diff --git a/en_tn_67-REV.tsv b/en_tn_67-REV.tsv index 3b3afb31ae..efd17ac01e 100644 --- a/en_tn_67-REV.tsv +++ b/en_tn_67-REV.tsv @@ -1,5 +1,5 @@ Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote -REV 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 in heaven, and a vision of the Lamb (4:1-11)\n4. The seven seals (6:1-8:1)\n5. The seven trumpets (8:2-13:18)\n6. Worshipers of the Lamb, the martyrs, and the harvest of wrath (14:1-20)\n7. The seven bowls (15:1-18:24)\n8. Worship in heaven (19:1-10)\n9. The Lamb’s judgment, the destruction of the beast, the thousand years, the destruction of Satan, and the final judgment (20:11-15)\n10. The new creation and the new Jerusalem (21:1-22:5)\n11. Jesus’ promise to return, the witness from the angels, John’s closing words, Christ’s message to his church, the invitation and the warning (22:6-21)\n\n### Who wrote the Book of Revelation?\n\nThe author identified himself as John. This was probably the Apostle John. He wrote the Book of Revelation while on the island of Patmos. The Romans exiled John there for teaching people about Jesus.\n\n### What is the Book of Revelation about?\n\nJohn wrote the Book of Revelation to encourage believers to remain faithful even when they are suffering. John described visions he had of Satan and his followers fighting against and killing believers. In the visions God causes many terrible things to happen on the earth to punish wicked people. In the end, Jesus defeats Satan and his followers. Then Jesus comforts those who were faithful. And the believers will live forever with God in the new heavens and earth.\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, “Revelation,” “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,” “The Revelation to Saint John,” or “The Apocalypse of John.” Or they may choose a possibly clearer title, such as “The Things that Jesus Christ Showed to John.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\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 time. Some scholars think John described events happening from his time until the return of Jesus. Other scholars think John described events that will happen in a short period of time just before Christ returns.\n\nTranslators will not need to decide how to interpret the book before they translate it. Translators should leave the prophecies in the tenses that are used in the ULT.\n\n### Are there any other books in the Bible like Revelation?\n\nNo other book of the Bible is like the Book of Revelation. But, passages in 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 they have some imagery and style in common.\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### Does one need to understand the Book of Revelation to translate it?\n\nOne does not need to understand all of the symbols in the Book of Revelation to translate it properly. Translators should not give possible meanings for the symbols or numbers in their translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])\n\n### How are the ideas of “holy” and “sanctify” represented in Revelation in the ULT?\n\nThe scriptures use these words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In translating Revelation into English, the ULT uses the following principles:\n\n* The meaning in two passages indicates moral holiness. Here, the ULT uses “holy.” (See: 14:12; 22:11)\n* Usually the meaning in Revelation indicates a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In these cases, the ULT uses “believer” or “believers.” (See: 5:8; 8:3, 4; 11:18; 13:7; 16:6; 17:6; 18:20, 24; 19:8; 20:9)\n* Sometimes the meaning implies the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULT uses “sanctify,” “set apart,” “dedicated to,” or “reserved for.”\n\nThe UST will often be helpful as translators think about how to represent these ideas in their own versions.\n\n### Periods of time\n\nJohn referred to various periods of time in Revelation. For example, there are many references to forty-two months, seven years, and three and a half days. Some scholars think these time periods are symbolic. Other scholars think these are actual time periods. The translator should treat these time periods as referencing actual periods of time. It is then up to the interpreter to determine their significance or what they may represent.\n\n### The verb "Behold" which occurs often in the book of Revelation\n\n**Behold** is a word that focuses the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say or do. The word literally means “look!” or “see!” However, in this case, the expression denotes the act of seeing figuratively by means of giving notice and attention. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Revelation?\n\nFor the following verses, some modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULT text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.\n\n* “‘I am the alpha and the omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘the one who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty’” (1:8). Some versions add the phrase “the Beginning and the End.”\n* “the elders prostrated themselves and worshiped” (5:14). Some older versions read, “the twenty-four elders prostrated themselves and worshiped the one who lives forever and ever.”\n* “so that a third of it \\[the earth\\] was burned up” (8:7). Some older versions do not include this phrase.\n* “the one who is and who was” (11:17). Some versions add the phrase “and who is to come.”\n* “they are blameless” (14:5). Some versions add the phrase “before the throne of God” (14:5).\n* “the one who is and who was, the Holy One” (16:5). Some older versions read, “O Lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be.”\n* “The nations will walk by the light of that city” (21:24). Some older versions read, “The nations that are saved will walk by the light of that city.”\n* “Blessed are those who wash their robes” (22:14). Some older versions read “Blessed are those who do his commandments.”\n* “God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city” (22:19). Some older versions read, “God will take away his share in the book of life and in the holy city.”\n\n(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) +REV front intro xx8l 0 # Introduction to Revelation

## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the Book of Revelation

1. Opening (1:1-20)
2. Letters to the seven churches (2:1-3:22)
3. Vision of God in heaven, and a vision of the Lamb (4:1-11)
4. The seven seals (6:1-8:1)
5. The seven trumpets (8:2-13:18)
6. Worshipers of the Lamb, the martyrs, and the harvest of wrath (14:1-20)
7. The seven bowls (15:1-18:24)
8. Worship in heaven (19:1-10)
9. The Lamb’s judgment, the destruction of the beast, the thousand years, the destruction of Satan, and the final judgment (20:11-15)
10. The new creation and the new Jerusalem (21:1-22:5)
11. Jesus’ promise to return, the witness from the angels, John’s closing words, Christ’s message to his church, the invitation and the warning (22:6-21)

### Who wrote the Book of Revelation?

The author identified himself as John. This was probably the Apostle John. He wrote the Book of Revelation while on the island of Patmos. The Romans exiled John there for teaching people about Jesus.

### What is the Book of Revelation about?

John wrote the Book of Revelation to encourage believers to remain faithful even when they are suffering. John described visions he had of Satan and his followers fighting against and killing believers. In the visions God causes many terrible things to happen on the earth to punish wicked people. In the end, Jesus defeats Satan and his followers. Then Jesus comforts those who were faithful. And the believers will live forever with God in the new heavens and earth.

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

Translators may choose to call this book by one of its traditional titles, “Revelation,” “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,” “The Revelation to Saint John,” or “The Apocalypse of John.” Or they may choose a possibly clearer title, such as “The Things that Jesus Christ Showed to John.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

### What type of writing is the Book of Revelation?

John 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

### Are the events of Revelation past or future?

Since early Christian times, scholars have interpreted Revelation differently. Some scholars think John described events that happened during his time. Some scholars think John described events happening from his time until the return of Jesus. Other scholars think John described events that will happen in a short period of time just before Christ returns.

Translators will not need to decide how to interpret the book before they translate it. Translators should leave the prophecies in the tenses that are used in the ULT.

### Are there any other books in the Bible like Revelation?

No other book of the Bible is like the Book of Revelation. But, passages in 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 they have some imagery and style in common.

## Part 3: Important Translation Issues

### Does one need to understand the Book of Revelation to translate it?

One does not need to understand all of the symbols in the Book of Revelation to translate it properly. Translators should not give possible meanings for the symbols or numbers in their translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-apocalypticwriting]])

### How are the ideas of “holy” and “sanctify” represented in Revelation in the ULT?

The scriptures use these words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In translating Revelation into English, the ULT uses the following principles:

* The meaning in two passages indicates moral holiness. Here, the ULT uses “holy.” (See: 14:12; 22:11)
* Usually the meaning in Revelation indicates a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. In these cases, the ULT uses “believer” or “believers.” (See: 5:8; 8:3, 4; 11:18; 13:7; 16:6; 17:6; 18:20, 24; 19:8; 20:9)
* Sometimes the meaning implies the idea of someone or something set apart for God alone. In these cases, the ULT uses “sanctify,” “set apart,” “dedicated to,” or “reserved for.”

The UST will often be helpful as translators think about how to represent these ideas in their own versions.

### Periods of time

John referred to various periods of time in Revelation. For example, there are many references to forty-two months, seven years, and three and a half days. Some scholars think these time periods are symbolic. Other scholars think these are actual time periods. The translator should treat these time periods as referencing actual periods of time. It is then up to the interpreter to determine their significance or what they may represent.

### The verb “Behold” which occurs often in the book of Revelation

**Behold** is a word that focuses the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say or do. The word literally means “look!” or “see!” However, in this case, the expression denotes the act of seeing figuratively by means of giving notice and attention. If this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Revelation?

For the following verses, some modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULT text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.

* “‘I am the alpha and the omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘the one who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty’” (1:8). Some versions add the phrase “the Beginning and the End.”
* “the elders prostrated themselves and worshiped” (5:14). Some older versions read, “the twenty-four elders prostrated themselves and worshiped the one who lives forever and ever.”
* “so that a third of it \\[the earth\\] was burned up” (8:7). Some older versions do not include this phrase.
* “the one who is and who was” (11:17). Some versions add the phrase “and who is to come.”
* “they are blameless” (14:5). Some versions add the phrase “before the throne of God” (14:5).
* “the one who is and who was, the Holy One” (16:5). Some older versions read, “O Lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be.”
* “The nations will walk by the light of that city” (21:24). Some older versions read, “The nations that are saved will walk by the light of that city.”
* “Blessed are those who wash their robes” (22:14). Some older versions read “Blessed are those who do his commandments.”
* “God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city” (22:19). Some older versions read, “God will take away his share in the book of life and in the holy city.”

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) REV 1 intro u1e2 0 # Revelation 1 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

### Outline of Chapter One of Revelation

I. The Introduction to Revelation

A. The Prologue (1:1-8)

1. The Preface (1:1-3)
2. The Address and the Doxology (1:4-6)
3. The Book’s Theme (1:7-8)

II. John’s Vision of Christ

B. John’s Appointment to Write the Book of Revelation (1:9-20)

1. The Initial Appointment to Write (1:9-11)
2. The Source of the Appointment (1:12-16)
3. The Appointment Repeated and Elaborated (1:17-20)

This chapter explains how the Book of Revelation records the vision John received on the island of Patmos.

Some 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 quoted words in verse 7.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Seven churches

John wrote this book to seven actual churches in Asia Minor, which is now the country of Turkey.

### White

The Bible often speaks of something that belongs to a person as being “white.” This is metaphor and metonym for that person living rightly and pleasing God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

### “Him who is, and who was, and who is to come”

God exists now. He has always existed. He will always exist. Your language may have a different way of saying this.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Blood

Blood is a metonym for death. Jesus “has released us from our sins by his blood.” John means that Jesus saved us from our sins by dying for us. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “He is coming with the clouds”

Jesus went into the clouds when he went up to heaven after God raised him from the dead. When Jesus returns, he will also be “with the clouds.” It is not clear whether 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.

### “One like a son of man”

This refers to Jesus. You should translate the words “son of man” using the same words as you did in the Gospels for when Jesus called himself the “Son of Man.”

### “The angels of the seven churches”

The word “angels” here can also mean “messengers.” This might refer to heavenly beings, or to the messengers or leaders of these seven churches. John uses the same word “angel” (singular) in verse 1 and in many other places throughout the book. Your translation should also use the same word. REV 1 1 rkh9 figs-abstractnouns ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 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” or “The matters that God revealed to Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) REV 1 1 kv41 figs-possession ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 General Information: This phrase could mean: (1) this book is **revelation** that came to Jesus from God. Alternate translation: “revelation to Jesus Christ” (2) this book is **revelation** that came from Jesus to the author of the book, namely John. Alternate translation: “revelation from Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) @@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ REV 1 3 t0q3 τῆς προφητείας 1 Here, **this prophecy** refers to REV 1 3 h37b figs-activepassive τηροῦντες τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ γεγραμμένα 1 obey what is written in it If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “who keep what John has written in it” or “who obey what they read in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) REV 1 3 dwt8 figs-explicit ὁ γὰρ καιρὸς ἐγγύς 1 the time is near Here, **the time** refers specifically to the appointed time when God will make the prophecies in this book come true. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the time for the fulfillment of what is written in this book is near” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) REV 1 3 myem figs-metaphor ὁ γὰρ καιρὸς ἐγγύς 1 Here, John speaks figuratively of **time** as if it could be **near** something. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the time will be soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -REV 1 4 vw1t figs-123person Ἰωάννης 1 General Information: In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, and they would refer to themselves in the third person. If that would be confusing 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])\n +REV 1 4 vw1t figs-123person Ἰωάννης 1 General Information: In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, and they would refer to themselves in the third person. If that would be confusing 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) REV 1 4 apl8 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 that would be confusing in your language, you could use the second person. Alternate translation: “to you who are members of the seven churches that are in Asia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) REV 1 4 y9yh translate-blessing χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 May grace be to you and peace from the one who is … and from the seven spirits 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 give you grace and peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing]]) REV 1 4 lsun figs-abstractnouns χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ ὁ ὢν, καὶ ὁ ἦν, καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas of **grace** and **peace**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “May the one who is, and who was, and who is coming treat you kindly and give you peaceful relationships” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) @@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ REV 1 17 vz4u writing-pronouns καὶ ἔθηκεν τὴν δεξιὰν αὐ REV 1 17 jw5r translate-symaction καὶ ἔθηκεν τὴν δεξιὰν αὐτοῦ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ 1 He placed his right hand on me Here, the phrase **and he placed his right hand on me** signifies a cultural gesture or symbolic action that expresses comfort and assurance for the person who is need of encouragement at the moment of fear. The symbolic action has the accompanying verbal expression of **Do not be afraid** so as to illustrate the significance and symbolism of the cultural gesture. Alternate translation: “and he touched me with his right hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) REV 1 17 uc3d figs-merism ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος 1 I am the first and the last Here, **the first and the last** refers to the eternal nature of Jesus. 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 [verse 8](../01/08.md). If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the one who existed before everything and will exist after everything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) REV 1 18 zm05 καὶ ὁ ζῶν καὶ ἐγενόμην νεκρὸς 1 Here, **the one who lives** refers to God. It could refer to: (1) God possessing eternal life in himself. Alternate translation: “the living one” (2) God being the source of life. Alternate translation: “the one who gives life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -REV 1 18 cc7c figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 See how you translated **behold** in [Revelation 1:7](../01/07.md). Here, it is more natural to avoid the usual "pay attention" in the UST. The translator should probably be less literal in the translation here of **behold** due to the unique context (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +REV 1 18 cc7c figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 See how you translated **behold** in [Revelation 1:7](../01/07.md). Here, it is more natural to avoid the usual “pay attention” in the UST. The translator should probably be less literal in the translation here of **behold** due to the unique context (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 1 18 a4e2 figs-metaphor ἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου 1 I have the keys of death and of Hades John uses **keys** here figuratively 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 this might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have the power over death and over Hades” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 1 18 pgql 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) REV 1 18 acrx translate-transliterate τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾍδου 1 **Hades** here refers to the world of people who have died and is commonly transliterated directly from the Greek language, as in the ULT. **Hades** signifies the place or location where deceased individuals go after they die within the cultural world of Greek mythology. The distinction between death and **Hades** is not great, but there is a slight difference. Death indicates the state of being dead. However, **Hades** represents the place where the spirits of dead people reside. Thus, the translator might indicate the slight differences between the two words in this verse here when translating the expression. Alternate translation: “of death’s state and of death’s location” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]]) @@ -96,15 +96,15 @@ REV 1 20 d6ez writing-symlanguage τῶν ἑπτὰ ἀστέρων 1 stars See REV 1 20 fl5d writing-symlanguage λυχνίας 1 lampstands See how you translated this word in [verse 12](../01/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]]) REV 1 20 eek9 figs-explicit ἄγγελοι τῶν ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησιῶν 1 the angels of the seven churches 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 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 [verse 11](../01/11.md). The translator should retain the literal transliteration of **angel** to allow for both possible interpretations, but he should give a marginal note to explain the two possible understandings. Alternate translation: “the seven messengers of the seven churches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) REV 1 20 e25n τῶν ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησιῶν 1 seven churches See how you translated this in [verse 11](../01/11.md). -REV 2 intro zps2 0 # Revelation 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n### Outline of Chapters Two and Three of Revelation\n\nI. The Current Condition of the Churches (2:1-3:22)\n\nA. The Letter to Ephesus (2:1-7)\n\nB. The Letter to Smyrna (2:8-11)\n\n\nC. The Letter to Pergamum (2:12-17)\n\n\nD. The Letter to Thyatira (2:18-29)\n\n\nE. The Letter to Sardis (3:1-6)\n\n\nF. The Letter to Philadelphia (3:7-13)\n\n\nG. The Letter to Laodicea (3:14-22)\n\n\nChapters 2 and 3 together are usually called the “seven letters to the seven churches.” You may wish to set each letter apart. The reader can then easily see that they are separate letters.\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 quoted words of verse 27.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n\n### The personal knowledge that Jesus expresses about the churches\n\nJesus uses the phrase **I know** to express his personal familiarity and knowledge at times of some of the churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three. The phrase **I know** is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present situation and the types of circumstances that the Christians experienced among the various churches mentioned in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation. 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 affirms (see Revelation 3:1,15). Thus, the expression **I know** affirms more than simply a knowledge of circumstances on the part of Jesus, but 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 for his readership 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 for the Christians which are addressed by Jesus (see Revelation chapters two and three). Alternate translation: "I am aware of the fact that" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])\n\n### The use of the second person singular to refer to a plural group of people\n\nThe second person pronouns and the second person individuals addressed throughout chapters two and three of the book of Revelation are often singular in their number, but they are plural in their references. Technically, every message to each of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three are addressed to a singular, individual **angel**, so that one would naturally expect singular references in the language of the letters. Thus, many of the second person references in the verbs and the pronouns, although singular in their literal sense, are plural in their implied references to the believers of the church that receives the message in the letter. If the singular form of the second person address and the second person verbal references would not be natural in your language, then perhaps the translator could use the plural forms of the second person, or “you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])\n\n### Poverty and wealth\n\nThe Christians in Smyrna were poor because they did not have much money. But they were rich spiritually because God would reward them for their suffering. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])\n\n### “The devil is about to”\n\nPeople were about to take some of the Christians in Smyrna and throw them into prison and even kill some of them ([Revelation 2:10](../rev/02/10.md)). John does not say who these people were. But he does speak of them harming the Christians as if Satan himself were harming them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])\n\n### Balaam, Balak, and Jezebel\n\nBalaam, Balak, and Jezebel were people who lived long before Jesus was born. They all tried to harm the Israelites either by cursing them or by making them want to stop obeying God.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### “Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches”\n\nThe writer knew that almost all of his readers had physical ears. The ear here is a metonym for hearing what God says and desiring to obey him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### “The angel of the church”\n\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 [Revelation 1:20](../rev/01/20.md).\n\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 verses. 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 [Revelation 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. Alternate translation: “says this message” or "says the following words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) +REV 2 intro zps2 0 # Revelation 2 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

### Outline of Chapters Two and Three of Revelation

I. The Current Condition of the Churches (2:1-3:22)

A. The Letter to Ephesus (2:1-7)

B. The Letter to Smyrna (2:8-11)


C. The Letter to Pergamum (2:12-17)


D. The Letter to Thyatira (2:18-29)


E. The Letter to Sardis (3:1-6)


F. The Letter to Philadelphia (3:7-13)


G. The Letter to Laodicea (3:14-22)


Chapters 2 and 3 together are usually called the “seven letters to the seven churches.” You may wish to set each letter apart. The reader can then easily see that they are separate letters.

Some 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 quoted words of verse 27.

## Special concepts in this chapter


### The personal knowledge that Jesus expresses about the churches

Jesus uses the phrase **I know** to express his personal familiarity and knowledge at times of some of the churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three. The phrase **I know** is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present situation and the types of circumstances that the Christians experienced among the various churches mentioned in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation. 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 affirms (see Revelation 3:1,15). Thus, the expression **I know** affirms more than simply a knowledge of circumstances on the part of Jesus, but 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 for his readership 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 for the Christians which are addressed by Jesus (see Revelation chapters two and three). Alternate translation: “I am aware of the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

### The use of the second person singular to refer to a plural group of people

The second person pronouns and the second person individuals addressed throughout chapters two and three of the book of Revelation are often singular in their number, but they are plural in their references. Technically, every message to each of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three are addressed to a singular, individual **angel**, so that one would naturally expect singular references in the language of the letters. Thus, many of the second person references in the verbs and the pronouns, although singular in their literal sense, are plural in their implied references to the believers of the church that receives the message in the letter. If the singular form of the second person address and the second person verbal references would not be natural in your language, then perhaps the translator could use the plural forms of the second person, or “you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])

### Poverty and wealth

The Christians in Smyrna were poor because they did not have much money. But they were rich spiritually because God would reward them for their suffering. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]])

### “The devil is about to”

People were about to take some of the Christians in Smyrna and throw them into prison and even kill some of them ([Revelation 2:10](../rev/02/10.md)). John does not say who these people were. But he does speak of them harming the Christians as if Satan himself were harming them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

### Balaam, Balak, and Jezebel

Balaam, Balak, and Jezebel were people who lived long before Jesus was born. They all tried to harm the Israelites either by cursing them or by making them want to stop obeying God.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### “Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches”

The writer knew that almost all of his readers had physical ears. The ear here is a metonym for hearing what God says and desiring to obey him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “The angel of the church”


The 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 [Revelation 1:20](../rev/01/20.md).


### “Says these things”

The 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 verses. 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 [Revelation 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. Alternate translation: “says this message” or “says the following words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) REV 2 1 mn8x translate-names τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Ἐφέσῳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 General Information: This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in **Ephesus**. **Ephesus** 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 [Revelation 1:11](../01/11.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) REV 2 1 kq5r figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 the angel 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 [Revelation 1:20](../01/20.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -REV 2 1 mz7l 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) +REV 2 1 mz7l 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) REV 2 1 q1ck 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 one. If this might confuse your readers, you could say the intended reference to Jesus 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) REV 2 1 i92a writing-symlanguage ἀστέρας 1 stars These **stars** are symbols. The **stars** represent the seven angels of the seven churches. Note the translations of **stars** in [Revelation 1:16](../01/16.md) and [Revelation 1:20](../01/20.md). The figure of speech is that of symbolic language which is common to the Book of Revelation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]]) REV 2 1 ugs3 writing-symlanguage τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσῶν 1 lampstands The **golden lampstands** are symbols that represent the seven churches, or seven assemblies of believers. See how you translated **lampstands** in [Revelation 1:12](../01/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]]) REV 2 2 mm3q 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 two introduction. -REV 2 2 jg1u figs-abstractnouns τὸν κόπον 1 I know … your hard labor and your patient endurance If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **labor**, you can express it with the verb “to work”. Alternate translation: “that you laboured very hard” or "that you worked very hard" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +REV 2 2 jg1u figs-abstractnouns τὸν κόπον 1 I know … your hard labor and your patient endurance If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **labor**, you can express it with the verb “to work”. Alternate translation: “that you laboured very hard” or “that you worked very hard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) REV 2 2 iwe7 figs-abstractnouns τὴν ὑπομονήν 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **endurance**, you can express it with the verb “endure.” Alternate translation: “that you patiently suffered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) REV 2 2 l6mv 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 The second person pronouns and the second person individuals addressed throughout this verse and throughout chapters two and three are often singular in their number, but they are plural in their references. Technically, every message to each of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three are addressed to a singular, individual **angel** (see the previous verse), so that one would naturally expect singular references in the language of the letters. Thus, many of the second person references in the verbs and the pronouns, although singular in their literal sense, are plural in their implied references to the believers of the church that receives the message in the letter. If the singular form of the second person address and the second person verbal references would not be natural in your language, then perhaps the translator could use the plural forms of the second person, or “you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]]) REV 2 2 sxbf 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: “wayward people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) @@ -122,58 +122,58 @@ REV 2 5 j8p5 writing-symlanguage ἔρχομαί σοι καὶ κινήσω τ REV 2 6 g8gn 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 this might confuse your readers, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “But this is to your credit” or “But here is a good thing you are doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 2 6 cvi5 translate-names τῶν Νικολαϊτῶν 1 Nicolaitans 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) REV 2 7 s3qg figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Let the one who has an ear, hear 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 **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. 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -REV 2 7 tidg 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" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +REV 2 7 tidg 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) REV 2 7 wzg1 figs-metaphor τῷ νικῶντι 1 the one who conquers **To the one who conquers** refers to anyone **who conquers**, or is victorious throughout obstacles and difficulties in the Christian life. 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 2 7 ng2d figs-possession ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς 1 John is using the possessive form of **tree** to describe the **tree** as giving **life**. The imagery recalls Genesis 3:22’s reference to **the tree of life** in the Garden of Eden. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the tree that grants life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) REV 2 7 rmf5 figs-transliterate τῷ Παραδείσῳ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the paradise of God 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 garden of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-transliterate]]) REV 2 8 is3w translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Σμύρνῃ ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 General Information: 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 [Revelation 1:11](../01/11.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -REV 2 8 ie9x figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 the angel See how you translated **angel** in [Revelation 1:20](../01/20.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n -REV 2 8 nvn1 writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [Revelation 2:1](../02/01.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])\n -REV 2 8 huo8 figs-123person ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ὃς ἐγένετο νεκρὸς καὶ ἔζησεν 1 Jesus is referring to himself in the third person here. If this is confusing 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" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) +REV 2 8 ie9x figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 the angel See how you translated **angel** in [Revelation 1:20](../01/20.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +REV 2 8 nvn1 writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [Revelation 2:1](../02/01.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) +REV 2 8 huo8 figs-123person ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, ὃς ἐγένετο νεκρὸς καὶ ἔζησεν 1 Jesus is referring to himself in the third person here. If this is confusing 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) REV 2 8 k7qk figs-merism ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος 1 the first and the last Here, the **first and the last** refers to the eternal nature of Jesus Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:17](../01/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) REV 2 8 t5l1 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 [Revelation 1:18](../01/18.md). However, note that there are slight differences between this verse and [Revelation 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) REV 2 9 s6ja figs-youcrowd σου 1 See how you translated second person pronouns and references in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]]) REV 2 9 p6hp figs-abstractnouns τὴν θλῖψιν 1 I know your sufferings and your poverty If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **affliction**, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “I know how you have suffered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) REV 2 9 ch4u figs-abstractnouns τὴν πτωχείαν 1 If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **poverty**, you can express it as a verb. Alternate translation: “how poor you are” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -REV 2 9 lhuk 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +REV 2 9 lhuk 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 2 9 f6bp figs-abstractnouns τὴν βλασφημίαν ἐκ τῶν λεγόντων Ἰουδαίους εἶναι ἑαυτούς 1 I know the slander of those who say they are Jews If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **slander**, you can 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -REV 2 9 qf9p figs-irony καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν 1 but they are not Here, **but they are not** is irony in the sense of the fact 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 were actually God's chosen race. Alternate translation: “but they are not real Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) +REV 2 9 qf9p figs-irony καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν 1 but they are not Here, **but they are not** is irony in the sense of the fact 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 were actually God’s chosen race. Alternate translation: “but they are not real Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) REV 2 9 a4yu figs-metaphor συναγωγὴ τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 a synagogue of Satan Here, **a synagogue of Satan** is a metaphor describing Jewish people in Smyrna that were slandering the Christians in the local church. The metaphor uses the imagery of the word **synagogue** as a place to gather together Jews 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -REV 2 9 hv3o 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 this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: "a synagogue that follows Satan" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) +REV 2 9 hv3o 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 this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “a synagogue that follows Satan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) REV 2 10 a9ue figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 See how you translated **Behold** in [Revelation 1:7](../01/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 2 10 agx4 figs-idiom μέλλει βάλλειν ὁ διάβολος ἐξ ὑμῶν εἰς φυλακὴν, ἵνα πειρασθῆτε 1 The devil is about to throw some of you into prison Here, **to throw** is a idiomatic expression for putting someone into prison or jail. The enemies of the Christians will test them, not God himself. Translators should avoid making the impression to their readers that God is in league with Satan as an author of evil or temptation. Alternate translation: “the devil will soon cause others to put some of you in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) REV 2 10 tlvz figs-youcrowd ἐξ ὑμῶν 1 See how you translated the second person pronouns and references in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]]) -REV 2 10 snk8 figs-metaphor  ἡμερῶν δέκα 1 Here, **ten days** is probably metaphorical for a short time or limited amount of time for testing. Daniel 1:14 is most likely the source of the expression for a short time of testing. The translator should not avoid, however, rendering the time as a literal length of time of ten days, in contrast to some unspecified amount of time in a metaphorical expression. Alternate translation: "for a short time of testing" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +REV 2 10 snk8 figs-metaphor  ἡμερῶν δέκα 1 Here, **ten days** is probably metaphorical for a short time or limited amount of time for testing. Daniel 1:14 is most likely the source of the expression for a short time of testing. The translator should not avoid, however, rendering the time as a literal length of time of ten days, in contrast to some unspecified amount of time in a metaphorical expression. Alternate translation: “for a short time of testing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 2 10 f5t1 figs-metaphor  γίνου πιστὸς ἄχρι θανάτου 1 Be faithful until death The use of the word **until** does not mean that you 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” -REV 2 10 zhj8 figs-possession τὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς 1 the crown of life Here, **the crown of life** refers as a metaphor to the reward of eternal life itself. Jesus is using the 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: "life as your crown" or "life as your wreath" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) +REV 2 10 zhj8 figs-possession τὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς 1 the crown of life Here, **the crown of life** refers as a metaphor to the reward of eternal life itself. Jesus is using the 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: “life as your crown” or “life as your wreath” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) REV 2 11 g7zq figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Let the one who has an ear, hear See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) REV 2 11 dc3n figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Let the one … hear See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) -REV 2 11 s9d2 figs-metaphor ὁ νικῶν 1 The one who conquers See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers" or "All who conquer" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -REV 2 11 q6w2 figs-euphemism οὐ μὴ ἀδικηθῇ ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου 1 will not be hurt by the second death 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" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) -REV 2 11 ayw1 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 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" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +REV 2 11 s9d2 figs-metaphor ὁ νικῶν 1 The one who conquers See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +REV 2 11 q6w2 figs-euphemism οὐ μὴ ἀδικηθῇ ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου 1 will not be hurt by the second death 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) +REV 2 11 ayw1 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 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 2 12 ll17 translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Περγάμῳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 General Information: 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, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11](../01/11.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) REV 2 12 il7c figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 Pergamum See how you translated **angel** in [Revelation 1:20](../01/20.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) REV 2 12 kf91 writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [Revelation 2:1](../02/01.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) REV 2 12 f6s5 writing-symlanguage τὴν ῥομφαίαν τὴν δίστομον τὴν ὀξεῖαν 1 the sword with two sharp edges See how you translated this type of **sword** and its imagery in [Revelation 1:16](../01/16.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]]) -REV 2 13 ltx3 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 which 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 which the Christians experienced while living in Pergamum. See the explanatory note for **I know** in the chapter two introduction contents. Alternate translation: "I know where you dwell" or "I know where you have your home" \n(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -REV 2 13 ryn6 figs-possession ὁ θρόνος τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 Satan’s throne Here, **the throne of Satan** means the place that "Satan controls and gives power to his throne". Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the place where Satan has power and control with a reference to a throne for describing the rule of Satan as a metonym. There is most likely a local reference to a giant altar to the god Zeus that existed in Pergamum at this time. Alternate translation: "where Satan rules" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) -REV 2 13 fxzt figs-idiom κρατεῖς τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 Here, **you hold tightly to my name** is a idiomatic expression meaning to firmly believe in the name of Jesus. Alternate translation: “you firmly believe in my name" or "you have a strong faith in my name" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +REV 2 13 ltx3 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 which 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 which the Christians experienced while living in Pergamum. See the explanatory note for **I know** in the chapter two introduction contents. Alternate translation: “I know where you dwell” or “I know where you have your home” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +REV 2 13 ryn6 figs-possession ὁ θρόνος τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 Satan’s throne Here, **the throne of Satan** means the place that “Satan controls and gives power to his throne”. Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the place where Satan has power and control with a reference to a throne for describing the rule of Satan as a metonym. There is most likely a local reference to a giant altar to the god Zeus that existed in Pergamum at this time. Alternate translation: “where Satan rules” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) +REV 2 13 fxzt figs-idiom κρατεῖς τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 Here, **you hold tightly to my name** is a idiomatic expression meaning to firmly believe in the name of Jesus. Alternate translation: “you firmly believe in my name” or “you have a strong faith in my name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) REV 2 13 tf7c figs-metonymy τὸ ὄνομά μου 1 you hold on tightly to my name Here, **name** is a metonym for the person of Jesus. See how you translated the phrase **my name** in [Revelation 2:3](../02/03.md). Alternate translation: “you hold tightly to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) REV 2 13 x6j6 figs-abstractnouns οὐκ ἠρνήσω τὴν πίστιν μου 1 you did not deny your faith in me If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **faith**, you can express it positively with the verb “believe.” Alternate translation: “you continued to tell people that you believe in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -REV 2 13 da1q figs-possession τὴν πίστιν μου 1 Here, **{your} faith in me** means "your faith that places trust in me." Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the faith that the Christians had in Jesus as the object of their belief. Alternate translation: "your belief in me" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) +REV 2 13 da1q figs-possession τὴν πίστιν μου 1 Here, **{your} faith in me** means “your faith that places trust in me.” Jesus is using the possessive form to describe the faith that the Christians had in Jesus as the object of their belief. Alternate translation: “your belief in me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) REV 2 13 lu4b translate-names Ἀντιπᾶς 1 Antipas **Antipas** is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -REV 2 13 phzk 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 the 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" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) -REV 2 13 xgge figs-activepassive ὃς ἀπεκτάνθη 1 Here, **who was killed** can be changed from the awkward passive form in some languages. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: "whom those in your city killed" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -REV 2 13 biue figs-youcrowd παρ’ ὑμῖν 1 See how you translated second person pronouns and references in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])\n -REV 2 13 v5lv figs-idiom ὅπου ὁ Σατανᾶς κατοικεῖ 1 Here, **where Satan lives** is an idiomatic expression that basically means where Satan rules. For this idiom and metaphorical imagery to describe Satan's rule in Pergamum, see the note above for the phrase **the throne of Satan** in this same verse here. Alternate translation: "where Satan has power" or "where Satan rules" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +REV 2 13 phzk 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 the 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) +REV 2 13 xgge figs-activepassive ὃς ἀπεκτάνθη 1 Here, **who was killed** can be changed from the awkward passive form in some languages. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom those in your city killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +REV 2 13 biue figs-youcrowd παρ’ ὑμῖν 1 See how you translated second person pronouns and references in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]]) +REV 2 13 v5lv figs-idiom ὅπου ὁ Σατανᾶς κατοικεῖ 1 Here, **where Satan lives** is an idiomatic expression that basically means where Satan rules. For this idiom and metaphorical imagery to describe Satan’s rule in Pergamum, see the note above for the phrase **the throne of Satan** in this same verse here. Alternate translation: “where Satan has power” or “where Satan rules” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) REV 2 14 wu6n figs-ellipsis ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ ὀλίγα 1 But I have a few things against you See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) -REV 2 14 rd44 figs-metaphor κρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν Βαλαάμ 1 who hold tightly to the teaching of Balaam, who Here, **hold tightly** is an idiomatic expression for either: (1) people who teach what **Balaam** taught. (2) people who do what **Balaam** taught. The second option seems preferable in this context for the metaphor, as seen in the UST rendition. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression in the target language. Alternate translation: "some who do the teaching of Balaam" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +REV 2 14 rd44 figs-metaphor κρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν Βαλαάμ 1 who hold tightly to the teaching of Balaam, who Here, **hold tightly** is an idiomatic expression for either: (1) people who teach what **Balaam** taught. (2) people who do what **Balaam** taught. The second option seems preferable in this context for the metaphor, as seen in the UST rendition. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression in the target language. Alternate translation: “some who do the teaching of Balaam” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 2 14 j3nc translate-names τῷ Βαλὰκ 1 Balak **Balak** was the name of a king in the Old Testament (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -REV 2 14 hg4g figs-metaphor βαλεῖν σκάνδαλον 1 who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel Here, **to throw a stumbling block** is a metaphor for the act of leading and, thereby, causing people to sin. Therefore, this expression speaks of an action or behavior that leads people to sin as if it were a stone that sits in a road over which people stumble. The Greek word for **stumbling block** also can mean the trigger peg in an animal trap so that the phrase expresses the idea of setting a trap. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression in the target language. Alternate translation: "to set a trap" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +REV 2 14 hg4g figs-metaphor βαλεῖν σκάνδαλον 1 who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel Here, **to throw a stumbling block** is a metaphor for the act of leading and, thereby, causing people to sin. Therefore, this expression speaks of an action or behavior that leads people to sin as if it were a stone that sits in a road over which people stumble. The Greek word for **stumbling block** also can mean the trigger peg in an animal trap so that the phrase expresses the idea of setting a trap. If this might confuse your readers, you could use an equivalent expression in the target language. Alternate translation: “to set a trap” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 2 14 mu6e 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: “the things that people have sacrificed to idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) REV 2 14 rvjm 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) -REV 2 14 u19f figs-metaphor πορνεῦσαι 1 be sexually immoral Here, **to be sexually immoral** literally means 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, one could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: "to sin sexually" or "to commit sexual sin" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -REV 2 15 jmzp figs-metaphor κρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν 1 See how you the phrase **holding tightly to the teaching** in the previous verse. Alternate translation: "doing the teaching" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +REV 2 14 u19f figs-metaphor πορνεῦσαι 1 be sexually immoral Here, **to be sexually immoral** literally means 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, one could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “to sin sexually” or “to commit sexual sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +REV 2 15 jmzp figs-metaphor κρατοῦντας τὴν διδαχὴν 1 See how you the phrase **holding tightly to the teaching** in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “doing the teaching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 2 15 hc85 translate-names Νικολαϊτῶν 1 Nicolaitans See how you translated **Nicolaitans** in [Revelation 2:6](../02/06.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) REV 2 16 f8dy figs-ellipsis εἰ δὲ μή 1 If you do not, If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can supply the verb from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “If you do not repent, I” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) REV 2 16 qict figs-metaphor ἔρχομαί 1 See how you translate this word in [Revelation 2:5](../02/05.md). Alternate translation: “I will punish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) @@ -182,12 +182,12 @@ REV 2 16 j52q writing-symlanguage ἐν τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ τοῦ στόμ REV 2 17 lm1j figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Let the one who has an ear, hear See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) REV 2 17 m867 figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Let the one … hear See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) REV 2 17 i61b figs-metaphor τῷ νικῶντι 1 To the one who conquers See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “To the one who gains victory” or “To the one who overcomes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -REV 2 17 ngjb 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 (see the UST). Alternate translation: “manna that I have hid" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -REV 2 17 yeqt 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**. Hence, this note would suggest that the translator should not attempt to render **a white stone** in any way that seeks to be culturally relevant, since commentators are not exactly sure what the phrase signifies first in the original context here (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])\n -REV 2 17 l59r figs-activepassive 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**. 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 (see the UST). Alternate translation: “a new name that I wrote" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -REV 2 18 b83m translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Θυατείροις ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 General Information: This is the beginning of the message to the angel of the church in **Thyatira**. **Thyatira** \nis 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 [Revelation 1:11](../01/11.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +REV 2 17 ngjb 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 (see the UST). Alternate translation: “manna that I have hid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +REV 2 17 yeqt 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**. Hence, this note would suggest that the translator should not attempt to render **a white stone** in any way that seeks to be culturally relevant, since commentators are not exactly sure what the phrase signifies first in the original context here (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +REV 2 17 l59r figs-activepassive 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**. 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 (see the UST). Alternate translation: “a new name that I wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +REV 2 18 b83m translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Θυατείροις ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 General Information: 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, which existed in southwestern Asia Minor when John wrote the book of Revelation. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11](../01/11.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) REV 2 18 nd4m figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 the angel See how you translated **angel** in [Revelation 1:20](../01/20.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -REV 2 18 j3xp writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [Revelation 2:1](../02/01.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])\n +REV 2 18 j3xp writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [Revelation 2:1](../02/01.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) REV 2 18 q3w9 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Son of God **Son of God** is an important title for Jesus (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) REV 2 18 zbx5 figs-simile ὁ ἔχων τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ ὡς φλόγα πυρός 1 who has eyes like a flame of fire Here, Jesus has **eyes** that are full of light so that they resemble **a flame of fire**. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:14](../01/14.md). Alternate translation: “whose eyes glow like a flame of fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) REV 2 18 p86i figs-simile οἱ πόδες αὐτοῦ ὅμοιοι χαλκολιβάνῳ 1 feet like polished bronze 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 [Revelation 1:15](../01/15.md). Alternate translation: “whose feet are very shiny like polished bronze” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) @@ -195,33 +195,33 @@ REV 2 19 oum6 οἶδά σου τὰ ἔργα 1 See how you translated the cl REV 2 19 vj80 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 [Revelation 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, or “you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]]) REV 2 19 bx33 figs-abstractnouns τὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου 1 your love and faith and service and your patient endurance If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun **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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) REV 2 19 y2mu figs-explicit τὴν ἀγάπην, καὶ τὴν πίστιν, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν, καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου 1 your love and faith and service and your patient endurance If your readers would misunderstand these abstract nouns in the clause then you can state the implied objects of these terms explicitly. Alternate translation: “how you have loved me and others, trusted me, served me and others, and endured troubles patiently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -REV 2 19 pi0k τὰ ἔργα σου, τὰ ἔσχατα πλείονα τῶν πρώτων 1 Here, the clause **your last works {are} greater than {your} first {works}** presents a comparison of previous labor or efforts to the current labor or efforts of the believers. If your readers would misunderstand the noun **works**, you can express it with the verb "to work" or "to do". Alternate translation: "you do more now than you did at first" +REV 2 19 pi0k τὰ ἔργα σου, τὰ ἔσχατα πλείονα τῶν πρώτων 1 Here, the clause **your last works {are} greater than {your} first {works}** presents a comparison of previous labor or efforts to the current labor or efforts of the believers. If your readers would misunderstand the noun **works**, you can express it with the verb “to work” or “to do”. Alternate translation: “you do more now than you did at first” REV 2 20 wbu1 figs-ellipsis ἀλλ’ ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ 1 But I have this against you See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) REV 2 20 f6e8 figs-metaphor τὴν γυναῖκα Ἰεζάβελ 1 the woman Jezebel, who 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. Alternate translation: “the woman who is just like Jezebel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 2 20 mnom translate-unknown πορνεῦσαι, καὶ φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα 1 See how you translated a similar clause with the same phrases in [Revelation 2:14](../02/14.md). It is possible to interpret both phrases as metaphors for idolatry or sinful actions in general (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) -REV 2 21 g7yh grammar-connect-logic-goal ἔδωκα αὐτῇ χρόνον ἵνα μετανοήσῃ 1 I gave her time to repent Here, **I gave her time so that she might repent** represents a purpose clause. The word **so that** introduces 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" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) +REV 2 21 g7yh grammar-connect-logic-goal ἔδωκα αὐτῇ χρόνον ἵνα μετανοήσῃ 1 I gave her time to repent Here, **I gave her time so that she might repent** represents a purpose clause. The word **so that** introduces 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) REV 2 21 rtai figs-idiom τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς 1 Here, **her immorality** expresses the idea of impure passion. The word **immorality** always applies to females. The manner of expressing female immorality varies greatly in many languages. Use a natural idiom for expressing female immorality in your target language (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) REV 2 22 kpoe figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 See how you translated **Behold** in [Revelation 1:7](../01/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 2 22 twa2 figs-metonymy βάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην…εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην 1 I will throw her onto a sickbed … into great suffering 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 metonym for 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 idiomatic 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) REV 2 22 lj36 figs-metaphor βάλλω αὐτὴν εἰς κλίνην, καὶ τοὺς μοιχεύοντας μετ’ αὐτῆς εἰς θλῖψιν μεγάλην 1 those who commit adultery with her into great suffering 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 2 22 g53b figs-explicit ἐὰν μὴ μετανοήσουσιν ἐκ τῶν ἔργων αὐτῆς 1 unless they repent of her deeds This implies that they have participated with her in her wicked behavior. By repenting of **her deeds**, they also **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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) REV 2 23 cn5s figs-metaphor τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς 1 her children Jesus spoke of the disciples of Jezebel as if they were **her children**. Alternate translation: “her followers” or “her disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -REV 2 23 kx34 figs-idiom τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς ἀποκτενῶ ἐν θανάτῳ 1 I will strike her children dead Here, **I will strike her children dead** expresses the idea of killing the disciples of Jezebel. The phrase implies death by a swift and ruthless action. The idiomatic language suggests the idea of killing by means of a pestilence. Alternate translation: “I will slay her children” or "I will exterminate her children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -REV 2 23 zm6t figs-metonymy νεφροὺς καὶ καρδίας 1 thoughts and hearts The terms **kidneys** and **hearts** are metonyms that represents feelings and desires in the idiomatic language. Alternate translation: “what people think and want” or "secret thoughts and desires" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +REV 2 23 kx34 figs-idiom τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς ἀποκτενῶ ἐν θανάτῳ 1 I will strike her children dead Here, **I will strike her children dead** expresses the idea of killing the disciples of Jezebel. The phrase implies death by a swift and ruthless action. The idiomatic language suggests the idea of killing by means of a pestilence. Alternate translation: “I will slay her children” or “I will exterminate her children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +REV 2 23 zm6t figs-metonymy νεφροὺς καὶ καρδίας 1 thoughts and hearts The terms **kidneys** and **hearts** are metonyms that represents feelings and desires in the idiomatic language. Alternate translation: “what people think and want” or “secret thoughts and desires” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) REV 2 23 bgs9 figs-idiom δώσω ὑμῖν ἑκάστῳ 1 I will give to each one of you The phrase **I will give to each one of you** represents an idiomatic expression describing the distribution of punishment and reward. If this idiom might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will punish or reward each one of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) REV 2 23 fptd figs-youcrowd ὑμῖν ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα ὑμῶν 1 See how you translated second person pronouns and references in [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]]) REV 2 24 zqpg 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 [Revelation 2:2](../02/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]]) REV 2 24 tli6 figs-idiom ὅσοι οὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην 1 everyone who does not hold this teaching Here, to believe in a **teaching** is spoken of as to hold or to grasp the **teaching**. If this idiom might confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to everyone who does not believe this teaching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) REV 2 24 scu6 figs-abstractnouns οὐκ ἔχουσιν τὴν διδαχὴν ταύτην 1 does not hold this teaching Here, **teaching** is an abstract noun that your readers might misunderstand without the use of a verbal phrase. If this abstract noun would confuse your readers, you could express the meaning plainly with a verb. Alternate translation: “do not hold to what she teaches” or “do not believe what she teaches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -REV 2 24 d5i9 figs-metaphor τὰ βαθέα 1 deep things Here, the adjective **deep** describes matters that that the disciples of Jezebel consider to be profound and very important. The adherents to Jezebel's instruction kept this type of subject matter secret which they also thought to be **deep** in the sense of important or profound. Alternate translation: “the secret things” or "the profound matters" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -REV 2 24 y2t5 figs-possession τὰ βαθέα τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 Jesus is using the possessive form to describe **the deep things** that Satan supposedly taught the disciples of Jezebel. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly with a verb. Alternate translation: “the deep things that Satan revealed to them" or "the deep things that Satan taught them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) -REV 2 24 sgil figs-idiom οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος 1 Here, to **put any other burden** literally translates as "to throw another heavy load" onto someone to carry in a metaphorical manner. The phrase is an idiom for requiring another difficult command or burdensome order that one must perform besides already existing commands. If this might confuse your readers, 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" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +REV 2 24 d5i9 figs-metaphor τὰ βαθέα 1 deep things Here, the adjective **deep** describes matters that that the disciples of Jezebel consider to be profound and very important. The adherents to Jezebel’s instruction kept this type of subject matter secret which they also thought to be **deep** in the sense of important or profound. Alternate translation: “the secret things” or “the profound matters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +REV 2 24 y2t5 figs-possession τὰ βαθέα τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 Jesus is using the possessive form to describe **the deep things** that Satan supposedly taught the disciples of Jezebel. If this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly with a verb. Alternate translation: “the deep things that Satan revealed to them” or “the deep things that Satan taught them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) +REV 2 24 sgil figs-idiom οὐ βάλλω ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἄλλο βάρος 1 Here, to **put any other burden** literally translates as “to throw another heavy load” onto someone to carry in a metaphorical manner. The phrase is an idiom for requiring another difficult command or burdensome order that one must perform besides already existing commands. If this might confuse your readers, 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) REV 2 24 ikkh 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]]) REV 2 25 tfzk 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) REV 2 25 vgxm figs-idiom κρατήσατε 1 See how you translated the verb to **hold on tightly to** in [Revelation 2:13](../02/13.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -REV 2 26 z5xi figs-metaphor ὁ νικῶν 1 The one who conquers See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers" or "All who conquer" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -REV 2 26 v2e0 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 this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the works that I give to you" or "the works that I require of you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) -REV 2 27 c9gu καὶ ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ, ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται 1 He will rule … break them into pieces This is a prophecy from Psalm 2 in the Old Testament about a king of Israel, but Jesus applied it here to those to whom he gives authority over the nations.\nscripture-quotation? +REV 2 26 z5xi figs-metaphor ὁ νικῶν 1 The one who conquers See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +REV 2 26 v2e0 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 this is not clear in your language, you could say the meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “the works that I give to you” or “the works that I require of you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) +REV 2 27 c9gu καὶ ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ, ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται 1 He will rule … break them into pieces This is a prophecy from Psalm 2 in the Old Testament about a king of Israel, but Jesus applied it here to those to whom he gives authority over the nations. REV 2 27 w8pp figs-metaphor ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ 1 He will rule them with an iron rod Ruling harshly is spoken of as ruling **with a rod of iron**. Alternate translation: “he will rule them harshly as if striking them with an iron stick” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 2 27 ksl1 figs-simile ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται 1 like clay jars he will break them into pieces Breaking **jars of clay** to **pieces** is an image that represents either: (1) destroying evildoers. (2) defeating enemies. Alternate translation: “and he will defeat his enemies completely as if breaking clay jars into pieces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) REV 2 28 n9ts figs-explicit ὡς κἀγὼ εἴληφα παρὰ τοῦ πατρός μου 1 Just as I have received from my Father Some languages may need to tell what was **received**. This could mean: (1) he received **authority** from his Father. (2) he received the morning star from his Father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -230,7 +230,7 @@ REV 2 28 c1zc καὶ δώσω αὐτῷ 1 I will also give him Here, **him** REV 2 28 g5iy writing-symlanguage τὸν ἀστέρα τὸν πρωϊνόν 1 morning star This is a bright **star** that sometimes appears early in the **morning** just before dawn. It was a symbol of victory. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]]) REV 2 29 ilk8 figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Let the one who has an ear, hear See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) REV 2 29 ikm8 figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Let the one … hear See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) -REV 3 intro q1l9 0 # Revelation 3 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n### Outline of Chapters Two and Three of Revelation\n\n\nI. The Current Condition of the Churches (2:1-3:22)\n\nA. The Letter to Ephesus (2:1-7)\n\nB. The Letter to Smyrna (2:8-11)\n\nC. The Letter to Pergamum (2:12-17)\n\nD. The Letter to Thyatira (2:18-29)\n\nE. The Letter to Sardis (3:1-6)\n\nF. The Letter to Philadelphia (3:7-13)\n\nG. The Letter to Laodicea (3:14-22)\n\n\n\nChapters 2 and 3 together are usually called the “seven letters to the seven churches.” You may wish to set each letter apart. The reader can then easily see that they are separate letters.\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\n\n\n\n### The personal knowledge that Jesus expresses about the churches\n\n\n\nJesus uses the phrase **I know** to express his personal familiarity and knowledge at times of some of the churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three. The phrase **I know** is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present situation and the types of circumstances that the Christians experienced among the various churches mentioned in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation. 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 affirms (see Revelation 3:1,15). Thus, the expression **I know** affirms more than simply a knowledge of circumstances on the part of Jesus, but 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 for his readership 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 for the Christians which are addressed by Jesus (see Revelation chapters two and three). Alternate translation: "I am aware of the fact that" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])\n\n### The use of the second person singular to refer to a plural group of people\n\nThe second person pronouns and the second person individuals addressed throughout chapters two and three of the book of Revelation are often singular in their number, but they are plural in their references. Technically, every message to each of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three are addressed to a singular, individual **angel**, so that one would naturally expect singular references in the language of the letters. Thus, many of the second person references in the verbs and the pronouns, although singular in their literal sense, are plural in their implied references to the believers of the church that receives the message in the letter. If the singular form of the second person address and the second person verbal references would not be natural in your language, then perhaps the translator could use the plural forms of the second person, or “you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])\n\n\n\n### Seven spirits of God\n\nThese spirits are the seven spirits of [Revelation 1:4](../rev/01/04.md).\n\n### Seven stars\n\nThese stars are the seven stars of [Revelation 1:20](../rev/01/20.md).\n\n## Important metaphors 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 people in a house to allow him to enter and eat with them ([Revelation 3:20](../rev/03/20.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n### “Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches”\n\nThe speaker knew that almost all of his readers had physical ears. The ear here is a metonym for hearing what God says and desiring to obey him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])\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 [Revelation 1:20](../rev/01/20.md).\n\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 verses. 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 [Revelation 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. Alternate translation: “says this message” or "says the following words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])\n +REV 3 intro q1l9 0 # Revelation 3 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

### Outline of Chapters Two and Three of Revelation


I. The Current Condition of the Churches (2:1-3:22)

A. The Letter to Ephesus (2:1-7)

B. The Letter to Smyrna (2:8-11)

C. The Letter to Pergamum (2:12-17)

D. The Letter to Thyatira (2:18-29)

E. The Letter to Sardis (3:1-6)

F. The Letter to Philadelphia (3:7-13)

G. The Letter to Laodicea (3:14-22)



Chapters 2 and 3 together are usually called the “seven letters to the seven churches.” You may wish to set each letter apart. The reader can then easily see that they are separate letters.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with verse 7.

## Special concepts in this chapter





### The personal knowledge that Jesus expresses about the churches



Jesus uses the phrase **I know** to express his personal familiarity and knowledge at times of some of the churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three. The phrase **I know** is an idiom for expressing knowledge of the present situation and the types of circumstances that the Christians experienced among the various churches mentioned in chapters two and three of the book of Revelation. 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 affirms (see Revelation 3:1,15). Thus, the expression **I know** affirms more than simply a knowledge of circumstances on the part of Jesus, but 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 for his readership 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 for the Christians which are addressed by Jesus (see Revelation chapters two and three). Alternate translation: “I am aware of the fact that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

### The use of the second person singular to refer to a plural group of people

The second person pronouns and the second person individuals addressed throughout chapters two and three of the book of Revelation are often singular in their number, but they are plural in their references. Technically, every message to each of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters two and three are addressed to a singular, individual **angel**, so that one would naturally expect singular references in the language of the letters. Thus, many of the second person references in the verbs and the pronouns, although singular in their literal sense, are plural in their implied references to the believers of the church that receives the message in the letter. If the singular form of the second person address and the second person verbal references would not be natural in your language, then perhaps the translator could use the plural forms of the second person, or “you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youcrowd]])



### Seven spirits of God

These spirits are the seven spirits of [Revelation 1:4](../rev/01/04.md).

### Seven stars

These stars are the seven stars of [Revelation 1:20](../rev/01/20.md).

## Important metaphors in this chapter

### Look, I am standing at the door and am knocking

Jesus speaks of his desire to have the Christians in Laodicea obey him as if he were a man asking people in a house to allow him to enter and eat with them ([Revelation 3:20](../rev/03/20.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

### “Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches”

The speaker knew that almost all of his readers had physical ears. The ear here is a metonym for hearing what God says and desiring to obey him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “The angel of the church”

The 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 [Revelation 1:20](../rev/01/20.md).


### “Says these things”

The 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 verses. 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 [Revelation 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. Alternate translation: “says this message” or “says the following words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) REV 3 1 k6b7 translate-names καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Σάρδεσιν ἐκκλησίας γράψον 1 General Information: 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 [Revelation 1:11](../01/11.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) REV 3 1 u1zs figs-explicit τῷ ἀγγέλῳ 1 the angel See how you translated **angel** in [Revelation 1:20](../01/20.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) REV 3 1 ouys writing-quotations τάδε λέγει 1 See how you translated the phrase **says these things** in [Revelation 2:1](../02/01.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) @@ -246,7 +246,7 @@ REV 3 4 fy7f figs-metonymy ὀλίγα ὀνόματα 1 a few names Here, **nam REV 3 4 x2if figs-metaphor οὐκ ἐμόλυναν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν 1 have not stained their clothes Jesus speaks of sin in a person’s life as if it were dirty **clothes**. Alternate translation: “have not made their lives sinful like dirty clothes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 3 4 x48r figs-metaphor περιπατήσουσιν μετ’ ἐμοῦ 1 will walk with me People commonly spoke of living as “walking.” Alternate translation: “they will live with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 3 4 w5t9 figs-metaphor ἐν λευκοῖς 1 dressed in white Clothes that are **white** represent a pure life without sin. Alternate translation: “and they will be dressed in white, which shows that they are pure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -REV 3 5 v69e figs-metaphor ὁ νικῶν 1 The one who conquers See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers" or "All who conquer" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +REV 3 5 v69e figs-metaphor ὁ νικῶν 1 The one who conquers See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 3 5 w5k4 figs-activepassive οὕτως περιβαλεῖται ἐν ἱματίοις λευκοῖς 1 will be clothed in white garments If your readers would misunderstand the passive verb **clothed**, you can translate it with an active verb. Alternate translation: “will wear white garments” or “I will give white clothes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) REV 3 5 yyu5 figs-metonymy ὁμολογήσω τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ 1 I will confess his name Here **I will confess his name** means he would announce that the person belongs to him, not simply say the person’s name. Alternate translation: “I will announce that he belongs to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) REV 3 5 d7l5 ἐνώπιον τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 before my Father Alternate translation: “in the presence of my Father” @@ -273,7 +273,7 @@ REV 3 10 e6bw figs-metaphor τῆς μελλούσης ἔρχεσθαι 1 is co REV 3 11 ih12 figs-explicit ἔρχομαι ταχύ 1 I am coming soon It is understood that he is **coming** in order to judge. Alternate translation: “I am coming to judge soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) REV 3 11 n9a9 figs-metaphor κράτει ὃ ἔχεις 1 Hold to what you have Continuing to believe firmly in Christ is spoken of as if it were holding something tightly. Alternate translation: “Continue to believe firmly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 3 11 a4m5 figs-metaphor τὸν στέφανόν 1 crown Here, **crown** stands for a reward. See how you translated “crown” in [Revelation 2:10](../02/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -REV 3 12 px36 figs-metaphor ὁ νικῶν 1 The one who conquers, I will make a pillar in the temple of my God See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers" or "All who conquer" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +REV 3 12 px36 figs-metaphor ὁ νικῶν 1 The one who conquers, I will make a pillar in the temple of my God See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 3 12 xiwx figs-metaphor ποιήσω αὐτὸν στῦλον ἐν τῷ ναῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ μου 1 The **pillar** represents an important and permanent part of God’s kingdom. Alternate translation: “I will make him strong, like a pillar in the temple of my God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 3 13 u5jk figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Let the one who has an ear, hear See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) REV 3 13 ug5m figs-123person ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Let the one … hear See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) @@ -293,7 +293,7 @@ REV 3 20 m6n2 figs-metonymy ἀκούσῃ τῆς φωνῆς μου 1 hears my REV 3 20 di8q figs-go καὶ εἰσελεύσομαι πρὸς αὐτὸν 1 I will come into him Some languages might prefer the verb “go” here. Alternate translation: “I will indeed go into his home” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) REV 3 20 une1 figs-metaphor καὶ δειπνήσω μετ’ αὐτοῦ 1 and will eat with him Here, **eat with him** represents being together as friends. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 3 21 h9pf 0 Connecting Statement: This is the end of the Son of Man’s messages to the angels of the seven churches. -REV 3 21 n83q figs-metaphor  ὁ νικῶν 1 The one who conquers See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers" or "All who conquer" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +REV 3 21 n83q figs-metaphor  ὁ νικῶν 1 The one who conquers See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md). Alternate translation: “Anyone who conquers” or “All who conquer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) REV 3 21 mn2c figs-metonymy καθίσαι μετ’ ἐμοῦ ἐν τῷ θρόνῳ μου 1 to sit down with me on my throne 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) REV 3 21 un17 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples τοῦ Πατρός μου 1 my Father Here, **Father** is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]]) REV 3 22 m13x figs-metonymy ὁ ἔχων οὖς, ἀκουσάτω 1 Let the one who has an ear, hear See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7](../02/07.md) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])