֽד 1 Here **hand** seems to refer figuratively to a debt by reference to something associated with it, the way debts were formalized by the borrower grasping the hand of the lender. Alternate translation: “interest on any debt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +NEH 10 31 ur3t figs-metonymy וּ⁠מַשָּׁ֥א כָל־יָֽד 1 Here, **hand** seems to refer figuratively to a debt by reference to something associated with it, the way debts were formalized by the borrower grasping the hand of the lender. Alternate translation: “interest on any debt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 10 32 h9gt figs-personification וְ⁠הֶעֱמַ֤דְנוּ עָלֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ מִצְוֺ֔ת 1 As in [5:13](../05/13.md), the covenant speaks figuratively of the commitments the people are making as if they were living things that could **stand**, that is, stay in place rather than go away. The people are saying that they will make sure this commitment does not “go away.” Alternate translation: “we are making a firm commitment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) NEH 10 32 ljm2 figs-idiom לָ⁠תֵ֥ת עָלֵ֛י⁠נוּ 1 Alternate translation: “each one of us will contribute” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 10 32 ad47 translate-bmoney שְׁלִשִׁ֥ית הַ⁠שֶּׁ֖קֶל 1 In ancient times, a silver shekel weighed about 11 grams or about a third of an ounce. You could try to express this in terms of modern money values, but if you did, that could cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate over time, since those values can change from year to year. Instead, you could give the equivalent weight, or use the biblical term in the text and give the weight in a note. Alternate translation: “a third of a shekel each year” or “four grams of silver each year” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) +NEH 10 32 ad47 translate-bmoney שְׁלִשִׁ֥ית הַ⁠שֶּׁ֖קֶל 1 In ancient times, a silver shekel weighed about 11 grams or about a third of an ounce. You could try to express this in terms of modern money values, but if you did, that could cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate over time since those values can change from year to year. Instead, you could give the equivalent weight or use the biblical term in the text and give the weight in a note. Alternate translation: “a third of a shekel each year” or “four grams of silver each year” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) NEH 10 32 g1c5 translate-fraction שְׁלִשִׁ֥ית הַ⁠שֶּׁ֖קֶל 1 A **third** means one part out of three equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) NEH 10 32 pw6w figs-abstractnouns לַ⁠עֲבֹדַ֖ת בֵּ֥ית אֱלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 The abstract noun **service** describes all the things needed for worship in the temple, as listed in the next verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “everything that is needed for worship in the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) NEH 10 32 g1c7 figs-metaphor בֵּ֥ית אֱלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 As in [6:10](../06/10.md) and [8:16](../08/16.md), here the covenant speaks of the temple figuratively as the **house of God**, as if it were God’s dwelling place. Alternate translation: “the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]]) @@ -1367,7 +1367,7 @@ NEH 10 38 g1g5 figs-informremind הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֧ן בֶּֽן־אַהֲרֹ NEH 10 38 g1g7 figs-metaphor בֶּֽן־אַהֲרֹ֛ן 1 **Son** here figuratively means “descendant.” Alternate translation: “a descendant of Aaron” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 10 38 by9z figs-explicit בַּ⁠עְשֵׂ֣ר הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֑ם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could state from whom the Levites will receive these tithes. Alternate translation: “when the people give their tithes to the Levites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 10 38 eb51 translate-fraction בַּ⁠עְשֵׂ֣ר…מַעֲשַׂ֤ר הַֽ⁠מַּעֲשֵׂר֙ 1 A “tithe” means a tenth (1/10) or one part out of ten equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) -NEH 10 38 zl4a figs-explicit וְ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֞ם יַעֲל֨וּ אֶת־מַעֲשַׂ֤ר הַֽ⁠מַּעֲשֵׂר֙ לְ⁠בֵ֣ית אֱלֹהֵ֔י⁠נוּ 1 The implication is that in this way the Levites will help support the priests, in the same way that the people will support the priests through the tithes described in verse 37. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Levites will bring one tenth of the tithes they receive to the temple, to help support the priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 10 38 zl4a figs-explicit וְ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֞ם יַעֲל֨וּ אֶת־מַעֲשַׂ֤ר הַֽ⁠מַּעֲשֵׂר֙ לְ⁠בֵ֣ית אֱלֹהֵ֔י⁠נוּ 1 The implication is that in the way the Levites will help support the priests, in the same way the people will support the priests through the tithes described in verse 37. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Levites will bring one tenth of the tithes they receive to the temple, to help support the priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 10 38 g1g9 bita-manmade לְ⁠בֵ֣ית אֱלֹהֵ֔י⁠נוּ 1 The covenant continues to speak of the temple figuratively as the **house of God**, as if it were God’s dwelling place. Alternate translation: “the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]]) NEH 10 38 g1h1 translate-unknown אֶל־הַ⁠לְּשָׁכ֖וֹת לְ⁠בֵ֥ית הָ⁠אוֹצָֽר 1 Like the similar phrase in [10:37](../09/37.md), this phrase explains where the Levites are to deliver the ten percent of the tithes that they will contribute. Alternate translation: “to the rooms where things are stored in the temple” or “the rooms in the temple treasury” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 10 39 g1h3 figs-ellipsis הַ֠⁠לְּשָׁכוֹת 1 This is an abbreviated way of saying “the chambers of the house of the treasury” as in [10:38](../10/38). Alternate translation: “the rooms where things are stored in the temple” or “the rooms in the temple treasury” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) @@ -1376,14 +1376,14 @@ NEH 10 39 ss5h figs-ellipsis וְ⁠שָׁם֙ כְּלֵ֣י הַ⁠מִּקְ NEH 10 39 g1h5 figs-synecdoche כְּלֵ֣י 1 Here the covenant uses one type of equipment that the storerooms would hold, **vessels** or “jars” or “containers,” to refer figuratively to all the different types of equipment on the list in this verse. Alternate translation: “equipment” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 10 39 u1sq figs-litotes וְ⁠לֹ֥א נַעֲזֹ֖ב אֶת־בֵּ֥ית אֱלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 This is a figure of speech that expresses a strong positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “we will make sure that we provide for the temple” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) NEH 10 39 b23h figs-metaphor בֵּ֥ית אֱלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ 1 The covenant continues to speak of the temple figuratively as the **house of God**, as if it were God’s dwelling place. Alternate translation: “the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]]) -NEH 11 intro xja1 0 # Nehemiah 11 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### The places where the Jews lived

Some people lived in Jerusalem, but most people lived in villages and towns away from Jerusalem. They lived there in order to farm the land raise their animals. The city with its walls was there to provide all of the people with protection if enemies attacked them. +NEH 11 intro xja1 0 # Nehemiah 11 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### The places where the Jews lived

Some people lived in Jerusalem, but most people lived in villages and towns away from Jerusalem. They lived there in order to farm the land and raise their animals. The city with its walls was there to provide all of the people with protection if enemies attacked them. NEH 11 1 e2yg translate-unknown הִפִּ֨ילוּ גוֹרָל֜וֹת 1 As in [10:34](../10/34.md), a **lot** was a physical object that was used in various ways to make a selection among different possibilities. Use the term in your language that would best describe such an object for your readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 11 1 beq5 figs-ellipsis אֶחָ֣ד מִן־הָ⁠עֲשָׂרָ֗ה 1 This means “one out of ten people.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) NEH 11 1 h1a1 figs-informremind בִּֽ⁠ירוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ עִ֣יר הַ⁠קֹּ֔דֶשׁ 1 Here the book repeats some background information to remind readers about the special status that Jerusalem had, which was why it was so important for that city to be well populated. As in [1:9](../01/09.md), the list is acknowledging Jerusalem as the place from which God chose to start making himself famous throughout the world, and as the city where God chose to put his temple. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem, the special city that God chose” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) NEH 11 1 h1a3 figs-synecdoche וְ⁠תֵ֥שַׁע הַ⁠יָּד֖וֹת בֶּ⁠עָרִֽים 1 Here the list is using the term **hand** to refer figuratively to an entire person. Alternate translation: “the other nine out of ten people remained in the cities and towns where they had been living” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 11 2 h1a5 figs-idiom לְ⁠כֹל֙ הָֽ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֔ים 1 In this context, **a man** means “everyone.” Alternate translation: “everyone who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 11 3 h1a7 figs-metaphor רָאשֵׁ֣י הַ⁠מְּדִינָ֔ה 1 **Head** here is a figurative way of saying “leader.” Alternate translation: “provincial leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) -NEH 11 3 h1a9 grammar-connect-logic-contrast וּ⁠בְ⁠עָרֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֗ה 1 This sentence explains a contrasting idea before story goes on to develop the idea that the previous sentence introduces. This chapter is a list of the provincial leaders, priests, Levites, gatekeepers, temple servants, and singers who lived in Jerusalem. The previous sentence introduces the first part of that list. But before the list gives the names of the provincial leaders, it explains that most of the people who had returned to the province of Judah kept on living on their ancestral lands in other cities and towns. You could begin this sentence with a word like “but” to indicate this contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) +NEH 11 3 h1a9 grammar-connect-logic-contrast וּ⁠בְ⁠עָרֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֗ה 1 This sentence explains a contrasting idea before the story goes on to develop the idea that the previous sentence introduces. This chapter is a list of the provincial leaders, priests, Levites, gatekeepers, temple servants, and singers who lived in Jerusalem. The previous sentence introduces the first part of that list, but before the list gives the names of the provincial leaders, it explains that most of the people who had returned to the province of Judah kept on living on their ancestral lands in other cities and towns. You could begin this sentence with a word like “but” to indicate this contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) NEH 11 3 h1b1 וּ⁠בְ⁠עָרֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֗ה…בְּ⁠עָ֣רֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 These two phrases mean the same thing and you do not need to repeat both of them if that would be confusing for your readers. NEH 11 3 h1b3 figs-idiom אִ֤ישׁ בַּ⁠אֲחֻזָּת⁠וֹ֙ 1 In this context, **a man** means “each person,” and the expression may be understood to indicate “each family.” Alternate translation: “each family on its own property” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 11 3 l7mb figs-personification יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל 1 Here the list refers to all of the Israelites figuratively as if they were a single person, their ancestor, Israel. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) @@ -1422,15 +1422,15 @@ NEH 11 11 d8ph translate-names שְׂרָיָ֨ה בֶן־חִלְקִיָּ֜ה NEH 11 11 h1e3 writing-background נְגִ֖ד בֵּ֥ית הָ⁠אֱלֹהִֽים 1 This is background information that helps identify Seraiah further. Alternate translation: “the priest in charge of the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) NEH 11 11 h1e5 figs-metaphor בֵּ֥ית הָ⁠אֱלֹהִֽים 1 Here the list speaks of the temple figuratively as the **house of God** as if it were God’s dwelling place. Alternate translation: “the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]]) NEH 11 12 j7vp וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֗ם עֹשֵׂ֤י הַ⁠מְּלָאכָה֙ לַ⁠בַּ֔יִת שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת עֶשְׂרִ֣ים וּ⁠שְׁנָ֑יִם 1 Alternate translation: “The total number of their fellow priests who were serving in the temple was 822.” -NEH 11 12 nl7h figs-metaphor וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֗ם 1 Here **brother**, in general, is a figurative way of saying “fellow priest,” although it is possible that some of the biological brothers of Joiarib, Jakin, and Seraiah were included in this group. Alternate translation: “their fellow priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) -NEH 11 12 z6pc figs-ellipsis עֹשֵׂ֤י הַ⁠מְּלָאכָה֙ לַ⁠בַּ֔יִת 1 Here **house** is an abbreviated way of saying “house of God.” and that is a figurative way of referring to the temple. Alternate translation: “who served in the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +NEH 11 12 nl7h figs-metaphor וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֗ם 1 Here, **brother**, is a figurative way of saying “fellow priest,” although it is possible that some of the biological brothers of Joiarib, Jakin, and Seraiah were included in this group. Alternate translation: “their fellow priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 11 12 z6pc figs-ellipsis עֹשֵׂ֤י הַ⁠מְּלָאכָה֙ לַ⁠בַּ֔יִת 1 Here, **house** is an abbreviated way of saying “house of God,” and that is a figurative way of referring to the temple. Alternate translation: “who served in the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 11 12 kq8y translate-numbers שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת עֶשְׂרִ֣ים וּ⁠שְׁנָ֑יִם 1 822 men “eight hundred and twenty-two men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) NEH 11 12 h1e7 figs-explicit וַ֠⁠עֲדָיָה 1 The implication is that Adaiah was another leader of the priests who settled in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Another leader of the priests who settled in Jerusalem was Adaiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 11 12 h1e9 translate-names וַ֠⁠עֲדָיָה בֶּן־יְרֹחָ֤ם בֶּן־פְּלַלְיָה֙ בֶּן־אַמְצִ֣י בֶן־זְכַרְיָ֔ה בֶּן־פַּשְׁח֖וּר בֶּן־מַלְכִּיָּֽה 1 These are the names of seven men. In this context, **son** means literally that the next man named is the father of the man just named. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 11 13 wd9q figs-metaphor וְ⁠אֶחָי⁠ו֙ רָאשִׁ֣ים לְ⁠אָב֔וֹת 1 In this case **his brothers** seems to be a figurative way of saying “his fellow leaders,” since the list specifies that these associates of Adaiah were leaders of clans. Alternate translation: “the family leaders who helped him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 11 13 wd9q figs-metaphor וְ⁠אֶחָי⁠ו֙ רָאשִׁ֣ים לְ⁠אָב֔וֹת 1 In this case, **his brothers** seems to be a figurative way of saying “his fellow leaders,” since the list specifies that these associates of Adaiah were leaders of clans. Alternate translation: “the family leaders who helped him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 11 13 u4gn figs-ellipsis רָאשִׁ֣ים לְ⁠אָב֔וֹת 1 As in [7:70](../07/70.md) and [8:13](../08/13.md), this seems to be an abbreviated way of saying “the heads of father’s houses.” The full expression “house of the father” or “father’s house” is used in 7:61. See how you translated it there, and review the note there if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “clan leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) -NEH 11 13 h1f1 figs-metaphor רָאשִׁ֣ים 1 Here **head** is a figurative way of saying “leader.” Alternate translation: “leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) -NEH 11 13 h1f3 figs-explicit מָאתַ֖יִם אַרְבָּעִ֣ים וּ⁠שְׁנָ֑יִם 1 It seems unlikely that there were 242 family leaders assisting Adaiah. Rather, in context, this seems to be the number of priests that Adaiah and the family leaders who helped him were responsible for. Alternate translation: “They were responsible for 242 priests.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 11 13 h1f1 figs-metaphor רָאשִׁ֣ים 1 Here, **head** is a figurative way of saying “leader.” Alternate translation: “leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 11 13 h1f3 figs-explicit מָאתַ֖יִם אַרְבָּעִ֣ים וּ⁠שְׁנָ֑יִם 1 It seems unlikely that there were 242 family leaders assisting Adaiah. Rather, in context, this seems to be the number of priests that Adaiah and the family leaders who helped him were responsible for. Alternate translation: “they were responsible for 242 priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 11 13 gd6g translate-numbers מָאתַ֖יִם אַרְבָּעִ֣ים וּ⁠שְׁנָ֑יִם 1 “two hundred and forty-two men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) NEH 11 13 h1f5 figs-explicit וַ⁠עֲמַשְׁסַ֧י 1 The implication is that Amashsai was another leader of the priests who settled in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Another leader of the priests who settled in Jerusalem was Amashsai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 11 13 l51b translate-names וַ⁠עֲמַשְׁסַ֧י בֶּן־עֲזַרְאֵ֛ל בֶּן־אַחְזַ֥י בֶּן־מְשִׁלֵּמ֖וֹת בֶּן־אִמֵּֽר 1 These are the names of five men. In this context, “son” means literally that the next man named is the father of the man just named. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -1448,21 +1448,21 @@ NEH 11 16 h1g7 figs-metaphor עַל־הַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֤ה הַ⁠חִֽי NEH 11 17 ix77 translate-names וּ⁠מַתַּנְיָ֣ה בֶן־מִ֠יכָה בֶּן־זַבְדִּ֨י בֶן־אָסָ֜ף 1 These are the names of four men. In this context, “son” means literally that the next man named is the father of the man just named. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 11 17 h1g9 figs-explicit וּ⁠מַתַּנְיָ֣ה 1 The implication is that Mattaniah was another leader of the Levites who settled in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Another leader of the Levites who settled in Jerusalem was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 11 17 sm9t figs-metaphor רֹ֗אשׁ הַ⁠תְּחִלָּה֙ יְהוֹדֶ֣ה לַ⁠תְּפִלָּ֔ה 1 **Head** here is a figurative way of saying “leader.” Alternate translation: “the director of the Levite choir” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) -NEH 11 17 h1h1 figs-metonymy רֹ֗אשׁ הַ⁠תְּחִלָּה֙ 1 This expression seems to indicate that Mattaniah told the Levite musicians who sang in the temple when to begin singing, that is, he was the director of their choir. He would have done many other things as well as the choir director, for example, keeping the tempo, having the choir sing louder or softer, and telling the choir when to stop singing. Here the list is describing the work of directing the choir figuratively by reference to one aspect of it, starting the singing. Alternate translation: “the director” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +NEH 11 17 h1h1 figs-metonymy רֹ֗אשׁ הַ⁠תְּחִלָּה֙ 1 This expression seems to indicate that Mattaniah told the Levite musicians who sang in the temple when to begin singing; that is, he was the director of their choir. As the choir director, he would have done many other things as well. For example, he would keep the tempo, have the choir sing louder or softer, and tell the choir when to stop singing. Here the list is describing the work of directing the choir figuratively by reference to one aspect of it, starting the singing. Alternate translation: “the director” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 11 17 h1h3 figs-metonymy יְהוֹדֶ֣ה לַ⁠תְּפִלָּ֔ה 1 Here the book is describing the choir figuratively by reference to one kind of thing it was associated with, the prayers of thanksgiving that it sang. Alternate translation: “of the choir” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -NEH 11 17 h1h5 figs-synecdoche יְהוֹדֶ֣ה לַ⁠תְּפִלָּ֔ה 1 While the list says that Mattaniah offered this prayer, really the whole choir did so, with him as its director. The list is referring to the entire choir figuratively by the name of one member, Mattaniah. Alternate translation: “of the choir” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +NEH 11 17 h1h5 figs-synecdoche יְהוֹדֶ֣ה לַ⁠תְּפִלָּ֔ה 1 While the list says that Mattaniah offered this prayer really, the whole choir did so with him as its director. The list is referring to the entire choir figuratively by the name of one member, Mattaniah. Alternate translation: “of the choir” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 11 17 h1h7 figs-explicit וּ⁠בַקְבֻּקְיָ֖ה…וְ⁠עַבְדָּא֙ 1 The implication is that Bakbukiah and Abda were further leaders of the Levites who settled in Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Two other leaders of the priests who settled in Jerusalem were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 11 17 djg7 translate-names וּ⁠בַקְבֻּקְיָ֖ה 1 This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 11 17 h1h9 figs-metaphor מִשְׁנֶ֣ה מֵ⁠אֶחָ֑י⁠ו 1 Here **brother** likely refers figuratively to the other the Levites in this division. The expression means that Bakbukiah was another leader who assisted Mattaniah with the Levite choir. It could also possibly mean that he directed a second group of singers. Alternate translation: “who assisted Mattaniah with the Levite choir” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 11 17 h1h9 figs-metaphor מִשְׁנֶ֣ה מֵ⁠אֶחָ֑י⁠ו 1 Here, **brother** likely refers figuratively to the other the Levites in this division. The expression means that Bakbukiah was another leader who assisted Mattaniah with the Levite choir. It could also possibly mean that he directed a second group of singers. Alternate translation: “who assisted Mattaniah with the Levite choir” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 11 17 dy1v translate-ordinal מִשְׁנֶ֣ה 1 Alternate translation: “the next in command” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) NEH 11 17 h1i1 translate-names וְ⁠עַבְדָּא֙ בֶּן־שַׁמּ֔וּעַ בֶּן־גָּלָ֖ל בֶּן־יְדוּתֽוּן 1 These are the names of four men. In this context, **son** means literally that the next man named is the father of the man just named. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 11 18 h1i3 כָּל־הַ⁠לְוִיִּם֙ בְּ⁠עִ֣יר הַ⁠קֹּ֔דֶשׁ מָאתַ֖יִם שְׁמֹנִ֥ים וְ⁠אַרְבָּעָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “The total number of Levites who settled in Jerusalem was 284.” NEH 11 18 di19 figs-informremind בְּ⁠עִ֣יר הַ⁠קֹּ֔דֶשׁ 1 As in [11:1](../11/01.md), this phrase describes Jerusalem as the place from which God chose to start making himself famous throughout the world, and as the city where God chose to put his temple. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem, the special city that God chose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) NEH 11 18 hk8i translate-numbers מָאתַ֖יִם שְׁמֹנִ֥ים וְ⁠אַרְבָּעָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “two hundred and eighty-four” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) -NEH 11 19 i92r figs-explicit וְ⁠הַ⁠שּֽׁוֹעֲרִים֙ 1 The implication is that this next section of the list will name the men who were leaders of the gatekeepers. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Here are the names of the leaders of the gatekeepers who settled in Jerusalem.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 11 19 i92r figs-explicit וְ⁠הַ⁠שּֽׁוֹעֲרִים֙ 1 The implication is that this next section of the list will name the men who were leaders of the gatekeepers. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Here are the names of the leaders of the gatekeepers who settled in Jerusalem:” followed by the list of names. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 11 19 h1i5 translate-unknown וְ⁠הַ⁠שּֽׁוֹעֲרִים֙ 1 This means the people who were responsible to open and close the gates that controlled access to the city or perhaps the temple. See how you translated this term in [7:1](../07/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 11 19 j7b3 translate-names עַקּ֣וּב טַלְמ֔וֹן 1 These are the names of two men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 11 19 h1i7 figs-ellipsis וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֖ם הַ⁠שֹּׁמְרִ֣ים בַּ⁠שְּׁעָרִ֑ים מֵאָ֖ה שִׁבְעִ֥ים וּ⁠שְׁנָֽיִם 1 The list is speaking in abbreviated form here. Alternate translation: “These leaders and their fellow gatekeepers made for a total of 172 gatekeepers who settled in Jerusalem.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +NEH 11 19 h1i7 figs-ellipsis וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֖ם הַ⁠שֹּׁמְרִ֣ים בַּ⁠שְּׁעָרִ֑ים מֵאָ֖ה שִׁבְעִ֥ים וּ⁠שְׁנָֽיִם 1 The list is speaking in abbreviated form here. Alternate translation: “These leaders and their fellow gatekeepers amounted to a total of 172 gatekeepers who settled in Jerusalem.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) NEH 11 19 h1i9 figs-metaphor וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֖ם הַ⁠שֹּׁמְרִ֣ים בַּ⁠שְּׁעָרִ֑ים 1 Here, in context, **brother** seems to be a figurative way of saying “fellow gatekeepers,” although it is possible that some of the biological brothers of Akkub and Talmon were included in this group. Alternate translation: “their fellow gatekeepers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 11 19 kaz4 translate-numbers מֵאָ֖ה שִׁבְעִ֥ים וּ⁠שְׁנָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “one hundred and seventy-two men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) NEH 11 20 h1j1 figs-metonymy וּ⁠שְׁאָ֨ר יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל 1 Here the list figuratively refers to all of the Israelites by something associated with them, the name of their ancestor, Israel. Alternate translation: “all the other the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) @@ -1484,7 +1484,7 @@ NEH 11 23 h1k9 figs-idiom דְּבַר־י֥וֹם בְּ⁠יוֹמֽ⁠וֹ 1 NEH 11 24 aee9 translate-names וּ⁠פְתַֽחְיָ֨ה בֶּן־מְשֵֽׁיזַבְאֵ֜ל 1 Pethahiah is the name of a man, and Meshezabel is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 11 24 h1l1 figs-metaphor מִ⁠בְּנֵי־זֶ֤רַח 1 **Sons** here figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “one of the descendants of Zerah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 11 24 h1l3 translate-names זֶ֤רַח בֶּן־יְהוּדָה֙ 1 Zerah is the name of a man, and Judah is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 11 24 h1l5 figs-metonymy לְ⁠יַ֣ד הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Here **hand** figuratively means “side.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 11 24 h1l5 figs-metonymy לְ⁠יַ֣ד הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Here, **hand** figuratively means “side.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 11 24 h1l7 figs-metonymy לְ⁠יַ֣ד הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 The list is figuratively describing Zerah as the king’s advisor by reference to something associated with that role, the place that he would usually occupy next to the king. Alternate translation: “was an advisor to the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 11 24 dqa4 figs-explicit לְ⁠כָל־דָּבָ֖ר לָ⁠עָֽם 1 **People** here means the Jewish people. Alternate translation: “for all matters concerning the Jewish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 11 25 h1l9 וְ⁠אֶל 1 After describing the various groups that settled in Jerusalem and their leaders, the list said in [11:20](../11/20.md) that all the other the Israelites continued to live in the other cities of Judah. In [111:21–24](../11/24.md) the list gave additional details about some other things, but it is now returning to speak about those cities and towns outside of Jerusalem. If it would be clearer in your language, you could indicate this with a phrase such as “and as for.” @@ -1510,14 +1510,14 @@ NEH 11 32 ucv8 translate-names עֲנָת֥וֹת נֹ֖ב עֲנָֽנְיָֽ NEH 11 33 jwf8 translate-names חָצ֥וֹר ׀ רָמָ֖ה גִּתָּֽיִם 1 These are the names of three towns. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 11 34 e1ls translate-names חָדִ֥יד צְבֹעִ֖ים נְבַלָּֽט 1 These are the names of three towns. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 11 35 h1n7 translate-names לֹ֥ד וְ⁠אוֹנ֖וֹ 1 These are the names of two towns. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 11 35 h1n9 figs-informremind גֵּ֥י הַחֲרָשִֽׁים 1 Here the list supplies some background information that reminds readers what town of Ono was known for. It was a center for craftsmen. Alternate translation: “which was a center for craftsmen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) +NEH 11 35 h1n9 figs-informremind גֵּ֥י הַחֲרָשִֽׁים 1 Here the list supplies some background information that reminds readers what the town of Ono was known for. It was a center for craftsmen. Alternate translation: “which was a center for craftsmen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) NEH 11 36 h1o1 grammar-connect-logic-contrast וּ⁠מִן 1 This phrase indicates that yet another group will now be in focus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could indicate this contrast with an expression such as “finally” (since this is also the last group on the list). Alternate translation: “Finally, from” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) -NEH 11 36 h1o3 figs-ellipsis וּ⁠מִן־הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֔ם מַחְלְק֥וֹת יְהוּדָ֖ה לְ⁠בִנְיָמִֽין 1 Here the list is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. The meaning seems to be that certain sections of the Levite community that had previously lived in the territory that had belonged to the tribe of Judah went to live in the territory that had belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, rather than returning to their former homeland. Alternate translation: “some of the Levites whose families had lived in the territory of Judah now went to live in the territory of Benjamin.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +NEH 11 36 h1o3 figs-ellipsis וּ⁠מִן־הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֔ם מַחְלְק֥וֹת יְהוּדָ֖ה לְ⁠בִנְיָמִֽין 1 Here the list is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. The meaning seems to be that certain sections of the Levite community that had previously lived in the territory that had belonged to the tribe of Judah went to live in the territory that had belonged to the tribe of Benjamin rather than returning to their former homeland. Alternate translation: “some of the Levites whose families had lived in the territory of Judah now went to live in the territory of Benjamin.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) NEH 11 36 y212 figs-explicit וּ⁠מִן־הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֔ם מַחְלְק֥וֹת יְהוּדָ֖ה לְ⁠בִנְיָמִֽין 1 The book does not say explicitly why these Levites moved to a different area. However, one reasonable inference in light of the overall themes of the book of Nehemiah is that they did this so that there would be people throughout the entire area where the Israelites were living who could explain the law to them. If that would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “some of the Levites whose families had lived in the territory of Judah now went to live in the territory of Benjamin so that they could teach God’s law to the people living there.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 intro xmt3 0 # Nehemiah 12 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Dedication of the wall

In the ancient Near East, it was common to dedicate an important structure to a god. When it was completed, the wall was dedicated to Yahweh. Long lists of people are present, indicating that “everyone” was present for this and praised Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]]) NEH 12 1 i1a1 וְ⁠אֵ֨לֶּה֙ הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֣ים וְ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָל֛וּ עִם־זְרֻבָּבֶ֥ל בֶּן־שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵ֖ל וְ⁠יֵשׁ֑וּעַ 1 The implication of the list in verses 1–25 of this chapter is that the priests and Levites had dependable records of their ancestry. So when Nehemiah called them back into service for the dedication of the wall and the collection of offerings, as described in the rest of this chapter, he was employing the people with exactly the lineage that the law required. Throughout this book, Nehemiah stresses how he made sure that the people of Judah were not only organized and well-protected, but also obedient to the law. This is one more example of that latter concern. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Here is a record that shows that the priests and Levites had dependable records of their ancestry. It begins with the priests who first returned to Judah with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, their governor, and with Joshua the high priest.” NEH 12 1 ixs5 figs-idiom עָל֛וּ 1 As in [7:6](../07/06.md) and [7:61](../07/61.md), **went up** means “traveled from Babylon back to Judah,” since that involves going from a river valley up into the mountains. Alternate translation: “returned to Judah from Babylon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 12 1 b4x7 figs-explicit עִם־זְרֻבָּבֶ֥ל בֶּן־שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵ֖ל 1 This was the man who led the first group of Jews who returned to the province of Judah, about a hundred years before the time of Nehemiah. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this more explicitly. Alternate translation: “under the leadership of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, their governor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 12 1 b4x7 figs-explicit עִם־זְרֻבָּבֶ֥ל בֶּן־שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵ֖ל 1 This was the man who led the first group of Jews who returned to the province of Judah about a hundred years before the time of Nehemiah. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this more explicitly. Alternate translation: “under the leadership of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, their governor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 1 i1a3 translate-names עִם־זְרֻבָּבֶ֥ל בֶּן־שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵ֖ל 1 Zerubbabel is the name of a man, and Shealtiel is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 1 myj6 figs-explicit וְ⁠יֵשׁ֑וּעַ 1 Jeshua This was the other leader of the first group of Jews who returned to the province of Judah. While Zerubbabel was the governor and civil authority, Joshua was the high priest and religious authority. Alternate translation: “and under the leadership of Joshua the high priest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 1 b8ry figs-explicit שְׂרָיָ֥ה יִרְמְיָ֖ה עֶזְרָֽא 1 The list now names the priests who returned to Judah in this first group. Alternate translation: “The priests were:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -1528,22 +1528,22 @@ NEH 12 4 qt5n translate-names עִדּ֥וֹא גִנְּת֖וֹי אֲבִיּ NEH 12 5 x3ri translate-names מִיָּמִ֥ין מַֽעַדְיָ֖ה בִּלְגָּֽה 1 Mijamin…Moadiah…Bilgah These are names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 6 udm2 translate-names שְׁמַֽעְיָ֥ה וְ⁠יוֹיָרִ֖יב יְדַֽעְיָֽה 1 Shemaiah…Joiarib…Jedaiah These are names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 7 g43p translate-names סַלּ֣וּ עָמ֔וֹק חִלְקִיָּ֖ה יְדַֽעְיָ֑ה 1 These are names of four men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 12 7 i1a5 figs-informremind אֵ֣לֶּה רָאשֵׁ֧י הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֛ים וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֖ם בִּ⁠ימֵ֥י יֵשֽׁוּעַ 1 This is a summary statement about the twenty-two men who have just been named. Alternate translation: “These men were the leaders of the priests in their own divisions while Joshua was the high priest.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) +NEH 12 7 i1a5 figs-informremind אֵ֣לֶּה רָאשֵׁ֧י הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֛ים וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֖ם בִּ⁠ימֵ֥י יֵשֽׁוּעַ 1 This is a summary statement about the 22 men who have just been named. Alternate translation: “These men were the leaders of the priests in their own divisions while Joshua was the high priest.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) NEH 12 7 i1a7 figs-metaphor רָאשֵׁ֧י הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֛ים וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֖ם 1 **Head** here is a figurative way of saying “leader.” Alternate translation: “the leaders of the priests in their own divisions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) -NEH 12 7 i1a9 figs-metaphor רָאשֵׁ֧י הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֛ים וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֖ם 1 In this context, **and** means “that is,” so the full expression means, “the leaders of the priests, that is, the ones who were their ‘brothers.’” **Brother** itself is a figurative way of saying “fellow priests,” and specifically in this context it means “the priests in their own divisions.” (King David had divided the priests into divisions so that they could rotate their responsibilities, and the Israelites reconstituted these divisions after the exile.) It is possible that some of the people in each division were the biological brothers of the leaders named, since the divisions were created based on close kinship ties, but the word “brother” is essentially figurative. Alternate translation: “their fellow priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 12 7 i1a9 figs-metaphor רָאשֵׁ֧י הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֛ים וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֖ם 1 In this context, **and** means “that is,” so the full expression means, “the leaders of the priests, that is, the ones who were their ‘brothers.’” **Brother** itself is a figurative way of saying “fellow priests,” and in this context specifically means “the priests in their own divisions.” (King David had divided the priests into divisions so that they could rotate their responsibilities, and the Israelites reconstituted these divisions after the exile.) It is possible that some of the people in each division were the biological brothers of the leaders named, since the divisions were created based on close kinship ties, but the word “brother” is essentially figurative. Alternate translation: “their fellow priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 12 7 i1b1 figs-idiom בִּ⁠ימֵ֥י יֵשֽׁוּעַ 1 The term **days** is used figuratively here to refer a particular period of time. Alternate translation: “in the time of Joshua” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 12 8 i1b3 figs-ellipsis וְ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֗ם 1 Here the list is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “And these were the leaders of the Levites who first returned to Judah with Zerubbabel the governor and with Joshua the high priest.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +NEH 12 8 i1b3 figs-ellipsis וְ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֗ם 1 Here the list is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “And these were the leaders of the Levites who first returned to Judah with Zerubbabel the governor and with Joshua the high priest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) NEH 12 8 xy1h translate-names יֵשׁ֧וּעַ בִּנּ֛וּי קַדְמִיאֵ֥ל שֵׁרֵבְיָ֖ה יְהוּדָ֣ה מַתַּנְיָ֑ה 1 These are the names of six men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 8 i1b5 figs-metaphor עַֽל־הֻיְּד֖וֹת ה֥וּא וְ⁠אֶחָֽי⁠ו 1 **He** refers to Mattaniah. **Brothers** figuratively means “fellow Levite leaders.” Alternate translation: “Mattaniah and his fellow Levite leaders were responsible for directing the choir.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 12 8 i1b7 figs-metonymy עַֽל־הֻיְּד֖וֹת 1 As in [11:17](../11/17.md), here the book is describing the choir figuratively by reference to one kind of thing it was associated with, the songs of thanksgiving that it sang. Alternate translation: “directed the choir” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 12 8 i1b9 figs-metaphor עַֽל־הֻיְּד֖וֹת 1 **Over** is a figurative way of saying that Mattaniah and his colleagues were responsible for this group. Alternate translation: “were responsible for directing the choir” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-part1]]) -NEH 12 8 i1c1 figs-metonymy הֻיְּד֖וֹת 1 One responsibility of the Levite choir was to sing prayers of thanksgiving. But it sang many other things as well. Here the list is describing everything the choir sang figuratively by reference to one kind of thing it sang, prayers of thanksgiving. Alternate translation: “the choir” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +NEH 12 8 i1c1 figs-metonymy הֻיְּד֖וֹת 1 One responsibility of the Levite choir was to sing prayers of thanksgiving. But it sang many other things as well. Here the list is describing figuratively
everything the choir sang by reference to one kind of thing it sang, prayers of thanksgiving. Alternate translation: “the choir” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

NEH 12 9 nnn1 translate-names וּ⁠בַקְבֻּֽקְיָ֨ה וְעֻנִּ֧י 1 These are the names of two men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 9 i1c3 figs-metaphor אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֛ם 1 **Brothers** here figuratively means “their fellow Levite leaders.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 12 9 nhn4 figs-explicit לְ⁠נֶגְדָּ֖⁠ם לְ⁠מִשְׁמָרֽוֹת 1 This phrase could mean one of two things. (1) It could mean that Mattaniah and his associates directed one choir, and Bakbukiah and Unni directed a second choir that stood opposite to this first one and sang responses to what it sang. (2) It could mean that Bakbukiah and Unni took turns with Mattaniah and his associates in assuming the responsibilities of directing a single Levite choir. Alternate translation: “led a second choir that sang responses” or “took turns with them directing the Levite choir.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 10 ri33 figs-ellipsis וְ⁠יֵשׁ֖וּעַ הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־יֽוֹיָקִ֑ים וְ⁠יֽוֹיָקִים֙ הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־אֶלְיָשִׁ֔יב וְ⁠אֶלְיָשִׁ֖יב אֶת־יוֹיָדָֽע 1 Here the book is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “Joshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim was the father of Eliashib, Eliashib was the father of Joiada,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) NEH 12 10 xd69 וְ⁠יֵשׁ֖וּעַ הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־יֽוֹיָקִ֑ים וְ⁠יֽוֹיָקִים֙ הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־אֶלְיָשִׁ֔יב וְ⁠אֶלְיָשִׁ֖יב אֶת־יוֹיָדָֽע 1 Since this list actually continues into the next verse, for clarity you may wish to end this verse with the punctuation that your language uses to indicate that a series is continuing, rather than with the punctuation it uses to show that a sentence is ending. -NEH 12 10 i1c5 figs-explicit וְ⁠יֵשׁ֖וּעַ הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־יֽוֹיָקִ֑ים וְ⁠יֽוֹיָקִים֙ הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־אֶלְיָשִׁ֔יב וְ⁠אֶלְיָשִׁ֖יב אֶת־יוֹיָדָֽע 1 This is a record of the succession of the Jewish high priests for several generations, beginning with Joshua, the high priest who accompanied the first group that returned to Judah from exile. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “When Joshua died, his son Joiakim succeeded him as high priest. When Joiakim died, his son Eliashib succeeded him as high priest. When Eliashib died, his son Joiada succeeded him as high priest.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 12 10 i1c5 figs-explicit וְ⁠יֵשׁ֖וּעַ הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־יֽוֹיָקִ֑ים וְ⁠יֽוֹיָקִים֙ הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־אֶלְיָשִׁ֔יב וְ⁠אֶלְיָשִׁ֖יב אֶת־יוֹיָדָֽע 1 This is a record of the succession of the Jewish high priests for several generations beginning with Joshua, the high priest who accompanied the first group that returned to Judah from exile. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “When Joshua died, his son Joiakim succeeded him as high priest. When Joiakim died, his son Eliashib succeeded him as high priest. When Eliashib died, his son Joiada succeeded him as high priest.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 11 a7yv וְ⁠יוֹיָדָע֙ הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־יוֹנָתָ֔ן וְ⁠יוֹנָתָ֖ן הוֹלִ֥יד אֶת־יַדּֽוּעַ 1 Alternate translation, if continuing the sentence from the previous verse: “Joiada was the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan was the father of Jaddua.” Alternate translation, if making explicit that this is the succession of high priests: “When Joiada died, his son Jonathan succeeded him as high priest. When Jonathan died, his son Jaddua succeeded him as high priest.” NEH 12 11 i1c7 translate-names וְ⁠יוֹיָדָע֙…יוֹנָתָ֔ן…יַדּֽוּעַ 1 These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 12 h3jl figs-ellipsis וּ⁠בִ⁠ימֵי֙ יֽוֹיָקִ֔ים הָי֥וּ כֹהֲנִ֖ים רָאשֵׁ֣י הָ⁠אָב֑וֹת 1 Here the book is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. “Priests were” is an abbreviated way of saying “these are the priests who were.” Alternate translation: “These are the priests who were clan leaders while Joiakim was the high priest.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) @@ -1577,35 +1577,35 @@ NEH 12 22 i1d3 figs-activepassive כְּתוּבִ֖ים 1 If it would be clear NEH 12 22 i1d5 figs-ellipsis רָאשֵׁ֣י אָב֑וֹת 1 This seems to be an abbreviated way of saying “the heads of father’s houses.” The full expression “house of the father” or “father’s house” is used in [7:61](../07/61.md). See how you translated it there, and review the note there if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “clan leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) NEH 12 22 i1d7 figs-metaphor רָאשֵׁ֣י 1 **Head** here is a figurative way of saying “leader.” Alternate translation: “leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 12 22 cr6d figs-ellipsis וְ⁠הַ⁠כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים עַל־מַלְכ֖וּת דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ הַ⁠פָּֽרְסִֽי 1 Here again the book leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. The meaning seems to be, “The Israelites also made records during the reign of Darius III of which priests were the heads of their clans.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) -NEH 12 22 i1d9 figs-explicit דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ הַ⁠פָּֽרְסִֽי 1 The Persian king named Darius who reigned at the time of Jaddua, who is the last high priest mentioned in this verse, was Darius III Codomannus. The implication is therefore that the phrase “Darius the Persian” refers to him. (Since he reigned about a hundred years after Nehemiah lived, it is probable that scribes added this information to the book later on, to bring it up to date.) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this likely identification explicit. Alternate translation: “Darius III” or “Darius Codomannus” or “Darius III Codomannus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 12 22 i1d9 figs-explicit דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ הַ⁠פָּֽרְסִֽי 1 The Persian king named Darius who reigned at the time of Jaddua, the last high priest mentioned in this verse, was Darius III Codomannus. The implication is therefore that the phrase “Darius the Persian” refers to him. (Since he reigned about a hundred years after Nehemiah lived, it is probable that scribes added this information to the book later on to bring it up to date.) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this likely identification explicit. Alternate translation: “Darius III” or “Darius Codomannus” or “Darius III Codomannus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 23 q9hz figs-activepassive בְּנֵ֤י לֵוִי֙ רָאשֵׁ֣י הָֽ⁠אָב֔וֹת כְּתוּבִ֕ים 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “Scribes recorded the names of the Levites who were clan leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 12 23 i1e1 figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֤י לֵוִי֙ רָאשֵׁ֣י הָֽ⁠אָב֔וֹת כְּתוּבִ֕ים 1 **Sons** here figuratively means “descendants,” so this phrase refers to the descendants of Levi or the Levites. Alternate translation: “the Levites who were clan leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 12 23 i1e3 figs-ellipsis רָאשֵׁ֣י הָֽ⁠אָב֔וֹת 1 This seems to be an abbreviated way of saying “the heads of father’s houses.” The full expression “house of the father” or “father’s house” is used in [7:61](../07/61.md). See how you translated it there, and review the note there if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “clan leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) NEH 12 23 i1e5 figs-metaphor רָאשֵׁ֣י 1 **Head** here is a figurative way of saying “leader.” Alternate translation: “leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 12 23 i1e7 figs-idiom עַל־סֵ֖פֶר דִּבְרֵ֣י הַ⁠יָּמִ֑ים 1 This is an idiom that describes a regular record of the events. Alternate translation: “in their chronicles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 12 23 d2rp figs-idiom וְ⁠עַד־יְמֵ֖י יֽוֹחָנָ֥ן 1 The term **days** is used figuratively here to refer a particular period of time. Alternate translation: “through the time when Johanan was the high priest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +NEH 12 23 d2rp figs-idiom וְ⁠עַד־יְמֵ֖י יֽוֹחָנָ֥ן 1 The term **days** is used figuratively here to refer to a particular period of time. Alternate translation: “through the time when Johanan was the high priest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 12 23 i1e9 translate-names יֽוֹחָנָ֥ן 1 **Johanan** is the name of a man. The context indicates that he was a Jewish high priest, and so he seems to be the same man who is called “Jonathan” in verse 11. If you think it would make things clearer for your readers, you could use the same name both here and in verse 11, either “Johanan” or “Jonathan.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 23 i1f1 figs-metaphor בֶּן־אֶלְיָשִֽׁיב 1 **Eliashib** is the name of a man. Verse [12:10](../12/10.md) shows that Johanan/Jonathan was not actually his son, but his grandson. So **son** here figuratively means “descendant.” Alternate translation: “the grandson of Eliashib” or “the descendant of Eliashib” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 12 24 kx4z figs-ellipsis וְ⁠רָאשֵׁ֣י הַ֠⁠לְוִיִּם…לְ⁠הַלֵּ֣ל לְ⁠הוֹד֔וֹת 1 Here the book leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. This sentence seems to mean, “The Levite leaders who directed the choir that sang songs of praise and thanksgiving were …” You could say something like that as an alternate translation if it would be helpful to your readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +NEH 12 24 kx4z figs-ellipsis וְ⁠רָאשֵׁ֣י הַ֠⁠לְוִיִּם…לְ⁠הַלֵּ֣ל לְ⁠הוֹד֔וֹת 1 Here the book leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. This sentence seems to mean “The Levite leaders who directed the choir that sang songs of praise and thanksgiving were …” You could say something like that as an alternate translation if it would be helpful to your readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) NEH 12 24 d373 figs-metaphor וְ⁠רָאשֵׁ֣י הַ֠⁠לְוִיִּם 1 **Head** here is a figurative way of saying “leader.” Alternate translation: “the leaders of the Levites” or “the Levite leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 12 24 i1f3 translate-names חֲשַׁבְיָ֨ה שֵֽׁרֵבְיָ֜ה 1 These are the names of two men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 24 e1ls translate-names וְ⁠יֵשׁ֤וּעַ בֶּן־קַדְמִיאֵל֙ 1 Jeshua is the name of a man, and Kadmiel is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 12 24 i1f5 figs-explicit וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֣ם לְ⁠נֶגְדָּ֔⁠ם…מִשְׁמָ֖ר לְ⁠עֻמַּ֥ת מִשְׁמָֽר 1 As in [12:9](../12/09.md), this could mean one of two things. (1) It could mean that Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua directed one choir, and other Levite leaders directed a second choir that stood opposite to this first one and sang responses to what it sang. (2) It could mean that other Levite leaders took turns with these three men in assuming the responsibilities of directing a single Levite choir. Alternate translation: “Their fellow Levite leaders directed a second choir that sang responses” or “their fellow Levite leaders took turns with them directing the choir.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 12 24 i1f5 figs-explicit וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֣ם לְ⁠נֶגְדָּ֔⁠ם…מִשְׁמָ֖ר לְ⁠עֻמַּ֥ת מִשְׁמָֽר 1 As in [12:9](../12/09.md), this could mean one of two things. (1) It could mean that Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua directed one choir, and other Levite leaders directed a second choir that stood opposite to this first one and sang responses to what it sang. (2) It could mean that other Levite leaders took turns with these three men in assuming the responsibilities of directing a single Levite choir. Alternate translation: “their fellow Levite leaders directed a second choir that sang responses” or “their fellow Levite leaders took turns with them directing the choir” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 24 i1f7 figs-metaphor וַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֣ם 1 **Brothers** here figuratively means “their fellow Levite leaders.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 12 24 i1f9 לְ⁠הַלֵּ֣ל לְ⁠הוֹד֔וֹת 1 Alternate translation: “the choir that sang songs of praise and thanksgiving” NEH 12 24 j1a1 figs-informremind בְּ⁠מִצְוַ֖ת דָּוִ֣יד אִישׁ־הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 Here the book offers some background information to remind readers of the character of David, who had been a great founding king of Israel. Alternate translation: “as King David, that godly man, had commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) NEH 12 25 p55l translate-names מַתַּנְיָ֧ה וּ⁠בַקְבֻּֽקְיָ֛ה עֹבַדְיָ֥ה מְשֻׁלָּ֖ם טַלְמ֣וֹן עַקּ֑וּב 1 Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub These are names of six men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 12 25 j1a3 translate-unknown שֹׁמְרִ֤ים שֽׁוֹעֲרִים֙ מִשְׁמָ֔ר בַּ⁠אֲסֻפֵּ֖י הַ⁠שְּׁעָרִֽים 1 Since in context these men appear to have been Levites, the **gates** described are likely the gates of the temple. It seems that there were rooms above the temple gateways that were used as storehouses or treasuries, and these men were responsible for overseeing and protecting them. Alternate translation: “guarded the store rooms above the gateways to the temple.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +NEH 12 25 j1a3 translate-unknown שֹׁמְרִ֤ים שֽׁוֹעֲרִים֙ מִשְׁמָ֔ר בַּ⁠אֲסֻפֵּ֖י הַ⁠שְּׁעָרִֽים 1 Since, in context, these men appear to have been Levites, the **gates** described are likely the gates of the temple. It seems that there were rooms above the temple gateways that were used as storehouses or treasuries, and these men were responsible for overseeing and protecting them. Alternate translation: “guarded the store rooms above the gateways to the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 12 26 j1a5 figs-ellipsis אֵ֕לֶּה 1 Here the book leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. This seems to mean, “These are the names of the men who served in this capacity.” You could say something like that if it would be helpful to your readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) NEH 12 26 j1a7 figs-idiom בִּ⁠ימֵ֛י יוֹיָקִ֥ים 1 The term **days** is used figuratively here to refer a particular period of time. Alternate translation: “during the time when Joiakim … was the high priest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 12 26 wk2z translate-names יוֹיָקִ֥ים בֶּן־יֵשׁ֖וּעַ בֶּן־יוֹצָדָ֑ק 1 Joiakim is the name of a man, Joshua is the name of his father, and Jozadak is the name of his grandfather. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 26 k9bk figs-explicit וּ⁠בִ⁠ימֵי֙ נְחֶמְיָ֣ה הַ⁠פֶּחָ֔ה 1 This would have been one generation later, since [3:1](../03/01.md) says that Eliashib was the high priest during the time of Nehemiah, and [12:10](../12/10.md) says that Eliashib was the son of Joiakim. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “and also in the next generation, during the time when Nehemiah was the governor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 26 j1a9 figs-idiom וּ⁠בִ⁠ימֵי֙ נְחֶמְיָ֣ה הַ⁠פֶּחָ֔ה 1 The term **days** is used figuratively here to refer a particular period of time. Alternate translation: “and also during the time when Nehemiah was the governor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 12 26 j1b1 figs-informremind וְ⁠עֶזְרָ֥א הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֖ן הַ⁠סּוֹפֵֽר 1 Here the book repeats some background information to remind readers who Ezra was. Alternate translation: “and he worked with Ezra, who was a priest and a scribe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) -NEH 12 27 e63y grammar-connect-time-sequential וּ⁠בַ⁠חֲנֻכַּ֞ת חוֹמַ֣ת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם 1 In this book, Nehemiah tells his personal story from [1:1](../01/01.md) through [7:5](../07/05.md). In that story, he explains how he was concerned not just to restore the city of Jerusalem physically by rebuilding its wall, but also to restore its population by bringing in people who were genuine Israelites, and to restore worship by making sure that the priests and Levites who were doing assigned tasks had dependable records of their ancestry. He includes the long series of lists from [7:6](../07/06.md) through [12:26](../12/26.md) to document that these priests, Levites, and Israelites had the lineage that the Law of Moses required. Now Nehemiah resumes his personal story, and he tells what he did next. He organized a worship ceremony to dedicate the city wall. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could put some introductory and transitional sentence here to show how the book is progressing. Alternate translation: “Once we had brought many more Israelites to live in Jerusalem, and once we had established the priests and Levites in their tasks, we held a ceremony to dedicate the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) +NEH 12 27 e63y grammar-connect-time-sequential וּ⁠בַ⁠חֲנֻכַּ֞ת חוֹמַ֣ת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם 1 In this book, Nehemiah tells his personal story from [1:1](../01/01.md) through [7:5](../07/05.md). In that story, he explains how he was concerned not just to restore the city of Jerusalem physically by rebuilding its wall, but also to restore its population by bringing in people who were genuine Israelites, and to restore worship by making sure that the priests and Levites who were doing assigned tasks had dependable records of their ancestry. He includes the long series of lists from [7:6](../07/06.md) through [12:26](../12/26.md) to document that these priests, Levites, and Israelites had the lineage that the Law of Moses required. Now Nehemiah resumes his personal story, and he tells what he did next. He organized a worship ceremony to dedicate the city wall. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could put some introductory and transitional sentence here to show how the book is progressing. Alternate translation: “once we had brought many more Israelites to live in Jerusalem, and once we had established the priests and Levites in their tasks, we held a ceremony to dedicate the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) NEH 12 27 j1b3 figs-abstractnouns וּ⁠בַ⁠חֲנֻכַּ֞ת חוֹמַ֣ת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם 1 The abstract noun **dedication** refers to the way the wall would be set apart for a special purpose. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind this word with a verb such as “set apart.” Alternate translation: “to set apart the wall of Jerusalem for a special purpose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) NEH 12 27 j1b5 translate-symaction וּ⁠בַ⁠חֲנֻכַּ֞ת חוֹמַ֣ת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם 1 Dedicating the wall was a symbolic way of dedicating, or rather rededicating, the entire city to the special purpose that God had chosen it for. The rebuilt wall now defined Jerusalem once again as a distinct place, the place from which God had chosen to start making himself famous throughout the world. Alternate translation: “to set apart the wall of Jerusalem for a special purpose, to show that God had set apart the city for a special purpose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) -NEH 12 27 j1b7 figs-explicit בִּקְשׁ֤וּ אֶת־הַ⁠לְוִיִּם֙ מִ⁠כָּל־מְק֣וֹמֹתָ֔⁠ם לַ⁠הֲבִיאָ֖⁠ם לִֽ⁠ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם לַ⁠עֲשֹׂ֨ת חֲנֻכָּ֤ה 1 **All their places** means all the other places in the province of Judah besides Jerusalem where the Levites were living. As [11:20](../11/20.md) explained, other than the people who agreed to settle in Jerusalem, all of the other Israelites, including the Levites, lived in other cities and towns in the province of Judah, on their family properties. Alternate translation: “We brought the Levites back to Jerusalem from all the places where they were living so that they could take part in the dedication ceremony.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 12 27 j1b7 figs-explicit בִּקְשׁ֤וּ אֶת־הַ⁠לְוִיִּם֙ מִ⁠כָּל־מְק֣וֹמֹתָ֔⁠ם לַ⁠הֲבִיאָ֖⁠ם לִֽ⁠ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם לַ⁠עֲשֹׂ֨ת חֲנֻכָּ֤ה 1 **All their places** means all the other places in the province of Judah besides Jerusalem where the Levites were living. As [11:20](../11/20.md) explained, other than the people who agreed to settle in Jerusalem, all of the other Israelites, including the Levites, lived on their family properties in other cities and towns in the province of Judah. Alternate translation: “we brought the Levites back to Jerusalem from all the places where they were living so that they could take part in the dedication ceremony” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 27 j1b9 figs-123person בִּקְשׁ֤וּ 1 **They** refers to the people who organized the dedication ceremony. Since Nehemiah is resuming his own story here, and since he was one of the organizers, if it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as “we.” “We” would not include the addressees, if your language makes that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) NEH 12 27 j1c1 figs-doublet לַ⁠עֲשֹׂ֨ת חֲנֻכָּ֤ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָה֙ וּ⁠בְ⁠תוֹד֣וֹת 1 **Rejoicing** and **thanksgivings** mean similar things. Together they describe how the Israelites would celebrate as they dedicated the completed wall. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these words. Alternate translation: “to lead a celebration to dedicate the wall,” otherwise “to celebrate the dedication by praising and thanking God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) NEH 12 27 j1c3 וּ⁠בְ⁠שִׁ֔יר מְצִלְתַּ֖יִם נְבָלִ֥ים וּ⁠בְ⁠כִנֹּרֽוֹת 1 **And with** does not mean “in addition to,” but “by means of.” This next phrase provides further information about how the Levites would conduct the ceremony. Alternate translation: “with songs accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres” @@ -1616,40 +1616,40 @@ NEH 12 28 j1c9 figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֖י הַ⁠מְשֹׁרְרִ֑ים 1 A NEH 12 28 j1d1 figs-metaphor וּ⁠מִן־הַ⁠כִּכָּר֙ סְבִיב֣וֹת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם 1 This is a figurative way of referring to the towns that the singers had built for themselves all around Jerusalem, as [12:29](../12/29.md) describes. These villages seemed to form a circle around the city. Alternate translation: “from the towns they had built around Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 12 28 j1d3 translate-names וּ⁠מִן־חַצְרֵ֖י נְטֹפָתִֽי 1 The **Netophati** means the people who lived in the town of Netophath, and so their villages would be all the towns in that area where they lived. Alternate translation: “from the towns around Netophath” or “from the towns of the Netophathites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 28 j1d5 figs-explicit וּ⁠מִן־חַצְרֵ֖י נְטֹפָתִֽי 1 Netophath was located southeast of Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “from the towns around Netophath, southeast of Jerusalem.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 12 29 lnm1 figs-explicit וּ⁠מִ⁠בֵּית֙ הַגִּלְגָּ֔ל וּ⁠מִ⁠שְּׂד֥וֹת גֶּ֖בַע וְ⁠עַזְמָ֑וֶת 1 The places listed in this verse are northeast of Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “They also came from three places northeast of Jerusalem, the town of Beth-Gilgal and the rural areas around the towns of Geba and Azmaveth.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 12 29 lnm1 figs-explicit וּ⁠מִ⁠בֵּית֙ הַגִּלְגָּ֔ל וּ⁠מִ⁠שְּׂד֥וֹת גֶּ֖בַע וְ⁠עַזְמָ֑וֶת 1 The places listed in this verse are northeast of Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “they also came from three places northeast of Jerusalem, the town of Beth-Gilgal and the rural areas around the towns of Geba and Azmaveth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 29 j1d7 translate-names וּ⁠מִ⁠בֵּית֙ הַגִּלְגָּ֔ל 1 This is the name of a town. Alternate translation: “from the town of Beth-Gilgal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 29 j1d9 translate-names וּ⁠מִ⁠שְּׂד֥וֹת גֶּ֖בַע וְ⁠עַזְמָ֑וֶת 1 Geba and Azmaveth are the names of towns. Alternate translation: “from the rural areas around the towns of Geba and Azmaveth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 29 j1e1 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י חֲצֵרִ֗ים בָּנ֤וּ לָ⁠הֶם֙ הַ⁠מְשֹׁ֣רֲרִ֔ים סְבִיב֖וֹת יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could put this sentence at the start of [12:28](../12/28.md), since it gives the reason for the results that are described in the rest of [12:28](../12/28.md) and [12:29](../12/29.md). You could show the connection by using a word like “so” after this phrase. Alternate translation: “The singers were living in towns they had built all around Jerusalem. So …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 12 30 j1e3 grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַ⁠יִּֽטַּהֲר֔וּ הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֖ים וְ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֑ם וַֽ⁠יְטַהֲרוּ֙ אֶת־הָ⁠עָ֔ם וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠שְּׁעָרִ֖ים וְ⁠אֶֽת־הַ⁠חוֹמָֽה 1 This sentence draws a contrast between the joyful celebration that is about to begin in this part of the story and the solemn ceremony that the priests and Levites performed beforehand. You could begin the sentence with a phrase such as “but first” to indicate this contrast. Alternate translation: “But first the priests and Levites performed a ceremony to make themselves clean, and they did the same thing for the people, the gates, and the wall.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) -NEH 12 30 j1e5 figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּֽטַּהֲר֔וּ 1 Nehemiah expects his readers to know specifically how the priests and Levites did this, but the details are no longer certain. They may have sprinkled themselves, the people, the gates, and the walls with water or with blood, or they may have offered sacrifices. But while the details are uncertain, the purpose of the ceremony is clear. It was to show that the Israelites wanted this place and everyone in it to be acceptable to God. So while it might be best not to suggest how the priests and Levites performed this ceremony, since that is unknown, you could say explicitly what the purpose was, if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And they performed a ceremony to show that they wanted to be clean and acceptable to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 12 30 j1e5 figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּֽטַּהֲר֔וּ 1 Nehemiah expects his readers to know specifically how the priests and Levites did this, but the details are no longer certain. They may have sprinkled themselves, the people, the gates, and the walls with water or with blood, or they may have offered sacrifices. But while the details are uncertain, the purpose of the ceremony is clear. It was to show that the Israelites wanted this place and everyone in it to be acceptable to God. So while it might be best not to suggest how the priests and Levites performed this ceremony, since that is unknown, you could say explicitly what the purpose was if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And they performed a ceremony to show that they wanted to be clean and acceptable to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 31 j1e7 grammar-connect-time-sequential וָ⁠אַעֲלֶה֙ 1 In this context, the conjunction **and** indicates that the events the story will now describe came after the event it has just described. If it would be clearer in your language, you could show this relationship by using a word such as “then.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) NEH 12 31 j1e9 figs-explicit וָ⁠אַעֲלֶה֙ אֶת־שָׂרֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה מֵ⁠עַ֖ל לַ⁠חוֹמָ֑ה וָ⁠אַעֲמִ֡ידָ⁠ה שְׁתֵּ֣י תוֹדֹת֩ גְּדוֹלֹ֨ת וְ⁠תַהֲלֻכֹ֤ת 1 The implication here, which is confirmed in [12:32](../12/32.md) and [12:40](../12/40.md), is that Nehemiah had these leaders of Judah go up onto the wall so that they could accompany two large groups that would “process” or march around the city on top of the wall while giving thanks to God. They would march in opposite directions and meet up on the far side of the city. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say something like that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 12 31 j1f1 translate-symaction שְׁתֵּ֣י תוֹדֹת֩ גְּדוֹלֹ֨ת וְ⁠תַהֲלֻכֹ֤ת 1 Having two groups walk all around the wall of Jerusalem, in semicircles in opposite directions, while sacred musicians played music was a symbolic way of dedicating the rebuilt wall to God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could also say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) -NEH 12 31 j1f3 figs-ellipsis לַ⁠יָּמִין֙ מֵ⁠עַ֣ל לַ⁠חוֹמָ֔ה לְ⁠שַׁ֖עַר הָ⁠אַשְׁפֹּֽת 1 Here the book leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. This sentence seems to mean, “The first group marched to the right on top of the wall in the direction of the Rubbish Gate.” You could say something like that if it would be helpful to your readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) -NEH 12 31 j1f5 figs-idiom לַ⁠יָּמִין֙ 1 Here **hand** figuratively means “side.” Alternate translation: “turned to their right and marched” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +NEH 12 31 j1f1 translate-symaction שְׁתֵּ֣י תוֹדֹת֩ גְּדוֹלֹ֨ת וְ⁠תַהֲלֻכֹ֤ת 1 Having two groups walk on top of the wall in opposite directions all around Jerusalem, while sacred musicians played music was a symbolic way of dedicating the rebuilt wall to God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could also say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) +NEH 12 31 j1f3 figs-ellipsis לַ⁠יָּמִין֙ מֵ⁠עַ֣ל לַ⁠חוֹמָ֔ה לְ⁠שַׁ֖עַר הָ⁠אַשְׁפֹּֽת 1 Here the book leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. This sentence seems to mean “The first group marched to the right on top of the wall in the direction of the Rubbish Gate.” You could say something like that if it would be helpful to your readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +NEH 12 31 j1f5 figs-idiom לַ⁠יָּמִין֙ 1 Here, **hand** figuratively means “side.” Alternate translation: “turned to their right and marched” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 12 31 j1f7 figs-idiom לַ⁠יָּמִין֙ 1 Based on the information the book provides, the perspective is of a person facing in towards the city from the top of the wall. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “turned to their right, as they faced the city, and marched” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 12 31 j1f9 translate-names לְ⁠שַׁ֖עַר הָ⁠אַשְׁפֹּֽת 1 This is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. See how you translated it in [2:13](../02/13.md) and [3:13–14](../03/13.md). Alternate translation: “the Rubbish Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 32 zsj6 וַ⁠יֵּ֤לֶךְ אַחֲרֵי⁠הֶם֙ הוֹשַׁ֣עְיָ֔ה וַ⁠חֲצִ֖י שָׂרֵ֥י יְהוּדָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah marched behind this group” NEH 12 32 ni9q translate-names הוֹשַׁ֣עְיָ֔ה 1 This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 12 33 j1g1 וַ⁠עֲזַרְיָ֥ה עֶזְרָ֖א וּ⁠מְשֻׁלָּֽם 1 Based on what [12:33–36](../12/33.md) says about the composition of this group, it appears that Ezra walked in front of it ([12:36](../12/36.md)), Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah walked behind it ([12:32](../12/32.md)), and the group itself was made up of a large number of people from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, along with the other leaders who are named and priests playing musical instruments. In that case, the word **and** would be indicating this sentence, which continues through to most of verse [12:36](../12/36.md), will provide further information about the situation the book has been describing. You could indicate that with a phrase such as “within the group itself were.” +NEH 12 33 j1g1 וַ⁠עֲזַרְיָ֥ה עֶזְרָ֖א וּ⁠מְשֻׁלָּֽם 1 Based on what [12:33–36](../12/33.md) says about the composition of this group, it appears that Ezra walked in front of it ([12:36](../12/36.md)), Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah walked behind it ([12:32](../12/32.md)), and the group itself was made up of a large number of people from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, along with the other leaders who are named, and priests playing musical instruments. In that case, the word **and** would be indicating this sentence, which continues through to most of verse [12:36](../12/36.md), will provide further information about the situation the book has been describing. You could indicate that with a phrase such as “within the group itself were...” NEH 12 33 x16d translate-names וַ⁠עֲזַרְיָ֥ה עֶזְרָ֖א וּ⁠מְשֻׁלָּֽם 1 These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 34 q33v figs-explicit יְהוּדָה֙ וּ⁠בִנְיָמִ֔ן 1 One possibility is that these were individual leaders named Judah and Benjamin. However, in the context of the book, this most likely means “people from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.” Their counterparts in the other group would be the other “half of the people” mentioned in [12:38](../12/38.md). And since [12:31](../12/31.md) says that these were “great” or large processional groups, you could translate this as “large numbers of people from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 34 t5un translate-names וּֽ⁠שְׁמַֽעְיָ֖ה וְ⁠יִרְמְיָֽה 1 These are the names of two men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 35 cp3q figs-metaphor וּ⁠מִ⁠בְּנֵ֥י הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֖ים 1 **Son of** here is a figurative expression that indicates that a person shares the qualities of something. In this case, the book is describing people who share the quality of being priests. Alternate translation: “some from among the priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 12 35 h1hm translate-names זְכַרְיָ֨ה בֶן־יֽוֹנָתָ֜ן בֶּן־שְׁמַֽעְיָ֗ה בֶּן־מַתַּנְיָה֙ בֶּן־מִ֣יכָיָ֔ה בֶּן־זַכּ֖וּר בֶּן־אָסָֽף 1 These are the names of seven men. In this context, **son** means literally that the next man named is the father of the man just named. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 12 36 j1g3 figs-metaphor וְֽ⁠אֶחָ֡י⁠ו 1 Here **brother**, in general, is a figurative way of saying “fellow priest,” although it is possible that some of the biological brothers of Zechariah were included in this group. Alternate translation: “his fellow priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 12 36 j1g3 figs-metaphor וְֽ⁠אֶחָ֡י⁠ו 1 Here, **brother** is a figurative way of saying “fellow priest,” although it is possible that some of the biological brothers of Zechariah were included in this group. Alternate translation: “his fellow priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 12 36 kmk3 translate-names שְֽׁמַעְיָ֡ה וַ⁠עֲזַרְאֵ֡ל מִֽלֲלַ֡י גִּֽלֲלַ֡י מָעַ֞י נְתַנְאֵ֤ל וִֽ⁠יהוּדָה֙ חֲנָ֔נִי 1 These are the names of eight men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 36 j1g4 figs-explicit בִּ⁠כְלֵי־שִׁ֥יר דָּוִ֖יד אִ֣ישׁ הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 This likely means the cymbals, harps, and lyres mentioned in [12:27](../12/27.md). Those were the instruments that King David had originally instructed the Levite musicians to play. The people honored that religious tradition on this occasion. Alternate translation: “with cymbals, harps, and lyres, the instruments that King David, that godly man, had originally instructed the Levite musicians to play” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 36 j1g7 figs-informremind דָּוִ֖יד אִ֣ישׁ הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 Here the book offers some background information to remind readers of the character of David, who had been a great founding king of Israel. Alternate translation: “King David, that godly man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) -NEH 12 36 n2tl figs-metonymy וְ⁠עֶזְרָ֥א הַ⁠סּוֹפֵ֖ר לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 Here **face** figuratively means the front of a group of people. Alternate translation: “Ezra the scribe walked in front of this group.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 12 36 n2tl figs-metonymy וְ⁠עֶזְרָ֥א הַ⁠סּוֹפֵ֖ר לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 Here, **face** figuratively means the front of a group of people. Alternate translation: “Ezra the scribe walked in front of this group” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 12 36 j1h1 figs-informremind וְ⁠עֶזְרָ֥א הַ⁠סּוֹפֵ֖ר 1 Here the book repeats some background information to remind readers who Ezra was. Alternate translation: “Ezra, who was a scribe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]]) -NEH 12 37 c38r figs-explicit וְ⁠עַל֩ שַׁ֨עַר הָ⁠עַ֜יִן וְ⁠נֶגְדָּ֗⁠ם עָלוּ֙ עַֽל־מַעֲלוֹת֙ עִ֣יר דָּוִ֔יד בַּֽ⁠מַּעֲלֶ֖ה לַ⁠חוֹמָ֑ה 1 The implication, which the original audience of the book would apparently have understood, is that when this first procession reached the place described, rather than continue walking on the wall, which was about to follow a winding course around a hill, they took these stairs straight up the hill, and they rejoined the wall at the place where it went up to the top of the hill. Alternate translation: “When they reached the Fountain Gate, they left the wall and went up the stairs that were in front of them that led to the City of David. They came back onto the wall at the place where it reached the top of the hill they had just climbed.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 12 37 c38r figs-explicit וְ⁠עַל֩ שַׁ֨עַר הָ⁠עַ֜יִן וְ⁠נֶגְדָּ֗⁠ם עָלוּ֙ עַֽל־מַעֲלוֹת֙ עִ֣יר דָּוִ֔יד בַּֽ⁠מַּעֲלֶ֖ה לַ⁠חוֹמָ֑ה 1 The implication, which the original audience of the book would apparently have understood, is that when this first procession reached the place described, rather than continue walking on the wall, which was about to follow a winding course around a hill, they took these stairs straight up the hill, and they rejoined the wall at the place where it went up to the top of the hill. Alternate translation: “When they reached the Fountain Gate, they left the wall and went up the stairs that were in front of them that led to the City of David. They came back onto the wall at the place where it reached the top of the hill they had just climbed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 37 j1h3 translate-names שַׁ֨עַר הָ⁠עַ֜יִן 1 This is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. See how you translated it in [2:14](../02/14.md) and [3:15](../03/15.md). Alternate translation: “the Fountain Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 37 j1h5 translate-names עִ֣יר דָּוִ֔יד 1 This was one part of Jerusalem. See how you translated it in [3:15](../03/15.md). Alternate translation: “the City of David” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 37 j1h7 figs-explicit מֵ⁠עַל֙ לְ⁠בֵ֣ית דָּוִ֔יד 1 This means that as the group walked on the top of the wall once again, at this point they were higher than this palace where David had lived. (In [3:25](../03/25.md) this same building is called “the upper house of the king,” meaning the royal palace that was located in a more elevated part of the city.) Alternate translation: “They walked along the wall, above the palace where David had lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 37 j1h9 figs-metaphor לְ⁠בֵ֣ית דָּוִ֔יד 1 This building is figuratively called a **house** because David had lived in it. Alternate translation: “the palace where David had lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 12 37 j1i1 figs-ellipsis וְ⁠עַ֛ד שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠מַּ֖יִם מִזְרָֽח 1 Here the book leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. This sentence is indicating that once this group reached the Water Gate, it stopped. This left them just to the east of the temple. As [12:39](../12/39.md) explains, the other group stopped just to the west of the temple, and the two groups joined together in the temple area. Alternate translation: “until they reached the Water Gate, and there they stopped, on the east side of the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) -NEH 12 38 fbi3 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וְ⁠הַ⁠תּוֹדָ֧ה 1 This conjunction **And** introduces the description in [12:38](../12/38.md) and [12:39](../12/39.md) of what the second group was doing while the first group was following the route described in [12:31–37](../12/31.md). If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a word such as “meanwhile” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) +NEH 12 38 fbi3 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וְ⁠הַ⁠תּוֹדָ֧ה 1 The conjunction **And** introduces the description in [12:38](../12/38.md) and [12:39](../12/39.md) of what the second group was doing while the first group was following the route described in [12:31–37](../12/31.md). If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a word such as “meanwhile” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) NEH 12 38 k1i3 figs-ellipsis וְ⁠הַ⁠תּוֹדָ֧ה הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֛ית הַ⁠הוֹלֶ֥כֶת לְ⁠מ֖וֹאל 1 Here the book leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “Meanwhile, the second group turned to its left and walked on top of the wall in the opposite direction, with musicians playing songs of thanksgiving as they went.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) NEH 12 38 t11k figs-explicit וַ⁠אֲנִ֣י אַחֲרֶ֑י⁠הָ 1 **I** refers to Nehemiah here, as in [12:31](../12/31.md). If you think it would be helpful to your readers, you could state his name explicitly. Alternate translation: “I, Nehemiah, walked behind this second group.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 38 k1i5 figs-ellipsis וַ⁠חֲצִ֨י הָ⁠עָ֜ם מֵ⁠עַ֣ל לְ⁠הַ⁠חוֹמָ֗ה 1 Here the book leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. This seems to be a reference to the counterparts of the people mentioned in [12:34](../12/34.md). Alternate translation: “with the other half of the people from the tribes and Judah and Benjamin who were walking with their leaders on top of the wall to dedicate it to God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) @@ -1659,7 +1659,7 @@ NEH 12 39 k1i5 translate-names וּ⁠מֵ⁠עַ֣ל לְ⁠שַֽׁעַר־א NEH 12 39 v1ni translate-names וּ⁠מִגְדַּ֤ל חֲנַנְאֵל֙ וּ⁠מִגְדַּ֣ל הַ⁠מֵּאָ֔ה 1 These are the names of two of the towers on the Jerusalem wall. See how you translated them in [3:1](../03/01.md). Alternate translation: “They walked past the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 39 v264 translate-names וְ⁠עַ֖ד שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠צֹּ֑אן 1 This is the name of one of the gates of the Jerusalem wall. See how you translated it in [3:1](../03/01.md) and [3:32](../03/31.md). Alternate translation: “and continued to the Sheep Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) NEH 12 39 k1i7 translate-names וְ⁠עָ֣מְד֔וּ בְּ⁠שַׁ֖עַר הַ⁠מַּטָּרָֽה 1 This is apparently the name of one of the gates of the Jerusalem temple. Verse [3:25](../03/25.md) describes repairs that were made to the wall near the “court of the guard,” which was in the temple precincts, so presumably this was the gate that led into that court. “Stood” means “stood still,” that is, “stopped moving.” The people were already standing up to walk. Alternate translation: “This second group stopped when it reached the Gate of the Guard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 12 40 k1i9 figs-explicit וַֽ⁠תַּעֲמֹ֛דְנָה שְׁתֵּ֥י הַ⁠תּוֹדֹ֖ת בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 The implication is that both groups followed routes that led them around the city from their common starting point to places on either side of the temple. They then joined together for a concluding ceremony in or near the temple. Alternate translation: “both groups that had walked around the city to dedicate the wall came down from it and stood in an open area in front of the temple.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 12 40 k1i9 figs-explicit וַֽ⁠תַּעֲמֹ֛דְנָה שְׁתֵּ֥י הַ⁠תּוֹדֹ֖ת בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 The implication is that both groups followed routes that led them around the city from their common starting point to places on either side of the temple. They then joined together for a concluding ceremony in or near the temple. Alternate translation: “both groups that had walked around the city to dedicate the wall came down from it and stood in an open area in front of the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 40 ai1v grammar-connect-time-sequential וַֽ⁠תַּעֲמֹ֛דְנָה 1 This word indicates that the event the story will now describe came after the events it has just described. If it would be clearer in your language, you could show this relationship by using a word such as “then.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) NEH 12 40 bnz5 writing-background וַ⁠אֲנִ֕י וַ⁠חֲצִ֥י הַ⁠סְּגָנִ֖ים עִמִּֽ⁠י 1 Nehemiah now provides further details for the second group, which he had accompanied, similar to the details he provided for the first group in verses 32–36. Alternate translation: “My group included the other half of the leaders of Judah.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) NEH 12 41 s4t8 translate-names אֶלְיָקִ֡ים מַעֲשֵׂיָ֡ה מִ֠נְיָמִין מִיכָיָ֧ה אֶלְיוֹעֵינַ֛י זְכַרְיָ֥ה חֲנַנְיָ֖ה 1 These are the names of seven men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -1671,18 +1671,18 @@ NEH 12 43 jgp9 figs-abstractnouns כִּ֤י הָ⁠אֱלֹהִים֙ שִׂמ NEH 12 43 p5fe figs-abstractnouns וַ⁠תִּשָּׁמַ֛ע שִׂמְחַ֥ת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם מֵ⁠רָחֽוֹק 1 In this case the abstract noun **rejoicing** refers to the loud sound that the singers and the people made as they held the ceremony to dedicate the rebuilt wall. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind this abstract noun with a concrete noun such as “sound.” Alternate translation: “the sound that the people made as they celebrated in Jerusalem was so loud that even other people who were far away could hear it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) NEH 12 43 j1l3 figs-activepassive וַ⁠תִּשָּׁמַ֛ע שִׂמְחַ֥ת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם מֵ⁠רָחֽוֹק 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “the sound that the people made as they celebrated in Jerusalem was so loud that even other people who were far away could hear it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 12 43 j1l5 figs-personification שִׂמְחַ֥ת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם 1 Here the story speaks figuratively of Jerusalem as if it were a living thing that could celebrate. Alternate translation: “the sound that the people made as they celebrated in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) -NEH 12 44 j1l7 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous בַ⁠יּוֹם֩ הַ⁠ה֨וּא 1 As noted for [12:43](../12/43.md), this is a flexible expression that can mean either “on that same day” or “around that time.” So here it could mean either that men were appointed to be in charge of the store rooms on the same day as the dedication celebration, or else at around the same time, perhaps shortly afterwards, once all of the activity of the celebration was over. Alternate translation: “on the same day that they held the ceremony to dedicate the rebuilt wall” or “around this same time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) +NEH 12 44 j1l7 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous בַ⁠יּוֹם֩ הַ⁠ה֨וּא 1 As noted for [12:43](../12/43.md), this is a flexible expression that can mean either “on that same day” or “around that time.” So here it could mean either that men were appointed to be in charge of the store rooms on the same day as the dedication celebration, or else at around the same time, perhaps shortly afterwards, once all of the activity of the celebration was over. Alternate translation: “on the same day that they held the ceremony to dedicate the rebuilt wall” or “around this same time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) NEH 12 44 fsb6 figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּפָּקְד֣וּ…אֲנָשִׁ֜ים עַל־הַ⁠נְּשָׁכ֗וֹת לָ⁠א֨וֹצָר֥וֹת 1 This is referring implicitly to the six Levites whose names are listed in [12:25](../12/25.md). The **chambers** are the storerooms above the gateways to the temple. (Review the note to [12:25](../12/25.md) if that would be helpful.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “we appointed six Levites to be in charge of the store rooms above the gateways to the temple.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 44 bnw2 figs-activepassive וַ⁠יִּפָּקְד֣וּ…אֲנָשִׁ֜ים 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. In the context of this episode, saying “we” would indicate Nehemiah and his fellow leaders. (“We” would not include the addressee, if your language makes that distinction.) Alternate translation: “we appointed six Levites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -NEH 12 44 j1l9 figs-explicit לַ⁠תְּרוּמוֹת֮ לָ⁠רֵאשִׁ֣ית וְ⁠לַ⁠מַּֽעַשְׂרוֹת֒ לִ⁠כְנ֨וֹס בָּ⁠הֶ֜ם לִ⁠שְׂדֵ֤י הֶ⁠עָרִים֙ 1 These were the things the people promised in their covenant to provide in order to support the priests and the Levites. (See [10:36–39](../10/36.md).) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “so that they could collect the offerings, firstfruits, and tithes that the Israelites would bring in from the fields around their cities, as they had promised to do in their covenant.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -NEH 12 44 j1m1 figs-abstractnouns מְנָא֣וֹת הַ⁠תּוֹרָ֔ה לַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֖ים וְ⁠לַ⁠לְוִיִּ֑ם 1 The abstract noun **portion** refers to the part of each crop that the law commanded the Israelites to give to the temple to support the priests and Levites. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind this word with a different phrase. Alternate translation: “These were the things that the law commanded the Israelites to give from their harvests to support the priests and Levites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -NEH 12 44 g347 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֚י שִׂמְחַ֣ת יְהוּדָ֔ה עַל־הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֥ים וְ⁠עַל־הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֖ם הָ⁠עֹמְדִֽים 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could put this sentence first in the verse, since it gives the reason for the results that are described in the rest of the verse. You could also show the connection by using a word like “so” after this phrase. Alternate translation: “The people of Judah were very happy that the priests and the Levites were once again serving in the roles that the law had assigned to them. So …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 12 44 j1l9 figs-explicit לַ⁠תְּרוּמוֹת֮ לָ⁠רֵאשִׁ֣ית וְ⁠לַ⁠מַּֽעַשְׂרוֹת֒ לִ⁠כְנ֨וֹס בָּ⁠הֶ֜ם לִ⁠שְׂדֵ֤י הֶ⁠עָרִים֙ 1 In their covenant, these were the things the people promised to provide in order to support the priests and the Levites. (See [10:36–39](../10/36.md).) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “so that they could collect the offerings, firstfruits, and tithes that the Israelites would bring in from the fields around their cities, as they had promised to do in their covenant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 12 44 j1m1 figs-abstractnouns מְנָא֣וֹת הַ⁠תּוֹרָ֔ה לַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֖ים וְ⁠לַ⁠לְוִיִּ֑ם 1 The abstract noun **portion** refers to the part of each crop that the law commanded the Israelites to give to the temple to support the priests and Levites. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind this word with a different phrase. Alternate translation: “these were the things that the law commanded the Israelites to give from their harvests to support the priests and Levites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +NEH 12 44 g347 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֚י שִׂמְחַ֣ת יְהוּדָ֔ה עַל־הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֥ים וְ⁠עַל־הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֖ם הָ⁠עֹמְדִֽים 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could place this sentence first in the verse since it gives the reason for the results that are described in the rest of the verse. You could also show the connection by using a word like “so” after this phrase. Alternate translation: “The people of Judah were very happy that the priests and the Levites were once again serving in the roles that the law had assigned to them. So …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 12 44 j1m3 figs-metaphor שִׂמְחַ֣ת…עַל־הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֥ים וְ⁠עַל־הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֖ם 1 In this context, **over** is a spatial metaphor that figuratively indicates “for” or “because of.” Alternate translation: “were very happy that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 12 44 g9pg figs-metaphor הָ⁠עֹמְדִֽים 1 **Standing** means figuratively that the priests and the Levites were serving in the roles that the law had assigned to them. This meaning can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “serving in the roles that the law had assigned to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) NEH 12 45 lm4j grammar-connect-logic-result וַֽ⁠יִּשְׁמְר֞וּ 1 In this context, the conjunction **And** indicates that the sentence it introduces explains the results of what the previous verse described. Specifically, the temple personnel were able to perform their duties regularly because the people had organized regular support for them. Alternate translation: “and so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 12 45 j1m5 figs-abstractnouns וַֽ⁠יִּשְׁמְר֞וּ מִשְׁמֶ֤רֶת אֱלֹֽהֵי⁠הֶם֙ וּ⁠מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת הַֽ⁠טָּהֳרָ֔ה 1 **They** means the priests and Levites. The abstract noun **service**, in the phrase **service watch of their God**, refers to the duties that God had commanded the priests and Levites to perform in the law. In the phrase “service of purification,” this abstract noun refers to one of those duties in particular, the duty of performing a ceremony for themselves and for others that expressed a desire to be ceremonially clean, that is, acceptable to God. The story describes in [12:30](../12/30.md) how they performed such a ceremony on this occasion. Alternate translation: “So the priests and Levites were able to perform the duties that God had commanded, including performing ceremonies of purification” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -NEH 12 45 j1m7 figs-ellipsis וְ⁠הַ⁠מְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים וְ⁠הַ⁠שֹּׁעֲרִ֑ים 1 Here the book leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. This phrase seems to mean, “The singers and the gatekeepers were also able to perform their assigned duties.” You could say that explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) -NEH 12 45 j1m9 writing-background כְּ⁠מִצְוַ֥ת דָּוִ֖יד שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה בְנֽ⁠וֹ 1 This phrase provides background information that explains that it was King David and King Solomon, his son, who established the duties of the temple singers and gatekeepers. Alternate translation: “as King David and King Solomon, his son, had commanded them to do.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) +NEH 12 45 j1m7 figs-ellipsis וְ⁠הַ⁠מְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים וְ⁠הַ⁠שֹּׁעֲרִ֑ים 1 Here the book leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. This phrase seems to means “The singers and the gatekeepers were also able to perform their assigned duties.” You could say that explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +NEH 12 45 j1m9 writing-background כְּ⁠מִצְוַ֥ת דָּוִ֖יד שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה בְנֽ⁠וֹ 1 This phrase provides background information that explains that it was King David and King Solomon, his son, who established the duties of the temple singers and gatekeepers. Alternate translation: “as King David and King Solomon, his son, had commanded them to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) NEH 12 46 j1n1 writing-background כִּֽי 1 This word indicates that this sentence will provide further information about the situation that the book is describing here. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a word or expression in your own language that indicates the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) NEH 12 46 j1n3 figs-idiom בִ⁠ימֵ֥י דָוִ֛יד וְ⁠אָסָ֖ף מִ⁠קֶּ֑דֶם 1 The expression **from before** is an idiom that means “ever since a long time ago.” Alternate translation: “ever since the time of David and Asaph long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 12 46 j1n5 figs-idiom בִ⁠ימֵ֥י דָוִ֛יד וְ⁠אָסָ֖ף 1 The term **days** is used figuratively here to refer a particular period of time. Alternate translation: “in the time of David and Asaph” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) @@ -1691,24 +1691,24 @@ NEH 12 46 j1n9 figs-explicit וְ⁠אָסָ֖ף 1 The book assumes that the or NEH 12 46 py1c figs-metaphor ראש הַ⁠מְשֹׁ֣רְרִ֔ים 1 **Head** here is a figurative way of saying “leader.” Alternate translation: “the Levite choir has had an appointed director” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 12 46 j1o1 figs-ellipsis וְ⁠שִׁיר־תְּהִלָּ֥ה וְ⁠הֹד֖וֹת לֵֽ⁠אלֹהִֽים 1 Here the book leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “and they have sung songs of praise and thanksgiving to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) NEH 12 47 j1o3 writing-background וְ⁠כָל 1 This word indicates that this sentence will provide further information about the situation that the book is describing here. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a word or expression in your own language that indicates the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) -NEH 12 47 flz7 בִּ⁠ימֵ֨י זְרֻבָּבֶ֜ל וּ⁠בִ⁠ימֵ֣י נְחֶמְיָ֗ה 1 Alternate translation: “Just as they had done in the time of Zerubbabel, so now in the time of Nehemiah” +NEH 12 47 flz7 בִּ⁠ימֵ֨י זְרֻבָּבֶ֜ל וּ⁠בִ⁠ימֵ֣י נְחֶמְיָ֗ה 1 Alternate translation: “just as they had done in the time of Zerubbabel, so now in the time of Nehemiah” NEH 12 47 mu9s figs-idiom בִּ⁠ימֵ֨י זְרֻבָּבֶ֜ל וּ⁠בִ⁠ימֵ֣י נְחֶמְיָ֗ה 1 The term **days** is used figuratively here to refer a particular period of time. Alternate translation: “the time of Zerubbabel … the time of Nehemiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 12 47 e72p בִּ⁠ימֵ֨י זְרֻבָּבֶ֜ל 1 As [12:1](../12/01.md) explains, this was the man who led the first group of Jews who returned to the province of Judah, about a hundred years before the time of Nehemiah. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this more explicitly. Alternate translation: “in the time of Zerubbabel, who led the first group back to the province of Judah from exile” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 12 47 j1o5 translate-names זְרֻבָּבֶ֜ל…נְחֶמְיָ֗ה 1 These are the names of two men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 12 47 j1o7 figs-abstractnouns וְ⁠כָל־יִשְׂרָאֵל֩ בִּ⁠ימֵ֨י זְרֻבָּבֶ֜ל וּ⁠בִ⁠ימֵ֣י נְחֶמְיָ֗ה נֹֽתְנִ֛ים מְנָי֛וֹת הַ⁠מְשֹׁרְרִ֥ים 1 As in [12:44](../43/11.md), the abstract noun **portion** refers to the part of each crop that the Israelites contributed to support the temple personnel. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind this word with a different phrase. Alternate translation: “All the Israelites contributed from their harvests to support the singers and the gatekeepers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +NEH 12 47 j1o7 figs-abstractnouns וְ⁠כָל־יִשְׂרָאֵל֩ בִּ⁠ימֵ֨י זְרֻבָּבֶ֜ל וּ⁠בִ⁠ימֵ֣י נְחֶמְיָ֗ה נֹֽתְנִ֛ים מְנָי֛וֹת הַ⁠מְשֹׁרְרִ֥ים 1 As in [12:44](../43/11.md), the abstract noun **portion** refers to the part of each crop that the Israelites contributed to support the temple personnel. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind this word with a different phrase. Alternate translation: “all the Israelites contributed from their harvests to support the singers and the gatekeepers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) NEH 12 47 j1o9 figs-idiom דְּבַר־י֣וֹם בְּ⁠יוֹמ֑⁠וֹ 1 As in [11:23](../11/23.md), this is an idiom that means “as each day required.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 12 47 j1p1 figs-explicit וּ⁠מַקְדִּשִׁים֙ לַ⁠לְוִיִּ֔ם וְ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֔ם מַקְדִּשִׁ֖ים לִ⁠בְנֵ֥י אַהֲרֹֽן 1 **They** means the Israelites, as in the previous sentence. **Consecrating** means “setting apart.” This is likely a reference to the tithe or 1/10 of crops that the Israelites promised in their covenant to give to support the Levites, and to the tithe of this tithe that the Levites then contributed to support the priests, as described in [10:37–38](../10/37.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The Israelites also gave a tenth of their crops to support the Levites, just as they had promised, and the Levites gave a tenth of this tenth to support the priests.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 13 intro tm5a 0 # Nehemiah 13 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter

### Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem

Nehemiah was eager to make sure that the Jews kept their promise to obey the law. When he returned from Persia, he found many things wrong: one of the store rooms in the temple had been converted into a guest room for Tobiah, the Levites had not received their portions for working in the temple, people were working on the Sabbath, and many had married heathen wives. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]]) NEH 13 1 k1a1 בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠ה֗וּא 1 As noted for [12:43](../12/43.md) and [12:44](../12/44.md), this is a flexible expression that can mean either “on that same day” or “around that time.” Either meaning might fit the context here, so you could choose to say either one in your translation. NEH 13 1 k1a3 figs-activepassive נִקְרָ֛א בְּ⁠סֵ֥פֶר מֹשֶׁ֖ה 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “we read from the scroll that contained the Law of Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -NEH 13 1 k9za figs-metonymy בְּ⁠אָזְנֵ֣י הָ⁠עָ֑ם 1 Here **ears** stand for hearing. Alternate translation: “out loud so that all the people could hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) +NEH 13 1 k9za figs-metonymy בְּ⁠אָזְנֵ֣י הָ⁠עָ֑ם 1 Here, **ears** stand for hearing. Alternate translation: “out loud so that all the people could hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 13 1 k1a5 figs-idiom וְ⁠נִמְצָא֙ כָּת֣וּב בּ֔⁠וֹ 1 **Found** is an idiom that means “could be found there” or “was there.” The expression means that this was something that was in the law. And since Nehemiah and the other leaders were reading this out loud to the people, their purpose was to show them that this was in the law. Alternate translation: “and we showed them that it said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 13 1 k1a7 figs-activepassive וְ⁠נִמְצָא֙ כָּת֣וּב בּ֔⁠וֹ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “we showed them that it said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) NEH 13 1 k1a9 translate-names עַמֹּנִ֧י וּ⁠מֹאָבִ֛י 1 These are the names of the members of two people groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -NEH 13 1 k1b1 figs-idiom יָב֨וֹא…בִּ⁠קְהַ֥ל הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 The expression **assembly of God** can refer either to the entire Israelite community, as in [7:66](../07/66.md) and [8:17](../08/17.md), or to the community gathered for a legal proceeding, as in [5:7](../05/07.md) and [5:13](../05/13.md), or gathered for a religious ceremony, as in [8:2](../08/02.md) and [8:18](../08/18.md). The last meaning is probably in view here. This statement likely means that Ammonites and Moabites were not allowed to join the Israelites in their worship of Yahweh, either in the temple or in public occasions. For example, [9:2](../09/02.md) describes how the Israelites did not allow any foreigners to take part in their ceremony of national repentance. (Later in this chapter, in [13:23–27](../13/23.md), Nehemiah will describe how he took the further measure of expelling foreigners from the Israelite community itself.) Alternate translation: “could join with the Israelites when they worshipped Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +NEH 13 1 k1b1 figs-idiom יָב֨וֹא…בִּ⁠קְהַ֥ל הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 The expression **assembly of God** can refer either to the entire Israelite community, as in [7:66](../07/66.md) and [8:17](../08/17.md), or to the community gathered for a legal proceeding, as in [5:7](../05/07.md) and [5:13](../05/13.md), or gathered for a religious ceremony, as in [8:2](../08/02.md) and [8:18](../08/18.md). The last meaning is probably in view here. This statement likely means that Ammonites and Moabites were not allowed to join the Israelites in their worship of Yahweh in the temple or on public occasions. For example, [9:2](../09/02.md) describes how the Israelites did not allow any foreigners to take part in their ceremony of national repentance. (Later in this chapter, in [13:23–27](../13/23.md), Nehemiah will describe how he took the further measure of expelling foreigners from the Israelite community itself.) Alternate translation: “could join with the Israelites when they worshiped Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 13 1 j6si figs-idiom עַד־עוֹלָֽם 1 This expression means that this was a permanent regulation in the Law of Moses. It was not a regulation that applied just to a specific period and that might change afterwards. Alternate translation: “This was a permanent rule.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 13 2 tf8z grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י 1 This word indicates that the sentence it introduces explains the reasons for what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “They could not come into the assembly because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) -NEH 13 2 k1b3 figs-explicit לֹ֧א קִדְּמ֛וּ אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בַּ⁠לֶּ֣חֶם וּ⁠בַ⁠מָּ֑יִם 1 The assumption is that readers will know what historical incident this statement is referring to. It is a reference to the time when the Israelites were traveling from Egypt to Canaan through the desert. They were basically refugees. It could have been expected, as a basic act of compassion, that the Ammonites and Moabites would help provide for their needs as they passed through their territories. But they refused to do this. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “They did not help meet the needs of the Israelites when they were refugees traveling through their territories.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 13 2 tf8z grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י 1 This word indicates that the sentence it introduces explains the reasons for what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “they could not come into the assembly because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 13 2 k1b3 figs-explicit לֹ֧א קִדְּמ֛וּ אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בַּ⁠לֶּ֣חֶם וּ⁠בַ⁠מָּ֑יִם 1 The assumption is that readers will know what historical incident this statement is referring to. It is a reference to the time when the Israelites were traveling from Egypt to Canaan through the desert. They were basically refugees. It could have been expected, as a basic act of compassion, that the Ammonites and Moabites would help provide for their needs as they passed through their territories but they refused to do this. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “they did not help meet the needs of the Israelites when they were refugees traveling through their territories” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 13 2 k1b5 figs-metaphor בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 **Sons** here figuratively means “descendants.” The descendants of Israel were the Israelites. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) NEH 13 2 k1b7 figs-metonymy קִדְּמ֛וּ…בַּ⁠לֶּ֣חֶם וּ⁠בַ⁠מָּ֑יִם 1 Bread stands for food, and water stands for drink, and together both terms probably represent assistance in general. Alternate translation: “provide food and drink” or “provide the help they needed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) NEH 13 2 k1b9 figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּשְׂכֹּ֨ר עָלָ֤י⁠ו אֶת־בִּלְעָם֙ לְ⁠קַֽלְל֔⁠וֹ וַ⁠יַּהֲפֹ֧ךְ אֱלֹהֵ֛י⁠נוּ הַ⁠קְּלָלָ֖ה לִ⁠בְרָכָֽה 1 The assumption once again is that readers will know what historical incident this is referring to. This is a reference to the way the king of Moab hired a prophet named Balaam to curse the Israelites, but instead God made Balaam speak words of blessing about them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The Moabites also hired a prophet named Balaam to curse the Israelites, but God made him speak words of blessing instead.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -1725,32 +1725,32 @@ NEH 13 4 k1d7 figs-idiom נָת֖וּן בְּ⁠לִשְׁכַּ֣ת בֵּית NEH 13 4 adq9 קָר֖וֹב לְ⁠טוֹבִיָּֽה 1 He was related to Tobiah Since Tobiah was an Ammonite, Eliashib could not have been his close blood relative. So this expression must refer to a connection by marriage. We learn in [6:18](../06/18.md) that both Tobiah and his son had married Jewish women, and one or both of these women may have been relatives of Eliashib. Alternate translation: “who was related to Tobiah by marriage” NEH 13 4 c9hf figs-synecdoche בְּ⁠לִשְׁכַּ֣ת בֵּית־אֱלֹהֵ֑י⁠נוּ 1 Here one **chamber** or room is used figuratively to mean “every chamber” or room in the temple. Alternate translation: “every room in the temple” (See: Synechdoche) NEH 13 4 k1d9 figs-metaphor בֵּית־אֱלֹהֵ֑י⁠נוּ 1 As often in this book, Nehemiah speaks figuratively of the temple here as the **house of God**, as if it were God’s dwelling place. Alternate translation: “the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]]) -NEH 13 5 xi14 grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠יַּ֨עַשׂ 1 In this context, the conjunction **and** indicates that the sentence it introduces explains the reason for what the previous sentence described, or what made it possible. Alternate translation: “and so,” unless you used the word “since” to introduce the last phrase in [13:4](../13/04.md), in which case the connection would already be clear and you would not need to use any connecting phrase here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +NEH 13 5 xi14 grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠יַּ֨עַשׂ 1 In this context, the conjunction **and** indicates that the sentence it introduces explains the reason for what the previous sentence described, or what made it possible. Alternate translation: “and so” unless you used the word “since” to introduce the last phrase in [13:4](../13/04.md), in which case the connection would already be clear and you would not need to use any connecting phrase here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 13 5 k1de ל֜⁠וֹ 1 Verse [13:7](../13/07.md) indicates that **him** refers to Tobiah. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly here. Alternate translation: “he allowed Tobiah to move into a large room in the temple.” NEH 13 5 v2in figs-explicit וְ⁠שָׁ֣ם הָי֪וּ לְ⁠פָנִ֟ים נֹ֠תְנִים אֶת־הַ⁠מִּנְחָ֨ה 1 **They** means the Israelites, and **offerings**, if it is a general term (see next note), means the contributions that they gave to support the priests and Levites, as described in [12:44](../12/44.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “This was the room that the Israelites had previously been using to store the offerings they brought to the temple to support the priests and Levites.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 13 5 k1e3 הַ⁠מִּנְחָ֨ה 1 The word **offerings** could be referring generally to all of the contributions that the Israelites brought, which would then be listed in the rest of this verse, or it could be the first specific item on the list, the daily grain offering, as described in [10:33](../10/33.md). Alternate translation: “the offerings they brought” or “the daily grain offering.” -NEH 13 5 k1e5 translate-unknown הַ⁠לְּבוֹנָ֜ה 1 This term refers to a mixture of fragrant spices that was burned to produce smoke that had a pleasant smell. The law specified a special blend of spices that it said only the priests could use in the temple. Alternate translation: “the sacred incense” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +NEH 13 5 k1e5 translate-unknown הַ⁠לְּבוֹנָ֜ה 1 This term refers to a mixture of fragrant spices that was burned to produce smoke that had a pleasant smell. The law specified a special blend of spices that it said could only be used in the temple by the priests. Alternate translation: “the sacred incense” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) NEH 13 5 k1e7 figs-synecdoche וְ⁠הַ⁠כֵּלִ֗ים 1 As in [10:39](../10/39.md), here Nehemiah uses one type of equipment that the storerooms would hold, **vessels** or “jars” or “containers,” to refer figuratively to all the different types of equipment that the priests and Levites would have used in the temple. Alternate translation: “the temple equipment” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) NEH 13 5 k1e9 וּ⁠מַעְשַׂ֤ר הַ⁠דָּגָן֙ הַ⁠תִּיר֣וֹשׁ וְ⁠הַ⁠יִּצְהָ֔ר 1 This means the portion, one tenth, of their crops and produce that the Israelites had promised to contribute to support the temple personnel, as described in [10:37–38](../10/37.md). Alternate translation: “the tenth of their crops and produce” NEH 13 5 k1f1 translate-fraction וּ⁠מַעְשַׂ֤ר 1 A “tithe” means a tenth (1/10) or one part out of ten equal parts. (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) NEH 13 5 k1f3 figs-ellipsis מִצְוַת֙ הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֔ם וְ⁠הַ⁠מְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים וְ⁠הַ⁠שֹּׁעֲרִ֑ים 1 Here Nehemiah leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. This phrase means “which the law had commanded them to contribute to support the Levites, the singers, and the temple gatekeepers.” You could say that explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) -NEH 13 5 k1f5 וּ⁠תְרוּמַ֖ת הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִֽים 1 This likely refers to the tithe or one tenth of what they received that the Levites contributed in turn to the priests, as described in [10:38](../10/38.md). Alternate translation: “and the contributions to support the priests” or “the tithe of the tithe that the Levites gave to support the priests.” +NEH 13 5 k1f5 וּ⁠תְרוּמַ֖ת הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִֽים 1 This likely refers to the tithe, or one tenth of what they received, that the Levites, in turn contributed to the priests, as described in [10:38](../10/38.md). Alternate translation: “and the contributions to support the priests” or “the tithe of the tithe that the Levites gave to support the priests.” NEH 13 6 k1f7 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־זֶ֕ה 1 This expression indicates that the sentence it introduces describes something that was happening at the same time as the events the book has just described. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a phrase such as “while all of this was happening” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) NEH 13 6 dpk4 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֡י 1 This word indicates that the clause it introduces explains the reason for what the previous clause described. That is, Nehemiah is about to give the reason why he was not in Jerusalem while Eliashib was allowing Tobiah to move into the temple. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) NEH 13 6 k1f9 writing-background בִּ⁠שְׁנַת֩ שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים וּ⁠שְׁתַּ֜יִם לְ⁠אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֤סְתְּא מֶֽלֶךְ־בָּבֶל֙ בָּ֣אתִי אֶל־הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Here Nehemiah is providing background information to explain why he was not in Jerusalem. As he indicates in [5:14](../05/14.md), he was governor of Judah for twelve years, from the twentieth to the thirty-second year of the reign of King Artaxerxes. As this verse indicates, he then returned to the royal court. Alternate translation: “I had returned to serve King Artaxerxes in his court in the thirty-second year of his reign” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) NEH 13 6 k1g1 translate-ordinal בִּ⁠שְׁנַת֩ שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים וּ⁠שְׁתַּ֜יִם לְ⁠אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֤סְתְּא 1 This expression refers to the number of years that Artaxerxes had been reigning as king. Alternate translation: “in year 32 of the reign of Artaxerxes as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) -NEH 13 6 k1g3 writing-background מֶֽלֶךְ־בָּבֶל֙ 1 Artaxerxes was the king of the Persian Empire, but since the Persians had conquered the Babylonians, he also had the right to use the title “king of Babylon.” The fact that Nehemiah describes him by this title may actually indicate that the royal court was located in the city of Babylon at this time and that he returned to that city to resume his duties in the court. Alternate translation: “the king of Persia, whose court was then in Babylon.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) +NEH 13 6 k1g3 writing-background מֶֽלֶךְ־בָּבֶל֙ 1 Artaxerxes was the king of the Persian Empire, but since the Persians had conquered the Babylonians, he also had the right to use the title “king of Babylon.” The fact that Nehemiah describes him by this title may actually indicate that the royal court was located in the city of Babylon at this time and that he returned to that city to resume his duties in the court. Alternate translation: “the king of Persia, whose court was then in Babylon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) NEH 13 6 k1g5 figs-idiom וּ⁠לְ⁠קֵ֥ץ יָמִ֖ים 1 The term **days** is used figuratively here to refer a particular period of time. Alternate translation: “after some time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 13 6 k1g7 figs-explicit נִשְׁאַ֥לְתִּי מִן־הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 The implication, as shown explicitly in the next verse, is that Nehemiah requested time off from his responsibilities in the court so that he could travel back to Judah and see how the people there were doing, and that the king gave him permission to do this. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I asked the king if I could take some time off and travel back to Judah to help the people there, and he gave me permission to do that.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 13 6 k1g7 figs-explicit נִשְׁאַ֥לְתִּי מִן־הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 The implication, as shown explicitly in the next verse, is that Nehemiah requested time off from his responsibilities in the court so that he could travel back to Judah and see how the people there were doing, and that the king gave him permission to do this. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I asked the king if I could take some time off and travel back to Judah to help the people there, and he gave me permission to do that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 13 7 k1g9 grammar-connect-time-sequential וָ⁠אָב֖וֹא לִֽ⁠ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם 1 In this context, the conjunction **And** at the beginning of this phrase indicates that this event took place after the event the story has just described. If it would be clearer in your language, you could show this relationship by using a phrase such as “and so.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) NEH 13 7 k1h1 grammar-connect-time-sequential וָ⁠אָבִ֣ינָ⁠ה 1 In this context, the conjunction **And** at the beginning of this phrase indicates that this event took place after the event in the previous sentence. If it would be clearer in your language, you could show this relationship by using a phrase such as “when I got there, I discovered.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) NEH 13 7 k1h3 figs-idiom וָ⁠אָבִ֣ינָ⁠ה בָ⁠רָעָ֗ה 1 In this context, this phrase means “came to understand the evil” or “discovered the evil” or “realized the evil.” If it would be clearer in your language, you could use any of those phrases or a similar one as an alternate translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) NEH 13 7 k1h5 בָ⁠רָעָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֤ה אֶלְיָשִׁיב֙ לְ⁠ט֣וֹבִיָּ֔ה לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת ל⁠וֹ֙ נִשְׁכָּ֔ה בְּ⁠חַצְרֵ֖י בֵּ֥ית הָ⁠אֱלֹהִֽים 1 While in the book of Nehemiah the word **evil** often means things like “sad” or “harmful,” in this context, the word does describe something that is morally bad and destructive. Eliashib had not done this wrong thing to Tobiah, but on his behalf. Alternate translation: “about the wrong thing that Eliashib had done by allowing Tobiah to move into a storeroom within the temple courts” NEH 13 7 k1h7 figs-metaphor בֵּ֥ית הָ⁠אֱלֹהִֽים 1 Nehemiah speaks figuratively of the temple as the **house of God** as if it were God’s dwelling place. Alternate translation: “the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]]) NEH 13 8 k1h9 figs-idiom וַ⁠יֵּ֥רַֽע לִ֖⁠י מְאֹ֑ד 1 This expression describes Nehemiah’s perspective on the action. It does not mean that Eliashib did a wrong thing to Nehemiah directly. Alternate translation: “I recognized how very wrong this was.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -NEH 13 8 k1i1 figs-metaphor וָֽ⁠אַשְׁלִ֜יכָ⁠ה אֶֽת־כָּל־כְּלֵ֧י בֵית־טוֹבִיָּ֛ה הַ⁠ח֖וּץ מִן־הַ⁠לִּשְׁכָּֽה 1 Here the term **house** figuratively represents all the possessions of Tobiah. It does not mean a literal house that Tobiah owned, because the context shows that he was staying in a room within the temple. Rather, **house** is a metaphor for “property,” that is, the things a person owns and would keep in a house. Alternate translation: “I threw everything that Tobiah was keeping in that storeroom right out of the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]]) +NEH 13 8 k1i1 figs-metaphor וָֽ⁠אַשְׁלִ֜יכָ⁠ה אֶֽת־כָּל־כְּלֵ֧י בֵית־טוֹבִיָּ֛ה הַ⁠ח֖וּץ מִן־הַ⁠לִּשְׁכָּֽה 1 Here, the term **house** figuratively represents all the possessions of Tobiah. It does not mean a literal house that Tobiah owned, because the context shows that he was staying in a room within the temple. Rather, **house** is a metaphor for “property,” that is, the things a person owns and would keep in a house. Alternate translation: “I threw everything that Tobiah was keeping in that storeroom right out of the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]]) NEH 13 9 k1i3 grammar-connect-time-sequential וָ⁠אֹ֣מְרָ֔⁠ה 1 In this context, the conjunction **And** indicates that this event took place after the event the story has just described. If it would be clearer in your language, you could show this relationship by using a word such as “then.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) -NEH 13 9 k1i5 figs-explicit וָ⁠אֹ֣מְרָ֔⁠ה וַֽ⁠יְטַהֲר֖וּ הַ⁠לְּשָׁכ֑וֹת 1 The implication is that Nehemiah spoke to the priests, since they would have been the ones to conduct a ceremony, like the one the story describes in [12:30](../12/30.md), to show that the people wanted the rooms in the temple to be ceremonially clean, in the hopes that they would once more be acceptable to God. Alternate translation: “I told the priests to conduct a ceremony to purify the rooms in the temple.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +NEH 13 9 k1i5 figs-explicit וָ⁠אֹ֣מְרָ֔⁠ה וַֽ⁠יְטַהֲר֖וּ הַ⁠לְּשָׁכ֑וֹת 1 The implication is that Nehemiah spoke to the priests since they would have been the ones to conduct a ceremony like the one the story describes in [12:30](../12/30.md) to show that the people wanted the rooms in the temple to be ceremonially clean in the hopes that they would once more be acceptable to God. Alternate translation: “I told the priests to conduct a ceremony to purify the rooms in the temple.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) NEH 13 9 k1i7 כְּלֵי֙ בֵּ֣ית הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֶת־הַ⁠מִּנְחָ֖ה וְ⁠הַ⁠לְּבוֹנָֽה 1 See how you translated these expressions in [13:5](../13/05.md). Alternate translation: “the equipment for the temple, the offerings that the people brought, and the sacred incense” NEH 13 9 k1i9 figs-metaphor בֵּ֣ית הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 Nehemiah speaks figuratively of the temple as the **house of God** as if it were God’s dwelling place. Alternate translation: “the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]]) NEH 13 10 k1j1 grammar-connect-time-sequential וָ⁠אֵ֣דְעָ֔⁠ה 1 In this context, the conjunction **And** indicates that this event took place after the event the story has just described. If it would be clearer in your language, you could show this relationship by using a word such as “then.” As with “understood” in [13:7](../13/07.md), **knew** here means “came to know” or “discovered” or “realized.” Alternate translation: “Then I discovered that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])