# Her leaders were purer than snow, whiter than milk

Possible meanings are 1) Jerusalem's leaders were beautiful to look at because they were physically healthy or 2) the leaders were morally pure as new snow and milk are pure white. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# Her leaders

"Jerusalem's leaders"

# their bodies were more ruddy than coral

"their bodies were redder than coral." This implies that they were healthy. AT: "their bodies were healthy and red" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# coral

a rock-hard red substance that comes from the ocean and was used for making decorations

# sapphire

a costly blue stone used in jewelry

# Their appearance now is darker than soot

This may be because 1) the sun has darkened the leaders' skin or 2) the soot from the fires that burned Jerusalem has covered their faces.

# they are not recognized

This can be stated in active form. AT: "no one can recognize them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

# Their skin has shriveled on their bones

This implies that there was not much muscle or fat under the skin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# it has become as dry as wood

Their dry skin is compared to dry wood. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])