en_tn/en_tn_01-GEN.tsv

685 KiB

1BookChapterVerseIDSupportReferenceOrigQuoteOccurrenceGLQuoteOccurrenceNote
2GENfrontintrod9wn0
3GEN1introzb6f0
4GEN11f2mg0In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth
5GEN11d49e0In the beginning

This refers to the start of the world and everything in it.

6GEN11sk340the heavens and the earth

the sky, the ground, and everything in them

7GEN11mz2j0heavens

This refers here to the sky.

8GEN12fn3q0without form and empty

God had not yet put the world in order.

9GEN12ta3a0the deep
10GEN12n2d90the surface of the waters
11GEN13d7qwfigs-imperative0Let there be light

This is a command. By commanding that light should exist, God made it exist. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])

12GEN14h2r10God saw the light, that it was good
13GEN14m8ue0divided the light from the darkness
14GEN15gl7g0This was evening and morning, the first day

God did these things on the first day that the universe existed.

15GEN15jc2dfigs-merism0evening and morning

This refers to the whole day. The writer speaks of the whole day as if it were these two parts. In the Jewish culture, a day begins when the sun sets. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

16GEN16urb3figs-imperative0Let there be an expanse ... let it divide

These are commands. By commanding that the expanse should exist and that it divide the waters, God made it exist and divide the waters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])

17GEN16t6zc0expanse

large empty space. The Jewish people thought of this space as being shaped like the inside of dome or the inside of a bowl that is turned upside down.

18GEN16se1i0between the waters

in the water

19GEN17tq7f0God made the expanse and divided the waters
20GEN17mt8y0It was so
21GEN18ss9rfigs-merism0evening and morning

This refers to the whole day. The writer speaks of the whole day as if it were these two parts. In the Jewish culture, a day begins when the sun sets. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

22GEN18s25m0the second day
23GEN19zu6ffigs-activepassive0Let the waters ... be gathered
24GEN19iv2cfigs-imperative0let the dry land appear
25GEN19l1510dry land

This refers to land that is not covered with water. It does not refer to land that is too dry for farming.

26GEN19ha330It was so
27GEN110g6hl0
28GEN110ey940He saw that it was good
29GEN111d9q7figs-imperative0Let the earth sprout vegetation
30GEN111q5yp0vegetation: plants yielding seed and fruit trees bearing fruit
31GEN111ssc10plants

These are kinds of vegetation that have soft stems, rather than woody stems.

32GEN111v3v10fruit trees bearing fruit whose seed is in the fruit

trees that bear fruit with seeds in them

33GEN111j3au0each according to its own kind
34GEN111fx6h0It was so
35GEN112d6s30God saw that it was good
36GEN113ch8efigs-merism0evening and morning

This refers to the whole day. The writer speaks of the whole day as if it were these two parts. In the Jewish culture, a day begins when the sun sets. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

37GEN113vw3s0the third day
38GEN114sr8wfigs-imperative0Let there be lights in the sky

This is a command. By commanding that lights should exist, God made them exist. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])

39GEN114g95y0lights in the sky
40GEN114t7b10in the sky
41GEN114uw3r0to divide the day from the night
42GEN114m2r4figs-imperative0let them be as signs
43GEN114e4bt0signs

Here this means something that reveals or points to something.

44GEN114x7vq0for seasons, for days and years

The sun, moon, and stars show the passing of time. This enables us to know when it is time for events that happen each week, month, or year.

45GEN114ln320seasons

times that are set aside for festivals and other things that people do

46GEN115q4nefigs-imperative0Let them be lights in the sky to give light upon the earth

This is a command. By commanding that they should light the earth, God made them light the earth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])

47GEN115p48m0to give light upon the earth
48GEN115y2g40It was so
49GEN116p5cz0God made the two great lights
50GEN116z4uy0the two great lights
51GEN116byf5figs-personification0to rule the day
52GEN116ce4u0day

This refers only to the daylight hours.

53GEN116a3ky0the lesser light
54GEN117n5jb0in the sky
55GEN118uz9k0to divide the light from the darkness
56GEN118ugh90God saw that it was good
57GEN119ds1lfigs-merism0evening and morning

This refers to the whole day. The writer speaks of the whole day as if it were these two parts. In the Jewish culture, a day begins when the sun sets. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

58GEN119ukw90the fourth day
59GEN120uw3ufigs-imperative0Let the waters be filled with great numbers of living creatures
60GEN120g6cjfigs-imperative0let birds fly

This is a command. By commanding that birds should fly, God made them fly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])

61GEN120p48l0birds
62GEN120mqw40the expanse of the sky
63GEN121ks9m0God created

In this way God created

64GEN121j9az0great sea creatures

large animals that live in the sea

65GEN121hum10after its kind
66GEN121p6140every winged bird
67GEN121s3220God saw that it was good
68GEN122y1bp0blessed them

blessed the animals that he had made

69GEN122ti8ffigs-doublet0Be fruitful and multiply
70GEN122e4tn0multiply

increase greatly in number

71GEN122lm9sfigs-imperative0Let birds multiply

This is a command. By commanding that birds should multiply, God made birds multiply. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])

72GEN122sg3v0birds
73GEN123kpz8figs-merism0evening and morning

This refers to the whole day. The writer speaks of the whole day as if it were these two parts. In the Jewish culture, a day begins when the sun sets. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

74GEN123ne8k0the fifth day
75GEN124ke21figs-imperative0Let the earth produce living creatures
76GEN124x6eu0each according to its own kind

so that each kind of animal will produce more of its own kind

77GEN124m1pi0livestock, creeping things, and beasts of the earth

This shows that God created all kinds of animals. If your language has another way of grouping all the animals, you can use that, or you can use these groups.

78GEN124g2m40livestock

animals that people look after

79GEN124yk9w0creeping things

small animals

80GEN124r6l30beasts of the earth
81GEN124l3v20It was so
82GEN125m7h60God made the beasts

In this way God made the beasts

83GEN125s88h0He saw that it was good
84GEN126x8fdfigs-pronouns0Let us make
85GEN126xk370man

human beings

86GEN126kt75figs-doublet0in our image, after our likeness
87GEN126st510have dominion over
88GEN127qip4figs-parallelism0God created man ... he created him

These two sentences mean the same thing and emphasize that God created people in his own image. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

89GEN127r7sx0God created man

The way that God created man was different from the way he created everything else. Do not specify that he created man by simply speaking, as in the preceding verses.

90GEN128uiq20God blessed them
91GEN128tfr1figs-doublet0Be fruitful, and multiply
92GEN128a7nj0Fill the earth

Fill the earth with people.

93GEN130j3is0General Information:

God continues speaking.

94GEN130vc530every bird of the heavens

all the birds that fly in the sky

95GEN130etp60that has the breath of life
96GEN130di9p0It was so
97GEN131re3q0Behold, it

This is true and important: it

98GEN131r2m50it was very good
99GEN131stn7figs-merism0evening and morning

This refers to the whole day. The writer speaks of the whole day as if it were these two parts. In the Jewish culture, a day begins when the sun sets. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

100GEN131vqp10the sixth day
101GEN2intronfp70
102GEN21c32g0the heavens
103GEN21u4a20and all the living things that filled them
104GEN21yv5zfigs-activepassive0were finished
105GEN22hi760On the seventh day God came to the end of his work

God did not work at all on the seventh day.

106GEN22qf2nfigs-idiom0came to the end of
107GEN22a69h0he rested on the seventh day from all his work

on that day he did not work

108GEN23k8jv0God blessed the seventh day

Possible meanings are 1) God caused the seventh day to produce good result or 2) God said that the seventh day was good.

109GEN23k5p60sanctified it
110GEN23dc8y0in it he rested from all his work

on it he did not work

111GEN24br8g0General Information:

The rest of Genesis 2 tells about how God created people on the sixth day.

112GEN24f65q0These were the events concerning the heavens and the earth
113GEN24e8kg0they were created
114GEN24j1fv0on the day that Yahweh God made
115GEN24rpv80Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

116GEN25s14i0No bush of the field

no shrubs growing in the wild that animals might eat

117GEN25rk640no plant of the field

no leafy plants like vegetables or greens that both animals and humans can eat

118GEN25ef6d0to cultivate

to do everything he needed to do so that the plants would grow well

119GEN26xfl80mist

Possible meanings are 1) something like dew or morning fog o 2) springs from underground streams.

120GEN26v3yt0the whole surface of the ground

the entire earth

121GEN27id8h0formed man
122GEN27dk8k0man ... man
123GEN27hjr40his nostrils

his nose

124GEN27ix5v0breath of life
125GEN28ezu80a garden

This could have been an orchard of fruit trees or an area with all kinds of trees.

126GEN28mn4d0eastward

in the east

127GEN29rq2t0the tree of life

the tree that gives people life

128GEN29ff9d0life
129GEN29p7430the tree of the knowledge of good and evil
130GEN29rp99figs-merism0good and evil
131GEN29r1nw0in the midst of the garden
132GEN210qg1f0A river went out of Eden to water the garden
133GEN211nw6itranslate-names0Pishon

This is the only time this river is referred to in the Bible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

134GEN211k6gwtranslate-names0the whole land of Havilah
135GEN211i82ffigs-distinguish0where there is gold
136GEN212x7hc0There are also bdellium and the onyx stone
137GEN212zst7translate-unknown0bdellium

This resin comes from a tree and smells nice. A resin is sticky stuff that comes out of some trees and can burn. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

138GEN212eyf8translate-unknown0the onyx stone
139GEN213tr82translate-names0Gihon

This is the only mention of this river in the Bible. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

140GEN213lzz90flows throughout the whole land of Cush

The river did not cover the whole land, but wound through various parts of the land.

141GEN213hc9p0the whole land of Cush

the entire land called Cush

142GEN214trw5figs-distinguish0which flows east of Ashur
143GEN215js9w0the garden of Eden

the garden that was in Eden

144GEN215e3ky0to work it
145GEN215r7v30to maintain it

to guard against anything bad happening in it

146GEN216c3wj0From every tree in the garden

The fruit of every tree in the garden

147GEN216b9cufigs-you0you

This pronoun is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

148GEN216e4ij0may freely eat

may eat without restriction

149GEN217ydc70But from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you may not eat
150GEN217l1vi0the tree of the knowledge of good and evil
151GEN217up230you may not eat
152GEN218jeg80I will make him a helper suitable for him

I will make a helper who is just right for him

153GEN219sb6j0every animal of the field and every bird of the sky
154GEN220f5az0all the livestock

all the animals that people look after

155GEN220l5uffigs-activepassive0there was found no helper suitable for him
156GEN221vnf40caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man
157GEN221m6wd0flesh

This refers to the soft parts of the body like skin and muscle.

158GEN222i9u80With the rib ... he made a woman
159GEN223i7j80This time, this one is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh
160GEN223s44p0She will be called 'woman,' because she was taken out of man
161GEN224yx3u0General Information:

What follows is written by the author. The man did not say these things.

162GEN224v11k0Therefore a man

That is why a man

163GEN224ydt10a man will leave his father and his mother
164GEN224tr8pfigs-idiom0they will become one flesh
165GEN225h8mq0They were both naked
166GEN225t8n20naked

not wearing clothing

167GEN225ir9e0but were not ashamed

they were not ashamed about being naked

168GEN3introj7i30
169GEN31m3hl0Now

The writer is beginning a new part of the story.

170GEN31v5dp0more shrewd
171GEN31bp3bfigs-rquestion0Has God really said, 'You ... garden'?
172GEN31t1qzfigs-you0You must not eat
173GEN32k94l0We may eat
174GEN33ujz20but concerning the fruit ... garden, God said, 'You may not eat it, nor may you touch it, or you will die
175GEN33b76rfigs-you0You may not ... nor may you ... you will die
176GEN33n3h90You may not eat it
177GEN33dhv70nor may you touch it
178GEN34fw9nfigs-you0You will ... not die

These words refer to the man and the woman and so are dual or plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

179GEN35rvj9figs-you0you ... your ... you

These words refer to the man and the woman and so are dual or plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

180GEN35k8qsfigs-idiom0your eyes will be opened
181GEN35kv6jfigs-merism0knowing good and evil
182GEN36n2vt0it was a delight to the eyes
183GEN36sw6q0that the tree was desirable to make one wise
184GEN37yn1e0The eyes of both of them were opened
185GEN37jp6y0sewed

put together, probably using vines as thread

186GEN37y6l10fig leaves
187GEN37l856figs-explicit0made coverings for themselves
188GEN38llf20in the cool of the day

at the time of day when a cool breeze blows

189GEN38gi6e0from the presence of Yahweh God
190GEN39c8sg0Where are you?
191GEN39ijl7figs-you0you
192GEN310b8tp0I heard you

I heard the sound you were making

193GEN311ujb1figs-rquestion0Who told you

God knew the answer to this question. He asked it in order to force Adam to confess that he had disobeyed God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

194GEN311hny5figs-rquestion0Have you eaten ... from?
195GEN313fw79figs-rquestion0What is this you have done?
196GEN314w3bn0cursed are you alone
197GEN314x1b40all the livestock and all the beasts of the field

all domestic animals and all wild animals

198GEN314yxn70It is on your stomach that you will go
199GEN314p5270it is dust that you will eat
200GEN315gi4d0hostility between you and the woman

This means that the serpent and the woman would become enemies.

201GEN315p95z0seed
202GEN315iyz4figs-pronouns0He will bruise ... his heel
203GEN315k4z30bruise
204GEN316hk7l0I will greatly multiply your pain
205GEN316a74c0in having children
206GEN316rt5m0Your desire will be for your husband
207GEN316mk2u0he will rule over you
208GEN317vtq50Adam
209GEN317f2pbfigs-idiom0you have listened to the voice of your wife
210GEN317jl8pfigs-explicit0have eaten from the tree
211GEN317fhp50You may not eat from it
212GEN317rlw9figs-activepassive0cursed is the ground
213GEN317zjr50through painful work

by doing hard work

214GEN317dg63figs-metonymy0you will eat from it
215GEN318zc9v0the plants of the field
216GEN319kc7j0By the sweat of your face

By doing hard work that makes your face sweat

217GEN319pl6ifigs-synecdoche0you will eat bread
218GEN319z9pa0until you return to the ground
219GEN319hc390For dust you are, and to dust you will return
220GEN320lzl10The man
221GEN320qic80called his wife's name Eve
222GEN320pn1z0Eve
223GEN320wq8pfigs-nominaladj0all the living
224GEN321an9a0garments of skins

clothing made out of animal skins

225GEN322ve6w0the man

Possible meanings are 1) God was referring to one human, the man, or 2) God was referring to humans in general, so this would mean the man and his wife. Even if God was speaking about one person, what he said applied to both of them.

226GEN322gnj90like one of us
227GEN322x7q6figs-merism0knowing good and evil
228GEN322vz41figs-activepassive0he must not be allowed
229GEN322qxt10tree of life
230GEN323t7zb0the ground from which he had been taken
231GEN323dri10to cultivate

This means to what is needed so that plants grow well. See how you translated this in Genesis 2:5.

232GEN324lwk40So God drove the man out of the garden
233GEN324jgc50in order to guard the way to the tree of life

in order to stop people from going to the tree of life

234GEN324uuj70flaming sword

Possible meanings are 1) a sword that had flames coming from it or 2) a fire that was shaped like a sword. Languages that do not have swords could use another weapon such as a spear or arrow.

235GEN4introa2f70
236GEN41eg45figs-euphemism0The man knew Eve

This is a polite way of saying that the man had sexual relations with Eve. You may need to use another euphemism in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

237GEN41vph20The man
238GEN41l6v20I have produced a man
239GEN41g2txfigs-explicit0Cain
240GEN42hv710Then she gave birth

We do not know how much time passed between the births of Cain and Abel. They may have been twins, or Abel may have been born after Eve became pregnant again. If possible, use an expression that does not tell how much time passed.

241GEN42bpy10cultivated
242GEN43x19b0It came about that

This phrase is used to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using that method here.

243GEN43pvj20in the course of time
244GEN43ph1lfigs-explicit0fruit of the ground
245GEN44zq2ffigs-explicit0some of the fat
246GEN44mi4f0accepted
247GEN45rcs40did not accept
248GEN45dyg60was very angry
249GEN45bwt7figs-idiom0he scowled

This means that the expression on his face showed that he was angry or jealous. Some languages have an idiom that describes what a person's face looks like when he is angry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

250GEN46pu1kfigs-rquestion0Why are you angry and why are you scowling?

God used these rhetorical questions to tell Cain that he was wrong to be angry and scowl. They may also have been intended to give Cain an opportunity to confess that he was wrong. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

251GEN47ln9vfigs-rquestion0If you ... will you not be accepted?
252GEN47j7ksfigs-personification0But if you do not ... you must rule over it
253GEN47eqb2figs-metaphor0sin crouches ... to control you
254GEN47x8lx0sin
255GEN47s7tkfigs-personification0you must rule over it
256GEN48n4x9translate-textvariants0Cain spoke to Abel his brother.
257GEN48h58lfigs-explicit0brother
258GEN48znp9figs-idiom0rose up against
259GEN49rc6xfigs-rquestion0Where is Abel your brother

God knew that Cain had killed Abel, but he asked Cain this question so that Cain would have to answer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

260GEN49r4ilfigs-rquestion0Am I my brother's keeper?
261GEN410fs9sfigs-rquestion0What have you done?
262GEN410epa5figs-metonymy0Your brother's blood is calling out to me
263GEN411xi71figs-activepassive0Now cursed are you from the ground
264GEN411p2h4figs-personification0which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood
265GEN411n89jfigs-synecdoche0from your hand
266GEN412s7z70cultivate
267GEN412t858figs-personification0it will not yield to you its strength
268GEN412vn98figs-hendiadys0A fugitive and a wanderer
269GEN414e7mjfigs-idiom0I will be hidden from your face
270GEN414qwi80a fugitive and a wanderer

See how you translated this in Genesis 4:12

271GEN415zay8figs-activepassive0vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold
272GEN415y97q0would not attack him

would not kill Cain

273GEN416f6yyfigs-idiom0went out from the presence of Yahweh
274GEN416rx4d0Nod
275GEN417s2i7figs-euphemism0Cain knew his wife

This is a polite way of saying that Cain had sexual relations with his wife. You may need to use another euphemism in your language. See how you translated this in Genesis 4:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

276GEN417bf1z0He built a city

Cain built a city

277GEN418n5nifigs-explicit0To Enoch was born Irad
278GEN418l1gqtranslate-names0Irad

This is a man's name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

279GEN419bm1jtranslate-names0Adah ... Zillah

women's names (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

280GEN420urt30Adah

See how you translated this woman's name in Genesis 4:19.

281GEN420ll8c0He was the father of those who lived in tents
282GEN420fpv40who lived in tents who have livestock

people who both live in tents and also take care of animals

283GEN421fv9d0He was the father of those who play the harp and pipe
284GEN422m5qg0Zillah

See how you translated this woman's name in Genesis 4:19.

285GEN422n1k8translate-names0Tubal-Cain

the name of a man (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

286GEN422c64b0the forger of tools of bronze and iron

who made tools out of bronze and iron

287GEN422k7q70iron

a very strong metal used to make tools and weapons.

288GEN423p6mu0Adah ... Zillah

See how you translated these women's names in Genesis 4:19.

289GEN423f7difigs-parallelism0listen to my voice ... listen to what I say
290GEN423pa9hfigs-parallelism0a man for wounding me, a young man for bruising me
291GEN424reh3figs-activepassive0If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech
292GEN424w88sfigs-activepassive0then Lamech will be avenged seventy-seven times
293GEN424mz2stranslate-numbers0seventy-seven

77 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

294GEN425g5y9figs-euphemism0Adam knew his wife

This is a polite way of saying that Adam had sexual relations with his wife. You may need to use another euphemism in your language. See how you translated this in Genesis 4:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

295GEN425y7i8figs-explicit0
296GEN425t9w6translate-names0Seth
297GEN426aua4figs-explicit0A son was born to Seth
298GEN426i4rsfigs-explicit0to call on the name of Yahweh
299GEN5introv62r0

Genesis 05 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter provides the first of many lists of descendants in the Bible. This is not a simple list, because the author makes comments about each person. Translators should format this text in the way that is clearest in the project language. Many may choose to introduce each new person in a separate paragraph, as the ULT and UST do.

300GEN51wj9n0General Information:

This is the beginning of the list of Adam's descendants.

301GEN51qwp1figs-pronouns0in his own likeness
302GEN52j6nzfigs-activepassive0when they were created
303GEN53zcj2translate-numbers0130
304GEN53a62w0he became the father of a son

he had a son

305GEN53al1g0in his own likeness, after his image

These two phrases mean the same thing. They are used as a reminder that God made man in his own image. See how you translated similar phrases in Genesis 1:26.

306GEN53t33a0Seth

See how you translated this name in Genesis 4:25.

307GEN54k8qgtranslate-numbers0eight hundred
308GEN54y8af0He became the father of more sons and daughters

He had more sons and daughters

309GEN55j99s0then he died
310GEN55tw8vtranslate-numbers0Adam lived 930 years
311GEN56r7dgtranslate-numbers0105 years
312GEN56lqy10he became the father of Enosh
313GEN56ek6rtranslate-names0Enosh

This is the name of a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

314GEN57t48ltranslate-numbers0807 years
315GEN57g73m0and became the father of more sons and daughters

and had more sons and daughters

316GEN58sh2ztranslate-numbers0Seth lived 912 years
317GEN58wqz60then he died
318GEN59qbk4translate-names0General Information:

The records in Genesis 5:6-27 have the same format. Translate them according to the notes in Genesis 5:6-8. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

319GEN59es59translate-numbers0ninety years
320GEN510q4y5translate-numbers0815 years
321GEN511kjj5translate-numbers0905 years
322GEN512s2nrtranslate-names0General Information:

The records in Genesis 5:6-27 have the same format. Translate them according to the notes in Genesis 5:6-8. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

323GEN512xpk5translate-numbers0seventy years
324GEN513n3dftranslate-numbers0840 years
325GEN514k461translate-numbers0910 years
326GEN515bi8ltranslate-names0General Information:

The records in Genesis 5:6-27 have the same format. Translate them according to the notes in Genesis 5:6-8. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

327GEN518hfg3translate-names0General Information:

The records in Genesis 5:6-27 have the same format. Translate them according to the notes in Genesis 5:6-8. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

328GEN521i3dx0he became the father of Methuselah

he had his son Methuselah

329GEN521se6etranslate-names0Methuselah

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

330GEN522w9tpfigs-metaphor0Enoch walked with God
331GEN522bmi40He became the father of more sons and daughters

He had more sons and daughters

332GEN523rs6ftranslate-numbers0Enoch lived 365 years
333GEN524nyq30then he was gone
334GEN524lhk80for God took him

This means that God took Enoch to be with himself (God).

335GEN525y9rjtranslate-names0General Information:

The records in Genesis 5:6-27 have the same format. Translate them according to the notes in Genesis 5:6-8. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

336GEN525nk490Lamech

This Lamech is different from the Lamech in Genesis 4:18.

337GEN528ljh7translate-numbers0182 years
338GEN528u9940became the father of a son

had a son

339GEN529fk97translate-names0Noah
340GEN529lr8dfigs-doublet0from our work and from the painful labor of our hands
341GEN530ah2jtranslate-numbers0595 years
342GEN531kv28translate-numbers0Lamech lived 777 years
343GEN532z1480he became the father of
344GEN532n65e0Shem, Ham, and Japheth

These sons may not be listed in the order of their birth. There is disagreement about which one was the oldest. Avoid translating this in a way that implies that the list is in the order of their ages.

345GEN6introak780

Genesis 06 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Beginning in 6:22, the author gives statements summarizing events he tells about again in the text that follows. In the next chapter, the author sometimes gives summary statements that introduce events for the first time. If these statements, and the surrounding events, are not carefully translated, readers can believe that the same events happened twice or three times instead of only one time. Translators should be careful not to give this impression.

346GEN61x6gk0It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

347GEN61dj4vfigs-activepassive0daughters were born to them
348GEN62l1va0sons of God
349GEN63lz4s0My spirit

Here Yahweh is talking about himself and his spirit, which is the Spirit of God.

350GEN63et8s0flesh

This means that they have physical bodies that will one day die.

351GEN63pvv2translate-numbers0They will live 120 years
352GEN64e44a0Giants

very tall, large people

353GEN64ih170This happened when

The giants were born because

354GEN64et780sons of God

See how you translated this in Genesis 6:2.

355GEN64slb20These were the mighty men of old
356GEN64sk1e0mighty men

men who are courageous and victorious in battle

357GEN64u34f0men of renown

famous men

358GEN65q6rz0every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts

everything their hearts wanted to think about

359GEN65id88figs-metonymy0the thoughts of their hearts
360GEN66mr7bfigs-metonymy0it grieved him to his heart
361GEN67tk23figs-metaphor0I will wipe away mankind ... from the surface of the earth
362GEN67if98figs-distinguish0I will wipe away mankind whom I have created
363GEN67ss970wipe away
364GEN68sc4mfigs-idiom0Noah found favor in the eyes of Yahweh
365GEN69y7rc0General Information:

This begins the story of Noah, which continues into chapter 9.

366GEN69nwq50These were the events concerning Noah

This is the account of Noah

367GEN69eh9u0walked with God

See how you translated this in Genesis 5:21.

368GEN610sf7p0Noah became the father of three sons
369GEN610kk5r0Shem, Ham, and Japheth
370GEN611ym2ffigs-metonymy0The earth
371GEN611cmt9figs-metaphor0was corrupt
372GEN611uj420before God
373GEN611taq9figs-metaphor0and it was filled with violence
374GEN612j3ek0behold
375GEN612ut53figs-synecdoche0all flesh
376GEN612ds5xfigs-metaphor0had corrupted their way
377GEN613qem80all flesh

See how you translated these words in Genesis 6:12.

378GEN613hw2i0the earth is filled with violence through them

people everywhere on earth are violent

379GEN613tw4l0I will destroy them with the earth
380GEN614c3m50an ark
381GEN614m88q0cypress wood
382GEN614a94bfigs-explicit0cover it with pitch
383GEN614ryf40pitch

This is a thick, sticky or oily liquid that people put on the outside of a boat to stop water from going through gaps in the wood into the boat.

384GEN615cz5ltranslate-bdistance0cubits

A cubit was a unit of measure, a little less than half a meter long. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])

385GEN615xri9translate-bdistance0three hundred cubits
386GEN615y496translate-bdistance0fifty cubits
387GEN615u2h3translate-bdistance0thirty cubits
388GEN616bv390a roof for the ark

This was probably a peaked or slanted roof. Its purpose was to protect everything in the ark from the rain.

389GEN616se34translate-bdistance0cubit

A cubit was a little less than half a meter long. See how you translated this in Genesis 6:15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])

390GEN616ml4z0a lower, a second, and a third deck
391GEN616gl2q0deck
392GEN617f72f0Listen
393GEN617b6s7figs-go0I am about to bring the flood of waters
394GEN617h8evfigs-synecdoche0all flesh
395GEN617jv7gfigs-metonymy0that has in it the breath of life
396GEN618ycd40establish my covenant with you

make a covenant between you and me

397GEN618uqa90with you

with Noah

398GEN618c9jq0You will come into the ark
399GEN619gs780Of every living creature of all flesh, two of every kind you must bring into the ark

You must bring into the ark two of every kind of living creature

400GEN619x8zw0creature

an animal God created

401GEN619v6ar0all flesh

See how you translated these words in Genesis 6:12.

402GEN620v1mj0after their kind

of each different kind

403GEN620ua1j0creeping thing of the ground

This refers to small animals that move on the ground .

404GEN620b3i90two of every sort

This refers to two of every kind of bird and animal.

405GEN620f2s1figs-you0to you

This refers to Noah and so is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

406GEN620msl40to keep them alive

so you can keep them alive

407GEN621w126figs-you0yourself ... you

These refer to Noah and are singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

408GEN621bbh40food that is eaten

food that people and animals eat

409GEN622df5rfigs-parallelism0So Noah did this. According to all that God commanded him, so he did
410GEN7intron23k0
411GEN71n13c0General Information:

The events in this chapter take place after Noah built the ark, gathered the food, and put it in the ark.

412GEN71iml7figs-go0Come ... into the ark
413GEN71lh4zfigs-you0you
414GEN71jtj50your household

your family

415GEN71d59a0righteous before me

This means that God saw Noah as righteous.

416GEN71c6rt0in this generation
417GEN72qv8lfigs-go0you will bring
418GEN72j5le0clean animal

This was an animal that God allowed his people to eat and to sacrifice.

419GEN72js390animals that are not clean

These were animals that God did not allow people to eat or to sacrifice.

420GEN73t2rp0to preserve their offspring
421GEN74v9e30forty days and forty nights
422GEN74ss6k0living

This refers to physical life.

423GEN76a3lu0General Information:

Verses 6-12 repeat for a second time and give more detail about how Noah went into the ark with his family and the animals in Genesis 7:1-5. This is not a new event.

424GEN76y68j0came upon the earth
425GEN77jew80because of the waters of the flood
426GEN78z9t20General Information:

Verses 6-12 repeat for a second time and give more detail about how Noah went into the ark with his family and the animals in Genesis 7:1-5. This is not a new event.

427GEN78u2ij0clean animals

These were animals that God allowed people to eat and to give to him as sacrifices.

428GEN78er9l0unclean animals

These were animals that God did not allow people to eat or to give to him as sacrifices.

429GEN79ib150two by two

The animals entered the boat in pairs of one male and one female.

430GEN710z7w90It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story: the start of the flood. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

431GEN710kkc20after the seven days
432GEN710uy9mfigs-explicit0the waters of the flood came upon the earth
433GEN711gsi10General Information:

Verses 6-12 repeat for a second time and give more detail about how Noah went into the ark with his family and the animals in Genesis 7:1-5. This is not a new event.

434GEN711ybc8translate-ordinal0In the six hundredth year of Noah's life
435GEN711wi34translate-hebrewmonths0the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month

Since Moses wrote this book, it is possible he is referring to the second month of the Hebrew calendar. But this is uncertain. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

436GEN711m7m80on the same day

This refers to the specific day when the rain began. This phrase emphasizes how all of these major events happened quickly when the time arrived.

437GEN711tw870the fountains of the great deep burst open

water from under the earth rushed up to the earth's surface

438GEN711nsh50the great deep

This refers to the sea that was thought to be under the earth.

439GEN711qtm70the windows of heaven were opened
440GEN712ri9c0rain

If your language has a word for a great amount of rain, it would be appropriate here.

441GEN713dh5z0General Information:

Verses 13-18 repeat for a third time and give more detail about how Noah went into the ark with his family and the animals in Genesis 7:1-5. This is not a new event.

442GEN713yp260On that very same day
443GEN714l52z0wild animal ... livestock ... creeping thing ... bird

These four groups are listed to show that every kind of animal was included. If your language has another way of grouping all the animals, you can use that, or you can use these groups. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:24.

444GEN714ayv50creeping thing

This refers to animals that crawl on the ground, like rodents, insects, lizards, and snakes.

445GEN714v2bb0according to its kind
446GEN715i5qf0General Information:

Verses 13-18 repeat for a third time and give more detail about how Noah went into the ark with his family and the animals in Genesis 7:1-5. This is not a new event.

447GEN715pbr7figs-metonymy0Two of all flesh
448GEN715d2w3figs-metonymy0in which was the breath of life
449GEN715lgu4figs-go0came to Noah
450GEN715uni5figs-synecdoche0of all flesh
451GEN716j6fzfigs-explicit0after them
452GEN717ea6p0General Information:

Verses 13-18 repeat for a third time and give more detail about how Noah went into the ark with his family and the animals in Genesis 7:1-5. This is not a new event.

453GEN717b3ji0the water increased
454GEN717ww1c0lifted the ark

it caused the ark to float

455GEN717n9ke0raised it above the earth
456GEN719j2660The waters rose greatly on the earth

The water totally overwhelmed the earth

457GEN720k8t70fifteen cubits
458GEN721x8dz0moved upon
459GEN721hq980all the living creatures that lived in great numbers upon the earth

This refers to all the animals that move around on the ground in large groups.

460GEN722wlj2figs-synecdoche0who breathed the breath of life through their noses
461GEN722cdp8figs-metonymy0the breath of life
462GEN723ki1afigs-activepassive0So every living thing ... was wiped out
463GEN723wvw2figs-activepassive0They were all destroyed
464GEN723pnx50from the earth

so they were no longer on the earth

465GEN723drq10those with him

the people and animals that were with him

466GEN723g46l0were left
467GEN8introz61w0

Genesis 08 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 8:22, which is part of what Yahweh was telling Noah.

Special concepts in this chapter

Flood waters

The waters receded after this great flood. Because there was so much water, and it came from God, it is described in a unique way.

The mountains of Ararat

It is unclear where Ararat was located. Many people believe it is located in the modern country of Turkey.

468GEN81vs3j0considered Noah
469GEN81xtv90ark
470GEN82zi8qfigs-activepassive0The fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were closed
471GEN82p1zi0fountains of the deep
472GEN82dh7e0the windows of heaven were closed
473GEN84te6b0came to rest
474GEN84fi75translate-hebrewmonths0in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month

Because Moses wrote this book, it is possible he is referring to the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, but this is uncertain. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

475GEN85gf1vtranslate-hebrewmonths0tenth month

Because Moses wrote this book, it is possible he is referring to the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar, but this is uncertain. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

476GEN85l1gg0On the first day of the month

On the first day of the tenth month

477GEN85yhx2figs-explicit0appeared
478GEN86lmm40It came about
479GEN86k8bqfigs-distinguish0It came about ... the window of the ark which he had made
480GEN87rm8x0raven

a black bird that eats mainly the flesh of dead animals

481GEN87s2vc0it flew back and forth

This means that the raven kept leaving the boat and returning.

482GEN87dn2ufigs-activepassive0until the waters were dried up
483GEN88f1ln0he sent out a dove
484GEN89r2x50to rest her foot
485GEN89clq50her foot ... she returned ... and brought her
486GEN89rst80he ... him
487GEN810p48z0He waited another seven days

He again waited for seven days

488GEN811hjg10Look
489GEN811mc6s0a freshly plucked olive leaf

a leaf that she had just plucked from an olive tree

490GEN811nbw20plucked

broken off

491GEN812x79pfigs-explicit0She did not return again to him
492GEN813ejr20It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

493GEN813nhb3translate-ordinal0in the six hundred and first year
494GEN813k4h8translate-hebrewmonths0the first month, on the first day of the month

Since Moses wrote this book it is possible he is referring to the first month of the Hebrew calendar, but this is uncertain. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

495GEN813dvf1figs-activepassive0the waters were dried up from off the earth
496GEN813uyy60the covering of the ark

This refers to a cover that kept the rain water from going into the ark.

497GEN813l4nx0behold
498GEN814afz6translate-hebrewmonths0In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month
499GEN814tn290the earth was dry

the ground was completely dry

500GEN816k1zjfigs-go0Go out of
501GEN817y1p1figs-go0Take out
502GEN817cg9q0every living creature of all flesh
503GEN817bv2pfigs-doublet0be fruitful and multiply

This is an idiom. See how this is translated in Genesis 1:28. God wanted the humans and animals to reproduce, so there would be many of them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

504GEN818e5a9figs-go0Noah went out
505GEN819g5xb0according to their families

in groups of their own kinds

506GEN820wu8x0built an altar to Yahweh
507GEN820y6250clean animals ... clean birds
508GEN820t66t0offered burnt offerings
509GEN821z8wm0pleasing aroma

This refers to the good smell of the roasted meat.

510GEN821v91q0said in his heart
511GEN821li870curse the ground

do very serious harm to the earth

512GEN821t7q2figs-explicit0because of mankind
513GEN821k2f90the intentions of their hearts is evil from childhood
514GEN821i5xk0the intentions of their hearts
515GEN821me8a0from childhood
516GEN822t4680While the earth remains
517GEN822mwx90seed time

the season for planting

518GEN822v7fefigs-merism0cold and heat, summer and winter

These expressions both refer to two major weather conditions in the year. Translators may use local expressions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

519GEN822wu430summer

the hot, dry time of the year

520GEN822t9hn0winter

the cool, wet or snowy time of the year

521GEN822vy7bfigs-doublenegatives0will not cease
522GEN9introat1n0
523GEN91bpc9figs-doublet0Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth
524GEN92e28lfigs-metaphor0The fear of you and the dread of you will be upon every living animal ... and upon all the fish of the sea
525GEN92ax85figs-doublet0The fear of you and the dread of you
526GEN92gm7c0every living animal on the earth

This is the first of the four categories of animals that the writer lists, and not a summary of the rest of the animals that he mentions next.

527GEN92qqp70bird

This is a general term for things that fly. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:21.

528GEN92fhz40upon everything that goes low on the ground

This includes all types of small animals. See how you translated this in Genesis 1:25.

529GEN92g7t3figs-metonymy0They are given into your hand
530GEN93gxp70General Information:

God continues speaking to Noah and his sons.

531GEN94s9mx0life ... blood
532GEN95jd7y0General Information:

God continues speaking to Noah and his sons.

533GEN95t1t80But for your blood

This contrasts man's blood with the blood of animals (Genesis 9:4).

534GEN95w9jwfigs-explicit0for your blood, the life that is in your blood
535GEN95c5je0life

This refers to physical life.

536GEN95sp2y0I will require payment
537GEN95f5z4figs-synecdoche0from the hand
538GEN95ihu70From the hand of every animal I will require it

I will require any animal that takes your life to pay

539GEN95kr1g0From the hand of any man, that is, from the hand of one who has murdered his brother, I will require an accounting for the life of that man

I will require anyone who takes the life of another person to pay

540GEN95hye6figs-synecdoche0From the hand of
541GEN95n71j0brother
542GEN96ghj9figs-metaphor0Whoever sheds man's blood, by man will his blood be shed
543GEN96pnh50for it was in the image of God that he made man
544GEN97r2czfigs-doublet0be fruitful and multiply
545GEN98ra1n0Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him
546GEN99cpy20As for me

This phrase is used in English to mark the change from God talking about what Noah and his sons must do to talking about what God would do.

547GEN99maf20confirm my covenant with you
548GEN911q9670General Information:

God continues speaking to Noah and his sons.

549GEN911lay90I hereby confirm my covenant with you
550GEN911zug5figs-synecdoche0all flesh
551GEN911wr5z0Never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth
552GEN912r1uh0sign

This means a reminder of something that was promised.

553GEN912tl5l0covenant ... for all future generations

The covenant applies to Noah and his family and also to all generations that follow.

554GEN914l8xy0General Information:

God continues speaking to Noah and his sons.

555GEN914s4e40It will come about when
556GEN914f9zrfigs-activepassive0the rainbow is seen
557GEN914kg5c0rainbow

the colorful strip of light that appears in the rain when the sun shines from behind the viewer

558GEN915i9p60I will call to mind my covenant
559GEN915d7pg0me and you
560GEN915lk6n0every living creature of all flesh

every kind of living being

561GEN915vn2nfigs-synecdoche0all flesh
562GEN916kbz50General Information:

God continues speaking to Noah and his sons.

563GEN916b2e40in order to remember
564GEN916kf450between God and every living creature
565GEN916m4th0every living creature of all flesh
566GEN917x5930Then God said to Noah
567GEN918n7g40General Information:

Verses 18-19 introduce the three sons of Noah, who will be an important part of the next story.

568GEN918zxn90father

Ham was Canaan's true father.

569GEN920bvi90farmer

person who raises plants for food

570GEN921d5k40became drunk

drank too much wine

571GEN921e6dg0uncovered

The text does not specify how much of Noah's body was uncovered as he lay drunk. His sons' reactions show us that it was shameful.

572GEN922xd8e0his father

This refers to Noah.

573GEN924ka8c0General Information:

In verses 25-27 Noah pronounced a curse on Ham's son and blessings on Ham's brothers. What Noah said about them also applied to their descendants, as shown in the UST. Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in Noah's curse and blessings in verses 25-27.

574GEN924w9sj0awoke from his wine
575GEN924y2mt0his youngest son
576GEN925tmj70Cursed be Canaan
577GEN925p9e70Canaan
578GEN925kp5y0a servant to his brothers' servants
579GEN925ey5x0his brothers

This could refer either to Canaan's brothers or to his relatives in general.

580GEN926rx6d0General Information:

If you can, format these verses as they are formatted here to show your readers that this is poetry.

581GEN926w1a70May Yahweh, the God of Shem, be blessed
582GEN927s54q0May Canaan be his servant
583GEN927hh2y0May God extend the territory of Japheth
584GEN927bxj10let him make his home in the tents of Shem
585GEN927x2sl0May Canaan be his servant
586GEN10introz42v0
587GEN101h24x0These were the descendants of the sons of Noah
588GEN105w1ea0From these the coastland peoples separated and went into their lands

Javan's sons and descendants separated and moved to the coastlands and islands

589GEN105pl9t0coastland peoples

This refers to people who lived along the coast and on the islands.

590GEN105xw9u0their lands
591GEN105nhz90every one with its own language
592GEN106s5fj0Mizraim
593GEN108f6b40conqueror
594GEN109k3vf0before Yahweh
595GEN109ig4iwriting-proverbs0That is why it is said
596GEN1010i2180The first centers

Possible meanings are 1) the first centers he developed or 2) the important cities.

597GEN1011ufj60he went to Assyria

Nimrod went into Assyria

598GEN1013d3j70Mizraim became

The list of Noah's descendants continues.

599GEN1013yc8k0Mizraim

Mizraim was one of Ham's sons. His descendants became the people of Egypt. Mizraim is the Hebrew name for Egypt.

600GEN1016l6at0Jebusites ... Amorites ... Girgashites

These names refer to larger groups of people that descended from Canaan.

601GEN1019h65z0border

line between one person's land and another person's land

602GEN1019vy73figs-explicit0from Sidon, in the direction of Gerar, as far as Gaza
603GEN1019rp9wfigs-explicit0as one goes toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboyim, as far as Lasha
604GEN1020b2zq0These were the sons of Ham
605GEN1020t4tj0by their languages

broken up according to their different languages

606GEN1020w46b0in their lands

in their homelands

607GEN1024ns9i0Arphaxad

Arphaxad was one of Shem's sons.

608GEN1025a5uy0Peleg
609GEN1025wad2figs-activepassive0the earth was divided
610GEN1026dqg8translate-names0Joktan

Joktan was one of Eber's sons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

611GEN1029n82g0All these
612GEN1030s9ds0Their territory
613GEN1031s4mu0These were the sons of Shem
614GEN1032lws80These were the clans

This refers back to all the people listed in Genesis 10:1-31.

615GEN1032rr780according to

listed by

616GEN1032a96c0From these the nations separated and went over the earth
617GEN1032bp4bfigs-explicit0after the flood
618GEN11introecl30
619GEN111ar7x0Now

This word shows that the writer is beginning a new part of the story.

620GEN111gr4cfigs-metonymy0the whole earth
621GEN111y7c6figs-parallelism0used one language and had the same words

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that all people spoke the same language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

622GEN112c5a70they journeyed

they moved around

623GEN112p5qy0in the east
624GEN112a3c60settled

stopped moving from one place to another and began to live at one location

625GEN113mad20Come
626GEN113z6gz0bake them thoroughly

People make bricks out of clay and heat them in a very hot oven to make them hard and strong.

627GEN113ihz30tar

a thick, sticky, black liquid that comes up from the ground

628GEN113zxv10mortar

This is a thick substance made of lime powder, clay, sand, and water used to make stones or bricks stick together.

629GEN114nzr50let us make a name for ourselves

let us make our reputation great

630GEN114rxx90name

reputation

631GEN114ejq9figs-activepassive0we will be scattered
632GEN115v8n70the descendants of Adam

the people

633GEN115t6ptfigs-explicit0came down
634GEN115b3yl0to see
635GEN116uzm20one people with the same language

All the people were one big group and they all spoke the same language.

636GEN116a83e0they are beginning to do this
637GEN116ux98figs-doublenegatives0nothing that they intend to do will be impossible for them
638GEN117i5gb0Come
639GEN117i17mfigs-pronouns0let us go down
640GEN117d22gfigs-explicit0confuse their language
641GEN117plc4figs-explicit0so that they may not understand each other
642GEN118htq40from there

from the city

643GEN119m76d0its name was called Babel, because there Yahweh confused
644GEN119ppz1figs-explicit0confused the language of the whole earth
645GEN1110jzy80General Information:

The rest of this chapter lists the line of Shem's descendants down to Abram.

646GEN1110gq2u0These were the descendants of Shem

This sentence begins the list of Shem's descendants.

647GEN1110n5un0flood

This is the flood from Noah's time when people had become so evil that God sent a worldwide flood to cover the earth.

648GEN1110y7s30became the father of Arphaxad
649GEN1110b4lztranslate-names0Arphaxad

a man's name (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

650GEN1110ty5mtranslate-numbers0a hundred ... two
651GEN1111ix9ytranslate-numbers0five hundred
652GEN1112i93p0he became the father of Shelah

his son Shelah was born

653GEN1112i685translate-names0Shelah

This is a man's name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

654GEN1113v9krtranslate-numbers0403 years
655GEN1114aht6translate-names0General Information:

The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them in Genesis 11:12-13. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

656GEN1116nh92translate-names0General Information:

The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them Genesis 11:12-13. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

657GEN1118t5j5translate-names0General Information:

The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them in Genesis 11:12-13. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

658GEN1120zj9ytranslate-names0General Information:

The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them in Genesis 11:12-13. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

659GEN1122qv7ctranslate-names0General Information:

The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them in Genesis 11:12-13. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

660GEN1124kk5dtranslate-names0General Information:

The records in Genesis 11:12-25 have the same format. See how you translated them in Genesis 11:12-13. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

661GEN1126v3ui0Abram, Nahor, and Haran

We do not know the birth order of his sons.

662GEN1127sx61translate-names0Now these were the descendants of Terah
663GEN1128qu78translate-names0Haran died in the presence of his father Terah
664GEN1129qxs60took wives

married wives

665GEN1129x1m2translate-names0Iskah

This is a female name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

666GEN1130s9v10Now

This word is used to introduce new information about Sarai that will become important in later chapters.

667GEN1130yps7figs-euphemism0barren

This term describes a woman who is physically unable to conceive or bear a child. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

668GEN1131cu9g0his
669GEN1131tj9e0Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife

his daughter-in-law Sarai, who was the wife of his son Abram

670GEN1131h4pi0Haran ... Haran
671GEN1132lt94translate-numbers0205 years
672GEN12introb9wm0
673GEN121k9r80Now

This word is used to mark a new part of the story.

674GEN121d1lk0Go from your country, and from your relatives

Go from your land, from your family

675GEN122hc9yfigs-metonymy0I will make of you a great nation
676GEN122q7aifigs-metonymy0make your name great
677GEN122jt28figs-ellipsis0you will be a blessing
678GEN123xec40whoever dishonors you I will curse
679GEN123cpj9figs-activepassive0Through you will all the families of the earth be blessed
680GEN123xd5b0Through you
681GEN125lvz60possessions

This includes animals and non-living property.

682GEN125nv120the people that they had acquired
683GEN126j4pbfigs-explicit0Abram passed through the land
684GEN126lgv10the land

the land of Canaan

685GEN126jvj4translate-names0the oak of Moreh

Moreh was probably the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

686GEN127v6g30Yahweh, who had appeared to him

Yahweh, because he had appeared to him

687GEN128ln910he pitched his tent
688GEN128v6m10called on the name of Yahweh
689GEN129vbq7figs-explicit0Then Abram continued journeying
690GEN129t22q0toward the Negev
691GEN1210lv6bfigs-explicit0There was a famine
692GEN1210c2c30in the land
693GEN1210me1z0went down into
694GEN1212hmn5figs-explicit0they will kill me ... you alive
695GEN1213sj7ifigs-activepassive0so that my life will be spared because of you
696GEN1214stl20It came about that
697GEN1215cnd80The princes of Pharaoh saw her
698GEN1215n3fwfigs-activepassive0the woman was taken into Pharaoh's household
699GEN1215hw840the woman

Sarai

700GEN1215y2tkfigs-euphemism0Pharaoh's household
701GEN1216m9jr0for her sake
702GEN1217kb9rfigs-explicit0because of Sarai, Abram's wife
703GEN1218r9kt0Pharaoh summoned Abram
704GEN1218e9mtfigs-rquestion0What is this that you have done to me?
705GEN1220f2i80Then Pharaoh gave orders to his men concerning him

Then Pharaoh directed his officials concerning Abram

706GEN1220edz80they sent him away, along with his wife and all that he had

the officials sent Abram away from Pharoah, with his wife and all his possessions

707GEN13introqch20

Genesis 13 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Abram's faith

Since the land could not support both Lot's and Abraham's family, they each went their own way. Even though good land was not plentiful, Abraham allowed Lot to choose the better land because he trusted in God to fulfill his promises. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/fulfill]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]])

God's covenant with Abram

God made a covenant with Abram. This covenant was not conditioned upon anything that Abraham needed to do, but the fulfillment of its promises is conditioned upon the actions of each generation of his descendants. It has not yet been fulfilled in its entirety. This chapter continues the covenant which began in the previous chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Built an altar

Abram would have built an altar in order to offer sacrifices to Yahweh. There is an implicit understanding that building an altar was an act of worship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

708GEN131sjz20went up from
709GEN131ige2figs-explicit0went into the Negev
710GEN132bty50Abram was very rich in animals, in silver, and in gold

Abram had many animals, much silver, and much gold

711GEN132lwq50animals
712GEN133rg7dfigs-explicit0He continued on his journey
713GEN133vxf3figs-explicit0to the place where his tent had been before
714GEN134h2ad0called on the name of Yahweh
715GEN135br4wwriting-background0Now

This word is used to show what follows is background information to help the reader understand the events that follow. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

716GEN136ash50The land was not able to support them

There was not enough grazing land and water for all their animals.

717GEN136k6zz0their possessions

This includes livestock, which need pasture and water.

718GEN136y1wq0could not stay together

could not live together

719GEN137e3n10The Canaanites and the Perizzites were living in the land at that time

This is another reason that the land could not support them all.

720GEN138rbt40Let there be no strife between you and me

Let's not quarrel

721GEN138l2ht0strife

arguments or fights

722GEN138ayp50between your herdsmen and my herdsmen

let's stop the men who take care of our animals from quarreling

723GEN138l8eq0after all, we are family

because we are family

724GEN138vz470family
725GEN139n7k3figs-rquestion0Is not the whole land before you?
726GEN139av370Go ahead and separate yourself from me
727GEN139flm10If you go to the left, then I will go to the right
728GEN1310v1890the whole plain of the Jordan

This refers to the general region of the Jordan River.

729GEN1310ve9r0was well watered

had much water

730GEN1310zs4c0like the garden of Yahweh, like the land of Egypt
731GEN1310p9t90the garden of Yahweh

This is another name for the garden of Eden.

732GEN1310v2iw0garden
733GEN1310z1zy0This was before Yahweh destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah

This anticipates something that would happen later. It is important here because it explains why Lot settled in a region that later was not fertile.

734GEN1311c5bb0the relatives
735GEN1312hc2t0Abram lived
736GEN1312cpm20the land of Canaan

the land of the Canaanites

737GEN1312umy10He set up his tents as far away as Sodom
738GEN1314y61m0after Lot had departed from him

after Lot left Abraham

739GEN1317xil70walk through the length and breadth of the land

walk around all over the whole land

740GEN1318zy7qtranslate-names0Mamre

This was the name of the man who owned the oak trees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

741GEN1318is6etranslate-names0Hebron

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

742GEN1318xw410an altar to Yahweh

an altar for worshiping Yahweh

743GEN14introhz9l0

Genesis 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 14:19-20.

Special concepts in this chapter

Names of places

Sometimes the names of places in Scripture are referred to by the name used during the time of the writer. For example, the location referred to as Dan was not yet known by that name because Dan had not yet come to live there. Moses, the author of Genesis, would have known this location as Dan.

Melchizedek

Melchizedek was both a priest and a king. Because of this, he parallels the roles of Jesus. Melchizedek is an important figure in the book of Hebrews. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

God Most High

Melchizedek worshiped the God Most High. This is probably a reference to the true and only God who created the heavens and the earth and came to be known as Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]])

744GEN141zbz30It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

745GEN141p95i0in the days of

in the time of

746GEN141e5wjtranslate-names0Amraphel ... Arioch ... Kedorlaomer ... Tidal

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

747GEN141psb1translate-names0Shinar ... Ellasar ... Elam ... Goiim
748GEN142s6jz0they made war
749GEN143pdv2figs-explicit0These latter five kings joined together
750GEN144vk6f0Twelve years they had served

The events in verses 4-7 happened before verse 3. Your language may have a way of showing this.

751GEN144d7j6translate-names0they had served Kedorlaomer
752GEN144m72u0they rebelled
753GEN145k2wm0came and attacked

They did this because the other kings rebelled.

754GEN145k3kftranslate-names0the Rephaim ... the Zuzites ... the Emites

These are the names of people groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

755GEN145kj3ntranslate-names0Ashteroth Karnaim ... Ham ... Shaveh Kiriathaim

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

756GEN145pm1u0Ham

This name in Hebrew is different from the name of Noah's son, which is spelled the same way in English.

757GEN146afr4translate-names0the Horites

This is the name of a people group. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

758GEN146m4dwtranslate-names0Seir ... El Paran

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

759GEN146s52tfigs-distinguish0El Paran, which is near the desert
760GEN147my4b0General Information:

Verses 8 and 9 repeats what was said in Genesis 14:3 and continues to tell what happened when the kings came together to fight.

761GEN147rck2figs-go0they turned and came
762GEN147ed6d0the Amorites who lived in Hazezon Tamar

This phrase tells which Amorite people were defeated. There were other Amorite people who lived in other places.

763GEN148pq4d0the king of Bela (also called Zoar)
764GEN148v7s3figs-explicit0prepared for battle
765GEN149uq5u0four kings against the five
766GEN1410yn7ewriting-background0Now

This word introduces background information about the valley of Siddim. Your language may have another way of introducing background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

767GEN1410u9qi0was full of tar pits
768GEN1410f98l0tar

a thick, sticky, black liquid that comes up from the ground. See how this is translated in Genesis 11:3.

769GEN1410mp8kfigs-synecdoche0the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah
770GEN1410kj2nfigs-metonymy0they fell in there

Possible meanings are 1) some of their soldiers fell in the tar pits or 2) the kings themselves fell in the tar pits. Since Genesis 14:17 says that the king of Sodom went to meet Abram, the first meaning is more likely correct. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

771GEN1410ern20Those who were left

Those who did not die in battle and did not fall in the pits

772GEN1411rk4ufigs-metonymy0the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah
773GEN1411c7vp0their provisions

their food and drink

774GEN1411e6qg0went their way

they went away

775GEN1412g2sjfigs-distinguish0they also took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who was living in Sodom, along with all his possessions
776GEN1413w39m0One who had escaped came

A man escaped from the battle and came

777GEN1413g8u8writing-background0He was living
778GEN1413mmt30were all allies of Abram
779GEN1414se1t0his relative

This is a reference to Abram's nephew Lot.

780GEN1414wc3ztranslate-numbers0318 trained men
781GEN1414llz90trained men

men who were trained to fight

782GEN1414gjn20men who had been born in his house
783GEN1414a2k30pursued them

chased them

784GEN1414kgi30Dan

This is a city in the far north of Canaan, far from Abram's camp.

785GEN1415z2r40He divided his men against them at night and attacked them
786GEN1416fxf40all the possessions

This refers to the things that the enemies had stolen from the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

787GEN1416qp8w0his goods

Lot's property that the enemies had stolen from Lot

788GEN1416gt3k0as well as the women and the other people

as well as the women and other people that the four kings had captured

789GEN1417s822figs-explicit0returned
790GEN1418cz1b0Melchizedek, king of Salem

This is the first time this king is mentioned.

791GEN1418hqq10bread and wine
792GEN1419b6iz0He blessed him

King Melchizedek blessed Abram.

793GEN1419wnf1figs-activepassive0Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth
794GEN1419z9ck0heaven

This refers to the place where God lives.

795GEN1420pvn40God Most High, who has given
796GEN1420hyf90Blessed be God Most High
797GEN1420me4m0into your hand
798GEN1421yzi90Give me the people
799GEN1422pw780I have lifted up my hand
800GEN1424fd750I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten
801GEN1424xk3gfigs-explicit0the share of the men that went with me
802GEN1424dn4xfigs-explicit0Aner, Eshkol, and Mamre
803GEN15introb77u0
804GEN151u7m10After these things
805GEN151y6sgfigs-idiom0
806GEN151f5jxfigs-metaphor0shield ... reward

God used these two metaphors to tell Abram about his character and his relationship to Abram. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

807GEN151q9jgfigs-metaphor0I am your shield
808GEN151a84d0I am ... your very great reward
809GEN151d6eqfigs-metonymy0reward

the result of a person's actions. This seems to be a metonym for the gracious blessing God would give Abram. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

810GEN153e54g0
811GEN154ym810Then, behold
812GEN154a5xlfigs-idiom0
813GEN154jf7t0This man

This refers to Eliezer of Damascus.

814GEN154t2nt0the one who will come from your own body
815GEN155rzc60number the stars

count the stars

816GEN155s2td0So will your descendants be

Just as Abram would not be able to count all the stars, he would not be able to count all his descendants because there would be so many.

817GEN156wi6t0He believed Yahweh

This means he accepted and trusted what Yahweh said was true.

818GEN156vu8m0he counted it to him as righteousness
819GEN157s8nq0I am Yahweh, who brought you out of Ur

Yahweh was reminding Abraham of what he had already done so that Abraham would know that Yahweh had the power to give Abram what he promised him.

820GEN157vpc60to inherit it
821GEN158xgm40how will I know

Abram was asking for more proof that Yahweh would give him the land.

822GEN1511ej2r0the carcasses

the dead bodies of the animals and birds

823GEN1511ld5n0Abram drove them away
824GEN1512mt8xfigs-idiom0Abram fell sound asleep
825GEN1512s67i0a deep and terrifying darkness

an extreme darkness that terrified him

826GEN1512t6p70overwhelmed him

surrounded him

827GEN1513v3tk0strangers

people who are at home in one place but have to live in another place

828GEN1513ayu5figs-activepassive0will be enslaved and oppressed
829GEN1514u2c10General Information:

Yahweh continued to speak to Abram while Abram dreamed.

830GEN1514chv9figs-metonymy0I will judge
831GEN1514i1hsfigs-explicit0that they will serve
832GEN1514i716figs-idiom0abundant possessions
833GEN1515zj2tfigs-euphemism0you will go to your fathers
834GEN1515ce5wfigs-synecdoche0fathers
835GEN1515m38i0you will be buried in a good old age

you will be very old when you die and your family buries your body

836GEN1516t8tm0In the fourth generation
837GEN1516kgu50they will come here again
838GEN1516dfh50has not yet reached its limit
839GEN1517bak20behold
840GEN1517dq6q0a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between the pieces

God did this to show Abram that he was making a covenant with him.

841GEN1517b8ea0passed between the pieces

passed through between the two rows of animal pieces

842GEN1518jca20covenant

In this covenant God promises to bless Abram, and he will continue to bless him as long as Abram follows him.

843GEN1518n51q0I hereby give this land

By saying this, God was giving the land to Abram's descendants. God was doing this then, but the descendants would not go into the land until many years later.

844GEN1519z53utranslate-names0the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites

These are the names of groups of people who lived in that land. God would allow Abraham's descendants to conquer these people and take their land. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

845GEN1520s5a4translate-names0the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaites

These are the names of groups of people who lived in that land. God would allow Abraham's descendants to conquer these people and take their land. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

846GEN1521x8uztranslate-names0the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites

These are the names of groups of people who lived in that land. God would allow Abraham's descendants to conquer these people and take their land. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

847GEN16introhcf50

Genesis 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 16:11-12.

Special concepts in this chapter

Plural marriage

Abram married Hagar while he was also married to Sarai. Even though Abram had his wife's permission, this was an immoral and sinful action. It also showed a lack of faith in God. Sarai quickly became jealous of Hagar. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/jealous]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

848GEN161g63iwriting-background0Now

This word is used in English to introduce a new part of the story and background information about Sarai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

849GEN161qvt50female servant
850GEN162mi220from having children

from giving birth to children

851GEN162g7pn0I will have children by her

I will build my family through her

852GEN162d65g0Abram listened to the voice of Sarai

Abram did what Sarai said

853GEN164r8xr0she looked with contempt on her mistress
854GEN164n3w50her mistress
855GEN165zy8r0This wrong on me

This injustice against me

856GEN165cs170is because of you
857GEN165pg3afigs-euphemism0I gave my servant woman into your embrace
858GEN165da2jfigs-activepassive0I was despised in her eyes
859GEN165yn9x0Let Yahweh judge between me and you
860GEN166xrl30See here
861GEN166dgm60in your power

under your authority

862GEN166j5i90Sarai dealt harshly with her

Sarai treated Hagar very badly

863GEN166t4330she fled from her

Hagar fled from Sarai

864GEN167e27g0The angel of Yahweh
865GEN167w6d60wilderness
866GEN167y62e0Shur

This was the name of a place south of Canaan and east of Egypt.

867GEN168mk7v0my mistress
868GEN169rqm50The angel of Yahweh said to her

The angel of Yahweh said to Hagar

869GEN169r9gt0your mistress
870GEN1610km4g0the angel of Yahweh

See the note about this phrase in Genesis 16:7.

871GEN1610aa1h0
872GEN1610xr660I will greatly multiply your descendants

I will give you very many descendants

873GEN1610sn9f0too numerous to count

so many that no one will be able to count them

874GEN1611ee9v0The angel of Yahweh

See the note about this phrase in Genesis 16:7.

875GEN1611mj7q0Behold
876GEN1611qqh80bear a son

give birth to a son

877GEN1611t29c0you will call his name
878GEN1611x6x40Ishmael, because Yahweh has heard
879GEN1611xmm50affliction

She has been afflicted by distress and suffering.

880GEN1612rpu1figs-metaphor0He will be a wild donkey of a man
881GEN1612vyt40He will be hostile against every man

He will be every man's enemy

882GEN1612j1p20every man will be hostile to him

everyone will be his enemy

883GEN1612q8j20he will live apart from
884GEN1612ihy30his brothers
885GEN1613t9b60Yahweh who spoke to her

Yahweh, because he spoke to her

886GEN1613jsy3figs-rquestion0Do I really continue to see, ... me?
887GEN1614ez2dtranslate-names0Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi
888GEN1614c8h8translate-names0behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered
889GEN1615x6tufigs-explicit0Hagar gave birth
890GEN1615g9my0named his son, whom Hagar bore
891GEN1616cdy2writing-background0Abram was

This introduces background information about Abram's age when these things happened. Your language may have a special way to mark background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

892GEN1616e7x40bore Ishmael to Abram
893GEN17introry140
894GEN171e2890When Abram was ninety-nine years old

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

895GEN171j61v0God Almighty
896GEN171cp7wfigs-metaphor0Walk before me
897GEN172e6dj0Then I will confirm

If you do this, then I will confirm

898GEN172n6qi0I will confirm my covenant
899GEN172x3wu0covenant

In this covenant God promises to bless Abram, but he also requires Abram to obey him.

900GEN172qt2pfigs-idiom0multiply you exceedingly
901GEN173m64l0Abram bowed low with his face to the ground
902GEN174j6m40As for me

God used this phrase to introduce what he would do for Abram as part of his covenant with Abram.

903GEN174x8l20behold, my covenant is with you
904GEN174x5p40the father of a multitude of nations
905GEN176qgt70I will make you exceedingly fruitful

I will cause you to have very many descendants

906GEN176z2ge0I will make nations of you

I will cause your descendants to become nations

907GEN176u97r0kings will descend from you
908GEN177qx710General Information:

God continues speaking to Abraham.

909GEN177nr7x0throughout their generations

for each generation

910GEN177pbe90for an everlasting covenant

as a covenant that will last forever

911GEN177pr1d0to be God to you and to your descendants after you
912GEN178hur80Canaan, for an everlasting possession
913GEN179x9sd0As for you

God uses this phrase to introduce what Abram would have to do as part of God's covenant with him.

914GEN179x8a90keep my covenant
915GEN1710jn4e0This is my covenant
916GEN1710ib6lfigs-activepassive0Every male among you must be circumcised
917GEN1710xjr30Every male

This refers to human males.

918GEN1711j6pmfigs-euphemism0You must be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin
919GEN1711i3l80the sign of the covenant

the sign that shows that the covenant exists

920GEN1711s7vs0the sign
921GEN1712t92x0General Information:

God continues speaking to Abraham.

922GEN1712xpc80Every male

Every human male

923GEN1712ev7m0throughout your people's generations

in every generation

924GEN1712ed5xfigs-activepassive0him who is bought with money
925GEN1713fim6figs-activepassive0my covenant will be in your flesh
926GEN1713ea1n0for an everlasting covenant
927GEN1714lpi7figs-activepassive0uncircumcised male who is not circumcised
928GEN1714any20Any uncircumcised male ... foreskin will be cut off from his people
929GEN1714pi4vfigs-euphemism0cut off from his people
930GEN1714e2n70He has broken my covenant
931GEN1715w67t0As for Sarai
932GEN1716fpk70I will give you a son by her

I will make her bear a son for you

933GEN1716g1ax0she will become the mother of nations
934GEN1716tb490Kings of peoples will come from her
935GEN1717cx580said in his heart
936GEN1717s8rvfigs-rquestion0Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old?
937GEN1717ewn1figs-rquestion0How can Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a son?
938GEN1718bc1n0Oh that Ishmael might live before you
939GEN1719q8lt0No, but Sarah your wife will bear

God said this to correct Abraham's belief that Sarah could not have a son.

940GEN1719u9hq0you must name him
941GEN1720l6cf0As for Ishmael
942GEN1720fvb50Behold
943GEN1720e3g9figs-idiom0will make him fruitful
944GEN1720y6m20will multiply him abundantly

I will cause him to have many descendants

945GEN1720ga2d0princes
946GEN1721rwv40But my covenant I will establish with Isaac

God returns to talking about his covenant with Abraham and emphasizes that he would fulfill his promise with Isaac, not with Ishmael.

947GEN1722m8vf0When he had finished talking with him

When God had finished talking with Abraham

948GEN1722sw9y0God went up from Abraham

God left Abraham

949GEN1723nxp30every male among the men of Abraham's household
950GEN1727rgk60including those born into the household and those bought with money from a foreigner

This includes those who were born in his household and those he had bought from foreigners

951GEN1727a2ym0those bought with money from a foreigner

This refers to servants or slaves.

952GEN1727xq3bfigs-activepassive0those bought
953GEN18introky5w0
954GEN181a3at0Mamre

This was the name of the man who owned the oak trees.

955GEN181ra4w0in the tent doorway
956GEN181u27f0heat of the day

hottest time of day

957GEN182t35m0He looked up and, behold, he saw three men standing

He looked up and saw, and behold, three men were standing

958GEN182m2pv0behold, he saw

he was surprised because he saw

959GEN182xd3c0across from him
960GEN182ygs80bowed

This means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone.

961GEN183cj7j0Lord

This is a title of respect. Possible meanings are 1) Abraham knew that one of these men was God or 2) Abraham knew that these men came on behalf of God.

962GEN183s5jgfigs-idiom0if I have found favor in your sight
963GEN183i86zfigs-you0in your sight

Abraham is speaking to one of the men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

964GEN183ie2s0do not pass by

please do not keep on going past

965GEN183s6nr0your servant
966GEN184cs93figs-activepassive0Let a little water be brought
967GEN184r83u0a little water
968GEN184c7uk0wash your feet

This custom helped tired travelers to refresh themselves after walking long distances.

969GEN185p5cn0a little food
970GEN185rmc5figs-you0your ... you
971GEN186gl4ctranslate-bvolume0three seahs

about 22 liters (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]])

972GEN186sbt60bread

This bread was probably cooked quickly on a hot stone. It may have been flat or round like small loaves or rolls.

973GEN187s4v80he hurried

the servant hurried

974GEN187hp5s0to prepare it

to cut it up and roast it

975GEN188k6lz0curds

This refers to the solid part of fermented milk. It may have been yogurt or cheese.

976GEN188c4vs0the calf that had been prepared

the roasted calf

977GEN188pp290before them

before the three visitors

978GEN189eq6d0They said to him

Then they said to Abraham

979GEN1810gg9j0
980GEN1810iwn60in the springtime
981GEN1810aas20see
982GEN1810qvh90in the tent doorway
983GEN1812u12xfigs-rquestion0After I am worn-out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?
984GEN1812m2nn0my master is old
985GEN1812qrv30my master

This is a title of respect that Sarah gave to her husband Abraham.

986GEN1813dfs6figs-rquestion0Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really bear a child, when I am old'?
987GEN1814i13ffigs-123person0Is anything too hard for Yahweh?
988GEN1814rd960At the time appointed by me, in the spring

At the time I have appointed, which is in the spring

989GEN1815fc880Then Sarah denied it and said

The Sarah denied it by saying

990GEN1815c49f0He replied

Yahweh replied

991GEN1815pq5b0No, you did laugh
992GEN1816mtk20to see them on their way
993GEN1817z943figs-rquestion0Should I hide from Abraham what I am about to do
994GEN1818e6qkfigs-rquestion0
995GEN1818h854figs-rquestion0since Abraham ... in him?
996GEN1818q36h0since ... him?

This is because ... him

997GEN1818e9uwfigs-activepassive0all the nations of the earth will be blessed in him
998GEN1818i8b10will be blessed in him
999GEN1819pxl90that he may instruct
1000GEN1819cwm4figs-123person0to keep the way of Yahweh ... Yahweh may bring ... he has said
1001GEN1819ny3x0to keep the way of Yahweh

to obey the commands of Yahweh

1002GEN1819f8f70to do righteousness and justice
1003GEN1819v4z40so that Yahweh may bring upon Abraham what he has said to him
1004GEN1820m237figs-abstractnouns0the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great
1005GEN1820jp1b0their sin is so serious

they have sinned so much

1006GEN1821fb8x0I will now go down there

I will now go down to Sodom and Gomorrah

1007GEN1821lki80go down there and see
1008GEN1821vp7mfigs-abstractnouns0see the outcry ... that has come to me
1009GEN1821vp4d0If not

If they are not as wicked as the outcry suggests

1010GEN1822ms2h0turned from there

went out from Abraham's camp

1011GEN1822yxr60Abraham remained standing before Yahweh

Abraham and Yahweh remained together

1012GEN1823b62y0approached and said
1013GEN1823g5hefigs-metaphor0sweep away
1014GEN1823awu40the righteous with the wicked

the righteous people with the wicked people

1015GEN1824pb7k0General Information:

Abraham continues talking to Yahweh.

1016GEN1824h4eu0Perhaps there are

Suppose there are

1017GEN1824dz9jfigs-rquestion0Will you sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous that are there?
1018GEN1824h8ksfigs-metaphor0sweep it away
1019GEN1824qq2a0not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous that are there?
1020GEN1824d8ui0spare the place

let the people live

1021GEN1824zj590for the sake of

because of

1022GEN1825rj5afigs-idiom0Far be it from you to do such a thing
1023GEN1825re6w0such a thing, killing
1024GEN1825hqx8figs-activepassive0the righteous should be treated the same as the wicked
1025GEN1825m329figs-rquestion0Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?
1026GEN1825de6w0Judge

God is often referred to as a judge because he is the one perfect judge who makes the final decisions about what is right or wrong.

1027GEN1827dsz40Look
1028GEN1827fax50I have undertaken to speak
1029GEN1827snd3figs-123person0to my Lord
1030GEN1827ew9kfigs-metaphor0only dust and ashes
1031GEN1828ln280five less than fifty righteous

only forty-five righteous people

1032GEN1828zqs70for lack of five

if there are five fewer righteous people

1033GEN1828n8tk0I will not destroy it

I will not destroy Sodom

1034GEN1829uj4n0He spoke to him

Abraham spoke to Yahweh

1035GEN1829hah3figs-activepassive0if there are forty found there
1036GEN1829y28tfigs-ellipsis0for the forty's sake
1037GEN1829nup90He replied

Yahweh answered

1038GEN1829tyh30I will not do it for the forty's sake

I will not destroy the cities if I find forty righteous people there

1039GEN1830vk5mfigs-activepassive0thirty will be found there
1040GEN1831kep90Look
1041GEN1831e1em0I have undertaken to speak
1042GEN1831un9pfigs-activepassive0twenty will be found there
1043GEN1831s4znfigs-ellipsis0for the twenty's sake
1044GEN1832a6tx0Perhaps ten will be found there

Perhaps you will find ten righteous people there

1045GEN1832q1p90Perhaps ten
1046GEN1832ak2y0Then he said

And Yahweh answered

1047GEN1832d3350for the ten's sake

if I find ten righteous people there

1048GEN1833wum8figs-idiom0Yahweh went on his way
1049GEN19introhb2x0
1050GEN191uh7h0The two angels

The two men who have gone to Sodom (Genesis 18:22) are really angels.

1051GEN191b4sb0the gate of Sodom
1052GEN191ny920bowed down with his face to the ground

He put his knees on the ground then touched his forehead and nose to the ground.

1053GEN192t9qp0my masters

This was a term of respect Lot used for the angels.

1054GEN192egr40I urge you to turn aside into your servant's house

Please come and stay in your servant's house

1055GEN192w78pfigs-123person0your servant's house

Lot refers to himself as their servant in order to show them respect. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1056GEN192sp4m0wash your feet

People liked to wash their feet after traveling.

1057GEN192sb2f0rise up early

wake up early

1058GEN192a65mfigs-exclusive0we will spend the night
1059GEN192r62b0town square

This is a public, outdoor place in the town.

1060GEN193vnk80they went with him

they turned and went with him

1061GEN194lc420before they lay down

before the people in Lot's house lay down to go to sleep

1062GEN194iw1t0the men of the city, the men of Sodom
1063GEN194gyq40the house

Lot's house

1064GEN194vqe50both young and old
1065GEN195cu4h0that came in to you

that went into your house

1066GEN195jfu1figs-euphemism0we may know them
1067GEN196k84s0after himself
1068GEN197tg280I beg you, my brothers

I plead with you, my brothers

1069GEN197s55mfigs-idiom0my brothers
1070GEN197ur1w0do not act so wickedly
1071GEN198bc5c0Look
1072GEN198pb1nfigs-euphemism0who have not known any man

This is a polite way of saying that the daughters had not had sexual relations with any man. You may need to use another euphemism in your language. See how you translated similar words in Genesis 4:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

1073GEN198jn4w0whatever is good in your eyes
1074GEN198nig7figs-synecdoche0under the shadow of my roof
1075GEN199k7mf0Stand back!
1076GEN199sgx90This one came here to live as a foreigner
1077GEN199ym7y0This one
1078GEN199c9uqfigs-idiom0and now
1079GEN199sa6cfigs-idiom0he has become our judge
1080GEN199x79u0Now we

Because you are telling us that what we are doing is wrong, we

1081GEN199xi8xfigs-idiom0we will deal worse with you than with them
1082GEN199gdw30They pressed hard against the man, against Lot, and came near to break down the door
1083GEN199q8f70the man ... Lot

This is two ways of referring to Lot.

1084GEN1910u4re0But the men
1085GEN1910ri1gfigs-explicit0the men reached out their hands and brought ... them and shut
1086GEN1911urq7figs-metaphor0Lot's visitors struck with blindness the men
1087GEN1911kg3gfigs-merism0both young and old
1088GEN1912zat40Then the men said
1089GEN1912pl2x0Do you have anyone else here?
1090GEN1912k1l80whoever you have in the city

any other members of your family living in this city

1091GEN1913zq54figs-exclusive0we are about to destroy
1092GEN1913q8rcfigs-abstractnouns0the accusations against it before Yahweh have become so loud
1093GEN1914pd6h0Lot went out

So Lot left the house

1094GEN1914cb3jfigs-parallelism0his sons-in-law, the men who had promised to marry his daughters
1095GEN1915ch9a0When the morning dawned

Just before the sun came up

1096GEN1915r4pf0Get going

Go now

1097GEN1915ta9nfigs-activepassive0you are not swept away in the punishment of the city
1098GEN1915nd8nfigs-metaphor0not swept away in the punishment

God destroying the people of the city is spoken of as if a person were sweeping away dust. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1099GEN1915s4jwfigs-metonymy0of the city
1100GEN1916jp9l0But he lingered
1101GEN1916sa450So the men grabbed
1102GEN1916jl9w0was merciful to him
1103GEN1917z72f0When they had brought them out

When the two men had brought Lot's family out

1104GEN1917is11figs-idiom0Run for your lives!
1105GEN1917wpz3figs-ellipsis0Do not look back
1106GEN1917hx630on the plain

This means the plain of the Jordan River. This refers to the general region of the Jordan River.

1107GEN1917n2iffigs-ellipsis0so you are not swept away
1108GEN1917c7y3figs-metaphor0not swept away

God destroying the people of the city is spoken of as if a person were sweeping away dust. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1109GEN1919q7pmfigs-idiom0Your servant has found favor in your eyes
1110GEN1919zq9lfigs-123person0Your servant has
1111GEN1919hc7tfigs-abstractnouns0you have shown me great kindness in saving my life
1112GEN1919i5uvfigs-personification0I cannot escape to the mountains, because the disaster will overtake me, and I will die
1113GEN1919q5lefigs-explicit0my life ... I cannot escape ... overtake me, and I will die
1114GEN1920m8z1figs-rquestion0let me escape there (is it not a little one?), and my life will be saved
1115GEN1920c93mfigs-explicit0let me escape there
1116GEN1920yx21figs-explicit0my life will be saved
1117GEN1921x14h0I am granting this request also

I will do what you have asked

1118GEN1922np4efigs-explicit0cannot do anything
1119GEN1922y7sj0Zoar
1120GEN1923z84afigs-explicit0The sun had risen upon the earth
1121GEN1923zhv3figs-explicit0when Lot reached Zoar
1122GEN1924f7cpfigs-metonymy0Yahweh rained down upon Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from Yahweh out of the sky
1123GEN1924c8sefigs-hendiadys0sulfur and fire
1124GEN1925ubh20those cities

This refers primarily to Sodom and Gomorrah, but also to three other towns.

1125GEN1925kx2i0the inhabitants of the cities

the people who lived in the cities

1126GEN1926pf2p0she became a pillar of salt
1127GEN1928zp8y0behold
1128GEN1928p62zfigs-simile0like the smoke of a furnace
1129GEN1929vag90General Information:

Verse 29 is a summary of this chapter.

1130GEN1929tj4dfigs-idiom0God called Abraham to mind
1131GEN1929h1uq0out of the midst of the destruction
1132GEN1930p16k0Lot went up from Zoar to live in the mountains
1133GEN1931me8wfigs-nominaladj0The firstborn ... the younger
1134GEN1931xk1xfigs-euphemism0to lie with us

These words are a euphemism for sexual relations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

1135GEN1931fm8hfigs-metonymy0according to the way of all the world
1136GEN1932tlh6figs-explicit0drink wine
1137GEN1932cr2nfigs-euphemism0we will lie with him
1138GEN1932j57qfigs-metaphor0so that we may extend our father's line
1139GEN1933ufz5figs-euphemism0lay with her father
1140GEN1933r7aifigs-euphemism0when she lay down
1141GEN1934pyk60Let us make him drink wine ... father's line

See how you translated these phrases in Genesis 19:32.

1142GEN1934mb9pfigs-explicit0drink wine
1143GEN1934qf2vfigs-metaphor0so that we may extend our father's line
1144GEN1935hm3h0So they made ... or when she got up

See how you translated similar phrases in Genesis 19:33.

1145GEN1935l4njfigs-euphemism0lay with him
1146GEN1935x62yfigs-euphemism0when she lay down
1147GEN1936bq860were pregnant by their father
1148GEN1937ur5a0He became

He is

1149GEN1937u4u40the Moabites of today

the Moab people who are now living

1150GEN1937lre90of today
1151GEN1938tbc3translate-names0Ben-Ammi

This is a male name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1152GEN1938kpi70the people of Ammon
1153GEN20introm5j10
1154GEN201pym2translate-names0Shur

This is a desert region on the eastern border of Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1155GEN202zga10sent for Sarah and took her

made his men go get Sarah and bring her to him

1156GEN203v4440God came to Abimelech

God appeared to Abimelech

1157GEN203tme70Behold

pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important:

1158GEN203x7krfigs-idiom0you are a dead man
1159GEN203l8520a man's wife

a married woman

1160GEN204cxb7writing-background0Now ... her

This word is used here to mark a change from the story to information about Abimelech. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1161GEN204nbq2figs-euphemism0Abimelech had not come near her
1162GEN204gxv9figs-metonymy0even a righteous nation
1163GEN205a3jrfigs-quotesinquotes0Did he not himself say to me, 'She is my sister?' Even she herself said, 'He is my brother.'
1164GEN205c4vtfigs-rquestion0Did he not himself say to me, 'She is my sister?'
1165GEN205lx3lfigs-rpronouns0Did he not himself say ... Even she herself
1166GEN205ey19figs-metonymy0I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands
1167GEN206b1a50God said to him

God said to Abimelech

1168GEN206r797figs-metonymy0in the integrity of your heart you did this
1169GEN206fkd2figs-euphemism0to touch her
1170GEN207x37f0the man's wife

Abraham's wife

1171GEN207e8qh0you will live

I will let you live

1172GEN207nj490all who are yours

all of your people

1173GEN208egv20He told all these things to them

He told them everything that God had told him

1174GEN209vne4figs-rquestion0What have you done to us?
1175GEN209s7b5figs-exclusive0to us
1176GEN209za1ffigs-rquestion0How have I sinned against you, that you have brought ... sin?
1177GEN209jp85figs-metaphor0that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin
1178GEN209e4jhfigs-metonymy0on my kingdom
1179GEN209x8wm0You have done to me that which ought not to be done

You should not have done this to me

1180GEN2010qyr8figs-explicit0What prompted you to do this thing?
1181GEN2011gvr3figs-quotesinquotes0Because I thought, 'Surely there is no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.'
1182GEN2011nei7figs-metonymy0no fear of God in this place
1183GEN2011y87a0fear of God

This means to deeply respect God and show that respect by obeying him.

1184GEN2012p5380Besides, she is indeed my sister
1185GEN2012ml6b0the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother

we have the same father, but we have different mothers

1186GEN2013ktu60General Information:

Verse 13 is a continuation of Abraham's answer to Abimelech.

1187GEN2013e2epfigs-metonymy0my father's house
1188GEN2013jl8sfigs-quotesinquotes0
1189GEN2014sh8w0Abimelech took

Abimelech brought some

1190GEN2015d1fq0Abimelech said

Abimelech said to Abraham

1191GEN2015f45t0Look

Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important

1192GEN2015pv15figs-idiom0my land is before you
1193GEN2015ch6w0Settle wherever it pleases you

Live wherever you want

1194GEN2016u7bgtranslate-numbers0a thousand
1195GEN2016tv82figs-metaphor0It is to cover any offense against you in the eyes of all who are with you
1196GEN2016gpn5figs-metaphor0in the eyes
1197GEN2016id4cfigs-activepassive0before everyone, you are completely made right
1198GEN2018wr3n0completely infertile

totally unable to have children

1199GEN2018z9nvfigs-explicit0because of Sarah, Abraham's wife
1200GEN21introcru40

Genesis 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Sarah's anger

After Sarah was able to have her own child, and he survived infancy, she began to get angry with Abraham's other son, Ishmael. He would have been a constant reminder of her own sin. God blessed Ishmael, but he was not able to inherit the promises given to Abraham. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/inherit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]])

Abandoning Ishmael

According to the law at this time, Hagar was able to gain her freedom from slavery by abandoning any claim to receive an inheritance. This is why Hagar would have abandoned her son under the tree. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Treaty

The Gentile king, Abimelech, made a covenant or treaty with Abraham. It is possible that he did this because he recognized the power of Abraham's God, but his exact reasons are unknown. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

1201GEN211f988figs-explicit0Yahweh paid attention to Sarah
1202GEN212waa90bore a son to Abraham

gave birth to Abraham's son

1203GEN212xm5n0in his old age

when Abraham was very old

1204GEN212ud3d0at the set time of which God had spoken to him

at the exact time that God had told him it would happen

1205GEN213gbc90Abraham named his son, the one who had been born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac
1206GEN214wzz80Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old

When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him

1207GEN214g3m9translate-numbers0eight days
1208GEN214pp610had commanded him

had commanded Abraham to do

1209GEN215j1u3translate-numbers0one hundred
1210GEN216nu7qfigs-explicit0God has made me laugh
1211GEN216ns7bfigs-explicit0every one who hears
1212GEN217t9uefigs-rquestion0Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children
1213GEN217hs12figs-euphemism0nurse children
1214GEN218dp3yfigs-euphemism0The child grew and ... Isaac was weaned
1215GEN219mm9vfigs-explicit0the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham
1216GEN219d73kfigs-explicit0mocking
1217GEN2110t7tn0she said to Abraham

Sarah said to Abraham

1218GEN2110y4le0Drive out
1219GEN2110n7ry0this slave woman and her son

This refers to Hagar and Ishmael. Sarah probably did not refer to them by name because she was angry with them.

1220GEN2110jrm90with my son, with Isaac

with my son Isaac

1221GEN2111b5qj0This thing was very grievous to Abraham

Abraham was very unhappy about what Sarah said

1222GEN2111bb4jfigs-explicit0because of his son
1223GEN2112r6u60Do not be grieved because of the lad, and because of your servant woman

Do not be upset about the boy and your handmaid

1224GEN2112t2a70Listen to her words in all she says to you about this matter

Do everything that Sarah says to you about them

1225GEN2112wzl5figs-activepassive0it is through Isaac that your descendants will be named
1226GEN2113k7jwfigs-metonymy0I will also make the son of the servant woman into a nation
1227GEN2114u9q1figs-synecdoche0took bread

Possible meanings are 1) this refers to food in general or 2) this refers to bread specifically. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1228GEN2114hbx90a skin of water
1229GEN2115ad5u0When the water in the waterskin was gone
1230GEN2116z7c30about the distance of a bowshot away

This refers to the distance that a person could shoot an arrow with a bow. This is about 100 meters.

1231GEN2116kuh9figs-abstractnouns0Let me not look upon the death of the child
1232GEN2116i8r8figs-metonymy0she lifted up her voice and wept
1233GEN2117y2cdfigs-metonymy0the voice of the lad
1234GEN2117swz40the angel of God
1235GEN2117nh6r0out of heaven
1236GEN2117usq50What troubles you
1237GEN2117bx2tfigs-metonymy0the voice of the lad where he is
1238GEN2118n4hf0raise up the lad

help the boy stand up

1239GEN2118ifp4figs-metonymy0I will make him into a great nation
1240GEN2119kqh4figs-metaphor0God opened her eyes, and she saw
1241GEN2119l5270the skin
1242GEN2119q3fh0the lad
1243GEN2120i9twfigs-idiom0God was with the lad
1244GEN2120dwr60became an archer

became very skilled at using a bow and arrows

1245GEN2121nwf20got a wife

found a wife

1246GEN2122d7eswriting-newevent0It came about at that time

This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1247GEN2122sx3ytranslate-names0Phicol

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1248GEN2122fg4b0captain of his army

commander of his army

1249GEN2122j5ga0his army
1250GEN2122ed3jfigs-idiom0God is with you in all that you do
1251GEN2123s6v8figs-explicit0Now therefore
1252GEN2123le59figs-idiom0swear to me here by God
1253GEN2123du1c0that you will not deal falsely with me

that you will not lie to me

1254GEN2123z3n7figs-doublenegatives0will not deal falsely ... with my descendants
1255GEN2123s3kifigs-abstractnouns0Show to me ... covenant faithfulness that I have shown to you
1256GEN2123cj4ifigs-metonymy0to the land
1257GEN2124s11pfigs-ellipsis0I swear
1258GEN2125v44s0Abraham also complained to Abimelech
1259GEN2125ph9l0concerning a well of water that Abimelech's servants had seized from him

because Abimelech's servants had taken one of Abraham's wells

1260GEN2125t12g0seized from him
1261GEN2126i3se0I have not heard of it until today

This is the first time I have heard about it

1262GEN2127ruw8translate-symaction0Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech

This is a sign of friendship and that Abraham agrees to make covenant with Abimelech. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1263GEN2128jy7m0Abraham set seven female lambs of the flock by themselves

Abraham separated seven female lambs from the flock

1264GEN2129tqa10What is the meaning of these seven female lambs that you have set by themselves?

Why have you separated these seven lambs from the flock?

1265GEN2130t7mt0you will receive

you will take

1266GEN2130mf9ffigs-synecdoche0from my hand
1267GEN2130z8ku0it may be a witness
1268GEN2130k965figs-abstractnouns0so that it may be a witness for me
1269GEN2131fs2d0he called that place

Abraham called that place

1270GEN2131nln80Beersheba
1271GEN2131uup50they both

Abraham and Abimelech

1272GEN2132nu8h0Phicol

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in Genesis 21:22.

1273GEN2133nb3htranslate-unknown0a tamarisk tree
1274GEN2133hss30the eternal God

the God who lives forever

1275GEN2134q54a0many days

for a long time

1276GEN22introeq6l0
1277GEN221v5l5writing-newevent0It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1278GEN221l21s0after these things

This phrase refers to the events in chapter 21.

1279GEN221n2k1figs-explicit0God tested Abraham
1280GEN221wmg90Here I am
1281GEN222riw5figs-explicit0your only son
1282GEN222wi8g0whom you love

This emphasizes Abraham's love for his son, Isaac.

1283GEN222f7ehtranslate-names0the land of Moriah
1284GEN223t9yx0saddled his donkey
1285GEN223yed40young men

servants

1286GEN223u1yy0set out on his journey
1287GEN224rp2jtranslate-ordinal0On the third day
1288GEN224wqd90saw the place afar off

saw far away the place that God had spoken of

1289GEN225n2870young men

servants

1290GEN225fay2figs-exclusive0We will worship
1291GEN225h4ur0come again to you

return to you

1292GEN226hdf80put it on Isaac his son

had Isaac, his son, carry it

1293GEN226kw2gfigs-synecdoche0He took in his own hand
1294GEN226lj2sfigs-synecdoche0the fire
1295GEN226v6yy0they went both of them together
1296GEN227h2480My father

This is a loving way for a son to speak to his father.

1297GEN227j9ph0Here I am
1298GEN227vf730my son

This is a loving way for a father to speak to his son.

1299GEN227m2y2figs-synecdoche0the fire
1300GEN227eb9g0the lamb for the burnt offering

the lamb that you will give as a burnt offering

1301GEN228w7zpfigs-rpronouns0God himself
1302GEN228p2wc0will provide

will give us

1303GEN229yn6m0When they came to the place

When Abraham and Isaac arrived at the place

1304GEN229x21f0he bound

he tied up

1305GEN229g9i80on the altar, on top of the wood

on top of the wood that was on the altar

1306GEN2210a5eg0reached out with his hand and took up the knife

picked up the knife

1307GEN2211d82r0the angel of Yahweh
1308GEN2211yu4c0from heaven

This refers to the place where God lives.

1309GEN2211w9zz0Here I am
1310GEN2212m8d6figs-idiom0Do not lay your hand upon the lad, nor do anything to harm him
1311GEN2212n4c50now I know ... from me
1312GEN2212n8sb0you fear God

This refers to deeply respecting God and showing that respect by obeying him.

1313GEN2212rcz20seeing that

because I see that

1314GEN2212nh8ufigs-doublenegatives0you have not withheld your son ... from me
1315GEN2212yqd1figs-explicit0your son, your only son

It is implied that God knows that Abraham has another son, Ishmael. This emphasizes that Isaac is the son that God promised to give Abraham. See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 22:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1316GEN2213n7b60behold
1317GEN2213qy8nfigs-activepassive0was a ram caught in the bushes by his horns
1318GEN2213i7l20went and took the ram

Abraham went over to the ram and took it

1319GEN2214fk9q0will provide ... will be provided
1320GEN2214cbx80to this day
1321GEN2214qmx7figs-activepassive0it will be provided
1322GEN2215qcn70The angel of Yahweh
1323GEN2215aa8ztranslate-ordinal0a second time
1324GEN2215e8jz0from heaven
1325GEN2216t7gg0said—this is Yahweh's declaration
1326GEN2216p8140by myself I have sworn
1327GEN2216une60you have done this thing

you obeyed me

1328GEN2216jc1afigs-doublenegatives0have not withheld your son
1329GEN2216pyp7figs-explicit0your son, your only son

It is implied that God knows that Abraham has another son, Ishmael. This emphasizes that Isaac is the son that God promised to give Abraham. See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 22:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1330GEN2217rb7e0surely bless

certainly bless

1331GEN2217ejb40I will greatly multiply your descendants
1332GEN2217aih1figs-simile0as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore
1333GEN2217v86r0as the stars of the heavens
1334GEN2217q7zdfigs-synecdoche0will possess the gate of their enemies
1335GEN2218tq9d0General Information:

The angel of Yahweh continues speaking to Abraham.

1336GEN2218u7ddfigs-activepassive0all the nations of the earth will be blessed
1337GEN2218bl9qfigs-metonymy0nations of the earth
1338GEN2218i6qxfigs-metonymy0you have obeyed my voice
1339GEN2219eb78figs-explicit0Abraham returned
1340GEN2219vx4h0young men

servants

1341GEN2219e1ck0they departed

they left that place

1342GEN2219v5ywfigs-explicit0he lived at Beersheba
1343GEN2220hai9writing-newevent0It came about after these things
1344GEN2220u5rufigs-activepassive0Abraham was told
1345GEN2220a2220Milkah has borne children, as well

Milkah has also borne children

1346GEN2220i8qvtranslate-names0Milkah

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1347GEN2221hd5y0They were Uz his firstborn, Buz his brother

The name of his firstborn was Uz, and the names of the rest of his children were Buz his brother

1348GEN2221xm6ktranslate-names0Uz ... Buz ... Kemuel ... Aram

These are all names of men. Translate this so that it is clear that all of these except Aram are the sons of Nahor and Milkah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1349GEN2222qg5atranslate-names0Kesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel

These are all names of men. Translate this so that it is clear that all of these are the sons of Nahor and Milkah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1350GEN2223h2fe0Bethuel became the father of Rebekah

Later Bethel became the father of Rebekah

1351GEN2223xue20These were the eight children that Milkah bore to Nahor, Abraham's brother
1352GEN2224v3k20His concubine

Nahor's concubine

1353GEN2224td3etranslate-names0Reumah

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1354GEN2224uvx40also bore

also gave birth to

1355GEN2224km7ftranslate-names0Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1356GEN23introm5kz0

Genesis 23 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Abraham's character

Abraham's interaction with the people show that he was greatly respected. This would have been unusual for a foreigner and indicates that Abraham was a man of great character. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Burial

Burial was a common practice when Abraham lived, but only the wealthy were able to bury their dead relatives in this way.

1357GEN231by7ktranslate-numbers0Sarah lived a hundred and twenty-seven years
1358GEN231dq7cfigs-doublet0These were the years of the life of Sarah

Some translations do not include this sentence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1359GEN232bm76translate-names0Kiriath Arba

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1360GEN232dik90Abraham mourned and wept for Sarah

Abraham was very sad and cried because Sarah died

1361GEN233r87x0rose up and went from his dead wife

got up and left his wife's body

1362GEN233n5zatranslate-names0the sons of Heth
1363GEN234tg1d0among you
1364GEN234llx20Please grant me a property
1365GEN234ehx7figs-nominaladj0my dead
1366GEN235w3lntranslate-names0The sons of Heth
1367GEN236s2430my master

This phrase is used to show respect to Abraham.

1368GEN236z2xnfigs-idiom0a prince of God
1369GEN236l6myfigs-nominaladj0your dead
1370GEN236rh4j0the choicest of our tombs

the best of our burial places

1371GEN236u2pe0refuse you his tomb
1372GEN237h7w7writing-symlanguage0bowed down

This means to bend over or kneel down very low to humbly express respect and honor toward someone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

1373GEN237yw6s0to the people of the land, to the sons of Heth

to the sons of Heth who lived in the area

1374GEN237qnd5translate-names0the sons of Heth
1375GEN238z68ifigs-nominaladj0my dead
1376GEN238c9j3translate-names0Ephron ... Zohar

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1377GEN239t9780the cave of Machpelah, which he owns, which is at the end of his field

his cave that is at the end of his field in Machpelah

1378GEN239h3f7translate-names0the cave of Machpelah
1379GEN239n9asfigs-distinguish0which he owns

This tells something about the cave. Ephron owned the cave. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

1380GEN239e8mrfigs-distinguish0which is at the end of his field

This also tells something about the cave. The cave was at the end of Ephron's field. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

1381GEN239xw6j0sell it to me publicly
1382GEN239h1qr0as a property

as a piece of land that I may own and use

1383GEN2310idb1writing-background0Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth
1384GEN2310w16atranslate-names0Ephron

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Genesis 23:8. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1385GEN2310qat3translate-names0the sons of Heth
1386GEN2310pmj4figs-abstractnouns0in the hearing of the sons of Heth
1387GEN2310yq1pfigs-distinguish0all those who had come into the gate of his city
1388GEN2310v5hh0gate of his city

The city gate was where the leaders of the city would meet to make important decisions.

1389GEN2310juf10his city
1390GEN2311t9j50my master

This phrase is used to show respect to Abraham.

1391GEN2311zt96figs-metonymy0in the presence of the sons of my people
1392GEN2311td9w0sons of my people
1393GEN2311zdp40my people

This phrase shows that Ephron was part of that group of people. It does not mean that he was their leader.

1394GEN2311eq110I give it to you to bury your dead

I give it to you. Bury your dead

1395GEN2311d3q4figs-nominaladj0your dead
1396GEN2312sv7wwriting-symlanguage0bowed himself down

This means to bend over or kneel down very low to humbly express respect and honor toward someone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

1397GEN2312g1ce0people of the land

people who lived in that area

1398GEN2313s7vmfigs-abstractnouns0in the hearing of the people of the land
1399GEN2313d4k30But if you are willing
1400GEN2313t89n0I will pay for the field

I will give you money for the field

1401GEN2313xai6figs-nominaladj0my dead
1402GEN2314i9a7translate-names0Ephron

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Genesis 23:8. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1403GEN2315a9gk0Please, my master, listen to me
1404GEN2315a6wp0my master

This phrase is used to show respect to Abraham.

1405GEN2315v7icfigs-rquestion0A piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between me and you?
1406GEN2315pl1vtranslate-bweight0four hundred shekels of silver

This is about 4.5 kilograms of silver. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])

1407GEN2315vh1vtranslate-numbers0four hundred
1408GEN2315v5rrfigs-nominaladj0Bury your dead
1409GEN2316bu120Abraham weighed out to Ephron the amount of silver
1410GEN2316af6q0the amount of silver that he had spoken

the amount of silver that Ephron had said

1411GEN2316k56nfigs-abstractnouns0in the hearing of the sons of Heth
1412GEN2316n255translate-names0the sons of Heth
1413GEN2316z85u0according to the standard measurement of the merchants
1414GEN2317tt9etranslate-names0Machpelah

Machpela was the name of an area or region. See how you translated this in Genesis 23:9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1415GEN2317x6jbtranslate-names0Mamre

This was another name for the city of Hebron. It may have been named after Mamre, the friend of Abraham who lived there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1416GEN2317ia830that is, the field, the cave that was in it, and all the trees
1417GEN2317d6s80passed

became property that belonged

1418GEN2318lsx40to Abraham by purchase
1419GEN2318cr5rfigs-metonymy0in the presence of the sons of Heth
1420GEN2318n2petranslate-names0the sons of Heth
1421GEN2318g8u6figs-distinguish0all those who had come into the gate of his city

This tells which sons of Heth saw Abraham buy the property. See how you translated this in Genesis 23:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

1422GEN2318ygu60gate of his city

The city gate was where the leaders of the city would meet to make important decisions.

1423GEN2318e2hk0his city
1424GEN2319ekx30After this

After he bought the field

1425GEN2319fv260the cave of the field

the cave in the field

1426GEN2319b38v0the field of Machpelah

the field in Machpelah

1427GEN2319ey3f0that is, Hebron

Possible meanings are 1) Mamre was another name for Hebron or 2) Hebron was formerly called Mamre or 3) Mamre was very near the larger city of Hebron, so people usually called it Hebron.

1428GEN2320cs4e0passed to Abraham as a property for a burial place from the sons of Heth

became Abraham's property for a burial ground when he bought it from the sons of Heth

1429GEN2320fx6qtranslate-names0the sons of Heth
1430GEN24introt2cz0
1431GEN241swv50Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the story.

1432GEN242ebr3translate-symaction0Put your hand under my thigh

Abraham was about to ask the servant to swear to do something. Putting his hand under Abraham's thigh would show that he would certainly do what he would swear to do. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1433GEN243f2nffigs-imperative0I will make you swear
1434GEN243a7dx0swear by Yahweh
1435GEN243hip1figs-merism0the God of heaven and the God of the earth
1436GEN243ren60heaven

This refers to the place where God lives.

1437GEN243v2r50from the daughters of the Canaanites
1438GEN243i3p4figs-synecdoche0among whom I make my home
1439GEN244a5wnfigs-imperative0But you will go
1440GEN244s3ne0my relatives

my family

1441GEN245qpu60What if

What should I do if

1442GEN245wkn50will not be willing to follow me
1443GEN245b9nk0Must I take your son back to the land from which you came

Should I take you son to live in the land from which you came

1444GEN246g1bh0Make sure that you do not take my son back there
1445GEN247b2tffigs-metonymy0who took me from my father's house
1446GEN247rg6g0promised me with a solemn oath

swore an oath to me

1447GEN247ar65figs-quotesinquotes0saying, 'To your offspring I will give this land,'
1448GEN247a25j0he will send his angel
1449GEN248w9ll0General Information:

Verse 8 is a continuation of the instructions Abraham gave his servant.

1450GEN248j773figs-hypo0But if the woman is not willing to follow you
1451GEN248q3gyfigs-metaphor0you will be free from this oath of mine
1452GEN249tty4translate-symaction0put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master

This was to show that he would certainly do what he was swearing to do. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1453GEN249lt8g0swore to him

made an oath to him

1454GEN249k6wb0concerning this matter
1455GEN2410qz3v0departed. He also took
1456GEN2410t2ji0He also took with him all kinds of gifts from his master

This means he also took many good things that his master wanted to give to the woman's family.

1457GEN2410yq2h0departed and went
1458GEN2410nmn4translate-names0the city of Nahor
1459GEN2411x8ge0He made the camels kneel down
1460GEN2411c8xs0well of water
1461GEN2411n18k0draw water

get water

1462GEN2412tp8i0Then he said

Then the servant said

1463GEN2412yyj6writing-connectingwords0grant me success today and show covenant faithfulness to my master Abraham
1464GEN2412i9acfigs-abstractnouns0grant me success
1465GEN2412n4s6figs-abstractnouns0show covenant faithfulness to my master Abraham
1466GEN2413b9wq0Look, here I am standing

You can see me standing here

1467GEN2413y2ut0the spring of water
1468GEN2413v4y70the daughters of the men of the city

the young women of the city

1469GEN2414xg680Let it happen like this
1470GEN2414uy2ffigs-quotesinquotes0When I say to a young woman, 'Please lower your pitcher so that I may drink,'
1471GEN2414z6kj0Please lower your pitcher

The women carried the pitchers on their shoulder. She would have to lower it to give the man a drink.

1472GEN2414khg50pitcher

a medium-size jar made of clay used for holding and pouring liquids

1473GEN2414je9pfigs-abstractnouns0that you have shown covenant faithfulness to my master
1474GEN2415td2g0It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

1475GEN2415jq3w0behold
1476GEN2415fm5s0pitcher

This is a medium-size jar made of clay used for holding and pouring liquids. See how you translated this in Genesis 24:14.

1477GEN2415y3qz0Rebekah was born to Bethuel son of Milkah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother

Rebekah's father was Bethuel. Bethuel's parents were Milkah and Nahor. Nahor was Abraham's brother

1478GEN2415y6zatranslate-names0Bethuel

Bethuel was Rebekah's father. See how you translated this name in Genesis 22:22. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1479GEN2415y7ldtranslate-names0Nahor

This is the name of a man. See how you translated his name in Genesis 11:22. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1480GEN2415xmc5translate-names0Milkah

Milkah was Nahor's wife and Bethuel's mother. See how you translated this name in Genesis 11:29. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1481GEN2416s6tm0She went down to the spring ... and came up

The spring was somewhere lower in elevation than where the servant was standing.

1482GEN2417lng10to meet her

to meet the young woman

1483GEN2417hb320a little drink of water

a little water

1484GEN2417tiz40pitcher

This is a medium-size jar made of clay used for holding and pouring liquids. See how you translated this in Genesis 24:14.

1485GEN2418dr380my master
1486GEN2418h8xp0she quickly let down her pitcher on her hand
1487GEN2419jg5k0I will draw water

I will get water

1488GEN2420n27r0So she hurried and emptied her pitcher

So she quickly emptied her pitcher

1489GEN2420pkk90the trough
1490GEN2421ui6c0The man

The servant

1491GEN2421q4p60watched her
1492GEN2421b11efigs-metaphor0to see
1493GEN2421i3b2figs-explicit0had prospered his journey
1494GEN2421x4zmfigs-ellipsis0or not
1495GEN2422slf4translate-bweight0a gold nose ring weighing half a shekel
1496GEN2422w1h6translate-bweight0two gold bracelets for her arms weighing ten shekels
1497GEN2423r4h20Whose daughter are you

Who is your father

1498GEN2423e8zs0is there room in your father's house

is there a place in your father's house

1499GEN2423vu7bfigs-exclusive0for us
1500GEN2423ij830to spend the night
1501GEN2424qx3y0She said
1502GEN2424h5cc0to him

to the servant

1503GEN2424tu270I am the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, whom she bore to Nahor

Bethuel is my father, and his parents are Milkah and Nahor

1504GEN2425ki2bfigs-ellipsis0We have plenty of both straw and feed
1505GEN2425g1si0for you to spend the night
1506GEN2425j8dwfigs-you0for you
1507GEN2426wj5p0the man

the servant

1508GEN2426rf3ntranslate-symaction0bowed down

This is a sign of humility before God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1509GEN2427pf99figs-abstractnouns0has not forsaken his covenant faithfulness and his trustworthiness toward my master
1510GEN2427eme3figs-litotes0has not forsaken
1511GEN2427xfl30my master's relatives
1512GEN2428s6bcfigs-metonymy0ran and told her mother's household
1513GEN2428xw7q0all of these things

everything that had just happened

1514GEN2429yd93writing-background0Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author tells background information about Rebekah. The author introduces her brother, Laban, to the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

1515GEN2430n1ztfigs-events0When he had seen the nose ring ... and when he had heard the words of Rebekah his sister

These things happened before he ran out to the man. This tells why Laban ran out to the man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

1516GEN2430si84figs-quotations0
1517GEN2430qav20behold, he
1518GEN2431w2vg0Come, you
1519GEN2431rud70you blessed of Yahweh

you whom Yahweh has blessed

1520GEN2431tn1rfigs-you0you
1521GEN2431gk45figs-rquestion0Why are you standing outside?
1522GEN2432n6xffigs-go0So the man came to the house
1523GEN2432h7z7figs-activepassive0he unloaded the camels
1524GEN2432hhx8figs-activepassive0The camels were given straw and feed, and water was provided
1525GEN2432jti60to wash his feet ... him

for Abraham's servant and the men who were with him to wash their feet

1526GEN2433x4b40They set
1527GEN2433th5z0set food before him

gave food to the servant

1528GEN2433d4p60said what I have to say
1529GEN2435x58h0he has become great
1530GEN2435w53i0become great

become very wealthy

1531GEN2435ff880He has given
1532GEN2436l6kq0General Information:

Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.

1533GEN2436em4l0bore a son to my master

gave birth to a son

1534GEN2436sw5h0he has given ... to him

my master has given ... to his son

1535GEN2437bu750My master made me swear, saying

My master made me swear that I would do what he told me to do. He said

1536GEN2437gr540from the daughters of the Canaanites
1537GEN2437nd18figs-synecdoche0in whose land I make my home
1538GEN2438ye3t0to my relatives

to my own clan

1539GEN2439pgj80General Information:

Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.

1540GEN2439xvk8figs-hypo0Perhaps the woman will not follow me.
1541GEN2440mp4mfigs-metaphor0before whom I walk
1542GEN2440uj9t0he will prosper your way

he will make your journey successful

1543GEN2440f64z0family line

family

1544GEN2441x3phfigs-hypo0But you will be free from my oath if you come to my relatives and they will not give her to you. Then you will be free from my oath
1545GEN2441ijt4figs-metaphor0you will be free from my oath
1546GEN2441wll8figs-go0if you come to my relatives
1547GEN2442t1j20General Information:

Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.

1548GEN2442m7ps0the spring

the well

1549GEN2443ey1m0let the young woman who comes ... the woman to whom I say

The servant goes back to stating his request. These are the first two things he has to say about the woman whom he hopes will come.

1550GEN2443ru4z0to draw water

to get water

1551GEN2443ays70pitcher

This is a medium-size jar made of clay used for holding and pouring liquids. See how you translated this in Genesis 24:14.

1552GEN2444k1f80
1553GEN2444t41f0let her be the woman

The servant finishes his request.

1554GEN2445jux70General Information:

Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.

1555GEN2445w249figs-metaphor0speaking in my heart
1556GEN2445s82z0behold, Rebekah came
1557GEN2445s4y40pitcher

This is a medium-size jar made of clay used for holding and pouring liquids. See how you translated this in Genesis 24:14.

1558GEN2445v94w0she went down to the spring
1559GEN2445r9da0spring

opening in the ground from which fresh water comes

1560GEN2446kvw10watered the camels

gave water to the camels

1561GEN2447q3rt0General Information:

Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.

1562GEN2447wg1u0The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milkah bore to him

My father is Bethuel. His parents are Nahor and Milkah

1563GEN2447xxd20ring ... bracelets

In this story, all of these items were made of gold. See how you translated these in Genesis 24:22.

1564GEN2448e8rqtranslate-symaction0I bowed down

This is a sign of humility before God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1565GEN2448h58h0led me by the right way

brought me here

1566GEN2448zhy2writing-connectingwords0who had led me
1567GEN2448p2490my master's relative

This refers to Bethuel, the son of Abraham's brother Nahor.

1568GEN2449v7x50General Information:

Abraham's servant continues speaking to Rebekah's family.

1569GEN2449u6eh0Now therefore
1570GEN2449yac9figs-explicit0if you are prepared to show covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness to my master, tell me
1571GEN2449q5fwfigs-you0you
1572GEN2449bf6ufigs-abstractnouns0faithfulness and trustworthiness
1573GEN2449r8l1figs-ellipsis0But if not
1574GEN2449yjd9figs-metaphor0so that I may turn to the right hand or to the left
1575GEN2450jew50Bethuel

This was the father of Laban and Rebekah.

1576GEN2450x54j0The thing has come from Yahweh

Yahweh has caused all of this to happen

1577GEN2450e21vfigs-idiom0we cannot speak to you either bad or good
1578GEN2451y3tx0Look, Rebekah is

You can see Rebekah here

1579GEN2451zkd60Rebekah is before you

Here is Rebekah

1580GEN2452f6nn0their words

what Laban and Bethuel said

1581GEN2452s5s4translate-symaction0he bowed himself down

Bowing down before God is an expression of worship to him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1582GEN2453c4x70articles of silver and articles of gold
1583GEN2453yqa20precious gifts
1584GEN2454w8v90he and the men who were with him

Abraham's servant and his men

1585GEN2454ssz60stayed there overnight

slept there that night

1586GEN2454v8m50arose in the morning

got up the next morning

1587GEN2454fw750Send me away

Let me leave and return

1588GEN2455a6ia0a few more days, at least ten

at least ten more days

1589GEN2455ce7w0After that

Then

1590GEN2456pr3s0he said

Abraham's servant said

1591GEN2456sl940to them

to Rebekah's brother and mother

1592GEN2456dav80Do not hinder me
1593GEN2456jnv7figs-metonymy0Yahweh has prospered my way
1594GEN2456g87g0Send me on my way

Allow me to leave

1595GEN2459qez30So they sent their sister Rebekah

So the family sent Rebekah

1596GEN2459e4620their sister
1597GEN2459uvk20her female servant

This refers to the female servant who had fed Rebekah when she was a baby, cared for her when she was a child, and still served her.

1598GEN2460ck3m0Our sister
1599GEN2460lz940may you be the mother of thousands of ten thousands
1600GEN2460k4autranslate-numbers0thousands of ten thousands

This means a very large number or an uncountable number. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1601GEN2460lj6ffigs-metonymy0may your descendants possess the gate of those who hate them
1602GEN2461m2sa0Then Rebekah arose, and she and her servant girls mounted the camels

Then Rebekah and her servant girls went and got on the camels

1603GEN2461s54m0Thus the servant took Rebekah, and went his way

In this way Abraham's servant took Rebekah with him and returned to where he had come from

1604GEN2462de8g0Now

This word marks a change in the story. It was telling about the servant finding a wife, and now it will tell about Isaac.

1605GEN2462a6ll0Beer Lahai Roi

This is the name of a water well in the Negev. See how you translated it in Genesis 16:14.

1606GEN2463l5s80Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening
1607GEN2463r5zl0When he looked up and saw, behold, there were camels coming!
1608GEN2464ct8r0Rebekah looked

Rebekah looked up

1609GEN2464xm2p0she jumped down from the camel

she quickly got off the camel

1610GEN2465ai22translate-symaction0So she took her veil, and covered herself
1611GEN2465x2me0veil

a piece of cloth used to cover a person's head, shoulders and face

1612GEN2467c5utfigs-doublet0took Rebekah, and she became his wife
1613GEN2467h9zwfigs-activepassive0So Isaac was comforted
1614GEN25introig860
1615GEN251cu8ttranslate-names0General Information:

See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]].

1616GEN254rx7z0All these

This refers to the people named in verses 2-4.

1617GEN255l5pw0Abraham gave all that he owned to Isaac
1618GEN257wx9mtranslate-numbers0These were the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, 175 years
1619GEN258p4htfigs-doublet0Abraham breathed his last and died
1620GEN258ej3kfigs-euphemism0breathed his last

This is a polite way of saying a person died. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

1621GEN258g4axfigs-doublet0at a good old age, an old man with a full life
1622GEN258yns7figs-metaphor0an old man with a full life

Living a long life is spoken of as if life were a container that becomes full. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1623GEN258x8xgfigs-idiom0he was gathered to his people
1624GEN259mwj20the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron

Ephron owned a field in Machpelah and the cave that was in that field. Abraham bought the field from Ephron.

1625GEN259q9gqtranslate-names0Machpelah

Machpelah was the name of an area or region. See how you translated this in Genesis 23:9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1626GEN259cy2dtranslate-names0Ephron ... Zohar

These are names of men. See how you translated these men's names in Genesis 23:8. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1627GEN259s1d50which is near Mamre

Machpela was near Mamre.

1628GEN259k9tktranslate-names0Mamre

This was another name for the city of Hebron. It may have been named after Mamre, the friend of Abraham who lived there. See how you translated this place name in Genesis 23:17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1629GEN2510sbt90This field Abraham had bought

Abraham had bought this field

1630GEN2510f1i40sons of Heth
1631GEN2510d9zwfigs-activepassive0Abraham was buried
1632GEN2511qdt2translate-names0Beer Lahai Roi
1633GEN2512uwb20Now

This word is used in English to introduce a new part of the story and information about Ishmael.

1634GEN2513gn6ttranslate-names0General Information:

See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]].

1635GEN2516xgd30These were Ishmael's sons, and these were their names, by their villages, and by their encampments; twelve princes according to their tribes
1636GEN2516e5agtranslate-numbers0twelve
1637GEN2516iy7y0princes
1638GEN2517nem6translate-numbers0These were the years of the life of Ishmael, 137 years
1639GEN2517s1vqfigs-doublet0breathed his last and died
1640GEN2517p7dlfigs-idiom0was gathered to his people
1641GEN2518q1vv0They lived

His descendants settled

1642GEN2518z9aa0from Havilah to Ashhur

between Havilah and Ashhur

1643GEN2518pk2rtranslate-names0Havilah

Havilah was located somewhere in the Arabian Desert. See how you translated this in Genesis 2:11. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1644GEN2518ev350as one goes toward

in the direction of

1645GEN2518p8m30They lived in hostility with each other
1646GEN2519t67ifigs-explicit0These were the events concerning Isaac, Abraham's son
1647GEN2520gih8translate-numbers0forty years old
1648GEN2520g4lq0when he took as his wife Rebekah

when he married Rebekah

1649GEN2520xn63translate-names0Bethuel

Bethuel was Rebekah's father. See how you translated this name in Genesis 22:22. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1650GEN2520dft3translate-names0Paddan Aram

This was another name for the region of Mesopotamia, which about the same location as modern Iraq. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1651GEN2521wr2b0she was childless

she was unable to become pregnant

1652GEN2521zn2sfigs-explicit0Rebekah his wife conceived
1653GEN2522as860The children struggled together within her
1654GEN2522gza2figs-explicit0The children ... within her

Rebekah was pregnant with twins. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1655GEN2522u1xs0She went to ask Yahweh about this
1656GEN2523y9m70said to her

said to Rebekah

1657GEN2523m836writing-poetry0Two nations ... serve the younger

This is poetic language. If your language has a way to indicate poetry, you could use it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]])

1658GEN2523s1wffigs-metonymy0Two nations are in your womb
1659GEN2523lxl5figs-metonymy0two peoples will be separated from within you
1660GEN2523pgz50the older will serve the younger
1661GEN2524urq60behold, there

she was surprised to learn that there

1662GEN2525wyy1figs-simile0red all over like a hairy garment
1663GEN2525p7lj0Esau
1664GEN2526u57z0grasping Esau's heel

holding the back part of Esau's foot

1665GEN2526gls80Jacob
1666GEN2526i7ictranslate-numbers0sixty years old
1667GEN2527a46v0became a skillful hunter

became good at hunting and killing animals for food

1668GEN2527ee9p0a quiet man
1669GEN2527n923figs-metaphor0who spent his time in the tents
1670GEN2528t4i8writing-background0Now

This word is used to mark a change in focus, shifting from the story to background information about Isaac and Rebekah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1671GEN2528yr460Isaac loved
1672GEN2528m6rw0because he ate the animals that he had hunted
1673GEN2529z5en0Jacob cooked
1674GEN2529n13g0cooked some stew
1675GEN2529ms240he was weak from hunger
1676GEN2530se910I am exhausted
1677GEN2530x1uk0Edom
1678GEN2531nk7u0birthright

right as firstborn to inherit most of the father's wealth

1679GEN2532efr4figs-hyperbole0I am about to die
1680GEN2532h8jvfigs-rquestion0What good is the birthright to me?
1681GEN2533b4qnfigs-explicit0First swear to me
1682GEN2534v7fftranslate-unknown0lentils

These are like beans, but their seeds are very small, round, and somewhat flat. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1683GEN2534r6tg0Esau despised his birthright

Esau showed that he did not value his birthright

1684GEN26introcwz40
1685GEN261n54s0Now

This word is used here to mark a new part of the story.

1686GEN261vwi70a famine happened
1687GEN261ags3figs-explicit0in the land
1688GEN261a6wl0that had been in the days of Abraham
1689GEN262p1xe0General Information:

Yahweh begins to speak to Isaac.

1690GEN262t4aj0appeared to him

appeared to Isaac

1691GEN262mqf3figs-idiom0Do not go down to Egypt
1692GEN263v9hh0for to you and to your descendants, I will give all these lands

for I will give all these lands to you and your descendants

1693GEN263ekq90I will fulfill the oath that I swore to Abraham your father

I will do what I promised Abraham your father I would do

1694GEN264tu5b0General Information:

Yahweh continues speaking to Isaac.

1695GEN264y44e0I will multiply your descendants

I will cause you to have very many descendants.

1696GEN264k6jqfigs-simile0like the stars of heaven

This speaks about the number of Isaac's descendants as if they were the same as the number of stars. See how you translated this in Genesis 22:17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1697GEN264jm8x0heaven

This refers to everything we see above the earth, including the sun, moon, and stars.

1698GEN264hpl9figs-activepassive0all the nations of the earth will be blessed
1699GEN265nr7efigs-parallelism0Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my instructions, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws
1700GEN265brk9figs-synecdoche0obeyed my voice
1701GEN266wr4qfigs-explicit0So Isaac settled in Gerar
1702GEN267rr880He feared to say
1703GEN267j1280to get Rebekah

in order to take Rebekah

1704GEN268z63l0He saw, behold, Isaac
1705GEN268i16v0was caressing Rebekah

Possible meanings are 1) he was touching her the way a husband touches his wife or 2) he was laughing and talking with her the way a husband talks with his wife.

1706GEN269hv6mfigs-metonymy0Abimelech called Isaac to him
1707GEN269aeb1figs-quotesinquotes0Why did you say, 'She is my sister'?
1708GEN269m9n40to get her

so he could take her

1709GEN2610t2ulfigs-rquestion0What is this you have done to us?
1710GEN2610s759figs-euphemism0might easily have lain with your wife
1711GEN2610t1mufigs-metaphor0you would have brought guilt upon us
1712GEN2610l5d1figs-exclusive0upon us
1713GEN2611ztx1figs-idiom0Whoever touches this man
1714GEN2611fk2lfigs-activepassive0will surely be put to death
1715GEN2612tl8n0General Information:

This begins a new part of the story. It changes from telling about Isaac calling Rebekah his sister, and it starts to tell about how Isaac became very rich and the Philistines were jealous of him.

1716GEN2612f6x60in that land

in Gerar

1717GEN2612d294translate-numbers0a hundredfold
1718GEN2613i68k0The man became rich
1719GEN2613p5mh0grew more and more until he became very great

he gained more and more until he became very wealthy

1720GEN2614jv6cfigs-explicit0sheep

This may also include goats. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1721GEN2614h37mfigs-metonymy0a large household
1722GEN2614f17g0The Philistines envied him

The Philistines were jealous of him

1723GEN2615rue9writing-connectingwords0Now
1724GEN2615xy1c0in the days of Abraham his father
1725GEN2616f5iawriting-connectingwords0Abimelech said
1726GEN2616e8vy0much mightier than we

much stronger than we are

1727GEN2617tz3ufigs-explicit0So Isaac departed
1728GEN2618r15bfigs-synecdoche0Isaac dug out
1729GEN2618hly90which they had dug

which Abraham's servants had dug

1730GEN2618c6vy0in the days of Abraham his father
1731GEN2618sn3pfigs-events0The Philistines had stopped them up
1732GEN2618jfl70had stopped them up

had filled them with earth

1733GEN2619b9icfigs-idiom0flowing water
1734GEN2620m6un0herdsmen

men who tended livestock

1735GEN2620ls3bfigs-exclusive0This water is ours
1736GEN2620nw21translate-names0Esek
1737GEN2621kan50Then they dug

Then Isaac's servants dug

1738GEN2621t12r0they quarreled

the herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac's herdsmen

1739GEN2621ss3i0so he gave it

so Isaac gave it

1740GEN2621ny83translate-names0Sitnah
1741GEN2622gd8utranslate-names0Rehoboth
1742GEN2622kj550us ... we

Isaac was speaking about himself and his household.

1743GEN2623ct3x0Isaac went up from there to Beersheba
1744GEN2624sq690multiply your descendants
1745GEN2624j1jdfigs-explicit0for my servant Abraham's sake
1746GEN2625g525figs-explicit0Isaac built an altar there
1747GEN2625pam6figs-metonymy0called on the name of Yahweh
1748GEN2626k6ep0went to him

went to Isaac

1749GEN2626ls17translate-names0Ahuzzath

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1750GEN2626lca70his friend
1751GEN2626mcz9translate-names0Phicol

This is the name of a man. See how you translated his name in Genesis 21:22. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1752GEN2628pw9y0they said
1753GEN2628pt6d0We have clearly seen
1754GEN2628wg9d0So let us make a covenant

So we want to make a covenant

1755GEN2629b7sa0and as we have treated you well
1756GEN2629qgj3figs-activepassive0you are blessed by Yahweh
1757GEN2630ur1afigs-explicit0Isaac made a feast for them, and they ate and drank

Eating a meal together was a part of making a covenant with one another. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1758GEN2630wvz40for them
1759GEN2630rb7d0they ate
1760GEN2631bpu30They rose early

They awoke early

1761GEN2633l4xztranslate-names0He called the well Shibah
1762GEN2633ymy10Beersheba
1763GEN2634mr5x0General Information:

Most of Genesis 26 was about Isaac. These verses are about his older son Esau.

1764GEN2634n2fjtranslate-numbers0forty
1765GEN2634f6p7figs-explicit0he took a wife
1766GEN2634n6q3translate-names0Judith ... Basemath

These are the names of Esau's wives. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1767GEN2634vpc3translate-names0Beeri ... Elon

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1768GEN2634es97translate-names0the Hittite
1769GEN2635tfu7figs-metaphor0They brought sorrow to Isaac and Rebekah
1770GEN27intror9m30

Genesis 27 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 27:27-29 and in 27:39-40.

Special concepts in this chapter

Blessing

In the ancient Near East, a father's blessing was very important. This spoken blessing was legally binding. Jacob previously received the birthright from Esau and was guaranteed the double portion of land money that was supposed to be inherited by the older son, Esau. In this chapter, Jacob tricks Isaac into giving him Esau's blessing. This means that he is to inherit the promises of the covenant Yahweh made with Abraham. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/birthright]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/inherit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]])

1771GEN271dk7ffigs-metaphor0his eyes were dim
1772GEN271xl560Here I am
1773GEN272chx2figs-explicit0See here
1774GEN272r5ugfigs-explicit0I do not know the day of my death
1775GEN272djk10death

This refers to physical death.

1776GEN273g5260General Information:

Isaac continues giving instructions to his older son Isaac.

1777GEN273dk3j0your weapons

your hunting equipment

1778GEN273q9spfigs-explicit0your quiver
1779GEN273r6x10hunt game for me

hunt a wild animal for me

1780GEN274z48efigs-explicit0Make delicious food for me, the sort that I love
1781GEN274wt6a0bless you

In Bible times, a father would often pronounce a formal blessing on his children.

1782GEN275xjr9writing_background0

This verse is background information for the description of the events that follow. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing_background]])

1783GEN275wkc6writing-background0Now
1784GEN275f3na0Rebekah heard it when Isaac spoke to Esau his son

Rebekah heard Isaac speaking to his son Esau

1785GEN275wpq70to Esau his son
1786GEN276jlu7writing_background0
1787GEN276fr9iwriting-connectingwords0Rebekah spoke to Jacob
1788GEN276j6cj0to Jacob her son
1789GEN276yc8h0See here
1790GEN277nl2jfigs-quotesinquotes0'Bring me game and make me delicious food, that I may eat it and bless you in the presence of Yahweh before my death.'
1791GEN277chc20Bring me game

Bring me a wild animal that you hunt and kill

1792GEN277epu10make me delicious food
1793GEN277tq2y0bless you in the presence of Yahweh

bless you before Yahweh

1794GEN277ei7n0before my death

before I die

1795GEN278f1730General Information:

Rebekah continues to speak to her younger son Jacob.

1796GEN278y3a90Now
1797GEN278g188figs-metonymy0obey my voice as I command you
1798GEN279vla20I will make delicious food from them for your father, just like he loves
1799GEN2710jnw90You will take it to your father

Then take it to your father

1800GEN2710y1kp0so that he may eat it, so that he may bless you

and after he eats it, he will bless you

1801GEN2710j39b0he may bless you
1802GEN2710g1ev0before his death

before he dies

1803GEN2711qtd30I am a smooth man
1804GEN2712t3a40I will seem to him as a deceiver
1805GEN2712s8h4figs-metaphor0I will bring a curse upon me and not a blessing
1806GEN2713svh3figs-metaphor0My son, let any curse fall on me
1807GEN2713yj3yfigs-metonymy0obey my voice
1808GEN2713p12u0bring them to me

bring me the young goats

1809GEN2714fje90made delicious food, just like his father loved
1810GEN2716cd2u0She put the skins of the young goats on his hands

The goat skins still had the hair on them.

1811GEN2717zjt60She put the delicious food and the bread that she had prepared into the hand of her son Jacob

She gave to her son Jacob the delicious food and bread which she had prepared

1812GEN2718ak4j0Here I am
1813GEN2719rss20I have done as you said to me

I have done what you told me to do

1814GEN2719h2fq0some of my game
1815GEN2720rke80He said

Jacob replied

1816GEN2720wk6cfigs-idiom0brought it to me
1817GEN2721jmh10whether you are my true son Esau or not

if you are really my son Esau

1818GEN2722zy8a0Jacob went over to Isaac his father

Jacob approached Isaac his father

1819GEN2722g574figs-synecdoche0The voice is Jacob's voice
1820GEN2722yi47figs-synecdoche0but the hands are the hands of Esau
1821GEN2724wi51figs-events0He said
1822GEN2725sqb80eat of your game
1823GEN2725w6sf0he drank

Isaac drank it

1824GEN2727tr1wfigs-explicit0he smelled the smell of his clothes and blessed him
1825GEN2727nr5p0he smelled

Isaac smelled

1826GEN2727e57u0the smell

the scent

1827GEN2727t86t0blessed him
1828GEN2727m1kb0See, the smell of my son
1829GEN2727s46hfigs-idiom0that Yahweh has blessed
1830GEN2728q1wj0General Information:

This is Isaac's blessing. He thought he was speaking to Esau, but he was speaking to Jacob.

1831GEN2728e1mefigs-you0give you
1832GEN2728v1nnfigs-explicit0dew of heaven
1833GEN2728wst4figs-metaphor0fatness of the earth
1834GEN2728hlu3figs-explicit0plenty of grain and new wine
1835GEN2729z9hrfigs-you0you ... your

Here these pronouns are singular and refer to Jacob. But the blessing also applies to Jacob's descendants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1836GEN2729i4ctfigs-metonymy0nations bow down
1837GEN2729qa8gtranslate-symaction0bow down

This means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1838GEN2729z1qi0Be master over your brothers

Become a master over your brothers

1839GEN2729lvg1figs-synecdoche0your brothers ... your mother's sons

Isaac is speaking this blessing directly to Jacob. But, it also applies to Jacob's descendants who will rule over the descendants of Esau and the descendants of any other of Jacob's brothers that he may have. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1840GEN2729vc3p0may your mother's sons bow down to you

your mother's sons will bow down to you

1841GEN2729af44figs-activepassive0May every one who curses you be cursed
1842GEN2729rwr2figs-activepassive0may every one who blesses you be blessed
1843GEN2730dae70had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father

had just left the tent of Isaac his father

1844GEN2731htl40delicious food
1845GEN2731jjd8figs-123person0some of your son's game
1846GEN2731r39y0your son's game
1847GEN2731p6yp0bless me

This refers to the formal blessing a father pronounces on his children.

1848GEN2732qzp40said to him

said to Esau

1849GEN2733s8l10Isaac trembled

Isaac began to shake

1850GEN2733vrt10hunted this game
1851GEN2734g5y4figs-metaphor0he cried with a very great and bitter cry
1852GEN2735xrv3figs-metaphor0has taken away your blessing
1853GEN2736vpk4figs-rquestion0Is he not rightly named Jacob?
1854GEN2736rq3b0Jacob
1855GEN2736s7alfigs-metaphor0He took away my birthright
1856GEN2736d3f1figs-metaphor0now he has taken away my blessing
1857GEN2736bej90Have you not reserved a blessing for me

Esau knows that his father cannot bless him with the same things that he blessed Jacob. Esau is asking if there is anything left to say to him that Isaac did not say while blessing Jacob.

1858GEN2737z3vrfigs-rquestion0What more can I do for you, my son?
1859GEN2738xf7q0Have you not even one blessing for me, my father
1860GEN2739yu4i0said to him

said to Esau

1861GEN2739j4p80Look, the place

Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: the place

1862GEN2739ykr5figs-metaphor0far from the richness of the earth
1863GEN2739xpl9figs-explicit0dew of the sky above
1864GEN2740vn48figs-synecdoche0your ... you

In 27:39-40 these pronouns are singular and refer to Esau, but what Isaac says also applies to Esau's descendants (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1865GEN2740tzg9figs-metonymy0By your sword you will live
1866GEN2740rvk2figs-metaphor0you will shake his yoke from off your neck
1867GEN2741ajl9figs-synecdoche0Esau said in his heart
1868GEN2741f5u30days of mourning for my father are near

This refers to a number of days a person grieves when a family member dies.

1869GEN2742xuy8figs-activepassive0The words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah
1870GEN2742f45j0See
1871GEN2742n35u0is consoling himself

is making himself feel better

1872GEN2743n2yn0Now
1873GEN2743h9zp0flee to Laban

leave here quickly and go to Laban

1874GEN2744f6w60for a while

for a period of time

1875GEN2744nuh40until your brother's fury subsides

until you brother calms down

1876GEN2745bkx2figs-metaphor0until your brother's anger turns away from you
1877GEN2745s57pfigs-rquestion0Why should I lose you both in one day?
1878GEN2745b5v1figs-explicit0I lose you both in one day

It is implied that if Esau kills Jacob, then they will execute Esau as a murderer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1879GEN2745mt31figs-euphemism0I lose

This is a polite way of referring to her sons dying. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

1880GEN2746z2lwfigs-hyperbole0I am weary of life
1881GEN2746d19k0the daughters of Heth
1882GEN2746ujy2figs-idiom0like these women, some of the daughters of the land
1883GEN2746z91xfigs-rquestion0what good will my life be to me?
1884GEN28introt6110

Genesis 28 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Even though Jacob tricked his father in order to receive Esau's blessing, the chapter repeats the blessing, ensuring he inherits the blessings promised to Abraham. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/inherit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Jacob's dream

Jacob had a dream or received a vision. The purpose of this dream is to show that, despite Jacob's sin, God is giving Abraham's covenant promises to Jacob and his descendants. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]])

Bethel

This was an important city for Abraham and his descendants. It is possible that there is some theological significance to the city of Bethel.

1885GEN281nl2p0You must not take

Do not take

1886GEN282jcc60Arise, go

Go right away

1887GEN282ptv8translate-names0Paddan Aram

This was another name for the region of Mesopotamia, which about the same location as modern Iraq. See how this was translated in Genesis 25:20. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1888GEN282dv3jfigs-metonymy0house of
1889GEN282m29wtranslate-names0Bethuel

Bethuel was Rebekah's father. See how you translated this name in Genesis 22:22. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1890GEN282dh9y0your mother's father

your grandfather

1891GEN282fqr70one of the daughters

from the daughters

1892GEN282a74b0your mother's brother

your uncle

1893GEN283u2mm0General Information:

Isaac continues speaking to Jacob

1894GEN283qw5afigs-doublet0make you fruitful and multiply you
1895GEN284nas7figs-metaphor0May he give you the blessing of Abraham, to you, and to your descendants after you
1896GEN284eja3figs-metaphor0that you may inherit the land

God giving the land of Canaan to Jacob and his descendants is spoken of as if a child were inheriting money or possessions from his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1897GEN284da2s0the land where you have been living

the land where you have been staying

1898GEN284yx4w0which God gave to Abraham

which God promised to Abraham

1899GEN285c4kytranslate-names0Paddan Aram

This was another name for the region of Mesopotamia, which about the same location as modern Iraq. See how this was translated in Genesis 25:20. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1900GEN285ses3translate-names0Bethuel

Bethuel was Rebekah's father. See how you translated this name in Genesis 22:22. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1901GEN286b2pg0General Information:

The story changes from Jacob to Esau

1902GEN286mjy9writing-background0Now

This word is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Esau. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1903GEN286ic25translate-names0Paddan Aram

This was another name for the region of Mesopotamia, which about the same location as modern Iraq. See how this was translated in Genesis 25:20. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1904GEN286avf60to take a wife

to take a wife for himself

1905GEN286epz30He also saw that Isaac had blessed him

Esau also saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob

1906GEN286xj5i0You must not take

Do not take

1907GEN286sp4g0women of Canaan
1908GEN288gmv10General Information:

This continues the background information about Esau.

1909GEN288h4540Esau saw

Esau realized

1910GEN288a14e0the women of Canaan did not please Isaac his father

his father Isaac did not approve of the women of Canaan

1911GEN288sp9b0women of Canaan
1912GEN289pn6x0So he went

Because of that, he went

1913GEN289e5ya0besides the wives that he had

in addition to the wives that he already had

1914GEN289l4pntranslate-names0Mahalath

This is the name of one of Ishmael's daughters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1915GEN289su64translate-names0Nebaioth

This is the name of one of Ishmael's sons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1916GEN2810uh6w0General Information:

The story switches back to Jacob

1917GEN2811ru380He came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set

He came to a certain place and, because the sun had set, he decided to stay for the night

1918GEN2812mwk80He dreamed

Jacob had a dream

1919GEN2812z48g0set up on the earth

with the bottom of it touching the ground

1920GEN2812pn7d0reached to heaven

This refers to the place where God lives.

1921GEN2813ax750Behold
1922GEN2813wwx20Yahweh stood above it
1923GEN2813a91d0Abraham your father
1924GEN2814j4130General Information:

God continues to talk to Jacob in a dream.

1925GEN2814wu5ifigs-simile0Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth
1926GEN2814pyi5figs-metonymy0you will spread far out to the west
1927GEN2814fby40you will spread far out

This means the people will extend the borders of their land and occupy more territory.

1928GEN2814hn6sfigs-synecdoche0to the west, to the east, to the north, and to the south
1929GEN2814i1qmfigs-activepassive0Through you and through your descendants will all the families of the earth be blessed
1930GEN2815yb1m0Behold, I am

Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: I am

1931GEN2815n4tr0for I will not leave you. I will do all

for I will not leave you until I have done all

1932GEN2815gr8q0I will keep you
1933GEN2815em1w0I will bring you into this land again

I will bring you back to this land

1934GEN2816t1910awoke out of his sleep

woke up from his sleep

1935GEN2817h8p1figs-doublet0the house of God ... the gate of heaven
1936GEN2817hc3ffigs-metaphor0This is the gate of heaven

This speaks about the entrance to the place where God lives as if it were a literal kingdom that had a gate that someone has to open to let people in. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1937GEN2818e2b60pillar

This is a memorial pillar, that is, simply a large stone or boulder set up on its end.

1938GEN2818grd4translate-symaction0poured oil upon the top of it
1939GEN2819hv4e0Bethel
1940GEN2819u3i9translate-names0Luz

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1941GEN2820bas30Connecting Statement:

Jacob begins to make a vow to Yahweh.

1942GEN2820p4220vowed a vow
1943GEN2820dm3mfigs-123person0If God will ... clothes to wear
1944GEN2820ye9dfigs-metonymy0on this road on which I am walking
1945GEN2820vwl3figs-synecdoche0will give me bread to eat
1946GEN2821t1uz0Connecting Statement:
1947GEN2821my56figs-123person0so that I return safely ... then Yahweh will be my God
1948GEN2821lw1zfigs-metonymy0to my father's house
1949GEN2822auv90a sacred stone
1950GEN29introcbq80

Genesis 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records the conflict between Jacob's wives, Rachel and Leah. This account continues into the next chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Shepherds

Although the exact reasoning for the shepherds' unwillingness to give water to the sheep is unknown, it is probable they were being lazy. The actions of these shepherds contrast Jacob's actions.

Kissing

It was common in the ancient Near East for relatives to greet each other with a kiss. There was nothing sexual about this type of kissing.

Marriage

It was customary in the ancient Near East for a man to work for a woman's father in order to earn the right to marry her. It is unknown how common it was for a father to have his younger daughter marry before an older daughter. It was also sinful for Jacob to marry more than one wife. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

1951GEN291lq7q0the people of the east

This means the people of Paddan Aram, which is a land east of the land of Canaan.

1952GEN292jxn80and, behold, three flocks of sheep were lying there by it
1953GEN292hn73writing-background0For out of that well
1954GEN292lfz90they would water
1955GEN292e7msfigs-idiom0the well's mouth
1956GEN294uup80Jacob said to them

Jacob said to the shepherds

1957GEN294th3u0My brothers

This is a polite way to greet a stranger.

1958GEN295l8t80Laban son of Nahor
1959GEN296g1kl0and, look there, Rachel his daughter is coming with the sheep

Now look! Rachel his daughter is coming with the sheep

1960GEN297vjn60it is the middle of the day
1961GEN297wsp1figs-activepassive0for the flocks to be gathered together
1962GEN297kul5figs-explicit0to be gathered together

This means to gather them together inside a fence for them to stay for the night. The full meaning of this can be made explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1963GEN297eea10let them graze

let them eat grass in the field

1964GEN298vp420We cannot water them
1965GEN298w41afigs-activepassive0until all the flocks are gathered together
1966GEN298q2rsfigs-idiom0from the well's mouth
1967GEN298f3hm0and we will water the sheep

then we will water the sheep

1968GEN2910lk180his mother's brother

his uncle

1969GEN2910l4lsfigs-idiom0the well's mouth
1970GEN2911dr7v0Jacob kissed Rachel

In ancient Near East, it is common to greet a relative with a kiss. However, it is normally done between men. If your language has an affectionate greeting for a relative, use that. If not, use what is appropriate.

1971GEN2911bje4figs-explicit0wept loudly

Jacob weeps because he is so happy. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1972GEN2912rxl50her father's relative

related to her father

1973GEN2913vkr10his sister's son

his nephew

1974GEN2913g5et0embraced him

hugged him

1975GEN2913arl70kissed him

In ancient Near East, it is common to greet a relative with a kiss. However, it is normally done between men. If your language has an affectionate greeting for a relative, use that. If not, use what is appropriate.

1976GEN2913ze3q0Jacob told Laban all these things

then Jacob told Laban everything he told Rachel

1977GEN2914klc2figs-metonymy0my bone and my flesh
1978GEN2915i5a9figs-rquestion0Should you serve me for nothing ... my relative?
1979GEN2916yvd6writing-background0Now Laban had
1980GEN2917daa90Leah's eyes were tender
1981GEN2918jsx90Jacob loved Rachel
1982GEN2919d6zk0than that I should give her to another man

rather than give her to another man

1983GEN2920p6uz0and they seemed to him only a few days

but the time seemed to him to be only a few days

1984GEN2920p7wx0for the love he had for her
1985GEN2921nz7tfigs-activepassive0Give me my wife, for my days have been completed—so that I may marry her!
1986GEN2922kln5figs-metonymy0made a feast
1987GEN2923q4m4figs-euphemism0who went in to her
1988GEN2924yic2writing-background0Laban gave his female servant Zilpah ... her servant

Here the author gives background information about Laban giving Zilpah to Leah. Most likely he gave Zilpah to Leah before the wedding. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1989GEN2924n874translate-names0Zilpah

This is the name of Leah's female servant. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1990GEN2925m2hu0behold, it was Leah
1991GEN2925ji15figs-rquestion0What is this you have done to me?
1992GEN2925g6rsfigs-rquestion0Did I not serve you for Rachel?
1993GEN2926gfg20It is not our custom to give

In our family we do not give

1994GEN2927ly1t0Complete the bridal week of this daughter

Finish celebrating Leah's bridal week

1995GEN2927vma8figs-explicit0we will give you the other also
1996GEN2928a6qr0Jacob did so, and completed Leah's week

And Jacob did what Laban asked, and finished celebrating Leah's bridal week

1997GEN2929g7yltranslate-names0Bilhah

This is the name of Rachel's female servant. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1998GEN2930zix1figs-euphemism0Jacob went in to Rachel
1999GEN2930q9960he loved Rachel

This refers to the romantic love between a man and a woman.

2000GEN2931s19afigs-activepassive0Leah was not loved
2001GEN2931lk3efigs-hyperbole0not loved
2002GEN2931t2udfigs-metaphor0so he opened her womb

God causing Leah to be able to become pregnant is spoken of as if God is opening her womb. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2003GEN2931snn80was childless

was not able to become pregnant

2004GEN2932w9x30Leah conceived and bore a son

Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son

2005GEN2932j9j3translate-names0she called his name Reuben
2006GEN2932p4ipfigs-abstractnouns0Yahweh has looked upon my affliction
2007GEN2933ff7r0Then she conceived

Then Leah became pregnant

2008GEN2933jl8z0bore a son

gave birth to a son

2009GEN2933djc1figs-activepassive0Yahweh has heard that I am unloved
2010GEN2933dlg9translate-names0she called his name Simeon
2011GEN2934tv8t0will my husband be attached to me

my husband will embrace me

2012GEN2934q2up0I have borne him three sons

I have given birth to three sons for him

2013GEN2934bz8ctranslate-names0his name was called Levi
2014GEN2935x9x60She conceived again

Leah became pregnant again

2015GEN2935acb50bore a son

gave birth to a son

2016GEN2935xp9gtranslate-names0she called his name Judah
2017GEN30introg8rn0

Genesis 30 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the story of the conflict between Rachel and Leah.

Special concepts in this chapter

Women and their children

In the ancient Near East, it was important for a married woman to have many children. If a woman did not have many children, people believed it brought shame upon her. This is one of the reasons why Rachel and Leah were always jealous of each other. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/jealous]])

Speckled and spotted

Speckled and spotted sheep were considered to be imperfect. Therefore, they were considered to be much less valuable than the spotless sheep. Despite Jacob's fair offer, Laban once again tried to cheat him out of something he deserved. Jacob anticipated Laban's cheating.

2018GEN301b8mq0When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children

When Rachel realized that she was unable to become preganant

2019GEN301ct56figs-hyperbole0I will die
2020GEN301v6l60Give me children

Cause me to become pregnant

2021GEN302rs2sfigs-metaphor0Jacob's anger burned against Rachel
2022GEN302b7dmfigs-rquestion0Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?
2023GEN303dh9k0She said

Rachel said

2024GEN303y5pn0See
2025GEN303rc5qfigs-explicit0there is my servant Bilhah ... I will have children by her

At that time, this was an acceptable way for a barren woman to have children that would legally belong to her. The full meaning of this may be made explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2026GEN303u6p80Bilhah

This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in Genesis 29:29.

2027GEN303fqb3figs-euphemism0Go in to her
2028GEN303jt2nfigs-idiom0on my knees
2029GEN303fu330I will have children by her

and in this way she will cause me to have children

2030GEN304m19ufigs-euphemism0Jacob went in to her
2031GEN305e6rx0Bilhah

This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in Genesis 29:29.

2032GEN305j1wf0bore Jacob a son

gave birth to a son for Jacob

2033GEN306m82y0she called his name

Rachel gave him the name

2034GEN306qy9xtranslate-names0called his name Dan
2035GEN307d11y0Bilhah ... conceived again

Bilhah ... became pregnant again

2036GEN307e4tc0bore Jacob a second son

gave birth to a second son for Jacob

2037GEN308xbz2figs-idiom0With mighty wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister
2038GEN308p9q60have prevailed
2039GEN308gy770called his name Naphtali
2040GEN309n7if0When Leah saw that

When Leah became aware that

2041GEN309ct6f0she took Zilpah, her servant, and gave her to Jacob as a wife

she gave Zilpah, her servant, to Jacob as a wife

2042GEN309mw560Zilpah

This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this in Genesis 29:24.

2043GEN3010pf1k0bore Jacob a son

gave birth to a son for Jacob

2044GEN3011ml480This is fortunate!
2045GEN3011hmk80called his name Gad
2046GEN3012sp7htranslate-names0Zilpah

This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this name in Genesis 29:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2047GEN3012cbx90bore Jacob a second son

gave birth to a second son for Jacob

2048GEN3013c2du0I am happy!
2049GEN3013i9pt0the daughters
2050GEN3013q84qtranslate-names0called his name Asher
2051GEN3014k7d60Reuben went

Reuben went out

2052GEN3014yv13figs-idiom0in the days of wheat harvest
2053GEN3014t6zntranslate-unknown0mandrakes
2054GEN3015uq87figs-rquestion0Is it a small matter to you ... my husband?
2055GEN3015h684figs-rquestion0Do you now want ... too?
2056GEN3015ku4gfigs-euphemism0Then he will lie with you
2057GEN3016y5difigs-euphemism0You must come in to me
2058GEN3016c6r10with my son's mandrakes
2059GEN3017k8h80she conceived

She became pregnant

2060GEN3017ew6t0bore Jacob a fifth son

gave birth to a fifth son for Jacob

2061GEN3018k9klfigs-metaphor0God has given me my wages
2062GEN3018n1d30She called his name Issachar
2063GEN3019u4y30Leah conceived again

Leah became pregnant again

2064GEN3019i5p80bore a sixth son to Jacob

gave birth to a sixth son for Jacob

2065GEN3020my2k0She called his name Zebulun
2066GEN3021glq4translate-names0called her name Dinah

This is the name of Leah's daughter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2067GEN3022tj2wfigs-idiom0God called Rachel to mind and listened to her
2068GEN3023ql6dfigs-metaphor0God has taken away my shame
2069GEN3024lyt5translate-names0She called his name Joseph
2070GEN3024lif60Yahweh has added to me another son

Rachel's first sons were through her female servant Bilhah.

2071GEN3025a2ai0After Rachel had borne Joseph

After Rachel gave birth to Joseph

2072GEN3026jpd70and let me go

so I can go

2073GEN3026n1c9figs-abstractnouns0you know the service I have given you
2074GEN3027wnz10Laban said to him

Laban said to Jacob

2075GEN3027f6nyfigs-metaphor0If now I have found favor in your eyes
2076GEN3027hl6mfigs-idiom0found favor

This is an idiom that means that someone is approved of by someone else. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2077GEN3027f5lu0wait, because

please stay, because

2078GEN3027ww4z0I have learned by using divination

I have discovered by my own spiritual and magical practices

2079GEN3027nl2u0for your sake

because of you

2080GEN3028unx9figs-explicit0Name your wages
2081GEN3029wk5n0Jacob said to him

Jacob said to Laban

2082GEN3029va180how your livestock have fared with me

how well your livestock have done since I started taking care of them

2083GEN3030wm8b0For you had little before I came

your herds were small before I worked for you

2084GEN3030cxf40and it has increased abundantly

but now your wealth has greatly increased

2085GEN3030yq88figs-rquestion0Now when will I provide for my own household also?
2086GEN3031guq7figs-explicit0What will I pay you
2087GEN3031p7p2writing-connectingwords0If you will do this thing for me
2088GEN3031b25k0this thing
2089GEN3031b9ys0feed your flock and keep it

feed and take care of your flock

2090GEN3032d9j20removing from it every speckled and spotted sheep, and every black one among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats

and remove every sheep with spots, every black sheep, and every goat with spots

2091GEN3032nqn70These will be my wages

This will be the cost of keeping me here

2092GEN3033rd2cfigs-personification0My integrity will testify for me later on
2093GEN3033c2nifigs-activepassive0Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, if any are found with me, will be considered to be stolen
2094GEN3034uk570Let it be according to your word
2095GEN3035w5h30that were striped and spotted

that had stripes and spots

2096GEN3035vgj70that were speckled and spotted

that had spots

2097GEN3035yj5c0every one that had white in it

every goat that had some white in it

2098GEN3035wxg50all the black ones among the sheep

all the black sheep

2099GEN3035kx5rfigs-metonymy0gave them into the hand
2100GEN3037q2eftranslate-unknown0fresh poplar ... almond ... plane tree

These are all trees with white wood. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

2101GEN3037i1xk0peeled white streaks in them, and made the white inner wood appear that was in the sticks

peeled off pieces of bark so that the white wood underneath would show

2102GEN3038m1gg0the watering troughs

long open containers for holding water for animals to drink

2103GEN3039w5f70The flocks bred
2104GEN3039u7ap0produced striped, speckled, and spotted young

gave birth to babies with stripes and spots

2105GEN3040i58ffigs-explicit0Jacob separated
2106GEN3040ff1z0face toward

look toward

2107GEN3040y79l0he separated out his flocks for himself alone

he set his flocks apart

2108GEN3041l916figs-synecdoche0before the eyes of the flock
2109GEN3041s3qy0among the sticks

in front of the sticks

2110GEN3042sm360the feebler animals

the weaker animals

2111GEN3042z6j6figs-explicit0So the feebler animals were Laban's, and the stronger were Jacob's
2112GEN3043qp8n0The man

Jacob

2113GEN3043be3r0became very prosperous
2114GEN31introzw5h0
2115GEN311q6pl0Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the story.

2116GEN311bae10Jacob heard the words of Laban's sons, that they said

Jacob heard that Laban's sons were saying

2117GEN311j4tufigs-hyperbole0Jacob has taken away all that was our father's
2118GEN312dj32figs-parallelism0Jacob saw the look on Laban's face. He saw that his attitude toward him had changed
2119GEN313dy3j0your fathers

your father Isaac and your grandfather Abraham

2120GEN314s2420Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field to his flock

Jacob sent for Rachel and Leah and told them to meet him out in the field with the flocks

2121GEN315zwf5figs-sentences0and said to them
2122GEN315m3hk0I see your father's attitude toward me has changed

I have noticed your father is no longer pleased with me

2123GEN316j527figs-you0You know that it is with all my strength that I have served your father
2124GEN317z2br0has deceived me
2125GEN317gi9n0my wages

what he said he would pay me

2126GEN317j7hr0to hurt me

Possible meanings are 1) physical harm or 2) to cause Jacob to suffer in any way.

2127GEN318czw60The speckled animals

The animals with spots

2128GEN318cah90the flock bore

the flock gave birth to

2129GEN318yfc50The striped

The animals with stripes

2130GEN319z1nb0In this way God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me

This is how God gave your father's animals to me

2131GEN3110ff240General Information:

Jacob continues his story to his wives Leah and Rachel.

2132GEN3110b7lk0Once at the time of breeding season

During the breeding season

2133GEN3110g7hifigs-synecdoche0mating with the flock
2134GEN3110bp2h0were striped, speckled, and spotted

had stripes, little spots, and big spots

2135GEN3111sp9t0angel of God
2136GEN3111t3sj0I said

And I answered

2137GEN3111z5w70Here I am
2138GEN3112qi7z0General Information:

The angel of the Lord continues to talk to Jacob (Genesis 31:10).

2139GEN3112ta2dfigs-idiom0Lift up your eyes
2140GEN3112zf86figs-synecdoche0that are breeding with the flock
2141GEN3112w88y0are striped, speckled, and spotted

have stripes and spots

2142GEN3113c737translate-symaction0where you anointed a pillar

Jacob poured oil on the pillar to dedicate it to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2143GEN3113qa2q0the land of your birth

the land where you were born

2144GEN3114bwh90Rachel and Leah answered and said to him

This does not mean they talked at the same time. It emphasizes they agreed with each other.

2145GEN3114ir9tfigs-rquestion0Is there any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?
2146GEN3115sxw7figs-rquestion0Are we not treated by him as foreigners?
2147GEN3115y7gefigs-explicit0For he has sold us
2148GEN3115z4i2figs-metaphor0has also completely devoured our money
2149GEN3116vbk70are now ours and our children's

belongs to us and to our children

2150GEN3116vi8d0Now then
2151GEN3116g6k90whatever God has said to you, do it

do all that God has told you

2152GEN3117vr3nfigs-explicit0his sons
2153GEN3118n4b20He drove all his livestock
2154GEN3118xzk20including the livestock he had acquired in Paddan Aram

and the other herd of cattle which he took ownership of when he was in Paddan Aram

2155GEN3118pgg70Then he set out to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan

He went to the land of Canaan, where his father Isaac lived

2156GEN3119ct6p0When Laban had gone to shear his sheep

When Laban had left to cut the wool off of his sheep

2157GEN3121rq4h0the River

This refers to the Euphrates River.

2158GEN3121e57v0headed toward

traveled toward

2159GEN3121xdn10the hill country of Gilead
2160GEN3122w2bp0On the third day
2161GEN3122fsz8figs-activepassive0Laban was told
2162GEN3122rjd6figs-explicit0that Jacob had fled
2163GEN3123v1il0So he took

So Laban took

2164GEN3123c1wi0pursued him

chased after Jacob

2165GEN3123vs2j0for a seven days' journey

Laban spent seven days walking to catch up to Jacob.

2166GEN3123x5mw0He overtook him

He caught up to him

2167GEN3124i4gjwriting-background0Now God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream at night
2168GEN3124s2dufigs-merism0Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad
2169GEN3125c3nfwriting-background0Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country. Laban also camped with his relatives in the hill country of Gilead
2170GEN3126dg9efigs-simile0carried away my daughters like prisoners of war

Laban speaks about Jacob taking his family with him back to the land of Canaan as if Jacob took them as prisoners after a battle and is forcing them to go with him. Laban is exaggerating because he is angry and is trying to make Jacob feel guilty for what he did. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

2171GEN3127a98f0flee secretly

run away in secret

2172GEN3127g8iz0with celebration

with joy

2173GEN3127bg4pfigs-metonymy0with tambourine and with harps
2174GEN3127a23ytranslate-unknown0tambourine

a musical instrument with a head like a drum that can be hit and with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instrument is shaken (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

2175GEN3128esl3figs-gendernotations0to kiss my grandsons
2176GEN3128cr1s0Now you have done foolishly

You have acted foolishly

2177GEN3128y6dz0Now
2178GEN3129lza8figs-you0It is in my power to do you harm
2179GEN3129qs6gfigs-merism0Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad
2180GEN3130bz9gfigs-you0you have gone away
2181GEN3130f8izfigs-metonymy0to your father's house
2182GEN3130e3jc0my gods

my idols

2183GEN3131qd9f0Because I was afraid and thought that you would take your daughters from me by force I left secretly

I left in secret because I was afraid that you would take your daughters from me by force

2184GEN3132e35zfigs-litotes0Whoever has stolen your gods will not continue to live
2185GEN3132zh3xfigs-inclusive0In the presence of our relatives
2186GEN3132l4l60identify whatever with me is yours and take it

look for whatever we have that is yours and take it

2187GEN3132mjz6writing-background0For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them

This changes from the story to background information about Jacob. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2188GEN3133rd4w0the two female servants

This refers to Zilpah and Bilhah.

2189GEN3133f3n90he did not find them

he did not find his idols

2190GEN3134s5c7writing-background0Now Rachel ... upon them
2191GEN3134j5k20saddle

a seat placed on the back of an animal so a person can ride on it

2192GEN3135cd8t0my master
2193GEN3135h3tw0that I cannot stand up before you

because I am unable to stand up in your presence

2194GEN3135rx2lfigs-euphemism0for I am having my period

This refers to the time of the month when a woman bleeds from her womb. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2195GEN3136ka2t0He said to him

Jacob said to Laban

2196GEN3136wcv8figs-parallelism0What is my offense? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued after me?
2197GEN3136rd64figs-idiom0hotly pursued after me
2198GEN3137lf9u0What have you found of all your household goods?

What have you found that belongs to you?

2199GEN3137jgu5figs-inclusive0Set them here before our relatives
2200GEN3137q8tgfigs-inclusive0they may judge between us two
2201GEN3138l12d0General Information:

Jacob continues to speak to Laban.

2202GEN3138a2zwtranslate-numbers0twenty years
2203GEN3138rum50ewes

female sheep

2204GEN3138lk1u0have not miscarried

This means they have not had a pregnancy end early and unexpectedly with the lamb or kid born dead.

2205GEN3139kc4zfigs-activepassive0What was torn by beasts I did not bring to you
2206GEN3139ji5dfigs-metaphor0Instead, I bore the loss of it
2207GEN3140tf6ffigs-metaphor0There I was; in the day the heat consumed me, and the frost by night
2208GEN3141gx9i0General Information:

Jacob continues to speak to Laban.

2209GEN3141j81stranslate-numbers0These twenty years
2210GEN3141l5lttranslate-numbers0fourteen years
2211GEN3141w1k80changed my wages ten times
2212GEN3142hcc40Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the one Isaac fears, had been with me
2213GEN3142fy4h0the God of my father
2214GEN3142v1d10the one Isaac fears
2215GEN3142tin2figs-metonymy0empty-handed
2216GEN3142eqx1figs-abstractnouns0God has seen my oppression and how hard I worked
2217GEN3143ah9nfigs-rquestion0But what can I do today to these my daughters, or to their children whom they have borne?
2218GEN3144pm7dfigs-personification0let it be for a witness
2219GEN3145q2sh0pillar

This means that a large stone was simply set up on its end to mark the place where this important event happened.

2220GEN3146mz540made a pile

stacked them on top of each other

2221GEN3146c4fmfigs-explicit0Then they ate there by the pile

Eating a meal together was a part of making the covenant with one another. The full meaning of this may be made explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2222GEN3147grz7translate-names0Jegar Saha Dutha
2223GEN3147tn6rtranslate-names0Galeed
2224GEN3148y6zlfigs-personification0This pile is a witness between me and you
2225GEN3148f3tttranslate-names0Galeed
2226GEN3149d4iutranslate-names0Mizpah
2227GEN3149ip35figs-metonymy0when we are out of sight one from another
2228GEN3150e3ip0although no one else is with us
2229GEN3150h3650see
2230GEN3152jh98figs-personification0This pile is a witness, and the pillar is a witness

These piles of stones were to act as a remembrance and a boundary marker for Jacob and Laban regarding their peace agreement. They are spoken of as if they are human witnesses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

2231GEN3153zmt60May the God of Abraham, and the god of Nahor, the gods of their father, judge between us

Abraham is Jacob's grandfather. Nahor is Laban's grandfather. The father of Abraham and Nahor is Terah. Not all of them worshipped Yahweh.

2232GEN3153r6hl0the Fear of his father Isaac
2233GEN3154fmy2figs-explicit0called his relatives to eat a meal

Eating a meal together was part of making the covenant with one another. The full meaning of this may be made explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2234GEN3155w76k0Early in the morning ... returned home

Verse 55 is the first verse of chapter 32 in the original Hebrew text, but the last verse of chapter 31 in most modern Bibles. We suggest that you follow the numbering of Bibles in your national language.

2235GEN3155kif60blessed

This means expressing a desire for positive and beneficial things to happen to someone.

2236GEN32introudr30
2237GEN322fr1q0Mahanaim
2238GEN323f84ptranslate-names0Seir

This is a mountainous area in the region of Edom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2239GEN324ayv1figs-quotesinquotes0This is what you will say to my master Esau: This is what your servant Jacob says: 'I have been ... have delayed my return until now.
2240GEN324n3lr0my master Esau
2241GEN324y9320your servant Jacob
2242GEN325ne7yfigs-quotesinquotes0I have oxen ... in your eyes.
2243GEN325vi1kfigs-idiom0that I may find favor in your eyes
2244GEN326h954translate-numbers0four hundred men
2245GEN327ra4u0afraid

This refers to the unpleasant feeling a person has when there is a threat of harm to himself or others.

2246GEN327e2dk0upset

distressed, troubled

2247GEN328n1e3figs-metonymy0to one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape
2248GEN329fdw7figs-explicit0God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, Yahweh
2249GEN329c3nwfigs-quotesinquotes0Yahweh, who said to me, 'Return to your country and to your kindred, and I will prosper you,'
2250GEN329ah510to your kindred

to your family

2251GEN329v7p90I will prosper you
2252GEN3210i1jgfigs-activepassive0I am not worthy of all your acts of covenant faithfulness and of all the trustworthiness that you have done for your servant
2253GEN3210gfq50your servant
2254GEN3210ri5tfigs-idiom0now I have become two camps
2255GEN3211b4a50rescue me

save me

2256GEN3211b2ltfigs-metonymy0from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau
2257GEN3211amt50I am afraid of him, that he will

I am afraid that he will

2258GEN3212x5kwfigs-quotesinquotes0But you said, 'I will certainly make you prosper. I will make your descendants ... number.'
2259GEN3212w4290make you prosper
2260GEN3212n5pnfigs-simile0I will make your descendants like the sand of the sea

This speaks about the very large number of Jacob's descendants as if their number will be like the grains of sand on the seashore. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2261GEN3212bc4tfigs-activepassive0which cannot be numbered for their number
2262GEN3214zj6ftranslate-numbers0two hundred
2263GEN3214a35ftranslate-numbers0twenty
2264GEN3215ew39translate-numbers0thirty ... forty ... ten
2265GEN3215k3iy0their colts

their young

2266GEN3216il9nfigs-idiom0These he gave into the hand of his servants, every herd by itself
2267GEN3216hh9w0put a space between each of the herds

let each herd travel at a distance from the other herds

2268GEN3217ti5k0He instructed

He commanded

2269GEN3217h449figs-quotesinquotes0asks you ... that are in front of you?'
2270GEN3217lnl50To whom do you belong?

Who is your master?

2271GEN3217hl310Whose animals are these that are in front of you?

Who owns these animals that are in front of you?

2272GEN3218e7wdfigs-quotesinquotes0Then you will say, 'They are your servant Jacob's. They are a gift sent to my master Esau. See, he is also coming after us.'
2273GEN3218i8qf0your servant Jacob's

Jacob is referring to himself in a polite way as Esau's servant.

2274GEN3218nk580to my master Esau

Jacob is referring to Esau is a polite way as his master.

2275GEN3218a5zwfigs-exclusive0coming after us
2276GEN3219mb2s0gave instructions to the second group

commanded the second group

2277GEN3220l71w0You must also say, 'Your servant Jacob
2278GEN3220kth90I will appease him
2279GEN3220fz2r0he will receive me

he will welcome me kindly

2280GEN3221mgp1figs-metonymy0So the gifts went on ahead of him
2281GEN3221bet5figs-rpronouns0He himself stayed
2282GEN3222ak580his two women servants
2283GEN3222ts8h0ford

a shallow place in a river that is easy to cross

2284GEN3222tkp8translate-names0Jabbok

This is the name of a river. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2285GEN3223uu6x0all his possessions

all that he had

2286GEN3224ui740until daybreak

until dawn

2287GEN3225ugk7figs-activepassive0Jacob's hip was dislocated as he wrestled with him
2288GEN3225f6zk0hip

the place where the upper leg bone connects to the hip

2289GEN3226wh2x0for the dawn is breaking

the sun will rise soon

2290GEN3226hd6q0bless
2291GEN3226pb6kfigs-doublenegatives0I will not let you go unless you bless me
2292GEN3228a2fttranslate-names0Israel
2293GEN3228kel80with men
2294GEN3229if16figs-rquestion0
2295GEN3230m49wtranslate-names0Peniel
2296GEN3230n4r10face to face
2297GEN3230p6dkfigs-activepassive0and my life is delivered
2298GEN3232v4a5writing-background0That is why to this day

This marks a change from the story to background information about the descendants of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2299GEN3232n4af0to this day

This means to the day that the author was writing this.

2300GEN3232t93f0ligaments of the hip

This refers to the muscle that connects the thigh bone to the thigh socket.

2301GEN3232l5px0hip joint

thigh socket

2302GEN3232j3630while dislocating

while striking

2303GEN33introtc2t0

Genesis 33 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Jacob's fear

Jacob feared his brother. He showed Esau great respect and sought to protect his family from Esau's power. He did not fear and trust Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/fear]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])

Favoritism

Jacob showed favoritism towards Rachel and Joseph. He arranged the family according to those he loved the most. Rachel and Joseph were the most protected from a potential attack by Esau. He would have rather had everyone else die, in order to spare their lives. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/favor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2304GEN331ck160behold
2305GEN331c4aitranslate-numbers0four hundred men
2306GEN331lqj5figs-explicit0Jacob divided the children ... female servants

This does not mean Jacob divided the children evenly so that each woman had the same amount of children with her. Jacob divided the children so that each one went with his or her mother. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2307GEN331h4670female servants
2308GEN333f927figs-rpronouns0He himself went on ahead of them
2309GEN333prz6translate-symaction0He bowed
2310GEN334xq930meet him

meet Jacob

2311GEN334ptu70embraced him, hugged his neck, and kissed him
2312GEN334d91xfigs-explicit0Then they wept
2313GEN335bni90he saw the women and the children

he saw the women and children who were with Jacob

2314GEN335n88jfigs-123person0The children whom God has graciously given your servant
2315GEN336huv50female servants
2316GEN336ndg7translate-symaction0bowed down

This is a sign of humility and respect before another person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2317GEN338xl2u0What do you mean by all these groups that I met?
2318GEN338p6x8figs-idiom0To find favor in the sight of my master
2319GEN338b54pfigs-123person0my master
2320GEN339fvu3figs-ellipsis0I have enough
2321GEN3310c8jkfigs-idiom0if I have found favor in your eyes
2322GEN3310g919figs-synecdoche0my gift from my hand
2323GEN3310cv9s0my hand, for indeed
2324GEN3310qp99figs-simile0I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God

The meaning of this simile is unclear. Possible meanings are 1) Jacob is happy that Esau has forgiven him like God has forgiven him or 2) Jacob is amazed to see his brother again like he was amazed to see God or 3) Jacob is humbled to be in Esau's presence like he was humbled to be in God's presence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2325GEN3310ni5gfigs-synecdoche0I have seen your face
2326GEN3311i3ezfigs-activepassive0that was brought to you
2327GEN3311c5810God has dealt graciously with me
2328GEN3311r6mp0Thus Jacob urged him, and Esau accepted it

It was customary to refuse a gift first, but then to accept the gift before the giver was offended.

2329GEN3313j3jvfigs-123person0My master knows
2330GEN3313k72pfigs-explicit0the children are young
2331GEN3313lzl5figs-activepassive0If they are driven hard even one day
2332GEN3314be6wfigs-123person0Please let my master go on ahead of his servant
2333GEN3314k77x0at the pace of the livestock that are before me

at the speed the animals I am looking after can go

2334GEN3314he5jtranslate-names0Seir

This is a mountainous area in the region of Edom. See how you translated this in Genesis 32:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2335GEN3315e3u2figs-rquestion0Why do that?
2336GEN3315rl9kfigs-123person0my lord
2337GEN3317k3g6translate-names0Succoth
2338GEN3317k4xafigs-explicit0built himself a house
2339GEN3317ykg80for his livestock

for the animals he looked after

2340GEN3318yt2u0General Information:

This starts a new part of the story. The author describes what Jacob did after he rested in Succoth.

2341GEN3318jve30When Jacob came from Paddan Aram

After Jacob left Paddan Aram

2342GEN3318qr2kfigs-explicit0When Jacob ... he arrived ... He camped

This only mentions Jacob because he is the leader of the family. It is implied that his family was with him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2343GEN3318rx3s0He camped near

He set up his camp near

2344GEN3319a6wu0piece of ground

piece of land

2345GEN3319xu69translate-names0Hamor

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2346GEN3319y9i50Shechem's father

Shechem is the name of a city and the name of a man.

2347GEN3319kh7ztranslate-numbers0a hundred
2348GEN3320ps43translate-names0El Elohe Israel
2349GEN34introgv6g0

Genesis 34 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel

Jacob's name was changed to Israel. It is his descendants who inherited the promised blessings given to him and to Isaac and Abraham. This is the first time his descendants are collectively referred to as the people group Israel. The people group Israel is identified through the covenant of circumcision. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/inherit]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/circumcise]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Implicit information

Jacob's reacted to the rape of Dinah with indifference. This is possibly because she was not a daughter of Rachel. His reaction was both unwise and improper. This action brought shame on the whole family. Therefore, Jacob's sons corrected this wrong and plotted against Hamor and Shechem.

Shechem raped Dinah, but then he said he loved her. By raping her, he ensured that no one else would want to marry her. This is not love. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/wise]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/love]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2350GEN341g89z0Now

Here this word is used to mark a new part of the story.

2351GEN341q1kitranslate-names0Dinah

This is the name of Leah's daughter. See how you translated this name in Genesis 30:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2352GEN342y29ntranslate-names0the Hivite
2353GEN342x58u0the prince of the land
2354GEN342hx1efigs-hendiadys0He took her and lay with her
2355GEN342mrp5figs-euphemism0lay with her
2356GEN343d96afigs-metaphor0He was drawn to Dinah
2357GEN343bz110spoke tenderly to her

He tried to convince her that he loved her and that he wanted her to love him also.

2358GEN345wy9twriting-background0Now Jacob
2359GEN345k25j0Jacob heard that he
2360GEN345mp970he had defiled

This means that Shechem had greatly dishonored and disgraced Dinah by forcing her to sleep with him.

2361GEN345sk45figs-idiom0held his peace

This is a way of saying that Jacob did not say or do anything about the matter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2362GEN346r1kg0Hamor ... went out to Jacob

Hamor ... went to meet Jacob

2363GEN347yd2w0The men were offended
2364GEN347xe5rfigs-metonymy0he had disgraced Israel
2365GEN347wki80lying with Jacob's daughter

having sexual relations with Jacob's daughter

2366GEN347ud6tfigs-activepassive0for such a thing should not have been done
2367GEN348ud450Hamor spoke with them

Hamor spoke with Jacob and his sons

2368GEN348q43r0loves your daughter
2369GEN348gx320give her to him as a wife

In some cultures, the parents decide whom their children will marry.

2370GEN349ec6v0Intermarry with us
2371GEN3410pv180the land will be open to you

the land will be available to you

2372GEN3411x9iz0Shechem said to her father

Shechem said to Dinah's father Jacob

2373GEN3411gev1figs-idiom0Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you tell me I will give
2374GEN3412w7wc0bride price

In some cultures, it is customary for a man to give money, property, cattle, and other gifts to the bride's family at the time of marriage.

2375GEN3413h21qfigs-abstractnouns0The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father with deceit
2376GEN3413uxy50Shechem had defiled Dinah
2377GEN3414un4d0They said to them

Jacob's sons said to Shechem and Hamor

2378GEN3414yku70We cannot do this thing, to give our sister

We cannot agree to give Dinah in marriage

2379GEN3414c7mlfigs-exclusive0for that would be a disgrace to us
2380GEN3416w7nl0give our daughters to you ... take your daughters to ourselves

This means they will allow a person from Jacob's family to marry a person who lives in Hamor's land.

2381GEN3418vm370Their words pleased Hamor and his son Shechem

Hamor and his son Shechem agreed with what Jacob's sons said

2382GEN3419yza50to do what they said

to become circumcised

2383GEN3419vjf50Jacob's daughter

Jacob's daughter Dinah

2384GEN3419ve5wfigs-explicit0because he was the most honored person in all his father's household
2385GEN3420bl5k0the gate of their city

It was common for leaders to meet at the city gate to make official decisions.

2386GEN3421ub3p0These men

Jacob, his sons, and the people of Israel

2387GEN3421gg84figs-inclusive0peace with us
2388GEN3421peg80let them live in the land and trade in it

let them live and trade in the land

2389GEN3421qgk20for, really, the land is large enough for them
2390GEN3421i8u80take their daughters ... give them our daughters

This refers to marriages between the women of one group and the men of the other group. See how you translated similar phrases in Genesis 34:9.

2391GEN3422pyn50General Information:

Hamor and Shechem his son continue to talk to the city elders.

2392GEN3422g2kq0Only on this condition will the men agree to live with us and become one people: If every male among us is circumcised, as they are circumcised

Only if every man among us is circumcised, as the men of Israel are circumcised, will they agree to live among us and unite with us as one people

2393GEN3423n7gufigs-rquestion0Will not their livestock and their property—all their animals be ours?
2394GEN3424m2ftfigs-activepassive0Every male was circumcised
2395GEN3425xfn1translate-ordinal0On the third day
2396GEN3425w2yp0when they were still in pain

when the men of the city were still in pain

2397GEN3425usz10each took his sword

took their swords

2398GEN3425p39efigs-metonymy0they attacked the city
2399GEN3425cm250security, and they killed all the males
2400GEN3427jn2q0the dead bodies

the dead bodies of Hamor, Shechem, and their men

2401GEN3427r6r40looted the city

stole everything in the city that was valuable

2402GEN3427dr6w0because the people had defiled their sister

Shechem alone had defiled Dinah, but Jacob's sons considered Shechem's entire family and everyone in the city responsible for this act.

2403GEN3427gep20had defiled
2404GEN3428ikb20They took their flocks

Jacob's sons took the people's flocks

2405GEN3429u4y10all their wealth

all their possessions and money

2406GEN3429lb760All their children and their wives, they captured

They captured all their children and wives

2407GEN3430tk7qfigs-metaphor0brought trouble on me
2408GEN3430g5qjfigs-metaphor0to make me stink to the inhabitants of the land
2409GEN3430di4jfigs-synecdoche0I am few in number ... against me and attack me, then I will be destroyed, I and my household
2410GEN3430f8i30gather themselves together against me and attack me
2411GEN3430pr2bfigs-activepassive0then I will be destroyed
2412GEN3431l9v7figs-rquestion0Should Shechem have dealt with our sister as with a prostitute?
2413GEN35intror5b30

Genesis 35 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Name change

In Scripture, a change in name always occurs at a highly significant point in a person's life. The return of Jacob to Canaan was a significant event in the history of the Hebrew people.

Covenant

The covenant God made with Abraham is repeated here. It indicates that all of Jacob's descendants will inherit the promises of this covenant. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/inherit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]])

2414GEN351m48u0go up to Bethel
2415GEN351a7ytfigs-123person0Build an altar there to God
2416GEN352zm9p0said to his household

said to his family

2417GEN352s6f20Put away the foreign gods that are among you
2418GEN352ke2n0purify yourselves, and change your clothes

This was the custom of cleansing oneself morally and physically before going to worship God.

2419GEN352p78ptranslate-symaction0change your clothes

Putting on a new clothes was a sign that they had made themselves clean before approaching God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2420GEN353uv670in the day of my distress
2421GEN354k9aj0So they gave
2422GEN354v6i9figs-metonymy0that were in their hand
2423GEN354q9se0the rings that were in their ears
2424GEN355kv2sfigs-metaphor0God made panic to fall on the cities
2425GEN355nn7zfigs-metonymy0on the cities
2426GEN355gee5figs-explicit0the sons of Jacob
2427GEN356ex8utranslate-names0Luz

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Genesis 28:19. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2428GEN357ku6ttranslate-names0El Bethel
2429GEN357i3c50there God had revealed himself to him

there God made himself known to Jacob

2430GEN358bz6etranslate-names0Deborah

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2431GEN358xvy60Rebekah's nurse

A nurse is a woman who takes care of another woman's child. The nurse was highly honored and important to the family.

2432GEN358je7dfigs-activepassive0She was buried down from Bethel
2433GEN358v8370down from Bethel
2434GEN358cv5ctranslate-names0Allon Bakuth
2435GEN359sbc1figs-explicit0When Jacob came from Paddan Aram
2436GEN359x1ha0blessed
2437GEN3510z15lfigs-activepassive0but your name will no longer be called Jacob
2438GEN3511i7mm0God said to him

God said to Jacob

2439GEN3511z2vlfigs-doublet0Be fruitful and multiply
2440GEN3511p3b2figs-metonymy0A nation and a company of nations will come from you
2441GEN3513ev4e0God went up from him
2442GEN3514b5hy0pillar

This is a memorial pillar which was simply a large stone or boulder set up on its end.

2443GEN3514epr5translate-symaction0He poured out a drink offering over it and poured oil on it

This is a sign that he is dedicating the pillar to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2444GEN3515j65s0Bethel
2445GEN3516ap5k0Ephrath

This is another name for the town of Bethlehem.

2446GEN3516vy4h0She had hard labor

She was having a very difficult time giving birth to the child

2447GEN3517x4mh0While she was in hardest labor

When the labor pain was at its worst

2448GEN3517s3cm0midwife

a person who helps a woman when she is giving birth to a child

2449GEN3518hn3nfigs-idiom0As she was dying, with her dying breath
2450GEN3518dty6translate-names0Ben-Oni
2451GEN3518d44e0Benjamin
2452GEN3519v664figs-activepassive0was buried
2453GEN3519cj7f0on the way

alongside the road

2454GEN3520n32v0It is the marker of Rachel's grave to this day

It marks Rachel's grave still to this day

2455GEN3520lj220to this day
2456GEN3521iq45figs-explicit0Israel traveled on

It is implied that Israel's family and servants are with him. The full meaning of this information can be made explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2457GEN3522s2bsfigs-euphemism0lay with
2458GEN3522w9frtranslate-names0Bilhah

This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in Genesis 29:29. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2459GEN3522m9qr0Now Jacob had twelve sons

This sentence begins a new paragraph, which continues into the following verses.

2460GEN3522lv7qtranslate-numbers0twelve sons
2461GEN3525vbv7translate-names0Bilhah

This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in Genesis 29:29. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2462GEN3526bk2ltranslate-names0Zilpah

This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this name in Genesis 29:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2463GEN3526tc13figs-explicit0who were born to him in Paddan Aram
2464GEN3527f44efigs-go0Jacob came to Isaac
2465GEN3527a58atranslate-names0Mamre

This was another name for the city of Hebron. It may have been named after Mamre, the friend of Abraham who lived there. See how you translated this in Genesis 13:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2466GEN3527bc7qtranslate-names0Kiriath Arba

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Genesis 23:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2467GEN3528x251translate-numbers0one hundred eighty years
2468GEN3529rk3cfigs-doublet0Isaac breathed his last and died
2469GEN3529p3ctfigs-euphemism0breathed his last

This is a polite way of saying a person died. See how you translated this in Genesis 25:8. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2470GEN3529fpy4figs-idiom0was gathered to his ancestors
2471GEN3529bxx8figs-doublet0an old man full of days
2472GEN36introst7p0

Genesis 36 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Esau's descendants

Esau's descendants became known as the Edomite people group. They also become a great nation. This nation is prominent in the rest of the Old Testament. God graciously blessed Esau and he had many descendants. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]])

2473GEN361zj65figs-explicit0These were the descendants of Esau (also called Edom)
2474GEN362ac64translate-names0Adah ... Oholibamah

These are names of Esau's wives. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2475GEN362hna3translate-names0Elon the Hittite
2476GEN362s9nitranslate-names0Anah ... Zibeon

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2477GEN362hd6t0Hivite

This refers to a larger group of people. See how you translated it in Genesis 10:17.

2478GEN363g86ytranslate-names0Nebaioth

a man's name (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2479GEN363k2u1translate-names0Basemath

This is the name of one of Esau's wives. See how you translated this in Genesis 26:34. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2480GEN363n8tftranslate-names0Nebaioth

This is the name of one of Ishmael's sons. See how you translated this in Genesis 28:9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2481GEN364w5z8translate-names0Adah ... Basemath

These are names of Esau's wives. See how you translated these in Genesis 36:2-3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2482GEN364s7t4translate-names0Eliphaz ... Reuel

These are names of Esau's sons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2483GEN365rp9ltranslate-names0Oholibamah

These are names of Esau's wives. See how you translated these in Genesis 36:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2484GEN365m5u2translate-names0Jeush ... Jalam ... Korah

These are names of Esau's sons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2485GEN366k2eyfigs-explicit0which he had gathered in the land of Canaan
2486GEN366u7vtfigs-idiom0went into a land
2487GEN367y3im0their possessions

Esau's and Jacob's possessions

2488GEN367kr6mfigs-explicit0could not support them because of their livestock
2489GEN367ui47figs-idiom0where they had settled
2490GEN369yd4afigs-explicit0These were the descendants of Esau
2491GEN369vme3figs-explicit0in the hill country of Seir
2492GEN3610kf9dtranslate-names0Eliphaz ... Reuel

These are names of Esau's sons. See how you translated these names in Genesis 36:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2493GEN3610b61htranslate-names0Adah ... Basemath

These are names of Esau's wives. See how you translated these names in Genesis 36:2-3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2494GEN3611uw62translate-names0Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz

These are names of the sons of Eliphaz. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2495GEN3612q2xytranslate-names0Amalek

a son of Eliphaz (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2496GEN3612c8w1translate-names0Timna

This is the name of Eliphaz's concubine. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2497GEN3613qe6ltranslate-names0Reuel

This is the name of a son of Esau. See how you translated this name in Genesis 36:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2498GEN3613eka4translate-names0Nahath ... Zerah ... Shammah ... Mizzah

These are names of Reuel's sons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2499GEN3613tv77translate-names0Basemath

This is the name of a wife of Esau. See how you translated this in Genesis 36:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2500GEN3614n41etranslate-names0Oholibamah

This is the name of a wife of Esau. See how you translated these in Genesis 36:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2501GEN3614sz5gtranslate-names0Anah ... Zibeon

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2502GEN3614u6hptranslate-names0Jeush, Jalam, and Korah

These are names of Esau's sons. See how you translated these names in Genesis 36:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2503GEN3615zg7mtranslate-names0Eliphaz

This is the name of one of Esau's sons. See how you translated his name in Genesis 36:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2504GEN3615lut6translate-names0Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz

These are names of Eliphaz's sons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2505GEN3616zr8utranslate-names0Korah, Gatam, and Amalek

These are names of Eliphaz's sons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2506GEN3616j4yqtranslate-names0Adah

This is the name of one of Esau's wives. See how you translated her name in Genesis 36:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2507GEN3617ts2etranslate-names0Reuel

This is the name of a son of Esau. See how you translated this name in Genesis 36:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2508GEN3617uk29translate-names0Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, Mizzah

These are the names of Reuel's sons. See how you translated these names in Genesis 36:13. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2509GEN3617h6asfigs-explicit0in the land of Edom
2510GEN3617pn88translate-names0Basemath

This is the name of a wife of Esau. See how you translated these names in Genesis 36:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2511GEN3618bz8xtranslate-names0Oholibamah

This is the name of a wife of Esau. See how you translated this name in Genesis 36:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2512GEN3618lpz9translate-names0Jeush, Jalam, Korah

These are the names of Esau's sons. See how you translated these names in Genesis 36:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2513GEN3618bs35translate-names0Anah

This the name of a man. See how you translated this name in Genesis 36:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2514GEN3620nf560Seir
2515GEN3620pj690the Horite
2516GEN3620lrw40the inhabitants of the land

who lived in the land of Seir, which is also called Edom

2517GEN3620e8fatranslate-names0Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2518GEN3621g54atranslate-names0Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2519GEN3622ui8etranslate-names0Lotan ... Hori and Heman

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2520GEN3622r36gtranslate-names0Timna

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2521GEN3623c6jrtranslate-names0Shobal

This is the name of man. See how you translated this name in Genesis 36:20. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2522GEN3623smz3translate-names0Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2523GEN3624zng8translate-names0Zibeon

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in Genesis 36:20. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2524GEN3624l94xtranslate-names0Aiah and Anah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2525GEN3625t8gx0Anah ... Dishon
2526GEN3625esu6translate-names0Oholibamah

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2527GEN3626tb3rtranslate-names0Dishon ... Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Keran
2528GEN3627w3mptranslate-names0Ezer ... Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan
2529GEN3628u49ltranslate-names0Dishan ... Uz and Aran
2530GEN3629fkl1translate-names0the Horites

This is the name of a people group. See how you translated this in Genesis 14:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2531GEN3629g2zxtranslate-names0Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, and Anah

These are the names of men. See how you translated these names in Genesis 36:20. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2532GEN3630cp7ftranslate-names0Dishon, Ezer, Dishan

These are the names of men. See how you translated these names in Genesis 36:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2533GEN3630yki3figs-explicit0in the land of Seir
2534GEN3632v99wtranslate-names0Bela ... Beor

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2535GEN3632h4lbfigs-idiom0the name of his city
2536GEN3632e1xltranslate-names0Dinhabah

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2537GEN3633sr5rtranslate-names0Bela ... Jobab ... Zerah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2538GEN3633cuf9translate-names0Bozrah

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2539GEN3634d4sktranslate-names0Jobab

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in Genesis 36:33. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2540GEN3634ne5stranslate-names0Husham

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2541GEN3634l23lfigs-explicit0Husham who was of the land of the Temanites
2542GEN3634b498translate-names0Temanites

descendants of a man named Teman (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2543GEN3635ct4xtranslate-names0Husham ... Hadad ... Bedad

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2544GEN3635ar3gfigs-idiom0The name of his city
2545GEN3635i9ultranslate-names0Avith

These are names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2546GEN3636en7htranslate-names0Hadad ... Samlah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2547GEN3636f4j5translate-names0Samlah of Masrekah
2548GEN3636rd2atranslate-names0Masrekah

These are names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2549GEN3637b1jltranslate-names0Samlah

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in Genesis 36:36. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2550GEN3637hji7figs-explicit0then Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his place
2551GEN3637c5xxtranslate-names0Shaul

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2552GEN3637d42qtranslate-names0Rehoboth

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2553GEN3638c5rdtranslate-names0Shaul ... Baal-Hanan ... Akbor

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2554GEN3639jf15translate-names0Baal-Hanan ... Akbor ... Hadar ... Matred ... Me Zahab

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2555GEN3639kk3pfigs-idiom0The name of his city
2556GEN3639sz99translate-names0Pau

These are names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2557GEN3639vn2xtranslate-names0Mehetabel

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2558GEN3639f6vx0the daughter of Matred, the granddaughter of Me Zahab

she was the daughter of Matred, and the granddaughter of Me Zahab

2559GEN3640bim60the heads of clans

the leaders of the clans

2560GEN3640n8cffigs-explicit0according to their clans and their regions, by their names
2561GEN3640yu9etranslate-names0Timna, Alvah, Jetheth

These are names of people groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2562GEN3641q8emtranslate-names0Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon

These are names of people groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2563GEN3642f4dxtranslate-names0Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar

These are names of people groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2564GEN3643bjb8translate-names0Magdiel, and Iram

These are names of people groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2565GEN3643f84q0their settlements
2566GEN3643zc7wfigs-metonymy0This was Esau
2567GEN37intros17y0
2568GEN371y34b0the land where his father was staying, in the land of Canaan

in the land of Canaan where his father had lived

2569GEN372gx4zfigs-synecdoche0These were the events concerning Jacob
2570GEN372h2a4translate-numbers0seventeen years old
2571GEN372kg73translate-names0Bilhah

This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in Genesis 29:29. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2572GEN372g6zctranslate-names0Zilpah

This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this name in Genesis 29:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2573GEN372gp4s0wives

These women were servants of Leah and Rachel whom they had given to Jacob to produce children.

2574GEN372fj2x0an unfavorable report about them

a bad report about his brothers

2575GEN373in67writing-background0Now

This word is used here to mark a change from the story to background information about Israel and Joseph. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2576GEN373hu4a0loved

This refers to brotherly love or love for a friend or family member. This is natural human love between friends or relatives.

2577GEN373fd1ufigs-idiom0of his old age
2578GEN373n9xs0He made him

Israel made Joseph

2579GEN373m9ni0a beautiful garment

a beautiful robe

2580GEN374ua1k0would not speak kindly to him

could not speak in a courteous manner to him

2581GEN375z7xa0Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told his brothers about it. They hated him even more

This is a summary of the events that will happen in 37:6-11.

2582GEN375req10They hated him even more

And Joseph's brothers hated him even more than they hated him before

2583GEN376c6ln0Please listen to this dream which I dreamed

Please listen to this dream that I had

2584GEN377hu4k0General Information:

Joseph tells his brothers about his dream.

2585GEN377zk8j0Behold
2586GEN377v7ubfigs-inclusive0we were
2587GEN377lp7e0tying bundles of grain

When grain is reaped it is tied into bundles and stacked until it is time to separate the grain from the straw.

2588GEN377p45z0behold
2589GEN377yu7ffigs-personification0my bundle rose and stood upright ... your bundles came around and bowed down

Here the bundles of grain are standing and kneeling as if they were people. These bundle represent Joseph and his brothers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

2590GEN378yak9figs-parallelism0Will you really reign over us? Will you actually rule over us?
2591GEN378pjm9figs-exclusive0reign over us
2592GEN378gtl30for his dreams and for his words

because of his dreams and what he said

2593GEN379kyz20He dreamed another dream

Joseph had another dream

2594GEN379tzi7translate-numbers0eleven stars
2595GEN3710fqz50his father rebuked him. He said to him

Israel scolded him, saying

2596GEN3710c1l9figs-rquestion0What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will your mother ... to the ground to you?
2597GEN3711r99i0jealous

This means being angry because someone else is successful or more popular.

2598GEN3711ml87figs-idiom0kept the matter in mind
2599GEN3713is7ffigs-rquestion0Are not your brothers tending the flock in Shechem?
2600GEN3713mkc7figs-explicit0Come
2601GEN3713py59figs-explicit0I am ready
2602GEN3714qey40He said to him

Israel said to Joseph

2603GEN3714w1ctfigs-idiom0bring me word
2604GEN3714lr5e0out of the Valley

from the Valley

2605GEN3715un9m0A certain man found Joseph. Behold, Joseph was wandering in a field

A certain man found Joseph wandering in a field

2606GEN3715d2cb0Behold

This marks the beginning of another event in the larger story. It may involve different people than the previous events. Your language may have a way of doing this.

2607GEN3715s9np0What do you seek?

What are you looking for?

2608GEN3716a4w20Tell me, please, where

Please tell me where

2609GEN3716w68c0tending the flock

shepherding their flock

2610GEN3717kti6translate-names0Dothan

This is the name of a place that is about 22 kilometers from Shechem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2611GEN3718b5ik0They saw him from a distance

Joseph's brothers saw him while he was far away

2612GEN3718j6pl0they plotted against him to kill him

they made plans to kill him

2613GEN3719e9250this dreamer is approaching

here comes the one who has the dreams

2614GEN3720gv2ffigs-idiom0Come now, therefore
2615GEN3720q5ub0wild animal
2616GEN3720tf980devoured

to eagerly have eaten

2617GEN3720f645figs-irony0We will see what will become of his dreams
2618GEN3721hcd30heard it

heard what they were saying

2619GEN3721h7vpfigs-metonymy0from their hand
2620GEN3721tgx9figs-euphemism0Let us not take his life
2621GEN3722ia68figs-litotes0Shed no blood
2622GEN3722pp4s0that he might rescue him
2623GEN3722w33sfigs-metonymy0out of their hand
2624GEN3722qi790to bring him back

and return him

2625GEN3723avb40It came about that when

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

2626GEN3723hk1a0they stripped him of his beautiful garment

they tore his beautiful garment off of him

2627GEN3723r88s0beautiful garment
2628GEN3725z1zhfigs-synecdoche0They sat down to eat bread
2629GEN3725u8kyfigs-metaphor0They lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a caravan
2630GEN3725vw510bearing

carrying

2631GEN3725ry7t0spices

seasonings

2632GEN3725c9x30balm
2633GEN3725c48bfigs-explicit0traveling to carry them down to Egypt
2634GEN3726jqq1figs-rquestion0What profit is it if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?
2635GEN3726t3nlfigs-metaphor0cover up his blood
2636GEN3727z5vv0to the Ishmaelites

to these men who are descendants of Ishmael

2637GEN3727drn8figs-idiom0not lay our hands upon him
2638GEN3727x3zyfigs-metonymy0he is our brother, our flesh
2639GEN3727ih6w0His brothers listened to him
2640GEN3728fs890Midianite ... Ishmaelites

Both names refer to the same group of traders that Joseph's brothers meet.

2641GEN3728plq1translate-numbers0for twenty pieces of silver
2642GEN3728sty70carried Joseph into Egypt

took Joseph to Egypt

2643GEN3729u33n0Reuben returned to the pit, and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit
2644GEN3729q2rxfigs-explicit0He tore his clothes
2645GEN3730rz5ifigs-rquestion0The boy is not there! And I, where can I go?
2646GEN3731mg6n0Joseph's garment

This refers to the beautiful garment that his father made for him.

2647GEN3731v9ds0the blood

the goat's blood

2648GEN3732uw8d0they brought it

they brought the garment

2649GEN3733jk1r0has devoured him

has eaten him

2650GEN3733i3f2figs-activepassive0Joseph has certainly been torn to pieces
2651GEN3734br9gfigs-explicit0Jacob tore his garments
2652GEN3734x4zjfigs-explicit0put sackcloth upon his loins
2653GEN3735rd4cfigs-metaphor0rose up
2654GEN3735inp9figs-activepassive0but he refused to be comforted
2655GEN3735qls4figs-explicit0Indeed I will go down to Sheol mourning
2656GEN3736p1k80The Midianites sold him

The Midianites sold Joseph

2657GEN3736zpi70the captain of the bodyguard

the leader of the soldiers who guarded the king

2658GEN38introm9uv0
2659GEN381d341writing-newevent0It came about at that time that Judah

This introduces a new part of the story that focuses on Judah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

2660GEN381mm6ttranslate-names0a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah

Hirah is the name of a man who lived in the village of Adullam. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2661GEN382g2eptranslate-names0whose name was Shua

Shua is a Canaanite woman who married Judah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2662GEN382ri4xfigs-euphemism0he went in to her
2663GEN383tdy50She became pregnant

Judah's wife became pregnant

2664GEN383b2qsfigs-activepassive0He was named Er
2665GEN383uw47translate-names0Er

Judah's son (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2666GEN384j52v0called his name

named him

2667GEN384d5vxtranslate-names0Onan

Judah's son (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2668GEN385qtm2translate-names0Shelah

Judah's son (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2669GEN385q8z9translate-names0Kezib

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2670GEN386yph1translate-names0Er

This is the name of one of Judah's sons. See how you translated this name in Genesis 38:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2671GEN387dn6gfigs-idiom0was wicked in the sight of Yahweh
2672GEN387i5dqfigs-explicit0Yahweh killed him
2673GEN388tk66translate-names0Onan

This is the name of one of Judah's sons. See how you translated this name in Genesis 38:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2674GEN388kks8figs-euphemism0Go in to your brother's wife
2675GEN388a6ev0Do the duty of a brother-in-law to her

This refers to a custom that when the oldest brother dies before he and his wife have a son, the next oldest brother would marry and have sexual relations with the widow. When the widow gave birth to the first son, that son was considered the son of the oldest brother and he would receive the oldest brother's inheritance.

2676GEN389h2ucfigs-euphemism0he went in to
2677GEN3810d3qlfigs-idiom0was evil in the sight of Yahweh
2678GEN3810pa7afigs-explicit0Yahweh killed him also
2679GEN3811w8120his daughter-in-law

his oldest son's wife

2680GEN3811tu93figs-explicit0in your father's house
2681GEN3811xx8wfigs-explicit0until Shelah, my son, grows up
2682GEN3811e1y2translate-names0Shelah

This is the name of one of Judah's sons. See how you translated this name in Genesis 38:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2683GEN3811ib5zfigs-explicit0
2684GEN3812fpu9translate-names0Shua's

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in Genesis 38:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2685GEN3812ws3g0Judah was comforted and

When Judah was no longer grieving, he

2686GEN3812f28q0his sheepshearers at Timnah

Timnah, where his men were shearing sheep

2687GEN3812cx57translate-names0Timnah

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2688GEN3812gmi50he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite

His friend Hiram, from Adullam, went with him

2689GEN3812ep2stranslate-names0Hirah the Adullamite
2690GEN3813pf3rfigs-activepassive0Tamar was told
2691GEN3813g6yw0Look, your father-in-law
2692GEN3813dt3t0your father-in-law

your husband's father

2693GEN3814z7kxtranslate-names0Enaim

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2694GEN3814l8250of her widowhood

that widows wear

2695GEN3814z8wu0veil

a very thin material used to cover a woman's head and face

2696GEN3814w9p6figs-explicit0wrapped herself
2697GEN3814i1it0by the road
2698GEN3814ph6rfigs-activepassive0she had not been given to him as a wife
2699GEN3815wl6g0When Judah saw her
2700GEN3815y8kxfigs-explicit0because she had covered her face
2701GEN3816i3uhfigs-explicit0He went to her by the road
2702GEN3816q4790Come, please
2703GEN3817rjw20from the flock

from my flock of goats

2704GEN3818dv740seal and cord ... staff
2705GEN3818tz55figs-euphemism0he went in to her
2706GEN3818e1lhfigs-activepassive0she became pregnant by him
2707GEN3819t44a0veil

This was a very thin material used to cover a woman's head and face. See how you translated these in Genesis 38:14.

2708GEN3819df5s0clothing of her widowhood
2709GEN3820ck76translate-names0Adullamite

a person who lives in the village of Adullam. See how you translated this in Genesis 38:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2710GEN3820c471figs-activepassive0receive the pledge
2711GEN3820gj77figs-synecdoche0from the woman's hand
2712GEN3821yd96translate-names0Adullamite

a person who lives in the village of Adullam. See how you translated this in Genesis 38:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2713GEN3821f9j40the men of the place

some of the men who lived there

2714GEN3821wg3u0cultic prostitute

prostitute who serves in the temple

2715GEN3821tr6jtranslate-names0Enaim

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in Genesis 38:14. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2716GEN3823wmj7figs-explicit0that we not be put to shame
2717GEN3824n17vwriting-newevent0It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

2718GEN3824v2xafigs-activepassive0it was told to Judah
2719GEN3824ps9t0Tamar your daughter-in-law

Tamar, your oldest son's wife

2720GEN3824cli3figs-activepassive0she is pregnant by it
2721GEN3824gs860Bring her here

Bring her out

2722GEN3824u7kufigs-activepassive0let her be burned
2723GEN3825b976figs-activepassive0When she was brought out
2724GEN3825h9p80her father-in-law

her husband's father

2725GEN3825sd680seal and cords and staff
2726GEN3826r4f3translate-names0Shelah

This is the name of one of Judah's sons. See how you translated this name in Genesis 38:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2727GEN3826fdr5figs-euphemism0did not lie with her again
2728GEN3827i46vwriting-newevent0It came about at the time

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

2729GEN3827aqm90behold
2730GEN3828p9yq0It came about as she was giving birth
2731GEN3828xui10one put out a hand

one of the babies put out his hand

2732GEN3828l4m50midwife

This is a person who helps a woman when she is giving birth to a child. See how you translated this in Genesis 35:17.

2733GEN3828qm8p0scarlet thread

bright red thread

2734GEN3828hph20on his hand

around his wrist

2735GEN3829ciu70behold
2736GEN3829ra5tfigs-explicit0How you have broken out!
2737GEN3829n6hpfigs-activepassive0he was named
2738GEN3829d8yktranslate-names0Perez
2739GEN3830zzy9translate-names0Zerah
2740GEN39introa8n60

Genesis 39 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God's power

The account of Joseph focuses on the power of God. God is able to protect his people despite the evil actions of some. He also is able to continue to bless them despite their circumstances. This is a sign of Yahweh's covenant faithfulness. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sign]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenantfaith]])

Joseph's character

Genesis just recorded a period of time where Joseph's ancestors and brothers struggled with sin. Joseph's character in this chapter is upright. He chose to do what was right, even when it could cause him harm. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

2741GEN391e2vgfigs-idiom0Joseph was brought down to Egypt
2742GEN392f9flfigs-idiom0Yahweh was with Joseph
2743GEN392fn2mfigs-metaphor0He lived in the house
2744GEN392j4w70his Egyptian master

Joseph was now Potiphar's slave.

2745GEN393xvx7figs-idiom0His master saw that Yahweh was with him
2746GEN393jq220that Yahweh prospered everything that he did

Yahweh caused everything that Joseph did to prosper

2747GEN394hd1rfigs-idiom0Joseph found favor in his sight
2748GEN394wv9x0He served Potiphar

This means that he was Potiphar's personal servant.

2749GEN394ld270Potiphar made Joseph manager over his house, and everything that he possessed

Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his household and everything that belonged to Potiphar

2750GEN394t3u1figs-metaphor0put under his care
2751GEN395nr780It came about from the time that he made him manager over his house and over everything he possessed, that Yahweh blessed the Egyptian's house because of Joseph
2752GEN395ys1hwriting-background0It came about

This phrase is used here to tell the reader that these two verses are background information for the next event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2753GEN395vv9x0he made him manager over his house and over everything he possessed

Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his household and everything that belonged to him

2754GEN395f9hu0blessed
2755GEN395c9t1figs-metaphor0The blessing of Yahweh was on
2756GEN395d2m5figs-explicit0everything that Potiphar had in the house and in the field
2757GEN396cqj8figs-metaphor0Potiphar put everything that he had under Joseph's care
2758GEN396hx4pfigs-explicit0He did not have to think about anything except the food that he ate
2759GEN396ia1mwriting-background0Now
2760GEN396wy9gfigs-doublet0handsome and attractive
2761GEN397bu7cwriting-newevent0It came about after this that
2762GEN397x6dbfigs-euphemism0Lie with me
2763GEN398g7nr0Look
2764GEN398hl45figs-doublenegatives0my master does not pay attention to what I do in the house
2765GEN398v8lhfigs-metaphor0he has put everything that he owns under my care
2766GEN399xvi7figs-metaphor0No one is greater in this house than I am
2767GEN399x4sdfigs-litotes0He has not kept back anything from me but you
2768GEN399gk4vfigs-rquestion0How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?
2769GEN3910vm2sfigs-explicit0She spoke to Joseph day after day
2770GEN3910f48lfigs-euphemism0to lie with her
2771GEN3910c1pu0to be with her

to be near her

2772GEN3911fgn4writing-newevent0It came about
2773GEN3911uf8u0None of the men of the house

None of the other men who worked in the house

2774GEN3912x9k8figs-euphemism0Lie with me
2775GEN3912i97q0fled, and went outside
2776GEN3913ix34writing-newevent0It came about
2777GEN3913ufa40had fled outside

had quickly ran out of the house

2778GEN3914ikv60the men of her house

the men who worked in her house

2779GEN3914tuv80See
2780GEN3914k9h6figs-euphemism0He came in to me to lie with me
2781GEN3915n1kgwriting-newevent0It came about when he heard me scream, that he
2782GEN3916ma4z0his master
2783GEN3917xu1x0She told him this explanation

She explained it like this

2784GEN3917qu1qfigs-inclusive0brought to us
2785GEN3917s2djfigs-euphemism0came in to mock me
2786GEN3918u1cuwriting-newevent0It came about that
2787GEN3918r27a0fled outside

ran quickly out of the house

2788GEN3919z9ibwriting-newevent0It came about that
2789GEN3919nr6kfigs-explicit0his master
2790GEN3919clp90heard the explanation his wife told him
2791GEN3919wt6m0he became very angry

Potiphar became very angry

2792GEN3920w9a8figs-activepassive0the place where the king's prisoners were confined
2793GEN3920w9ky0He was there

Joseph stayed there

2794GEN3921j7f2figs-idiom0But Yahweh was with Joseph
2795GEN3921s8kgfigs-abstractnouns0showed covenant faithfulness to him
2796GEN3921wd2ifigs-idiom0He gave him favor in the sight of the prison warden
2797GEN3921y3zt0the prison warden
2798GEN3922wbf9figs-metaphor0gave into Joseph's hand
2799GEN3922ma4g0Whatever they did there, Joseph was in charge of it

Joseph was in charge of everything they did there

2800GEN3923j1y2figs-idiom0because Yahweh was with him
2801GEN3923kpn20Whatever he did, Yahweh prospered

Yahweh caused everything that Joseph did to prosper

2802GEN40introef8h0

Genesis 40 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God's power

The account of Joseph focuses on the power of God. God is able to protect his people despite the evil actions of some. He also is able to continue to bless them despite their circumstances. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]])

Interpretation of dreams

The interpretation of dreams was important in the ancient Near East. It was seen as possible only through divine power. Yahweh gave Joseph the power to interpret dreams in order to bring himself glory and to protect Joseph and the Hebrew people. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]])

2803GEN401nwl6writing-newevent0It came about that

This phrase is used here to mark a new event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

2804GEN401bab10the cupbearer

This is the person who brought drinks to the king.

2805GEN401i7i30king's baker

This is the person who made food for the king.

2806GEN401kuf40offended their master

upset their master

2807GEN402ch6u0the chief of the cupbearers and the chief of the bakers

the leading cupbearer and the leading baker

2808GEN403xu5i0He put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard

He put them in the prison that was in the house that was overseen by the captain of the guard

2809GEN403ba8gfigs-metonymy0He put them
2810GEN403r4ujfigs-activepassive0in the same prison where Joseph was confined
2811GEN404zrd70They remained in custody for some time

They remained in prison for a long time

2812GEN406a1d10Joseph came to them

Joseph came to the cupbearer and the baker

2813GEN406yub6figs-explicit0Behold, they were sad
2814GEN407lc9x0Pharaoh's officials who were with him

This refers to the cupbearer and the baker.

2815GEN407q9qf0in custody in his master's house
2816GEN408fin5figs-rquestion0Do not interpretations belong to God?
2817GEN408va6rfigs-ellipsis0Tell me, please
2818GEN409srp70The chief of the cupbearers

The most important person who brings drinks to the king. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:2.

2819GEN409w5j90In my dream, behold, a vine was in front of me
2820GEN4010ehe40the clusters of grapes ripened

its clusters ripened into grapes

2821GEN4011dy72figs-explicit0squeezed them
2822GEN4012xg180This is the interpretation of it

Here is what the dream means

2823GEN4012v4nl0The three branches are three days

The three branches represent three days

2824GEN4013v3j10Within three days

In three more days

2825GEN4013ra1mfigs-metaphor0will lift up your head
2826GEN4013x76t0restore you to your office

will give you back your job

2827GEN4013jxm90just as when

just as you did when

2828GEN4014vhy30please show kindness to me

please be kind to me

2829GEN4014ril5figs-explicit0Mention me to Pharaoh and bring me out of this prison
2830GEN4015h47ufigs-activepassive0For indeed I was abducted
2831GEN4015eec80the land of the Hebrews

the land where the Hebrew people live

2832GEN4015ael90Here also have I done nothing that they should put me in this dungeon

and also while I have been here in Egypt, I have done nothing for which I deserved to be put in prison

2833GEN4016b5rq0the chief of the bakers

This refers to the leading person who made food for the king. See how this was translated in Genesis 40:2.

2834GEN4016g1t10I also had a dream, and

I also had a dream, and in my dream,

2835GEN4016z4gg0behold, three baskets of bread were on my head
2836GEN4017ya560baked goods for Pharaoh

baked foods for Pharaoh

2837GEN4018xb3a0This is the interpretation

Here is what the dream means

2838GEN4018g2ud0The three baskets are three days

The three baskets represent three days

2839GEN4019r5pe0will lift up your head from you
2840GEN4019wcp50flesh
2841GEN4020va7bwriting-newevent0It came about on the third day that
2842GEN4020dfq10He made a feast

He had a feast

2843GEN4020s2fj0the chief of the cupbearers

This was the leading person who prepared and served drinks to the king. See how these were translated in Genesis 40:2.

2844GEN4020j63e0the chief of the bakers

This refers to the leading person who made food for the king. See how this was translated in Genesis 40:2.

2845GEN4021i37qfigs-metonymy0He restored the chief of the cupbearers to his responsibility
2846GEN4022iet6figs-metonymy0But he hanged the chief of the bakers
2847GEN4022hh6dfigs-explicit0just as Joseph had interpreted to them
2848GEN41introh6hd0

Genesis 41 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God's power

The account of Joseph focuses on the power of God. God is able to protect his people despite the evil actions of some. He also is able to continue to bless them despite their circumstances. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]])

Interpretation of dreams

The interpretation of dreams was important in the ancient Near East. It was seen as possible only through divine power. Yahweh gave Joseph the power to interpret dreams in order to bring himself glory and to protect Joseph and the Hebrew people. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]])

Joseph's character

Genesis just recorded a period of time where Joseph's ancestors and brothers struggled with sin. Joseph's character in this chapter is upright. It gained him great favor in the eyes of Pharaoh and helped to save his people. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]]l, [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

2849GEN411tw22writing-newevent0It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

2850GEN411y4mv0at the end of two full years

Two years passed after Joseph correctly interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, who had been in prison with Joseph.

2851GEN411l2v30Behold, he stood
2852GEN411d55g0he stood

Pharaoh was standing

2853GEN412n2rr0desirable and fat

healthy and fat

2854GEN412ka4y0grazed in the reeds

were eating the grass along the side of the river

2855GEN412g7bg0reeds

tall, thin grasses that grow in wet areas

2856GEN413jk790Behold, seven other cows
2857GEN413jmx40undesirable and thin

sick and thin

2858GEN413c4140bank of the river
2859GEN414k1gu0undesirable and thin
2860GEN414hp6k0desirable and fat
2861GEN414we5y0woke up

awakened

2862GEN415c4antranslate-ordinal0a second time
2863GEN415ua5x0Behold, seven heads
2864GEN415h4g30heads of grain

The heads are parts of the corn plant on which the seeds grow.

2865GEN415cd5d0came up on one stalk
2866GEN415g3qk0on one stalk, wholesome and good

on one stock and they were healthy and beautiful

2867GEN416v7eyfigs-activepassive0thin and scorched by the east wind
2868GEN416s21b0the east wind

Wind from the east blew in from the desert. The heat of the east wind was often very destructive.

2869GEN416tvj90sprouted up
2870GEN417r9xpfigs-ellipsis0The thin heads
2871GEN417v2mi0swallowed up
2872GEN417uar40wholesome and full heads
2873GEN417e7u20woke up

awakened

2874GEN417s4lc0behold
2875GEN417eke40it was a dream

he had been dreaming

2876GEN418x955writing-newevent0It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

2877GEN418b73zfigs-synecdoche0his spirit was troubled
2878GEN418na7tfigs-ellipsis0He sent and called
2879GEN418jy8h0all the magicians and wise men of Egypt

Ancient kings and rulers used magicians and wise men as advisers.

2880GEN419e1hz0chief cupbearer

The most important person who brings drinks to the king. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:2.

2881GEN419wmd30Today I am thinking about my offenses
2882GEN4110a77gfigs-123person0Pharaoh was angry
2883GEN4110yn3rfigs-123person0with his servants
2884GEN4110e32b0put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, the chief baker and me
2885GEN4110iz6m0the captain of the guard

The soldier in charge of the royal guards. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:3.

2886GEN4110jp2m0the chief baker

The most important person who made food for the king. See how you translated a similar phrase in Genesis 40:2.

2887GEN4111f7vz0We dreamed a dream the same night, he and I

One night we both had dreams

2888GEN4111uy9ufigs-exclusive0We dreamed
2889GEN4111ku890We dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream

Our dreams had different meanings

2890GEN4112g7p90General Information:

The chief cupbearer continues to speak to Pharaoh.

2891GEN4112zu8t0There was with us there

In prison there was with the chief baker and me

2892GEN4112cjy90the captain of the guard

The soldier in charge of the royal guards. See how you translated this in Genesis 40:3.

2893GEN4112lrw50We told him and he interpreted for us our dreams

We told him our dreams and he explained their meanings to us

2894GEN4112t5dzfigs-123person0He interpreted for each of us according to his dream
2895GEN4113p1s70It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

2896GEN4113zhk80as he interpreted for us, so it happened

what he explained about the dreams is what later happened

2897GEN4113fv56figs-123person0Pharaoh restored me to my post
2898GEN4113w4yi0the other one

the chief baker

2899GEN4113fxy2figs-123person0he hanged
2900GEN4114m2thfigs-ellipsis0Pharaoh sent and called for
2901GEN4114l2yw0out of the dungeon
2902GEN4114gm9k0He shaved himself

It was common practice to shave both the facial and head hair when preparing to go before Pharaoh.

2903GEN4114hi7kfigs-go0came in to Pharaoh
2904GEN4115ye9x0there is no interpreter for it

no one can explain the meaning

2905GEN4115gl3z0you can interpret it

you can explain its meaning

2906GEN4116fy4i0It is not in me

I am not the one who can explain the meaning

2907GEN4116sva80God will answer Pharaoh with favor

God will answer Pharaoh favorably

2908GEN4117m7d90behold, I stood
2909GEN4117arm40bank of the Nile
2910GEN4118j94b0Behold, seven cows
2911GEN4118q5si0fat and desirable
2912GEN4118ppr30grazed among the reeds
2913GEN4119m34x0Behold, seven other cows
2914GEN4119hdi90undesirable, and thin
2915GEN4119ls2hfigs-abstractnouns0such undesirableness
2916GEN4120hr6a0fat cows
2917GEN4121svd9figs-activepassive0it could not be known that they had eaten them
2918GEN4122jga70General Information:

Pharaoh continues telling Joseph his dreams.

2919GEN4122kz2wfigs-explicit0I looked in my dream
2920GEN4122pj1p0behold, seven heads
2921GEN4122rt6dfigs-ellipsis0seven heads
2922GEN4122p2uk0came up upon one stalk
2923GEN4123sy8n0withered

dead and dried

2924GEN4123ia4j0sprang up
2925GEN4124g4udfigs-ellipsis0The thin heads
2926GEN4124lf370swallowed up
2927GEN4124zf3j0there was none that could
2928GEN4125q6cyfigs-explicit0The dreams of Pharaoh are the same
2929GEN4125q4kqfigs-123person0What God is about to do, he has declared to Pharaoh
2930GEN4126xnj6figs-ellipsis0seven good heads
2931GEN4127k3680General Information:

Joseph continues his interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams

2932GEN4127is680thin and undesirable cows
2933GEN4127rw51figs-activepassive0seven thin heads scorched by the east wind
2934GEN4128ik53figs-123person0That is the thing which I spoke to Pharaoh ... revealed to Pharaoh
2935GEN4128xq530he has revealed

he has made known

2936GEN4129uzi80Look, seven

Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: seven

2937GEN4129q9lhfigs-metaphor0seven years of great abundance will come throughout all the land of Egypt
2938GEN4130a8690General Information:

Joseph continues interpreting Pharaoh's dreams.

2939GEN4130y7lxfigs-metaphor0Seven years of famine will come after them
2940GEN4130zb38figs-parallelism0all the abundance will be forgotten ... and the famine will devastate the land

Joseph expresses an idea in two ways to emphasize its importance. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

2941GEN4130gz1xfigs-metonymy0all the abundance will be forgotten in the land of Egypt
2942GEN4130tuu7figs-metonymy0will devastate the land
2943GEN4131a4xlfigs-parallelism0The abundance will not be remembered ... because of the famine that will follow

Joseph expresses an idea in two ways to emphasize its importance. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

2944GEN4131qf5cfigs-metaphor0because of the famine that will follow
2945GEN4132k4qwfigs-activepassive0That the dream was repeated to Pharaoh is because the matter has been established by God
2946GEN4133i8w90General Information:

Joseph continues to address Pharaoh

2947GEN4133qex30Now
2948GEN4133a6dgfigs-123person0let Pharaoh look
2949GEN4133w17pfigs-idiom0put him over the land of Egypt
2950GEN4133t3pifigs-metonymy0land of Egypt
2951GEN4134vy8htranslate-fraction0let them take a fifth of the crops of Egypt
2952GEN4134q92v0in the seven abundant years

during the seven years in which there is plenty of food

2953GEN4135w1if0General Information:

Joseph continues to counsel Pharaoh

2954GEN4135ea470Let them gather

Allow the overseers to gather

2955GEN4135ru7gfigs-metaphor0of these good years that are coming
2956GEN4135rc85figs-idiom0store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh
2957GEN4135q2j1figs-metonymy0They should preserve it
2958GEN4136r5djfigs-metonymy0The food will be a supply for the land
2959GEN4136ytd1figs-metonymy0In this way the land will not be devastated by the famine
2960GEN4137d6hdfigs-metaphor0This advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants
2961GEN4137lvg20his servants

This means Pharaoh's officials.

2962GEN4138xmh30such a man as this

a man like the one Joseph described

2963GEN4138wl540in whom is the Spirit of God

in whom the Spirit of God lives

2964GEN4139v53h0there is none so discerning
2965GEN4140ej2dfigs-metonymy0You will be over my house
2966GEN4140f76bfigs-activepassive0according to your word will all my people be ruled
2967GEN4140v1tq0Only in the throne
2968GEN4141r2t90See, I have put you
2969GEN4141vl42figs-idiom0I have put you over all the land of Egypt
2970GEN4142f9g4translate-symaction0Pharaoh took off his signet ring ... gold chain on his neck

All of these actions symbolize that Pharaoh is giving Joseph the authority to do everything that Joseph planned. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2971GEN4142i15i0signet ring

This ring had Pharaoh's seal engraved on it. This gave Joseph the authority and money needed to carry out his plans.

2972GEN4142vl940clothes of fine linen
2973GEN4143i4amtranslate-symaction0He had him ride in the second chariot which he possessed

This act makes clear to the people that Joseph is second only to Pharaoh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2974GEN4143u4gptranslate-symaction0Bend the knee
2975GEN4143wmr4figs-idiom0Pharaoh put him over all the land
2976GEN4144v9ec0I am Pharaoh, and apart from you
2977GEN4144els8figs-metonymy0apart from you, no man will lift his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt
2978GEN4144y8gjfigs-gendernotations0no man
2979GEN4145wx8jtranslate-names0Zaphenath-Paneah
2980GEN4145c92atranslate-symaction0He gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, as a wife

Priests in Egypt were the highest and most privileged caste. This marriage signifies Joseph's place of honor and privilege. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2981GEN4145g53xtranslate-names0gave him Asenath
2982GEN4145j862translate-names0daughter of Potiphera
2983GEN4145fhe9translate-names0priest of On
2984GEN4145rx5u0Joseph went out over the land of Egypt

Joseph traveled over the land to supervise the preparations for the coming drought.

2985GEN4146u8rktranslate-numbers0thirty years old
2986GEN4146iwd6figs-metonymy0when he stood before Pharaoh
2987GEN4146x22j0went throughout all the land of Egypt

Joseph is inspecting the country as he prepares to carry out his plans.

2988GEN4147l6p50In the seven bountiful years

During the seven good years

2989GEN4147ye1w0the land produced abundantly

the land produced big harvests

2990GEN4148m4blfigs-synecdoche0He gathered up ... He put
2991GEN4149yr1cfigs-metaphor0Joseph stored up grain like the sand of the sea
2992GEN4149l1uqfigs-synecdoche0Joseph stored up ... he stopped
2993GEN4150r3fdfigs-metaphor0before the years of famine came
2994GEN4150ut7utranslate-names0Asenath

a woman's name. See how you translated this in Genesis 41:45. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2995GEN4150k2hltranslate-names0daughter of Potiphera
2996GEN4150yb1jtranslate-names0priest of On
2997GEN4151d3cd0Manasseh
2998GEN4151b4g60father's household

This refers to Joseph's father Jacob and his family.

2999GEN4152js3c0Ephraim
3000GEN4152l6jrfigs-idiom0made me fruitful
3001GEN4152nz8yfigs-abstractnouns0in the land of my affliction
3002GEN4154z4db0in all lands

In all the surrounding nations beyond Egypt, including the land of Canaan.

3003GEN4154ixd6figs-explicit0but in all the land of Egypt there was food

It is implied that there was food because of Joseph commanded his people to store food during the seven good years. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3004GEN4155c2iafigs-metonymy0When all the land of Egypt was famished
3005GEN4156qr6mfigs-idiom0The famine was over all the face of the whole land
3006GEN4156fa43figs-synecdoche0Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians
3007GEN4157t13ufigs-metonymy0All the earth was coming to Egypt
3008GEN4157ci2w0in all the earth
3009GEN42introc5l20

Genesis 42 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Famine

Apparently this famine extended beyond Egypt and encompassed the land of Canaan too. Because of Egypt's size and power, it would not have been unusual for people to go there in times of need. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Joseph's test

Joseph tests his brothers to see if they are good. They treat their brother Benjamin better than they treated Joseph and tried to protect him.

3010GEN421c5d3writing-newevent0Now Jacob became
3011GEN421p1y2figs-rquestion0Why do you look at one another?
3012GEN422h23z0Go down there
3013GEN423vr9m0went down
3014GEN423i5iqfigs-metonymy0from Egypt
3015GEN424rt23figs-explicit0Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph's brother, with his brothers

Benjamin and Joseph had the same father and mother; their mother was different from the mothers of the other brothers. Jacob did not want to risk sending Rachel's last son. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3016GEN425p382figs-go0The sons of Israel came to buy among those who came
3017GEN426e78awriting-background0Now Joseph
3018GEN426xw5pfigs-explicit0over the land
3019GEN426cck6figs-explicit0all the people of the land
3020GEN426bdb9figs-go0Joseph's brothers came
3021GEN426s5wstranslate-symaction0bowed down to him with their faces to the ground

This is a way of showing respect. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

3022GEN427nq510Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them

When Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them

3023GEN427cu870he disguised himself to them
3024GEN427n3p80Where have you come from?

This was not a rhetorical question even though Joseph knew the answer. It was part of his choice to keep his identity from his brothers.

3025GEN429dv8w0You are spies

Spies are people who secretly try to get information about a country to help another country.

3026GEN429y5kwfigs-explicit0You have come to see the undefended parts of the land
3027GEN4210l89u0my master

This is a way to refer to someone to honor them.

3028GEN4210e1z7figs-123person0Your servants have
3029GEN4212i9sn0He said to them

Joseph said to his brothers

3030GEN4212ca6sfigs-explicit0No, you have come to see the undefended parts of the land
3031GEN4213vj1htranslate-numbers0twelve brothers
3032GEN4213wv8h0See, the youngest
3033GEN4213g7cm0the youngest is this day with our father

right now our youngest brother is with our father

3034GEN4214ff9z0It is what I said to you; you are spies
3035GEN4215iq1vfigs-activepassive0By this you will be tested
3036GEN4215j3zj0By the life of Pharaoh
3037GEN4216dz9i0Send one of yourselves and let him get your brother

Choose one of you to go get your brother

3038GEN4216fxw40You will remain in prison

The rest of you will remain in prison

3039GEN4216dnr5figs-activepassive0that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you
3040GEN4217fat50in custody

in prison

3041GEN4218qus3translate-ordinal0on the third day
3042GEN4218gh5efigs-ellipsis0Do this and live
3043GEN4218h8lm0fear God

This refers to deeply respecting God and showing that respect by obeying him.

3044GEN4219r62pfigs-activepassive0let one of your brothers be confined in this prison
3045GEN4219s1pkfigs-you0but you go
3046GEN4219f5t4figs-metonymy0carry grain for the famine of your houses
3047GEN4220r5uafigs-activepassive0so your words will be verified
3048GEN4220p88afigs-explicit0you will not die

This implies that Joseph would have his soldiers execute the brothers if he finds out they are spies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3049GEN4221s33gfigs-synecdoche0in that we saw the distress of his soul
3050GEN4221hc4afigs-abstractnouns0Therefore this distress has come upon us
3051GEN4222brj8figs-rquestion0Did I not tell you, 'Do not sin against the boy,' but you would not listen?
3052GEN4222n5z3figs-quotesinquotes0Did I not tell you, 'Do not sin against the boy,' but
3053GEN4222eap30Now, see
3054GEN4222pn25figs-metonymy0his blood is required of us
3055GEN4223lqt2writing-background0They did not know ... an interpreter between them

This shifts from the main story line to background information that explains why the brothers thought Joseph could not understand them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

3056GEN4223p4pm0an interpreter
3057GEN4224ciy7figs-explicit0He turned from them and wept

It is implied that Joseph wept because he was emotional after hearing what his brothers said. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3058GEN4224wf1ifigs-explicit0spoke to them

Joseph was still speaking a different language and using the interpreter to speak to his brothers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3059GEN4224w4b7figs-synecdoche0bound him before their eyes
3060GEN4225y2fl0to give them provisions

to give them the supplies they needed

3061GEN4225bf12figs-activepassive0It was done for them
3062GEN4227gcn40As one of them opened his sack to give his donkey feed in the lodging place, he saw his money. Behold, it was in the opening of his sack

When they stopped at a place for the night, one of the brothers opened his sack to get food for his donkey. In the sack he saw his money!

3063GEN4227w3t10Behold
3064GEN4228g184figs-activepassive0My money has been put back
3065GEN4228df3i0Look at it

Look in my sack!

3066GEN4228b9hafigs-metaphor0Their hearts sank
3067GEN4230q8iz0lord of the land

the lord of Egypt

3068GEN4230d1km0spoke roughly

spoke harshly

3069GEN4230zie50we were spies
3070GEN4231i7g6figs-quotesinquotes0We said to him, 'We are honest men. We are not spies.
3071GEN4232e88ffigs-quotesinquotes0We are twelve brothers, sons of our father. One is no longer alive ... land of Canaan.'
3072GEN4232xh3dfigs-ellipsis0One is no longer alive
3073GEN4232e6lqfigs-ellipsis0the youngest is this day with our father
3074GEN4233fu6f0the lord of the land

The lord of Egypt

3075GEN4233a8kjfigs-metonymy0take grain for the famine in your houses
3076GEN4233gg5l0go your way
3077GEN4234ny2q0you will trade in the land

I will allow you to buy and sell in this land

3078GEN4235fhb90It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

3079GEN4235nu840behold, every

they were surprised because every

3080GEN4236y5x10You have bereaved me of my children
3081GEN4236h9h60All these things are against me

all these things hurt me

3082GEN4237a4d7figs-metaphor0Put him in my hands
3083GEN4238j7bu0My son will not go down with you
3084GEN4238gb7zfigs-you0with you
3085GEN4238vm4rfigs-explicit0For his brother is dead and he alone is left
3086GEN4238jj7h0on the road in which you go
3087GEN4238mk1rfigs-idiom0then you will bring down my gray hair with sorrow to Sheol
3088GEN4238b5egfigs-synecdoche0my gray hair
3089GEN43introb7av0

Genesis 43 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel's concern

Israel is concerned over his favored son, Benjamin. He is also confused about the reason the Egyptian official treated them so kindly. This caused him some concern. It is possible he thought his sons were lying to him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/favor]])

3090GEN431l7ymfigs-ellipsis0The famine was severe in the land
3091GEN432af37writing-newevent0It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

3092GEN432j2pr0when they had eaten

when Jacob and his family had eaten

3093GEN432y9y80they had brought

Jacob's older sons had brought

3094GEN432cwa3figs-inclusive0buy us
3095GEN433a11c0Judah told him

Judah told his father Jacob

3096GEN433xp8m0The man
3097GEN433t3f5figs-quotesinquotes0warned us, 'You will not see my face unless your brother is with you.'
3098GEN433w1ix0solemnly warned us

was very serious when he warned us, saying

3099GEN433jb64figs-synecdoche0You will not see my face
3100GEN433enw50your brother is with you

Judah is referring to Benjamin, Rachel's last born before she died.

3101GEN435db220we will not go down
3102GEN436e9fz0Why did you treat me so badly

Why did you cause me so much trouble

3103GEN437q6ea0The man asked details

The man asked many questions

3104GEN437x1z8figs-exclusive0about us
3105GEN437c5snfigs-quotesinquotes0He said, 'Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?'
3106GEN437g7db0We answered him according to these questions

We answered the questions he asked us

3107GEN437j654figs-rquestion0How could we have known that he would say ... down?
3108GEN437wzh2figs-quotesinquotes0he would say, 'Bring your brother down?'
3109GEN437v3xy0Bring your brother down
3110GEN438l94lfigs-parallelism0We will rise and go that we may live and not die, both we, you, and also our children
3111GEN438mh3dfigs-exclusive0We will rise
3112GEN438k6f4figs-inclusive0we may live
3113GEN438cpz3figs-exclusive0both we
3114GEN438uy53figs-you0we, you
3115GEN438tl69figs-exclusive0also our children
3116GEN439y9c3figs-abstractnouns0I will be a guarantee for him
3117GEN439c8clfigs-explicit0You will hold me responsible
3118GEN439bru3figs-metaphor0let me bear the blame
3119GEN4310c1nbfigs-hypo0For if we had not delayed

Judah is describing something that could have happened in the past but did not. Judah is scolding his father for waiting so long to send his sons to Egypt to get more food. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

3120GEN4310gig80we would have come back here a second time

we would have returned twice

3121GEN4311qd280If it be so, now do this

If this is our only choice, then do it

3122GEN4311vqb70Carry down
3123GEN4311dp260balm
3124GEN4311a7it0spices

seasonings. See how you translated these words in Genesis 37:25.

3125GEN4311qbj2translate-unknown0pistachio nuts

small, green tree nuts (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

3126GEN4311d1a7translate-unknown0almonds

tree nuts with a sweet flavor (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

3127GEN4312vd8zfigs-synecdoche0Take double money in your hand
3128GEN4312wm87figs-synecdoche0The money that was returned in the opening of your sacks, carry again in your hand
3129GEN4313xn4a0Take also your brother

Take also Benjamin

3130GEN4313l12h0go again

return

3131GEN4314e786figs-abstractnouns0May God Almighty give you mercy before the man
3132GEN4314vf2h0your other brother

Simeon

3133GEN4314u7v10If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved
3134GEN4315f3tsfigs-synecdoche0in their hand they took
3135GEN4315xlh50went down to Egypt
3136GEN4316ld980Benjamin with them

Benjamin with Joseph's older brothers

3137GEN4316w4n30the steward of his house
3138GEN4317cfq1figs-go0He brought the men
3139GEN4317wk2w0to Joseph's house

into Joseph's house

3140GEN4318ft1a0The men were afraid

Joseph's brothers were afraid

3141GEN4318rw47figs-activepassive0they were brought to Joseph's house
3142GEN4318rx9mfigs-activepassive0It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time we were brought in
3143GEN4318tl4h0that he may seek an opportunity against us. He might arrest us
3144GEN4320pmz60we came down
3145GEN4321y72v0Connecting Statement:

The brothers continue speaking to the steward of the house.

3146GEN4321e2g80It came about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

3147GEN4321pjc80when we reached the lodging place

when we came to the place that we were going to stay for the night

3148GEN4321nc2k0behold
3149GEN4321hf980every man's money was in the opening of his sack, our money in full weight

each one of us found the full amount of his money in his sack

3150GEN4321be34figs-synecdoche0We have brought it back in our hands
3151GEN4322nd43figs-synecdoche0Other money we have also brought down in our hand to buy food
3152GEN4322q64s0brought down
3153GEN4323g7njfigs-abstractnouns0Peace be to you
3154GEN4323y6510Your God and the God of your father
3155GEN4324wwj3figs-explicit0washed their feet

This custom helped tired travelers to refresh themselves after walking long distances. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3156GEN4324q9810feed to their donkeys
3157GEN4326jf2dfigs-synecdoche0they brought the gifts which were in their hand
3158GEN4326a4p7translate-symaction0bowed down before him

This is a way of showing honor and respect. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

3159GEN4328uc510Your servant our father
3160GEN4328lk7ktranslate-symaction0They prostrated themselves and bowed down
3161GEN4329ca4hfigs-idiom0he lifted up his eyes
3162GEN4329vr6v0his mother's son, and he said
3163GEN4329j5ntfigs-rquestion0Is this your youngest brother ... me?
3164GEN4329en2a0my son
3165GEN4330w15d0hurried to go out of the room

hurried out of the room

3166GEN4330ttv5figs-idiom0for he was deeply moved about his brother
3167GEN4331s76hfigs-explicit0saying
3168GEN4331jr7a0Serve the food

This means to distribute the food so that people may eat.

3169GEN4332dj490The servants served Joseph by himself and the brothers by themselves. The Egyptians there ate with him by themselves
3170GEN4332k54i0The Egyptians there ate with him by themselves

These are probably other Egyptian officials who ate with Joseph, but they still sat separately from him and the Hebrew brothers.

3171GEN4332bz5r0because the Egyptians could not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is detestable to the Egyptians
3172GEN4332dn35figs-synecdoche0could not eat bread
3173GEN4333uk7wfigs-explicit0The brothers sat before him
3174GEN4333v5safigs-merism0the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth
3175GEN4333c4tk0The men were astonished together

The men were very surprised when they realized this

3176GEN4334nus60But Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of his brothers
3177GEN44intror27n0

Genesis 44 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Judah's sacrifice

Judah is willing to sacrifice himself in order to save Benjamin, the favored son of Jacob. Judah's descendants will become the leaders of the Israelites and the godliest of the twelve tribes of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/favor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Joseph's test

Joseph tests his brothers to see if they are good. They treat their brother Benjamin better than they treated Joseph and tried to protect him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/test]])

3178GEN441bf9w0General Information:

This begins a new event in the story. Most likely this is the next morning after the feast.

3179GEN441nsj30steward of his house
3180GEN441md4j0every man's money

Their money was silver coins most likely in a small bag.

3181GEN441bx7r0in his sack's opening

in his sack

3182GEN442pgt50Put my cup, the silver cup

Put my silver cup

3183GEN442in3ifigs-ellipsis0in the sack's opening of the youngest
3184GEN443d7pr0The morning dawned

The morning light shown

3185GEN443cwc8figs-activepassive0the men were sent away, they and their donkeys
3186GEN444d17qfigs-rquestion0Why have you returned evil for good?
3187GEN445kx3lfigs-rquestion0Is this not the cup from which my master drinks, and the cup that he uses for divination?
3188GEN445am17figs-parallelism0You have done evil, this thing that you have done
3189GEN446rt6m0spoke these words to them

spoke what Joseph told him to say

3190GEN447cd44figs-metonymy0Why does my master speak such words as these?
3191GEN447zls8figs-123person0Far be it from your servants that they would do such a thing.
3192GEN447uhb8figs-metaphor0Far be it from your servants

Something that a person would never do is spoken of as if it were an object that person wants to put very far from himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3193GEN448mb880Look, the money

Listen to what we are about to say and you will see that we are speaking the truth: the money

3194GEN448z4pq0the money that we found in our sacks' openings

you know the money that we found in our sacks

3195GEN448cwc60we brought again to you out of the land of Canaan

we brought back to you from Canaan

3196GEN448zeg7figs-rquestion0How then could we steal out of your master's house silver or gold?
3197GEN448pbw80silver or gold

These words are used together to mean that they would not steal anything of any value.

3198GEN449kpk1figs-123person0With whomever of your servants it is found
3199GEN449g5cdfigs-123person0we also will be my master's slaves
3200GEN4410a2vd0Now also let it be according to your words
3201GEN4410abw2figs-activepassive0He with whom the cup is found will be my slave
3202GEN4411kv7v0brought his sack down

lowered his sack

3203GEN4412hf7mfigs-ellipsis0the oldest ... the youngest
3204GEN4412b5xmfigs-activepassive0youngest, and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack
3205GEN4413v8rltranslate-symaction0Then they tore their clothes
3206GEN4413mp1k0donkey and returned

donkey, and they returned

3207GEN4414hjg60He was still there

Joseph was still there

3208GEN4414ywn1translate-symaction0they bowed before him
3209GEN4415v25gfigs-rquestion0Do you not know that a man like me practices divination?
3210GEN4416gj3ifigs-parallelism0What can we say to my master? What can we speak? Or how can we justify ourselves?
3211GEN4416hvc6figs-123person0What can we say to my master ... my master's slaves
3212GEN4416uek80God has found out the iniquity of your servants
3213GEN4416bb9ufigs-123person0the iniquity of your servants
3214GEN4416ga33figs-synecdoche0he also in whose hand the cup was found
3215GEN4417m8l3figs-metaphor0Far be it from me that I should do so
3216GEN4417v7cpfigs-synecdoche0The man in whose hand the cup was found
3217GEN4418fj990came near to

approached

3218GEN4418s63zfigs-123person0let your servant
3219GEN4418px7gfigs-synecdoche0speak a word in my master's ears
3220GEN4418jg84figs-123person0in my master's ears
3221GEN4418awr9figs-metaphor0do not let your anger burn against your servant
3222GEN4418na6rfigs-explicit0for you are just like Pharaoh
3223GEN4419hz8efigs-quotesinquotes0My master asked his servants, saying, 'Do you have a father or a brother?'
3224GEN4419ky6jfigs-123person0My master asked his servants
3225GEN4420rzw20General Information:

Judah continues to speak before Joseph

3226GEN4420xks4figs-quotesinquotes0We said to my master, 'We have a father ... his father loves him.'
3227GEN4420k9ph0his father loves him

This refers to love for a friend or family member.

3228GEN4421g2ysfigs-quotesinquotes0Then you said to your servants, 'Bring him down to me that I may see him.'
3229GEN4421w231figs-123person0Then you said to your servants
3230GEN4421n4pnfigs-explicit0Bring him down to me
3231GEN4422t6fzfigs-123person0we said to my master
3232GEN4422bt2ufigs-quotesinquotes0After that, we said to my master, 'The boy cannot ... father would die.'
3233GEN4422jbh3figs-explicit0his father would die

It is implied that their father would die from sorrow. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3234GEN4423s5na0General Information:

Judah continues his story to Joseph

3235GEN4423i4ftfigs-quotesinquotes0Then you said to your servants, 'Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.'
3236GEN4423evq7figs-123person0Then you said to your servants
3237GEN4423vsx50comes down
3238GEN4423tkh6figs-synecdoche0you will not see my face again
3239GEN4424yg64writing-newevent0Then it came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

3240GEN4424sjv10we went up to your servant my father
3241GEN4424j6abfigs-123person0we told him the words of my master
3242GEN4425r9xcfigs-quotesinquotes0Our father said, 'Go again, buy us some food.'
3243GEN4426xf8c0go down
3244GEN4426uuv6figs-quotesinquotes0Then we said, 'We cannot go down. If our youngest brother ... is with us.'
3245GEN4426ka8mfigs-synecdoche0to see the man's face
3246GEN4427uzr70General Information:

Judah continues his story to Joseph.

3247GEN4427tq3g0Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of a three-level quote.

3248GEN4427pq3nfigs-exclusive0said to us
3249GEN4427k115figs-you0You know
3250GEN4428eym10Connecting Statement:

The three-level quote that began in verse 27 continues.

3251GEN4428uw3gfigs-activepassive0he is torn in pieces
3252GEN4429vv4v0Connecting Statement:

The three-level quote that began in verse 27 ends here.

3253GEN4429c679figs-quotesinquotes0Now if you also take this one from me, and harm comes to him, you will bring down my gray hair with sorrow to Sheol
3254GEN4429lty3figs-metaphor0harm comes to him
3255GEN4429vh67figs-idiom0you will bring down my gray hair with sorrow to Sheol
3256GEN4429ka8ufigs-synecdoche0my gray hair
3257GEN4430g9590Now
3258GEN4430u459figs-hypo0therefore, when I come

Judah begins to describe to Joseph a realistic but hypothetical case of what he will expect will happen to Jacob when he returns without Benjamin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

3259GEN4430xk9l0when I come to your servant
3260GEN4430l7ey0the lad is not with us

the boy is not with us

3261GEN4430ap7nfigs-metaphor0since his life is bound up in the boy's life
3262GEN4431l65e0Connecting Statement:
3263GEN4431w4hufigs-hypo0sorrow to Sheol
3264GEN4431um5qfigs-hypo0it will come about

Judah is speaking about a hypothetical case in the future as if it would certainly happen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

3265GEN4431nfb5figs-idiom0Your servants will bring down the gray hair of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol
3266GEN4431kn4xfigs-123person0Your servants
3267GEN4431sx7qfigs-synecdoche0the gray hair of your servant our father
3268GEN4432j35ufigs-abstractnouns0For your servant became a guarantee for the boy to my father
3269GEN4432uz64figs-123person0For your servant
3270GEN4432ks1nfigs-metaphor0then I will bear the guilt to my father
3271GEN4433liw20Now
3272GEN4433u7sgfigs-123person0let your servant
3273GEN4433vk2ufigs-123person0to my master
3274GEN4433utg60let the boy go up
3275GEN4434p2qkfigs-rquestion0For how can I go up to my father if the boy is not with me?
3276GEN4434v8mafigs-metaphor0I am afraid to see the evil that would come on my father
3277GEN45introrm1s0

Genesis 45 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers in this chapter. This chapter forms the conclusion of the story which began in chapter 43.

Special concepts in this chapter

God's power

The account of Joseph focuses on the power of God. God is able to protect his people despite the evil actions of some. He also is able to continue to bless them despite their circumstances. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]])

Joseph's character

Genesis just recorded a period of time where Joseph's ancestors and brothers struggled with sin. Joseph's character in this chapter is upright. It gained him great favor in the eyes of Pharaoh and helped to save his people. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])

3278GEN451mrg50could not control himself
3279GEN451rt150by him

near him

3280GEN452f3npfigs-metonymy0house of Pharaoh
3281GEN453kf330shocked in his presence

terrified of him

3282GEN454lxs5figs-explicit0whom you sold into Egypt
3283GEN455v6990Do not be grieved
3284GEN455umb9figs-explicit0that you sold me here
3285GEN455ir3ifigs-metonymy0to preserve life
3286GEN456zig1figs-metonymy0there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest
3287GEN457jf2m0to preserve you as a remnant in the earth
3288GEN457t199figs-abstractnouns0to keep you alive by a great deliverance
3289GEN458p1lrfigs-metaphor0he has made me a father to Pharaoh
3290GEN458kca3figs-metonymy0of all his house
3291GEN458ca6lfigs-metonymy0ruler of all the land of Egypt
3292GEN458lzu8figs-explicit0ruler

Here Joseph means that he is ruler in second place to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. This understood information can be made clear. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3293GEN459k6hq0Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of a three-level quotation.

3294GEN459yy9l0go up to my father
3295GEN459sv9l0Come down to me
3296GEN4510k7g40Connecting Statement:

The three-level quotation that began in verse 9 continues here.

3297GEN4511igl70Connecting Statement:

The three-level quotation that began in verse 9 ends here.

3298GEN4511y6950I will provide ... all that you have
3299GEN4511ez8afigs-metaphor0come to poverty
3300GEN4512xp38figs-synecdoche0your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin
3301GEN4512zli9figs-synecdoche0that it is my mouth that speaks to you
3302GEN4513azs10about all my honor in Egypt

how the people in Egypt greatly honor me

3303GEN4513s2cn0my father down here
3304GEN4514dzy60He hugged his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck

Joseph hugged his brother Benjamin, and they both wept

3305GEN4515j5kf0He kissed all his brothers

In ancient Near East, it is common to greet a relative with a kiss. If your language has an affectionate greeting for a relative, use that. If not, use what is appropriate.

3306GEN4515ups20wept over them

This means Joseph was crying while he kissed them.

3307GEN4515fi2xfigs-explicit0After that his brothers talked with him
3308GEN4516w82ufigs-quotesinquotes0
3309GEN4516m3aj0Pharaoh's house

This stands for Pharaoh's palace.

3310GEN4517yz9e0Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of a two-level quotation.

3311GEN4518t6en0Connecting Statement:

The two-level quotation that began in verse 17 ends here.

3312GEN4518gql9figs-quotesinquotes0Get your father ... fat of the land.'
3313GEN4518dd6i0I will give you the good of the land of Egypt

I will give you the best land in Egypt

3314GEN4518hwn3figs-metaphor0you will eat the fat of the land
3315GEN4519sm780General Information:

Pharaoh continues to tell Joseph what to tell his brothers.

3316GEN4519qce40Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of a two-level quotation.

3317GEN4519ua9u0Now
3318GEN4519t1m6figs-activepassive0you are commanded
3319GEN4519n72f0take carts out
3320GEN4520sdl70Connecting Statement:

The two-level quote that began in verse 19 ends here.

3321GEN4520v1pmfigs-quotesinquotes0Do not be concerned about your possessions, for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.'
3322GEN4521xs2g0gave them provisions for the journey

gave them what they needed for traveling

3323GEN4522g75sfigs-explicit0he gave each man changes of clothing

Each man received a set of clothes except for Benjamin who received 5 sets of clothes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3324GEN4522p9qetranslate-numbers0three hundred pieces
3325GEN4523rt4vfigs-explicit0ten donkeys ... and ten female donkeys

The donkeys were included as part of the gift. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3326GEN4524idu30do not quarrel
3327GEN4525wlf60went up out of Egypt
3328GEN4526z3lqfigs-metonymy0he is ruler over all the land of Egypt
3329GEN4526ry8afigs-synecdoche0His heart was astonished
3330GEN4526vye70he could not believe what they told him

he did not accept that what they said was true

3331GEN4527mhh30They told him

They told Jacob

3332GEN4527sa3u0all the words of Joseph that he had said to them

everything that Joseph had said to them

3333GEN4527w59pfigs-synecdoche0the spirit of Jacob their father revived
3334GEN46introx4fu0

Genesis 46 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Going to Egypt

Yahweh allowed Israel to go to Egypt. He was to trust in Yahweh and his covenant faithfulness. God continued to bless them in Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenantfaith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]])

Shepherds

Because of the regular flooding of the Nile River, Egypt's economy revolved around farming more than raising animals. Therefore, the Egyptians despised the nomadic lifestyle of shepherds. Joseph's instructions permitted the Hebrew people to live separately from the Egyptians.

3335GEN461wwd60went to Beersheba

came to Beersheba

3336GEN462kz9s0Here I am

Yes, I am listening

3337GEN463cmw10to go down to Egypt
3338GEN463p7pdfigs-you0I will make you a great nation
3339GEN464swu10into Egypt

to Egypt

3340GEN464iy6pfigs-you0I will surely bring you up again
3341GEN464fyu60bring you up again
3342GEN464ai3xfigs-idiom0Joseph will close your eyes with his own hand
3343GEN464tf56figs-explicit0will close your eyes

It was a custom to pull down the eyelids when a person died with their eyes open. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3344GEN465x9d60rose up from

set out from

3345GEN465ajk20in the carts
3346GEN466vyr20they had accumulated
3347GEN467ej4h0He brought with him

Jacob brought with him

3348GEN467ebv80his sons' sons

his grandsons

3349GEN467t8ch0his sons' daughters

his granddaughters

3350GEN468fk8r0These were the names

This refers to the names of the people that the author is about to list.

3351GEN468q7m90of the children of Israel

of Israel's family members

3352GEN469t2t8translate-names0Hanok, Pallu, Hezron, and Karmi

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3353GEN4610k7n8translate-names0Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar, and Shaul

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3354GEN4611w95qtranslate-names0Gershon, Kohath, and Merari

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3355GEN4612da1j0Er, Onan, Shelah

These were the sons of Judah by his wife, Shua. See how you translated these names in Genesis 38:3-5.

3356GEN4612ez5z0Perez, and Zerah

These were the sons of Judah by his daughter-in-law, Tamar. See how you translated these names in Genesis 38:29-30.

3357GEN4612lq9wtranslate-names0Hezron ... Hamul

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3358GEN4613fpn8translate-names0Tola, Puah, Lob ... Shimron

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3359GEN4614irx9translate-names0Sered, Elon ... Jahleel

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3360GEN4615qn3gtranslate-names0Dinah

This is the name of Leah's daughter. See how you translated this name in Genesis 30:21. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3361GEN4615qz75translate-numbers0His sons and his daughters numbered thirty-three
3362GEN4616w97ztranslate-names0Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi ... Areli

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3363GEN4617zz1xtranslate-names0Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi ... Beriah ... Heber ... Malkiel

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3364GEN4617awy7translate-names0Serah

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3365GEN4618bi7qtranslate-names0Zilpah

This is the name of Leah's female servant. See how you translated this name in Genesis 29:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3366GEN4618d1ietranslate-numbers0These sons she bore to Jacob—sixteen in all

This refers to 16 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that were related to Zilpah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

3367GEN4620gd14translate-names0Asenath

a woman's name. See how you translated this in Genesis 41:45. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3368GEN4620au9xtranslate-names0Potiphera

a man's name. See how you translated this in Genesis 41:45. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3369GEN4620g9sutranslate-names0priest of On
3370GEN4621w67ptranslate-names0Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3371GEN4622t8z2translate-numbers0fourteen in all

This refers to the 14 sons and grandsons related to Rachel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

3372GEN4623gq68translate-names0Hushim

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3373GEN4624pij4translate-names0Jahziel, Guni, Jezer ... Shillem

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3374GEN4625d3s4translate-names0Bilhah

This is the name of Rachel's female servant. See how you translated this name in Genesis 29:29. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3375GEN4625x6pwtranslate-numbers0seven in all

This refers to the 7 children and grandchildren related to Bilhah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

3376GEN4626k6c4translate-numbers0sixty-six
3377GEN4627pe1ktranslate-numbers0seventy
3378GEN4628af760to show the way before him to Goshen

to show them the way to Goshen

3379GEN4629nna1figs-metonymy0Joseph prepared his chariot and went up
3380GEN4629r3s40went up to meet Israel
3381GEN4629ju8s0hugged his neck, and wept on his neck a long time

put his arms around his father, and wept for a long time

3382GEN4630wty10Now let me die
3383GEN4630b5zkfigs-synecdoche0since I have seen your face, that you are still alive
3384GEN4631k2gt0Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of a two-level quotation.

3385GEN4631nvk6figs-metonymy0his father's house
3386GEN4631n1ch0I will go up and tell Pharaoh
3387GEN4632j12e0Connecting Statement:

The two-level quotation that began in verse 31 ends here.

3388GEN4632vgd7figs-quotesinquotes0The men are shepherds ... all that they have
3389GEN4633j1xj0Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of a two-level quotation.

3390GEN4633ef4p0It will come about

This phrase is used here to mark an important event that is about to happen in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

3391GEN4634nwi40Connecting Statement:

The two-level quotation that began in verse 33 ends here.

3392GEN4634c7igfigs-quotesinquotes0you should say, 'Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth until now, both we, and our forefathers.'
3393GEN4634q7bkfigs-123person0Your servants
3394GEN4634ic29figs-abstractnouns0every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians
3395GEN47introep9j0

Genesis 47 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Abrahamic covenant

Part of the Abrahamic covenant was that Yahweh would bless those who bless Abraham's descendants. Since Pharaoh cared for the Hebrew people, Yahweh blessed the Egyptians while the Hebrew people lived in Egypt. The Hebrew people also multiplied greatly as this covenant promised. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]])

Jacob was not buried in Egypt

In the ancient Near east, a person was typically buried in their hometown. Since Egypt was not the Israelites' home, Jacob did not wish to be buried in Egypt. This was a lesson to the Israelites that Canaan was their true home, the promised land. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promisedland]])

3396GEN471lup6figs-events0Joseph went in and told Pharaoh

It is not clear whether Joseph went with his father and family from Canaan to Goshen and then alone from Goshen to see the Pharaoh, back to Goshen for his five brothers, and then back to Pharaoh, as the ULT implies, or whether he brought the five brothers with him the first time he went from Goshen to Pharaoh, as the UST states. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

3397GEN472p3cmfigs-events0He took five of his brothers and introduced them

It is not clear whether Joseph went with his father and family from Canaan to Goshen and then alone from Goshen to see the Pharaoh, back to Goshen for his five brothers, and then back to Pharaoh, as the ULT implies, or whether he brought the five brothers with him the first time he went from Goshen to Pharaoh, as the UST states. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

3398GEN473k8ea0Your servants are shepherds

Your servants shepherd flocks

3399GEN473ybw3figs-123person0Your servants
3400GEN473acn20as our ancestors
3401GEN474a2nh0We come as temporary residents in the land

We have come to stay for a while in Egypt

3402GEN474ehv50There is no pasture

There is no grass to eat

3403GEN474s7ih0now
3404GEN476c9gx0The land of Egypt is before you
3405GEN476ur7y0Settle your father and your brothers in the best region, the land of Goshen

Settle your father and your brothers in the land of Goshen, which is the best region

3406GEN476u42cfigs-explicit0If you know any capable men among them
3407GEN477s3k50Jacob blessed Pharaoh
3408GEN478wx650How long have you lived?

How old are you?

3409GEN479vqc7translate-numbers0The years of my travels are a hundred and thirty
3410GEN479tu4s0The years of my life have been few ... not been as long as those of my ancestors

Jacob means his life is short compared to the lives of Abraham and Isaac.

3411GEN479ak8x0painful

Jacob has experienced much pain and trouble during his life.

3412GEN4711mzq50Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers

Then Joseph took care of his father and his brothers and helped them establish where they would live

3413GEN4711qaf9translate-names0the land of Rameses

This is another name for the land of Goshen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3414GEN4712jgf90according to the number of their dependents
3415GEN4713yc6d0Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author starts to tell a new part of the story.

3416GEN4713kw4vfigs-metonymy0The land of Egypt and the land of Canaan
3417GEN4713gtx90wasted away

became thin and weak

3418GEN4714a79v0Joseph gathered all the money that was in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, by selling grain to the inhabitants

The people of Egypt and Canaan spent all of their money buying grain from Joseph

3419GEN4714u1kvfigs-metonymy0Joseph gathered ... Joseph brought

Most likely Joseph ordered his servants to gather and bring the money. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3420GEN4715z2fnfigs-metonymy0When all the money of the lands of Egypt and Canaan was spent
3421GEN4715qiu60of the lands of Egypt and Canaan

from the land of Egypt and from the land of Canaan

3422GEN4715p8d8figs-rquestion0Why should we die in your presence because our money is gone?
3423GEN4717f7imfigs-synecdoche0He fed them with bread
3424GEN4718l3sq0they came to him

the people came to Joseph

3425GEN4718q8xjfigs-123person0We will not hide from my master
3426GEN4718vl3pfigs-metonymy0There is nothing left in the sight of my master
3427GEN4719alz2figs-metonymy0Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land?
3428GEN4719xwc1figs-metaphor0Why should we die ... both we and our land

The land becomes useless and ruined because there is no seed to plant; thus it is spoken of as if the land would die. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3429GEN4720m6pl0In this way, the land became Pharaoh's

So the land became Pharaoh's

3430GEN4722my2p0It was only the land of the priests that Joseph did not buy

But he did not buy the land of the priests

3431GEN4722n3w1figs-activepassive0the priests were given an allowance
3432GEN4722c3vq0They ate from the allotment which Pharaoh gave them

They ate from what Pharaoh gave them

3433GEN4723g4ki0and you will plant

that you might sow

3434GEN4724m3xptranslate-fraction0At the harvest, you must give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts will be your own
3435GEN4724qd1pfigs-ellipsis0for food for your households and your children
3436GEN4725m8l5figs-idiom0May we find favor in your eyes
3437GEN4726rb650in the land of Egypt
3438GEN4726k76z0to this day

This means to the time that the author was writing this.

3439GEN4726e9nv0one-fifth
3440GEN4727w2lxfigs-doublet0They were fruitful and multiplied greatly
3441GEN4727jw6ifigs-idiom0were fruitful
3442GEN4728d2jitranslate-numbers0seventeen years
3443GEN4728cq8wtranslate-numbers0so the years of Jacob's life were one hundred forty-seven years
3444GEN4729h7rifigs-metaphor0When the time approached for Israel to die
3445GEN4729p6ylfigs-metonymy0If now I have found favor in your eyes
3446GEN4729zwh50now
3447GEN4729utx5figs-idiom0found favor

This means that someone is approved of by someone else. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

3448GEN4729sfx8translate-symaction0put your hand under my thigh

This act is a sign of making a serious promise. See how you translated this in Genesis 24:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

3449GEN4729a37lfigs-abstractnouns0show me faithfulness and trustworthiness
3450GEN4729u82i0Please do not bury me in Egypt
3451GEN4730mbz5figs-euphemism0When I sleep with my fathers
3452GEN4731pw9e0Swear to me
3453GEN4731p35p0swore to him
3454GEN48introsm2c0

Genesis 48 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 48:15-16, and in 58:20.

Special concepts in this chapter

Blessing

The blessing of Jacob is given to Joseph, and his sons Manasseh and Ephraim. It is probably distinct from inheriting the promises Yahweh gave to Abraham because Scripture talks about all of Israel's descendants inheriting those promises. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/inherit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]])

3455GEN481fzl8writing-newevent0It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

3456GEN481th1g0one said to Joseph

someone said to Joseph

3457GEN481ncd40Look, your father
3458GEN481haa10So he took

So Joseph took

3459GEN482jt59figs-activepassive0When Jacob was told
3460GEN482q2vl0your son Joseph has arrived to see you

your son Joseph has come to you

3461GEN482pyg7figs-metaphor0Israel gathered strength and sat up in bed
3462GEN483fs4ltranslate-names0Luz

This is the name of a city. See how you translated the name of this city in Genesis 28:19. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3463GEN483p7zc0in the land of Canaan. He blessed me
3464GEN483ctg70blessed

This refers to God pronouncing a formal blessing on someone.

3465GEN484llq80and said to me
3466GEN484a6k7figs-quotesinquotes0said to me, 'Behold, I will make you fruitful, and multiply you. I will make of you an assembly of nations. I will give this land to your descendants as an everlasting possession.'
3467GEN484j6vg0Behold
3468GEN484j6uafigs-doublet0I will make you fruitful, and multiply you
3469GEN484u2iyfigs-metonymy0I will make of you an assembly of nations
3470GEN484nwj20an everlasting possession

a permanent possession

3471GEN485xs2x0Now
3472GEN485y3v70Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine

Ephraim and Manasseh each will receive a portion of land just like Joseph's brothers.

3473GEN486a5iu0they will be listed under the names of their brothers in their inheritance
3474GEN487kg2u0Ephrath

This is another name for the town of Bethlehem. See how you translated the name of this city in Genesis 35:16.

3475GEN488drw10Whose are these?

Whose sons are these?

3476GEN489dr780bless

A father would often pronounce a formal blessing on his children or grandchildren.

3477GEN4810k75zwriting-background0Now Israel's eyes ... could not see
3478GEN4810t7x30he kissed them

Israel kissed them

3479GEN4811jtm9figs-synecdoche0to see your face again
3480GEN4812ne7gtranslate-symaction0between Israel's knees

When Joseph placed his sons on Israel's lap or knees it was a sign that Israel was adopting them. This gave the children special inheritance rights from Jacob. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

3481GEN4812sca4translate-symaction0then he bowed with his face to the earth

Joseph bowed down to show honor to his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

3482GEN4813fgl8translate-symaction0Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand

Joseph places the boys so that Israel will put his right hand on Manasseh. Manasseh was the oldest brother and the right hand was the sign he would receive the greater blessing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

3483GEN4814fm1utranslate-symaction0his right hand and laid it upon Ephraim's head

Placing the right hand on Ephraim's head was the sign that he would receive the greater blessing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

3484GEN4815g5ngfigs-synecdoche0Israel blessed Joseph
3485GEN4815nw5zfigs-metaphor0The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked
3486GEN4815r9vefigs-explicit0who has cared for me
3487GEN4816hs6i0the angel

Possible meanings are 1) this refers to the angel that God sent to protect Jacob or 2) this refers to God who appeared in angel form to protect Jacob.

3488GEN4816i8qg0protected me

delivered me

3489GEN4816dd6nfigs-metonymy0May my name be named in them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac
3490GEN4816tm7yfigs-metonymy0May they grow into a multitude on the earth
3491GEN4818bj69translate-symaction0Put your right hand upon his head

The right hand was the sign of the greater blessing which the oldest son was supposed to receive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

3492GEN4819utt2figs-metonymy0He also will become a people, and he also will be great
3493GEN4820bb6k0that day with these words

that day, saying

3494GEN4820ip5g0The people of Israel will pronounce blessings by your names saying

The people of Israel will speak your names when they are blessing others

3495GEN4820vs1ffigs-quotesinquotes0by your names saying, 'May God make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh'
3496GEN4820aaz40like Ephraim and like Manasseh

Israel saying Ephraim's name first is another way he indicates that Ephraim will be greater than Manasseh.

3497GEN4820py5zfigs-metaphor0Israel put Ephraim before Manasseh

Giving Ephraim the greater blessing and making him more important than Manasseh is spoken of as if Israel physically put Ephraim in front of Manasseh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3498GEN4821vk8jfigs-you0will be with you ... bring you back ... your fathers
3499GEN4821p9klfigs-idiom0will be with you
3500GEN4821ild4figs-go0will bring you back
3501GEN4821w4x70land of your fathers

land of your ancestors

3502GEN4822m9zyfigs-metaphor0To you, as one who is above your brothers, I give to you the mountain slope
3503GEN4822e2r2figs-you0To you
3504GEN4822q143figs-metonymy0the mountain slope that I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow
3505GEN49introlp3i0
3506GEN491zs4vwriting-poetry0General Information:

This begins Jacob's final blessings to his sons. This continues through Genesis 49:27. Jacob's blessings are written in poetic form. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]])

3507GEN492n3y4figs-parallelism0Assemble yourselves and listen, you sons of Jacob. Listen to Israel, your father
3508GEN492j4esfigs-123person0you sons of Jacob. Listen to Israel, your father
3509GEN493n7ubfigs-parallelism0my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength
3510GEN493s34g0outstanding in dignity, and outstanding in power
3511GEN494ch7wfigs-simile0Uncontrollable as rushing water

Jacob compares Reuben to water in a strong current to emphasize that he cannot control his anger and he is not stable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

3512GEN494n3140you will not have the preeminence

you shall not be first among your brothers

3513GEN494cbc3figs-metonymy0because you went up to your father's bed. Then you defiled it; you went up to my couch
3514GEN494r7nhfigs-parallelism0you went up to your father's bed ... you went up to my couch

Both statements mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

3515GEN495lxj90Simeon and Levi are brothers

This does not just mean they are brothers by birth. Jacob is emphasizing that they worked together to kill the people of Shechem.

3516GEN495xhz70Weapons of violence are their swords

They use their swords to hurt and to kill people

3517GEN496p25efigs-synecdoche0O my soul ... my heart
3518GEN496dh2gfigs-parallelism0do not come into their council; do not join in their meetings
3519GEN496mfx30they hamstrung oxen

This refers to Simeon and Levi crippling oxen just for fun.

3520GEN496m9vp0hamstrung

This refers to cutting the sinews of an animal's leg so that it cannot walk.

3521GEN497t851figs-metaphor0May their anger be cursed, for it was fierce—and their fury, for it was cruel
3522GEN497e2ns0May their anger be cursed

In prophecy, the prophet will often speak the words of God as if God himself were speaking. This emphasizes how closely united the prophet and God are.

3523GEN497vx1ufigs-ellipsis0their fury, for it was cruel
3524GEN497bl42figs-metonymy0I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel
3525GEN498lk4jfigs-parallelism0your brothers will praise you ... Your father's sons will bow down before you

These two statements mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

3526GEN498n457writing-connectingwords0will praise you. Your hand
3527GEN498al75figs-idiom0Your hand will be on the neck of your enemies
3528GEN498yjj7translate-symaction0bow down

This means to bend over to humbly express respect and honor toward someone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

3529GEN499f58gfigs-metaphor0Judah is a lion's cub
3530GEN499hzl60My son, you have gone up from your victims

You, my son, have come back from eating your prey

3531GEN499tf4lfigs-simile0like a lioness

Jacob also compares Judah to a female lion. The lioness is the primary hunter and protector of her cubs. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

3532GEN499xsu7figs-rquestion0Who would dare to awaken him?
3533GEN4910eev8figs-metonymy0The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet
3534GEN4910p8q10until Shiloh comes. The nations will obey him
3535GEN4910i8y2figs-metonymy0The nations will obey him
3536GEN4911bgs1figs-parallelism0Binding his donkey ... to the choice vine

Both statements mean the same thing. It is implied that the vines are so full of grapes that the master does not mind that his donkey eats some of them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3537GEN4911h3ji0his ... he
3538GEN4911m97efigs-parallelism0he has washed ... in the blood of grapes

Both statements mean the same thing. It implies that there are so many grapes that they can wash their clothes in the juice. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3539GEN4911g59hfigs-pastforfuture0he has washed
3540GEN4911c5rwfigs-metaphor0the blood of grapes

This speaks about the grape juice as if it were blood. This emphasizes how red the juice is. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3541GEN4912y4wgfigs-simile0His eyes will be as dark as wine

This refers to the color of a person's eyes to the red color of wine. Possible meanings are 1) dark eyes imply healthy eyes or 2) people eyes will be red from drinking too much of wine. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3542GEN4912va4pfigs-simile0his teeth as white as milk

This compare the color of the person's teeth to the white color of milk. This implies that there will be so many healthy cows they will have much milk to drink. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3543GEN4913d53qfigs-metonymy0Zebulun will live
3544GEN4913jb4bfigs-metonymy0He will be a harbor
3545GEN4913rl710harbor

a part of the sea that is next to land and is a safe place for ships

3546GEN4914v1n4figs-metaphor0Issachar is a strong donkey
3547GEN4914yd1r0Issachar is
3548GEN4914n39afigs-metaphor0lying down between the sheepfolds
3549GEN4915u9r3figs-metonymy0He sees ... He will
3550GEN4915fp1p0a good resting place and the pleasant land

a resting place that is good and that the land is pleasant

3551GEN4915r8tufigs-idiom0He will bend his shoulder to the burden
3552GEN4915vc3z0become a servant for the task

will work for others as slaves

3553GEN4916p8vrfigs-metonymy0Dan will judge his people
3554GEN4916qup40his people
3555GEN4917wp5hfigs-metaphor0Dan will be a snake beside the road
3556GEN4918b7p50I wait for your salvation, Yahweh
3557GEN4918z88u0I wait
3558GEN4919c2scfigs-metonymy0Gad ... attack him, but he
3559GEN4919m5nvfigs-synecdoche0at their heels
3560GEN4920v9mhfigs-metonymy0Asher's food ... and he
3561GEN4920fx3wfigs-idiom0food will be rich
3562GEN4921y5rqfigs-metonymy0Naphtali is ... he will
3563GEN4921tc9dfigs-metaphor0Naphtali is a doe let loose
3564GEN4921g69wfigs-metaphor0have beautiful fawns
3565GEN4922np8bfigs-metonymy0Joseph is a fruitful bough
3566GEN4922ka7p0bough

a main branch of a tree

3567GEN4922pvd6figs-metaphor0whose branches climb over the wall

Branches that grow and extend over a wall are spoken of as if they were climbing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3568GEN4924r5uu0General Information:

Jacob continues to bless Joseph and his descendants.

3569GEN4924u5f5figs-metonymy0his bow will remain steady
3570GEN4924a3qhfigs-metonymy0his bow ... his hands
3571GEN4924u5kufigs-synecdoche0his hands will be skillful
3572GEN4924qq1efigs-metonymy0the hands of the Mighty One
3573GEN4924biy5figs-metonymy0because of the name of the Shepherd
3574GEN4924u61zfigs-metaphor0the Shepherd
3575GEN4924rg4sfigs-metaphor0the Rock
3576GEN4925x55h0General Information:

Jacob continues to bless Joseph and his descendants (Genesis 49:22-23).

3577GEN4925hrc4figs-metonymy0help you ... bless you
3578GEN4925ds53figs-metonymy0blessings of the sky
3579GEN4925e3jdfigs-metonymy0blessings of the deep that lies beneath
3580GEN4925dg7wfigs-metonymy0blessings of the breasts and womb
3581GEN4926gm810General Information:

Jacob continues to bless Joseph and his descendants.

3582GEN4926zta30the ancient mountains
3583GEN4926n5wp0May they be on the head of Joseph
3584GEN4926q7rifigs-metaphor0upon the crown of the head of the prince of his brothers
3585GEN4926k1ak0prince of his brothers

most important of his brothers

3586GEN4927bv1tfigs-metonymy0Benjamin is a hungry wolf
3587GEN4928r8a30These are the twelve tribes of Israel
3588GEN4928lr9f0when he blessed them
3589GEN4928jm870Each one he blessed with an appropriate blessing

He gave each son a fitting blessing

3590GEN4929fvw50he instructed them

he commanded them

3591GEN4929ta6pfigs-euphemism0I am about to go to my people
3592GEN4929a84efigs-euphemism0go to my people

Jacob is referring to where his inner man will go when he dies. He expects to join Abraham and Isaac in the afterlife. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

3593GEN4929gjm3translate-names0Ephron the Hittite
3594GEN4930d85jtranslate-names0Machpelah

Machpelah was the name of an area or region. See how you translated this in Genesis 23:9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3595GEN4930n89dtranslate-names0Mamre

This was another name for the city of Hebron. It may have been named after Mamre, the friend of Abraham who lived there. See how you translated this in Genesis 13:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3596GEN4931kz7r0General Information:

Jacob continues speaking to his sons.

3597GEN4932fac4figs-explicit0in it were purchased
3598GEN4932e1hm0from the people of Heth

from the Hittites

3599GEN4933jq2w0finished these instructions to his sons
3600GEN4933xwq50he pulled his feet into the bed

Jacob was sitting on the bed. Now, Jacob turns and puts his feet in the bed so he can lie down.

3601GEN4933m28wfigs-euphemism0breathed his last

This is a polite way of saying a person died. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

3602GEN4933p5pufigs-euphemism0went to his people

After Jacob died, his inner man went to the same place as his relatives who died before him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

3603GEN50introdi450

Genesis 50 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Embalming

Embalming was practiced in Egypt on very important people when they died. They removed the liquids from the body then wrapped it in an attempt to preserve the body from decay.

Joseph's character

Joseph's character was so upright that Pharaoh's officials went with him to Canaan to bury Jacob. This was a very large funeral procession. He also learned lessons from earlier in his life and unified his family. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

3604GEN501b6bkfigs-idiom0that he collapsed on the face of his father
3605GEN502a9rq0his servants the physicians

his servants who took care of dead bodies

3606GEN502f9rlfigs-euphemism0to embalm his father
3607GEN503k3hltranslate-numbers0They took forty days
3608GEN503f2gdtranslate-numbers0seventy days
3609GEN504g5860Connecting Statement:
3610GEN504my640days of weeping
3611GEN504u1nsfigs-metonymy0Joseph spoke to the house of Pharaoh
3612GEN504a4vtfigs-idiom0If now I have found favor in your eyes
3613GEN505id8m0Connecting Statement:
3614GEN505lj73figs-quotesinquotes0
3615GEN505ebi80See, I am about to die ... you will bury me
3616GEN505c9ec0See, I am about to die

See, I am dying

3617GEN505fsn10let me go up
3618GEN506lw5afigs-explicit0Pharaoh answered

It is implied that the members of the court spoke to Pharaoh, and now Pharaoh is replying to Joseph. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3619GEN506r63u0as he made you swear

as you swore to him

3620GEN507l6vl0Joseph went up
3621GEN507b8t60All the officials ... the elders ... the senior officials

All of Pharaoh's most important leaders attended the burial procession.

3622GEN507dt270the elders of his household
3623GEN508c423figs-events0with all Joseph's household and his brothers, and his father's household
3624GEN509skq7figs-metonymy0Chariots

Here this stands for the men riding in the chariots. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3625GEN509fl9t0It was a very large group of people

It was a very large gathering

3626GEN5010g71k0When they came
3627GEN5010b54ftranslate-names0floor of Atad
3628GEN5010d9710they mourned with very great and grievous sorrow

they were extremely sad and they mourned very much

3629GEN5010p63wtranslate-numbers0a seven-day
3630GEN5011er7stranslate-names0in the floor of Atad
3631GEN5011c3180This is a very sad occasion for the Egyptians

The mourning of the Egyptians is very great

3632GEN5011rj7qtranslate-names0Abel Mizraim
3633GEN5012fj260So his sons

So Jacob's sons

3634GEN5012fj1d0just as he had instructed them

just as he had directed them

3635GEN5013xv7j0His sons carried him

His sons took his body

3636GEN5013wfc9translate-names0Machpelah

Machpela was the name of an area or region. See how you translated this in Genesis 23:9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3637GEN5013c6qttranslate-names0Mamre

This was another name for the city of Hebron. It may have been named after Mamre, the friend of Abraham who lived there. See how you translated this in Genesis 13:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3638GEN5013zfv9translate-names0Ephron the Hittite
3639GEN5014d43t0Joseph returned into Egypt

Joseph returned to Egypt

3640GEN5014jv7b0all who had accompanied him

all who had come with him

3641GEN5015dn26figs-metaphor0What if Joseph holds on to anger against us
3642GEN5015q73lfigs-metaphor0wants to repay us in full for all the evil we did to him
3643GEN5016j5db0Connecting Statement:
3644GEN5016c5nj0Your father gave instructions before he died, saying
3645GEN5017dl1v0Connecting Statement:
3646GEN5017f2jhfigs-quotesinquotes0
3647GEN5017syf60and their sin when they did evil to you

for the wicked things they did to you

3648GEN5017aq9q0Now
3649GEN5017l42jfigs-123person0please forgive the servants of the God of your father
3650GEN5017lhx90Joseph wept when they spoke to him

Joseph wept when he heard this message

3651GEN5018j51rtranslate-symaction0lay facedown before him

They lay down with their faces toward the ground. This is a sign of humility and respect for Joseph. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

3652GEN5019cg1gfigs-rquestion0Am I in the place of God?
3653GEN5020b3wy0you meant to harm me

you intended to do evil against me

3654GEN5020wpc20God meant it for good

God intended it for good

3655GEN5021e3i80So now do not be afraid

So do not fear me

3656GEN5021f6mv0I will provide for you and your little children

I will always make sure you and your children have enough to eat

3657GEN5021b3l1figs-synecdoche0He comforted them in this way and spoke kindly to their hearts
3658GEN5022by3mtranslate-numbers0one hundred ten years
3659GEN5023fc5c0Ephraim's children to the third generation

Ephraim's children and grandchildren

3660GEN5023rf1xtranslate-names0Machir

This is the name of Joseph's grandson. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3661GEN5023vve4figs-idiom0who were placed on the knees of Joseph

This expression means that Joseph adopted these children of Machir as his own children. This means they would have special inheritance rights from Joseph. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

3662GEN5024j3kifigs-metonymy0surely come to you
3663GEN5024ya3xfigs-events0lead you up out of this land to the land
3664GEN5026ej21translate-numbers0110 years
3665GEN5026g2xq0They embalmed him
3666GEN5026mv4xfigs-activepassive0he was placed
3667GEN5026h19n0in a coffin