EXO front intro b4pp 0 # Introduction to Exodus<br><br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of Exodus<br><br>1. Israel in Egypt; preparing to depart from slavery (1–12)<br> * First genealogy (1:1–6)<br> * Israel as slaves in Egypt (1:7–22)<br> * Moses’ history to the time of the Exodus (2:1–4:26)<br> * Israel suffers in Egypt (4:27–6:13)<br> * Second genealogy (6:14–27)<br> * Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh (6:28–7:25)<br> * The plagues (8:1–11:10)<br>2. Instructions for celebrating the Passover (12:1–30)<br>3. From Egypt to Mount Sinai (12:31–18:27)<br> * The Passover; preparing to leave Egypt; leaving Egypt (12:31–50, 13:1–22)<br> * Journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai (14:1–18:27)<br>4. Mount Sinai and the Law (19-40)<br> * Preparing for the covenant (19:1–25)<br> * The Ten Commandments (20:1–17)<br> * The covenant described (20:18–23:33)<br> * The people agree to the covenant; Moses returns to Mount Sinai (24:1–18)<br> * Design of the Dwelling and its furnishings; what was required of those who serve in it; dwelling functions (25:1–31:18)<br> * The golden calf; Moses prays for the people (32:1–33:22)<br> * The covenant described again (34:1–35)<br> * Making of the ark and its furnishings (35:1–38:31) and priestly garments (39:1–43, 40:1–33)<br> * The cloud (40:34–38)<br><br>### What is the book of Exodus about?<br><br>Exodus continues the story of the previous book, Genesis. The first half of Exodus is about how Yahweh made Abraham’s descendants into a nation. This nation, which would be called “Israel,” was meant to belong to Yahweh and worship him. The second half of Exodus describes how God gave the Israelites his law through Moses. The law of Moses told the Israelites how to obey and worship Yahweh properly.<br><br>The book of Exodus tells how the Israelites were to build the Dwelling. The Dwelling was a tent where Yahweh would be among his people. The Israelites worshiped and sacrificed animals to Yahweh at the Dwelling. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/tabernacle]])<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>“Exodus” means “exit” or “departure.” Translators may translate this title in a way that can communicate its subject clearly, for example, “About the Israelites Leaving Egypt” or “How the Israelites Left the Land of Egypt.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>### Who wrote the book of Exodus?<br><br>The writers of both the Old and New Testaments present Moses as being very involved with writing the book of Exodus. Since ancient times, both Jews and Christians have thought that Moses wrote Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.<br><br>### Why did Moses write so much about God delivering or rescuing the people of Israel?<br><br>Moses wrote much about God rescuing his people from the Egyptians to show that Yahweh is very powerful. Egypt was a very powerful nation in the region at that time, but Yahweh was still able to free the Israelites from the Egyptians. Also, by rescuing the Israelites, Yahweh showed that he had chosen them as his people and that they should worship him.<br><br>### How does the book of Exodus show the fulfillment of the promises given to Abraham?<br><br>The book of Exodus shows God beginning to fulfill his promise to Abraham. In Genesis, God promised Abraham that he would have many descendants and that they would become a large nation. When God rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians, he took them to Mount Sinai. There he made a covenant with them, and they became the nation that belonged to Yahweh.<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### What was the Jewish Passover?<br><br>The Jewish Passover was a religious festival. Yahweh commanded the Israelites to celebrate it every year. Passover was a time to remember how God rescued Israel from the Egyptians. The first Passover meal was eaten in the evening just before
EXO 1 intro cj55 0 # Exodus 01 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>This chapter is intended to form a smooth transition from the last chapter of the book of Genesis.<br><br>- v. 1-7: Jacob’s family grows<br>- v. 8-22: Pharaoh oppresses the Israelites and tries to limit the Israelites’ growth<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Israel’s growth<br><br>Israel grew in number. This was the beginning of God’s fulfilling his promises to Abraham. It also caused the Pharaoh to worry that there would be more Israelites than Egyptians, with the result that the Egyptians would be unable to defend themselves against so many people. Pharaoh tried to kill all of the male babies so they would not become soldiers who fought against him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/fulfill]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])<br><br>## Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>- “All of the descendants of Jacob were 70 in number”<br>This number included both Jacob’s children and grandchildren. It may cause confusion, but it is important to remember Jacob only had 12 sons.<br>- Starting from verse 7, the terms **Hebrews** and **sons of Israel** both refer to the Israelite nation or people group.<br>- God blesses the Hebrew midwives for lying to the wicked Pharaoh. Translators should not attempt to hide this. They showed that they feared God by disobeying a wicked order in order to preserve the lives of God’s people. They “acted wisely toward him” (or shrewdly, see [1:10](../01/10.md)) by lying to foil Pharaoh.<br>- Pharaoh is a specifically Egyptian word for their kings (and queens).
EXO 1 1 h51f writing-background 0 Verses 1–7 are background information for the story. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EXO 1 1 fxbx figs-go הַבָּאִ֖ים…בָּֽאוּ 1 The words translated as **came in** could also be translated as “went in.” Use whichever form is most natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 1 1 e65z translate-names יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל…יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 **Jacob** and **Israel** are two names for the same man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 1 1 g89k figs-metonymy וּבֵית֖וֹ 1 household Here, **house** refers to all of the people who live together, usually a large family with servants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “and his household” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 1 5 uk67 figs-metonymy וַֽיְהִ֗י כָּל־נֶ֛פֶשׁ יֹצְאֵ֥י יֶֽרֶךְ־יַעֲקֹ֖ב שִׁבְעִ֣ים נָ֑פֶשׁ 1 household Here, **lives** refers to people (specifically, men); **going out of the loins of Jacob** is a reference to these people as being in his seed or semen and produced through his sexual acts–therefore meaning they are his descendants. See also Hebrews 7:9-10. Alternate translation: “And all the male descendants of Jacob numbered 70.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 1 6 sh42 grammar-connect-time-sequential וַיָּ֤מָת 1 They did not die immediately. Jacob and his sons spent the rest of their lives in Egypt and died there. If necessary, use a transition word that conveys that some time passed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EXO 1 6 g5qg translate-kinship וְכָל־אֶחָ֔יו 1 all his brothers **All his brothers** includes ten older brothers and one younger brother. If your language has different words for those, you can say, “his ten older brothers and his younger brother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])
EXO 1 7 c368 figs-metonymy וּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל 1 This is the first of many times in this book that **sons of Israel** refers to the Israelite nation or people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “And the people of Israel” or “And the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 1 7 c7ep figs-doublet פָּר֧וּ וַֽיִּשְׁרְצ֛וּ וַיִּרְבּ֥וּ וַיַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ 1 All of these verbs mean similar things; they are used together to emphasize that the Israelites became very numerous. If your language doesn’t have as many words that mean the same thing, you can use fewer words and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “had many children and became strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 1 7 uo65 פָּר֧וּ…וַיִּרְבּ֥וּ…וַתִּמָּלֵ֥א הָאָ֖רֶץ 1 Compare your translation of **fruitful … and multiplied … and the land was filled** here to Genesis 1:28, 9:1, 9:7, and especially Genesis 35:11 where God renamed Jacob to be called Israel.
EXO 1 7 nk2l figs-metaphor פָּר֧וּ וַֽיִּשְׁרְצ֛וּ 1 were fruitful The birth of children to the Israelites is spoken of as if they were plants that were producing fruit and causing new plants to grow around them. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “had many children” or “gave birth to many children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 1 7 x97m figs-abstractnouns בִּמְאֹ֣ד מְאֹ֑ד 1 were fruitful If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **greatness** in another way. Alternate translation: “and were very great” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 1 7 r2f1 figs-activepassive וַתִּמָּלֵ֥א הָאָ֖רֶץ אֹתָֽם 1 the land was filled with them If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language Alternate translation: “and they filled the land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 1 7 e110 figs-idiom בִּמְאֹ֣ד מְאֹ֑ד 1 Here the same word is used twice to emphasize how many the Israelite people had become. If your language does not repeat words like this, express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “with much power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 1 8 eu8y writing-newevent וַיָּ֥קָם 1 This introduces a new event that happened some time after the events the story has just related. The story does not say how long after those events this new event happened. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 1 8 d20y writing-participants מֶֽלֶךְ־חָדָ֖שׁ 1 The story begins with the new king. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new character.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 1 8 t6jd figs-metonymy וַיָּ֥קָם מֶֽלֶךְ־חָדָ֖שׁ עַל־מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 arose over Egypt Here, **Egypt** refers to the place and the people of Egypt. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “And a new king began to rule over the Egyptians and the country of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 1 8 dnkw figs-metonymy לֹֽא־יָדַ֖ע אֶת־יוֹסֵֽף 1 Here, **Joseph** refers to both the person Joseph and to all of the good things that he did for Egypt. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 1 9 aku3 figs-exclamations הִנֵּ֗ה 1 **Behold** draws special attention to what is about to be said. Use a way of drawing people’s attention that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Listen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
EXO 1 9 x65i figs-possession עַמּ֑וֹ 1 his people The people whom the king rules over and who are also part of his group (probably shared ethnicity, tribe, or clan) rather than the Israelite group are spoken of as if they belonged to the king. This is an instance of the possessive of social relationship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 1 9 t7s1 עַמּ֑וֹ 1 There is some ambiguity as to whom exactly Pharaoh was addressing. It could have been: (1) the people who lived in Egypt, the Egyptians or (2) some group of “his people” like his advisors, generals, nobles, or friends and family. Even if option 1 is meant, it is quite possible that he actually spoke to some smaller group of representatives, as in option 2.
EXO 1 9 jik8 מִמֶּֽנּוּ 1 Use a way that is natural in your language to compare non-specific sizes of groups of people. Alternate translation: “and much greater than us”
EXO 1 9 njuf figs-quotemarks הִנֵּ֗ה 1 Beginning from **behold** and extending to the end of [verse 10](../01/10.md) is a direct quotation of what the king said. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. There may be other quotations in this chapter; they will be marked by the same punctuation, but they will not have their own notes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 1 10 hiq4 figs-exclusive נִֽתְחַכְּמָ֖ה…שֹׂ֣נְאֵ֔ינוּ…בָּ֖נוּ 1 let us The word **us** is inclusive and refers to the king and his people, the Egyptians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
EXO 1 10 wkvf grammar-collectivenouns ל֑וֹ…יִרְבֶּ֗ה…וְנוֹסַ֤ף…הוּא֙…וְנִלְחַם…וְעָלָ֥ה 1 let us Here, **him, he**, and **himself** refer to the Israelite people. The pronouns agree grammatically with the singular “people” in the original. This occurs in many places in Exodus. If this is confusing in your language, you can use the plural, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 1 10 il4u grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical פֶּן־יִרְבֶּ֗ה וְהָיָ֞ה כִּֽי־תִקְרֶ֤אנָה מִלְחָמָה֙ 1 The king suggests a combination of two hypothetical events: 1. There are even more Israelites, 2. There is a battle. These are followed by a series of undesirable consequences: 3. The Israelites join an enemy, 4. The Israelites attack the Egyptians, 5. The Israelites leave Egypt. While the series of consequences is also technically hypothetical, the king’s language indicates that if 1-2 happen, then 3-5 are certain. Use language that makes it clear that the first two events are hypothetical and that the next three are consequences that could be expected if the first two events happen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
EXO 1 11 l9lj לְמַ֥עַן עַנֹּת֖וֹ בְּסִבְלֹתָ֑ם 1 to oppress them with hard labor Alternate translation: “to force the Israelites to do hard work for the Egyptians”
EXO 1 11 pkz4 עָרֵ֤י מִסְכְּנוֹת֙ 1 store cities These were places where the leaders put away food and other important things to keep them safe. Alternative translation: “cities in which to put away things to keep them safe”
EXO 1 11 dy34 figs-possession עָרֵ֤י מִסְכְּנוֹת֙ 1 The possessive is objective; storage of goods is what occurs in the cities. Alternate translation: “cities for storing things”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 1 12 c1fy grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְכַאֲשֶׁר֙ יְעַנּ֣וּ אֹת֔וֹ כֵּ֥ן יִרְבֶּ֖ה וְכֵ֣ן יִפְרֹ֑ץ 1 This sentence expresses a result that is the opposite of what the king expected. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EXO 1 12 pdfk figs-abstractnouns וַיָּקֻ֕צוּ מִפְּנֵ֖י 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **dread** in another way. Alternate translation: “And they were very afraid of the face of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 1 12 qgzz figs-metonymy מִפְּנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 Here, **face** figuratively means the presence of a person. The phrase means that the Egyptians were afraid of the Israelites’ existence in their country. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “of the growing Israelite population” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 1 13 j1q6 figs-abstractnouns וַיַּעֲבִ֧דוּ מִצְרַ֛יִם אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּפָֽרֶךְ 1 made…work rigorously Here, **rigor** is a noun used to modify the verb **enslaved**. **Rigor** could refer either to how hard the work was or how unkindly the Egyptians treated the Israelites. If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind it in another way. Alternate translation: “And the Egyptians made the sons of Israel work very hard” or “And harshly, the Egyptians made the sons of Israel work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 1 14 mx6v figs-metaphor וַיְמָרְר֨וּ אֶת־חַיֵּיהֶ֜ם 1 made their lives bitter The difficult lives of the Israelites are spoken of as if their daily lives were bitter food that was difficult to eat. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “And they made their lives very difficult” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 1 14 jre2 figs-abstractnouns בַּעֲבֹדָ֣ה קָשָׁ֗ה 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind **slavery** in another way. Alternative translation: “by making them work hard as slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 1 14 cuq7 translate-unknown בְּחֹ֨מֶר֙ 1 mortar Mortar is a mixture of lime with cement, sand, and water, used in building to bond bricks or stones. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 1 14 h5dx translate-unknown וּבִלְבֵנִ֔ים 1 **Bricks** are blocks made of clay or mud with straw in them. They are hardened in the sun or in another manner before they are used for building.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 1 14 gzq7 אֵ֚ת כָּל־עֲבֹ֣דָתָ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־עָבְד֥וּ בָהֶ֖ם בְּפָֽרֶךְ׃ 1 All their required work was hard See how you translated this in [verse 13](../01/13.md). Alternate translation: “the Egyptians made them work very hard” or “the Egyptians forced them to work very hard”
EXO 1 14 tqyl figs-abstractnouns בְּפָֽרֶךְ 1 See how you translated **rigor** in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 1 15 yoaj writing-newevent 0 This sentence introduces a new event in the story. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 1 15 h59t writing-participants שִׁפְרָ֔ה…פּוּעָֽה 1 The midwives are introduced here as new participants in the story. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new character. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 1 16 t8f5 וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 In the UST, the phrase and **the king said**, is combined with “spoke” from [verse 15](../01/15.md) (ULT) because the verb for “say” is used twice before he speaks. Having two speech verbs may be strange in some languages. If it would be unnatural to say that the king spoke or said words twice, you may leave one off.
EXO 1 16 zfcv figs-youdual בְּיַלֶּדְכֶן֙…וּרְאִיתֶ֖ן…וַהֲמִתֶּ֣ן 1 The king is speaking to the two midwives, so the form of **you** is plural. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual or plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 1 16 h3mb figs-metonymy עַל־הָאָבְנָ֑יִם 1 on the birthstool Women sat on this short stool as they gave birth. Therefore, it was associated with birth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in the birthing process” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 1 16 nms7 grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical אִם־בֵּ֥ן הוּא֙ וַהֲמִתֶּ֣ן אֹת֔וֹ וְאִם־בַּ֥ת הִ֖יא וָחָֽיָה 1 These two statements are hypothetical conditions (starting at **if**) with instructions for what the midwives should do in each situation (starting at **then**). Use a natural form in your language for hypothetical situations connected to instructions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
EXO 1 17 gy7k grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַתִּירֶ֤אןָ 1 **But** introduces a contrast to what was expected. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EXO 1 18 y9g5 לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֔ת 1 midwives Women whose work is to help other woman give birth to a baby are called **midwives**. See how you translated this in [Exodus 1:15](../01/15.md).
EXO 1 18 y73k figs-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָהֶ֔ן מַדּ֥וּעַ עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה וַתְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ אֶת־הַיְלָדִֽים 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could translate this quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “and he asked them why they were letting the sons live.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 1 18 q1sy מַדּ֥וּעַ עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה וַתְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ אֶת־הַיְלָדִֽים 1 Why have you done this, and let the baby boys live? Alternate translation: “Why have you not killed the baby boys?”
EXO 1 18 o97u figs-youdual עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן 1 This **you** is plural. The king is speaking to the two midwives. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual or plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 1 19 qbvy grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י לֹ֧א כַנָּשִׁ֛ים הַמִּצְרִיֹּ֖ת הָֽעִבְרִיֹּ֑ת כִּֽי־חָי֣וֹת הֵ֔נָּה בְּטֶ֨רֶם תָּב֧וֹא אֲלֵהֶ֛ן הַמְיַלֶּ֖דֶת וְיָלָֽדוּ 1 The midwives give a reason, **the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women**, and then they expand on that reason, **for they are lively** (or energetic), with the result that **before the midwife comes to them, they have given birth.** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 1 19 cxu1 figs-synecdoche וַתֹּאמַ֤רְןָ הַֽמְיַלְּדֹת֙ 1 Here, **midwives said** means that a midwife spoke representing the thoughts of the group. It may not make sense in your language to say that multiple people said something, so you may need to translate it in the singular (see UST). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 1 20 eh25 לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֑ת 1 midwives These were women who helped a woman give birth to a baby. See how you translated this in [Exodus 1:15](../01/15.md).
EXO 1 20 fj18 writing-background וַיִּ֧רֶב הָעָ֛ם וַיַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ מְאֹֽד 1 midwives This sentence gives background information about the events at the time. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EXO 1 20 h133 figs-doublet וַיִּ֧רֶב…וַיַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ מְאֹֽד 1 The people increased in numbers These words mean similar things and are used together to emphasize their numeric growth. If your language doesn’t have as many words that mean the same thing, you can use fewer words and express the emphasis in another way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 1 20 eo1p grammar-connect-logic-result וַיֵּ֥יטֶב אֱלֹהִ֖ים לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֑ת 1 This phrase is more logically connected to the statements in verse 21. It describes the result of the midwives fearing God with a general statement. If it would be more natural in your language, you could rearrange verses 20-21 so that the reason (verses 21) comes before both the general and specific results. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 1 21 de53 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי־יָֽרְא֥וּ הַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֖ת אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 This is the reason for what God did. If it would be more natural in your language, you could rearrange verses 20-21 so that the reason (verses 21) comes before both the general and specific results. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 1 21 pbve grammar-connect-logic-result וַיַּ֥עַשׂ לָהֶ֖ם בָּתִּֽים 1 This describes the result of the midwives fearing God with a specific statement. If it would be more natural in your language, you could rearrange verses 20-21 so that the reason (verses 21) comes before both the general and specific results. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 1 22 ld1j figs-explicit כָּל־הַבֵּ֣ן הַיִּלּ֗וֹד הַיְאֹ֨רָה֙ תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔הוּ 1 You must throw every son…into the river This order was given in order to drown the male Hebrew children. The full meaning of this may be made explicit. Alternate translation: “You must dispose of each new baby boy in the river so he will drown” or “Drown each baby boy in the river when he is born” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 1 22 a6b2 figs-quotations וַיְצַ֣ו פַּרְעֹ֔ה לְכָל־עַמּ֖וֹ לֵאמֹ֑ר כָּל־הַבֵּ֣ן הַיִּלּ֗וֹד הַיְאֹ֨רָה֙ תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔הוּ וְכָל־הַבַּ֖ת תְּחַיּֽוּן 1 From **You shall** to the end of the verse is a direct quote of Pharaoh’s speech. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. However, it could be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “And Pharaoh commanded all of his people to throw every baby boy into the river, but to let every girl live.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 1 22 stag figs-youdual תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔הוּ…תְּחַיּֽוּן 1 The uses of the word **you** here refer to all the Egyptians. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 2 intro rwf3 0 # Exodus 02 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>- v. 1-10: Moses’ birth and early life<br>- v. 11-15: Moses’ attempted intervention and flight<br>- v. 16-22: Moses settles in Midian<br>- v. 23-25: God sees the Israelites’ plight<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Covenant<br><br>At the end of the chapter, God begins to relate to the Israelites based on his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.<br><br>## Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Identification of participants<br><br>* Moses is the only participant named in most of this chapter. This is because many of the participants play very minor roles and because this part of the story is focusing on Moses’ life.<br><br>### Moses’ heritage<br><br>In the first part of this chapter, Pharaoh’s daughter recognizes Moses as being a Hebrew, but in the last part of this chapter, the Midianites believe him to be an Egyptian. <br><br>### Ironic situations<br><br>* While Pharaoh tried to diminish the power of the Israelites by killing all of their baby boys, God used Pharaoh’s own daughter to save Moses.<br>* Moses believes he is meant to be the rescuer of his people, but they reject him. Ultimately, Moses was correct, but the people rejected him at this point (see Acts 7).
EXO 2 1 wvj9 writing-newevent וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ 1 Now A new scene begins here. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 2 1 riy7 writing-participants אִ֖ישׁ…בַּת 1 These are new participants. They remain unnamed until [Exodus 6:20](../06/20.md) where they are identified as Amram and Jochebed. For now it is best to leave them unnamed in your language, if possible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 2 1 mp7m figs-idiom וַיִּקַּ֖ח אֶת־בַּת־לֵוִֽי 1 Here, **took a daughter** is an idiom for marrying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 2 2 q4c0 grammar-connect-logic-result וַתֵּ֤רֶא…וַֽתִּצְפְּנֵ֖הוּ 1 Hiding the boy was a result of seeing that he was good. Alternative translation: “Since she saw … she hid him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 2 3 t2gj translate-unknown תֵּ֣בַת גֹּ֔מֶא 1 papyrus basket The **ark** is a basket made from a tall grass (**papyrus reeds**) that grows by the Nile River in Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 2 3 tn3y figs-explicit וַתַּחְמְרָ֥ה בַחֵמָ֖ר וּבַזָּ֑פֶת 1 sealed it with bitumen and pitch You could explicitly state that this was to keep out water. Alternate translation: “and she daubed it with bitumen and with pitch to keep water from getting into it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 2 3 wpb6 translate-unknown וַתַּחְמְרָ֥ה 1 sealed This means that she applied a waterproof coating. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 2 3 ym3k translate-unknown בַחֵמָ֖ר 1 bitumen This is a sticky black substance made from oil. It can be used to keep out water. Alternate translation: “with tar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 2 3 v825 translate-unknown וּבַזָּ֑פֶת 1 pitch This is a sticky brown or black substance that can be made from tree sap. It too can be used to keep out water. Alternate translation: “and with tar” or “and with resin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 2 3 y8gq translate-unknown בַּסּ֖וּף 1 reeds These **reeds** were a type of tall grass with wide blades that formed a flat surface when woven together. They grew in flat, wet areas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 2 4 av8b וַתֵּתַצַּ֥ב אֲחֹת֖וֹ מֵרָחֹ֑ק 1 at a distance This means she stood far enough away so that she would not be noticed, but close enough to see the ark. Use a word that expresses this sort of distance in your language.
EXO 2 4 uf14 figs-abstractnouns מֵרָחֹ֑ק 1 This probably means somewhere in the reeds where she could see the basket, but no one would see her. If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **distance** in another way. Alternate translation: “not far away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 2 4 ruvb translate-kinship אֲחֹת֖וֹ 1 Here, the actions of **his sister** show that she was older. If your language uses a different term for siblings based on their relative ages or the gender of the siblings or both, use one that means “a boy’s older sister.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])
EXO 2 4 z1cy grammar-connect-logic-goal לְדֵעָ֕ה מַה־יֵּעָשֶׂ֖ה לֽוֹ 1 This is her purpose in being close by. Use a natural way in your language for indicating purpose. Alternative translation: “in order to learn what would happen to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
EXO 2 5 m3i0 figs-go וַתֵּ֤רֶד 1 **Came down** may be literal or figurative, as important places are often considered to be in a higher place. This means she came from her home, probably Pharaoh’s palace. If a perspective is required for Pharaoh’s daughter, you may choose go or come as works best in your language. “Come” is better as the scene is at the river and she comes to the scene location. However, you also need to consider your language’s way of introducing new participants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 2 5 y26h writing-participants וַתֵּ֤רֶד בַּת־פַּרְעֹה֙ 1 The **daughter of Pharaoh** is introduced here as a new participant. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new character. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 2 5 jjke writing-participants וְנַעֲרֹתֶ֥יהָ 1 These women are introduced here as new participants; however, they are not mentioned again after this verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 2 5 im0d figs-metaphor עַל־יַ֣ד הַיְאֹ֑ר 1 Here, **hand** is a metaphor for side or, as relating to a river, shore. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could simply translate the meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 2 5 am7g writing-pronouns וַתִּקָּחֶֽהָ 1 It is not clear who is meant by **she** here, either Pharaoh’s daughter or the servant. It is likely that Pharaoh’s daughter remains the subject. Alternative translation: “and she took the ark from her slave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 2 6 g9n6 figs-exclamations וְהִנֵּה 1 Behold The word **behold** signals the surprising information that follows. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
EXO 2 6 tyub grammar-connect-logic-result וַתַּחְמֹ֣ל עָלָ֔יו 1 The text does not state exactly what caused her to have compassion on the baby. If a reason must be provided in your language, it should be connected to either his crying (this is the better option) or that he was a “good” baby ([verse 2](../02/02.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 2 6 jg0d figs-quotemarks מִיַּלְדֵ֥י הָֽעִבְרִ֖ים זֶֽה 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. It seems to have been said loud enough for the baby’s sister to hear. There may be other quotations in this chapter; they will be marked by the same punctuation, but they will not have their own notes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 2 7 x5ja וְקָרָ֤אתִי לָךְ֙ אִשָּׁ֣ה מֵינֶ֔קֶת מִ֖ן הָעִבְרִיֹּ֑ת 1 This is a suggestive question. The child’s sister is hopeful that Pharaoh’s daughter does not yet have a plan for the baby beyond saving his life. However, it is still a true question, for without Pharaoh’s daughter’s permission, the child’s sister will not be able to fetch the woman. If your language has a way of forming questions that are also suggestions, use it here.
EXO 2 7 tqq9 grammar-connect-logic-goal וְתֵינִ֥ק לָ֖ךְ אֶת־הַיָּֽלֶד 1 This is the purpose of the sister’s proposal. Use a natural way in your language for indicating purpose. Alternative translation: “And she could nurse the infant for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
EXO 2 8 ab1m figs-go לֵ֑כִי…וַתֵּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 The girl left Pharaoh’s daughter to go to the child’s mother. The girl was almost certainly on foot. Use verbs of motion that express this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 2 9 u554 writing-participants לָ֣הּ 1 The child’s mother is reintroduced as a participant. Use the natural form in your language for reintroducing a character. Alternative translation: “to the baby’s mother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 2 9 mogg שְׂכָרֵ֑ךְ 1 This refers to payment that Pharaoh’s daughter would give to the mother in exchange for her service of nursing the baby.
EXO 2 9 hqsa figs-explicit וַתִּקַּ֧ח…וַתְּנִיקֵֽהוּ 1 The mother’s acceptance of the deal is implied. You could make it explicit, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 2 10 zj8h grammar-connect-time-sequential וַיִגְדַּ֣ל הַיֶּ֗לֶד וַתְּבִאֵ֨הוּ֙ 1 she brought him **And the child grew older** marks an unspecified amount of time. He would have stayed with his mother at least until he was weaned (no longer feeding on his mother’s milk). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EXO 2 10 h7to grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וַֽיְהִי־לָ֖הּ לְבֵ֑ן וַתִּקְרָ֤א שְׁמוֹ֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 These events were likely simultaneous, because her act of naming him may have been what made him become **as a son to her**. Consider using a conjunction that does not make a great separation between these events. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
EXO 2 10 nh2m מֹשֶׁ֔ה וַתֹּ֕אמֶר כִּ֥י מִן־הַמַּ֖יִם מְשִׁיתִֽהוּ 1 Because I drew him from the water Translators may add a footnote that says, “The name Moses sounds like the Hebrew word that means ‘draw out.’”
EXO 2 10 ityq figs-quotations וַתֹּ֕אמֶר כִּ֥י מִן־הַמַּ֖יִם מְשִׁיתִֽהוּ 1 **For** begins a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “because she said she drew him out of the water” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 2 11 tyol grammar-connect-time-sequential וַיְהִ֣י ׀ בַּיָּמִ֣ים הָהֵ֗ם וַיִּגְדַּ֤ל מֹשֶׁה֙ וַיֵּצֵ֣א 1 A significant amount of time has passed; later texts state that Moses was 40 years old at this point. Alternative translation: “Many years later, once Moses was grown, he went out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EXO 2 11 p7gx writing-newevent וַיְהִ֣י ׀ בַּיָּמִ֣ים הָהֵ֗ 1 This introduces a new event in the story. In your language, use a phrase that indicates a new event occurring after significant time has passed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 2 11 uy39 figs-go וַיֵּצֵ֣א 1 The UST supplies a probable location that he **went out** from; it could also have been simply out from the Egyptian area or out to the work area or cities. Use go or come as appropriate in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 2 12 m9bn figs-merism וַיִּ֤פֶן כֹּה֙ וָכֹ֔ה 1 He looked this way and that way These two opposite directions have the combined meaning of “everywhere.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “He looked all around” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 2 12 rmgn figs-explicit וַיַּךְ֙ 1 The context makes clear that Moses struck the Egyptian hard enough or repeatedly until Moses killed him. Consider using a word that indicates a deadly blow. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 2 13 wqrm translate-ordinal הַשֵּׁנִ֔י 1 The ordinal number here could mean “the next day” (UST) or simply on some day following the events of the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 2 13 rgn1 figs-exclamations וְהִנֵּ֛ה 1 behold Here, **behold** shows that Moses was surprised by what he saw. You can use a word in your language that will give this meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
EXO 2 13 i4d6 לָֽרָשָׁ֔ע 1 the one who was in the wrong Based on Moses’ question, this means the aggressor or the man wrongfully attacking his neighbor. Alternate translation: “the man who was guilty of starting the fight”
EXO 2 14 qb2n figs-rquestion מִ֣י שָֽׂמְךָ֞ לְאִ֨ישׁ שַׂ֤ר וְשֹׁפֵט֙ עָלֵ֔ינוּ 1 Who made you a leader and judge over us? The man is not asking a question, he is using this question to rebuke Moses for intervening in the fight. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You are not our leader and have no right to judge us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 2 14 k6s5 figs-irony הַלְהָרְגֵ֨נִי֙ אַתָּ֣ה אֹמֵ֔ר כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר הָרַ֖גְתָּ אֶת־הַמִּצְרִ֑י 1 Are you planning to kill me as you killed that Egyptian? The man used a question here to be sarcastic. Alternate translation: “We know that you killed an Egyptian yesterday. You had better not kill me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
EXO 2 14 l62d figs-rquestion הַלְהָרְגֵ֨נִי֙ אַתָּ֣ה אֹמֵ֔ר כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר הָרַ֖גְתָּ אֶת־הַמִּצְרִ֑י 1 Again, the man asks a question that is intended to make a statement. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Do you think you could kill me without anyone finding out? We know what you did to the Egyptian” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 2 14 lyqh figs-aside וַיֹּאמַ֔ר 1 **Certainly the thing is known** was likely something Moses said to himself, that is, he thought it to himself rather than speaking to the men in front of him. If this would be confusing in your language, you might introduce it as a thought. Alternate translation: “and thought” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]])
EXO 2 14 vfw5 figs-quotations וַיֹּאמַ֔ר אָכֵ֖ן נוֹדַ֥ע הַדָּבָֽר 1 It may be clearer to present what was likely a thought Moses had as an indirect quotation. Alternative translation (as indirect quotation): “because he thought that everyone knew what he had done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 2 15 yutr וַיְבַקֵּ֖שׁ לַהֲרֹ֣ג אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֑ה 1 Pharaoh most likely delegated this task. Alternative translation: “and he sought to have Moses killed” (note that the passive form will not work in every language)
EXO 2 15 otsl וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב…וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב 1 In Hebrew, these are the same verb. In English, they could be translated as “settle,” which can mean to dwell in a certain place, but it can also mean to lower one’s body into a seated position. This could mean: (1) Moses lived in Midian. He sat by this well one day. This may have been the well for the town he lived in. (2) Moses lived in Midian. His home was by this well. (3) Moses was a wanderer. He was in Midian and sat by this well when the next event occurred.
EXO 2 16 shg5 writing-background וּלְכֹהֵ֥ן מִדְיָ֖ן שֶׁ֣בַע בָּנ֑וֹת 1 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters This sentence is background information. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EXO 2 16 pjzc writing-newevent וּלְכֹהֵ֥ן מִדְיָ֖ן שֶׁ֣בַע בָּנ֑וֹת 1 This sentence marks a scene transition. However, the last clause of the previous verse (“and he sat down by a well”) seems to be related to this new scene, so you may want to make your transition before that, as is done in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 2 16 cfe5 writing-participants בָּנ֑וֹת 1 The **daughters** are new participants. Use the natural form in your language for introducing new characters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 2 16 sm8f figs-go וַתָּבֹ֣אנָה 1 The perspective of the narrative is set at the well. The daughters came from elsewhere to the well. They were probably on foot. Here each language will need to choose the appropriate motion word. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 2 16 g1e6 translate-unknown הָ֣רְהָטִ֔ים 1 troughs The **troughs** were long, narrow, open containers for animals to eat or drink out of. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 2 17 k5yc figs-go וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ 1 A group of **men came**. They may not have been far away before coming and driving the women away. Use an appropriate form of moving verb. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 2 17 z17m grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַיָּ֤קָם 1 helped them Use an expression that communicates that what Moses did was unexpected. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EXO 2 18 omzv figs-go וַתָּבֹ֕אנָה 1 The daughters came from the well to their father, probably on foot. You can use either come or go, whichever is more natural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 2 18 t78y translate-names רְעוּאֵ֖ל 1 **Reuel**, a name or perhaps a title, is used of the man only here and in Numbers 10:29. He is otherwise called “Jethro.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 2 18 juqu writing-participants רְעוּאֵ֖ל 1 The priest of Midian was mentioned in [v. 16](../02/16.md) in a background statement but is a new character starting here. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new character. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 2 18 lukb figs-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר מַדּ֛וּעַ מִהַרְתֶּ֥ן בֹּ֖א הַיּֽוֹם 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “and he asked how they were able to return so quickly that day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 2 19 hvb4 figs-metonymy מִיַּ֣ד 1 Here, **hand** figuratively refers to the power, control, or actions of the shepherds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternative translation: “from the strength of” or “from the harm of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 2 19 a7v2 figs-idiom דָּלֹ֤ה דָלָה֙ 1 This expresses surprise or emphasizes the magnitude of Moses’ act of kindness to the women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 2 20 x9yb figs-rquestion וְאַיּ֑וֹ לָ֤מָּה זֶּה֙ עֲזַבְתֶּ֣ן אֶת־הָאִ֔ישׁ 1 Why did you leave the man? These questions are a mild rebuke to the daughters for not inviting Moses into their home according to the normal hospitality of that culture. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You should not have left this man at the well!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 2 20 hal8 figs-synecdoche לָֽחֶם 1 Here, **bread** is used to refer to food in general. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternative translation: “food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 2 21 zvr1 וַיּ֥וֹאֶל מֹשֶׁ֖ה לָשֶׁ֣בֶת אֶת־הָאִ֑ישׁ 1 Moses agreed to stay with the man Alternate translation: “Moses agreed to live with Reuel”
EXO 2 22 l3xg figs-quotemarks גֵּ֣ר הָיִ֔יתִי בְּאֶ֖רֶץ נָכְרִיָּֽה 1 Only this portion is a quotation. As a possibility for clarity, the UST includes both speech events as one quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 2 22 f76m translate-names גֵּרְשֹׁ֑ם 1 His name, **Gershom**, sounds somewhat like the Hebrew for “a stranger here.” You may consider using a footnote to explain that. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 2 23 fjkt writing-newevent וַיְהִי֩ בַיָּמִ֨ים הָֽרַבִּ֜ים הָהֵ֗ם וַיָּ֨מָת֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 This introduces a new section and series of events. A large amount of time went by. According to Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7:30, Moses was in Midian 40 years. Alternative translation: “This is what happened during the many days Moses was in Midian. The king of Egypt died.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 2 23 ym88 writing-background 0 Verses 23-25 give a summary of what happened in Egypt and with the Israelites and God while Moses was in exile. These verses give background information to set the scene. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EXO 2 23 x84a figs-personification וַתַּ֧עַל שַׁוְעָתָ֛ם אֶל־הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 their pleas went up to God The **plea** of the Israelites are spoken of as if they were a person and were able to travel up to where God is. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “and God heard their pleading” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EXO 2 24 sja4 figs-idiom וַיִּזְכֹּ֤ר אֱלֹהִים֙ 1 God called to mind his covenant This a common biblical way of saying that God thought about what He had promised. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language. Alternate translation: “and God recalled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 3 intro n6ze 0 # Exodus 03 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>This chapter is one conversation in which Yahweh begins to commission and send Moses to rescue the Israelites.<br><br>This chapter records one of the most important events in the history of the Israelite people: the revelation of the name Yahweh at the burning bush. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### God’s holiness<br><br>God is so holy that people can not look upon him without dying. This is why Moses covered his eyes. It is also why he took off his shoes. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br><br>### Yahweh<br><br>The name Yahweh is the personal name of God, which he revealed to Moses. Yahweh is probably related to the phrase “I am” which he tells Moses in verse 14. Some translations use all capitals to set this apart: “I AM.” Great care must be taken in translating the phrase “I am that I am.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/yahweh]])<br><br>## Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Participants<br><br>“The angel of Yahweh,” “Yahweh,” and “God” all appear to be speaking to Moses and interacting with him from the burning bush. Furthermore, God says that his name is “I AM.” (See note above on Yahweh and I AM.) Yahweh and God are the same, while there is speculation about who the angel of Yahweh is.
EXO 3 1 gqvh writing-newevent וּמֹשֶׁ֗ה הָיָ֥ה רֹעֶ֛ה 1 This phrase brings the story focus back to Midian and Moses. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 3 1 oqcr writing-background 0 Verse 1 provides immediate background context, setting the scene for Moses’ interaction with Yahweh. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EXO 3 1 l7x6 figs-possession כֹּהֵ֣ן מִדְיָ֑ן 1 This is a possessive of social relationship. **Jethro** is a **priest** who serves the Midianites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 3 1 p27s figs-possession הַ֥ר הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 This is an associative possessive. This mountain was associated with God in some way. In [Exodus 3:12](../03/12.md) God tells Moses that he and the Israelites will serve him on this mountain. Later in the story, this promise is fulfilled, and it is where God makes his covenant with Israel and gives them the 10 Commandments. So it may have been called **the mountain of God** in retrospect (as Moses probably wrote this book sometime after the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness). However, it is possible that the mountain was already somehow associated with God’s presence or worship before Moses went there with the flock. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 3 2 p0nt וַ֠יֵּרָא מַלְאַ֨ךְ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֵלָ֛יו בְּלַבַּת־אֵ֖שׁ מִתּ֣וֹךְ הַסְּנֶ֑ה 1 This is a summary of what happened. The next few verses tell the story of how this happened and how Moses discovered what was happening.
EXO 3 2 x5ci יְהֹוָ֥ה 1 Yahweh This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
EXO 3 2 d3tf grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְהִנֵּ֤ה הַסְּנֶה֙ בֹּעֵ֣ר בָּאֵ֔שׁ וְהַסְּנֶ֖ה אֵינֶ֥נּוּ אֻכָּֽל 1 behold The word **behold** here shows that Moses saw something that was very different from what he expected. He expected the bush to be burnt up completely by the fire. Consider using an interjection in your language that expresses that what follows is a surprise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EXO 3 2 jmz0 figs-metonymy אֻכָּֽל 1 Here, **being consumed** means being eaten completely until gone. In the case of fire, this is a metonym for burning completely until gone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “destroyed by the fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 3 fpww figs-quotemarks אָסֻֽרָה־נָּ֣א וְאֶרְאֶ֔ה אֶת־הַמַּרְאֶ֥ה הַגָּדֹ֖ל הַזֶּ֑ה מַדּ֖וּעַ לֹא־יִבְעַ֥ר הַסְּנֶֽה 1 This is a direct quote. It’s not specified who Moses spoke to; he may have been alone or with a group of shepherds or his family. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. There may be other quotations in this chapter; they will be marked by the same punctuation, but they will not have their own notes unless there is something unique about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 3 3 jbue figs-abstractnouns אֶת־הַמַּרְאֶ֥ה הַגָּדֹ֖ל 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for something strange that someone sees, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **sight** in another way. Alternate translation: “unusual thing that I see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 3 5 prv9 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י הַמָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ עוֹמֵ֣ד עָלָ֔יו אַדְמַת־קֹ֖דֶשׁ הֽוּא 1 set apart This is the reason Moses must stop coming close to the burning bush and take off his sandals. If it would be more natural in your language, you could put the reason before the commands, as in, “The place on which you are standing, it is holy ground, so you must not come close to here. Take your sandals off from on your feet.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 3 6 sxk8 אָנֹכִי֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י אָבִ֔יךָ אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵאלֹהֵ֣י יַעֲקֹ֑ב 1 the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob All of these men worshiped the same God. Alternate translation: “the God of your father, of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob”
EXO 3 6 fgym figs-quotemarks אָנֹכִי֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י אָבִ֔יךָ אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵאלֹהֵ֣י יַעֲקֹ֑ב 1 This a direct quotation. The UST continues the quotation from verse 5 rather than including an additional “he said.” This may be more natural in some languages. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate the direct quotation with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 3 6 l5sy אָבִ֔יךָ 1 your father This could mean (1) “your father,” if it means “your father,” then it refers to Moses’ own father (2) “your ancestor,” if it means “your ancestor,” then the phrases following it clarify who “your father” refers to: it refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In most cases, it will be best to translate it as “your father,” i.e. Amram, Moses’ father.
EXO 3 6 lfbb grammar-connect-logic-result וַיַּסְתֵּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ פָּנָ֔יו כִּ֣י יָרֵ֔א מֵהַבִּ֖יט אֶל־הָאֱלֹהִֽים 1 Reason: **for he was afraid from staring toward God** Result: **And Moses hid his face** If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]] and [Exodus 33:20](../33/20.md))
EXO 3 7 nl33 figs-quotemarks וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues through the end of [verse 10](../03/10.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 3 7 xoz0 figs-idiom רָאֹ֥ה רָאִ֛יתִי 1 The Hebrew practice of verb repetition for intensification cannot be directly translated into English. Here, “see” is repeated in Hebrew. This expresses the intensity, certainty, or clarity of Yahweh’s having **seen** how his people were suffering. Use a natural form of strengthening a verb from your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 3 7 tpk0 figs-possession אֶת־עֳנִ֥י עַמִּ֖י 1 There are two possessives here: (1) “affliction of … people”: This is an event-related possessive where the people are the objects of affliction. They are treated badly as slaves. (2) “my people”: This one is more difficult as it involves both ownership and the possessive of social relationship. God views his people as his possession, and he is also in relationship with them as their God because they are descended from Abraham, though at this time they may not know God as theirs. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 3 7 nbft figs-abstractnouns עֳנִ֥י עַמִּ֖י אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **affliction** in another way. Alternate translation: “how my people who are in Egypt are afflicted” or “how the Egyptians afflict my people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 3 7 p3tx figs-metonymy מִפְּנֵ֣י נֹֽגְשָׂ֔יו 1 Here, **faces** refers to the whole person or the presence of the person(s) who were oppressing the Israelites. If this image is used in your language, you may translate it. If a similar image is used, you may consider using it. If neither is the case, you may omit the word “face” and translate the meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 7 ofxt כִּ֥י 1 Here, **surely** is intensifying the expression of Yahweh’s knowledge. Your translation should express Yahweh’s knowing with certainty or strength.
EXO 3 7 mfn2 grammar-collectivenouns נֹֽגְשָׂ֔יו…מַכְאֹבָֽיו 1 These pronouns, **him** and **his**, refer to the Israelites as a group in the singular. They agree with “people” as a collective noun in [3:6](../03/06.md). Some languages may have to use plural pronouns. Others may have to match the pronoun’s gender to the grammatical gender of the word for “people” in their language. If necessary, change “him” to “them” or change “his” to “hers” or “its” (depending on grammatical gender of “people.”) Alternate translation: “those who oppress them … their anguish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 3 7 hkcj figs-possession מַכְאֹבָֽיו 1 This is an event-related possessive where the people (as a group: **his**) are the subjects of **anguish.** Your translation should express that they are deeply distressed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 3 7 ui28 figs-explicit מַכְאֹבָֽיו 1 It is implied that they are deeply distressed because they are treated badly as slaves. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “his anguish from his slavery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 3 7 zth8 figs-abstractnouns מַכְאֹבָֽיו 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **anguish** in another way. Alternate translation: “how distressed they are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 3 8 a1yv grammar-connect-logic-result 0 Verse 8 contains God’s intended result from his acts of seeing and hearing, expressed in both verses 7 and 9. You may need to expressly mark this, for instance by introducing verse 8 with something like “Therefore,” and verse 9 with something like “Again, because.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 3 8 xy36 figs-go וָאֵרֵ֞ד 1 God is figuratively expressing that he is descending from heaven to earth to intervene. God is always everywhere, but this phrase means that his special attention will be directed to this situation. Use whatever form of come or go is appropriate in your language for this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 3 8 nahb grammar-collectivenouns לְהַצִּיל֣וֹ…וּֽלְהַעֲלֹתוֹ֮ 1 Here, **him** refers in the singular to the Israelites as a group. It is agreeing with “people” as a collective noun in [3:6](../03/06.md). Some languages may have to use plural pronouns. Others may have to match the pronoun’s gender to the grammatical gender of the word for “people” in their language. See what you did in the [previous verse](../03/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 3 8 bi4e figs-metaphor מִיַּ֣ד 1 Someone’s **hand** is a common Biblical metaphor for power and control. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 3 8 djbz figs-possession מִיַּ֣ד מִצְרַ֗יִם 1 This is a possessive where the Egyptians are the subject of **the hand**, which means power. The Egyptians used their power and control to oppress the Israelites. Use a phrase in your language that expresses the idea of a group of people having power. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 3 8 mqyp figs-parallelism אֶל־אֶ֤רֶץ טוֹבָה֙ וּרְחָבָ֔ה אֶל־אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָ֑שׁ 1 There are multiple levels of parallelism here. First, the statements, **to a good and wide land** and **to a land flowing with milk and honey** are in parallel with each other. Within each of those, **good** and **wide** are in parallel with each other, and **milk** and **honey**are in parallel with each other. Each of these levels is meant to reinforce and expand upon one another. These are not examples of synonymous parallelism, and each part of the statement should be translated. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 3 8 xs87 figs-metonymy חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָ֑שׁ 1 Here, **milk** is a metonym for domestic animals and the food products obtained from them; **honey** is a metonym for the food obtained from growing plants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. The next note explains further. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 8 pxy8 figs-metaphor אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָ֑שׁ 1 a land flowing with milk and honey God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. If this metaphor makes sense in your language, you may translate it. If your language has metaphors that mean a land is good for producing healthy livestock and good crops, you may consider using those. If neither is the case, you may translate the meaning. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 3 8 q94i figs-metonymy חָלָ֖ב 1 milk Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “food from livestock” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 8 l1as figs-metonymy וּדְבָ֑שׁ 1 honey Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “food from crops” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 9 a2kf figs-parallelism 0 This verse parallels [verse 7](../03/07.md). Yahweh is restating that the Israelite’s plight has gotten his attention. This creates emphasis and connection to what Yahweh will do with what Moses will do as Yahweh’s appointed leader. If this repetition would confuse your readers consider a paragraph break at the start of this verse to separate the two parallel statements or use some other strategy of emphasis and connection that is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 3 9 tp2v figs-exclamations הִנֵּ֛ה 1 This is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation, or you can use an alternate translation like “certainly.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
EXO 3 9 uup9 figs-personification צַעֲקַ֥ת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בָּ֣אָה אֵלָ֑י 1 the shouts of the people of Israel have come to me Here, **the cry** is spoken of as if it were a person who is capable of moving on his own. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “I have heard the cries of the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EXO 3 9 gwou figs-abstractnouns רָאִ֨יתִי֙ אֶת־הַלַּ֔חַץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִצְרַ֖יִם לֹחֲצִ֥ים אֹתָֽם 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **oppression** in another way. Alternate translation: “I have seen how the Egyptians are oppressing them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 3 11 y8cr figs-rquestion מִ֣י אָנֹ֔כִי כִּ֥י אֵלֵ֖ךְ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְכִ֥י אוֹצִ֛יא אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִמִּצְרָֽיִם 1 Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh…Egypt? Moses uses this question to tell God that he, Moses, is not the right person for the task. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 3 12 xugf figs-youdual תַּֽעַבְדוּן֙ 1 If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 3 13 lqms grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical הִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֣י בָא֮ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וְאָמַרְתִּ֣י לָהֶ֔ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י אֲבוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם שְׁלָחַ֣נִי אֲלֵיכֶ֑ם וְאָֽמְרוּ־לִ֣י מַה־שְּׁמ֔וֹ 1 Moses presents God with a hypothetical situation here. The three events (**go, say, say**) are part of one hypothetical event. You should translate this in a way that makes it clear that this is a future, not-yet-real event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
EXO 3 13 jq42 הִנֵּ֨ה 1 **Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. In this case, Moses uses it to introduce what he views as a probable future occurrence. Alternative translation: “Now”
EXO 3 13 e03n figs-go בָא֮ 1 In your language, use **go** or “come” as makes most sense for Moses’ hypothetical action of going from the mountain to where the Israelites are. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 3 13 m9uy figs-quotesinquotes אֱלֹהֵ֥י אֲבוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם שְׁלָחַ֣נִי אֲלֵיכֶ֑ם 1 This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation inside a quotation. However, you may also choose to translate it as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “that the God of their fathers has sent me to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 3 13 ru0a figs-metonymy אֱלֹהֵ֥י אֲבוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם 1 Here, **fathers** figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “The God of your ancestors” or “The God whom your ancestors worshiped” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 13 bkei grammar-connect-logic-result מָ֥ה אֹמַ֖ר אֲלֵהֶֽם 1 Moses is asking God what he should do as a result of the hypothetical situation he presented. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 3 14 cli8 אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶֽהְיֶ֑ה 1 God said to Moses, “I AM THAT I AM.” This is God’s response to Moses’ question about God’s name. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “God said to Moses, ‘Tell them that God says his name is “I AM THAT I AM.”’”
EXO 3 14 b6vk אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶֽהְיֶ֑ה 1 I AM THAT I AM This could mean: (1) this whole sentence is God’s name or (2) God is not telling his name but something about himself. By saying this, God is teaching that he is eternal; he has always lived and always will live.
EXO 3 14 s62u אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה…אֶֽהְיֶ֑ה…אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה 1 I AM Languages that do not have an equivalent to the verb “am” may need to render this as “I LIVE” or “I EXIST.”
EXO 3 14 vigc figs-quotesinquotes אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה שְׁלָחַ֥נִי אֲלֵיכֶֽם 1 This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation inside a quotation. However, you may also choose to translate it as an indirect quotation, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 3 15 i6lg figs-quotemarks אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה 1 After this phrase, a direct quotation begins that continues until [the end of chapter 3 at verse 22](../03/22.md). This section contains four levels of quotations as God tells Moses to tell the Israelite elders a specific message from God. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 3 15 l962 figs-quotesinquotes יְהוָ֞ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתֵיכֶ֗ם אֱלֹהֵ֨י אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֛ק וֵאלֹהֵ֥י יַעֲקֹ֖ב שְׁלָחַ֣נִי אֲלֵיכֶ֑ם זֶה־שְּׁמִ֣י לְעֹלָ֔ם וְזֶ֥ה זִכְרִ֖י לְדֹ֥ר דֹּֽר 1 This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. It may be possible to translate it as an indirect quotation, but you will need to be careful to correctly change the pronoun persons. Alternative translation: “You must tell the Israelites that Yahweh, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, sent you to them. This is his name forever, and this is his memorial from generation to generation.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 3 15 d91k figs-metonymy אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתֵיכֶ֗ם 1 Here, **fathers** figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “the God of your ancestors” or “the God whom your ancestors worshiped” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 15 ixcb figs-merism לְדֹ֥ר דֹּֽר 1 The repetition of **generation** is indicating “to each and every generation” which figuratively means “for all people at all times.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 3 16 ec3v figs-quotemarks יְהוָ֞ה 1 General Information: This begins a second-level quotation that continues until the end of [verse 17](../03/17.md). It contains a third-level quotation that begins at “I have certainly” and also continues to the end of verse 17. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. The closing marks for both the second and third-level quotations should not occur until the end of verse 17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 3 16 usas figs-metonymy אֱלֹהֵ֤י אֲבֹֽתֵיכֶם֙ 1 Here, **fathers** figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “the God of your ancestors” or “the God whom your ancestors worshiped” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 16 xqy9 אַבְרָהָ֛ם יִצְחָ֥ק וְיַעֲקֹ֖ב 1 the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were three of the Israelites’ ancestors. They all worshiped the same God.
EXO 3 16 dvsz figs-quotemarks פָּקֹ֤ד פָּקַ֨דְתִּי֙ 1 This begins a third-level quotation that continues until the end of [verse 17](../03/17.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening third-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation that is within a quotation. The closing marks for both the second-level and third-level quotations should not occur until the end of verse 17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 3 16 efhh figs-idiom פָּקֹ֤ד פָּקַ֨דְתִּי֙ 1 The word translated **attended** often means God is coming to take action. Translate this phrase in a way that communicates God’s focused, caring observation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 3 16 p258 figs-idiom פָּקֹ֤ד פָּקַ֨דְתִּי֙ 1 Here, **attended** is repeated in Hebrew. The Hebrew practice of verb repetition for intensification cannot be directly translated into English. This expresses the intensity, certainty, or clarity of Yahweh’s having **attended to** how his people were suffering. Use a natural form of strengthening a verb from your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 3 16 fv77 figs-youdual אֶתְכֶ֔ם 1 I have indeed observed you The word **you** refers to the people of Israel. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 3 16 q4en figs-activepassive הֶעָשׂ֥וּי 1 The focus of this passive is the mistreatment being **done to** the Israelites, not on who is doing it. In fact, **in Egypt** further dissociates the actors from this sentence. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 3 16 johw figs-metonymy בְּמִצְרָֽיִם 1 The phrase **in Egypt** is a metonym for the Egyptian oppressors. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternative translation: “by the Egyptians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 17 eloj figs-quotemarks 0 If you are using direct quotations, at the end of this verse you should have three closing markers. In English, it looks like ’ ” ’ (without spaces). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 3 17 c54k figs-quotesinquotes אַעֲלֶ֣ה אֶתְכֶם֮ מֵעֳנִ֣י מִצְרַיִם֒ אֶל־אֶ֤רֶץ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙ וְהַ֣חִתִּ֔י וְהָֽאֱמֹרִי֙ וְהַפְּרִזִּ֔י וְהַחִוִּ֖י וְהַיְבוּסִ֑י אֶל־אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ 1 This is a fourth-level quotation. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer three levels. Alternatively, it can be translated as an indirect quotation, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 3 17 r8mg figs-idiom אַעֲלֶ֣ה 1 Regardless of the geographic realities, to **bring up** does not primarily have a literal meaning. Rather, it means to bring the Israelites into a better situation. God promised to bring them up from their low status as slaves to a place where they would be the masters of a good land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 3 17 x1o0 figs-abstractnouns מֵעֳנִ֣י 1 See how you translated **affliction** in [3:7](../03/07.md). Alternate translation: “from being afflicted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 3 17 wyvt figs-metonymy חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ 1 Here, **milk** is a metonym for domestic animals and the food products obtained from them; **honey** is a metonym for the food obtained from growing plants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. The next note explains further. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 17 pwn5 figs-metaphor אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ 1 a land flowing with milk and honey God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. See how you translated this in [Exodus 3:8](../03/08.md). Alternate translation: “a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” or “a land where milk and honey flow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 3 17 rtr5 figs-metonymy חָלָ֖ב 1 milk Since milk comes from cows and goats, this represents food produced by livestock. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “food from livestock” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 17 msf8 figs-metonymy וּדְבָֽשׁ 1 honey Since honey is produced from flowers, this represents food from crops. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “food from crops” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 18 cy2z figs-idiom וְשָׁמְע֖וּ לְקֹלֶ֑ךָ 1 **Listen** often means “hear and do/obey.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language. Alternative translation: “And they will pay attention to your voice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 3 18 j24k writing-pronouns לְקֹלֶ֑ךָ…אַתָּה֩ 1 They will listen to you Here, **your** and **you** refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 3 18 w742 figs-synecdoche לְקֹלֶ֑ךָ 1 This phrase means the elders will listen to the message Moses brings from God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “to your message” or “to my message which you tell them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 3 18 r74o figs-possession וְזִקְנֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל 1 This is a possessive of social relationship. Alternative translation: “elders in charge of the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 3 18 eep7 grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל 1 **Israel** is a collective noun that refers to all the Israelites. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternative translation: “the Israelites” or “the Israelite people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 3 18 ot9r figs-metonymy מִצְרַ֗יִם 1 Here, **Egypt** refers to the Egyptian nation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the Egyptians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 18 idp7 figs-youdual וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֤ם 1 General Information: If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 3 18 i47o figs-exclusive עָלֵ֔ינוּ…נֵֽלֲכָה…וְנִזְבְּחָ֖ה 1 These instances of **us** are exclusive; they include Moses, the elders, and all the Israelites, but exclude the king of Egypt. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
EXO 3 19 qf46 figs-metonymy וְלֹ֖א בְּיָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה 1 unless his hand is forced The word **hand** is a metonym for the power of the owner of the hand. There are two further difficulties: (1) Whose hand (power) is being referred to, (2) does the negative mean “not unless” or “not even?” Possible meanings include: (1) “only if he sees that he has no power to do anything else,” where the **hand** belongs to Pharaoh (2) “only if I force him to let you go,” where the **hand** belongs to Yahweh, taking “not unless” for the negative (3) “not even if I force him to let you go,” where the **hand** belongs to Yahweh, taking “not even” for the negative (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 20 nuzx grammar-connect-logic-result וְשָׁלַחְתִּ֤י 1 God says this will be a result of the king of Egypt’s stubbornness. Alternate translation: “Therefore, I will send out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 3 20 yds5 figs-metonymy וְשָׁלַחְתִּ֤י אֶת־יָדִי֙ 1 I will reach out with my hand and attack Here, **hand** refers to God’s power. Alternate translation: “I will use my strength” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 20 dzsp figs-metonymy מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 **Egypt** refers to both the land and the people group, and then, by extension, to Pharaoh as well. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 3 20 g0i9 figs-abstractnouns נִפְלְאֹתַ֔י 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **wonders** in another way. Alternate translation: “my amazing acts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 3 20 sqmt grammar-connect-time-sequential וְאַחֲרֵי־כֵ֖ן 1 Here the sequential nature of these happenings is emphasized. Consider using a stronger sequential connective term than usual here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EXO 3 20 ay53 writing-pronouns יְשַׁלַּ֥ח 1 Here, **he** refers to the Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 3 20 awxs figs-youdual אֶתְכֶֽם 1 Here, **you** refers to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 3 21 btwc figs-idiom חֵ֥ן…בְּעֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 **In the eyes of the Egyptians** is an idiom for the Egyptian’s feelings. **Favor** means those feelings are positive. Taken together, this means that when the Egyptians see the Israelites (Hebrews) leaving Egypt, they will gladly help them (because they want them to leave so badly due to the Egyptians suffering under God’s judgment). If your language has the same or a similar idiom, you can translate or use it. Otherwise, you can translate the meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 3 21 hfrr figs-possession בְּעֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 This is a part-whole possessive. Also, if your language uses a specific form of the possessive for things one cannot lose, it would be appropriate to use that form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 3 21 uz3c figs-youdual תֵֽלֵכ֔וּן…תֵלְכ֖וּ 1 If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 3 21 j9qz figs-doublenegatives לֹ֥א…רֵיקָֽם 1 The double negative, **not … emptily** is used to mean “full.” If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “[go] with many things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EXO 3 21 kt7b figs-litotes לֹ֥א תֵלְכ֖וּ רֵיקָֽם 1 will not go empty-handed Here Yahweh uses 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. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “you will go with your hands full of good things” or “you will go with many valuable things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
EXO 3 22 w2av וּמִגָּרַ֣ת בֵּיתָ֔הּ 1 any women staying in her neighbors’ houses The word, **sojourning** means living somewhere other than one’s native land, usually temporarily. It is unclear both who the sojourning (visiting) women are and in whose house they are sojourning, leaving several possibilities. Most translations which make a decision about who they are identify both the temporary resident and her host home as Egyptian. This makes sense as the Israelites will be plundering the Egyptians. If it is possible to leave this ambiguous in your translation, that would be best.
EXO 3 22 fmfu figs-youdual וְשַׂמְתֶּ֗ם עַל־בְּנֵיכֶם֙ וְעַל־בְּנֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם וְנִצַּלְתֶּ֖ם 1 Each of these is a plural **you.** If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 3 22 h38j figs-quotemarks מִצְרָֽיִם 1 After this phrase, the direct quote of Yahweh’s word which started in [verse 15](../03/15.md) ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 4 intro kap5 0 # Exodus 04 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>- v. 1-17: Moses hesitates to obey so Yahweh gives Moses signs to prove his commission<br>- v. 18-28: Moses goes back to Egypt<br>- v. 29-31: Moses and Aaron meet with the Israelite leaders and tell them what Yahweh said<br><br>## Potential Translation Issues<br><br>### Quotations<br><br> * There is a difficult transition between [4:4](../04/04.md) and [4:5](../04/05.md) because the quotation stops in the middle to inject a bit of narrative. When it resumes in [4:5](../04/05.md),the sentence seems incomplete (even if merged directly with the quotation fragment in [4:4](../04/04.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])* Yahweh’s instructions to Moses are complex, and there are up to four levels of quotations in this chapter. Translators will need to decide if some of these need to become indirect quotations (if that is possible in their language) and take great care to use the proper quotation markings in the proper locations.<br><br>### Order of events<br><br>* The order of events is not always clear. In [4:14](../04/14.md) Yahweh tells Moses that Aaron is coming to meet him, but Yahweh telling Aaron to go meet Moses in the wilderness is not recorded until [4:27](../04/27.md).<br>* The timing of the events in [4:18](../18/.md)\\-[4:27](../04/27.md), especially verses 18-19 and 27 in relation to the rest of the events of the chapter, is unclear.<br><br>### Thus says Yahweh<br><br>The first of over 400 occurrences throughout the Old Testament of a standard phrase used to introduce direct, authoritative instruction from Yahweh occurs in [4:22](../04/22.md). It occurs ten times in the book of Exodus; nine of these are between chapters 4–11. It would be good for your team to have a standard way to translate this that makes it clear that the words that come next are directly from God. If your language has a standard way of introducing a new message from your leader that alerts the hearers that these are the words of the leader, that would be a good phrase to consider.<br><br>### Yahweh’s attempt to kill someone<br><br>The encounter recorded from [4:24](../04/24.md) to [4:26](../04/26.md) is one of the strangest and most difficult passages in the entire book. Difficulties include:<br><br>* To whom do the pronouns refer? Masculine pronouns are used throughout the section, but there are two possible antecedents, Moses (who is not named in the narrative) and Zipporah’s son (who was presumably also Moses’ son, but this is how he is referred to in this text. For why, see below on why Yahweh did this). Most commentators believe the pronouns refer to Moses.<br>* Circumcision is described in fairly graphic detail. Different cultures will need to approach this differently. Some may have terms for circumcision, while others may be comfortable translating mostly literally, and others will need to use euphemisms or other strategies to translate. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/circumcise]])<br>* The meaning of the phrase **a bridegroom of blood** (ULT) is unknown.<br>* Why did Yahweh attack Moses? Many commentators conclude that Moses had neglected to circumcise one of his sons because it displeased Zipporah, and Yahweh was holding Moses responsible before he returned to lead the Israelites (who should have been circumcised). When Zipporah repented by circumcising the son herself and touching the foreskin to Moses’ feet, Yahweh relents. These conclusions should help inform translation but should not be made explicit in the text.<br><br>## Study Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Children of God<br><br>This chapter introduces the concept that Israel, the people group, is the chosen people of God and God’s firstborn son. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/elect]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/firstborn]])<br><br>### Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart<br><br>Scholars are divided over how to understand this statement. There is debate over how Pharaoh has an active or passive rol
EXO 4 1 j4yg וַיַּ֤עַן מֹשֶׁה֙ וַיֹּ֔אמֶר 1 if they do not believe Here, **answered and said** is a Hebrew expression which does not convey any extra information. Unless your language naturally uses a similar structure, it is better to translate one verb and omit the other. Alternate translation: “Moses answered”
EXO 4 1 b3xv figs-quotemarks וְהֵן֙ לֹֽא־יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ לִ֔י וְלֹ֥א יִשְׁמְע֖וּ בְּקֹלִ֑י כִּ֣י יֹֽאמְר֔וּ לֹֽא־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֖יךָ יְהוָֽה 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation.There may be other quotations in this chapter; they will be marked by the same punctuation, but they will not have their own notes unless there is something unique about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 4 1 neto figs-quotesinquotes לֹֽא־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֖יךָ יְהוָֽה 1 This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. However, you could translate it as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh has not appeared to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 4 1 fu2x וְהֵן֙ 1 This is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation, or you can use an alternate translation like “Listen to me.”
EXO 4 4 bzmp grammar-connect-time-sequential שְׁלַח֙ יָֽדְךָ֔ וֶאֱחֹ֖ז בִּזְנָב֑וֹ 1 This direct quotation is interrupted by Moses obeying Yahweh. This is probably a tightly ordered sequence of events where Yahweh paused and then continued speaking immediately after Moses obeyed. The quote resumes in [verse 5](../04/05.md), and there is more discussion there about how to translate the quotation resumption. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EXO 4 5 l4tn figs-quotemarks לְמַ֣עַן יַאֲמִ֔ינוּ כִּֽי־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֛יךָ יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתָ֑ם אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵאלֹהֵ֥י יַעֲקֹֽב 1 This continues the direct quotation from the first part of [verse 4](../04/04.md). It may be more natural to reorganize verses four and five to keep the quote together. If you rearrange like this, Moses picking up the snake/staff should come after the full quotation. However, it is better to do something similar to the UST, which restates that Yahweh is speaking and provides some implied directives from Yahweh to make a complete sentence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 4 5 m4fk figs-ellipsis לְמַ֣עַן יַאֲמִ֔ינוּ כִּֽי־נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֛יךָ יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתָ֑ם אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵאלֹהֵ֥י יַעֲקֹֽב 1 This quote is not a complete sentence; the UST provides a clarification. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 4 5 zbfr writing-pronouns יַאֲמִ֔ינוּ…אֲבֹתָ֑ם 1 Here, **them** and **their** refer either to the Israelites or to the Israelite elders. God had instructed Moses to gather and speak to the elders; if you make this participant explicit, elders is a better option. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 4 5 jr8m אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתָ֑ם אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵאלֹהֵ֥י יַעֲקֹֽב 1 the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were three of their ancestors. They all worshiped the same God.
EXO 4 6 ep52 figs-exclamations וְהִנֵּ֥ה 1 behold This word, **behold**, is used to create an exclamation, showing surprise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
EXO 4 6 pw7g figs-simile כַּשָּֽׁלֶג 1 as white as snow The word **like** (ULT) or “as” (UST) here is used to compare how Moses’ hand looked. You may not have a word for snow in your language. If so, consider an alternative that describes something very white. You may need to make the whiteness explicit. Alternate translation: “that made it look white like wool” or “that made it look white like the sand on the beach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
EXO 4 7 prr9 figs-exclamations וְהִנֵּה 1 This word is used to create an exclamation, showing surprise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
EXO 4 8 well figs-personification וְלֹ֣א יִשְׁמְע֔וּ לְקֹ֖ל הָאֹ֣ת הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ לְקֹ֖ל הָאֹ֥ת הָאַחֲרֽוֹן 1 Here each **sign** is spoken of as if it had a **voice** with which it could speak. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way that makes explicit that the signs are meant to be proof that God sent Moses. Alternative translation: “and are not convinced that God has appeared to you by seeing the first sign, then they will be convinced by seeing the second sign.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EXO 4 8 gxlg writing-pronouns יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ…יִשְׁמְע֔וּ…וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ 1 Here, **they** refers either to the Israelites or to the Israelite elders. God had instructed Moses to gather and speak to the elders; if you make this participant explicit, elders is the better option, but be sure to do the same as you did in [verse 5](../04/05.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 4 8 lsb3 לֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ…וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ 1 pay attention Alternate translation: “they do not acknowledge … then they will acknowledge” or “they do not accept … then they will accept”
EXO 4 9 q82r writing-pronouns יַאֲמִ֡ינוּ…יִשְׁמְעוּן֙ 1 Here, **they** refers either to the Israelites or to the Israelite elders. God had instructed Moses to gather and speak to the elders; if you make this participant explicit, elders is the better option, but be sure to do the same as you did in [verse 5](../04/05.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 4 10 w12a לֹא֩ אִ֨ישׁ דְּבָרִ֜ים אָנֹ֗כִי גַּ֤ם מִתְּמוֹל֙ גַּ֣ם מִשִּׁלְשֹׁ֔ם 1 have never been eloquent Alternate translation: “I have never been an excellent speaker, not now, not before”
EXO 4 10 opes אִ֨ישׁ דְּבָרִ֜ים 1 This expression means “a man who uses words well,” in other words, an eloquent man who can speak well and convincingly.
EXO 4 10 pk0l figs-merism גַּ֤ם מִתְּמוֹל֙ גַּ֣ם מִשִּׁלְשֹׁ֔ם 1 These phrases simply mean “in the past.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 4 10 wsl4 figs-123person עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ 1 Moses refers to himself as God’s servant to lower his status before God (and perhaps by doing so to make his argument of inability stronger). If this is confusing in your language, you can make who he means plain. Alternate translation: “me, your servant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 4 10 bv64 figs-doublet כְבַד־פֶּ֛ה וּכְבַ֥ד לָשׁ֖וֹן 1 I am slow of speech and slow of tongue These phrases mean basically the same thing. Moses uses them to emphasize that he is not a good speaker. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “not good at public speaking”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 4 10 zm3y figs-metonymy לָשׁ֖וֹן 1 slow of tongue Here, **tongue** refers to Moses’ ability to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “speech” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 4 11 ks2m figs-rquestion מִ֣י שָׂ֣ם פֶּה֮ לָֽאָדָם֒ 1 Who is it who made man’s mouth? Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the Creator who makes it possible for people to speak. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Is it not I, Yahweh, who created the human mouth and the ability to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 4 11 e1y6 figs-rquestion מִֽי־יָשׂ֣וּם אִלֵּ֔ם א֣וֹ חֵרֵ֔שׁ א֥וֹ פִקֵּ֖חַ א֣וֹ עִוֵּ֑ר 1 Who makes a man mute or deaf or seeing or blind? Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the one who decides if people can speak and hear, and if they can see. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “make people able to speak or hear or to see or to be blind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 4 11 uq7j figs-rquestion הֲלֹ֥א אָנֹכִ֖י יְהוָֽה 1 Is it not I, Yahweh? Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he alone makes these decisions. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am the one who does this!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 4 12 kkr1 figs-metonymy וְאָנֹכִי֙ אֶֽהְיֶ֣ה עִם־פִּ֔יךָ 1 I will be with your mouth Here, **mouth** refers to Moses’ ability to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “I will give you the ability to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 4 13 brer בִּ֣י 1 This word is used by a speaker to beg a superior to allow him to speak. See what you did in [verse 10](../04/10.md). Alternate translation: “Please”
EXO 4 13 s8nl שְֽׁלַֽח־נָ֖א בְּיַד־תִּשְׁלָֽח 1 In translating this phrase, it is important to make clear that Moses is asking Yahweh to send someone else. Here he is not accepting Yahweh’s commission.
EXO 4 13 y4a7 figs-synecdoche בְּיַד 1 This phrase means “by a person.” The figure is of a person taking Yahweh’s message in his hand to the Israelites and Pharaoh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the meaning plainly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 4 14 uy2v figs-idiom וַיִּֽחַר־אַ֨ף יְהוָ֜ה 1 This means that Yahweh is angry. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh became angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 4 14 okko figs-rquestion הֲלֹ֨א אַהֲרֹ֤ן אָחִ֨יךָ֙ הַלֵּוִ֔י 1 Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to suggest an alternative to Moses. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternative translation: “I know you have a brother, Aaron the Levite.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 4 14 e0js translate-kinship אָחִ֨יךָ֙ 1 Aaron is older than Moses. If your language uses a different term for the sibling relationship based on gender and age order, choose the appropriate one. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])
EXO 4 14 y5ed figs-idiom דַבֵּ֥ר יְדַבֵּ֖ר 1 In Hebrew, the word **speak** is repeated. This means he speaks well. English cannot convey this by doubling, so the meaning of the repetition was translated in the ULT in this case. If your language can say something like “speaking speaks” to mean “speaks well,” consider it; otherwise, translate the meaning similarly to the ULT or UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 4 14 c51y הִנֵּה 1 Here, **behold** is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows. If your language has a term that functions in that way (“Listen!” or “Look!” or “Pay Attention!”), use it here.
EXO 4 14 ettp figs-go יֹצֵ֣א 1 Yahweh says Aaron is coming from Egypt to Midian to find Moses. He is probably on foot. Depending on the language, the required form of go or come may vary. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 4 14 tfsa grammar-connect-logic-result וְשָׂמַ֥ח 1 Aaron will be glad because he sees Moses. Consider a conjunction or other form that expresses result, as in the UST or alternative translation: “and because he sees you, he will have joy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 4 14 ew4h figs-metonymy בְּלִבּֽוֹ 1 he will be glad in his heart Here, **heart** refers to inner thoughts and emotions. If the heart is not a body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s thoughts and emotions, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 4 15 u97f figs-metaphor הַדְּבָרִ֖ים 1 put the words to say into his mouth Words here are spoken of as if they were something that can be physically placed in a person’s mouth. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “the message that he is to repeat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 4 15 q9cf figs-metonymy וְאָנֹכִ֗י אֶֽהְיֶ֤ה עִם־פִּ֨יךָ֙ וְעִם־פִּ֔יהוּ 1 I will be with your mouth The word **mouth** here represents Moses’ and Aaron’s choice of words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “And I will be with you as you speak and with him as he speaks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 4 15 v57x figs-youdual אֶתְכֶ֔ם…תַּעֲשֽׂוּן 1 with his mouth These refer to Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual form if you have one or, if not, use a plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 4 16 mnsp figs-simile לְפֶ֔ה 1 This phrase compares Aaron to a mouth because he will be the one to actually vocalize to the Israelites and Pharaoh what Moses tells him to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “the one to say what you tell him to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
EXO 4 16 gn5v figs-simile תִּֽהְיֶה־לּ֥וֹ לֵֽאלֹהִֽים 1 you will be to him like me, God The word **like** here means Moses would represent the same authority to Aaron as God did to Moses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “you will speak to Aaron with the same authority with which I speak to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
EXO 4 17 hm47 figs-explicit הַמַּטֶּ֥ה הַזֶּ֖ה 1 Yahweh assumes that Moses will know that by **this staff**, he means the one that Moses said he had in his hand in [verse 2](../04/02.md) and with which God told him to do a miracle in [verses 3-4](../04/03.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 4 18 j2ix writing-participants יֶ֣תֶר 1 Jethro is reintroduced as a participant in the narrative here. Use the natural form in your language for reintroducing a character.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 4 18 cbop figs-go וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ 1 Because the setting has shifted back to Jethro’s home, some languages may need to use “come” here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 4 18 b6mf translate-kinship חֹֽתְנ֗וֹ 1 father-in-law This refers to the father of Moses’ wife. If your language uses a different term for the husband’s or wife’s father use the one for wife’s father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])
EXO 4 18 urt0 figs-metonymy אַחַ֣י 1 Here the term **brothers** refers more broadly to all of Moses’ people group, those he is related to. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “my relatives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 4 18 gq2g figs-idiom וְאֶרְאֶ֖ה הַעוֹדָ֣ם חַיִּ֑ים 1 Later in the Bible we are told that Moses was in Midian for 40 years. Moses’ request may have been literal or an idiom that meant he wanted to know how they were doing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 4 18 yay3 translate-blessing לֵ֥ךְ לְשָׁלֽוֹם 1 This is a phrase of assent and blessing. It may be necessary for some languages to explicitly add, “Yes,” to the beginning of Jethro’s response. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]])
EXO 4 19 wwr8 grammar-connect-time-sequential וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֤ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה֙ 1 The timing and situation for Yahweh speaking to Moses here is not specified. Some conjecture that it was part of the narrative of the encounter with Yahweh from the previous verses but placed after his request to Jethro for an unknown reason. Another speculation is that Moses delayed returning to Egypt (either by his own choice, Yahweh’s instructions, or someone else delaying him) and Yahweh came and told him again (the UST explicitly offers this optional translation). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EXO 4 20 fua6 figs-extrainfo בָּנָ֗יו 1 Moses’ second son is not introduced until [18:4](../18/.04.md) but had already been born before they left Midian. It is not necessary to make this explicit here, if it would confuse your readers you could add a footnote. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])
EXO 4 20 zi5m figs-123person וַיָּ֖שָׁב אַ֣רְצָה מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 It is clear from [verse 24](../04/24.md) and [25](../04/25.md) that Moses’ family went with him. If this is confusing in your language, you may need to change from **he** to “they” **returned**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 4 20 a1s5 grammar-connect-time-sequential וַיָּ֖שָׁב אַ֣רְצָה מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 After the incident on the road in verses [24-26](../04/24.md). Moses’ family is not mentioned again until [18:2](../18/02.md), which says that Moses sent them back, so it may be better to make a translation similar to the UST, which only commits to the family starting on the way to Egypt. This option has the further benefit of allowing for the several events that happen before Moses gets to Egypt. The ULT’s **toward** is another way of giving space in the translation for the next several events. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EXO 4 20 f26l figs-explicit מַטֵּ֥ה הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 The phrase **the staff of God** refers to the staff that God told Moses to take with him in [verse 17](../04/17.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 4 20 m4uj figs-explicit מַטֵּ֥ה הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 The book describes this staff as **the staff of God** because God appointed it as his instrument so that Moses could do miraculous works through it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Make sure your translation does not lead people to think the staff was a magic wand or shaman’s staff that had its own power or power from Moses or that the staff gave Moses the ability to command God. In every instance where miracles happened, first God told Moses to do something with the staff, then Moses obeyed, and then God caused a miracle. Alternate translation: “the staff that God had told him to bring because God intended to work powerfully through it when Moses stretched it out.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 4 21 lva8 figs-quotemarks בְּלֶכְתְּךָ֙ 1 This begins a direct quotation that continues to the end of [4:23](../04/23.md). It contains up to fourth-level quotations. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 4 21 paos figs-metaphor כָּל־הַמֹּֽפְתִים֙ אֲשֶׁר־שַׂ֣מְתִּי בְיָדֶ֔ךָ 1 Here the miracles are spoken of as if they were items Moses could carry. In part, this may be because the three signs already given to Moses involved the use of his hand. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternative translation: “all the wonders I have authorized you to perform” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 4 21 kdsb figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה 1 This time, while **before the face of** still has the standard figurative meaning of “in the presence of,” it is a much more literal use here. Moses is to actually do the miracles in front of Pharaoh so he can see them. Alternative translation: “so Pharaoh can see them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 4 21 ovma grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַאֲנִי֙ אֲחַזֵּ֣ק 1 Referring to himself in the opening of this sentence serves to emphasize a contrast between what might normally be expected and what will actually happen. Translate this in a way that clearly contrasts the performance of miracles before Pharaoh (which might be expected to lead to him releasing the Israelites) with what Yahweh says Pharaoh will do. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EXO 4 21 uvoh figs-metaphor וַאֲנִי֙ אֲחַזֵּ֣ק אֶת־לִבּ֔וֹ 1 This means that God will make him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his heart would be made stronger. If the heart is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. Alternate translation: “But as for me, I will cause Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 4 21 uudz grammar-connect-logic-result וְלֹ֥א יְשַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־הָעָֽם 1 Make it clear in your translation that this is a result of God hardening Pharaoh’s heart. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 4 22 ftde כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה 1 This is the first of hundreds of occurrences throughout the Old Testament of a standard phrase, **Thus says Yahweh**, used to introduce direct, authoritative instruction from Yahweh. It would be good for your team to have a standard way to translate this that makes it clear that the words that come next are directly from God. If your language has a standard way of introducing a new message from your rulers that alerts the hearers that these are the words of the rulers, that would be a good phrase to consider.
EXO 4 22 teyy figs-quotesinquotes כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה 1 This begins a second-level quotation that continues until the end of [4:23](../04/23.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. However, you may want to translate this as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the levels of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “that Yahweh says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 4 22 kud7 figs-quotemarks בְּנִ֥י בְכֹרִ֖י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ 1 This is the beginning of a third-level quotation that continues until the end of [4:23](../04/23.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening third-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation within a quotation. (If you chose to translate, “Thus says Yahweh,” as an indirect quote, this will be a second- level quotation.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 4 22 gr2d figs-metaphor בְּנִ֥י 1 Yahweh expresses his affection for the Israelites by calling them his **son**. Some languages may need to change the metaphor here into a simile. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 4 22 pt4n grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 Israel is my son The word **Israel** here represents all the people of Israel as a group. It is important to keep the singular reference to Israel as son rather than change it to something like ‘the Israelites are my children,’ because God is making a particular contrast here between his son and Pharaoh’s son. Some languages may not be able to use “Israel” as a collective noun and may need to choose a translation like “the nation of Israel” or “the Israelite nation.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 4 22 nbn7 figs-metonymy יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 The Israelite nation is often referred to simply by the name of the patriarch. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “The Israelites are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 4 23 syar figs-quotemarks שַׁלַּ֤ח אֶת־בְּנִי֙ וְיַֽעַבְדֵ֔נִי 1 This is a fourth-level quotation. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer levels. (If you chose to translate “Thus says Yahweh” as an indirect quote, this will be a third-level quotation.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 4 23 yyuo figs-quotations וָאֹמַ֣ר אֵלֶ֗יךָ שַׁלַּ֤ח אֶת־בְּנִי֙ וְיַֽעַבְדֵ֔נִי וַתְּמָאֵ֖ן 1 The fourth-level quotation here may be a good one to translate as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the levels of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “and I told you to let my son go that he may serve me. But you have refused” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 4 23 k7mh figs-metaphor בְּנִי֙ 1 you have refused to let him go Yahweh continues to metaphorically speak of Israel as **my son.** See how you translated it in the previous verse. Alternative translation: “the Israelite nation, which is like a son to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 4 23 u825 figs-pronouns וְיַֽעַבְדֵ֔נִי…לְשַׁלְּח֑וֹ 1 The pronouns **he** and **him** agree with “son.” What you use may depend on how you translated son in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])
EXO 4 23 re11 בִּנְךָ֖ 1 I will certainly kill your son, your firstborn Here, **your son** refers to the actual son of Pharaoh.
EXO 4 23 ubcw figs-quotemarks בִּנְךָ֖ בְּכֹרֶֽךָ 1 After this phrase, the three levels of direct quotations end, bringing a complete close to all quotations that started in verses [21](../04/21.md) and [22](../04/22.md). If you are using direct quotations, at the end of this verse you should have three closing markers: third level, second level and first level. In English, it looks like **” ’ ”** (without spaces). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 4 24 sp6h writing-newevent וַיְהִ֥י 1 Yahweh met Moses and tried to kill him This introduces a new event. Mark the transition in a natural way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 4 24 p820 writing-pronouns וַיִּפְגְּשֵׁ֣הוּ…הֲמִיתֽוֹ 1 Here, it is not clear who **him** refers to. Most commentators believe it refers to Moses, but it could refer to the son, though that is less likely. If it is necessary to choose for your translation, use Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 4 25 m1la translate-names צִפֹּרָ֜ה 1 Zipporah **Zipporah** is the name of Moses’ wife. See how you translated it in [2:21](../02/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 4 25 sftg writing-participants צִפֹּרָ֜ה 1 **Zipporah** is introduced here as a new character. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new character. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 4 25 a36h translate-unknown צֹ֗ר 1 flint knife This was a flake or a sharp piece of a hard gray rock that was used as a knife.. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 4 25 nkxn translate-unknown עָרְלַ֣ת 1 The**foreskin** is the retractable fold of skin which covers and protects the end of the penis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 4 25 l6sr figs-euphemism לְרַגְלָ֑יו 1 to his feet It is possible that the word **feet** may have been a more respectful way to refer to the genital area of the body. However, that possibility is not high enough that you should translate it either literally as genitals or with another euphemism meaning genitals in your language. If you have a word that means primarily feet or legs, but could in some cases also euphemistically mean genitals, you may consider it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
EXO 4 25 b2t3 figs-metaphor כִּ֧י חֲתַן־דָּמִ֛ים אַתָּ֖ה לִֽי 1 you are a bridegroom to me by blood The meaning of this metaphor is unclear. It was probably a known saying in that culture. Alternate translation: “You are related to me by this blood” or “You are my husband because of blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 4 26 ceqk grammar-connect-logic-result וַיִּ֖רֶף 1 God **relented** as a result of Zipporah’s action. Consider a conjunction or other form that expresses result, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 4 26 k136 writing-pronouns מִמֶּ֑נּוּ 1 As in [4:24](../04/24.md), **him** could refer to either Moses or the son, but most commentators think it is still Moses. The UST uses “anyone” to preserve ambiguity. Alternative translation: “from Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 4 26 r8hj figs-quotations חֲתַ֥ן דָּמִ֖ים 1 This is a unique quotation because Zipporah probably does not speak again; rather, the quotation refers back to her statement in [4:25](../04/25.md). Use a form from your language for quoting a portion of what someone previously said. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as an indirect quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 4 26 abmg figs-quotemarks חֲתַ֥ן דָּמִ֖ים לַמּוּלֹֽת 1 It is not clear if the quotation includes **because of the circumcision** or if that is a comment explaining the quotation. Translations are divided in where they end the quotation, but most exclude **because of the circumcision**, and it is best to follow that unless a locally respected translation includes it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 4 27 xk6b writing-newevent וַיֹּ֤אמֶר 1 Yahweh said to Aaron You may want to add a word that marks the beginning of a new part of the story, as the UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 4 27 qxpc writing-participants אַהֲרֹ֔ן 1 **Aaron** is introduced as a new participant. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new character. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 4 27 wy4n figs-possession בְּהַ֥ר הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 at the mountain of God See how you translated this in [3:1](../03/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 4 27 tfn2 translate-symaction וַיִּשַּׁק 1 This was a traditional way of greeting which showed love. You can make this explicit, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EXO 4 28 ad9x שְׁלָח֑וֹ…צִוָּֽהוּ 1 These are a bit awkward to translate in English, so the UST adds more information. Other languages may not have the same difficulty.
EXO 4 28 b429 writing-pronouns שְׁלָח֑וֹ…צִוָּֽהוּ 1 he had sent him to say Here, the pronoun **he** refers to Yahweh, and **him** refers to Moses. Alternative translation: “Yahweh sent Moses … Yahweh commanded Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 4 29 y8o3 writing-newevent וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ 1 This begins a new event which you may need to mark in your translation with a transitional word like the UST’s “When.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 4 30 bm2x figs-metonymy לְעֵינֵ֥י הָעָֽם 1 in the sight of the people Here, **before the eyes** means he did the signs so they could see them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternative translation: “in their sight” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 4 31 q1er פָקַ֨ד…בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל 1 had observed the Israelites Alternate translation: “saw the Israelites” or “was concerned about the Israelites”
EXO 4 31 g83a translate-symaction וַֽיִּקְּד֖וּ וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ 1 they bowed their heads This action was an expression of thankful worship. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternative translations: “they bowed their heads in awe” or “they bowed down low in reverence.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EXO 5 intro kea2 0 # Exodus 05 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>- v. 1-5: Moses gives Pharaoh Yahweh’s message<br>- v. 6-21: Pharaoh makes the Israelites work harder<br>- v. 22-23: Moses asks Yahweh why things went badly
EXO 5 1 q0zv writing-newevent וְאַחַ֗ר בָּ֚אוּ מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְאַהֲרֹ֔ן וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 The time phrase, **and afterward**, marks a transition in the narrative. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternative translation: “After that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 5 1 q9kn grammar-connect-time-sequential וְאַחַ֗ר בָּ֚אוּ מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְאַהֲרֹ֔ן וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 After these things happened It is unclear how long Moses and Aaron waited before they went to see Pharaoh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EXO 5 1 cudx figs-go בָּ֚אוּ 1 In this instance, depending on how they have to set scenes, some languages may need to use “came in.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 5 1 tsnv writing-participants פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 Pharaoh is reintroduced as a participant in the narrative for the first time since chapter two. Use the natural form in your language for reintroducing a character. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 5 1 jarm figs-quotemarks כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל שַׁלַּח֙ אֶת־עַמִּ֔י וְיָחֹ֥גּוּ לִ֖י בַּמִּדְבָּֽר 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. There is a second-level quotation fully contained within this portion which is addressed elsewhere. There may be other quotations in this chapter; they will be marked by the same punctuation, but they will not have their own notes unless there is something unique about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 5 1 lu3i כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ 1 This quotation formula is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information.
EXO 5 1 u2vt וְיָחֹ֥גּוּ 1 festival for me This is a celebration to worship Yahweh. Alternative translation: “so they can worship me with eating and drinking”
EXO 5 2 v4c1 grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַיֹּ֣אמֶר 1 Why should I…let Israel go? The result here is exactly as God has said; therefore, a contrastive transition word is reasonable but not required, given the immediate human context. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EXO 5 2 lqwt מִ֤י יְהוָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶשְׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹל֔וֹ לְשַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל 1 This is not a rhetorical question, though Pharaoh may have spoken with contempt. Pharaoh would have considered himself a god. The Egyptians had several gods, and most people groups were assumed to have their own gods. Therefore, Pharaoh had truly not heard of Yahweh (who has just revealed his name to Moses).
EXO 5 2 wpff grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל…יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 Here the nation is spoken of as an individual. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternative translation: “the nation of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 5 2 c653 figs-metonymy בְּקֹל֔וֹ 1 listen to his voice Here, **his voice** represent the words God spoke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to what he says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 5 3 dt39 figs-123person וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ 1 It may not make sense in all languages for multiple people to speak. Since Aaron was appointed as Moses’ spokesman, consider the alternative translation: “Aaron replied” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 5 3 kclj figs-exclusive עָלֵ֑ינוּ נֵ֣לֲכָה…וְנִזְבְּחָה֙…יִפְגָּעֵ֔נוּ 1 Here, **us** (or “we” in UST) refers to the Hebrew people (the Israelites). It excludes Pharaoh and his people. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
EXO 5 3 gfs5 figs-metonymy בֶחָֽרֶב 1 or with the sword Here, **sword** represents war or an attack by enemies. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “cause our enemies to attack us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 5 4 kl1i figs-rquestion לָ֚מָּה מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְאַהֲרֹ֔ן תַּפְרִ֥יעוּ אֶת־הָעָ֖ם מִמַּֽעֲשָׂ֑יו 1 why are you taking the people from their work? Pharaoh uses this rhetorical question to express his anger toward Moses and Aaron for taking the Israelites away from their work. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Stop distracting the people from doing their work!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 5 4 fiw9 figs-youdual לְכ֖וּ לְסִבְלֹתֵיכֶֽם 1 This **your** could refer to Moses and Aaron, or it could mean “all you Israelite people.” The second meaning is more likely. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual or plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 5 5 xm4z grammar-connect-words-phrases וַיֹּ֣אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 It is unusual for the same speaker to be reintroduced like this. Some translations omit the repetition, but there is another option. This statement may be more connected to the next couple of verses, so it might be appropriate to make a minor break before this verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
EXO 5 5 nqbe figs-aside וַיֹּ֣אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֔ה הֵן־רַבִּ֥ים עַתָּ֖ה עַ֣ם הָאָ֑רֶץ וְהִשְׁבַּתֶּ֥ם אֹתָ֖ם מִסִּבְלֹתָֽם 1 This statement by Pharaoh may have been him commenting to himself, or he may have only thought this statement silently; either way, it led to his next actions. If this would be confusing in your language, consider stating it in a way that clarifies that his statement or thoughts here impacted his next actions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]])
EXO 5 5 todi הֵן 1 **Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say.
EXO 5 5 c53k figs-youdual וְהִשְׁבַּתֶּ֥ם 1 Here, **you** means Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual form if you have one, or if not, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 5 6 ar9m וַיְצַ֥ו פַּרְעֹ֖ה…אֶת־הַנֹּגְשִׂ֣ים בָּעָ֔ם וְאֶת־שֹׁטְרָ֖יו לֵאמֹֽר 1 Pharaoh may have sent a messenger or messengers to the taskmasters and officers or spoken to one or a few representatives of them at his court rather than speaking to them directly. Alternative translation: “And … Pharaoh gave an order to the taskmasters among the people and officers. He said,”
EXO 5 6 zd4m הַנֹּגְשִׂ֣ים 1 taskmasters **Taskmasters** were Egyptians whose job it was to force the Israelites to do hard work. These are probably the same as the “overseers” of labor gangs from [Exodus 1:11](../01/11.md), but here the term is harsher. Alternative translation: “oppressors”
EXO 5 6 gsdx שֹׁטְרָ֖יו 1 **Officers** were probably Israelite slaves who were in charge of the other Israelites but who answered to the Egyptian taskmasters.
EXO 5 7 k6io figs-youdual לֹ֣א תֹאסִפ֞וּן 1 This command was given to multiple people; if your language distinguishes between singular and plural forms when giving commands, make sure this is a plural form. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 5 7 p9nx figs-idiom כִּתְמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם 1 you must no longer give This is a Hebrew idiom meaning “in the past.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternative translation: “as you used to do” or “as was done previously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 5 8 izkf figs-youdual תָּשִׂ֣ימוּ 1 If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 5 8 ro25 translate-unknown הַלְּבֵנִ֜ים 1 **Bricks** are blocks made of clay or mud with straw in them. They are hardened in the sun or in another manner before they are used for building. See how you translated in [1:14](../01/14.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 5 8 dlzx figs-idiom תְּמ֤וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁם֙ 1 This is a Hebrew idiom meaning “in the past.” See how you translated this in [5:7](../05/07md) Alternative translation: “before” or “previously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 5 9 xca1 figs-idiom וְאַל־יִשְׁע֖וּ בְּדִבְרֵי־שָֽׁקֶר 1 Here words are spoken of as if they could be looked upon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternative translation: “and not listen to words that are lies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 5 10 ozzn writing-newevent וַיֵּ֨צְא֜וּ 1 This begins a new scene, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 5 10 x4bi נֹגְשֵׂ֤י 1 taskmasters **Taskmasters** were Egyptians whose job was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in [5:6](../05/6.md).
EXO 5 10 zvxx כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 This is the same quotation introduction as is used when Yahweh gives a direct command. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information.
EXO 5 10 c12s figs-quotations וַיֹּאמְר֥וּ אֶל־הָעָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 It might be helpful in some languages to translate **thus says Pharaoh** as an indirect quote so that his conveyed command is not a quote within a quote. Alternate translation: “and told the people that Pharaoh says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 5 10 mkom figs-quotesinquotes אֵינֶ֛נִּי 1 This is the beginning of a second-level quotation that continues until the end of verse 11. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the start of a quotation within a quotation. However, you could also translate this as an indirect quote. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 5 10 ad73 grammar-connect-logic-contrast אֵינֶ֛נִּי נֹתֵ֥ן לָכֶ֖ם תֶּֽבֶן 1 The structure of this phrase and the one that opens [the next verse](../05/11.md) create a strong contrast between what **I** (Pharaoh) and **you** (you all, the Israelites) will do. Translate this in a way that emphasizes, if possible, the contrast between **I** and **you.** Alternative translation: “It is not I who will give you straw.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EXO 5 10 si2e figs-metonymy אֵינֶ֛נִּי נֹתֵ֥ן לָכֶ֖ם תֶּֽבֶן 1 Pharaoh uses **I** to refer to his ownership and commands. Pharaoh does not physically give the Israelites straw. Rather, he had commanded his servants to take straw that belonged to Pharaoh and give it to the Israelites. Now he told his servants to stop providing straw. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “My servants will no longer give you my straw” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 5 10 gb4d figs-youdual לָכֶ֖ם 1 I will no longer give you **You**is plural and refers to the Israelite people. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 5 11 ewg6 grammar-connect-logic-contrast אַתֶּ֗ם לְכ֨וּ קְח֤וּ לָכֶם֙ תֶּ֔בֶן מֵאֲשֶׁ֖ר תִּמְצָ֑אוּ 1 The structure of this phrase serves as the opposing side of the contrast Pharaoh sets up in the last phrase. By explicitly using a pronoun with a command, he is emphasizing who will go get straw. If possible, translate this in a way that emphasizes the contrast between **I** and **you.** See the previous verse. Alternative translation: “Rather, it is you yourselves who must go get straw from wherever you might find it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EXO 5 11 xe4i figs-youdual אַתֶּ֗ם 1 you can find…your workload Here, **you** is plural and refers to the Israelite people. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 5 11 w918 figs-rpronouns אַתֶּ֗ם…לָכֶם֙ 1 You yourselves must go The repetition of **you** (as **your**) emphasizes that the Egyptians will no longer help the slaves. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
EXO 5 11 g5vb figs-doublenegatives כִּ֣י אֵ֥ין נִגְרָ֛ע מֵעֲבֹדַתְכֶ֖ם דָּבָֽר 1 your workload will not be reduced If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “for you must continue to make the same number of bricks as before” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EXO 5 12 s9dk figs-hyperbole בְּכָל־אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 throughout all the land of Egypt This is a generalization used to show the extra effort Israel made to meet Pharaoh’s demands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that means many places. Alternate translation: “to many places throughout Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EXO 5 12 q7y7 translate-unknown קַ֖שׁ 1 stubble **Stubble** is the part of a plant that is left over after harvest. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 5 13 th6x וְהַנֹּגְשִׂ֖ים 1 taskmasters **Taskmasters** were Egyptians whose job it was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in [Exodus 5:6](../05/06.md).
EXO 5 13 ikkf writing-participants וְהַנֹּגְשִׂ֖ים 1 The change of subject is emphasized here. If your language has a way of specifically focusing on the actor in a narrative, use it here. See the UST for how that is done in English. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 5 14 h4uo נֹגְשֵׂ֥י 1 **Taskmasters** are Egyptians whose job it was to force the Israelites to do hard work. See how you translated this in [Exodus 5:6](../05/06.md).
EXO 5 14 unbc figs-activepassive וַיֻּכּ֗וּ שֹֽׁטְרֵי֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 The text does not specify who beat the officers. It was probably either the taskmasters or someone the taskmasters ordered to beat the officers. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And the taskmasters beat the officers of the sons of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 5 14 eq22 figs-rquestion מַדּ֡וּעַ לֹא֩ כִלִּיתֶ֨ם חָקְכֶ֤ם לִלְבֹּן֙ כִּתְמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם גַּם־תְּמ֖וֹל גַּם־הַיּֽוֹם 1 Why have you not produced all the bricks required of you…in the past? The taskmasters used this question to show they were angry with the lack of bricks. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You are not producing enough bricks, either yesterday or today, as you did in the past!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 5 14 oh6o figs-youdual כִלִּיתֶ֨ם חָקְכֶ֤ם 1 Here, **you** and **your** are plural. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 5 14 emq7 figs-synecdoche לֹא֩ כִלִּיתֶ֨ם חָקְכֶ֤ם 1 cried out Here, **you** and **your** do not simply refer to the officers; they refer to the groups of Israelite workers the officers are in charge of. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have your teams not finished their required” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 5 14 liz8 figs-idiom כִּתְמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם 1 This is a Hebrew idiom meaning “in the past.” Here it specifically refers to the time before the Egyptians stopped giving the Israelites straw. See how you translated this in [5:7](../05/07md) Alternative translation: “before” or “previously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 5 14 zklg גַּם־תְּמ֖וֹל גַּם־הַיּֽוֹם 1 This time expression refers to more recent days, ones since the Egyptians stopped providing the straw to the Israelites.
EXO 5 15 bk9h writing-newevent וַיָּבֹ֗אוּ 1 This begins a new scene, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. The officers have gone to where Pharaoh is. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 5 15 thlj figs-go וַיָּבֹ֗אוּ 1 You will need to decide if go or come is the better translation in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 5 15 m2nz figs-123person לַעֲבָדֶֽיךָ 1 Here, the Israelite officers use the term **your servants** to refer to themselves in the third person as a way of showing humility. It is also possible that they mean to include all the Israelites. Either option is valid if your language must state who is meant by “your servants.” Alternate translation: “to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 5 16 yeql figs-activepassive תֶּ֗בֶן אֵ֤ין נִתָּן֙ לַעֲבָדֶ֔יךָ 1 The text does not specify who is not giving them straw. From the context, the taskmasters and, by implication, Pharaoh himself are the ones not doing this. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternative translation: “You are not giving your servants any straw.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 5 16 qp5j figs-123person לַעֲבָדֶ֔יךָ…עֲבָדֶ֛יךָ 1 Here, the Israelite officers use the term **your servants** to refer to themselves in the third person as a way of showing humility. It is also possible that they mean to include all the Israelites. Either option is valid if your language must state who is meant by “your servants.” Alternate translation: “to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 5 16 hsa6 writing-pronouns אֹמְרִ֥ים 1 they are still telling us, ‘Make bricks!’ Here, **they** refers to the Egyptian taskmasters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 5 16 xrly figs-activepassive עֲבָדֶ֛יךָ מֻכִּ֖ים 1 The text does not specify who beat the officers. It was probably either the taskmasters or someone the taskmasters ordered to beat the officers. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 5 16 ff2k figs-euphemism וְחָטָ֥את עַמֶּֽךָ 1 The Israelites are indirectly accusing Pharaoh of doing wrong. To translate this, consider polite or indirect ways of making accusations in your culture. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
EXO 5 17 cw5u figs-youdual אַתֶּ֖ם…אַתֶּ֣ם 1 These uses of **you** are plural. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 5 17 zlkc figs-exclamations נִרְפִּ֥ים אַתֶּ֖ם נִרְפִּ֑ים 1 Pharaoh repeats himself for emphasis. In your translation, make sure the idea of laziness or idleness is repeated or strengthened in a way that is natural. Alternative translation: “You are extremely lazy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
EXO 5 17 a8o2 figs-quotemarks נֵלְכָ֖ה נִזְבְּחָ֥ה לַֽיהוָֽה 1 Here the king is quoting another person’s speech. This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 5 18 x9j7 figs-activepassive וְתֶ֖בֶן לֹא־יִנָּתֵ֣ן לָכֶ֑ם 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The subject could be “I” (as in Pharaoh) or “we” (as in the Egyptians or Pharaoh and his taskmasters) or “my people.” See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 5 18 z6wt figs-youdual לָכֶ֑ם…תִּתֵּֽנּוּ 1 Here, **you** means all the Israelites or the officers as representatives of all the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 5 19 x6pp grammar-connect-logic-result וַיִּרְא֞וּ שֹֽׁטְרֵ֧י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל אֹתָ֖ם בְּרָ֣ע לֵאמֹ֑ר לֹא־תִגְרְע֥וּ מִלִּבְנֵיכֶ֖ם דְּבַר־י֥וֹם בְּיוֹמֽוֹ 1 If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 5 19 l9d2 figs-rpronouns אֹתָ֖ם 1 when they were told Here the officers are both the subject and object, because they are thinking about their own situation. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
EXO 5 19 j6f9 וַיִּרְא֞וּ…אֹתָ֖ם בְּרָ֣ע לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “knew that they were in trouble, because the king said” or “perceived themselves to be in danger, because the king said”
EXO 5 20 ve3z writing-newevent וַֽיִּפְגְּעוּ֙ 1 palace A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 5 21 vfit figs-youdual עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם וְיִשְׁפֹּ֑ט 1 **You** refers to Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual or plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 5 21 j3zp figs-metaphor הִבְאַשְׁתֶּ֣ם אֶת־רֵיחֵ֗נוּ בְּעֵינֵ֤י פַרְעֹה֙ וּבְעֵינֵ֣י עֲבָדָ֔יו 1 you have made us offensive The Egyptians responded to the Israelites the same way they would respond to a foul odor. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “you have caused Pharaoh and his servants to hate us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 5 21 d592 figs-metonymy חֶ֥רֶב בְּיָדָ֖ם 1 have put a sword in their hand to kill us Here, **a sword into their hand** is a metonym for “a reason in their mind.” The Israelites are afraid that the Egyptians will feel that they are doing the right thing if they kill the Israelites, because Moses and Aaron are making demands to the king and because the Egyptians view the Israelites as lazy and dangerous. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “them a reason to think they would be right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 5 22 g4d5 figs-rquestion לָ֥מָּה זֶּ֖ה שְׁלַחְתָּֽנִי 1 Lord, why have you caused trouble for this people? This question shows how disappointed Moses was that the Egyptians were treating the Israelites even more harshly now. He is expressing that he thinks God has caused the opposite of what he promised to happen. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “I thought you sent me to rescue them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 5 23 v2k2 figs-metonymy בִּשְׁמֶ֔ךָ 1 to speak to him in your name Here, **in your name** indicates that Moses delivers Yahweh’s message. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “for you” or “your message for him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 5 23 fzir figs-idiom וְהַצֵּ֥ל לֹא־הִצַּ֖לְתָּ 1 In Hebrew, **rescued** is repeated for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 6 intro we5k 0 # Exodus 06 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>- v. 1-13, 28-30: Yahweh repeats his commissioning of Moses after the bad events recorded in chapter 5<br>- v. 14-27: Genealogy of Moses and Aaron<br><br>## Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Repetition of events:<br><br>Most of the content of this chapter is very similar to the events and dialogue in chapters 3-4. For consistency, translators should consult the decisions they made there while keeping in mind that this narrative is not exactly the same. Also, verses 10-12 and verses 28-30 are very similar to each other. These events are probably a recommissioning of Moses. After his first encounter with Pharaoh went very poorly and the Israelites seem to reject God, Yahweh reminds Moses of his promises and power.<br><br>### Referring to God<br><br>A name for God (**Yahweh**) and a title for God (**El Shaddai**) are mentioned in this chapter ([6:2](../06/02.md)\\-[6:3](../06/03.md)). The precise meaning of El Shaddai is not known, but most scholars think it means something like “almighty.” Translators who have worked on Genesis may find confusing the statement that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did not know Yahweh as the name of God.<br><br>### Other possible translation difficulties:<br><br>With little explanation, a large portion of the chapter is devoted to the genealogy of Moses and Aaron. Some of the people in the genealogy lived much longer than is normal for humans today. If translators are not familiar with the lengths of people’s lives in the early days of the world (as recorded in Genesis, especially chapter 5), this may cause confusion.<br><br>## Study Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Promised Land<br><br>According to the covenant Yahweh made with Abraham, Egypt is not the home of the Hebrew people. Their home is the Promised Land in Canaan. The people are to return home to their land. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promisedland]])<br><br>### God and his people<br><br>In verse 7, note the mention of a very important biblical theme of God being “your God” and the special relationship that his people have with him.
EXO 6 1 ip5i figs-quotemarks עַתָּ֣ה תִרְאֶ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה לְפַרְעֹ֑ה כִּ֣י בְיָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙ יְשַׁלְּחֵ֔ם וּבְיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה יְגָרְשֵׁ֖ם מֵאַרְצֽוֹ 1 This is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. There may be other quotations in this chapter; they will be marked by the same punctuation, but they will not have their own notes unless there is something unique about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 6 1 lu95 grammar-connect-time-sequential עַתָּ֣ה 1 This refers to future events starting very soon. Alternative translation: “Starting soon” or “Very soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EXO 6 1 ece6 figs-metonymy בְיָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙…וּבְיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה 1 my strong hand Here, **hand** is a metonym for power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “by a strong power … and by a strong power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 6 1 utnn figs-metonymy בְיָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙…וּבְיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה 1 It is not clear in the text whose **hand** is referred to here. The options include: (1) Both refer to God’s hand (forcing Pharaoh’s actions) (2) Both refer to Pharaoh’s hand (forcing the Israelites out) (3) They don’t refer to the same person’s hand; the first refers to God’s and the second to Pharaoh’s. The UST has followed (1), which is the most common interpretation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: (1) “by my strong hand … and by my strong hand” (2) “by his strong hand … and by his strong hand” (3) “by my strong hand … and by his strong hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 6 1 vdno figs-parallelism כִּ֣י בְיָ֤ד חֲזָקָה֙ יְשַׁלְּחֵ֔ם וּבְיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה יְגָרְשֵׁ֖ם מֵאַרְצֽוֹ 1 These two phrases mean similar things. God says the same thing twice, in similar ways, for emphasis. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “I will force him to let my people leave the land” However, there is a slight difference in meaning, and you could also choose to bring that out in your translation. The second phrase intensifies the first by portraying Pharaoh as not merely letting the Israelites go, but as forcing them to leave the land. Alternate translation: “I will force him to let them go, in fact, I will force him to force them to leave his land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 6 2 wse5 writing-newevent וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֵלָ֖יו 1 There is a transition here. Before this verse, Yahweh was answering Moses’ question more directly. At the beginning of this verse, Yahweh is reintroduced as “God” because he begins to make a clarifying statement about himself and his relationship with the Israelites and their ancestors as well as his plans for the Israelites. Much of this section repeats what Yahweh has already told Moses. You may want to consider a section break before this verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 6 3 l81y translate-transliterate בְּאֵ֣ל שַׁדָּ֑י 1 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob **El Shaddai** is a title for God that many scholars think means “almighty.” You will need to decide if you will transliterate the term into your language or translate the meaning. Either approach has broad support. Alternative translation: “as the strongest God of all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])
EXO 6 3 m27p figs-activepassive וּשְׁמִ֣י יְהוָ֔ה לֹ֥א נוֹדַ֖עְתִּי לָהֶֽם 1 I was not known to them If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but they did not know me by my name Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 6 3 e36z וּשְׁמִ֣י יְהוָ֔ה לֹ֥א נוֹדַ֖עְתִּי לָהֶֽם 1 This statement is very difficult to understand as God’s name, Yahweh, is used throughout Genesis, including by Abraham and others. There are many theories about what it means; the view followed by the UST is that now God is revealing to the Israelites a fuller meaning of his divine name than what Abraham and others knew. Alternate translation: “but my name Yahweh was not understood by them”
EXO 6 4 zxvc figs-quotations לָתֵ֥ת לָהֶ֖ם אֶת־אֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן 1 This is the content of the covenant promise from God to his people. Some languages may need to make this part a direct quotation. To do so, begin a new sentence. Alternate translation: “I said, ‘I will give you the land of Canaan’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 6 4 gkkc figs-parallelism אֶ֥רֶץ מְגֻרֵיהֶ֖ם אֲשֶׁר־גָּ֥רוּ בָֽהּ 1 These two phrases mean similar things. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “the land they lived in as temporary residents” or “the land that was not their home but where they lived as foreigners” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 6 5 aiey וָאֶזְכֹּ֖ר אֶת־בְּרִיתִֽי 1 **I have remembered my covenant** means God is going to take action. Alternative translation: “I will keep my promise”
EXO 6 6 rgh0 grammar-connect-logic-result לָכֵ֞ן 1 God is now telling Moses to deliver a message to the Israelites of what God is going to do because of everything that he said in verses 2-5. The reason-result relationship is strongly marked here, so translations should make sure to use a connector that marks verse 6-8 as a result of verses 2-5. Alternate translation: “Because of this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 6 6 yv14 לָכֵ֞ן אֱמֹ֥ר לִבְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֘ל 1 say to the Israelites This is a command from Yahweh to Moses. Alternate translation: “So Yahweh told Moses to say to the Israelites”
EXO 6 6 we3z figs-youdual אֶתְכֶ֗ם…אֶתְכֶ֖ם…אֶתְכֶם֙ 1 Here every occurrence of **you** refers to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 6 6 oqnw figs-synecdoche מִתַּ֨חַת֙ סִבְלֹ֣ת מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 This refers to all the hard work the Egyptians made the Israelites do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the hard work the Egyptians force you to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 6 6 xyn4 figs-metaphor בִּזְר֣וֹעַ נְטוּיָ֔ה 1 Here, **arm** is a figurative way of referring to Yahweh’s power, influence, and capacity for action. **Outstretched** means that he is using that power. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “by my great strength” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 6 6 efx1 וּבִשְׁפָטִ֖ים 1 Here, the term **judgments** refers to the plagues that God is about to send to harm Egypt and the Egyptians. Each plague is a response to Pharaoh’s stubbornness. Alternate translation: “and by [greatly] harming the Egyptians”
EXO 6 7 o3lb figs-youdual אֶתְכֶ֥ם…לָכֶ֖ם…וִֽידַעְתֶּ֗ם…אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם…אֶתְכֶ֔ם 1 Here every occurrence of **you** refers to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 6 7 xsdh figs-synecdoche מִתַּ֖חַת סִבְל֥וֹת מִצְרָֽיִם 1 This refers to all the hard work the Egyptians forced upon the Israelites. See what you did in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “from the hard work the Egyptians force you to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 6 8 h9ho figs-youdual אֶתְכֶם֙…לָכֶ֛ם 1 Here every occurrence of **you** refers to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 6 8 g9ru translate-symaction נָשָׂ֨אתִי֙ אֶת־יָדִ֔י 1 I swore This is an action that signifies making an oath. Raising the hand may not have the same meaning in your culture, so you may need to use a different symbolic oath-taking action in your translation or simply translate the meaning. Alternate translation: “I promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EXO 6 9 aalj grammar-connect-logic-result וְלֹ֤א שָֽׁמְעוּ֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה מִקֹּ֣צֶר ר֔וּחַ וּמֵעֲבֹדָ֖ה קָשָֽׁה 1 In some languages it will be necessary to put the reason for the people not listening before the result. Alternate translation: “but because of shortness of spirit and because of hard service, they did not listen to Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 6 9 eph2 מִקֹּ֣צֶר ר֔וּחַ 1 Here, the people’s **spirit** is spoken of as something that could be measured. By calling it “short,” the author is saying they did not have very much motivation or hope. Alternate translation: “because they had no hope”
EXO 6 11 fxf2 figs-quotations וִֽישַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵאַרְצֽוֹ 1 This statement tells Moses what to discuss with Pharaoh. Some languages may need to covey this information as a direct quotation. Be careful to change the third-person pronouns to second-person pronouns if you do this. Alternate translation: “and say, ‘You must let the sons of Israel go from your land’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 6 12 h7o0 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה 1 Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. There may also be a hint of impudence in Moses’ attitude that is conveyed by the words **before the face of Yahweh**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” or “boldly to Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 6 12 iiui הֵ֤ן 1 **Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation, or you can use an alternate translation like “as you know.”
EXO 6 12 k7hl figs-rquestion הֵ֤ן בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לֹֽא־שָׁמְע֣וּ אֵלַ֔י וְאֵיךְ֙ יִשְׁמָעֵ֣נִי פַרְעֹ֔ה 1 If the Israelites have not listened to me, why will Pharaoh listen to me, since I am not good at speaking? Moses asked this question in hopes that God would change his mind about using Moses. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Since the Israelites did not listen to me, neither will Pharaoh!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 6 12 lj51 grammar-connect-logic-result הֵ֤ן בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לֹֽא־שָׁמְע֣וּ אֵלַ֔י וְאֵיךְ֙ יִשְׁמָעֵ֣נִי פַרְעֹ֔ה 1 Moses is presenting a reasoned argument: since this, then probably that. Use a natural way of expressing such arguments in your language. Alternate translation: “Since the sons of Israel have not listened to me, why would you think Pharaoh would listen to me?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 6 12 k3br figs-metaphor וַאֲנִ֖י עֲרַ֥ל שְׂפָתָֽיִם 1 This is a metaphor that means that Moses was not a good speaker. It is somewhat crude; your translation of this phrase could convey that Moses spoke impolitely. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “And I do not speak well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 6 13 janr וַיְצַוֵּם֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאֶל־פַּרְעֹ֖ה 1 This phrase is somewhat difficult to translate. Here, **command** could also be translated as “charge” or “commission.” Another difficulty is knowing to whom the command is directed: is it to Moses and Aaron or are they to give the command to Pharaoh and the Israelites; thus **to** could be translated as “for” or “regarding.” Alternate translations: “and he charged them regarding the sons of Israel and regarding Pharaoh” or “and he gave them a command for the sons of Israel and for Pharaoh” or “and he gave them a commission to the sons of Israel and to Pharaoh”
EXO 6 14 hh3z writing-background 0 Verses 14-27 are background information. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EXO 6 14 h195 figs-metonymy רָאשֵׁ֣י 1 the heads of their fathers’ houses Here, **heads** refers to the original leaders of the clan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the ancestors of ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 6 14 wv89 translate-names רְאוּבֵ֜ן…יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל…חֲנ֤וֹךְ וּפַלּוּא֙ חֶצְר֣וֹן וְכַרְמִ֔י…רְאוּבֵֽן 1 Hanok, Pallu, Hezron, and Karmi These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 6 15 c1ni translate-names שִׁמְע֗וֹן יְמוּאֵ֨ל וְיָמִ֤ין וְאֹ֨הַד֙ וְיָכִ֣ין וְצֹ֔חַר וְשָׁא֖וּל…שִׁמְעֽוֹן 1 Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar, and Shaul These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 6 16 k64h translate-names לֵוִי֙…גֵּרְשׁ֕וֹן וּקְהָ֖ת וּמְרָרִ֑י…לֵוִ֔י 1 Gershon…Merari These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 6 17 alm8 translate-names גֵרְשׁ֛וֹן לִבְנִ֥י וְשִׁמְעִ֖י 1 Amram…Uzziel These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 6 18 gzm3 translate-names קְהָ֔ת עַמְרָ֣ם וְיִצְהָ֔ר וְחֶבְר֖וֹן וְעֻזִּיאֵ֑ל…קְהָ֔ת 1 These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 6 20 mh02 translate-kinship דֹּֽדָתוֹ֙ 1 Here the term **his aunt** specifically means his father’s sister. If your language uses a different term that is specific in this way, translators should use it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])
EXO 6 21 f3yr translate-names יִצְהָ֑ר קֹ֥רַח וָנֶ֖פֶג וְזִכְרִֽי׃ 1 Izhar…Korah…Zichri These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 6 22 n7cl translate-names עֻזִּיאֵ֑ל מִֽישָׁאֵ֥ל וְאֶלְצָפָ֖ן וְסִתְרִֽי 1 Uzziel…Mishael…Sithri These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 6 23 n1xh translate-names אַהֲרֹ֜ן…עַמִּינָדָ֛ב…נַחְשׁ֖וֹן…נָדָב֙…אֲבִיה֔וּא…אֶלְעָזָ֖ר…אִֽיתָמָֽר 1 Nadab…Ithamar These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 6 23 kww9 translate-names אֱלִישֶׁ֧בַע 1 Nadab…Ithamar This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 6 24 rkz9 translate-names קֹ֔רַח אַסִּ֥יר וְאֶלְקָנָ֖ה וַאֲבִיאָסָ֑ף 1 These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 6 24 i6o7 translate-names הַקָּרְחִֽי 1 This was the name of the clan of people descended from Korah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 6 25 zvg2 translate-names וְאֶלְעָזָ֨ר…אַהֲרֹ֜ן…פּֽוּטִיאֵל֙…פִּֽינְחָ֑ס 1 Phinehas These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 6 25 fck8 figs-metonymy רָאשֵׁ֛י 1 These were the heads of the fathers’ houses Here, **heads** represents family leaders. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “These were the leaders of the families” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 6 26 ft6y translate-unknown עַל־צִבְאֹתָֽם 1 by their groups of fighting men The term **hosts** refers to a large group of people often organized into groups for war. Alternate translation: “by their groups” or “by their divisions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 6 27 o7xp grammar-connect-logic-goal לְהוֹצִ֥יא 1 This expresses their goal when they spoke to Pharaoh. Use a natural way in your language for indicating purpose. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
EXO 6 28 xssl writing-newevent וַיְהִ֗י בְּי֨וֹם 1 This marks a transition from the record of the genealogy back to the narrative. Consider placing a section break at the start of this verse. Alternate translation: “One day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 6 30 zyqs figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה 1 Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. There may also be a hint of impudence in Moses’ attitude that is conveyed by saying he spoke before **the face of Yahweh**. See how you translated this in [6:12](../06/12.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” or “boldly to Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 6 30 nf3w figs-rquestion הֵ֤ן אֲנִי֙ עֲרַ֣ל שְׂפָתַ֔יִם וְאֵ֕יךְ יִשְׁמַ֥ע אֵלַ֖י פַּרְעֹֽה 1 I am not good…why will Pharaoh listen to me? Moses asks this question hoping to change God’s mind about sending him. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Behold, I am not a good speaker. Pharaoh will certainly not listen to me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 6 30 y4g2 הֵ֤ן 1 **Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation, or you can use an alternate translation like “as you know.”
EXO 6 30 vzhq figs-metaphor אֲנִי֙ עֲרַ֣ל שְׂפָתַ֔יִם 1 This is a metaphor that means that Moses thought he was not a good speaker. It is somewhat crude, and your translation of this phrase could convey that Moses spoke impolitely. See how you translated this in [6:12](../06/12.md). Alternate translation: “I always fail to speak well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 7 intro r9we 0 # Exodus 07 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>- v. 1-9: The end of Yahweh’s re-sending of Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh<br>- v. 10-13: Pharaoh’s first refusal, the sign of the snakes<br>- v. 14-25: First plague: the Nile turns to blood<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Miracles<br><br>When Yahweh had Moses perform miracles, Pharaoh’s men were able to copy these miracles. It is unknown how they were able to do this, but since it was not from Yahweh, they were probably done under some evil power. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/miracle]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])<br><br>### Pharaoh’s hard heart<br><br>Pharaoh’s heart is often described as hard, strong, or heavy in this chapter. This means that he was not willing to obey Yahweh’s instructions.<br><br>## Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter Include:<br><br>- Moses as God to Pharaoh<br>- A number of difficult terms: prophet, signs, wonders, miracles, sorcerers, magicians, magic, judgments, canals, reservoirs<br>- The use of “heart” to refer to the seat of will and emotion<br>- Up to third-level quotations
EXO 7 1 r18p figs-quotemarks מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues to the end of [verse 5](../07/05.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. There may be other quotations in this chapter; they will be marked by the same punctuation, but they will not have their own notes unless there is something unique about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 7 1 dn1s figs-metaphor נְתַתִּ֥יךָ אֱלֹהִ֖ים לְפַרְעֹ֑ה 1 I have made you like a god This means Moses would represent the same authority to Pharaoh as God did to Moses. See how you translated the very similar phrase in [Exodus 4:16](../04/16.md). Alternate translation: “I will cause Pharaoh to consider you as a god” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 7 1 z163 figs-metaphor וְאַהֲרֹ֥ן אָחִ֖יךָ יִהְיֶ֥ה נְבִיאֶֽךָ 1 This phrase compares Aaron to a prophet, because Aaron will actually be the one who proclaims to Pharaoh what Moses tells him. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 4:16](../04/16.md). Alternate translation: “and Aaron your brother will act like your prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 7 2 l44v translate-kinship אָחִ֨יךָ֙ 1 Aaron is older than Moses. If your language uses a different term for the sibling relationship based on gender and age order, choose the appropriate one. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])
EXO 7 2 hdwo figs-quotations וְשִׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵאַרְצֽוֹ 1 Some languages may need to make this a direct quotation. If so, be sure to mark it as a second-level quotation, subordinate to Yahweh’s main speech. See what you did in [6:25](../06/25.md). Alternative translation: “saying, ‘You must let the sons of Israel go from your land’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 7 3 adsq figs-metaphor אַקְשֶׁ֖ה אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 This means God will make him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his **heart** were **hard**. If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [Exodus 4:21](../04/21.md), but note the slightly different metaphor there: the heart being strong vs. **hard** here. Alternate translation: “will cause Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 7 3 vtt1 figs-doublet אֶת־אֹתֹתַ֛י וְאֶת־מוֹפְתַ֖י 1 many signs…many wonders The words **signs** and **wonders** mean basically the same thing. God uses them to emphasize the greatness of what he will do in Egypt. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine them.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 7 4 ar0l figs-youdual אֲלֵכֶם֙ 1 Here, **you** means Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual form (if you have one) or plural form (if not) here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 7 4 e2kv figs-metonymy יָדִ֖י 1 put my hand on The words **my hand** represent God’s great power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “my power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 7 4 b6h8 figs-metonymy בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם 1 Here, **on Egypt** refers to the land and everything in it, including people, animals, and plants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 7 4 nilu אֶת־צִבְאֹתַ֜י אֶת־עַמִּ֤י בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ 1 These phrases refer to the Israelites in three different ways; they do not refer to three different groups of people. Here, **armies** is the same word translated “hosts” in [Exodus 6:26](../06/26.md). Alternate translation: “the armies of my Israelite people”
EXO 7 5 cg3n grammar-connect-logic-result וְיָדְע֤וּ מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ כִּֽי־אֲנִ֣י יְהוָ֔ה 1 This is the result of God rescuing the Israelites. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 7 5 npd6 figs-metonymy בִּנְטֹתִ֥י אֶת־יָדִ֖י עַל 1 reach out with my hand on This phrase represents God’s great power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “when I show my powerful acts against” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 7 5 dguc grammar-connect-logic-goal וְהוֹצֵאתִ֥י אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִתּוֹכָֽם 1 The goal of God’s powerful acts was to rescue the Israelites. Use a natural way in your language for indicating purpose. Alternate translation: “so that I bring the sons of Israel out from their midst” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
EXO 7 6 iii5 figs-parallelism וַיַּ֥עַשׂ…עָשֽׂוּ 1 This repetition emphasizes the statement. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 7 7 liir writing-background 0 This verse contains background information. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EXO 7 7 g7i5 translate-numbers שְׁמֹנִ֣ים…שָׁלֹ֥שׁ וּשְׁמֹנִ֖ים 1 Aaron eighty-three years old Alternate translation: “eighty … eighty-three” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EXO 7 7 zoou figs-idiom בֶּן־שְׁמֹנִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה…בֶּן־שָׁלֹ֥שׁ וּשְׁמֹנִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה 1 The phrase **a son of**, followed by a number and then **years**, is an idiom that refers to their age. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 7 8 pwph writing-newevent וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה 1 This verse marks the beginning of new sections, both major and minor. The major story of the plagues and Exodus itself unfolds from here until after Pharaoh’s army is defeated at the Red Sea. The next minor event is the miracle of the rods becoming snakes. Either by using particular forms that your language uses to mark transitions or by making a section break and heading, this transition should be marked for readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 7 8 p2kf לֵאמֹֽר 1 Here, **saying** marks the beginning of a direct quote and is often omitted in translation when such a construction is unnatural in the target language. See UST.
EXO 7 9 jt9z figs-quotations כִּי֩ יְדַבֵּ֨ר אֲלֵכֶ֤ם פַּרְעֹה֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר תְּנ֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם מוֹפֵ֑ת וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן קַ֧ח אֶֽת־מַטְּךָ֛ וְהַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ לִפְנֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה יְהִ֥י לְתַנִּֽין 1 When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Do a miracle,’ then you will say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh, so that it may become a snake.’ The two quotations in this verse could be stated as indirect quotes. Alternate translation: “When Pharaoh tells you to do a miracle, then you will tell Aaron to take his staff and throw it down before Pharaoh so that it may become a snake” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 7 9 r0tp figs-quotemarks קַ֧ח אֶֽת־מַטְּךָ֛ וְהַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ לִפְנֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה יְהִ֥י לְתַנִּֽין 1 This is a second-level direct quotation. The second level may either end after **Pharaoh** or at the end of the verse. If you did not decide to make it an indirect quotation, it may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 7 9 p3xh לֵאמֹ֔ר 1 Here, **saying** marks the beginning of a direct quote and is often omitted in translation when such a construction is unnatural in the target language. See UST.
EXO 7 9 ms5o figs-youdual אֲלֵכֶ֤ם…לָכֶ֖ם 1 These pronouns are plural, referring to Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual form (if you have one) or plural form (if not) here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 7 9 ogk9 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה 1 Although **before the face of** still has the standard figurative meaning of “in the presence of,” it is a much more literal use here. Moses and Aaron are to actually do the miracles in front of Pharaoh so that Pharaoh can see them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternative translation: “so Pharaoh can see it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 7 10 ehm9 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֥י פַרְעֹ֛ה וְלִפְנֵ֥י עֲבָדָ֖יו 1 This time, while **before the face of** still has the standard figurative meaning of “in the presence of,” it is a much more literal use here. Aaron actually does this right in front of Pharaoh and his servants so they could watch what happens. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternative translation: “where Pharaoh and his servants could see it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 7 10 kv93 עֲבָדָ֖יו 1 Here, **his servants** does not refer common servants but probably refers to important advisors that would be in the king’s court.
EXO 7 11 mqde לַֽחֲכָמִ֖ים וְלַֽמְכַשְּׁפִ֑ים…חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י 1 Here, **magicians** probably describes both **wise men and sorcerers** rather than being a third group. See translationWords articles for each term.
EXO 7 12 m0kw grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַיִּבְלַ֥ע מַטֵּֽה־אַהֲרֹ֖ן אֶת־מַטֹּתָֽם 1 This is a surprising and amusing twist which was not what the magicians expected. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EXO 7 12 prnp figs-personification מַטֵּֽה…מַטֹּתָֽם 1 It may be necessary in some languages to translate the word **staff** as “snake,” since it had turned into one. This may be true if it would not make sense in the target language to say (because it is not living) that a staff swallowed or ate something. It may also may not make sense in some languages to speak of the snakes as staffs once they have been transformed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EXO 7 13 g42f figs-metaphor וַיֶּחֱזַק֙ לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 Pharaoh’s heart was hardened Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his **heart** were **strong**. If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [Exodus 4:21](../04/21.md), but note that this is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn, as many others in this part of the narrative do). Alternate translation: “Pharaoh was still defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 7 13 wekf כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה 1 Because Yahweh’s prediction precedes this event, some languages may need to place the reference to that prediction before the statement that it was fulfilled. See UST.
EXO 7 14 d27r figs-metaphor כָּבֵ֖ד לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 Pharaoh’s heart is hard Now Yahweh speaks of Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude as if Pharaoh’s **heart** were **heavy**. If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. This is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn as many others in this part of the narrative do). See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:13](../07/13.md), but note the slightly different metaphor there: the heart being strong vs **heavy** here. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh is defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 7 14 qiyx writing-newevent וַיֹּ֤אמֶר 1 A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 7 15 ecby הִנֵּה֙ 1 **Behold** is used to draw attention to information that follows.
EXO 7 15 c5np יֹצֵ֣א הַמַּ֔יְמָה 1 when he goes out to the water There are various theories as to what Pharaoh would go down to the Nile to do, but there is no need to speculate or specify in the translation.
EXO 7 16 uvxe figs-possession אֱלֹהֵ֤י הָעִבְרִים֙ 1 Yahweh claimed the Hebrews (Israelites) as his own. They worshiped him. This is a possessive of social relationship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 7 16 d16q figs-quotesinquotes שַׁלַּח֙ אֶת־עַמִּ֔י וְיַֽעַבְדֻ֖נִי בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר וְהִנֵּ֥ה לֹא־שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ עַד־כֹּֽה 1 This is a third-level quotation. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer levels. Alternatively, you could translate it as an indirect quotation as in the UST. If you do this, take care to adjust the pronoun person (second/third) as appropriate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 7 16 cwox וְהִנֵּ֥ה 1 Here, **behold** is used to draw attention to the information that follows. In some languages, it will not be translated.
EXO 7 17 j1ev כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה 1 strike the water This quotation formula is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information.
EXO 7 17 mywj figs-quotesinquotes בְּזֹ֣את 1 This begins a third-level quotation that continues until the end of verse 18. It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer levels. It is possible that the third-level quotation actually ends before or after **Behold,** in which case, in the rest of the quote **I** refers to Moses, not Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 7 17 jjm3 הִנֵּ֨ה 1 **Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. Alternate translation: “Look at this”
EXO 7 18 bsjn grammar-connect-logic-result וּבָאַ֣שׁ הַיְאֹ֑ר 1 His warning,**the river will stink**, will happen because the fish die. Alternate translation: “and because of that the river will stink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 7 18 nx0q grammar-connect-logic-goal לִשְׁתּ֥וֹת מַ֖יִם 1 This phrase introduces a purpose clause. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternative translation: “in order to find water to drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
EXO 7 18 rgl0 figs-rpronouns וְנִלְא֣וּ מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 Here, **themselves** refers back to the subject (**the Egyptians**) to indicated that the Egyptians are the object of the verb as well. Use a natural form in your language to show that the Egyptians are both subject and object. Alternate translation: “And the Egyptians will exhaust the Egyptians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
EXO 7 18 grwh figs-quotemarks מִן־הַיְאֹֽר 1 After this phrase, the direct quote of Yahweh’s commands ends. Depending on your decisions about the embedded quotation levels, you may have up to three levels of quotations that need to be closed here. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with closing quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation and quotations within quotations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 7 19 ysi7 figs-merism עַֽל־נַהֲרֹתָ֣ם ׀ עַל־יְאֹרֵיהֶ֣ם וְעַל־אַגְמֵיהֶ֗ם וְעַ֛ל כָּל־מִקְוֵ֥ה מֵימֵיהֶ֖ם 1 This list is meant to expand on and reinforce the idea of all of the water in Egypt. You should translate the list in such a way that the locations of the blood are not limited to these specific places, but to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 7 19 msxp figs-possession וּבָעֵצִ֖ים וּבָאֲבָנִֽים 1 This possessive show composition. Alternate translation: “and in containers made from wood and in containers made from stone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 7 20 zy18 figs-explicit בַּיְאֹ֔ר 1 in the river If it would be helpful to your readers, the name of the river may be made explicit. Alternate translation: “in the Nile River” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 7 20 mj8v figs-metonymy לְעֵינֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה וּלְעֵינֵ֖י עֲבָדָ֑יו 1 This means in their sight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 7 22 n7kr translate-unknown חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י 1 See how you translated this term in [7:11](../07/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 7 22 qdc7 figs-metaphor וַיֶּחֱזַ֤ק לֵב־פַּרְעֹה֙ 1 Pharaoh’s heart was hardened Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his **heart** were **strong**. If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. This is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn as many others in this part of the narrative do). See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:13](../07/13.md). Alternate translation: “Pharaoh was still defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 7 22 sbic כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה 1 Because Yahweh’s prediction precedes this event, some languages may need to place the reference to that prediction before the statement that it was fulfilled. See UST and how you translated this in [7:13](../07/13.md), where the same sentence appears.
EXO 7 23 atdk figs-idiom וְלֹא־שָׁ֥ת לִבּ֖וֹ גַּם־לָזֹֽאת 1 This is an idiom meaning Pharaoh did not think about the meaning of the miracle he had just seen. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “And he did not consider what even this meant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 7 24 m6zn figs-hyperbole כָל־מִצְרַ֛יִם 1 All the Egyptians The word **all** here is a generalization that means “many.” At the least, the upper class would have sent their slaves to dig for them. However, it does indicate that all the Egyptians who wished to drink water had to dig or had to have dug for them. Alternate translation: “many of the Egyptians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EXO 7 25 bn5h writing-newevent וַיִּמָּלֵ֖א 1 A new scene begins here. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 7 25 gjyb figs-idiom וַיִּמָּלֵ֖א שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים 1 This means seven days later. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 8 intro ww1y 0 # Exodus 08 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>- v. 1-15: Second plague: frogs<br>- v. 16-19: Third plague (first that magicians cannot imitate): gnats<br>- v. 20-32: Fourth plague: flies<br><br>## Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>- the exact insects in plagues 3-4 are not certain; translation teams will need to decide what insects they can use for each<br>- Pharaoh makes his own heart heavy, that is, he determines to be proud and resist Yahweh twice in this chapter<br>- the Israelites’ sacrifices are spoken of as an abomination to the Egyptians, but it is not specified how or why that is<br><br>### Lifting up the hand and staff:<br><br>In the next few chapters, God will instruct Moses or Aaron or both to raise his hand or staff or both hand and staff. The narrative will then record who will raise his hand or staff or both. The instruction and the action do not always match exactly. God may say raise your hand, and the narrative may say that Moses raised his staff. These are not conflicting reports. Translators should understand that the hand and the staff are always understood together. They are one unit, and they can both be mentioned, or they can be mentioned separately. In each case, Moses or Aaron raises his hand with the staff in it. This fact is merely expressed differently.
EXO 8 1 tf7b figs-quotations בֹּ֖א 1 This begins a direct quote that continues until the end of [verse 4](../08/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 8 1 v6ll כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה 1 This quotation formula is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information.
EXO 8 1 lndc figs-quotesinquotes כֹּ֚ה 1 Here, **Thus** begins a second-level quotation that continues until the end of [verse 4](../08/04.md). It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer level. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 8 1 kure figs-quotesinquotes שַׁלַּ֥ח 1 This begins a third-level quotation that continues until the end of [verse 4](../08/04.md). It should be marked in some manner that distinguishes it from the outer levels. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 8 2 s7y1 figs-ellipsis לְשַׁלֵּ֑חַ 1 What Pharaoh is to **let go** is not specified, but “my people” or “the Israelites” are the understood object. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “to let the Israelites go” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 8 2 aei8 הִנֵּ֣ה 1 Here, **behold** is an interjection meant to focus the attention of the listener on what comes next, in this case a dire warning. Alternate translation: “look out”
EXO 8 3 vgby figs-merism בְּבֵיתֶ֔ךָ וּבַחֲדַ֥ר מִשְׁכָּבְךָ֖ וְעַל־מִטָּתֶ֑ךָ וּבְבֵ֤ית עֲבָדֶ֨יךָ֙ וּבְעַמֶּ֔ךָ וּבְתַנּוּרֶ֖יךָ וּבְמִשְׁאֲרוֹתֶֽיךָ 1 This long list means “everywhere in Egypt.” It is presented in this way for rhetorical effect, that is, to convince Pharaoh of how bad this plague will be so he will obey. You should translate the list in such a way that the frogs’ location is not limited to these specific places. The list should imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 8 4 okok figs-quotemarks 0 Up to three levels of quotes end at the end of this verse. Depending on how many levels you chose to mark as direct quotations, you should indicate them ending here with closing second-level (and third-level) quotation mark(s) or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of quotations and quotations within a quotation. There may be other quotations in this chapter; they will be marked by the same punctuation, but they will not have their own notes unless there is something unique about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 8 5 ley6 figs-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮ אֶל־מֹשֶׁה֒ אֱמֹ֣ר אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן 1 It may be helpful to translate this first quotation indirectly to avoid having two levels of quotations in this verse. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh told Moses to say to Aaron” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 8 5 dqsb figs-quotemarks נְטֵ֤ה אֶת־יָדְךָ֙ בְּמַטֶּ֔ךָ עַל־הַ֨נְּהָרֹ֔ת עַל־הַיְאֹרִ֖ים וְעַל־הָאֲגַמִּ֑ים וְהַ֥עַל אֶת־הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֖ים עַל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 This is a second-level direct quotation if you chose to make **Say to Aaron** a direct quotation. In that case, it may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with second-level opening and closing quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation inside a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 8 5 z19q figs-merism עַל־הַ֨נְּהָרֹ֔ת עַל־הַיְאֹרִ֖ים וְעַל־הָאֲגַמִּ֑ים 1 This list is meant to convey the idea of all the water in Egypt where frogs might live. You should translate the list in such a way that the locations are not limited to these specific places. The list should imply universality. This is made clear in [8:6](../08/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 8 6 wf3a figs-explicit וַיֵּ֤ט אַהֲרֹן֙ 1 It is implied that Moses told Yahweh’s instructions to Aaron. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 8 6 nrbq figs-explicit יָד֔וֹ 1 It is implied that Aaron was holding his staff as instructed. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff. Alternate translation: “his hand holding his staff” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 8 6 j1w7 figs-synecdoche וַיֵּ֤ט אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶת־יָד֔וֹ עַ֖ל מֵימֵ֣י 1 Aaron would not have been able to reach his hand over all the water in Egypt. He likely stretched his hand over some nearby portion of the Nile, symbolizing all the water of Egypt. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the meaning plainly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 8 6 drmg figs-explicit וַתַּ֨עַל֙ 1 [Verse 3](../08/03.md) has specified from where the frogs will come. Here it is implied, but if it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 8 6 rxze grammar-collectivenouns הַצְּפַרְדֵּ֔עַ 1 There were so many frogs that the text uses the collective singular. If that would be misunderstood in your language, you may simply use the plural, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 8 6 j83d figs-metaphor וַתַּ֨עַל֙ הַצְּפַרְדֵּ֔עַ וַתְּכַ֖ס אֶת־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 This means that there were frogs everywhere in Egypt. The image is like that of a blanket smothering the entire country. (Or more directly, like one giant, nation-sized frog sitting on top of the entire land). If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 8 7 n02y translate-unknown הַֽחֲרְטֻמִּ֖ים בְּלָטֵיהֶ֑ם 1 See how you translated these in [7:11](../07/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 8 8 mhn3 וַיִּקְרָ֨א פַרְעֹ֜ה לְמֹשֶׁ֣ה וּֽלְאַהֲרֹ֗ן 1 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron Alternate translation: “Then Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron” or “And the king summoned Moses and Aaron”
EXO 8 8 nfe3 figs-explicit וַיִּקְרָ֨א פַרְעֹ֜ה לְמֹשֶׁ֣ה וּֽלְאַהֲרֹ֗ן וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 It is implied that Moses and Aaron came to Pharaoh between the time when he called them and when he spoke to them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and after they came, he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 8 8 tx3t figs-quotations אֶל־יְהוָ֔ה וְיָסֵר֙ הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֔ים מִמֶּ֖נִּי וּמֵֽעַמִּ֑י 1 In some languages you may have to make the content of Pharaoh’s prayer to Yahweh a direct quote. Note that this will make it a second-level quotation and you will need to mark it with second-level quotation markings if your language uses them. Alternate translation: “to Yahweh saying, ‘Please take away the frogs from Pharaoh and from his people.’ ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 8 8 qku4 figs-hypo וַאֲשַׁלְּחָה֙ אֶת־הָעָ֔ם וְיִזְבְּח֖וּ לַיהוָֽה 1 This promise is conditional on the frogs going away. Use a natural form in your language for hypothetical situations. Alternate translation: “Once the frogs are gone, I will let the people go, and they may sacrifice to Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
EXO 8 9 khfd figs-irony הִתְפָּאֵ֣ר עָלַי֒ 1 Moses speaks with false humility here. He is ironically pointing out Pharaoh’s powerlessness before Yahweh. Alternate translation: “You can choose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
EXO 8 9 g0lu figs-merism לְךָ֗ וְלַעֲבָדֶ֨יךָ֙ וּֽלְעַמְּךָ֔…מִמְּךָ֖ וּמִבָּתֶּ֑יךָ 1 These lists mean “for everyone” and “from everywhere” (in Egypt). This makes clear that Moses will ask for a complete end of the plague. You should translate the list in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 8 10 ofw3 grammar-connect-logic-goal לְמַ֣עַן תֵּדַ֔ע כִּי־אֵ֖ין כַּיהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ 1 This knowledge is the goal of Yahweh’s granting a respite from the frogs. In some languages you may need to place this at the end of [verse 11](../08/11.md), after Moses says the frogs will leave. Use a natural way in your language for indicating purpose. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
EXO 8 10 d1wp figs-exclusive אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ 1 Here, **our** refers to the Israelites’ God, excluding Pharaoh and the Egyptians. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
EXO 8 11 zwqo figs-merism מִמְּךָ֙ וּמִבָּ֣תֶּ֔יךָ וּמֵעֲבָדֶ֖יךָ וּמֵעַמֶּ֑ךָ 1 This list means “from everywhere and everyone” (in Egypt). This shows that the end of the plague will be as complete as was its extent. You should translate the list in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 8 12 nxyi writing-newevent וַיֵּצֵ֥א מֹשֶׁ֛ה וְאַהֲרֹ֖ן 1 A minor scene shift occurs here. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 8 13 rwe1 figs-merism מִן־הַבָּתִּ֥ים מִן־הַחֲצֵרֹ֖ת וּמִן־הַשָּׂדֹֽת 1 This list means “from everywhere” (in Egypt). This makes clear that there was a complete end of the plague. You should translate the list in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 8 14 a03n חֳמָרִ֣ם חֳמָרִ֑ם 1 Literally, the Hebrew says “piles piles.” Repetition is used in Hebrew to emphasize how many or how big the piles of frogs were.
EXO 8 15 lv2n figs-metaphor וְהַכְבֵּד֙ אֶת־לִבּ֔וֹ 1 he hardened his heart Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if he made his own **heart heavy**. If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:14](../07/14.md), but note there that the state of Pharaoh’s heart is reported, whereas here Pharaoh makes his own heart heavy. Alternate translation: “and Pharaoh determined to be defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 8 15 b47h כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה 1 just as Yahweh had said that he would do Alternate translation: “just as Yahweh had said Pharaoh would do”
EXO 8 16 cikq writing-newevent וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮ 1 A new scene begins here. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. This is the start of the third plague sequence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 8 16 s5gh figs-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮ אֶל־מֹשֶׁה֒ אֱמֹר֙ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֔ן 1 **Say to Aaron** starts a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. However, it may be helpful to translate one of the parts as an indirect quotation so that you do not have to have two levels of quotations here. See the UST. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh told Moses to tell Aaron” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 8 16 joxz נְטֵ֣ה אֶֽת־מַטְּךָ֔ וְהַ֖ךְ 1 This is one action or motion, but it is described with the two verbs that occur throughout this section of plague judgment.
EXO 8 16 kpr5 מַטְּךָ֔ 1 This refers to Aaron’s staff. See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff.
EXO 8 16 w5el translate-unknown לְכִנִּ֖ם 1 We do not know exactly what this word means. It is probably a tiny (as in dust-particle size), biting insect. You should choose a different insect here than the one in the next plague ([8:21](../08/21.md)-8:31). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 8 17 l9wj וַיֵּט֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן אֶת־יָד֤וֹ בְמַטֵּ֨הוּ֙ וַיַּךְ֙ אֶת־עֲפַ֣ר הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 Again, this is one action or motion, but it is described with the two verbs, **stretched** and **struck**, that occur throughout this section of plague judgment. See how you translated it in the [previous verse](../08/16.md).
EXO 8 17 nhgt translate-unknown הַכִּנָּ֔ם…כִנִּ֖ים 1 Again, we do not know what this term refers to for certain, so see how you translated it in [8:16](../08/16.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 8 17 grs3 figs-gendernotations בָּאָדָ֖ם 1 Here **man** includes women and children. Alternate translation: “people” or “mankind” or “humans” See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 8 17 grg5 figs-hyperbole כָּל־עֲפַ֥ר הָאָ֛רֶץ…בְּכָל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 This extraordinary statement with the repeated **all** is used to emphasize the extent and severity of the plague. If this would be unnatural in your language use a natural way to communicate that. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EXO 8 18 wga0 translate-unknown הַחַרְטֻמִּ֧ים בְּלָטֵיהֶ֛ם 1 See how you translated these in [7:11](../07/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 8 18 ii85 translate-unknown הַכִּנִּ֖ים…הַכִּנָּ֔ם 1 See how you translated this term in [8:16](../08/16.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 8 18 mnj5 figs-gendernotations בָּאָדָ֖ם 1 Here **man** includes women and children. Alternate translation: “people” or “mankind” or “humans” See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 8 19 kcs9 translate-unknown הַֽחַרְטֻמִּים֙ 1 See how you translated this term in [7:11](../07/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 8 19 lk2k figs-synecdoche אֶצְבַּ֥ע אֱלֹהִ֖ים הִ֑וא 1 This is the finger of God The words “finger of God” represent the power of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is the powerful work of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 8 19 z1w2 figs-metaphor וַיֶּחֱזַ֤ק לֵב־פַּרְעֹה֙ 1 Pharaoh’s heart was hardened Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his **heart** were **strong**. If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:13](../07/13.md). This is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn as many others in this part of the narrative do). Alternate translation: “Pharaoh was still defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 8 19 rp3i writing-pronouns אֲלֵהֶ֔ם 1 Here, **them** may refer to the magicians or to Aaron and Moses. Alternate translation: “to the magicians’ warning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 8 20 frfn writing-newevent וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה 1 A new scene begins here. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. This is the beginning of the fourth plague sequence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 8 20 syv2 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה 1 Here, **face** figuratively means the presence of a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 8 20 vnym הִנֵּ֖ה 1 **Behold** is used to draw attention to important information that is next. In some languages and translation styles, it will make the most sense to omit this, as in the UST. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully”
EXO 8 20 uypa figs-quotations כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה 1 This phrase opens a direct quote that continues until the end of [verse 23](../08/23.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. However, you may also consider making the opening portion an indirect quote so that you do not have a quote inside of a quote for the next verses. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 8 20 eqd2 כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה 1 Let my people go This quotation formula is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information.
EXO 8 20 a7l7 figs-quotemarks שַׁלַּ֥ח 1 This phrase opens a second-level direct quotation which continues until the end of [verse 23](../08/23.md), unless you made **thus says Yahweh** an indirect quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 8 20 fgl3 grammar-connect-logic-goal וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִי 1 This is the purpose of the people being let go. Use a natural way in your language for indicating purpose. Alternate translation: “so they can serve me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
EXO 8 21 hitq הִנְנִי֩ 1 The expression **behold me!** is used to draw attention to important information that is next. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully”
EXO 8 21 hwcl grammar-collectivenouns הֶעָרֹ֑ב…הֶ֣עָרֹ֔ב 1 Here, **the swarm** is a collective singular noun that refers to a great number of flying, biting insects traveling in a group. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “swarms of flies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 8 21 l5z7 translate-unknown הֶעָרֹ֑ב…הֶ֣עָרֹ֔ב 1 Here, **the swarm** probably refers to the common large flies that bother humans and livestock. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 8 21 foli figs-merism בְּךָ֜ וּבַעֲבָדֶ֧יךָ וּֽבְעַמְּךָ֛ וּבְבָתֶּ֖יךָ…בָּתֵּ֤י מִצְרַ֨יִם֙…וְגַ֥ם הָאֲדָמָ֖ה 1 This long list means “everywhere in Egypt.” It is presented in this way for rhetorical effect, that is, to convince Pharaoh of how bad this plague will be so he will obey. You should translate the list in such a way that the flies’ location is not limited to these specific places but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 8 22 mv8w grammar-connect-logic-goal לְבִלְתִּ֥י הֱיֽוֹת־שָׁ֖ם עָרֹ֑ב 1 General Information: This is the goal of Yahweh treating the land of Goshen differently. Alternate translation: “by keeping the swarm from there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
EXO 8 22 apum grammar-collectivenouns עָרֹ֑ב 1 This is a collective singular noun that refers to a great number of swarming, biting insects. See how you translated this in [8:21](../08/21.md). Alternate translation: “swarms of flies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 8 22 qb9h translate-unknown עָרֹ֑ב 1 These are probably the common large flies that bother humans and livestock. See how you translated this in [8:21](../08/21.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 8 22 refq grammar-connect-logic-goal לְמַ֣עַן תֵּדַ֔ע כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה בְּקֶ֥רֶב הָאָֽרֶץ 1 This is the goal of treating the Israelites differently. In some languages you may need to put this phrase the beginning of the verse. Use a natural way in your language for indicating purpose. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
EXO 8 22 a28h אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה בְּקֶ֥רֶב הָאָֽרֶץ 1 Here, **am** could be connecting **I** and **Yahweh** or it could be connecting **I, Yahweh** and **in the middle of the land**. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am in the middle of the land”
EXO 8 23 oxr5 figs-abstractnouns פְדֻ֔ת 1 This is a noun derived from a verb meaning “to buy back.” Very broadly, it can mean “to save or rescue.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **redemption**, you can express the same idea in another way. See the next note regarding textual variants for more information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 8 23 tf4j translate-textvariants פְדֻ֔ת 1 Many translations follow the Septuagint here, which uses the word “division.” A minor change to the Hebrew would also produce the word translated “treat differently” in the [previous verse](../08/22.md). Alternate translation: “a division” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
EXO 8 23 tb24 figs-quotemarks לְמָחָ֥ר יִהְיֶ֖ה הָאֹ֥ת הַזֶּֽה׃ 1 After this phrase, the three levels of direct quotations of Yahweh that started in [8:20](../08/20.md) ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with closing first-level, second-level, and third-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of quotations. You may not have three levels if you made any level an indirect quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 8 24 gw3c figs-explicit וַיַּ֤עַשׂ יְהוָה֙ כֵּ֔ן 1 The UST supplies a brief sentence filling in the gap between Yahweh’s command to Moses and the onset of the plague. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly to make the progression of events clear. Alternate translation: “Moses obeyed the instructions Yahweh gave him, and Pharaoh responded as Yahweh had said he would. And Yahweh did so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 8 24 lk5s writing-newevent וַיַּ֤עַשׂ יְהוָה֙ כֵּ֔ן 1 There is a minor scene change here. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 8 24 ut0f translate-unknown עָרֹ֣ב 1 There are probably the common large flies that bother humans and livestock. See how you translated this in [8:21](../08/21.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 8 24 dg0k figs-go וַיָּבֹא֙ 1 Some languages may need to translate this as “going” rather than “coming.” Alternate translation: “and … went” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 8 24 tmcf figs-merism בֵּ֥יתָה פַרְעֹ֖ה וּבֵ֣ית עֲבָדָ֑יו 1 This means “to everyone everywhere” (in Egypt), as made explicit in the next statement. This makes clear that the insects were throughout the land. You should translate this in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 8 24 nd6e figs-activepassive תִּשָּׁחֵ֥ת הָאָ֖רֶץ מִפְּנֵ֥י הֶעָרֹֽב 1 the land was ruined because of the swarms of flies If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The swarms of flies devastated the land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 8 25 e7l0 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וַיִּקְרָ֣א 1 This happened during the plague. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
EXO 8 25 gj2w figs-youdual לֵֽאלֹהֵיכֶ֖ם 1 Here, **your** is plural. It could refer either to Moses and Aaron or to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a dual form (if you have one) if your team decides it means Moses and Aaron; otherwise use a plural form. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 8 26 e9wk תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת מִצְרַ֔יִם…תּוֹעֲבַ֥ת מִצְרַ֛יִם 1 We do not know what about their sacrificing was an **abomination** to the Egyptians. The same term is used in Genesis 43:32 and 46:34 to describe the Egyptians’ feelings about eating with Hebrews and about the Hebrew profession of shepherding, respectively. Translators should attempt to convey the strong negative feelings that would be provoked in the Egyptians without speculating as to the cause.
EXO 8 26 idkt figs-exclusive נִזְבַּ֖ח…אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ…נִזְבַּ֞ח…יִסְקְלֻֽנוּ 1 Here, **we**, **our,** and **us** should all be translated as exclusive (if your language makes that distinction). Pharaoh and the Egyptians are not included. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
EXO 8 26 i7dy figs-rquestion וְלֹ֥א יִסְקְלֻֽנוּ 1 will they not stone us? Moses asks this question to show Pharaoh that the Egyptians would not allow the Israelites to worship Yahweh by making a sacrifice repugnant to them. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “they will certainly stone us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 8 26 gy7d figs-metonymy לְעֵינֵיהֶ֖ם 1 right before their eyes The express **before their eyes** is a figurative way of saying “where they can see.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in their sight” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 8 27 ju3u figs-exclusive נֵלֵ֖ךְ…וְזָבַ֨חְנוּ֙…אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ…אֵלֵֽינוּ 1 Here, **we**, **our,** and **us** should all be translated as exclusive (if your language makes that distinction). Pharaoh and his people are not included. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
EXO 8 28 qxes figs-youdual אֶתְכֶם֙…אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙…תַרְחִ֖יקוּ 1 If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 8 28 hnud figs-idiom הַרְחֵ֥ק…תַרְחִ֖יקוּ 1 In Hebrew, **far** is repeated to emphasize (with **not**) that they are absolutely not to go too far. If your language does not use repeating words like this, express the emphasis in another way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 8 29 h94t הִנֵּ֨ה 1 **Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation. Alternate translation: “Know this”
EXO 8 29 jirm translate-unknown הֶעָרֹ֗ב 1 These are probably the common large flies that bother humans and livestock. See how you translated this in [8:21](../08/21.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 8 29 yvcl figs-123person מִפַּרְעֹ֛ה…פַּרְעֹה֙ 1 Moses may be using the third person to refer to Pharaoh to show respect, because the king appears to be relenting. If use of the third person is not a way of showing respect in your culture or is not a valid way of addressing an individual at all, you may need to change the form. Alternate translation: “from you … you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 8 29 la3z figs-merism מִפַּרְעֹ֛ה מֵעֲבָדָ֥יו וּמֵעַמּ֖וֹ 1 This list means “from everywhere and everyone” (in Egypt). This shows that the end of the plague will be as complete as its extent. You should translate the list in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 8 29 bf85 figs-doublenegatives אַל־יֹסֵ֤ף פַּרְעֹה֙ הָתֵ֔ל לְבִלְתִּי֙ שַׁלַּ֣ח אֶת־הָעָ֔ם 1 you must not deal deceitfully any more by not letting our people go If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “you must begin to deal truthfully with us and let our people go” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EXO 8 29 hh4q רַ֗ק אַל־יֹסֵ֤ף פַּרְעֹה֙ הָתֵ֔ל 1 But you must not deal deceitfully Alternate translation: “But you must not deceive us” or “But you must not lie to us”
EXO 8 30 tull writing-newevent וַיֵּצֵ֥א מֹשֶׁ֖ה 1 There is a minor scene shift here. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 8 31 rj50 translate-unknown הֶעָרֹ֔ב 1 These are probably the common large flies that bother humans and livestock. See how you translated this in [8:21](../08/21.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 8 31 iyhn figs-merism מִפַּרְעֹ֖ה מֵעֲבָדָ֣יו וּמֵעַמּ֑וֹ 1 This list means “from everyone and everywhere” (in Egypt). This makes clear that there was a complete end of the plague. You should translate the list in such a way that it does not convey limitation to these specifics but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 8 31 mb4r figs-hyperbole לֹ֥א נִשְׁאַ֖ר אֶחָֽד 1 This extreme statement emphasizes how thoroughly Yahweh removed the insects from the land. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that emphasizes thoroughness or complete lack of the swarm. Alternate translation: “There was not a single one of these insects left in the whole land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EXO 8 32 sb5l figs-metaphor וַיַּכְבֵּ֤ד פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶת־לִבּ֔וֹ 1 Pharaoh hardened his heart Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if he made his own **heart heavy**. If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [8:15](../08/15.md). Alternate translation: “Pharaoh determined to be defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 9 intro hqw8 0 # Exodus 09 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>- v. 1-7: Fifth plague (first that does not affect Israelites): disease kills livestock<br>- v. 8-12: Sixth plague: boils<br>- v. 13-35: Seventh plague: hail<br>- v. 27-35: Pharaoh seems to repent, but it does not last<br><br>## Possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>- animals are affected in both the fifth and seventh plagues, in the fifth, the word is specifically related to domestic animals (livestock) while the word used in the seventh is more general
EXO 9 1 se3f writing-newevent וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ 1 General Information: A new scene begins here. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. This is the beginning of the fifth plague sequence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 9 1 p1oj figs-quotemarks אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues to the end of [9:4](../09/04.md) and contains two additional levels of quotes. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. There may be other quotations in this chapter; they will be marked by the same punctuation, but they will not have their own notes unless there is something unique about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 9 1 fo4o figs-quotesinquotes וְדִבַּרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗יו כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽעִבְרִ֔ים 1 You may want to translate the second-level quotation beginning with **Thus says Yahweh** as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the levels of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “and say to him that Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 9 1 w0lg כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ 1 This quotation formula is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information.
EXO 9 2 l7ld figs-parallelism כִּ֛י אִם־מָאֵ֥ן אַתָּ֖ה לְשַׁלֵּ֑חַ וְעוֹדְךָ֖ מַחֲזִ֥יק בָּֽם 1 if you refuse to let them go, if you still keep them back These two phrases mean basically the same thing. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “If you continue refusing to let them go” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 9 3 ume2 figs-metonymy יַד־יְהוָ֜ה הוֹיָ֗ה בְּמִקְנְךָ֙ 1 then Yahweh’s hand will be on your cattle Here, **hand** represents Yahweh’s power to afflict their animals with disease. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “Then the power of Yahweh will afflict your livestock” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 9 3 cjt9 figs-123person יַד־יְהוָ֜ה 1 This is part of the reported speech that Yahweh wants Moses to say to Pharaoh. Therefore, you could change the third person **the hand of Yahweh** to first person if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “My hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 9 3 tn3z figs-youdual בְּמִקְנְךָ֙ 1 on your cattle While the word **your** here is not plural, the next verse shows that it refers to all the people of Egypt who owned cattle. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, you may want to use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 9 3 v8ur figs-merism בַּסּוּסִ֤ים בַּֽחֲמֹרִים֙ בַּגְּמַלִּ֔ים בַּבָּקָ֖ר וּבַצֹּ֑אן 1 This long list is meant to reinforce the universal effects of the coming plague. It is presented in this way for rhetorical effect, that is, to convince Pharaoh of how bad this plague will be so he will obey. You should translate the list in such a way that it is not limiting but is understood to imply universality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 9 3 m1fk grammar-collectivenouns בַּבָּקָ֖ר…וּבַצֹּ֑אן 1 These (**cattle** and **flock**) are collective singular nouns which refer to groups of animals. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “on your bulls and cows and on your sheep and goats” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 9 3 f5sr figs-metaphor כָּבֵ֥ד 1 Here the plague is spoken of as if it weighed a lot. This means it would be very bad. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “severe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 9 4 x12r figs-123person יְהוָ֔ה 1 This is part of the reported speech that Yahweh wants Moses to say to Pharaoh. Therefore, you could change the third person **Yahweh** to first person if it would be clearer in your language. You should do the same as you did in the [previous verse](../09/04.md). Alternate translation: “I” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 9 4 lp3t figs-metonymy יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 Israel’s cattle Here, **Israel** refers to the Israelites. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 9 4 u60c grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 Here, **Israel** is used as a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelite people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 9 4 fs25 figs-metonymy מִקְנֵ֣ה מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 Egypt’s cattle Here, **Egypt** refers to the Egyptians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the livestock of the Egyptian people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 9 5 w8gk לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 This marks the beginning of a direct quotation. It can be omitted in translation if your language does not use a similar form. However, in this sentence it is the only verb related to speech, so you may need to translate it similarly to the way the UST does.
EXO 9 5 pxb1 figs-123person יְהוָ֛ה 1 Yahweh is speaking here. Therefore, you could change the third person **Yahweh** to first person if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 9 6 gt3n figs-explicit וַיַּ֨עַשׂ יְהוָ֜ה 1 It is implied that Moses went and spoke to Pharaoh as directed. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Moses did as Yahweh had commanded. And Yahweh did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 9 6 cx5i figs-hyperbole כֹּ֖ל מִקְנֵ֣ה 1 All the cattle of Egypt died This is exaggerated to emphasize the seriousness of the event. There were still some animals alive that were afflicted by later plagues. However, it may be best to translate this with the word “all.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EXO 9 6 gy7t figs-metonymy מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 cattle of Egypt Here, **Egypt** refers to the Egyptians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the Egyptian peoples’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 9 6 i0bl figs-litotes וּמִמִּקְנֵ֥ה בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֹא־מֵ֥ת אֶחָֽד 1 Here the author uses 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. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “But every single one of the Israelites’ livestock lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
EXO 9 7 md84 וְהִנֵּ֗ה 1 behold Again, **behold** is used to draw attention to surprising information that follows. Alternate translation: “and listen”
EXO 9 7 rtny figs-litotes לֹא־מֵ֛ת מִמִּקְנֵ֥ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל עַד־אֶחָ֑ד 1 Here the author uses 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. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “every single one of the Israelites’ livestock was alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
EXO 9 7 sfor grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 Here, **Israel** is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 9 7 j51j figs-metaphor וַיִּכְבַּד֙ לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 his heart was stubborn Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his **heart** were **heavy**. If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. This is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn as many others in this part of the narrative do). See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:14](../07/14.md). Alternate translation: “But Pharaoh was defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 9 8 brm6 writing-newevent וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮ 1 kiln A new scene begins here. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. This is the start of the sixth plague scene. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 9 8 luhg figs-youdual לָכֶם֙…חָפְנֵיכֶ֔ם 1 **You** and **your** refer to both Moses and Aaron. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use dual form (if you have one) or plural forms (if not) here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 9 8 gk7f grammar-collectivenouns פִּ֖יחַ 1 Here, **ash** is singular. For some languages you may need to make it plural as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 9 8 p795 figs-metonymy לְעֵינֵ֥י פַרְעֹֽה 1 The phrase **before the eyes of Pharaoh** means in his sight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in the sight of Pharaoh” or “so Pharaoh sees it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 9 9 d2v3 translate-unknown לִשְׁחִ֥ין פֹּרֵ֛חַ אֲבַעְבֻּעֹ֖ת 1 fine To have **boils** means to have a condition where the skin is red, hot, and painful, the skin breaks open, and puss and blood come out. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 9 9 jlh0 figs-gendernotations הָאָדָ֜ם 1 Here, **man** includes women and children. Alternate translation: “people” or “mankind” or “humans” See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 9 10 wdcn grammar-collectivenouns פִּ֣יחַ 1 Here, **ash** is singular. For some languages you may need to make it plural as in the UST. See how you translated this in the [previous verse](../09/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 9 10 dp3l פִּ֣יחַ הַכִּבְשָׁ֗ן 1 Alternate translation: “ash from a furnace” or “ash produced by a furnace” See how you translated this in the [previous verse](../09/09.md).
EXO 9 10 ufpn figs-metonymy וַיַּֽעַמְדוּ֙ לִפְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה 1 Here, **before the face of Pharaoh** means in Pharaoh’s presence. Alternate translation: “and stood in Pharaoh’s presence” or “and stood in the presence of Pharaoh” See how you translated a similar statement in the [previous verse](../09/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 9 10 jhzb translate-unknown שְׁחִין֙ אֲבַעְבֻּעֹ֔ת פֹּרֵ֕חַ 1 To have **boils** means to have a condition where the skin is red, hot, and painful, the skin breaks open, and puss and blood come out. See how you translated this in the [previous verse](../09/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 9 10 rdo3 figs-gendernotations בָּאָדָ֖ם 1 Here, **man** includes women and children. See how you translated this in the [previous verse](../09/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 9 11 dxsx figs-metonymy לַעֲמֹ֛ד לִפְנֵ֥י מֹשֶׁ֖ה 1 Here, **before the face of** means in Moses’ presence. Alternate translation: “to stand in Moses’ presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 9 11 k9uu figs-metonymy מִפְּנֵ֣י הַשְּׁחִ֑ין 1 Here, **the face of** means the presence of or perhaps pain from the boils. Alternate translation: “because of the boils” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 9 11 lpmq translate-unknown הַשְּׁחִ֑ין…הַשְּׁחִ֔ין 1 To have **boils** means to have a condition where the skin is red, hot, and painful, the skin breaks open, and puss and blood come out. See how you translated this in [9:9](../09/09.md). However, this time only **boils** is used, without the description (“bursting blisters”) that is in the previous two verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 9 12 p5m5 figs-metaphor וַיְחַזֵּ֤ק יְהוָה֙ אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart This phrase means that it was God who made him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his **heart** were **strong**. If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md). Alternate translation: “But Yahweh caused Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 9 13 ifs8 writing-newevent וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 A new scene begins here. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. This is the beginning of the seventh plague sequence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 9 13 zmrt figs-metonymy וְהִתְיַצֵּ֖ב לִפְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה 1 Here, **before the face of** means in Pharaoh’s presence. Alternate translation: “and stand in Pharaoh’s presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 9 13 dxww figs-quotations וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗יו כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽעִבְרִ֔ים 1 After **and say to him**, a second-level quote begins which continues until the end of [9:19](../09/19.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation within a quotation. However, it may be useful to translate this short quote frame as an indirect quotation, as the UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 9 13 hsl6 כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ 1 This quotation formula is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information.
EXO 9 14 z68b grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י 1 Here it is implied that Pharaoh will again not let God’s people go. **For** is expressing the result, that is, God’s response to Pharaoh’s disobedience to the command immediately preceding. You may need to insert this as in the UST or choose a contrastive conjunction. Alternate translation: “Otherwise,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 9 14 n6wq figs-synecdoche אֲנִ֨י שֹׁלֵ֜חַ אֶת־כָּל־מַגֵּפֹתַי֙ אֶֽל־לִבְּךָ֔ 1 on you yourself Here, **to your heart** is a synecdoche that means that even Pharaoh will be hurt by the plagues. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am about to send all my plagues against you personally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 9 15 f056 figs-hypo כִּ֤י עַתָּה֙ שָׁלַ֣חְתִּי אֶת־יָדִ֔י וָאַ֥ךְ אוֹתְךָ֛ וְאֶֽת־עַמְּךָ֖ בַּדָּ֑בֶר וַתִּכָּחֵ֖ד מִן־הָאָֽרֶץ 1 This verse presents two things that God could have done but did not do to the Egyptians. This is to set up the reason he gives in the [next verse](../09/16.md). Be sure that it is clear in your translation that these are hypothetical past events. See the note regarding Yahweh’s stated goals in the next verse. Some languages may need to reverse the order of these verses to put Yahweh’s goals before his non-action. Use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
EXO 9 15 a3l8 figs-metonymy שָׁלַ֣חְתִּי אֶת־יָדִ֔י וָאַ֥ךְ אוֹתְךָ֛ 1 reached out with my hand and attacked you Here, **my hand** refers to God’s power. Alternate translation: “I could have used my power to attack you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 9 15 hgfx figs-metaphor וָאַ֥ךְ אוֹתְךָ֛ וְאֶֽת־עַמְּךָ֖ בַּדָּ֑בֶר 1 Here, **a plague** is spoken about as if it were something that could be used to hit someone. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “and caused you and your people to suffer from a plague” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 9 16 kwks grammar-connect-logic-goal וְאוּלָ֗ם בַּעֲב֥וּר זֹאת֙ הֶעֱמַדְתִּ֔יךָ בַּעֲב֖וּר הַרְאֹתְךָ֣ אֶת־כֹּחִ֑י וּלְמַ֛עַן סַפֵּ֥ר שְׁמִ֖י בְּכָל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃ 1 The statements from **to show** to the end of the verse are Yahweh’s stated goals, and thus, his reasons for not yet destroying Egypt and Pharaoh. You will need to translate, **However, for this reason I appointed you: in order** in a way that connects with the [previous verse](../09/15.md) in an action-goal manner. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
EXO 9 16 nec7 figs-metonymy וּלְמַ֛עַן סַפֵּ֥ר שְׁמִ֖י בְּכָל־הָאָֽרֶץ 1 so that my name may be proclaimed throughout all the earth Here, **my name** represents Yahweh’s reputation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “and so that people everywhere will know who I am” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 9 17 h3ed figs-metaphor עוֹדְךָ֖ מִסְתּוֹלֵ֣ל בְּעַמִּ֑י 1 lifting yourself up against my people Pharaoh’s opposition to letting the Israelites go to worship Yahweh is spoken of as if he were raising himself up as a barrier to them. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “You are still blocking my people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 9 17 sdav figs-rpronouns מִסְתּוֹלֵ֣ל 1 Here, Pharaoh is both the subject and object of the sentence. Translate this in a way that conveys that (1) Pharaoh is making Pharaoh (himself) proud and (2) this is metaphorically expressed as Pharaoh making Pharaoh (himself) the obstacle in the Israelites’ way to freedom (as discussed in the previous note.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
EXO 9 19 fduj figs-metonymy שְׁלַ֤ח הָעֵז֙ אֶֽת־מִקְנְךָ֔ וְאֵ֛ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְךָ֖ בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה 1 The form of address here is singular; Moses is speaking directly to Pharaoh. However, the next two verses make it clear that Pharaoh’s servants heard and understood this warning to be for them as well. In this sense Pharaoh represents the Egyptians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 9 19 x4ja figs-gendernotations כָּל־הָאָדָ֨ם 1 Here, **man** means humans and includes men, women, and children. Alternate translation: “everyone” or “anyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 9 19 f80e figs-explicit וָמֵֽתוּ 1 The people and animals **will die** because they will be fatally injured by the hail. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and the hail will kill them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 9 19 g90p figs-quotemarks וָמֵֽתוּ 1 Up to three levels of direct quotation (depending on your earlier decision about converting a level to an indirect quotation) end at the end of this verse. You should indicate that ending here with closing first-level, second-level, and third-level (if required) quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of quotations within quotations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 9 20 dp8j figs-explicit הַיָּרֵא֙ 1 As in some other occasions, Moses’ conversation with Pharaoh is not recorded. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the fact that he did as Yahweh instructed explicitly. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 9 20 p3nz הַיָּרֵא֙ אֶת־דְּבַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה מֵֽעַבְדֵ֖י פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 Here, **the word of Yahweh** refers to Yahweh’s warning, more broadly it means they believed that Yahweh would do what he threatened. Alternate translation: “Those of Pharaoh’s servants who feared Yahweh’s warning”
EXO 9 21 dvwv figs-metaphor וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־שָׂ֛ם לִבּ֖וֹ אֶל 1 Here, **set his heart** means he believed or thought something was true. If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. Alternate translation: “but whoever did not respect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 9 21 bzqy figs-metonymy דְּבַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה 1 Here, **the word of Yahweh** refers to Yahweh’s warning, more broadly it means they did not believe that Yahweh would do what he threatened. Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s warning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 9 22 vtfl writing-newevent וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה 1 A minor scene shift occurs here and may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 9 22 zwvk יָֽדְךָ֙ 1 See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff.
EXO 9 22 h9cr figs-gendernotations הָאָדָ֣ם 1 Here, **man** includes women and children. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 9 25 vnpj figs-merism מֵאָדָ֖ם וְעַד־בְּהֵמָ֑ה 1 Here, **from man to beast** is a figure of speech used to emphasize the extent and severity of the hail. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “every living thing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 9 25 ft0o figs-gendernotations מֵאָדָ֖ם 1 Here, **man** includes women and children. Alternate translation: “from people” or “from mankind” or “from humans” See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 9 25 apbl בְּהֵמָ֑ה 1 Here, **beast** includes domestic and wild animals.
EXO 9 27 fu9c writing-newevent וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח פַּרְעֹ֗ה 1 to summon A minor scene shift occurs here and may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 9 27 sh1x חָטָ֣אתִי 1 Some commentators suggest translating **sinned** more literally, that is “missed the mark,” because Pharaoh is probably not admitting a moral failure, but instead, admitting that he misjudged.
EXO 9 27 joxy הַצַּדִּ֔יק…הָרְשָׁעִֽים 1 Many commentators suggest that Pharaoh is using these terms in a narrow, legal sense and only referring to this instance. That is, he is saying something like “I’ve lost this round in court.” See UST.
EXO 9 28 r0cs figs-litotes וְלֹ֥א תֹסִפ֖וּן לַעֲמֹֽד 1 Here Pharaoh uses 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. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “really, I will let you go”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
EXO 9 29 b787 translate-symaction אֶפְרֹ֥שׂ אֶת־כַּפַּ֖י אֶל־יְהוָ֑ה 1 spread my hands out to Yahweh This symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I will pray to Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EXO 9 30 tn94 grammar-connect-condition-contrary וְאַתָּ֖ה וַעֲבָדֶ֑יךָ 1 honor Yahweh God This phrase is shifted to the beginning of the sentence to mark focus on Pharaoh and his servants because, despite Yahweh demonstrating his power, they are not yet afraid of him. If your language has a form or discourse feature that draws contrastive focus to participants, use it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary]])
EXO 9 31 pcwg writing-background 0 This and the next verse give background information so that the destruction caused by the later plagues can be understood by the reader. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EXO 9 31 p1v8 translate-unknown וְהַפִּשְׁתָּ֥ה…וְהַפִּשְׁתָּ֖ה 1 flax **Flax** is a plant that produces fibers that can be made into linen cloth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 9 31 lzar translate-unknown אָבִ֔יב 1 This means the seeds at the top of the barley stalk were developing but still green. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 9 33 fa2j translate-symaction וַיִּפְרֹ֥שׂ כַּפָּ֖יו אֶל־יְהוָ֑ה 1 spread out his hands to Yahweh This symbolic gesture accompanies prayer. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 9:29](../09/29.md). Alternate translation: “lifted up his hands toward Yahweh and prayed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EXO 9 34 ke5k figs-metaphor וַיַּכְבֵּ֥ד לִבּ֖וֹ 1 hardened his heart Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if he made his own **heart heavy**. This time his servants do the same. If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [8:15](../08/15.md). Alternate translation: “Pharaoh determined to be defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 9 34 nz0e וַיֹּ֣סֶף לַחֲטֹ֑א 1 This statement is from the author’s perspective. Therefore, unlike in [9:27](../09/27.md), **sin** should be translated with the word your language uses for “sin.”
EXO 9 34 ooed וַיַּכְבֵּ֥ד לִבּ֖וֹ ה֥וּא וַעֲבָדָֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “and he caused his heart to be heavy. His servants did also” or “and he caused his heart to be heavy. His servants did the same”
EXO 9 35 yxt8 figs-metaphor וַֽיֶּחֱזַק֙ לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 The heart of Pharaoh was hardened Pharaoh’s stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his **heart** were **strong**. If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [Exodus 7:13](../07/13.md). This is a neutral statement (it does not say that anyone caused him to be stubborn as many others in this part of the narrative do). Alternate translation: “Pharaoh was still defiant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 9 35 x0kn figs-metaphor כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה בְּיַד־מֹשֶֽׁה 1 This is similar to [9:12](../09/12.md). In this case, what Yahweh said is figuratively spoken of as if it were something that could be held in someone’s hand. This means that Moses delivered a message from Yahweh that Pharaoh would be stubborn. It is not clear if this message was given to the Israelites or if this refers to Moses’ statement to Pharaoh in [9:30](../09/30.md). If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “just as Yahweh had told Moses to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 10 intro s5g1 0 # Exodus 10 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>The text does not specify, but some time seems to have passed between chapters nine and ten (see 9:31-32 and 10:5).<br>- v. 1-20: Eighth plague: locusts<br> - v. 16-20: Pharaoh seems to repent, but it does not last<br>- v. 21-29: Ninth plague: darkness
EXO 10 1 w4pw figs-metaphor כִּֽי־אֲנִ֞י הִכְבַּ֤דְתִּי אֶת־לִבּוֹ֙ וְאֶת־לֵ֣ב עֲבָדָ֔יו 1 for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants This means God made Pharaoh and his servants stubborn. Their stubborn attitude is spoken of as if their **hearts** were **heavy.** If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md), but note that the metaphor is slightly different here. Alternate translation: “for I have caused Pharaoh and his servants to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 10 3 pm8p figs-quotemarks וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֗יו 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until near the end of [10:6](../10/06.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. There may be other quotations in this chapter; they will be marked by the same punctuation, but they will not have their own notes unless there is something unique about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 10 3 u3mq figs-quotations וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֗יו כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הָֽעִבְרִ֔ים 1 It may be helpful to turn the introductory quotation into an indirect quotation so that you do not have to use quotes within quotes. Alternate translation: “and told him that Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, said thus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 10 3 vze4 כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ 1 This quotation formula is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information.
EXO 10 3 cicf figs-metonymy עַד־מָתַ֣י מֵאַ֔נְתָּ לֵעָנֹ֖ת מִפָּנָ֑י 1 Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of Yahweh. Particularly, it means the presence of his judgment (the plagues). Alternate translation: “Until when will you refuse to be humble when I judge you” or “Until when will you refuse to be humble before me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 10 4 uwtp grammar-collectivenouns אַרְבֶּ֖ה 1 Here, **locust** is a singular noun referring to the group as one. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “locusts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 10 5 zu5r figs-parallelism וְכִסָּה֙ אֶת־עֵ֣ין הָאָ֔רֶץ וְלֹ֥א יוּכַ֖ל לִרְאֹ֣ת אֶת־הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 hail These parallel statements have a similar meaning. They are used to emphasize the great number of locusts that are coming. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 10 5 oj3i grammar-collectivenouns וְכִסָּה֙…וְאָכַ֣ל…וְאָכַל֙ 1 Here the pronoun **it** agrees in number with the collective singular “locust” in the previous verse. Insects are often referred to without gender in English, but you will need to use whatever number, gender, or noun class is required in your language to agree with the word for “locust” that you used in the [previous verse](../10/04.md). See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 10 6 ir5l figs-hyperbole מִיּ֗וֹם הֱיוֹתָם֙ עַל־הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה עַ֖ד הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה 1 nothing ever seen Here, **on the earth** could either mean “on the planet” or “on the land” (Egypt). Either way, the entire phrase is meant to emphasize an extremely long time, with the intended meaning being “never.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EXO 10 6 ma0o figs-explicit וַיִּ֥פֶן 1 [Verse 3](../10/03.md) says that Aaron came in to see the king with Moses. It is implied that he left with him as well. You may make this explicit if it would help your readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 10 7 xn8j figs-rquestion עַד־מָתַי֙ יִהְיֶ֨ה זֶ֥ה לָ֨נוּ֙ לְמוֹקֵ֔שׁ 1 How long will this man be a menace to us? Pharaoh’s servants ask this question to show Pharaoh that he is stubbornly causing the destruction of Egypt. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “We must not let this man continue to cause trouble for us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 10 7 jqbh figs-gendernotations הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים 1 Here, **men** may be literal or it may refer to the Israelites, including the women and children. In [verse 10](../10/10.md) the king rejects the idea of letting the women and children go, and in [verse 11](../10/11.md) he specifically says that the men can go. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 10 7 xdm5 figs-rquestion הֲטֶ֣רֶם תֵּדַ֔ע כִּ֥י אָבְדָ֖ה מִצְרָֽיִם 1 Do you not yet realize that Egypt is destroyed? Pharaoh’s servants ask this question to bring Pharaoh to recognize what he refuses to see. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You should realize that Egypt is destroyed!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 10 7 c6pr figs-activepassive כִּ֥י אָבְדָ֖ה מִצְרָֽיִם 1 that Egypt is destroyed If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that these plagues have destroyed Egypt” or “that their God has destroyed Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 10 8 bu1x figs-activepassive וַיּוּשַׁ֞ב אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֤ה וְאֶֽת־אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And a servant brought Moses and Aaron back to Pharaoh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 10 9 fnnl figs-exclusive נֵלֵ֑ךְ…נֵלֵ֔ךְ 1 **We** means the Israelites and does not include Pharaoh or the Egyptians. Use an exclusive form here if your language has this distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
EXO 10 10 hjc9 יְהִ֨י כֵ֤ן יְהוָה֙ עִמָּכֶ֔ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר אֲשַׁלַּ֥ח אֶתְכֶ֖ם וְאֶֽת־טַפְּכֶ֑ם 1 if I ever let you go and your little ones go **May Yahweh be with you** is usually a blessing but is almost certainly not a blessing here. It likely means something like “It will take Yahweh’s power to make me let you and your children go,” or “May Yahweh be as favorable to you as I am to the idea of letting your children go.” Pharaoh is saying that it will take Yahweh to make him do what Moses wants, but he does not think that will happen. Alternate translation: “It will be clear that Yahweh is with you if I let you and your children go”
EXO 10 10 w8x4 figs-metonymy רְא֕וּ כִּ֥י רָעָ֖ה נֶ֥גֶד פְּנֵיכֶֽם 1 The phrase **for evil is before your faces** could either be a warning from Pharaoh that Moses’ actions will lead to evil for the Israelites, or it could mean that Pharaoh thinks the Israelites plan something that he considers evil. **Faces** is a metonym for the whole person. Alternate translations: “I see that you plan evil” or “Be careful! Your actions will have bad consequences” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 10 11 pkm4 הַגְּבָרִים֙ 1 Then Moses and Aaron were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence This interjection clarifies who may go. Alternate translation: “the leaders”
EXO 10 11 vdjk figs-metonymy מֵאֵ֖ת פְּנֵ֥י פַרְעֹֽה 1 Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of Pharaoh. Alternate translation: “from his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 10 12 kchn writing-newevent וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה 1 There is a minor scene change here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 10 12 qikq grammar-collectivenouns בָּֽאַרְבֶּ֔ה 1 **Locust** is a collective singular noun referring to the group as one. See how you translated this in [10:4](../10/04.md). Alternate translation: “locusts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 10 12 gzwa grammar-collectivenouns וְיַ֖עַל…וְיֹאכַל֙ 1 Here, the pronoun **it** agrees in number with the collective singular “locust.” See how you translated this in [10:5](../10/05.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 10 13 syz2 grammar-collectivenouns הָאַרְבֶּֽה 1 See how you translated this in [10:4](../10/04.md). Alternate translation: “locusts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 10 14 kuuu grammar-collectivenouns הָֽאַרְבֶּ֗ה…אַרְבֶּה֙ 1 See how you translated this in [10:4](../10/04.md). Alternate translation: “locusts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 10 15 b3h5 grammar-collectivenouns וַיְכַ֞ס…וַיֹּ֜אכַל 1 so that it was darkened Here the pronoun **it** agrees in number with the collective singular “locust.” See how you translated this in [10:5](../10/05.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 10 15 ill1 figs-parallelism וַיֹּ֜אכַל אֶת־כָּל־עֵ֣שֶׂב הָאָ֗רֶץ וְאֵת֙ כָּל־פְּרִ֣י הָעֵ֔ץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹתִ֖יר הַבָּרָ֑ד וְלֹא־נוֹתַ֨ר כָּל־יֶ֧רֶק בָּעֵ֛ץ וּבְעֵ֥שֶׂב הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה בְּכָל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 These parallel statements reinforce one another. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 10 16 ty9f figs-youdual אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם וְלָכֶֽם 1 Here, **you** and **your** are plural. These could refer either to Moses and Aaron or to all the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 10 17 ttog אַ֣ךְ הַפַּ֔עַם…רַ֖ק 1 Pharaoh could either be desperate and using **just this once … only** to attempt to make his request as small as possible to increase the chances of it being granted, or he could be still too proud to admit guilt beyond this single incident (which is probably his bold statement about Yahweh being with the Israelites in [10:10](../10/10.md)). The former seems more likely given that he terms this plague “this death.” If your culture has a way of making a request seem as small as possible, you may want to use it to translate Pharaoh’s request.
EXO 10 17 kd6d figs-youdual אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֑ם 1 this time Here, **your** is plural. This could refer either to Moses and Aaron or to all the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 10 17 doeg figs-metonymy הַמָּ֥וֶת הַזֶּֽה 1 The word **death** here refers to the destruction by the locusts of all plants in Egypt, which would eventually lead to the deaths of people, because there would be no crops. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 10 17 nn2b figs-explicit הַמָּ֥וֶת הַזֶּֽה 1 take this death away from me The word **death** here refers to the destruction by the locusts of all plants in Egypt, which would eventually lead to the deaths of people because there would be no crops. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “this destruction that will lead to our deaths” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 10 18 p9hz וַיֵּצֵ֖א 1 Moses and Aaron were summoned to the king in [10:16](../10/16.md), so some translations will need to say that they both left.
EXO 10 19 zhcu grammar-collectivenouns הָ֣אַרְבֶּ֔ה…אַרְבֶּ֣ה 1 See how you translated this in [10:4](../10/04.md). Alternate translation: “the locusts … of the locusts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 10 19 q8aj grammar-collectivenouns וַיִּתְקָעֵ֖הוּ 1 Here, the first **it** refers to the wind; the second **it** agrees in number with the collective singular “locust.” See how you translated this in [10:5](../10/05.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 10 20 dw1d figs-metaphor וַיְחַזֵּ֥ק יְהוָ֖ה אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart This means God made him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his **heart** were **strong**. If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md). Alternate translation: “But Yahweh caused Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 10 21 x6xk writing-newevent וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה 1 A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. This is the start of the third plague sequence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 10 21 m38s figs-metaphor מִצְרָ֑יִם וְיָמֵ֖שׁ חֹֽשֶׁךְ 1 darkness that may be felt This is a somewhat puzzling construction which describes the darkness. Most English translations take it as a passive, which restated actively means, “people will feel the darkness,” meaning metaphorically what is expressed in different ways in the UST and the alternate translation here. Another option is to view the Hebrew verb form as causative and translate as such: “and the darkness will cause people to feel,” meaning people will have to feel where they are going because they will not be able to see. A final option would be a personification of darkness such that the darkness gropes around, filling in every place in the land. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Egypt, an extremely oppressive darkness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 10 23 jmd8 figs-metonymy לֹֽא־רָא֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶת־אָחִ֗יו 1 This phrase means that people could not see the people who lived closest to them, whether or not that person was literally their **brother**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “No one could see the people who lived with them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 10 23 o572 figs-gendernotations אִ֣ישׁ…אִ֥ישׁ 1 Here, **man** refers to any human in general. Alternate translation: “person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 10 24 vp7b figs-youdual לְכוּ֙ עִבְד֣וּ…צֹאנְכֶ֥ם וּבְקַרְכֶ֖ם…טַפְּכֶ֖ם…עִמָּכֶֽם 1 Every instance of **you** and **your**, as well as the imperative verb forms in this verse, are plural. They refer to the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 10 25 rsr4 figs-metonymy גַּם־אַתָּ֛ה תִּתֵּ֥ן בְּיָדֵ֖נוּ זְבָחִ֣ים וְעֹל֑וֹת 1 The construction here is difficult. Based on context, Moses is probably not saying that Pharaoh needs to provide his own animals to the Israelites. He is asking Pharaoh to let the Israelites take their own animals with them. **Give in our hands** means to take with them, by whatever means, which may include holding a rope in the hand to lead the animals or any other means of herding the animals. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 10 25 cj78 figs-metonymy זְבָחִ֣ים וְעֹל֑וֹת 1 Here, **sacrifices and burnt offerings** refers to the animals of their flocks and herds that they must take. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “animals for sacrifices and burnt offerings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 10 25 bjy0 וְעָשִׂ֖ינוּ לַיהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ 1 Here, **do** means “do the sacrifices and burnt offerings.” Alternate translation: “and we will make those sacrifices and burnt offerings to Yahweh our God”
EXO 10 25 ixo7 figs-exclusive בְּיָדֵ֖נוּ…וְעָשִׂ֖ינוּ…אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ 1 Here, **we** and **us** refers to the Israelites (same group as the speaker’s) while excluding Pharaoh and the Egyptians (listeners’ group). If your language distinguishes between forms of we and us based on who is included, be sure to use the one appropriate to the described group. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
EXO 10 26 k0pi figs-exclusive מִקְנֵ֜נוּ…עִמָּ֗נוּ…נִקַּ֔ח…אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ וַאֲנַ֣חְנוּ…נֵדַ֗ע…נַּעֲבֹד֙…בֹּאֵ֖נוּ 1 Here, **we, our,** and **us** each refers to the Israelites (same group as the speaker’s) while excluding Pharaoh and the Egyptians (listeners’ group). If your language distinguishes between forms of we, our, and us based on who is included, be sure to use the one appropriate to the described group. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
EXO 10 26 ys4v figs-activepassive לֹ֤א תִשָּׁאֵר֙ פַּרְסָ֔ה 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We cannot leave behind a single animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 10 26 v9uc figs-synecdoche פַּרְסָ֔ה 1 a hoof Here the word **hoof** refers to the entire animal. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a single animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 10 26 uiom שָֽׁמָּה 1 The destination is unspecified. Previous context suggests it would be at the mountain of God (see [3:1](../03/01.md), especially [3:12](../03/12.md), and [4:27](../04/27.md)), which would take three days of travel to reach (see [3:18](../03/18.md) and [5:3](../05/03.md)).
EXO 10 27 n588 figs-metaphor וַיְחַזֵּ֥ק יְהוָ֖ה אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart This means God made him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his **heart** were **strong**. If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md). Alternate translation: “But Yahweh caused Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 10 28 di6g figs-rpronouns הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְךָ֗ 1 Here, the listener, Moses, is both the subject and object of the sentence. He is the person told to look (subject) and he himself is what he is told to look at (object). Different languages have different methods of marking this. Alternate translation: “You watch yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
EXO 10 28 eza9 figs-idiom הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְךָ֗ 1 This is an idiom. Pharaoh is not telling Moses literally to keep looking at himself. Alternate translation: “Be careful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 10 28 lcz2 figs-explicit תָּמֽוּת 1 Be careful about one thing Pharaoh means he will have Moses killed. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 10 28 te45 figs-synecdoche פָּנַ֔י…פָנַ֖י 1 you see my face Here, **face** refers to the whole person. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 10 29 h1jf figs-idiom כֵּ֣ן דִּבַּ֑רְתָּ 1 You yourself have spoken With these words, Moses emphasizes that Pharaoh has spoken the truth. Alternate translation: “What you have said is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 10 29 rg18 figs-synecdoche פָּנֶֽיךָ 1 Here, **face** refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 11 intro pu3u 0 # Exodus 11 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting\r<br><br>Chapter 11 is a transition point in the book. The previous nine plagues (in their three sequences of three) have come to an end and the last plague, the death of the firstborn, is about to occur, along with the Passover and the Exodus itself. It is difficult to know if the events in chapter 11 all are recorded in the order in which they happened. For translation, you should follow the order of the text if it will not confuse your readers.<br><br>It may be helpful to think that after the end of chapter 10, Yahweh spoke to Moses immediately, before he actually left Pharaoh’s presence (v. [1](../11/01.md)-[2](../11/02.md)). [Verse 3](../11/03.md) is a comment suggesting that the Egyptians will be willing to do as the Israelites are told to ask them to do in [v. 2](../11/02.md). In verses [4](../11/04.md)-[7](../11/07.md) Moses gives Pharaoh and his officials a message from Yahweh that Yahweh is giving to Moses right at that moment. At the end of [v. 8](../11/08.md) Moses leaves Pharaoh’s presence (completing the interaction from the [end of ch. 10](../10/28.md)). [Verse 9](../11/09.md) may either be Yahweh telling Moses what is going to happen, or it could be part of the summary that occurs in [v. 10](../11/10.md). Verse 10 summarizes what has happened in chs. 5-10 (especially the plagues in chs. 7-10) in preparation for the great last plague.
EXO 11 1 hrom figs-quotemarks אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה 1 After this phrase, a direct quote begins that continues until the end of [11:2](../11/02.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. There may be other quotations in this chapter; they will be marked by the same punctuation, but they will not have their own notes unless there is something unique about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 11 1 eqeb grammar-connect-time-sequential כְּשַׁ֨לְּח֔וֹ…יְגָרֵ֥שׁ 1 These verbs (**lets go** and **drive away**) are meant to immediately follow one another. When you translate, make sure they are almost simultaneous in time; the letting go happens and then immediately the driving away happens. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EXO 11 1 iocd כָּלָ֕ה גָּרֵ֛שׁ יְגָרֵ֥שׁ 1 The wording here is very forceful. Use strong words, forms, or phrasing when you are translating.
EXO 11 1 i87h figs-youdual אֶתְכֶ֖ם…אֶתְכֶ֖ם 1 he will let you go from here Each occurrence of the word **you** in this verse is plural and refers to Moses and the rest of the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 11 2 t14c נָ֖א 1 Here, **now** conveys urgency, indicating that Moses should speak soon, without delaying for other things. If you have a way of giving a command that shows that it is important for someone to do it quickly, it would be better to translate in that way than in a way that means “now” in a time sense (versus earlier or later).
EXO 11 2 jl6w כְּלֵי־כֶ֖סֶף וּכְלֵ֥י זָהָֽב 1 These could be any sort of thing made from silver or gold (for instance: utensils, cups, pitchers, plates, candleholders), not just jewelry.
EXO 11 2 ddej וְיִשְׁאֲל֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ׀ מֵאֵ֣ת רֵעֵ֗הוּ וְאִשָּׁה֙ מֵאֵ֣ת רְעוּתָ֔הּ כְּלֵי־כֶ֖סֶף וּכְלֵ֥י זָהָֽב 1 [Exodus 3:22](../03/22.md) contains similar instructions; see how you translated there.
EXO 11 3 x83s figs-aside וַיִּתֵּ֧ן יְהוָ֛ה אֶת־חֵ֥ן הָעָ֖ם בְּעֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם גַּ֣ם׀ הָאִ֣ישׁ מֹשֶׁ֗ה גָּד֤וֹל מְאֹד֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם בְּעֵינֵ֥י עַבְדֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה וּבְעֵינֵ֥י הָעָֽם 1 In this verse the author interjects a comment about the situation. Some translations choose to put the verse in parenthesis to indicate this. You may mark it in a way that is natural to your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]])
EXO 11 3 hng9 figs-idiom חֵ֥ן הָעָ֖ם בְּעֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 Here, **in the eyes of the Egyptians** is an idiom for the Egyptian’s feelings or opinion. **Favor** means those feelings are positive. Taken together, this means that when the Egyptians see the Israelites leaving Egypt, they will gladly help them. (Because the Egyptians have suffered under God’s judgment, the Egyptians want so badly to see them leave). If your language has the same or a similar idiom, you can translate or use it. Otherwise, you can translate the meaning. See how you translated this in [3:21](../03/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 11 3 orq6 figs-idiom בְּעֵינֵ֥י עַבְדֵֽי־פַרְעֹ֖ה וּבְעֵינֵ֥י הָעָֽם 1 Here, **in the eyes of the servants of Pharaoh and in the eyes of the people** is an idiom for their feelings or opinions. If your language has the same or a similar idiom, you can translate or use it. Otherwise, you can translate the meaning. See how you translated a similar idiom in [3:21](../03/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 11 3 s5zy וַיִּתֵּ֧ן יְהוָ֛ה אֶת־חֵ֥ן הָעָ֖ם בְּעֵינֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 [Exodus 3:21](../03/21.md) contains a related phrase; see how you translated it there.
EXO 11 4 kpb5 כֹּ֖ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה 1 midnight This quotation formula is used to introduce commands from Yahweh. See [4:intro](../04/intro.md) for more information.
EXO 11 5 hv8k בְּכוֹר֮…מִבְּכ֤וֹר…בְּכ֣וֹר…בְּכ֥וֹר 1 All the firstborn … the firstborn of Pharaoh … the firstborn of the slave girl … the firstborn of the cattle The “firstborn” always refers to the oldest male offspring.
EXO 11 5 k42h figs-merism מִבְּכ֤וֹר פַּרְעֹה֙ הַיֹּשֵׁ֣ב עַל־כִּסְא֔וֹ עַ֚ד בְּכ֣וֹר הַשִּׁפְחָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר אַחַ֣ר הָרֵחָ֑יִם וְכֹ֖ל בְּכ֥וֹר בְּהֵמָֽה 1 who sits on his throne This is a merism. First, two extremes are mentioned: the highest of society (**Pharaoh, who sits on his throne**) and the lowest (**the slave girl who is behind the mill**). Then the animals (**beasts**) are added making it a three-item list of parts of society and even the economy to show the totality of the coming judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 11 5 hr1x אֲשֶׁ֖ר אַחַ֣ר הָרֵחָ֑יִם 1 who is behind the handmill grinding it Alternate translation: “who is grinding at the handmill” or “who is behind the handmill grinding grain”
EXO 11 6 hui7 figs-merism אֲשֶׁ֤ר כָּמֹ֨הוּ֙ לֹ֣א נִהְיָ֔תָה וְכָמֹ֖הוּ לֹ֥א תֹסִֽף 1 This phrase uses the extremes of past and future to emphasize the concept of “never.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “such as has never been and never will be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 11 7 b60a figs-idiom לֹ֤א יֶֽחֱרַץ…לְשֹׁנ֔וֹ 1 This means to make an unfriendly noise. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “will not growl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 11 7 t61i figs-youdual תֵּֽדְע֔וּן 1 Here, **you** is plural. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 11 8 hoft translate-symaction וְהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוּוּ־לִ֣י 1 This does not mean to bow for worshiping. **They will bow to** Moses to beg him to leave. They will do this to show how desperate they will be for Moses and the Israelites to go. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EXO 11 8 l678 figs-explicit וְהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוּוּ־לִ֣י 1 **They will bow to** Moses to beg him to leave. They will do this to show how desperate they will be for Moses and the Israelites to go. If this action would not mean the same thing in your culture, you may need to make the reason they are bowing explicit. Alternate translation: “and they will bow down to me to beg” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 11 8 njx8 figs-metaphor וְכָל־הָעָ֣ם אֲשֶׁר־בְּרַגְלֶ֔יךָ 1 Here, the people are figuratively pictured as below Moses, which means they are his followers. The reference to **feet** also can mean they go the same place he goes, again, meaning “follower.” If your language uses a similar image to mean follower, you can translate the image; if not, you may use another image from your culture or translate the meaning. Alternate translation: “and all the people who are following you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 11 8 ria5 figs-explicit וְאַחֲרֵי־כֵ֖ן אֵצֵ֑א 1 After that I will go out This means that Moses and the Israelites will leave Egypt. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “After that I will leave here” or “After that I will go out from Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 11 8 milu figs-idiom בָּחֳרִי־אָֽף 1 This is an idiom meaning that Moses is angry. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “enraged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 11 10 h5g7 writing-endofstory וּמֹשֶׁ֣ה וְאַהֲרֹ֗ן עָשׂ֛וּ אֶת־כָּל־הַמֹּפְתִ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה לִפְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה וַיְחַזֵּ֤ק יְהוָה֙ אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְלֹֽא־שִׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵאַרְצֽוֹ 1 This verse is summarizing and wrapping up the story of the plagues. If your language has a way of summarizing information at the end of a story, try to translate this verse (and possibly verse 9 - see the introductory notes to this chapter) in this way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])
EXO 11 10 um4u figs-metaphor וַיְחַזֵּ֤ק יְהוָה֙ אֶת־לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart This means God made him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his **heart** were **strong**. If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md). Alternate translation: “But Yahweh caused Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 12 intro fd2f 0 # Exodus 12 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>The events of this chapter are known as the Passover. They are remembered in the celebration of Passover. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/passover]])<br>1. Instruction v. 1-28<br> * v. 1-20: Yahweh gives instructions<br> * v. 1-11: how to eat this Passover<br> * v. 12-13: description of the plague<br> * v. 14-20: directions for future celebration of Passover<br> * v. 21-28: Moses repeats Yahweh’s instructions to Israelites<br>2. Narrative v. 29-42: Passover and Exodus<br>3. Instruction v. 43-49: which foreigners may eat Passover<br>4. Summary Narrative v. 50-51<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Unleavened bread<br><br>The concept of unleavened bread is introduced in this chapter. Its significance stems from its connection to the events in this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/unleavenedbread]])<br><br>### Ethnic segregation<br><br>The Hebrew people were to be separate from the rest of the world. Because of this, they separated themselves from other people groups. At this time, these foreigners were looked upon as unholy. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])<br><br>## Potential Translation Issues:<br><br>### Passover<br><br>### Pronoun usage<br><br>In the long quotation (verses 3-20) that Yahweh tells Moses and Aaron to convey to the Israelites, he speaks of them in the third person (“they must”) in [verses 3](../12/03.md)–4 and [verses 7](../12/07.md)–8 and to them in the second person (“you must”) for all the rest of the instruction. Some languages may need to keep the pronoun person consistent throughout the quotation.<br><br>### You plural<br><br>In this chapter, almost every occurrence of “you” or “your” is plural. Each one refers to all the Israelites. Those that are not will be marked. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form throughout unless otherwise noted. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 12 2 z785 figs-quotemarks הַחֹ֧דֶשׁ הַזֶּ֛ה לָכֶ֖ם רֹ֣אשׁ חֳדָשִׁ֑ים 1 For you, this month will be the start of months, the first month of the year to you The start of this verse is the beginning of a direct quote which continues until the end of [verse 20](../12/20.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. There may be other quotations in this chapter; they will be marked by the same punctuation, but they will not have their own notes unless there is something unique about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 12 2 gtgb figs-parallelism הַחֹ֧דֶשׁ הַזֶּ֛ה לָכֶ֖ם רֹ֣אשׁ חֳדָשִׁ֑ים רִאשׁ֥וֹן הוּא֙ לָכֶ֔ם לְחָדְשֵׁ֖י הַשָּׁנָֽה 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the month in which the events of this chapter take place will be the beginning of their calendar year. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 12 2 uy4w translate-hebrewmonths רִאשׁ֥וֹן הוּא֙ לָכֶ֔ם לְחָדְשֵׁ֖י הַשָּׁנָֽה 1 the first month of the year The first month of the Hebrew calendar includes the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. It marks when Yahweh rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians. You could convert the Hebrew day and month into an approximate date on the calendar that your culture uses. However, the Jews used a lunar calendar, so if you use a solar calendar, the date will be different every year and the translation will not be entirely accurate. So you may just want to give the number of the day and the name of the month on the Hebrew calendar, and say approximately what time of year that is on your calendar in a footnote. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EXO 12 3 lv6s figs-youdual דַּבְּר֗וּ 1 The command here is to both Moses and Aaron. If your language uses a different form if two are people addressed, use a dual form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 12 3 jjw0 וְיִקְח֣וּ לָהֶ֗ם אִ֛ישׁ שֶׂ֥ה לְבֵית־אָבֹ֖ת שֶׂ֥ה לַבָּֽיִת 1 This seems to be indicating that if multiple families live in one house, the man who is the leader of the family group that lives there should take one lamb for that whole household. Alternate translation: “the father of each household must take a lamb for his household, one per household”
EXO 12 3 qzct שֶׂ֥ה…שֶׂ֥ה 1 The word **lamb** literally means “of the flock,” and it could also be translated as a sheep or a goat. Here, the ULT uses **lamb** (a young sheep), because [verse 5](../12/05.md) specifies that it must be one year old. “Kid” (a young goat) would be equally valid as verse 5 also says that it could be either a sheep or a goat. You may translate it as either sheep or goat, whichever would be most familiar.
EXO 12 4 xzn3 figs-explicit וְאִם־יִמְעַ֣ט הַבַּיִת֮ מִהְיֹ֣ת מִשֶּׂה֒ 1 If the household is too small for a lamb This means that there are not enough people in the family to eat an entire lamb. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “If there are not enough people in the household to eat an entire lamb” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 12 4 o258 וּשְׁכֵנ֛וֹ הַקָּרֹ֥ב אֶל־בֵּית֖וֹ בְּמִכְסַ֣ת נְפָשֹׁ֑ת 1 The phrase **by the number of people** helps to clarify which sort of **neighbor near to his house** the Israelite should choose. They should count their own household and another household and try to have a group that is the right number to eat an entire lamb. Alternate translation: “and his neighbor who lives near him and whose family is the right size to share a lamb with”
EXO 12 4 fu2g figs-gendernotations אִ֚ישׁ 1 the man and his next door neighbor Here **man** refers to each person, whether man, woman, or child. Alternate translation: “each family member” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 12 7 cjt7 עַל־שְׁתֵּ֥י הַמְּזוּזֹ֖ת וְעַל־הַמַּשְׁק֑וֹף עַ֚ל הַבָּ֣תִּ֔ים 1 on the two side doorposts and on the tops of the doorframes of the houses Alternate translation: “on the sides and top of the way into the house” or “on the top and sides of the frame around the door into the house”
EXO 12 11 r789 figs-explicit פֶּ֥סַח ה֖וּא לַיהוָֽה 1 It is Yahweh’s Passover **It** refers to eating the animal on the tenth day of the month. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “This observance is Yahweh’s Passover” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 12 12 sa5n figs-abstractnouns וּבְכָל־אֱלֹהֵ֥י מִצְרַ֛יִם אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה שְׁפָטִ֖ים 1 I will bring punishment on all the gods of Egypt If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **judgment**, you can express the same idea in another way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 12 13 tywz figs-abstractnouns לְמַשְׁחִ֔ית 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **destruction**, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to destroy you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 12 13 bnoe figs-activepassive וְלֹֽא־יִֽהְיֶ֨ה בָכֶ֥ם נֶ֨גֶף֙ 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and I will not put the plague on you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 12 13 ox3l figs-metonymy בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 Yahweh is going to strike the people and animals who live in **the land of Egypt**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “on everything living in the land of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 12 14 fa9q וְהָיָה֩ הַיּ֨וֹם הַזֶּ֤ה 1 Verses 14-[20](../12/20.md) are instructions for the Israelites’ future celebration of the Passover. If your language makes a distinction between near and far future events or between near and general commands, you may need to make clear that these verses primarily have a later application.
EXO 12 14 usns translate-hebrewmonths הַיּ֨וֹם הַזֶּ֤ה 1 Here, **this day** means the tenth day of the first month of every year. On this day every year, they must celebrate the Passover. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EXO 12 15 i9n3 figs-metaphor וְנִכְרְתָ֞ה הַנֶּ֤פֶשׁ הַהִוא֙ מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 that person must be cut off from Israel The metaphor **cut off** could mean: (1) the person must leave. Alternate translation: “he must be sent away” (2) the person is no longer an Israelite. Alternate translation: “he will no longer be considered to be one of the people of Israel” (3) the person must die. Alternate translation: “he must be killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 12 15 enw3 figs-activepassive וְנִכְרְתָ֞ה הַנֶּ֤פֶשׁ הַהִוא֙ מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 As noted in the previous note, the metaphor **cut off** has at least three possible meanings. By whom that person will be cut off is not specified; it could be the Israelites or Yahweh. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The following alternate translations express those: (1) “the people of Israel must send him away” or (2) “I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel” or (3) “the people of Israel must kill him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 12 15 eqzu grammar-collectivenouns מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 **Israel** is a collective noun referring to the nation or people group. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “from the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 12 16 bzj6 figs-activepassive וּבַיּ֤וֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן֙ מִקְרָא־קֹ֔דֶשׁ וּבַיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י מִקְרָא־קֹ֖דֶשׁ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֑ם 1 an assembly that is set apart to me If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And on the first day and on the seventh day, you shall have an assembly of holiness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 12 16 cb1r figs-abstractnouns מִקְרָא־קֹ֔דֶשׁ…מִקְרָא־קֹ֖דֶשׁ 1 an assembly that is set apart to me If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “a holy assembly … a holy assembly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 12 16 o3oh translate-ordinal וּבַיּ֤וֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן֙…וּבַיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י 1 If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “And on day one of the month … and on day seven of the month” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 12 16 l7pj figs-activepassive כָּל־מְלָאכָה֙ לֹא־יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה בָהֶ֔ם 1 No work will be done on these days If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You will do no work on these days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 12 16 qr65 figs-activepassive ה֥וּא לְבַדּ֖וֹ יֵעָשֶׂ֥ה לָכֶֽם 1 That must be the only work that may be done by you If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which must be the only work that you do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 12 17 r3qj translate-unknown צִבְאוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם 1 armed group by armed group The term **hosts** refers to a large group of people, often organized into groups for war. See how you translated this in [Exodus 6:26](../06/26.md). Alternate translation: “your groups” or “your divisions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 12 18 v7g9 translate-ordinal בָּרִאשֹׁ֡ן בְּאַרְבָּעָה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֤וֹם לַחֹ֨דֶשׁ֙…עַ֠ד י֣וֹם הָאֶחָ֧ד וְעֶשְׂרִ֛ים לַחֹ֖דֶשׁ 1 If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “In month one, on day fourteen … until day twenty-one of the month” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 12 18 l57q translate-ordinal בָּרִאשֹׁ֡ן בְּאַרְבָּעָה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֤וֹם לַחֹ֨דֶשׁ֙…עַ֠ד י֣וֹם הָאֶחָ֧ד וְעֶשְׂרִ֛ים לַחֹ֖דֶשׁ 1 If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 12 18 m475 translate-hebrewmonths בָּרִאשֹׁ֡ן בְּאַרְבָּעָה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֤וֹם לַחֹ֨דֶשׁ֙ 1 the fourteenth day in the first month This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The fourteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars. You could convert the Hebrew day and month into an approximate date on the calendar that your culture uses. However, the Jews used a lunar calendar, so if you use a solar calendar, the date will be different every year and the translation will not be entirely accurate. So you may just want to give the number of the day and the name of the month on the Hebrew calendar, and say approximately what time of year that is on your calendar in a footnote.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EXO 12 18 uss3 translate-hebrewmonths י֣וֹם הָאֶחָ֧ד וְעֶשְׂרִ֛ים לַחֹ֖דֶשׁ 1 the twenty-first day of the month This is near the middle of April on Western calendars. You could convert the Hebrew day and month into an approximate date on the calendar that your culture uses. However, the Jews used a lunar calendar, so if you use a solar calendar, the date will be different every year and the translation will not be entirely accurate. So you may just want to give the number of the day and the name of the month on the Hebrew calendar, and say approximately what time of year that is on your calendar in a footnote.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EXO 12 19 aej1 figs-activepassive שְׂאֹ֕ר לֹ֥א יִמָּצֵ֖א בְּבָתֵּיכֶ֑ם 1 no yeast must be found in your houses This means there should not be any yeast in their houses. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Note that the UST more accurately conveys the meaning here, as the alternate translation in this note could be understood to mean that you must simply hide the yeast very well. Alternate translation: “Yahweh must not find any yeast in your houses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 12 19 vy72 figs-metaphor וְנִכְרְתָ֞ה הַנֶּ֤פֶשׁ הַהִוא֙ מֵעֲדַ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 must be cut off from the community of Israel See how you translated **cut off** in [Exodus 12:15](../12/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 12 21 y9qt writing-newevent 0 summoned A new scene begins at this verse, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 12 22 qwv1 translate-unknown אֲגֻדַּ֣ת אֵז֗וֹב 1 hyssop **Hyssop** is a woody plant with small leaves that can be used for sprinkling liquids by dipping the leaves in the liquid and then shaking them or brushing them over the target. If this plant is unknown, you can use a descriptor phrase. Alternate translation: “part of a plant with small branches and many leaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 12 22 c1cf אֶל־הַמַּשְׁקוֹף֙ וְאֶל־שְׁתֵּ֣י הַמְּזוּזֹ֔ת 1 the top of the doorframe and the two doorposts Alternate translation: “on the sides and top of the way into the house.” See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 12:7](../12/07.md).
EXO 12 23 uu61 figs-synecdoche וּפָסַ֤ח יְהוָה֙ עַל־הַפֶּ֔תַח 1 pass over your door Here the word **door** implies the entire house. This means that God will spare the Israelites in houses with blood on the door frames. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh will pass over the house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 12 23 onpu עַל־הַמַּשְׁק֔וֹף וְעַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֣י הַמְּזוּזֹ֑ת 1 Alternate translation: “on the sides and top of the way into the house” See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 12:7](../12/07.md).
EXO 12 24 v7z5 הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה 1 this event These words refer to the Passover or Festival of Unleavened Bread. Observing the Passover was an act of worshiping Yahweh.
EXO 12 24 bzm0 figs-youcrowd לְךָ֥ וּלְבָנֶ֖יךָ 1 Here, **you** and **your** are singular but they refer to the whole nation. If the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of “you” in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])
EXO 12 25 l8ls הָעֲבֹדָ֥ה הַזֹּֽאת 1 this act of worship Here, **this service** refers to the Passover or Festival of Unleavened Bread. Observing the Passover was an act of worshiping Yahweh.
EXO 12 26 hbh4 figs-gendernotations בְּנֵיכֶ֑ם 1 Here, **your sons** refers to all children, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 12 26 odj0 figs-quotesinquotes אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם…מָ֛ה הָעֲבֹדָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את לָכֶֽם 1 After **you**, a second-level quotation begins. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. However, you may want to translate this as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the layers of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “to you what this ritual means to you,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 12 27 t779 figs-explicit וְאֶת־בָּתֵּ֣ינוּ הִצִּ֑יל 1 He set our households free This means that Yahweh spared the Israelites’ firstborn sons. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “He did not kill the firstborn sons in our houses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 12 28 r5cj כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהוָ֛ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֥ה וְאַהֲרֹ֖ן כֵּ֥ן עָשֽׂוּ 1 as Yahweh had commanded Moses and Aaron Alternate translation: “everything that Yahweh told Moses and Aaron to do”
EXO 12 29 rvg9 0 The next few verses are the climax of this part of Exodus. A number of literary features mark it out. First, it is specially introduced with **and so it happened,** which is used to mark major breaks in the narrative. Second, it uses repetition: **firstborn** is repeated four times in verse 29 so that the reader cannot possibly miss what is happening. **Night** is repeated in verse 29, 30, and 31. **Got up/get up** is repeated in verse 30 and 31. In verses 31 and 32 “also” occurs five times (it is translated as “both” once in the ULT). Third, the places of both **Pharaoh** and **the captive** are elaborated on to slow the pace and create a vivid mental image for the reader. In verse 30 there is the listing of sorts of people who got up; note the use of the double negative for emphasis. Your translation should attempt to use the same or similar literary features of your own language that slow down the pace, create vivid imagery, and emphasize that this is a climax point.
EXO 12 29 zm1l figs-merism מִבְּכֹ֤ר פַּרְעֹה֙ הַיֹּשֵׁ֣ב עַל־כִּסְא֔וֹ עַ֚ד בְּכ֣וֹר הַשְּׁבִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּבֵ֣ית הַבּ֑וֹר וְכֹ֖ל בְּכ֥וֹר בְּהֵמָֽה 1 at midnight This phrase indicates that there was no person or household excluded from Yahweh’s judgment. It both speaks of extreme parts of society and then makes this into a list by including the animals. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on the throne and the firstborn of the captive who was in the house of the pit and the firstborn of everyone in between was struck; even all the firstborn of the beasts were struck” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 12 29 uj6u בְּכוֹר֮…מִבְּכֹ֤ר…בְּכ֣וֹר…בְּכ֥וֹר 1 all the firstborn in the land of Egypt…all the firstborn of cattle In these usages, **firstborn** always refers to the oldest male offspring. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 11:5](../11/05.md).
EXO 12 29 g9z1 עַ֚ד בְּכ֣וֹר הַשְּׁבִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּבֵ֣ית הַבּ֑וֹר 1 the firstborn of the person in prison Alternate translation: “to the firstborn of people in the house of the pit” This refers to prisoners in general and not to a specific person in prison.
EXO 12 30 gt4w figs-doublenegatives כִּֽי־אֵ֣ין בַּ֔יִת אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֵֽין־שָׁ֖ם מֵֽת׃ 1 for there was not a house where there was not someone dead If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “because someone was dead in every house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EXO 12 31 j8k5 figs-youdual אַתֶּ֖ם…כְּדַבֶּרְכֶֽם 1 Here, Pharaoh speaking is to both Moses and Aaron. If your language uses a different form if two are people addressed, use a dual form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 12 33 j5u4 figs-explicit כֻּלָּ֥נוּ מֵתִֽים 1 We will all die The Egyptians were afraid that they would die if the Israelites did not leave Egypt. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “We will all die if you do not leave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 12 34 diw8 figs-activepassive מִשְׁאֲרֹתָ֛ם צְרֻרֹ֥ת בְּשִׂמְלֹתָ֖ם עַל־שִׁכְמָֽם 1 Their kneading bowls were already tied up in their clothes and on their shoulders If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They tied up their bread-making bowls in their clothes and placed them on their shoulders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 12 36 nvmo figs-idiom אֶת־חֵ֥ן הָעָ֛ם בְּעֵינֵ֥י מִצְרַ֖יִם 1 Here, **in the eyes of the Egyptians** is an idiom for the Egyptian’s feelings or opinion. **Favor** means that those feelings are positive. Taken together, this means that when the Egyptians saw the Israelites leaving Egypt, they gladly helped them (because they wanted them to leave so badly due to the Egyptians suffering under God’s judgment). If your language has the same or a similar idiom, you can translate or use it. Otherwise, you can translate the meaning. See how you translated this in [3:21](../03/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 12 37 n1ha translate-names מֵרַעְמְסֵ֖ס 1 Rameses **Rameses** was a major Egyptian city where grain was stored. See how you translated this in [Exodus 1:11](../01/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 12 39 pva6 figs-activepassive כִּֽי־גֹרְשׁ֣וּ מִמִּצְרַ֗יִם 1 they had been driven out of Egypt If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because the Egyptians had driven them out of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 12 41 xlf4 translate-unknown צִבְא֥וֹת 1 Yahweh’s armed groups The term **hosts** refers to a large group of people, often organized into groups for war. See how you translated this in [Exodus 6:26](../06/26.md). Alternate translation: “your groups” or “your divisions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 12 42 w6mj לַֽיהוָ֔ה שִׁמֻּרִ֛ים לְכָל־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְדֹרֹתָֽם 1 all the Israelites throughout their people’s generations Alternate translation: “for all the sons of Israel throughout their generations to observe for Yahweh”
EXO 12 44 qabi grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical וּמַלְתָּ֣ה אֹת֔וֹ אָ֖ז 1 This is a hypothetical situation. You will need to use whatever form your language uses to mark something as potentially true. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
EXO 12 44 jqs8 figs-yousingular וּמַלְתָּ֣ה 1 Here **you** is singular. It refers to a specific man and his slave. It might make more sense to use the third person here. Alternate translation: “if he circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
EXO 12 46 j242 figs-activepassive בְּבַ֤יִת אֶחָד֙ יֵאָכֵ֔ל 1 The food must be eaten in one house If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must eat it in one house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 12 46 iovj figs-youcrowd לֹא־תוֹצִ֧יא 1 Here, **you** is singular, however it is used to address a crowd. If the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of “you” in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])
EXO 12 48 j7ob grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical וְכִֽי־יָג֨וּר אִתְּךָ֜ גֵּ֗ר וְעָ֣שָׂה פֶסַח֮ לַיהוָה֒ 1 This is a two-part hypothetical situation. It describes the circumstance and desire of the sojourner; the next portion says what he must do. You will need to use whatever form your language uses to mark something as potentially true. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
EXO 12 48 va2p figs-youcrowd אִתְּךָ֜ 1 Here, **you** is singular, however it is used to address a crowd. If the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of “you” in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])
EXO 12 48 h7k9 figs-activepassive הִמּ֧וֹל ל֣וֹ כָל־זָכָ֗ר 1 all his male relatives must be circumcised If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone must circumcise all males in his household” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 12 48 n3fz grammar-connect-logic-goal הִמּ֧וֹל ל֣וֹ כָל־זָכָ֗ר וְאָז֙ יִקְרַ֣ב לַעֲשֹׂת֔וֹ 1 The sojourner will be circumcised in order to **draw near to keep** the Passover. Some languages may need to place the purpose clause first. Alternate translation: “in order draw near to keep it all his males must be circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
EXO 12 48 hi4z figs-metonymy כְּאֶזְרַ֣ח הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 the people who were born in the land Here, **land** refers to Canaan—which is the land that the Israelites will soon live in. The expression **a native of the land** means a person who is a native Israelite. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “those who are Israelites by birth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 12 48 f9ti figs-doublenegatives וְכָל־עָרֵ֖ל לֹֽא־יֹ֥אכַל בּֽוֹ 1 no uncircumcised person may eat If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “And only a circumcised person may eat it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EXO 12 51 e3z3 וַיְהִ֕י בְּעֶ֖צֶם הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה 1 It came about This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
EXO 12 51 tyj3 translate-unknown צִבְאֹתָֽם 1 by their armed groups The term **hosts** refers to a large group of people often organized into groups for war. See how you translated this in [Exodus 6:26](../06/26.md). Alternate translation: “your groups” or “your divisions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 13 intro g9qi 0 # Exodus 13 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>1. Instruction <br> - v. 1-2: First mention of setting apart the firstborn <br> - v. 3-10: Reiteration of the Passover instructions from [12:14-20](../12/14.md) and [24-27](../12/24.md), with a focus on telling to Yahweh’s deeds to the future generations of Israelites <br> - v. 11-13: More details on setting apart the firstborn <br> - v. 14-16: Reiteration of purpose: telling to future generations<br>2. Narrative <br> - v. 17-22: Some details of the exodus<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>* There are several concepts that will be important to understand and translate with care (some have already been encountered in Exodus). They are: set apart, sign, symbol, redemption, and sacrifice.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>* There are a number of names of people groups and places in this chapter. However, many have been translated in earlier passages.<br>* Transporting the bones of Joseph may be an unknown concept in some places.<br>* It may take some time to decide on a good translation for the pillars of fire and cloud that lead the Israelites.
EXO 13 2 de3u figs-quotemarks קַדֶּשׁ־לִ֨י כָל־בְּכ֜וֹר פֶּ֤טֶר כָּל־רֶ֨חֶם֙ בִּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בָּאָדָ֖ם וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑ה לִ֖י הֽוּא 1 Set apart to me…every firstborn male This entire verse is a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with first-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. There may be other quotations in this chapter; they will be marked by the same punctuation, but they will not have their own notes unless there is something unique about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 13 3 en1s figs-metaphor מִבֵּ֣ית עֲבָדִ֔ים 1 the house of slavery Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “the place where you were slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 13 3 yjy5 figs-metonymy בְּחֹ֣זֶק יָ֔ד 1 Yahweh’s strong hand Here, **hand** refers to power. See how you translated “strong hand” in [Exodus 6:1](../06/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 13 3 c6ee figs-activepassive וְלֹ֥א יֵאָכֵ֖ל חָמֵֽץ 1 No bread with yeast may be eaten If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 13 4 y1f3 translate-hebrewmonths הָאָבִֽיב 1 the month of Aviv This is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. You could convert the Hebrew day and month into an approximate date on the calendar that your culture uses. However, the Jews used a lunar calendar, so if you use a solar calendar, the date will be different every year and the translation will not be entirely accurate. So you may just want to give the number of the day and the name of the month on the Hebrew calendar, and say approximately what time of year that is on your calendar in a footnote.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EXO 13 5 x89s וְהָיָ֣ה כִֽי־יְבִֽיאֲךָ֣ יְהוָ֡ה אֶל־אֶ֣רֶץ…וְעָבַדְתָּ֛ אֶת־הָעֲבֹדָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ הַזֶּֽה 1 you must observe this act of worship When the Israelites live in Canaan, they must celebrate the Passover on this day each year. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 12:25](../12/25.md).
EXO 13 5 ueej אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָ֑שׁ 1 The same description occurs in [Exodus 3:8](../03/08.md). See how you translated it there and in the several notes for it.
EXO 13 6 mde6 translate-ordinal וּבַיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י 1 If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “and on day 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 13 7 n41m figs-activepassive מַצּוֹת֙ יֵֽאָכֵ֔ל 1 Bread without yeast must be eaten If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must eat unleavened bread” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 13 7 le33 figs-activepassive וְלֹֽא־יֵרָאֶ֨ה לְךָ֜ חָמֵ֗ץ 1 no bread with yeast may be seen among you If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you may not have any bread with yeast among you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 13 7 c9kr figs-activepassive וְלֹֽא־יֵרָאֶ֥ה לְךָ֛ שְׂאֹ֖ר 1 No yeast may be seen with you If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You may not have any yeast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 13 8 qum9 figs-quotesinquotes בַּיּ֥וֹם הַה֖וּא לֵאמֹ֑ר בַּעֲב֣וּר זֶ֗ה עָשָׂ֤ה יְהוָה֙ לִ֔י בְּצֵאתִ֖י מִמִּצְרָֽיִם 1 On that day you are to say to your children, ‘This is because of what Yahweh did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ The quotation can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “on that day that this is because of what Yahweh did for you when you came out of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 13 9 p21h figs-parallelism וְהָיָה֩ לְךָ֨ לְא֜וֹת עַל־יָדְךָ֗ וּלְזִכָּרוֹן֙ בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֔יךָ 1 This will be a reminder for you on your hand, and a reminder on your forehead This phrase compares the Festival of Unleavened bread to two different types of physical reminders that help people not forget something important. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 13 9 s7zg figs-metaphor לְךָ֨ לְא֜וֹת עַל־יָדְךָ֗ 1 a reminder for you on your hand Moses speaks of celebrating the festival as if it were an object one could tie around their hands to remind them of what Yahweh had done. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “like something you tie around your hand as a reminder” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 13 9 mru4 figs-metaphor וּלְזִכָּרוֹן֙ בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֔יךָ 1 a reminder on your forehead Moses speaks of celebrating the festival as if it were an object one could tie on their foreheads to remind them of what Yahweh had done. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “and like something you tie around your head as a reminder” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 13 9 b6ny figs-metonymy לְמַ֗עַן תִּהְיֶ֛ה תּוֹרַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה בְּפִ֑יךָ 1 so the law of Yahweh may be in your mouth Here, **in your mouth** refers to the words that they speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “so you may always be speaking of the law of Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 13 9 w5rm figs-metonymy בְּיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה 1 strong hand Here, **hand** refers to power. See how you translated “strong hand” in [Exodus 6:1](../06/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 13 12 mqgs וְהַעֲבַרְתָּ֥ 1 This is a deliberate word-play with [Exodus 12:12](../12/12.md) and [Exodus 12:23](../12/23.md) because these memorial sacrifices are to be reminders of what happened at the first Passover. It would be good to make a similar word-play in your translation, if possible, but following the meaning as in the UST is fine.
EXO 13 13 lwv5 figs-explicit בְשֶׂ֔ה…וַעֲרַפְתּ֑וֹ 1 Every firstborn of a donkey If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make explicit that either the **lamb** or **donkey** must be killed, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 13 14 s8cm figs-quotesinquotes כִּֽי־יִשְׁאָלְךָ֥ בִנְךָ֛ מָחָ֖ר לֵאמֹ֣ר מַה־זֹּ֑את וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֔יו 1 When your son asks you later, ‘What does this mean?’ then you are to tell him The first quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “when your son asks you later what this means, then you are to tell him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 13 14 qr7q figs-metonymy בְּחֹ֣זֶק יָ֗ד 1 strong hand Here, **hand** represents God’s actions or works. See how you translated this in [Exodus 6:1](../06/01.md). Alternate translation: “With his powerful works” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 13 14 rcz7 figs-metaphor מִבֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים 1 the house of slavery Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. See how you translated this in [Exodus 13:3](../13/03.md). Alternate translation: “from the place where you were slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 13 15 fgvg figs-metaphor כִּֽי־הִקְשָׁ֣ה פַרְעֹה֮ לְשַׁלְּחֵנוּ֒ 1 If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. This means he was stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if he were **hard.** Alternate translation: “that when Pharaoh resisted letting us go” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 13 15 atxz figs-merism מִבְּכֹ֥ר אָדָ֖ם וְעַד־בְּכ֣וֹר בְּהֵמָ֑ה 1 This is a figure of speech used to emphasize the extent of the plague, nothing was exempt. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “whether he was a person or an animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 13 16 bse4 figs-parallelism וְהָיָ֤ה לְאוֹת֙ עַל־יָ֣דְכָ֔ה וּלְטוֹטָפֹ֖ת בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֑יךָ 1 become a reminder on your hands, and a reminder on your forehead This expresses two ways to remember the importance of the Passover event. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 13:9](../13/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 13 16 xfag figs-metonymy בְּחֹ֣זֶק יָ֔ד 1 Here, **hand** represents God’s actions or works. See how you translated this in [Exodus 6:1](../06/01.md). Alternate translation: “with his powerful works” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 13 17 uxjh writing-background 0 Verses 17-19 provide background information about the Israelites process of leaving Egypt. Use the natural form in your language for expressing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EXO 13 17 cv8n writing-newevent וַיְהִ֗י 1 This marks the transition from instruction to narrative. You should mark the resumption of the narrative in a natural way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 13 17 pum6 grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְלֹא־נָחָ֣ם אֱלֹהִ֗ים דֶּ֚רֶךְ אֶ֣רֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים כִּ֥י קָר֖וֹב ה֑וּא 1 The route on which God took the Israelites was not the expected route. In some languages you may need to put the portion that describes the expectation first. Alternate translation: “although it was nearby, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EXO 13 17 upop figs-hypo פֶּֽן־יִנָּחֵ֥ם הָעָ֛ם בִּרְאֹתָ֥ם מִלְחָמָ֖ה וְשָׁ֥בוּ מִצְרָֽיְמָה 1 In some languages you may need to put the reason before the hypothetical result. Alternate translation: “When they see war, they may repent and return to Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
EXO 13 18 c4tw וַחֲמֻשִׁ֛ים 1 The meaning of this term (**by fives**) is uncertain. Many English translations opt for something like “prepared for battle,” because this seems to be the meaning in Numbers 32:17 and the related verses in Joshua 1:14 and 4:12. Because of what the previous verse said about war, it may mean that they went out in formation—like an army would march—but perhaps not armed. Alternate translation: “And … in formation like an army”
EXO 13 19 dnlp פָּקֹ֨ד יִפְקֹ֤ד אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶתְכֶ֔ם וְהַעֲלִיתֶ֧ם אֶת־עַצְמֹתַ֛י מִזֶּ֖ה אִתְּכֶֽם 1 This is an almost exact quote of what Joseph said in Genesis 50:25; reference your translation there when translating this.
EXO 13 20 xq5d translate-names בְאֵתָ֔ם 1 camped at Etham **Etham** was possibly located south of the route heading toward the Philistines, at the border of the wilderness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 13 21 yi2p figs-metonymy וַֽיהוָ֡ה הֹלֵךְ֩ לִפְנֵיהֶ֨ם 1 Here, **before their faces** means “in front of the people.” Alternate translation: “And Yahweh led them by going in front of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 13 21 jnv8 בְּעַמּ֤וּד עָנָן֙…בְּעַמּ֥וּד אֵ֖שׁ 1 pillar of cloud…pillar of fire The possessive here indicates characteristic. The **cloud** and **fire** looked like a **pillar**. Alternate translation: “in a cloud that looked like a pillar … in a fire that looked like a pillar” or “in a pillar-shaped cloud … in a pillar-shaped fire”
EXO 13 21 i7yl grammar-connect-logic-result אֵ֖שׁ לְהָאִ֣יר לָהֶ֑ם לָלֶ֖כֶת יוֹמָ֥ם וָלָֽיְלָה 1 They could travel either by day or night because God provided light at night. You could reorder the cause and effect if that is more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “fire. They could go by day or by night because he was light to them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 13 22 qxks figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֖י הָעָֽם 1 Here, **from the face of the people** means “from in front of the people” where they could see it. Alternate translation: “from where they could see it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 14 intro jq4u 0 # Exodus 14 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>This whole chapter is the record of an important event in the history of Israel known as the “parting of the sea of reeds (Red Sea).”<br>Throughout this chapter and chapter 15, the word “sea” is used. Exodus 13:18 and 15:22 show that this is the sea of reeds (Red Sea). Since the text does not explicitly say that though, the ULT will only say “sea.” In your translation, it may help people to be more specific than the text if just using “sea” is confusing.<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Pharaoh’s chariots<br><br>These chariots were a fighting force. Pharaoh took an army to kill the Hebrew people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### Rhetorical Questions<br><br>The Israelites asked a few rhetorical questions of Moses. These questions were not really directed at Moses, but at Yahweh. This showed their lack of faith in Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])
EXO 14 2 b5qq figs-quotemarks דַּבֵּר֮ 1 This verse begins a direct quote which continues into [verse 4](../13/04.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. There may be other quotations in this chapter; they will be marked by the same punctuation, but they will not have their own notes unless there is something unique about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 14 2 ue2o figs-quotations בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וְיָשֻׁ֗בוּ וְיַחֲנוּ֙ לִפְנֵי֙ פִּ֣י הַחִירֹ֔ת בֵּ֥ין מִגְדֹּ֖ל וּבֵ֣ין הַיָּ֑ם לִפְנֵי֙ בַּ֣עַל צְפֹ֔ן 1 The portion after **that** could be translated as a direct quotation. That would make a second-level direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the sons of Israel, ‘Turn and camp before the face of Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before the face of Baal Zephon.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 14 2 c9r8 figs-youdual תַחֲנ֖וּ 1 You are to camp Here, **you** is plural and refers to Moses and the Israelites. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 14 3 c81b figs-quotations וְאָמַ֤ר פַּרְעֹה֙ לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל נְבֻכִ֥ים הֵ֖ם בָּאָ֑רֶץ סָגַ֥ר עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם הַמִּדְבָּֽר 1 Pharaoh will say about the Israelites, ‘They are wandering in the land. The wilderness has closed in on them.’ If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh will say that the Israelites are confused in the land, and the wilderness has closed in on them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 14 3 tz6j figs-personification סָגַ֥ר עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם הַמִּדְבָּֽר 1 The wilderness has closed in on them Pharaoh speaks of **the wilderness** as a person who has trapped the Israelites. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “It is as if the wilderness is closing in on them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EXO 14 4 dv62 figs-metaphor וְחִזַּקְתִּ֣י אֶת־לֵב־פַּרְעֹה֮ 1 I will harden Pharaoh’s heart This means God will make him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his **heart** were **strong.** If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md). Alternate translation: “But I will cause Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 14 4 d5x1 figs-activepassive וְאִכָּבְדָ֤ה 1 I will get honor If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And people will glorify me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 14 4 a7m2 figs-ellipsis וְאִכָּבְדָ֤ה בְּפַרְעֹה֙ וּבְכָל־חֵיל֔וֹ 1 Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “And I will be glorified because of what I do to Pharaoh and to all his army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 14 4 dms1 figs-explicit וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ־כֵֽן 1 So the Israelites camped as they were instructed If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express what **they did** explicitly. Alternate translation: “So the Israelites turned and camped as Yahweh had instructed them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 14 5 t4cn figs-activepassive וַיֻּגַּד֙ לְמֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 When the king of Egypt was told If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then someone told the king of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 14 5 k67b figs-metonymy וַ֠יֵּהָפֵךְ לְבַ֨ב פַּרְעֹ֤ה וַעֲבָדָיו֙ אֶל־הָעָ֔ם 1 the minds of Pharaoh and his servants turned against the people Here, **heart** refers to their attitudes toward the Israelites. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “and Pharaoh and his servants changed their attitude about the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 14 5 go8u figs-activepassive וַ֠יֵּהָפֵךְ לְבַ֨ב פַּרְעֹ֤ה וַעֲבָדָיו֙ אֶל־הָעָ֔ם 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and Pharaoh and his servants turned their hearts to the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 14 5 v236 figs-rquestion מַה־זֹּ֣את עָשִׂ֔ינוּ כִּֽי־שִׁלַּ֥חְנוּ אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵעָבְדֵֽנוּ 1 What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us. They asked this question to show they thought they had done a foolish thing. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “We should not have let the Israelites go free from working for us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 14 5 dnj3 grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 This is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 14 7 g2d9 וְשָׁלִשִׁ֖ם 1 The precise meaning of this term is not known. Alternate translations: “and officers” or “and shield-bearers” or “and three men”
EXO 14 8 a1r1 figs-metaphor וַיְחַזֵּ֣ק יְהֹוָ֗ה אֶת־לֵ֤ב פַּרְעֹה֙ 1 Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh This means God made him stubborn. His stubborn attitude is spoken of as if his **heart** were “strong.” If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md). Alternate translation: “And Yahweh caused Pharaoh to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 14 9 x9x0 כָּל־סוּס֙ רֶ֣כֶב פַּרְעֹ֔ה וּפָרָשָׁ֖יו וְחֵיל֑וֹ 1 It is unclear exactly what the groupings are here. **Horses of the chariots** (probably meaning “horse-drawn chariots”) and **horsemen** could be two groups or two references to the same group. **Army** could mean another group, perhaps on foot (see [15:19](../15/19.md)), or it could be a summary grouping. Furthermore, most translations render **horses of the chariots** as “horses and chariots,” suggesting four total groups (possibly because of [v. 23](../14/23.md)). Alternate translation: “all the horse-drawn chariots of Pharaoh and his horsemen and his foot soldiers”
EXO 14 9 sb7x translate-names פִּי֙ הַֽחִירֹ֔ת…בַּ֥עַל צְפֹֽן 1 Pi Hahiroth…Baal Zephon These are places on Egypt’s eastern border. See how you translated them in [Exodus 14:2](../14/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 14 10 s1xa figs-synecdoche וּפַרְעֹ֖ה הִקְרִ֑יב 1 When Pharaoh came close Here, **Pharaoh** represents the entire Egyptian army. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Then Pharaoh and his army approached” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 14 10 vyp9 וַיִּשְׂאוּ֩ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל אֶת־עֵינֵיהֶ֜ם 1 Alternate translation: “and the sons of Israel looked up” or “and the sons of Israel looked back”
EXO 14 10 qcy1 וְהִנֵּ֥ה 1 they were terrified Here, **behold** is used to draw attention to alarming information that follows. Use a word, phrase, or structure in your language that indicates that the next information is very alarming.
EXO 14 11 vzw5 figs-rquestion הַֽמִבְּלִ֤י אֵין־קְבָרִים֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם לְקַחְתָּ֖נוּ לָמ֣וּת בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר 1 Is it because there were no graves in Egypt, that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? The Israelites ask this question to express their frustration and fear of dying. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “There were plenty of graveyards in Egypt for us to be buried in. You did not have to take us into the wilderness to die!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 14 11 x4n2 figs-rquestion מַה־זֹּאת֙ עָשִׂ֣יתָ לָּ֔נוּ לְהוֹצִיאָ֖נוּ מִמִּצְרָֽיִם 1 Why have you treated us like this, bringing us out of Egypt? The Israelites ask this question to rebuke Moses for bringing them to the desert to die. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You should not have endangered us like this by bringing us out of Egypt!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 14 12 itb2 figs-rquestion הֲלֹא־זֶ֣ה הַדָּבָ֗ר אֲשֶׁר֩ דִּבַּ֨רְנוּ אֵלֶ֤יךָ בְמִצְרַ֨יִם֙ 1 Is this not what we told you in Egypt? The Israelites ask this question to emphasize that this is what they had told Moses. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “This is exactly what we told you while we were in Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 14 12 ix25 figs-quotations בְמִצְרַ֨יִם֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר חֲדַ֥ל מִמֶּ֖נּוּ וְנַֽעַבְדָ֣ה אֶת־מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 We said to you, ‘Leave us alone, so we can work for the Egyptians.’ If it would be more natural in your language, you could express the portion following **saying** as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “in Egypt? We told you to leave us alone so we could serve the Egyptians.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 14 13 phy1 figs-abstractnouns וּרְאוּ֙ אֶת־יְשׁוּעַ֣ת יְהוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה לָכֶ֖ם הַיּ֑וֹם 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **salvation**, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and see what Yahweh will do for you today, he will save you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 14 13 rrd4 לֹ֥א תֹסִ֛יפוּ לִרְאֹתָ֥ם ע֖וֹד עַד־עוֹלָֽם 1 provide for you This statement is very extended for emphasis on its certainty. Alternate translation: “you will not see them again forever”
EXO 14 14 vcdc figs-rpronouns יְהוָ֖ה יִלָּחֵ֣ם 1 The form **Yahweh himself** emphasizes what Yahweh will do in contrast to what the Israelites will do. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this emphasis. Alternate translation: “As for Yahweh, he will fight” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
EXO 14 14 hx1f תַּחֲרִישֽׁוּן 1 Here, **silent** could mean “still.” The Israelites’ lack of action is in contrast to Yahweh’s fighting. It is not a total lack of motion or sound. Alternate translation: “you will not fight”
EXO 14 15 a727 figs-rquestion מַה־תִּצְעַ֖ק אֵלָ֑י 1 Why are you, Moses, continuing to call out to me? Moses apparently had been praying to God for help, so God uses this question to compel Moses to act. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Do not call out to me any longer, Moses.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 14 16 stla הָרֵ֣ם אֶֽת־מַטְּךָ֗ וּנְטֵ֧ה אֶת־יָדְךָ֛ 1 divide it in two See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding **hand** and **staff**.
EXO 14 17 z5ub וַאֲנִ֗י הִנְנִ֤י 1 Be aware Here, **behold me** is an expression meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. In this case, Yahweh is drawing attention to his next actions. Alternate translation: “Look at what I will do”
EXO 14 17 qd3l figs-metaphor מְחַזֵּק֙ אֶת־לֵ֣ב מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 I will harden the Egyptians’ hearts This means that God will make them stubborn. Their stubborn attitude is spoken of as if their **hearts** were “strong.” If the **heart** is not the body part your culture uses to refer to a person’s will, consider using whichever organ your culture would use for this image. See how you translated this in [4:21](../04/21.md). Alternate translation: “I will cause the Egyptians to be stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 14 17 asz9 וְיָבֹ֖אוּ אַחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם 1 so they will go after them Alternate translation: “so that the Egyptians will go into the sea after the Israelites”
EXO 14 17 hjyh figs-ellipsis וְאִכָּבְדָ֤ה בְּפַרְעֹה֙ וּבְכָל־חֵיל֔וֹ בְּרִכְבּ֖וֹ וּבְפָרָשָֽׁיו 1 so they will go after them Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. See how you translated a similar phrase in [verse 4](../14/04.md) Alternate translation: “And I will be glorified because of what I do to Pharaoh, all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 14 17 asfq figs-activepassive וְאִכָּבְדָ֤ה 1 so they will go after them If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And people will glorify me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 14 18 ytnm figs-activepassive בְּהִכָּבְדִ֣י 1 so they will go after them If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when I cause people to glorify me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 14 18 cji1 figs-ellipsis בְּהִכָּבְדִ֣י בְּפַרְעֹ֔ה בְּרִכְבּ֖וֹ וּבְפָרָשָֽׁיו 1 so they will go after them Yahweh is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. See how you translated a similar phrase in [verse 4](../14/04.md) Alternate translation: “when I get glory because of what I do to Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen” or “when I show my glory by what I do to Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 14 19 hsih figs-metonymy לִפְנֵי֙ מַחֲנֵ֣ה…מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם 1 so they will go after them Here, **face** means “front.” Alternate translation: “in front of the camp of … from in front of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 14 19 ysv9 grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 so they will go after them This is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 14 20 jyz2 grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 so one side did not come near the other This is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 14 20 c4u5 וַיְהִ֤י הֶֽעָנָן֙ וְהַחֹ֔שֶׁךְ וַיָּ֖אֶר אֶת־הַלָּ֑יְלָה 1 so one side did not come near the other Alternate translation: “And the cloud became dark on one side and light on the other side all night”
EXO 14 21 qbzp וַיֵּ֨ט מֹשֶׁ֣ה אֶת־יָדוֹ֮ עַל־הַיָּם֒ 1 east wind See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff.
EXO 14 21 dfx5 בְּר֨וּחַ קָדִ֤ים 1 east wind An **east wind** originates in the east and blows towards the west.
EXO 14 21 f9zh figs-activepassive וַיִּבָּקְע֖וּ הַמָּֽיִם 1 the waters were divided If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh divided the waters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 14 24 iz9t translate-unknown בְּאַשְׁמֹ֣רֶת הַבֹּ֔קֶר 1 He caused panic among the Egyptians This is the last third of the night. It is approximately the three hours before sunrise. Alternate translation: “very early in the morning” or “in the time before the sun rises” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 14 24 zyp4 מַחֲנֵ֣ה מִצְרַ֔יִם…מַחֲנֵ֥ה מִצְרָֽיִם 1 He caused panic among the Egyptians Alternate translation: “the army of the Egyptians … the army of the Egyptians”
EXO 14 25 qzkw figs-metonymy מִפְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 Their chariot wheels were clogged Here, **the face of Israel** means the presence of Israel. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 14 26 p5ds figs-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה נְטֵ֥ה אֶת־יָדְךָ֖ עַל־הַיָּ֑ם וְיָשֻׁ֤בוּ הַמַּ֨יִם֙ עַל־מִצְרַ֔יִם עַל־רִכְבּ֖וֹ וְעַל־פָּרָשָֽׁיו׃ 1 Yahweh said to Moses, “Reach out with your hand…and their horsemen.” If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Yahweh told Moses to reach out with his hand over the sea so that the waters would come back onto the Egyptians, their chariots, and their horsemen.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 14 26 pw8g נְטֵ֥ה אֶת־יָדְךָ֖ עַל־הַיָּ֑ם 1 Yahweh said to Moses, “Reach out with your hand…and their horsemen.” See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff.
EXO 14 26 d46y writing-pronouns עַל־רִכְבּ֖וֹ וְעַל־פָּרָשָֽׁיו 1 Yahweh said to Moses, “Reach out with your hand…and their horsemen.” Here, **his** refers to Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Alternate translation: “on Pharaoh’s chariots and on Pharaoh’s horsemen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 14 27 wn3q וַיֵּט֩ מֹשֶׁ֨ה אֶת־יָד֜וֹ עַל־הַיָּ֗ם 1 The Egyptians fled into the sea See note in the [introduction to chapter 8](../08/intro.md) regarding the hand and staff.
EXO 14 27 cosa figs-metonymy לִפְנ֥וֹת בֹּ֨קֶר֙ 1 The Egyptians fled into the sea Here, **before the face of** means “before the occurrence of.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “before it was morning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 14 27 h64r figs-metaphor וַיְנַעֵ֧ר יְהוָ֛ה אֶת־מִצְרַ֖יִם בְּת֥וֹךְ הַיָּֽם 1 Yahweh drove the Egyptians Here, Yahweh is pictured as acting toward the Egyptians as if they were dirt or dust on his clothing that he shakes to be rid of them. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh threw the Egyptians back into the middle of the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 14 28 o9qo figs-litotes לֹֽא־נִשְׁאַ֥ר בָּהֶ֖ם עַד־אֶחָֽד 1 Yahweh drove the Egyptians This negative statement is meant to strongly convey the idea that all the Egyptians were gone. If this is confusing in your language, you can express the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “Every one of them was gone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
EXO 14 30 zvbe grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 out of the hand of the Egyptians This is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 14 30 e2lf figs-metonymy מִיַּ֣ד מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 out of the hand of the Egyptians Here, **hand** refers to power. Alternate translation: “from the Egyptians’ power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 14 31 o1oc grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל 1 on the seashore This is a collective singular noun. If your language would not refer to a group of people in this way, you may need to translate it as plural. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 14 31 np6s figs-metonymy אֶת־הַיָּ֣ד הַגְּדֹלָ֗ה 1 on the seashore Here, **hand** refers to power. Alternate translation: “the great power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 15 intro ni4b 0 # Exodus 15 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>Verses 1b-18 and 21b of chapter 15 are poetry. They are a song of praise to Yahweh because he defeated and destroyed the Egyptian army ([Exodus 14:26-28](../14/26.md)). Translating poetry should be done by someone who is a skilled poet in the target language. Because the forms of poetry are so different in different languages, a translation that is good poetry in the target language may seem very different from the original poem. The structure may look quite different. The poet will be well served by looking at the entire poem from multiple perspectives. He will need to know the meaning of the poem, the themes and discourse structure of the poem, and the feelings that the poem is supposed to create in the reader at each point (UST, tNotes). He will need to understand how that was accomplished by the original form and structure (ULT). Then he will need to compose the translated poem using forms and structures that have the same or similar meaning, themes, discourse elements, and feelings in his own language. Unlike in many other places, most notes in this chapter will not advise towards expressing meaning in non-figurative ways or combining parallel phrases as that advice would be too simplistic for handling poetry.<br><br>### Structure<br><br>This song follows a basic AB structure which is given to us in verse 1b-c and 21b-c:<br><br>* A - praise to Yahweh - he is magnificent (expressed in various words)<br>* B - because he defeats our enemies<br><br>The song can be divided into three major sections, each of which is patterned as: AB(a)b. Each section starts with an AB portion which is characterized by fewer verbal forms (especially the A portion). The section then elaborates on each. Note that there are other possible analyses of the structure of the poem.<br><br>Here is an outline of the structure according to this model:<br><br>* Section 1 (see alternate breakdown below):<br>* 1b: A “Let me sing to Yahweh, for he has triumphantly triumphed;”<br>* 1c: B “the horse and the one riding it he threw into the sea.”<br>* 2-3: a<br>* 4-5: b<br>* Section 2:<br>* 6a: A<br>* 6b: B<br>* 7a: a “And in the abundance of your majesty”<br>* 7a-10: b “you overthrow those who rise up against you … ”<br>* Section 3:<br>* 11: A<br>* 12: B<br>* 13a: a (possibly) “In your covenant loyalty”<br>* 13a-17: b<br>* 18: finale<br><br>Alternate breakdown of section 1: it is possible to view 1b-c as the introduction and divide verse 2 such that:<br><br>* 2a: A “Yah is my strength and my song”<br>* 2b: B “and he has become my salvation”<br>* 2c-3: a<br>* 4-5: b<br><br>### Themes:<br><br>There are several images and themes that are throughout the song as well as some that are throughout an individual section.<br><br>* “High” versus “low”: Yahweh is high, while his enemies are low.<br>* The following words are all related to the idea of being high or rising up: **triumph** ([v1](../15/01.md)), **exalt** ([v2](../15/02.md)), **majestic** ([v6](../15/06.md), [v11](../15/11.md)), **majesty** ([v7](../15/07.md)), and **the mountain of** \\[Yahweh’s\\] **possession** ([v17](../15/17.md)). In the last case, Yahweh’s people are brought to a high place with him.<br>* In contrast, his enemies are low. Note in [verse 7](../15/07.md), Yahweh overthrows those who **rise up against** \\[him\\]. Ideas of being low are as follows: **sank** ([v4](../15/04.md), [v10](../15/19.md)), **deeps** ([v5](../15/05.md)), **descended into the depths** ([v5](../15/05.md)), **melted away** ([v15](../15/15.md)), and **fall on them** ([v16](../15/16.md)).<br>* The strength of Yahweh in [verses 2](../15/02.md), [6](../15/06.md), and [13](../15/13.md).<br>* The effectiveness of Yahweh’s hand versus the enemy’s hand. Yahweh’s hand (and arm) is effective in [verses 6](../15/06.md), [12](../15/12.md), [16](../15/16.md), and [17](../15/17.md) but the enemy’s hand is ineffective despite his boasting in [verse 9](../15/09.md).<br>* There is parallel ima
EXO 15 1 kw29 figs-explicit גָאֹ֣ה גָּאָ֔ה 1 he has triumphed gloriously If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly over whom Yahweh triumphed. Alternate translation: “he has achieved a glorious victory over the army of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 15 1 bpyj גָאֹ֣ה גָּאָ֔ה 1 he has triumphed gloriously Alternate translation: “he is highly exalted” or “he is extremely high” or “he is exaltedly exalted”
EXO 15 1 f6ue figs-metaphor ס֥וּס וְרֹכְב֖וֹ רָמָ֥ה בַיָּֽם 1 the horse and its rider he has thrown into the sea Moses sang about God causing the sea to cover and drown the horse and rider as if God had thrown them **into the sea**. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “he has made the horse and rider drown in the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 1 cr5u figs-genericnoun ס֥וּס וְרֹכְב֖וֹ 1 the horse and its rider This refers to many or all of the Egyptian horses and riders that were chasing the Israelites. Alternate translation: “the horses and their riders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
EXO 15 1 ex3p וְרֹכְב֖וֹ 1 rider Here, **rider** could either refer to a person who sits on a horse or who travels in a chariot that a horse is pulling.
EXO 15 2 pb23 figs-metaphor עָזִּ֤י…יָ֔הּ 1 Yahweh is my strength Moses is expressing the help that he gets from Yahweh by equating Yahweh with **strength**. Use a form or metaphor from your language that would express Yahweh’s strengthening help. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Yah is the one who gives me strength” or “Yah is the strong one who protects me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 2 vk6l figs-metaphor וְזִמְרָת֙ יָ֔הּ 1 song Moses calls Yahweh his **song** because Yahweh is the one he sings about or because Yahweh causes him to sing. Use a form or metaphor from your language that would express Yahweh being a song of joy. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Yah is … the one I sing about” or “Yah … makes me sing joyfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 2 kbv7 figs-metaphor וַֽיְהִי־לִ֖י לִֽישׁוּעָ֑ה 1 he has become my salvation Moses calls Yahweh his salvation because Yahweh saved him. Use a form or metaphor from your language that would express Yahweh’s saving power. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “and he has saved me” or “and he is the one who saves me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 2 rgtu figs-parallelism זֶ֤ה אֵלִי֙ וְאַנְוֵ֔הוּ אֱלֹהֵ֥י אָבִ֖י וַאֲרֹמְמֶֽנְהוּ 1 he has become my salvation These lines are expressing very similar ideas for emphasis. If that is a normal way to make an emphatic (poetic) statement or if it would be understood in your language, you could translate in a similar way. If, however, repetition like this would create a different meaning, find a structure in your language that would fit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 15 3 p1d5 figs-metaphor יְהוָ֖ה אִ֣ישׁ מִלְחָמָ֑ה 1 Yahweh is a warrior Moses calls Yahweh a **man of war** because he powerfully fought against the Egyptians and won. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is like a warrior” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 4 pc8d figs-parallelism מַרְכְּבֹ֥ת פַּרְעֹ֛ה וְחֵיל֖וֹ יָרָ֣ה בַיָּ֑ם וּמִבְחַ֥ר שָֽׁלִשָׁ֖יו טֻבְּע֥וּ בְיַם־סֽוּף 1 He has thrown Pharaoh’s chariots and army into the sea These lines are synonymous parallels where the second strengthens what is said in the first. Alternate translation: “He threw all of Pharaoh’s army into the sea, including the chariots; even his chosen officers sank in the sea of reeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 15 4 p8w6 figs-metaphor מַרְכְּבֹ֥ת פַּרְעֹ֛ה וְחֵיל֖וֹ יָרָ֣ה בַיָּ֑ם 1 He has thrown Pharaoh’s chariots and army into the sea Moses sings about Yahweh causing the sea to cover Pharaoh’s chariots and army as if Yahweh had thrown them **into the sea.** If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “He has made Pharaoh’s chariot riders and army drown in the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 5 yefe figs-parallelism תְּהֹמֹ֖ת יְכַסְיֻ֑מוּ יָרְד֥וּ בִמְצוֹלֹ֖ת כְּמוֹ־אָֽבֶן׃ 1 they went down into the depths like a stone These lines are synonymous parallels where the second clarifies what is said in the first. Alternate translation: “The deeps covered them because they had descended into the depths like a stone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 15 5 nqe4 figs-simile יָרְד֥וּ בִמְצוֹלֹ֖ת כְּמוֹ־אָֽבֶן 1 they went down into the depths like a stone This comparison is that just ***like a stone*** does not float but sinks to the bottom of the sea, the enemy soldiers sank to the bottom of the sea. Alternate translation: “they went down into the deep water like a stone sinking to the bottom of the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
EXO 15 6 jx52 figs-parallelism יְמִֽינְךָ֣ יְהוָ֔ה נֶאְדָּרִ֖י בַּכֹּ֑חַ יְמִֽינְךָ֥ יְהוָ֖ה תִּרְעַ֥ץ אוֹיֵֽב׃ 1 Your right hand, Yahweh, is glorious in power These lines are synonymous parallels where the second takes the abstract idea in the first and makes it concrete (though still with poetic imagery). Alternate translation: “Yahweh, you show how majestic in power your right hand is by shattering the enemy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 15 6 x1fz figs-metonymy יְמִֽינְךָ֣ יְהוָ֔ה נֶאְדָּרִ֖י בַּכֹּ֑חַ יְמִֽינְךָ֥ יְהוָ֖ה תִּרְעַ֥ץ אוֹיֵֽב 1 Your right hand, Yahweh, is glorious in power Moses speaks of Yahweh as if Yahweh had hands. The **right hand** refers to Yahweh’s power or the things Yahweh does powerfully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, your power is glorious; Yahweh, your power has shattered the enemy” or “Yahweh, what you do is gloriously powerful; Yahweh, by your power you have shattered the enemy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 15 6 rmd4 figs-metaphor תִּרְעַ֥ץ אוֹיֵֽב 1 has shattered the enemy Moses speaks of the enemy as if it were fragile and could be **shattered** like glass or pottery. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “completely destroys the enemy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 7 i2x4 figs-parallelism תַּהֲרֹ֣ס קָמֶ֑יךָ תְּשַׁלַּח֙ חֲרֹ֣נְךָ֔ יֹאכְלֵ֖מוֹ כַּקַּֽשׁ 1 those who rose up against you These lines are synonymous parallels where the second takes the abstract idea in the first portion (**you overthrow those who rise up against you**) and makes it concrete (though still with poetic imagery). Alternate translation: “you overthrow those who rise up against you by sending out your heat to devour them like stubble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 15 7 kmv4 figs-abstractnouns וּבְרֹ֥ב גְּאוֹנְךָ֖ 1 those who rose up against you If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **abundance** and **majesty**, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “You are abundantly majestic and” or “Because you are abundantly majestic,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 15 7 nd3t figs-metaphor קָמֶ֑יךָ 1 those who rose up against you Rebelling against Yahweh is spoken of as **rising up against** him. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “those who rebel against you” or “your enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 7 glq7 figs-personification תְּשַׁלַּח֙ חֲרֹ֣נְךָ֔ 1 You sent out your wrath Moses speaks of Yahweh’s wrath (literally **heat**) as if it were a servant that Yahweh sent out to do something. Alternate translation: “You show your wrath” or “You act according to your wrath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EXO 15 7 a5x7 figs-metaphor יֹאכְלֵ֖מוֹ כַּקַּֽשׁ׃ 1 it consumed them like stubble Moses speaks of God’s wrath as if it were fire that could completely burn up things. His enemies were completely destroyed like **stubble** in a fire. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “it completely destroys your enemies like a fire that burns up straw” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 7 guap figs-simile יֹאכְלֵ֖מוֹ כַּקַּֽשׁ 1 By the blast of your nostrils Here the enemies (or **those who rise up against** Yahweh) are pictured as if they were a highly flammable piece of dried grass. Alternate translation: “it devours the enemy as if they were stubble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
EXO 15 8 ic8v figs-personification וּבְר֤וּחַ אַפֶּ֨יךָ֙ 1 By the blast of your nostrils Moses speaks of God as if God had a nose, and he speaks of the wind as if God blew the wind from his nose. Alternate translation: “You blew on the sea and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EXO 15 8 qg9g figs-activepassive וּבְר֤וּחַ אַפֶּ֨יךָ֙ נֶ֣עֶרְמוּ מַ֔יִם נִצְּב֥וּ כְמוֹ־נֵ֖ד נֹזְלִ֑ים 1 By the blast of your nostrils If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The blast from your nostrils piled the waters up and made the flowing waters stand upright in a heap” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 15 8 tguh figs-parallelism נֶ֣עֶרְמוּ מַ֔יִם נִצְּב֥וּ כְמוֹ־נֵ֖ד נֹזְלִ֑ים קָֽפְא֥וּ תְהֹמֹ֖ת בְּלֶב־יָֽם 1 By the blast of your nostrils These lines are synonymous parallels where each line means basically the same thing, but each gives the reader a different poetic image. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 15 8 uevt figs-metaphor בְּלֶב־יָֽם 1 By the blast of your nostrils The center or deepest part of the sea is spoken of as if the sea had a **heart**. Alternate translation: “in the center of the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 9 d8nk figs-activepassive תִּמְלָאֵ֣מוֹ נַפְשִׁ֔י 1 my desire will be satisfied on them If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will satisfy my desire on them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 15 9 lu0e תּוֹרִישֵׁ֖מוֹ יָדִֽי 1 my hand will destroy them The meaning of this phrase is unclear. The word translated **dispossess** could also mean “possess” or “inherit.” What seems clear is that the Egyptians plan to use their power to prevent the Israelites from possessing good things. Whether this is a reference back to **plunder** earlier in the verse or to recapturing them as slaves or to taking over the Israelites’ place in the land of Goshen or to keeping them from reaching the promised land (of Yahweh’s possession, see [verse 17](../15/17.md) regarding where Yahweh will bring his people) or something else is not so clear. It could also refer to taking away their life and breath. **Dispossess** was chosen rather than another term because the verb is in a causative form here. Alternate translation: “my hand will possess them” or “my hand will inherit them” or “my hand will kill them”
EXO 15 9 sm77 figs-metonymy תּוֹרִישֵׁ֖מוֹ יָדִֽי 1 my hand will destroy them Here **hand** is used figuratively of the Egyptians’ power (that is, their military strength). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “I will dispossess them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 15 10 yrj5 figs-metaphor נָשַׁ֥פְתָּ בְרוּחֲךָ֖ 1 But you blew with your wind Moses spoke about God making the **wind** blow as if God **blew** the wind through his nose or mouth. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “But you made the wind blow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 10 f7d3 figs-simile צָֽלֲלוּ֙ כַּֽעוֹפֶ֔רֶת בְּמַ֖יִם אַדִּירִֽים 1 sank like lead in the mighty waters **Lead** is a heavy metal that is commonly used to make things sink in water. It is used here to show how quickly God’s enemies were destroyed. Alternate translation: “sank as fast as a heavy piece of metal in the deep turbulent waters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
EXO 15 11 wq2s figs-rquestion מִֽי־כָמֹ֤כָה בָּֽאֵלִם֙ יְהוָ֔ה 1 Who is like you, Yahweh, among the gods? Moses uses this question to show how great God is. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “O Yahweh, no one is like you among the gods!” or “Yahweh, none of the gods is like you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 15 11 pp57 figs-rquestion מִ֥י כָּמֹ֖כָה נֶאְדָּ֣ר בַּקֹּ֑דֶשׁ נוֹרָ֥א תְהִלֹּ֖ת עֹ֥שֵׂה פֶֽלֶא 1 Who is like you,…doing miracles? Moses uses this question to show how great God is. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “No one is like you. No one is majestic in holiness as you are, no one is honored in praises as you are, and no one does miracles as you do!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 15 11 uhfj figs-abstractnouns נֶאְדָּ֣ר בַּקֹּ֑דֶשׁ 1 Who is like you,…doing miracles? If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “majestic and holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 15 12 cid8 figs-metonymy יְמִ֣ינְךָ֔ 1 with your right hand The phrase **right hand** represents the strong power of God. Alternate translation: “with your strong power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 15 12 bkg2 figs-metaphor נָטִ֨יתָ֙ יְמִ֣ינְךָ֔ 1 You reached out with your right hand Moses speaks about God causing something to happen as if God **reached out** with his** hand**. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “With your strong power you made it happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 12 g7bv figs-personification תִּבְלָעֵ֖מוֹ אָֽרֶץ 1 the earth swallowed them Moses personifies the earth as if it could swallow or devour with its mouth. Alternate translation: “the earth devours them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EXO 15 13 cvea figs-parallelism נָחִ֥יתָ בְחַסְדְּךָ֖ עַם־ז֣וּ גָּאָ֑לְתָּ נֵהַ֥לְתָּ בְעָזְּךָ֖ 1 the earth swallowed them These lines are structural parallels where the lines are saying similar things, but the parallelism is more in the construction of the lines. **In your** is repeated and the concepts of **led** and **guided** are very similar to one another. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 15 13 znbr figs-abstractnouns קָדְשֶֽׁךָ 1 the earth swallowed them If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you can express the same idea in another way. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 15 14 qlpy figs-parallelism 0 tremble Verses 14-16a form a complex parallel structure where things are repeated in reverse. (See the [introduction to chapter 15](../15/intro.md) and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 15 14 zi1m figs-explicit יִרְגָּז֑וּן 1 tremble This means to shake with fear. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 15 14 uqf7 figs-personification חִ֣יל אָחַ֔ז יֹשְׁבֵ֖י פְּלָֽשֶׁת 1 terror will seize the inhabitants of Philistia Moses speaks of **anguish** as if it were a person that could forcefully grab hold of someone and make them extremely afraid. Alternate translation: “the inhabitants of Philistia will be afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EXO 15 15 qyix figs-personification אֵילֵ֣י מוֹאָ֔ב יֹֽאחֲזֵ֖מוֹ רָ֑עַד 1 terror will seize the inhabitants of Philistia Moses speaks of **trembling** as if it were a person that could forcefully grab hold of someone and make them extremely afraid. Alternate translation: “the leaders of Moab will be afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EXO 15 15 ya48 figs-metaphor נָמֹ֕גוּ 1 will melt away Moses uses the phrase, **melted away,** to speak of people becoming weak because of their fear. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “became weak from fear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 16 nk67 figs-doublet תִּפֹּ֨ל עֲלֵיהֶ֤ם אֵימָ֨תָה֙ וָפַ֔חַד 1 Terror and dread will fall on them **Terror and dread** form a doublet meaning “extremely fearful.” If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “They will become extremely fearful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 15 16 kbt5 figs-metaphor תִּפֹּ֨ל עֲלֵיהֶ֤ם אֵימָ֨תָה֙ וָפַ֔חַד 1 Terror and dread will fall on them **Terror and dread** are pictured as physical objects that could **fall on** people. The image might be of them crushing people or being a heavy weight that people struggle under (however, the image is not specified). It means that the people will feel the emotions of terror and dread very strongly. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “They will be overwhelmed with feelings of terror and dread” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 16 t2yp figs-metonymy בִּגְדֹ֥ל זְרוֹעֲךָ֖ 1 Because of your arm’s power Yahweh’s **arm** represents his great strength. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “Because of your great strength” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 15 16 umm7 figs-simile יִדְּמ֣וּ כָּאָ֑בֶן 1 they will become as still as a stone This could mean: (1) “they will be silent like stone” or (2) “they will be motionless as stone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
EXO 15 17 n5i5 figs-explicit תְּבִאֵ֗מוֹ וְתִטָּעֵ֨מוֹ֙ 1 You will bring them If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express where God would bring them explicitly. Alternate translation: “You will take your people to Canaan and plant them there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 15 17 u26j figs-go תְּבִאֵ֗מוֹ 1 You will bring them Since Moses was not already in Canaan, some languages would use “take” rather than **bring.** Alternate translation: “You will take them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 15 17 t6wg figs-metaphor וְתִטָּעֵ֨מוֹ֙ בְּהַ֣ר 1 plant them on the mountain Moses speaks about God giving his people the land to live in as if they were a plant that God was planting. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “and you will settle them on the mountain of” or “and you will let them live on the mountain of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 17 ie26 figs-metaphor בְּהַ֣ר נַחֲלָֽתְךָ֔ 1 of your inheritance Moses speaks about God promising to give his people **the mountain** forever as if he were giving it to them as an inheritance. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “on the mountain that you have given them as an inheritance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 17 ytz3 figs-metonymy כּוֹנְנ֥וּ יָדֶֽיךָ׃ 1 that your hands have built The phrase **your hands** refers to God’s power. Alternate translation: “that you have built by your power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 15 20 gam2 translate-unknown הַתֹּ֖ף…בְּתֻפִּ֖ים 1 tambourine A **tambourine** is a hand-held musical instrument like a small drum that also has pieces of metal around the side that make a metallic rattling sound when shaken. Alternate translation: “timbrel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 15 20 hut1 figs-hyperbole וַתֵּצֶ֤אןָ כָֽל־הַנָּשִׁים֙ אַחֲרֶ֔יהָ בְּתֻפִּ֖ים וּבִמְחֹלֹֽת 1 tambourine Here, **all** may be a generalization; it may not have been every woman. It could be better to translate as a restrictive clause as in the UST. Alternate translation: “and every woman who went out after her had a tambourine and danced” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EXO 15 21 f6m3 figs-explicit גָאֹ֣ה גָּאָ֔ה 1 he has triumphed gloriously If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly over whom Yahweh triumphed. See how you translated this in [Exodus 15:1](../15/01.md). Alternate translation: “he has achieved a glorious victory over the army of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 15 21 hvu1 figs-metaphor ס֥וּס וְרֹכְב֖וֹ רָמָ֥ה בַיָּֽם 1 The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea Miriam sang about God causing the **sea** to cover and drown the **horse and the one riding it** as if God had thrown them **into the sea**. See how you translated this in [Exodus 15:1](../15/01.md). If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “he has made the horse and rider drown in the sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 15 22 iw9n grammar-collectivenouns יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ 1 Moses led Israel The word **Israel** represents the people of Israel. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Moses led the Israelite people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 15 22 c7pe translate-names מִדְבַּר־שׁ֑וּר 1 wilderness of Shur We do not know the exact location of this place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 15 24 n64m וַיִּלֹּ֧נוּ הָעָ֛ם עַל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה 1 complained to Moses and said Murmur is a very strong term for “grumble” or “complain” that is used to describe the Israelites’ attitude throughout their time in the wilderness. It occurs several times in Exodus and Numbers. Alternate translation: “And the people complained against Moses” or “And the people grumbled at Moses”
EXO 15 26 l2hx figs-123person לְק֣וֹל׀ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ 1 the voice of Yahweh your God Yahweh is speaking about his own voice. Alternate translation: “to my voice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 15 26 oh8c figs-metonymy לְק֣וֹל׀ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ 1 the voice of Yahweh your God Yahweh’s voice represents what he says. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “to what I say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 15 26 sq5x figs-idiom וְהַיָּשָׁ֤ר בְּעֵינָיו֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה 1 do what is right in his eyes The **eyes** represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent idiom from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “and do what Yahweh considers to be right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 15 26 bgcf figs-idiom וְהַֽאֲזַנְתָּ֙ לְמִצְוֺתָ֔יו 1 do what is right in his eyes The **ear** represents listening, and listening represents obeying. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent idiom from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “and you carefully obey his commands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 15 26 m4cn figs-idiom כָּֽל־הַמַּֽחֲלָ֞ה אֲשֶׁר־שַׂ֤מְתִּי בְמִצְרַ֨יִם֙ לֹא־אָשִׂ֣ים עָלֶ֔יךָ 1 I will put on you none of the diseases God speaks of causing people to have diseases as putting diseases on them. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent idiom from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “I will not cause any of you to have the diseases that I cause the Egyptians to have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 15 27 did8 translate-names אֵילִ֔מָה 1 Elim **Elim** is an oasis in the desert, a place with water and shade trees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 16 intro nkd7 0 # Exodus 16 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br>This entire chapter is the story of the Israelites complaining about food and Yahweh providing food. Verses 22-30 introduce the Sabbath.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Complaints<br><br>After complaining about the water, the Israelites complained that they had less food than in Egypt. This is intended to show their ungratefulness and their sinful view of Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])<br><br>### Prohibition against storing food<br><br>The people were not allowed to store the food, called manna, that Yahweh provided to them. This is because they were to trust in Yahweh to provide for their needs every day. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])<br><br>### Sabbath<br><br>This is the first recorded celebration of the Sabbath rest. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]])<br><br>## Possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Bread as food<br><br>Yahweh speaks of the food that he will send as if it were bread. The manna he gave them was perhaps not literally bread. The Israelites would eat this food every day, just as they had eaten bread every day before this. Alternate translations: “food” or “food like bread” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/bread]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>### Chronology<br><br>[Verses 34](../../exo/16/34.md)-36 are written from a much later perspective. Translators will need to find a way to show that this portion gives background information from a much later point (at least 40 years).<br><br>### Box of the Covenant<br><br>Related to the chronology issue, although the covenant has not yet been made, it is referenced in [Exodus 16:34](../../exo/16/34.md). This is probably an editorial comment made after these events. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])<br><br>### Wilderness of Sin<br><br>Sin is the name of a part of the Sinai Wilderness. It is the description of a place, and it has nothing to do with sinning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 16 1 gw67 translate-names סִ֔ין 1 wilderness of Sin The word **Sin** here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness. It is not the English word “sin.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 16 1 h44x translate-hebrewmonths בַּחֲמִשָּׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר יוֹם֙ לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ הַשֵּׁנִ֔י 1 on the fifteenth day of the second month This time coincides with the end of April and the beginning of May on Western calendars. You could convert the Hebrew day and month into an approximate date on the calendar that your culture uses. However, the Jews used a lunar calendar, so if you use a solar calendar, the date will be different every year and the translation will not be entirely accurate. So you may just want to give the number of the day and the name of the month on the Hebrew calendar, and say approximately what time of year that is on your calendar in a footnote.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EXO 16 1 u2aq translate-ordinal בַּחֲמִשָּׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר יוֹם֙ לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ הַשֵּׁנִ֔י 1 on the fifteenth day of the second month If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “on day 15 of month 2” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 16 2 h938 figs-hyperbole וַיִּלּ֜וֹנוּ כָּל־עֲדַ֧ת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל 1 The whole community of Israelites complained Here, **all** is a generalization. Alternate translation: “And many of the community of the sons of Israel murmured” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EXO 16 3 nwy6 figs-hypo מִֽי־יִתֵּ֨ן מוּתֵ֤נוּ 1 If only we had died This is a way of saying that they wished that they had died. It is a hypothetical past statement. Translate it in a way that makes it clear that this did not actually happen. Alternate translation: “We wish that we had died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
EXO 16 3 g1n1 figs-metonymy בְיַד־יְהוָה֙ 1 by Yahweh’s hand The phrase **the hand of Yahweh** represents Yahweh’s action. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “by Yahweh’s action” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 16 4 kls5 figs-metaphor מַמְטִ֥יר לָכֶ֛ם לֶ֖חֶם מִן־הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם 1 I will rain down bread from heaven for you God speaks of food coming **down from heaven** as if it were rain. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “make bread come down from heaven like rain” or “make bread fall to you from the sky” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 16 4 yew5 בְּתוֹרָתִ֖י 1 my law Alternate translation: “in my instruction”
EXO 16 5 p1f6 וְהָיָה֙ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁ֔י וְהֵכִ֖ינוּ 1 It will come about on the sixth day, that they Alternate translation: “It will happen on the sixth day that they will prepare” or “On the sixth day they will prepare”
EXO 16 5 cl74 translate-ordinal בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁ֔י 1 on the sixth day If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “on day 6” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 16 7 zb21 figs-rquestion וְנַ֣חְנוּ מָ֔ה כִּ֥י תלונו עָלֵֽינוּ 1 Who are we for you to complain against us? Moses and Aaron used this question to show the people that it was foolish to complain against them. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “We are not powerful enough for you to complain against us.” or “It is foolish to complain against us, because we cannot do what you want.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 16 8 pn4e figs-rquestion וְנַ֣חְנוּ מָ֔ה 1 Who are Aaron and I? Moses used this question to show the people that he and Aaron did not have the power to give them what they wanted. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Aaron and I cannot give you what you want.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 16 8 vdr8 figs-explicit וְנַ֣חְנוּ מָ֔ה לֹא־עָלֵ֥ינוּ תְלֻנֹּתֵיכֶ֖ם כִּ֥י עַל־יְהוָֽה 1 Your complaints are not against us; they are against Yahweh The people were complaining against Moses and Aaron, who were Yahweh’s servants. So by complaining against them, the people were really complaining against Yahweh. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Your complaints are not really against us; they are against Yahweh, because we are his servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 16 9 pqgo figs-quotesinquotes וַיֹּ֤אמֶר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֔ן אֱמֹ֗ר אֶֽל־כָּל־עֲדַת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל קִרְב֖וּ 1 Your complaints are not against us; they are against Yahweh There are two layers of quotations here. You may want to translate one or the other as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the layers of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “And Moses told Aaron to tell all of the congregation of the sons of Israel, “Approach” or “And Moses told Aaron, “Tell all of the congregation of the sons of Israel to approach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 16 10 q4ax וַיְהִ֗י 1 It came about This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. The important event here is the people seeing Yahweh’s glory. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
EXO 16 13 aas8 וַיְהִ֣י 1 It came about…that This phrase is used here to mark an important part of the events. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
EXO 16 13 eu1x translate-unknown הַשְּׂלָ֔ו 1 quails The word **quail** means a type of small, plump game bird. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 16 14 k5lb translate-unknown כַּכְּפֹ֖ר 1 like frost **Frost** is frozen dew that forms on the ground. It is very fine. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 16 14 jern figs-simile כַּכְּפֹ֖ר 1 like frost The original readers knew what frost is like, so this phrase would help them understand what the flakes were like. Alternate translation: “flakes that looked like frost” or “flakes that were fine like frost” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
EXO 16 16 mnwy עֹ֣מֶר לַגֻּלְגֹּ֗לֶת מִסְפַּר֙ נַפְשֹׁ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם אִ֛ישׁ לַאֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּאָהֳל֖וֹ תִּקָּֽחוּ 1 omer Alternate translation: “take an omer per person according to how many people are in the gatherer’s tent”
EXO 16 19 v499 figs-genericnoun אִ֕ישׁ אַל 1 omer **A man** refers to people in general, not to one particular man. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “No one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
EXO 16 20 itjo וַיָּ֥רֻם תּוֹלָעִ֖ים 1 omer Alternate translation: “and it decayed with worms”
EXO 16 21 jd5t אִ֖ישׁ כְּפִ֣י אָכְל֑וֹ 1 omer Alternate translation: “everyone according to how much they would eat” or “everyone according to how many people they had to feed”
EXO 16 22 nrx8 writing-newevent וַיְהִ֣י 1 It came about that This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. Verses 16:22-30 tell about what the people did concerning the manna on the sixth and seventh days of the week. If your language has a way for marking this as a new part of the story, you could consider using it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 16 22 xk6x translate-ordinal בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁ֗י 1 on the sixth day If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “on day 6” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 16 23 wc4a שַׁבָּת֧וֹן שַׁבַּת־קֹ֛דֶשׁ לַֽיהוָ֖ה 1 a solemn rest Alternate translation: “is a day to stop working completely and dedicate to Yahweh”
EXO 16 23 cqjd figs-abstractnouns שַׁבַּת־קֹ֛דֶשׁ 1 a solemn rest If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “a holy Sabbath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 16 24 y4d9 וְלֹ֣א הִבְאִ֔ישׁ 1 did not become foul Alternate translation: “And it did not smell rotten”
EXO 16 25 pr1p כִּֽי־שַׁבָּ֥ת הַיּ֖וֹם לַיהוָ֑ה 1 today is a day reserved as a Sabbath to honor Yahweh Alternate translation: “today is a Sabbath, a day to honor Yahweh by not working”
EXO 16 26 jv77 translate-ordinal וּבַיּ֧וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֛י 1 but the seventh day If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “but on day seven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 16 28 e1vx figs-rquestion עַד־אָ֨נָה֙ מֵֽאַנְתֶּ֔ם לִשְׁמֹ֥ר מִצְוֺתַ֖י וְתוֹרֹתָֽי 1 How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? God used this question to scold the people because they did not obey his laws. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You people still do not keep my commandments and laws!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 16 28 q41d figs-youcrowd מֵֽאַנְתֶּ֔ם 1 General Information: Yahweh speaks to Moses, but the word **you** refers to the people of Israel in general. If the singular form would not be natural in your language for someone who was speaking to a group of people, you could use the plural forms of “you” in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])
EXO 16 29 p22l figs-metaphor כִּֽי־יְהוָה֮ נָתַ֣ן לָכֶ֣ם הַשַּׁבָּת֒ 1 Yahweh has given you the Sabbath Yahweh speaks about teaching people to rest on the Sabbath as if the **Sabbath** were a gift. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, have taught you to rest on the Sabbath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 16 29 dt58 translate-ordinal בַּיּ֥וֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁ֖י…בַּיּ֥וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִֽי 1 sixth day…two days…seventh day If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “on day 6 … on day 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 16 31 r1a5 translate-unknown כְּזֶ֤רַע גַּד֙ לָבָ֔ן 1 coriander seed **Coriander** is an herb also known as cilantro. People eat both the leaves and seeds. People dry the seeds, grind them into a powder, and put it in food to add flavor. Alternate translation: “like a small white seed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 16 34 x9vr writing-background 0 wafers Verses 34-36 provide a later commentary on the chapter. If your language has a way of marking background information you may want to use it starting from verse 34 or verse 35. You may want to leave verse 34 more connected to verse 33 even though it references the **Covenant**, which has not been given yet. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EXO 16 36 g8ns translate-bvolume וְהָעֹ֕מֶר עֲשִׂרִ֥ית הָאֵיפָ֖ה הֽוּא 1 Now an omer is a tenth of an ephah An **omer** and an **ephah** are both units of dry measurement. An ephah is approximately equal to a bushel, and an omer is one-tenth of an ephah. The original readers would have known how much an ephah was. This sentence would help them know how much an omer was. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]])
EXO 16 36 a9uh translate-fraction וְהָעֹ֕מֶר עֲשִׂרִ֥ית הָאֵיפָ֖ה הֽוּא 1 Now an omer is a tenth of an ephah For languages that do not use fractions, this can be reworded. Alternate translation: “Now ten omers equal one ephah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
EXO 17 intro f12q 0 7# Exodus 17 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>- v. 1-7: the Israelites complain and Yahweh gives them water<br>- v. 8-16: Israel defeats Amalek in battle<br><br>## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter<br><br>### Rhetorical questions<br><br>Moses uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. The purpose of these questions is to convince people of their sin. Likewise, the people’s rhetorical question shows their ignorance. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])<br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Wilderness of Sin<br><br>Sin is the name of a part of the Sinai Wilderness. It is not the description of a place, and it has nothing to do with the act of sinning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>### Naming<br><br>As in the last couple of chapters, places and things are named for what happens in that location. In this chapter is Massah (which means “test”), Meribah (“arguing”), and an altar named “Yahweh is my Banner,” because Yahweh will be at war with the Amalekites forever.
EXO 17 1 jzz5 writing-newevent וַ֠יִּסְעוּ כָּל־עֲדַ֨ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל 1 wilderness of Sin A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 17 1 h1li translate-names סִ֛ין 1 wilderness of Sin The word **Sin** here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness. It is not the English word “sin.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 16:1](../16/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 17 1 e7jv figs-metonymy עַל־פִּ֣י יְהוָ֑ה 1 wilderness of Sin Here, **mouth** refers figuratively to Yahweh’s commands (that is, what he says to do). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “at the command of Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 17 1 j1fm translate-names בִּרְפִידִ֔ים 1 Rephidim **Rephidim** means “the resting place,” a place to rest on long journeys through the wilderness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 17 2 hr9b figs-rquestion מַה־תְּרִיבוּן֙ עִמָּדִ֔י מַה־תְּנַסּ֖וּן אֶת־יְהוָֽה 1 Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh? Moses uses these questions to scold the people. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Why are you speaking against me? And why are you trying to test whether Yahweh is able to give you what you need?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 17 3 cz24 figs-rquestion לָ֤מָּה זֶּה֙ הֶעֱלִיתָ֣נוּ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם לְהָמִ֥ית אֹתִ֛י וְאֶת־בָּנַ֥י וְאֶת־מִקְנַ֖י בַּצָּמָֽא 1 To kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? The people use this question to accuse Moses of wanting to kill them. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt? Did you bring us here to cause us and our children and animals to die because we have no water to drink?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 17 6 nspc figs-metonymy לְפָנֶ֨יךָ 1 To kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? Here, **before your face** means “in front of you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 17 7 x5an translate-names מַסָּ֖ה 1 Massah **Massah** is a place in the desert whose name means “testing” in Hebrew. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 17 7 hw7y translate-names וּמְרִיבָ֑ה 1 Meribah **Meribah** is a place in the desert whose name means “complaining” in Hebrew. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 17 7 m55e אִם־אָֽיִן 1 Meribah In some languages it may be unnatural to explicitly have the negative option included in this question or to have it at the end. It may be omitted or relocated in the question if that is the case.
EXO 17 8 nyt1 writing-newevent וַיָּבֹ֖א עֲמָלֵ֑ק 1 Rephidim A new scene begins here which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 17 8 pu7i figs-metonymy עֲמָלֵ֑ק…יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 Rephidim **Amalek** and **Israel** both refer to the nations (people groups) descended from that individual by simply using the name of the ancestor. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the Amalekites … the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 17 8 hi3u grammar-collectivenouns עֲמָלֵ֑ק…יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 Rephidim **Amalek** and **Israel** are both collective nouns that refer to the nations (people groups) descended from that individual. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “the Amalekites … the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 17 8 srdq writing-participants עֲמָלֵ֑ק 1 Rephidim **Amalek** or the Amalekites are a completely new participant in the story. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new character. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 17 8 rv14 translate-names בִּרְפִידִֽם 1 Rephidim **Rephidim** was the name of a place in the desert. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 17 9 dscc writing-participants יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ 1 Rephidim **Joshua** is a completely new participant in the story. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new character. Later he becomes a major character, but not really in the book of Exodus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 17 10 ca3g figs-synecdoche וַיַּ֣עַשׂ יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר אָֽמַר־לוֹ֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם בַּעֲמָלֵ֑ק 1 So Joshua fought Amalek **Joshua** represents himself and the Israelites that he led into battle. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And, as Moses instructed, Joshua and the men he chose fought against the Amalekites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 17 10 itcx writing-participants וְח֔וּר 1 Hur **Hur** is a new participant in the story, which you may need to point out in your translation. However, he is a very minor character. He only appears in this passage and once much later in the book, so you may not need to highlight him at all. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 17 11 x5ex figs-synecdoche וְגָבַ֣ר יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל…וְגָבַ֥ר עֲמָלֵֽק 1 Israel was winning…Amalek would begin to win The words **Israel** and **Amalek** represent the fighters from those groups. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Israelite fighters were winning … the Amalekite fighters would begin to win” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 17 12 hxt8 figs-idiom וִידֵ֤י מֹשֶׁה֙ כְּבֵדִ֔ים 1 hands became heavy The author writes of Moses’ arms becoming tired as if his **hands became heavy**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “And Moses’ arms became tired” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 17 13 plp3 figs-metonymy לְפִי־חָֽרֶב 1 with the sword The **sword** represents battle. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “in combat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 17 14 c5rl figs-metaphor מָחֹ֤ה אֶמְחֶה֙ אֶת־זֵ֣כֶר עֲמָלֵ֔ק 1 I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek God speaks of destroying Amalek as if he were removing people’s memory of Amalek. When a group of people is completely destroyed, there is nothing to remind people about them. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “I will completely destroy Amalek” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 17 14 jm77 figs-metonymy עֲמָלֵ֔ק 1 Amalek The Amalekites are referred to by naming their ancestor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: Amalekites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 17 14 n42j figs-hyperbole מִתַּ֖חַת הַשָּׁמָֽיִם 1 Amalek This phrase makes an intentionally broad image and represents all people everywhere. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “from all people everywhere” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EXO 17 15 fneg נִסִּֽי 1 Amalek A **banner** is something lifted up high, perhaps like a flag, that people can see from a distance and follow. Alternate translation: “is my military standard” or “is my guidon”
EXO 17 16 lr14 כִּֽי־יָד֙ עַל־כֵּ֣ס יָ֔הּ 1 Amalek The Hebrew here is very difficult, and there are a variety of opinions regarding the meaning. Questions include: (1) Whose hand is referred to? Amalek’s, Yahweh’s, or Moses’? (2) What is the hand on (or against)? Yahweh’s throne or banner? (3) What is the meaning of the Hebrew preposition meaning on, against, or above? What does that signify? Rebellion, or taking an oath, or holding onto a symbol of power? If there is another translation in your region, it may be best to simply follow the interpretation it gives. Alternate translation: “Because a hand was on the throne of Yah” or “Because a hand was on the banner of Yah”
EXO 17 16 sw1q מִלְחָמָ֥ה לַיהוָ֖ה בַּֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק 1 Amalek This phrase has no verbs in Hebrew. You may need to translate the noun **war** as a verb. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will make war with Amalek” or “Yahweh will war against Amalek”
EXO 18 intro t8g2 0 # Exodus 18 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>- v. 1-12: Jethro visits Moses and hears all that Yahweh has done<br>- v. 13-27: Jethro observes Moses and advises him to set up a subsidiarity leadership structure; Moses does so<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Leadership lessons<br><br>Jethro taught Moses an important leadership lesson in this chapter. Many scholars look at this chapter for important leadership lessons. Moses delegated some of his responsibilities to other godly men so that he would not become worn out by all the demands made of him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]])<br><br>## Possible Translation Difficulties<br><br>### Order of events<br><br>The timing of the events in [verse 2](../18/02.md) is not clear and, whatever their timing, may be difficult to translate. The question: Is Jethro’s **taking** Zipporah related to the past event of Moses sending her back to him at some otherwise unmentioned point in time, or is Jethro’s **taking** related to his coming to meet Moses in [verse 5](../18/05.md).<br><br>### Verse 11<br><br>[Verse 11](../18/11.md) is difficult in the original and requires interpretation.<br><br>### God and Yahweh<br><br>In this chapter, God, who is named Yahweh in much of the rest of the book, is mostly referred to as God instead of by his name as is usual. Translations should not suggest that they are not different beings.<br><br>### Kinship: Father-in-law<br><br>Jethro is the father of Moses’ wife. Some languages may make a distinction between that and a woman’s father-in-law. If that is the case, note it in verses: 1-2, 5-8, 12, 14-15, 17, 24, and 27. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])<br><br>### Participant reference<br><br>Jethro is often referred to simply as the father-in-law of Moses in this chapter. He is also named explicitly (referred to by name) an unusually high number of times (it would be more usual to have more pronouns referring to him). Frequent use of his name is likely to emphasize his familial ties and authority (or honored status). Some languages may need to alter the way he is referred to for naturalness or to convey the same sense of familial ties and authority (or honored status).
EXO 18 1 nl86 translate-kinship חֹתֵ֣ן מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 Moses’ father-in-law The label, **father-in-law of Moses** refers to the father of the wife of Moses. If your language uses a different term for a man’s father-in-law than for a woman’s father-in-law, choose the appropriate one here. Note the use of this term also in verses: 2, 5-8, 12, 14-15, 17, 24, and 27. Alternate translation: “the father of the wife of Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])
EXO 18 2 zw6h וַיִּקַּ֗ח יִתְרוֹ֙ חֹתֵ֣ן מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶת־צִפֹּרָ֖ה אֵ֣שֶׁת מֹשֶׁ֑ה 1 took Zipporah, Moses’ wife This could mean: (1) Jethro took Zipporah to Moses, or (2) Jethro had earlier welcomed back Zipporah.
EXO 18 2 chy6 figs-explicit אַחַ֖ר שִׁלּוּחֶֽיהָ 1 after he had sent her home This is something Moses had done earlier. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “after Moses had sent her home to her father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 18 3 khs1 וְאֵ֖ת שְׁנֵ֣י בָנֶ֑יהָ 1 and her two sons This is the ending of the sentence that begins with the words **Jethro … took Zipporah** in [verse 2](../18/02.md). This could mean: (1) Jethro took Zipporah and her two sons to Moses, or (2) Jethro had earlier welcomed back Zipporah and her two sons.
EXO 18 3 k4mb translate-names גֵּֽרְשֹׁ֔ם 1 Gershom **Gershom** is a son of Moses and Zipporah; his name means “foreigner.” See [2:22](../02/22.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 18 4 xi35 translate-names אֱלִיעֶ֑זֶר 1 Eliezer **Eliezer** is a son of Moses and Zipporah; his name means “God is the one who helps me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 18 4 z2km figs-metonymy מֵחֶ֥רֶב פַּרְעֹֽה 1 Pharaoh’s sword The phrase **from the sword of Pharaoh** represents being killed by Pharaoh or Pharaoh’s army. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “from being killed by Pharaoh” or “from being killed by Pharaoh’s army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 18 7 s5p2 translate-symaction וַיִּשְׁתַּ֨חוּ֙ וַיִּשַּׁק־ל֔וֹ 1 bowed down, and kissed him These were symbolic acts that were the normal way that people showed great respect and devotion in that culture. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EXO 18 8 rkq2 figs-metonymy עַ֖ל אוֹדֹ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל 1 for Israel’s sake The word **Israel** represents the Israelite people. Alternate translation: “in order to help the Israelite people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 18 8 a1ra figs-metaphor כָּל־הַתְּלָאָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר מְצָאָ֣תַם 1 all the hardships that had come to them Moses writes of **hardships** happening to them as if hardships had discovered where they were. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “all the hardships that had happened to them” or “how they had many hard experiences” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 18 9 wp1p figs-metonymy מִיַּ֥ד מִצְרָֽיִם 1 the hand of the Egyptians The hand represents the power of someone to do something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “from the power of the Egyptians” or “from what the Egyptians were doing to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 18 10 nrv7 figs-metonymy מִיַּ֥ד מִצְרַ֖יִם וּמִיַּ֣ד פַּרְעֹ֑ה…מִתַּ֖חַת יַד־מִצְרָֽיִם 1 the hand of the Egyptians…the hand of Pharaoh The hand represents the power of someone to do something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “from the power of the Egyptians and from the power of Pharaoh … from the power of the Egyptians” or “from what the Egyptians and Pharaoh were doing to you … from what the Egyptians were doing to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 18 11 kmk7 כִּ֣י בַדָּבָ֔ר 1 the hand of the Egyptians…the hand of Pharaoh Here, **because of the matter** probably refers back to Yahweh’s rescue of Israel. Alternate translation: “because of what he did”
EXO 18 11 ljj6 figs-explicit אֲשֶׁ֥ר זָד֖וּ עֲלֵיהֶֽם 1 the hand of the Egyptians…the hand of Pharaoh The most natural referent for **they** is **the gods**, who, perhaps through their agents (Pharaoh and the Egyptians), fought against Yahweh and oppressed the Israelites (**them**). This would connect back to [Exodus 12:12](../12/12.md) where Yahweh declares that he is bringing judgment on the gods of Egypt. You may need to make some part of this explicit. Alternate translation: “in which they proudly fought Yahweh by oppressing Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 18 12 voi9 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֥י הָאֱלֹהִֽים 1 the hand of the Egyptians…the hand of Pharaoh Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of God. In this case it likely means that this was a worship event. Alternate translation: “in the presence of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 18 13 ni2b writing-newevent וַיְהִי֙ מִֽמָּחֳרָ֔ת 1 the hand of the Egyptians…the hand of Pharaoh A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 18 13 ano2 translate-symaction וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב מֹשֶׁ֖ה לִשְׁפֹּ֣ט 1 the hand of the Egyptians…the hand of Pharaoh Sitting was symbolic of having a position of authority. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Moses sat down as a judge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EXO 18 14 bax5 figs-rquestion מָֽה־הַדָּבָ֤ר הַזֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אַתָּ֤ה עֹשֶׂה֙ לָעָ֔ם 1 What is this that you are doing with the people? Jethro uses this question to show Moses that what he was doing was not good. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You should not be doing all of this for the people!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 18 14 b5wj figs-rquestion מַדּ֗וּעַ אַתָּ֤ה יוֹשֵׁב֙ לְבַדֶּ֔ךָ וְכָל־הָעָ֛ם נִצָּ֥ב עָלֶ֖יךָ מִן־בֹּ֥קֶר עַד־עָֽרֶב 1 Why is it that you sit alone…from morning until evening? Jethro used this question to show Moses that he was doing too much. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Why are you doing all this for the people? Why are you doing this by yourself, and why are all the people standing around you from morning until evening, asking you to make decisions for them?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 18 14 cfd1 figs-metonymy אַתָּ֤ה יוֹשֵׁב֙ לְבַדֶּ֔ךָ 1 you sit alone The word **sit** here is a metonym for “judge.” Judges would sit while they listened to people’s complaints. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “do you judge alone” or “are you the only one who judges the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 18 14 tiqs figs-explicit נִצָּ֥ב עָלֶ֖יךָ 1 you sit alone The people came to be near Moses so that they could get a chance for him to hear their petitions. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “petition you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 18 18 h91b figs-metaphor כָבֵ֤ד מִמְּךָ֙ 1 This burden is too heavy for you Jethro speaks of the hard work that Moses is doing as if it were a physical burden that Moses was carrying. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “is too hard for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 18 19 v8i9 figs-metaphor וִיהִ֥י אֱלֹהִ֖ים עִמָּ֑ךְ 1 God will be with you Jethro speaks of God helping Moses as if God would be with Moses. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “God will help you” or “God will give you wisdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 18 19 w4r8 figs-metaphor וְהֵבֵאתָ֥ אַתָּ֛ה אֶת־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים אֶל־הָאֱלֹהִֽים 1 you bring their disputes to him Jethro speaks of Moses telling God about their disputes as if they were something that Moses was bringing to God. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “and you tell God about their disputes” or and “you tell God what they are arguing about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 18 20 w3vf figs-metaphor וְהוֹדַעְתָּ֣ לָהֶ֗ם אֶת־הַדֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ יֵ֣לְכוּ בָ֔הּ 1 You must show them the way to walk Jethro speaks of living or behaving like walking. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “You must show them how to live” or “You must show them how to behave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 18 21 n936 figs-metaphor וְשַׂמְתָּ֣ עֲלֵהֶ֗ם 1 You must put them over people Jethro speaks of giving them authority over people as putting them over people. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “You should select leaders for the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 18 21 xprc writing-pronouns וְשַׂמְתָּ֣ עֲלֵהֶ֗ם 1 You must put them over people Here, **them** refers to the Israelites. Moses is advised to place good men in charge of groups of Israelites. Alternate translation: “And you must appoint these men over the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 18 21 d2hv translate-numbers שָׂרֵ֤י אֲלָפִים֙ שָׂרֵ֣י מֵא֔וֹת שָׂרֵ֥י חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים וְשָׂרֵ֥י עֲשָׂרֹֽת 1 leaders in charge of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and of tens This could mean: (1) these numbers represent the exact amount of people in each group. Alternate translation: “leaders in charge of groups of 1,000 people, groups of 100 people, groups of 50 people, and groups of 10 people” or (2) these numbers are not exact, but represent groups of people of various sizes. Alternate translation: “leaders in charge of very small groups, small groups, large groups, and very large groups” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EXO 18 22 y5n2 figs-metaphor כָּל־הַדָּבָ֤ר הַגָּדֹל֙ יָבִ֣יאוּ אֵלֶ֔יךָ 1 the difficult cases they will bring to you By **every great situation they will bring to you**, Jethro is recommending that the new leaders should pass the most difficult cases to Moses for him to judge them. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “the difficult cases they will tell you about” or “when there are difficult cases, they will tell you about them so you could judge them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 18 22 u42p figs-metaphor וְהָקֵל֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָ וְנָשְׂא֖וּ אִתָּֽךְ 1 they will carry the burden with you Jethro speaks of the hard work that they would do as if it were something that they would carry beside Moses and make lighter for Moses by helping him. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “and lessen your work by having them do the hard work with you” or “and make your work easier by having them help you do the hard work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 18 23 bt5p כָּל־הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה עַל־מְקֹמ֖וֹ יָבֹ֥א בְשָׁלֽוֹם 1 endure Here, getting **to their place** could mean each person’s home tent or it could mean the whole group gets to the promised land. If you cannot leave it ambiguous, it would be best to indicate something like “harmony in the camp.” Alternate translation: “all these people will live in harmony”
EXO 18 25 n2ws figs-metaphor רָאשִׁ֖ים עַל־הָעָ֑ם 1 heads over the people Moses writes of the leaders of people as if they were the **head** of a body. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “leaders over the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 18 25 tb18 figs-explicit אַנְשֵׁי־חַ֨יִל֙ 1 capable men If it would be helpful to your readers, what sort of ability they had can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “men who were able to lead” or “men who were able to judge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 18 25 iqn8 translate-numbers שָׂרֵ֤י אֲלָפִים֙ שָׂרֵ֣י מֵא֔וֹת שָׂרֵ֥י חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים וְשָׂרֵ֥י עֲשָׂרֹֽת 1 leaders in charge of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens This could mean: (1) these numbers represent the exact amount of people in each group. Alternate translation: “leaders in charge of groups of 1,000 people, groups of 100 people, groups of 50 people, and groups of 10 people” or (2) these numbers are not exact, but represent groups of people of various sizes. Alternate translation: “leaders in charge of very small groups, small groups, large groups, and very large groups” See how you translated this in [Exodus 18:21](../18/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EXO 18 26 abx4 וְשָׁפְט֥וּ אֶת־הָעָ֖ם בְּכָל־עֵ֑ת 1 judged the people in normal circumstances Alternate translation: “They judged the people most of the time” or “They judged the people in all regular circumstances”
EXO 18 26 z7j4 figs-metaphor אֶת־הַדָּבָ֤ר הַקָּשֶׁה֙ יְבִיא֣וּן אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 The difficult cases they brought to Moses The author writes of telling Moses about the difficult cases as bringing him the difficult cases. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “They told Moses about the difficult cases” or “When there were difficult cases, they told Moses about them so that he would judge them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 19 intro ck7e 0 # Exodus 19 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br>This chapter consist of a series of Moses going up Mount Sinai, talking to Yahweh, coming down, and talking to the people. He is being the intermediary, carrying messages between Yahweh and the people.<br>- v. 1-2: Arrival at Sinai<br>- v. 3-8: First cycle of Moses going up and down for instruction and response<br>- v. 9-15: Second cycle, people get ready to hear God<br>- v. 16-19: God speaks to the people from the mountain<br>- v. 20-25: Third cycle<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### “A kingdom of priests”<br><br>The function of the priests was to intercede for the people. The Levites were the only priests in Israel; this is a metaphor indicating that the nation was to intercede for the world as a whole. They were also to be holy, or set apart, from the rest of the world. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])<br><br>### Revealing the law<br><br>The events of this chapter are concerned with preparing the people to receive the law of Moses. The people go through all of this to prepare themselves for the law, which shows the great importance of this event for Israel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])<br><br>### Boundaries between Yahweh and the people<br><br>Moses is told to make the people holy in preparation for meeting Yahweh, then boundaries are set up to keep the people separate from Yahweh, and then the priests are told to make themselves holy. The theme of a holy separation is beginning to be developed that will become much of the law code.
EXO 19 1 r5tj translate-ordinal בַּחֹ֨דֶשׁ֙ הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י…בַּיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה 1 In the third month…on the same day This means they arrived at the wilderness on the first day of the month just as they left Egypt on the first day of the month. The first day of the third month on the Hebrew calendar is near the middle of May on Western calendars. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “In the month 3 … on the day 1 of the month” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 19 2 nk51 translate-names מֵרְפִידִ֗ים 1 Rephidim **Rephidim** is an area on the edge of the wilderness of Sinai where the people of Israel had been camping. See how you translated this name in [Exodus 17:1](../17/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 19 3 kgev figs-parallelism תֹאמַר֙ לְבֵ֣ית יַעֲקֹ֔ב וְתַגֵּ֖יד לִבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 the house of Jacob, the people of Israel These two phrases have exactly the same meaning. This may be for poetic effect, as Yahweh’s statement here through [verse 6](../19/06.md) is somewhat artfully crafted. You may need to use a strategy other than parallelism to achieve a similar poetic effect in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 19 4 z9i6 figs-youdual אַתֶּ֣ם רְאִיתֶ֔ם 1 You have seen The word **you** here refers to the Israelites. Yahweh is telling Moses what to tell the Israelites. If your language has a plural form of you, you would need it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 19 4 b7ph figs-metaphor וָאֶשָּׂ֤א אֶתְכֶם֙ עַל־כַּנְפֵ֣י נְשָׁרִ֔ים 1 I carried you on eagles’ wings God speaks of caring for his people while they traveled as if he were an eagle and carried them on his **wings**. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “ how I helped you travel like an eagle that carries her babies on her wings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 19 5 c767 figs-metonymy בְּקֹלִ֔י 1 my voice God’s voice represents what he says. Alternate translation: “to what I say” or “to my words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 19 6 gm9s figs-metaphor לִ֛י מַמְלֶ֥כֶת כֹּהֲנִ֖ים 1 a kingdom of priests God speaks of his people as if they were **priests**. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “my kingdom of people who are like priests” or “my kingdom of people who do what priests do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 19 7 c5tq figs-metaphor וַיָּ֣שֶׂם לִפְנֵיהֶ֗ם אֵ֚ת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה 1 set before them all these words Moses setting the words before them means that he was telling people things. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “And he told them all these words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 19 7 xjbb figs-metonymy לִפְנֵיהֶ֗ם 1 set before them all these words Here, **face** means the person. Alternate translation: “before them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 19 7 zqk1 כָּל־הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֖הוּ יְהוָֽה 1 all these words that Yahweh had commanded him Alternate translation: “all that Yahweh had commanded him”
EXO 19 8 ljf5 figs-explicit וַיָּ֧שֶׁב מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הָעָ֖ם 1 Moses came to report If it would be helpful to your readers, where Moses went can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “Moses went back up the mountain to report the words of the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 19 8 rwx6 figs-metonymy אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הָעָ֖ם 1 the people’s words Here, **words** refers to what the people said. Alternate translation: “what the people said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 19 9 ih2h figs-metonymy אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הָעָ֖ם 1 the people’s words Here, **words** refers to what the people said. Alternate translation: “what the people said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 19 10 ie7y וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֥ם 1 you must set them apart to me This may mean instruct the people, or it may mean Moses will have a role as well. Alternate translation: “and tell them to dedicate themselves to me” or “and help them to purify themselves for me”
EXO 19 11 tdg9 figs-metonymy לְעֵינֵ֥י 1 Be ready Here, **before the eyes** means “so they can see.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 19 12 d48p וְהִגְבַּלְתָּ֤ 1 set boundaries The **boundary** was either a mark or some kind of barrier.
EXO 19 12 hhv5 figs-quotesinquotes לֵאמֹ֔ר הִשָּׁמְר֥וּ לָכֶ֛ם 1 set boundaries A second-level direct quotation begins with **watch**. It is not clear where this command that Moses is to give the Israelites ends. Most English translations end it in [verse 13](../19/13.md) before the last sentence. For that reason, it may be most helpful to translate the instruction as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “telling them to watch themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 19 12 xct0 הִשָּׁמְר֥וּ לָכֶ֛ם עֲל֥וֹת בָּהָ֖ר וּנְגֹ֣עַ בְּקָצֵ֑הוּ 1 set boundaries Here, the negative command is implied from the **watch yourselves** command. Alternate translation: “Watch yourselves against climbing on the mountain or touching on its edge”
EXO 19 12 kis1 figs-activepassive כָּל־הַנֹּגֵ֥עַ בָּהָ֖ר מ֥וֹת 1 Whoever touches the mountain will surely be put to death If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must surely put to death any person who touches the mountain” or “You must surely kill anyone who touches the mountain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 19 13 l9ak figs-metonymy לֹא־תִגַּ֨ע בּ֜וֹ יָ֗ד 1 such a person Here, **hand** is a metonym for any part of a person. Alternate translation: “No person shall touch that one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 19 13 k35k figs-activepassive סָק֤וֹל יִסָּקֵל֙ אוֹ־יָרֹ֣ה יִיָּרֶ֔ה 1 he must certainly be stoned or shot If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must certainly stone or shoot him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 19 13 ezpm figs-go יַעֲל֥וּ 1 shot If you translate this with come or go, consider which would be the correct perspective for your language and the text context. Yahweh is speaking, so “come up” is valid; however, the people will be the ones moving, so “go up” is valid as well. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 19 15 bw2p figs-euphemism אַֽל־תִּגְּשׁ֖וּ אֶל־אִשָּֽׁה 1 do not go near your wives This is a polite way of talking about sexual relations. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “do not sleep with your wives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
EXO 19 15 z0aq אִשָּֽׁה 1 do not go near your wives This word means both “woman” and “wife.” Context dictates the correct translation. Since wife would make it a narrower command, **woman** was chosen here.
EXO 19 18 a8p7 figs-simile כְּעֶ֣שֶׁן הַכִּבְשָׁ֔ן 1 like the smoke of a furnace This shows that it was a very large amount of smoke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “like the smoke from a very large fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
EXO 19 19 f5e6 figs-metonymy בְקֽוֹל 1 in a voice The word **voice** here refers to a sound that God made. This could mean: (1) “by speaking loudly like thunder” or (2) “by speaking” or (3) “by causing thunder to sound” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 19 20 zx5p figs-go וַיֵּ֧רֶד…וַיַּ֥עַל 1 in a voice You may need to consider your language’s rules for perspective regarding going or coming up or down in this verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])
EXO 19 21 d2qm figs-metaphor פֶּן־יֶהֶרְס֤וּ 1 not to break through God spoke about walking past the boundary as if they might break down a barrier and walk through it. See how you translated “set bounds” in [Exodus 19:12](../19/12.md). If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “not to go beyond the boundary” or “not to go through the barrier” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 19 21 oht2 figs-euphemism וְנָפַ֥ל 1 not to break through Here, **fall** refers to dying. This is a polite way of referring to something unpleasant. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could state this plainly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
EXO 19 22 pq8j figs-metaphor יִפְרֹ֥ץ בָּהֶ֖ם יְהוָֽה 1 not to break through Yahweh’s anger and judgment are pictured as something that will **burst** through a boundary. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Yahweh kills them in anger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 19 23 gagp figs-quotesinquotes בָּ֨נוּ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר הַגְבֵּ֥ל אֶת־הָהָ֖ר וְקִדַּשְׁתּֽוֹ 1 not to break through This quoted command could be translated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “us to set boundaries on the mountain to keep it separate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 19 24 bk6p figs-metaphor אַל־יֶֽהֶרְס֛וּ 1 break through the barrier God spoke about walking past the boundary as if they might **break** down a barrier and walk through it. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 19:21](../19/21.md). If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “must not go beyond the boundary” or “must not go through the barrier” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 19 24 p1yq figs-metaphor יִפְרָץ־בָּֽם 1 break through the barrier Yahweh’s anger and judgment are pictured as something that will **burst** forth from him. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 19:22](../19/22.md). If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “he kill them in anger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 20 intro x7vt 0 # Exodus 20 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>- v. 1-17: Yahweh gives the Ten Commandments<br>- v. 18-21: the people react<br>- v. 22-26: Yahweh gives a little more explanation about idols and altars<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Covenant<br><br>Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness is now based on the covenant he made with Abraham as well as the covenant he is making with Moses. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenantfaith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])<br><br>### Form of you<br><br>The singular form of you is used in the commandments; however, the commandments applied to the whole Israelite community. There is both a singular and a corporate aspect to them. You may need to choose between singular and plural if your language makes that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])
EXO 20 2 qg71 figs-metaphor מִבֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים 1 house of slavery Yahweh speaks of **Egypt** as if it were a **house** where people keep slaves. See how you translated this in [Exodus 13:3](../13/03.md). If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “from the place where you were slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 20 3 r9h3 לֹֽ֣א יִהְיֶֽה־לְךָ֛ אֱלֹהִ֥ים אֲחֵרִ֖ים עַל־פָּנָֽיַ 1 You must have no other gods before me Alternate translation: “You must not worship any other gods besides me”
EXO 20 4 s7n3 figs-merism וְכָל־תְּמוּנָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר בַּשָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ מִמַּ֔עַל וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר בָּאָ֖רֶץ מִתָּ֑חַת וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר בַּמַּ֖יִם מִתַּ֥חַת לָאָֽרֶץ 1 nor the likeness This list means all created things wherever they are. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “nor anything that looks like anything created, whether that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 20 4 rkn1 figs-abstractnouns וְכָל־תְּמוּנָ֔ה 1 nor the likeness If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **likeness**, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “nor anything looking like something” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 20 5 ka3i writing-pronouns לָהֶ֖ם 1 You must not bow down to them or worship them Here, **them** refers to carved figures or idols. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 20 5 hx93 figs-ellipsis בָּנִ֛ים עַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁ֥ים וְעַל־רִבֵּעִ֖ים 1 to the third and the fourth generation Alternate translation: “Generation” is implied by **sons**, therefore **third and fourth** refers to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “the sons down to the third and fourth generations” or “and even on the grandchildren and great-grandchildren” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 20 5 s2ia translate-ordinal עַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁ֥ים וְעַל־רִבֵּעִ֖ים 1 to the third and the fourth generation If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “to generations 3 and 4”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 20 6 u9nc figs-abstractnouns וְעֹ֥שֶׂה חֶ֖סֶד לַאֲלָפִ֑ים לְאֹהֲבַ֖י 1 I show covenant faithfulness to thousands of those who love me If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faithfulness**, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I am faithful to the covenant with thousands of those who love me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 20 6 oyh7 figs-ellipsis לַאֲלָפִ֑ים 1 to the third and the fourth generation Alternate translation: “Generation” is implied by the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply necessary words from the context. Alternate translation: “to the thousandth generation” or “for a thousand generations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 20 6 yw38 figs-metonymy לַאֲלָפִ֑ים לְאֹהֲבַ֖י 1 to thousands of those who love me Here, **thousands** may mean: (1) “forever,” that is, “to all descendants forever” (2) a number too many to count. Alternate translation: “for every generation” or “forever to innumerable people who love me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 20 7 o96b תִשָּׂ֛א…יִשָּׂ֥א 1 take the name of Yahweh your God To **lift up**, take, or use the name of Yahweh (with emptiness, i.e. improperly) covers many sorts of speaking or invoking his name or making a claim to him or attempting to manipulate him or misrepresenting him. A broad word should be used in translation of this term.
EXO 20 7 t3k2 לֹ֥א תִשָּׂ֛א אֶת־שֵֽׁם־יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ 1 take the name of Yahweh your God Alternate translation: “You must not use the name of Yahweh your God”
EXO 20 7 gcz2 לַשָּׁ֑וְא…לַשָּֽׁוְא 1 in vain Alternate translation: “carelessly” or “without proper respect”
EXO 20 7 sl6g figs-doublenegatives לֹ֤א יְנַקֶּה֙ 1 I will not hold guiltless If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. . Alternate translation: “I will certainly consider guilty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EXO 20 10 t1ky figs-metonymy בִּשְׁעָרֶֽיךָ 1 within your gates Cities often had walls around them to keep out enemies, and gates for people to go in and out. Anyone who was inside the gates was part of the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “within your community” or “inside your city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 20 11 vw1f translate-ordinal בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֑י 1 on the seventh day If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “on day seven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 20 14 wyv9 לֹ֖א תִּנְאָֽף 1 You must not commit adultery Alternate translation: “You must not have sex with anyone other than your spouse”
EXO 20 16 zix8 לֹֽא־תַעֲנֶ֥ה בְרֵעֲךָ֖ עֵ֥ד שָֽׁקֶר 1 must not give false testimony Alternate translation: “You must not speak a false report against your neighbor”
EXO 20 17 vt9t לֹ֥א תַחְמֹ֖ד 1 must not covet Alternate translation: “You must not strongly want to have” or “You must not want to take”
EXO 20 18 nm52 הָהָ֖ר עָשֵׁ֑ן 1 the mountain smoking Alternate translation: “the smoky mountain”
EXO 20 20 slb8 וּבַעֲב֗וּר תִּהְיֶ֧ה יִרְאָת֛וֹ עַל־פְּנֵיכֶ֖ם לְבִלְתִּ֥י תֶחֱטָֽאוּ 1 so that the honor of him may be in you, and so that you do not sin Alternate translation: “so that you will honor him and not sin”
EXO 20 20 hocw figs-metaphor תִּהְיֶ֧ה יִרְאָת֛וֹ עַל־פְּנֵיכֶ֖ם 1 so that the honor of him may be in you, and so that you do not sin Here, **fear** is spoken of as something that could be **above their faces**. This means that they would be continually thinking about honoring God. It is similar to the image in [Exodus 13:16](../13/16.md). If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “you will live always reverencing him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 20 23 qm44 אֱלֹ֤הֵי כֶ֨סֶף֙ וֵאלֹהֵ֣י זָהָ֔ב 1 gods of silver or gods of gold Alternate translation: “gods made out of silver or gold” or “idols made out of silver or gold”
EXO 20 24 pf1i מִזְבַּ֣ח אֲדָמָה֮ 1 earthen altar The phrase **an altar of earth** means an altar made of materials from the ground, such as stone, soil, or clay.
EXO 20 24 ge89 figs-metonymy אַזְכִּ֣יר אֶת־שְׁמִ֔י 1 cause my name to be honored Here, **name** is a metonym for God’s being. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “I cause myself to be remembered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 20 24 zmc4 figs-activepassive אַזְכִּ֣יר אֶת־שְׁמִ֔י 1 cause my name to be honored If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I choose for you to remember me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 20 26 qm1b figs-explicit וְלֹֽא־תַעֲלֶ֥ה בְמַעֲלֹ֖ת עַֽל־מִזְבְּחִ֑י 1 You must not go up to my altar on steps If you need to connect this statement more explicitly to the previous statements regarding building the alter, you could add a phrase about building steps. Alternate translation: “Do not build steps up to the altar and go up to it on those steps” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 20 26 e28y figs-activepassive אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־תִגָּלֶ֥ה עֶרְוָתְךָ֖ עָלָֽיו 1 You must not go up to my altar on steps If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that you do not expose your nakedness over it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 21 intro dnd3 0 # Exodus 21 General Notes<br><br>This chapter begins to give the Israelite civil case law, that is, the explanation of how to apply the principles condensed in the ten commandments.<br><br>## Structure:<br><br>- 1: Introduction<br>- 2-6: Laws regarding male slaves<br>- 7-11: Laws regarding female slaves<br>- 12-17: Capital crimes<br>- 18-36: Liability laws<br> * 18-27: Regarding human violence<br> * 28-36: Regarding damage done by or to animals<br><br>## Translation Issues in this Chapter<br><br>### Hypothetical situations<br><br>Throughout the case law, a hypothetical situation is introduced with “when” or “if.” It is followed by a description of the situation; then there is the penalty or action to be taken in those situations. A hypothetical person may be introduced with “anyone” or “whoever.” Most verses for the next several chapters will have these hypothetical situations. See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]] Translators familiar with Hebrew may want to notice that, generally, major divisions are introduced by כִּי (ki) and minor divisions within a topic are introduced by אִם (’im).<br><br>### Passive construction<br><br>Many portions of these situations are written in the passive voice. Some languages may have to change all or some of these to active voice. See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]].<br><br>### Daughters sold as servants<br><br>The section from [verses 7-11](../21/07.md) may be somewhat confusing because a daughter that is sold as a servant is seamlessly connected to her becoming someone’s wife. It seems the two things could be closely related.<br><br>### Ransom payment<br><br>In [verse 30](../21/30.md) a man whose bull killed someone may evade the death penalty by paying a ransom price, but the conditions for that happening are not clear.
EXO 21 1 ddql figs-metonymy לִפְנֵיהֶֽם 1 you must set before them Here, **faces** figuratively represents the presence of the nation. Alternate translation: “before them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 21 2 wj0e grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical כִּ֤י תִקְנֶה֙ עֶ֣בֶד עִבְרִ֔י 1 General Information: This is the first of many hypothetical situations, introduced by “when” or **if,** which you will encounter over the next several chapters. See the [introduction to chapter 21](../21/intro.md). You will need to translate these consistently in a manner that expresses that these situations have not happened. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
EXO 21 3 ln3r figs-explicit אִם־בְּגַפּ֥וֹ יָבֹ֖א בְּגַפּ֣וֹ יֵצֵ֑א 1 If he came by himself, he must go free by himself What **by himself** means can be stated clearly. Some languages require that the additional condition, that he marries while a slave, be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “If he became a slave while he had no wife, and if he marries while he is a slave, the master need only free the man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 21 3 pfn3 בְּגַפּ֥וֹ…בְּגַפּ֣וֹ 1 by himself Alternate translation: “alone” or “without a wife”
EXO 21 3 e467 אִם־בַּ֤עַל אִשָּׁה֙ ה֔וּא 1 if he is married Alternate translation: “if he was married when he became a slave” or “if he came as a married man”
EXO 21 6 vnjk figs-metonymy הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 bore his ear through The word for **God** at its most literal means “great ones.” Here it may have this basic meaning and refer to human judges or other leaders in Israel. It may also be a metonym and refer to the judges because they represent God to the people and have his authority. Texts other than the standard Hebrew text support this reading. See [Exodus 22:8-9](../22/08.md) for another example of this. Alternate translation: “the judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 21 8 t2zf figs-activepassive וְהֶפְדָּ֑הּ 1 he must let her be bought back If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “then he must allow her father to buy her back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 21 9 w99z לִבְנ֖וֹ יִֽיעָדֶ֑נָּה 1 designates her as a wife for his son Alternate translation: “he decides that she is the one who will be his son’s wife”
EXO 21 9 suz0 כְּמִשְׁפַּ֥ט הַבָּנ֖וֹת יַעֲשֶׂה־לָּֽהּ 1 designates her as a wife for his son Alternate translation: “he must do to her according to the manner in which daughters are customarily treated”
EXO 21 10 i0xh 0 designates her as a wife for his son This verse and the next are the third of three possible situations between a master and his female slave.
EXO 21 10 rxk4 figs-doublenegatives שְׁאֵרָ֛הּ כְּסוּתָ֥הּ וְעֹנָתָ֖הּ לֹ֥א יִגְרָֽע 1 he must not diminish her food, clothing, or her marital rights If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “he must give the first wife the same food, clothing, and marital rights she had before” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EXO 21 10 np9b figs-euphemism וְעֹנָתָ֖הּ 1 or her marital rights This term only occurs here in the Bible. It probably means things that a husband must do for his wife. Most commentators believe it specifically means having sexual relations with her, possibly so that she can bear children. Alternate translation: “or her right to intimacy” or “or her childbearing rights” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
EXO 21 12 su6b figs-activepassive מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת 1 that person must surely be put to death If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must certainly execute that person” or “you must certainly kill that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 21 13 h4ka וַאֲשֶׁר֙ לֹ֣א צָדָ֔ה 1 did not do it with premeditation Alternate translation: “But if he did not plan to do it” or “But if he did not do it on purpose”
EXO 21 13 gme9 figs-explicit וְשַׂמְתִּ֤י לְךָ֙ מָק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָנ֖וּס שָֽׁמָּה 1 I will fix a place to where he can flee If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the purpose for choosing a place explicitly. Alternate translation: “I will choose a place to which he can run away to be safe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 21 15 y3hd figs-activepassive וּמַכֵּ֥ה אָבִ֛יו וְאִמּ֖וֹ מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת 1 Whoever hits his father or mother must surely be put to death If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If anyone hits his father or mother, you must surely put him to death” or “You must surely kill anyone who hits his father or mother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 21 16 iu81 figs-activepassive מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת 1 that kidnapper must be put to death If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must kill that kidnapper” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 21 17 h8qf figs-activepassive וּמְקַלֵּ֥ל אָבִ֛יו וְאִמּ֖וֹ מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת 1 Whoever curses his father or his mother must surely be put to death If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must surely kill anyone who curses his father or his mother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 21 17 kvbc וּמְקַלֵּ֥ל 1 Whoever curses his father or his mother must surely be put to death The word translated **acts contemptuously** means the opposite of “honor” (as in the commandment to honor one’s parents). Alternate translation: “Whoever acts dishonorably toward”
EXO 21 19 xg6c figs-explicit שִׁבְתּ֛וֹ 1 the loss of his time This refers to a situation when someone cannot work to earn money. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “for the time he could not work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 21 19 ws14 וְרַפֹּ֥א יְרַפֵּֽא 1 pay for his complete recovery Alternate translation: “and for his medical costs” or “and for his costs for healing”
EXO 21 20 te41 תַּ֣חַת יָד֑וֹ 1 as a result of the blow Alternate translation: “because of the injury” or “because the master hit him”
EXO 21 20 h4eg figs-activepassive נָקֹ֖ם יִנָּקֵֽם 1 that man must surely be punished If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must certainly punish that man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 21 21 r65u figs-explicit כִּ֥י כַסְפּ֖וֹ הֽוּא 1 for he will have suffered the loss of the servant A common view is that the loss of the valuable property, the slave, is itself a punishment. It may be that the master loses the slave for a time and also has to pay for his healing, or it may be that the slave dies after a few days. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that the servant was valuable to his master explicitly. Alternate translation: “because he has already lost his servant who was valuable to him” or “because he has already lost his servant’s work for a time and had to pay for his healing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 21 22 a6av וְיָצְא֣וּ יְלָדֶ֔יהָ וְלֹ֥א יִהְיֶ֖ה אָס֑וֹן 1 she miscarries It is not clear in the passage what happens to the child. The text is simply as in the ULT. Some have taken it to mean that the child dies because of premature birth, and the **serious injury** only relates to the woman. In this case, a fine is imposed for the loss of the child. However, the text could also mean that the child is born safely. A fine is still imposed because of the great danger to the two lives. Then the next few verses give consequences for any injury either to mother or child.
EXO 21 22 cn4h figs-activepassive עָנ֣וֹשׁ יֵעָנֵ֗שׁ 1 the guilty man must surely be fined If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must certainly fine the guilty man” or “the guilty man must pay a fine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 21 23 ya82 figs-explicit וְנָתַתָּ֥ה נֶ֖פֶשׁ תַּ֥חַת נָֽפֶשׁ 1 as the judges determine This means that if someone is hurt, the person who caused the hurt must be hurt in the same way. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “you must take the killer’s life for the murdered person’s life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 21 24 c5bq figs-explicit עַ֚יִן תַּ֣חַת עַ֔יִן 1 an eye for an eye This means that if someone is hurt, the person who caused the hurt must be hurt in the same way. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the striker’s eye for the injured person’s eye” (and repeated in like manner for each example throughout this and the next verse) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 21 28 qk3u figs-activepassive סָק֨וֹל יִסָּקֵ֜ל הַשּׁ֗וֹר 1 the ox must surely be stoned If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must surely stone the ox to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 21 28 q2gv figs-activepassive וְלֹ֤א יֵאָכֵל֙ אֶת־בְּשָׂר֔וֹ 1 its flesh must not be eaten If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and you must not eat its flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 21 29 zgll figs-activepassive וְהוּעַ֤ד בִּבְעָלָיו֙ וְלֹ֣א יִשְׁמְרֶ֔נּוּ 1 its owner also must be put to death If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state **its owner was warned** in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and someone warned its owner but he did not keep it in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 21 29 x2y0 figs-explicit וְהוּעַ֤ד בִּבְעָלָיו֙ וְלֹ֣א יִשְׁמְרֶ֔נּוּ 1 its owner also must be put to death If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the content of the warning explicitly. Alternate translation: “and its owner was warned that it gores but he did not keep it in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 21 29 nzn1 figs-activepassive וְגַם־בְּעָלָ֖יו יוּמָֽת 1 its owner also must be put to death If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and you must also kill its owner” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 21 30 t5rs figs-explicit אִם־כֹּ֖פֶר יוּשַׁ֣ת עָלָ֑יו וְנָתַן֙ פִּדְיֹ֣ן נַפְשׁ֔וֹ כְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־יוּשַׁ֖ת עָלָֽיו 1 If a payment is required for his life The text does not specify who will impose a ransom on the ox’s owner. Since other texts indicate that justice is retributive and performed by the dead person’s family, that is one option. Another option is that the judges will impose it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express one of these explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 21 30 py37 figs-activepassive אִם־כֹּ֖פֶר יוּשַׁ֣ת עָלָ֑יו…יוּשַׁ֖ת עָלָֽיו 1 If a payment is required for his life If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. However, you must make a decision regarding who is imposing the ransom or use an unspecified pronoun, if that is possible in your language (this second option would not make sense in English). Alternate translation: “If the judges impose a ransom on him … they impose on him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 21 32 qzv3 translate-bmoney כֶּ֣סֶף׀ שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שְׁקָלִ֗ים 1 thirty shekels of silver In ancient times, a silver shekel weighed about 11 grams or about a third of an ounce. You could try to express the equivalent in terms of modern money values, but if you did, that could cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. Instead, you could say something general like “30 silver coins” or give the equivalent weight or use the biblical term in the text and explain the weight in a footnote. Alternate translation: “330 grams of silver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])
EXO 21 32 qy0g figs-explicit אִם־עֶ֛בֶד יִגַּ֥ח הַשּׁ֖וֹר 1 thirty shekels of silver Because they are to kill the ox, the slave must have died. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “If an ox kills a male servant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 21 32 wm9a figs-activepassive וְהַשּׁ֖וֹר יִסָּקֵֽל 1 the ox must be stoned If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must kill the ox by stoning it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 21 34 b48a figs-explicit כֶּ֖סֶף יָשִׁ֣יב לִבְעָלָ֑יו 1 repay the loss The owner must be paid for the loss of his animal. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he must pay the owner for the dead animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 21 34 j8qz figs-explicit וְהַמֵּ֖ת יִֽהְיֶה־לּֽוֹ 1 will become his The one who paid for the loss of the animal will become the owner of the dead animal and can do what he wants with it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and the dead animal will belong to the owner of the pit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 21 36 fkx2 figs-activepassive א֣וֹ נוֹדַ֗ע 1 if it was known If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 21 36 v64b נַגָּ֥ח הוּא֙ מִתְּמ֣וֹל שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם 1 a habit of goring in time past Alternate translation: “the ox had gored other animals before”
EXO 21 36 ix8h figs-explicit וְלֹ֥א יִשְׁמְרֶ֖נּוּ בְּעָלָ֑יו 1 its owner has not kept it in This means that the owner did not keep his ox safely where it could not wander to hurt other animals. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and its owner did not keep it inside a fence” or “and its owner did not tie it securely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 21 36 dcv2 figs-explicit שַׁלֵּ֨ם יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם שׁוֹר֙ תַּ֣חַת הַשּׁ֔וֹר 1 he must surely pay ox for ox The owner of the ox that killed must give an ox to the man who lost his ox. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the owner of the ox that killed must surely give a living ox to the owner of the ox that died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 22 intro f9vb 0 # Exodus 22 General Notes<br><br>## Structure<br><br>This chapter continues the list of case laws for Israel. We will not attempt to provide an outline since almost every verse is about a different case.<br><br>## Translation Issues in this Chapter<br><br>### Hypothetical situations<br><br>Throughout the case law a hypothetical situation is introduced with “when” or “if.” Then there is a description of the situation, and then there is the penalty or action to be taken in those situations. A hypothetical person may be introduced with “anyone” or “whoever.” Most verses for the next several chapters will contain these hypothetical situations. See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]] Translators familiar with Hebrew may want to notice that, generally, major divisions are introduced by כִּי (ki) and minor divisions within a topic are introduced by אִם (’im).<br><br>### Passive construction<br><br>Many portions of these situations are written in the passive voice. Some languages may have to change all or some of these to active voice. See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]].
EXO 22 1 onm0 grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical כִּ֤י יִגְנֹֽב־אִישׁ֙ שׁ֣וֹר אוֹ־שֶׂ֔ה וּטְבָח֖וֹ א֣וֹ מְכָר֑וֹ 1 General Information: This is the first of many hypothetical situations in this chapter, introduced by “when” or **if,** which you will encounter over the next several chapters. See the [introduction](../22/intro.md). You will need to translate these consistently in a manner that expresses that these situations have not actually happened. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
EXO 22 2 mt43 figs-activepassive אִם־בַּמַּחְתֶּ֛רֶת יִמָּצֵ֥א הַגַּנָּ֖ב 1 If a thief is found If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If anyone finds a thief while he is breaking in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 2 gt5f figs-activepassive וְהֻכָּ֣ה וָמֵ֑ת 1 if he is struck so that he dies If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if anyone strikes the thief so that he dies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 2 fq57 אֵ֥ין ל֖וֹ דָּמִֽים 1 no guilt for murder will attach to anyone on his account Alternate translation: “no one will be guilty of murdering him”
EXO 22 3 vym5 אִם־זָרְחָ֥ה הַשֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ עָלָ֖יו 1 if the sun has risen before he breaks in Alternate translation: “But if it is light before he breaks in” or “But if he breaks in and it is after sunrise”
EXO 22 3 c5yl figs-activepassive וְנִמְכַּ֖ר בִּגְנֵבָתֽוֹ 1 he must be sold for his theft If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must sell him as a slave in order to pay for what he stole” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 4 k926 figs-activepassive אִֽם־הִמָּצֵא֩ תִמָּצֵ֨א בְיָד֜וֹ הַגְּנֵבָ֗ה…חַיִּ֑ים 1 If the stolen animal is found alive in his possession If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If they find that he still has the live animal that he stole” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 4 g5kg שְׁנַ֖יִם יְשַׁלֵּֽם 1 pay back double The meaning of **compensate double** is not entirely clear. Most interpretations follow the UST, that is, two animals total must be given, the stolen one and one more. Some interpret double to mean the thief must pay two animals for every animal that he took, so three total. It would be best to leave double as ambiguous as possible. Alternate translation: “he must compensate twice what he stole”
EXO 22 5 nlxc grammar-collectivenouns בְּעִיר֔וֹ 1 If a man grazes his livestock **Livestock** is a collective singular noun that could refer to cows, goats, sheep, or basically any domesticated animals. In some languages you will need to translate it as a plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 22 6 x6aj figs-activepassive כִּֽי־תֵצֵ֨א אֵ֜שׁ וּמָצְאָ֤ה קֹצִים֙ וְנֶאֱכַ֣ל 1 If a fire breaks out and spreads in thorns Here, **breaks out** and **consumes** can be stated in active form or in another way that is natural in your language if your language does not use the passive form in this way. Alternate translation: “If someone starts a fire, and it spreads in thorns, and it consumes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 6 u1pa translate-unknown גָּדִ֔ישׁ 1 stacked grain This is grain that has been cut and tied in bundles. Alternate translation: “bundled grain” or “harvested grain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 22 6 r2cf translate-unknown הַקָּמָ֖ה 1 standing grain This is grain that has not been cut, but it is ready to be harvested. Alternate translation: “the grain still growing in the field” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 22 7 na9h figs-activepassive וְגֻנַּ֖ב 1 if it is stolen If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if someone steals it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 7 x2sh figs-activepassive אִם־יִמָּצֵ֥א הַגַּנָּ֖ב 1 if the thief is found If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if you find the thief” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 8 lwg5 figs-activepassive אִם־לֹ֤א יִמָּצֵא֙ הַגַּנָּ֔ב וְנִקְרַ֥ב בַּֽעַל־הַבַּ֖יִת אֶל־הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 come before the judges to see whether You may need to translate these in an active voice if your language does not use passive in this way. Alternate translation: “If no one finds the thief, bring the owner of the house to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 8 c812 figs-metonymy הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 come before the judges to see whether The word for **God** at its most literal means “great ones.” Here and in the [next verse](../22/09.md) it may have this basic meaning and refer to human judges or other leaders in Israel. It may also be a metonym and refer to the judges because they represent God to the people and have his authority. See [Exodus 21:6](../21/06.md) for another example of this. Alternate translation: “the judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 22 8 f774 figs-idiom שָׁלַ֛ח יָד֖וֹ בִּמְלֶ֥אכֶת רֵעֵֽהוּ 1 has put his own hand on his neighbor’s property This is an idiom for stealing. If you have a way of saying this in your language, you can use it here. Alternate translation: “he has stolen his neighbor’s property” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 22 9 fgz1 כִּי־ה֣וּא זֶ֔ה 1 the claim of both parties must come before the judges Alternate translation: “This is mine” or “This is my missing property”
EXO 22 9 m31k figs-metonymy הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים…אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 the claim of both parties must come before the judges The word used here for **God**, at its most literal, means “great ones.” Here and in the [previous verse](../22/08.md) it may have this basic meaning and refer to human judges or other leaders in Israel. It may also be a metonym and refer to the judges because they represent God to the people and have his authority. See [Exodus 21:6](../21/06.md) for another example of this. Alternate translation: “the judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 22 10 h7ms figs-activepassive נִשְׁבַּ֥ר אוֹ־נִשְׁבָּ֖ה 1 the claim of both parties must come before the judges If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language, as modeled in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 10 hzow נִשְׁבָּ֖ה 1 the claim of both parties must come before the judges Here, **carried away** means that it is not a thief but a wild animal that takes the ox or sheep away (to eat it). See [verse 12](../22/12.md) for cases where the animal is stolen while in another’s care.
EXO 22 11 gl7t figs-activepassive שְׁבֻעַ֣ת יְהוָ֗ה תִּהְיֶה֙ בֵּ֣ין שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם…וְלָקַ֥ח בְּעָלָ֖יו 1 an oath to Yahweh must be taken by them both Only the man who is accused of stealing the animal must swear the oath. The owner of the lost animal must accept the oath that has been sworn. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the man who was caring for the animal must swear an oath before Yahweh … and the owner must accept that oath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 12 yw3w figs-activepassive וְאִם־גָּנֹ֥ב יִגָּנֵ֖ב מֵעִמּ֑וֹ 1 But if it was stolen from him If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But if someone stole the animal from him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 13 b313 figs-activepassive אִם־טָרֹ֥ף יִטָּרֵ֖ף 1 If an animal was torn in pieces If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But if a wild beast tore the animal in pieces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 14 h8yw שַׁלֵּ֥ם יְשַׁלֵּֽם 1 must surely make restitution Alternate translation: “must certainly repay with another animal” or “must certainly pay the owner for the animal”
EXO 22 14 wu3u figs-activepassive וְנִשְׁבַּ֣ר אוֹ־מֵ֑ת 1 must surely make restitution If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language, as modeled in the UST.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 15 g3zw figs-activepassive אִם־שָׂכִ֣יר 1 if the animal was hired If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if someone rented the animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 15 r792 figs-explicit בָּ֖א בִּשְׂכָרֽוֹ 1 it will be paid for by its hiring fee The one who borrowed the animal will not have to pay the owner anything more than the hiring or rental fee. This fee will pay for the loss of the animal. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the money that someone paid to rent the animal will cover the loss of the animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 22 16 a8s8 וְכִֽי־יְפַתֶּ֣ה אִ֗ישׁ בְּתוּלָ֛ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־אֹרָ֖שָׂה 1 a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged Alternate translation: “If a man persuades a virgin who is not engaged that she wants to lie with him”
EXO 22 16 g24h figs-euphemism וְשָׁכַ֣ב 1 if he lies with her Lying with someone refers to having sex. This is a polite way of referring to something unpleasant. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “if he has sex with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
EXO 22 17 y2xz writing-pronouns ל֑וֹ…יִשְׁקֹ֔ל 1 him, he Here, **him** and **he** refer back to the man who seduced the virgin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 22 19 y3qy figs-euphemism כָּל־שֹׁכֵ֥ב עִם־בְּהֵמָ֖ה 1 Whoever lies with an animal This refers to sexual relations. This is a polite way of referring to something unpleasant. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “Whoever has sexual relations with an animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
EXO 22 19 b807 figs-activepassive כָּל־שֹׁכֵ֥ב עִם־בְּהֵמָ֖ה מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת 1 Whoever lies with an animal If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state **be put to death** in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must surely execute whoever lies with an animal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 20 n4nh figs-activepassive יָֽחֳרָ֑ם 1 Yahweh must be completely destroyed If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation (placed at the beginning of the sentence): “You must completely destroy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 22 21 eoa5 figs-explicit כִּֽי־גֵרִ֥ים הֱיִיתֶ֖ם בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 wrong a foreigner The Israelites are called to remember their previous condition, that they lived as foreign guests in Egypt. They came first to avoid the famine in Jacob and Joseph’s time and were dependent on Egyptian hospitality. Later they were wronged and oppressed, and they are not to do that to those who sojourn with them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “for you were wronged and oppressed as sojourners in the land of Egypt” or “for you also depended on hospitality while you lived as sojourners in Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 22 22 djh3 figs-doublenegatives כָּל־אַלְמָנָ֥ה וְיָת֖וֹם לֹ֥א תְעַנּֽוּן׃ 1 You must not mistreat any widow or fatherless child If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “You must treat all widows and fatherless children fairly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EXO 22 24 zszz figs-idiom וְחָרָ֣ה אַפִּ֔י 1 fatherless child This is an idiom meaning that Yahweh will be angry. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “and I will became very angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 22 24 sx9h figs-metonymy בֶּחָ֑רֶב 1 I will kill you with the sword To be killed **with the sword** is a metonym that means a person will die violently, perhaps while fighting in a war. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “violently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 22 25 v5je כְּנֹשֶׁ֑ה 1 a moneylender Alternate translation: “like one who lends money”
EXO 22 25 g3ry לֹֽא־תְשִׂימ֥וּן עָלָ֖יו נֶֽשֶׁךְ 1 charge him interest Alternate translation: “you must not charge him extra money for borrowing” or “you must not charge him extra money for the loan”
EXO 22 27 wi2m כְסוּתוֹ֙ לְבַדָּ֔הּ 1 only covering Alternate translation: “is his only coat” or “is his only garment to keep him warm”
EXO 22 27 x7zb figs-rquestion בַּמֶּ֣ה יִשְׁכָּ֔ב 1 What else can he sleep in? This question adds emphasis. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “He will have nothing to wear while he sleeps!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 22 29 p8nk figs-doublenegatives לֹ֣א תְאַחֵ֑ר 1 You must not hold back offerings If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “You must bring all of your offerings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EXO 22 30 m4wq translate-ordinal בַּיּ֥וֹם הַשְּׁמִינִ֖י 1 the eighth day If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “on day 8” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 22 31 jjhn figs-abstractnouns וְאַנְשֵׁי־קֹ֖דֶשׁ תִּהְי֣וּן לִ֑י 1 the eighth day If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “And you shall be holy men to men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 23 intro hk5t 0 # Exodus 23 General Notes<br><br>## Structure<br><br>This chapter continues the list of case laws for Israel. It also touches on the patterns of life regarding the Sabbaths ([verses 10-12](../23/10.md)) and Festivals ([verses 14-19](../23/14.md)). At [verse 20](../23/20.md) Yahweh begins telling them about their future as they go to and live in the promised land.<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Celebrations of feasts and festivals<br><br>The people of Israel were required to celebrate certain feasts and festivals. These were part of the law of Moses, and some are described in this chapter. Their purpose was to worship Yahweh and to remember the great things Yahweh has done for them.
EXO 23 1 eeoc figs-abstractnouns לֹ֥א תִשָּׂ֖א שֵׁ֣מַע שָׁ֑וְא 1 dishonest witness If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **report** and **emptiness**, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “You must not report emptily” or “You must not report falsely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 23 1 fu5k figs-idiom אַל־תָּ֤שֶׁת יָֽדְךָ֙ עִם־רָשָׁ֔ע 1 dishonest witness Here, to **put your hand with the wicked** means to support the lies that he is telling in order to harm someone else. The image is of putting out your hand to help him, to make him stronger than he would be on his own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “You must not assist the wicked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 23 1 y1a3 figs-metonymy עֵ֥ד חָמָֽס 1 dishonest witness Here, **violence** can also mean “wrong.” Either way, it means to harm another person by committing injustice (violence to justice) by lying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “a false witness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 23 2 z6ej figs-metaphor לֹֽא־תִהְיֶ֥ה אַחֲרֵֽי־רַבִּ֖ים לְרָעֹ֑ת 1 siding with the crowd This is a metaphor that describes one’s agreeing with a group of people as if he actually walked behind that group. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “You must not do the evil that the crowd wants” or “You must not agree with the majority for evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 23 2 nuag figs-ellipsis לִנְטֹ֛ת…לְהַטֹּֽת 1 siding with the crowd The phrase “from justice” is omitted twice but should be understood in both cases. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “to turn aside from justice … that turns aside from justice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 23 2 tnv2 לִנְטֹ֛ת…לְהַטֹּֽת 1 pervert justice Here, **to turn aside** means to do illegal or immoral actions that result in an unjust ruling. Alternate translation: “to pervert justice … that perverts justice”
EXO 23 6 z2al לֹ֥א תַטֶּ֛ה מִשְׁפַּ֥ט אֶבְיֹנְךָ֖ בְּרִיבֽוֹ 1 Do not thrust aside justice for your poor in his lawsuit Alternate translation: “Do not decide to treat a poor man unjustly in legal matters”
EXO 23 7 ljdw figs-metaphor מִדְּבַר־שֶׁ֖קֶר תִּרְחָ֑ק 1 I will not acquit the wicked Here distance is used figuratively to tell the Israelites to have no part in deception. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Do not speak deceptively” or “Do not join a false matter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 23 7 c6xl figs-doublet וְנָקִ֤י וְצַדִּיק֙ 1 I will not acquit the wicked These two terms mean very similar things, both of which contrast with **the wicked** later in the verse. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “and … the person who has not done anything wrong or the person who always does what is right” or “and … the person who does right and not wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 23 7 mf4w לֹא־אַצְדִּ֖יק רָשָֽׁע 1 I will not acquit the wicked Alternate translation: “I will not find the wicked not guilty” or “I will not say that a wicked person is innocent”
EXO 23 8 gh3v figs-personification כִּ֤י הַשֹּׁ֨חַד֙ יְעַוֵּ֣ר פִּקְחִ֔ים וִֽיסַלֵּ֖ף דִּבְרֵ֥י צַדִּיקִֽים 1 bribe blinds…perverts Here, a “bribe” is described as if it could take action itself that negatively affects justice. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “for if you do, an evil person can give money to blind the clear-sighted and to pervert the words of the righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EXO 23 8 ai37 figs-metaphor כִּ֤י הַשֹּׁ֨חַד֙ יְעַוֵּ֣ר פִּקְחִ֔ים וִֽיסַלֵּ֖ף דִּבְרֵ֥י צַדִּיקִֽים 1 bribe blinds…perverts To **blind the clear-sighted** is a metaphor that means causing those who know what is right to act like they do not. And **perverts the words of the righteous** could mean causes those who would speak the truth (in court) to lie or causes the judge to give an evil judgment or causes those listening to **the words of the righteous** to choose to act as if they had heard something different. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “for a bribe causes those who understand the right thing to do not to do it and causes good men to speak lies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 23 11 waxp translate-ordinal וְהַשְּׁבִיעִ֞ת 1 unplowed If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “But year 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 23 11 b5q6 translate-unknown תִּשְׁמְטֶ֣נָּה וּנְטַשְׁתָּ֗הּ 1 fallow This means to leave the land fallow, that is, in its natural state, unplowed, unplanted, not used to grow food. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 23 11 s4wv figs-explicit וְאָֽכְלוּ֙ אֶבְיֹנֵ֣י עַמֶּ֔ךָ 1 so that the poor among your people may eat The poor can eat any food that grows on its own in a field that is not cultivated. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “so the poor among your people may harvest and eat any food that grows on its own in that field” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 23 12 ij92 שֽׁוֹרְךָ֙ וַחֲמֹרֶ֔ךָ 1 your ox and your donkey Alternate translation: “your work animals”
EXO 23 12 tajk translate-numbers שֵׁ֤שֶׁת 1 any foreigner may rest and be refreshed Alternate translation: “6” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EXO 23 12 u07q translate-ordinal וּבַיּ֥וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י 1 any foreigner may rest and be refreshed If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “and on day 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 23 12 gpu1 figs-activepassive וְיִנָּפֵ֥שׁ בֶּן־אֲמָתְךָ֖ וְהַגֵּֽר 1 any foreigner may rest and be refreshed If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and the son of your female slave and the sojourner may refresh themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 23 13 va2j figs-parallelism וְשֵׁ֨ם אֱלֹהִ֤ים אֲחֵרִים֙ לֹ֣א תַזְכִּ֔ירוּ לֹ֥א יִשָּׁמַ֖ע עַל־פִּֽיךָ 1 mention the names of other gods These two instructions mean almost the same thing. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “Be sure never to speak the names of other gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 23 13 x5tf figs-metonymy וְשֵׁ֨ם אֱלֹהִ֤ים אֲחֵרִים֙ לֹ֣א תַזְכִּ֔ירוּ לֹ֥א יִשָּׁמַ֖ע עַל־פִּֽיךָ 1 mention the names of other gods These parallel phrases probably mean praying to other gods. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “Do not pray to other gods, never let me hear you do that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 23 13 apnw figs-metonymy לֹ֥א יִשָּׁמַ֖ע עַל־פִּֽיךָ 1 mention the names of other gods To be **on your mouth** means to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “nor speak them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 23 13 s86p figs-activepassive לֹ֥א יִשָּׁמַ֖ע עַל־פִּֽיךָ 1 mention the names of other gods If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Also see previous note. Alternate translation: “nor speak them so someone could hear them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 23 15 bu7n translate-hebrewmonths הָֽאָבִ֔יב 1 Aviv **Aviv** is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Aviv is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. See how you translated this in [Exodus 13:4](../13/04.md). You could convert the Hebrew day and month into an approximate date on the calendar that your culture uses. However, the Jews used a lunar calendar, so if you use a solar calendar, the date will be different every year and the translation will not be entirely accurate. So you may just want to give the number of the day and the name of the month on the Hebrew calendar, and say approximately what time of year that is on your calendar in a footnote.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EXO 23 15 tx1v figs-doublenegatives וְלֹא־יֵרָא֥וּ פָנַ֖י רֵיקָֽם 1 not appear before me empty-handed Understatement is used here to emphasize that the Israelites must bring a suitable offering to Yahweh. If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “You must not come to me without a proper offering” or “You must always bring an offering to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EXO 23 16 ybsb וְחַ֤ג הַקָּצִיר֙ 1 Festival of Ingathering Elsewhere this is called the “Festival of Weeks.” See [Exodus 34:22](../34/22.md) and Deuteronomy 16:9 and following.
EXO 23 16 pnx4 וְחַ֤ג הָֽאָסִף֙ 1 Festival of Ingathering This festival celebrated the final harvesting of all the crops for the year. This festival was also known as the Festival of Shelters or the Festival of Booths. The idea came from the practice of the farmers living in temporary booths, or huts, out in the fields to guard the crop as it ripened. See Deuteronomy 16:13. Alternate translation: “And the Festival of the Ingathering”
EXO 23 16 wgxm figs-metaphor בְּצֵ֣את הַשָּׁנָ֔ה 1 Festival of Ingathering The phrase **in the exiting of the year** means at the end of the year. The year is pictured as something that is leaving. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “as the year goes out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 23 17 t5xj figs-metonymy יֵרָאֶה֙…אֶל־פְּנֵ֖י הָאָדֹ֥ן׀ יְהוָֽה׃ 1 All your males must appear before the Lord Yahweh Here, to **appear to the face of the Lord Yahweh** means to gather to worship. **To the face** is a metonym for Yahweh’s presence, referring to worship. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “must come to worship the Lord Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 23 20 bssx figs-metonymy לְפָנֶ֔יךָ 1 This means “in front of you.” Alternate translation: “in front of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 23 21 mpfy figs-metonymy הִשָּׁ֧מֶר מִפָּנָ֛יו 1 Be attentive to him This means to respect him; **from his face** refers to his person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “Show respect to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 23 21 pm7x figs-activepassive הִשָּׁ֧מֶר מִפָּנָ֛יו 1 Be attentive to him If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 23 21 p5y3 grammar-connect-logic-result אַל־תַּמֵּ֣ר בּ֑וֹ כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יִשָּׂא֙ לְפִשְׁעֲכֶ֔ם כִּ֥י שְׁמִ֖י בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ׃ 1 Do not provoke him, for he will not pardon There are two reasons given for the instruction **do not cause bitterness in him**. They are connected in such a way that you could say: “Because my name is within him, he will not forgive your transgressions; therefore, do not cause bitterness in him.” The relation of the **name** and **forgiveness** is not explicit. Alternate translation: “If you provoke him, he will not pardon your sins, for my name is within him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 23 21 p4jv figs-metonymy שְׁמִ֖י בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ 1 My name is on him Here, **name** refers to God’s authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “he has my authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 23 21 gt76 figs-metonymy וּשְׁמַ֥ע בְּקֹל֖וֹ 1 If you indeed obey his voice Here, **voice** represents what the angel says. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “and obey what he says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 23 22 z1gn figs-metonymy אִם־שָׁמֹ֤עַ תִּשְׁמַע֙ בְּקֹל֔וֹ 1 If you indeed obey his voice Here, **voice** represents what the angel says. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “if you carefully obey what he says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 23 22 y9bm figs-parallelism וְאָֽיַבְתִּי֙ אֶת־אֹ֣יְבֶ֔יךָ וְצַרְתִּ֖י אֶת־צֹרְרֶֽיךָ 1 an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries These two phrases mean the same thing and are used for emphasis. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 23 23 x2nh figs-metonymy לְפָנֶיךָ֒ 1 This phrase, **before your face**, means “in front of you.” Alternate translation: “in front of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 23 24 a1d5 figs-explicit וְלֹ֥א תַעֲשֶׂ֖ה כְּמַֽעֲשֵׂיהֶ֑ם 1 You must not…do as they do The Israelites must not live as the people who worship other gods. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and you must not live as the people live who worship those gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 23 25 t3ir figs-merism וּבֵרַ֥ךְ אֶֽת־לַחְמְךָ֖ וְאֶת־מֵימֶ֑יךָ 1 he will bless your bread and water Here, **your bread and your water** is a merism that means food and drink. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “and he will bless your food and drink” or “and he will bless you by giving you food and drink” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EXO 23 25 ydl4 figs-123person וּבֵרַ֥ךְ…וַהֲסִרֹתִ֥י 1 he will bless…I will remove Yahweh switched between the first and third pronoun to refer to himself. Here, both **he** and **I** refer to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 23 26 q4gz figs-doublenegatives לֹ֥א תִהְיֶ֛ה מְשַׁכֵּלָ֥ה וַעֲקָרָ֖ה 1 No woman will be barren or will miscarry her young in your land If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “Every woman will be able to become pregnant and give birth to healthy babies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EXO 23 26 geqg figs-idiom אֶת־מִסְפַּ֥ר יָמֶ֖יךָ אֲמַלֵּֽא 1 miscarry This is an idiom that means to live a long time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “I will give you a long life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 23 27 q901 figs-idiom וְנָתַתִּ֧י אֶת־כָּל־אֹיְבֶ֛יךָ אֵלֶ֖יךָ עֹֽרֶף 1 miscarry This is an idiom meaning that the enemies will turn and run away (showing the Israelites the backs of their necks). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “and I will make all of your enemies flee” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 23 28 t0r1 figs-metonymy לְפָנֶ֑יךָ…מִלְּפָנֶֽיךָ 1 miscarry This means “ahead of you.” Alternate translation: “before you … from before you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 23 28 cg7i translate-unknown הַצִּרְעָ֖ה 1 hornets The **hornet** is a flying insect that can sting people and cause pain. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 23 28 oocw grammar-collectivenouns הַצִּרְעָ֖ה…וְגֵרְשָׁ֗ה 1 hornets Here, **hornet** is used in the singular but refers to a large group of the flying, stinging insects. **It** agrees in number with **hornet**. It may be necessary to translate as a plural. Alternate translation: “hornets … and they will drive out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 23 29 wfdi figs-metonymy מִפָּנֶ֖יךָ 1 miscarry This means “ahead of you.” Alternate translation: “from before you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 23 29 i9aq figs-explicit פֶּן־תִּהְיֶ֤ה הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ שְׁמָמָ֔ה 1 or the land would become abandoned If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make the rest of the idea explicit. Alternate translation: “lest the land become desolate because no one would be living in the land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 23 30 mne7 figs-metonymy מִפָּנֶ֑יךָ 1 miscarry This means “ahead of you.” Alternate translation: “from before you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 23 31 my2e figs-metonymy מִפָּנֶֽיךָ 1 miscarry This means “ahead of you.” Alternate translation: “from before you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 23 33 d1fp figs-metaphor כִּֽי־יִהְיֶ֥ה לְךָ֖ לְמוֹקֵֽשׁ 1 this will surely become a trap for you This means worshiping other gods will lead the people of Israel to certain destruction, as if they were an animal caught in a hunter’s trap. It could also be saying that leaving the other people around will make it so that the Israelites see the other people’s worship and are lured (like in a trap) into worshiping the other gods, which is a sin against Yahweh. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Worshiping them will surely destroy you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 24 intro b83l 0 # Exodus 24 General Notes<br><br>## Structure<br><br>- v. 1-2: Yahweh summons Moses<br>- v. 3-8: Moses reads the covenant and the people accept it; this is ritually marked by sacrifice and sprinkling of blood<br>- v. 9-11: Moses and Israelite elders go up the mountain, see God and eat<br>- v. 12-15: Yahweh summons Moses further up the mountain without the other elders, and he goes<br>- v. 16-18: Description of Yahweh’s glory, and Moses is at the top of the mountain<br><br>## Potential Translation Issues<br><br>- there are a number of similes used to describe people’s encounter with God<br>- “covenant” appears in a variety of ways<br>- the mountain, the mountain of God, and Mount Sinai are all the same location<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Moses’ covenant<br><br>The people of Israel promise to obey the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. Their continued blessings were contingent upon their obedience to this covenant. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])<br><br>### God’s holiness<br><br>Because Yahweh is perfectly holy, he can only be approached in a certain way. Because of this, only Moses was allowed near Yahweh. This is also why Yahweh is described as a “devouring fire.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])
EXO 24 1 hji6 writing-newevent 0 Nadab…Abihu A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 24 1 c97i translate-names נָדָ֣ב וַאֲבִיה֔וּא 1 Nadab…Abihu **Nadab and Abihu** are men’s names. See how you translated these names in [Exodus 6:23](../06/23.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 24 1 zukb figs-123person אֶל־יְהוָ֗ה 1 Nadab…Abihu Yahweh refers to himself in the third person. If this is confusing in your language, you may use the first person. Alternate translation: “to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 24 1 ymip figs-explicit וְהִשְׁתַּחֲוִיתֶ֖ם 1 seventy of Israel’s elders Here, after **bow down,** “to me” is implied. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and you shall bow down to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 24 2 p06o writing-pronouns וְהֵ֖ם 1 seventy of Israel’s elders Here, **they** refers to all the other people mentioned in [verse 1](../24/01.md). Alternate translation: “and Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the elders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 24 2 dqnp figs-123person אֶל־יְהוָ֔ה 1 seventy of Israel’s elders Yahweh refers to himself in the third person. If this is confusing in your language, you may use the first person. Alternate translation: “to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 24 3 sbc3 writing-newevent 0 with one voice Verses 3-8 tell of a different scene than the rest of the chapter, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. It seems that there were some preparations needed before Moses and the elders could go up to meet Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 24 3 cg32 figs-idiom ק֤וֹל אֶחָד֙ 1 with one voice Here, **with one voice** is an idiom that means the people were in complete agreement. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “together” or “in agreement” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 24 4 h7gg תַּ֣חַת הָהָ֑ר 1 foot of the mountain Alternate translation: “at the base of the mountain”
EXO 24 4 uipf translate-numbers וּשְׁתֵּ֤ים עֶשְׂרֵה֙…לִשְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָׂ֖ר 1 foot of the mountain Alternate translation: “and 12 … according to the 12” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EXO 24 7 c9tm translate-unknown סֵ֣פֶר הַבְּרִ֔ית 1 foot of the mountain Here, **book** does not mean something in our modern format. It was likely a piece of papyrus (an early form of paper made from reeds) or animal skin that rolled up. Alternate translation: “the Covenant he had written down” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 24 8 h9ff figs-explicit הַדָּ֔ם 1 Then Moses took the blood This refers to **the blood** that Moses had put into the bowls. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 24 8 juxf figs-explicit עַ֥ל כָּל־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה׃ 1 Then Moses took the blood **These words** refers to what Moses just read aloud to them, that is, Yahweh’s commands. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “which I just read aloud to you and you agreed to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 24 9 izl5 writing-newevent 0 Nadab…Abihu A new scene begins with this verse, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. Here the narrative is connected to [verse 2](../24/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 24 9 uz7y translate-names נָדָב֙ וַאֲבִיה֔וּא 1 Nadab…Abihu **Nadab and Abihu** are men’s names. See how you translated these names in [Exodus 6:23](../06/23.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 24 9 nuq7 figs-explicit וַיַּ֥עַל 1 Nadab…Abihu The men **went up** the mountain. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 24 10 ic4s figs-personification וְתַ֣חַת רַגְלָ֗יו 1 Under his feet **And under his feet** speaks of God as if he had human feet. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “And below where God was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EXO 24 10 pm87 translate-unknown הַסַּפִּ֔יר 1 sapphire stone A **sapphire** is a gemstone that is blue in color. If there is a blue gemstone that your people are familiar with, you may use it here, as the exact gemstone is not certain. You may also describe it. Alternate translation: “a blue gemstone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 24 10 zd6u figs-simile וּכְעֶ֥צֶם הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם לָטֹֽהַר 1 as clear as the sky itself The point of this comparison is the blueness of the tile. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “and it was blue like the sky” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
EXO 24 11 jds6 figs-metonymy וְאֶל־אֲצִילֵי֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לֹ֥א שָׁלַ֖ח יָד֑וֹ 1 God did not lay a hand on the Israelite leaders Here, **his hand** refers to his judgement. This means that God did not harm the leaders. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “God did not harm the Israelite leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 24 11 b398 grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְאֶל־אֲצִילֵי֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לֹ֥א שָׁלַ֖ח יָד֑וֹ 1 God did not lay a hand on the Israelite leaders What would be expected is that they would die if they saw God. The Israelite elders ability to see God and live is unexpected. Be sure your translation conveys that. Alternate translation: “However, he did not send out his hand to the leaders of the sons of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EXO 24 12 dx4f figs-explicit לְהוֹרֹתָֽם 1 tablets of stone and the law and commandments This means so that Moses and the other Israelite leaders could teach the laws and commandments to the Israelite people. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 24 13 flw7 writing-participants וִיהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ 1 with his assistant Joshua **Joshua** is introduced here again. Use the natural form in your language for reintroducing a character. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 24 13 gv5e וִיהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ מְשָׁרְת֑וֹ 1 with his assistant Joshua The word translated **servant** here is usually associated with a higher position, like a government minister. Avoid using a word that implies a lower-class serving role. Alternate translation: “and Joshua his assistant”
EXO 24 14 mhvj grammar-connect-time-sequential וְאֶל־הַזְּקֵנִ֤ים אָמַר֙ 1 wait for us The structure of the Hebrew indicates but does not require that this speech by Moses happened before [verse 13](../24/13.md) (hence **had said**). The ULT takes this view, however, for languages where it is hard to express events out of order, the UST reflects the other grammatical possibility and says in [24:13](../24/13.md) that Moses started up the mountain and in [24:15](../24/15.md) that he went the rest of the way up the mountain. Following this, you can view this verse as if Moses paused and gave these final instructions as he was leaving the elders behind, thus keeping a sequential structure. Either approach is permissible by the text, but the approach of the ULT is preferred, if possible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EXO 24 14 uc7r translate-names וְחוּר֙ 1 Hur **Hur** is a man’s name. See how you translated this name in [Exodus 17:10](../17/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 24 14 jyh8 וְהִנֵּ֨ה 1 Hur **Behold** is used to draw attention to important information that Moses is about to tell them. It is frequently omitted. If your language uses a statement to draw attention to important information, you should consider using it here. Alternate translation: “Remember”
EXO 24 14 dqhj figs-idiom מִי־בַ֥עַל דְּבָרִ֖ים 1 Hur This is an idiom that means that someone has a legal dispute or complaint. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “Whoever has a legal claim” or “Anyone with a law case” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 24 16 j2s5 figs-metonymy כְּבוֹד־יְהוָה֙ 1 Yahweh’s glory This was the brilliant light of Yahweh’s presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the brilliant light showing Yahweh’s presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 24 16 uwdd translate-ordinal בַּיּ֥וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י 1 Yahweh’s glory If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “on day number 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 24 17 e4n6 figs-simile כְּאֵ֥שׁ אֹכֶ֖לֶת 1 like a devouring fire This means the glory of Yahweh was very large and seemed to burn brightly, like a fire. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “like a big fire burning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
EXO 24 17 k5lj figs-idiom לְעֵינֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 in the eyes of the Israelites Their **eyes** represent seeing, and seeing represents their thoughts or judgment about what they saw. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent idiom from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. See how you translated a similar expression in [15:26](../15/26.md). Alternate translation: “to the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 25 intro t23a 0 # Exodus 25 General Notes<br><br>## Structure:<br><br>* v. 1-7: Instructions for gifts the Israelites may give to help build the place where they will worship God<br>* v. 8-9: Introductory building instructions<br>* v. 10-22: Instructions for building the Box of the Testimony<br>* v. 23-30: Instructions for building the table<br>* v. 31-39: Instructions for building the lampstand<br>* v. 40: Summary instruction<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>* The tent of meeting and Box of the Testimony are introduced in this chapter.<br>* Translators will need to take special care in translating the concept of atonement.<br><br>## Potential Translation Issues in this Chapter:<br><br>* There are many unfamiliar items in this chapter. Fortunately they are mostly all physical items. Translators will have to try to understand what each item is and translate it into the closest equivalent in their culture. It may be helpful for translators to try to find images depicting some of the items the Israelites were to make.<br>* There are some biblical weights and measurements that translators may not have encountered before.<br>* From [verse 11](../25/11.md) until the end of chapter 30, almost every instruction regarding the construction of the tent of meeting and all the associated items are given with a singular form of “you,” as if Moses himself would make them. However, it is clear and made explicit in [chapter 31](../31/01.md) that certain skilled craftsmen will receive these instructions from Moses and make these items. In some languages you may need to change from second to third person throughout, following the pattern in [25:10](../25/10.md). There are a few exceptions which will have their own note. See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]].
EXO 25 2 ygtd figs-quotemarks דַּבֵּר֙ 1 who is motivated by a willing heart The beginning of this verse marks the start of a very long direct quote which continues until the end of [Exo 30:10](../30/10.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with an opening first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the beginning of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 25 2 tktu figs-quotations דַּבֵּר֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְיִקְחוּ־לִ֖י תְּרוּמָ֑ה 1 who is motivated by a willing heart In some languages you may have to make **and they shall take a contribution for me** a direct quote. Note that this will make it a second-level quotation and you will need to mark it with second-level quotation marking if your language uses them. Alternate translation: “Say to the sons of Israel, ‘You shall take a contribution for me.’ ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 25 2 r5yr figs-idiom אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִדְּבֶ֣נּוּ לִבּ֔וֹ 1 who is motivated by a willing heart This is an idiom that indicates a person’s desire to give an offering. Many languages will have a similar idiom, though the body part may vary. Alternate translation: “who wants to give one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 25 2 k78q figs-youdual תִּקְח֖וּ 1 You must receive The word **you** is plural and refers to Moses and the leaders. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 25 4 c1qn figs-explicit וּתְכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י 1 blue, purple, and scarlet material This could mean: (1) “material that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet,” probably wool yarn, or (2) “blue, purple and scarlet dye” to dye the linen. The original audience would have known what was meant. This material seems to have been used for embroidery later, so “yarn” or ”thread” may be the best understanding. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 25 4 c958 translate-unknown וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י 1 scarlet A bright red color for dying cloth was extracted from these worms. Alternate translation: “and bright red” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 25 5 ayup translate-unknown מְאָדָּמִ֛ים 1 scarlet When animal skins are tanned (processed into usable leather), they become reddish in color. It is not clear whether these hides are dyed red or simply reddened in the tanning process. Alternate translation: “tanned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 25 5 va28 translate-unknown תְּחָשִׁ֖ים 1 scarlet The meaning of this word is not known. It may refer to some water mammal that has skin that can be made into a high-quality leather. [Sea cows on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirenia) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 25 5 d4fa translate-unknown שִׁטִּֽים 1 scarlet A small tree with spreading foliage and durable wood. [See on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shittah_tree) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 25 6 i6gp translate-unknown בְּשָׂמִים֙ 1 spices Here, **spices** are things made from parts of plants that people dry and then grind into a powder to put in oil or food, giving it a particular smell or flavor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 25 7 mg4f translate-unknown אַבְנֵי־שֹׁ֕הַם 1 onyx An **onyx** is a valuable stone that has layers of white and black, red, or brown. If this stone is unknown to your people, consider translating it by using a word for a familiar stone with a similar pattern, if possible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 25 9 m1np figs-yousingular אוֹתְךָ֔ 1 show you in the plans Here, **you** is singular and refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
EXO 25 9 w4sc כֵּלָ֑יו 1 tabernacle Here, **utensils** is a general term that you could translate by a broad term that could encompass all of the things used in the Dwelling, as described in this and the several following chapters. Alternate translation: “its implements”
EXO 25 9 c9qe figs-youdual תַּעֲשֽׂוּ 1 You must make it Here, **you** is plural and refers to Moses and the people of Israel. If your language uses different forms of “you” depending on the number of people addressed, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 25 9 tc2k figs-123person תַּעֲשֽׂוּ 1 You must make it Since Moses does not construct these items himself, you may consider shifting the instructions to the third person if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “they shall make it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 25 10 o8dl translate-unknown שִׁטִּ֑ים 1 two and a half cubits…one cubit and a half These trees, **acacias**, are small trees with spreading foliage and durable wood. See how you translated this in [25:5](../25/05.md). [See on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shittah_tree) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 25 10 cs23 translate-bdistance אַמָּתַ֨יִם וָחֵ֜צִי…וְאַמָּ֤ה וָחֵ֨צִי֙…וְאַמָּ֥ה וָחֵ֖צִי 1 two and a half cubits…one cubit and a half If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. A **cubit** is approximately 46cm. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 115cm … 69cm … 69cm (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 25 10 saf8 translate-fraction וָחֵ֜צִי…וָחֵ֨צִי֙…וָחֵ֖צִי 1 two and a half cubits…one cubit and a half A **half** means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
EXO 25 12 wbq8 translate-unknown וְיָצַ֣קְתָּ לּ֗וֹ אַרְבַּע֙ טַבְּעֹ֣ת זָהָ֔ב 1 cast four rings of gold Casting rings was a process in which gold was melted, poured into a mold that was in the shape of a ring, and then allowed to cool and harden. If this sort of metal-working process is unknown to your people, you may simply describe it, or use a word meaning “make,” as the UST does. The UST approach is preferred, as the creation process is not in focus here, and it would be cumbersome to include the description in the text. You could use a word meaning “make,” and include the description in a footnote if you are including those and your team feels it is important to understand. Alternate translation: “You shall make four rings of gold by melting the gold and pouring it into molds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 25 13 i5mc translate-unknown שִׁטִּ֑ים 1 cast four rings of gold A small tree with spreading foliage and durable wood. See how you translated this in [25:5](../25/05.md). [See on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shittah_tree) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 25 15 k67p figs-parallelism בְּטַבְּעֹת֙ הָאָרֹ֔ן יִהְי֖וּ הַבַּדִּ֑ים לֹ֥א יָסֻ֖רוּ מִמֶּֽנּוּ 1 General Information: These two phrases mean similar things. Yahweh is saying the same thing in two different ways to emphasize how important this command is. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “The poles belong in the rings of the box; no one is ever to remove them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 25 15 aea1 figs-activepassive בְּטַבְּעֹת֙ הָאָרֹ֔ן יִהְי֖וּ הַבַּדִּ֑ים לֹ֥א יָסֻ֖רוּ מִמֶּֽנּוּ 1 General Information: If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language, as seen in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 25 17 ast8 translate-bdistance אַמָּתַ֤יִם וָחֵ֨צִי֙…וְאַמָּ֥ה וָחֵ֖צִי 1 two and a half cubits…a cubit and a half If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. A **cubit** is approximately 46cm. For your reference, a more precise conversion to the metric system is: 115 centimeters … 69 centimeters … 69 centimeters (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 25 17 c8o7 translate-fraction וָחֵ֨צִי֙…וָחֵ֖צִי 1 two and a half cubits…a cubit and a half A **half** means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
EXO 25 19 b4l9 מִן־הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת תַּעֲשׂ֥וּ אֶת־הַכְּרֻבִ֖ים עַל־שְׁנֵ֥י קְצוֹתָֽיו 1 They must be made This seems to indicate that the cherubim should be formed out of the same piece of gold as the rest of the lid. It may, however, mean that at the end they should be one piece, so the gold should be heated to melting and the lid and cherubim joined together. Alternate translation: “You shall join the cherubim to the atonement lid on its two ends”
EXO 25 22 zu9u figs-yousingular לְךָ֮…אִתְּךָ֜…אוֹתְךָ֖ 1 It is at the ark that I will meet with you Here, **you** is singular and refers to Moses. If you have been using a plural you for Yahweh’s commands which have been to give to others, make sure you use the singular form of “you” here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
EXO 25 23 t312 translate-bdistance שִׁטִּ֑ים אַמָּתַ֤יִם אָרְכּוֹ֙ וְאַמָּ֣ה רָחְבּ֔וֹ וְאַמָּ֥ה וָחֵ֖צִי קֹמָתֽוֹ 1 two cubits…one cubit…a cubit and a half If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. A **cubit** is approximately 46 centimeters. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 115 centimeters … 46 centimeters … 69 centimeters (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 25 23 a2o9 translate-fraction וָחֵ֖צִי 1 two cubits…one cubit…a cubit and a half A **half** means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
EXO 25 25 awi7 translate-bdistance טֹ֖פַח 1 one handbreadth wide You can convert this length to a measurement system familiar to your people if that is the style of translation that you are using. A **handbreadth** is a measurement of approximately eight centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 25 27 jdh4 figs-idiom לְבָתִּ֣ים 1 The rings must be attached Here, **to house the poles** means that the rings will hold the poles. Since the rings are where the poles belong for use when carrying the table, the rings are figuratively in their **house.** If your language has a similar idiom meaning “place of belonging,” you may use it, or you may translate the idea. Alternate translation: “to be a place for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 25 28 l4fk figs-activepassive וְנִשָּׂא־בָ֖ם אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָֽן 1 so that the table may be carried with them If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And you shall carry the table with them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 25 29 nrmp translate-unknown קְּעָרֹתָ֜יו וְכַפֹּתָ֗יו וּקְשׂוֹתָיו֙ וּמְנַקִּיֹּתָ֔יו 1 to be used to pour out drink offerings We do not know precisely what these dishes were. It is likely that the **plates** were mostly flat dishes for holding the bread that would be on the table. The **pans** may have been shallow bowls or deep plates for holding incense, or they may have been something more like a ladle or spoon. The **pitchers** probably held wine to be poured into the **bowls** for the drink offerings. You will need to translate using the closest word for each such item in your culture. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 25 29 v78d figs-activepassive אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֻסַּ֖ךְ בָּהֵ֑ן 1 to be used to pour out drink offerings If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “from which the priests will pour out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 25 30 uth7 figs-metonymy לֶ֥חֶם פָּנִ֖ים 1 bread of the presence Here, **faces** figuratively represents the presence of Yahweh. This bread represented the presence of God. Alternate translation: “the bread of the Presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 25 30 kh7c figs-metonymy לְפָנַ֥י 1 bread of the presence Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “in front of me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 25 31 g25l figs-activepassive תֵּעָשֶׂ֤ה 1 The lampstand is to be made If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you shall make” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 25 33 i7bh translate-unknown מְֽשֻׁקָּדִ֞ים 1 almond blossoms **Almond blossoms** are white or pink flowers with five petals. (An almond is a kind of nut.) You may want to include a short description as a footnote or in the text (if that is your translation style) the first time this object is encountered. Alternate translation: “shaped like the five-petaled almond flower” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 25 35 lk10 וְכַפְתֹּ֡ר תַּחַת֩ שְׁנֵ֨י הַקָּנִ֜ים מִמֶּ֗נָּה וְכַפְתֹּר֙ תַּ֣חַת שְׁנֵ֤י הַקָּנִים֙ מִמֶּ֔נָּה וְכַפְתֹּ֕ר תַּחַת־שְׁנֵ֥י הַקָּנִ֖ים מִמֶּ֑נָּה לְשֵׁ֨שֶׁת֙ הַקָּנִ֔ים הַיֹּצְאִ֖ים מִן־הַמְּנֹרָֽה 1 made as one piece with it Alternate translation: “There must be a leafy base under the first pair of branches—made as one piece with it, and a leafy base under the second pair of branches—also made as one piece with it. In the same way there must be a leafy base under the third pair of branches, made as one piece with it. It must be the same for all six branches extending out from the lampstand.”
EXO 25 36 r7yz מִקְשָׁ֥ה 1 made as one piece with it Alternate translation: “of beaten gold” See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:18](../25/18.md).
EXO 25 37 dfn6 figs-metonymy וְהֵאִ֖יר עַל־עֵ֥בֶר פָּנֶֽיהָ 1 for them to give light from it Here, **face** figuratively represents the location of the lampstand. Alternate translation: “so they shine light near it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 25 39 ff5p translate-bweight כִּכָּ֛ר 1 one talent If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. A talent weighs about 33 kilograms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])
EXO 25 40 y081 figs-explicit וּרְאֵ֖ה וַעֲשֵׂ֑ה 1 you are being shown on the mountain All the items described in this chapter are included in what Moses is told to **see and make**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “See and make everything I have described” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 25 40 gyte figs-metonymy וּרְאֵ֖ה וַעֲשֵׂ֑ה 1 you are being shown on the mountain Here, **see** relates to observing or overseeing. Essentially, Yahweh is telling Moses to be careful as he observes the pattern on the mountain and as he sees the craftsmen of Israel working on these items, so that they are made correctly. Alternate translation: “Observe carefully and work exactly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 25 40 l7je figs-activepassive אַתָּ֥ה מָרְאֶ֖ה 1 you are being shown on the mountain If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I am showing you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 26 intro emw7 0 # Exodus 26 General Notes<br><br>- The sacred tent has four layers (from inside to out): linen, goats’ hair, tanned rams’ skins, and fine leather.<br>- There are multiple different curtains described using three different Hebrew words: one sort of curtains to make the walls of the tent ([verses 1-13](../26/01.md)), another to separate the Holy Place and Most Holy Place (also known as Holy of Holies) ([verses 31-34](../26/31.md)), and another for the entrance of the sacred tent ([verses 36-37](../26/36.md)). If there are words in your language that would make a distinction between these sorts of hanging cloths, it would be appropriate to make a distinction in your translation.<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>This chapter is a continuation of the material in the previous chapter.<br>- v. 1-30: Instructions for constructing the exterior of the sacred tent<br> * v. 1-6: Inner covering<br> * v. 7-14: Outer covering layers<br> * v. 15-30: Wooden framework<br>- v. 31-35: Instructions for arranging the interior of the sacred tent<br>- v. 36-37: Instructions for hanging the entrance curtain<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### The tent of meeting<br><br>This chapter gives specific instructions regarding the building of a tent where Moses would meet Yahweh and the box would be stored. This would eventually become the Dwelling. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/tabernacle]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])
EXO 26 1 ks8r figs-yousingular תַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה 1 You must make Yahweh is speaking to Moses, so the word **you** is singular. Yahweh probably expected Moses to tell someone else to do the actual work, but Moses would be the one responsible for seeing that the work was done correctly. Alternate translation: “, tell a craftsman to make” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
EXO 26 1 vre7 וּתְכֵ֤לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן֙ וְתֹלַ֣עַת שָׁנִ֔י 1 curtains This could mean: (1) “material that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet,” probably wool yarn, or (2) “blue, purple and scarlet dye” to dye the linen. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 25:4](../25/04.md).
EXO 26 1 xvs7 translate-unknown וְתֹלַ֣עַת שָׁנִ֔י 1 scarlet wool A bright red color for dying cloth was extracted from these worms. Alternate translation: “and bright red” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 26 1 ni5d translate-unknown שֵׁ֣שׁ מָשְׁזָ֗ר 1 scarlet wool This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 26 2 dkr6 translate-bdistance שְׁמֹנֶ֤ה וְעֶשְׂרִים֙ בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה…אַרְבַּ֣ע בָּאַמָּ֔ה 1 twenty-eight cubits…four cubits If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. A **cubit** is approximately 46 centimeters. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 12.9 meters … 184 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 26 3 ba6w figs-activepassive חֲמֵ֣שׁ הַיְרִיעֹ֗ת תִּֽהְיֶ֨יןָ֙ חֹֽבְרֹ֔ת אִשָּׁ֖ה אֶל־אֲחֹתָ֑הּ וְחָמֵ֤שׁ יְרִיעֹת֙ חֹֽבְרֹ֔ת אִשָּׁ֖ה אֶל־אֲחֹתָֽהּ 1 Five curtains must be joined to each other…must also be joined to each other If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Join five of the curtains each to another, and join five of the curtains each to another.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 26 4 wdum translate-ordinal הָאֶחָ֔ת…הַשֵּׁנִֽית 1 one set If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 26 5 nkr7 figs-idiom אִשָּׁ֖ה אֶל־אֲחֹתָֽהּ 1 one set This is an idiom meaning “to each other.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “one to the other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 26 6 sns4 וְעָשִׂ֕יתָ חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים קַרְסֵ֣י זָהָ֑ב וְחִבַּרְתָּ֨ אֶת־הַיְרִיעֹ֜ת אִשָּׁ֤ה אֶל־אֲחֹתָהּ֙ 1 clasps The clasps fit into the loops (verses 4 and 5) to hold the curtains together.
EXO 26 6 k12s figs-idiom אִשָּׁ֤ה אֶל־אֲחֹתָהּ֙ 1 clasps This is the same idiom as in the previous verse, meaning together. Alternate translation: “to each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 26 8 v7i1 translate-bdistance שְׁלֹשִׁים֙ בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה…אַרְבַּ֣ע בָּאַמָּ֔ה 1 cubits If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. A **cubit** is approximately 46cm. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 13.8 meter … 184 centimeters (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 26 9 kb9x figs-metonymy אֶל־מ֖וּל פְּנֵ֥י הָאֹֽהֶל 1 cubits Here, **face** is probably referring to the entrance of the tent. The opening for the protective tent and the sacred tent would have been coordinated so they were in the same place. Alternate translation: “in front of the entrance of the tent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 26 9 q3og הָאֹֽהֶל 1 cubits As in [verse 7](../26/07.md), **the tent** refers to the outer tent over the sacred tent. Alternate translation: “the outer tent”
EXO 26 10 etf7 0 loops See how you translated a very similar text in [Exodus 26:4](../26/04.md).
EXO 26 11 cq36 translate-unknown הַקְּרָסִים֙ 1 clasps The **clasps** fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:6](../26/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 26 12 hftk translate-fraction חֲצִ֤י 1 clasps A **half** means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
EXO 26 13 k4ci translate-bdistance וְהָאַמָּ֨ה…וְהָאַמָּ֤ה 1 cubit If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. A **cubit** is approximately 46 centimeters. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 46 centimeters (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 26 14 kii8 translate-unknown תְּחָשִׁ֖ים 1 a covering of ram skins dyed red, and another covering of fine leather The meaning of this word, **sea cows**, is not known. It may refer to a water mammal that has skin that can be made into a high-quality leather. [Sea cows on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirenia) See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 25:5](../25/05.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 26 14 yz3v translate-unknown מְאָדָּמִ֑ים 1 dyed red When animal skins are tanned (processed into usable leather), they become reddish. It is not clear if these hides are dyed red or simply reddened in the tanning process. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 25:5](../25/05.md). Alternate translation: “tanned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 26 15 y85l translate-unknown הַקְּרָשִׁ֖ים 1 frames Here, **frames** refers to open wooden structures made to hold the curtains. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 26 15 tw2h translate-unknown שִׁטִּ֖ים 1 frames The **acacias** are relatively small trees with spreading foliage and durable wood. See how you translated this in [25:5](../25/05.md). [See on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shittah_tree) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 26 16 z2rv translate-bdistance עֶ֥שֶׂר אַמּ֖וֹת…וְאַמָּה֙ וַחֲצִ֣י הָֽאַמָּ֔ה 1 ten cubits…one and a half cubits If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. A **cubit** is approximately 46 centimeters. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 4.6 meters … 69 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 26 16 p3av translate-fraction וַחֲצִ֣י 1 ten cubits…one and a half cubits A **half** means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
EXO 26 17 zwfj translate-unknown יָד֗וֹת 1 ten cubits…one and a half cubits Here, the term **tenons** means a part of the wood sticking out from the rest of the frame so that it can be put into a hole in another object. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 26 17 xf6s figs-idiom אִשָּׁ֖ה אֶל־אֲחֹתָ֑הּ 1 ten cubits…one and a half cubits This is an idiom meaning “to each other.” See how you translated this in [26:5](../26/05.md). Alternate translation: “one to the other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 26 19 c9id אַדְנֵי־כֶ֔סֶף 1 silver bases The **bases of silver** were silver blocks that had a slot in them to keep the board in place and off the ground.
EXO 26 19 o357 figs-explicit שְׁנֵ֨י אֲדָנִ֜ים תַּֽחַת־הַקֶּ֤רֶשׁ הָאֶחָד֙ לִשְׁתֵּ֣י יְדֹתָ֔יו וּשְׁנֵ֧י אֲדָנִ֛ים תַּֽחַת־הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ הָאֶחָ֖ד לִשְׁתֵּ֥י יְדֹתָֽיו 1 silver bases The effect of this is to start a list, and the hearer will assume it should be completed. Try to translate this in the way that a speaker of your language would give instructions that are meant to be carried out on a whole group of objects. This same phrasing occurs again in [verse 21](../26/21.md) and [verse 25](../26/25.md). Alternate translation: “two bases under the first frame for its two tenons, and then two bases under the next frame for its two tenons, and so on for all the frames” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 26 21 rlcf figs-explicit שְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֗ים תַּ֚חַת הַקֶּ֣רֶשׁ הָֽאֶחָ֔ד וּשְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֔ים תַּ֖חַת הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ הָאֶחָֽד 1 silver bases The effect of this is to start a list, and the hearer will assume it should be completed. Try to translate this in the way that a speaker of your language would give instructions that are meant to be carried out on a whole group of objects. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:19](../26/19.md). Alternate translation: “two bases under the first frame, and then two bases under the next frame, and so on for all the frames” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 26 25 cbpl figs-explicit שְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֗ים תַּ֚חַת הַקֶּ֣רֶשׁ הָאֶחָ֔ד וּשְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֔ים תַּ֖חַת הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ הָאֶחָֽד 1 silver bases The effect of this is to start a list, and the hearer will assume it should be completed. Try to translate this in the way that a speaker of your language would give instructions that are meant to be carried out on a whole group of objects. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:19](../26/19.md). Alternate translation: “two bases under the first frame, and then two bases under the next frame, and so on for all the frames” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 26 25 p2wu translate-unknown וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֣ם…אֲדָנִ֑ים…אֲדָנִ֗ים…אֲדָנִ֔ים 1 silver bases The **bases** were silver blocks that had a slot in them to keep the frame in place. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:19](../26/19.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 26 26 fc8p translate-unknown בְרִיחִ֖ם 1 crossbars The **crossbars** are horizontal support beams that give stability to the structure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 26 29 ji1j בָּתִּ֖ים לַבְּרִיחִ֑ם 1 for them to serve as holders for the crossbars Alternate translation: “which will hold the crossbars” or “because they will hold the crossbars”
EXO 26 29 nq3m לַבְּרִיחִ֑ם 1 crossbars The **crossbars** are horizontal support beams that give stability to the structure. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:26](../26/26.md).
EXO 26 30 csf9 figs-activepassive הָרְאֵ֖יתָ בָּהָֽר 1 you were shown on the mountain If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 26 33 p2yq translate-unknown הַקְּרָסִים֒ 1 clasps The **clasps** fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in [Exodus 26:6](../26/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 26 33 x28l figs-possession קֹ֥דֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים 1 clasps Here, **Holy of Holies** means extremely or uniquely holy. If this form would not express that this place would become uniquely holy in your language you may need to find another way to express this idea. Alternate translation: “the Most Holy Place” or “the Extraordinarily Holy Place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 26 34 u3tu figs-possession בְּקֹ֖דֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים 1 clasps Here, **Holy of Holies** means extremely holy, as in, the holiest of the holy places. If this form would not express that this place would become uniquely holy in your language you may need to find another way to express this idea. See how you translated it in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “in the Most Holy Place” or “in the Extraordinarily Holy Place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 26 35 lv9e הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙…הַמְּנֹרָה֙ 1 The table must be on the north side This is the **table** Yahweh told Moses how to make in [25:23-30](../25/23.md) and the **lampstand** he told him how to make in [25:31-39](../25/31.md).
EXO 26 36 rr16 תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י 1 blue, purple, and scarlet material This could mean: (1) “yarn that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet,” probably wool yarn, or (2) “blue, purple, and scarlet dye” to dye the linen. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:4](../25/04.md).
EXO 26 36 f6td translate-unknown וְשֵׁ֣שׁ מָשְׁזָ֑ר 1 fine twined linen This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 26 36 r2fy translate-unknown רֹקֵֽם 1 an embroiderer Alternate translation: “a person who sews decorative designs into cloth” or “a person who embroiders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 27 intro x4f7 0 # Exodus 27 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>This chapter is a continuation of the material in the previous chapter.<br>- v. 1-8: Instructions for constructing the altar<br>- v. 9-19: Instructions for constructing the outer curtain walls forming the courtyard around the sacred tent<br>- v. 20-21: Instructions for the lampstand<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### The tent of meeting<br><br>This chapter gives specific instructions regarding building the courtyard area around the Dwelling containing the altar where priests made sacrifices to Yahweh.<br><br>## Potential Translation Issues<br><br>- The verb **make** at the beginning of [verse 9](../27/09.md) is the only verb from verses 9-18. Some languages may be able to translate a clause chain this long without additional verbs. Others (including English), will need to supply at least a minimum number of verbs (ULT) or quite a few verbs (UST) for naturalness.<br>- There continue to be a number of possibly unknown terms, still all tangible objects.
EXO 27 1 s8qy translate-bdistance חָמֵשׁ֩ אַמּ֨וֹת…וְחָמֵ֧שׁ אַמּ֣וֹת…וְשָׁלֹ֥שׁ אַמּ֖וֹת 1 cubits If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. A cubit is approximately 46 centimeters. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 2.3 meters … 2.3 meters … 138 centimeters (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 27 4 vlau וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ עַל־הָרֶ֗שֶׁת אַרְבַּע֙ טַבְּעֹ֣ת נְחֹ֔שֶׁת עַ֖ל אַרְבַּ֥ע קְצוֹתָֽיו 1 grate You may want to refer back to several other passages regarding making rings for carrying poles when translating this verse. See [Exo 25:12](../25/12.md), [Exo 25:26](../25/26.md), and [Exo 25:27](../25/27.md).
EXO 27 5 c5em figs-explicit וְנָתַתָּ֣ה אֹתָ֗הּ תַּ֛חַת כַּרְכֹּ֥ב הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ מִלְּמָ֑טָּה וְהָיְתָ֣ה הָרֶ֔שֶׁת עַ֖ד חֲצִ֥י הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ 1 You must put the grate under the ledge of the altar The grate was placed inside the altar. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 27 7 b3yx figs-activepassive וְהוּבָ֥א אֶת־בַּדָּ֖יו 1 The poles must be put into the rings, and the poles must be on the two sides of the altar, to carry it If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And you shall put its poles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 27 8 ecmh figs-123person הֶרְאָ֥ה 1 The poles must be put into the rings, and the poles must be on the two sides of the altar, to carry it Here, **he** refers to Yahweh in the third person. If it would be unnatural in your language for someone to refer to himself in this way, you may need to change it. Alternate translation: “I showed” or “Yahweh showed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 27 8 frcs figs-123person יַעֲשֽׂוּ 1 The poles must be put into the rings, and the poles must be on the two sides of the altar, to carry it Here, **they** refers to whoever will make all these items. It is an indication that even though Yahweh has been speaking to Moses in the singular throughout, these instructions are meant to be conveyed to Israelite craftsmen. See [25:intro](../25/intro.md) for more. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 27 9 v748 translate-unknown שֵׁ֣שׁ מָשְׁזָ֗ר 1 fine twined linen This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:4](../25/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 27 9 ce9a translate-bdistance מֵאָ֤ה בָֽאַמָּה֙ 1 one hundred cubits You can convert this length to a measurement system familiar to your people if that is the style of translation that you are using. A cubit is approximately 46 centimeters. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 46 meters (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 27 10 qq8f וְעַמֻּדָ֣יו עֶשְׂרִ֔ים וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֥ם עֶשְׂרִ֖ים נְחֹ֑שֶׁת 1 one hundred cubits Here, **bronze** may refer to both the **pillars** and the **bases**, or just to the **bases.** The pillars inside the tent were of wood overlaid with gold; these may be wood overlaid with bronze.
EXO 27 11 ynao figs-ellipsis מֵ֣אָה 1 there must be hangings one hundred cubits long Here, “cubits” is omitted because it is understood as a repetition of the instructions in verse 9. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “100 cubits” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 27 11 xev2 translate-bdistance מֵ֣אָה 1 there must be hangings one hundred cubits long You can convert this length to a measurement system familiar to your people if that is the style of translation that you are using. A cubit is approximately 46 centimeters. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 46 meters (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 27 12 p4u4 translate-bdistance חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים אַמָּ֑ה 1 there must be a curtain You can convert this length to a measurement system familiar to your people if that is the style of translation that you are using. A cubit is approximately 46 centimeters. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 23 meters (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 27 13 w2sg translate-bdistance חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים אַמָּֽה 1 The courtyard must also be fifty cubits long You can convert this length to a measurement system familiar to your people if that is the style of translation that you are using. A cubit is approximately 46 centimeters. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 23 meters (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 27 14 u8nm translate-bdistance וַחֲמֵ֨שׁ עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה 1 fifteen cubits You can convert this length to a measurement system familiar to your people if that is the style of translation that you are using. A cubit is approximately 46 centimeters. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 6.9 meters (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 27 14 z8n2 עַמֻּדֵיהֶ֣ם 1 posts The **pillars** were strong pieces of wood set upright and used as supports. See how you translated these in [Exodus 27:10](../27/10.md).
EXO 27 14 gz7s וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֖ם 1 bases The **bases** were metal blocks that had a slot in them to keep the board in place. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:19](../26/19.md).
EXO 27 15 s2cc translate-bdistance חְמֵ֥שׁ עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה 1 fifteen cubits You can convert this length to a measurement system familiar to your people if that is the style of translation that you are using. A cubit is approximately 46 centimeters. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 6.9 meters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 27 15 hlzp עַמֻּדֵיהֶ֣ם 1 posts These **posts** were strong pieces of wood set upright and used as supports. See how you translated these in [Exodus 27:10](../27/10.md).
EXO 27 15 o49h וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֖ם 1 bases The **bases** were metal blocks that had a slot in them to keep the board in place. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:19](../26/19.md).
EXO 27 16 g5wi translate-bdistance עֶשְׂרִ֣ים אַמָּ֗ה 1 an embroiderer You can convert this length to a measurement system familiar to your people if that is the style of translation that you are using. A cubit is approximately 46 centimeters. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 9.2m (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 27 17 wtng figs-activepassive מְחֻשָּׁקִ֣ים 1 an embroiderer If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Among other options not so relevant here, Wiktionary suggests that a **fillet** could be a “thin strip of any material, in various technical uses,” “thin featureless molding used as separation between broader decorative moldings,” or a rounded corner. Alternate translation: “you shall fillet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 27 18 wt7n translate-bdistance מֵאָ֨ה בָֽאַמָּ֜ה…חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים בַּחֲמִשִּׁ֗ים…חָמֵ֥שׁ אַמּ֖וֹת 1 one hundred cubits If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. A cubit is approximately 46 centimeters. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 46 meters … 23 meters … 2.3 meters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 27 18 mu6b figs-ellipsis חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים בַּחֲמִשִּׁ֗ים 1 one hundred cubits Here, “cubits” is omitted because it is understood as a repetition of the instructions in verse 9. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “50 cubits” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 27 19 bs7c translate-unknown יְתֵדֹתָ֛יו…יִתְדֹ֥ת 1 tent pegs The **tent pegs** are strong, sharp pieces of metal driven into the ground and used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground or to secure ropes in order to create tension to stabilize something standing upright. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 27 21 p7ru figs-synecdoche הָעֵדֻ֗ת 1 ark of testimony The **testimony** refers to the chest that contains the sacred slabs of stone on which Yahweh had written his commandments. If it would be more clear to your readers you may include a reference to the chest. Alternate translation: “is the Box of the Testimony” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 27 21 nlwz יַעֲרֹךְ֩ אֹת֨וֹ 1 ark of testimony Here, **it** refers to the lamp mentioned in the previous verse and **arrange** means to set it up for burning, and light it. Alternate translation: “shall set up the lampstand and light it”
EXO 27 21 j41s figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה 1 ark of testimony Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “in front of me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 27 21 vr7m חֻקַּ֤ת עוֹלָם֙ לְדֹ֣רֹתָ֔ם מֵאֵ֖ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 This requirement will be a lasting statute See how you translated a similar statement in [12:14](../12/14.md)
EXO 28 intro r3yx 0 # Exodus 28 General Notes<br><br>## Structure<br><br>- v. 1: Introduction - Aaron and sons will become priests<br>- v. 2-5: General introduction of sacred clothing<br>- v. 6-14: Instructions for the ephod<br> * v. 9-14: Instructions regarding stones on ephod<br>- v. 15-28: Instructions for the breastpiece<br> * v. 17-21: Instructions regarding stones on breastpiece<br> * v. 22-28: Instructions for mounting the breastpiece on the ephod<br>- v. 29-30: Aaron should wear things over his heart<br>- v 31-35: Instructions for making the robe with bells and pomegranates<br>- v. 36-38: Instructions regarding the turban<br>- v. 39-41: Closing general instructions regarding clothing<br>- v. 42-43: Instructions on making and wearing undergarments<br>- v. 43b: Closing statement<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Holy garments<br><br>Because Yahweh is holy, only the priests could approach him, and when they did they had to be wearing specially made clothing. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])<br><br>## Potential Translation Issues<br><br>- Verses 17-20 list 12 kinds of stone. Scholars are not sure which kinds of stones the Hebrew words refer to. Some translations list different stones. The UST gives the probable color of the gemstones. Translators may use names of familiar gem stones.
EXO 28 1 e1xb figs-yousingular וְאַתָּ֡ה 1 Call to yourself Here, **you** refers to Moses; in this case, it is used to highlight that he is the person who must do the next thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
EXO 28 1 w9ls translate-kinship אַהֲרֹ֨ן אָחִ֜יךָ 1 Call to yourself Aaron is older than Moses. If your language uses a different term for the sibling relationship based on gender and age order, choose the appropriate one. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])
EXO 28 2 zxy0 figs-abstractnouns בִגְדֵי־קֹ֖דֶשׁ 1 Call to yourself If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “holy clothes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 28 3 n17y figs-yousingular וְאַתָּ֗ה 1 Call to yourself Here, **you** refers to Moses; in this case, it is used to highlight that he is the person who must do the next thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
EXO 28 3 c9pv figs-parallelism אֶל־כָּל־חַכְמֵי־לֵ֔ב אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִלֵּאתִ֖יו ר֣וּחַ חָכְמָ֑ה 1 Call to yourself There is a little bit of parallelism here. Yahweh is clarifying who causes someone to be **wise of heart**. You could translate this in a more causative way if that would make more sense. Alternate translation: “to anyone whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, making them wise of heart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 28 3 wt7m figs-metonymy אֶל־כָּל־חַכְמֵי־לֵ֔ב אֲשֶׁ֥ר מִלֵּאתִ֖יו ר֣וּחַ חָכְמָ֑ה 1 Call to yourself Here, **heart** and **spirit** are both referring to things innately possessed by a person that is, traits of a person. **Wisdom** refers to skill or talent with crafting in this case. Together **wise of heart** and **filled with the spirit of wisdom** both essentially mean “a talented craftsman.” If it would be more clear to your readers, you may consider making some of this more explicit. Alternate translation: “to every talented craftsman, those whom I have made skilled in their work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 28 4 tr5e וּכְתֹ֥נֶת תַּשְׁבֵּ֖ץ 1 a coat of woven work We do not know what word translated **of woven work** means, as it only occurs here and in [verse 39](../28/39.md) as a verb. Alternate translation: “and a checkered tunic” or “an embroidered garment”
EXO 28 4 dz5h translate-unknown מִצְנֶ֣פֶת 1 turban This is a head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. You may translate it using a word commonly used for a similar item in your culture. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 4 k184 translate-unknown וְאַבְנֵ֑ט 1 sash The **sash** is a piece of cloth that people wear around their waist or across their chest. You may translate it with a word commonly used for a similar item in your culture. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 4 jqtg figs-abstractnouns בִגְדֵי־קֹ֜דֶשׁ 1 sash If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you can express the same idea in another way. See how you translated this in [28:2](../28/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 28 5 rxke translate-unknown וְאֶת־הַתְּכֵ֖לֶת וְאֶת־הָֽאַרְגָּמָ֑ן וְאֶת־תּוֹלַ֥עַת הַשָּׁנִ֖י 1 sash This could mean: (1) “material that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet,” probably wool yarn, or (2) “blue, purple and scarlet dye” to dye the linen. The original audience would have known what was meant. This material seems to have been used for embroidery later, so “yarn” or ”thread” may be the best understanding. See how you translated this in [25:4](../25/04.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 5 pfq5 translate-unknown תּוֹלַ֥עַת הַשָּׁנִ֖י 1 sash A bright red color for dying cloth was extracted from these worms. Alternate translation: “and bright red” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 6 u3rx translate-unknown וְשֵׁ֥שׁ מָשְׁזָ֖ר 1 fine-twined linen This was cloth made from fine linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:36](../26/36.md). Alternate translation: “fine twined linen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 7 dpph שְׁתֵּ֧י כְתֵפֹ֣ת חֹֽבְרֹ֗ת יִֽהְיֶה־לּ֛וֹ אֶל־שְׁנֵ֥י קְצוֹתָ֖יו וְחֻבָּֽר 1 skillful craftsman This likely meant creating some sort of fastening up by the shoulders to attach the front of the ephod to its back. Alternate translation: “They shall make it so that the front and back attach to each other at the shoulders”
EXO 28 7 wt20 figs-activepassive וְחֻבָּֽר 1 skillful craftsman If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “join it together that way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 28 8 u5av אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָלָ֔יו כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֖הוּ מִמֶּ֣נּוּ 1 it must be made of one piece This is saying that the sash should be attached to the ephod, perhaps cut from the same material used to make the rest of the ephod.
EXO 28 9 c4ia translate-unknown אַבְנֵי־שֹׁ֑הַם 1 onyx stones These **stones of onyx** are valuable stones that have layers of white and black, red, or brown. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:7](../25/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 10 zlte כְּתוֹלְדֹתָֽם 1 onyx stones Alternate translation: “according to their birth order”
EXO 28 11 dv8k פִּתּוּחֵ֣י חֹתָ֗ם 1 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engraving on a signet Alternate translation: “in the same way a person engraves on a seal”
EXO 28 11 x1xc translate-unknown חָרַשׁ֮ אֶבֶן֒ 1 engraver A **craftsman of stone** is a person who cuts designs into stones. Alternate translation: “a detailed stone cutter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 11 cm3f translate-unknown חֹתָ֗ם 1 signet This is an engraved stone often set into a ring and used to stamp a design into a wax seal to authenticate an official document. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 11 gh2r translate-unknown מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת 1 settings These are pieces of metal that hold the stones onto the ephod. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 12 ypfd זִכָּרֹ֖ן…לְזִכָּרֹֽן 1 settings The text does not specify if Yahweh or Aaron or someone else is the one being reminded by the stones. It also does not specify exactly what the reminder is of. Try to maintain this ambiguity if possible in your translation.
EXO 28 13 pi4x translate-unknown מִשְׁבְּצֹ֖ת 1 settings The **ornamental settings** are pieces of precious metal that surround the sides of hold each stone to hold it onto the ephod. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:11](../28/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 14 e746 וּשְׁתֵּ֤י שַׁרְשְׁרֹת֙ זָהָ֣ב טָה֔וֹר מִגְבָּלֹ֛ת תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה אֹתָ֖ם מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה עֲבֹ֑ת 1 two braided chains of pure gold like cords Alternate translation: “and you shall make two chains of pure gold that are braided like cords”
EXO 28 15 sf8e מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה חֹשֵׁ֔ב כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֥ה אֵפֹ֖ד תַּעֲשֶׂ֑נּוּ 1 the work of a skillful workman, fashioned like the ephod Alternate translation: “a skillful workman will make it like the ephod”
EXO 28 16 cny4 translate-bdistance זֶ֥רֶת…וְזֶ֥רֶת 1 span You can convert this length to a measurement system familiar to your people if that is the style of translation that you are using. A span is approximately 23 centimeters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 28 17 spd4 translate-unknown 0 General Information: Twelve kinds of stones are listed in the next four verses. Scholars are not sure which kinds of stones the Hebrew words refer to. Some translations list different stones. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 18 qq9g translate-ordinal וְהַטּ֖וּר הַשֵּׁנִ֑י 1 emerald…diamond If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “And row 2:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 28 18 a5rr translate-unknown סַפִּ֖יר 1 sapphire This is a gemstone that is blue in color. See how you translated this in [Exodus 24:10](../24/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 19 uw42 translate-ordinal וְהַטּ֖וּר הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֑י 1 sapphire If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “And row 3:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 28 20 ekaf translate-ordinal וְהַטּוּר֙ הָרְבִיעִ֔י 1 jacinth…agate…amethyst If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “And row 4:” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 28 20 rgf6 translate-unknown וְשֹׁ֖הַם 1 onyx An **onyx** is a valuable stone that has layers of white and black, red, or brown. See how you translated these in [Exodus 25:7](../25/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 20 pw5h figs-activepassive מְשֻׁבָּצִ֥ים זָהָ֛ב יִהְי֖וּ 1 They must be mounted in gold settings If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You shall set them in gold” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 28 21 z8mw translate-unknown פִּתּוּחֵ֤י חוֹתָם֙ 1 signet ring This is an engraved stone often set into a ring and used to stamp a design into a wax seal to authenticate an official document. Here the stone is mounted on a ring. See how you translated “signet” in [Exodus 28:11](../28/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 22 m7yl translate-unknown שַֽׁרְשֹׁ֥ת גַּבְלֻ֖ת מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה עֲבֹ֑ת זָהָ֖ב טָהֽוֹר 1 chains like cords, braided work of pure gold See how you translated similar phrases in [Exodus 28:14](../28/14.md). Alternate translation (should replace **twisted chains**): “chains that are made of pure gold and are braided like cords” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 25 a4lc figs-explicit עַל־שְׁתֵּ֣י הַֽמִּשְׁבְּצ֑וֹת 1 to the two settings These are two settings that enclose the stones. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 28 27 vw1w translate-unknown לְחֵ֖שֶׁב 1 finely-woven waistband The **waistband** was a cloth belt made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:8](../28/08.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 28 se56 figs-activepassive וְלֹֽא־יִזַּ֣ח הַחֹ֔שֶׁן מֵעַ֖ל 1 so that it might be attached If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that the breastpiece shall stay attached to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 28 28 wf9v figs-doublenegatives וְלֹֽא־יִזַּ֣ח הַחֹ֔שֶׁן מֵעַ֖ל 1 the breastpiece might not become unattached from the ephod If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “so that the breastpiece shall stay attached to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EXO 28 29 z1mz שְׁמ֨וֹת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל 1 he must carry the names of the people of Israel over his heart in the breastpiece This refers to the names of the tribes engraved on the twelve stones the breastplate as described in [Exodus 28:17-21](./17.md).
EXO 28 30 dgn9 translate-transliterate הָאוּרִים֙ וְאֶת־הַתֻּמִּ֔ים 1 the Urim and the Thummim It is not clear what **the Urim and the Thummim** are. They were objects, possibly stones, that the priest used to somehow determine the will of God. Because of this, it is basically impossible to translate. In your translation, you can spell it the way it sounds in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])
EXO 28 30 f537 translate-unknown וְנָשָׂ֣א אַ֠הֲרֹן אֶת־מִשְׁפַּ֨ט בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל עַל־לִבּ֛וֹ לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה תָּמִֽיד 1 the Urim and the Thummim…the means for making decisions This phrase appears to refer to the Urim and Thummim and explain their purpose. Alternate translation: “And Aaron shall bear the decisions for the sons of Israel over his heart before Yahweh continually” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 30 fep5 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה…לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה 1 the Urim and the Thummim…the means for making decisions Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “before Yahweh … before Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 28 32 rw96 translate-unknown אֹרֵ֗ג 1 a weaver Alternate translation: “a person who weaves” or “a person who creates cloth using thread, yarns and wool” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 32 t60l translate-unknown תַחְרָ֛א 1 a weaver We do not know what this term means, but the implication seems to be that the collar should be made strong. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 32 ubhg figs-activepassive לֹ֥א יִקָּרֵֽעַ 1 a weaver If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language, as modeled in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 28 33 qm1f translate-unknown תְּכֵ֤לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן֙ וְתוֹלַ֣עַת שָׁנִ֔י 1 pomegranates This could mean: (1) “material that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet,” probably wool yarn, or (2) “blue, purple and scarlet dye” to dye the linen. The original audience would have known what was meant. This material seems to have been used for embroidery later, so “yarn” or ”thread” may be the best understanding. See how you translated this in [25:4](../25/04.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 34 kl55 פַּעֲמֹ֤ן זָהָב֙ וְרִמּ֔וֹן פַּֽעֲמֹ֥ן זָהָ֖ב וְרִמּ֑וֹן 1 a golden bell and a pomegranate This phrase is repeated to show the pattern of the design on the robe. Alternate translation: “alternate pomegranates and golden bells”
EXO 28 35 pf61 figs-activepassive וְנִשְׁמַ֣ע ק֠וֹלוֹ 1 so that its sound can be heard If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that the bells make a sound” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 28 35 fmqu figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֧י יְהוָ֛ה 1 so that its sound can be heard Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “before Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 28 35 ky8s figs-123person יְהוָ֛ה 1 so that its sound can be heard Here, Yahweh refers to himself in the third person. If this is confusing in your language, you may use the first person. Alternate translation: “me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 28 35 qtf9 figs-explicit וְלֹ֥א יָמֽוּת 1 This is so that he does not die The probable implication is that he would die because he did not obey Yahweh. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “As a result, he will not die because of disobeying my instructions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 28 36 mzej translate-unknown צִּ֖יץ 1 engrave on it, like the engraving on a signet We do not know exactly what this was. It was probably a thin piece of gold smaller than the palm of someone’s hand. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 36 nd2q translate-unknown וּפִתַּחְתָּ֤ עָלָיו֙ פִּתּוּחֵ֣י חֹתָ֔ם 1 engrave on it, like the engraving on a signet See how you translated similar words in [Exodus 28:11](../28/11.md) Alternate translation: “write on it in the same way a person engraves on a seal.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 37 qka6 translate-unknown הַמִּצְנָ֑פֶת…הַמִּצְנֶ֖פֶת 1 turban This was a head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 37 lxq8 figs-metonymy אֶל־מ֥וּל פְּנֵֽי־הַמִּצְנֶ֖פֶת 1 turban Here, **face** means the front. Alternate translation: “to the front of the turban” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 28 38 frqm figs-metaphor וְנָשָׂ֨א אַהֲרֹ֜ן אֶת־עֲוֺ֣ן הַקֳּדָשִׁ֗ים 1 turban Here, **iniquity** is pictured as something that can be carried or worn like the turban. It also seems to picture handing off the iniquity from the people to Aaron. Also here, **iniquity** actually seems to refer to the punishment for anything that might be wrong regarding the things the Israelites offer Yahweh. You may need to use a different word than **bear** to convey the transfer of responsibility for wrongs from the people to Aaron. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “and Aaron shall be responsible for any wrong related to the holy things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 28 38 jbt4 figs-123person יְהוָֽה 1 turban Here, Yahweh refers to himself in the third person. If this is confusing in your language, you may use the first person. Alternate translation: “me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 28 39 t5vj translate-unknown מִצְנֶ֣פֶת 1 turban This was a head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 39 yi1l translate-unknown וְאַבְנֵ֥ט 1 sash A **sash** is a decorative piece of cloth that a person wears around his waist or across his chest. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 39 i62z translate-unknown רֹקֵֽם 1 the work of an embroiderer An embroiderer is a person who sews decorative designs onto cloth. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:36](../26/36.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 40 pfs2 translate-unknown אַבְנֵטִ֑ים 1 sashes The **sashes** are decorative pieces of cloth that people wear around the waist or across the chest. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 40 v2tj translate-unknown וּמִגְבָּעוֹת֙ 1 headbands A headband is a decorative, narrow strip of cloth that is worn around the head above the eyes. This seems to be similar to, but perhaps smaller than the turban worn by the high priest. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 41 xa75 translate-kinship אַהֲרֹ֣ן אָחִ֔יךָ 1 You must clothe Aaron your brother Aaron is older than Moses. If your language uses a different term for the sibling relationship based on gender and age order, choose the appropriate one. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])
EXO 28 41 agey figs-idiom וּמִלֵּאתָ֧ אֶת־יָדָ֛ם 1 You must clothe Aaron your brother This seems to be an idiom for giving authority to someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “and you shall ordain them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 28 42 vz62 translate-unknown מִכְנְסֵי 1 undergarments These are articles of clothing worn under the outer clothes, next to the skin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 28 42 m1bi figs-euphemism בְּשַׂ֣ר עֶרְוָ֑ה 1 undergarments This refers to the male genitalia. This is a polite way of referring to something unpleasant. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “their private parts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
EXO 29 intro xmd9 0 # Exodus 29 General Notes<br><br>Large translation teams working on multiple books at the same time should note that this chapter is very similar to Leviticus 8.<br><br>## Structure<br><br>As you translate, you may perceive a different structure in this chapter than what is below. Feel free to organize in a way that is clear in your language. This chapter is really one united whole; the outline below is one possible way of subdividing it.<br>The Consecration of the Priests<br>- v. 1-3 Preparing items<br>- v. 4-9 Preparing Aaron and his sons<br>- v. 10-14 Sacrificing the bull to purify the altar<br>- v. 15-34 Sacrificing the rams<br> * v. 15-18 The first ram wholly burned<br> * v. 19-28 The second ram used for consecrating and divided for eating<br> * v. 29-30 Priestly succession<br> * v. 31-34 More instructions regarding eating the second ram<br>- v. 35-37 Instructions to do all this for seven days<br>- v. 38-41 Instructions for perpetual offerings<br>- v. 42-46 Yahweh’s affirmation<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Consecrating priests<br><br>This chapter records the process of consecrating priests. The priests were to be set apart from the rest of Israel because Yahweh is holy. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/consecrate]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])<br><br>## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>### Forms of you<br><br>For this chapter, it seems that the singular “you: that Yahweh has been using to give Moses general instructions for the last several chapters now actually refers to Moses himself. If you have been translating the instructions using a plural form of you or by shifting the instructions to the third person, you should switch back to a singular form referring directly to Moses for this chapter.<br><br>### “I will live among the Israelites”<br><br>As God, Yahweh is everywhere and cannot be limited to a single space. This phrase indicates that he permanently remains within Israel in a special way while they have the ark.
EXO 29 1 d6gk writing-newevent וְזֶ֨ה 1 Now A new scene begins here. There is a change in topic from instructions for making garments for priests to consecrating priests. This may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 29 1 z78h writing-pronouns תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה 1 you must do Here, **you** refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 29 1 ld5s writing-pronouns לָהֶ֛ם 1 to set them apart Here, **they** refers to Aaron and his sons. Alternate translation: “to Aaron and his sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 29 1 dq2c writing-pronouns לִ֑י 1 serve me Here, **me** refers to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 29 1 jhj3 figs-idiom בֶּן־בָּקָ֛ר 1 serve me This is an idiom meaning young. If you do not have a similar idiom you may translate the meaning. Alternate translation: “a young one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 29 2 ptm7 figs-activepassive בְּלוּלֹ֣ת בַּשֶּׁ֔מֶן…מְשֻׁחִ֣ים בַּשָּׁ֑מֶן 1 Also take wafers without yeast rubbed with oil If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. You may need to shorten the sentences and make the alternate translation content separate sentences or mark it off with special punctuation. Alternate translation: “(mix them with oil) … (rub them with oil)” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 29 2 wkyb וּרְקִיקֵ֥י מַצּ֖וֹת מְשֻׁחִ֣ים בַּשָּׁ֑מֶן 1 Also take wafers without yeast rubbed with oil These may have been rubbed with oil before or after baking.
EXO 29 2 r449 translate-unknown וְחַלֹּ֤ת…וּרְקִיקֵ֥י 1 bread…cakes…wafers These are different kinds of food made from flour. While all the breads were somewhat flat because they were unleavened, the **cakes** were a bread enriched with oil, and the **wafers** were especially thin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 29 3 gm58 writing-pronouns אוֹתָם֙ 1 You must put them Alternate translation: “the bread, cakes, and wafers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 29 3 cd6m וְהִקְרַבְתָּ֥ אֹתָ֖ם בַּסָּ֑ל וְאֶ֨ת־הַפָּ֔ר וְאֵ֖ת שְׁנֵ֥י הָאֵילִֽם 1 present them with the bull and the two rams Here, **in the basket** is almost parenthetical. You may need to restructure the sentence or use punctuation to make it clear that **the bull and the two rams** are connected to **bring**, and not to **in the basket.** Alternate translation: “and you shall bring them near (in the basket) along with the bull and the two rams”
EXO 29 4 a6rz אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד 1 tent of meeting The **tent of meeting** is another name for the Dwelling. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:21](../27/21.md).
EXO 29 5 pr4i translate-unknown בְּחֵ֖שֶׁב 1 finely-woven waistband This was a cloth belt made from narrow linen threads that someone twisted together to make a stronger thread. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:8](../28/08.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 29 6 ap2x translate-unknown הַמִּצְנֶ֖פֶת…הַמִּצְנָֽפֶת 1 turban This was a head covering made from cloth wrapped around the head several times. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 29 6 y59s translate-unknown נֵ֥זֶר הַקֹּ֖דֶשׁ 1 holy crown This **crown** is described in [Exodus 28:36](../28/36.md) as being engraved with the words “Holy to Yahweh” and made of pure gold. There it is referred to by a different Hebrew word, which is translated as “rosette.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 29 6 n4bt figs-abstractnouns אֶת־נֵ֥זֶר הַקֹּ֖דֶשׁ 1 holy crown If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the holy crown” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 29 7 rwuj translate-unknown שֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה 1 holy crown See how you translated **oil of anointing** in [25:6](../25/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 29 9 j3a8 translate-unknown אַבְנֵ֜ט 1 sashes A **sash** is a decorative piece of cloth that people wear around their waist or across their chest. See how you translated this word in [Exodus 28:4](../28/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 29 9 bh2d translate-unknown מִגְבָּעֹ֔ת 1 headbands A headband is a narrow, decorative strip of cloth that is worn around the head above the eyes. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:40](../28/40.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 29 9 r1x4 translate-unknown כְּהֻנָּ֖ה 1 The work of the priesthood Here, **the priesthood** means the official office of priest. Alternate translation: “the duty of being priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 29 9 ze9l figs-explicit וְהָיְתָ֥ה לָהֶ֛ם כְּהֻנָּ֖ה 1 will belong to them The duty of being priests will also belong to the descendants of Aaron’s sons. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “And the priesthood will belong to them and their descendants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 29 9 p7m9 לְחֻקַּ֣ת עוֹלָ֑ם 1 permanent law Alternate translation: “a law that will not end.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:43](../28/43.md).
EXO 29 9 zbzk figs-idiom וּמִלֵּאתָ֥ יַֽד־אַהֲרֹ֖ן וְיַד־בָּנָֽיו 1 permanent law The phrase, **fill the hand**, seems to be an idiom for giving authority to someone. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:41](../28/41.md). Alternate translation: “And you shall ordain Aaron and his sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 29 9 jhwb וּמִלֵּאתָ֥ יַֽד־אַהֲרֹ֖ן וְיַד־בָּנָֽיו 1 tent of meeting The phrase, **fill the hand** may be (1) a summary and reminder statement of the whole ordination process, (2) referring to the previous description, meaning that the priests have been ordained, or (3) referring to the following description, meaning that the priests are about to be ordained. It would probably be best to translate this in the way a mid-text summary reminder phrase would be spoken in your language, avoiding any indication that it refers only to the previous or following text.
EXO 29 10 wjko 0 tent of meeting The purpose of the sacrifice explained here through verse 14 is to purify or cleanse the altar. This is made more clear in [verses 36-37](../29/36.md).
EXO 29 10 sgur figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֖י אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד 1 tent of meeting Here, **face** refers to the front of the tent. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 29 10 rf0w grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וְסָמַ֨ךְ אַהֲרֹ֧ן וּבָנָ֛יו אֶת־יְדֵיהֶ֖ם עַל־רֹ֥אשׁ הַפָּֽר 1 tent of meeting The slaughter of the bull in the next verse occurs while the priests continue to have their hands on the bull’s head. Take care to arrange the phrases and to use words or forms that indicate that the two events happened at the same time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
EXO 29 12 c2ud translate-unknown קַרְנֹ֥ת 1 the horns These were projections that looked like ox horns attached to the four corners of the altar. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:2](../27/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 29 13 nsg6 translate-unknown הַכָּבֵ֔ד…הַכְּלָיֹ֔ת 1 liver…kidneys The **liver** and **kidneys** are organs in the body. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 29 14 eza8 וְאֶת־בְּשַׂ֤ר הַפָּר֙ וְאֶת־עֹר֣וֹ וְאֶת־פִּרְשׁ֔וֹ תִּשְׂרֹ֣ף 1 But as for the bull’s flesh, as well as its skin and dung Alternate translation: “But as for the remaining parts of the bull, including the flesh and dung, you shall burn it”
EXO 29 14 o262 מִח֖וּץ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה 1 But as for the bull’s flesh, as well as its skin and dung Alternate translation: “outside the borders of where the Israelites are camped”
EXO 29 15 pd0t grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וְסָ֨מְכ֜וּ אַהֲרֹ֧ן וּבָנָ֛יו אֶת־יְדֵיהֶ֖ם עַל־רֹ֥אשׁ הָאָֽיִל 1 But as for the bull’s flesh, as well as its skin and dung The slaughter of the ram in the next verse occurs while they continue to have their hands on the ram’s head. Take care to arrange the phrases and to use words or forms that indicate that the two events happened at the same time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
EXO 29 17 w2nb translate-unknown קִרְבּוֹ֙ 1 the inner parts Alternate translation: “the organs” See how you translated this in [Exodus 29:13](../29/13.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 29 18 qc2i וְהִקְטַרְתָּ֤ אֶת־כָּל־הָאַ֨יִל֙ 1 on the altar Alternate translation: “and burn all of the ram to make smoke”
EXO 29 18 pwjk figs-parallelism עֹלָ֥ה ה֖וּא לַֽיהוָ֑ה רֵ֣יחַ נִיח֔וֹחַ אִשֶּׁ֥ה לַיהוָ֖ה הֽוּא 1 on the altar These phrases are in parallel, with the second expanding and clarifying the first. In some languages, you may need to use a different structure to expand and clarify the **burnt offering**. Alternate translation: “It is a pleasant smelling burnt offering made by fire to Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 29 20 j6b1 figs-explicit וְשָׁחַטְתָּ֣ אֶת־הָאַ֗יִל 1 Then you must kill the ram They killed the ram by cutting its throat. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and kill the ram by cutting its throat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 29 21 bxs6 figs-explicit וְלָקַחְתָּ֞ מִן־הַדָּ֨ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַֽל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ֮ וּמִשֶּׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה֒ וְהִזֵּיתָ֤ 1 Aaron will then be set apart for me Moses would mix the blood and oil. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “And you shall take some of the blood that is on the altar and mix it with some of the oil of anointing and sprinkle it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 29 22 i3dc translate-unknown הַקֶּ֗רֶב…הַכָּבֵד֙…הַכְּלָיֹ֗ת 1 inner parts…liver…kidney The **entrails, liver**, and **kidneys** refer to organs inside the body. See how you translated this in [Exodus 29:13](../29/13.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 29 23 mcko וְכִכַּ֨ר לֶ֜חֶם אַחַ֗ת וַֽחַלַּ֨ת לֶ֥חֶם שֶׁ֛מֶן אַחַ֖ת וְרָקִ֣יק אֶחָ֑ד מִסַּל֙ הַמַּצּ֔וֹת אֲשֶׁ֖ר לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה 1 Take one loaf…before Yahweh All of these items were in the basket mentioned in [verse 2](../29/02.md), not just the wafer. Be sure this is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “and from the basket of bread without yeast that is before the face of Yahweh: one round loaf of bread, and one cake of bread of oil, and one wafer”
EXO 29 23 td8w וְכִכַּ֨ר לֶ֜חֶם אַחַ֗ת וַֽחַלַּ֨ת לֶ֥חֶם שֶׁ֛מֶן אַחַ֖ת וְרָקִ֣יק אֶחָ֑ד מִסַּל֙ הַמַּצּ֔וֹת 1 Take one loaf…before Yahweh For 29:23, see how you translated similar words in [Exodus 29:2](../29/02.md).
EXO 29 23 i7vx figs-metonymy אֲשֶׁ֖ר לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה 1 that is before Yahweh This means in the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “that you have placed before Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 29 24 b9bj writing-pronouns הַכֹּ֔ל 1 You must put these Here, **all these** refers to the parts of the sacrifice mentioned in the previous verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 29 24 q6k5 figs-123person וְהֵנַפְתָּ֥ 1 You must put these While the text reads, **you shall raise**, logically, it is Aaron and his sons who will raise the offerings at this point. If this is confusing in your language, you may use the third person. Alternate translation: “and they shall raise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 29 24 xhhf translate-symaction וְהֵנַפְתָּ֥ אֹתָ֛ם תְּנוּפָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה 1 You must put these The act of raising the meat and bread symbolized dedicating it to Yahweh. The priests would be acting out the process of handing the offering to him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and they shall show that they are giving them to me by holding them up to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EXO 29 24 ypit figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה 1 You must put these This means in the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “before Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 29 25 e6bj וְהִקְטַרְתָּ֥ הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חָה עַל־הָעֹלָ֑ה לְרֵ֤יחַ נִיח֨וֹחַ֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה אִשֶּׁ֥ה ה֖וּא לַיהוָֽה 1 You must put these See how you translated similar phrases in [verse 18](../29/18.md).
EXO 29 26 bf71 מֵאֵ֤יל הַמִּלֻּאִים֙ 1 ram of dedication See how you translated this in [verse 22](../29/22.md). Alternate translation: “from the ram that you dedicated”
EXO 29 26 c21f translate-symaction וְהֵנַפְתָּ֥ אֹת֛וֹ תְּנוּפָ֖ה 1 Aaron’s ram of dedication The act of raising the meat symbolized dedicating it to Yahweh. The priests would be acting out handing the offering to him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. See how you translated this in [verse 24](../29/24.md). Alternate translation: “and show that you are giving it to me by holding it up to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EXO 29 27 dzkx translate-symaction הַתְּנוּפָ֗ה וְאֵת֙ שׁ֣וֹק הַתְּרוּמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוּנַ֖ף וַאֲשֶׁ֣ר הוּרָ֑ם 1 Aaron’s ram of dedication The act of raising the meat symbolized dedicating it to Yahweh. The priests would be acting out handing the offering to him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. See how you translated this in [verse 24](../29/24.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EXO 29 28 uc2d וְהָיָה֩ לְאַהֲרֹ֨ן וּלְבָנָ֜יו לְחָק־עוֹלָ֗ם מֵאֵת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כִּ֥י תְרוּמָ֖ה ה֑וּא 1 This will be a perpetual share for Aaron and his sons Alternate translation: “This offering is what Aaron and his sons will always receive from the people”
EXO 29 28 q3ms מֵאֵת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כִּ֥י תְרוּמָ֖ה ה֑וּא וּתְרוּמָ֞ה יִהְיֶ֨ה מֵאֵ֤ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ מִזִּבְחֵ֣י שַׁלְמֵיהֶ֔ם תְּרוּמָתָ֖ם לַיהוָֽה 1 This will be a perpetual share for Aaron and his sons The amount of repetition in this verse may make it difficult to translate smoothly. You may consider combining some phrases if that would work better in your language. Alternate translation: “for the Israelites must offer this portion from what they bring to Yahweh as peace offerings to him”
EXO 29 29 qta8 figs-abstractnouns וּבִגְדֵ֤י הַקֹּ֨דֶשׁ֙ 1 The holy garments of Aaron must also be reserved for his sons after him If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you can express the same idea in another way. See how you translated this in [28:2](../28/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 29 29 a59z figs-idiom וּלְמַלֵּא־בָ֖ם אֶת־יָדָֽם 1 The holy garments of Aaron must also be reserved for his sons after him **Fill their hand** seems to be an idiom for giving authority to someone. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:41](../28/41.md). Alternate translation: “to ordain them in the clothing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 29 31 l3xk אֵ֥יל הַמִּלֻּאִ֖ים 1 the ram for the installation of the priests The **ram of consecration** refers to the second ram, the one described in [verses 19](../29/19.md) and following.
EXO 29 31 u9kl figs-explicit בְּמָקֹ֥ם קָדֹֽשׁ 1 in a holy place This is not the same as the Holy Place outside of the Most Holy Place. This probably refers to a place within the courtyard. However, its exact location is not otherwise specified. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “at the entrance to the tent of meeting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 29 33 mcdc figs-idiom לְמַלֵּ֥א אֶת־יָדָ֖ם 1 in a holy place This seems to be an idiom for giving authority to someone. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:41](../28/41.md). Alternate translation: “to ordain them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 29 34 rhp7 figs-activepassive לֹ֥א יֵאָכֵ֖ל 1 It must not be eaten If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one may eat it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 29 35 yo59 כָּ֔כָה 1 General Information: Here, **thus** means “like this” and, as the next verses make clear, refers to the sacrificial ceremony outlined in this chapter which they must repeat seven times.
EXO 29 35 c2si figs-idiom תְּמַלֵּ֥א יָדָֽם 1 General Information: This seems to be an idiom for giving authority to someone. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:41](../28/41.md). Alternate translation: “you shall ordain them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 29 36 r5tx 0 General Information: This verse and the next explain the purpose of the sacrifice detailed in [verses 10-14](../29/10.md).
EXO 29 36 s81n grammar-connect-logic-goal וּפַ֨ר חַטָּ֜את תַּעֲשֶׂ֤ה לַיּוֹם֙ עַל־הַכִּפֻּרִ֔ים וְחִטֵּאתָ֙ עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ בְּכַפֶּרְךָ֖ עָלָ֑יו 1 General Information: The phrase **and you shall purify the altar by making atonement for it** describes the purpose of offering the bull. You may want to use a stronger connector. In languages that need to put purpose first, you may need to re-order the clauses. Alternate translation: “And you shall offer a bull of purification for atonement daily, thus you shall purify the altar, by making atonement for it.” or “You shall purify the altar by making atonement for it: you shall offer a bull of purification daily for its atonement.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
EXO 29 37 pq5d figs-possession קֹ֣דֶשׁ קָֽדָשִׁ֔ים 1 Then the altar will be completely set apart to me Here, **holiest holy** means extremely or uniquely holy. If this form would not express that this item would become uniquely holy in your language you may need to find another way to express this idea. Alternate translation: “a most holy thing” or “extraordinarily holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 29 38 e4r9 figs-idiom בְּנֵֽי־שָׁנָ֛ה 1 General Information: The phrase **sons of a year** is an idiom meaning one year old. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 29 39 qxst figs-idiom בֵּ֥ין הָעַרְבָּֽיִם 1 General Information: The exact meaning of this phrase is debated. Since the priests ate many of the sacrifices, it may have been offered around the time of the evening meal. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 29 40 x6i4 translate-fraction וְעִשָּׂרֹ֨ן…רֶ֣בַע…רְבִעִ֥ית 1 a tenth…the fourth part A **tenth** means one part out of ten equal parts. A **fourth** means one part out of four equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
EXO 29 40 nd8q figs-explicit וְעִשָּׂרֹ֨ן סֹ֜לֶת 1 a tenth…the fourth part Many commentators suggest that this means one tenth of an “ephah” even though “ephah” is not written. If your translation style retains the original measurement words, you may need to insert the word you are using for “ephah” here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 29 40 oxsl translate-bvolume וְעִשָּׂרֹ֨ן סֹ֜לֶת…רֶ֣בַע הַהִ֔ין…רְבִעִ֥ית הַהִ֖ין 1 a tenth…the fourth part The values given in the UST are approximations as the exact size of an ephah and a hin is not precisely known. An ephah (the implied measurement) may have been around 22 liters, so this is about 2.2 liters of flour. A hin may have been around 3.7 liters, so this is about one liter of both oil and wine. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]])
EXO 29 41 ibch figs-idiom בֵּ֣ין הָעַרְבָּ֑יִם 1 a tenth…the fourth part The exact meaning of the phrase **between the evenings** is debated. Since the priests ate many of the sacrifices, it may have been offered around the time of the evening meal. See how you translated it in [verse 39](../29/39.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 29 42 j8cg לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם 1 throughout your generations Alternate translation: “through all the generations of your descendants.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 12:14](../12/14.md).
EXO 29 42 h5r7 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה 1 tent of meeting This means in the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “before Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 29 43 ic8i figs-activepassive וְנִקְדַּ֖שׁ בִּכְבֹדִֽי 1 the tent will be set apart for me by my glory If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “My awesome presence will dedicate the tent to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 30 intro z3yc 0 # Exodus 30 General Notes<br><br>This chapter is mostly a return to instructions for building worship equipment for the sacred tent.<br>The forms of “you” are mostly singular. However, they again refer to the workmen that Moses will instruct, so you should return to whatever form you have been following in chapters 25-28.<br><br>## Structure:<br><br>- v. 1-10: Incense altar<br> * v. 1-6: Instructions for making the incense altar<br> * v. 7-10: Use of the incense altar<br>- v. 11-16: Ransom money for taking a census<br>- v. 17-21: Instructions for a washbasin<br>- v. 22-30: Anointing oil<br> * v. 22-25: Instructions for making the oil<br> * v. 26-33: Instructions for using the oil<br>v- 34-38: Making and using sacred incense<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Atonement<br><br>Through the offering of blood and money, things and people were kept in God’s favor. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/atonement]])<br><br>### Holiness<br><br>Some items in this chapter became so holy that they could make other things holy. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])<br><br>### Unknown terms<br><br>There are a number of ingredient terms that are unknown even to scholars.
EXO 30 1 v8vb figs-youdual וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ 1 You must make Here, **you** refers to Moses and the people of Israel. If your language makes a distinction, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 30 2 w56e translate-unknown קַרְנֹתָֽיו 1 Its horns must be made See how you translated **horns** in [Exodus 27:2](../27/02.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 30 2 a39m translate-bdistance אַמָּ֨ה…וְאַמָּ֤ה…וְאַמָּתַ֖יִם 1 Its horns must be made If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. A **cubit** is approximately 46cm. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 46cm … 46cm … 94cm (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 30 3 d3uu 0 General Information: This verse is very similar to [Exodus 25:11](../25/11.md), so see how you translated there.
EXO 30 4 qyg4 0 to be attached to it When translating this verse, you may want to refer back to several other passages regarding making rings for carrying poles. See [Exo 25:12](../25/12.md), [Exo 25:26](../25/26.md), [Exo 25:27](../25/27.md), & [Exo 27:4](../27/04.md).
EXO 30 4 bvxi figs-idiom לְבָתִּ֣ים 1 to be attached to it Here, the word **housings** means that the rings will hold the poles. Since they are where the poles belong for use, they are figuratively their house. If you have a similar idiom meaning “place of belonging,” you may use it or you may translate the idea. Alternate translation: “a place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 30 6 ulvn figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֣י…לִפְנֵ֣י 1 to be attached to it Here, **before the face of** means in front of. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 30 7 o1zo בַּבֹּ֣קֶר בַּבֹּ֗קֶר 1 General Information: Alternate translation: “Each morning” or “Daily, in the morning”
EXO 30 7 l2rl בְּהֵיטִיב֛וֹ אֶת־הַנֵּרֹ֖ת 1 General Information: The lamps had burned overnight and weren’t needed during the day, so he would put them out and do whatever maintenance was required for them to be ready to burn again in the evening. Alternate translation: “trims the lamps”
EXO 30 8 nrgk וּבְהַעֲלֹ֨ת אַהֲרֹ֧ן אֶת־הַנֵּרֹ֛ת 1 throughout your generations This may indicate that in the morning Aaron had taken the lamps down, and he would light them and then put them up on the holders in the evening.
EXO 30 8 sq7x figs-idiom בֵּ֥ין הָעֲרְבַּ֖יִם 1 throughout your generations The exact meaning of this phrase is debated. See how you translated it in [29:39](../29/39.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 30 8 qm7i לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶֽם 1 throughout your generations Alternate translation: “through all the generations of your descendants.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 12:14](../12/14.md).
EXO 30 9 ckf9 לֹא־תַעֲל֥וּ עָלָ֛יו קְטֹ֥רֶת זָרָ֖ה וְעֹלָ֣ה וּמִנְחָ֑ה 1 But you must offer Later, in [verses 34](../30/34.md) and following, God describes how to make the one sort of incense that he wants burnt on this altar. Alternate translation: “You shall only offer up the kind of incense I tell you. You shall not make burnt or grain offerings on it.”
EXO 30 10 dgny grammar-connect-logic-goal קֹֽדֶשׁ־קָֽדָשִׁ֥ים ה֖וּא לַיהוָֽה 1 horns This last clause defines the purpose of the ritual described in this verse. See [Exo 29:37](../29/37.md). Use a natural way in your language for indicating purpose. Alternate translation: “This is to make it holy of holies to Yahweh.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
EXO 30 10 k6xk קַרְנֹתָ֔יו 1 horns These were projections that looked like ox horns and were attached to the four corners of the altar. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:2](../27/02.md).
EXO 30 10 san2 לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם 1 throughout your generations Alternate translation: “through all the generations of your descendants.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 12:14](../12/14.md).
EXO 30 10 jxn0 figs-possession קֹֽדֶשׁ־קָֽדָשִׁ֥ים 1 throughout your generations Here, **holiest holy** means extremely or uniquely holy. If this form would not express that this item would become uniquely holy in your language you may need to find another way to express this idea. See how you translated this in [Exodus 29:37](../29/37.md). Alternate translation: “a most holy thing” or “extraordinarily holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 30 10 uxb4 figs-quotemarks לַיהוָֽה 1 throughout your generations After **Yahweh**, the direct quote that began in [Exo 25:2](../25/02.md) ends. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with a closing first-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 30 12 dprx figs-idiom תִשָּׂ֞א אֶת־רֹ֥אשׁ 1 When you take In this context, **lift up the head** means to take a census. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “take a census” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 30 12 s73c figs-you תִשָּׂ֞א 1 When you take This could mean: (1) **you** refers to Moses and the leaders of Israel in future generations when they take a census or (2) **you** refers to just Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
EXO 30 13 y1kn figs-idiom כָּל־הָעֹבֵר֙ עַל־הַפְּקֻדִ֔ים 1 half a shekel of silver This is an idiom that suggests that the men were counted by walking past someone who was counting people as they walked by. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “Everyone counted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 30 13 i4wk translate-bweight הַשֶּׁ֖קֶל…בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל…גֵּרָה֙ הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל…הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל 1 half a shekel of silver The **shekel** and the **gerah** are units of weight. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])
EXO 30 13 a2py translate-bmoney הַשֶּׁ֖קֶל…בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל…הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל…הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל 1 half a shekel of silver The **shekel** was used as both a weight and a unit of money. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])
EXO 30 13 w3hx translate-fraction מַחֲצִ֥ית…מַחֲצִ֣ית 1 half a shekel of silver A **half** means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
EXO 30 13 nfp6 בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ עֶשְׂרִ֤ים גֵּרָה֙ הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל 1 according to the weight of the shekel of the sanctuary There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time. This specified which one was to be used.
EXO 30 14 uqt6 figs-idiom כֹּ֗ל הָעֹבֵר֙ עַל־הַפְּקֻדִ֔ים 1 from twenty years old and up This is an idiom that suggests that the men were counted by walking past someone who was counting people as they walked by. It is the same phrase as in the [previous verse](../30/13.md). Alternate translation: “Everyone counted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 30 14 vhim figs-idiom מִבֶּ֛ן עֶשְׂרִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה 1 from twenty years old and up This is an idiom that refers to age. See the UST and how you translated the same idiom in [Exo 7:7](../07/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 30 14 k4h9 figs-metaphor מִבֶּ֛ן עֶשְׂרִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וָמָ֑עְלָה 1 from twenty years old and up Larger numbers are spoken of as being up or above smaller numbers. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “from twenty years old and more” or “who is twenty years old or older” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 30 15 e8xa translate-bmoney מִֽמַּחֲצִ֖ית הַשָּׁ֑קֶל 1 the half shekel See how you translated this in [Exodus 3:13](../03/13.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])
EXO 30 15 ew8p figs-123person נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶֽם 1 the half shekel The plural form of you is used here. In many cases, since Yahweh is speaking to Moses about the people that will be counted, it may make more sense to change to the third person. However, Moses would be counted as well and would have to pay the ransom, so a form of you that could include Moses and all the other Israelite men would also be an appropriate translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 30 16 z6tn וְהָיָה֩ לִבְנֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל לְזִכָּרוֹן֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה לְכַפֵּ֖ר עַל־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶֽם 1 It must be a reminder to the Israelites before me, to make atonement for your lives This sentence is very unclear. It is not clear who is being reminded of what. This could mean: (1) that it will remind Yahweh that the Israelites have given money for their lives, and therefore he should welcome them. (2) that it will remind the Israelites that they have given Yahweh money for their lives. Therefore, Yahweh will welcome them.
EXO 30 16 mwix figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה 1 It must be a reminder to the Israelites before me, to make atonement for your lives Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “before Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 30 18 iq8n לְרָחְצָ֑ה 1 a basin for washing This phrase, **for washing**, explains the purpose for which the priests were to use the bronze basin.
EXO 30 20 dyku figs-explicit וְלֹ֣א יָמֻ֑תוּ 1 water in it The priests might die if they do not wash because God would kill them for being defiled in his presence. If your readers would not understand this you may want to include it in a footnote or in the text. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 30 20 it0h grammar-connect-logic-goal וְלֹ֣א יָמֻ֑תוּ 1 water in it Not dying is the goal of the priests’ washing. If the goal of some action needs to be placed elsewhere in the structure of your language move it to the usual location. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
EXO 30 21 hp35 וְהָיְתָ֨ה לָהֶ֧ם חָק־עוֹלָ֛ם ל֥וֹ וּלְזַרְע֖וֹ לְדֹרֹתָֽם 1 for Aaron and his descendants throughout their people’s generations See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 12:17](../12/17.md).
EXO 30 23 m9g7 translate-unknown בְּשָׂמִ֣ים 1 spices These are parts of dried plants (other than the leaves) which people grind into a powder and put in oil or food to give it a nice smell or flavor. See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:6](../25/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 30 23 zq43 figs-ellipsis חֲמֵ֣שׁ מֵא֔וֹת…חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים וּמָאתָ֑יִם…חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים וּמָאתָֽיִם 1 five hundred shekels…250 shekels [The next verse](../30/24.md) mentions that these are shekel weight measurements. You may want to include some indication of that here. Alternate translation: “500 shekels … 250 shekels … 250 shekels” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 30 23 xga2 translate-unknown וְקִנְּמָן 1 cinnamon…cane We know that **cinnamon** is a sweet spice taken from the inside of the bark of a tree that grows in south-east Asia. [See Wikipeda](https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 30 24 p9jh translate-unknown וְקִדָּ֕ה 1 cassia It is known that **cassia** is a sweet spice taken from the bark of a tree that grows in east Asia. It is slightly different than the spice cinnamon in the previous verse. [See Wikipeda](https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamomum_cassia) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 30 24 n38f translate-bweight בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ 1 the weight of the shekel of the sanctuary There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time. This specified which one was to be used. See how you translated this in [Exodus 30:13](../30/13.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])
EXO 30 24 dv89 translate-bvolume הִֽין 1 one hin If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the quantity in modern measurements. Alternatively, to help your readers recognize that the biblical writings come from long ago when people used different measurements, you could express the amount using the ancient measurement, the **hin**, and explain the equivalent in modern measurements in a footnote.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]])
EXO 30 25 k3s5 מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה רֹקֵ֑חַ 1 the work of a perfumer This could mean: (1) Moses was to have an ointment mixer do the work. (2) Moses was to do the work himself the way an ointment mixer would do it.
EXO 30 25 yv9l translate-unknown רֹקֵ֑חַ 1 a perfumer This is a person who is skilled in mixing spices and oils. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 30 25 ioem figs-abstractnouns שֶׁ֥מֶן מִשְׁחַת־קֹ֖דֶשׁ 1 a perfumer If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you can express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “a holy oil of anointment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 30 29 m062 figs-possession קֹ֣דֶשׁ קָֽדָשִׁ֑ים 1 set them apart Here, **holiest holy** means extremely or uniquely holy. If this form would not express that this item would become uniquely holy in your language you may need to find another way to express this idea. See how you translated this in [Exodus 29:37](../29/37.md). Alternate translation: “a most holy thing” or “extraordinarily holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 30 31 k4s7 לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶֽם 1 throughout your people’s generations Alternate translation: “all the generations of your descendants.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 12:14](../12/14.md).
EXO 30 31 e2ti figs-abstractnouns שֶׁ֠מֶן מִשְׁחַת־קֹ֨דֶשׁ 1 throughout your people’s generations If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you can express the same idea in another way. See how you translated this in [30:25](../30/25.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 30 32 rlk4 figs-activepassive עַל־בְּשַׂ֤ר אָדָם֙ לֹ֣א יִיסָ֔ךְ 1 It must not be applied to people’s skin If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You shall not pour it on the body of a man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 30 32 v3br וּבְמַ֨תְכֻּנְתּ֔וֹ 1 with the same formula Alternate translation: “and … with the same ingredients” or “and … with the same items” or “and … according to this recipe”
EXO 30 32 it0x grammar-connect-logic-result קֹ֣דֶשׁ ה֔וּא קֹ֖דֶשׁ יִהְיֶ֥ה לָכֶֽם 1 with the same formula The second half of this statement (**it shall be holy to you**) explains to the people the result of this oil being holy, which is, they must respect it as a holy thing. It may make more sense in some languages to move this whole statement to the beginning of the verse, because the rule about pouring on someone’s body is an application of the result. Alternate translation (placed at the beginning of the verse): “Because it is sacred, you must treat it like it is sacred, therefore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 30 33 pa53 figs-metaphor וְנִכְרַ֖ת מֵעַמָּֽיו 1 that person must be cut off from his people See how you translated **cut off** in [Exodus 12:15](../12/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 30 33 yhgi figs-metaphor וְנִכְרַ֖ת מֵעַמָּֽיו 1 that person must be cut off from his people See how you translated **cut off** in [12:15](../12/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 30 34 uo57 translate-unknown נָטָ֤ף׀ וּשְׁחֵ֨לֶת֙ וְחֶלְבְּנָ֔ה 1 General Information: Here is a brief description of these materials, though we really do not know exactly what they are: **stacte** is a resin from certain gum plants, **onycha** is from certain shellfish or mollusks, and **galbanum** is another kind of gum resin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 30 35 y8yj וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ אֹתָהּ֙ קְטֹ֔רֶת רֹ֖קַח מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה רוֹקֵ֑חַ 1 blended by a perfumer This could mean: (1) Moses was to have a perfumer do the work or (2) Moses was to do the work himself the way a perfumer would do it. See how you translated these words in [Exodus 30:25](../30/25.md).
EXO 30 36 nz2a figs-you וְשָֽׁחַקְתָּ֣…וְנָתַתָּ֨ה 1 You will grind it Here, **you** probably refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
EXO 30 36 mxww figs-metonymy הָעֵדֻת֙ 1 You will grind it Here, **testimony** probably refers to the sacred chest that contained the tablets of the law. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 30 36 i71b figs-possession קֹ֥דֶשׁ קָֽדָשִׁ֖ים 1 You will grind it Here, **holiest holy** means extremely or uniquely holy. If this form would not express that this item would become uniquely holy in your language you may need to find another way to express this idea. See how you translated this in [Exodus 29:37](../29/37.md). Alternate translation: “a most holy thing” or “extraordinarily holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 30 36 t8y9 figs-youdual לָכֶֽם 1 You will regard Here, **you** is plural and refers to Moses and all the people. If your language makes a distinction, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 30 37 dq6c figs-youdual תַעֲשׂ֖וּ 1 you must not make any The word **you** here refers to the people of Israel. If your language makes a distinction, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 30 37 yv1y בְּמַ֨תְכֻּנְתָּ֔הּ 1 with the same formula Alternate translation: “with the same ingredients” or “with the same items.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 30:32](../30/32.md).
EXO 30 37 wh25 קֹ֛דֶשׁ תִּהְיֶ֥ה לְךָ֖ לַיהוָֽה 1 It must be most holy to you Alternate translation: “You must consider it to be most holy”
EXO 30 38 sa1m figs-metaphor וְנִכְרַ֖ת מֵעַמָּֽיו 1 must be cut off from his people See how you translated **cut off** in [Exodus 12:15](../12/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 30 38 o6v0 figs-metaphor וְנִכְרַ֖ת מֵעַמָּֽיו 1 must be cut off from his people See how you translated **cut off** in [12:15](../12/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 31 intro wfk7 0 # Exodus 31 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>- v. 1-11: Selection of the skilled craftsmen<br>- v. 12-17: Sabbath instruction<br>- v. 18: the end of Exodus’ recording of the law of Moses (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Sabbath<br><br>As described in this chapter, the Sabbath is more than just a day of worship or celebration. Its significance extends beyond a way to help people rest. It is a major part of the identity of the Hebrew people. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]])
EXO 31 2 m8ju figs-idiom קָרָ֣אתִֽי בְשֵׁ֑ם 1 I have called by name Yahweh speaks of choosing specific people as calling them by name. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “I have chosen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 31 3 f7sk figs-metaphor וָאֲמַלֵּ֥א אֹת֖וֹ ר֣וּחַ אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 I have filled Bezalel with my Spirit Yahweh speaks of giving Bezalel his spirit as if Bezalel were a container and God’s spirit were a liquid. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “I have given my spirit to Bezalel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 31 3 hley figs-abstractnouns בְּחָכְמָ֛ה 1 I have filled Bezalel with my Spirit If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **skill** in another way. Alternate translation: “so he can work skillfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 31 3 my4f figs-abstractnouns וּבִתְבוּנָ֥ה 1 I have filled Bezalel with my Spirit If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **understanding** in another way. Alternate translation: “and so he can understand his work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 31 3 emp5 figs-abstractnouns וּבְדַ֖עַת 1 I have filled Bezalel with my Spirit If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **knowledge** in another way. Alternate translation: “and so he knows his work well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 31 3 r6i5 figs-abstractnouns וּבְכָל־מְלָאכָֽה 1 for all kinds of craftsmanship If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **craftsmanship** in another way. Alternate translation: “and for making all kinds of crafts” or “and so that he can make all kinds of things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 31 6 wcq7 figs-idiom וּבְלֵ֥ב כָּל־חֲכַם־לֵ֖ב נָתַ֣תִּי חָכְמָ֑ה 1 I have put skill into the hearts of all who are wise God speaks of making people able to make things as if he were putting the ability into their hearts. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “I have given skill to all who are wise” or “I have made all who are wise able to make things well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 31 11 iusb writing-pronouns יַעֲשֽׂוּ 1 I have put skill into the hearts of all who are wise **They** refers to Bezalel and Oholiab as well as the unnamed other “skilled of heart” (talented craftsmen) referred to in [verse 2](../31/02.md) and [verse 6](../30/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 31 13 bveg figs-quotemarks לֵאמֹ֔ר 1 You must certainly keep Yahweh’s Sabbath days A second-level direct quotation starts after **saying**. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. There are multiple possible endings for this quotation, which will be addressed in later verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 31 13 i1lw figs-metaphor אַ֥ךְ אֶת־שַׁבְּתֹתַ֖י תִּשְׁמֹ֑רוּ 1 You must certainly keep Yahweh’s Sabbath days Yahweh uses the phrase **keep my Sabbaths** as a metaphor for obeying his instructions about the Sabbath, as if it was a precious thing they should guard. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “You must certainly obey Yahweh’s instructions about the Sabbath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 31 13 gw13 לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם 1 throughout your people’s generations Alternate translation: “through all the generations of your descendants.” See how you translated this in [Exodus 12:14](../12/14.md).
EXO 31 14 dsya figs-quotemarks לָכֶ֑ם 1 throughout your people’s generations One possible ending place for the second-level quotation that began in the previous verse is after **to you**. The rest of Yahweh’s instructions to Moses in this section do not use the second person to address Israel directly, so you may close the second-level quotation here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 31 14 plq5 figs-activepassive מ֣וֹת יוּמָ֔ת 1 must surely be put to death If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must surely kill” or “you must surely execute” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 31 14 fz1g figs-metaphor וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה 1 must surely be cut off from his people See how you translated **cut off** in [12:15](../12/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 31 15 fvga translate-ordinal וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י 1 but the seventh day If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “but day 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 31 15 fxuo figs-activepassive מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת 1 must surely be put to death If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must surely kill” or “you must surely execute” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 31 16 t9hw figs-metaphor וְשָׁמְר֥וּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת 1 must keep the Sabbath Yahweh uses the phrase **keep my Sabbaths** as a metaphor for obeying his instructions about the Sabbath, as if it was a precious thing they should guard. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “And the sons of Israel must obey Yahweh’s instructions about the Sabbath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 31 16 n7q2 לְדֹרֹתָ֖ם 1 They must observe it throughout their people’s generations See how you translated “throughout their people’s generations” in [Exodus 12:42](../12/42.md). Alternate translation: “; they and all the generations of their descendants must observe it.”
EXO 31 17 oc30 figs-activepassive וַיִּנָּפַֽשׁ 1 lasting covenant If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and he refreshed himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 31 18 xc6h figs-activepassive כְּתֻבִ֖ים בְּאֶצְבַּ֥ע אֱלֹהִֽים 1 written on by his own hand If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which Yahweh wrote on with his own hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 32 intro vv2w 0 # Exodus 32 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>The events in verses 1-6 of this chapter occured while Moses spoke with God and therefore happened sometime during the events recorded between Exodus 24:15 and Exodus 31. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])<br><br>- v. 1-6: The people ask Aaron to make them a god and he makes the golden calf<br>- v. 7-29 - Yahweh and Moses’ reaction<br> * v. 11-14 - Moses intercedes for the people<br>- v. 30-34 - Moses intercedes for the people<br><br>Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 32:18.<br><br>## Special Concepts in this Chapter<br><br>### Idolatry<br><br>The making of the golden calf was considered a form of idolatry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 32 1 oan6 writing-newevent 0 the people saw This chapter begins with a major scene shift, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 32 1 cfk8 figs-metaphor וַיַּ֣רְא הָעָ֔ם 1 the people saw Here, the word **saw** is used to indicate understanding or realization of a situation. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “And the people realized” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 32 1 lnau figs-rpronouns וַיִּקָּהֵ֨ל הָעָ֜ם 1 the people saw This means the people both decided to gather and were the ones gathering. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
EXO 32 1 k2i1 figs-idiom ק֣וּם 1 Come, make us an idol **Arise** strengthens the force of the command following it. The people were demanding that Aaron make an idol for them. It did not necessarily mean that he should literally stand up. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 32 1 mrb5 figs-metonymy יֵֽלְכוּ֙ לְפָנֵ֔ינוּ 1 go before us Here, **before our faces** means ahead of. The Israelites want idols to lead them. Alternate translation: “shall lead us” or “shall be our leader” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 32 1 wulk כִּי־זֶ֣ה׀ מֹשֶׁ֣ה 1 go before us People showed disrespect by putting the word **this** before his name, as if Moses were someone they did not know and could not trust. They were creating social distance between him and themselves. When translating, use a form in your language that communicates the same sense of disassociation between people.
EXO 32 2 p86s writing-pronouns וְהָבִ֖יאוּ 1 bring them to me Here, **them** refers to the golden rings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 32 3 ckg2 figs-hyperbole כָּל־הָעָ֔ם 1 All the people This refers to all the people who rejected Moses as their leader and Yahweh as their God. Later parts of the text reveal that there were people still faithful to Moses and Yahweh and that the Israelites had a great deal more gold. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that means many or most. Alternate translation: “many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EXO 32 4 uf9e translate-unknown וַיָּ֤צַר אֹתוֹ֙ בַּחֶ֔רֶט וַֽיַּעֲשֵׂ֖הוּ עֵ֣גֶל מַסֵּכָ֑ה 1 fashioned it with an engraving tool and he made a cast idol in the shape of a calf Most likely this means that Aaron melted the gold and poured it into a mold that had the shape of a calf. When the gold cooled and became hard, he removed the mold, and the hardened gold had the shape of a calf. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 32 4 cc7s writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ 1 fashioned it with an engraving tool and he made a cast idol in the shape of a calf The identity of the speakers, referred to as **they**, remains unknown. Alternate translation: “And someone said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 32 4 ence figs-123person אֵ֤לֶּה אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙…הֶעֱל֖וּךָ 1 fashioned it with an engraving tool and he made a cast idol in the shape of a calf Because the speaker of this sentence is unknown and mentioned in the plural, it is possible that it is the people speaking. In that case, it would be possible for a translation to use the first person rather than second person here. Alternate translation: “These are our gods … brought us up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 32 4 n17v אֵ֤לֶּה אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙ 1 fashioned it with an engraving tool and he made a cast idol in the shape of a calf In the text, there only appears to be one “god” (the golden calf idol) presented to Israel. If it would be clearer to your audience, you may consider translating **these … gods** as singular. Alternate translation: “this is your god”
EXO 32 5 ztx4 figs-explicit וַיַּ֣רְא אַהֲרֹ֔ן 1 When Aaron saw this If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express what he saw explicitly. “Aaron saw what the people did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 32 5 odaq figs-metonymy לְפָנָ֑יו 1 When Aaron saw this Here, **before its face** means in front of. Alternate translation: “in front of it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 32 5 p2df figs-explicit לְפָנָ֑יו 1 When Aaron saw this Here, **it** is the golden bull-calf. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “in front of the bull-calf idol” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 32 6 as6u figs-euphemism לְצַחֵֽק 1 to carouse in wild celebration This word may imply drunken and sexual sin (for a sexual implication see [Genesis 26:8](../GEN/26/08)). However, the only actions mentioned in the text are singing ([v. 18](../32/18.md)) and dancing ([v. 19](../32/19.md)), so translators should avoid using a term that is overly suggestive. Alternate translation: “to revel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
EXO 32 7 iajs writing-newevent 0 to carouse in wild celebration Here there is a scene shift back to the top of the mountain with Moses and Yahweh, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 32 7 tcek figs-rpronouns שִׁחֵ֣ת 1 to carouse in wild celebration Here, **themselves** is used to indicate that the Israelites actions made the Israelites corrupt. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this. Alternate translation: “have acted corruptly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
EXO 32 8 eua5 figs-metaphor סָ֣רוּ מַהֵ֗ר מִן־הַדֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוִּיתִ֔ם 1 left the way that I commanded them Here God speaks of the people disobeying what he commanded them as if he had told them to walk on a certain road, and they left that road. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “They have quickly stopped doing what I commanded them to do” or “They have quickly stopped obeying what I commanded them to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 32 8 tg9e figs-quotemarks אֵ֤לֶּה אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר הֶֽעֱל֖וּךָ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 left the way that I commanded them This is a second-level direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by marking it with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
EXO 32 8 w7v8 figs-quotesinquotes אֵ֤לֶּה אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר הֶֽעֱל֖וּךָ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 left the way that I commanded them You may want to translate this as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the layers of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “that these are your gods, Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 32 8 sjj1 אֵ֤לֶּה אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙ 1 left the way that I commanded them In the text, there only appears to be one “god” (the golden calf idol) presented to Israel. If it would be clearer to your audience, you may consider translating **these … gods** as singular. See how you translated this in [verse 4](../32/04.md). Alternate translation: “This is your god”
EXO 32 8 f62v figs-123person אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙…הֶֽעֱל֖וּךָ 1 left the way that I commanded them Because the speaker of this sentence is unknown and mentioned in the plural, it is possible that it is the people speaking. In that case, it would be possible for a translation to use the first person rather than second person here. See how you translated this in [verse 4](../32/04.md). Alternate translation: “our gods … brought us up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 32 9 ffe2 figs-metaphor עַם־קְשֵׁה־עֹ֖רֶף 1 a stiff-necked people Yahweh speaks of the people being rebellious as if they had hard necks. The image comes from an animal that does not want to go the way his master is trying to direct him (not going in the way God commanded). If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “is a rebellious people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 32 9 my87 grammar-collectivenouns הַזֶּ֔ה…הֽוּא 1 a stiff-necked people The word **people** is a collective noun, so the pronouns referring to the people are singular. You may use plural pronouns if that is the normal usage in your language. Alternate translation: “these … they” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 32 10 fmk3 grammar-connect-logic-result וְעַתָּה֙ 1 Now then **So now** is used here to mark that Yahweh’s next statements are a result of what he has said in the previous verses. Alternate translation: “Therefore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 32 10 sd9w figs-idiom וְיִֽחַר־אַפִּ֥י בָהֶ֖ם 1 My anger will burn hot against them This is an idiom meaning that Yahweh is angry. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “And let me be angry with them”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 32 11 h62e figs-rquestion לָמָ֤ה יְהוָה֙ יֶחֱרֶ֤ה אַפְּךָ֙ בְּעַמֶּ֔ךָ אֲשֶׁ֤ר הוֹצֵ֨אתָ֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם בְּכֹ֥חַ גָּד֖וֹל וּבְיָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה 1 why does your anger burn against your people…a mighty hand? Moses used this question to try to persuade Yahweh not to be so angry with his people. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, do not let your nose burn against your people whom you have brought out from the land of Egypt with great power and with a strong hand.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 32 11 nuwf figs-idiom יֶחֱרֶ֤ה אַפְּךָ֙ בְּעַמֶּ֔ךָ 1 My anger will burn hot against them This is an idiom meaning that Yahweh is angry with his people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “are you angry with your people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 32 11 t2cv figs-doublet בְּכֹ֥חַ גָּד֖וֹל וּבְיָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה 1 great power…mighty hand These two phrases share similar meanings and are combined for emphasis. If doubling in this way would not convey emphasis in your language, you will need to find a way to translate it that does give emphasis. Alternate translation: “using your very strong power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 32 11 ph43 figs-metonymy וּבְיָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה 1 a mighty hand Here, **hand** represents God’s actions or works. See how you translated this in [Exodus 6:1](../06/01.md). Alternate translation: “and with powerful works” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 32 12 r8ij figs-rquestion לָמָּה֩ יֹאמְר֨וּ מִצְרַ֜יִם לֵאמֹ֗ר בְּרָעָ֤ה הֽוֹצִיאָם֙ לַהֲרֹ֤ג אֹתָם֙ בֶּֽהָרִ֔ים וּ֨לְכַלֹּתָ֔ם מֵעַ֖ל פְּנֵ֣י הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה 1 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘He led them out…to destroy them from the face of the earth?’ Moses used this question to try to persuade God not to destroy his people. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: If you destroy your people, the Egyptians might say, ‘He brought them out with evil intent, to kill them in the mountains and to destroy them from on the face of the ground.’ (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 32 12 yvez figs-quotesinquotes יֹאמְר֨וּ מִצְרַ֜יִם לֵאמֹ֗ר בְּרָעָ֤ה הֽוֹצִיאָם֙ לַהֲרֹ֤ג אֹתָם֙ בֶּֽהָרִ֔ים וּ֨לְכַלֹּתָ֔ם מֵעַ֖ל פְּנֵ֣י הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה 1 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘He led them out…to destroy them from the face of the earth?’ After **saying,** this is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. However, you may want to translate this as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the layers of quotations in this passage. Alternative translation: “the Egyptians say that you brought them out with evil intent, to kill them in the mountains and to destroy them from on the face of the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 32 12 kzh7 figs-metonymy מֵעַ֖ל פְּנֵ֣י הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה 1 face of the earth Here, **face** means “surface.” Alternate translation: “from the surface of the land” or “from the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 32 12 iz5q figs-idiom שׁ֚וּב מֵחֲר֣וֹן אַפֶּ֔ךָ וְהִנָּחֵ֥ם עַל־הָרָעָ֖ה לְעַמֶּֽךָ 1 Turn from your burning anger Here, Yahweh’s anger (burning nose) and plan to punish the people are spoken of as things that he could turn away from and repent of (repentance also means to turn from). This imagery may not translate into your language, and you may need to use a different expression. Alternate translation: “Calm down, and please do not stay determined to do evil to your people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 32 12 p1df figs-idiom מֵחֲר֣וֹן אַפֶּ֔ךָ 1 your burning anger This is an idiom that means anger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “from your terrible anger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 32 15 cx7z figs-activepassive לֻחֹ֗ת כְּתֻבִים֙ מִשְּׁנֵ֣י עֶבְרֵיהֶ֔ם מִזֶּ֥ה וּמִזֶּ֖ה הֵ֥ם כְּתֻבִֽים 1 tablets of the covenant decrees If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh had written on both the sides of the tablets, on this side and on that side he had written.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 32 16 w3ua figs-infostructure וְהַ֨לֻּחֹ֔ת מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים הֵ֑מָּה וְהַמִּכְתָּ֗ב מִכְתַּ֤ב אֱלֹהִים֙ ה֔וּא 1 The tablets were God’s own work, and the writing was God’s own writing These two sentences have an unusual structure that places emphasis on **tablets** and **writing**. If your language would emphasize these topics in a different way than moving them to the beginning of the sentence, follow your language’s natural usage for emphasis. Alternate translation: “And the tablets themselves were the work of God. And the writing itself was the writing of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
EXO 32 17 cua3 writing-participants יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ 1 he said to Moses Joshua was last mentioned in [Exodus 24:13](../24/13.md). The text does not say if he was on top of the mountain with Moses or if he waited for him part way up. Consider if your language will need to re-introduce Joshua in any way here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 32 18 r0gm writing-poetry אֵ֥ין קוֹל֙ עֲנ֣וֹת גְּבוּרָ֔ה וְאֵ֥ין ק֖וֹל עֲנ֣וֹת חֲלוּשָׁ֑ה ק֣וֹל עַנּ֔וֹת אָנֹכִ֖י שֹׁמֵֽעַ 1 he said to Moses These lines are widely considered to be poetic. It is not clear why a poetic form is used here. In some languages it may not be appropriate to convey this response in poetic form, in which case another form may be used. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]])
EXO 32 18 m4k0 figs-parallelism אֵ֥ין קוֹל֙ עֲנ֣וֹת גְּבוּרָ֔ה וְאֵ֥ין ק֖וֹל עֲנ֣וֹת חֲלוּשָׁ֑ה ק֣וֹל עַנּ֔וֹת אָנֹכִ֖י שֹׁמֵֽעַ 1 he said to Moses The poetic form here is parallelism in the repetition of **sound of singing**. If it would be unclear to say that Moses heard **the sound of singing** in the third line after saying he didn’t hear the sound of singing twice before, something more like the more contrastive UST may be followed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 32 18 fdg8 figs-explicit ק֣וֹל עַנּ֔וֹת אָנֹכִ֖י שֹׁמֵֽעַ 1 he said to Moses If it is unclear to say that Moses hears **the sound of singing** after twice saying he didn’t hear that, you may want to make the type of singing explicit. Consider referring to your translation of the last word of [verse 6](../32/06.md) (to play in the ULT). Alternate translation: “the sound of playful singing I hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 32 19 hr2j figs-idiom וַיִּֽחַר־אַ֣ף מֹשֶׁ֗ה 1 the tablets This is an idiom for being angry. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “and Moses was very angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 32 21 du5l figs-quotesinquotes וַיֹּ֤אמֶר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֔ן מֶֽה־עָשָׂ֥ה לְךָ֖ הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֑ה כִּֽי־הֵבֵ֥אתָ עָלָ֖יו חֲטָאָ֥ה גְדֹלָֽה׃ 1 Then Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people…a great sin on them?” Moses’ question is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. However, you may want to translate this as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the layers of quotations in this passage. Alternate translation: “Then Moses asked Aaron what the people did to him, that he had brought such a great sin on them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 32 21 np73 figs-metaphor כִּֽי־הֵבֵ֥אתָ עָלָ֖יו חֲטָאָ֥ה גְדֹלָֽה 1 you have brought such a great sin on them Moses spoke of causing people to **sin** as if sin were an object and Aaron put it **on them**. Alternate translation: “that you have caused them to sin greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 32 22 z2ch figs-idiom אַל־יִ֥חַר אַ֖ף 1 Do not let your anger burn hot This is an idiom for anger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “Do not be angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 32 22 vdy2 figs-idiom כִּ֥י בְרָ֖ע הֽוּא 1 they are set on doing evil This is probably an idiom that could mean (1) that the people are prone to evil or (2) that the people were in trouble (that is, they felt troubled because of not having contact with God). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “that they are set on evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 32 22 h6dm figs-123person הֽוּא 1 they are set on doing evil Here, **it** is used because **people** is grammatically singular in Hebrew. Alternate translation: “they are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 32 23 w91d figs-quotesinquotes עֲשֵׂה־לָ֣נוּ אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֵלְכ֖וּ לְפָנֵ֑ינוּ כִּי־זֶ֣ה׀ מֹשֶׁ֣ה הָאִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֤ר הֶֽעֱלָ֨נוּ֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם לֹ֥א יָדַ֖עְנוּ מֶה־הָ֥יָה לֽוֹ׃ 1 they are set on doing evil This is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 32 23 zn68 זֶ֣ה׀ מֹשֶׁ֣ה הָאִ֗ישׁ 1 this Moses People showed disrespect by putting the word **this** before his name, as if Moses were someone they did not know and could not trust. They were creating social distance between him and themselves. When translating, use a form in your language that communicates the same sense of disassociation between people. See how you translated this in [verse 1](../32/01.md).
EXO 32 24 yq7s figs-quotesinquotes וָאֹמַ֤ר לָהֶם֙ לְמִ֣י זָהָ֔ב הִתְפָּרָ֖קוּ 1 So I said to them, ‘Whoever has any gold, let him take it off.’ **Whoever has gold, take it off yourself** is a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. However, this can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “So I told them that whoever had any gold should take it off” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 32 24 yy82 figs-rpronouns הִתְפָּרָ֖קוּ 1 So I said to them, ‘Whoever has any gold, let him take it off.’ Aaron instructs people to take their own gold off. Alternate translation: “you take off your own” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
EXO 32 24 wvin grammar-connect-logic-result וָאַשְׁלִכֵ֣הוּ בָאֵ֔שׁ וַיֵּצֵ֖א הָעֵ֥גֶל הַזֶּֽה 1 So I said to them, ‘Whoever has any gold, let him take it off.’ Aaron claims an unusual sequence of events here. The translation should surprise an audience unfamiliar with the story. He states that the result of simply throwing gold in the fire is the apperance (by its own power or volition it seems) of the calf. This is a lie. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 32 25 csg0 grammar-collectivenouns כִּ֥י פָרֻ֖עַ ה֑וּא כִּֽי־פְרָעֹ֣ה אַהֲרֹ֔ן 1 were running wild Here, the pronoun **it** agrees with the grammatical number of **people** (singular). If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “that they were let loose, for Aaron had let them loose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 32 26 jis7 figs-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר מִ֥י לַיהוָ֖ה אֵלָ֑י 1 Then Moses stood at the entrance…“Whoever is on Yahweh’s side, come to me.” If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “and said that whoever was for Yahweh should come to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 32 26 ryb5 figs-idiom מִ֥י לַיהוָ֖ה 1 Whoever is on Yahweh’s side Moses speaks of being loyal to Yahweh as being **for Yahweh**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “Whoever serves Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 32 27 xsl3 עִבְר֨וּ וָשׁ֜וּבוּ מִשַּׁ֤עַר לָשַׁ֨עַר֙ בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה 1 go back and forth from entrance to entrance Alternate translation: “Go from one side of the camp to the other, starting at one entrance to the camp and going to the entrance on the other side of the camp”
EXO 32 28 at4i translate-numbers כִּשְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת אַלְפֵ֖י 1 three thousand of the people Alternate translation: “about three thousand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EXO 32 29 to5d figs-idiom מִלְא֨וּ יֶדְכֶ֤ם 1 You have been placed into Yahweh’s service This seems to be an idiom for giving authority to someone. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:41](../28/41.md). However, this usage is different from that text, as here it is not specified what authority they are given or what they are consecrated for other than **for Yahweh**. Alternate translation: “Consecrate yourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 32 29 rkp6 מִלְא֨וּ יֶדְכֶ֤ם הַיּוֹם֙ לַֽיהוָ֔ה 1 You have been placed into Yahweh’s service Here it is unclear if **fill** should be rightly understood as in the past or as a new command. You may want to follow the decision of another translation your people are familiar with. Alternate translation: “You have filled your hand for Yahweh today”
EXO 32 29 c6fg figs-explicit כִּ֛י אִ֥ישׁ בִּבְנ֖וֹ וּבְאָחִ֑יו 1 for each of you has taken action against his son and his brother If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the fact that they did this in obedience to God explicitly. Alternate translation: “For you have obeyed Yahweh, because each man was against his son and against his brother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 32 29 l54l וְלָתֵ֧ת עֲלֵיכֶ֛ם הַיּ֖וֹם בְּרָכָֽה 1 for each of you has taken action against his son and his brother This phrase is difficult to interpret. Several options depend on exactly how the conjunction, preposition, and verb combination are interpreted. The first difficulty is related to the difficulty with the previous verb: have they already been blessed or are they going to be blessed? (Alternate translation: “to have put a blessing on yourselves today”) The second difficulty is: should the clause connections be understood to say that the blessing is because of their actions, or more strongly, that a desire for blessing motivated them to take action? (Alternate translation: “and therefore a blessing is put on you today” or “so that a blessing may be put over you today”) The third difficulty is: while ultimately all blessing is from Yahweh, which is the subject here, Yahweh or the Levites? (Alternate translation: “and so Yahweh is putting a blessing on you today”) As with the previous clause, you may want to follow the decision of another translation your people are familiar with. Alternate translation: “, by that you brought blessing on yourselves”
EXO 32 30 kvj4 figs-doublet חֲטָאתֶ֖ם חֲטָאָ֣ה גְדֹלָ֑ה 1 You have committed a very great sin Here, **sin** used as a verb and then repeated as a noun for emphasis. Along with **great**, it suggests that the people sinned very, very badly. If the repetition of words in this way would not create emphasis, use another form in your language that would. Alternate translation: “You have sinned extremally badly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 32 30 r5fn figs-abstractnouns חֲטָאתֶ֖ם חֲטָאָ֣ה גְדֹלָ֑ה 1 You have committed a very great sin If your language does not use an abstract noun for **sin**, you can express the idea behind it in another way. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 32 31 ccpg figs-doublet חָטָ֞א הָעָ֤ם הַזֶּה֙ חֲטָאָ֣ה 1 You have committed a very great sin Here, **sin** is used as a verb and then repeated as a noun for emphasis. Along with **great**, it suggests that the people sinned very, very badly. If the repetition of words in this way would not create emphasis, use another form in your language that would. Alternate translation: “this people has sinned extremely badly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 32 31 y049 figs-abstractnouns חֲטָאָ֣ה 1 You have committed a very great sin If your language does not use an abstract noun for **sin**, you can express the idea behind it in another way. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 32 32 brpu figs-ellipsis וְעַתָּ֖ה אִם־תִּשָּׂ֣א חַטָּאתָ֑ם 1 blot me out of the book Moses leaves out his conclusion, perhaps as a way of making this conditional phrase into a request, or perhaps to avoid suggesting to God what would be good for him to do. However, if leaving out a conclusion would be misunderstood in your language you may need to rephrase it or add the implied conclusion. Alternate translation: “But now, if you forgive their sin, good!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 32 32 c72y figs-metonymy מְחֵ֣נִי 1 blot me out of the book Here, **me** refers to the name of Moses. Alternate translation: “erase my name from” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 32 32 ahb3 figs-explicit אֲשֶׁ֥ר כָּתָֽבְתָּ 1 the book that you have written If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express what God had written in the book explicitly. Alternate translation: “in which you have written the names of your people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 32 33 igb4 figs-metonymy אֶמְחֶ֖נּוּ מִסִּפְרִֽי 1 that person I will blot out of my book Here, **him** represents that person’s name. Alternate translation: “I will erase that person’s name from my book” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 32 34 xn8p grammar-connect-logic-result וּבְי֣וֹם פָּקְדִ֔י וּפָקַדְתִּ֥י עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם חַטָּאתָֽם 1 But on the day that I punish them, I will punish them Yahweh makes it clear that he will punish the people because they sinned by making and worshiping the idol. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “However, because they sinned, one day I will come to punish them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 32 35 wv1v figs-explicit עָשׂ֣וּ אֶת־הָעֵ֔גֶל אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָׂ֖ה אַהֲרֹֽן 1 they had made the calf, the one that Aaron made The people are being spoken of as having made the calf themselves (along with Aaron) because they demanded it and gave their gold for it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “they were guilty along with Aaron of making the calf” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 32 35 h3kl grammar-connect-logic-result וַיִּגֹּ֥ף יְהוָ֖ה אֶת־הָעָ֑ם עַ֚ל אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשׂ֣וּ אֶת־הָעֵ֔גֶל אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָׂ֖ה אַהֲרֹֽן 1 they had made the calf, the one that Aaron made If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “And because they had made the calf (that Aaron made), Yahweh plagued the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 33 intro g5k3 0 # Exodus 33 General Notes<br><br>This chapter is largely about Moses continuing to negotiate for a closer relationship between Yahweh and himself and Yahweh and the people. There are a number of important theological issues addressed, especially Yahweh’s holiness and character. Several key terms appear.<br><br>## Structure:<br>- v. 1-6: Moses negotiating with Yahweh to go with Israel<br>- v. 7-11: the temporary tent of meeting<br>- v. 12-23: Moses negotiating with Yahweh to see his glory<br><br>## Potential Translation Issues<br><br>Yahweh’s statement to Moses in verse 5 seems to have happened before the people’s reaction in verse 4, so in some languages you may need to reverse them.<br><br>Verses 7-11 seem to be background, general information about a somewhat unspecified time period. Be sure this is clear in how you structure these verses. See the beginning of verse 7 in the UST. While the term in verses 7-11 is often used interchangeably with the Dwelling that will be built in chapters 35-39, it is a temporary and different tent. One distinguishing feature is that it is well outside the camp, while the Dwelling will be in the center of the camp.<br><br>The word **tent** in verses 7-11 refers either to this temporary “tent of meeting” that Moses set up or to the tents that the Israelites lived in. Pay attention throughout these verses to which tent is referred to.
EXO 33 1 p8xp figs-quotesinquotes לֵאמֹ֔ר לְזַרְעֲךָ֖ אֶתְּנֶֽנָּה 1 General Information: The words which follow **saying** are a second-level quotation. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this with second-level quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation within a quotation. However, you may want to translate this as an indirect quotation in order to reduce the layers of quotations in this passage. See UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])
EXO 33 2 tlen וְשָׁלַחְתִּ֥י לְפָנֶ֖יךָ מַלְאָ֑ךְ וְגֵֽרַשְׁתִּ֗י אֶת־הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙ הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י וְהַֽחִתִּי֙ וְהַפְּרִזִּ֔י הַחִוִּ֖י וְהַיְבוּסִֽי 1 General Information: See how you translated these in [Exodus 23:20](../23/20.md) and [23:23](../23/23.md).
EXO 33 3 yyt4 figs-metonymy חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָ֑שׁ 1 that land, which is flowing with milk and honey Here, **milk** is a metonym for domestic animals and the food products obtained from them; **honey** is a metonym for the food obtained from growing plants. See how you translated this in [Exodus 3:8](../03/08.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 33 3 y347 figs-metaphor זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָ֑שׁ 1 flowing with God spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. See how you translated this in [Exodus 3:8](../03/08.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 33 3 ah5t figs-metaphor קְשֵׁה־עֹ֨רֶף֙ 1 a stubborn people Yahweh speaks of the people being rebellious as if they had **hard necks**. See how you translated this in [Exodus 32:9](../32/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 33 4 jemj figs-gendernotations וְלֹא־שָׁ֛תוּ אִ֥ישׁ עֶדְי֖וֹ עָלָֽיו 1 jewelry Here, **his** and **him** refer to both men and women. Alternate translation: “and the men and women did not put on their ornaments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 33 4 cf7g translate-unknown עֶדְי֖וֹ 1 jewelry This may have referred to beautiful clothing as well as chains and rings made from gold or silver that had could have had jewels in them. Alternate translation: “his adornments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 33 4 qwuu translate-versebridge 0 jewelry Yahweh’s statement to Moses in verse 5 seems to have happened before the people’s reaction in verse 4, so in some languages you may need to reverse them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]])
EXO 33 5 rn40 figs-events וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה 1 jewelry The word **had** places Yahweh’s statement back in time. It can be understood from context as Yahweh’s statement to Moses in verse 5 seems to have happened before the people’s reaction in verse 4. If you are reversing the order of the verses for your language, you should adjust the verbal sequencing in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EXO 33 5 ndhx figs-quotations אֱמֹ֤ר אֶל־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ 1 jewelry You may want to make the introductory portion of this quotation,**Say to the sons of Israel**, indirect to keep from having a quote inside a quote. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 33 5 rzr5 figs-metaphor קְשֵׁה־עֹ֔רֶף 1 a stubborn people Yahweh speaks of the people being rebellious as if they had **hard necks**. See how you translated this in [Exodus 32:9](../32/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 33 5 hakp grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical רֶ֧גַע אֶחָ֛ד אֶֽעֱלֶ֥ה בְקִרְבְּךָ֖ וְכִלִּיתִ֑יךָ וְעַתָּ֗ה 1 a stubborn people Because the surrounding narrative clearly shows that this is not what Yahweh did or will do, this is a hypothetical situation. Some languages may need to reorder the clauses. Alternate translation: “Since I would destroy if I went up among you for one moment, then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
EXO 33 5 l6ax grammar-connect-logic-goal וְעַתָּ֗ה הוֹרֵ֤ד עֶדְיְךָ֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָ וְאֵדְעָ֖ה מָ֥ה אֶֽעֱשֶׂה־לָּֽךְ 1 a stubborn people The goal of the Israelites removing their ornaments is so that Yahweh can consider his reaction. Some languages may need to reorder this structure. Alternate translation: “So that I will know what I will do to you, take your ornaments down from on you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])
EXO 33 5 gb16 figs-explicit וְעַתָּ֗ה הוֹרֵ֤ד עֶדְיְךָ֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָ 1 a stubborn people This was a way for the Israelites to show that they were sorry for sinning. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 33 6 tomy figs-rpronouns וַיִּֽתְנַצְּל֧וּ 1 a stubborn people Here, **themselves** refers to the Israelites; they are both the ones doing the action and the ones to whom the action is done. A special form of verb or pronoun may be required to translate this in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
EXO 33 6 i0c5 figs-explicit מֵהַ֥ר חוֹרֵֽב׃ 1 a stubborn people Here, **from** means “from that point of time and continuing into the future.” Try to find a form in your language that means “from then on” for your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 33 7 wsfe grammar-connect-time-background 0 a stubborn people Verses 7-11 seem to be background, general information about a somewhat unspecified time period. Be sure this is clear in how you structure these verses. See the beginning of verse 7 in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
EXO 33 7 fb65 הָאֹ֜הֶל 1 a stubborn people The word **tent** in verses 7-11 refers either to this temporary “tent of meeting” that Moses set up, or to the tents that the Israelites lived in. Pay attention throughout these verses to which tent is being referenced. Here it refers to the “tent of meeting.”
EXO 33 9 vam7 figs-explicit יֵרֵד֙ 1 would come down If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express where the **pillar of cloud would come down** from explicitly. Alternate translation: “would come down from the sky” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 33 9 ghf8 figs-metonymy וְדִבֶּ֖ר 1 would come down Grammatically, the most likely referent for this pronoun is the **pillar of cloud**. By metonymy and based on [verse 11](../33/11.md), this probably refers to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 33 10 nyoe figs-parallelism וְרָאָ֤ה כָל־הָעָם֙ אֶת־עַמּ֣וּד הֶֽעָנָ֔ן עֹמֵ֖ד פֶּ֣תַח הָאֹ֑הֶל וְקָ֤ם כָּל־הָעָם֙ וְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוּ֔וּ אִ֖ישׁ פֶּ֥תַח אָהֳלֽוֹ 1 Yahweh would speak to Moses face to face This verse uses contrastive parallelism. The presence of Yahweh is represented in the cloud that stands at the entrance of the tent, while the people prostrate themselves at the entrance to their tents. It would be good to try to retain the contrasting image in your translation if possible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 33 11 zrb8 figs-metaphor פָּנִ֣ים אֶל־פָּנִ֔ים 1 Yahweh would speak to Moses face to face Speaking directly to each other rather than through dreams and visions is spoken of as if Moses and God saw each other’s faces while they spoke. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “Yahweh would speak directly to Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 33 11 lqe0 figs-simile כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר יְדַבֵּ֥ר אִ֖ישׁ אֶל־רֵעֵ֑הוּ 1 Yahweh would speak to Moses face to face The metaphor of speaking **face to face** is explained by the simile here. How you translated **face to face** in your language may determine how you should translate this explanation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
EXO 33 11 rcsu writing-participants וּמְשָׁ֨רְת֜וֹ יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ בִּן־נוּן֙ נַ֔עַר 1 Yahweh would speak to Moses face to face **Joshua** has been introduced before but not mentioned since [Exodus 32:17](../32/17.md). Consider if your language will need to re-introduce Joshua in any way here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EXO 33 12 ohra writing-newevent 0 See A new scene begins here, which may need to be marked in a certain way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 33 12 hlsl figs-quotations הַ֚עַל אֶת־הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה…דַעְתִּ֣יךָֽ בְשֵׁ֔ם וְגַם־מָצָ֥אתָ חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינָֽי 1 See You may want to make these two second-level quotations indirect to reduce the levels of quotation. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 33 12 unz8 רְ֠אֵה 1 See This is an interjection to get someone’s attention. Alternate translation: “Look!” or “Listen!” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
EXO 33 12 w7fs figs-idiom יְדַעְתִּ֣יךָֽ בְשֵׁ֔ם 1 I know you by name To **know** someone **by name** is to know them well. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “I know you well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 33 12 uhjs figs-activepassive וְגַם־מָצָ֥אתָ חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינָֽי 1 you have also found favor in my eyes If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and my eyes find you favorable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 33 12 a7jr figs-idiom וְגַם־מָצָ֥אתָ חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינָֽי 1 you have also found favor in my eyes Here, **found favor in my eyes** is an idiom that means “I am pleased with you” so it means that God is pleased with Moses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “and you please me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 33 12 y281 figs-metaphor וְגַם־מָצָ֥אתָ חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינָֽי 1 you have also found favor in my eyes Here, **in my eyes** is a metaphor representing God’s evaluation. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “and you have also found favor in my evaluation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 33 12 es6z figs-abstractnouns וְגַם־מָצָ֥אתָ חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינָֽי 1 you have also found favor in my eyes Here, **favor** is an abstract noun that you could express in another way if necessary in your language. Alternate translation: “and you have also been found approved in my eyes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 33 13 e6vv מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֜ן בְּעֵינֶ֗יךָ…אֶמְצָא־חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָ 1 Now if I have found favor in your eyes Here, **found favor in your eyes** is an idiom that means that God is pleased with Moses. You may also need to make the phrase active in form and change the abstract noun **favor** into another form. Finally, **in your eyes** is a metaphor representing his evaluation. See how you dealt with the multiple issues in the phrase **you have found favor in my eyes** in [Exodus 33:12](../33/12.md).
EXO 33 13 zi7j figs-metaphor הוֹדִעֵ֤נִי נָא֙ אֶת־דְּרָכֶ֔ךָ 1 show me your ways Here, **ways** is a metaphor either: (1) for Yahweh’s plans or (2) for the holy life he requires. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: (1) “please cause me to know what you are going to do in the future” (2) “please cause me to know how people can do what pleases you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 33 13 gtv4 אֶמְצָא־חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָ 1 show me your ways This instance of the phrase **find favor in your eyes** means in the future. Consider how to translate it in your language to convey an on-going situation. Alternate translation: “I can always find favor in your eyes”
EXO 33 13 o1ew וּרְאֵ֕ה כִּ֥י עַמְּךָ֖ הַגּ֥וֹי הַזֶּֽה׃ 1 show me your ways Moses is requesting that Yahweh would again **see**, perceive, consider, or recognize the Israelites as his special people. In this way, Moses would know that Yahweh had truly forgiven them.
EXO 33 14 gh8q figs-metonymy פָּנַ֥י יֵלֵ֖כוּ 1 My own presence will go Yahweh’s **face** represents his presence, which represents himself. Alternate translation: “I will go” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 33 14 esdd figs-explicit פָּנַ֥י יֵלֵ֖כוּ וַהֲנִחֹ֥תִי לָֽךְ 1 My own presence will go The preposition connected to **you** here has a very flexible meaning and seems to be connected to both **will go** and **will cause rest**. If this would be unclear, consider repeating it in both clauses. Alternate translation: “My face will go with you and I will cause rest for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 33 14 hl15 figs-yousingular לָֽךְ 1 go with you…give you The word **you** here refers to Moses. It is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
EXO 33 15 a2hc grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical אִם־אֵ֤ין פָּנֶ֨יךָ֙ הֹלְכִ֔ים 1 go with you…give you **If your face is not going** is a hypothetical situation in which Moses makes a request that they not go anywhere without Yahweh. In some languages you may need to place the request first. Alternate translation: “Do not take us up from here if your face is not going” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
EXO 33 15 m5cq figs-metonymy אִם־אֵ֤ין פָּנֶ֨יךָ֙ הֹלְכִ֔ים 1 go with you…give you Yahweh’s **face** represents his presence, which represents himself. Alternate translation: “If you are not going” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 33 16 cgl8 figs-rquestion וּבַמֶּ֣ה׀ יִוָּדַ֣ע אֵפ֗וֹא כִּֽי־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ אֲנִ֣י וְעַמֶּ֔ךָ הֲל֖וֹא בְּלֶכְתְּךָ֣ עִמָּ֑נוּ וְנִפְלֵ֨ינוּ֙ אֲנִ֣י וְעַמְּךָ֔ מִכָּ֨ל־הָעָ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הָאֲדָמָֽה 1 how will it be known…people? This verse contains two or three rhetorical questions, and the length of the second is debated. The first rhetorical question, “**And in what then will it be known that I have found favor in your eyes, I and your people?**” is used for emphasis and means, “There is only one way people will know that I and your people please you.” The second, “**Is it not in your going with us?**” is used to answer the first question and means “That way is your going with us.” It is possible that the rest of the verse is (1) a statement further clarifying how Yahweh’s favor is demonstrated (ULT, UST), (2) an extension of the second rhetorical question (“Is it not in your going with us so that I and your people shall be distinct from all of the people that are on the face of the earth?”), or (3) a separate rhetorical question making the same point (“And shall I and your people be distinct from all of the people that are on the face of the earth?”) Moses used these questions in order to emphasize that if Yahweh does not go with them, no one will know that Yahweh is pleased with Moses and the people. Use whatever forms would be natural in your language to present an argument like this. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EXO 33 16 d36k figs-infostructure וּבַמֶּ֣ה 1 For otherwise This refers back to Moses’ hypothetical situation in the previous verse, that is, Yahweh not going with them. Use whatever connecting forms are necessary to make that clear. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
EXO 33 16 tu8e figs-activepassive וּבַמֶּ֣ה׀ יִוָּדַ֣ע אֵפ֗וֹא 1 how will it be known If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And in what then will people know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 33 16 u82a figs-idiom מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ 1 Will it not only be if Here, **found favor** is an idiom that means that God is pleased with Moses. You may also need to make the phrase active in form and change the abstract noun **favor** into another form. Finally, **eyes** are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. See how you dealt with the multiple issues in the phrase **you have found favor in my eyes** in [Exodus 33:12](../33/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 33 17 chua grammar-connect-logic-result גַּ֣ם אֶת־הַדָּבָ֥ר הַזֶּ֛ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֑ה כִּֽי־מָצָ֤אתָ חֵן֙ בְּעֵינַ֔י וָאֵדָעֲךָ֖ בְּשֵֽׁם 1 you have found favor in my eyes Here, **for** signals a reason clause. If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Because you have found favor in my eyes, and I know you by name, I will also do this thing that you have spoken” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 33 17 ln7y figs-idiom מָצָ֤אתָ חֵן֙ בְּעֵינַ֔י 1 you have found favor in my eyes Here, **you have found favor in my eyes** is an idiom that means that God is pleased with Moses. You may also need to make the phrase active in form and change the abstract noun **favor** into another form. Finally, **eyes** are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. See how you dealt with the multiple issues in the phrase **you have found favor in my eyes** in [Exodus 33:12](../33/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 33 17 aln2 figs-yousingular מָצָ֤אתָ 1 General Information: Here, **you** is singular and refers to Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
EXO 33 17 u2nv figs-idiom וָאֵדָעֲךָ֖ בְּשֵֽׁם 1 I know you by name To know someone by name is to know them well. See how you translated this in [Exodus 33:12](../33/12.md). Alternate translation: “and I know you well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 33 18 w73v figs-abstractnouns כְּבֹדֶֽךָ 1 I know you by name If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **glory**, you can express the same idea in another way. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 33 19 sx1a figs-metaphor אֲנִ֨י אַעֲבִ֤יר כָּל־טוּבִי֙ עַל־פָּנֶ֔יךָ 1 I will make all my goodness pass before you Yahweh speaks of his **goodness** like it was an object that he could move over Moses. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 33 19 e3o3 figs-abstractnouns טוּבִי֙ 1 I will make all my goodness pass before you If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **goodness**, you can express the same idea in another way. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 33 19 gzr5 figs-metonymy עַל־פָּנֶ֔יךָ…לְפָנֶ֑יךָ 1 I will make all my goodness pass before you Here, **face** means “you.” Alternate translation: “above you … before you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 33 19 d4z9 וְקָרָ֧אתִֽי בְשֵׁ֛ם יְהוָ֖ה 1 I will make all my goodness pass before you The meaning of the phrase is unclear. It may mean that Yahweh will disclose something about his character to Moses. Alternate translation: “and I will proclaim my name, ‘Yahweh,’ ”
EXO 33 19 vqq6 figs-parallelism וְחַנֹּתִי֙ אֶת־אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָחֹ֔ן וְרִחַמְתִּ֖י אֶת־אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲרַחֵֽם 1 I will make all my goodness pass before you These statements use parallelism internally and between each other. They stress Yahweh’s divine prerogative to do whatever he wants. The structure also parallels Yahweh’s I AM statements in [Exodus 3:14](../03/14.md). If this form of parallelism would be misunderstood in your language, consider another form that emphasizes that Yahweh is graciously kind to exactly those and only those to whom he chooses to show kindness, and he does so without outside influence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 33 20 c20q writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 I will make all my goodness pass before you In some languages it may be better to omit **And he said** at the start of this verse to avoid stopping and restarting the quotation. Yahweh is speaking from 33:19-34:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
EXO 33 20 fyc0 כִּ֛י לֹֽא־יִרְאַ֥נִי הָאָדָ֖ם וָחָֽי 1 I will make all my goodness pass before you Alternate translation: “because no person can live after he has seen me”
EXO 33 21 loep writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה 1 I will make all my goodness pass before you In some languages it may be better to omit **And Yahweh said** at the start of this verse to avoid stopping and restarting the quotation. Yahweh is speaking from 33:19-34:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
EXO 33 22 qhe6 figs-metaphor בַּעֲבֹ֣ר כְּבֹדִ֔י 1 See Yahweh speaks of his **glory** as if it were an object that he could move over Moses. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “while I pass over gloriously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 33 22 o5as figs-abstractnouns כְּבֹדִ֔י 1 See If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **glory**, you can express the same idea in another way. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 33 22 ivf5 figs-personification וְשַׂכֹּתִ֥י כַפִּ֛י עָלֶ֖יךָ 1 See Here Yahweh speaks as if he, like a person, had hands that could cover things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a simile to retain the image, as this figure is important to retain and extends into the next verse. Alternate translation: “I will cover you as with a hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EXO 33 23 fmu8 figs-personification וַהֲסִרֹתִי֙ אֶת־כַּפִּ֔י וְרָאִ֖יתָ אֶת־אֲחֹרָ֑י וּפָנַ֖י לֹ֥א יֵרָאֽוּ 1 you will see my back The strong personification image of Yahweh continues throughout this verse and should be retained, if possible. You may have to use similes if this would be misunderstood in your culture. Alternate translation: “Then it will be as if I stop covering you with a hand, and you will see a small part of my glory, like a person’s back, but not my full glory, like a person’s face.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EXO 33 23 jq7t grammar-connect-logic-contrast וּפָנַ֖י 1 you will see my back Here, **but my face** is moved to the front of the clause to emphasize contrast with **my back**. If your language has a certain way of contrasting elements, be sure to make a strong contrast between Yahweh’s face and back. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EXO 33 23 gw1n figs-activepassive וּפָנַ֖י לֹ֥א יֵרָאֽוּ 1 but my face will not be seen If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but you will not see my face” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 34 intro smp6 0 # Exodus 34 General Notes<br><br>## Outline<br><br>* v. 1-4 Yahweh orders Moses to return to the mountain<br>* v. 5-9 Yahweh reveals himself to Moses and Moses reacts<br>* v. 10-28 Covenant renewal<br>* v. 29-34 Moses reports to Israel<br><br>## Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>* In verse 1, Yahweh says he will write on stone tablets, yet later (v. 27-28) he commands Moses to write and the text says Moses writes.<br>* Yahweh reveals something significant about himself or his character to Moses. There are a number of difficult terms and concepts.<br>* The biblical metaphor of true worship as sexual fidelity appears in v. 14-16.<br>* Several verses are repeated either exactly or closely from earlier chapters.<br>* In v. 12-26 Yahweh appears to give a different 10 commandments from those in Exodus 20 (but also largely repeated from other earlier parts of Exodus), raising the question of what was actually written on the stone tablets in v. 28.<br>* The concept of Moses’s shining face may be difficult in some cultures.<br><br>### “He will bring the punishment for the fathers’ sin on their children”<br><br>This phrase does not mean that a child is necessarily punished for the sins of their parents. Many scholars believe that this passage indicates that a parent’s sins will have consequences that will affect their children and grandchildren. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])
EXO 34 1 ppyw writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה 1 tablets of stone Yahweh continues to speak to Moses, but there is a change of topic here, so you may want to retain the speech introduction. However, if it would be misunderstood, you could simply continue the quotation from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Yahweh continued” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])
EXO 34 1 zf77 figs-infostructure אֲשֶׁ֥ר שִׁבַּֽרְתָּ 1 tablets of stone This clause reminds the reader of what tablets are being mentioned by reminding you of what had happened to the previous tablets. If it would be more helpful in your language to attach it to the first mention of the tablets in this verse, you could rearrange it like the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
EXO 34 1 s1kv לֻחֹ֥ת אֲבָנִ֖ים 1 tablets of stone Alternate translation: “flat slabs of stone” See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:18](../31/18.md)
EXO 34 3 ck6d figs-metonymy וְגַם־אִ֥ישׁ אַל־יֵרָ֖א בְּכָל־הָהָ֑ר 1 Do not let anyone else be seen anywhere on the mountain Being seen doing something represents doing that. Alternate translation: “and do not let anyone else be anywhere on the mountain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 34 3 x3rx גַּם־הַצֹּ֤אן וְהַבָּקָר֙ אַל־יִרְע֔וּ אֶל־מ֖וּל הָהָ֥ר הַהֽוּא 1 No flocks or herds are even to graze in front of the mountain Alternate translation: “Even flocks or herds are not allowed to come near the mountain to eat.”
EXO 34 5 sp7f writing-pronouns וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֥ב עִמּ֖וֹ שָׁ֑ם וַיִּקְרָ֥א 1 stood with Moses there The pronouns are not clear here, but the referents are probably as in the following alternate translation: “and Yahweh stood with Moses there, and Yahweh proclaimed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 34 5 r9ey figs-metonymy וַיִּקְרָ֥א בְשֵׁ֖ם יְהוָֽה 1 he pronounced the name “Yahweh.” This could mean: (1) “he spoke the name ‘Yahweh’” (2) “he proclaimed who Yahweh is.” For the second meaning, **name** would represent who God is. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 34 6 fz1q figs-123person יְהוָ֣ה׀ יְהוָ֔ה אֵ֥ל רַח֖וּם וְחַנּ֑וּן 1 Yahweh, Yahweh, God is merciful and gracious God is speaking about himself. If this is confusing in your language, you may use the first person. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am God, and I am merciful and gracious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 34 6 t0kd figs-doublet רַח֖וּם וְחַנּ֑וּן 1 Yahweh, Yahweh, God is merciful and gracious This is emphasizing that Yahweh cares for people and acts kindly toward them. If doubling would not strengthen the statement here in your language, consider another form that would. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 34 6 f7iq figs-idiom אֶ֥רֶךְ אַפַּ֖יִם 1 Yahweh, Yahweh, God is merciful and gracious The phrase **long of nostril** is an idiom that means Yahweh does not get angry easily or quickly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “slow to anger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 34 6 j7we figs-abstractnouns וְרַב־חֶ֥סֶד וֶאֱמֶֽת 1 abounding in covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **covenant faithfulness** and **trustworthiness**, you can express the same idea in another way. (For **covenant faithfulness**, see [Exodus 20:6](../20/06.md)). Alternate translation: “always being faithful to my covenant and always being trustworthy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 34 6 d1qj figs-doublet חֶ֥סֶד וֶאֱמֶֽת 1 abounding in covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness This is emphasizing that Yahweh always does what he promises toward the people he loves. If doubling would not strengthen the statement here in your language, consider another form that would. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 34 7 lt2j figs-abstractnouns נֹצֵ֥ר חֶ֨סֶד֙ לָאֲלָפִ֔ים 1 keeping covenant faithfulness for thousands of generations See how you translated **covenant faithfulness**in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “faithfully loving thousands of generations” or “faithful to his covenant with thousands of generations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 34 7 x90l figs-hyperbole לָאֲלָפִ֔ים 1 But he will This large number is used to mean “forever” or “to all descendants forever.” It is deliberately contrasted with **third** and **fourth** later in the verse to emphasize how much longer God’s covenant faithfulness is than his anger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that conveys a very long time. Alternate translation: “for every generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EXO 34 7 dxkb figs-metonymy לָאֲלָפִ֔ים 1 But he will The word **thousands** is a metonym for a number too many to count. Alternate translation: “to innumerable people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 34 7 hllt figs-litany עָוֺ֛ן וָפֶ֖שַׁע וְחַטָּאָ֑ה 1 But he will This list is meant to convey the idea of every kind of wrong. If a list like this would be misunderstood in your language you may need to use other terms or forms to make this point. Alternate translation: “every kind of sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])
EXO 34 7 e2qc figs-abstractnouns עָוֺ֛ן וָפֶ֖שַׁע וְחַטָּאָ֑ה…עֲוֺ֣ן 1 But he will If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **iniquity, transgression, and sin**, you can express the same ideas in another way., as modeled in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 34 7 x397 figs-123person וְנַקֵּה֙ לֹ֣א יְנַקֶּ֔ה 1 he will by no means clear the guilty Yahweh is speaking about himself. If this is confusing in your language, you may use the first person. Alternate translation: “But I will certainly not acquit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 34 7 ts1b figs-ellipsis וְנַקֵּה֙ לֹ֣א יְנַקֶּ֔ה 1 will by no means clear the guilty Whom Yahweh will not acquit is not stated. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translations: “But he will certainly not clear the guilty” or “But he will certainly not say that the guilty are innocent” or “But he will certainly not free guilty people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 34 7 lyrg figs-metonymy עֲוֺ֣ן 1 will by no means clear the guilty Here, **iniquity** refers to the consequences or the punishment for iniquity. Alternate translation: “the punishment for the iniquity of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 34 7 px85 figs-metaphor פֹּקֵ֣ד׀ עֲוֺ֣ן אָב֗וֹת עַל־בָּנִים֙ וְעַל־בְּנֵ֣י בָנִ֔ים 1 He will bring the punishment for the fathers’ sin on their children The **iniquity of the fathers** is spoken of as if it were something capable of **visiting** people. This means that Yahweh makes the consequences of people’s sins affect their descendants. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “punishing the sons and the sons of the sons for the iniquity of the fathers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 34 7 c3tb figs-metonymy עַל־בָּנִים֙ וְעַל־בְּנֵ֣י בָנִ֔ים 1 their children The references to **sons** and **sons of the sons** represents descendants. Alternate translation: “on their descendants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 34 7 d462 figs-explicit עַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁ֖ים וְעַל־רִבֵּעִֽים 1 their children Here, “generation” is implied after **third** and **fourth**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 34 7 pacu figs-metonymy עַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁ֖ים וְעַל־רִבֵּעִֽים 1 their children Here, **third** and **fourth** means “several.” If this would not be understood and your language has a way of referring to an unspecified (but approximately 3-4) number, you may have to use it here. Alternate translation: “on a few generations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 34 8 c1qt figs-rpronouns וַיִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ 1 their children Here, **himself** means that Moses did this action to his own body. Some languages may use a special form to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
EXO 34 8 mf8o figs-doublet וַיִּקֹּ֥ד אַ֖רְצָה וַיִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ 1 their children These two verbs have very similar meanings and are often used together to express people’s physical and spiritual posture in worship. If such repetition would be misunderstood in your language, you may need to express the physical action and spiritual action explicitly. Alternate translation: “and bowed to the ground in worship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 34 9 mh3a figs-idiom מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ 1 If now I have found favor in your eyes Here, **found favor** is an idiom that means that God is pleased with Moses. You may also need to make the phrase active in form and change the abstract noun **favor** into another form. Finally, **eyes** are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. See how you dealt with the multiple issues in the phrase **I have found favor in your eyes** in [Exodus 33:12](../33/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 34 9 vhu5 figs-metaphor עַם־קְשֵׁה־עֹ֨רֶף֙ ה֔וּא 1 If now I have found favor in your eyes Moses speaks of the people being rebellious as if they had **hard necks**. See how you translated this in [Exodus 32:9](../32/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 34 9 hw66 figs-doublet לַעֲוֺנֵ֥נוּ וּלְחַטָּאתֵ֖נוּ 1 our iniquity and our sin The words **iniquity** and **sin** mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “all our sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 34 10 zwsm 0 your people Starting in this verse, the covenant is largely repeated and consists of two parts: (1) what Yahweh will do, which is detailed in verses 10-11 (and briefly restated in verse 24) and (2) what is required of the Israelites, which is detailed in verses 12-26. For further context, see [Exodus 19:5 and following](../19/05.md), and [23:20-24:8](../23/20.md). Verses 12-26 are another list of ten commandments.
EXO 34 10 ps7o figs-idiom כֹּרֵ֣ת בְּרִית֒ 1 your people To **cut a covenant** means to make a covenant. The terminology refers to ancient rituals around making covenants, which is illustrated in Genesis 15. See the imagery and how you translated there. Alternate translation: “am about to make a covenant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 34 10 zdq6 figs-possession עַמְּךָ֙ 1 your people Here, the **people** are referred to as belonging to Moses. This refers to his being their leader. Alternate translation: ”the people you lead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 34 10 itdx כָל־הָ֠עָם אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֨ה בְקִרְבּ֜וֹ 1 your people This phrase is ambiguous and could refer to: (1) the nations that surrounded Israel or (2) the Israelites (who surrounded Moses). Attempt to maintain the ambiguity if you can; otherwise you may choose one, perhaps following another locally known translation’s choice.
EXO 34 10 bj1a כִּֽי־נוֹרָ֣א ה֔וּא אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י עֹשֶׂ֥ה עִמָּֽךְ 1 it is a fearful thing that I am doing with you This means that what Yahweh is doing causes people to be afraid. In this case, people will fear Yahweh when they see what he does. Alternate translation: “for what I am doing with you will cause fear”
EXO 34 10 s7uz figs-youdual עִמָּֽךְ 1 I am doing with you Here, **you** refers to Moses and the people of Israel. If your language makes a distinction, use a plural form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EXO 34 11 xtkf figs-metonymy גֹרֵ֣שׁ מִפָּנֶ֗יךָ 1 I am doing with you Here, **from before your faces** means “ahead of you” or “on your behalf.” Yahweh is emphasizing who is doing the driving out. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 34 11 kfix translate-names אֶת־הָאֱמֹרִי֙ וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י וְהַחִתִּי֙ וְהַפְּרִזִּ֔י וְהַחִוִּ֖י וְהַיְבוּסִֽי 1 I am doing with you See how you translated these in [Exodus 33:2](../33/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 34 12 fmc9 0 General Information: Verses 12-16 are the first of these ten commandments. The original language is structured such that every clause in these verses is subordinate to the initial, **Guard yourself**. That sort of structure may not be possible in your language (as it is not in English).
EXO 34 12 mnpv figs-rpronouns לְךָ֗ 1 General Information: Here, **yourself** means that each Israelite should guard against committing these sins. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])
EXO 34 12 n1il figs-hypo פֶּן־תִּכְרֹ֤ת בְּרִית֙ לְיוֹשֵׁ֣ב הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתָּ֖ה בָּ֣א עָלֶ֑יהָ פֶּן־יִהְיֶ֥ה לְמוֹקֵ֖שׁ בְּקִרְבֶּֽךָ 1 General Information: This sentence contains two hypotheticals as a warning. Each is introduced by **lest**. Use a marker in your language that introduces a hypothetical situation, but also see the next note. Alternate translation: “If you were to cut a covenant with the inhabitant of the land where you are about to go into, probably he would become as a trap in your midst.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
EXO 34 12 t1hz grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical פֶּן־תִּכְרֹ֤ת בְּרִית֙ לְיוֹשֵׁ֣ב הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתָּ֖ה בָּ֣א עָלֶ֑יהָ פֶּן־יִהְיֶ֥ה לְמוֹקֵ֖שׁ בְּקִרְבֶּֽךָ 1 General Information: The second of these hypothetical statements is logically dependent on and follows after the first as a result. As you mark these hypotheticals, use a form that communicates that the second is a result of the first. Alternate translation: “because if you cut a covenant with the inhabitant of the land where you are about to go into, then he will become as a trap in your midst” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
EXO 34 12 b459 figs-idiom תִּכְרֹ֤ת בְּרִית֙ 1 General Information: See how you translated this in [34:10](../34/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 34 12 tnka grammar-collectivenouns לְיוֹשֵׁ֣ב…יִהְיֶ֥ה 1 General Information: The word **inhabitant** is a singular noun that refers to any individual inhabitant or group of inhabitants from the peoples mentioned in the previous verse. The pronoun **he** is agreeing with that singular noun. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. Alternate translation: “with the inhabitants of … they become” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 34 12 lxz8 figs-simile פֶּן־יִהְיֶ֥ה לְמוֹקֵ֖שׁ בְּקִרְבֶּֽךָ 1 they will become a trap among you People who tempt others to sin are spoken of as if they were a **trap.** If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “lest those remaining people tempt you to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
EXO 34 13 wkbx grammar-connect-logic-contrast כִּ֤י 1 they will become a trap among you This word marks a strong contrast with the previous verse. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a strong contrast. Alternate translation, followed by a new sentence: “Do the opposite!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EXO 34 13 tfd1 figs-infostructure אֶת־מִזְבְּחֹתָם֙ תִּתֹּצ֔וּן וְאֶת־מַצֵּבֹתָ֖ם תְּשַׁבֵּר֑וּן וְאֶת־אֲשֵׁרָ֖יו תִּכְרֹתֽוּן 1 they will become a trap among you This unusual word order reflects the original in bringing each item the Israelites must destroy into focus. You should use whatever form in your language would emphasize or focus on each item that they must destroy. Alternate translation, as separate sentences: “as for their altars, break them down! As for their stone pillars, smash them to pieces! As for their trees where they worship the goddess Asherah, cut them all down!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
EXO 34 13 gbp0 grammar-collectivenouns תִּכְרֹתֽוּן 1 they will become a trap among you For some reason only this pronoun is singular, referring back the singular “inhabitant” in the previous verse. Translate it based on your decision in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 34 14 fzjz translate-symaction לֹ֥א תִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה 1 Yahweh, whose name is Jealous To **bow to another god** means to worship it. This imagery is throughout scripture and should be retained in translation. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “you shall not bow to worship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EXO 34 14 vmx2 figs-metaphor כִּ֤י יְהוָה֙ קַנָּ֣א שְׁמ֔וֹ אֵ֥ל קַנָּ֖א הֽוּא׃ 1 Yahweh, whose name is Jealous The repeated word **jealous** means that God is concerned to keep his honor. If his people worship other gods, he loses honor, because when his people do not honor him, other people also will not honor him. This is pictured in a metaphor of a jealous spouse who is concerned that his spouse be faithful to him. This is an important Biblical metaphor that should be kept in translation if at all possible. The UST makes this image explicit as a simile, which can be done occasionally but would probably be too long for repeated use in a translation. Alternate translation: “Yahweh jealously guards his reputation. He is a God jealous of his honor.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 34 14 s5sd figs-metonymy כִּ֤י יְהוָה֙ קַנָּ֣א שְׁמ֔וֹ 1 whose name is Jealous, Here, the word **name** represents God’s character. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is always jealous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 34 15 r70f grammar-collectivenouns לְיוֹשֵׁ֣ב…וְקָרָ֣א…מִזִּבְחֽוֹ 1 General Information: The word **inhabitant** is a singular noun that refers to any individual inhabitant or group of inhabitants from the peoples mentioned in the previous verse. The pronouns **he** and **his** are agreeing with that singular noun. If your language does not use singular nouns in that way, you can use a different expression. See how you translated this in [verse 12](../34/12.md). Alternate translation: “with the inhabitants of … and they invite … from their sacrifice” or “with the inhabitants of … and one of them invites … from his sacrifice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns]])
EXO 34 15 udz0 figs-hypo פֶּן־תִּכְרֹ֥ת בְּרִ֖ית לְיוֹשֵׁ֣ב הָאָ֑רֶץ וְזָנ֣וּ׀ אַחֲרֵ֣י אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֗ם וְזָבְחוּ֙ לֵאלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם וְקָרָ֣א לְךָ֔ 1 Connecting Statement: Most of this verse is a sort of chain of logically consecutive hypothetical events that Yahweh is warning the Israelites against. Your language may have a specific way this sort of argument must be structured or phrased. One way to see this would be to repeat **lest** before every verb in verse 15-16. Alternate translation: “If you cut a covenant the inhabitant of the land, and if they then prostitute after their gods and sacrifice to their gods, and if he then invites you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
EXO 34 15 f1e3 פֶּן־תִּכְרֹ֥ת בְּרִ֖ית לְיוֹשֵׁ֣ב הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Connecting Statement: This phrase is exactly the same as the second clause of [verse 12](../34/12.md). It serves as a reminder of the command Yahweh is giving as he begins to expand on the “trap” he mentioned in verse 12. Your language may need to mark this repetition in a particular way. Alternate translation: “Remember: keep yourself lest you cut a covenant with the inhabitant of the land”
EXO 34 15 n4nt figs-idiom תִּכְרֹ֥ת בְּרִ֖ית 1 Connecting Statement: See how you translated this in [verse 12](../34/12.md). Alternate translation: “you make a covenant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 34 15 gtd8 figs-metaphor וְזָנ֣וּ׀ אַחֲרֵ֣י אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֗ם 1 for they prostitute themselves to their gods In this metaphor, Yahweh speaks of people worshiping other gods as if they were prostitutes going to other men. This metaphor is most often used regarding the unfaithfulness of the Israelites. The metaphor is not quite as clear with the other nations because while Yahweh is the only true God, he is not in special covenant with the other nations as their god. However, since the worship is still impurely following false gods, the metaphor is used here. This is an important Biblical metaphor that should be kept in translation if at all possible. Alternate translation: “and they worship their gods” or “because they worship their gods like prostitutes who go to other men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 34 15 d1m0 figs-metonymy וְזָנ֣וּ׀ אַחֲרֵ֣י אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֗ם 1 for they prostitute themselves to their gods This phrase may also be seen as a metonymy because sexual sin was a regular part of worshiping false gods. Alternate translation: “and they worship by fornicating with their gods’ cult prostitutes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 34 15 vijl figs-ellipsis וְקָרָ֣א לְךָ֔ 1 for they prostitute themselves to their gods Here, what the inhabitant will invite the Israelite to is not stated, but can be inferred from context. At the most basic level it is an invitation to eat food the Israelites were forbidden to eat. It is unclear how much more participation in worshiping false gods is implied. If your language requires that you specify what the Israelite is being invited into you may have to add some information. Alternate translation: “and he will invite you to eat from his sacrifice” or “and he will invite you to a feast to honor his gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 34 15 ygd9 grammar-connect-logic-result וְאָכַלְתָּ֖ מִזִּבְחֽוֹ 1 for they prostitute themselves to their gods The first part of the sin Yahweh is warning against in this and the next verse is to **eat from his sacrifice**. This clause is the result of disobedience regarding the **covenant** and the logical conclusion of the series of hypothetical events Yahweh presents before this. Alternate translation: “as a result, you will eat from his sacrifice” or “then you will eat from his sacrifice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 34 15 hhbc figs-synecdoche וְאָכַלְתָּ֖ מִזִּבְחֽוֹ 1 for they prostitute themselves to their gods Here, **and you eat from his sacrifice** may represent any and all parts of the worship of the other nations’ false gods. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you feast to honor his gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 34 15 bj2i figs-explicit וְאָכַלְתָּ֖ מִזִּבְחֽוֹ 1 you will eat some of his sacrifice If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the consequence of eating food that is sacrificed to another god explicitly. Alternate translation: “and you will eat some of his sacrifice and become guilty of worshiping his gods” or “and you will prostitute yourself to his god by eating some of his sacrifice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 34 16 jaic grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical 0 you will eat some of his sacrifice The string of hypothetical actions, each with its logical result continues throughout this verse. Continue translating the transitions between clauses as you decided in the previous verses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical]])
EXO 34 16 d4ma figs-metaphor וְזָנ֣וּ בְנֹתָ֗יו אַחֲרֵי֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ן 1 you will eat some of his sacrifice In this metaphor, Yahweh speaks of people worshiping other gods as if they were prostitutes going to other men. This metaphor is most often used regarding the unfaithfulness of the Israelites. The metaphor is not quite as clear with the other nations because while Yahweh is the only true God, he is not in special covenant with the other nations as their god. However, since the worship is still impurely following false gods, the metaphor is used here. This is an important Biblical metaphor that should be kept in translation if at all possible. See how you translated it in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “and his daughters worship their gods” or “and his daughters worship their gods like prostitutes who go to other men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 34 16 k0lr figs-metaphor וְהִזְנוּ֙ אֶת־בָּנֶ֔יךָ אַחֲרֵ֖י אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽן 1 you will eat some of his sacrifice In this metaphor, Yahweh speaks of people worshiping other gods as if they were prostitutes going to other men. The metaphor is clear here since it is referring to Israelite men who should be Yahweh worshipers. This is an important Biblical metaphor that should be kept in translation if at all possible. Alternate translation: “and cause your sons to worship their gods” or “and cause your sons to worship their gods like prostitutes who go to other men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 34 16 p98a grammar-connect-logic-result וְהִזְנוּ֙ אֶת־בָּנֶ֔יךָ אַחֲרֵ֖י אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽן 1 you will eat some of his sacrifice This is the climatic consequence of living in peace the nations God is driving out before them: complete apostacy from Yahweh and loss of the next generation to wickedness. Specifically it is the result of intermarriage with the pagans, which God has explicitly forbidden for this very reason. If your language marks the final consequence of a string of actions in a particular way it may be appropriate to use it here. Alternate translation: “and in the end, they will cause even your sons to prostitute after their gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 34 17 lgab 0 you will eat some of his sacrifice The prohibition here is focused on making gods. In your translation make sure that the focus is not on the method, but the god-making.
EXO 34 18 i5ck translate-hebrewmonths הָאָבִ֑יב…הָֽאָבִ֔יב 1 in the month of Aviv This is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. **Aviv** is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. See how you translated **Aviv** in [Exodus 13:4](../13/04.md). You could convert the Hebrew day and month into an approximate date on the calendar that your culture uses. However, the Jews used a lunar calendar, so if you use a solar calendar, the date will be different every year and the translation will not be entirely accurate. So you may just want to give the number of the day and the name of the month on the Hebrew calendar, and say approximately what time of year that is on your calendar in a footnote.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EXO 34 20 j4tv figs-explicit בְשֶׂ֔ה…וַעֲרַפְתּ֑וֹ 1 buy back If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express explicitly that either the **lamb** or **donkey** must be killed, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 34 20 yz8x כֹּ֣ל בְּכ֤וֹר בָּנֶ֨יךָ֙ תִּפְדֶּ֔ה 1 buy back Firstborn sons and firstborn donkeys belonged to Yahweh, but Yahweh did not want them sacrificed to Him. Instead, the Israelites were to sacrifice a lamb in their place. This allowed the Israelites to buy the donkeys and sons back from Yahweh.
EXO 34 20 u2p5 figs-doublenegatives וְלֹֽא־יֵרָא֥וּ פָנַ֖י רֵיקָֽם 1 No one may appear before me empty-handed Here understatement is used to emphasize that the Israelites must bring a suitable offering to Yahweh. This portion of the verse is identical to the end of [Exodus 23:15](../23/15.md). If this double negative would be misunderstood in your language, you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “come to me without a proper offering” or “always bring an offering to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EXO 34 21 n2ka translate-ordinal וּבַיּ֥וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י 1 General Information: If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “but on day seven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 34 21 swm8 בֶּחָרִ֥ישׁ וּבַקָּצִ֖יר 1 Even at plowing time and in harvest Alternate translation: “Even when you are preparing the soil or gathering the crops”
EXO 34 22 lhxb 0 Festival of Ingathering This verse is similar to [Exodus 23:16](../23/16.md), however the first festival is named **Festival of Weeks** here and “Festival of the Harvest” in 23:16.
EXO 34 22 d13l וְחַג֙ הָֽאָסִ֔יף 1 Festival of Ingathering This festival celebrated the final harvesting of all the crops for the year. This festival was also known as the Festival of Shelters or the Festival of Booths. The idea came from the practice of the farmers living in temporary booths, or huts, out in the fields to guard the crop as it ripened. See Deuteronomy 16:13. See how you translated this in [Exodus 23:16](../23/16.md). Alternate translation: “and the Festival of the Ingathering”
EXO 34 22 xqy4 figs-metaphor תְּקוּפַ֖ת הַשָּׁנָֽה 1 Festival of Ingathering Like “the exiting of the year” in [Exodus 23:16](../23/16.md), this refers to the end of the year. Here, the year is pictured as something that can turn. Which, thinking of the planet, is highly astronomically accurate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 34 23 zh58 0 General Information: Except for **God of Israel** and dropping “to,” this verse is identical to [Exodus 23:17](../23/17.md).
EXO 34 23 iagy figs-metonymy יֵרָאֶה֙…אֶת־פְּנֵ֛י הָֽאָדֹ֥ן 1 General Information: Here to **appear before the face of the Lord Yahweh** means to gather to worship. **Before the face** is a metonym for Yahweh’s presence, referring to worship. Alternate translation: “must come to worship the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 34 25 zx2v 0 General Information: See the very similar [Exodus 23:18](../23/18.md).
EXO 34 25 e8v2 figs-explicit דַּם־זִבְחִ֑י 1 the blood of my sacrifice If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the fact that the blood is from an animal explicitly. Alternate translation: “the blood of an animal that you sacrifice to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 34 27 x6j9 כִּ֞י עַל־פִּ֣י׀ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֗לֶּה 1 the blood of my sacrifice Alternate translation: “for in accordance with these words” or “for according to these words”
EXO 34 27 ybz6 figs-idiom כָּרַ֧תִּי אִתְּךָ֛ בְּרִ֖ית 1 the blood of my sacrifice See how you translated this in [verse 12](../34/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 34 28 yun2 writing-pronouns וַיִּכְתֹּ֣ב 1 He wrote Here, **he** probably refers to Moses, based on Yahweh’s command in the previous verse. However, [Exodus 34:1](../34/01.md) opens the possibility that Yahweh wrote. It is best to leave it ambiguous, but if you must specify, saying Moses is better. Alternate translation: “Moses wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 34 29 t1s0 writing-newevent וַיְהִ֗י 1 had become radiant This marks a change of scene which you should mark in a natural way in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 34 29 x70x figs-infostructure וַיְהִ֗י בְּרֶ֤דֶת מֹשֶׁה֙ מֵהַ֣ר סִינַ֔י וּשְׁנֵ֨י לֻחֹ֤ת הָֽעֵדֻת֙ בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁ֔ה בְּרִדְתּ֖וֹ מִן־הָהָ֑ר 1 had become radiant The statement about Moses’ descent from the mountain is repeated almost verbatim, but does not refer to two events. If this would be misunderstood you may need to state it only once in translation as in the UST. Alternate translation: “Then Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he was coming down from the mountain, he was carrying the two tablets of the testimony in his hands.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
EXO 34 29 yagj figs-infostructure וּמֹשֶׁ֣ה לֹֽא־יָדַ֗ע כִּ֥י קָרַ֛ן ע֥וֹר פָּנָ֖יו בְּדַבְּר֥וֹ אִתּֽוֹ 1 had become radiant In some languages it will make more sense to state that Moses’ **face shone** before saying that he **did not know that** as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
EXO 34 30 yn9s grammar-connect-logic-result וַיִּֽירְא֖וּ 1 had become radiant They were afraid because of his bright face. Alternate translation: “because of that, they were afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EXO 34 32 kt23 וַיְצַוֵּ֕ם אֵת֩ כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּ֧ר יְהוָ֛ה אִתּ֖וֹ 1 all the commands that Yahweh had given him This means that Moses commanded the Israelites to obey everything Yahweh had commanded Moses to command the Israelites to do.
EXO 34 34 fzm1 grammar-connect-time-background 0 he would remove This and the next verse give a general statement about Moses’s practice for an unstated amount of time (it was probably from this point until his death as he continued to talk to Yahweh). You should mark this with a form in your language that is used for on-going action like **would** or the UST’s “Whenever.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
EXO 34 34 m1sv figs-activepassive יְצֻוֶּֽה 1 what he was commanded If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh had commanded him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 35 intro lew9 0 # Exodus 35 General Notes<br><br>## Structure\r<br>\r<br>- v. 1-3: reiteration of Sabbath command\r<br>- v. 4-9: list of materials for donation (see [Exodus 25:1-7](../25/01.md))\r<br>- v. 10-19: things they need to make for the Dwelling complex\r<br>- v. 20-29: the people bring all the things listed\r<br>- v. 30-36:1: appointing of lead craftsmen to build these things<br><br>## Translation Issues in this Chapter<br><br>- In the last chapter some repetition of Yahweh’s instructions began, mostly around the covenant commands. Starting in this chapter and even more so in chapter 36, the commands regarding the construction of the Dwelling complex are repeated, often word for word, from chapters 25-31. In many verses the only difference will be a change of verb form from instruction to completion. As much as possible, these parallels will be pointed out for the translators with links to the previous verses. Translators should refer back to the previously translated verses for consistency and because notes in this section may not cover everything that was covered in the initial instruction section.<br>- Many items, materials, and processes for building the Dwelling may be unknown, but should have already been addressed in chapters 25-31.
EXO 35 2 c559 translate-ordinal וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י 1 the seventh day If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “but on day 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 35 2 ax6u figs-activepassive שֵׁ֣שֶׁת יָמִים֮ תֵּעָשֶׂ֣ה מְלָאכָה֒ 1 Whoever does any work on that day must be put to death If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Six days you shall work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 35 2 zij9 figs-activepassive כָּל־הָעֹשֶׂ֥ה ב֛וֹ מְלָאכָ֖ה יוּמָֽת 1 Whoever does any work on that day must be put to death If your language would not use passive here, you could state this in an active form. Alternate translation: “You must execute anyone who works on that day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 35 4 jdb8 0 General Information: In verses 4-9, Moses tells the Israelites to collect the things Yahweh commanded him to collect in [Exodus 25:2-7](../25/02.md). You should check your translation for consistency between these passages.
EXO 35 4 ugn4 figs-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶל־כָּל־עֲדַ֥ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר זֶ֣ה הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה לֵאמֹֽר 1 General Information: Verses 5-19 are a second-level direct quotation. If it would be better to reduce the quotation level in your language, you may want to make this introductory comment (everything after the first **saying**) an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “And Moses told all of the congregation of the sons of Israel the things that Yahweh commanded, saying,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 35 5 h5c8 0 General Information: This verse is similar to [Exodus 25:2-3](../25/02.md).
EXO 35 5 n2c8 קְח֨וּ מֵֽאִתְּכֶ֤ם תְּרוּמָה֙ לַֽיהוָ֔ה 1 Take an offering for Yahweh Alternate translation: “Take up a collection for Yahweh from what you have”
EXO 35 5 qq0a figs-ellipsis כֹּ֚ל 1 Take an offering for Yahweh Here, “from” is omitted but suggested by the sentence grammar. Also, **every** means “every person.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “from every person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 35 5 pqa2 figs-idiom כֹּ֚ל נְדִ֣יב לִבּ֔וֹ 1 General Information: This is an idiom that indicates a person’s desire to give an offering. Many languages will have a similar idiom, though the body part often varies. Alternate translation: “from everyone who wants to give one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 35 5 gx87 0 General Information: After this verse, a list begins. You may need to mark the end of this verse with punctuation or another way that your language marks the start of a list.
EXO 35 6 r12v 0 General Information: This verse is identical to [Exodus 25:4](../25/04.md).
EXO 35 6 g615 figs-explicit וּתְכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י 1 General Information: This could mean: (1) “material that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet,” probably wool yarn, or (2) “blue, purple and scarlet dye” to dye the linen. The original audience would have known what was meant. This material seems to have been used for embroidery later, so “yarn” or ”thread” may be the best understanding. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 35 6 cad9 translate-unknown וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י 1 General Information: A bright red color for dying cloth was extracted from these worms. Alternate translation: “and bright red” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 35 7 nmv4 0 General Information: This verse is identical to [Exodus 25:5](../25/05.md).
EXO 35 7 l5bq translate-unknown מְאָדָּמִ֛ים 1 ram skins dyed red and fine leather hides When animal skins are tanned (processed into usable leather), they become reddish. It is not clear if these hides are dyed red or simply reddened in the tanning process. Alternate translation: “tanned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 35 7 wmsl translate-unknown תְּחָשִׁ֖ים 1 ram skins dyed red and fine leather hides The meaning of this word is not known; it may refer to some water mammal that has skin that can be made into a high-quality leather. [Sea cows on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirenia) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 35 7 tzrk translate-unknown שִׂטִּֽים 1 ram skins dyed red and fine leather hides A small tree with spreading foliage and durable wood. [See on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shittah_tree) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 35 8 y11w translate-unknown וּבְשָׂמִים֙ 1 General Information: Here, **spices** are made from parts of plants that people dry and then grind into a powder to put in oil or food, giving it a particular smell or flavor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 35 9 hcs9 translate-unknown וְאַ֨בְנֵי־שֹׁ֔הַם 1 General Information: An **onyx stone** is a valuable stone that has layers of white and black, red, or brown. If this stone is unknown to your people, consider translating it by using a word for a familiar stone with a similar pattern, if possible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EXO 35 10 dc4b figs-metonymy וְכָל־חֲכַם־לֵ֖ב 1 Every skilled man Here, **heart** and **spirit** are both referring to things innately possessed by a person, that is, traits of a person. The phrase essentially means “a talented craftsman.” If this is unclear to your readers you may consider making it more explicit. See how you translated this in [Exodus 28:3](../28/03.md). Alternate translation: “And every man with a skill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 35 10 lkp4 figs-ellipsis צִוָּ֖ה 1 Every skilled man Here, some the words that a sentence would need to be complete in some languages are left out. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context, as modeled in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 35 10 ugjb 0 Every skilled man After this verse, a list begins. You may need to mark the end of this verse with punctuation or another way that your language marks the start of a list.
EXO 35 11 s0ip מִכְסֵ֑הוּ 1 clasps See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:14](../26/14.md).
EXO 35 11 j5t7 קְרָסָיו֙ 1 clasps The **clasps** fit into the loops to hold the curtains together. See how you translated these in [Exodus 26:6](../26/06.md).
EXO 35 11 u022 קְרָשָׁ֔יו 1 clasps See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:15](../26/15.md).
EXO 35 11 pvft בְּרִיחָ֖יו 1 clasps See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:26](../26/26.md).
EXO 35 11 f1gk עַמֻּדָ֖יו 1 clasps See how you translated this in [26:32](../26/32.md).
EXO 35 11 syn4 אֲדָנָֽיו 1 bases These are heavy objects that rest on the ground and keep the object attached to them from moving. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:19](../26/19.md).
EXO 35 12 rj7s 0 atonement lid See how you translated these terms in [25:10-17](../25/10.md) and [26:36](../26/36.md).
EXO 35 13 l641 figs-metonymy לֶ֥חֶם הַפָּנִֽים 1 bread of the presence Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of Yahweh. This bread represented the presence of God. Alternate translation: “the bread of the Presence” See how you translated this in [Exodus 25:30](../25/30.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 35 15 ht7x מִזְבַּ֤ח הַקְּטֹ֨רֶת֙…שֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה…קְטֹ֣רֶת הַסַּמִּ֑ים 1 bread of the presence For the **altar**, see [30:1](../30/01.md). For the **oil**, see [30:25](../30/25.md). For the **incense**, see [30:7](../30/07.md).
EXO 35 16 h116 0 bronze grate For the **grate**, see [Exodus 27:4](../27/04.md). Most of the rest of the verse is almost identical to [30:28](../30/28.md).
EXO 35 17 h8zl קַלְעֵ֣י…מָסַ֖ךְ 1 hangings These were large curtains made of cloth. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:36](../26/36.md).
EXO 35 17 x54f עַמֻּדָ֖יו 1 posts These were strong pieces of wood set upright and used as supports. See how you translated these in [Exodus 27:10](../27/10.md).
EXO 35 17 xtm8 אֲדָנֶ֑יהָ 1 bases These were blocks that had a slot in them to keep the board in place. See how you translated this in [Exodus 26:19](../26/19.md).
EXO 35 18 n44r יִתְדֹ֧ת…יִתְדֹ֥ת 1 tent pegs These were sharp pieces of wood or metal used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:19](../27/19.md).
EXO 35 20 w6rg figs-metonymy מִלִּפְנֵ֥י מֹשֶֽׁה 1 all the tribes of Israel Alternate translation: “from Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 35 21 p2ls figs-parallelism וַיָּבֹ֕אוּ כָּל־אִ֖ישׁ אֲשֶׁר־נְשָׂא֣וֹ לִבּ֑וֹ וְכֹ֡ל אֲשֶׁר֩ נָדְבָ֨ה רוּח֜וֹ אֹת֗וֹ הֵ֠בִיאוּ 1 all the tribes of Israel These two phrases parallel each other and mean the same thing. It would be good to keep this poetic repetition in your translation unless it would be misunderstood. If repetition here would not highlight the joyful giving spirit of the Israelites in your language, you may need to combine the phrases. Alternate translation: “Everyone who was motivated, body and soul, came and gave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 35 21 r34y figs-synecdoche וַיָּבֹ֕אוּ כָּל־אִ֖ישׁ אֲשֶׁר־נְשָׂא֣וֹ לִבּ֑וֹ וְכֹ֡ל אֲשֶׁר֩ נָדְבָ֨ה רוּח֜וֹ אֹת֗וֹ הֵ֠בִיאוּ 1 all the tribes of Israel Here, **heart** and **spirit** both refer to a person’s will, their desire to do something. Many languages will have similar expressions, perhaps using different body and spirit words or concepts which you can use. If your language would not express a person’s will in this way, you could translate the meaning. Alternate translation: “And every man whose will lifted him came, and all who felt impelled brought” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 35 21 ckmu figs-metaphor אֲשֶׁר־נְשָׂא֣וֹ לִבּ֑וֹ 1 all the tribes of Israel Here, **heart lifted** is a metaphor for being willing or excited. Many languages will have similar expressions, perhaps using a different body part or a different action. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “who was excited” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 35 21 u7kq figs-gendernotations כָּל־אִ֖ישׁ אֲשֶׁר־נְשָׂא֣וֹ לִבּ֑וֹ וְכֹ֡ל אֲשֶׁר֩ נָדְבָ֨ה רוּח֜וֹ אֹת֗וֹ 1 all the tribes of Israel Here, **man, whose,** and **him** all refer to men and women in a general way. This is made explicit in the next verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you may use terms that include men and women. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 35 21 kew0 figs-abstractnouns וּלְבִגְדֵ֖י הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ 1 all the tribes of Israel If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **holiness** in another way. See how you translated this in [28:2](../28/02.md). Alternate translation: “and for the holy clothing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 35 22 mwx8 figs-synecdoche כֹּ֣ל׀ נְדִ֣יב לֵ֗ב 1 all who had a willing heart Here, **heart** refers to a person’s will, their desire to do something. It is spoken of as causing a person to bring these gifts to Yahweh. This is a shortening and combining of the figure used in the [previous verse](../35/21.md): **heart** and **impelled** are brought together. See how you translated these ideas in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “anyone whose will impelled him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 35 22 wwp2 figs-litany חָ֣ח וָנֶ֜זֶם וְטַבַּ֤עַת וְכוּמָז֙ כָּל־כְּלִ֣י זָהָ֔ב 1 brooches, earrings, rings, and ornaments These are different kinds of jewelry. The exact identity of each object is not known. The phrase **all of the things of gold** could either modify the whole list, meaning “all these items were made of gold,” or could mean “many other gold things.” If taken as a summary statement, in some languages it may be clearer to move it to the front of the list. Alternate translation: “all kinds of gold jewelry including necklaces, nose rings, signet rings, and gold ornaments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]])
EXO 35 22 frci figs-gendernotations וְכָל־אִ֕ישׁ 1 brooches, earrings, rings, and ornaments Although the term **men** is used, the word here is used in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “And every person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 35 23 s3ky 0 Everyone who had…brought them See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 25:4-5](../25/04.md).
EXO 35 23 dweo figs-activepassive וְכָל־אִ֞ישׁ אֲשֶׁר־נִמְצָ֣א אִתּ֗וֹ 1 Everyone who had…brought them If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Also, the meaning of this phrase is simple possession. Alternate translation: “And every man who owned” or “And every man having” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 35 23 hg0d figs-gendernotations וְכָל־אִ֞ישׁ 1 Everyone who had…brought them Here **man** includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “And every person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 35 23 t3ti figs-hyperbole וְכָל־אִ֞ישׁ 1 Everyone who had…brought them The phrase **every man** is used here without the restriction, “who was willing,” from previous verses. The exaggeration is used to emphasize what a large portion of the Israelites gave willingly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that expresses a large number or a majority. Alternate translation: “And very many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EXO 35 24 qpep figs-activepassive וְכֹ֡ל אֲשֶׁר֩ נִמְצָ֨א אִתּ֜וֹ 1 Everyone who had…brought them If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Also, the meaning of this phrase is simple possession. Alternate translation: “and everyone who owned” or “and everyone having” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 35 24 zk6i כָּל־מֵרִ֗ים 1 Everyone who had…brought them Here, **all** is limited by **presenters**, meaning only everyone who brought contributions. Avoid implying that every single Israelite did this (though very many did). Alternate translation: “All who decided to offer”
EXO 35 24 loob figs-hyperbole וְכֹ֡ל 1 Everyone who had…brought them The phrase **all** is used here without the restriction, “who were willing,” from previous verses. The exaggeration is used to emphasize what a large portion of the Israelites gave willingly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that expresses a large number or a majority. Alternate translation: “and very many people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EXO 35 24 bab9 figs-metonymy לְכָל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת הָעֲבֹדָ֖ה 1 Everyone who had…brought them Here, **service** refers to worshiping Yahweh, and the phrase **work of the service** refers to building the Dwelling as a place for worshiping Yahweh. Alternate translation: “for any of the building of a place for worship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 35 25 ae9d figs-metonymy חַכְמַת־לֵ֖ב 1 blue, purple, or scarlet wool Here, **heart** is referring to something innately possessed by a person, that is, a trait of a person. The phrase essentially means “a talented craftswoman.” If this is unclear to your readers you may consider making it more explicit. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 28:3](../28/03.md). Alternate translation: “who possessed the skill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 35 25 ebm5 אֶֽת־הַתְּכֵ֨לֶת֙ וְאֶת־הָֽאַרְגָּמָ֔ן אֶת־תּוֹלַ֥עַת הַשָּׁנִ֖י 1 blue, purple, or scarlet wool This could mean: (1) “material that is dyed blue, purple, and scarlet,” probably wool yarn, or (2) “blue, purple and scarlet dye” to dye the linen. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Exodus 25:4](../25/04.md).
EXO 35 26 k1gy figs-synecdoche אֲשֶׁ֨ר נָשָׂ֥א לִבָּ֛ן אֹתָ֖נָה 1 whose hearts stirred them up Here, **heart** refers to a persons’ will, their desire to do something. It is spoken of as causing a person to use her skills for Yahweh. This is the same as the first phrase in [verse 21](../35/21.md). Alternate translation: “whose wills impelled them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 35 29 hqle figs-infostructure 0 whose heart was willing The order of clauses in the ULT is reversed from the original because of required English sentence structure. In the original, **The sons of Israel brought a freewill offering to Yahweh** is at the end of the verse. Other languages may be able to retain the original order. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])
EXO 35 29 li5z figs-synecdoche אֲשֶׁ֨ר נָדַ֣ב לִבָּם֮ אֹתָם֒ 1 whose heart was willing Here, **heart** refers to a persons’ will, their desire to do something. It is spoken of as causing a person to bring these gifts to Yahweh. See how you translated this in [25:2](../25/02.md) and [35:22](../35/22.md). Alternate translation: “whose will impelled them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 35 29 w582 figs-metonymy אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהוָ֛ה לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁ֑ה 1 Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, from the tribe of Judah Here, **by the hand of Moses** refers to Moses as a messenger for Yahweh’s commands, not to Moses being the one who would build all these things. If this imagery of carrying a message would be misunderstood in your language, you may use another figure or translate the meaning. Alternate translation: “which Yahweh had told Moses to tell them to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 35 30 kx4o translate-names בְּצַלְאֵ֛ל…אוּרִ֥י…ח֖וּר 1 Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, from the tribe of Judah These are men’s names. See [31:2](../31/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 35 31 gse9 figs-metaphor וַיְמַלֵּ֥א אֹת֖וֹ ר֣וּחַ אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 He has filled Bezalel with his Spirit Yahweh speaks of giving Bezalel his spirit as if Bezalel were a container and God’s spirit were a liquid. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “And he has given his spirit to Bezalel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 35 31 jsd7 figs-abstractnouns בְּחָכְמָ֛ה 1 He has filled Bezalel with his Spirit If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **skill** in another way. Alternate translation: “so he can work skillfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 35 31 hnju figs-abstractnouns וּבְדַ֖עַת 1 He has filled Bezalel with his Spirit If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **understanding** in another way. Alternate translation: “and so he can understand his work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 35 31 qx5o figs-abstractnouns וּבְדַ֖עַת 1 He has filled Bezalel with his Spirit If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **knowledge** in another way. Alternate translation: “and so he knows his work well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 35 31 cf63 figs-abstractnouns וּבְכָל־מְלָאכָֽה 1 He has filled Bezalel with his Spirit If your language does not use an abstract noun for **craftsmanship**, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun in another way. Alternate translation: “and for making all kinds of crafts” or “and so that he can make all kinds of things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 35 34 xd67 figs-idiom וּלְהוֹרֹ֖ת נָתַ֣ן בְּלִבּ֑וֹ 1 He has put it in his heart to teach Here, **put in his heart** is an idiom referring to ability and desire. These are spoken of as if they are something that could be placed in a heart. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “And he gave to them the ability and desire to teach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 35 34 ab2z translate-names וְאָֽהֳלִיאָ֥ב…אֲחִיסָמָ֖ךְ 1 Oholiab son of Ahisamak, from the tribe of Dan These are names of men. See how you translated these names in [Exodus 31:6](../31/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 35 35 ehu7 0 filled them with skill This verse summarizes and pulls together many previously mentioned things. See [28:3](../28/03.md) (**skill of heart**), [25:4](../25/04.md) (for materials), [26:36](../26/36.md) (**embroiderer**), [28:32](../28/32.md) (**weaver**), [26:31](../26/31.md) (**skillful workman**), [31:3](../31/03.md) (**craftsman**), [28:6](../28/06.md) (**designer of designs**).
EXO 35 35 rcv9 figs-metaphor מִלֵּ֨א אֹתָ֜ם חָכְמַת־לֵ֗ב 1 filled them with skill Here, **skill** to create beautiful objects is spoken of as if it were something that could fill up a person. If your readers would not understand what this image means in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “He has made them very skillful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 35 35 jvtd figs-synecdoche חָכְמַת־לֵ֗ב 1 filled them with skill Here, **of heart** refers to possessing something, in this case ability or skill. Some languages will use a different body part for this image. Alternate translation: “with ability” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 36 intro nz4n 0 # Exodus 36 General Notes<br><br>## Structure<br><br>\r<br>\r<br>* v. 1: finish Moses’ instruction\r<br>* v. 2-7: craftsmen collect materials from Moses, inform him the people should stop bringing things because they have too much already -v. 8-38: construction of the Dwelling, verse-by-verse quotations marked below\r<br> * v. 8-18: quote [Exodus 26:1-11](../26/01.md)\r<br> * v. 19-34: quote [Exodus 26:14-29](../26/14.md)\r<br> * v. 35-36: quote [26:31-32](../26/31.md)\r<br> * v. 37-38: quote [26:36-37](../26/36.md)<br><br>## Translation issues<br><br>* The first verse of this chapter goes with the last chapter.<br>* Most of this chapter exactly quotes chapter 26 with a shift from instruction to past narrative form on the verbs and a few other minor changes; some are Hebrew word order that will be invisible here. Be sure to consult your previous work for consistency.<br>* Throughout verses 8-38 the word **he**is used. This is a generic noun referring to any of the team of skilled craftsmen. You could also change it to “they” if that would be understood better in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 36 1 ubk2 0 General Information: This verse is the end of a quotation from Moses that begin in [35:30](../35/30.md). It should be connected as visually as possible to the previous verses, as the chapter break here is poorly placed.
EXO 36 1 ds99 translate-names בְצַלְאֵ֨ל וְאָהֳלִיאָ֜ב 1 Bezalel **Bezalel and Oholiab** are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Exodus 31:2](../31/02.md) and [31:6](../31/06.md) as well as in the end of [chapter 35](../35/30.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 36 1 y1h1 figs-gendernotations אִ֣ישׁ 1 Bezalel We know from [35:25](../35/25.md) that women were included in the skilled workers, so **man** means every person. Alternate translation: “person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 36 1 tr3p figs-synecdoche חֲכַם־לֵ֗ב 1 to whom Yahweh has given skill and ability Here, **of heart** refers to innately possessing something, in this case ability or skill. Some languages will use a different body part for this image. Alternate translation: “with innate ability” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 36 1 ah6j figs-abstractnouns חָכְמָ֤ה 1 to whom Yahweh has given skill and ability If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **skill** in another way. See [35:31](../35/31.md). Alternate translation: “the ability to work skillfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 36 1 d6os figs-abstractnouns וּתְבוּנָה֙ 1 to whom Yahweh has given skill and ability If your language does not use an abstract noun for this idea, you can express the idea behind the abstract noun **understanding** in another way. See [35:31](../35/31.md). Alternate translation: “and so he can understand his work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 36 1 mdi4 figs-metonymy מְלֶ֖אכֶת עֲבֹדַ֣ת הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ 1 according to all that Yahweh has commanded Here, **service** refers to worshiping Yahweh, and the phrase **work of the service** refers to building the Dwelling (**Holy Place**) where the Israelites would worship Yahweh. See [35:24](../35/24.md). Alternate translation: “the building of the Holy Place for worship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 36 2 tda7 אֶל־בְּצַלְאֵ֘ל וְאֶל־אָֽהֳלִיאָב֒ וְאֶל֙ כָּל־אִ֣ישׁ חֲכַם־לֵ֔ב אֲשֶׁ֨ר נָתַ֧ן יְהוָ֛ה חָכְמָ֖ה בְּלִבּ֑וֹ 1 in whose mind Yahweh had given skill See how you translated this in the [previous verse](../36/01.md).
EXO 36 2 vvtz figs-abstractnouns חָכְמָ֖ה 1 in whose mind Yahweh had given skill See how you translated **skill** in the [previous verse](../36/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 36 2 yuq8 figs-metaphor כֹּ֚ל אֲשֶׁ֣ר נְשָׂא֣וֹ לִבּ֔וֹ 1 whose heart stirred within him See how you translated this in [35:21](../35/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EXO 36 3 est0 וַיִּקְח֞וּ 1 whose heart stirred within him Alternate translation: “and the craftsmen took”
EXO 36 3 xkix figs-metonymy מִלִּפְנֵ֣י 1 whose heart stirred within him Here, **before the face** means with Moses. Moses had received and kept the building materials. Alternate translation: “from the custody of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 36 3 mtkr figs-idiom בַּבֹּ֥קֶר בַּבֹּֽקֶר 1 whose heart stirred within him This is an idiom meaning every morning or every day. Use a similar expression or translate the meaning. Alternate translation: “morning by morning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 36 4 b772 figs-nominaladj הַ֣חֲכָמִ֔ים 1 whose heart stirred within him Here the adjective **skilled** is used as a noun in order to describe the group of craftsmen. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “the skilled workers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
EXO 36 4 pz6u figs-idiom אִֽישׁ־אִ֥ישׁ 1 whose heart stirred within him Here, **every single man** translates an idiom that cannot be rendered literally and sensibly in English. The original is ”a man a man.” If your language would use repetition to emphasize that each and every man came to see Moses, you could follow the original; otherwise use a phrase or structure that emphasizes that they all came. Alternate translation: “every man without exception” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 36 4 gjrz figs-gendernotations אִֽישׁ־אִ֥ישׁ 1 whose heart stirred within him As previously, noted, there were some women who contributed (particularly in the cloth crafts) so this use of **man** may include women. Alternate translation: “every single worker” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EXO 36 5 tni7 figs-quotations וַיֹּאמְרוּ֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֣ה לֵּאמֹ֔ר מַרְבִּ֥ים הָעָ֖ם לְהָבִ֑יא מִדֵּ֤י הָֽעֲבֹדָה֙ לַמְּלָאכָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה לַעֲשֹׂ֥ת אֹתָֽהּ 1 The craftsmen told Moses…commanded us to do.” If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “The craftsmen told Moses that the people were bringing much more than enough for doing the work that Yahweh has commanded them to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 36 6 es1y figs-quotations אִ֣ישׁ וְאִשָּׁ֗ה אַל־יַעֲשׂוּ־ע֛וֹד מְלָאכָ֖ה לִתְרוּמַ֣ת הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ 1 The craftsmen told Moses…commanded us to do.” If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “that no one should bring any more contributions for the work of the Holy Place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
EXO 36 6 k3g1 figs-metonymy וַיַּעֲבִ֨ירוּ ק֥וֹל 1 The craftsmen told Moses…commanded us to do.” Here, **sound** refers to the message. This means they spread Moses’ message orally. Alternate translation: “everyone to share this message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 36 6 ak26 figs-genericnoun אִ֣ישׁ וְאִשָּׁ֗ה אַל־יַעֲשׂוּ 1 The craftsmen told Moses…commanded us to do.” Here, **man and woman** is intended to mean everyone, or in this case because of the negation, no one. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “No one shall make” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
EXO 36 6 k1qm מְלָאכָ֖ה 1 The craftsmen told Moses…commanded us to do.” Here, **work** means the sorts of crafted items listed in the previous chapter.
EXO 36 6 utcw figs-ellipsis מֵהָבִֽיא 1 The craftsmen told Moses…commanded us to do.” In some languages you may need to provide an object for this sentence. Alternate translation: “from bringing contributions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 36 7 ipiu וְהַמְּלָאכָ֗ה 1 The craftsmen told Moses…commanded us to do.” Here, **work** means the sorts of crafted items listed in the previous chapter.
EXO 36 8 kw33 0 General Information: Except for tense and the addition of **every skilled of heart among the doers of the work,** this verse is identical to [Exodus 26:1](../26/01.md).
EXO 36 8 l7ub figs-synecdoche כָל־חֲכַם־לֵ֜ב 1 ten curtains made from fine linen See how you translated this in [35:21](../35/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EXO 36 8 zz0w figs-genericnoun עָשָׂ֥ה 1 ten curtains made from fine linen Throughout verses 8-38 the word **he** used. This is a generic noun referring to any of the team of skilled craftsmen. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: “they made” or “a craftsman made” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
EXO 36 18 mq1j 0 General Information: This verse is similar to [Exodus 26:11](../26/11.md). The difference is the absence of the middle clause from 26:11.
EXO 36 30 r252 figs-explicit שְׁנֵ֤י אֲדָנִים֙ שְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֔ים תַּ֖חַת הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ הָאֶחָֽד 1 and so on The list formula from [26:25](../26/25.md) is strangely shortened here but has the same meaning. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 37 intro mt99 0 # Exodus 37 General Notes<br><br>## Structure\r<br>\r<br>- v. 1-9 Making the ark, see [Exodus 25:10-20](../25/10.md)\r<br>- v. 10-16 Making the table, see [Exodus 25:23-29](../25/23.md)\r<br>- v. 17-24 Making the lampstand, see [Exodus 25:31-39](../25/31.md)\r<br>- v. 25-28 Making the altar for incense, see [Exodus 30:1-5](../30/01.md)\r<br>- v. 29 Making the oil and incense, see [Exodus 30:22-38](../30/22.md)<br><br>## Potential translation issues<br><br>- This chapter continues the record of the construction of the Dwelling and the items for it in almost exact repetition of Yahweh’s instructions.<br>Be sure to consult your previous work for consistency.<br>- Throughout the chapter the word **he** is used. This is a generic noun referring to any of the team of skilled craftsmen. You could also change it to “they” if that would be understood better in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 37 23 b2jq 0 General Information: This verse is almost identical with [Exodus 25:37-38](../25/37.md), excluding the purpose clause in v. 37 (“and it will hold up its lamps, and it will make light on the side of its face”).
EXO 37 29 c992 0 General Information: For the **oil**, see [Exodus 30:25](../30/25.md), and for the **incense** see [25:6](../25/06.md) and [30:35](../30/35.md).
EXO 38 intro hp86 0 # Exodus 38 General Notes<br><br>- This chapter continues the record of the construction of the Dwelling and the items for it in almost exact repetition of Yahweh’s instructions.<br>Be sure to consult your previous work for consistency. Verses 1-20 of this chapter follow [Exodus 27:1-19](../27/01.md) almost verse for verse.<br>- Throughout the chapter the word **he** is used. This is a generic noun referring to any of the team of skilled craftsmen. You could also change it to “they” if that would be understood better in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 38 1 r81c 0 General Information This verse is very similar to [Exodus 27:1](../27/01.md).
EXO 38 2 g71x 0 General Information This verse is almost identical to [Exodus 27:2](../27/02.md).
EXO 38 3 v73t 0 General Information This verse is very similar to [Exodus 27:3](../27/03.md).
EXO 38 4 rx7v 0 General Information: This verse is very similar to [Exodus 27:4](../27/04.md) and [Exodus 27:5](../27/05.md). One part of 27:4 is rearranged into 38:5.
EXO 38 5 kp6w 0 General Information: This verse is very similar to the second half of [Exodus 27:4](../27/04.md).
EXO 38 6 l258 0 General Information: This verse is very similar to [Exodus 27:6](../27/06.md).
EXO 38 7 ys63 0 General Information: This verse is very similar to [Exodus 27:7](../27/07.md) and the first part of [27:8](../27/08.md).
EXO 38 8 e6gd וַיַּ֗עַשׂ אֵ֚ת הַכִּיּ֣וֹר נְחֹ֔שֶׁת וְאֵ֖ת כַּנּ֣וֹ נְחֹ֑שֶׁת 1 large bronze basin with a bronze stand This portion is almost identical to [Exodus 30:18](../30/18.md).
EXO 38 8 mdx9 figs-explicit בְּמַרְאֹת֙ 1 He made the basin out of mirrors The **bronze** came from the **mirrors.** If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “from the bronze mirrors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EXO 38 11 xl4c figs-ellipsis מֵאָ֣ה בָֽאַמָּ֔ה 1 cubits Here, “the curtains of the courtyard” and “long” are both omitted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “the curtains of the courtyard were 100 cubits long” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 38 18 yf6z translate-bdistance וְעֶשְׂרִ֤ים…חָמֵ֣שׁ 1 cubits If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. A cubit is approximately 46cm. For your reference, a more precise conversion to metric is: 9.2m … 2.3m (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EXO 38 18 trz5 וְקוֹמָ֤ה בְרֹ֨חַב֙ חָמֵ֣שׁ אַמּ֔וֹת 1 The curtain was made of This probably refers to the general dimensions (20 cubits long by 5 cubits wide) but clarifies that the **width** would become the **height** of the curtain when the craftsmen or Levites set up the Dwelling. Alternate translation: “and the width, which corresponded to the height when hung, was five cubits”
EXO 38 21 k2ex figs-activepassive אֲשֶׁ֥ר פֻּקַּ֖ד 1 as it was taken If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which the Levites recorded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 38 21 qivw figs-idiom עַל־פִּ֣י מֹשֶׁ֑ה 1 Ithamar This is an idiom referring to Moses telling them to make these records. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “following Moses’ instructions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 38 21 op5h figs-metonymy בְּיַד֙ אִֽיתָמָ֔ר בֶּֽן־אַהֲרֹ֖ן הַכֹּהֵֽן 1 Ithamar Here, **by the hand of** could mean: (1) Ithamar was in charge of the group that recorded these records (2) Ithamar was the scribe who actually wrote these records. Alternate translation: “under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest” or “written down by Ithamar son of Aaron the priest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 38 21 ex1t translate-names אִֽיתָמָ֔ר 1 Ithamar **Ithamar** is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in [Exodus 6:23](../06/23.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 38 22 d86g translate-names וּבְצַלְאֵ֛ל בֶּן־אוּרִ֥י בֶן־ח֖וּר 1 Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur **Bezalel**, **Uri,** and **Hur** are the names of men. See how you translated these in [Exodus 31:2](../31/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 38 22 i4ha figs-ellipsis מֹשֶֽׁה 1 Yahweh had commanded Moses This sentence leaves out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words. Alternate translation: “Moses to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 38 23 f93b translate-names אָהֳלִיאָ֞ב בֶּן־אֲחִיסָמָ֛ךְ 1 Oholiab son of Ahisamak **Oholiab** and **Ahisamak**are names of men. See how you translated these in [Exodus 31:6](../31/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EXO 38 23 wvw4 חָרָ֣שׁ וְחֹשֵׁ֑ב וְרֹקֵ֗ם בַּתְּכֵ֨לֶת֙ וּבָֽאַרְגָּמָ֔ן וּבְתוֹלַ֥עַת הַשָּׁנִ֖י וּבַשֵּֽׁשׁ 1 an engraver, as a skillful workman, and as an embroiderer This is very similar to part of [Exodus 35:35](../35/35.md).
EXO 38 24 tl4k figs-activepassive כָּל־הַזָּהָ֗ב הֶֽעָשׂוּי֙ 1 All the gold that was used for the project If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “All the gold that the craftsmen used” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 38 24 y7hy translate-bweight תֵּ֤שַׁע וְעֶשְׂרִים֙ כִּכָּ֔ר וּשְׁבַ֨ע מֵא֧וֹת וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים שֶׁ֖קֶל בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ 1 twenty-nine talents A talent is about 34 kilograms, and a shekel is about 11 grams. There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time; **by the shekel of the sanctuary** specified which one was to be used. See how you translated this in [Exodus 30:13](../30/13.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])
EXO 38 25 ni5b translate-bweight מְאַ֣ת כִּכָּ֑ר וְאֶלֶף֩ וּשְׁבַ֨ע מֵא֜וֹת וַחֲמִשָּׁ֧ה וְשִׁבְעִ֛ים שֶׁ֖קֶל בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ 1 one hundred talents A talent is about 34 kilograms, and a shekel is about 11 grams. There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time, **by the shekel of the sanctuary** specified which one was to be used. See [the previous verse](../38/24.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])
EXO 38 26 t2gi translate-bweight בֶּ֚קַע לַגֻּלְגֹּ֔לֶת מַחֲצִ֥ית הַשֶּׁ֖קֶל בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ 1 one beka A beka is 1/2 a shekel. A shekel is 11 grams. There were evidently shekels of more than one weight at the time; **by the shekel of the sanctuary** specified which one was to be used. See [verse 24](../38/24.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. Alternate translation: “five and a half grams” or “5 1/2 grams” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])
EXO 38 26 fyy5 translate-fraction מַחֲצִ֥ית הַשֶּׁ֖קֶל 1 half a shekel A **half** means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
EXO 38 26 nvf8 figs-ellipsis לְכֹ֨ל הָעֹבֵ֜ר עַל־הַפְּקֻדִ֗ים מִבֶּ֨ן עֶשְׂרִ֤ים שָׁנָה֙ וָמַ֔עְלָה לְשֵׁשׁ־מֵא֥וֹת אֶ֨לֶף֙ וּשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת אֲלָפִ֔ים וַחֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת וַחֲמִשִּֽׁים 1 half a shekel Here the account leaves out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. The idea that this silver was “received” **from** these “men” is left out. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “received from every passer over to the counted ones from a son of 20 years and older—received from 603,550 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 38 26 ll8b figs-idiom מִבֶּ֨ן עֶשְׂרִ֤ים שָׁנָה֙ 1 This figure was reached on the basis of every person who was counted in the census This is an idiom meaning 20 years old. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “from those 20 years old” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EXO 38 27 p7r5 translate-bweight מְאַת֙ כִּכַּ֣ר 1 One hundred talents of silver were cast A talent is about 34 kilograms. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])
EXO 38 28 nxf5 figs-ellipsis הָאֶ֜לֶף וּשְׁבַ֤ע הַמֵּאוֹת֙ וַחֲמִשָּׁ֣ה וְשִׁבְעִ֔ים 1 Bezalel Here the words **shekels of silver** have been omitted because they are understood from [verse 25](../38/25.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “the 1,775 shekels of silver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 38 29 p3mr translate-bweight שִׁבְעִ֣ים כִּכָּ֑ר וְאַלְפַּ֥יִם וְאַרְבַּע־מֵא֖וֹת שָֽׁקֶל 1 seventy talents and 2,400 shekels A talent is about 34 kilograms, and a shekel is about 11 grams. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in terms of modern measurements, either in the text or a footnote. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])
EXO 38 30 rck7 מִכְבַּ֥ר 1 grate A **grate** is a frame of crossed bars for holding wood when burning. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:4](../27/04.md).
EXO 38 31 bvr9 יִתְדֹ֧ת…יִתְדֹ֥ת 1 tent pegs These are sharp bronze stakes that were used to secure the corners of a tent to the ground. See how you translated this in [Exodus 27:19](../27/19.md).
EXO 39 intro mll6 0 # Exodus 39 General Notes<br><br>- This chapter continues the record of the construction in almost exact repetition of Yahweh’s instructions. The special, holy clothing mentioned in previous chapters is produced to the correct specifications in this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])<br>Be sure to consult your previous work to maintain consistency. Verses 1-31 of this chapter follow [Exodus 28:1-37](../28/01.md) with some differences. Verses 33-41 follow [35:10-19](../35/10.md).<br>- Throughout the chapter the people making the items are referred to interchangeably as **he** or **they**. Both are generic nouns referring to any of the team of skilled craftsmen. You could change all instances to “they” or “he” if that would be understood better in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EXO 39 1 e1xh figs-abstractnouns בִּגְדֵ֤י הַקֹּ֨דֶשׁ֙ 1 as Yahweh had commanded Moses If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **holiness**, you can express the same idea in another way. See how you translated this in [28:2](../28/02.md). Alternate translation: “the holy clothes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EXO 39 6 k7vw 0 General Information: See how you translated many of these words in [Exodus 28:9](../28/09.md) and especially [Exodus 28:11](../28/11.md). Here, as there, the **sons of Israel** literally means the twelve sons, Rueben through Benjamin, not the Israelite nation.
EXO 39 10 m54c 0 They set in it This verse is almost identical to [Exodus 28:17](../28/17.md).
EXO 39 11 qx96 0 an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond This verse is identical to [Exodus 28:18](../28/18.md).
EXO 39 12 kk8t 0 a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst This verse is identical to [Exodus 28:19](../28/19.md).
EXO 39 13 l9wa 0 a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper This verse is almost identical to [Exodus 28:20](../28/20.md).
EXO 39 14 z5va 0 General Information: This verse is almost identical to [Exodus 28:21](../28/21.md).
EXO 39 15 byz8 0 General Information: This verse is almost identical to [Exodus 28:22](../28/22.md).
EXO 39 16 b8m6 0 General Information: This verse is very similar to [Exodus 28:23-24](../28/23.md).
EXO 39 17 w2s4 0 General Information: This verse is almost identical to [Exodus 28:24](../28/24.md).
EXO 39 18 bw76 0 General Information: This verse is identical to [Exodus 28:25](../28/25.md) except for verb tense.
EXO 39 19 nd41 0 General Information: This verse is identical to [Exodus 28:26](../28/26.md) except for verb tense.
EXO 39 20 w8wz 0 General Information: This verse is identical to [Exodus 28:27](../28/27.md) except for verb tense.
EXO 39 21 zu91 0 General Information: This verse is almost identical to [Exodus 28:28](../28/28.md) except for the note about Yahweh’s command.
EXO 39 22 vdw1 0 General Information: This verse is almost identical to most of [Exodus 28:31-32](../28/31.md).
EXO 39 23 cyc1 0 General Information: This verse is very similar to [Exodus 28:32](../28/32.md).
EXO 39 24 eak6 0 General Information: This verse is similar to part of [Exodus 28:33](../28/33.md).
EXO 39 25 sx9b 0 General Information: This verse is similar to parts of [Exodus 28:33](../28/33.md).
EXO 39 26 gtg5 0 General Information: The first part of this verse is almost identical to the first part of [Exodus 28:34](../28/34.md).
EXO 39 27 pz63 0 General Information: Verses 27-29 reflect [Exodus 28:39](../28/39.md), [40](../28/40.md), and [42](../28/42.md) but in a different order.
EXO 39 28 um4e 0 turban Verses 27-29 reflect [Exodus 28:39](../28/39.md), [40](../28/40.md), and [42](../28/42.md) but in a different order.
EXO 39 29 hn5g 0 sash Verses 27-29 reflect [Exodus 28:39](../28/39.md), [40](../28/40.md), and [42](../28/42.md) but in a different order.
EXO 39 30 kq33 0 General Information: This verse is almost identical [Exodus 28:36](../28/36.md). See [29:6](../29/06.md) for the **crown of holiness**.
EXO 39 31 fml2 0 General Information: This verse is very similar to [Exodus 28:37](../28/37.md).
EXO 39 32 jh64 writing-endofstory 0 General Information: This verse marks the end of the narrative of the construction of the Dwelling. More precisely, it seems to mark the beginning of an ending section. Use the natural form in your language for expressing the conclusion of a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])
EXO 39 32 z1z7 figs-doublet מִשְׁכַּ֖ן אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד 1 So the work on the Dwelling, the tent of meeting, was finished. The people of Israel did everything The **tabernacle** and **tent of meeting** are the same thing. The two interchangeable terms are brought together here in a poetic doubling to bring this part of the narrative to a close. If your readers would find this confusing you may need to simplify to one or expand in explanation like in the UST. Alternate translation: “holy meeting tent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 39 32 et19 figs-parallelism וַֽיַּעֲשׂוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כְּ֠כֹל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהוָ֛ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֖ה כֵּ֥ן עָשֽׂוּ 1 So the work on the Dwelling, the tent of meeting, was finished. The people of Israel did everything Here, **thus they did** parallels the whole rest of the sentence. Like the doubling of the terms for **tabernacle** this brings the narrative of building to an emphatic conclusion. If this sort of parallelism would convey a meaning other than this emphatic conclusion in your language you may need to use another natural way to close the narrative with emphasis on the Israelites complete obedience. Alternate translation: “And the sons of Israel faithfully did exactly according to all that Yahweh had commanded Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EXO 39 33 ri54 writing-newevent 0 So the work on the Dwelling, the tent of meeting, was finished. The people of Israel did everything This verse starts a short narrative of the Israelites bringing and presenting the items for the Dwelling to Moses for inspection. It is a summary of the construction and extended conclusion to the last few chapters. Your team may need to decide how to group verse 32, as it both closes the construction narrative and introduces this next section, which ends with a very similar summary statement in [verses 42-43](../39/42.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 39 33 y9ym 0 clasps This verse, especially the list of items, is very similar to [35:11](../35/11.md).
EXO 39 34 z6r6 וְאֶת־מִכְסֵ֞ה עוֹרֹ֤ת הָֽאֵילִם֙ הַמְאָדָּמִ֔ים וְאֶת־מִכְסֵ֖ה עֹרֹ֣ת הַתְּחָשִׁ֑ים 1 the covering of ram skins dyed red, the covering of fine leather See how you translated similar phrases to this in [Exodus 26:14](../26/14.md).
EXO 39 34 l0fi פָּרֹ֥כֶת הַמָּסָֽךְ 1 the covering of ram skins dyed red, the covering of fine leather See how you translated similar phrases to this in [35:12](../35/12.md).
EXO 39 35 i7d9 0 atonement lid See how you translated similar phrases to this in [35:12](../35/12.md).
EXO 39 36 knn8 0 bread of the presence This verse is almost identical to [35:13](../35/13.md).
EXO 39 37 nzph 0 bread of the presence This verse is very similar to [35:14](../35/14.md).
EXO 39 38 elv1 0 bread of the presence This verse is very similar to [35:15](../35/15.md).
EXO 39 39 e755 0 grate This verse is almost identical with [35:16](../35/16.md).
EXO 39 40 i8lm 0 Connecting Statement: This verse is almost identical with [35:17](../35/17.md) and parts of [35:18](../35/18.md).
EXO 39 40 ajt4 figs-doublet הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן לְאֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד 1 the Dwelling, the tent of meeting These refer to the same place. See how you translated the doubling in [verse 32](../39/32.md). Alternate translation: “the Dwelling, that is the tent of meeting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 39 41 z3ip 0 the Dwelling, the tent of meeting This verse is identical to [35:19](../35/19.md).
EXO 39 42 ct6k 0 Thus the people This verse is almost identical to the second half of [verse 32](../39/32.md).
EXO 39 43 t26m וְהִנֵּה֙ 1 behold Here, the word **behold** draws attention to the information that follows. Use a word or marking in your language that draws attention to the next information.
EXO 39 43 z79s writing-endofstory 0 As Yahweh had commanded, in that way they did it This (and really verse 42) is the end of the conclusion of the construction of materials portion of the story. The ending began in [verse 32](../39/32.md). If your language has specific features that should be part of the end of a section like this, consider using them here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])
EXO 40 intro fa6e 0 # Exodus 40 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and Formatting<br><br>- In this chapter, **just as Yahweh commanded Moses** is repeated seven times, as in the previous chapter, to show that Moses was obedient to every detail of Yahweh’s command.<br>- This chapter is repetitive both internally and with other parts of the book. Verses 17-33 parallel verses 2-8 in an expanded way.<br><br>## Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter<br><br>- The **Dwelling** and **tent of meeting** are the same thing, but both appear next to each other many times in this chapter. The two interchangeable terms are brought together throughout this chapter in a poetic doubling to bring book to a close. If your readers would find this confusing, you may need to simplify to one or expand in explanation like in the UST.<br>- This chapter says that Moses did all these things. Just like with Bezalel in earlier chapters, it would have been impossible for him to do all this personally. The people helped him set up the Dwelling. In many translations this will more clear if you make this explicit.<br>- “the glory of Yahweh filled the Dwelling”: This phrase indicates that Yahweh began to dwell within the Dwelling, among Israel, in a special way. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/tabernacle]])
EXO 40 1 ea7j writing-newevent 0 There is a transition to a new event at the beginning of this chapter. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 40 2 bgv1 translate-ordinal בְּיוֹם־הַחֹ֥דֶשׁ הָרִאשׁ֖וֹן בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ 1 If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “On day one of the month, in month one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 40 2 gzk3 figs-doublet מִשְׁכַּ֖ן אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד 1 the first day of the first month of the new year These refer to the same place. See how you translated the doubling in [39:32](../39/32.md). Alternate translation: “the Dwelling, that is the tent of meeting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 40 2 clkf figs-ellipsis לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ 1 the first day of the first month of the new year Here, the new or next year is omitted because it can be inferred from context. However, if that would be misunderstood by your readers (perhaps they would think it just meant ”next month” or something), you could add a phrase to make it clear that it is the first month of the year. This refers to exactly one year after God rescued his people from Egypt. See [Exodus 12:2](../12/02.md). Alternate translation: “month of the year” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EXO 40 3 l7fp וְסַכֹּתָ֥ עַל 1 place the ark of the testimony in it Alternate translation: “and you shall conceal”
EXO 40 5 b3ct figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֖י 1 place the ark of the testimony in it Alternate translation: “in front of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 40 6 o5sz figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֕י 1 place the ark of the testimony in it Alternate translation: “in front of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 40 6 nqha figs-doublet מִשְׁכַּ֥ן אֹֽהֶל־מוֹעֵֽד 1 place the ark of the testimony in it These refer to the same place. See how you translated the doubling in [39:32](../39/32.md). Alternate translation: “the Dwelling, that is the tent of meeting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EXO 40 10 yiq8 figs-possession קֹ֥דֶשׁ קָֽדָשִֽׁים 1 General Information: Here, **holiest holy** means extremely or uniquely holy. If this form would not express that this item would become uniquely holy in your language you may need to find another way to express this idea. See how you translated this in [Exodus 29:37](../29/37.md). Alternate translation: “a most holy thing” or “extraordinarily holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
EXO 40 16 xl61 writing-newevent 0 General Information: This statement starts a new section in which Moses does all the things **just as Yahweh had commanded**; this poetic obedience statement was seen so often in the previous chapter. You may wish to mark this transition and poetic statement in a particular way in your language that is similar to how you did in the last chapter. See [39:32](../39/32.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EXO 40 17 r6pc figs-activepassive הוּקַ֖ם הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן 1 So the Dwelling was set up The use of the passive here indicates that the important thing is the completion of the task of setting up the tent on the specific date Yahweh had commanded. If your language would show that focus in a different way, use a natural form to do that. Alternate translation: “that they set up the Dwelling” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 40 17 gzu5 בַּחֹ֧דֶשׁ הָרִאשׁ֛וֹן בַּשָּׁנָ֥ה הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ 1 the first day of the first month This refers to exactly one year after God rescued his people from Egypt. See [Exodus 12:2](../12/02.md).
EXO 40 17 wnh8 translate-ordinal בַּחֹ֧דֶשׁ הָרִאשׁ֛וֹן בַּשָּׁנָ֥ה הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית בְּאֶחָ֣ד 1 in the second year If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers here. Alternate translation: “in month one, year two, on day one of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EXO 40 18 kk4n figs-metonymy וַיָּ֨קֶם מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֗ן וַיִּתֵּן֙ אֶת־אֲדָנָ֔יו 1 Moses set up Moses was the leader. It would have been impossible for him to do all this personally; the people helped him set up the Dwelling. All references to Moses from here to all the Dwelling assembly listing through [verse 33](../40/33.md) can be understood this way. Alternate translation: “And Moses directed the people to raise up the Dwelling, and they placed its bases”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 40 20 chx4 writing-pronouns וַיִּקַּ֞ח…וַיָּ֥שֶׂם 1 Moses set up In this verse and the next, there may be an exception to the word **he** meaning someone who was helping Moses, because these items were especially sacred. If you have been using a form that indicates that people are helping Moses construct the Dwelling, you may consider switching to “Moses” here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 40 21 yhbs writing-pronouns וַיָּבֵ֣א…וַיָּ֗שֶׂם 1 Moses set up In this verse and the previous verse, there may be an exception to the word **he** meaning someone who was helping Moses, because these items were especially sacred. If you have been using a form that indicates that people are helping Moses construct the Dwelling, you may consider switching to “Moses” here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])
EXO 40 23 b3pp figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֣י 1 Moses set up Alternate translation: “in the presence of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 40 25 t2o2 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֣י 1 Moses set up Alternate translation: “in the presence of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 40 26 i5gg figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֖י 1 in front of the curtain Alternate translation: “in front of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 40 27 iwuo 0 in front of the curtain See [30:7](../30/07.md).
EXO 40 35 ysd8 וְלֹא־יָכֹ֣ל מֹשֶׁ֗ה לָבוֹא֙ אֶל־אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד כִּֽי־שָׁכַ֥ן עָלָ֖יו הֶעָנָ֑ן וּכְב֣וֹד יְהוָ֔ה מָלֵ֖א אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן 1 Yahweh’s glory filled If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “Because the cloud had settled on it and the glory of Yahweh had filled the Dwelling, Moses was not able to go into the tent of meeting.”
EXO 40 36 ak35 figs-activepassive וּבְהֵעָל֤וֹת הֶֽעָנָן֙ 1 was taken up from over If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Whenever Yahweh’s cloud moved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 40 37 s8y2 figs-activepassive וְאִם־לֹ֥א יֵעָלֶ֖ה הֶעָנָ֑ן וְלֹ֣א יִסְע֔וּ עַד־י֖וֹם הֵעָלֹתֽוֹ 1 that it was lifted up If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but if Yahweh did not take up the cloud, then they would not set out until the day he took it up.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EXO 40 38 i8hu figs-metonymy לְעֵינֵ֥י כָל־בֵּֽית־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 that it was lifted up Here, **before the eyes of** refers to being able to see. All the Israelites could see the cloud and fire. Alternate translation: “and all the house of Israel could see it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EXO 40 38 bhi5 figs-metaphor בֵּֽית־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 that it was lifted up Here, **house** represents a people group, the Israelites, who were descended from Jacob, who was also named Israel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a metaphor from your language or translate the meaning. This is a common biblical metaphor, so you may want to check other places this occurs. The **house of Israel** is equivalent to “sons of Israel” or “Israelites.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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