From 067d35724bdc2e7b209c7875b82744901b6b17fe Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Richard Mahn Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2023 16:10:57 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] Chris's changes to REV, LUK, and ACT (#3195) Co-authored-by: christopherrsmith Reviewed-on: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_tn/pulls/3195 --- tn_ACT.tsv | 16 +- tn_LUK.tsv | 24 +- tn_REV.tsv | 1065 +++++++++++++++++++++++++--------------------------- 3 files changed, 540 insertions(+), 565 deletions(-) diff --git a/tn_ACT.tsv b/tn_ACT.tsv index 523443b2b4..1f384e867d 100644 --- a/tn_ACT.tsv +++ b/tn_ACT.tsv @@ -1481,7 +1481,7 @@ front:intro mw28 0 # Introduction to Acts\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\ 10:9 tu7n rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown περὶ ὥραν ἕκτην 1 In this culture, people began counting the hours each day beginning around daybreak at six o’clock in the morning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this in the way the people of your culture reckon time. Alternate translation: “at around noon” 10:9 r6l8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal περὶ ὥραν ἕκτην 1 If you decide to translate this in the way that the biblical culture reckoned time, but your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “at around hour six” 10:10 im7x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ἐγένετο ἐπ’ αὐτὸν ἔκστασις 1 Luke speaks of this **vision** as if it were a living thing that could come onto someone. Alternate translation: “he had a vision” -10:11 n4hi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture θεωρεῖ τὸν οὐρανὸν ἀνεῳγμένον 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. It may be helpful to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “And he saw” or “And Peter saw” +10:11 n4hi rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense θεωρεῖ τὸν οὐρανὸν ἀνεῳγμένον 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. It may be helpful to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “And he saw” or “And Peter saw” 10:11 u9u4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τὸν οὐρανὸν ἀνεῳγμένον 1 If your language does not use the passive form **opened**, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the sky break open” 10:11 jh1m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive καθιέμενον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “It appeared as if someone was letting it down” 10:12 fdt3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole πάντα τὰ 1 The word **all** is likely a generalization for emphasis, although since this was a vision, it is possible that the container Peter saw did contain every kind of these creatures. Alternate translation: “various” @@ -1524,7 +1524,7 @@ front:intro mw28 0 # Introduction to Acts\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\ 10:25 b4pn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction πεσὼν ἐπὶ τοὺς πόδας 1 Be sure that it is clear in your translation that Cornelius did not fall down accidentally. He knelt down at Peter’s feet as a gesture to honor him. Alternate translation: “kneeling down and putting his face close to Peter’s feet to honor him” 10:26 s7n5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative ἀνάστηθι, καὶ ἐγὼ αὐτὸς ἄνθρωπός εἰμι 1 Peter is using the statement form to give a mild rebuke or correction to Cornelius. It may be clearer for your readers if you translate this as an imperative. Alternate translation: “Stop doing that! I am only a man, as you are” 10:27 f9x6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns συνομιλῶν αὐτῷ, εἰσῆλθεν 1 The pronoun **him** refers to Cornelius, and the pronoun **he** refers to Peter. Alternate translation: “talking with Cornelius, Peter went in” -10:27 kdva rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture εὑρίσκει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “found” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +10:27 kdva rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense εὑρίσκει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “found” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) 10:27 twp9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive συνεληλυθότας πολλούς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “many people whom Cornelius had gathered together” 10:28 iyx6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὡς ἀθέμιτόν ἐστιν ἀνδρὶ Ἰουδαίῳ 1 This phrase refers to the requirements of the Jewish religious law. Alternate translation: “that the Jewish law forbids a Jewish man” 10:28 k3we rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἀλλοφύλῳ 1 Here, the term **foreigner** refers to people who are not Jews. It is not a reference to where they live. Alternate translation: “a Gentile” @@ -1542,7 +1542,7 @@ front:intro mw28 0 # Introduction to Acts\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\ 10:30 oicx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ, ἀνὴρ 1 Cornelius is using the term **behold** to focus Peter’s attention on how suddenly this **man** appeared. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “just then a man” 10:30 g485 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἀνὴρ 1 Luke says in [10:3](../10/03.md) that Cornelius saw an angel. Cornelius calls him **a man** here because the angel appeared to him in human form. you could state that explicitly in your translation if your readers might be confused otherwise. Alternate translation: “an angel in human form” 10:31 twnu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes φησί, Κορνήλιε, εἰσηκούσθη σου ἡ προσευχὴ καὶ αἱ ἐλεημοσύναι σου ἐμνήσθησαν ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he told me that my prayer had been heard and that my alms had been remembered before God” -10:31 uep3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture φησί 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Cornelius uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he said” +10:31 uep3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense φησί 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Cornelius uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he said” 10:31 heh3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive εἰσηκούσθη σου ἡ προσευχὴ καὶ αἱ ἐλεημοσύναι σου ἐμνήσθησαν ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has heard your prayer and has remembered your alms” 10:31 s6nz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐμνήσθησαν ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 The word **remembered** does not imply that God had forgotten about these **alms**. Rather, it means that God is aware of Cornelius’s devotion and generosity and is pleased with them. See how you translated the similar expression in [10:4](../10/04.md). Alternate translation: “God is aware of your alms and is pleased with them” 10:31 xd0x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐνώπιον 1 Here the word **before** is being used. Alternate translation: “in the presence of” @@ -2658,7 +2658,7 @@ front:intro mw28 0 # Introduction to Acts\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\ 19:34 tyx6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations ἐπιγνόντες & ὅτι Ἰουδαῖός ἐστιν, 1 It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “recognizing, ‘He is a Jew!’” 19:34 u1hp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor φωνὴ ἐγένετο μία ἐκ πάντων, ὡς & κραζόντων 1 Luke is speaking as if the people in the theater collectively had only **one voice**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they all shouted together” 19:35 sy9m rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ὁ γραμματεὺς 1 This **city clerk** was a high official in the government of Ephesus. He was not merely someone who kept records. In your translation, you could use a term for someone in a comparable role in your culture. Alternate translation: “an alderman” -19:35 n4qz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture φησίν 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said” +19:35 n4qz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense φησίν 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said” 19:35 gox9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἄνδρες, Ἐφέσιοι 1 This is an idiomatic form of address. Use a way that is natural in your language to refer to a particular group of people. Alternate translation: “Citizens of Ephesus” 19:35 mtsc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis τίς γάρ ἐστιν 1 The city clerk is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “you should stop this uproar because, after all, who is there” 19:35 sd3s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion τίς & ἐστιν ἀνθρώπων, ὃς οὐ γινώσκει τὴν Ἐφεσίων πόλιν νεωκόρον οὖσαν τῆς μεγάλης Ἀρτέμιδος καὶ τοῦ διοπετοῦς? 1 The city clerk is using the question form to emphasize that the people of Ephesus do not need to be concerned that the worship of Artemis is in peril. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “there is no one of men who does not know that the city of Ephesus is the temple warden of the great Artemis and of the Zeus-fallen image!” @@ -2935,7 +2935,7 @@ front:intro mw28 0 # Introduction to Acts\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\ 21:35 a467 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns διὰ τὴν βίαν τοῦ ὄχλου 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **violence**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because the crowd was so violent” 21:36 kax6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism αἶρε αὐτόν 1 The crowd is using somewhat milder and less exact language to ask for Paul’s death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a mild way of referring to this in your language or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Put him to death” 21:37 j9xk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive μέλλων & εἰσάγεσθαι εἰς τὴν παρεμβολὴν, ὁ Παῦλος 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as the soldiers were about to bring Paul inside the fortress, Paul” -21:37 a468 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture ὁ Παῦλος λέγει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “Paul said” +21:37 a468 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense ὁ Παῦλος λέγει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “Paul said” 21:37 a469 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations ὁ Παῦλος λέγει τῷ χιλιάρχῳ, εἰ ἔξεστίν μοι εἰπεῖν τι πρὸς σέ? 1 Luke is recording how Paul used the typical form in his language for asking questions. It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “Paul asked the chiliarch if it was permitted for him to say something to him” 21:37 p5cd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Ἑλληνιστὶ γινώσκεις? 1 The commander is using the question form to express surprise that Paul is not who he thought he was. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You know Greek!” 21:38 xx2w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion οὐκ ἄρα σὺ εἶ ὁ Αἰγύπτιος, ὁ πρὸ τούτων τῶν ἡμερῶν, ἀναστατώσας καὶ ἐξαγαγὼν εἰς τὴν ἔρημον τοὺς τετρακισχιλίους ἄνδρας τῶν σικαρίων? 1 The commander is using the question form to emphasize the conclusion he has drawn about Paul. Jews who spoke Greek typically came from somewhere outside of Palestine, and since Paul seems to be someone whom the Jews in Jerusalem consider to be very dangerous, the commander concludes that he must be **the Egyptian** he knows about. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Then you must not be the Egyptian who before this day revolted and led the 4,000 men of the ‘Assassins’ out into the wilderness!” @@ -3084,7 +3084,7 @@ front:intro mw28 0 # Introduction to Acts\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\ 23:16 w6fe rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship ὁ υἱὸς τῆς ἀδελφῆς Παύλου 1 Luke does not tell us whether this **sister** was older or younger than Paul, but describe this relationship in the way that would be most natural for your language and cuture. Alternate translation: “Paul’s nephew” or “the nephew of Paul” 23:17 a528 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative ἄπαγε 1 This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Please take” 23:18 abd0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ὁ & παραλαβὼν αὐτὸν, ἤγαγεν 1 The pronoun **him** refers to Paul’s nephew, and the pronoun **he** refers to the centurion. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “taking Paul’s nephew, the centurion brought him” -23:18 lrs3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture φησίν 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said” +23:18 lrs3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense φησίν 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “said” 23:19 a530 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction ἐπιλαβόμενος δὲ τῆς χειρὸς αὐτοῦ 1 The chiliarch **taking hold** of the **hand** of Paul’s nephew was more than was needed simply to lead the nephew to a **private** location. This was a symbolic action that assured the nephew that the chiliarch would protect him and that he could therefore speak safely and confidentially. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “taking hold of his hand to reassure him” 23:20 uv6r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι 1 Paul’s nephew is using the name of a whole group, **The Jews**, to refer to some members of that group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Certain Jews” 23:21 a532 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive σὺ & μὴ πεισθῇς αὐτοῖς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “may they not persuade you” or “do not let them persuade you” @@ -3219,7 +3219,7 @@ front:intro mw28 0 # Introduction to Acts\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\ 25:21 l570 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness τοῦ Σεβαστοῦ 1 Festus is referring to the Roman emperor by a respectful title. Your language and culture may have a similar title that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “of His Majesty the Emperor” 25:21 ceq2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐκέλευσα τηρεῖσθαι αὐτὸν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could state this in active form. Alternate translation: “I commanded the guards to keep him in custody” 25:22 l565 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns ἐβουλόμην καὶ αὐτὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἀκοῦσαι 1 Agrippa is using the reflexive pronoun **myself** for emphasis. It may be more natural in your language to express this emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “I too would certainly want to hear this man” -25:22 l566 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture φησίν 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. It may be helpful to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “he said” +25:22 l566 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense φησίν 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. It may be helpful to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “he said” 25:23 at4t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἤχθη ὁ Παῦλος 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the soldiers brought Paul” 25:24 l567 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations πάντες οἱ & ἄνδρες 1 Although the term **men** is masculine, Festus is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. (It is clear that women as well as men are **present**, since Luke notes in verse 23 that Bernice entered with Agrippa.) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “all of you” 25:24 l571 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἡμῖν 1 By **us**, Festus means himself and King Agrippa but not the rest of the crowd to whom he is speaking, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction. @@ -3296,7 +3296,7 @@ front:intro mw28 0 # Introduction to Acts\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\ 26:23 sc5f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj νεκρῶν 1 Paul is using the adjective **dead** as a noun to mean people who have died. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “of people who have died” 26:23 z2ms rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor φῶς μέλλει καταγγέλλειν 1 Paul is saying that the truth that Jesus proclaimed about God was like a **light** that allowed people to see. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “was going to proclaim the truth about God” 26:23 a595 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ & λαῷ 1 By **the people**, Paul means specifically the Jewish people. Alternate translation: “to the Jewish people” -26:24 a596 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture ὁ Φῆστος & φησιν 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “Festus said” +26:24 a596 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense ὁ Φῆστος & φησιν 1 To call attention to a development in the story, here Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “Festus said” 26:24 tk27 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification τὰ πολλά σε γράμματα εἰς μανίαν περιτρέπει 1 Festus is speaking of **learning** as if it were a living thing that was **turning** Paul from sanity to insanity. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You have become insane from learning so much” 26:25 dur9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐ μαίνομαι 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative adjective **insane**. Alternate translation: “I am completely sane” 26:25 a6pb rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness κράτιστε Φῆστε 1 The expression **most excellent** was a formal title by which people addressed Roman officials. Your language and culture may have a comparable title that you can use in your translation. See how you translated the similar expression in [Acts 23:26](../23/26.md). Alternate translation: “Honorable Governor Festus” diff --git a/tn_LUK.tsv b/tn_LUK.tsv index 17c36e9a97..66b88bce8b 100644 --- a/tn_LUK.tsv +++ b/tn_LUK.tsv @@ -1152,7 +1152,7 @@ front:intro uk55 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Luke\n\n## Part 1: General 7:39 tbq3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τίς καὶ ποταπὴ ἡ γυνὴ, ἥτις ἅπτεται αὐτοῦ, ὅτι ἁμαρτωλός ἐστιν 1 Simon assumed that a prophet would never allow a sinner to touch him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state his assumption explicitly. Alternate translation: “that this woman is a sinner, and he would not allow her to touch him” 7:40 l388 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτόν 1 Together the words **answering** and **said** mean that Jesus responded to what the Pharisee was thinking. Alternate translation: “Jesus responded to him” 7:40 u3cg rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Σίμων 1 **Simon** was the name of the Pharisee who invited Jesus into his home. This was not Simon Peter. -7:40 l389 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture ὁ δέ, Διδάσκαλε, εἰπέ, φησίν 1 To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “And he said, ‘Say it, Teacher!’” +7:40 l389 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense ὁ δέ, Διδάσκαλε, εἰπέ, φησίν 1 To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. If it would not be natural to do that in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “And he said, ‘Say it, Teacher!’” 7:40 l390 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative Διδάσκαλε, εἰπέ 1 Simon is inviting Jesus to speak, not ordering him to speak. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate his words as more of an invitation. You could also translate them as a question, as UST does. Alternate translation: “Go ahead and say it.” 7:40 l391 Διδάσκαλε 1 This was a respectful title. You can translate it with an equivalent term that your language and culture would use. 7:41 sv92 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parables δύο χρεοφιλέται ἦσαν: δανιστῇ τινι 1 To help Simon the Pharisee understand what he wants to teach him, Jesus tells him a story. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus told him this story to help him understand. ‘There were two debtors’” @@ -1374,7 +1374,7 @@ front:intro uk55 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Luke\n\n## Part 1: General 8:48 l464 ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε 1 In this context, the word **saved** has a specific meaning. Alternate translation: “because you believed, you have become well” 8:48 ch7m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom πορεύου εἰς εἰρήνην 1 This is a way of saying goodbye and giving a blessing at the same time. Alternate translation: “May God give you peace as you go” or “As you go, do not worry anymore” 8:49 m58z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔτι αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος 1 This refers implicitly to what Jesus was saying in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “While Jesus was still saying these things to the woman” -8:49 l465 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture ἔρχεταί τις 1 To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “someone came” +8:49 l465 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense ἔρχεταί τις 1 To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “someone came” 8:49 deu3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἔρχεταί τις παρὰ τοῦ ἀρχισυναγώγου 1 This does not mean someone whom Jairus sent, since Jairus was with Jesus. Rather, this means someone who had been at his house watching over his daughter with the others. Alternate translation: “someone who had been at the home of Jairus came” 8:49 id9v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μηκέτι σκύλλε τὸν διδάσκαλον 1 This statement implies that Jesus will not be able to do anything to help, since the girl is dead. Alternate translation: “There is nothing more that Jesus can do for you, so do not make him come to your house” 8:49 n6ez τὸν διδάσκαλον 1 **Teacher** is a respectful title. You can translate it with an equivalent term that your language and culture would use. @@ -1502,7 +1502,7 @@ front:intro uk55 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Luke\n\n## Part 1: General 9:33 npk9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἐν τῷ διαχωρίζεσθαι αὐτοὺς ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 The pronoun **they** refers to Moses and Elijah, not to the disciples. Alternate translation: “as Moses and Elijah were about to leave Jesus” 9:33 l505 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἡμᾶς & ποιήσωμεν 1 Since Peter wants to make it possible for Moses and Elijah to stay, when he says **for us**, he likely means “all six of us.” So if your language distinguishes between exclusive and inclusive “us,” use the inclusive form in that case. However, when Peter says **let us**, he is likely referring to himself and to James and John, so use the exclusive form of “us” in that case. 9:33 mby6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown σκηνὰς 1 The term **tents** means simple, temporary places in which to sit or sleep. Peter probably had in mind that he and the other two disciples would build them from the materials available on the mountain such as tree branches. Alternate translation: “shelters” -9:33 l506 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture μὴ εἰδὼς ὃ λέγει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “he did not know what he was saying” +9:33 l506 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense μὴ εἰδὼς ὃ λέγει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “he did not know what he was saying” 9:34 ct1w rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ταῦτα δὲ αὐτοῦ λέγοντος 1 Alternate translation: “While Peter was saying these things” 9:34 e75d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐφοβήθησαν 1 These adult disciples were not afraid of clouds. Rather, given all the unusual things that had already taken place on this mountain, they were afraid of what might happen to them once the cloud came completely over them. Alternate translation: “they were very apprehensive” 9:34 asa6 εἰσελθεῖν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν νεφέλην 1 This can be expressed in terms of what the cloud did. Alternate translation: “the cloud surrounded them” @@ -1779,7 +1779,7 @@ front:intro uk55 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Luke\n\n## Part 1: General 10:40 jd9a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion οὐ μέλει σοι, ὅτι ἡ ἀδελφή μου μόνην με κατέλιπεν διακονεῖν? 1 Martha is complaining that Jesus is allowing Mary to sit listening to him when there is so much work to do. Martha respects the Lord, so she uses a rhetorical question to make her complaint more polite. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate her words as a statement. Alternate translation: “it seems as if you do not care that my sister has left me alone to serve.” 10:41 l628 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῇ ὁ Κύριος 1 Together **answering** and **said** mean that Jesus responded to Martha’s request. Alternate translation: “But the Lord replied to her” 10:41 l629 ὁ Κύριος 1 Here Luke refers to Jesus by the respectful title **the Lord**. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus” -10:41 dsw3 Μάρθα, Μάρθα 1 Jesus repeats Martha’s name for emphasis. Alternate translation: “My dear Martha” +10:41 dsw3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication Μάρθα, Μάρθα 1 Jesus repeats Martha’s name for emphasis. Alternate translation: “My dear Martha” 10:41 l630 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet μεριμνᾷς καὶ θορυβάζῃ περὶ πολλά 1 The terms **anxious** and **troubled** mean similar things. Jesus uses the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate them with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “you are worrying too much about things” 10:41 l631 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive μεριμνᾷς καὶ θορυβάζῃ περὶ πολλά 1 If you do not combine the term for **troubled** with the word **anxious** into a single phrase, you could state **you are anxious and troubled** with an active form. Alternate translation: “you are anxious and letting too many things bother you” 10:42 hqt4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole ἑνός δέ ἐστιν χρεία 1 Jesus says **one thing** as an overstatement for emphasis. Other things actually are necessary for life, but this is the most important one. Alternate translation: “but one thing is more important than all the others” @@ -1940,7 +1940,7 @@ front:intro uk55 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Luke\n\n## Part 1: General 11:35 z96u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor σκόπει & μὴ τὸ φῶς τὸ ἐν σοὶ σκότος ἐστίν 1 Jesus continues to draw an extended comparison between physical vision and spiritual receptivity. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the comparison. Alternate translation: “it would be dangerous for you to think that you could see clearly if you actually could not. In the same way, be careful not to think that you understand and live by God’s message if you really do not” 11:36 g336 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἔσται φωτεινὸν ὅλον, ὡς ὅταν ὁ λύχνος τῇ ἀστραπῇ φωτίζῃ σε 1 Jesus now uses a simile to connect the illustration of the lamp with the extended metaphor of the eye. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the meaning of the simile. Alternate translation: “light will come into your whole body. In the same way, if you are willing to obey God, you will be able to understand his message and live by it completely, just as a lamp shines a bright light that allows you to see yourself and everything around you clearly” 11:37 h6zz rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent ἐν δὲ τῷ λαλῆσαι 1 Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. Alternate translation: “And when Jesus had finished saying these things” -11:37 l702 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture ἐρωτᾷ αὐτὸν Φαρισαῖος 1 To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “a Pharisee asked him” +11:37 l702 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense ἐρωτᾷ αὐτὸν Φαρισαῖος 1 To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “a Pharisee asked him” 11:37 l703 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants Φαρισαῖος 1 This introduces a new character into the story. Alternate translation: “a Pharisee who was there” 11:37 x6nx rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ἀνέπεσεν 1 It was the custom in this culture at a relaxed meal such as this one for host and guests to eat while lying down comfortably around the table. You could translate this by using the expression in your language for the customary posture at a meal. Alternate translation: “he sat down at the table” 11:38 bm8j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit οὐ πρῶτον ἐβαπτίσθη 1 The Pharisees had a rule that people had to **wash** their hands before eating in order to be ceremonially clean before God. Alternate translation: “he wash his hands in order to be ceremonially clean” @@ -1968,7 +1968,7 @@ front:intro uk55 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Luke\n\n## Part 1: General 11:44 l709 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations καὶ οἱ ἄνθρωποι οἱ περιπατοῦντες ἐπάνω 1 Here Jesus is using the term **men** in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “that people walk over” 11:44 h9x7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit οὐκ οἴδασιν 1 The implication is that if the Jews walked over a grave, they would become ceremonially unclean because they had come close to a dead body. Unmarked graves would cause them to do that accidentally. Alternate translation: “do not realize that and so become ceremonially unclean” 11:44 l710 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὐκ οἴδασιν 1 Jesus is using the implied ceremonial uncleanness to represent not doing what pleases God. He has just said in [11:42](../11/42.md) that this is really a matter of showing love and justice to others. Alternate translation: “without realizing it and so, because they follow your teaching, they do not do the things that God wants them to do most” -11:45 l711 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture ἀποκριθεὶς δέ τις τῶν νομικῶν λέγει αὐτῷ 1 To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “Then one of the experts in the Jewish law who was there said to him” +11:45 l711 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense ἀποκριθεὶς δέ τις τῶν νομικῶν λέγει αὐτῷ 1 To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “Then one of the experts in the Jewish law who was there said to him” 11:45 l712 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ἀποκριθεὶς & τις τῶν νομικῶν λέγει 1 Together the two verbs **answering** and **says** mean that this lawyer was responding to what Jesus had said about the Pharisees. Alternate translation: “one of the lawyers responded” 11:45 u1vv rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants τις τῶν νομικῶν 1 This phrase introduces a new character into the story. Alternate translation: “one of the experts in the Jewish law who was there” 11:45 l713 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τις τῶν νομικῶν 1 See how you translated “lawyer” in [7:30](../07/30.md). Alternate translation: “one of the experts in the Jewish law who was there” @@ -2290,7 +2290,7 @@ front:intro uk55 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Luke\n\n## Part 1: General 13:7 l855 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 The man uses the term **behold** to get the gardener to pay attention to what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “Pay attention” 13:7 hg35 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion ἵνα τί καὶ τὴν γῆν καταργεῖ? 1 The man uses the question form to emphasize that the tree is useless and that the gardener should cut it down. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate his words as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not let it keep the ground from being productive any longer.” 13:7 l856 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor καὶ τὴν γῆν καταργεῖ 1 The man speaks of the tree as if it were keeping the ground from working, since the ground would be productive if a different tree that actually was bearing fruit were in its place. Alternate translation: “is it even keeping the ground from being productive” -13:8 pm3j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς λέγει αὐτῷ 1 To call attention to a development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “But he responded” +13:8 pm3j rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς λέγει αὐτῷ 1 To call attention to a development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “But he responded” 13:8 l857 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ὁ & ἀποκριθεὶς λέγει 1 Together the terms **answering** and **says** mean that the gardener responded to what his master told him to do. Alternate translation: “he responded” 13:8 l2ks ἄφες αὐτὴν καὶ τοῦτο τὸ ἔτος 1 Alternate translation: “wait one more year before cutting down the tree” 13:8 st4w rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown βάλω κόπρια 1 The word **manure** means animal dung. In some places people mix it into the ground to make the soil more fertile for plants and trees. If your readers would not be familiar with this practice, you could explain it, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “mix animal dung into the soil to enrich it” or “fertilize it” @@ -2415,7 +2415,7 @@ front:intro uk55 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Luke\n\n## Part 1: General 13:34 l917 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τὴν ἑαυτῆς νοσσιὰν 1 The term **brood** refers collectively to all of the young offspring of a bird. Alternate translation: “her chicks” 13:34 l918 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὑπὸ τὰς πτέρυγας 1 The implication is that a hen would put her baby chicks there to protect them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “under her wings to protect them” 13:35 l919 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 Jesus uses the term **Behold** to call attention to what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “Indeed” -13:35 l920 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture ἀφίεται ὑμῖν ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν 1 Jesus is using the past tense in order to refer to something that will happen in the future. He is doing this to show that the event will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “your house will be left to you alone” +13:35 l920 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense ἀφίεται ὑμῖν ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν 1 Jesus is using the past tense in order to refer to something that will happen in the future. He is doing this to show that the event will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “your house will be left to you alone” 13:35 w1v2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀφίεται ὑμῖν ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν 1 Jesus speaks of the city of Jerusalem as if it were a **house** in which its people lived. Alternate translation: “your city will be left to you alone” 13:35 l921 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἀφίεται ὑμῖν ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God is going to leave your city to you alone” 13:35 l922 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἀφίεται ὑμῖν ὁ οἶκος ὑμῶν 1 The implications of this statement are that God will no longer consider that Jerusalem belongs to him, as a holy city where he dwells in his temple, and that God will therefore not protect the people of Jerusalem from their enemies. Alternate translation: “God will not protect you from your enemies” @@ -2798,7 +2798,7 @@ front:intro uk55 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Luke\n\n## Part 1: General 16:22 hn6v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐτάφη 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “people buried him” 16:23 tl8x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐπάρας τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ 1 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he looked up” 16:23 vca4 ὑπάρχων ἐν βασάνοις 1 Alternate translation: “while suffering in terrible pain” -16:23 m083 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture ὁρᾷ 1 To call attention to a significant development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he saw” +16:23 m083 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense ὁρᾷ 1 To call attention to a significant development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he saw” 16:23 qpd2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν τοῖς κόλποις αὐτοῦ 1 See how you translated this expression in [16:22](../16/22.md). Alternate translation: “in a place of honor next to him” 16:24 m084 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes αὐτὸς φωνήσας εἶπεν, Πάτερ Ἀβραάμ, ἐλέησόν με καὶ πέμψον Λάζαρον, ἵνα βάψῃ τὸ ἄκρον τοῦ δακτύλου αὐτοῦ ὕδατος, καὶ καταψύξῃ τὴν γλῶσσάν μου; ὅτι ὀδυνῶμαι ἐν τῇ φλογὶ ταύτῃ 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he shouted over to Abraham, addressing him respectfully as his ancestor, and asked him to have mercy on him and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool his tongue, because he was in a flame that was making him suffer greatly” 16:24 dpp9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys αὐτὸς φωνήσας εἶπεν 1 Together the terms **crying out** and **said** mean that the rich man spoke what follows as a loud cry. Alternate translation: “the rich man shouted out” @@ -2826,7 +2826,7 @@ front:intro uk55 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Luke\n\n## Part 1: General 16:27 m091 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ πατρός μου 1 The rich man is using the word **house** to mean the people who live together in a household. Alternate translation: “to my family” 16:28 y1xn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes ἔχω γὰρ πέντε ἀδελφούς, ὅπως διαμαρτύρηται αὐτοῖς, ἵνα μὴ καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔλθωσιν εἰς τὸν τόπον τοῦτον τῆς βασάνου 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “The rich man explained that he had five brothers and that he wanted Lazarus to warn them so that they would not also come to where he was, in a place where they would suffer greatly” 16:28 x8xk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὅπως διαμαρτύρηται αὐτοῖς 1 The implication is that the rich man wanted Lazarus to warn his brothers not to act as he had. He had been selfish, self-indulgent, and unconcerned about the needs of people around him who were poor and suffering. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “so that he can warn them not to be self-indulgent and callous, as I was” -16:29 m092 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture λέγει δὲ Ἀβραάμ 1 To call attention to a significant development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration here. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “But Abraham said” +16:29 m092 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense λέγει δὲ Ἀβραάμ 1 To call attention to a significant development in the story, Jesus uses the present tense in past narration here. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “But Abraham said” 16:29 m093 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes λέγει δὲ Ἀβραάμ, ἔχουσι Μωϋσέα καὶ τοὺς προφήτας; ἀκουσάτωσαν αὐτῶν 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But Abraham told the rich man that his brothers had what Moses and the prophets had written, and that they should obey their teaching” 16:29 v8eh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔχουσι Μωϋσέα καὶ τοὺς προφήτας 1 The implication is that Abraham is refusing to send Lazarus to the rich man’s brothers. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “No, I will not do that, because your brothers have what Moses and the prophets have written” 16:29 x8pt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Μωϋσέα καὶ τοὺς προφήτας 1 Abraham is using the names of the authors of the biblical books to refer to their writings. Alternate translation: “what Moses and the prophets have written” @@ -3265,7 +3265,7 @@ front:intro uk55 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Luke\n\n## Part 1: General 19:21 a6ja rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor αἴρεις ὃ οὐκ ἔθηκας 1 The servant is speaking of the king as if he would pick up things that others had set down and take them away as his own property. Alternate translation: “You take other people’s property as your own” 19:21 mi5b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor θερίζεις ὃ οὐκ ἔσπειρας 1 The servant is speaking of the king as if he would harvest a crop that someone else had planted. Alternate translation: “you benefit from other people’s hard work” 19:22 q2k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes λέγει αὐτῷ, ἐκ τοῦ στόματός σου κρίνω σε, πονηρὲ δοῦλε; ᾔδεις ὅτι ἐγὼ ἄνθρωπος αὐστηρός εἰμι, αἴρων ὃ οὐκ ἔθηκα, καὶ θερίζων ὃ οὐκ ἔσπειρα? 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “The king told him that he was a wicked servant and that he would judge him by what he had just said. The king said to suppose that he really was a harsh man who took other people’s property as his own and benefitted from other people’s hard work” -19:22 m294 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture λέγει αὐτῷ 1 To call attention to a development in the story, this parable uses the present tense here in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “The king said to this servant” +19:22 m294 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense λέγει αὐτῷ 1 To call attention to a development in the story, this parable uses the present tense here in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “The king said to this servant” 19:22 wt8q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐκ τοῦ στόματός σου 1 The king is using the term **mouth** to refer to what the servant said using his mouth. Alternate translation: “based on what you have just said” 19:22 xga8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion ᾔδεις ὅτι ἐγὼ ἄνθρωπος αὐστηρός εἰμι, αἴρων ὃ οὐκ ἔθηκα, καὶ θερίζων ὃ οὐκ ἔσπειρα? 1 The king is not asking the servant to verify what he has just said. Rather, he is using the question form to challenge the servant. He is repeating what the servant said about him, but not to grant that it is true. Rather, he is about to tell the servant what he should have done if it actually had been true. Alternate translation: “So you thought I was a harsh man who took other people’s property as his own and benefitted from other people’s hard work!” 19:22 m295 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor αἴρων ὃ οὐκ ἔθηκα, καὶ θερίζων ὃ οὐκ ἔσπειρα 1 See how you translated these expressions in [19:21](../19/21.md). Alternate translation: “who took other people’s property as his own and benefitted from other people’s hard work” @@ -4270,7 +4270,7 @@ front:intro uk55 0 # Introduction to the Gospel of Luke\n\n## Part 1: General 24:11 m703 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἠπίστουν αὐταῖς 1 The word **they** refers to the apostles and other believers, and the word **them** refers to the women. Alternate translation: “so the apostles and other believers did not believe the women” 24:12 rm1d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἀναστὰς 1 This expression is an idiom that means to take initiative. It does not necessarily mean that Peter had been sitting or lying down and then stood up. Alternate translation: “taking initiative” 24:12 ax6s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit παρακύψας 1 Peter had to bend over in order to see inside the tomb because tombs cut in solid rock were very low. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “bending at the waist in order to look into the low tomb” -24:12 m704 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture βλέπει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he saw” +24:12 m704 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense βλέπει 1 To call attention to a development in the story, Luke uses the present tense in past narration. See how you decided to approach this usage in [7:40](../07/40.md). If it would not be natural to use the present tense in your language, you could use the past tense in your translation. Alternate translation: “he saw” 24:12 n1tg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τὰ ὀθόνια μόνα 1 The phrase **the linen cloths** refers to the cloths that Joseph of Arimathea used to wrap Jesus’ body when he was buried, as described in [23:53](../23/53.md). The implication is that the body of Jesus was no longer in the tomb. Alternate translation: “the linen cloths in which Jesus’ body had been wrapped, but the body was not there” 24:12 d6i2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τὰ ὀθόνια 1 The term **linen cloths** refers to a high quality clothe made from the fibers of the flax plant. If you do not have **linen** in your region and/or your readers would be unfamiliar with this term, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the fine cloths” 24:12 m705 ἀπῆλθεν πρὸς ἑαυτὸν, θαυμάζων τὸ γεγονός 1 This phrase can be understood in two different ways, depending on how the words in it are grouped together. Different versions of the Bible interpret this differently. If there is already a version of the Bible in your area, see how it translates this. You may wish to translate it in the same way. Otherwise, we recommend that you follow the reading of ULT. (1) If the grouping is “he went away, to himself wondering,” then the meaning is as in ULT and UST. (2) If the grouping is “he went away to himself, wondering,” then the meaning is that Peter went back to his own home. Alternate translation: “he went away to his home, wondering what had happened” diff --git a/tn_REV.tsv b/tn_REV.tsv index 4b4f904d01..7857927a3e 100644 --- a/tn_REV.tsv +++ b/tn_REV.tsv @@ -1,536 +1,507 @@ Reference ID Tags SupportReference Quote Occurrence Note -front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the book of Revelation\n\n1. Opening (1:1–20)\n2. Letters to the seven churches (2:1–3:22)\n3. Vision of God and the Lamb in heaven (4:1–5:14)\n4. The seven seals (6:1–8:1)\n5. The seven trumpets (8:2–13:18)\n6. Worship of the Lamb and judgment against Babylon (14:1–20)\n7. The seven bowls (15:1–18:24)\n8. Worship in heaven (19:1–10)\n9. The destruction of the beast (19:11–21)\n10. The thousand years, destruction of Satan, and final judgment (20:1–15)\n10. The new creation and the new Jerusalem (21:1–22:5)\n11. Closing (22:6–21)\n\n### Who wrote the book of Revelation?\n\nThe author identifies himself as John. Many interpreters believe that this means he was the apostle John. However, other interpreters believe this was a different man named John, a prophet who had a ministry among the seven churches described in chapters 2 and 3. In either case, this man wrote the book while on the island of Patmos. The Romans had exiled him there for teaching people about Jesus.\n\n### What type of writing is the book of Revelation?\n\nJohn used a special style of writing to describe his visions. John described what he saw by using many symbols. This style of writing is called symbolic prophecy or apocalyptic literature, and a book written in this style is called an apocalypse.\n\nNo other book of the Bible is written entirely in apocalyptic style like the book of Revelation. However, some passages in the books of Ezekiel, Zechariah, and especially Daniel are similar in content and style to Revelation. It may be beneficial to translate Revelation at the same time as Daniel since those two books have a similar style and some shared imagery. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nTranslators may choose to call this book by one of its traditional titles, such as “Revelation,” “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,” “The Revelation to Saint John,” or “The Apocalypse of John.” Or they may choose a different title such as “The Things that Jesus Christ Showed to John.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### What is the book of Revelation about?\n\nJohn wrote the book of Revelation to encourage believers to remain faithful even when suffering persecution. In the book, John describes visions he had of Satan and his followers fighting against and killing believers. In these visions, God causes many terrible things to happen on earth to punish wicked people. In the end, Jesus defeats Satan and his followers. Then Jesus comforts those who were faithful. Those believers will live forever with God in the new heavens and earth.\n\n### Does one need to understand the book of Revelation in order to translate it?\n\nThe book provides the reader with some idea of how to understand its symbols by interpreting a few of them at the beginning (1:20) and near the end (19:8). But one does not need to understand all of the symbols in the book of Revelation in order to translate it properly. Translators should not suggest possible meanings for the symbols in their translations. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n### Are the events of Revelation past or future?\n\nSince early Christian times, scholars have interpreted Revelation differently. Some scholars think John described events that happened during his lifetime. Other scholars think John described events that happened throughout history, from his time until the return of Jesus. Still other scholars think John described events that will happen in a short period of time just before Christ returns.\n\nTranslators do not need to decide about the time reference of the visions in this book in order to translate it, and they should be careful not to let their own beliefs influence how they translate. They should leave the prophecies in the tenses that are used in the ULT.\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### Angels\n\nPeople in this culture recognized that God uses created spirits called angels to carry out his purposes. In the book of Revelation, John describes seeing visions of angels announcing and executing God’s judgments. -1:intro u1e2 0 # Revelation 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nThis chapter explains how the book of Revelation records the vision John received on the island of Patmos.\n\n- Prologue (1:1-8)\n\n Preface (1:1-3)\n Address and Doxology (1:4-6)\n Theme (1:7-8)\n\n- John’s Vision of Christ (1:9-20)\n\nSome translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make them easier to read. The ULT does this with the words quoted in verse 7.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Seven churches\n\nJohn wrote this book to seven actual churches in the Roman province of Asia, which was located in the western part of what is now the country of Turkey. -1:1 rkh9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἣν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **revelation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “What God disclosed to Jesus Christ, which” or “The matters that God revealed to Jesus Christ, which” -1:1 kv41 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 This phrase could mean: (1) that this book is **revelation** that came to Jesus from God. Alternate translation: “The revelation to Jesus Christ” (2) that this book is **revelation** that came from Jesus to the author of the book, namely John. Alternate translation: “The revelation from Jesus Christ” -1:1 ik5v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **his servants** refers to people who believe in Jesus Christ and serve him as their Lord. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternative translation: “those who serve him” -1:1 x8bu ἃ δεῖ γενέσθαι ἐν τάχει 1 Alternate translation: “the events that must happen soon” -1:1 kez4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἐσήμανεν 1 The pronoun **he** here refers to **Jesus Christ** and **it** refers to the **revelation**. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Jesus communicated that revelation” -1:1 kz6m ἀποστείλας διὰ τοῦ ἀγγέλου αὐτοῦ 1 Alternate translation: “by sending his angel to reveal it” +front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the book of Revelation\n\n1. Opening (1:1–20)\n2. Letters to the seven churches (2:1–3:22)\n3. Vision of God and the Lamb in heaven (4:1–5:14)\n4. The seven seals (6:1–8:1)\n5. The seven trumpets (8:2–13:18)\n6. Worship of the Lamb and judgment against Babylon (14:1–20)\n7. The seven bowls (15:1–18:24)\n8. Worship in heaven (19:1–10)\n9. The destruction of the beast (19:11–21)\n10. The thousand years, destruction of Satan, and final judgment (20:1–15)\n10. The new creation and the new Jerusalem (21:1–22:5)\n11. Closing (22:6–21)\n\n\nMany interpreters believe that a phrase in 1:19, “what you have seen, and what is, and what is about to happen after these things,” describes three main divisions of the book. “What you have seen” would describe John’s vision of Jesus in chapter 1. “What is” would describe the current situation of the churches, addressed in chapters 2 and 3. “What is about to happen after these things” would describe the visions of the future in the rest of the book.\n\n### Who wrote the book of Revelation?\n\nThe author identifies himself as John. Many interpreters believe that this means he was the apostle John. However, other interpreters believe this was a different man named John, a prophet who had a ministry among the seven churches described in chapters 2 and 3. In either case, this man wrote the book while on the island of Patmos. The Romans had exiled him there for teaching people about Jesus.\n\n### What type of writing is the book of Revelation?\n\nJohn used a special style of writing to describe his visions. John described what he saw by using many symbols. This style of writing is called symbolic prophecy or apocalyptic literature, and a book written in this style is called an apocalypse.\n\nNo other book of the Bible is written entirely in apocalyptic style like the book of Revelation. However, some passages in the books of Ezekiel, Zechariah, and especially Daniel are similar in content and style to Revelation. It may be beneficial to translate Revelation at the same time as Daniel since those two books have a similar style and some shared imagery. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n### How should we translate the title of this book?\n\nTranslators may choose to call this book by one of its traditional titles, such as “Revelation,” “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,” “The Revelation to Saint John,” or “The Apocalypse of John.” Or they may choose a different title such as “The Things that Jesus Christ Showed to John.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n### What is the book of Revelation about?\n\nJohn wrote the book of Revelation to encourage believers to remain faithful even when suffering persecution. In the book, John describes visions he had of Satan and his followers fighting against and killing believers. In these visions, God causes many terrible things to happen on earth to punish wicked people. In the end, Jesus defeats Satan and his followers. Then Jesus comforts those who were faithful. Those believers will live forever with God in the new heavens and earth.\n\n### Does one need to understand the book of Revelation in order to translate it?\n\nThe book provides the reader with some idea of how to understand its symbols by interpreting a few of them at the beginning (1:20) and near the end (19:8). But one does not need to understand all of the symbols in the book of Revelation in order to translate it properly. Translators should not suggest possible meanings for the symbols in their translations. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n### Are the events of Revelation past or future?\n\nSince early Christian times, scholars have interpreted Revelation differently. Some scholars think John described events that happened during his lifetime. Other scholars think John described events that happened throughout history, from his time until the return of Jesus. Still other scholars think John described events that will happen in a short period of time just before Christ returns.\n\nTranslators do not need to decide about the time reference of the visions in this book in order to translate it, and they should be careful not to let their own beliefs influence how they translate. They should leave the prophecies in the tenses that are used in the ULT.\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### Angels\n\nPeople in this culture recognized that God uses created spirits called angels to carry out his purposes. In the book of Revelation, John describes seeing visions of angels announcing and executing God’s judgments.\n\nIn chapters 1–3 there may be some special uses of the word “angel.” That word can also mean “messenger,” and so the “angels of the seven churches” (1:20) could mean messengers whom those churches had sent to John or whom John was sending to those churches. The word might also refer symbolically to leaders of those seven churches. In 1:1, John says that either God or Jesus “sent through his angel” to make this revelation known. If John is saying that it was God who sent, the “angel” could figuratively mean Jesus as a messenger of God. If John is saying that it was Jesus who sent, the “angel” could mean the actual angel with whom John speaks in 19:10 and 22:9.\n\nIn any event, translators should use the word “angel” throughout the book, wherever it appears in the ULT, and not offer interpretations of the word in their translations. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/angel]])\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### Language that would be figurative in other contexts\n\nIf your language does not generally use figures of speech, and if you have previously translated other books of the Bible, you may be accustomed to using literal language to translate figurative language. However, that would not be appropriate in this book, since John is describing what he actually saw and heard in his visions. For example, John says in 16:7, “I heard the altar saying.” In other contexts, this might mean that John heard someone standing at the altar saying something. But within the world of these visions, the altar itself could have spoken. In 16:14, John speaks of “the kings of the whole world.” In other contexts, this might be a generalization for emphasis, and it might be appropriate to translate it as “kings throughout the world.” But in this book, this kind of generalization applies to everyone John saw in his vision, so it can be translated literally. In other contexts, the phrase “the throne of God” might refer figuratively to the presence of God (as it does in Hebrews 4:16, for example). But here it literally means the royal throne upon which God sits as the ruler of the universe. It would be appropriate in all such cases to retain John’s actual language and not translate it as if it were representing something else.\n\n### Verb tenses\n\nAs John describes his visions, he sometimes changes back and forth between the present and past tenses or between the present and future tenses. You can make these verb tenses consistent in your translation. For example, in 16:21, where John says, “And great hail, about a talent, comes down from heaven upon men, and men blasphemed God because of the plague of hail, because that plague is exceedingly great,” you could say, “And great hail, about a talent, came down from heaven upon men, and men blasphemed God because of the plague of hail, because that plague was exceedingly great.” In 21:24, where John says, “the nations will walk by the light of her, and the kings of the earth bring their glory into her,” you could say, “the nations will walk by the light of her, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into her.”\n\n### Singular and plural “you”\n\nMany languages have separate forms for singular and plural “you.” In most contexts in the book of Revelation, it is clear whether one person or a group of people is being addressed and so it is obvious what form to use. Notes will specify which form of the word the book is using when this may not be clear.\n\n### Periods of time\n\nJohn refers to various periods of time in Revelation. For example, there are references to three and a half days, ten days, 1,260 days, and forty-two months. Some scholars think these time periods are symbolic. Other scholars think these are actual time periods. The translator should translate these expressions as referencing actual periods of time. It is a matter of interpretation, not translation, to determine their significance or possible symbolic reference.\n\n### “Saints”\n\nJohn often uses the term “saints” to describe people who believe in Jesus and obey him faithfully. John uses the term by association with the way these people are set apart as holy for God. You language may have a term or expression of its own that would convey this meaning. In your translation you could also express the meaning plainly by using a phrase such as “disciples of Jesus” or “believers in Jesus.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])\n\n### “Amen”\n\nJohn uses the word “Amen” many times in this book. This is a Hebrew word that people used to express agreement and the wish that something someone said would actually happen. John spells out the word using Greek letters so that his readers will know how it sounds. In your translation you could also spell this word the way it sounds in your language, especially if people in the churches in your area use the word and your readers are likely to understand its meaning. If the word would not be familiar, you could translate it with a phrase that expresses its meaning, as the UST does by translating “Amen” as “May it be so.” However, in 3:14, where Jesus describes himself as “the Amen,” it would probably be most appropriate to spell the word the way it sounds, rather than have Jesus call himself “the May It Be So.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])\n\n### “Behold”\n\nAs John describes what he saw in his visions, he frequently uses the word “behold” to focus the attention of his listeners on what he is about to say. Jesus also uses the word that way in his letters to the seven churches, and characters in the visions that John sees also use the word in the same sense. The word literally means “look!” or “see!” However, in this usage, the expression means to “see” in the figurative sense of giving notice and attention. If it would be helpful in your language, in your translation you could express the meaning plainly by using an expression such as “listen carefully!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n### “Keep”\n\nIn this book, John uses the word “keep” many times to mean “obey.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. For example, in 1:3 you could say “obeying” rather than “keeping.” However, there are two places, 3:10 and 16:15, where the word means “preserve” instead. In 3:10, Jesus actually contrasts these two meanings. He says, “Because you have kept the word of my steadfastness, I will also keep you from the hour of testing.” This means, “Because you have obeyed the word of my steadfastness, I will also preserve you from the hour of testing.” In 16:15, the phrase “the one keeping his garments” means “the one preserving his garments,” that is, keeping them in good repair, “so that he might not walk around naked.” Notes will address these specific uses; in other contexts, translators may find that “obey” is a good way to translate the term “keep.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])\n\n### “Certainly not”\n\nIn many places throughout the book of Revelation, the ULT uses the expression “certainly not” to translate a double negative that John uses for emphasis. The second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. If for emphasis your language uses double negatives that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction in these places. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])\n\n### “the ones living on the earth”\n\nJohn uses the expression “the ones living on the earth” in a specific sense in several places in the book (3:10, 6:10, 8:13, 11:10, 13:8, 13:12, 13:14, 17:2, 17:8). In these places John is not referring in general to humans who live in the world. He means specifically people who will disobey God and worship idols at the time of the events that the book of Revelation describes. You may have an expression in your language that you could use in these places with this meaning, such as “worldly people.” +1:intro u1e2 0 # Revelation 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nThis chapter explains how the book of Revelation records the vision that John received on the island of Patmos.\n\n- Prologue (1:1-8)\n\n Preface (1:1-3)\n Address and Doxology (1:4-6)\n Theme (1:7-8)\n\n- John’s Vision of Christ (1:9-20)\n\nSome translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make them easier to read. The ULT does this with the words quoted in verse 7.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n\n### Language that would be figurative in other contexts\n\n\nTo describe the way he saw Jesus in the opening vision that this chapter relates, John uses much language that would be treated as figurative in other contexts. For example, John says in verse 16 that Jesus had “a sharp, double-edged sword coming out of his mouth,” and yet Jesus was still able to speak. Since [Hebrews 4:12](../04/12.md) describes the word of God as like a double-edged sword, we might therefore think that this image actually indicates that Jesus speaks the very words of God because he is God himself. But as the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, it would not be appropriate to use literal language like that in your translation to explain the meaning of what John saw. John is describing what he actually saw and heard in his visions, and you should simply translate his descriptions rather than interpreting them.\n\n### Seven churches\n\nJohn wrote this book to seven actual churches in the Roman province of Asia. That province was located in the western part of what is now the country of Turkey. The churches themselves would be found in the southwestern area of Turkey. The list of the churches in verse 11 follows a particular order. The list begins with Ephesus, the most important city at the time, and moves clockwise around the cities, ending with Laodicea, which was the southernmost city. The letters in chapters 2 and 3 follow this same order. +1:1 rkh9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἣν ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ ὁ Θεὸς 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **revelation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “The things that God revealed to Jesus Christ” or "The things that Jesus Christ revealed, which God gave him" +1:1 kv41 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 This phrase could mean: (1) that this book is a **revelation** that came to Jesus from God. Alternate translation: “The revelation to Jesus Christ” (2) that this book is a **revelation** that came from Jesus to John, the author of the book. Alternate translation: “The revelation from Jesus Christ” +1:1 ik5v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **his servants** refers to people who believe in Jesus Christ and accordingly serve him as their Lord. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternative translation: “those who believe in him” +1:1 h2dc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐσήμανεν 1 The word translated **signified** could mean implicitly (1) that Jesus used signs or symbols to communicate this **revelation**. Alternate translation: “he showed this by signs” (2) that Jesus made known **what must happen soon**. Alternate translation: “he made this known” +1:1 pb4u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person τῷ δούλῳ αὐτοῦ, Ἰωάννῃ 1 John is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “to me, John, his servant” 1:1 hz2w rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἰωάννῃ 1 The word **John** is the name of a man. See the General Introduction to Revelation for a discussion of who this man may have been. -1:1 pb4u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person τῷ δούλῳ αὐτοῦ, Ἰωάννῃ 1 **John** is referring to himself in the third person here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “to me, John, his servant” -1:2 tgts rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ὃς ἐμαρτύρησεν 1 The pronoun **who** refers to John, the author of this book. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say that explicitly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “John testified” or “I, John, testified” -1:2 va4c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, John uses **word** figuratively to refer to the message that God spoke by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the message that God spoke” -1:2 wb7z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **testimony**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what Jesus Christ testified” -1:2 b5se rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 John is using a possessive form to describe the **testimony** that **Jesus Christ** gave. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the testimony that Jesus Christ gave” -1:3 le65 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ ἀναγινώσκων 1 Here, **the one reading** does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who reads the words of the prophecy aloud, that is, in public. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “anyone who reads aloud” -1:3 t0q3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῆς προφητείας 1 Here, **this prophecy** refers to this whole book that John is writing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “of this book of prophecy” -1:3 h37b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τηροῦντες τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ γεγραμμένα 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could state this in active form. Alternate translation: “who keep what John has written in it” or “who obey what they read in it” +1:2 tgts rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense ὃς ἐμαρτύρησεν 1 Although John uses the past tense and says **testified**, he means that he is testifying to what **he saw** by sending this written record of his visions to the believers in the seven churches. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “who is testifying, by sending you this written record of his visions,” +1:2 koyp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 These two phrases mean similar things. John is using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to what God told Jesus Christ to disclose” +1:2 va4c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, John uses **word** figuratively to refer to the message that God spoke by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the message that God spoke” +1:2 wb7z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **testimony**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to the things about which Jesus Christ testified” +1:3 lyx7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὁ ἀναγινώσκων 1 In this context, the word **reading** implicitly means “reading aloud.” In John's culture, a message to a church, such as the one he is sending to the seven churches in this book, would have been read aloud to the assembled believers. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. (Revelation is not simply declaring a blessing upon any believer today who would read the book out loud in private.) Alternate translation: “the one reading aloud” or “the one reading for others to hear” +1:3 le65 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ ἀναγινώσκων 1 Here, **the one reading** does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who reads the words of the prophecy aloud. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “anyone who reads aloud” 1:3 dod2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τηροῦντες 1 See the discussion of the term “keep” in the General Introduction to Revelation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning of this expression plainly here and elsewhere throughout the book. Alternate translation: “obeying” -1:3 dwt8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὁ & καιρὸς ἐγγύς 1 Here, **the time** refers specifically to the appointed time when God will make the prophecies in this book come true. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “time for the fulfillment of what is written in this book is near” -1:3 myem rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ & καιρὸς ἐγγύς 1 Here, John speaks figuratively of **time** as if it could be **near** something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the time will be soon” -1:4 vw1t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person Ἰωάννης 1 In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, and they would refer to themselves in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. If your language has a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, you could also use that. Alternate translation: “I, John, am writing this letter” or “From John” +1:3 h37b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ γεγραμμένα 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the things that I have written in it" +1:3 dwt8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὁ γὰρ καιρὸς 1 Here, **the time** refers specifically to the appointed time when God will make the prophecies in this book come true. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “for the time for the fulfillment of what is written in this book” +1:4 vw1t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person Ἰωάννης 1 In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, and they would refer to themselves in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person. If your language has a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, you could also use that. Alternate translation: “From John” or (with no comma following) “I, John, am writing this letter” 1:4 apl8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ταῖς ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησίαις ταῖς ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ 1 In this culture, after giving their own names, letter writers would then say to whom they were writing, naming those people in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the second person. Alternate translation: “to you who are members of the seven churches in Asia” 1:4 y9yh rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἑπτὰ πνευμάτων, ἃ ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου αὐτοῦ 1 In this culture, letter writers would offer a good wish for the recipient before introducing the main business of the letter. Use a form in your language that makes it clear that this is a greeting and blessing. Alternate translation: “May the one who is and who was and who is coming and the seven spirits who are before his throne give you grace and peace” 1:4 lsun rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἑπτὰ πνευμάτων, ἃ ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of **grace** and **peace**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “May the one who is and who was and who is coming and the seven spirits who are before his throne treat you kindly and make you peaceful” -1:4 unul rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 These three phrases all refer to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “God, who is and who was and who is coming” -1:4 qsu6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 Here, the phrase **who is coming** could refer to: (1) God’s future existence, to complete the idea that God exists in the past, present, and future. In other words, John may be using **is coming** figuratively to mean that God will exist in the future. Alternate translation: “who will be” or “who will still exist in the future” (2) the actual act of coming, when God will come to judge all of the people of the earth. Alternate translation: “who will come to judge” -1:4 x38p rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῶν ἑπτὰ πνευμάτων 1 The number **seven** is often used in the Bible as a symbol for completeness and perfection. Here, the **seven spirits** could refer to: (1) the Spirit of God, that is, the Holy Spirit, who is described with seven attributes in [Isaiah 11:2](../isa/11/02.md). Alternate translation: “the sevenfold Holy Spirit” (2) seven individual spirits who serve God and who also might be the “seven angels” whom John describes in [8:2](../08/02.md). Alternate translation: “the seven spirit beings” or “the seven angelic spirits” -1:5 w24x καὶ ἀπὸ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 The first half of this verse continues the sentence from the previous verse. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here and to repeat some of the information from the previous verse. Alternate translation: “And may grace and peace also be to you from Jesus Christ” -1:5 gz2n rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations ὁ μάρτυς ὁ πιστός, ὁ πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν, καὶ ὁ ἄρχων τῶν βασιλέων τῆς γῆς 1 This phrase, **the faithful witness**, is a title that describes Jesus Christ. The phrase probably comes from [Psalm 89:37](../psa/089/037.md). The other titles that describe Jesus Christ in this verse also come from Psalm 89, **the firstborn from the dead** and **the ruler of the kings of the earth**. Psalm 89 itself refers to the promises that God gave to David in [2 Samuel 7](../2sa/07/01.md). So all of these titles describe Jesus Christ as the one who completes God’s promises to David. You may want to include some of this information in a footnote. You may also want to indicate that these titles are Old Testament quotations by putting them in quotation marks or by indenting them. -1:5 l3h8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν 1 John is speaking as if Jesus was “born” when he became alive again after he died. Since Jesus was the first person to do this, John says that he is the **firstborn**. This phrase probably alludes to [Psalm 89:27](../psa/89/27.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the first person to become alive again after dying” +1:4 cwtm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular ὑμῖν 1 The word **you** is plural here because it refers to all of the believers to whom John is writing. So use the plural form here in your translation if your language marks that distinction, and use the singular or plural form in the rest of the book as the context indicates. (As the General Introduction to Revelation explains, these notes will generally only identify forms as singular or plural if that might not be clear from the context.) +1:4 unul rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 These three phrases do not describe three different people. They all refer to God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly. Alternate translation: “God, who is and who was and who is coming” +1:4 x38p rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῶν ἑπτὰ πνευμάτων 1 Here, the **seven spirits** could refer to: (1) the Spirit of God, that is, the Holy Spirit. The Bible can use the number **seven** as a symbol for completeness and perfection, for example, it describes the Holy Spirit with seven attributes in [Isaiah 11:2](../isa/11/02.md). If this phrase refers to the Holy Spirit, then John is giving a Trinitarian benediction by mentioning God the Father and the Holy Spirit in this verse and Jesus Christ in the next verse. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit” (2) seven individual spirits who serve God. Alternate translation: “the seven spirit beings” or “the seven angelic spirits” +1:4 emw0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἃ ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου αὐτοῦ 1 If these are individual **spirits**, is not entirely clear who they are, but they would be seven individual spiritual beings who had important responsibilities serving God. John indicates this by association by noting that they are **before his throne**, that is, in God's presence and ready to serve him whenever needed. Some interpreters believe that they may be the “seven angels” whom John describes in [8:2](../08/02.md). Alternate translation: “who are always ready to serve him in important ways” +1:5 w24x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit καὶ ἀπὸ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 The first half of this verse continues the sentence from the previous verse. It may be helpful to indicate this by repeating some of the information from the previous verse. It may also be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “And may grace and peace also be to you from Jesus Christ” +1:5 gz2n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks ὁ μάρτυς ὁ πιστός, ὁ πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν, καὶ ὁ ἄρχων τῶν βασιλέων τῆς γῆς 1 In this verse, John is alluding several times to Psalm 89. In that psalm, God speaks of King David as his “firstborn” and says that he will make him “the most exalted of the kings of the earth.” God also says that he will establish David’s throne forever like the moon, “the faithful witness” in the sky. Psalm 89 as a whole is a meditation on the promises that God gave to David in [2 Samuel 7](../2sa/07/01.md). So all of these allusions indicate that Jesus Christ is the one who fulfills God’s promises to David. You may want to explain this in a footnote. You may also want to mark the phrases that are Old Testament allusions by putting them in quotation marks, as the ULT does. +1:5 l3h8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν 1 John is speaking as if Jesus was literally “born” when he became alive again after he died. Since Jesus was the first person to do this, John says that he is the **firstborn**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the first person to become alive again after dying” 1:5 j1xp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj τῶν νεκρῶν 1 John is using the adjective **dead** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “from among people who have died” 1:5 ttqn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge 1 A new sentence begins here that continues through the rest of the next verse. This sentence praises Jesus. To make this clear for your readers, you could create a verse bridge for verses 5–6 and begin with John’s wish that would Jesus receive glory and power. A verse bridge might say something like this: “May the glory and the power forever be to Jesus because he is the one who loves us and who has released us from our sins by his blood and who has made us a kingdom, priests for his God and Father. Amen.” 1:5 tqfs rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns τῷ ἀγαπῶντι ἡμᾶς 1 Here, **the one** refers to Jesus Christ. If this is not clear to your readers, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “To Jesus Christ, who loves us” -1:5 u6v7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor λύσαντι ἡμᾶς ἐκ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν 1 Here John uses the word **released** figuratively to mean forgiving people for their **sins**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “having forgiven us for our sins” -1:5 rvmr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἡμᾶς & ἡμῶν 1 The words **us** and **our** here include both John and his readers. -1:5 jpnq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐκ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν 1 John uses **sins** figuratively to refer to the punishment for **sins**. He means that Jesus causes people who believe in him to escape eternal punishment for their sins. If this would confuse your readers, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the punishment for our sins” -1:5 q64f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **blood** represents the death of Christ on the cross. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable word that stands for death or express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “his death on the cross” -1:6 nhfb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor βασιλείαν 1 Here, **a kingdom** functions as a metaphor for the unity that believers have as they belong to each other and to God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the meaning of **kingdom** here explicitly. Alternate translation: “a group that belongs to God” -1:6 iq7j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἱερεῖς 1 Here, the word **priests** functions as a metaphor for people who live to serve God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “people who work” or “people who live” -1:6 nesy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα καὶ τὸ κράτος 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for **glory** or **power**, you could express these ideas in other ways. Here, **power** refers to the authority that Jesus has to rule over his kingdom. Alternate translation: “may people glorify Jesus and may he rule over everyone” or “may people honor Jesus and may he reign” -1:6 ne7x rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρί αὐτοῦ 1 Here, the words **God** and **Father** refer to one person, not two. This is God the Father, who exists with the Son and the Holy Spirit as God. The name **Father** is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Alternate translation: “for God, his Father” or “for God, who is the Father of Jesus” +1:5 rvmr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἡμᾶς & ἡμᾶς & ἡμῶν 1 By **us** and **our**, John means both himself and his readers. So use the inclusive form of those words in your translation if your language marks that distinction. +1:5 u6v7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor λύσαντι ἡμᾶς ἐκ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν 1 John is speaking of **sins** as if they were something that had held him and his readers captive and from which they needed to be **released**. He means that Jesus obtained forgiveness from God for people’s sins. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one having obtained forgiveness for us for our sins” +1:5 q64f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ 1 By **blood**, John implicitly means the blood that Jesus shed when he died on the cross. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “by the blood that he shed when he died on the cross” +1:6 tkqk rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἐποίησεν & αὐτοῦ & αὐτῷ 1 The pronouns **he**, **his**, and **him** all refer to Jesus. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Jesus has made … his … to Jesus” +1:6 nhfb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor βασιλείαν, ἱερεῖς τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρί αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of a **kingdom**, you could express the same idea in another way. The phrase **a kingdom, priests to God** is an allusion to [Exodus 19:6](../exo/19/06.md), where God tells the Israelites, “You will be to me a kingdom of priests.” This means that the Israelites will have the God as their king and that they will lead the other people of the world to worship God. Alternate translation: “people who obey God, the Father of Jesus Christ, as their king and who lead others to worship him” +1:6 ne7x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρί αὐτοῦ 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The phrase **his Father** tells who **God** is. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “to God, who is his Father” +1:6 i3jg rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Πατρί 1 **Father** is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Be sure to retain this title in your translation. +1:6 nesy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα καὶ τὸ κράτος 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for **glory** or **power**, you could express these ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “may all of creation acknowledge how glorious and powerful he is” +1:6 mh4c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας 1 This expression refers to endless future time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “forever” 1:6 r456 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate ἀμήν 1 See the discussion in the General Introduction to Revelation about how to represent the word **Amen** in your translation here and in its other occurrences throughout the book. -1:7 ldv8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks ἰδοὺ, ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν, καὶ ὄψεται αὐτὸν πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς, καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν, καὶ κόψονται ἐπ’ αὐτὸν πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς 1 The clauses **Behold, he is coming with the clouds**, **every eye will see him, even those who pierced him**, and **will mourn because of him** are quotations from the Old Testament. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off all of this material with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. -1:7 mx1c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, here John is using the term **Behold** to focus his listeners’ attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, in this instance, and throughout the book. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully!” +1:7 ldv8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks ἰδοὺ, ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν, καὶ ὄψεται αὐτὸν πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς, καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν, καὶ κόψονται ἐπ’ αὐτὸν πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς 1 **Behold, he is coming with the clouds** is a quotation from [Daniel 7:13](../dan/07/13.md). The phrases **every eye will see him, even those who pierced him** and **will mourn because of him** are quotations from [Zechariah 12:10](../zec/12/10.md). It may be helpful to your readers to indicate this by setting off these Old Testament quotations with quotation marks, as the ULT does, or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. +1:7 mx1c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, here John is using the term **Behold** to focus his listeners’ attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, in this instance and throughout the book. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully!” 1:7 bbqj rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν 1 The pronoun **he** here refers to Jesus Christ. If this is unclear to your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus is coming with the clouds” -1:7 isa6 ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν 1 This phrase probably refers to [Daniel 7:13](../dan/07/13.md). You may want to include this information in a footnote. -1:7 k0qo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν 1 Jesus went into **the clouds** when he went up to heaven after God raised him from the dead. When Jesus returns, he will also come **with the clouds**. It is not clear whether this means implicitly that he will be sitting or riding on clouds or coming in the clouds or **with the clouds** in some other way. Your translation should express this in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he approaches on the clouds” -1:7 nxqe ὄψεται αὐτὸν πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς, καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν, καὶ κόψονται ἐπ’ αὐτὸν πᾶσαι αἱ φυλαὶ τῆς γῆς 1 These phrases probably refer to [Zechariah 12:10](../zec/12/10.md). You may want to include this information in a footnote. -1:7 hb4i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς 1 Since people see with their eyes, the word **eye** is used to refer to people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every person” or “everyone” -1:7 ndf6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν 1 Jesus’ hands and feet were **pierced** when he was nailed to the cross and a soldier **pierced** his side with a spear. Here, **those who pierced him** refers to the people who killed him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “even those who pierced and killed him” or “even those who stabbed him to death” -1:7 ewtl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis καὶ οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν 1 John is leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “even those who pierced him will see him” -1:7 s0rd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ναί! ἀμήν! 1 Here, the phrase **Yes, Amen** has two words that mean basically the same thing. **Yes** affirms, emphasizes, and strengthens the following word, **Amen**. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you could use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Certainly it shall be thus!” or “Yes indeed, may this truly be so!” -1:8 c96p rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations ἐγώ εἰμι τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, λέγει Κύριος, ὁ Θεός, ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, ὁ Παντοκράτωρ 1 Here, **says the Lord God** indicates that the clauses that come before and after this phrase are quotations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could move this phrase to the beginning or end of the verse. Alternate translation: “The Lord God says, ‘I am the alpha and the omega, the one who is, and who was, and who is coming, the Almighty.’” -1:8 ufix rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ 1 The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet are **alpha** and **omega**. Comparing God to these letters means that he is the first and the last of all things. If it would be helpful in your language, you may consider using the first and last letters of your alphabet, or use plain language. Alternate translation: “the A and the Z” or “the first and the last” or “the one who began and will end all things” -1:8 l1ss rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ 1 Here the phrase **the alpha and the omega** refers to the eternal nature of God the Father or of Jesus Christ. The Greek alphabet represents time, and referring to the beginning and ending letters includes all of those in between. In other words, these letters represent all of time. Therefore, the idea here is that God always exists. The second part of the verse says this plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who always existed and will always exist” -1:8 t0ga rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, λέγει Κύριος 1 Some versions add the phrase “the Beginning and the End” after this statement. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the phrase it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the example of the ULT. -1:8 in5e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 See how you translated the phrase **who is coming** in [1:4](../01/04.md). -1:9 mg1k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν 1 Here, **your** is plural and refers to the believers assembled among the seven churches mentioned in chapters 1–3 of this book. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the brother of you believers” -1:9 y5gy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ ἀδελφὸς 1 John is using the term **brother** to mean that he shares the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your fellow believer” -1:9 ikek rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns βασιλείᾳ 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **suffering**, **kingdom**, and **endurance**, you could express these ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “someone who is patiently enduring while suffering just as you are because we belong to Jesus” -1:9 o6k9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐν Ἰησοῦ 1 Here John pictures **Jesus** as containing the **suffering**, **kingdom**, and **patient endurance** that everyone who believes in him experiences. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this idea plainly. Alternate translation: “that we all experience because we believe in Jesus” -1:9 c1a9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 John uses **word of God** figuratively to describe the gospel message that came from God and that John proclaimed by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because of the message from God” -1:9 sim8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ 1 John is using a possessive form to describe the **testimony** about **Jesus** that John proclaimed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the testimony that I proclaimed about Jesus” -1:10 s2sw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐγενόμην ἐν Πνεύματι 1 Here, **in the Spirit** could mean: (1) God’s Spirit (the Holy Spirit) took control of John in order to influence John to receive divine revelation. Alternate translation: “I was influenced by the Spirit of God” or “God’s Spirit took control of me” (2) God caused John’s spirit to be in a state so that he could perceive revelation. Alternate translation: “God influenced my spirit” or “God took control of my spirit” -1:10 lnj2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῇ Κυριακῇ ἡμέρᾳ 1 Here, **the Lord’s day** refers specifically to the first day of the week, which was the day when believers gathered to worship together in honor of the Lord’s resurrection. If this is unclear to your readers, you could express the meaning explicitly, using the term in your language for the first day of the week. Alternate translation: “Sunday, the Lord’s day” -1:10 fa68 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile φωνὴν μεγάλην ὡς σάλπιγγος 1 The **voice** was very **loud** so that the noise sounded **like a trumpet**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a voice as loud as a trumpet being blown” -1:10 ggph rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy φωνὴν μεγάλην 1 Here, **a loud voice** refers to a person speaking loudly; that person is later revealed to be Jesus Christ. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a sound of someone speaking loudly, sounding” -1:10 fu9q rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ὡς σάλπιγγος 1 A **trumpet** was an instrument people blew into for making a loud sound. In John’s time, it was probably made of metal. If you do not blow trumpets in your culture, use a word in your language for a loud instrument. -1:11 y4ab rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations λεγούσης 1 Here, **saying** introduces a quotation. What follows is what the voice of the previous verse said. Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. You may want to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “That voice said” -1:11 kq6x rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἔφεσον & Σμύρναν & Πέργαμον & Θυάτειρα & Σάρδεις & Φιλαδέλφιαν & Λαοδίκιαν 1 These are the names of cities in the Roman province of Asia. They would be found in the southwestern area of Turkey today. The list begins with Ephesus, the most important city at the time, and it moves clockwise around the cities, ending with Laodicea, the southernmost city. -1:12 r89l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὴν φωνὴν ἥτις 1 Here, **voice** refers figuratively to the person speaking. The context indicates that Jesus Christ is the one speaking here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who” -1:12 flem rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἑπτὰ λυχνίας χρυσᾶς 1 Here, **seven golden lampstands** refers to seven poles that each hold one or more oil lamps at the top. These seven lamp holders are made of gold. Apparently these lamp holders represent the seven assemblies of believers in the seven cities mentioned in the previous verse. The number **seven** is often used in the Bible as a symbol for completeness and perfection, so it may be that these seven churches represent Christ’s church as a whole, that is, all believers. Alternate translation: “seven golden stands holding oil lamps” -1:13 xmx7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὅμοιον Υἱὸν Ἀνθρώπου 1 The expression **like a son of man** describes a human figure. It recalls the same phrase from [Daniel 7:13](../dan/07/13.md). The point of this comparison is that the figure John saw looked like a human. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a being that looked like a man” or “a figure which resembled a human being” -1:13 y6qk rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ζώνην χρυσᾶν 1 A **sash** was a strip of cloth worn around the chest. This one had the appearance of gold and may have been woven from golden threads. A **sash** is not a belt that is worn around the waist. Alternate translation: “a golden strap” or “a golden band” -1:14 hqz1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ἡ & κεφαλὴ αὐτοῦ καὶ αἱ τρίχες 1 Here, the phrase **head and hair** refers to the hair that is on the head. It does not mean that the skin of the head was white. Alternate translation: “the hair on his head” -1:14 mg7r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet λευκαὶ, ὡς ἔριον λευκόν ὡς χιών 1 John uses repetition here in order to emphasize how white the hair was. If your language does not use repetition in this way, you could use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “extremely white like wool or snow” -1:14 j9w4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown λευκαὶ, ὡς ἔριον λευκόν ὡς χιών 1 John is comparing the **hair** to **wool** and **snow** because those things are both very white. If your readers would not be familiar with those things, you could use the name of something in your area that is known to be very white, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “white as egret feathers” or “white as cotton” or “very, very white” -1:14 vp4t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτοῦ ὡς φλὸξ πυρός 1 It may be that the phrase **flame of fire** repeats information in a way that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could say it in a more natural way. Alternate translation: “his eyes blazed like fire” or “his eyes were glowing like flames” -1:15 u551 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ 1 The point of this comparison is that the **feet** were like **polished bronze**, which is very shiny. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “his feet were very shiny like polished bronze” or “his feet were reflecting light as does polished bronze” -1:15 qbno rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ 1 John refers here to **polished bronze**. If your readers would not be familiar with that metal, you could use a more general comparison or an expression without a comparison. Alternate translation: “his feet were very shiny like polished metal” or “his feet were shining” -1:15 d6je rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ ὡς ἐν καμίνῳ πεπυρωμένης 1 Here, the word **furnace** describes a strong container for holding a very hot fire. People would put metal such as **bronze** in it, and the hot fire would make the metal **refined** by melting away any impurities that were in the metal. Do not translate this verse in a way that would imply that the bronze was first polished and then refined in a furnace, which reverses the actual order of events. Alternate translation: “were like bronze that has been purified in a hot furnace and then polished” -1:15 izg6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἡ φωνὴ αὐτοῦ ὡς φωνὴ ὑδάτων πολλῶν 1 The point of this comparison is that **the sound** of **his voice** was very loud and powerful. The image could be that of a loud waterfall or of rushing floodwaters. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “his voice was very loud, like the sound of rushing waters” -1:16 qu9h καὶ ἔχων 1 Here, the subject of **having** continues from verse [1:13](../01/13.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could start a new sentence here and repeat the subject. Alternate translation: “This one like a son of man had” or “He had” -1:16 pp58 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ ῥομφαία δίστομος ὀξεῖα ἐκπορευομένη 1 Here, the imagery of the **sword** protruding from Christ’s mouth is most likely a metaphor for the spoken word, especially God’s word, as being figuratively sharp and able to pierce things, as in Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12. The symbolism may have been inspired by the fact that Roman **double-edged** swords were shaped like human tongues in their forms. The translator may wish to include some of this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “the blade of a sharp sword that cuts on both sides protruding from his mouth” -1:16 cb26 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς ὁ ἥλιος φαίνει ἐν τῇ δυνάμει αὐτοῦ 1 Here, the phrase **shining as the sun at its strength** compares the face of Jesus Christ to the way that the sun shines in its full force during the middle of the day. Use a natural expression in your language for this. Alternate translation: “shining as brightly as the noonday sun” or “shining as brightly as the sun at mid-day” -1:17 jw5r rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction ἔθηκεν τὴν δεξιὰν αὐτοῦ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ 1 Here, the phrase ** he placed his right hand on me** signifies a cultural gesture that expresses comfort and assurance to a person who is need of encouragement in a moment of fear. **Do not be afraid** is an accompanying verbal expression that indicates the significance of this symbolic action. Alternate translation: “and he touched me encouragingly with his right hand” -1:17 uc3d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος 1 Here, **the first and the last** refers to the eternal nature of Jesus because he is God. He existed before anything else and he will continue to exist after everything else is gone. In this expression, **first** refers to what is before everything and **last** refers to what is after everything. This is similar to the use of alpha and omega in [1:8](../01/08.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am the one who existed before everything and who will exist after everything” -1:18 zm05 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit καὶ ὁ ζῶν καὶ ἐγενόμην νεκρὸς 1 Here, **the one living** also refers to the eternal nature of Jesus as God. It could refer to: (1) Jesus possessing eternal life in himself. Alternate translation: “the eternal one” (2) Jesus being the source of life. Alternate translation: “the one who gives life” -1:18 a4e2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου 1 Jesus speaks of **keys** here to refer to authority or power. Just as **keys** have the ability to control the opening or locking of a door, so Jesus has the power to control death and Hades. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have power over death and over Hades” -1:18 pgql rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου 1 This clause implies that Jesus can give life to those who have died and let them out of **Hades**. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I have the power to give life to people who have died and to let them out of Hades” -1:18 acrx rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου 1 The word **Hades** is the Greek name for the place where the spirits of dead people go. Many Bible translations just use this word as it is, and others translate it, using a word for the place of the dead in their language. The words **death** and **Hades** mean almost the same thing. Through **death** a person enters **Hades**. Alternate translation: “to release people from death, that is, from Hades” or “to free people from death and from the grave” -1:19 eupc ἃ εἶδες, καὶ ἃ εἰσὶν, καὶ ἃ μέλλει γενέσθαι μετὰ ταῦτα 1 Here, **what you have seen, and what is, and what is about to happen after these things** refers to the things that Jesus is showing to John throughout this book. These clauses could indicate (1) events in two time periods, present and future. In this case, the tense of **have seen** is from the perspective of John when he is writing. He cannot write something until he has seen it. Alternate translation: “what you see, that is, the things that exist now, and what must happen afterwards” or (2) events in three time periods, past, present, and future. Alternate translation: “what you have seen, what is, and what must happen afterwards” -1:20 ttic rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis τὸ μυστήριον τῶν ἑπτὰ ἀστέρων, οὓς εἶδες ἐπὶ τῆς δεξιᾶς μου, καὶ τὰς ἑπτὰ λυχνίας τὰς χρυσᾶς 1 This sentence leaves out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be helpful in your language. Alternate translation: “I will explain the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands” -1:20 eek9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἄγγελοι τῶν ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησιῶν 1 Here, **the angels of the seven churches** could refer to: (1) heavenly angels who protect the seven churches, or (2) human messengers who are sent to the seven churches. In the second case, **the angels** could either be human representatives who lead among each of the seven churches or, alternatively, the actual messengers who went from John bearing the book of Revelation to the seven churches mentioned in [1:11](../01/11.md). The translator should use a word here that can allow for both interpretations, if possible. Alternate translation: “the seven messengers of the seven churches” -2:intro zps2 0 # Revelation 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n- The Letter to Ephesus (2:1-7)\n\n- The Letter to Smyrna (2:8-11)\n\n- The Letter to Pergamum (2:12-17)\n\n- The Letter to Thyatira (2:18-29)\n\nYou may wish to set each letter apart so that your readers can easily see that these are separate letters. You could, for example, put a blank line between these letters in your translation.\n\nSome translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the words in verse 27.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### The personal knowledge that Jesus expresses about the churches\n\nAt times, Jesus uses the phrase **I know** to express his personal familiarity with and knowledge of some of the seven churches. The phrase **I know** is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present situation and the types of circumstances that the Christians experienced in these churches. The idiomatic expression **I know** indicates an assurance that Jesus understands the current conditions or circumstances in which the Christians were living. Although usually positive in a tone of assurance (See: Revelation 2:2,9,13,19; 3:8), the phrase **I know** sometimes expresses a critical or negative assessment that Jesus makes (See: Revelation 3:1,15). Thus, the expression **I know** affirms more than simply a knowledge of circumstances on the part of Jesus. The phrase also asserts a claim to be in a position to make a valid judgment as an impartial arbiter who might be critical at times. Therefore, the translator may wish to provide a textual note that explains the phrase **I know** as meaning something more than simply the awareness that Jesus has of the current religious, social, and moral conditions of the Christians whom Jesus addresses. You might consider translating **I know** as something like "I am aware" or "I am very aware."\n\n\n### The use of the second-person singular to refer to a plural group of people\n\nThe second-person verbs and pronouns in the letters to the seven churches are often singular in number, but they are plural in reference. Technically, every message to each of the seven churches is addressed to an individual **angel**, so that one would naturally expect singular references. However, these verbs and pronouns are plural in their implied references to the believers in the churches Jesus is addressing. If the singular form would not be natural in your language in such a context, you could use plural forms in your translation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])\n\n### Balaam, Balak, and Jezebel\n\nIn two of these letters, Jesus refers to people whose stories are told in the Old Testament: Balaam, Balak, and Jezebel. These were all people who tried to harm the Israelites by cursing them or by making them want to stop obeying God.\n\n### Nicolaitans\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### “Let the one who has an ear hear”\n\nJesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. Here, the phrase **has an ear** represents the willingness to understand and obey, by association with the part of the body by which his listeners would have been receiving his teaching. In your translation, you may use a phrase such as “Let the one who is willing to listen, listen,” or “The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])\n\nSince Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. In your translation, you may use a phrase such as “If you are willing to listen, then listen,” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])\n\n### “what the Spirit says to the churches”\n\nHere, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, that is, the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the author, as in [1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter to the seven churches.\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### “the angel of the church”\n\nThe word **angel** here can also mean “messenger” or “representative.” This might refer to a messenger or a representative leader of the church. You should translate **angel** in the introduction to these letters the same way you translated it in [1:20](../rev/01/20.md).\n\n### “The one … says these things”\n\nJesus uses these words to introduce his messages to the churches. He is speaking of himself as if he were speaking of another person. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person in your translation. For example, in 2:1, “I, Jesus, who hold the seven stars in my right hand and walk in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, say these things.”\n\n### “the one conquering”\n\nThe expression **the one conquering** occurs at the end of each of the seven letters. It also occurs in 12:11 and 21:7. It refers to anyone who is victorious by overcoming difficulties in the Christian life. In the original context of the letter, it seems to refer especially to those who refuse to worship idols, even at the risk of persecution and death. This expression compares the Christian life to a military battle in which the Christian overcomes the forces of evil. In your translation, you may wish to use an expression such as “the one who wins the victory” or “the one who overcomes.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\nThe expression **the one conquering** is not specific to any one person, but can be applied to people in general or to a group of people. If the generic noun phrase would not be natural in your language, you could use an indefinite expression or a plural group reference. Alternate translation: “anyone who wins the victory” or “those who win the victory” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) -2:1 mn8x rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἐφέσῳ 1 The word **Ephesus** is the name of a city. -2:1 kq5r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 Here, **the angel** could refer to: (1) a heavenly angel who protects the church in Ephesus, or (2) a human messenger who is sent to the church in Ephesus as a representative leader. In this case, **the angel** could either be a representative leader of the church in Ephesus or the actual messenger who went from John bearing the book of Revelation to the church in Ephesus. See how you translated **angel** in [1:20](../01/20.md). -2:1 mz7l rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 Here, **says these things** indicates that the words that come after this phrase are a direct quotation. Use a phrase that makes this clear in your language. Alternate translation: “says this message” or “says the following words” -2:1 q1ck rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ὁ κρατῶν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ, ὁ περιπατῶν ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσῶν 1 Here, the implied subject of the two clauses is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the assumed subject from the context established in the previous chapter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ, the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands” -2:1 ugs3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσῶν 1 The **golden lampstands** are symbols that represent the seven churches or seven assemblies of believers. See how you translated **lampstands** in [1:12](../01/12.md). -2:2 mm3q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οἶδα 1 For the expression **I know** that occurs often in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation (See: Revelation 2:2,9,13,19; 3:1,8,15), please see the explanatory note for **I know** in the chapter 2 introduction. Alternate translation: “I am aware of the fact that” -2:2 jg1u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὸν κόπον 1 If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of **labor**, you could express it with the verb “to work.” Alternate translation: “that you have labored very hard” or “that you have worked very hard” -2:2 iwe7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν ὑπομονήν 1 If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of **endurance**, you could express it with the verb “endure.” Alternate translation: “that you have patiently endured” -2:2 l6mv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd τὰ ἔργα σου, καὶ τὸν κόπον καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου, καὶ ὅτι οὐ δύνῃ βαστάσαι κακούς; καὶ ἐπείρασας τοὺς λέγοντας ἑαυτοὺς ἀποστόλους, καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν, καὶ εὗρες αὐτοὺς ψευδεῖς 1 See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter on the use of the second-person singular to refer to a plural group of people. It may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of second-person pronouns and verbs in a context such as this. -2:2 sxbf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj κακούς 1 Here, **evil people** translates directly an adjective in the Greek that signifies simply “wicked” or **evil**. Thus, the translator must supply a noun that the adjective is describing through an assumed implication. The natural assumption for the noun to be supplied would be human individuals who were people in the surrounding community of those being addressed here. Alternate translation: “evil people” -2:2 ka9e εὗρες αὐτοὺς ψευδεῖς 1 Here, **you have found them** indicates the literal translation of the Greek. However, the sense of **found** is something like “to understand” or simply to come to the knowledge about a certain reality. The understood reality is actually the falsehood of the claim of certain people to be apostles. Alternate translation: “you have recognized those people to be false apostles” -2:3 nn01 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis καὶ ὑπομονὴν ἔχεις 1 Here, **and you have patient endurance** implies a missing affirmation of **I know** from the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternative translation: “I realize that you have patient endurance” or “I recognize that you have patient endurance” -2:3 muq8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 Here, **name** is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ, since Jesus uses **name** here to refer to himself. The believers in Ephesus are suffering persecution and difficult circumstances for the sake of Jesus Christ as believers in him. The assembly in Ephesus suffers for the sake of the person and message of Jesus Christ within their society. Alternate translation: “because of me” or “because you believe in my name” or “because you believe in me” -2:3 j46d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὐ κεκοπίακες 1 Being discouraged is spoken of as having **grown weary**. The metaphor relates the notion of quitting an action with becoming tired, since often people stop an action if they are tired. Alternate translation: “you have not become discouraged” or “you have not quit” -2:3 mg3z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes οὐ κεκοπίακες 1 Here, **have not grown weary** is a litotes expression that expresses emphasis by negating the opposite statement. In this case, Jesus emphasizes the act of persevering and not giving up despite obstacles by stating the opposite notion. The believers at Ephesus had persevered in trials but did not give up. Thus, they did not grow **weary** or become tired, but rather they continued to try hard. See the previous note about the metaphor in the figure of speech. Alternate translation: “you have not grown tired” -2:4 j7gz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ, ὅτι 1 Here **I have against you that** indicates a negative, critical sentiment. It expresses the idea of a critical attitude in the person speaking, meaning something like: “I have something against you” or “there is something about you of which I disapprove.” Jesus is leaving out a word in the idiomatic expression that some languages would need in order for a clause to be complete. However, the following words in the context describe the matter of contention that Jesus is angry about. If your language requires an explanation of what it is with which Jesus is taking issue with the Ephesian church, then you can supply it from the context. Alternate translation: “I disapprove of you because” or “I have a criticism to make of you, that” -2:4 kx98 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὴν ἀγάπην σου τὴν πρώτην ἀφῆκες 1 To stop doing something is spoken of as leaving it **behind**. Here the expression **you have left behind your first love** represents **love** as an object that can be forsaken. Alternate translation: “you have stopped loving me as you did at the beginning” -2:5 sfw2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πόθεν πέπτωκας 1 Here, to **have fallen** is a metaphor for abandoning an earlier love and devotion for a person, in this case Jesus. Here, the metaphorical expression describes a tremendous decline in the love for Jesus among the Christians at Ephesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how much you have changed” or “how much you once loved me” -2:5 cd8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy καὶ τὰ πρῶτα ἔργα ποίησον 1 Here, **the first works** is a metonym that represents the behavior or way of life of the Ephesian believers earlier in their Christian practice. At that time, in their stronger devotion for Jesus, they made greater efforts to show their love for him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and make the efforts your made at first” -2:5 hlyf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔρχομαί σοι καὶ κινήσω τὴν λυχνίαν σου ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτῆς 1 Here, **I will come to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place** could refer to: (1) a special coming in judgment that Jesus would make personally for only the church of Ephesus. (2) the final, second coming of Jesus to the earth in judgment. In both interpretation options, Jesus uses a metaphor from the actual Roman destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 AD. In 70 AD, the Romans entered the Jerusalem temple and removed the seven-branched lampstand from inside the sanctuary. However, the translator should not make either interpretive option explicit in the translation. Alternate translation: “I will come to you and I will extract your lampstand from its place” -2:5 j8p5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἔρχομαί σοι καὶ κινήσω τὴν λυχνίαν σου ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτῆς 1 The **lampstand** is a symbol that represents one of the seven churches. See how you translated **lampstand** in [1:12](../01/12.md). -2:6 g8gn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀλλὰ τοῦτο ἔχεις 1 **But you have this** is a metaphor in which **this** represents the fact that Jesus hates the works of the Nicolaitans. The metaphor in this idiomatic expression is that **this** is spoken of as if it were an object someone could have. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “But this is to your credit” or “But here is a good thing you are doing” -2:6 cvi5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names τῶν Νικολαϊτῶν 1 The **Nicolaitans** were people who followed the teachings or practices of a man named Nicolaus. The translator should not attempt to specify the actual teachings or practices of the **Nicolaitans**, since there is no certainty about what Nicolaus taught or practiced. -2:7 s3qg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. Here, the phrase **having an ear** presents a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey by association with the part of the body by which his listeners would have been receiving his teaching. Alternate translation: “Let the one who is willing to listen, listen to” or “The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey” -2:7 tidg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. Alternate translation: “If you are willing to listen, then listen to” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand” -2:7 zln0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 Here, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in [1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters 2 and 3 (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter 2 and for chapter 3 to read this same explanatory note. -2:7 wzg1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῷ νικῶντι 1 The expression **To the one conquering** refers to anyone who is victorious in overcoming difficulties in the Christian life (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). The expression represents a metaphor comparing the Christian life to a military battle, in which the Christian overcomes the forces of evil and any difficult obstacles in warfare. Alternate translation: “To the one who wins the victory” or “To the one who overcomes the obstacles” -2:7 t84w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun τῷ νικῶντι 1 The expression **To the one conquering** refers to anyone who is victorious by overcoming difficulties in the Christian life. The generic noun phrase **the one who conquers** occurs in Revelation chapters two and three often (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). The word **one** represents anyone who is **conquering**, not one particular person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural expression. -2:7 ng2d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς 1 John is using a possessive form to characterize this **tree** as giving **life**. The imagery recalls the reference in Genesis 3:22 to **the tree of life** in the Garden of Eden. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “from the tree that grants life” -2:7 rmf5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate τῷ Παραδείσῳ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **paradise** is a Greek transliteration of a Persian word that describes a pleasure garden and zoo that Persian monarchs built at their residences. However, in the Bible **paradise** becomes a symbol for heaven. The symbolism for heaven might be seen in Luke 23:43 and 2 Corinthians 12:4, which both show that **paradise** is a name for the abode of God. Thus, **paradise** represents the eternal and permanent home of believers in Jesus Christ in the new heavens and the new earth of the future. Alternate translation: “the eternal home that God has provided” -2:8 is3w rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Σμύρνῃ ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in **Smyrna**. **Smyrna** is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in [1:11](../01/11.md). -2:8 ie9x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 See how you translated **angel** in [1:20](../01/20.md). -2:8 nvn1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [2:1](../02/01.md). -2:8 huo8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ὃς ἐγένετο νεκρὸς καὶ ἔζησεν 1 Jesus is referring to himself in the third person here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I am the first and the last and I am the one who became dead but came to life again” -2:8 k7qk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος 1 Here, Jesus is referring to all of his eternal nature by naming the parts that are at the extreme ends of it, **The first and the last**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this in [1:17](../01/17.md). -2:8 t5l1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ὃς ἐγένετο νεκρὸς καὶ ἔζησεν 1 Here, the phrase **who became dead but came to life again** describes Jesus by the two extremes of his death on the cross as well as his current life after the resurrection. The figure of speech is a type of merism. See how you translated the very similar phrase in [1:18](../01/18.md). However, note that there are slight differences between this verse and [1:18](../01/18.md), such as in the order of the words. Alternate translation: “who became dead but lived again” or “who became dead but returned back to life” -2:9 s6ja rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd σου 1 See how you translated second person pronouns and references in [2:2](../02/02.md). -2:9 p6hp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν θλῖψιν 1 If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of **affliction**, you could express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “I know how you have been afflicted” or “I know how people have afflicted you” -2:9 ch4u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν πτωχείαν 1 If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of **poverty**, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “how poor you are” -2:9 lhuk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀλλὰ πλούσιος εἶ 1 Here, **rich** is a metaphor for the spiritual condition of the Christians in Smyrna. The Christians in Smyrna were physically poor because they did not have much money. However, they were spiritually rich because God would reward them for their suffering in the future. Thus, the metaphor uses the language of physical money to describe the spiritual condition of Smyrna’s Christians. -2:9 f6bp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν βλασφημίαν ἐκ τῶν λεγόντων Ἰουδαίους εἶναι ἑαυτούς 1 If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of **slander**, you could express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “how people have slandered you—those who say they are Jews” or “how people have said terrible things about you—those who say they are Jews” -2:9 qf9p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν 1 Here, **but they are not** is irony in the sense that Jesus does not intend to say that the people are not literal Jews. Jesus actually means that these people are indeed Jews, although they do not behave in a manner that agrees with their ethnic identification. Jews should behave as if they were God’s people, but these people mentioned here do not act as if they belonged to God’s chosen race. Alternate translation: “but they are not real Jews” -2:9 a4yu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor συναγωγὴ τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 Here, **a synagogue of Satan** is a metaphor describing the Jewish people in Smyrna who were slandering the Christians in the local church. The metaphor uses the imagery of the **synagogue**, which was a place where Jews gathered together for both worship and for learning. However, the Jews described in this verse gather together to slander the Christians of Smyrna. Therefore, these Jews actually gather and serve **Satan** as a **synagogue** in a certain sense. -2:9 hv3o rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession συναγωγὴ τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 Here, **a synagogue of Satan** signifies a synagogue that serves Satan in some metaphorical sense (See: previous note). The phrase uses the possessive form to describe the fact that the synagogue of Jews serves Satan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “a synagogue that follows Satan” -2:10 r472 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy μέλλει βάλλειν ὁ διάβολος ἐξ ὑμῶν εἰς φυλακὴν, ἵνα πειρασθῆτε 1 Here, **the devil** represents people who were persecuting Christians. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. People were about to imprison and even kill some of the Christians. John does not say who these people were. But he does speak of them harming the Christians as if Satan himself were harming them. Alternate translation: “people under the devil’s influence are about to get some of you imprisoned for testing” -2:10 agx4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom μέλλει βάλλειν ὁ διάβολος ἐξ ὑμῶν εἰς φυλακὴν, ἵνα πειρασθῆτε 1 Here, **to throw** is a idiomatic expression for putting someone into prison or jail. The enemies of the Christians, not God himself, will test them, . Translators should avoid implying to their readers that God is working with Satan to bring about evil or temptation. Alternate translation: “the devil will soon cause others to put some of you in prison” -2:10 tlvz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd ἐξ ὑμῶν 1 See how you translated the second person pronouns and references in [2:2](../02/02.md). -2:10 snk8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡμερῶν δέκα 1 As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, time references such as this one may have symbolic significance. In this case, **ten days** may represent a short or limited amount of time for testing. If so, this would be an allusion to [Daniel 1:14](../dan/01/14.md). However, as discussed, it would be appropriate to translate this as a reference to a specific period of time rather than offering an interpretation of the phrase as indicating something such as “for a short time of testing.” -2:10 f5t1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor γίνου πιστὸς ἄχρι θανάτου 1 The use of the word **until** does not mean that one should stop being faithful at death. Rather, the idea is to be faithful even to the point of death. Alternate translation: “Be faithful to me even if they kill you” -2:10 zhj8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς 1 Here, **the crown of life** refers as a metaphor to the reward of eternal life itself. Jesus is using a possessive form to describe the crown or the wreath as the prize of life itself. Eternal life is the reward in the metaphor of a crown. Alternate translation: “the reward of life as your crown” or “ the prize of life as your wreath” -2:11 g7zq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). -2:11 dc3n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). -2:11 y88p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 Here, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in [1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter 2 and for chapter 3 to read this same explanatory note. -2:11 s9d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ νικῶν 1 See how you translated this generic noun phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). For the metaphorical expression, **The one conquering**, that occurs often in chapters 2 and 3 of the book of Revelation (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase **The one conquering** in the chapter 2 introduction. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” -2:11 q6w2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism οὐ μὴ ἀδικηθῇ ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου 1 Here, the clause **will certainly not be hurt** is a euphemism for experiencing the second death in actuality. The literal meaning of the clause gives the sense of mistreating or injuring someone. However, in this case, the euphemism represents the greater danger of a second, spiritual death (See: next note). Alternate translation: “will not experience the second death” or “will not die the second death” -2:11 r457 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐ μὴ 1 As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, John frequently uses a double negative for emphasis that the ULT translates with the expression “certainly not,” as in this case. The second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. If for emphasis your language uses double negatives that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction here and in similar places throughout the book. -2:11 ayw1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου 1 Here, **by the second death** is a metaphor that describes the spiritual or eternal transition from normal life that occurs after the first natural death that people suffer at the end of physical life. The phrase **second death** is further described and defined in Revelation 20:6,14: 21:8. The translator should translate the phrase **the second death** literally and also give an explanatory note with references to Revelation 20:6,14; 21:8. Alternate translation: “by the eternal death” or “by the spiritual death” -2:12 ll17 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Περγάμῳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in **Pergamum**. **Pergamum** is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, that existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in [1:11](../01/11.md). -2:12 il7c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 See how you translated **angel** in [1:20](../01/20.md). -2:12 kf91 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [2:1](../02/01.md). -2:12 f6s5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὴν ῥομφαίαν τὴν δίστομον τὴν ὀξεῖαν 1 See how you translated this type of **sword** and its imagery in [1:16](../01/16.md). -2:13 ltx3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οἶδα ποῦ κατοικεῖς 1 Here, **I know where you live** is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present condition and difficult circumstances that the Christians in Pergamum were experiencing at that time. The idiomatic expression indicates an assurance that Jesus understands the current problems and difficult conditions of the people whom he addresses here. Jesus not only expresses knowledge of the city of Pergamum as a location or place, but he also expresses his familiarity with the religious, social, and moral conditions that the Christians experienced while living in Pergamum. See the explanatory note for **I know** in the General Notes to this chapter. Alternate translation: “I know where you dwell” or “I know where you have your home” -2:13 ryn6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ὁ θρόνος τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 Here, **the throne of Satan** means the place that Satan controls. Jesus is using a possessive form to describe the place where Satan has power and control, and he refers to a throne to represent the rule of Satan. This is most likely a local reference to a giant altar to the god Zeus that existed in Pergamum at this time. Alternate translation: “Satan rules” -2:13 fxzt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom κρατεῖς τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 Here, **you hold tightly to my name** is an idiom that means “to believe firmly in the name of Jesus.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you firmly believe in my name” or “you have a strong faith in my name” -2:13 tf7c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 Here, **name** represents the person of Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the phrase **my name** in [2:3](../02/03.md). Alternate translation: “to me” -2:13 ppz3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐκ ἠρνήσω τὴν πίστιν μου 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative verb **deny**. Alternate translation: “you held tightly to your faith in me” -2:13 x6j6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns οὐκ ἠρνήσω τὴν πίστιν μου 1 If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you can express it positively with the verb “believe.” Alternate translation: “you continued to tell people that you believe in me” -2:13 da1q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὴν πίστιν μου 1 Here, **your faith in me** means “the faith you have that places trust in me.” Jesus is using a possessive form to describe the faith that the Christians had in Jesus as the object of their belief. Alternate translation: “the belief you have in me” +1:7 k0qo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν 1 John is referring to Jesus returning from heaven through the sky by association with the **clouds** that are in the sky. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will return visibly in the sky” +1:7 hb4i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche ὄψεται αὐτὸν πᾶς ὀφθαλμὸς 1 John is using one part of a person, the **eye**, to mean all of a person in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every person will see him” +1:7 ndf6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche οἵτινες αὐτὸν ἐξεκέντησαν 1 John is using one thing that people did to Jesus when they killed him, they **pierced** him, to mean all that they did when they killed him. (Jesus’ hands and feet were pierced with nails when he was hung on the cross, and later a soldier pierced his side with a spear to see whether he was dead.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who killed him” +1:7 s0rd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ναί! ἀμήν! 1 The terms **Yes** and **Amen** mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “It will certainly be so!” +1:8 c96p rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations ἐγώ εἰμι τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, λέγει Κύριος, ὁ Θεός, ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, ὁ Παντοκράτωρ 1 Here, **says the Lord God** indicates that the clauses that come before and after this phrase are quotations. If it would be helpful in your language, you could move this phrase to the beginning or end of the verse. Alternate translation: “The Lord God says, ‘I am the alpha and the omega, the one being and the one having been and the one coming, the Ruler of All’” +1:8 t0ga rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ, λέγει Κύριος 1 Some versions add the phrase “the Beginning and the End” after this statement. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to follow the reading of the ULT and not include the extra phrase. +1:8 ufix rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ 1 The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet are **alpha** and **omega**. When God says that he is these letters, he means that he is the one who was at the beginning of all things and who will be at the end of all things. If you wish to retain this image in your translation, you could use the first and last letters of your own alphabet. Alternatively, you could use plain language. See the next two notes for further possibilities. Alternate translation: “the A and the Z” or “the one who was at the beginning of all things and who will be at the end of all things” +1:8 eghq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ 1 The implication of God having been at the beginning of all things may be that God created all things, and the implication of that fact that God will be at the end of all things may be that God will bring all things to their appropriate end. In other words, God may be asserting his identity as the creator of the world and the ultimate judge of the world. Alternate translation: "the creator and the ultimate judge of the world" +1:8 bmbt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ 1 God may also be using the first and last letters of the alphabet to represent two extremes of time, the beginning and end of time, in order to mean those extremes and all of the time in between. In that case, this expression would be equivalent to what God says in the rest of the quotation in this verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the one who has always existed” +1:8 in5e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 See how you translated this phrase in [1:4](../01/04.md). +1:9 y5gy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ ἀδελφὸς 1 John is using the term **brother** to indicate that he has the same faith as the people to whom he is writing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “fellow believer” +1:9 ikek rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns συνκοινωνὸς ἐν τῇ θλίψει, καὶ βασιλείᾳ, καὶ ὑπομονῇ, ἐν Ἰησοῦ 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **suffering**, **kingdom**, and **endurance**, you could express these ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “someone who is patiently enduring while suffering just as you are because we are loyal to Jesus as our king” +1:9 ow4t ἐν Ἰησοῦ 1 Alternate translation: "that people who follow Jesus experience" +1:9 rjyd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τῇ νήσῳ τῇ καλουμένῃ Πάτμῳ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the island that people call Patmos” +1:9 c1a9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 John is using the term **word** to mean the message from God that he had shared by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the message from God” +1:9 sim8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ 1 In this possessive form, **Jesus** is the object rather than the subject of **testimony**. This does not mean **testimony** that Jesus himself gave; it means **testimony** that John gave about Jesus. Alternate translation: “the testimony that I proclaimed about Jesus” +1:10 s2sw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐγενόμην ἐν Πνεύματι 1 Here, **in the Spirit** could mean: (1) God’s **Spirit**, the Holy Spirit, influenced John so that he could receive divine revelation. Alternate translation: “The Holy Spirit influenced me” (2) God caused John’s spirit to be in a state in which he could perceive revelation. Alternate translation: “God influenced my spirit” +1:10 lnj2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐν τῇ Κυριακῇ ἡμέρᾳ 1 Here, **the Lord’s day** means the first day of the week, which was the day on which believers gathered to worship because that was the day on which Jesus rose from the dead. In your translation, you could use the term in your language for the first day of the week. Alternate translation: “one Sunday” +1:10 fa68 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile φωνὴν μεγάλην ὡς σάλπιγγος 1 The point of this comparison is not that the sound of the **voice** was like the sound of a **trumpet** but that the voice was **loud** like a trumpet. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: "a voice as loud as a trumpet" +1:10 ggph rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy φωνὴν μεγάλην 1 John is referring to someone speaking by association with the **voice** that the person is using to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “someone speaking loudly” +1:11 y4ab rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations λεγούσης 1 The word **saying** introduces a quotation. What follows is what the voice that John described in the previous verse said. Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. It may be helpful to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “That voice said” +1:11 kq6x rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἔφεσον & Σμύρναν & Πέργαμον & Θυάτειρα & Σάρδεις & Φιλαδέλφιαν & Λαοδίκιαν 1 The words **Ephesus**, **Smyrna**, **Pergamum**, **Thyatira**, **Sardis**, **Philadelphia**, and **Laodicea** are the names of cities. See the General Notes to this chapter for more information. +1:12 r89l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὴν φωνὴν ἥτις 1 John is referring to someone speaking by association with the **voice** that the person is using to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what person” +1:13 xmx7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὅμοιον Υἱὸν Ἀνθρώπου 1 The expression **like a son of man** is an allusion to [Daniel 7:13](../dan/07/13.md). It means "like a human being." The point of this comparison is that the figure whom John saw looked like a human. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a figure who was human in form” +1:13 wd1l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive καὶ περιεζωσμένον πρὸς τοῖς μαστοῖς ζώνην χρυσᾶν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He had wrapped a golden sash around his chest” +1:13 y6qk rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ζώνην χρυσᾶν 1 A **sash** was a strip of cloth that someone would wrap around the chest to keep a robe closed. Your language may have a term of its own for such an article that you can use in your translation, or you could use plain language. Alternate translation: “a wide strip of golden cloth” +1:14 hqz1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ἡ & κεφαλὴ αὐτοῦ καὶ αἱ τρίχες 1 John is not saying that both the **head** (that is, the skin of the head) and the **hair** of this person were while. Rather, this phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **head** tells where this **hair** was. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “his hair” +1:14 j9w4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown λευκαὶ, ὡς ἔριον λευκόν ὡς χιών 1 If your readers would not be familiar with **snow** or **wool**, in your translation you could use the names of things they would be familiar with, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “were white as cotton, white as egret feathers” or “were brilliantly white” +1:14 mg7r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet λευκαὶ, ὡς ἔριον λευκόν ὡς χιών 1 The phrases **white as wool** and **white as snow** indicate the same thing. John is using the two phrases together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “as white as the whitest things on earth” +1:14 k7h3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτοῦ ὡς φλὸξ πυρός 1 The point of this comparison is that the **eyes** of this person were very bright, like a **flame**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “his eyes were as bright as a flame of fire” +1:14 vp4t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo φλὸξ πυρός 1 It might seem that the expression **a flame of fire** contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “a flame” +1:15 u551 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ ὡς ἐν καμίνῳ πεπυρωμένης 1 The point of this comparison is that the **feet** of this person were shining brightly, as refined **bronze** does. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “his feet were shining brightly, as bronze does when it has been refined in a furnace” +1:15 oc66 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive χαλκολιβάνῳ ὡς ἐν καμίνῳ πεπυρωμένης 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “bronze that someone had refined in a furnace” +1:15 izg6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἡ φωνὴ αὐτοῦ ὡς φωνὴ ὑδάτων πολλῶν 1 The point of this comparison is that the **voice** of this person was very loud, like the **sound of many waters**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “his voice was very loud, like the sound of many waters” +1:15 pi5n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ὑδάτων πολλῶν 1 By **many waters**, John could mean a loud waterfall or raging floodwaters. Alternate translation: “of a waterfall” or “of raging floodwaters” +1:16 qu9h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit καὶ ἔχων 1 If it would be helpful to your readers, you could start a new sentence here and indicate the subject of **having** explicitly. Alternate translation: “This one who was like a son of man had” +1:16 pp58 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ & ἐκπορευομένη 1 Be sure it is clear in your translation that this means that the blade of the **sword** was protruding from **his mouth**. The sword itself was not in motion. Alternate translation: "protruding from his mouth" +1:16 c0w0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἡ ὄψις αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος φαίνει 1 John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “his face was shining as the sun shines” +1:16 cb26 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἡ ὄψις αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος φαίνει 1 The point of this comparison is that the **face** of this person was shining as brightly as the **sun** shines. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “his face was shining as brightly as the sun shines” +1:16 oyit rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐν τῇ δυνάμει αὐτοῦ 1 This expression refers to the greatest brightness of the sun, which occurs at noon, when the sun is highest in the sky. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at its greatest brightness” or “when it is highest in the sky” +1:17 we5b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom πρὸς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ 1 This expression means that John fell to the ground in front of this person. It does not mean that he landed right on his feet. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “onto the ground in front of him” +1:17 u7gn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς νεκρός 1 The point of this comparison is that just as a **dead man** is lifeless, John was so overcome by fear that he did not even have the energy to keep standing up. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “because I was so overcome by fear that I lost all my energy and became like a lifeless dead man” +1:17 jw5r rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction ἔθηκεν τὴν δεξιὰν αὐτοῦ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ 1 Jesus **placed his right hand** on John as a symbolic action to express comfort and assurance to him because he needed encouragement in this moment of fear. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “he placed his right hand encouragingly on me” +1:17 axrg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives μὴ φοβοῦ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative verb **be afraid**. Alternate translation: “Take courage” +1:17 uc3d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος 1 This expression has the same meaning as "the alpha and the omega" in [1:8](../01/08.md). See how you translated that expression there. Alternate translation: “the one who was at the beginning of all things and who will be at the end of all things” or "the one who created everything and who will bring all things to an end" or "the one who has always existed" +1:18 zm05 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism καὶ ὁ ζῶν 1 If you translated “I am the first and the last” in the previous verse as “I am the one who has always existed,” then the phrase “and the one living” means basically the same thing. Jesus would be using repetition for emphasis. In your translation, you could connect these phrases with a word other than **and** in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation, following a comma at the end of the previous verse: “yes, I have always been alive” +1:18 vsfr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 See how you translated the similar expression in [1:6](../01/06.md). Alternate translation: “forever” +1:18 a4e2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου 1 Jesus is speaking as if he possesses literal **keys** to **death and Hades**. He means that he has authority over the realm of the dead. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have authority over death and Hades” +1:18 ilmy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου 1 In this context, the terms **death** and **Hades** mean the same thing. They both refer to the abode of the dead. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “I have complete authority over the realm of the dead” +1:18 pgql rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου 1 The implication is that Jesus is able to give life to those who have died and let them out of **Hades**. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I am able to give life to people who have died and let them out of Hades” +1:18 acrx rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου 1 The word **Hades** is the Greek name for the abode of the dead. In your translation, you could spell this word the way it sounds in your language and then explain its meaning. Alternatively, you could use a word for the abode of the dead in your language. Alternate translation: “of Hades, the abode of the dead” +1:19 eupc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἃ εἶδες, καὶ ἃ εἰσὶν, καὶ ἃ μέλλει γενέσθαι μετὰ ταῦτα 1 See the discussion of this phrase in the General Introduction to Revelation. Jesus may be referring to the vision John is presently having of him, the letters he will tell John to write, and the visions John will later see. If that is the case, then Jesus is describing everything he wants John to write by naming its major components. Translate this phrase in such a way that this potential meaning would be clear. +1:20 ttic rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis τὸ μυστήριον 1 Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be helpful in your language. Alternate translation: “I will explain the mystery” +1:20 eek9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἄγγελοι τῶν ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησιῶν 1 In chapters 2 and 3, Jesus will dictate a letter to each of the **angels of the seven churches** as if those angels were the churches themselves. So in this vision in chapter 1, these **angels**, symbolized by the **stars** in Jesus’ **right hand**, seem to personify the churches. That is, the angels represent the churches as if the churches were people. These **angels** could be: (1) actual angels, that is, spiritual beings. Alternate translation: “angels who represent the seven churches” (2) leaders of the churches, whom Jesus is describing as angels. Alternate translation: “leaders of the seven churches” (3) messengers bringing news of the churches to John and carrying John’s letters back to the churches. Alternate translation: “messengers of the seven churches” +2:intro zps2 0 # Revelation 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n- The Letter to Ephesus (2:1-7)\n\n- The Letter to Smyrna (2:8-11)\n\n- The Letter to Pergamum (2:12-17)\n\n- The Letter to Thyatira (2:18-29)\n\nYou may wish to set each letter apart so that your readers can easily see that these are separate letters. You could, for example, put a blank line between these letters in your translation.\n\nSome translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the words in verse 27.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### “the angel of the church”\n\nJesus addresses each of his letters to the “angel” of the church he is writing to. As a note to [1:20](../01/20.md) discusses, the word “angel” could have a literal sense, or it could mean “leader” or “messenger.” You should translate “angel” in the introduction to these letters in the same way you decided to translate it in [1:20](../01/20.md).\n\n### Balaam, Balak, and Jezebel\n\nIn two of the letters in this chapter, Jesus refers to people whose stories are told in the Old Testament. In the letter to Pergamum, in [2:14](../02/14.md), he refers to Balaam and Balak, and in the letter to Thyatira, in [2:20](../02/20.md), he refers to Jezebel. These were all people who tried to harm the Israelites by cursing them or by making them want to stop obeying God. Notes to these verses suggest ways of indicating that Jesus is referring to people whose stories are told in the Bible.\n\n### Nicolaitans\n\nIn the letter to Ephesus, in [2:6](../02/06.md), and in the letter to Pergamum, in [2:15](../02/15.md), Jesus refers to the “Nicolaitans.” This name describes people who followed the teachings or practices of a man named Nicolaus. It is no longer known who he was or what he taught. It is possible that he encouraged believers in Jesus, based on a misunderstanding of what it meant to be spiritual or to have Christian freedom, to take part in feasts at the temples of idols and in the immorality that happened during these feasts. In [2:14–15](../02/14.md), Jesus seems to associate the teaching of Nicolaus with the teaching of Balaam, who got the Israelites “to eat food sacrificed to idols and to be sexually immoral.” The Hebrew name Balaam has the same meaning as the Greek name Nicolas, “one who conquers the people,” so when Jesus says in [2:14](../02/14.md) that some in Pergamum follow the teaching of Nicolaus “in the same way” that they follow the teaching of Balaam, he may be saying that the contemporary teaching of Nicolaus is the same as the ancient teaching of Balaam. However, none of this is certain, so it would be best in your translation simply to refer to “the works of the Nicolaitans” in [2:6](../02/06.md) and to “the teaching of the Nicolaitans” in [2:15](../02/15.md) without trying to explain those things any further.\n\n## Translation issues in this chapter\n\n\n### Levels of quotation\n\n\nThe opening of each of the letters to the seven churches is a quotation within a quotation, and the main body of each letter is a quotation within a quotation within a quotation. If your language would not put one direct quotation inside another, you can translate the opening of each letter so that its main body is a simple direct quotation. You could end the quotation that begins at [1:17](../01/17.md) at the end of [1:20](../01/20.md), and you could then have John resume his narrative of his encounter with Jesus at the beginning of each letter. For example, for the first letter, to Ephesus, you could translate [2:1](../02/01.md) this way: “Jesus then told me to write to the angel of the church in Ephesus that the one holding the seven stars in his right hand, the one walking in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, said the following things.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])\n\n### The use of the second-person singular in letters to groups\n\nSince each of the letters to the seven churches is addressed to an individual “angel,” the words "you" and "your" are singular and the verb forms are second-person singular. However, since the angel represents the church (Jesus is addressing the angel as if the angel were the church), "you" and "your" and the singular verbs are plural in their implied references to the believers in the churches. If singular forms would not be natural in your language in such a context, you could use plural forms in your translation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])\n\n\nIn several places, Jesus switches to the second-person plural to speak more directly to the believers themselves. Notes indicate where this happens and suggest using the second-person plural in your translation if that would be natural in your language.\n\n### “The one … says these things”\n\nJesus begins each of the letters to the seven churches by identifying himself with some of the symbols from the vision that John relates in chapter 1. As he does this, he speaks of himself in the third person. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person in your translation. For example, you could say in[2:1](../02/1015.md), “I, Jesus, the one holding the seven stars in my right hand and walking in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, say these things.”\n\n### “I know”\n\nAt the beginning of each of the letters to the seven churches, Jesus uses the phrase “I know” to express his personal familiarity with what is happening in the churches. This phrase communicates an assurance that Jesus understands the current religious, social, and moral circumstances in which the Christians are living. While the phrase is usually positive, sometimes it expresses a critical assessment. Thus the phrase indicates more than just a knowledge of circumstances on the part of Jesus. It also implicitly asserts a claim to be in a position to make an authoritative judgment, critical if necessary, about how the believers are responding to these circumstances. To show this, you might consider translating “I know” at the start of each letter as “I am well aware of” or with some similar phrase. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n\n### “I have against you”\n\nIn several of the letters, Jesus tells the believers in a given church, “I have” something “against you.” This phrase makes a negative, critical statement, even though it is typically found among other, positive statements. It means “there is something about you of which I disapprove.” You could translate this expression with a phrase such as “I disapprove of you because” or “I have a criticism to make of you, that.”\n\n### “you have this”\n\nConversely, in several of the letters Jesus makes a positive statement by telling the believers “you have this” and then naming something about them of which he approves. You could translate this expression with a phrase such as “this is to your credit” or “here is a good thing that you are doing.”\n\n### “Let the one who has an ear hear”\n\nToward the end of each letter, Jesus says, “Let the one having an ear hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” Jesus says this to emphasize that what he has just said is important and that it may take some effort to understand and put into practice. This expression presents four translation issues that could be addressed in various ways.\n\n- The expression uses a third-person imperative. If your language does not use that form, you could express the meaning in another way that is natural in your language. For example, you could say, “May the one having an ear hear” or “The one who has an ear should hear.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p]])\n\n- The expression might seem to be speaking of a specific person, but it really means any person who fits its description. In your translation, express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. For example, you might say, “Anyone who has an ear should hear” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])\n\n- Through this expression, Jesus is addressing his audience in the third person, even though he is speaking directly to them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the expression in the second person. You could say, for example, “If you have an ear, then hear” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])\n\n- The phrase “having an ear” represents the willingness to understand and obey, by association with the part of the body by which people would have received the spoken teaching of Jesus. In your translation, you might say something such as, “Anyone who is willing should understand and obey” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])\n\n\n### “to the one conquering”\n\nAt the end of each letter, Jesus makes a promise “to the one conquering.” This expression describes someone who wins a victory, such as on the battlefield or in a sports contest. In the context of the book of Revelation, it refers to a person who refuses to worship idols even at the risk of persecution and death. The expression is therefore paradoxical: The person is said to conquer or win a victory, even though it appears that his enemies have defeated him, since they have put him in prison or even killed him. In your translation, you may wish to express the meaning plainly by saying something such as “to the one who refuses to worship idols even at the risk of persecution and death.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\nThe expression “to the one conquering” might seem to be speaking of a specific person, but it really means any person who fits its description. In your translation, express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. For example, you might say “to anyone who conquers” or “to anyone who refuses to worship idols even at the risk of persecution and death.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])\n\n +2:1 g0bm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Ἐφέσῳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον: τάδε λέγει ὁ κρατῶν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ, ὁ περιπατῶν ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσῶν 1 See the General Notes to this chapter for a discussion of how you could translate this verse so that there is not a quotation within a quotation and so that the letter that follows in verses 2–7 is not a quotation within a quotation within a quotation. +2:1 kq5r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Ἐφέσῳ 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here and in verses 8, 12, and 18 you should translate the term **angel** the way you did in [1:20](../01/20.md). Alternate translation: “To the angel who represents the church in Ephesus” or “To the leader of the church in Ephesus” or “To the messenger of the church in Ephesus” +2:1 q1ck rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τάδε λέγει ὁ κρατῶν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, Jesus is identifying himself by referring to symbols from the vision that John describes in chapter 1. As Jesus does this, he speaks of himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I, Jesus, the one holding the seven stars in my right hand … say these things” +2:2 mm3q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit οἶδα 1 See the discussion of the phrase **I know** in the General Notes to this chapter. Alternate translation: “I am well aware of” +2:2 l6mv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular σου & σου & οὐ δύνῃ & ἐπείρασας & εὗρες 1 See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of how Jesus is using the second-person singular to address the “angel” of this church. Throughout this letter and the other letters in chapters 2 and 3, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of second-person pronouns and verbs, since Jesus is actually addressing all of the believers in the churches. +2:2 sxbf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj κακούς 1 Jesus is using the adjective **evil** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. The word is plural, and the ULT adds the word **ones** to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “evil people” +2:3 muq8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 Here, **name** represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “because of me” +2:3 mg3z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐ κεκοπίακες 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative verb **grown weary**. Alternate translation: “have remained strong” +2:3 j46d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy οὐ κεκοπίακες 1 Jesus is referring to giving up by association with the way that people who have **grown weary** often give up what they have been doing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have not given up” or “have not abandoned your faith in me” +2:4 j7gz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ, ὅτι 1 See the discussion of the expression **I have against you** in the General Notes to this chapter to decide how to translate the expression here and in its other occurrences in these letters. Alternate translation: “I disapprove of you because” or “I have a criticism to make of you, that” +2:5 sfw2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πόθεν πέπτωκας 1 Jesus is speaking as if the believers in Ephesus have literally **fallen** from a height. He means that they are no longer devoted to him in the way they originally were. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how much you once loved me” +2:5 cd8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὰ πρῶτα ἔργα ποίησον 1 Here the word **first** indicates earliest in time rather than chief in importance. Alternate translation: “demonstrate your devotion to me in the way you did originally” +2:5 j8p5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor κινήσω τὴν λυχνίαν σου ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτῆς 1 Jesus is not speaking of a literal **lampstand** here; when he says that he will remove this lampstand, he means that the assembly of believers in Ephesus will no longer exist. However, since Jesus refers to the lampstands in John’s vision at the opening of this letter, it would be good to show the connection between the reference there and the reference here. In your translation, you might translate the term **lampstand** directly here but then explain its meaning. Alternate translation: “I will remove your lampstand from its place, yes, you will no longer be a church” +2:6 g8gn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τοῦτο ἔχεις, ὅτι μισεῖς 1 See the discussion of the expression **you have this** in the General Notes to this chapter to decide how to translate the expression here and in its other occurrences in these letters. Alternate translation: “this is to your credit, that you hate” or “here is a good thing that you are doing: you hate” +2:6 cvi5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names τῶν Νικολαϊτῶν 1 The word **Nicolaitans** is the name for people who followed the teachings and practices of a man named Nicolaus. See the General Notes to this chapter for a discussion of the Nicolaitans. +2:7 tidg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of how to translate this third-person imperative, found here and towards the end of each of the letters, if your language does not use that form. Alternate translation: “May the one having an ear hear” or “The one who has an ear should hear” +2:7 ruh0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter of how to translate this expression that might seem to be speaking of a specific person but which really refers to any person who fits its description. Alternate translation: “Anyone who has an ear should hear” +2:7 a91t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Through this expression, Jesus is addressing his audience in the third person, even though he is speaking directly to them. As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, if it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the expression in the second person, here and in its other occurrences in chapters 2 and 3. Alternate translation: “If you have an ear, then hear” +2:7 s3qg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the phrase “having an ear” represents the willingness to understand and obey, by association with the part of the body by which people would have received the spoken teaching of Jesus. Alternate translation: “Anyone who is willing should understand and obey” +2:7 wzg1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῷ νικῶντι 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, Jesus is speaking as if the person to whom he is making this promise will win a victory. He is actually referring to a person who refuses to worship idols even at the risk of persecution and death. In your translation, you may wish to express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “To the one who refuses to worship idols even at the risk of persecution and death” +2:7 t84w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun τῷ νικῶντι 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, while the expression “to the one conquering” might seem to be speaking of a specific person, it really means any person who fits its description. Alternate translation: “to anyone who conquers” or “to anyone who refuses to worship idols even at the risk of persecution and death” +2:7 ng2d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς 1 Jesus is using this possessive form to identify this **tree** not as having life but as giving **life**. In other words, Jesus means not a living tree but a life-giving tree. Alternate translation: “the life-giving tree” +2:7 rmf5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς 1 This is a reference to the description in [Genesis 2:9](../02/09.md) of the **tree of life** that was in the Garden of Eden. The fruit of that tree enabled anyone who ate it to live forever. So Jesus is saying by implication that he will give everlasting life to anyone who remains faithful to him. However, since the tree of life appears in the closing vision of the book, in [22:2](../22/02.md), it would be good to retain the image here rather than simply express its meaning in plain language. So you might translate the phrase **tree of life** directly but then explain its meaning. Alternate translation: “I will grant to him to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God, yes, I will grant him everlasting life” +2:8 is3w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Σμύρνῃ ἐκκλησίας γράψον: τάδε λέγει ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ὃς ἐγένετο νεκρὸς καὶ ἔζησεν 1 If you translated the letter to Ephesus in verses 1–7 so that its main body was a simple direct quotation, you can continue to do that with each of the letters. Alternate translation: “Then Jesus told me to write to the angel of the church in Smyrna that the first and the last, who became dead but lived, said these things” +2:8 huo8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person τάδε λέγει ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ὃς ἐγένετο νεκρὸς καὶ ἔζησεν 1 If you have decided to use the second person to translate these opening statements in which Jesus refers to himself in the third person, you can continue to do that here. Alternate translation: “I, Jesus, the first and the last, who became dead but lived, say these things” +2:8 k7qk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος 1 See how you translated the phrase **The first and the last** in [1:17](../01/17.md). +2:9 lhuk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πλούσιος εἶ 1 Jesus is speaking as if the believers in Smyrna were literally **rich**, even though he has just acknowledged their **poverty**. He means that they are spiritually rich because God will reward them for their faithfulness and suffering. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will reward you richly” +2:9 qf9p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν 1 Jesus is speaking as if the people who are slandering the believers in Smyrna are literally **not** Jews. He means that they are acting as if they were not Jews, since they are persecuting people who sincerely worship the God of Israel. This makes them **not** Jews in some spiritual sense. Alternate translation: “but who are not acting in the way that Jews should” +2:9 a4yu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor συναγωγὴ τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 Jesus is speaking as if the **synagogue** where these Jews gathered was literally devoted to the worship of **Satan** instead of the God of Israel. He means that when these Jews gather together and **slander** genuine believers, they are serving Satan’s purposes rather than God’s. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that plainly. Alternate translation: “their gatherings really serve Satan’s purposes rather than God’s” +2:10 agx4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom βάλλειν & ἐξ ὑμῶν εἰς φυλακὴν 1 Jesus does not mean that the devil will literally **throw** some of the believers in Smyrna **into prison**. That is, the devil will not pick them up and heave them through the air. Alternate translation: “to have some of you put in prison” +2:10 r472 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche βάλλειν & ἐξ ὑμῶν εἰς φυλακὴν 1 Jesus is speaking of **the devil** as the person who will do this action, but Jesus is using the devil to represent everyone who will responsible for it. The Jews in Smyrna would actually have the believers put in prison, acting under the devil’s influence. Alternate translation: “to influence people to put some of you in prison” +2:10 ve3d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἵνα πειρασθῆτε 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that he can test you” +2:10 lh11 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal ἵνα πειρασθῆτε 1 The words **so that** introduce the purpose for which **the devil** will **throw** some of the believers **into prison**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Be sure that it is clear to your readers that this is a purpose that the devil is pursuing. Jesus is not saying that he is going to use the devil to test the believers to see if they will remain faithful. Alternate translation: “to try to get you to abandon your faith” +2:10 tlvz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular ὑμῶν & πειρασθῆτε & ἕξετε 1 The word **you** is plural in these instances. Jesus is speaking more directly to the believers in Smyrna to warn them about the suffering they are about to experience. If your language marks a distinction between singular and plural forms of “you” and if you have been using the singular forms of “you” and “your” in these letters because they are addressed to individual angels, you may consider using the plural form of “you” here if that would be natural in your language. +2:10 snk8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡμερῶν δέκα 1 As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, time references such as this one may have symbolic significance. In this case, by allusion to [Daniel 1:14](../dan/01/14.md), **ten days** may represent a short or limited amount of time for testing. However, as the Introduction explains, it would be appropriate to translate this as a literal period of time rather than offering an interpretation of the phrase such as “for a short time of testing.” +2:10 zhj8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς 1 Jesus is speaking he will literally give these believers **life** as a crown to wear. He is using the word **crown** to mean “reward.” If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “everlasting life as your reward” +2:11 g7zq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω & ὁ νικῶν 1 See how you translated these phrases in [2:7](../02/07.md). +2:11 q6w2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὁ νικῶν οὐ μὴ ἀδικηθῇ ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The second death will certainly not hurt anyone who conquers” +2:11 r457 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐ μὴ 1 As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, John frequently uses a double negative for emphasis that the ULT translates with the expression “certainly not,” as in this case. The second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. If for emphasis your language uses double negatives that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction here and in the other instances of this double negative throughout the book. +2:11 jwlm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου 1 If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “death number two” or “the next death” +2:11 ayw1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὐ μὴ ἀδικηθῇ ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου 1 Jesus is speaking as if people who had died would die a **second** time. By **the second death**, he means separation from God. That is spiritual death, just as physical death involves the separation of the human soul and spirit from the human body. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will certainly not experience separation from God after he dies physically” +2:12 f6s5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὴν ῥομφαίαν τὴν δίστομον τὴν ὀξεῖαν 1 See how you translated this phrase in [1:16](../01/16.md). +2:13 ryn6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὅπου ὁ θρόνος τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 Jesus is speaking as if **Satan** literally had a **throne** in the city of Pergamum. He means that Satan has great influence in that city. (This could be a reference to a giant altar to the god Zeus that existed in Pergamum at this time.) Alternate translation: “in a city where Satan has great influence” +2:13 tf7c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy κρατεῖς τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 Here, **name** represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “you hold on to me” +2:13 fxzt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor κρατεῖς τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 Jesus is speaking as if the believers in Pergamum were literally holding on to him. He means that they are continuing to trust him despite the suffering they are experiencing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you continue to trust me” +2:13 ppz3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐκ ἠρνήσω τὴν πίστιν μου 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative verb **deny**. Alternate translation: “you continued to believe in me” +2:13 da1q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὴν πίστιν μου 1 In this possessive form, **Jesus** is the object rather than the subject of **faith**. That is, this does not mean faith that Jesus has, it means the faith that these believers have in Jesus. Alternate translation: “your faith in me” +2:13 mlwq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις Ἀντιπᾶς 1 Jesus is using the term **days** to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “during the time of Antipas” 2:13 lu4b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἀντιπᾶς 1 The word **Antipas** is the name of a man. -2:13 phzk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ὁ μάρτυς μου ὁ πιστός μου 1 Here, **my witness, my faithful one** means that Antipas “faithfully testified of me.” Jesus is using a possessive form to describe Antipas as a faithful witness to Jesus himself. Antipas faithfully witnessed about Jesus even up to the point of death so that one can simply call Antipas a “martyr.” Alternate translation: “my faithful martyr” -2:13 xgge rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὃς ἀπεκτάνθη 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom people killed” -2:13 biue rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd παρ’ ὑμῖν 1 See how you translated second person pronouns and references in [2:2](../02/02.md). -2:13 v5lv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ὅπου ὁ Σατανᾶς κατοικεῖ 1 Here, **where Satan lives** is an idiom that means “where Satan rules” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly.\nSee the note above for the phrase **the throne of Satan** in this same verse. Alternate translation: “where Satan has power” or “where Satan rules” -2:14 wu6n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ ὀλίγα 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in [2:4](../02/04.md), although in this case there is no actual ellipsis technically speaking with the presence of the object **a few things**. Alternate translation: “I disapprove of you because of a few things you have done” or “I am angry with you because of a few things you did” -2:14 rd44 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor κρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν Βαλαάμ 1 Here, **hold tightly to the teaching of Balaam** is an idiomatic expression for either: (1) people who do what **Balaam** taught. (2) people who teach what **Balaam** taught. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression in the target language. Alternate translation: “some who follow the teaching of Balaam” -2:14 j3nc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names τῷ Βαλὰκ 1 The word **Balak** was the name of a king in the Old Testament -2:14 hg4g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor βαλεῖν σκάνδαλον 1 Here, Jesus is speaking of throwing **a stumbling block** as if Balak were putting temptation in the path of the sons of Israel, causing them to sin. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. . Alternate translation: “to set a trap” or "to place a temptation" -2:14 mu6e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word **food sacrificed to idols**, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Jesus uses the passive form here to focus on what is sacrificed rather than the person who does the sacrificing. If you must state who does the sacrificing, you could use a vague or indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “to eat what people have sacrificed to idols” -2:14 rvjm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα 1 Here, **to eat food sacrificed to idols** speaks of eating food dedicated to a pagan god, so that Jews considered the food to be unclean and, thus, forbidden to eat. The phrase **food sacrificed to idols** describes animals that are slaughtered, offered to a god, and then eaten. If your language has a specific word or phrase for meat from an animal that has been offered to a god, you could use it here. If your language does not have such a word, you could use a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “meat from animals sacrificed to idols” -2:14 u19f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πορνεῦσαι 1 Here, **to be sexually immoral** literally means to participate in immoral sexual activity. Yet, often people take the expression as a metaphor that signifies idolatry. If the expression is indeed a metaphor, then one should translate the word literally. However, if this might confuse the readers, one could use an equivalent expression in the target language, or one could express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to sin sexually” or “to commit sexual sin” -2:15 jmzp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor κρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν 1 See how you translated the phrase **holding tightly to the teaching** in the previous verse. Alternate translation: "following the teaching" or “doing the teaching” -2:15 hc85 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Νικολαϊτῶν 1 See how you translated **Nicolaitans** in [2:6](../02/06.md). -2:16 f8dy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis εἰ δὲ μή 1 Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: "But if you do not repent” -2:16 qict rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔρχομαί 1 See how you translated this word in [2:5](../02/05.md). Alternate translation: “I will punish” -2:16 fd6u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πολεμήσω 1 Here, **will wage war** expresses a metaphor for judgment that utilizes the imagery of a sword coming from the mouth of Jesus. The translator may wish to maintain a fairly literal rendition in order to allow the metaphor to work with the sword imagery in this verse and from the prior verses of [1:16](../01/16.md) and [2:12](../02/12.md). Alternate translation: “will go to battle” -2:16 j52q rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἐν τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ τοῦ στόματός μου 1 This refers to the **sword** in [1:16](../01/16.md) and [2:12](../02/12.md). Although symbols in apocalyptic language are not normally to be replaced with the item they represent, translators may choose whether or not to show that this is a symbol that represents the words that Jesus speaks (See: the UST). This symbol indicates that Jesus will defeat his enemies by giving a simple command. Alternate translation: “with the sword that is my mouth” -2:17 lm1j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). -2:17 m867 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). -2:17 unnj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 Here, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in [1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter 2 and for chapter 3 to read this same explanatory note. -2:17 i61b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun τῷ νικῶντι 1 See how you translated this generic noun phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). For the metaphorical expression **the one conquering** that occurs often in chapters 2 and 3 of the book of Revelation (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase **the one conquering** in the chapter 2 introduction. Alternate translation: “To anyone who conquers” or “To all who conquer” -2:17 ngjb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τοῦ μάννα τοῦ κεκρυμμένου 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word **hidden manna**, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Jesus uses the passive form here to focus on what is hidden rather than the person who does the hiding. If you must state who does the hiding, you could use an indefinite subject or Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “manna that I have hidden” -2:17 yeqt rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ψῆφον λευκήν 1 Here, **a white stone** could signify a variety of different interpretive options which relate to the social context of Pergamum when John wrote the book of Revelation. The translator should not choose any interpretation over another in this case, but simply maintain a fairly literal translation of the phrase **a white stone**. -2:17 l59r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὄνομα καινὸν γεγραμμένον 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word **written**, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Jesus uses the passive form here to focus on what is written rather than the person who does the writing. If you must state who does the writing, you could use an indefinite subject or Jesus himself. Alternate translation: “a new name that I have written” -2:17 kus5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὄνομα καινὸν γεγραμμένον 1 Here, **a new name written** could mean the name of Jesus, the name of God, or else, more likely, the new name of the person who conquers. The translator should not choose any interpretation over another in this case, but simply maintain a fairly literal translation of the phrase **a new name written**. -2:18 b83m rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Θυατείροις ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in **Thyatira**. **Thyatira** is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, that existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in [1:11](../01/11.md). -2:18 nd4m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 See how you translated **angel** in [1:20](../01/20.md). -2:18 j3xp rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [2:1](../02/01.md). -2:18 q3w9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 **Son of God** is an important title for Jesus. -2:18 zbx5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὁ ἔχων τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ ὡς φλόγα πυρός 1 Here, Jesus has **eyes** that are full of light, so that they resemble **a flame of fire**. See how you translated this in [1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “whose eyes glow like a flame of fire” -2:18 p86i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ 1 People create objects of **bronze** and have them **polished** in order to make them shine and reflect light. Likewise, the feet of Jesus shine and reflect light like **polished bronze**. See how you translated this in [1:15](../01/15.md). Alternate translation: “whose feet are very shiny like polished bronze” -2:19 oum6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οἶδά σου τὰ ἔργα 1 See how you translated the clause **I know your works** in [2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “I am aware of what you have done” -2:19 vj80 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd σου τὰ ἔργα, καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου, καὶ τὰ ἔργα σου, τὰ ἔσχατα πλείονα τῶν πρώτων 1 See how you translated the second person pronouns and second person individuals addressed in [2:2](../02/02.md). If the singular form of the second person address and the second person references would not be natural in your language, then perhaps the translator could use the plural forms of the second person, “you.” -2:19 bx33 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου 1 If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of **love**, **faith**, **service**, and **endurance**, you can express them with their corresponding verbs that describe the actions. Alternate translation: “how you have loved, trusted, served, and endured patiently” -2:19 y2mu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου 1 Jesus assumes that others will understand that he is speaking of their love, faith, service and patient endurance in relation to himself and others. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “how you have loved me and others, trusted me, served me and others, and endured troubles patiently” -2:19 pi0k τὰ ἔργα σου, τὰ ἔσχατα πλείονα τῶν πρώτων 1 Alternate translation: “you do more now than you did at first” -2:20 wbu1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἀλλ’ ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in [2:4](../02/04.md). Alternate translation: “But I disapprove of some of the things you are doing” or “But I am angry with you because of something you are doing” -2:20 f6e8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὴν γυναῖκα Ἰεζάβελ 1 Jesus spoke of a certain **woman** in their church at Thyatira as if she were the famous Queen **Jezebel**, because she did the same kinds of sinful actions that Jezebel had done in the Old Testament. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the woman who acts just like Jezebel” -2:20 mnom rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown πορνεῦσαι, καὶ φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα 1 See how you translated a similar clause with the same phrases in [2:14](../02/14.md). It is possible to interpret both phrases as metaphors for idolatry or sinful actions in general. -2:21 g7yh rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal ἔδωκα αὐτῇ χρόνον ἵνα μετανοήσῃ 1 Here, **I gave her time so that she might repent** represents a purpose clause. The words **so that** introduce a purpose clause. Jesus is stating a purpose for which he granted some time for the woman Jezebel to repent of her actions. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “I gave her time for the purpose of her repentance” -2:22 twa2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy βάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην & εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην 1 Here, having Jezebel lie in **a bed** would be the result of Jesus making her very sick. The imagery of the bed is simply a reference to the entire process of lying in bed when one is sick. The act of throwing someone into a bed causes the punishment to appear to be more intense and graphic in its expression. Alternate translation: “I will make her lie sick in bed … I will make suffer greatly” or “I will make her very sick … I will make suffer greatly” -2:22 oepo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 Jesus is using the term **Behold** to focus attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Listen” -2:22 lj36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor βάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην, καὶ τοὺς μοιχεύοντας μετ’ αὐτῆς εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην 1 Here, Jesus speaks of causing people to suffer with the idiomatic expression of throwing them into suffering. The metaphor or idiomatic expression presents the imagery of causing suffering or hurt by the act of throwing someone into the suffering or hurt. Alternate translation: “I will throw her onto a bed, and I will make her and those who commit adultery with her to suffer greatly” -2:22 g53b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐὰν μὴ μετανοήσουσιν ἐκ τῶν ἔργων αὐτῆς 1 The phrase **unless they repent of her deeds** implies that they have participated with her in her wicked behavior. By repenting of **her deeds**, **they repent** of participating in her behavior. Alternate translation: “if they do not repent from doing the evil that she does” or “if they do not repent of participating in her deeds” -2:23 cn5s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς 1 Jesus is using the term **children** to mean the disciples of Jezebel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “her followers” or “her disciples” -2:23 kx34 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς ἀποκτενῶ ἐν θανάτῳ 1 Here, **I will strike her children dead** is an idiom that means “I will kill the disciples of Jezebel.” The phrase implies death by a swift action. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will slay her children” or “I will exterminate her children” -2:23 zm6t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy νεφροὺς καὶ καρδίας 1 The terms **kidneys** and **hearts** are metonyms that represent feelings and desires. Alternate translation: “what people think and want” or “secret thoughts and desires” -2:23 bgs9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom δώσω ὑμῖν ἑκάστῳ 1 The phrase **I will give to each one of you** represents an idiomatic expression describing the distribution of punishment and reward. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will punish or reward each one of you” -2:23 fptd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd ὑμῖν ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα ὑμῶν 1 See how you translated second person pronouns and references in [2:2](../02/02.md). -2:24 zqpg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd ὑμῖν δὲ λέγω τοῖς λοιποῖς τοῖς ἐν Θυατείροις, ὅσοι οὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην, οἵτινες οὐκ ἔγνωσαν τὰ βαθέα τοῦ Σατανᾶ, ὡς λέγουσιν; οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος 1 See how you translated second person pronouns and references in [2:2](../02/02.md). -2:24 tli6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ὅσοι οὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην 1 Here, to believe in a **teaching** is spoken of as to **hold** or to grasp the **teaching**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to everyone who does not believe this teaching” -2:24 scu6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns οὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **teaching**, you could express the same idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “do not hold to what she teaches” or “do not believe what she teaches” -2:24 d5i9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὰ βαθέα 1 Here Jesus is speaking of **the deep things** as if they were things his followers considered to be important, secret, or profound. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the secret things” or “the profound matters” -2:24 y2t5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὰ βαθέα τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 Jesus is using a possessive form to describe **the deep things** that Satan supposedly taught the disciples of Jezebel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly with a verb. Alternate translation: “the deep things that Satan revealed to them” or “the deep things that Satan taught them” -2:24 sgil rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος 1 Here, to **put any other burden** means requiring one to perform an additional difficult command or burdensome order. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or explicit language. Alternate translation: “I do not place any other burden on you” or “I do not impose any other burden upon you” -2:24 ikkh rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος 1 Here, **other** refers to the phrase “what you have” in the next verse. In other words, Jesus is saying that he will not give these people any additional command beyond what they already have from him. If this is confusing or if it would appear in your language that Jesus was making a statement here and then contradicting it in the next verse, you could connect these ideas in a different way. If you do this, you will need to delete the word “However” in the next verse. Alternate translation: “the only burden I will put on you is this:” or “I will only burden you with obeying what I have already commanded you” -2:25 tfzk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit πλὴν ὃ ἔχετε 1 Here, **what you have** refers to the commands that Jesus has already given to the believers in Thyatira. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the commands that I have already given to you” -2:25 vgxm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom κρατήσατε 1 See how you translated the verbal to **hold on tightly to** in [2:13](../02/13.md). -2:26 z5xi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ νικῶν 1 See how you translated this generic noun phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). For the expression **the one conquering** that occurs often in chapters 2 and 3 of the book of Revelation (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase **the one conquering** in the chapter 2 introduction. -2:26 aiws rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τηρῶν 1 See how you translated **keeping** in [1:3](../01/03.md). -2:26 v2e0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὰ ἔργα μου 1 Here, **my works** does not refer to the things that Jesus does, but rather, it refers to the things he orders his disciples to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the works that I give to you” or “the works that I require of you” -2:27 c9gu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks καὶ ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ, ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται 1 This entire verse is a loose citation or paraphrase of Psalm 2:8-9 in the Old Testament. The passage of Psalm 2:8-9 describes God promising to give the king of Israel authority over the entire world and its peoples. However, Jesus applies the passage of Psalm 2:8-9 here to those to whom he gives authority over all peoples and nations. It may be helpful to your readers to indicate that verse 2:27 is a quotation by setting off all of the words with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate a quotation. -2:27 e5kc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ 1 Here, **he will shepherd them with a rod of iron** expresses a metaphor that describes a king’s rule as if the king were a shepherd who punishes wrong with the threat of using an iron rod or staff. The symbol of an iron rod or staff indicates a rule that is so complete that the rule dominates all opposition to one’s dominion or power. If your readers would not understand what it means to rule as a shepherd with an iron rod, you could use an equivalent metaphor or idiom from your culture. Alternate translation: “he will rule them like a shepherd with a rod of iron” or “he will govern with a rod of iron” -2:27 ksl1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται 1 Here, breaking **jars of clay** to **pieces** is a simile that represents either: (1) destroying people who do wicked acts, or (2) defeating enemies who oppose the rule of Jesus. If this expression would not be natural in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as jars of clay are smashed into pieces” or “as jars of clay are shattered to pieces” -2:27 w8pp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive συντρίβεται 1 Here, **are broken into pieces** expresses the idea in passive form. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he will break them into pieces” or “he will smash them into pieces” -2:28 n9ts rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὡς κἀγὼ εἴληφα παρὰ τοῦ πατρός μου 1 Here, some languages may need to know what was **received**. This could mean: (1) he received **authority** from his Father. (2) He received the morning star from his Father. The second option is most likely, as reflected in the UST rendition of this verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as I also have received power from my Father” or “as I also have received dominion from my Father” -2:28 hr39 rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ πατρός μου 1 Here, **my Father** is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Be sure to retain this title in your translation. -2:28 g5iy rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὸν ἀστέρα τὸν πρωϊνόν 1 Here, **the morning star** represents a **star** that appears just before dawn and early in the **morning**. It was a symbol of victory since the context suggests that those who are victorious with Jesus will rule with the authority of Jesus as victors. There is much debate as to what the symbol of **the morning star** means or signifies for the believer that is victorious with Jesus. This symbol could mean: (1) Lucifer or Satan, (2) the resurrection of a believer, (3) the King of Babylon, (4) the planet Venus as a symbol of victory, (5) the eternal life of the righteous, (6) the Holy Spirit, (7) Jesus Christ Himself, or (8) a symbolic image that represents the future rule of the believers and the righteous in the kingdom of Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could include this information in a footnote. -2:29 ilk8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). -2:29 ikm8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). -2:29 y6m4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 Here, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in [1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter 2 and for chapter 2 to read this same explanatory note. -3:intro q1l9 0 # Revelation 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n- The Letter to Sardis (3:1-6)\n\n- The Letter to Philadelphia (3:7-13)\n\n- The Letter to Laodicea (3:14-22)\n\nSome 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 verse 7.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### The personal knowledge that Jesus expresses about the churches\n\nSee the discussion of the phrase **I know** in the General Notes to chapter 2.\n\n### The use of the second person singular to refer to a plural group of people\n\nSee the discussion of this usage in the General Notes to chapter 2.\n\n### Seven spirits of God\n\nThese spirits are the seven spirits of [1:4](../rev/01/04.md).\n\n### Seven stars\n\nThese stars are the seven stars of [1:20](../rev/01/20.md).\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### Look, I am standing at the door and am knocking\n\nJesus speaks of his desire to have the Christians in Laodicea obey him as if he were a man asking the people in a house to allow him to enter and eat with them ([3:20](../rev/03/20.md)). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n### “Let the one who has an ear hear”\n\nJesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. Here, the phrase **has an ear** presents a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey by association with the part of the body in which his listeners would have been receiving his teaching. You might consider translating this as “Let the one who is willing to listen, listen to” or “The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])\n\nSince Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. You might consider beginning your sentences with “If you are willing to listen, then listen to” or “If you are willing to understand, then understand” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])\n\n### “what the Spirit says to the churches”\n\nHere, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in [1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter 2 and for chapter 3 to read this same explanatory note. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### “The angel of the church”\n\nThe word **angel** here can also mean “messenger” or “representative.” This might refer to the messenger or a representative leader of the church. See how you translated **angel** in [1:20](../rev/01/20.md).\n\n### “Says these things”\n\nThe verses with the phrase **says these things** can be difficult to translate. They do not make complete sentences. You may need to add “These are” to the beginning of these sentences. Jesus uses these words to speak of himself as if he were speaking of another person. Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking of other people. Jesus began speaking in [1:17](../rev/01/17.md). He continues to speak through the end of chapter 3. The phrase **says these things** indicates that the words that come after this expression are a direct quotation. Use a phrase that makes this clear in your language. You could use phrases such as “says this message” or “says the following words.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])\n\n### “the one who conquers”\n\nThe expression **the one who conquers** refers to anyone who is victorious by overcoming difficulties in the Christian life (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). The expression represents a metaphor comparing the Christian life to a military battle, in which the Christian overcomes the forces of evil and any difficult obstacles in warfare. You could use a phrase such as “the one who wins the victory” or “the one who overcomes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\nThe expression **the one who conquers** refers to anyone who is victorious by overcoming difficulties in the Christian life. The generic noun phrase **the one who conquers** occurs in Revelation chapters two and three often (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). The expression is not specific to any one person, but can be applied to a plural entity or group of people. If the generic noun phrase would not be natural in your language, use a more natural phrase such as turning the singular word into a plural group reference. You might want to use a phrase such as “anyone who has the victory” or “those who have the victory.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]]) -3:1 k6b7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Σάρδεσιν ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in **Sardis**. **Sardis** is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in [1:11](../01/11.md). -3:1 u1zs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 See how you translated **angel** in [1:20](../01/20.md). -3:1 ouys rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [2:1](../02/01.md). -3:1 un3c rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα 1 The number **seven** is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The **seven spirits** refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits which serve God. See how you translated this in [1:4](../01/04.md). -3:1 lpfk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οἶδά σου τὰ ἔργα 1 See how you translated the clause **I know your works** in [2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “I am aware of what you have done” -3:1 xtk2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὄνομα ἔχεις 1 Here, **name** is a metonym for the person who possesses the name. Essentially, the **name** represents the reputation of the person who has the name. See how you translated **name** in [2:3](../02/03.md). Alternate translation: “you have a stature” or “you have a fame” -3:1 ty18 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ζῇς, καὶ νεκρὸς εἶ 1 Here, being **alive** is a metaphor for obeying and honoring God. However, being **dead** is a metaphor for disobeying and dishonoring God. In other words, honoring God is spoken of as being **alive**, while, on the other hand, disobeying and dishonoring God is described as being **dead**. If these expressions of a spiritual condition would confuse your readers, you could express this meaning of the metaphors plainly. Alternate translation: “you are obedient, but you are disobedient” or “you honor me, but you dishonor me” -3:2 l7qg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor γίνου γρηγορῶν 1 Here, the command to **Wake up** is a metaphor for the state of being alert or actively vigilant. In other words, being watchful or alert and vigilant is described by the action of waking up from sleep. If your readers would not understand what it means to **wake up** in this context, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Be alert” or “Be aware” -3:2 d8cw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification στήρισον τὰ λοιπὰ, ἃ ἔμελλον ἀποθανεῖν 1 Here, Jesus speaks of **what remains** as if it were a person who could **die**. And by **what remains**, Jesus is referring to their **deeds**, which are the same **works** mentioned in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “strengthen the work that remains, which is about to prove lifeless” or “finish the work that remains, which is almost dead” -3:2 ja1g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom σου τὰ ἔργα 1 See how you translated this word **your deeds** in [2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “your works” or “your actions” -3:2 jq58 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession Θεοῦ μου 1 Jesus is using a possessive form to describe the **God** whom Jesus possesses or claims as his own God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the God I serve” or “the God I worship” -3:3 wcs4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit πῶς εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας 1 Here, this phrase **what you have received and heard** refers to God’s word or the teaching of God’s word which the believers had received and heard. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God’s word that you received and heard” or “the truth that you received and heard” -3:3 e324 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τήρει 1 See how you translated **keep** in [1:3](../01/03.md) and in [2:26](../02/26.md). -3:3 gwk8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐὰν & μὴ γρηγορήσῃς 1 Being alert to danger is spoken of as waking up. See how you translated **wake up** in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “If you are not alert” or “If you are not careful” -3:3 ypw4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἥξω ὡς κλέπτης 1 Here, Jesus will **come** at a time when people do not expect him, just as a **thief** comes when he is not expected. The unexpected nature of the arrival of a thief is also explained in the clause that follows in this verse. However, if this simile would not be natural in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will come unexpectedly” or “I will come without warning” -3:4 bpg5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd ἀλλὰ ἔχεις ὀλίγα ὀνόματα 1 The second person pronouns and the second person individuals addressed throughout this verse and throughout chapters 2 and 3 are often singular in their number, but they are plural in their references. See how you translated the second person pronouns and the second person individuals referenced in [2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “But there are a few of you” -3:4 fy7f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὀλίγα ὀνόματα 1 Here, the word **names** represents the people themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “a few people” or “a few persons” -3:4 imsu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὐκ ἐμόλυναν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν 1 Here Jesus is speaking of sins in a believer's life as if they were **stained clothes**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have not dirtied their clothes” or “have not polluted their clothes” -3:4 x2if rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit οὐκ ἐμόλυναν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν 1 Here, Jesus describes sins in a believer’s life as if they were **stained clothes**. The metaphor may be stated positively or negatively. Here, the original Greek phrase is negative, as in they **have not stained their clothes**. However, one can state this same idea positively to make the meaning explicit. If your language does not use the negative language of this form, you could state this in the positive form or in another way that makes the meaning explicit. Alternate translation: “have kept their clothes clean” or “who have kept themselves pure” -3:4 x48r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom περιπατήσουσιν μετ’ ἐμοῦ 1 Here, **walk** is an idiom that means “live." If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “live like me, clothed” or "go through life" -3:4 w5t9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐν λευκοῖς 1 Jesus is using the term **white** to mean "pure" and "victorious over sin." If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in purity” or “in victory” -3:5 v69e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ νικῶν 1 See how you translated this generic noun phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). For the metaphorical expression **the one conquering** that occurs often in chapters 2 and 3 of the book of Revelation (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase, **the one conquering**, in the chapter 2 introduction. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” -3:5 w5k4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive περιβαλεῖται ἐν ἱματίοις λευκοῖς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, **will be clothed**, you could express the idea in active form such as "will wear" or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will wear … white clothes” or “will dress himself … in white clothes” -3:5 hmy4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor λευκοῖς 1 Clothes that are **white** represent a pure life without sin. The color of **white** also represents victory in eternal life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. -3:5 wn1x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οὐ μὴ ἐξαλείψω τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **I will certainly not wipe his name out** refers to a denial of ever deleting, erasing, removing, blotting out, or wiping out a name in any way. Here, the translator should translate the idea of wiping out with whatever verb is most naturally applied to the process of removing someone’s name from a book or list of some sort. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will certainly not delete his name out” or “I will certainly not remove his name” -3:5 yyu5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁμολογήσω τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ 1 Here **I will confess his name** does not simply mean that Jesus will say the name of the person. Rather, the expression means that Jesus will announce that he possesses the person. In other words, Jesus will proclaim that the person belongs to Jesus himself. Here, **his name** refers to the person himself by the figure of a metonym. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will announce that he belongs to me” or “I will acknowledge that he is mine” -3:5 bi3h rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 Here, **Father** is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus in the Trinity. +2:13 phzk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj ὁ πιστός μου 1 Jesus is using the adjective **faithful** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “who was faithful to me” +2:13 xgge rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὃς ἀπεκτάνθη 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom your enemies killed” +2:13 biue rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular ὑμῖν 1 The word **you** is plural in this instance. Jesus is speaking more directly to the believers in Pergamum because of the suffering they all experienced when Antipas was killed. If your language marks a distinction between singular and plural forms of “you” and if you have been using the singular forms of “you” and “your” in these letters, you may consider using the plural form of “you” here if that would be natural in your language. +2:13 v5lv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὅπου ὁ Σατανᾶς κατοικεῖ 1 Jesus is speaking as if **Satan** literally lived in Pergamum. He means that Satan has great influence in that city. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “where Satan has such great influence” +2:14 wu6n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ ὀλίγα 1 See how you translated the similar phrase in [2:4](../02/04.md). +2:14 augc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor κρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν Βαλαάμ 1 Jesus is speaking as if the believers in Pergamum were literally **holding** the **teaching of Balaam**. He means that they are doing what this teaching instructs them to do. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people who are obeying the teaching of Balaam” +2:14 rd44 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy κρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν Βαλαάμ 1 Jesus is referring to teaching that condones practicing sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols by association with the way that **Balaam** advised **Balak** to get the Israelites to do those things. (See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people who teach the same things that Balaam did” +2:14 j3nc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Βαλαάμ & τῷ Βαλὰκ 1 The words **Balaam** and **Balak** are the names of men. Their story is told in [Numbers 22:1-24:45](../num/22/01.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could identify them further in your translation. Alternate translation: “of the ancient prophet Balaam … Balak, the king of Moab,” +2:14 hg4g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor βαλεῖν σκάνδαλον ἐνώπιον τῶν υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ, φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα καὶ πορνεῦσαι 1 Jesus is speaking as if **Balak** had literally thrown a **stumbling block**, something that would make people trip and fall, in front of the Israelites. He means that Balaak tempted them and got them to sin. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how to tempt the sons of Israel into sinning by eating food sacrificed to idols and being sexually immoral” +2:14 ad73 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῶν υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ 1 Here, **sons** figuratively means “descendants.” Jesus is identifying the Israelites as descendants of their ancestor Israel (who was also known as Jacob). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” +2:14 nfxh rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown εἰδωλόθυτα 1 The word translated **idol-food** describes food that was offered to idols. People then often ate this food as a way of worshiping the idols. Alternate translation: "food sacrificed to idols" +2:15 jmzp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor κρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν 1 See how you translated the similar phrase in the previous verse. Alternate translation: "people who are obeying the teaching" +2:15 hc85 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Νικολαϊτῶν 1 See how you translated the word **Nicolaitans** in [2:6](../02/06.md). +2:16 f8dy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis εἰ δὲ μή 1 Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: "But if you do not repent” +2:16 vguw rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns αὐτῶν 1 The pronoun **them** refers to the “ones holding the teaching of the Nicolaitans,” whom Jesus describes in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “these people who obey the teachings of the Nicolaitans” +2:16 j52q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πολεμήσω μετ’ αὐτῶν ἐν τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ τοῦ στόματός μου 1 Jesus is speaking as if he will literally **wage war** against the disobedient believers in Pergamum with the **sword** in his **mouth**. He likely means that he will announce a punishment against them that will become effective as soon as he speaks it. You could say that in your translation. The UST models one way to do that. However, since the symbol of the sword comes from the opening vision in the book, and since Jesus uses it to identify himself at the beginning of this letter, and since the symbol also appears in one of the last visions in the book, in [19:15-21](../19/15.md), you may wish to retain the symbol in your translation rather than state the meaning plainly here. +2:17 ngjb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τοῦ μάννα τοῦ κεκρυμμένου 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word **hidden manna**, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “some manna that I have hidden” +2:17 l59r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὄνομα καινὸν γεγραμμένον 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way for the word **written**, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a new name that I have written” +2:17 ekk6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions οὐδεὶς οἶδεν, εἰ μὴ ὁ λαμβάνων 1 If it would appear in your language that Jesus is contradicting himself by saying that **no one knows** the new name but then saying that **the one receiving it** knows this name, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “only the person receiving it knows” +2:18 q3w9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 **Son** is an important title that describes the relationship between Jesus and God. Be sure to retain this title in your translation. +2:18 zbx5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὁ ἔχων τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ ὡς φλόγα πυρός, καὶ οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ 1 See how you translated these phrases in [1:14](../01/14.md) and [1:15](../01/15.md). +2:19 bx33 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου 1 If your language would not use an abstract nouns for the ideas of **love**, **faith**, **service**, and **endurance**, you could could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “how you have loved and trusted and served me and how you have endured” +2:19 pi0k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis τὰ ἔργα σου, τὰ ἔσχατα πλείονα τῶν πρώτων 1 Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “your last works are greater than the first works you did” +2:20 f6e8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἰεζάβελ 1 The word **Jezebel** is the name of a woman. It is not clear whether this is the actual name of this woman or whether Jesus is calling her by this name because she is like the wicked Queen Jezebel whose story is told in the Old Testament. The UST models one way of indicating that this may be an allusion to the Old Testament rather than the actual name of this woman. +2:20 zgnh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys διδάσκει καὶ πλανᾷ 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **deceives** tells what the result is of what Jezebel **teaches**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “she deceptively teaches” +2:22 twa2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy βάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην 1 Jesus is referring to punishing Jezebel with sickness by association with the **bed** that she would have to lie on because she was sick. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will punish her by making her gravely ill” +2:22 lj36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis τοὺς μοιχεύοντας μετ’ αὐτῆς εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην 1 Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I will throw the ones committing adultery with her into great tribulation” +2:22 u075 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τοὺς μοιχεύοντας μετ’ αὐτῆς εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην 1 Jesus does not mean that he will literally **throw** the disobedient believers in Thyatira into **tribulation**. That is, he will not pick them up and heave them through the air. Alternate translation: “I will cause the ones committing adultery with her to experience great tribulation” +2:23 cn5s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς 1 The word **children** could mean: (1) literal children of Jezebel and the men who, as verse 22 describes, have been “committing adultery” with her. Alternate translation: “the children she has had with her adulterous lovers” (2) the disciples of Jezebel. (However, since Jesus says in the previous verse that he will cause these disciples to experience tribulation if they do not repent, it appears that Jesus is giving them the opportunity to repent, so it seems unlikely that he would immediately pronounce a death sentence against them here.} Alternate translation: “her disciples” +2:23 zm6t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ἐραυνῶν νεφροὺς καὶ καρδίας 1 Here, **kidneys** represent people’s thoughts and **hearts** represent their emotions. Alternate translation: “I am able to determine exactly what each person is thinking and feeling” +2:23 fptd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular ὑμῖν & ὑμῶν 1 The word **you** is plural in these instances. Jesus is speaking more directly to the believers in Thyatira in order to warn them that he is going to judge them imminently. You may consider using the plural form of “you” here if that would be natural in your language. +2:24 zqpg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular ὑμῖν & ὑμᾶς 1 The word **you** is plural in these instances. Jesus is speaking more directly to the faithful believers in Thyatira in order to encourage them. You may consider using the plural form of “you” here if that would be natural in your language. +2:24 d5i9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὰ βαθέα τοῦ Σατανᾶ, ὡς λέγουσιν 1 The people Jesus is quoting have been using the adjective **deep** as a noun to mean a certain kind of thing. The adjective is plural, and the ULT adds the word **things** to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the things pertaining to Satan that they call deep” +2:24 biqn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ὡς λέγουσιν 1 The pronoun **they** is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. Jesus is using this indefinite construction to focus on what is being said rather than on who is saying it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “as the people who do hold this teaching call them” +2:24 w111 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “that I do not put another burden on you” +2:24 yk3t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as a positive statement. Alternate translation: "I put only this one burden on you" +2:24 sgil rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος 1 Jesus is speaking as if he might literally put a **burden** on the believers in Thyatira. He is referring to something he might require of them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I do not require anything else of you” +2:24 ikkh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἄλλο βάρος 1 By **another burden**, Jesus means implicitly no burden other than the one he is about to mention. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “any burden on you other than the following:” +2:25 uqdk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes πλὴν ὃ ἔχετε, κρατήσατε ἄχρι οὗ ἂν ἥξω 1 If you translated the beginning of this quotation in the previous verse as an indirect quotation so that there would not be a quotation within a quotation, you can also translate the end of the quotation here as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “except to hold on to what you have until I come” +2:25 tfzk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὃ ἔχετε, κρατήσατε 1 By **what you have**, Jesus means implicitly the good things that the faithful believers in Thyatira have been doing. (See the discussion of the phrase “you have” in the General Notes to this chapter.) Alternate translation: “continue to do the good things that you are doing” +2:25 vgxm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὃ ἔχετε, κρατήσατε 1 Jesus is speaking as if he wants the believers in Pergamum literally to **hold** on to the good things that they have been doing. He means that he wants the believers to continue doing these things. Alternate translation: “continue to do the good things that you have been doing” +2:25 spgl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular ἔχετε, κρατήσατε 1 Jesus is continuing to use the plural form of **you** as he speaks to the faithful believers in Thyatira in order to encourage them. You may consider using the plural form of “you” here if that would be natural in your language. +2:26 un7d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ὁ νικῶν καὶ ὁ τηρῶν 1 Here Jesus is expressing a single idea by using two phrases connected with **and**. The phrase **the one keeping** tells how **the one conquering** is able to conquer. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “the one conquering by keeping” +2:26 z5xi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ νικῶν καὶ ὁ τηρῶν 1 Jesus is not referring to a specific person who is **conquering** in this way. He means any person who conquers in this way. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “anyone conquering by keeping” +2:26 aiws rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ὁ τηρῶν & τὰ ἔργα μου 1 See the discussion in the General Introduction to Revelation of the word “keep.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning of this expression plainly. Alternate translation: “the one obediently doing what I command” +2:26 v2e0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ὁ τηρῶν & τὰ ἔργα μου 1 The possessive form **my works** describes not what Jesus does but what Jesus commands believers to do. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one doing the works that I command” +2:27 c9gu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks καὶ ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ, ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται 1 This verse is a quotation of [Psalm 2:9](../02/09.md). You may wish to indicate this in your translation by putting the words of this verse within quotation marks or by using some other punctuation or convention that your language uses to indicate a quotation. +2:27 iavw rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς 1 The pronoun **he** refers to “the one conquering” and the pronoun **them** refers “the nations” in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the one conquering will rule the nations” +2:27 e5kc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ 1 Jesus is speaking as if the one conquering will literally use **an iron scepter** to **rule** the nations. He means that he will rule with great strength, by association with the way that **iron** is very strong. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. However, since Jesus is quoting this image from Psalm 2, and since the image recurs in [12:5](../12/05.md) and [19:15](../19/15.md), you may wish to retain the image in your translation. Alternate translation: “with great strength” +2:27 ksl1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται 1 The point of this comparison is that the one conquering will defeat his enemies as easily as **clay jars are shattered**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “defeating his enemies as easily as clay jars are shattered” +2:27 w8pp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as one shatters clay jars” +2:28 n9ts rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ὡς κἀγὼ εἴληφα 1 Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “as I also have received authority” +2:28 hr39 rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ πατρός μου 1 **Father** is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Be sure to retain this title in your translation. +2:28 g5iy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸν ἀστέρα τὸν πρωϊνόν 1 Jesus is speaking as if he will literally give the faithful believers in Thyatira **the morning star**. This could mean: (1) confident hope about the future, just as the appearance of the morning star (that is, the planet Venus) shows that a new day is about to begin. (2) a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus, who says in [22:16](../01/01.md), “I am … the bright morning star.” You could say either of these things in your translation. The UST models one way to express the first possibility. However, since this image recurs later in the book, you may wish to retain it here by translating the phrase **the morning star** directly. +3:intro q1l9 0 # Revelation 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n- The Letter to Sardis (3:1-6)\n\n- The Letter to Philadelphia (3:7-13)\n\n- The Letter to Laodicea (3:14-22)\n\n\nYou may wish to set each letter apart so that your readers can easily see that these are separate letters. You could, for example, put a blank line between these letters in your translation.\n\nSome 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 verse 7.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### “The angel of the church”\n\nSee the discussion of this concept in the General Notes to chapter 2.\n\n## Translation issues in this chapter\n\nSee the discussion in the General Notes to chapter 2 of the translation issues in the letters to the seven churches. +3:1 xtk2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὄνομα ἔχεις ὅτι ζῇς 1 Here, **name** represents the reputation of a person or group. Alternate translation: “you have a reputation for being alive” +3:1 ty18 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὅτι ζῇς, καὶ νεκρὸς εἶ 1 When Jesus says that the believers in Sardis have a reputation for being **alive**, he does not mean literally alive, but spiritually vibrant, that is, obeying and honoring God and experiencing God’s presence and power. Similarly, when Jesus speaks as if the believers in Sardis were literally **dead**, he means that they are not spiritually vibrant. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for being spiritually vibrant, but actually you are not” +3:2 l7qg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor γίνου γρηγορῶν 1 Jesus is speaking as if the believers in Pergamum were asleep and needed to wake up. He means that they are complacent and need to become concerned about their spiritual state. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Become concerned about your spiritual state” +3:2 d8cw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor στήρισον τὰ λοιπὰ, ἃ ἔμελλον ἀποθανεῖν 1 When Jesus says that there are some remaining things in Sardis that are **about to die**, as in the previous verse, he is speaking of the absence of spiritual vibrancy as if it were literally death. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “strengthen the few things about you that are still spiritually vibrant” +3:2 gq30 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οὐ γὰρ εὕρηκά σου τὰ ἔργα, πεπληρωμένα 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have not found that you have completed your works” +3:2 jq58 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ μου 1 Here the expression **before my God** means “in front of my God,” that is, “where my God can see them.” Sight, in turn, represents attention, perspective, and judgment. Alternate translation: “from my God’s perspective” +3:3 bi6d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys πῶς εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **heard** tells by what means the believers in Sardis learned the things about Jesus that they **received** (that is, believed). If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “how you received the things that you heard” +3:3 wcs4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit πῶς εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας 1 Jesus means implicitly the things that the believers in Sardis **heard** and **received** (believed) about him. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “how you believed the teaching about me when you heard it” +3:3 e324 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure τήρει καὶ μετανόησον 1 The believers in Sardis first need to **repent** before they can be **keeping** (that is, obeying) the things that they **received** when they first **heard** about Jesus, so it might be more natural to put the word “repent” before the word “keeping.” Alternate translation: “repent and be obedient” +3:3 gwk8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐὰν & μὴ γρηγορήσῃς 1 As in the previous verse, Jesus is speaking as if the believers in Pergamum were asleep and needed to wake up. Once again he means that they are complacent and need to become concerned about their spiritual state. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if you do not become concerned about your spiritual state” +3:3 ypw4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἥξω ὡς κλέπτης 1 The point of this comparison is that just as a thief comes unexpectedly, so Jesus will come unexpectedly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “I will come unexpectedly like a thief” +3:4 bpg5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀλλὰ ἔχεις 1 See the discussion of the phrase “you have” in the General Notes to chapter 2. Alternate translation: “But this is to your credit, that there are” +3:4 fy7f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὀνόματα 1 Here, **names** represent people by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “people” +3:4 x2if rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐκ ἐμόλυναν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative verb **stained**. Alternate translation: “have kept their clothes clean” +3:4 imsu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὐκ ἐμόλυναν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν 1 Jesus is speaking as if the disobedient believers in Sardis had literally **stained their clothes** while the obedient ones had not. He means that the obedient believers have not compromised their character by sinning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. However, since Jesus continues the clothing image in the next phrase, you may wish to retain it here by translating the phrase **stained their clothes** directly Alternate translation: “have not compromised their character by sinning” +3:4 x48r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom περιπατήσουσιν μετ’ ἐμοῦ 1 In this context, the word **walk** refers to how people live and behave. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will live in relationship with me” +3:4 dlgi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj ἐν λευκοῖς 1 Jesus is using the adjective **white** as a noun to mean a certain kind of clothing. He specifies in the next verse that he means "white garments." Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “in white garments” +3:4 w5t9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction ἐν λευκοῖς 1 Jesus may mean that faithful and obedient believers actually will wear **white** clothing when they live with him as their everlasting reward, since this is depicted several times in the course of the book. If so, wearing this white clothing would be a symbolic action indicating the purity of their lives and their devotion to Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “in white clothing that is symbolic of their purity” +3:5 w5k4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οὕτως περιβαλεῖται ἐν ἱματίοις λευκοῖς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will wear white garments in this way” +3:5 wn1x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐ μὴ ἐξαλείψω τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative verb **wipe out**. Alternate translation: “I will certainly keep his name in the Book of Life” +3:5 yyu5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁμολογήσω τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **name** represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “I will acknowledge him” or “I will acknowledge that he belongs to me” +3:5 j165 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐνώπιον τοῦ Πατρός μου, καὶ ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀγγέλων αὐτοῦ 1 Here the word **before** means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “in the presence of my Father and in the presence of his angels” +3:5 bi3h rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός 1 **Father** is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Be sure to retain this title in your translation. 3:5 q22s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῶν ἀγγέλων αὐτοῦ 1 See how you translated **angel** in [1:20](../01/20.md). -3:6 zxc7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). -3:6 k2k6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). -3:6 i49v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 Here, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in [1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter 2 and for chapter 3 to read this same explanatory note. -3:7 rf9b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Φιλαδελφίᾳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in **Philadelphia**. **Philadelphia** is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in [1:11](../01/11.md). -3:7 ksg4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 See how you translated **angel** in [1:20](../01/20.md). -3:7 xarn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [2:1](../02/01.md). -3:7 ih6i rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὴν κλεῖν Δαυείδ 1 Here, **the key** is a symbol of authority, power, or ability to control something, which, in this case, is the Messiah’s kingdom of King David. Jesus speaks of his authority as the Messiah to decide who may enter into his kingdom as if he possessed the key that King of David used to open and close the city gates of Jerusalem. The symbolic imagery of Jesus having keys for his kingdom occurs also in [Matthew 16:19](../16/19.md). As the translator, you should not make the meaning of the figure explicit or attempt to specify the meaning of the symbolism beyond the plain or simple figure of the symbolic language. Alternate translation: “the key of David’s authority” or “the key of David’s kingdom” -3:7 aam6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ὁ ἀνοίγων καὶ οὐδεὶς κλείσει, καὶ κλείων καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀνοίγει 1 Here, the phrase **the one opening and no one will shut, and shutting and no one opens** expresses, by means of a merism, the authority, power, or ability to control the kingdom of King David. This merism lists the two opposite, extreme actions of authority by the analogy of opening and closing a door with a key, which are the the only two possibilities for action with a door. Jesus speaks of his authority as the Messiah to decide who may enter into his kingdom as if he possessed the key that King of David used to open and close the city gates of Jerusalem. The symbolic imagery of King David having a key for his kingdom to open and close doors also occurs in [Isaiah 22:22](../22/22.md). If this figure of speech would not be natural in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the one who opens and no one can shut, and he shuts and no one can open” or “the one who opens and no one may shut, and he shuts and no one may open” -3:8 k48c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οἶδά σου τὰ ἔργα 1 See how you translated the clause **I know your works** in [2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “I am aware of what you have done” -3:8 j1x7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage δέδωκα ἐνώπιόν σου θύραν ἠνεῳγμένην 1 Here, **an open door** represents an opportunity for service or for proclamation of the gospel message. The language may also indicate a symbolic figure for a free entrance into the kingdom of Jesus the Messiah to the readers of the letter. As the translator, you should not make the meaning of the figure explicit or attempt to specify the meaning of the symbolism beyond the plain or simple figure of the symbolic language. Alternate translation: “I have set before you an open door” or “I have placed before you an open door” -3:8 vp9n rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἣν οὐδεὶς δύναται κλεῖσαι αὐτήν 1 See how you translated the word here **to shut** and the symbolic language of this clause in the previous verse. -3:8 h90i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom μικρὰν ἔχεις δύναμιν 1 Here, the phrase **you have little power** is an idiomatic expression that describes the social status of the believers as a community in Philadelphia. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have little prestige” or “you do not have much power” -3:8 xyw6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐτήρησάς 1 The word **kept** is the past tense of "keep" or "keeping" See how you translated "keeping" in [1:3](../01/03.md) and in [2:26](../02/26.md). -3:8 wsws rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession μου τὸν λόγον 1 Jesus is using a possessive form to describe the **word** or message about him which was delivered when his followers taught the new believers in the city of Philadelphia. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “my message” or “my teaching” -3:8 b3kz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 Here, **my name** is a metonym for the person who has that name, which in this case, is Jesus. If your readers would not understand this metonym, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: "that you know me" or “the name that I have” -3:9 x78m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor συναγωγῆς τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 A **synagogue** is a place of worship and teaching for the Jewish people. Here, Jesus uses the metaphor **synagogue of Satan** to refer to people who gather to obey or to honor **Satan**. See how you translated this same phrase in [2:9](../02/09.md), where Jesus says that certain Jewish people were not acting like true Jews, the representative people of God. In this verse, the translator should retain the metaphor and simply define **synagogue of Satan** in an explanatory note. -3:9 q496 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction προσκυνήσουσιν 1 Here, to **bow down** in front of a person’s feet represents a sign of submission, but here it does not represent worship. On the contrary, the gesture of bowing down symbolizes respect or obeisance. If there is a gesture with similar meaning in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “bow down in submission” or “prostrate themselves” -3:9 ah4w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche ἐνώπιον τῶν ποδῶν σου 1 Here, **feet** represents the person or the people before whom these individuals from the **synagogue of Satan** bow down. If this figure of speech would not be natural in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “humbly before you” or “to you” -3:10 f9vi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐτήρησας & τηρήσω 1 See the discussion in the General Introduction to Revelation of the two ways in which Jesus is using the word **kept**/**keep** here. Alternate translation: “you have obeyed … will … preserve” -3:10 k8mb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὸν λόγον τῆς ὑπομονῆς μου 1 Jesus is using a possessive form to describe the **word** or command that was spoken when his followers taught the believers in the city of Philadelphia. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the word taught about steadfastness” or “my teaching on steadfastness” +3:6 zxc7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω τί τὸ Πνεῦμα λέγει ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις 1 You can translate this statement in its three occurrences in this chapter the same way you translated it in its four occurrences in chapter 2. +3:7 ryws rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj ὁ Ἅγιος, ὁ Ἀληθινός 1 Jesus is using the adjectives **Holy** and **True** as nouns to describe himself as a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases, as the ULT does by adding the word **One** in each case. +3:7 ih6i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ ἔχων τὴν κλεῖν Δαυείδ 1 Jesus is not referring to a literal **key**. Rather, he is quoting from [Isaiah 22:22](../22/22.md), where God says that he will make a man named Eliakim the administrator of the royal palace in Jerusalem and give him the “key of the house of David,” symbolizing authority over the kingdom that the dynasty of David rules. As the Messiah, Jesus now has David’s royal authority. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one having royal authority as the Messiah” +3:7 aam6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism ὁ ἀνοίγων καὶ οὐδεὶς κλείσει, καὶ κλείων καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀνοίγει 1 This is a continuation of the quotation and the image of the key from [Isaiah 22:22](../22/22.md). These two phrases say the same thing in opposite ways. God, speaking through Isaiah, was using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express, that he would give this new palace administrator authority that no one could defy. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the phrases or express their meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who decides definitively whether to open a door or to lock it shut” or “whose authority no one can defy” +3:8 k48c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure ἰδοὺ, δέδωκα ἐνώπιόν σου θύραν ἠνεῳγμένην, ἣν οὐδεὶς δύναται κλεῖσαι αὐτήν 1 In order to keep what Jesus says he knows about the believers in Philadelphia together with the phrase **I know your works**, you may wish to move this statement to the end of the verse and make it a separate sentence. +3:8 j1x7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor δέδωκα ἐνώπιόν σου θύραν ἠνεῳγμένην 1 This **opened door** could symbolize: (1) an opportunity to proclaim the gospel or (2) entrance into everlasting life with Jesus. However, since the image of the **door** continues the image of the key from the previous verse, you may wish to retain the image by translating the phrase **I have put before you an opened door** directly. +3:8 x9uv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive δέδωκα ἐνώπιόν σου θύραν ἠνεῳγμένην 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have opened a door before you” +3:8 vp9n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit δέδωκα ἐνώπιόν σου θύραν ἠνεῳγμένην 1 Here the word **before** means “in front of.” The implication is that the believers in Philadelphia can go through this door, since it is open right in front of them. Alternate translation: “I have opened a door in front of you that you can go through” +3:8 h90i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo ἣν οὐδεὶς δύναται κλεῖσαι αὐτήν 1 It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “that no one is able to shut” +3:8 wsws rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐτήρησάς μου τὸν λόγον 1 Jesus is using the term **word** to mean the commandments he has given by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have obeyed my commandments” +3:8 b3kz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy οὐκ ἠρνήσω τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 Here, **name** represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “you have not denied me” +3:8 metu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐκ ἠρνήσω τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative verb **denied**. Alternate translation: “you have acknowledged me” or “you have acknowledged that you believe in me” +3:9 u512 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo ἰδοὺ, διδῶ ἐκ τῆς συναγωγῆς τοῦ Σατανᾶ, τῶν λεγόντων ἑαυτοὺς Ἰουδαίους εἶναι, καὶ οὐκ εἰσὶν, ἀλλὰ ψεύδονται; ἰδοὺ, ποιήσω αὐτοὺς, ἵνα ἥξουσιν 1 It might seem that this sentence contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it by saying **behold** just once and by saying only **I will make** and not also **I will give**. Alternate translation: “Behold, those of the synagogue of Satan, the ones saying themselves to be Jews, but they are not, rather, they are lying, I will make them so that they will come” +3:9 x78m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐκ τῆς συναγωγῆς τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 See how you translated the expression **synagogue of Satan** in [2:9](../02/09.md). Alternate translation: “those whose gatherings really serve Satan’s purposes rather than God’s” +3:9 ahfl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor καὶ οὐκ εἰσὶν, ἀλλὰ ψεύδονται 1 See how you translated the similar expression in [2:9](../02/09.md). Alternate translation: “but who are not acting in the way that Jews should” +3:9 q496 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction προσκυνήσουσιν ἐνώπιον τῶν ποδῶν σου 1 The enemies of the believers in Philadelphia would **come and bown down** at **their feet** as a symbolic action to show that they honored and respected these believers. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “to bow down before your feet as a gesture of honor and respect” +3:9 ah4w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche ἐνώπιον τῶν ποδῶν σου 1 Jesus is using one part of the believers in Philadelpha, their **feet**, to mean their entire beings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before you” or “in front of you” +3:9 hjv8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἐγὼ ἠγάπησά σε 1 For emphasis, Jesus is stating the pronoun **I**, whose meaning is already present in the verb **have loved**. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of expressing this emphasis. Alternate translation: “I have certainly loved you” +3:10 f9vi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐτήρησας τὸν λόγον τῆς ὑπομονῆς μου 1 Jesus is using the term **word** to a command he has given by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have kept my command of endurance” +3:10 k8mb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ἐτήρησας τὸν λόγον τῆς ὑπομονῆς μου 1 Jesus is using this possessive form to describe a **word** or statement that commands **endurance**, not a statement characterized by endurance (that is, one that endures). Alternate translation: “you have obeyed my command to endure” 3:10 y577 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὸν λόγον τῆς ὑπομονῆς μου 1 If your language would not use an abstract noun for the idea of **steadfastness**, you could express it with the verb “to endure.” See how you translated this word in [1:9](../01/09.md) and in [2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “my admonition to suffer patiently” -3:10 gv5g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τῆς ὥρας τοῦ πειρασμοῦ 1 Jesus is using a possessive form to describe the **hour** as a time when God tests all of the world. The subject of **testing** is God. He tests all people during the **hour** of great suffering. If it is not clear in your language that God is the one who tests the world, then you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the hour when God tests” or “the hour of God’s testing” -3:10 ql9y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τῆς ὥρας 1 The translator may wish to explain that **hour** is not 60 minutes. Rather, the **hour** is a moment of time, or a time period, of testing. If this idiom is not clear in your language, then you could express this meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the time” or “the moment” -3:10 e6bw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῆς μελλούσης ἔρχεσθαι 1 Here, **to come** describes future being or existence. If your readers would not understand what it means for future existence **to come**, then you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture. Alternatively, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “that will occur” or “that is about to be” or “that is about to exist” -3:11 ih12 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔρχομαι ταχύ 1 Here, **coming quickly** implies an arrival of Jesus to judge. It is understood that Jesus is **coming** in order to judge. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the implicit meaning in an explicit way. Alternate translation: “I am coming to judge quickly” or “I am coming to judge soon” -3:11 n9a9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom κράτει ὃ ἔχεις 1 See how you translated the verb phrase to **Hold fast to** in [2:13](../02/13.md). -3:11 a4m5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸν στέφανόν 1 Here, **crown** stands for a reward or a victory prize. See how you translated **crown** in [2:10](../02/10.md). -3:12 px36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ νικῶν 1 See how you translated this phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). For the expression **the one conquering** that occurs often in chapters 2 and 3 of the book of Revelation (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase **the one conquering** in the chapter 2 introduction. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” -3:12 xiwx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ποιήσω αὐτὸν στῦλον ἐν τῷ ναῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ μου 1 Jesus is speaking of victorious believers as if they were a **pillar in the temple of God**. Here, a **pillar** represents an important and permanent part of God’s kingdom. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will make him strong, like a pillar in the temple of my God” -3:13 u5jk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). -3:13 ug5m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). -3:13 cm7r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 Here, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in [1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter 2 and for chapter 3 to read this same explanatory note. -3:14 r6bz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Λαοδικίᾳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in **Laodicea**. **Laodicea** is the name of one of the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in [1:11](../01/11.md). -3:14 jg3b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 See how you translated **angel** in [1:20](../01/20.md). -3:14 wzg9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [2:1](../02/01.md). -3:14 f65v ὁ Ἀμήν 1 Here, **The Amen** is a name for Jesus Christ. He guarantees God’s promises by saying amen to them. -3:14 btv1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡ ἀρχὴ τῆς κτίσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **the beginning of the creation of God** could refer to: (1) the one who rules over everything that God created. (2) the one through whom God created everything. -3:15 pf9x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὔτε ψυχρὸς εἶ οὔτε ζεστός 1 The writer speaks of the Laodiceans as if they were water. Here, **cold** and **hot** could: (1) represent two extremes of spiritual interest or love for God, where “cold” is to be completely against God, and to be “hot” is to be zealous to serve him. (2) both refer to water that is useful for drinking or for cooking or healing, respectively. Alternate translation: “you are like water that is neither cold nor hot” -3:15 c60l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οἶδά σου τὰ ἔργα 1 See how you translated the clause **I know your works** in [2:2](../02/02.md). Alternate translation: “I am aware of what you have done” -3:16 y9vt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor μέλλω σε ἐμέσαι ἐκ τοῦ στόματός μου 1 Rejecting them is spoken of as vomiting them **out of** the **mouth**. Alternate translation: “I will reject you as I would spit out lukewarm water” -3:17 v1pj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor σὺ εἶ ὁ ταλαίπωρος, καὶ ἐλεεινὸς, καὶ πτωχὸς, καὶ τυφλὸς, καὶ γυμνός 1 Jesus speaks of their spiritual condition as if he were speaking about their physical condition. Alternate translation: “you are like people who are most miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” -3:18 tmm7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀγοράσαι παρ’ ἐμοῦ χρυσίον πεπυρωμένον ἐκ πυρὸς, ἵνα πλουτήσῃς, καὶ ἱμάτια λευκὰ, ἵνα περιβάλῃ, καὶ μὴ φανερωθῇ ἡ αἰσχύνη τῆς γυμνότητός σου, καὶ κολλούριον ἐγχρῖσαι τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς σου, ἵνα βλέπῃς 1 Here, **to buy** represents receiving things from Jesus that have true spiritual value. The **gold refined by fire** represents spiritual wealth. The **brilliant white garments** represents righteousness. And the **salve to anoint your eyes** represents the ability to understand spiritual things. Alternate translation: “to come to me and receive spiritual wealth, which is more valuable than gold that is refined by fire. Receive from me righteousness, which is like brilliant white garments, so that you will not be ashamed. And receive from me wisdom, which is like salve for the eyes, so that you may understand spiritual things” (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor) -3:19 sf66 ζήλευε & καὶ μετανόησον 1 Alternate translation: “be serious and repent” -3:20 i7gy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἕστηκα ἐπὶ τὴν θύραν καὶ κρούω 1 Jesus speaks about wanting people to relate to him as if he wanted them to invite him into their home. Alternate translation: “I am like one standing at the door and knocking” or "I am like one waiting at the entryway to be admitted" -3:20 sr5y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction κρούω 1 Knocking **at the door** as a symbolic action to show that someone wishes to be invited to enter a room. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “knock because I want you to let me come inside” -3:20 m6n2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἀκούσῃ τῆς φωνῆς μου 1 Here, **my voice** refers to Christ speaking. Alternate translation: “hears me speak” or “hears me call” -3:20 di8q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go καὶ εἰσελεύσομαι πρὸς αὐτὸν 1 Some languages might prefer the verb “go” here. Alternate translation: “I will indeed go into his home” -3:20 une1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor καὶ δειπνήσω μετ’ αὐτοῦ 1 Here, **eat with him** represents being together as friends. -3:21 n83q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ νικῶν 1 See how you translated this phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). For the metaphorical expression **the one conquering** that occurs often in chapters 2 and 3 of the book of Revelation (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21), please see the explanatory note for this generic noun phrase **one who conquers** in the chapter 2 introduction. Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” -3:21 mn2c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy καθίσαι μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἐν τῷ θρόνῳ μου 1 To **sit down** on a **throne** means to rule. Alternate translation: “to rule with me” or “to sit down on my throne and rule with me” -3:21 un17 rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 Here, **Father** is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. +3:10 x6lf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐτήρησας & κἀγώ σε τηρήσω 1 See the discussion in the General Introduction to Revelation of the various ways in which the word **keep** is used in this book. Alternate translation: “you have obeyed … I also will protect you” +3:10 ql9y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τῆς ὥρας τοῦ πειρασμοῦ 1 Jesus is using the term **hour** to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the time of testing” +3:10 ydfn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τοὺς κατοικοῦντας ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 See the discussion in the General Introduction to Revelation of how to translate this phrase. Alternate translation: “worldly people” +3:11 ih12 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔρχομαι ταχύ 1 The implication is that Jesus is **coming quickly** to judge people for whether or not they have remained faithful to him. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I am coming quickly to judge” +3:11 n9a9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom κράτει ὃ ἔχεις 1 Alternate translation: “Continue doing the things that are to your credit” +3:11 xige rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives ἵνα μηδεὶς λάβῃ τὸν στέφανόν σου 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the verb that is negative in this context, **take**. Alternate translation: “so that you will indeed have your crown” +3:11 a4m5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸν στέφανόν 1 See how you translated **crown** in [2:10](../02/10.md). Alternate translation: “your reward” +3:12 xiwx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ποιήσω αὐτὸν στῦλον ἐν τῷ ναῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ μου 1 Jesus is speaking as if he would literally make a faithful and victorious believer a **pillar** in God’s temple. This likely symbolizes that the believer will always be in God’s temple, just as a pillar is a permanent fixture. (Indeed, Jesus says specifically that this believer will not leave the temple anymore.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will have him remain always in the temple of my God” +3:12 hhj1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἰερουσαλήμ 1 The word **Jerusalem** is the name of a city. +3:14 f65v rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate ὁ Ἀμήν 1 See how you translated the word **Amen** in [1:5](../01/05.md), and see the discussion in the General Introduction to Revelation of how to translate this word. +3:14 ac91 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ὁ πιστὸς καὶ ἀληθινός 1 The terms **faithful** and **true** mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “entirely faithful” +3:14 btv1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ἡ ἀρχὴ τῆς κτίσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Jesus is most likely using this possessive form to describe himself as the one who began the creation of God, that is, the one through whom God created all things. Jesus is likely using this phrase to mean the same thing as he does when he describes himself as “the alpha” or “the first.” Jesus is not saying that he was the first creature God created. Jesus is not a created being, he is the eternally begotten Son of God. Alternate translation: “the one through whom God created all things” +3:15 pf9x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ψυχρὸς & οὔτε ζεστός & ψυχρὸς & ἢ ζεστός 1 Jesus is speaking as if the believers in Laodicea were literally water that was a certain temperature. He is using the word **hot** to mean diligently obedient to God and the word **cold** to mean stubbornly resistant to God, so he means that the Laodiceans are complacent and indifferent. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “disobedient nor obedient … disobedient or obedient” +3:16 zbhl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor χλιαρὸς & καὶ οὔτε ψυχρός, οὔτε ζεστὸς 1 In this verse, Jesus continues to develop the image of water temperature that he introduced in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “complacent and neither obedient nor disobedient” +3:16 y9vt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor μέλλω σε ἐμέσαι ἐκ τοῦ στόματός μου 1 In the context of this image, when Jesus that says he will **spew** or spit the Laodiceans out of his mouth, he means that he will reject them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “I am about to reject you as I would spit out lukewarm water” +3:17 guwb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes ὅτι λέγεις, ὅτι πλούσιός εἰμι, καὶ πεπλούτηκα, καὶ οὐδὲν χρείαν ἔχω 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “For you say that you are rich and have become wealthy and have no need” +3:17 y59u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj ὁ ταλαίπωρος, καὶ ἐλεεινὸς, καὶ πτωχὸς, καὶ τυφλὸς, καὶ γυμνός 1 Jesus is using the adjectives **miserable**, **pitiable**, **poor**, **blind** and **naked** as nouns to describe a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. Other languages may have other ways of showing this meaning, such as the ULT does by adding the word **one**. Alternate translation: “a person who is miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” +3:17 v1pj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ ταλαίπωρος, καὶ ἐλεεινὸς, καὶ πτωχὸς, καὶ τυφλὸς, καὶ γυμνός 1 Jesus is speaking as if the Laodiceans were literally **miserable**, **pitiable**, **poor**, **blind** and **naked**. He means that this is what they are like spiritually. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “spiritually very needy and unhealthy” +3:17 hw8j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ὁ ταλαίπωρος, καὶ ἐλεεινὸς, καὶ πτωχὸς, καὶ τυφλὸς, καὶ γυμνός 1 The words **miserable**, **pitiable**, and **poor** mean similar things. Jesus is using these terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “extremely poor as well as blind and naked” +3:18 tmm7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀγοράσαι παρ’ ἐμοῦ χρυσίον πεπυρωμένον ἐκ πυρὸς, ἵνα πλουτήσῃς 1 Jesus is speaking as if he wants the believers in Laodicea literally to buy **gold** from him. He is using gold to symbolize spiritual riches, meaning things such as a profound knowledge of God and a life transformed into the image of Christ. When Jesus says that this gold is **refined by fire**, he means that it is pure gold, that is, genuine wealth; by contrast, the riches that the Laodiceans have are not true riches. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to seek genuine spiritual riches from me so that you will be truly wealthy” +3:18 wy28 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive χρυσίον πεπυρωμένον ἐκ πυρὸς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “gold that fire has refined” +3:18 n7ub rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἱμάτια λευκὰ, ἵνα περιβάλῃ, καὶ μὴ φανερωθῇ ἡ αἰσχύνη τῆς γυμνότητός σου 1 Jesus is speaking as if he wants the believers in Pergamum literally to buy **white garments** from him. As in [3:4](../03/04.md), white clothing symbolizes purity of life and devotion to Jesus. Accordingly, **nakedness** symbolizes a sinful life and indifference towards Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to seek my help in being devoted to me so that you will live a pure life and not be shamefully disobedient” +3:18 qkry rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive μὴ φανερωθῇ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “might not appear” +3:18 e8x9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor κολλούριον ἐγχρῖσαι τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς σου, ἵνα βλέπῃς 1 Jesus is speaking as if he wants the believers in Pergamum literally to buy **salve** from him to **anoint** their **eyes**. He said in the previous verse that they were “blind,” and this likely symbolized their lack of spiritual discernment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to seek my help in becoming spiritually discerning” +3:19 nqgx rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἐγὼ ὅσους ἐὰν φιλῶ, ἐλέγχω καὶ παιδεύω 1 For emphasis, Jesus is stating the pronoun **I**, whose meaning is already present in the verbs **rebuke** and **discipline**. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of expressing this emphasis. Alternate translation: “I certainly rebuke and discipline as many as I love” +3:19 j9ke rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἐλέγχω καὶ παιδεύω 1 The terms **rebuke** and **discipline** mean similar things. Jesus is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “diligently correct” +3:19 sf66 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ζήλευε & καὶ μετανόησον 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The verb **be zealous** tells how Jesus wants the Laodiceans to **repent**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “repent zealously” +3:20 i7gy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἕστηκα ἐπὶ τὴν θύραν καὶ κρούω; ἐάν τις ἀκούσῃ τῆς φωνῆς μου καὶ ἀνοίξῃ τὴν θύραν, καὶ εἰσελεύσομαι πρὸς αὐτὸν, καὶ δειπνήσω μετ’ αὐτοῦ, καὶ αὐτὸς μετ’ ἐμοῦ 1 Jesus is speaking as if he were literally standing outside a **door** and seeking entrance to a house. He means that he is seeking to have personal fellowship with each of the Laodiceans to whom he is writing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am seeking personal fellowship with each one of you. If anyone recognizes this and wants to have fellowship with me as well, I will certainly enter into a relationship with him of the most intimate kind” +3:20 sr5y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown κρούω 1 To **knock** at a **door** means to hit it a few times to let a person inside the house know you are standing outside. You could translate this expression with the way people in your culture show that they have arrived at a house, such as “call out” or “cough” or “clap.” +3:20 m6n2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῆς φωνῆς μου 1 The word **voice** could mean: (1) by implication, that in addition to knocking on the door, Jesus is also calling out to the person inside the house. Alternate translation: “me calling as I knock” (2) the sound of the knocking. Alternate translation: “the sound of me knocking” +3:20 r8gr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis δειπνήσω μετ’ αὐτοῦ, καὶ αὐτὸς μετ’ ἐμοῦ 1 Jesus is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I will eat with him and he will eat with me” +3:20 une1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor δειπνήσω μετ’ αὐτοῦ, καὶ αὐτὸς μετ’ ἐμοῦ 1 Since people share table fellowship with others in their homes only if they have a close relationship, Jesus is using eating together to symbolize that he will become a good friend of the person who welcomes him. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I will eat with him and he will eat with me, as good friends do” +3:21 mn2c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor καθίσαι μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἐν τῷ θρόνῳ μου 1 Jesus is speaking as if a victorious believer would literally **sit with** him on his **throne**. He means that the believer will share his ruling authority. He means the same thing when he says that he has **sat** with his **Father** on his **throne**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will share my ruling authority with him, as I also … have come to share my Father’s ruling authority” +3:21 un17 rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός 1 **Father** is an important title that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. Be sure to retain this title in your translation. 3:22 m13x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). 3:22 mjv6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 See how you translated this phrase in [2:7](../02/07.md). 3:22 vnr6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 Here, **the Spirit** most likely refers to God’s Spirit, or simply the Holy Spirit of God’s triune nature, in contrast to the spirit of the writer or author which one finds in [1:10](../01/10.md). In other words, the Holy Spirit addresses the messages and contents of each letter written to each of the seven churches which are addressed in chapters two and three (See: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29: 3:6, 13, 22). See the chapter introductions for chapter 2 and for chapter 3 to read this same explanatory note. -4:intro cl9f 0 # Revelation 4 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nSome 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 verses 8 and 11.\n\nJohn has finished describing the letters to the churches. He now begins to describe a vision that God showed him.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Jasper, carnelian, and emerald\n\nThese words refer to kinds of special stones that the people in John’s day considered valuable. It may be difficult for you to translate these words if people in your culture do not value special kinds of stones.\n\n### Twenty-four elders\n\nElders are church leaders. The 24 elders may be symbolic of the whole church through the ages. There were 12 tribes in Old Testament Israel and 12 apostles in the New Testament church. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n### Seven spirits of God\n\nThese spirits are the seven spirits of [1:4](../rev/01/04.md).\n\n### Giving glory to God\n\nGod’s glory is the great beauty and radiant majesty that God has because he is God. Other Bible writers describe it as if it were a light so bright that no one can look at it. No one can give God this kind of glory, because it is already his. When people give glory to God or when God receives glory, people say that God has the glory that is his, that it is right for God to have that glory, and that people should worship God because he has that glory. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/worthy]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/worship]])\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### Difficult images\n\nSuch things as bolts of lightning coming from the throne, lamps that are spirits, and a sea in front of the throne may be difficult to imagine, and so the words for them may be difficult to translate. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]]) -4:1 vh4i rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent μετὰ ταῦτα 1 See how you translated this phrase in [2:1-3:22](../02/01.md) Alternate translation: “After I had just seen these things” -4:1 z8r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor θύρα ἠνεῳγμένη ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ 1 The expression **an open door in heaven** stands for the ability that God gave John to see into heaven, at least by means of a vision. -4:1 a49s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς σάλπιγγος λαλούσης μετ’ ἐμοῦ 1 John is saying that the **first voice** he heard was **like a trumpet** because it blasted forth like the loud sound of a trumpet. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “speaking to me loudly, like the sound of a trumpet” -4:1 j713 σάλπιγγος 1 A **trumpet** is a tubular metal instrument into which one blows for producing music or for calling people to gather together for an announcement or meeting. See how you translated this in [1:10](../01/10.md). -4:2 ie3w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐγενόμην ἐν Πνεύματι 1 John speaks of being influenced by God’s **Spirit** as if he were **in the Spirit**. See how you translated this in [1:10](../01/10.md). Alternate translation: “I was influenced by the Spirit” or “the Spirit influenced me” -4:3 m4mi rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown λίθῳ, ἰάσπιδι καὶ σαρδίῳ 1 The terms **jasper** and **carnelian** refer to valuable stones. Jasper may have been clear like glass or crystal, and carnelian may have been red. -4:3 aap1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown σμαραγδίνῳ 1 An **emerald** is a green, valuable stone. -4:4 b695 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage εἴκοσι τέσσαρας πρεσβυτέρους 1 Interpreters debate the symbolic meaning of **24** as the number of the elders. The symbolic significance of the term **elders** is also debated, but it probably indicates the church or the people of God at the time that John wrote the book of Revelation. In this sense, the leaders of the church represent the church or the saints that comprise the church. Alternate translation: “were 24 church leaders” or “were 24 older saints” -4:5 ryb1 ἀστραπαὶ 1 Use your language’s way of describing what **lightning** looks like each time it appears. -4:5 u1da φωναὶ, καὶ βρονταί 1 Here, **rumblings** are the loud noises that thunder makes. Use your language’s way of describing the sound of thunder. -4:5 e1jm rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 The number **seven** is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The **seven spirits** refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this in [1:4](../01/04.md). -4:6 ja33 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor θάλασσα ὑαλίνη 1 If it would be clearer in your language metaphor, you can state how what was **in front of the throne** was like **glass** or a **sea**. This could mean: (1) a sea is spoken of as if it were glass. Alternate translation: “a sea that was as smooth as glass” (2) glass is spoken of as if it were a sea. Alternate translation: “glass that was spread out like a sea” -4:6 cv9p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὁμοία κρυστάλλῳ 1 If it would be clearer in your language simile, you could state how it was **like crystal**. Alternate translation: “clear as crystal” -4:6 fr7x ἐν μέσῳ τοῦ θρόνου καὶ κύκλῳ τοῦ θρόνου 1 Alternate translation: “immediately around the throne” or “close to the throne and around it” -4:6 b66k rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τέσσαρα ζῷα 1 Interpreters debate what precisely is the symbolic significance of **four** and of **living creatures**. The translator should keep the phrase literal and allow the symbolic significance to stand in the translation or rendition. Alternate translation: “were four animate beings” or “were four living things” -4:7 d84n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile τὸ ζῷον τὸ πρῶτον ὅμοιον λέοντι, καὶ τὸ δεύτερον ζῷον ὅμοιον μόσχῳ, καὶ τὸ τρίτον ζῷον ἔχων τὸ πρόσωπον ὡς ἀνθρώπου, καὶ τὸ τέταρτον ζῷον ὅμοιον ἀετῷ πετομένῳ 1 How the head of each **living creature** appeared to John is expressed as a comparison with something more familiar. -4:7 b9tx rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ζῷον 1 See how you translated **living creature** in [4:6](../04/06.md). -4:8 n8g2 κυκλόθεν καὶ ἔσωθεν γέμουσιν ὀφθαλμῶν 1 Alternate translation: "the top and bottom of which are covered with eyes" -4:8 y1u5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 Here John is speaking of God existing in the future as if he were **coming**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. -4:9 tljo rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὰ ζῷα 1 See how you translated **living creatures** in [4:6](../04/06.md). -4:9 xj6b τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ, τῷ ζῶντι εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 Alternate translation: "to the one person who sits on the throne always, without end" -4:9 a19z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 These two words mean about the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: “for all eternity” -4:10 c2vg rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction πεσοῦνται 1 John is saying that the elders **will fall down** as a symbolic action to demonstrate their worshipful attitude toward God. They purposefully lie down facing the ground to show that they are worshiping. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. -4:10 s4mw rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage πρεσβύτεροι 1 See how you translated **elders** in [4:4](../04/04.md). -4:10 sly8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction βαλοῦσιν τοὺς στεφάνους αὐτῶν ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου 1 The elders respectfully place their **crowns** on the ground, showing that they were submitting to God’s authority to rule. Alternate translation: “they will lay their crowns before the throne to show that they are submitting to him” -4:10 wvf9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction βαλοῦσιν 1 The phrase **they will lay** could refer to: (1) them carefully placing something. (2) them throwing something down forcibly, as of something worthless ([2:22](../02/22.md)). The reader should understand that the elders are acting respectfully. -4:11 idj1 ὁ Κύριος καὶ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν 1 Here, **our Lord and God** is one person, the one who was sitting on the throne. -4:11 q91l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy λαβεῖν τὴν δόξαν καὶ τὴν τιμὴν καὶ τὴν δύναμιν 1 Here, **the glory and the honor and the power** are things that God always has. Being praised for having them is spoken of as receiving them. Alternate translation: “to be praised for your glory, honor, and power” or “for everyone to praise you because you are glorious, honorable, and powerful” -5:intro g7ey 0 # Revelation 5 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nSome 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 in verses 9-13.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Sealed scroll\n\nKings and important people in John’s time wrote important documents on large pieces of paper or animal skin. They then rolled them up and sealed them with wax so they would stay closed. Only the person to whom the document was written had the authority to open it by breaking the seal. In this chapter, “the one who was seated on the throne” had written the scroll. Only the person called “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David” and “the Lamb” had the authority to open it. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/scroll]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/authority]])\n\n### Twenty-four elders\n\nElders are church leaders. The 24 elders may be symbolic of the whole church through the ages. There were 12 tribes in Old Testament Israel and 12 apostles in the New Testament church. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n### Christian prayers\n\nThe prayers of Christians are described as incense. Christian prayers have a good smell to God. He is pleased when Christians pray.\n\n### Seven spirits of God\n\nThese spirits are the seven spirits of [1:4](../rev/01/04.md).\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### Metaphors\n\nThe “Lion of the tribe of Judah” and the “Root of David” are metaphors that refer to Jesus. Jesus descended from the tribe of Judah and the family of David. Lions are fierce, and all animals and people are afraid of them, so they are a metaphor for a king whom everyone obeys. The words **Root of David** speak of Israel’s King David as if he were a seed that God had planted and of Jesus as if he were a root growing from that seed. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -5:1 w3yi καὶ εἶδον 1 Alternate translation: “After I saw those things, I saw” -5:1 u3br τοῦ καθημένου ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου 1 This is the same **one** as in [4:2-3](../04/02.md). -5:1 yhm3 βιβλίον, γεγραμμένον ἔσωθεν καὶ ὄπισθεν 1 Alternate translation: “a scroll with writing on the front and the back” -5:1 aj7m rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown κατεσφραγισμένον σφραγῖσιν ἑπτά 1 Here, **seven seals** represents seven pieces of wax that secured documents closed. Melted wax was used to seal letters or other documents that needed to be protected. When the wax cooled and hardened, the letter could not be opened without breaking the wax seal. The person who received the letter would see the unbroken seal and know that no one had opened it. Alternate translation: “and it had seven seals keeping it closed” -5:2 r2vt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events τίς ἄξιος ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον, καὶ λῦσαι τὰς σφραγῖδας αὐτοῦ? 1 Someone would need to break the **seals** in order **to open the scroll**. Alternate translation: “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll” -5:2 v4r4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion τίς ἄξιος ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον, καὶ λῦσαι τὰς σφραγῖδας αὐτοῦ? 1 The angel is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Show us who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll!” -5:3 lj9u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, οὐδὲ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, οὐδὲ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς 1 Here, the entire clause and all of its descriptions of parts of the cosmos or universe represent a merism. Essentially, the entire clause means "everywhere." In other words, the entire clause represents the following: the place where God and the angels live, the place where people and animals live, and the place where those who have died are. Alternate translation: “anywhere in heaven or on the earth or under the earth” -5:5 dohb rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῶν πρεσβυτέρων 1 See how you translated **elders** in [4:4](../04/04.md). -5:5 j67w rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names ὁ λέων ὁ ἐκ τῆς φυλῆς Ἰούδα 1 This is a title for the man **from the tribe of Judah** that God had promised would be the great king. Alternate translation: “the one who is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah” or “the king who is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah” -5:5 b6wg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ λέων 1 The king is spoken of as if he were a **Lion** because a lion is very strong. -5:5 i89j rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἡ ῥίζα Δαυείδ 1 This is a title for the descendant of **David** that God had promised would be the great king. Alternate translation: “the one who is called the Root of David” -5:5 z3vw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡ ῥίζα Δαυείδ 1 The descendant is spoken of as if David’s family were a tree and he were a root of that tree. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Descendant of David” -5:6 v99j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐν μέσῳ τοῦ θρόνου καὶ τῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων καὶ ἐν μέσῳ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων, Ἀρνίον ἑστηκὸς 1 Here, **in the middle of** describes a setting in which **the four living creatures** surround the central throne for the **Lamb** that exists in the center of the imagery or vision. The **elders** are sitting on thrones that also surround the central throne and **the four living creatures**. However, **the elders** are further out and even more removed in terms of relative space from the center of the throne for the **Lamb** than are the **the four living creatures**. Where the **Lamb** is standing in relation to **the throne** is not entirely clear and should not be translated very specifically. Thus, the translator should avoid specifying the exact details of where the **Lamb** stands in his relative location with **the throne**. If this spatial relationship is confusing in your language, then the translator might give a less confusing description by stating generally that the **Lamb** was standing near or at the throne. Alternate translation: “near the throne and the four living creatures and the elders” or “close to the throne and the four living creatures and the elders” -5:6 zkxf rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων 1 See how you translated **living creatures** in [4:6](../04/06.md). -5:6 uegz rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῶν πρεσβυτέρων 1 See how you translated **elders** in [4:4](../04/04.md). -5:6 du51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage Ἀρνίον 1 Here, **Lamb** symbolically refers Jesus as a sacrifice. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could include this information in a footnote. The translator should not change the symbol of the **Lamb** as a picture of sacrifice. Alternate translation: “male sheep” -5:6 o15q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὡς ἐσφαγμένον 1 Here, **as though having been killed** translates a passive verb phrase that literally means “having been slain.” Thus, the passive verb phrase expresses the fact that the Lamb, although he was alive or living, actually had marks or cuts which indicated that he had died or was killed by others. If your language does not use the passive verb form in this way, you could state this with an active verb form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as though someone had killed him” or “as though someone had murdered him” -5:6 oz6y rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage κέρατα ἑπτὰ καὶ ὀφθαλμοὺς ἑπτά 1 The number **seven** is often used in the Bible as a symbol for completeness and perfection. See how you translated **seven** as a symbolic number in [1:4](../01/04.md). -5:6 erg2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 The number **seven** is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The **seven spirits** refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this symbolic phrase in [1:4](../01/04.md). -5:6 t7d1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἀπεσταλμένοι εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν 1 If your language does not use a passive form like **sent out** here, then you can translate the passive expression with an active verb. Alternate translation: “whom God sends out into all the earth” -5:7 egp6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go ἦλθεν 1 He approached the throne. Some languages may use the verb “to go” with a form equivalent to the phrase “he went.” Use whichever verb is more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he went” -5:8 l8a3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὰ τέσσερα ζῷα 1 See how you translated **living creatures** in [4:6](../04/06.md). -5:8 hals rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage πρεσβύτεροι 1 See how you translated **elders** in [4:4](../04/04.md). -5:8 e3fh rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [5:6](../05/06.md). -5:8 uv6w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἕκαστος 1 Here, **each one** could refer to: (1) each one of the elders and living creatures, or, (2) each one solely of the elders. The translator should not make the references explicit since the persons or characters are not clearly identified in the Greek language. Alternate translation: “every one” or “all of them” -5:8 qak6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage θυμιαμάτων 1 Here, **incense** symbolizes the **prayers** of the **saints** to God. Alternate translation: “aromatic herbs” or “aromatic resins” -5:8 r458 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τῶν ἁγίων 1 As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, John often uses the term **saints** to describe people who believe in Jesus and obey him faithfully. John uses the term by association with the way these people are set apart as holy for God. Your language may have a term or expression of its own that would convey this meaning and that you could use throughout the book. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “of the disciples of Jesus” or “of believers in Jesus” -5:9 voro rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἄξιος 1 See how you translated **worthy** in [4:11](../04/11.md). -5:9 yu7h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐσφάγης 1 Here, **you were slaughtered** is a passive verbal phrase that can be turned into an active verbal expression. If your language does not use this passive form, you could state this in active form. Alternate translation: “they slaughtered you” or “people killed you” -5:9 qtv5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐν τῷ αἵματί σου 1 Here, **blood** is a metonym that substitutes for death. The phrase **with your blood** can mean “by your death” or “by dying.” Since **blood** is necessary for life, losing the blood represents death or the act of dying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “with your death” or “with your act of dying.” -5:9 r067 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἠγόρασας τῷ Θεῷ 1 John is speaking as if the Lamb literally **bought** people for God. He means that through his sacrificial death, the Lamb saved them by setting them free from the guilt and power of sin. Your language may have a term that you can use in your translation that describes someone paying a price or making a sacrifice to set someone else free. Alternate translation: “you redeemed people for God” -5:9 zzc7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἐκ πάσης φυλῆς, καὶ γλώσσης, καὶ λαοῦ, καὶ ἔθνους 1 Here, **from every tribe and language and people and nation** is referring to all all **people** of the earth and includes every ethnic group that the world contains. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from every ethnic group and tongue and people and nation” or “from every tribe and tongue and race and nation.” -5:10 wn87 βασιλείαν καὶ ἱερεῖς 1 See how you translated **kingdom** and **priests** in [1:6](../01/06.md). -5:11 xuy1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers μυριάδες μυριάδων καὶ χιλιάδες χιλιάδων 1 Here, **myriads** and **thousands** mean numbers that are so great that they are countless. If people would not understand these numbers in your target language, then you can simply use natural expressions in your language for numbers that are so great that one cannot count them. Alternate translation: “millions” or “too many thousands to count” -5:12 m6hy ἄξιόν 1 See how you translated **Worthy** in [4:11](../04/11.md). -5:12 xzbc rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὸ Ἀρνίον 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [5:6](../05/06.md). -5:12 gnv1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τὸ ἐσφαγμένον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom people slaughtered” -5:12 w0dv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns λαβεῖν τὴν δύναμιν, καὶ πλοῦτον, καὶ σοφίαν, καὶ ἰσχὺν, καὶ τιμὴν, καὶ δόξαν, καὶ εὐλογίαν 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **power** and **wealth** and **wisdom**and strength** and **honor** and **glory** and **praise**, you could express the same ideas in other ways. See how you translated a similar sentence in [4:11](../04/11.md). Alternate translation: “for everyone to honor, glorify, and praise him, making him increasingly powerful, wealthy, wise, and strong” -5:13 sad6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, καὶ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς 1 This clause is referring to all of creation by naming the parts that are at the extreme ends of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this in [5:3](../05/03.md). Alternate translation: “everywhere” -5:13 l2sn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῷ Ἀρνίῳ 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [5:6](../05/06.md). -5:14 r459 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants οἱ πρεσβύτεροι ἔπεσαν καὶ προσεκύνησαν 1 Some ancient manuscripts read **the elders fell down and worshiped**. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts add “the one who lives to the ages of the ages.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. +4:intro cl9f 0 # Revelation 4 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nAt this point in the book of Revelation, John has finished describing the letters to the churches. In this chapter he begins to describe a vision of heaven that God showed him.\n\nSome 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 verses 8 and 11.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Jasper, carnelian, and emerald\n\nThese words refer to special stones that the people in John’s culture valued for their beauty. If the people in your culture do not consider stones to be valuable, in your translation you can emphasize that it was the beauty of the stones that made such an impression on John.\n\n### Twenty-four elders\n\nJohn does not explain who or what he means by "elders" when he describes seeing them in the vision he relates in this chapter. These 24 elders may be symbolic of the whole people of God through the ages. There were 12 tribes of Israel in the Old Testament Israel and 12 apostles of Jesus in the New Testament church. In chapter 21, John describes seeing the names of the 12 tribes of Israel on the gates of the New Jerusalem and the names of the 12 apostles on the foundations of that city. However, it is not necessary to offer an explanation in your translation of who these elders might be. If your language has a word for a distinguished older person who is a leader in the society, it would be appropriate to use it without any further explanation.\n\n### Giving glory to God\n\nGod’s glory is the great beauty and radiant majesty that God has because he is God. Other Bible writers describe it as if it were a light so bright that no one can look at it. No one can give God this kind of glory, because it is already his. When people give glory to God or when God receives glory, people say that God has the glory that is his, that it is right for God to have that glory, and that people should worship God because he has that glory. In your translation, be sure that it is clear that when people "give glory" to God, they are not giving God something that he does not already have. Instead, people are acknowledging that God is already glorious. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/worthy]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/worship]])\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### Difficult images\n\nSuch things as bolts of lightning coming from the throne, lamps that are spirits, and a sea in front of the throne may be difficult to imagine. However, John is describing what he actually saw and heard in his visions, so you can translate his descriptions directly. See the discussion of this in the General Introduction to Revelation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]]) +4:1 w1rq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis θύρα ἠνεῳγμένη ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ἡ φωνὴ ἡ πρώτη 1 John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I saw a door opened in heaven and I heard the first voice” +4:1 uvw3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive θύρα ἠνεῳγμένη ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “an open door in heaven” +4:1 z8r8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor θύρα ἠνεῳγμένη ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ 1 John is speaking as if there were literally a **door** leading into heaven through which he could see. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I could see through an opening into heaven” +4:1 a49s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς σάλπιγγος 1 The point of this comparison is not that the sound of the **voice** was like the sound of a **trumpet** but that the voice was **loud** like a trumpet. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “that had been loud like the sound of a trumpet” +4:2 ie3w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐγενόμην ἐν Πνεύματι 1 See how you translated this expression in [1:10](../01/10.md). Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit influenced me” +4:2 ls1k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἐπὶ τὸν θρόνον καθήμενος 1 John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “on the throne there was one sitting” or “someone was sitting on the throne” +4:3 aap1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ὅμοιος ὁράσει λίθῳ, ἰάσπιδι καὶ σαρδίῳ & ὅμοιος ὁράσει σμαραγδίνῳ 1 The point of these comparisons is that the **one sitting** on the throne and the **rainbow** were dazzling in their **appearance**, like the gemstones John describes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “was dazzling in appearance, like a jasper stone and a carnelian … dazzling in appearance like an emerald” +4:3 m4mi rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown λίθῳ, ἰάσπιδι καὶ σαρδίῳ & σμαραγδίνῳ 1 The terms **jasper**, **carnelian**, and **emerald** describe gemstones. Jasper is often red, carnelian is often orange, and emerald is usually brilliant green. If your readers would not be familiar with these precious stones, in your translation you could use the name of comparable gems that they would recognize, or you could use general expressions. Alternate translation: “to a red or orange gemstone … to a brilliant green gemstone” +4:4 b695 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive περιβεβλημένους ἐν ἱματίοις λευκοῖς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “wearing white garments” +4:5 u1da φωναὶ, καὶ βρονταί 1 The word translated **sounds** could mean: (1) noises, in which case **sounds and thunders** might be a phrase that expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **thunders** would tell what kind of noises these are. Alternate translation: “rumblings of thunder” (2) voices. Alternate translation: “voices and thunders” +4:5 od7s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession λαμπάδες πυρὸς 1 This possessive form does not mean that the **lamps** were made **of fire** but that they burned with fire. Alternate translation: “flaming lamps” +4:5 e1jm rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὰ ἑπτὰ πνεύματα 1 See how you translated this expression in [1:4](../01/04.md). +4:6 ja33 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὡς θάλασσα ὑαλίνη, ὁμοία κρυστάλλῳ 1 The point of these comparisons could be that the **sea** was (1) clear or (2) sparkling, like **glass** and **crystal**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “was a sea that was as clear as glass or crystal” or “was a sea that was sparkling like glass or crystal” +4:6 a882 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἔμπροσθεν καὶ ὄπισθεν 1 John is using two sides of the body, the front and the back (what is **before** and **behind** a being), to mean the whole body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “over their whole bodies” +4:8 mrvj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism κυκλόθεν καὶ ἔσωθεν 1 John is using two sides of the body, the top and the bottom (what is **around** and **underneath** a being), to mean the whole body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “over their whole bodies” +4:8 c74p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐκ ἔχουσιν ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς λέγοντες 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the verb **rest**, which in this context means to “stop.” Alternate translation: “saying continuously night and day” +4:8 vytd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς 1 The living creatures are using the two main components of time, **night** and **day**, to mean all the time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “at any time” +4:9 yae6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns δώσουσιν & δόξαν, καὶ τιμὴν, καὶ εὐχαριστίαν, τῷ καθημένῳ 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **glory**, **honor**, and **thanks**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “glorify and honor and thank the one sitting” +4:9 xj6b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 See how you translated the same expression in [1:18](../01/18.md). +4:10 c2vg rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction πεσοῦνται 1 Be sure that it is clear in your translation that the elders do not fall down accidentally. They bow down in front of the throne as a gesture to honor God. Alternate translation: “will bow down respectfully” +4:10 sly8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction βαλοῦσιν τοὺς στεφάνους αὐτῶν ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου 1 The elders respectfully place their **crowns** on the ground to show that they are submitting to God’s authority over them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “they will lay their crowns on the ground in front of God's throne to show that they are submitting to him” +4:11 q91l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἄξιος εἶ, ὁ Κύριος καὶ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, λαβεῖν τὴν δόξαν καὶ τὴν τιμὴν καὶ τὴν δύναμιν 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the idea of **glory**, **honor**, and **power**, you could express the same ideas in another way. The UST models one way to do this. +4:11 hzqb rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns σὺ ἔκτισας 1 For emphasis, the elders are stating the pronoun **you**, whose meaning is already present in the verb **have created**. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of expressing this emphasis. Alternate translation: “it was you who created” +4:11 uluo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἦσαν, καὶ ἐκτίσθησαν 1 The expressions **existed** and **were created** mean similar things. The elders are using the two expressions together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “they came into being” +5:intro g7ey 0 # Revelation 5 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nIn this chapter, John continues to describe a vision of heaven that God showed him.\n\nSome 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 in verses 9-13.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Sealed scroll\n\nKings and important people in John’s time wrote important documents on large pieces of paper or animal skin. They then rolled them up and sealed them with wax so they would stay closed. Only the person to whom the document was written had the authority to open it by breaking the seal. In this chapter, “the one who was seated on the throne” had written the scroll. Only the person called “the Lion of the tribe of Judah,” “the Root of David” and “the Lamb” had the authority to open it. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/scroll]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/authority]])\n\n### Twenty-four elders\n\nThe 24 elders whom John introduced in chapter 4 appear in this chapter as well. In your translation, you can use the same term for them here as you did there.\n +5:1 yhm3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive γεγραμμένον ἔσωθεν καὶ ὄπισθεν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “with writing on the front and the back” +5:1 aj7m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive κατεσφραγισμένον σφραγῖσιν ἑπτά 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God had sealed the scroll with seven seals” +5:2 lgrx εἶδον 1 It may be more natural in your language to say "heard" rather than **saw** in this context. Alternate translation: “I heard” +5:2 fpew rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον, καὶ λῦσαι τὰς σφραγῖδας αὐτοῦ 1 Since someone would need to break the **seals** in order to **open the scroll**, in your translation you may wish to relate these events in the order in which they would have to happen. Alternate translation: “to break the seals and open the scroll” +5:3 lj9u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, οὐδὲ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, οὐδὲ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς 1 John is using the main components of creation—**heaven**, **earth**, and the underworld—to mean all of creation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “anywhere in creation” +5:4 sf9l rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result ἔκλαιον πολὺ, ὅτι οὐδεὶς ἄξιος εὑρέθη ἀνοῖξαι τὸ βιβλίον, οὔτε βλέπειν αὐτό 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. Alternate translation: “because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to read it, I was weeping much” +5:4 sc7v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οὐδεὶς & εὑρέθη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the angel did not find anyone” +5:4 gwzg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οὐδεὶς & εὑρέθη 1 Here the expression **no one was found** could simply mean “there was no one.” You could say that as an alternate translation. +5:3 llo6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal οὔτε βλέπειν αὐτό 1 The word **or** introduces the purpose for which someone would **open the scroll**. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. Alternate translation: “in order to read it” +5:5 j67w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ λέων ὁ ἐκ τῆς φυλῆς Ἰούδα 1 This elder is alluding to the prophecy in [Genesis 49:8-10](../isa/49/08.md) in which Jacob says that a ruler for Israel will come from the **tribe of Judah** and in which Jacob compares that ruler to a strong **Lion**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the promised ruler from the tribe of Judah” +5:5 z3vw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡ ῥίζα Δαυείδ 1 This elder is also alluding to the prophecy in [Isaiah 11:1](../isa/11/01.md) that speaks of the Messiah as if he were a “shoot” from the “stump of Jesse” (the father of King David), a “branch from his roots.” In that prophecy Isaiah then refers to this “shoot” as the “root of Jesse” itself. The elder is speaking similarly here. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the Descendant of David” or “the Messiah descended from David” +5:5 yiuk rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result ἐνίκησεν & ἀνοῖξαι 1 The words **has conquered** introduce the reason for the result that the words **to open** describe. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a result clause. Alternate translation: “has conquered so as to be worthy to open” +5:6 o15q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὡς ἐσφαγμένον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The meaning is that the Lamb, although he was alive, had marks or cuts that indicated that at one point others had killed him with violence. Alternate translation: “who had marks that showed that others had once killed him violently” +5:6 t7d1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀπεσταλμένοι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom God has sent” +5:7 egp6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἦλθεν 1 The pronoun **he** refers to the Lamb, not to the elder who was speaking with John. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the Lamb came” +5:8 s613 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction ἔπεσαν ἐνώπιον 1 Be sure that it is clear in your translation that the living creatures and elders did not fall down accidentally. They bowed down in front of the Lamb as a gesture to honor him. Alternate translation: “bowed down respectfully to” +5:8 uv6w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔχοντες ἕκαστος 1 It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. This could mean: (1) that each of the **elders** had a harp and golden bowls of incense. Alternate translation: “Each of the elders had” (2) that each of the **living creatures** and **elders** had a harp and golden bowls of incense. Alternate translation: “Each of the living creatures and elders had” +5:8 vhcu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy αἵ εἰσιν αἱ προσευχαὶ τῶν ἁγίων 1 When John says that these **golden bowls** are the **prayers of the saints**, he likely means by association that the incense in the bowls represents the prayers, since prayers ascend to God in heaven similarly to the way that incense rises through the air and pleasantly attracts attention. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this by using a singular verb that would refer to the **incense** rather than a plural verb that would refer to the **bowls**. Alternate translation: “which is the prayers of the saints” +5:8 r458 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τῶν ἁγίων 1 As the General Introduction to Revelation discusses, John often uses the term **saints** to describe people who believe in Jesus and obey him faithfully. John uses the term by association with the way these people are set apart as holy for God. Your language may have a term or expression of its own that would convey this meaning that you could use throughout the book. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “of the disciples of Jesus” or “of believers in Jesus” +5:9 yu7h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐσφάγης, καὶ ἠγόρασας τῷ Θεῷ ἐν τῷ αἵματί σου 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you allowed people to slaughter you so that with your blood you could buy people for God” +5:9 qtv5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐν τῷ αἵματί σου 1 This could mean: (1) the actual **blood** that Jesus offered as a sacrifice for sin. In that case, you could use the word for “blood” in your language with literal meaning and say “with your blood” as the ULT does. (2) the sacrificial death of Jesus, by association with the blood that Jesus shed when he died. Alternate translation: “through your sacrificial death” +5:9 r067 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἠγόρασας 1 The living creatures and elders are speaking as if the Lamb literally **bought** people for God. They mean that through his sacrificial death, the Lamb saved them by setting them free from the guilt and power of sin. Your language may have a term that you can use in your translation that describes someone paying a price or making a sacrifice to set someone else free. Alternate translation: “you redeemed people” +5:9 zzc7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἐκ πάσης φυλῆς, καὶ γλώσσης, καὶ λαοῦ, καὶ ἔθνους 1 The terms **tribe**, **language**, **people**, and **nation** mean similar things. John is using the four terms together to make a comprehensive statement. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “from every different people group” +5:10 wn87 βασιλείαν καὶ ἱερεῖς 1 See how you translated the similar phrase in [1:6](../01/06.md). +5:10 oyze rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 John is using the term **earth** to mean by association the people who live on the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “over the people of the earth” +5:11 wk9b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure μυριάδες μυριάδων καὶ χιλιάδες χιλιάδων 1 Since **myriads** are larger than **thousands** and John wants to convey what a great number of angels he saw and heard, it might be more natural to put the smaller number first and build up to the larger number. Alternate translation: “thousands of thousands and myriads of myriads” +5:11 z74u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μυριάδες μυριάδων καὶ χιλιάδες χιλιάδων 1 John may be using these multiples of large numbers to indicate implicitly that the number of angels was too great to count. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “too great to count” +5:11 xuy1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers μυριάδες μυριάδων 1 A myriad is a hundred hundred or ten thousand. Your language may have its own term for this number. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “tens of thousands of tens of thousands” or "hundreds of millions" +5:12 gnv1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τὸ ἐσφαγμένον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who allowed others to slaughter him” +5:12 w0dv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns λαβεῖν τὴν δύναμιν, καὶ πλοῦτον, καὶ σοφίαν, καὶ ἰσχὺν, καὶ τιμὴν, καὶ δόξαν, καὶ εὐλογίαν 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **power**, **wealth**, **wisdom**, strength**, **honor**, **glory**, and **praise**, you could express the same ideas in other ways. See how you translated the similar expression in [4:11](../04/11.md). +5:13 sedx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism πᾶν κτίσμα ὃ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, καὶ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς, καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης, καὶ τὰ ἐν αὐτοῖς πάντα 1 The phrase **everything in them** means basically the same thing as the phrase **every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea**. The second phrase emphasizes the meaning of the first phrase by repeating the same idea with different words. John is describing his vision in a way reminiscent of Hebrew poetry, which was based on this kind of repetition. It would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if the repetition might be confusing, you could connect the phrases with a word other than **and** in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, yes, everything in them” +5:13 sad6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, καὶ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς 1 John is using the main components of creation—**heaven**, **earth**, the underworld, and the **sea**—to mean all of creation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. See how you translated the similar expression in [5:3](../05/03.md). Alternate translation: “everywhere in creation” +5:13 to6k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ καὶ τῷ Ἀρνίῳ ἡ εὐλογία, καὶ ἡ τιμὴ, καὶ ἡ δόξα, καὶ τὸ κράτος 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the idea of **praise**, **honor**, **glory**, and **power**, you could express the same ideas in another way. See how you translated the similar expressions in [4:11](../04/11.md) and [5:12](../05/12.md). +5:13 x05r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 See how you translated the same expression in [1:18](../01/18.md). Alternate translation: “forever” +5:14 r459 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants οἱ πρεσβύτεροι ἔπεσαν καὶ προσεκύνησαν 1 Some ancient manuscripts read **the elders fell down and worshiped**. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts add “the one who lives to the ages of the ages.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. 5:14 j2f3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage ἀμήν! 1 See how you translated **Amen** in [1:6](../01/06.md). -6:intro zkn7 0 # Revelation 6 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nThe author describes what happened after the Lamb opens each of the first six seals. The Lamb does not open the seventh seal until Chapter 8.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Seven Seals\n\nKings and important people in John’s time wrote important documents on large pieces of paper or animal skin. They then rolled them up and sealed them with wax so they would stay closed. Only the person to whom the document was written had the authority to open it by breaking the seal. In this chapter, the Lamb opens the seals. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n### The Four Horsemen\n\nAs the Lamb opens each of the first four seals, the author describes horsemen riding different colored horses. The colors of the horses seem to symbolize how the rider will affect the earth.\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### The Lamb\n\nThis refers to Jesus. In this chapter, it is also a title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/lamb]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n\n### Similes\n\nIn verses 12-14, the author uses several similes to try to describe the images he sees in the vision. He compares the images to everyday things. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) -6:1 q571 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὸ Ἀρνίον 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [5:6](../05/06.md). -6:1 i392 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τῶν ἑπτὰ σφραγίδων 1 See how you translated **seven seals** in [5:1](../05/01.md). -6:1 v9td rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς φωνῇ βροντῆς 1 Here, **one of the four living creatures** speaks with a very loud voice. John is using **thunder** figuratively in a simile to mean a very loud noise for the voice. Alternate translation: “as with a noise of thunder” -6:2 t2qg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτῷ στέφανος 1 Here, **to him was given a crown** is expressed with an passive verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he received a crown” or “God gave him a crown” -6:3 bs66 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν δευτέραν 1 The word **second** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another seal” or “the next seal” or “seal number two” -6:3 i1p4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τοῦ δευτέρου ζῴου 1 The word **second** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another living creature” or “the next living creature” or “living creature number two” -6:4 w57m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπ’ αὐτὸν, ἐδόθη αὐτῷ 1 Here, **to the one sitting on it was granted to him** is a passive verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave permission to its rider” or “its rider received permission” -6:4 je64 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτῷ μάχαιρα μεγάλη 1 Here, **to him was given a huge sword** is a passive verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “this rider received a huge sword” or “God gave this rider a huge sword” -6:5 v4us rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν τρίτην 1 The word **third** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another seal” or “the next seal” or “seal number three” -6:5 zec1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τοῦ τρίτου ζῴου 1 The word **third** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another living creature” or “the next living creature” or “living creature number three” -6:5 rm4y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ζυγὸν 1 Here, **a pair of scales** is a tool that people utilize to weigh things. Most likely **a pair of scales** was a weighing device which included two round plates or bowls hanging by ropes to a pole which the rider held in his hand. Translators should maintain the imagery of the ancient tool and not describe modern systems for weighing things. Alternate translation: “a pair of balances” or “a pair of weights” or “balancing scales” -6:6 b5rr rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume χοῖνιξ σίτου & τρεῖς χοίνικες κριθῶν 1 A **choenix** was a specific measure that was about one liter. The plural of choenix is **choenices**. Alternate translation: “one quart of wheat … three quarts of barley” or “one bowl of wheat … three bowls of barley” -6:6 v3sn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney δηναρίου & δηναρίου 1 The **denarius** was a silver coin that was worth a day’s wages for a laborer. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead, you might state something more general or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation, in each instance: “for one silver coin” or “for the pay for one day of work” -6:6 c5ik rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸ ἔλαιον καὶ τὸν οἶνον 1 The **oil** and the **wine** probably stand for the olive oil harvest and the grape harvest. In other words, **the oil and the wine** figuratively represent olive oil and grape harvest. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the olive and the grape” or “the olive trees and the grape vines” -6:7 mu5f rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν τετάρτην 1 The word **fourth** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another seal” or “the next seal” or “seal number four” -6:7 zj87 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τοῦ τετάρτου ζῴου 1 The word **fourth** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another living creature” or “the next living creature” or “living creature number four” -6:8 t7y4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate ὁ Θάνατος, καὶ ὁ ᾍδης 1 See how you translated **Death** and **Hades** in [1:18](../01/18.md). -6:8 qlly rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἐξουσία 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God gave authority to them” -6:8 aj1h rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction τὸ τέταρτον τῆς γῆς 1 Here, **one-fourth** means one part out of four equal parts. Alternate translation: “one out of every four people on the earth” -6:8 df32 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τῆς γῆς 1 Here, **the earth** represents the people of the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: of the people on the earth” -6:8 tjw8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ῥομφαίᾳ 1 Here, **sword** represents war. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “war” -6:9 bv8r rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τὴν πέμπτην σφραγῖδα 1 The word **fifth** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another seal” or “the next seal” or “seal number five” -6:9 b2kp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τῶν ἐσφαγμένων 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those whom others had killed” -6:9 x1yr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἣν εἶχον 1 Here, holding **the testimony** could refer to: (1) believing God’s word and testimony. Alternate translation: “because of the Scriptures and what they taught about Jesus Christ” or “because they believed the word of God, which is his testimony” (2) testifying about the word of God. Alternate translation: “because they testified about the word of God” -6:9 tqdd τὴν μαρτυρίαν 1 See how you translated **the testimony** in [1:2](../01/02.md). -6:10 qz1i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸ αἷμα ἡμῶν 1 Here, **blood** represents the deaths of these believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternative translation: “our death” -6:11 x3a9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἑκάστῳ στολὴ λευκή 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave to each of them a white robe” -6:11 jppt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive καὶ ἐρρέθη αὐτοῖς 1 Here, **and they were told** is expressed with a passive verbal phrase. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God told them” -6:11 bq1p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἕως πληρωθῶσιν καὶ οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτῶν, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτῶν, οἱ μέλλοντες ἀποκτέννεσθαι ὡς καὶ αὐτοί 1 This entire clause implies that God had decided that a certain number of people should **be killed** by their enemies. If your language does not use this passive form, you could state this in active form. Alternate translation: “until people had killed the full number of their fellow servants and brothers whom they were going to kill” -6:11 p615 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οἱ ἀδελφοὶ 1 Here, **brothers** means “fellow believers in Jesus.” Christians are often spoken of as being one another’s **brothers**. Alternate translation: “fellow Christians” or “fellow believers” -6:11 r473 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations οἱ ἀδελφοὶ 1 Although the term **brothers** is masculine, here the word has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you wish to retain the figurative expression in your translation, you could word it in a way that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” -6:12 z9qm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν ἕκτην 1 The word **sixth** is an ordinal number. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “another seal” or “the next seal” or “seal number six” -6:12 g9dm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown σεισμὸς μέγας 1 Here, **a great earthquake** is a natural disaster in which the ground shakes from geological movement. Your language and culture may have a term for an **earthquake** that you can use in your translation. You could also explain the meaning of the term **earthquake**, as UST does. Alternate translation: “a great shaking of the ground” -6:12 xu8l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile μέλας ὡς σάκκος 1 Here, **sackcloth** is clothing for mourning that is made from black hair. People would wear **sackcloth** when they were mourning. The image of **sackcloth** is meant to lead people to think of death and mourning just as the color of black also evokes imagery of death and mourning. Alternate translation: “black as mourning clothing” or “dark like sackcloth” -6:12 g7rt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς αἷμα 1 Here, the moon is **as blood** because during an eclipse the color of the moon changes to a dark red color. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “red like blood” or “as red as blood” -6:13 s137 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὡς συκῆ βάλλει τοὺς ὀλύνθους αὐτῆς, ὑπὸ ἀνέμου μεγάλου σειομένη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “just as a stormy wind shakes a fig tree and causes it to drop its unseasonable fruit” -6:13 lkff rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς συκῆ βάλλει τοὺς ὀλύνθους αὐτῆς 1 Here, the stars in the sky fall as late-ripening figs fall from a fig tree during a storm. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly, but you do not need to state explicitly that the falling fruits are figs. Alternate translation: “as a fruit tree drops its late-ripening fruit” -6:13 r477 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τοὺς ὀλύνθους 1 The term **unripe** describes **fruit** on a **fig tree** that normally remains on the tree and ripens later. Alternate translation: “later-ripening fruit” -6:14 jyb7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὁ οὐρανὸς ἀπεχωρίσθη ὡς βιβλίον ἑλισσόμενον 1 The **sky** was normally thought of as being strong like a sheet of metal, but now it was weak like a sheet of thin paper and easily torn and **rolled up**. -6:14 xzn5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὁ οὐρανὸς ἀπεχωρίσθη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the sky split open” -6:14 gl0m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὡς βιβλίον ἑλισσόμενον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as a scroll folds up” -6:14 ic4p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive πᾶν ὄρος καὶ νῆσος ἐκ τῶν τόπων αὐτῶν ἐκινήθησαν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “every mountain and island shifted from its place” -6:15 m6j6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown οἱ χιλίαρχοι 1 Here, **the generals** refers to military officers or warriors who command in battle. Alternate translation: “the war leaders” -6:15 n984 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς, καὶ οἱ μεγιστᾶνες, καὶ οἱ χιλίαρχοι, καὶ οἱ πλούσιοι, καὶ οἱ ἰσχυροὶ, καὶ πᾶς δοῦλος καὶ ἐλεύθερος 1 Here, all the nouns in the series or list refer to every type of person and people. The various examples refer to all kinds of people who exist in the world. The merism names various kinds or parts of society by stating the extreme ends of the society. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all types of people, whether rich, poor, powerful, or weak” -6:15 vl6h rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τὰ σπήλαια 1 These **caves** are large holes in the sides of hills. If your readers would not be familiar with **caves**, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “the holes in the rocks” -6:16 f4bj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy προσώπου τοῦ 1 Here, **face** represents presence. Alternate translation: “the presence of the one” or “the one” -6:16 g0ed rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [5:6](../05/06.md). -6:17 bd8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἦλθεν ἡ ἡμέρα ἡ μεγάλη τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτῶν 1 The **great day of their anger** refers to the time when they would punish wicked people. Alternate translation: “this is the terrible time when they will punish people” -6:17 i7t4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἦλθεν 1 Here John is using the phrase **has come** to mean that a set time has arrived. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: "is now" or "has arrived" -6:17 cq9e rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ὀργῆς αὐτῶν 1 Here, **their** refers to the one on the throne and the Lamb. -6:17 r1ta rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τίς δύναται σταθῆναι? 1 Here, **able to stand** represents surviving. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Who can survive?” -6:17 pmn6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion τίς δύναται σταθῆναι? 1 John is using the question form to express the fear and sadness of the people that no one will be able to survive when God punishes them. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “no one can survive!” -7:intro f27i 0 # Revelation 7 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nIn this chapter John describes a vision of 144,000 servants of God who become marked with seals. Their marking takes place after the Lamb opens the sixth seal and before he opens the seventh seal. John then describes a second vision about a multitude praising God. This vision also takes place after the Lamb opens the sixth seal and before he opens the seventh seal. Scholars have interpreted parts of this chapter in many different ways. Translators do not need to understand fully what this chapter means in order to translate its contents accurately. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\nIt is important to translate the large numbers in this chapter accurately. The number 144,000 is twelve times twelve thousand.\n\nTranslators should be aware that the tribes of the people of Israel are not listed in this chapter in the same order as they are generally listed in the Old Testament.\n\nSome 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 verses 5-8 and 15-17.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Worship\n\nGod saves his people and keeps them through times of trouble. His people respond by worshiping him. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/worship]])\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### The Lamb\n\nThis refers to Jesus. In this chapter, it is also a title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -7:1 id3y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὰς τέσσαρας γωνίας τῆς γῆς 1 Here John is speaking of **the four corners of the earth** as if they were the corners of a flat, square sheet of paper. The phrase **the four corners** refers to the north, south, east, and west. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. -7:2 sgq7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy σφραγῖδα 1 Here, **the seal** refers to a tool that is used to press a mark onto a wax seal. In this case the tool would be used to put a mark on God’s people. Alternate translation: “the marker” or “stamp” -7:3 upb7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy σφραγίσωμεν τοὺς δούλους τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν ἐπὶ τῶν μετώπων αὐτῶν 1 Here, to **seal** refers to placing a mark on something. This mark shows that the people belong to God and that he will protect them. Alternate translation: “we put a mark on the foreheads of the servants of God” -7:3 je8m μετώπων 1 Alternate translation: "faces, above their eyes at the top of their faces" -7:4 m58v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τῶν ἐσφραγισμένων 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom God’s angel sealed” -7:4 lh7h rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες 1 Translate this large number in the way that would be most natural in your language. Some languages may need to supply a noun after the number to express the meaning. Alternate translation: “144,000” or “one hundred forty-four thousand people” -7:5 lyz8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers δώδεκα χιλιάδες 1 Translate this large number in the way that would be most natural in your language. Some languages may need to supply a noun after the number to express the meaning. Alternate translation: “twelve thousand people” -7:9 au1m ὄχλος πολύς 1 Alternate translation: “a tremendous crowd” or “a great number of people” -7:9 ioxw rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [5:6](../05/06.md). -7:10 vlv1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἡ σωτηρία τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν, τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ καὶ τῷ Ἀρνίῳ 1 They were praising **God** and **the Lamb**. If would help your readers to understand the abstract noun **Salvation**, you could express it with the verb “save.” Alternate translation: “Our God, who sits on the throne, and the Lamb have saved us!” -7:10 m5az rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ἡ σωτηρία τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν 1 Alternate translation: “Salvation comes from our God” -7:10 e31m rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῷ Ἀρνίῳ 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [5:6](../05/06.md). -7:11 a45p rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τῶν τεσσάρων ζῴων 1 These are the **four living creatures** mentioned in [4:6-8](../04/06.md). -7:11 aja9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἔπεσαν & ἐπὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν 1 Here, **fell on their faces** is an idiom that means they lay down facing the ground. See how you translated “prostrated themselves” in [4:10](../04/10.md). Alternate translation: “they bowed down” -7:12 lf1m ἡ εὐλογία, καὶ ἡ δόξα, καὶ ἡ σοφία, καὶ ἡ εὐχαριστία, καὶ ἡ τιμὴ, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ ἰσχὺς, τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν 1 Alternate translation: “Our God is worthy of all praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power and strength” -7:12 q3gt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis εὐλογία, καὶ ἡ δόξα, καὶ ἡ σοφία, καὶ ἡ εὐχαριστία, καὶ ἡ τιμὴ, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ ἰσχὺς, τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν 1 John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can use the verb “give” to show how **praise**, **glory**, **wisdom**, **thanksgiving**, **honor**, **power**, and **strength** are to be **to our God**. Alternate translation: “We must give praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength to our God” -7:12 d74f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 These two words **forever** and **ever** mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the praise will never end. -7:13 wz8z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor περιβεβλημένοι τὰς στολὰς τὰς λευκὰς 1 Here, **white robes** showed that they were righteous. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: "who wear white robes of righteousness"\n\n\n\n -7:14 p6en οἱ ἐρχόμενοι ἐκ τῆς θλίψεως τῆς μεγάλης 1 Alternate translation: “the ones who are coming out of the great tribulation” or “the people who came out of the great tribulation” -7:14 u6fc τῆς θλίψεως τῆς μεγάλης 1 Alternate translation: “the time of terrible suffering” or “the time when people suffered terribly” -7:14 b7mi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔπλυναν τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐλεύκαναν αὐτὰς ἐν τῷ αἵματι τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 The washing of robes in **the blood of the Lamb** is a metaphor for purification from sin or uncleanness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they have been made righteous by washing their robes white in his blood” -7:14 ym21 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τῷ αἵματι τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 Here, **blood** is used to refer to the death of Lamb. -7:14 xl4x rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [5:6](../05/06.md). -7:15 qs23 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns εἰσιν & αὐτούς 1 Here, **they** and **them** refer to those people who have come out of the great tribulation. -7:15 us3i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς 1 Here, **day** and **night** are used together to mean “all the time” or “without stopping.” Alternate translation: “always” or “unendingly” -7:15 k9f2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor σκηνώσει ἐπ’ αὐτούς 1 Protecting them is spoken of as if he were giving them shelter such as a **tent** under which to live. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will shelter them” or “will spread his protection over them” -7:16 p6u7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns οὐ πεινάσουσιν & αὐτοὺς 1 Here, **They** and **them** refer to those people who have come out of the great tribulation. -7:16 t45h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὐδὲ μὴ πέσῃ ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ὁ ἥλιος 1 The heat of the **sun** is compared to punishment that causes people to suffer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the sun will not burn them” or “and the sun will not make them weak” -7:17 gs3r rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὸ Ἀρνίον 1 Here, **Lamb** is used symbolically to refer to Jesus. See how you translated **Lamb** in [5:6](../05/06.md). -7:17 b5rp τὸ Ἀρνίον τὸ ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ θρόνου 1 Alternate translation: “the Lamb, who is standing in the middle of the area around the throne” -7:17 wc49 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns αὐτούς & αὐτοὺς 1 Both occurrences of **them** refer to those people who have come out of the great tribulation. -7:17 bi5i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὅτι τὸ Ἀρνίον & ποιμανεῖ αὐτούς 1 The elder speaks of the Lamb’s care for his people as if it were a shepherd’s care for his sheep. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for the Lamb … will be like a shepherd to them” or “for the Lamb … will care for them as a shepherd cares for his sheep” -7:17 m6m8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁδηγήσει αὐτοὺς ἐπὶ ζωῆς πηγὰς ὑδάτων 1 The elder speaks of what gives life as if it were **springs** of fresh **water**. Alternate translation: “he will guide them like a shepherd guiding his sheep to fresh water” or “he will guide them to life like a shepherd guiding his sheep to living water” -7:17 g3d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐξαλείψει ὁ Θεὸς πᾶν δάκρυον ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν 1 Here, a **tear** represents sadness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will wipe away their sadness, like wiping away tears” or “God will cause them to not be sad anymore” -8:intro ma7f 0 # Revelation 8 General Notes\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Seven seals and seven trumpets\n\nThis chapter begins to show what happens when the Lamb opens the seventh seal. God uses the prayers of all believers to cause dramatic things to happen on earth. John then describes what happens when angels sound the first four of seven trumpets. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### Passive voice\n\nJohn uses the passive voice several times in this chapter. This hides who performs the action. This will be difficult to convey if the translator’s language does not have a passive voice. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])\n\n### Similes\n\nIn verses 8 and 10, John uses similes to try to describe the images he sees in the vision. He compares the images to everyday things. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) -8:1 mh2b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν ἑβδόμην 1 This is the last of the seven seals on the scroll. The word **seventh** is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next seal” or “the final seal” or “seal number seven” -8:2 fri9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθησαν αὐτοῖς ἑπτὰ σάλπιγγες 1 Each of the seven angels were given one trumpet. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. This could mean: (1) God gave them seven trumpets. (2) the Lamb gave them seven trumpets. -8:3 f9g9 δώσει 1 Alternate translation: “he would offer the incense to God by burning it” -8:4 lq1q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐκ χειρὸς τοῦ ἀγγέλου 1 Here, **hand** refers to the bowl in the angel’s hand. Alternate translation: “from the bowl in the angel’s hand” -8:5 l79w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐγέμισεν αὐτὸν ἐκ τοῦ πυρὸς 1 Here, **the fire** probably refers to burning coals. Alternate translation: “filled it with burning coals” -8:7 g5gp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could state this in active form. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the angel. Alternate translation: “the angel threw the hail and fire mixed with blood down onto the earth” +5:14 r5a3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction ἔπεσαν 1 Alternate translation: “bowed down respectfully” +6:intro zkn7 0 # Revelation 6 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nThis chapter describes what John saw happen when the Lamb opened each of the first six seals on the scroll that God gave him. (The Lamb does not open the seventh seal until chapter 8.)\n\n\n- The first seal (6:1–2)\n- The second seal (6:3–4)\n- The third seal (6:5–6)\n- The fourth seal (6:7–8)\n- The fifth seal (6:9–11)\n- The sixth seal (6:12–16)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Seven seals\n\nSee the discussion in the General Notes to chapter 5 of the seals that kept important documents secure in this culture.\n\n### Four horsemen\n\nAs the Lamb opens each of the first four seals, John describes seeing horsemen riding differently colored horses. The colors of the horses may symbolize how each rider will affect the earth. However, it is not necessary to suggest the meaning of these colors in your translation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n## Translation issues in this chapter\n\n### Ordinal numbers\n\nJohn uses the ordinal numbers "second" through "sixth" in verses 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers or equivalent expressions in your translation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])\n\n### Similes\n\nIn verses 12–14, John makes several comparisons in order to describe the images he saw in his vision. He compares these images to everyday things. Notes to these verses suggest ways you might indicate the points of these comparisons in your translation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) +6:1 v9td rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς φωνῇ βροντῆς 1 The point of this comparison is that just as **thunder** is loud, so the **voice** of this living creature was loud. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “in a voice that was as loud as thunder” +6:2 t2qg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτῷ στέφανος 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he received a crown” or “God gave him a crown” +6:2 vie0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry ἐξῆλθεν νικῶν, καὶ ἵνα νικήσῃ 1 John may mean that the rider on the white horse went out “as a conquering one,” that is, with all the capacity of a conqueror. In that case, for emphasis he would be using a construction in which a subject and its verb come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of showing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “he went out as a conqueror who was going to conquer” +6:3 zk1r rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἤνοιξεν 1 The pronoun **he** refers to the Lamb. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, here and in verses 5, 7, 9, and 12. Alternate translation: “the Lamb opened” +6:3 bs66 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν δευτέραν & τοῦ δευτέρου ζῴου 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, if your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers or equivalent expressions in these instances. Alternate translation: “seal number two … living creature number two” +6:4 w57m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπ’ αὐτὸν, ἐδόθη αὐτῷ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God allowed the one sitting on it” +6:4 a4to rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns λαβεῖν τὴν εἰρήνην ἐκ τῆς γῆς 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **peace**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to keep the earth from being peaceful” +6:4 pa3i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy λαβεῖν τὴν εἰρήνην ἐκ τῆς γῆς 1 John is using the term **earth** to mean by association the people who live on the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to keep the people living on the earth from being peaceful” +6:4 zsi7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns σφάξουσιν 1 The pronoun **they** refers generally to the people living on the earth. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “people will slaughter” +6:4 je64 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτῷ μάχαιρα μεγάλη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave him a great sword” +6:5 rm4y rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ζυγὸν 1 The word **balance** describes an instrument for determining the weight of an object or comparing the weight of two objects. It consists of a central post with a crossbar from which two pans are hung. An object may be placed in one pan and known weights placed in the other pan until the crossbar remains level, meaning that both pans contain an equal weight. Or one object may be placed in one pan and a different object in the other pan; the pan that hangs lower contains the heavier object. Since John is describing what he saw, it would be appropriate to use the name or a description of the ancient tool rather than use the name of a modern device for weighing things. Alternate translation: “a balancing scale” or "a weighing instrument" +6:6 hap3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit λέγουσαν 1 This **voice** is giving instructions to the rider on the black horse. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “saying to the rider on the black horse” +6:6 znv4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit χοῖνιξ σίτου δηναρίου, καὶ τρεῖς χοίνικες κριθῶν δηναρίου 1 The implication is that there would be famine, so that **wheat** and **barley**, the staple crops in this culture, would become scarce and very expensive. (The balance that John describes the third rider holding in the previous verse may symbolize weighing grain for sale.) You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Create famine that will cause grain to become so scarce that a choenix of wheat will cost a denarius and three choenices of barley will cost a denarius” +6:6 b5rr rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume χοῖνιξ σίτου & τρεῖς χοίνικες κριθῶν 1 A **choenix** was a measure equivalent to about one liter or one quart. The plural of choenix is **choenices**. Alternate translation: “one liter of wheat … three liters of barley” or “one quart of wheat … three quarts of barley” +6:6 v3sn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney δηναρίου & δηναρίου 1 The **denarius** was a silver coin that was worth a day’s wages for a laborer. You could try to express this amount in terms of current monetary values, but that might cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate, since those values can change over time. So instead you could use a general expression or give the equivalent in wages. Alternate translation, in each instance: “for one silver coin” or “for the pay for one day of work” +6:6 c5ik rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives μὴ ἀδικήσῃς 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative verb **harm**. Alternate translation: “be careful to preserve” +6:7 ugy9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche ἤκουσα φωνὴν τοῦ τετάρτου ζῴου λέγοντος 1 John is using one part of the **fourth living creature**, its **voice**, to mean all of it in the act of speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I heard the fourth living creature saying” +6:8 t7y4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate ὁ ᾍδης 1 See how you translated the term **Hades** in [1:18](../01/18.md). +6:8 qlly rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἐξουσία 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave authority to them” +6:8 df32 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸ τέταρτον τῆς γῆς 1 Here, **the earth** represents the people of the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: "one fourth of the people on the earth” +6:8 aj1h rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction τὸ τέταρτον τῆς γῆς 1 Here, **one fourth** means one part out of four equal parts. Alternate translation: “one out of every four people on the earth” +6:8 tjw8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ῥομφαίᾳ 1 John is using the term **sword** to mean warfare by association with the way the people of his time used swords as weapons in warfare. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “warfare” +6:8 o6hy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche θανάτῳ 1 John is likely using the general term **death** to mean one specific cause of death, disease. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “disease” +6:9 qbr2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου 1 John mentions an **altar** here without having described it previously while relating what he saw in this vision. He seems to mean a golden altar that was in front of God’s throne, as he later describes in [8:3](../08/03.md) and [9:13](../09/13.md). You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “a golden altar that was in front of God’s throne” +6:9 b2kp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τῶν ἐσφαγμένων 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones whom people had slaughtered” +6:9 za66 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ , καὶ διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἣν εἶχον 1 These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “because they testified to the word of God” +6:9 v8pj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 John is using the term **word** to mean the message that God communicated to believers by using words and that God wants believers to share by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because they shared the message from God” +6:9 x1yr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἣν εἶχον 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **testimony**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because they testified about Jesus” +6:10 r4v6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion ἕως πότε ὁ Δεσπότης ὁ ἅγιος καὶ ἀληθινός, οὐ κρίνεις καὶ ἐκδικεῖς τὸ αἷμα ἡμῶν, ἐκ τῶν κατοικούντων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς? 1 The souls are using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Holy and true Ruler, we want you to judge and avenge our blood from the ones living on the earth without any further delay!” +6:10 s8bo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure οὐ κρίνεις καὶ ἐκδικεῖς τὸ αἷμα ἡμῶν, ἐκ τῶν κατοικούντων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 Since the souls actually want God to **judge** the **ones living on the earth** and **avenge** their **blood**, it may be more natural to present the phrases in that order . Alternate translation: “do you not judge the ones living on the earth and avenge our blood from them” +6:10 qz1i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐκδικεῖς τὸ αἷμα ἡμῶν, ἐκ τῶν κατοικούντων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 The souls are using the term **blood** by association to mean their deaths. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “punish the ones living on the earth to avenge our deaths” +6:10 copu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῶν κατοικούντων ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς 1 The souls are implicitly saying that they want God to judge and punish the **ones living on the earth** who killed them. See how you translated this expression in [3:10](../03/10.md). Alternate translation: “the worldly people who killed us” +6:11 x3a9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἑκάστῳ στολὴ λευκή, καὶ ἐρρέθη αὐτοῖς 1 If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave each of them a white robe and told them” +6:11 bq1p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive πληρωθῶσιν καὶ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people had killed all of” +6:11 e4s5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet καὶ οἱ σύνδουλοι αὐτῶν, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτῶν 1 The terms **fellow servants** and **brothers** mean similar things. The two terms are being used together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “all of those who believed in Jesus as they did” +6:11 p615 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οἱ ἀδελφοὶ 1 Here the term **brothers** describes people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “fellow believers” +6:11 r473 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations οἱ ἀδελφοὶ 1 Although the term **brothers** is masculine, here the word has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you wish to retain the expression in your translation, you could word it in a way that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “brothers and sisters” +6:12 g9dm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown σεισμὸς μέγας 1 An **earthquake** is a natural disaster in which the ground shakes, often destroying buildings, bridges, and other structures. Your language and culture may have a term for an **earthquake** that you can use in your translation. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a great shaking of the ground” +6:12 xu8l rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ὡς σάκκος τρίχινος 1 The word **sackcloth** describes clothing for mourning that in this culture was woven from black goat hair. In this culture, the color black was associated with death. Alternate translation: “like mourning clothing” or “like the feathers of a raven” +6:12 g7rt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἡ σελήνη ὅλη ἐγένετο ὡς αἷμα 1 The point of this comparison is that just as **blood** is red, the **full moon** turned read. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “the full moon became red like blood” +6:13 h912 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo οἱ ἀστέρες τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 It might seem that the expression **the stars of the sky** contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “the stars” +6:13 qmw6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἔπεσαν 1 The point of this comparison is that just as all the **fruit** on a **fig tree** might fall at once if a **great wind** shook the tree, so John saw all of the **stars** fall at once. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “all fell at once” +6:13 s137 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὑπὸ ἀνέμου μεγάλου σειομένη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation, with no comma preceding: “when a great wind shakes it” +6:13 lkff rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ὡς συκῆ βάλλει τοὺς ὀλύνθους αὐτῆς 1 If your readers would not be familiar with a **fig tree**, you could use the name of a fruit tree that they would recognize or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “as a fruit tree drops its late-ripening fruit” +6:13 r477 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τοὺς ὀλύνθους 1 The term **unripe** describes **fruit** that normally remains on a tree and ripens later. Alternate translation: “later-ripening fruit” +6:14 xzn5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὁ οὐρανὸς ἀπεχωρίσθη ὡς βιβλίον ἑλισσόμενον 1 If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the sky rolled up as a scroll does when it splits” +6:14 jyb7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὁ οὐρανὸς ἀπεχωρίσθη ὡς βιβλίον ἑλισσόμενον 1 The point of this comparison is that the sky went away, just as a scroll would roll away to the two sides of a surface if it split while someone had it spread out on that surface. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “the sky rolled away and disappeared, just as a scroll rolls up in two pieces if it splits” +6:14 ic4p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐκ τῶν τόπων αὐτῶν ἐκινήθησαν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “moved from their places” +6:14 isr6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐκ τῶν τόπων αὐτῶν ἐκινήθησαν 1 The implication is that the **mountains** and **islands** disappeared when they **were removed from their places**. You could indicate this explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “moved from their places and disappeared” +6:15 m6j6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown χιλίαρχοι 1 The word **chiliarchs** describes officers in the Roman army who were in charge of groups of 1,000 soldiers. If your readers would not recognize this term, in your translation you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “military officers” +6:15 uo2e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj οἱ πλούσιοι, καὶ οἱ ἰσχυροὶ 1 John is using the adjectives **rich** and **powerful** as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “rich people and powerful people” +6:15 n984 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism καὶ πᾶς δοῦλος καὶ ἐλεύθερος 1 John may not be mentioning people who were **slave** and **free** in addition to all of the preceding people on this list. Instead, he may be using the two main civil statuses in his culture, **slave** and **free**, to mean all people. So this would be a summary of everyone on the list. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this in plain language. Alternate translation, preceded by a comma: “indeed, all people, regardless of their status,” +6:16 zov5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe λέγουσιν τοῖς ὄρεσιν καὶ ταῖς πέτραις, πέσετε ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς, καὶ κρύψατε ἡμᾶς 1 The people are addressing things that they know cannot hear them, the **mountains** and the **rocks**, in order to express in a strong way what they are feeling. If your readers might not recognize what the people are doing, you could translate this in a way that would make that clear. Alternate translation: “they were saying that they wished the mountains and rocks would fall on them and hide them” +6:16 f4bj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy προσώπου 1 The people are using the word **face** to mean by association the area in front of **the one sitting on the throne** where he can see people and things. Alternate translation: “the view” +6:17 bd8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἡ ἡμέρα ἡ μεγάλη τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτῶν 1 While this was happening on a certain **day**, the people may be using the word **day** to mean a specific time, the time when God had chosen to judge the world. Alternate translation: “the momentous time when they will punish sin” +6:17 pmn6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion τίς δύναται σταθῆναι? 1 The people are using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “no one is able to stand!” +6:17 r1ta rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τίς δύναται σταθῆναι? 1 Here the word **stand** means to be declared innocent when judged, as in [Psalm 130:3](../psa/130/03.md), “If you, Yahweh, would mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?” which means, “If you, Yahweh, kept a record of sins, no one would be declared innocent.” Alternate translation: “and everyone will be punished, because no one is innocent!” +7:intro f27i 0 # Revelation 7 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThe events of this chapter take place after the Lamb opens the sixth seal but before he opens the seventh seal. John describes a vision of 144,000 servants of God whom angels mark with a seal. John then describes a second vision about a great multitude praising God.\n\n- The 144,000 servants (7:1–8)\n- The great multitude (7:9–17)\n\nSome 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 verses 5–8 and 15–17.\n\n## Translation issues in this Chapter\n\n### Large numbers\n\nTranslate the large numbers in verses 5–8 in the way that would be most natural in your language. Some languages may need to supply a noun after the number to express the meaning. For example, in verse 5 you might say “144,000” or “one hundred forty-four thousand people.” In verses 6–8 you might say "12,000" or "twelve thousand people."\n\n\n### The order of the tribes\n\n\nTranslators should be aware that the tribes of the people of Israel are not listed in this chapter in the same order as they are generally listed in the Old Testament. This seems to be intentional, and scholars have offered various interpretations for it. In your translation, it would be appropriate to list the tribes in the order in which John presents them here, rather than listing them in the usual Old Testament order. +7:1 id3y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἑστῶτας ἐπὶ τὰς τέσσαρας γωνίας τῆς γῆς, κρατοῦντας τοὺς τέσσαρας ἀνέμους τῆς γῆς 1 John is speaking as if the **earth** had **four corners**. He is referring from his own standpoint to locations to the north, south, east, and west of him. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could state the meaning plainly, using your own language's words for these primary directions. Alternate translation: “at places on the earth where they could hold back the north, south, east, and west winds” +7:1 l088 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, μήτε ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης, μήτε ἐπὶ πᾶν δένδρον 1 After John says that the wind would not blow **on the land or on the sea**, he may add **or on any tree** for emphasis, perhaps alluding to his reference in [6:13](../06/13.md) to a great wind shaking a tree. In that case the two phrases would mean similar things, as the next two notes explain. John would be using the repetition for emphasis. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the two phrases. Alternate translation: “on any place on the land or in the sea” +7:1 smkv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, μήτε ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης 1 John seems to be using the two main components of the world, the **land** and the **sea**, to mean everywhere in the world. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “anywhere in the world” +7:1 ln01 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche μήτε ἐπὶ πᾶν δένδρον 1 John may be using one place where the wind might blow, against a **tree**, to mean every place where the wind might blow. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, preceded by a comma: “no, not anywhere at all” +7:2 scy2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἀνατολῆς ἡλίου 1 This expression refers to a specific direction. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, using your own language’s term for that direction. Alternate translation: “the east” +7:2 sgq7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit σφραγῖδα Θεοῦ ζῶντος 1 In this case the word **seal** refers to a tool that a person would use to compress and mark wax in order to create a “seal” in the sense in which John uses that word in chapters 5 and 6. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the sealing tool that belongs to the living God” +7:2 emz7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οἷς ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom God had allowed” +7:2 vu7t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἀδικῆσαι τὴν γῆν καὶ τὴν θάλασσαν 1 The implication is that these angels would **harm the earth and the sea** by not allowing any winds to blow on them. This would, for example, prevent any rainstorms from forming and watering crops. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to harm the earth and the sea by holding back the winds” +7:3 jlkc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives μὴ ἀδικήσητε τὴν γῆν, μήτε τὴν θάλασσαν μήτε τὰ δένδρα 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative verb **harm**. Alternate translation: “allow the winds to blow on the earth and the sea and the trees” +7:4 m58v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τῶν ἐσφραγισμένων 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones whom the angels sealed” +7:4 lh7h rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τέσσαρες χιλιάδες 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, you may translate the large number here and the large numbers in verses 6–8 in the way that would be most natural in your language. Some languages may need to supply a noun after the number to express the meaning. Alternate translation: “144,000” or “one hundred forty-four thousand people” +7:4 iund rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐσφραγισμένοι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The angels had sealed them” +7:4 oc2y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ 1 Here the word **sons** could mean: (1) the literal sons of Israel (that is, Jacob) who were the ancestors of the 12 tribes. If this is the meaning, it would be appropriate to retain the term “sons” in your translation. (2) the descendants of Israel (Jacob), who formed 12 tribes. Alternate translation: “of the descendants of Israel” +7:5 p3m9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἰούδα & Ῥουβὴν & Γὰδ 1 The words **Judah**, **Reuben**, and **Gad** are the names of men. +7:5 lyz8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers δώδεκα χιλιάδες 1 Alternate translation: "12,000" or “twelve thousand people” +7:5 b784 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive δώδεκα χιλιάδες ἐσφραγισμένοι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the angels sealed 12 thousands” +7:6 qkaq rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἀσὴρ & Νεφθαλεὶμ & Μανασσῆ 1 The words **Asher**, **Naphtali**, and **Manasseh** are the names of men. +7:7 v810 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Συμεὼν & Λευεὶ & Ἰσσαχὰρ 1 The words **Simeon**, **Levi**, and **Issachar** are the names of men. +7:8 pwl0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ζαβουλὼν & Ἰωσὴφ & Βενιαμεὶν 1 The words **Zebulun**, **Joseph**, and **Benjamin** are the names of men. +7:8 tzt6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive δώδεκα χιλιάδες ἐσφραγισμένοι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the angels sealed 12 thousands” +7:9 kfhi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo ὃν ἀριθμῆσαι αὐτὸν οὐδεὶς ἐδύνατο 1 It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “that no one was able to number” +7:9 vqms rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ἐκ παντὸς ἔθνους, καὶ φυλῶν, καὶ λαῶν, καὶ γλωσσῶν 1 See how you translated the similar expression in [5:9](../05/09.md). Alternate translation: “from every different people group” +7:9 s31k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive περιβεβλημένους στολὰς λευκάς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “wearing white robes” +7:9 npse rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction στολὰς λευκάς 1 See how you translated the similar expression in [3:4](../03/04.md).. Alternate translation: “white robes symbolic of their purity” +7:9 rvff rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction φοίνικες 1 In this culture, people would wave **palm branches** on special occasions, especially to celebrate a victory. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “palm branches for a victory celebration” +7:10 vlv1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἡ σωτηρία τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν, τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ καὶ τῷ Ἀρνίῳ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **Salvation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Our God, who is the one sitting on the throne, and the Lamb are the ones who have saved us” +7:10 k4mh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ 1 The people in the great multitude are describing God’s supreme ruling power and authority by association with the way he is **sitting on the throne**, a symbol of that power and authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ruler of all” +7:11 aja9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἔπεσαν & ἐπὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν 1 Be sure that it is clear in your translation that the **angels** and **elders** and **living creatures** did not fall down accidentally. They bowed down in front of the throne as a gesture to honor God. Alternate translation: “they bowed down with their faces to the ground” +7:12 lf1m ἡ εὐλογία, καὶ ἡ δόξα, καὶ ἡ σοφία, καὶ ἡ εὐχαριστία, καὶ ἡ τιμὴ, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ ἰσχὺς, τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **Praise**, **glory**, **wisdom**, thanks**, **honor**, **power**, and **strength**, you could express the same ideas in other ways. See how you translated the similar expression in [4:11](../04/11.md). Alternate translation: “May everyone praise, glorify, thank, and honor our God and acknowledge how wise, powerful, and strong he is” +7:12 d74f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 See how you translated the same expression in [1:18](../01/18.md). Alternate translation: “forever” +7:13 kgmb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ἀπεκρίθη & λέγων μοι 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **responded** indicates that this elder was **saying** these things to John in response to what John was seeing in this vision. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “asked me” +7:13 vwwd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion οὗτοι, οἱ περιβεβλημένοι τὰς στολὰς τὰς λευκὰς, τίνες εἰσὶν καὶ πόθεν ἦλθον 1 This elder is using the question form to introduce something he wants to make sure John understands. Since John answers the question in the next verse, it would be appropriate to retain the question form in your translation, but if it would be helpful to your readers, you could word the question in a way that would show its purpose. Alternate translation: “Do you know who these people are who are wearing white robes and where they have come from” +7:13 wz8z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive περιβεβλημένοι τὰς στολὰς τὰς λευκὰς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones wearing white robes” +7:14 p6en rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness κύριέ μου, σὺ οἶδας 1 John is answering the elder politely. You may translate this the way someone would respond politely in your language to a question whose answer they did not know. Alternate translation: “I do not know, please tell me” +7:14 ygti rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῆς θλίψεως τῆς μεγάλης 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **tribulatron**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the time when believers in Jesus will be greatly persecuted” +7:14 b7mi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔπλυναν τὰς στολὰς αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐλεύκαναν αὐτὰς ἐν τῷ αἵματι τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 As in [3:4](../03/04.md) and other passages in the book, **robes** that are **white** represent purity of life and devotion to Jesus. The **blood of the Lamb** is the blood that Jesus shed when he died on the cross as the Savior. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The UST models one way to do this. +7:15 us3i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς 1 The elder is using the two main components of time, **day** and **night**, to mean all the time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “constantly” +7:15 k9f2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor σκηνώσει ἐπ’ αὐτούς 1 The elder is speaking as if God would literally **tabernacle over** these believers, that is, set up a tent in which he lives so that it shelters them as well. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will live with them and keep them safe” +7:16 leue rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐ πεινάσουσιν ἔτι, οὐδὲ διψήσουσιν ἔτι 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate these double negatives that consist of the negative particle **not** and the negative verbs **hunger** and **thirst**. The UST models one way to do this. +7:16 t45h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὐδὲ μὴ πέσῃ ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ὁ ἥλιος, οὐδὲ πᾶν καῦμα 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **or**. The word **sun** tells where this **heat** comes from. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “or.” Alternate translation: “nor will the heat of the sun fall on them at all” +7:16 gk5z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy οὐδὲ μὴ πέσῃ ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς ὁ ἥλιος, οὐδὲ πᾶν καῦμα 1 By referring to the **sun** and its **heat**, this elder may mean by association that these people will never again have to work hard in the hot sun to make a living. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they will no longer have to work hard in the hot sun to make a living” +7:17 bi5i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ποιμανεῖ αὐτούς 1 The elder is speaking as if Jesus would literally **shepherd** these believers. He means that Jesus will care for them, as a shepherd cares for sheep. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will take care of them” +7:17 f001 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks ὁδηγήσει αὐτοὺς ἐπὶ ζωῆς πηγὰς ὑδάτων & ἐξαλείψει ὁ Θεὸς πᾶν δάκρυον ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν 1 These are quotations from the Old Testament, from [Isaiah 49:10](../isa/49/10.md) and [Isaiah 25:8](../isa/25/08.md). Since they occur within John’s quotation of what this elder told him, they are second-level quotations. You may be able to indicate this by using second-level quotation marks or some other punctuation or convention of your language. You may also wish to use special formatting to set off these quotations, as the ULT does. +7:17 m6m8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁδηγήσει αὐτοὺς ἐπὶ ζωῆς πηγὰς ὑδάτων 1 The elder is speaking as if Jesus would literally **guide** these believers to **springs** of water. He is using water to represent the everlasting **life** that Jesus gives believers. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will give them everlasting life” +7:17 g3d2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐξαλείψει ὁ Θεὸς πᾶν δάκρυον ἐκ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν 1 The elder is using the word **tear** to mean by association the sorrow that people feel that leads them to shed tears. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will comfort their every sorrow” or “God will comfort them for every sorrow that they have experienced” +8:intro ma7f 0 # Revelation 8 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nThis chapter begins to show what happens when the Lamb opens the seventh seal. God uses the prayers of all believers to cause dramatic things to happen on earth. John then describes what happens when angels sound the first four of seven trumpets.\n\n- The Lamb opens the seventh seal (8:1–5)\n- The first trumpet (8:6–7)\n- The second trumpet (8:8–9)\n- The third trumpet (8:10–11)\n- The fourth trumpet (8:12–13)\n\n## Translation issues in this chapter\n\n### Ordinal numbers\n\nJohn uses the ordinal numbers “first” through “fourth” in verses 7, 8, 10, and 12. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers or equivalent expressions in your translation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])\n\n### The fraction “one third”\n\nMany times in this chapter John uses the expression “one third.” This means one part out of three equal parts. Translate this in the way that would be most natural in your language. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]]) +8:1 n6a6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἤνοιξεν 1 The pronoun **he** refers to the Lamb. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the Lamb opened” +8:1 mh2b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal τὴν σφραγῖδα τὴν ἑβδόμην 1 If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “seal number seven” or “the last seal” +8:1 unv9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὡς ἡμιώριον 1 An **hour** was the shortest interval of time that this culture measured. So **half an hour** may implicitly mean just a short time. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “for a moment” +8:2 o7x5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐνώπιον & ἑστήκασιν 1 In this context, while these angels may indeed position themselves in front of God's throne, the phrase **stand before** means to stay in the presence of another person in order to serve that person whenever and however needed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who remain ready to serve” +8:2 fri9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθησαν αὐτοῖς ἑπτὰ σάλπιγγες 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave each of them a trumpet” +8:3 f9g9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐστάθη & ἐδόθη αὐτῷ θυμιάματα πολλὰ 1 If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “stationed himself … God gave him much incense” +8:4 lq1q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐκ χειρὸς τοῦ ἀγγέλου 1 Here, **hand** refers to the censer in the angel’s hand. Alternate translation: “from the censer that the angel was holding” +8:5 l79w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐγέμισεν αὐτὸν ἐκ τοῦ πυρὸς τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου 1 This is probably a reference to coals that were on **fire** on the altar. Alternate translation: “filled it with burning coals from the fire on the altar” +8:5 g6fo rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἔβαλεν 1 While the pronoun **it** refers to the **censer** in its first instance, in its second instance it refers to the **fire from the altar**. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “threw the fire” or “threw the burning coals” +8:6 qhj9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry σάλπιγγας & σαλπίσωσιν 1 John is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. The verb translated **trumpet** has the same root as the word translated **trumpets**. The repetition of the sounds may be intended to have a musical effect. You may be able to use the same construction in your translation if your language has similar words for this kind of instrument and for the action of playing it. +8:7 ucb7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὁ πρῶτος ἐσάλπισεν 1 The word **first** implicitly means the first angel, and the word **sounded** implicitly means that he sounded his trumpet. You could indicate this in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the first angel sounded his trumpet” +8:7 idu7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal ὁ πρῶτος 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, if your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers or equivalent expressions here and in verses 8, 10, and 12. Alternate translation: “angel number one” +8:7 g5gp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐβλήθη & κατεκάη & κατεκάη & κατεκάη 1 If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the angel threw it … burned up … burned up … burned up” 8:7 ga1r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τὸ τρίτον τῆς γῆς κατεκάη, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῶν δένδρων κατεκάη, καὶ πᾶς χόρτος χλωρὸς κατεκάη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could state this in active form. Alternate translation: “it burned up a third of the earth, a third of the trees, and all the green grass” -8:7 r460 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῆς γῆς κατεκάη 1 Some ancient manuscripts include the phrase **and a third of the earth was burned up**. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts do not include that phrase. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. -8:8 rnh8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal ὁ δεύτερος ἄγγελος 1 The word **second** is an ordinal number. Alternate translation: “the next angel” or “angel number two” -8:8 uw2h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὡς ὄρος μέγα πυρὶ καιόμενον, ἐβλήθη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could state this in active form. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the angel. Alternate translation: “the angel threw something like a great mountain burning with fire” -8:8 ev7g rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction ἐγένετο τὸ τρίτον τῆς θαλάσσης αἷμα 1 If your readers would misunderstand the fraction **a third**, you could explain it in translation. Alternate translation: “it was as if the sea had been divided into three equal parts and one of those parts had become blood” -8:8 k43y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἐγένετο & αἷμα 1 Here, **became blood** could mean: (1) it became red like blood. (2) it really became blood. -8:9 vgf4 τῶν κτισμάτων τῶν ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ τὰ ἔχοντα ψυχάς 1 Alternate translation: “of the things living in the sea” or “of the fish and other animals that lived in the sea” -8:10 n8ue rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἔπεσεν ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἀστὴρ μέγας, καιόμενος ὡς λαμπάς 1 The fire of the **huge star** looked similar to the fire of **a torch**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “a huge star that was blazing like a torch fell from the sky” -8:10 int4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown λαμπάς 1 A **torch** is a stick with one end lit on fire to provide light. -8:11 as2n rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ ἀστέρος λέγεται ὁ Ἄψινθος 1 **Wormwood** is a shrub that tastes bitter. People made medicine out of it, but they also believed that it was poisonous. Alternate translation: “the name of the star is Bitter Medicine” -8:11 gei4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐγένετο & ἄψινθον 1 The bitter taste of the water is spoken of as if it were **wormwood**. Alternate translation: “became bitter like wormwood” -8:11 g4q5 ἀπέθανον ἐκ τῶν ὑδάτων, ὅτι ἐπικράνθησαν 1 Alternate translation: “died when they drank the bitter water” -8:12 z936 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐπλήγη τὸ τρίτον τοῦ ἡλίου 1 Causing something bad to happen to **the sun** is spoken of as striking it or hitting it. -8:12 dfm7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐπλήγη τὸ τρίτον τοῦ ἡλίου 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could state this in active form. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “a third of the sun changed” or “God changed a third of the sun” -8:12 ukh6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor σκοτισθῇ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῶν 1 The phrase **a third of then turned dark** could mean: (1) one third of the time, they were dark. (2) one third of the sun, one third of the moon, and one third of the stars became dark. -8:12 t1ag ἡ ἡμέρα μὴ φάνῃ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῆς, καὶ ἡ νὺξ ὁμοίως 1 Alternate translation: “there was no light during one third of the day and one third of the night” or “they did not shine during one third of the day and one third of the night” +8:7 r460 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῆς γῆς κατεκάη 1 Some ancient manuscripts include the phrase **and a third of the earth was burned up**. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts do not include that phrase. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. +8:8 uw2h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὡς ὄρος μέγα πυρὶ καιόμενον, ἐβλήθη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the angel threw something like a great mountain burning with fire” +8:8 ev7g rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction ἐγένετο τὸ τρίτον τῆς θαλάσσης αἷμα 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the expression **one third** means one part out of three equal parts. Here and throughout the chapter, translate the expression in the way that would be most natural in your language. +8:9 vgf4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τὸ τρίτον τῶν πλοίων διεφθάρησαν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the bloody water destroyed a third of the ships” +8:11 nloh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ ἀστέρος λέγεται ὁ Ἄψινθος 1 It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “the name of the star is Wormwood” +8:11 as2n rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ὁ Ἄψινθος 1 **Wormwood** is a woody shrub that tastes bitter. Because of its bitter taste, people in this culture believed that the shrub was poisonous. Your language may have a term for this shrub or for a similar one that you can use in your translation. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “Bitter Shrub” +8:11 gei4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐγένετο & ἄψινθον 1 John means by association that the water became bitter and poisonous, as if it were the bitter **wormwood** shrub that people in his culture believed was poisonous. Alternate translation: “became poisonous like wormwood” +8:11 g4q5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun πολλοὶ τῶν ἀνθρώπων 1 John is not referring to a specific group of **men**. He means people in general. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “many people” +8:12 z936 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἐπλήγη τὸ τρίτον τοῦ ἡλίου, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῆς σελήνης, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῶν ἀστέρων 1 John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck” +8:12 dfm7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐπλήγη τὸ τρίτον τοῦ ἡλίου, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῆς σελήνης, καὶ τὸ τρίτον τῶν ἀστέρων; ἵνα σκοτισθῇ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῶν 1 If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God struck a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars so that a third of them turned dark” +8:12 ukh6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor σκοτισθῇ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῶν 1 The phrase **a third of them were darkened** could mean: (1) one third of the time, the sun, moon, and stars were dark, or (2) one third of the sun, one third of the moon, and one third of the stars became dark. You could say either of these things as an alternate translation. +8:12 t1ag rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἡ ἡμέρα μὴ φάνῃ τὸ τρίτον αὐτῆς 1 When John says of **a third** of the **day** that **it did not shine**, he means by association that the sun did not shine during a third of the day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the sun did not shine during one third of the day” +8:12 x2bw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis καὶ ἡ νὺξ ὁμοίως 1 John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and likewise a third of the night did not shine” or “and likewise the moon and the stars did not shine during one third of the night” 8:13 r461 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants ἀετοῦ 1 Some ancient manuscripts read **eagle**. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “angel.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. -8:13 x375 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐκ τῶν λοιπῶν φωνῶν τῆς σάλπιγγος τῶν τριῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν μελλόντων σαλπίζειν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could state this in active form. Alternate translation: “because the three angels who have not yet sounded their trumpets are about to sound them” -9:intro sq5c 0 # Revelation 9 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nIn this chapter, John continues to describe what happens when angels sound seven trumpets. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n- The Fifth Trumpet (9:1-12)\n- The Sixth Trumpet (9:13-21)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Woe\n\nJohn describes several “woes” in the book of Revelation. This chapter begins to describe the three “woes” announced at the end of Chapter 8. Woes signify calamity, disaster, or terrible events.\n\n### Seven trumpets\n\nSeven angels blow seven trumpets in Revelation 8:2-11:19. Trumpets are instruments for producing music or for calling people to gather together for an announcement or meeting. See how you translated "trumpet" in [1:10](../01/10.md). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])\n\n### Animal imagery\n\nThis chapter includes several animals: locusts, scorpions, horses, lions, and snakes. Animals convey different qualities or traits. For example, a lion is powerful and dangerous. Translators should use the same animals in their translation if possible. If the animal is unknown, use a familiar one with similar qualities or traits.\n\n### Locusts\n\nThe locusts are insects that fly together in large groups. People fear them because they can eat up the leaves in gardens and on trees. If your readers would not be familiar with what locusts are, in your translation you could use the name of a similar flying insect in your culture, or you could use a general expression. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])\n\n### Abyss\n\nThis image is seen several times in the book of Revelation. It is a picture of hell as being inescapable and in the opposite direction as heaven. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/hell]])\n\n### Abaddon and Apollyon\n\n“Abaddon” is a Hebrew word. “Apollyon” is a Greek word. Both words mean “Destroyer.” John used the sounds of the Hebrew word and wrote them with Greek letters. The ULT and UST write the sounds of both words with English letters. Translators are encouraged to transliterate these words using the letters of the target language. The original Greek readers would have understood “Apollyon” to mean “Destroyer.” So translators may also supply what it means in the text or in a footnote. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])\n\n### Repentance\n\nDespite great signs, people are described as not repenting and so remain in their sin. People refusing to repent are also mentioned in chapter 16. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### Simile\n\nJohn uses many similes in this chapter. They help to describe the images that he sees in his vision. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])\n\n### Generic Sense\n\nSeveral times in this chapter John uses the masculine word “men” in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women such as “people” or “humanity.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) -9:1 d26c rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal ὁ πέμπτος ἄγγελος 1 See how you translated **angel** in [8:2](../08/02.md). If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “angel number five” -9:1 jim6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτῷ ἡ κλεὶς τοῦ φρέατος τῆς Ἀβύσσου 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone gave him the key to the shaft of the abyss” or “the star received the key to the shaft of the abyss” -9:1 cjr9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τῆς Ἀβύσσου 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the term **abyss** literally means a bottomless pit, and here it describes a place of punishment. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate the term with an explanatory phrase. Alternate translation: “of the deep pit where God punishes demons” -9:2 tp79 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς καπνὸς καμίνου μεγάλης 1 The point of this comparison is the **huge furnace** gives off a great amount of thick, dark **smoke**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “like the great amount of smoke that comes from a huge furnace” -9:2 way2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile καμίνου μεγάλης 1 A **huge furnace** was a big oven that burned wood or coal to make bread, pottery, or even to smelt metals like iron. Often furnaces would give off a great amount of thick, dark **smoke**. If your readers would not be familiar with what a furnace is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “of a huge kiln" or "of a huge oven" or "of a huge stove” -9:2 nd4n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐσκοτώθη 1 If your language does not use the passive form, **were darkened**, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “became dark” -9:3 mb9m rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown ἀκρίδες 1 The **locusts** are insects that fly together in large groups. People fear them because they can eat up the leaves in gardens and on trees. If your readers would not be familiar with what **locusts** are, in your translation you could use the name of a similar flying insect in your culture, or you could use a general expression. -9:3 a4e7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐδόθη αὐταῖς ἐξουσία, ὡς ἔχουσιν ἐξουσίαν οἱ σκορπίοι 1 These **scorpions** have the ability to sting and poison people. You can include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “ability was given to them as scorpions have ability" or "they could sting people as scorpions do” -9:3 va04 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐταῖς ἐξουσία 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: "God gave them power" -9:3 mjf1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown σκορπίοι 1 A scorpion is an insect with a poisonous stinger on its tail. Its sting is extremely painful, and the pain lasts a long time. -9:4 cl6p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐρρέθη αὐταῖς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The text does not say who **told** these locusts to not damage the earth's vegetation, but it implies that God commanded the locusts to not damage the world's vegetation. Alternate translation: “God told them” or “God commanded them" -9:4 pb9q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis εἰ μὴ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους 1 John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but only harm the men” or “but only do damage to those” +8:13 mkd3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication οὐαὶ, οὐαὶ, οὐαὶ 1 The eagle may be repeating the word **woe** for emphasis. If it would not be natural in your language to repeat a word in that way, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “What great woe the ones living on the earth will experience” or see the next note for another possibility. +8:13 hfja rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit οὐαὶ, οὐαὶ, οὐαὶ 1 Since [9:12](../09/12.md) and [11:14](../11/14.md) speak of a first, second, and third “woe,” the eagle may be announcing implicitly that three terrible events are about to occur. The UST models a way to express this possible meaning of the phrase **woe, woe, woe**. +8:13 t954 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῶν λοιπῶν φωνῶν τῆς σάλπιγγος τῶν τριῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν μελλόντων σαλπίζειν 1 This does not mean that the **three angels** only have one **trumpet** among them. Alternate translation: “the blasts that the remaining three angels will make on their trumpets when they blow them” +9:intro sq5c 0 # Revelation 9 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nIn this chapter, John continues to describe what happens when angels sound seven trumpets. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n- The Fifth Trumpet (9:1-12)\n- The Sixth Trumpet (9:13-21)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Woe\n\nJohn describes several “woes” in the book of Revelation. This chapter begins to describe the three “woes” announced at the end of Chapter 8. Woes signify calamity, disaster, or terrible events.\n\n### Animal imagery\n\nThis chapter includes several animals: locusts, scorpions, horses, lions, and snakes. Animals convey different qualities or traits. For example, a lion is powerful and dangerous. Translators should use the same animals in their translation if possible. If the animal is unknown, use a familiar one with similar qualities or traits.\n\n### Abaddon and Apollyon\n\n“Abaddon” is a Hebrew word. “Apollyon” is a Greek word. Both words mean “Destroyer.” John used the sounds of the Hebrew word and wrote them with Greek letters. The ULT and UST write the sounds of both words with English letters. Translators are encouraged to transliterate these words using the letters of their own language. The original Greek readers would have understood “Apollyon” to mean “Destroyer.” So translators may also indicate this meaning in the text or in a footnote. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### Simile\n\nJohn uses many similes in this chapter. They help to describe the images that he sees in his vision. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])\n\n### Generic Sense\n\nSeveral times in this chapter John uses the masculine word “men” in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women such as “people” or “humanity.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) +9:1 d26c rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal ὁ πέμπτος ἄγγελος 1 If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “angel number five” +9:1 s6j9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτῷ ἡ κλεὶς τοῦ φρέατος τῆς Ἀβύσσου 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the star received the key to the shaft of the abyss” +9:2 tp79 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἀνέβη καπνὸς ἐκ τοῦ φρέατος, ὡς καπνὸς καμίνου μεγάλης 1 The point of this comparison is that a large quantity of **smoke** came from the **shaft**, just as a **great furnace** would give off a large quantity of smoke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “a large quantity of smoke went up from the shaft, as does from a huge furnace” +9:2 off8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐσκοτώθη ὁ ἥλιος καὶ ὁ ἀὴρ ἐκ τοῦ καπνοῦ τοῦ φρέατος 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the smoke from the shaft darkened the sun and the air” +9:3 va04 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐταῖς ἐξουσία 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave them power” +9:3 a4e7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ἐδόθη αὐταῖς ἐξουσία, ὡς ἔχουσιν ἐξουσίαν οἱ σκορπίοι τῆς γῆς 1 The point of this comparison is that just as **scorpions of the earth** have the power to hurt people by stinging them, so these **locusts** from the abyss had the power to hurt people in that same way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “to hurt people by stinging them, just as scorpions on earth do” +9:3 mjf1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown σκορπίοι 1 A **scorpion** is an insect with a poisonous stinger at the end of its long tail. The sting can cause severe pain or even death. If your readers would not be familiar with what a **scorpion** is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable insect or animal in your area. Alternate translation: “deadly stinging insects” +9:4 cl6p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐρρέθη αὐταῖς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God commanded them" +9:4 mou1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations ἐρρέθη αὐταῖς, ἵνα μὴ ἀδικήσουσιν τὸν χόρτον τῆς γῆς, οὐδὲ πᾶν χλωρὸν, οὐδὲ πᾶν δένδρον, εἰ μὴ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους οἵτινες οὐκ ἔχουσι τὴν σφραγῖδα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐπὶ τῶν μετώπων 1 It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “And they were told, ‘Do not harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads’” 9:4 tz3f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations τοὺς ἀνθρώπους 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here and in several other places in this chapter John uses the masculine word **men** in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “the people” -9:4 gi1a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὴν σφραγῖδα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, **the seal** refers to a mark made by God or his angels upon the foreheads of his people. See how you translated “seal” in [7:3](../07/03.md). Alternate translation: “the mark of God” or “the stamp of God” -9:4 tl6n rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown μετώπων 1 The **forehead** is the top of the face, between the eyes and the hairline. If your readers would not be familiar with what a **forehead** is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable term for **forehead** in your culture, or you could use a general expression. -9:5 rui1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἵνα μὴ ἀποκτείνωσιν αὐτούς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Here, the first **them** refers to the locusts in [9:3](../09/03.md) and the second **them** refers to people. Alternate translation: "God commanded the insects that they should not kill humans" -9:5 vfj7 αὐτούς 1 Here, **them** refers to the people whom the locusts were stinging. -9:5 nm7q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive βασανισθήσονται 1 If your language does not use a passive form such as **will be tormented**, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the locusts would torment them" or "the locusts would torment the people" -9:5 u29s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς βασανισμὸς σκορπίου, ὅταν παίσῃ ἄνθρωπον 1 The point of this comparison is the locusts bite people much like scorpions sting humans, causing a very similar, intense pain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “will be as the torment of a scorpion when it would sting a man" -9:5 qtk9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown σκορπίου 1 A **scorpion** is an insect with a poisonous stinger at the end of its long tail. The sting can cause severe pain or even death. If your readers would not be familiar with what a **scorpion** is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable insect or animal in your culture. Alternate translation: “of a stinging insect” -9:5 t3i7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations ἄνθρωπον 1 See how you translated **man** in [9:4](../09/04.md). -9:6 nazt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations οἱ ἄνθρωποι 1 See how you translated this in [9:4](../09/04.md). -9:6 p4mb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὸν θάνατον 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **death**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to live no more” -9:6 f1b4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification φεύγει ὁ θάνατος ἀπ’ αὐτῶν 1 John is speaking figuratively of **death** as if it were a person or animal that could run away or flee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will not be able to die” -9:7 zh82 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὅμοια ἵπποις ἡτοιμασμένοις εἰς πόλεμον 1 The point of this comparison is that the locusts appeared ready for battle just as horses are prepared with protective covering for warfare. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “was like horses arrayed for war” or "like horses made ready for war" -9:7 pf0k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς στέφανοι ὅμοιοι χρυσῷ 1 The point of this comparison is that the locusts had **crowns like gold** that suggest victory or that they are able to conquer as if they are kings that wear crowns. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “were what appeared as crowns like gold” or "were something like golden crowns" -9:7 buts rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς πρόσωπα ἀνθρώπων 1 The point of this comparison that is the locusts had **faces** that resembled human faces, including the ears. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “appeared to be faces of men” or "were like human faces" -9:7 e5u8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπων 1 See how you translated this in [9:4](../09/04.md). +9:5 k428 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἵνα μὴ ἀποκτείνωσιν αὐτούς 1 The **them** refers in its first instance to the locusts John describes in [9:3](../09/03.md) and in its second instance the people John describes in [9:4](../09/04.md) who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: "it was given to the locusts that they should not kill these people" +9:5 rui1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς ἵνα μὴ ἀποκτείνωσιν αὐτούς, ἀλλ’ ἵνα βασανισθήσονται 1 If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: "God did not allow the locusts to kill these people but to torment them for five months" +9:5 u29s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὁ βασανισμὸς αὐτῶν ὡς βασανισμὸς σκορπίου, ὅταν παίσῃ ἄνθρωπον 1 The point of this comparison is that just as the sting of a **scorpion** is very painful, the **torment** that people would experience after these locusts stung them would be very painful. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “their torment when the locusts stung them would be very painful, as the sting of a scorpion is very painful for a person” +9:6 ggwl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις 1 John is using the term **days** to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at that time” +9:6 rj6s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism ζητήσουσιν οἱ ἄνθρωποι τὸν θάνατον, καὶ οὐ μὴ εὑρήσουσιν αὐτόν, καὶ ἐπιθυμήσουσιν ἀποθανεῖν, καὶ φεύγει ὁ θάνατος ἀπ’ αὐτῶν 1 These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the phrases. Alternate translation: “even though people will want very much to die, they will not be able to die” +9:6 p4mb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὸν θάνατον 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **death**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to die” +9:6 f1b4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification φεύγει ὁ θάνατος ἀπ’ αὐτῶν 1 John is speaking figuratively of **death** as if it were a living thing that could run away or flee. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will not be able to die” +9:7 zh82 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἡτοιμασμένοις εἰς πόλεμον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “wearing armor for war” 9:8 r436 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile τρίχας ὡς τρίχας γυναικῶν 1 In this culture women typically wore their hair long. So the point of this comparison is that the locusts had long **hair**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “hair that was long like the hair of women” 9:8 r437 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis οἱ ὀδόντες αὐτῶν ὡς λεόντων ἦσαν 1 John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “their teeth were as the teeth of lions” 9:8 r438 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile οἱ ὀδόντες αὐτῶν ὡς λεόντων ἦσαν 1 The point of this comparison is that the locusts had **teeth** that were sharp, large, and strong, like the teeth of **lions**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “their teeth were sharp, large, and strong like lions’ teeth” @@ -544,6 +515,7 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 9:10 lim1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μῆνας πέντε 1 This could mean implicitly: (1) that the locusts had power for five months to harm people. Alternate translation: “over a period of five months” (2) that the locusts could sting people and the people would be in pain for five months. Alternate translation: “with a sting that will cause them pain for five months” 9:11 fiu6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τῆς Ἀβύσσου 1 See how you translated the term **abyss** in [9:1](../09/01.md). 9:11 bkg6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate τὸν ἄγγελον τῆς Ἀβύσσου; ὄνομα αὐτῷ Ἑβραϊστὶ, Ἀβαδδών, καὶ ἐν τῇ Ἑλληνικῇ ὄνομα ἔχει, Ἀπολλύων 1 The word **Abaddon** is a Hebrew name that John spells out using Greek letters so that his readers will know how it sounds. John then tells his readers a Greek name, **Apollyon**, with the same meaning, so that his readers will know what it means. Both names mean Destroyer. In your translation you can spell both names the way they sound in your language and then explain their meaning. Alternate translation: “His Hebrew name is Abaddon and his Greek name is Apollyon; both names mean Destroyer” +9:12 gmxt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἡ οὐαὶ ἡ μία ἀπῆλθεν 1 See how you translated the term **woe** in 8:13. Alternate translation: “One terrible event is over” 9:12 r445 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal ἡ οὐαὶ ἡ μία 1 If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “woe number one” 9:12 r446 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οὐαὶ 1 See how you translated the term **woe** in [8:13](../08/13.md). Alternate translation: “terrible event” 9:13 r447 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal ὁ ἕκτος ἄγγελος 1 If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “angel number six” @@ -570,7 +542,7 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 10:1 qax6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile καὶ τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος, καὶ οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὡς στῦλοι πυρός 1 The point of these comparisons is that the angel’s **face** was very bright, like the **sun**, and that the angel’s **feet** were glowing like **fire**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make these points explicitly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The angel’s face was very bright, like the sun, and his feet were glowing as if they were on fire” 10:1 p81x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ 1 Since John compares the **feet** of the angel to **pillars**, it is likely that by **feet** he means “legs” by association. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his legs” 10:2 r346 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive βιβλαρίδιον ἠνεῳγμένον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a little scroll that he had opened” -10:2 r347 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj τὸν & εὐώνυμον 1 John is using the adjective **left** as a noun to mean a certain one of the angel’s feet. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “his left foot” +10:2 r347 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj τὸν δὲ εὐώνυμον 1 John is using the adjective **left** as a noun to mean a certain one of the angel’s feet. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “and his left foot” 10:3 r348 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile φωνῇ μεγάλῃ ὥσπερ λέων μυκᾶται 1 The point of this comparison is probably that the **loud voice** of the angel commanded attention like the roar of a **lion**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “in a loud voice that commanded attention as does a lion’s roar” 10:3 r349 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐλάλησαν αἱ ἑπτὰ βρονταὶ 1 John speaks of these **seven thunders** as if he assumes that his readers will know what or who they are, but he has not introduced or explained them earlier in the book and interpreters are not certain of their identity. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could introduce them in such a way as to indicate that John has not identified them previously. Alternate translation: “seven thunders spoke” 10:3 r350 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐλάλησαν αἱ ἑπτὰ βρονταὶ 1 This expression could mean that thunder **spoke** or sounded **seven** times, rather than that **seven** different **thunders spoke**. You could say that in your translation or indicate this possibility in a footnote. Alternate translation: “thunder spoke seven times” or “thunder sounded seven times” @@ -605,7 +577,7 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 11:4 p6mi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit οὗτοί εἰσιν αἱ δύο ἐλαῖαι καὶ αἱ δύο λυχνίαι, αἱ ἐνώπιον τοῦ Κυρίου τῆς γῆς ἑστῶτες 1 John assumes that his readers will understand that he is alluding to the vision had by the prophet Zechariah, who saw **two olive trees** and **two lampstands** in [Zechariah 4:2–6](../zec/04/02.md). In that vision, the trees and lampstands represented the governor, Zerubbabel, and the high priest, Joshua, who led the rebuilding of the temple despite opposition. In the same way, the two witnesses in John’s vision will faithfully call people to obey God despite opposition. You could indicate that explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “These two witnesses will serve God faithfully despite opposition just as Zerubbabel and Joshua did, whom the prophet Zechariah saw depicted as two olive trees and two lampstands in a vision that God gave him” 11:4 r369 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor αἱ ἐνώπιον & ἑστῶτες 1 In this context, the phrase **stand before** means to stay in the presence of another person in order to serve them whenever needed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who faithfully serve” 11:5 r370 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go πῦρ ἐκπορεύεται ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτῶν 1 In a context such as this, your language might say “goes” instead of **comes**. Alternate translation: “fire goes out from their mouth” -11:5 r371 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns τοῦ στόματος αὐτῶν 1 In this verse, the word **mouth** is singular in form, but it refers to all of their mouths as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say this plainly. Since John is referring to two people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **mouth**. Alternate translation: “their mouths” +11:5 r371 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns τοῦ στόματος αὐτῶν 1 Since John is referring to two people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **mouth** or the dual form if your language has it. Alternate translation: “their mouths” 11:5 ab6b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor κατεσθίει τοὺς ἐχθροὺς αὐτῶν 1 John is speaking as if **fire** literally **devours** or eats up anyone who would **wish to harm** these witnesses. He means that the fire destroys them completely. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “destroys their enemies completely” 11:5 r372 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism καὶ εἴ τις θελήσῃ αὐτοὺς ἀδικῆσαι, οὕτως δεῖ αὐτὸν ἀποκτανθῆναι 1 This clause is essentially a repetition of the first clause in the verse. John is speaking in something like Hebrew poetry, which was based on this kind of repetition. It would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if such repetition would not be natural in your language, you could connect the clauses with a word other than **and** in order to show that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Yes, if anyone should wish to harm them, he must be killed in this way” 11:5 r373 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive δεῖ αὐτὸν ἀποκτανθῆναι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he must die” @@ -627,15 +599,15 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 11:11 al5w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification πνεῦμα ζωῆς ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς αὐτούς 1 John is speaking of this **breath** as if it were a living thing that **entered into** the bodies of these witnesses on its own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God enabled them to live and breathe again” 11:11 r385 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo ἔστησαν ἐπὶ τοὺς πόδας αὐτῶν 1 It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: “they stood up” 11:11 u265 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification φόβος μέγας ἐπέπεσεν ἐπὶ τοὺς θεωροῦντας αὐτούς 1 John is speaking figuratively of **fear** as if it were a living thing that actively **fell** on people who saw the witnesses alive again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ones seeing them became greatly afraid” -11:12 r386 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἤκουσαν & αὐτοῖς & ἀνέβησαν & αὐτῶν 1 The pronouns **they**, **their** and **them** all refer to the witnesses, not to the people who were seeing them alive again. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the witnesses … them … the witnesses … their … them” +11:12 r386 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ἤκουσαν & αὐτοῖς & ἀνέβησαν & αὐτοὺς & αὐτῶν 1 The pronouns **they**, **their** and **them** all refer to the witnesses, not to the people who were seeing them alive again. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the witnesses heard … to them … the witnesses went up … their … them” 11:12 r387 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual ἀνάβατε ὧδε 1 Since the voice is speaking to two people, the implied “you” in the imperative **Come up** would be dual if your language uses that form. Otherwise, it would be plural. 11:13 r388 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ὥρᾳ 1 John is using the term **hour** to refer to a specific time. He does not mean that the earthquake lasted for a full hour. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at that time” 11:13 r389 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τὸ δέκατον τῆς πόλεως ἔπεσεν 1 John is not speaking of this **tenth of the city** as if it were a living thing that could fall down accidentally. He means that one **tenth** of the buildings in the city collapsed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “one tenth of the buildings in the city collapsed” 11:13 r390 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἀπεκτάνθησαν ἐν τῷ σεισμῷ, ὀνόματα ἀνθρώπων χιλιάδες ἑπτά 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the earthquake killed the names of seven thousand men” 11:13 r391 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὀνόματα ἀνθρώπων χιλιάδες ἑπτά 1 Here, **names** represents people by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “seven thousand men” -11:13 r392 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπων 1 Although the term **men** is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” +11:13 r392 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπων 1 Although the term **men** is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “of people” 11:13 f4r2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἔδωκαν δόξαν τῷ Θεῷ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 This expression does not imply that God lacks glory in any way or that people have glory that they can give to God. It means the people in the city honored God, acknowledging that God was just to punish them with the earthquake for killing the two witnesses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “honored the God of heaven” or “acknowledged that the God of heaven had done the right thing” -11:14 l7jp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἡ οὐαὶ ἡ δευτέρα ἀπῆλθεν 1 See how you translated “The first woe is past” in [9:12](../09/12.md). Alternate translation: “The second terrible event is over” +11:14 l7jp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἡ οὐαὶ ἡ δευτέρα ἀπῆλθεν 1 See how you translated “The first woe is past” in [9:12](../09/12.md). Alternate translation: “The second terrible event is over” 11:15 sxx9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal ὁ ἕβδομος ἄγγελος 1 If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “angel number seven” 11:15 en51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ κόσμου τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 **The kingdom of the world** could mean: (1) the system of sinful interests and institutions all over the **world** that is opposed to God. Alternate translation: “The kingdom of our Lord and his Christ will now replace the world-wide system that formerly opposed them” (2) the right to rule the people of the world. Alternate translation: “The kingdom of our Lord and his Christ will now include all the people in the world” 11:15 jsm2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐγένετο ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ κόσμου τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of a **kingdom**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: (1) “Our Lord and his Christ will now rule in place of the world-wide system that formerly opposed them” or (2) “Our Lord and his Christ will now rule over all the people of the world” @@ -644,16 +616,16 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 11:16 r505 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἔπεσαν ἐπὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν 1 This expression means that the elders lay down facing the ground. See how you translated the similar expression in [7:11](../07/11.md). Alternate translation: “bowed down to the ground” 11:17 r462 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν 1 Some ancient manuscripts read **the one being and the one having been**. ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts add “and who is to come.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. 11:18 r396 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τὰ ἔθνη ὠργίσθησαν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the nations were furious” -11:18 iv5k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ἦλθεν ἡ ὀργή σου 1 John is speaking of God’s **wrath** as if it were a living thing that **has come** to the **nations**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “now is your time to punish sin" +11:18 iv5k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ἦλθεν ἡ ὀργή σου, καὶ ὁ καιρὸς τῶν νεκρῶν κριθῆναι 1 John is speaking of God’s **wrath** as if it were a living thing that **has come** to the **nations**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are now punishing them and judging the dead" 11:18 r397 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἦλθεν ἡ ὀργή σου, καὶ ὁ καιρὸς 1 John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “your wrath has come and the time has come” 11:18 h833 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τῶν νεκρῶν κριθῆναι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for you to judge the dead” 11:18 zk1u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj τῶν νεκρῶν 1 John is using the adjective **dead** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who have died” -11:18 k3ba rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τοῖς φοβουμένοις τὸ ὄνομά σου 1 Here the phrase **the ones fearing your name** represents those who worship God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to all those who serve you, God” +11:18 k3ba rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τοῖς φοβουμένοις τὸ ὄνομά σου 1 Here, **name** represents a person by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “the ones fearing you” 11:18 r398 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους 1 The elders are speaking as if unimportant people were literally **small** and as if important people were literally large or **great**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the unimportant and the important” 11:18 r399 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj τοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους 1 The elders are using the adjectives **small** and **great** as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “both unimportant people and important people” 11:18 r400 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism τοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους 1 The elders are using two extremes of people, **small** and **great**, to mean them and everyone in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “whatever their status” -11:18 c7pd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἠνοίγη ὁ ναὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ὁ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ὤφθη ἡ κιβωτὸς τῆς διαθήκης τοῦ Κυρίου ἐν τῷ ναῷ αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God opened his temple in heaven and I could see the ark of the covenant of the Lord in his temple” -11:18 r401 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἠνοίγη ὁ ναὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ὁ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ 1 By this expression, John likely means by association that in his vision, God created some opening that allowed him to see into **the temple of God in heaven**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God allowed me to look into his temple in heaven” +11:19 c7pd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἠνοίγη ὁ ναὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ὁ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ὤφθη ἡ κιβωτὸς τῆς διαθήκης τοῦ Κυρίου ἐν τῷ ναῷ αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God opened his temple in heaven and I could see the ark of the covenant of the Lord in his temple” +11:19 r401 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἠνοίγη ὁ ναὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ὁ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ 1 By this expression, John likely means by association that in his vision, God created some opening that allowed him to see into **the temple of God in heaven**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God allowed me to look into his temple in heaven” 12:intro cq7x 0 # Revelation 12 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nSome 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 verses 10–12.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Serpent\n\nThe book of Revelation uses imagery from the Old Testament. In this chapter, John refers to Satan as the serpent. This image comes from the account of the Garden of Eden when Satan tempted Eve. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) 12:1 r040 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive σημεῖον μέγα ὤφθη ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people saw a great sign in heaven” 12:1 j9yl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive περιβεβλημένη τὸν ἥλιον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom the sun was clothing” @@ -687,7 +659,7 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 12:9 v1tp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐβλήθη εἰς τὴν γῆν, καὶ οἱ ἄγγελοι αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἐβλήθησαν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) that God threw the dragon down after his angels defeated him. Alternate translation: “God threw the dragon down to the earth and he threw his angels down with him” (2) that Michael threw the dragon and his angels down to earth after defeating them in the war that they fought. Alternate translation: “Michael threw the dragon down to the earth and he threw his angels down with him” 12:10 i112 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἤκουσα φωνὴν μεγάλην ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ λέγουσαν 1 John is referring to someone speaking by association with the **voice** that the person is using to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I heard someone saying loudly from heaven” 12:10 r021 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἄρτι ἐγένετο ἡ σωτηρία, καὶ ἡ δύναμις, καὶ ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν, καὶ ἡ ἐξουσία τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **salvation**, **power**, **kingdom**, and **authority**, you could express the same ideas in other ways. It may be helpful to make this more than one sentence. Alternate translation: “Now our God has begun to save people. He has acted powerfully to establish his reign. His Christ is reigning with him” -12:10 r255 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν 1 This **voice** is addressing believers, since he refers to **our brothers**, so by **our** in each instance, the person speaking means himself and his addressees. So use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction. +12:10 r255 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἡμῶν & ἡμῶν & ἡμῶν 1 This **voice** is addressing believers, since he refers to **our brothers**, so by **our** in each instance, the person speaking means himself and his addressees. So use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction. 12:10 r022 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐβλήθη ὁ κατήγορος τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God has thrown down the accuser of our brothers” 12:10 a9wf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν 1 John is using the term **brothers** figuratively to mean people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as in UST: “of our fellow believers” 12:10 r474 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν 1 Although the term **brothers** is masculine, here the word has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you wish to retain the figurative expression in your translation, you could word it in a way that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “our brothers and sisters” @@ -695,15 +667,15 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 12:11 zt7v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸ αἷμα 1 This could mean: (1) the actual **blood** that Jesus offered as a sacrifice for sin. In that case, you could use the word for “blood” in your language with literal meaning. (2) the sacrificial death of Jesus by association with the **blood** that Jesus shed when he died. Alternate translation: “the sacrificial death” 12:11 r024 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸν λόγον τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτῶν 1 The voice is using the term **word** to indicate that these believers gave their **testimony** to Jesus by speaking words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the testimony that they spoke” 12:11 lht6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὸν λόγον τῆς μαρτυρίας αὐτῶν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **word**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “by what they said when they testified to others about Jesus” -12:11 n6wk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οὐκ ἠγάπησαν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτῶν ἄχρι θανάτου 1 This expression means that these believers did not **love their lives** all the way to the point where they would refuse **death** even if they needed to die in order to remain faithful to Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they did not love their lives so much that they would not die for Jesus” -12:12 r023 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification εὐφραίνεσθε οὐρανοὶ, καὶ οἱ ἐν αὐτοῖς σκηνοῦντες 1 The voice is speaking of the **heavens** as if they were a living thing that could **rejoice**. This may be something that readers could understand literally within the world of this vision. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning differently. Alternate translation: “all of you who live in the heavens, rejoice in a way that can be heard throughout the heavens” +12:11 n6wk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οὐκ ἠγάπησαν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτῶν ἄχρι θανάτου 1 This expression means that these believers did not **love their lives** so much they would refuse **death** even if they needed to die in order to remain faithful to Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they did not love their lives so much that they would not die for Jesus” +12:12 r023 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification εὐφραίνεσθε οὐρανοὶ, καὶ οἱ ἐν αὐτοῖς σκηνοῦντες 1 The voice is speaking to the **heavens** as if they were a living thing that could **rejoice**. This may be something that readers could understand literally within the world of this vision. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning differently. Alternate translation: “all of you who live in the heavens, rejoice in a way that can be heard throughout the heavens” 12:12 r037 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification οὐαὶ τὴν γῆν καὶ τὴν θάλασσαν 1 The voice is speaking of the **earth** and the **sea** as if they were living things that could suffer **Woe**. This may be something that readers could understand literally within the world of this vision. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning differently. Alternate translation: “Woe to all the creatures who live on the earth and in the sea” 12:12 r025 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὀλίγον καιρὸν ἔχει 1 The voice implicitly means that the devil knows that God will soon judge and punish him, and so he has **little time** left in which to resist God and try to turn people away from God. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “he has little time left in which to keep resisting God” 12:13 x7st rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐβλήθη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God had thrown him down” 12:13 r026 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj τὸν ἄρσενα 1 John is using the adjective **male** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the male child” 12:14 r027 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐδόθησαν τῇ γυναικὶ δύο πτέρυγες τοῦ ἀετοῦ τοῦ μεγάλου 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God gave two wings of a great eagle to the woman” 12:14 r028 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo ὅπου τρέφεται ἐκεῖ 1 It might seem that this expression, which says both **where** and **there**, contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: “where she is nourished” -12:14 r029 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual καιρὸν, καὶ καιροὺς, καὶ ἥμισυ καιροῦ 1 Since the vision describes the approximate number of days in three and a half years (1,260) in [12:6](../12/06.md) and the number of months in three and a half years (42) in [13:5](../13/05.md), it is probable that this number is also three and a half, so **times** means “two times.” If your language uses the dual, you could put the word **times** in the dual. Otherwise, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for a time and two times and half a time” +12:14 r029 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual καιρὸν, καὶ καιροὺς, καὶ ἥμισυ καιροῦ 1 Since the vision describes the approximate number of days in three and a half years (1,260) in [12:6](../12/06.md) and the number of months in three and a half years (42) in [13:5](../13/05.md), it is probable that this number is also three and a half, so **times** means “two times.” If your language uses the dual form, you could use that form for the word **times**. Otherwise, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for a time and two times and half a time” 12:14 r030 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit καιρὸν, καὶ καιροὺς, καὶ ἥμισυ καιροῦ 1 Since this length of time during which the woman is **nourished** seems to be the same as in [12:6](../12/06.md), it seems that three and a half years is intended. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “for a year and two years and half a year” or “for three and a half years” 12:14 r031 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy προσώπου τοῦ ὄφεως 1 Here the word **face** represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “the presence of the serpent” 12:15 y5ml rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὕδωρ ὡς ποταμόν 1 John says that this **water** was **like a river** to emphasize how much water there was. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a very large volume of water” @@ -711,7 +683,7 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 12:16 i4u5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ἐβοήθησεν ἡ γῆ τῇ γυναικί 1 John is speaking of **the earth** as if it were a living thing that **helped** this **woman**. This may be something that readers could understand literally within the world of this vision. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning differently. Alternate translation: “something happened on the earth that helped the woman” 12:16 r033 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἤνοιξεν ἡ γῆ τὸ στόμα αὐτῆς 1 John is speaking as if the earth literally had a **mouth** and **swallowed** this **river**. He means that some kind of chasm opened up in the earth and the river flowed down into it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a chasm opened up in the earth and the river flowed down into it” 12:17 r034 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὠργίσθη ὁ δράκων 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “this put the dragon in a rage” -12:17 r035 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τοῦ σπέρματος 1 Here the term **seed** means offspring. It is a word picture. Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “descendants” +12:17 r035 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τοῦ σπέρματος αὐτῆς 1 Here the term **seed** means offspring. It is a word picture. Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of her descendants” 12:17 f754 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τηρούντων 1 See how you translated the word **keeping** in [1:3](../01/03.md) and in [2:26](../02/26.md). Alternate translation: “obeying” 12:17 t6jf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐχόντων τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **testimony**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “testifying to their faith in Jesus” 12:18 s5dw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὴν ἄμμον τῆς θαλάσσης 1 John is referring to the shore of the sea by association with the sand that is along the shore on the beach. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the shore of the sea” @@ -811,10 +783,10 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 14:8 jh3r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη 1 Since the ancient city of Babylon was destroyed centuries earlier, the angel is not speaking literally of that city. The angel is using **Babylon** to symbolize some other city or empire. The specific identity of that city or empire is a matter of interpretation rather than translation. Alternate translation: “the great city that is like Babylon” or “the great empire that is like Babylon” 14:8 kg1i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ἣ & πεπότικεν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη 1 The angel is speaking of the city of **Babylon** as if it were a living thing that **caused** the nations **to drink** from a certain cup. The angel means that the rulers of the city did this, symbolically (See: next note). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “whose rulers caused all the nations to drink” 14:8 r111 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole πάντα τὰ ἔθνη 1 The angel says **all** here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “nations throughout the world” -14:8 ldz2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς 1 This second angel is speaking as if Babylon has literally caused the nations to **drink** a certain kind of **wine**. This means, in the first instance, that Babylon led the nations to commit sexual immorality with her. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to give in to passions that led them to commit sexual immorality with her” +14:8 ldz2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς, πεπότικεν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη 1 This second angel is speaking as if Babylon has literally caused the nations to **drink** a certain kind of **wine**. This means, in the first instance, that Babylon led the nations to commit sexual immorality with her. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “caused all the nations to give in to passions that led them to commit sexual immorality with her” 14:8 bey2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς 1 In the second instance, as in [14:3](../14/03.md), having immoral sexual relations is a symbolic image for worshiping idols. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to worship idols as she did” 14:10 qw28 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor καὶ αὐτὸς πίεται ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ, τοῦ κεκερασμένου ἀκράτου ἐν τῷ ποτηρίῳ τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτοῦ 1 The angel is speaking as if anyone who worships the beast will literally **drink** a certain kind of **wine** from a certain **cup**. He means symbolically that God will make such a person experience the just consequences of his actions. Within this image, the fact that the wine is **undiluted** means that God will not show him mercy as he judges him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will make him experience the just consequences of his actions and in his anger God will not show him any mercy” -14:10 fe83 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τοῦ κεκερασμένου 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that God has poured” +14:10 fe83 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τοῦ Θεοῦ, τοῦ κεκερασμένου 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that God has poured” 14:10 r087 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive βασανισθήσεται 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will torment him” 14:10 r088 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys πυρὶ καὶ θείῳ 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **fire** describes the state of the **sulfur**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “fiery sulfur” 14:10 r089 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐνώπιον ἀγγέλων ἁγίων καὶ ἐνώπιον τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 Here the word **before** means “in front of” or “in the presence of” another person. Alternate translation: “in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb” @@ -933,7 +905,7 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 16:19 r158 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἔπεσαν 1 John is not speaking of these **cities** or their buildings as if they were living things that could fall down accidentally. He means that the buildings in the cities collapsed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “collapsed” 16:19 r159 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη ἐμνήσθη ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, δοῦναι αὐτῇ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God remembered Babylon the Great to give to her” 16:19 r2vh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη ἐμνήσθη ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, δοῦναι αὐτῇ 1 John is not suggesting that God had forgotten about Babylon the Great but now **remembered** the city. He is using a common biblical expression that means that God took action with regard to a person or entity of which he was already aware, either to help or to punish. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God punished Babylon the Great by giving her” -16:19 r507 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη 1 John is referring to the people who live in the city of **Babylon** by association with that city itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people who lived in the great city of Babylon” +16:19 r507 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη ἐμνήσθη 1 John is referring to the people who live in the city of **Babylon** by association with that city itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people who lived in the great city of Babylon were remembered” 16:19 g6s8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor δοῦναι αὐτῇ τὸ ποτήριον τοῦ οἴνου τοῦ θυμοῦ τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτοῦ 1 John is alluding to what the angel said in [14:10](../14/10.md) about the “wine of the wrath” of God’s “anger” that was in his “cup.” It is likely that he is therefore referring symbolically, as the angel was, to God making people and entities experience the just consequences of their actions. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to make her experience the just consequences of her actions that have made God so angry” 16:20 r160 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit καὶ πᾶσα νῆσος ἔφυγεν, καὶ ὄρη οὐχ εὑρέθησαν 1 John means implicitly that these things also happened as a result of the earthquake. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. UST models one way to do that. 16:20 r161 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ἔφυγεν 1 John is speaking of each **island** as if it were a living thing that **fled**. He means that the islands disappeared beneath the surface of the ocean. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “sank into the ocean” @@ -942,9 +914,9 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 16:21 i43r rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight ὡς ταλαντιαία 1 A talent was a weight of about 33 kilograms or about 70 pounds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could give the equivalent in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “in hailstones weighing about 33 kilograms each” or “in hailstones weighing about 70 pounds each” 16:21 r163 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations τοὺς ἀνθρώπους & οἱ ἄνθρωποι 1 Although the term **men** is masculine, John is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” 17:intro ysn1 0 # Revelation 17 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\nThis chapter begins to describe how God will destroy the entity that the book of Revelation calls Babylon.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### The great prostitute\n\nThose who have sex with prostitutes are unfaithful to God’s purposes for sexual relations to take place within marriage. The “great prostitute” in this chapter may therefore represent some person or entity that leads people to be unfaithful to God spiritually. But it is not necessary to try to identify this person or entity in your translation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalyptic]])\n\n### Seven hills\n\nAn angel tells John in 17:9, “The seven heads are seven hills where the woman is sitting.” This could mean that the woman represents the city of Rome, which is known as the City of Seven Hills. However, since this is a matter of interpretation rather than translation, it would not be appropriate to say explicitly in your translation that the seven hills indicate the city of Rome. br>\n\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### Metaphors\n\nJohn uses many different metaphors in this chapter. He explains some of their meanings, but allows them to remain relatively unclear. The translator should do the same. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n## Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter\n\n### “The beast that you saw was and is not but is about to come up”\n\nThis and similar phrases in this chapter contrast the beast with Jesus. Jesus is called “the one who is and who was and who is to come” elsewhere in the book of Revelation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n\n### Paradox\n\nA paradox is a statement that asserts as true two things that seemingly cannot both be true at the same time. This sentence in 17:11 is a paradox: “the beast … is itself also an eighth, but it is from the seven.” The translator should not attempt to explain how both of these things can be true; that should remain a paradox. -17:1 c6f4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὸ κρίμα 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **judgment**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “how God will judge” +17:1 c6f4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὸ κρίμα τῆς πόρνης τῆς μεγάλης 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **judgment**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “how God will judge the great prostitute” 17:1 f7ry rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo τῆς πόρνης τῆς μεγάλης τῆς καθημένης ἐπὶ ὑδάτων πολλῶν, 1 Since the angel explains the meaning of the **great prostitute** in verse 18 and the meaning of the **waters** in verse 15, you do not need to say anything in your translation about their meaning here. -17:1 crs4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τῆς καθημένης ἐπὶ ὑδάτων πολλῶν 1 The angel is using the word **waters** to mean a specific body of water by association. The phrase **sitting on many waters** is an allusion to [Jeremiah 51:13](../jer/51/13.md), where the same phrase describes the ancient city of Babylon and its location on the great Euphrates River. (The Hebrew word that Jeremiah uses can mean both “sit” and “dwell.”) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who stays next to a great river” +17:1 crs4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τῆς καθημένης ἐπὶ ὑδάτων πολλῶν 1 The angel is using the word **waters** to mean a specific body of water by association. The phrase **sitting on many waters** is an allusion to [Jeremiah 51:13](../jer/51/13.md), where the same phrase describes the ancient city of Babylon and its location on the great Euphrates River. (The Hebrew word that Jeremiah uses can mean both “sit” and “dwell.”) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who lives next to a great river” 17:2 r166 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor μεθ’ ἧς ἐπόρνευσαν οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς 1 The angel is speaking as if the **kings of the earth** had literally **committed sexual immorality** with this prostitute. But that is not literally the case even within the world of this vision, since the angel explains in verse 18 that the prostitute symbolizes a city. So the sexual immorality likely symbolizes idolatry and, in light of chapter 18, greed. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The kings of the earth joined her in being idolatrous and greedy” 17:2 paa4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐμεθύσθησαν οἱ κατοικοῦντες τὴν γῆν ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς 1 The angel is speaking as if the **sexual immorality** of the prostitute had been **wine** and that the **ones inhabiting the earth** had literally been **intoxicated** by that wine. But once again these things are not literally the case even within the world of this vision. The sexual immorality likely represents idolatry and greed and the intoxication likely represents deception. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “she deceived the ones inhabiting the earth to make them indulge in idolatry and greed” 17:2 r167 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐμεθύσθησαν οἱ κατοικοῦντες τὴν γῆν ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the wine of her sexual immorality intoxicated the ones inhabiting the earth” @@ -956,7 +928,7 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 17:4 r171 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown μαργαρίταις 1 The word **pearls** describes beautiful and valuable white beads that form inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean. 17:4 r172 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys βδελυγμάτων καὶ τὰ ἀκάθαρτα 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **abominations** describes the **impurities** of the woman’s conduct. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “the abominable impurities” 17:5 az5b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐπὶ τὸ μέτωπον αὐτῆς & γεγραμμένον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone had written on her forehead” -17:5 r173 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ὄνομα & Μυστήριον 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **mystery** tells what kind of **name** was written on the woman’s forehead. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “a mysterious name” or “a name that had a symbolic meaning” +17:5 r173 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ὄνομα & Μυστήριον 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words together. The word **mystery** tells what kind of **name** was written on the woman’s forehead. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “a mysterious name” or “a name that had a symbolic meaning” 17:5 l75t rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names ὄνομα & Μυστήριον 1 Some interpreters consider the word **mystery** to be part of the name of this woman. Alternate translation: “a name: Mystery,” 17:6 r174 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism ἐκ τοῦ αἵματος τῶν ἁγίων, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ αἵματος τῶν μαρτύρων Ἰησοῦ 1 These two phrases mean similar things. John is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “from the blood of the saints who had borne witness to Jesus” 17:6 ydi9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry ἐθαύμασα & θαῦμα μέγα 1 John is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have its own way of expressing the same meaning. Alternate translation: “I wondered greatly” @@ -1020,7 +992,7 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 18:7 r208 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς λέγει, ὅτι κάθημαι βασίλισσα & καὶ χήρα οὐκ εἰμί καὶ πένθος οὐ μὴ ἴδω 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “she says in her heart that she sits as a queen and that she is not a widow and that she will not see mourning at all” 18:7 yt32 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς λέγει 1 Here the **heart** figuratively represents the thoughts and motives. Alternate translation: “she thinks to herself” 18:7 r209 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom κάθημαι βασίλισσα 1 Here the word **sit** means “to be.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am a queen” -18:7 dy5k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy χήρα οὐκ εἰμί 1 Babylon is referring to not being dependent on anyone by association with the way that a **widow** in this culture likely would be dependent on others. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am not dependent on anyone” +18:7 dy5k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy χήρα οὐκ εἰμί 1 Babylon is referring to herself as not being dependent on anyone by association with the way that a **widow** in this culture likely would be dependent on others. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am not dependent on anyone” 18:7 eh5r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom πένθος οὐ μὴ ἴδω 1 Here the word **see** means “to experience.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will not experience any mourning at all” 18:8 r210 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐν μιᾷ ἡμέρᾳ 1 The voice is using the term **day** to mean a short time. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in just a short time” 18:8 tjd9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐν πυρὶ κατακαυθήσεται 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “fire will consume her” @@ -1029,7 +1001,7 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 18:9 r212 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet κλαύσονται καὶ κόψονται 1 The terms **weep** and **wail** mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “will weep bitterly” 18:9 r213 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸν καπνὸν τῆς πυρώσεως αὐτῆς 1 John is referring to the fire that will burn Babylon by association with the **burning** itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the smoke from the fire that is burning her” 18:10 j3ln rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy διὰ τὸν φόβον τοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῆς 1 John is referring to the fire that is burning up and tormenting Babylon by association with the **torment** itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because they are afraid of the fire that is tormenting her” -18:10 r467 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication οὐαὶ, οὐαί 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the speakers are repeating the word “woe” for emphasis. If it would not be natural in your language to repeat a word like that, you could express the emphasis in another way, for example, by using a different expression and including the word “very,” as the UST does. +18:10 r467 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication οὐαὶ, οὐαί 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the speakers are repeating the word **woe** for emphasis. If it would not be natural in your language to repeat a word like that, you could express the emphasis in another way, for example, by using a different expression and including the word “very,” as the UST does. 18:10 r214 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe ὅτι μιᾷ ὥρᾳ ἦλθεν ἡ κρίσις σου 1 The kings are speaking directly to the city of Babylon even though they know that the city cannot hear them. They are doing this to show in a very strong way to the people who can hear them, their fellow kings, how they feel about what is happening to Babylon. If someone speaking your language would not do this, you could translate this as the merchants speaking to one another about Babylon rather than to Babylon. Alternate translation: “For in one hour her judgment has come” 18:10 r215 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom μιᾷ ὥρᾳ 1 As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, in the ancient world, an **hour** was the shortest time span that people envisioned. In contexts such as this one, the term does not mean a literal hour of sixty minutes. It means the shortest time imaginable. Alternate translation: “in such a short time” 18:10 r216 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἦλθεν ἡ κρίσις σου 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **judgment**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God has judged you” @@ -1055,7 +1027,8 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 18:14 r227 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj πάντα τὰ λιπαρὰ καὶ τὰ λαμπρὰ 1 John is using the adjectives **luxurious** and **splendid** as nouns to mean certain kinds of goods. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this phrase with an equivalent one. Alternate translation: “all the luxurious and splendid goods” or “everything that is luxurious and splendid” 18:14 r228 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet πάντα τὰ λιπαρὰ καὶ τὰ λαμπρὰ 1 The terms **luxurious** and **splendid** mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “all the very luxurious goods” 18:14 p7f7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom οὐκέτι οὐ μὴ αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν 1 Here the expression **will not be found** means “will not be able to be found” or “will not be there.” Alternate translation: “they will not be there any longer” -18:14 z9rv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will find them” +18:14 t9qa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐκέτι οὐ μὴ αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν 1 The merchants are actually using a double negative here, “they will not be found at all no longer.” The second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. If for emphasis your language uses double negatives that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction here in your translation. +18:14 z9rv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οὐ μὴ αὐτὰ εὑρήσουσιν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “certainly no one will find them” 18:15 s4iq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy διὰ τὸν φόβον τοῦ βασανισμοῦ αὐτῆς 1 See how you translated this same expression in [18:10](../18/10.md). Alternate translation: “because they are afraid of the fire that is tormenting her” 18:15 ii7v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet κλαίοντες καὶ πενθοῦντες 1 The terms **weeping** and **mourning** mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “weeping bitterly” 18:16 i7ip rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἡ περιβεβλημένη βύσσινον, καὶ πορφυροῦν, καὶ κόκκινον, καὶ κεχρυσωμένη ἐν χρυσίῳ, καὶ λίθῳ τιμίῳ, καὶ μαργαρίτῃ 1 The merchants are speaking as if the city of Babylon had literally been **dressed** in expensive clothing and **adorned** with jewels. They mean that the people of the city lived in luxury. Even if your language does not ordinarily use figures of speech, you may wish to preserve this figure of speech in your translation so that your readers can see how the merchants were speaking about Babylon. One way to do that would be to translate it as a simile, as UST does. @@ -1078,13 +1051,12 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 18:20 ld6c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἔκρινεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ κρίμα ὑμῶν ἐξ αὐτῆς 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **judgment**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God has judged her for what she did to you” 18:20 r241 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry ἔκρινεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ κρίμα ὑμῶν ἐξ αὐτῆς 1 The speaker is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have its own way of describing this. Alternate translation: “she deserved to be judged for what she did to you, and God has indeed judged her” 18:21 r242 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile λίθον ὡς μύλινον μέγαν 1 The point of this comparison is that the **stone** that the **angel took up** was very large and heavy and so it made a tremendous, dramatic splash when it hit the **sea**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “a stone that was very large and heavy like a great millstone” -18:21 el4e rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown μύλινον 1 A **millstone** is a large round stone that people use to crush grain. If your readers would not be familiar with what a millstone is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture or you could use a general expression. +18:21 el4e rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown μύλινον 1 A **millstone** is a large, flat, round stone that people use to crush kernels of grain against a second **millstone**, processing the grain into food for humans. If your readers would not be familiar with what a millstone is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture or you could use a general expression. 18:21 kwsy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οὕτως ὁρμήματι βληθήσεται Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη πόλις 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God will throw down Babylon, the great city” -18:21 dlp4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὕτως ὁρμήματι βληθήσεται Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη πόλις 1 The angel is speaking as if these Babylon will literally be **thrown down** as if from a height. He means that they the city will be completely destroyed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will completely destroy Babylon, the great city” +18:21 dlp4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὕτως ὁρμήματι βληθήσεται Βαβυλὼν ἡ μεγάλη πόλις 1 The angel is speaking as if Babylon will literally be **thrown down** as if from a height. He means that the city will be completely destroyed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will completely destroy Babylon, the great city” 18:21 r243 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ὁρμήματι 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **violence**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “violently” 18:21 r244 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἔτι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one at all will see her anymore” 18:22 j6aq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive καὶ φωνὴ κιθαρῳδῶν, καὶ μουσικῶν, καὶ αὐλητῶν, καὶ σαλπιστῶν, οὐ μὴ ἀκουσθῇ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and no one at all will hear the sound of harpists and musicians and flutists and trumpeters” -18:22 r245 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown κιθαρῳδῶν, καὶ μουσικῶν, καὶ αὐλητῶν, καὶ σαλπιστῶν 1 The word **harpists** describes people who play the harp, which is a large stringed instrument whose players hold it upright and pluck the strings with their fingers. The word **musicians** could mean: (1) people who sing. (2) people who play musical instruments generally. The word **flutists** describes people who play the flute, which is a metal instrument like a pipe that has holes in it; players blow across one hole to generate sound and open or close other holes for tuning. The word **trumpeters** describes people who play the trumpet, which is a metal horn with valves for tuning. If your readers would not be familiar with these musical instruments, in your translation you could use the terms for players of comparable instruments in your culture, or you could use general expressions. Alternate translation: “people playing stringed instruments and singing and blowing pipes and horns” or “people playing stringed instruments and pipes and horns and other instruments” 18:22 da3h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe ἐν σοὶ & ἐν σοὶ & ἐν σοὶ 1 The angel is speaking directly to the city of Babylon even though he knows that the city cannot hear him. He is doing this to show in a very strong way to the people who can hear them, probably “heaven” and the “saints and apostles and prophets” from verse 20, how he feels about what is happening to Babylon. If someone speaking your language would not do this, you could translate this as the angel speaking about Babylon rather than to Babylon. Alternate translation: “in her … in her … in her” 18:22 r246 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive πᾶς τεχνίτης οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one at all will find a craftsman” 18:22 cu19 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom πᾶς τεχνίτης οὐ & εὑρεθῇ 1 Here the expression **will not be found** means “will not be able to be found” or “will not be there.” Alternate translation: “no craftsman will be there” @@ -1195,7 +1167,7 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 20:7 r281 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὅταν τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “at the end of the thousand years” 20:7 y1vw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive λυθήσεται ὁ Σατανᾶς 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated the similar expression in [20:3](../20/03.md). Alternate translation: “God will command the angel who has the key to the abyss to release Satan” 20:8 r282 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὰ ἐν ταῖς τέσσαρσι γωνίαις τῆς γῆς 1 John is speaking as if the **earth** literally had **four corners**. He means the most distant places on the earth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at the most distant places on the earth” -20:8 r283 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism τὰ ἐν ταῖς τέσσαρσι γωνίαις τῆς γῆς 1 John is using the most distant places on the earth to mean those places and everything between them and his location. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “all over the world” +20:8 r283 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism τὰ ἐν ταῖς τέσσαρσι γωνίαις τῆς γῆς 1 John is using the most distant places on the earth to mean those places and everything between them and his location. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “everywhere in the world” 20:8 r284 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names τὸν Γὼγ καὶ Μαγώγ 1 The word **Gog** is the name of a ruler whom the prophet Ezekiel addresses in [Ezekiel 38:1–39:20](../ezk/38/01.md). The word **Magog** is the name of the land that he ruled. 20:8 r285 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸν Γὼγ καὶ Μαγώγ 1 John is using the ruler named **Gog** and his land of **Magog** symbolically to represent the **nations** whom the devil will deceive. He means that these nations will form a great army together and attack the people of God, just as Ezekiel described Gog gathering a great coalition of peoples against Israel. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “forming a great coalition of peoples” 20:8 r286 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo ὧν ὁ ἀριθμὸς αὐτῶν 1 It might seem that the expression **of whom their number** contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you could shorten it. Alternate translation: “whose number” @@ -1204,7 +1176,7 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 20:9 f4t7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τὴν πόλιν τὴν ἠγαπημένην 1 John assumes that his readers will understand that by **the beloved city** he means Jerusalem. You can use that name in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the city of Jerusalem” 20:9 jhq8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification κατέβη πῦρ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ κατέφαγεν αὐτούς 1 John is speaking of this **fire** as if it were a living thing that **came down from heaven** and **devoured** this army by itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God sent fire down from heaven, and it devoured them” 20:9 r288 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor κατέφαγεν αὐτούς 1 John is speaking as if this **fire** literally **devoured** or ate up the nations that attacked the **saints**. He means that the fire destroyed them completely. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “destroyed them completely” -20:10 pif3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὁ διάβολος, ὁ πλανῶν αὐτοὺς, ἐβλήθη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God threw the devil deceiving them” +20:10 pif3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὁ διάβολος, ὁ πλανῶν αὐτοὺς, ἐβλήθη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God threw the devil who was deceiving them” 20:10 r289 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys τοῦ πυρὸς καὶ θείου 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **fire** describes the state of the **sulfur**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “of fiery sulfur” 20:10 r290 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns αὐτοὺς 1 The pronoun **them** refers to the nations whom **the devil** deceived. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the nations” 20:10 t5h2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive βασανισθήσονται 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, the context suggests that it will be God. Alternate translation: “God will torment them” @@ -1221,9 +1193,9 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 20:12 r299 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism καὶ μεγάλους καὶ τοὺς μικρούς 1 The voice is using two kinds of people, **great** and **small**, to mean all kinds of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “people of every status” 20:12 gap2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive βιβλία ἠνοίχθησαν; καὶ ἄλλο βιβλίον ἠνεῴχθη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God opened books, and God opened another book” 20:12 lt7k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐκρίθησαν οἱ νεκροὶ ἐκ τῶν γεγραμμένων ἐν τοῖς βιβλίοις 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God judged the dead from the things he had written in the books” -20:12 r300 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj τοὺς νεκροὺς & τοὺς νεκροὺς 1 John is using the adjective **dead** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who had died … the people who had died” +20:12 r300 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj τοὺς νεκρούς & οἱ νεκροὶ 1 John is using the adjective **dead** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who had died … the people who had died” 20:13 ea2h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ἔδωκεν ἡ θάλασσα τοὺς νεκροὺς τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ, καὶ ὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἔδωκαν τοὺς νεκροὺς τοὺς ἐν αὐτοῖς 1 John is speaking of the **sea** and of **Death** and **Hades** as if these were living things that actively **gave up** the people who had died and who were in them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people who had died who were in the sea and in Death and Hades were not able to hide in those places” -20:13 r301 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj τοὺς νεκρούς τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ & τοὺς νεκρούς τοὺς ἐν αὐτοῖς 1 John is using the adjective **dead** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who had died who were in it … the people who had died who were in them” +20:13 r301 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj τοὺς νεκροὺς τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ & τοὺς νεκροὺς τοὺς ἐν αὐτοῖς 1 John is using the adjective **dead** as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who had died who were in it … the people who had died who were in them” 20:13 r302 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet ὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἔδωκαν τοὺς νεκροὺς τοὺς ἐν αὐτοῖς 1 In this context, **Death** and **Hades** are two names for the same place. John is using the names together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the underworld gave up every single person who had died who was in it” or “not a single person who had died who was in the underworld was able to hide there” 20:13 bg4u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐκρίθησαν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God judged them” 20:14 lw6b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὁ θάνατος καὶ ὁ ᾍδης ἐβλήθησαν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God threw Death and Hades” @@ -1254,9 +1226,9 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 21:7 r315 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun ὁ νικῶν 1 **The one conquering** does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who conquers in the sense that Jesus uses that term in the letters to the seven churches and as John uses it in [20:11](../20/11.md). Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Everyone who conquers” 21:7 r316 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations ἔσομαι αὐτῷ Θεὸς, καὶ αὐτὸς ἔσται μοι υἱός 1 Although the term **son** is masculine, God is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “I will be the God of that person, and that person will be my child” 21:8 r317 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj τοῖς δὲ δειλοῖς, καὶ ἀπίστοις 1 John is using the adjectives **cowardly** and **unbelieving** as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “for cowardly people and unbelieving people” -21:8 r318 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐβδελυγμένοις 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those who do abhorrent things” +21:8 r318 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐβδελυγμένοις 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those who do things that make God abhor them” 21:8 zu27 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys πυρὶ καὶ θείῳ 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **fire** describes the state of the **sulfur**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “with fiery sulfur” -21:8 k1hl rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal ὅ ἐστιν ὁ θάνατος ὁ δεύτερος. 1 If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “which is death number two” +21:8 k1hl rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal ὁ θάνατος ὁ δεύτερος. 1 If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “death number two” 21:9 cf2m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὴν νύμφην, τὴν γυναῖκα τοῦ Ἀρνίου 1 The angel is speaking as if the new Jerusalem were literally a **bride** who was going to marry the **Lamb**. He means that God’s people will now be united forever with Jesus their Savior. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how the people of God will be united forever with Jesus” 21:10 czp2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἀπήνεγκέν με ἐν Πνεύματι ἐπὶ ὄρος μέγα καὶ ὑψηλόν 1 See how you translated the expression **in the Spirit** in [1:10](../01/10.md) and [4:2](../04/02.md). Alternate translation: “as he carried me away to a great and high mountain, the Holy Spirit inspired me so that I could receive further revelation” 21:10 r319 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet μέγα καὶ ὑψηλόν 1 The terms **great** and **high** mean similar things. John is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation, as in UST: “very high” @@ -1272,7 +1244,7 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 21:17 r325 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἐμέτρησεν τὸ τεῖχος αὐτῆς, ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τεσσάρων πηχῶν 1 John is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “he measured her wall and found it to be 144 cubits” 21:17 r326 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τεσσάρων πηχῶν 1 This could be the measurement: (1) of the height of the wall. Alternate translation: “144 cubits high” (2) of the thickness of the wall. Alternate translation: “144 cubits thick” 21:17 eut1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance ἑκατὸν τεσσεράκοντα τεσσάρων πηχῶν 1 A **cubit** was the measurement of the distance from a person’s elbow to his longest fingertip, typically about half a meter or about 18 inches. If it would be helpful in your language, you could give the equivalent in modern measurements. However, you might also wish to retain the ancient measurement, since there may be some symbolic significance to the number 144. Alternate translation: “about 70 meters” or “about 200 feet” -21:17 r327 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μέτρον ἀνθρώπου ὅ ἐστιν ἀγγέλου 1 Since a **cubit** was the distance from an elbow to a fingertip, John needs to specify from what size person the angel determined this measurement. This could mean: (1) that the angel appeared to John in human form and so the distance from his elbow to his fingertip was the same as that of a human. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The angel appeared in human form, and so he used an ordinary human cubit to measure” (2) that the angel may have been a giant compared with humans, but the angel still used a human-sized cubit. Alternate translation: “The angel used the cubit measure that people ordinarily use” +21:17 r327 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μέτρον ἀνθρώπου ὅ ἐστιν ἀγγέλου 1 Since **cubits** were the distance from an elbow to a fingertip, John needs to specify from what size person the angel determined this measurement. This could mean: (1) that the angel appeared to John in human form and so the distance from his elbow to his fingertip was the same as that of a human. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The angel appeared in human form, and so he used an ordinary human cubit to measure” (2) that the angel may have been a giant compared with humans, but the angel still used a human-sized cubit. Alternate translation: “The angel used the cubit measure that people ordinarily use” 21:18 n3hu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile χρυσίον καθαρὸν, ὅμοιον ὑάλῳ καθαρῷ 1 The point of this comparison is that the **gold** from which the city was made was clear and bright, just as **pure glass** has no imperfections that keep it from reflecting light or letting light through. Alternate translation: “is gold that is as clear and bright as pure glass” 21:19 ick5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οἱ θεμέλιοι τοῦ τείχους τῆς πόλεως & κεκοσμημένοι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the context suggests that it was God. Alternate translation: “God had adorned the foundations of the wall of the city” 21:19 r328 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole παντὶ λίθῳ τιμίῳ 1 John says **every** here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “with many different precious stones” @@ -1357,4 +1329,7 @@ front:intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation\n\n## Part 1: General Introdu 22:19 r432 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τῶν γεγραμμένων 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that I have written about” 22:20 y9p2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὁ μαρτυρῶν ταῦτα 1 John assumes that his readers will understand that by **the one testifying** he means Jesus. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Jesus, the one who testifies these things,” 22:20 r433 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate ἀμήν 1 See how you translated the term **Amen** in [1:6](../01/06.md). +22:21 sz61 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἁγίων 1 John is ending the book of Revelation by asking God to bless the **saints**, that is, the people who belong to God. In your translation, use a form that speakers of your language would recognize as a blessing. Alternate translation: “May the Lord Jesus bless all of you who belong to God by giving you his grace" 22:21 r434 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ μετὰ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **grace**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “May the Lord Jesus be gracious to” +2:4 kx98 τὴν ἀγάπην σου τὴν πρώτην ἀφῆκες 1 To stop doing something is spoken of as leaving it **behind**. Here the expression **you have left behind your first love** represents **love** as an object that can be forsaken. Alternate translation: “you have stopped loving me as you did at the beginning” +4:9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage τὰ ζῷα 1 See how you translated **living creatures** in [4:6](../04/06.md).